Guyana chronicle 12 02 14

GUYANA No. 103737

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2013

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

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About controversial bill …

Rohee declares Government not ‘pampazettin’ with legislation Page 3

Minister Clement Rohee

At opening of Heads of Islamic Associations Meeting …

President calls for broad-based inputs to address hunger, poverty centre

PPP General Secretary blasts Opposition for ‘hypocrisy’ on 8 security and law Page

2 Rohee charges Stabroek News with biased coverage Page

President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, ISESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Otheman Althwaijri and CIOG President Fazeel Ferouz in discussion at the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Islamic Cultural Centres and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean

CARIFORUM countries can reduce annual food import bill Page 11 by working together

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Rohee charges Stabroek News with biased coverage GENERAL Secretary Mr. Clement Rohee, yesterday, expressed the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP’s) concerns over what he called “bias” in sections of the media, in particular Stabroek News.

He said his expression follows an in-house survey comparing coverage in the local dailies.

The full text of his statement on the matter, which was issued at a Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown press conference said: “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has, for some time, been exposing the bias which the Stabroek News has had in favour of the PNC-led APNU and against the PPP. “As General Secretary of the party, I have expressed, on many occasions, the view that the Stabroek News, in particular, has an agenda which is about removing the PPP from government and replacing it with the People’s National Congress (PNC) and retrogressive forces.

“When Barbara Haig came to Guyana, in 1986, with the cheque from the National Endowment for Democracy, to establish the Stabroek News, the stated goal was to ensure that there was a press in Guyana that would provide balanced reporting and contribute to an informed democracy, where the citizenry can make their own deliberate decisions.

“Today, the Stabroek News has not only departed from this noble objective, but has, blatantly, become the mouthpiece for the People’s National Congress

(PNC).

AN ANALYSIS “Not wanting to arrive at this conclusion, in spite of what informed sources have said to us, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) did an analysis of the coverage which the Stabroek News has, from September to December 2013, given the parliamentary political parties.”

These are our findings: * In the four–month period, the Stabroek News covered these three political parties sixty eight (68) times. The PNC/APNU has sixty-eight percent of the coverage; the AFC had 24 percent of the coverage while the party with the largest amount of seats in the National Assembly, the PPP, had less than 10 percent of the coverage. * The other interesting finding that the PPP discovered was that, during the period, the Stabroek News totally blanked

the PPP Press Conferences from its newspaper’s pages. I repeat, during this period there was no coverage of the PPP press conferences by the Stabroek News; rather Stabroek News covered more than 50 percent of the APNU press conferences.

These hard facts now, empirically, confirm what the PPP has known for some time about the pro-APNU anti-PPP position of the Stabroek News.

The PPP has no problem with any media house endorsing and supporting a political view or political party.

However, all media houses have a duty to be responsible in providing balanced coverage of the political views.

The PPP encourages its members, supporters and sympathisers to be vigilant and to ensure that they are informed about the party’s positions on the issues via the several other sources to which they have access.

Parliament unanimously approves electronic verbatim recording in courts

By Clifford Stanley THE National Assembly, last Monday, unanimously passed the Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014 which Government said will speed up the operations of the courts, through electronic verbatim recording of proceedings, rather than the current lengthy manual note-taking process.

Piloting the measure through the House, Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall said that it introduces to Guyana’s legal system, for the first time ever, automatic recordings of court proceedings using technological apparatus.

He said: “We have heard, for a very long time, lamentations expressed about the lengthy delays which afflict our justice system and the consequential injustice which flows therefrom both in the administration of criminal justice as well as in the civil aspect.”

The Bill will legitimise the records that will be produced by the electronic recording equipment and the processes which are attached to it, Nandlall explained.

Because of its advantages over the manual system of recordings, use of the equipment will accelerate the rate at which the justice systems dispose of cases.

He disclosed that the Bill allows judges and magistrates to make their own records but the electronic records will be the official record of the courts and, in any cases of conflicts with someone’s notes and those recorded, the electronic recordings will prevail.

The AG said that electronic recording equipment considered even better than those currently used in the courtrooms in New York is already here in Guyana.

PILOT PROJECT He disclosed that the electronic recording network will be installed in three courts as part of a pilot project, namely the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice’s Court and the Commercial Court.

“We will start in these three, see how it works and, eventually, install the system in all of the courts in Guyana,” Nandlall told the House.

He said there is also an element of cost recovery in the system, in that lawyers would have to pay a fee to get copies of records relating to the matters they are pursuing.

He said that cost recovery is necessary in order to ensure the sustainability of the system.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of see page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

About controversial bill …

Rohee declares Government not ‘pampazettin’ with legislation GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Clement Rohee has made some harsh criticisms of the combined Opposition, over the continued delay in passing the Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.

He charged that, in line with statements from the Opposition, if A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is truly concerned with security of the Guyanese people and stamping out criminal activities, they should move to support the Bill.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, held in Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, yesterday, he declared:“The actions (of the PPP) alone serve not only to demonstrate the PPP-led Government’s commitment to implement measures to combat all forms of criminal activities, but to, forthrightly, debunk the Opposition’s accusation levelled against our party.

“These are the facts and Guyanese must remain cognisant of the Opposition’s attempt

to mislead and to force the harsh consequences of being blacklisted upon them.”

According to him, the Gov-

Minister Clement Rohee ernment is not “pampazettin” with work on the Bill, but is sincerely interested in having

Parliament unanimously approves electronic ... from page 2 Parliament (MP) Priya Manickchand, in supporting the passage of the Bill, said that it will create significant improvements in the way justice is delivered and administered in Guyana.

Modern times “It will expedite the course of justice. It provides the efficiency and speed that is needed in these modern times,” she stated.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP, Basil Williams said the acquisition of the electronic recording equipment and the piloting of the Bill to legitimise its use is a step in the right direction.

He said he hopes that the system will soon find its way into the Criminal Assizes since the Judges, for instance, rather than being burdened with manual note taking, would be free to observe the demeanour of the witnesses and, thus, be in a stronger

position to dispense justice.

The electronic recording system was one of several projects funded through a US$25M loan from the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) under the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System (MJAS) for Guyana which started in 2007 and ended in October last year.

Minister Nandlall said that, in 2007, when the project started, the electronic recording system had not even been considered in the proposals.

He, however, recognised that such a system was long overdue and, subsequently, wrote to the IDB asking that it amend the list of projects approved for funding by adding the equipment and the Bank had kindly consented.

the Bill passed so that Guyana becomes compliant with international requirements, a reality reflected in the many hours of labour that have been put in to date.

Rohee questioned the non-support of the Bill, which would enhance the capacity of law enforcement to deal with money launderers, drug dealers and the operators of other illegal businesses.

The General Secretary emphasised that the political Opposition has to move away from procrastinating on such an important piece of legislation, which has been in the Select Committee for some 10 months now.

PROCRASTINATING TENDENCIES He said: “The Party believes that, if the Opposition were to desist from their habitual procrastinating tendencies and were to endeavour to contribute, meaningfully, to nation building, then the passage of legislation like the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act would be routine.

“Moreso, their capacity to appreciate the challenges faced and the processes involved in combating organised crime would be enhanced.”

He added that the Opposition must commit to putting the welfare of the nation above self-interest.

“Guyanese and all of civil society must demand no less,” Rohee said.

He said the current positions taken by the Opposition force the ruling party to question whether they are interested in the fight against crime “Is their non-support for the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, an

expression of their support and protection for those engaged in such criminal activities?

“This must be asked in the context whereby a former Member of Parliament of the PNC, now APNU, is serving a jail sentence in the United States of America for conspiring in an act of terrorism.

“Further, given how the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, if passed, would empower law enforcement in these areas and the Opposition’s non-support for it, the PPP’s position of being mindful of the Opposition clandestine connections to drug lords and violent criminal gangs, is fortified,” he posited.

Continuing, the Minister of Home Affairs said, given that there is agreement on the Bill itself and the contention in moving the work of the Committee rests with three proposals for amendments to the Principal Act, which were brought by the Opposition, the question of compromise with the Alliance For Change (AFC) was raised.

DIFFICULT COMPROMISE However, he maintained that the AFC’s position in bargaining for the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) in exchange for supporting the AML/CFT Bill is not an easy concession to grant, rather it is a difficult compromise.

He explained that the problem here lies with the proposed amendment that seeks to remove Cabinet’s ‘no objection’ role in the procurement process.

Parliament, in late December, deferred the second reading of the Procurement (Amendment) Bill to a date within the next six months, following a

motion moved by Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, after six hours of debate.

The Bill is an act to amend the 2003 Principal Procurement Act by making changes to section 54 by deleting subsection six. Section 54 deals with Cabinet’s involvement in reviewing the award of procurement contracts and the phasing out of its functions with the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), in the interest of decentralising the procuring process.

Subsection six states that:“Cabinet’s involvement shall cease upon the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, except in relation to those matters referred to in subsection one which are pending.”

The amendment, which, essentially, maintains Cabinet’s no objection role, does not find favour with the combined Opposition.

According to Rohee, the case with the AFC’s bargaining is one of “brinkmanship” where the Opposition, seemingly, wants to prove something or to push the Government to a “cliffhanger” position.

He added, too, that the PPC and the AML/CFT Bill ought not to be linked to each other, but considered on their individ-

ual merits.

The General Secretary declared that the Government is not “mamaguying” with the AML/CFT Bill, as to do so, considering the amount of effort on pushing for the Bill’s passage would be foolhardy.

“Why would the Government shoot itself in the foot by going through all this if there was no real interest in getting the bill passed,” he asked.

Rohee pointed out that the impending consequences are “too dire” were Guyana to be internationally blacklisted for non-compliance.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has already designated Guyana as a country with strategic anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism deficiencies, that has not made sufficient progress in addressing them nor complied with its Action Plan developed with CFATF to address them.

CFATF is expected to review Guyana’s position at its next meeting in May 2014 and ahead of that deadline, FATF is scheduled to meet on Thursday, February 13, the more pressing ultimatum that this country is likely to miss and qualify for international blacklisting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Grenade attack in Pakistani cinema city kills 10

(Reuters) - Unknown assailants lobbed grenades into a cinema in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar on Tuesday, killing 10 people and wounding 16, hospital officials and police said.

The attack was the second on a cinema in the city in as many weeks. It coincided with peace talks between representatives of the government and Taliban insurgents in the capital, Islamabad.

There was no immediate

claim of responsibility, but the Islamist Taliban said it had nothing to do with it. Both sides are meant to refrain from hostilities while the talks proceed.

The death toll was confirmed by Jamil Shah, a spokesman for Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, a sprawling, dusty city at the gateway to Pakistan’s frontier with Afghanistan.

The cinema’s owners said they had received threats and increased security, but that failed to stop the attack.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid denied involvement. “We condemn the blast, its not our activity,” he told Reuters.

Four people died and 31 were wounded in last week’s attack.

Pakistani Taliban insurgents have been battling for years to topple the government in Islamabad, banish democracy and establish Islamist rule. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wants to negotiate a settlement and stop

the fighting.

But many Pakistanis have questioned whether negotiations can stop the violence. Some experts say any Taliban demands will be illegal under the Paki-

stani constitution.

Others note that Pakistan has many militant groups that are not taking part in talks and frequently target

civilians. The Taliban itself has many factions and some experts worry it may continue to carry out attacks under a different name.

More than 100 killed in military plane crash in Algeria (Reuters) - A MILITARY transport plane carrying members of the armed forces and their relatives crashed into a mountain in eastern Algeria on Tuesday, killing more than 100 people, a local official said.

“The plane crashed into a mountain and exploded. Several

bodies were burnt to ashes and could not be identified,” the official told Reuters by telephone from Oum El Bouaghi province, about 500 km (300 miles) from the capital Algiers.

Colonel Lahmadi Bouguern told the APS state news agency 99 passengers and four crew members had been on board the

C-130 Hercules but the death toll was “yet to be determined”, adding bad weather and strong winds may have been a factor in the crash.

The private Ennahar TV station, citing “informed sources”, said 103 people were killed.

Another official earlier told Reuters one person survived the crash and 53 bodies had been recovered so far.

The Defence Ministry said it had set up a commission to investigate the crash. “Details will be provided as soon as new information becomes available,” it said in a statement carried

by APS. Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Defence Minister Ahmed Gaid Salah would go to the crash site, it added.

The transport plane took off from Algeria’s southern Tamanrasset province and was bound for the eastern city of Constantine, APS said.

If the death toll is confirmed, the crash will be the worst in Algeria since 2003 when an Air Algerie jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Tamanrasset, killing 102 people.

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A security guard and a relative comfort a man over the death of his brother who died in a grenade attack at the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar February 11, 2014.

China, Taiwan agree to open offices after historic talks

(Reuters) - CHINA and Taiwan, at odds for more than six decades, agreed at historic talks on Tuesday to set up representative offices as early as possible, though sensitive political issues like a formal peace treaty were not up for discussion.

The talks between Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Minister Wang Yu-chi and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, who heads the Taiwan Affairs Office, were the first since the 1949 creation of the People’s

Republic of China.

They mark a big step towards expanding cross-strait dialogue beyond economic and trade issues.

China’s ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan a renegade province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its wing after taking control of the mainland at the end of a civil war.

But economic ties have grown considerably in recent years.

Taiwan’s Wang described his meeting with Zhang, in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, as “an unimaginable occasion in earlier years”, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.

“Being able to sit down and talk is a really valuable opportunity, considering that the two sides were once almost at war,” Wang said.

The mainland’s Zhang told Wang that both sides should have “a little more imagination” regarding relations.

“We meet under great attention and expectations and bear great responsibilities,” Zhang said.

Xinhua later reported that the two sides agreed to set up representative offices “as early as possible” for the two semi-official organizations which deal with ties between the two.

Taiwan and China also agreed to deepen economic ties and “appropriately deal with”

issues on medical care for students in either place.

CHINA WANTS END TO STANDOFF In October, Chinese President Xi Jinping said a political solution to the standoff between the mainland and the island could not be postponed forever.

But Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou later said he saw no urgency to hold political talks and he wanted to focus on trade.

Zhang signaled that China would never stand for Taiwan formally declaring independence, considered a red line for Beijing which Taipei must never cross.

“The political basis for peaceful development of crossStrait relations is to oppose Taiwan’s independence,” he said.

Ties between China and Taiwan hit a new low during the 2000-2008 presidency of Chen Shui-bian, a vocal advocate of the island’s formal independence who infuriated Beijing, which sees Taiwan as simply a wayward province with no right to statehood.

Nanjing, where the meeting was taking place, is of historic and emotional significance for both sides, especially for Taiwan’s ruling Nationalist Party, which once governed the whole of China.

It was China’s capital during the rule of the Nationalists, until they fled to Taiwan in 1949 upon losing the civil war with the communists.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

HAPPIEST MAN ALIVE’ (Newsday) DESPITE being in a coma in New York a few months ago, Calypso King of the world and national icon Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, returned to his country Monday walking on his own, singing impromptu calypsoes and looking forward to performing for the Carnival season.

Sparrow arrived in Trinidad on a flight from New York and was greeted at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport by his wife Margaret, daughter Karen, nine-month-old grandson Kona and members of the media.

He offered reporters “greetings and salutations”, embraced his grandson and playfully made a growling animal sound for him. Later for the pictures he encouraged Kona to “wave to the camera”.

Sparrow was hospitalised in New York last September after suffering a stroke and then going into a coma. With the help of prayers of family, fans and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, the 78-year-old “Birdie” was out of the coma a few weeks later and was admitted to a rehabilitation institution.

Sparrow was in a jovial mood Monday , saying he had a wonderful flight and a “good tasting” meal, though he quipped that he was expecting more than one. He was also told he would not be served alcohol.

“What you doing man? No alcohol. I come down for Carnival,” he said.

Always the entertainer, on the Caribbean Airlines plane he sang for his fellow passengers his 1995 composition “This is Madness” and also sang a couple verses for the media.

Air Guard rescues man bitten by shark (Trinidad Guardian) A 50-year-old Venezuelan fisherman remains warded at hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a shark attack off the coast of Trinidad on Friday. The fisherman, Simon Tormes, was airlifted from his vessel by an Air Guard helicopter flown by capt Tim Lort and flying officer Lynesha Hannaway. According to a release from Defence Force civil military affairs officer, major Al Alexander, the Air Guard officers were contacted at 2.30 pm on Friday after their counterparts in the Coast Guard received a distress call from the fisherman’s vessel, Mariscal Sucre, that a crew on board was bitten by a shark while fishing.

The officers flew to the vessel’s location, approximately 195 nautical miles east of Trinidad, stabilised the fisherman and then flew him to the San Fernando General Hospital where he remains warded. Alexander said such medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) were within the remit of the Air Guard. The Air Guard has four AW 139 helicopters capable of performing medical evacuations, fire-fighting, search and rescue and intelligence-gathering operations, Alexander said. Senior aircraftman Anson Bernard and Sgt Garvin King were also involved in the operation.

14 arrested in anti-human trafficking operation (Jamaica Gleaner) FOURTEEN persons were arrested by investigators attached to Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) as part of an operation to clampdown on human trafficking.

The police say the accused were held over the weekend in a series of anti-human trafficking raids under its ‘Operation Fix it’ initiative.

They say over the three days OCID, with the support of the Mobile Reserve, carried out raids across the Corporate Area, including several businesses operating as brothels.

The police say several documents and cash were seized during the operation.

The police say following investigations the accused were charged with a range of offences including breaches of the Dangerous Drugs, Sexual Offences and the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) acts.

They say they were offered bail and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, February 24.

Head of OCID Senior Superintendent Clifford Chambers, is appealing to victims of human trafficking or anyone with information about these cases to make a report to the police so the matter can be investigated.

SSP Chambers laments that modern day slavery is a crime

and persons who continue to sexually exploit persons, especially females and young children will be facing the courts to answer to this heinous crime.

In the meantime, the Police have named Micheal Davis otherwise called ‘Sniper’ as a person of interest in relation to breaches of the Sexual Offences Act. Davis is being asked to report to OCID immediately.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Micheal Davis is asked to contact the OCID at 967-1389, Crime stop at 311 or the nearest Police Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

GUYANA

The evil intentions behind the Harding fable EDITORIAL

Opposition bullyism knows no bounds

THE threat the joint opposition poses to the peace and stability of Guyana is ever-present; that is, if they do not get their own way. And one remembers when, following Parliamentary Standing Orders, AFC co-founder and Speaker, Raphael Trotman was constrained by the Constitution to threaten to eject his associates in the Opposition because of their non-compliance with his instructions, Carl Greenidge had made threats of his own that showed once again that the Opposition will stop at nothing to overthrow the PPP/C Government.

He warned at the time: “The expulsion of the Opposition from the House… would have predictable consequences… of extra-parliamentary, if not unconstitutional, action.”

“Extra-parliamentary” and “unconstitutional” action, of course, given this country’s history, meant that if the Speaker followed Standing Order Number 47 and expelled the Opposition, when, as promised, they prevented a minister from speaking, they will incite violence in the streets. That is, if the Speaker dared follow the Rule of Law, mayhem and worse will be unleashed once again on innocent Guyanese!

The Speaker knew this fully well, based on events on the last occasion the rule was broken; but, rather than adhere to the Standing Orders, he chose instead to suspend the entire sitting, and stop the work of the Government.

He asked whether the Government thought he was a “political neophyte”; but the Government and all Guyanese know, conversely, that he was a top leader of the PNC, and is fully au fait with their strategies where the “Dogs of War” play an integral role. He was, in effect, admitting by his actions that if he followed the rules, the PNC/AFC/APNU configuration would have incited riot in the streets.

The nation knew that this was succumbing to blackmail of the worst kind: Blackmail where, as happened in Linden, the lives of the men, women and children of Guyana will be held to ransom.

Today, the nation has once more been held to ransom by the combined Opposition; but this time, the consequences to Guyana and Guyanese would be of such a dire nature that our development would freefall with no safety net to absorb our crash to the bottom of growth indices, individually and nationally.

This perennial bullyism should not be allowed to prevail, because bullies and blackmailers will never stop, once you’ve given in to their demands; they will never be satisfied.

And one needs to recall a mere few instances amid a plethora of intimidatory tactics to force this nation to its knees over the decades of its existence; that is, the PNC unleashing violence in the streets of Georgetown after the December 1997 elections, forcing a truncation of the Government of the day’s term in office, which also led to the Constitution being changed to accommodate the demands of the PNC. As a result, the PNC (and now the AFC also) were given great powers in the sectoral committees of Parliament; but this wasn’t enough. Nothing will ever be enough. But although their demands were met, and they received such great powers and benefits, they

THE Colwyn Harding case is one that has rocked the Guyanese nation, splitting it into two main factions; that is, those who are sympathetic to the guy and believe that he was indeed sodomized, while some believe that he is a liar, manipulated by dubious persons into making this outrageous story.

Yes, there are two main camps with two compelling stories, so whom should we believe? It is as simple as that: Whom should we believe? I am not the type who’s quick to judge, but rather I am more inclined to inquire, to investigate, right down to the very last detail before I make my pronouncement.

Since I have laid down the cornerstone, or objective, for my discourse, that is, to investigate, I will endeavour to take that in-depth look into the Harding case. The sequence of events is as follows: 1.) Colwyn Harding is a felon who was detained by the police and awaiting trial for armed robbery. While in detention, he was found to be suffering from strangulated hernia, which caused the police to take him to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment.

While he was hospitalized at the GPHC, he was visited by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, who thought that a case could be made out against the police that he was brutally sodomized. It was after that visit by the attorney that this story of abuse and sodomy came to light. Note well, this allegation of sodomy came two months after his detention awaiting trial.

2.) Now, the red light in my head immediately started flickering, which leads me to the question: why did he wait an entire month to come up with this sodomy allegation? The answer comes straight from his attorney, who said “he was traumatized”; that was the reason given for his not wanting to reveal the contents of his story. So, let us give Hughes the benefit of the doubt, because he is the one doing all the talking; he is the one making up all the excuses. But, here again, we are not speaking about a five-year-old child who is not knowledgeable of his/her rights, but of a grown man who is well acquainted with his rights under the law, both as a felon as well as a free citizen. Nevertheless, let us try to see how far we can go, to at least accommodate him with this “traumatized” story.

Then, how come he was not traumatized or camera-shy when he was interviewed by Hughes, right there in front of a televised audience of millions? This interview by Hughes was televised all across the Region and the wider world. But what that lawyer is not telling us is that it was a well thought out plan to extort $100M from hardworking taxpayers; big bucks that would make any felon cast away his shyness. Hughes sees this as a golden opportunity to grasp at easy money that would bail him out of his miserable life of debt, therefore he is egging a willing client on into making these outrageous claims. So, their best shot of his being traumatized is a very shady and shaky story.

3.) Harding is now being transformed from a felon to a “victim of torture” by police, and he is now the celebrity central figure in a sodomy case, like another young criminal accused of murder who became a millionaire after he was really tortured. So, if he was guilty continually shirk the responsibilies demanded of them; because the additional power and benefits are adjunctive to hard work, which they continually abscond from, making Parliament a playground for schoolboy skirmishes. And their fun comes from anti-developmental stances on every issue they foresee would aid national socio-economic development under a PPP/C administration: The sectoral committees demand work, but the Opposition hardly attend meetings; and when they do, they play games, with the Guyanese people being their pawns.

They are hungry for executive power, and unless and until they get it, they will continue to hold this nation to ransom, their latest being non-support of the vital moneylaundering and anti-terrorism Bill. If Government once again submits to their blackmail and bullyism, it would be failing the nation.

Guyanese are saying that if the opposition collective does not support the Bill, then Government should let the chips lay where they fall. The PPP/C Administration has achieved miracles in saving this nation from the depredations of the PNC once before. It certainly has the ability to circumnavigate the fallout from this new Opposition avatar of PNC/AFC/APNU’s current attempts to bully and blackmail the Government by holding the nation to ransom in their power craze, and to satisfy the interests of the underworld.

(and people in West Demerara are convinced he is), he literally got away with murder and was instead rewarded.

His lawyer made big bucks, too, having taken a huge chunk of that payout, after saying he would represent the guy for free. Another lawyer thinks such an allegation by his client could earn him even more millions.

4.) When doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital did not lend support to their story, they sought the opinion of physicians at a private institution. Here again, they did not get the information they were looking for, hence they took him to Jamaica, hoping to get some medical statement to corroborate their story. They are going to tell the same story to the physicians there, that their patient was brutally sodomized by a policeman, using a baton, to which the doctors would do their own observations with the view of coming up with a likely prognosis.

5.) But they would find that he was suffering from strangulated hernia. However, seeing the close proximity of his condition to that of the area they claimed he was abused, then the medical examiner may write up an inconclusive report. Now this will be construed (for public consumption) by Hughes and his team as sure evidence that Harding was indeed sodomized, and run away with that erroneous assumption. In any event, the decision given by the first attending physician should be taken into evidence if ever this matter comes to court.

The simple truth here is that Hughes and company have no case, and they might as well kiss the victory of easy money goodbye.

Harding’s case is not an attack on Officer Devendra Singh; it is a direct assault on the police and, by extension, law and order, and peace and tranquility in our country. It is a direct affront to the rule of law.

When a known criminal could be catapulted into the position of becoming a victim, then heaven help us all! This Hughes/Harding saga, if allowed, has the capacity to undermine the foundation of law and order in society, something the Opposition yearns for. It can also have far-reaching effects of starting a race war, when memories of the Lusignan Massacre is fresh on our minds; when an outright lie was concocted that the pregnant girlfriend of the criminal, “Fineman”, was brutally raped and killed by the police.

This blatant lie was the catalyst leading up to the murderous rampage in Lusignan, where innocent women and children were killed, some of them in their sleep; and in Bartica. This is the potential danger that the Harding story holds. I rest my case.

NEIL ADAMS

That terrorist threat and its implications IT IS rather appalling and disturbing to learn about a terrorist threat and possible attack on a Caribbean Airlines Flight from Georgetown, Guyana between February 10 to 13, 2014.

The Georgetown mission of the Embassy of the United States of America issued an advisory that was aired around the world via international media channels, which cautioned U.S citizens currently in Guyana and those desirous of visiting the Caribbean of the possibility of great harm being done to themselves.

The people of Guyana and the Caribbean have earned the title of being the most hospitable people on Planet Earth, where we enjoy lasting camaraderie, simplicity and serenity. Thus, there exists no need for hyped-up fears and suspicions in the Caribbean, as Guyana and Trinidad prepare to host two major national events that attract tourists from around the world, and earn much-needed foreign currency from the celebrations of Mashramani in Guyana and Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago.

Nonetheless, this advisory leaves one to wonder how coincidental is this threat that emanates at a time when the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is hosting their international conference in Guyana during the said period of 10-13 February, 2014.

MS. HASENA MOHAMED

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Dr. Roopnaraine’s credibility at stake

I WISH to refer to an article in the Stabroek News of Tuesday, February 4, 2014 under the caption, “No Parliamentary sanction over Persaud’s presentation to Natural Resources Committee; no major violation seen, says Roopnaraine”. Permit me to state the following in your Newspaper: Let me commend Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Chairman of the Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources for being fair and frank when he said that there was “no perceived major violation” regarding the granting of Permission for Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) to Muri Brazil ventures Inc. to conduct surveys in the New River Triangle . This clearly shows that the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Robert Persaud was always being truthful to the Sectoral Committee. But at least the Sectoral Committee showed a level of being fair and credible.

In the said article, Joseph Harmon of the Sectoral Committee said that the Hon. Minister will be recalled to answer questions on matters raised by Janette Bulkan and John Palmer in their five-part series on the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) 2005-2012 Annual Reports (ARs) which were submitted to the Parliament under the title, “Why the National Assembly should hold public hearings on the Guyana Forestry Commission.”

In like manner of being fair and credible, the Sectoral Committee needs to demonstrate a sequential approach in its business by firstly addressing the GFC’s 1979-1991 Annual Reports rather than Bulkan and Palmer’s selection for the 2005-2012 Reports, which will be a departure from professional accounting, resulting in flawed analysis of the forestry sector.

But if the Sectoral Committee is giving credence to the claims made in Bulkan and Palmer’s five-part series of the GFC’s report, it will definitely be a reflection of gross incompetence and barefaced political bias, since Bulkan’s brother, Ronald Bulkan, is a PNC/APNU Member of Parliament.

In this regard, the follow-up meeting of the Sectoral Committee, which the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources is likely to attend, will merely be a Kangaroo Court.

The Sectoral Committee claimed that they were concerned that the PGGS granted to Muri Brazil Ventures Inc. was in the New River Triangle area, since it is an “Ecological-Sensitive Area”, yet the Sectoral Committee’s Chairman, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, is giving credence to Bulkan, who raised no objection when Suriname wanted to illegally claim the said New River Triangle area as part of its territory, and placed it on their maps in front of her eyes when that country was preparing its readiness plans to achieve REDD Readiness.

What hyprocisy is this? Bulkan at the time was an operative in the ad hoc Technical Advisory Panels (TAP) to advise the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) governance bodies on specific issues, such as the review of readiness plans and to provide technical assistance in REDD-related fields.

This was, however, not the case with Suriname and Bulkan was subsequently removed. So Dr. Roopnaraine, I am urging that you be consistent with professional behaviour and not political motivation in relation to the Bulkan and Palmer matter before the Sectoral Committee at its next meeting.

Finally, Bulkan and Palmer are not Guyanese citizens since they are currently living in Miami, Florida, USA. Palmer is a British citizen. Therefore they cannot be deemed to be “Guyanese Stakeholders.” Therefore giving credence to Bulkan and Palmer is setting a bad precedent, since any Tom, Dick and Jane from a foreign country can send trash to either the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News for publishing that, when published, can mislead the Sectoral Committee of Guyana.

PETER PERSAUD

Youths not marginalized, but socialized into crime PLEASE allow me, via your letter columns, a quick rejoinder to Ms Samaroo’s lamentations under the headline, “Alarming number of youths being prosecuted for serious crimes” carried in the February 10 edition of the Kaieteur News.

Immediately after the chaos emanating from the 2002 Camp Street jailbreak was brought under control, I went on record as warning of the presence of youthful gangs and a proliferation of small arms easily obtainable because of our porous borders. I was not alone.

Indeed, the present tragedy was, unintentionally perhaps, hatched and nurtured years ago by the brains behind the jailbreak. Their present impotence to rein in the children soldiers who have now become the proverbial monsters, manifests itself in the daily assaults on the citizenry, regardless of age, race or religion.

Sadly, the easiest way out for many is to lay total responsibility for what is happening at the doorstep of the Administration. Pontius Pilate is certainly alive! These marauding and

dangerous youths do not come from “space”, and neither do they disappear into space. They are not aliens; they live in our villages, in our neighbourhoods.

We know them; we know what they do. We helped raise them, and we excused away the petty wrongs they were doing; we hid them when the law came for them; we shared in the loot they took off others; we tell them it is okay to steal and rob, because they are poor.

Today, the petty thief is a robber, a hijacker, a murderer.

And we are afraid to speak out against his atrocities. Why? Because he is one of our collective? Where is the guilt of the Administration in any of this? Where is our own guilt as citizens? Schools, Churches, Community Centres, etc., etc., were designed to serve a purpose, the primary of which is to develop and guide our young and impressionable children into becoming responsible and productive adults. Have we, as teachers, ministers of (whatever) religion, community leaders succeeded?

Schools today are venues for making extra earnings

through extra lessons; many Churches are commercial endeavours; many community centres and playgrounds are pastures for cattle. Did the Adminstration do this? Or did we allow it to happen?

As adults, whether in school, church or the community; whether as parents or neighbours, we as a society have deserted our youths; we have encouraged and widened the disconnect that naturally exists between generations, because of our own insecurities as adults.

We seem afraid to embrace, guide and empower our youths.

We are reluctant to allow our youths to take us to their future.

Rather, we insist on dragging them to our past.

It is my appeal that our citizenry recognise that crime will overpower us if we allow it to do so. As older folks, we must accept that the fight against crime must involve our youths themselves. Our youths also wish for a peaceful and crime-free society. This combination will work if we want it to work. Any other option is unthinkable.

TAAJNAUTH JADUNAUTH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

PPP General Secretary blasts Opposition for ‘hypocrisy’ on security and law

By Vanessa Narine GENERAL Secretary of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee, noted that the same Opposition that “embraced lawlessness and criminals” at the level of the hierarchy is attempting to spew accusations through “unremitting” misinformation.

Rohee said, “…nothing can be further from the truth, for the Opposition’s hypocrisy on security and law and order continues to be unprecedented.”

He was speaking yesterday at a press conference held weekly at Freedom House on Robb Street, where he rehashed historical “facts” that linked the Opposition to positions that were neither in the interest of Guyana nor that of the Guyanese people.

Rohee said: “The Opposition must be reminded that it is the PPP-led government which continues to provide the enabling environment, through re-tooling, training, resources, infrastructure etc., so that law enforcement agencies can better execute their duties.

“It is the PPP-led government that brought to the National Assembly the Firearms Amendment Bill, which will strengthen laws to curb gun trading and related criminal activities.

“It is the PPP-led government that has established the SWAT Unit, which will further boost the crime-fighting capacity of law enforcement.”

HISTORICAL AWARENESS Rohee said his comments on the issue are made in the interest of setting the record straight. “We are speaking to the facts,” he said. “Those (criticisms) thrown at us are all allegations. In the past, the plethora of politically orchestrated violent acts which were unleashed on innocent Guyanese, and the public pronouncements by some members of the Opposition, would serve to vindicate the Party’s position.

“While is it not the Party’s intention to invoke the painful memories of those who suffered, it feels compelled to remind all of some of the incidents which remain a blotch on our nation’s history.”

Rohee added that the ruling party is also cognisant of how the Opposition “seems comfortable” when it levels accusations against the PPP/C, but becomes extremely perturbed when the PPP/C responds.

“For the Opposition to label as slander these public pronouncements which highlight the harsh consequences some were forced to endure, (it) has once again demonstrated

their wanton disregard for the lives and wellbeing of Guyanese,” Rohee said.

CRIMINAL CONNECTIONS Rohee charged that the positions and actions of the Opposition bring to mind many questions, the answers to which indicate connections to criminal elements.

He said: “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) would like to reiterate that it is not unmindful of the Opposition’s clandestine connections to drug lords and violent criminal gangs…. Patriotic Guyanese are still grappling with the indignation (indignity) of the national flag, the Golden Arrowhead, being used publicly to drape the coffin of the then wanted criminal “Blackie” in the presence of the then Leader of the PNC and former President of Guyana, the late Desmond Hoyte.

“The encouragement and acceptance of such desecration to the foremost symbol of our nationhood by someone who held the highest office not only remains unforgivable, but is the pinnacle of the embracement of lawlessness and criminals by the hierarchy of the Opposition.

“This is the same Opposition which, today emboldened with denial, is attempting to spew accusations at our party (PPP) through unremitting misinformation. It begs the question: why was a wanted criminal treated with such adoration by the PNC leadership?”

Rohee also referred to the Opposition’s “embracing of ‘freedom fighters’, namely ‘five hardened criminals” who staged a daring escape from the Camp Street prison in 2002.He said, “Following their escape, these so-called ‘Freedom Fighters’ began a reign of terror which gripped the nation and resulted in the loss of lives of innocent Guyanese. Today, many who survived, including children, remain traumatised and mentally scarred for life.

“The brazen and irresponsible broadcasting of an interview conducted by someone from the Opposition camp with one of the escaped bandits, who daringly brandished a high-powered assault weapon, not only further drove fear into the hearts of our countrymen and women, but is indicative of the seemingly engendered spirit of fraternity that exists between the Opposition and criminals.

“The party also recalls the now infamous conversation between two current Members of Parliament of the main Opposition, one of whom served in the highest capacity in law enforcement. That chilling conversation revealed the extent to which some of those who are now casting aspersions went to derail interventions, which could have been the difference to save the lives of those who were slain by ruthless gunmen in an East Bank village on that fateful day.”

According to Rohee, this blatant “subversion of preventative action” can only be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to thwart committed officers from discharging their duties, and to shield criminal elements.

Rohee said, “That conversation also unveiled the callous mindset of those in question to clutch at any mechanism to endanger and entrap others in an effort to settle scores and make the PPP/C government look bad.

“Yet, today, this is the same Opposition that condemns the Government’s efforts to continue to secure our nation, but refuse to support the Firearms Amendment Bill and the SWAT Unit.

“Like many Guyanese, the PPP remains shocked as to how and why police evidence in the form of a video surveillance tape from closed-circuit cameras was removed from a crime scene where a prominent businessman was killed on the East Coast of Demerara. It is believed that this tampering of evidence was allegedly perpetrated by a high-ranking official of one of the Parliamentary political parties, who now seems to be embroiled in an alleged fraud that is in the public domain.”

Rohee questioned: “Who was being protected as a result of such alleged tampering? What was the motive? The answer to this will be most useful in understanding the nexus between the Opposition and violent criminal gangs.

“It must be noted that the crime spree alluded to occurred at a time when an entire village was held at ransom by the (so-called) freedom fighters and their protégés.”

Rohee added that history will reveal the Opposition’s “repeated related actions and its proclivity to swiftly defend criminal elements, while condemning law enforcement who valiantly risk their lives to protect the nation from the violence which surged following the Opposition’s ‘slow fyah, mo fyah’ campaign.

He said, “Those who were beaten, robbed and maimed, and those who had their properties looted and burnt, can attest to such brutality.

“What was even more callous and cold-hearted,” he said, “was for the surviving relatives of the Lusignan, Bartica and Lindo Creek massacres to see lawyers associated (with), and who are part of the leadership of the Opposition, clamouring to defend the perpetrators.”

Rohee maintained that the foregoing incidents are just an inkling of examples of the atrocities perpetrated on the Guyanese people at the hands of the Opposition and their criminal gangs.

He decried the Opposition’s relentless attacks on the PPP/C party while its own actions are demonstrative of the embracement of lawlessness, and called for the focus to be on working assiduously for a better Guyana.

Ensigns urged to bypass all ‘get rich quick schemes’ recognised for their integrity and he also urged them not to fall for any “get rich quick schemes” which will only lead them to ruin.

He called on them to be disciplined in their conduct, both in and out of their uniforms, as they embark on their journey in the army, which

will not be easy. Reverend Nials also called on the Ensigns to be aware of the core values of the GDF and to stand out as they are called to duty.

Moreover, he told the Ensigns they must desist from corrupt practices such as accepting money or bribes to “let things pass through our borders” and uphold the core values of the noble institution they were called to serve.

The service began yesterday with the arrival of Chief of Staff (COS) Brigadier, Mark Phillips and then the Colour Party marched on in slow time and made the flag presentation to the Force Chaplin, who placed it on the altar.

The Officers’ Stars were borne into the hall and handed to the Force Chaplain, who placed them on the altar and the programme continued with the singing of hymns and other songs, reading of prayers and scriptures.

The Officers’ Stars were blessed by prayers and given back to the Colour Party which marched out of the auditorium

A part of the gathering yesterday at the GDF Commissioning Service for the SOC Number 46

see page 9

By Michel Outridge DURING the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) commissioning service for the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) Number 46 in the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna, in Georgetown, Reverend T. Kofia Nials of

the Friendship Circuit Methodist Church told the gathering and the Ensigns that an officer of the army does not lie, steal and cheat and they should be concerned about their identity.

In his sermon, he encouraged the Ensigns to let their light so shine that they will be

Reverend T. Kofia Nials as he delivered the sermon yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

APNU not serious about call for national unity

–had a golden opportunity Monday, but blew it AS IF Guyanese did not need another reminder that the Opposition political parties, in this case the PNC/APNU, cannot be trusted, they simply seem keen on giving Guyanese continuous examples to reinforce this fact.

The latest episode occurred on Monday last in the National Assembly, where “Kiprich prodigy”, Basil Williams of “telephone mash up meh life” infamy was nominated by the opposition, who used their one-seat majority to push through the vote, as the new deputy speaker of the National Assembly.

This follows the resignation of Mrs. Deborah Backer as an APNU Member of Parliament due to health reasons, for which she is seeking treatment overseas.

Old Kai is not being insensitive, as I genuinely hope she makes a full recovery; but let’s not forget that she was one of the persons who voted against the Specialty Hospital construction. Obviously, she would have had to fall in line with the decision of her party, especially knowing the militaristic, dictatorial tendencies which have re-emerged since 2011.

This reality exposes the fact that the Opposition is willing to even harm the well-being of their supporters, and in this case, a leader, just to be vindictive. And why, you may ask?

Simply because the overseas company which had employed the AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan did not win the contract for the construction through a fair bidding process. Get well soon, Debbie! And I have forgiven you for that little incident

between us in 2012.

Back to Kiprich’s boy, Basil, as Old Kai is wondering if the Speaker will be his new Number One. On a more sober note, yesterday’s sitting was a lost opportunity to forge ahead in building national unity at the political level.

After the PPP/C announced its plans to embark on a broad left, progressive, democratic front “involving a number of categories of stakeholders, including politicians and organisations from across the social and political divide,” APNU, in typical reactionary mode, rushed to announce that it was keen on charting a new “social contract” to promote national unity, and forge greater partnerships with stakeholders, including Government.

Fair enough for Old Kai, but then, “talk is cheap”; you have to show you are serious by your actions. So, Monday was an appropriate time for the APNU to show they meant what they said in the election of the Deputy Speaker. One would have thought that APNU, in being magnanimous and serious about its social contract proposal (as the PPP/C has done previously when it held the parliamentary majority), would have chosen a member from the Government side of the House to replace Mrs. Backer as Deputy Speaker. This would have underlined the credentials of the APNU, and certainly would have shown that they are genuine about what they say, as they would have shown that they can reach across the political divide. Such a move would have been historic, and

Ensigns urged to bypass all ‘get rich ...

The Ensigns yesterday from page 8 in slow time yesterday.

The service was attended by members of the Disciplined Services, senior officers of the army, relatives of the Ensigns

and others.

The batch of Ensigns will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants and receive their badges of rank at the GDF Drill Square at Base Camp Ayanganna today and to-

morrow they will be presented with their Instruments of Commission at the Office of the President by President Donald Ramotar, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

would have served to usher in a new era in our political culture in Guyana.

However, they failed the Guyanese people once again when it most mattered, and nominated one of their own, whom they used their one-seat majority to support. In all of this, the PPP/C side of the House was still gracious enough not to oppose the nomination.

No doubt, the APNU will rush to point out that it supported the nomination of PPP/C’s Bibi Shadick for “one” sitting last week as Acting Speaker, with the absence of Raphel Trotman and the incapacitated Deborah Backer. But this is when they did not enjoy their one-seat majority because of Backer’s absence.

The moment they swore in their new MP, Mrs. Cummings, on Monday, and in doing so regained their combined one-seat parliamentary leverage, all thoughts of Ms. Shadick vanished, and it was back to the “same ol’, same ol”. This confirms that the APNU or the wider opposition does not have the capacity or will to reach out; to enter new territory in engaging in acts of political maturity, and in doing so, live up to its billing as A Parthnership for National Unity.

The PPP/C is now left alone, with the responsibility of continuing to forge partnerships with all progressive-oriented demographics in the interest of our nation; but then again, it has always been this way.

Motion approves increased ERC membership

By Clifford Stanley PARLIAMENT on Monday approved a motion to increase the membership of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to include one representative each from the Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese and Indigenous people cultural/ ethnic groups.

The motion on the appointment of members of the ERC, including the new category, had been moved by Dr. George Norton, M.P. and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments, which had also included representatives from all three political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Dr. Norton had been mandated by Parliament to nominate representatives for President Donald Ramotar to appoint as members to the ERC, their numbers being no less than five nor more than 15, after the entities are determined by votes not less than two-thirds of all the elected members of the National Assembly.

He reported to Parliament on Monday that the Committee had decided to increase the membership of the ERC from seven to 10, by adding a new entity called the Cultural/ Ethnic group which would have three nominees, one representing each of the three major ethnic groups of Guyana, namely: Afro-Guyanese Indo-Guyanese and the indigenous peoples.

The Committee had completed its work and as a result was seeking the approval of the National Assembly for the number of nominees from each group of entities to be one each from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions, one from labour, one representing women and one from youths, one representing business and one each from the three major ethnic groups.

Before approving the Motion, Members of Parliament of the Alliance For Change (AFC), A Part-

nership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) all spoke in support.

Endorsing the Motion, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy expressed his agreement with the eligibility criteria used by the Appointments Committee to select the entities from which members of the ERC would be drawn.

He said that the next step following the approval of the motion is to have the members nominated and appointed as quickly as possible so that “this very important Commission” can begin the work it was intended to do without delay.

On behalf of the AFC, MP Garrida-Lowe supported the recommended expansion of the Commission, saying that there was a genuine need for it to be expanded even further.

She mentioned the beautiful mixed races of “dougla” and “boffiander” and other Guyanese of mixed parentage and said that there was need to seriously acknowledge and categorise this group which is growing larger every day.

MP Gail Teixeira said that moving of the motion was a very important achievement of the Committee of Appointment in 2013.

She said that the inclusion of representatives of the three major ethnic groups on the ERC for the first time satisfied recommendations made by some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on the need for such representation on the ERC. CORDIALITY, NO ACRIMONY She said that the inclusion of this category was an important initiative of the Committee of Appointment. She added that the mode of work of the committee which was done with cordiality and without acrimony was a very good development within Parliament.

The motion was approved by a two-thirds majority.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

CARIFORUM countries can significantly reduce annual food import bill by working together

By Clifford Stanley AGRICULTURE Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is convinced that CARIFORUM countries can significantly reduce their total annual food import bill, which stands at in excess of US$4 billion, by working together in producing more food domestically, and in removing the barriers to related intra-regional trade.

He made the assertion last week following completion of a one-day Buyers Forum held by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) under a programme aimed at improving market linkages between buyers and producers in CARIFORUM countries.

This activity fell under one of the three components of the intra-ACP Agriculture Policy Programme (APP), funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by IICA in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

The EU-funded programme aims at promoting the development of small producers/entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector of CARIFORUM countries, thereby increasing the amounts of locally grown food on plates in the Caribbean, and enabling Caribbean farm-

ers to be adequately paid for their work.

The programme was signed in March last, and will continue for four years.

The Buyer’s Forum, held at the Pegasus Hotel, saw selected top executives of the leading supermarkets, hotel chains, food-catering services, agro-processors, and food exporters from ten CARIFORUM countries, including Guyana, sharing their perspectives on how they can improve their businesses by collaborating and cooperating with farmers and agro-processors, while helping these smallholders.

The gathering included representatives from the 2013 number one hotelier in the entire Caribbean, the Atlantis Hotel; representatives of the Neal and Massey Group; and representatives of Grace Kennedy and of Consolidated Foods Limited (CFL), a supermarket chain which operates in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, among other places.

Participants at the evening event which followed the end of the programme were welcomed

by Mr. Wilmot Garnett, local representative of the IICA; and speakers included Mr. Robert Best, project coordinator for the Intra-ACP APP project; Mr. Robert Reid, IICA’s International Specialist in Agro-Business; and Ambassador Robert Ko-

pecký, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and for the Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories.

In a feature address to the gathering, Dr. Ramsammy said he found it inexplicable and unacceptable to pick up a bottle of coconut water in Jamaica, in Barbados, or in Guyana and find that it came from Thailand.

He also found it inexplicable to find that the Region spends US$200M on importing for the livestock industry feed that can be grown right here in the Caribbean.

He said that sanitary and phyto- sanitary requirements for agricultural products, often invoked by authorities when refusing to accept agricultural products into their countries, was a major barrier to intra-regional trade, but he was convinced that those problems can be overcome if CARIFORUM countries work together to resolve them.

He said: “This EU project can help resolve these issues.

I hope that a year from now, when we report on what we have achieved, we can say that, because of this project, buyers are buying more from within the Region; that we can compete with some of the products that we find in our supermarkets coming from other parts of the world”.

Mr. Robert Best, project coordinator for the Intra-ACPAPP project, said the Buyer’s Forum was the first technical activity of the improved market linkages’ aspect. This component focuses on entrepreneurship development and local, national, regional and global market linkages for producers in CARIFORUM States.

Two other components which make up the three components of the four-year programme are the enabling policy environment for agriculture, being done by CARICOM Secretariat; and applied technology, research and innovation, being done by CARDI. Mr. Robert Reid, IICA’s

international specialist in agro- business, who is in charge of the market linkages programme, said the Buyers Forum has been determined to be an innovative way of linking enterprises to markets.

He said the Buyer’s Forum had proved to be successful in terms of the buyers indicating what they required from producers.

He said: “The response of these top executives of the leading supermarkets, hotel chains, food-catering services, agro-processors and food exporters from the ten CARIFORUM countries was very encouraging. They have agreed to be anchor firms that will play

an integral part in whatever activities we in IICA have planned or are implementing in terms of linking them up with farmers and agro-processors within the Region.”

He said: “In the next six months, the IICA team, based on what buyers are saying, will have some professional shortterm consultants going out to each of the 15 CARIFORUM countries to determine where to actually intervene; what products to target for which food chains; which producers to link up with which buyers.”

His component of the EU-funded Intra-ACP-APP See page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Health Ministry,Red Cross to be on standby Mash Day

By Alex Wayne THE Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Guyana Red Cross

Society (GRCS) will definitely be playing a major role in the festivities of Mashramani 2014.

This declaration was made by

Colonel Lindon Ross, Assistant Director in the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, in an interview yesterday.

Colonel Ross said a medical team would be stationed at the National Park, and it would comprise doctors, nurses and medics who will be ready to administer attention and treatment to any patron or reveller who takes ill or is injured during the festivities.

The Guyana Red Cross Society would also be represented at this location, and their function would be to assist in rendering medical services to the public.

Two ambulances would also be stationed at the National Park to facilitate ready response in cases that may require serious med-

ical intervention. These services would be available to the public from 10:00 hrs until the February 23, 2014 Mash Costume and Float Parade would have concluded.

That aside, medical personnel from both entities will also be stationed at strategic points along the Mash Day route, and their booths will sensitise the public to their presence.

The intense medical presence at this year’s Mash festivities is to ensure that the promoters are more than ready to deal with occasional accidents and injuries, which can occur on Mash

Day through the negligence and uncouth behaviours of some spectators along the route to the National Park, where all the Mash Day jubilation culminates.

Colonel Ross appealed to vendors not to ply their trade or convene on Irving or Church Streets, Georgetown, since vending activities would not be allowed in these areas this year around. He added that if persons are found engaging in such practices at these locations, they will be arrested by the police, and made to face the brunt of the law.

CARIFORUM countries can significantly reduce ... from page 11 project will also address the matter of financing mechanisms through which farmers and agro-processors could get prompt and early payments for their produce, since this was a weak link in the chain between the farmers, agro-processors and the hotels.”

He said: “The bottom line of the market linkages component is to ensure that, at the end of the day, farmers and agro processors earn more money; and that the impact is felt not only in Guyana, but in the rest of the Caribbean.”

Ambassador Robert Kopecký mentioned the high food import bill of CARIFORUM countries, and said the EU was assured that, if those countries can boost their production, they can reduce the bills and use the savings for infrastructure, and for health and education services. He said that because of this, he was happy to be present at the EU-funded Buyer’s Forum.

He cautioned that there is a new diplomacy prevailing nowadays, one not measured by political nuances but by the effectiveness of the appropriation of such funds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Five CAL flights from CJIA arrive safely of those boarding Caribbean Airlines.

By Leroy Smith AS early as 17:00 hours Monday, all five Caribbean Airlines flights which departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana had reached their destinations safely with all passengers and crew members.

The flights which departed Guyana were flight number BW 484 which departed at 05:35, BW 524 which departed at 06:05, BW 527 which departed at 08:35, BW 662 which departed at 10:15 and BW 424 which departed at 14:45.

The planes took to the skies despite reported terrorist threats to the airline

Minister Robeson Benn

which were received by an employee of the airline on Sunday, sparking much unease among airline officials, security agencies, airport officials and passengers.

As a direct result of the threats which were made public on Sunday, an advisory was issued by the United States Embassy in Guyana warning its citizens not to travel on any Caribbean Airlines Flight between yesterday and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Works went into high alert mode and employed several additional layers of security screening and other arrangements to ensure the safety

CANCELLATIONS Monday this newspaper was able to confirm that there were thirteen cancellations by persons who were scheduled to fly on the various CAL flights out of Guyana.

In an earlier interview with this newspaper Transport Minister Robeson

Benn stated that there was active security enhancement at the airport and that will remain in place until such time that the authorities determine to be necessary.

He had also indicated that local authorities have made contact with their counterparts in both Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados with the latter being asked to pull phone records to ascertain from where in

that country the call originated.

Up to this point there has been no official word with respect to what exactly was uttered in the call that amounted to a terrorist threat. When asked about this, Guyana’s Transport Minister made it clear that this information cannot be disclosed since the matter is engaging the attention of the security agencies.

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At Port Mourant…

New Jersey Arya Samaj hosting Berbice suicide forum

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc. is inviting the public to attend its ‘Let’s Talk Initiative on Suicide Prevention and Spirituality’ today, at the Corentyne Comprehensive High School, Port Mourant, Berbice.

The United States (U.S.) based organisation has been working in Guyana since 2005 and is collaborating with several key stakeholders on this project.

Among them are the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, the Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Regional Education Department, the New Amsterdam Hospital Administration, Law Enforcement Officers, faith-based organisations, the business community and Rotary and Lions Clubs.

President of the international voluntary organisation, Pandit Suresh Sugrim has announced that there will be handouts and flyers on suicide that will be distributed to the audience, to help educate and spread awareness of all aspects on suicide and spirituality.

The programme is scheduled from 11:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs.

Sugrim, along with Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, Mr. Patrick Findlay and Chief Probation Officer, Mr. Forbes Munroe hosted a press conference, at the ministry on Cornhill Street, Georgetown yesterday, to talk about the initiative.

No secret Findlay said it is no secret that the country has been

inundated, lately, by a rising spate of suicides, of which Berbice has, again, taken the lead.

He said Minister Jennifer Webster will be present at the event today and she welcomes the hosting to which she is giving her wholehearted support.

Munroe observed that suicide is as a result of a feeling of hopelessness and noted that his department has taken measures to get out into the society and meet with various groups in an effort to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Sugrim said spirituality is needed to combat the problem.

“As long as the person is spiritual, that person will not turn to suicide. Every one of us will hit rock bottom from time to time, but committing suicide is not the solution. God gave us the gift of life not for us to take it but for us to enjoy it,” he remarked.

He said, for today’s occasion, they will be bringing to-

gether approximately 200 children from various high schools.

The New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc, Humanitarian Mission, is a non-profit and cultural entity which facilitates victims of gender-based violence and gives assistance to people who are in dire need of the basic necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter.

Moreover, the social and charitable works are the basic hallmarks of Hinduism and the Arya Samaj Movement.

Hinduism is not only based on rituals, but teaches the principles of ‘sewa’ (service) to humanity.

Reform movement This organisation of Arya Samaj was established in 1785, by Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati, as a Hindu reform movement with the aim of services to the unfortunate and needy human race, such as orphans, poverty and disas-

From left are Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, Patrick Findlay, Pandit Suresh Sugrim and Chief Probation Officer, Forbes Munroe ter struck victims, widows that are facing difficulties, domestic abused women and children, irrespective of their ethnic origin and backgrounds.

Guyana was rendered aid

by that New York based organisation in July-August 2005 and has a branch, managed by the Berbice Central Arya Samaj, which seeks to assist the children in the orphanages there, as well as countrywide.

Many children benefited from the initial mission receiving basic necessities. The New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. continues to work diligently as they proceed to help improve Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

At opening of Heads of Islamic Associations Meeting…

President calls for broadinputs to address hunger, and inequalities

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has declared that the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) is an important layer in the regionalism process between Latin America and the Caribbean, and he pledged his support for the hosting of the historic three-day meeting of Islamic Cultural Centres and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Last Sunday evening, in formally declaring open that body’s 9th Meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, the President said that regionalism oper-

ates on many fronts, and while progress at the political level has been somewhat slow, he is always encouraged by the creation of bodies such as the Presidents of Islamic Organisations of Latin America and the Caribbean.

He encouraged the ISESCO to deepen fraternal ties amongst members, and engage in culturally sensitive dialogue, given the peculiarities of the region. “It cannot be an abstract or merely philosophical exchange,” he said, adding that he has great confidence in the ability of dialogue to “bridge differences, dismantle barriers,

and discard stereotypes.”

The President admonished religious leaders not to be oblivious to the issues affecting their societies, noting that some of them have many times had to be part of various struggles for justice and equality.

He alluded to the Palestinian situation which has been ongoing for decades. He also described some of the religious conflicts in various parts of the world as being rooted in economics, and called on those gathered to raise their voices in solidarity with those fighting for their dignity.

Moreover, he called for

broad-based participation to address the challenges of hunger, poverty, and inequalities in the distribution of wealth, citing a recent study which showed that approximately 85 persons in the world control more wealth than the “bottom three billion people on our planet. That obviously is a recipe for disaster,” he declared.

“That is what is at the heart of many of the conflicts that we see in our world today. Wealth creation is important, and how society is organised to ensure its fair distribution will have to be addressed by all stakeholders,” the President said.

In closing his address, the President urged the stakeholders attending the congress to not only look at the gains, but also the challenges facing Latin and South America, as they move forward with their deliberations.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar also attended the event, as did Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Cabinet members, and a host of heads of cultural centres and Islamic associations in Latin America and the Caribbean, besides the representatives of the Islamic institutions organising the meeting.

At the start of the meeting, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director General of ISESCO, underlined that the organisation is bound by fruitful cooperation

ties with international and regional organisations and bodies in all parts of the world; and through its programmes, activities and strategies is engaged in the promotion of a culture of peace and justice based on the values of dialogue, mutual un-

tolerance, solidarity and just peace,” Dr Altwaijri declared.

Regarding the theme of the meeting, he underlined that ISESCO deemed it appropriate to make the implementation of the “Initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Dialogue among Fol-

President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmee General Dr. Abdulaziz Otheman Althwaijri and CIO in discussion at the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Is Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean derstanding and mutual respect.

He highlighted that ISESCO takes particular interest in building channels of cooperation with all parties, and sharing such an interest in these lofty universal ideals in order to counter all forms of incitement to hatred, racism, violence and terrorism. “Today’s world is actually in need for all devoted initiatives aimed at strengthening the bonds of co-existence,

lowers of Religions and Cultures” in Latin America and the Caribbean as the theme of this meeting. “This is in conformity with the relevant resolution of the 7th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, held in Algiers in December 2011, which commended and adopted the document ISESCO prepared on the initiative, and invited the organisation to increase its efforts to put into effect the initiative’s constructive proposals and implementation mechanisms,” he explained.

IS st A

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

-based poverty Dr Altwaijri also added that the 7th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers entrusted ISESCO with the task of preparing a detailed action plan to implement the document’s recommendations, and to refer it to the Saudi Arabian parties in charge of the initiative in order

e Ramotar, ISESCO Director OG President Fazeel Ferouz slamic Cultural Centres and that they might adopt and publicise it, activate its proposals, and adopt it as a roadmap to achieve its lofty goals. In this regard, he highlighted that the 8th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, held last month in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, adopted the executive plan of this pioneering Saudi initiative.

In the same vein, he underscored that the establishment of the Vienna-based King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue was a practical step towards

implementation of the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, particularly as the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers invited the Centre to seek inspiration in the document and its recommendations in discharging its functions as part of its role in the initiative’s implementation.

Similarly, he pointed out that the meeting is invited to study the items placed on its agenda which concern examining ISESCO’s document on the initiative and its executive plan, and to consider the reports of the heads of Islamic cultural centres and associations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He also outlined the different stages of the implementation of ISESCO’s Strategy for Islamic Cultural Action outside the Islamic World through holding several meetings for the heads of cultural centers and Islamic associations in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Head of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Haji Fazeel Ferouz, in brief remarks, said that Guyana’s hosting of the conference allows stakeholders to bring valuable experience of inter-religious cooperation into their deliberations, “as we move closer to a future of peace and understanding and harmony across cultures”.

The occasion also saw the presentation of a series of Guyana Classics to the Director General of the ISESCO

by Minister of Culture, Youth

President Donald Ramotar addressing stakeholders at the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Islamic Cultural Centres and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean

From left: CIOG representative Shaik Moeen-ul-Hack, Minister of Housing, and Water Irfaan Ali, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, President Donald Ramotar, CIOG President Fazeel Ferouz, ISESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Otheman Althwaijri and OIPALC representative Muhammed Yusuf Hallar at the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Islamic Cultural Centeres and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Commemorative plaques were also presented to the Head of State, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, and OIPALC representative Muhammed Yusuf Hallar. (GINA)

SESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Otheman Althwaijri, addressing takeholders at the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Islamic Cultural Centres and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean

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Drivers beware: Alcohol and drugs do not complement driving

By Horace Cummings THE most recent report released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on traffic matters indicates that road fatalities as at the end of January 2014 have increased by four over the corresponding period for 2013, with 11 fatalities being recorded from 10 accidents in January 2014 compared to seven (7) fatalities having been recorded from six (6) accidents during January 2013.

To date, one other person has lost her life on the roadways for February 2014, bringing the total road fatality for the year to 12.

The release added that January 2014 saw reductions in the other categories of accidents, which comprise serious, minor and damage.

Pedestrians have been the main road users affected, with six (6) such persons having lost their lives at the end of January 2014. In addition, three (3) motor cyclists and two (2) pedal cyclists have also lost their lives.

Police say speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents, and was the cause of seven (7) of the 10 fatal accidents recorded at the end of January 2014.

The release did state, however, that traffic enforcement by the police during January 2014

resulted in a total of 3,946 cases being made against errant motorists; and that of this total, 1,786 cases were for speeding.

In a previous article by this writer, “Too Many Bite the Dust”, emphasis was placed on speeding as a major road safety problem in all countries, hence the need to reduce speed – ‘a safe road user approach’ articulated by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) and which ultimately seeks to endorse and advance the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety with a goal to stabilise and then reduce the forecast level (prevent five million road traffic deaths globally) by 2020.

But the spotlight must now be placed on the issues of drinking and driving & drug use and driving, especially, when a headline from the Guyana Chronicle of February 7, 2014 – “Well-heeled drunken driver fingered in Wednesday night’s fatality at Liliendaal” -- screams at the reader.

Here are six reasons why attention must be given to drinking and driving and drug use and driving: * If you drive when a breathalyzer test would record the level of alcohol in your blood stream at twice the legal limit, you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash than a driver who hasn’t been drinking.

* Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive.

There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit, or of knowing how much an individual can drink and still drive safely. * Each person’s tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors: weight, gender, age, metabolism, current stress levels, whether they have eaten recently, amount of alcohol consumed. * Drugs – whether prescription, over-the-counter or illegal -- can all impair necessary driving skills, including vision, reaction time, judgment, hearing, and simultaneous task processing/ accomplishment. * Marijuana has been linked to an impaired ability to drive a vehicle, in that concentration is affected, and there is difficulty in perceiving time and distance, which can lead to the following: bad judgment, impaired reaction time, poor speed control, an inability to accurately read signs, drowsiness, and distraction.

When marijuana is combined with alcohol, it creates greater impairment in areas such as reaction time and coordination. * Cocaine may successfully mask fatigue, but high dosages impair judgment and interfere with a driver’s ability to concentrate. Coordination and vision are impaired, and there

is an increase in impulsive behaviours, with tendencies to take more risks and create confusion within the user. A person using cocaine maintains the illusion of being alert and stimulated, although physical reactions are impaired.

The foregoing reasons, in this writer’s respectful view, are sufficient to warrant focus on interventions with regard to adequate legislation, deterrent policies, and enforcement to seek to regulate the behaviour of road users in the interest of road safety.

Firstly, credit must be given to Guyana for having a law for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Section 40 (1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Cap.51:02 reads thus: “Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or not more than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000), or to imprisonment for twelve months;

and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of not less than forty thousand dollars ($40,000) or more than eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) and to such imprisonment as aforesaid.”

Further, The Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2008, authorises any member of the Guyana Police Force to prosecute, if he has reasonable cause to suspect that a person driving or attempting to drive, or in charge of a motor vehicle on the road or other public places, has exceeded the prescribed Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08g/dl (equal of two bottles of beer). A driver, who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000, or an alternative of a prison term of no less than three months.

According to the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013, strong drink/drive laws protect almost 70% of the world’s population. Setting and enforcing legislation on BAC limits of 0.05 g/dl can lead to significant reductions in alcohol-related crashes. In addition,

enforcement of drink-driving laws has been shown to be more effective when it includes random breath tests for all drivers (not just those suspected of drinking), and when it is carried out at times and in locations when drink-driving is more likely to occur.

Such measures that increase drivers’ perception of the likelihood of being apprehended are key to the success of this intervention.

The foregoing beckons for replication by our lawmakers and enforcers. It must be noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) rates the enforcement of drink/drive laws in Guyana at six (6) on a scale of 10.

And Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who was at the time addressing the launching of Road Safety Month 2013, has observed that no progress has been made relative to enforcing the use of the breathalyser test.

He opined: “Comrades, we put in the breathalyser long, but maybe we’ve done no more than that. The facts show that we’ve done nothing further than put the law in place...

We should come out with a See page 21

Nesha’s Flower Land:

Roses are the best way of saying ‘I love you’

DREAM and ponder no further on your gift ideas for Valentine 2014! Whether its flowers, chocolate, teddy bears or other gift packages, Nesha’s Flower Land has it all.

Located at 78 Church and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown in a beautiful and almost exotic setting, Nesha’s doors beckon you to enter and get lost in a world of ‘red and white romance’ and ultimate ‘Valentine desire’.

For Valentine this year, Nesha’s will take you on love’s heady and intoxicating journey into a world of beautifully enchanting flowers arrayed in rich, tropical Caribbean shades.

Folks, Nesha’s invites you to hurry down and soak up the regular red roses, specialty

roses, rainbow roses and tinted roses in startling blue and purple allure.

Wanna be a lover’s standout? Then give your mate roses with two-colour petals, or one or more of the teddy bears and chocolate ideas of every imaginable nature.

Come enjoy this Valentine’s Fairyland with the theme ‘Once upon a Time’, which is certain to lift your spirit the minute you enter the store.

Love and romance are reflected in the exquisite décor at Nesha’s Flower Land; you have simply got to be there to experience its magical intensity!

Get your partner a Cinderella or Snow White bouquet through Nesha’s ‘Instant Ordering System’, which starts

from this Wednesday. Nesha’s reminds you that ‘when they create flowers, they create something special’.

So waste no time in accessing Nesha’s offers, because her products are going like wildfire! Nesha’s flowers are stored in temperate coolers, so this year around, allow Nesha’s to make your fantasy a reality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Drivers beware: Alcohol and drugs ...

From page 20 campaign for vigorous and widespread enforcement of our rules/laws, our breathalyser testing. We have to put it up there in front of all of us. We have to be consistently applying our laws.�

On the other hand, in comparison with the alcohol literature, relatively little information is available regarding the true incidence and prevalence of illegal drug use in reckless driving and impaired driving crashes; and this is due in part to the unavailability of drug detection methods/devices to routinely test for illegal drugs. But with existence of the law for drink and drug driving, and with the advent of the national forensic lab, local police should be able to address this deficit.

However, research on the global position suggests that the reliance solely on the forensic laboratory to assay all specimens in all cases creates a limiting factor for prosecuting DUID cases, because there are simply not enough forensic resources currently available.

Some of the most recent advances in drug testing have been the developments in the rapid point-of-collection testing products. There are at least 50 rapid Point-of-Collection-Testing (POCT) immunoassay devices currently available on the commercial market.

While most of these devices are designed to test urine and can be used at a police station, some of these new devices are designed to test oral fluids, and could eventually be used at the roadside.

These POCT devices could

be used by police officers to routinely screen impaired driving suspects for illegal drug use, and obtain drug test results immediately, as they currently do with alcohol tests.

Having immediate screening results would permit the officer to confront the driver with the drug test result and make an initial charge. The Guyana Police Force certainly needs some POCT devices to boost its enforcement repertoire.

Nevertheless, it will be unfair to leave the problem of drink and drug driving to the police department alone, there ought to be support from the subject ministry, in this instance the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health, insurance companies, the private sector, civil society, interest groups such as Mothers in Black, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), and the media, among others.

Both the Ministries of Home Affairs and Health should be distributing brochures to the general public about road safety and the danger of alcohol and drugs use, respectively. They should also be publishing whole-page ads in local newspapers and posting information on social media networks in this respect. The private sector should be sponsoring billboards with similar information, and assisting the GPF to procure POCT devices and breathalysers to assist in the prosecution of offenders. Insurance companies, which will inevitably experience high operating costs as a result of the high incidence of indemnity for loss of limb, life and vehicle damage, should have a more national presence and vigilance in combating drink and drug driving and, by extension, promoting

road safety.

And the media’s role cannot be overstated in the fight against drink and drug-driving

through editorials, commentaries, letter columns, and features both in the print and electronic media.

The GNRSC, according to its coordinator Ms.Ramona Doorgen, for its part, has submitted a proposal to the

Ministry of Home Affairs to amend the drink-and-drive law in order to facilitate implementation of the device (POCT) for testing drivers for drugs use.

In my next piece, the focus will be on seat-belt and motorcycle helmet use.

Road Safety is Everybody’s Business!

Sources: (roadtrafficaccidents.net; gina.gov.gy; Guyana Times; WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013; Guyana Chronicle; legalaffairs. gov.gy; inewsguyana.com)

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At Demerara Assizes…

Murder trial halted for investigation into faulty depositions THE Mahaicony murder case at the Demerara Assizes was temporarily halted on Monday to facilitate an investigation into faulty depositions.

State Prosecutor Judith Mursalin had, successfully, requested the inquiry after the defence counsel had seen a deposition that was not concerned with the case.

There were also doubts about whether three other witnesses had testified or not at the preliminary inquiry (PI) before Magistrate Haymant Ramdhani and Mursalin objected to bail for the accused.

The defending lawyers, Jailall Kissoon, Sandil Kissoon and Satyesh Kissoon, are representing Satnarine, Neville Crawford and Randy Crawford, who are indicted for the unlawful killing of Maxwell Watson on January 29, 2010, at Little Abary, Mahaicony, East Coast of Demerara.

The defence counsel submitted that, since it took such a long time before the accused were brought to trial after their committal, it was in the interest of justice that they should be granted bail.

But Justice Franklyn Holder refused the application and directed that Acting Registrar Raschid Mohamed hold an inquiry to resolve the mystery

surrounding the depositions.

The Registrar must also try to ascertain whether the three witnesses did testify at the PI and if their testimony was included in the bundle before the court.

It was discovered that

among the depositions in court was one by a witness named Philbert Suchit, whose evidence related to another case.

The jurors empanelled to try the case were told to report back for duty on March 24, when the Registrar’s report will be ready.

Aries March 21 - April 19

Look for promising signs of progress in one of your newer relationships today. You are finally getting some traction. Your charm is all you need to seal the deal, so unleash it without any limits. The time to play conservatively is over. You must act now and act boldly. Dangle the carrot and watch them jump for it -- then let them make the final move.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

To ensure you have the most pleasant day possible, stay flexible and just let the world show you something fantastic. Save yourself from trying to create special situations -- it’s a waste of time. The best moments in life are spontaneous -- when everything just falls into place. So forget about all the planning and coordinating. If you can just let things be what they are going to be, the magic will take over.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Today, a direct relationship exists between how easy something is to attain and how worthwhile it is pursue. If someone is batting their eyelashes at you, dying for some attention, they’re not the person you should be checking out right now. Seek out the person who stands apart from the crowd, who doesn’t work so hard for the approval of others. This person is not playing hard to get -- they are just being themselves. Although challenging, strike up a conversation. The banter might be worth it.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Authority figures might cause you some stress today -- they will have a tendency to micromanage you and be somewhat of a hovering presence. It doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. On the contrary, they are experiencing some insecurities and the need to justify their existence. So don’t be intimidated -- you should feel relieved that you’re competent and don’t have to waste your time on phony baloney stunts.

Leo July 23 - August 22 For Wednesday February 12, 2014 -14:30hrs For Thursday February 13, 2014 -14:30hrs For Friday February 14, 2014 -05:00hrs

A fine line exists between devotion and obsession -- so make sure you are not spending too much time on activities that ultimately could be holding you back. Enjoy yourself, but make sure you are able to walk away at any time. Freedom is something you need to maintain. Keep moving around today, roaming among different groups of people and not staying too long in any one spot -- a rolling stone gathers no moss, remember? Stay footloose and moss-free!

Virgo August 23 - September 22

Today a new opportunity for upward mobility will arrive on the scene bright and early.

Don’t wait too long to address it -- the good fortune pendulum is swinging back your way, and it’s bound to swing away again before you know it. Reach out and grab this chance, even if you don’t feel completely prepared. This sunnier weather in your professional universe will put you on a path to a bigger, fancier lifestyle full of complicated changes.

Libra September 23 - October 22

Has someone been putting you under pressure to be perfect lately? Ignore them. Shake loose of their apprising gaze and invite them to focus on someone else for a while -- like their own self. You add sunshine to the lives of most of the people you touch, so why worry about one person who is still stuck in their own personal fog? Let go of the few missteps you have been making -- after all, everyone else who matters already has. Reorganise your social circle and leave unhealthy people outside of it.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

You are going to have to conserve your money to retain the peace in your friendships -some folks are letting the green stuff get in the way of things. And keep in mind, money isn’t the only thing that’s green -- envy can also put up a wall between the two of you.

It’s up to you to make sure you master the balance between knowing when not to make an issue of it and thinking about it when social events are planned. When in doubt, keep things modest and affordable.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

It’s time to toot your own horn! If no one else is going to sing your praises today, you must step up to the microphone and belt it out by yourself! You deserve to feel pride in what you have done, because no one else could have done it as well. With every success comes a cloud of jealousy or anger from the folks who just couldn’t pull it off. A few shining people will give you props, but you shouldn’t rely on external approval for your sense of accomplishment. Give yourself a hand!

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Having power and having control are very different possessions. You don’t have to be the one in charge to shape the future. Don’t think small today -- focusing on the person behind the steering wheel is waste of time. Instead, you’re plotting your own course, so break out the map and start planning your future. Let go of the wheel and go for a ride -- it’s better to let the stars dictate your next destination.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Growth is a good thing, but you should take a break from pushing yourself right now.

Today will not be best spent challenging yourself or starting difficult conversations. Settle in to a routine right now and find comfort in doing the same things. There is something to be said for predictability. Let the dust settle on your newly renovated life.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Your new and improved take-charge attitude is starting to work today. Results are still coming slowly, but people are getting behind you more and more. No one else sees things like you do, and that is working in your favour. Resist taking on any more right now. Instead, take the path of least resistance and wait for everyone else to get on the same page as you. They can pick up the slack while you stand on the sidelines, cheering everyone on like a coach.

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English Lingfield 09:30 hrs Frederic Chopin 10:00 hrs Divine Rule 10:30 hrs Passing Star 11:05 hrs Descaro 11:40 hrs After The Storm 12:15 hrs Planetoid 12:45 hrs Club House Musselburgh 09:40 hrs Ballyvoneen 10:10 hrs Plan Again 10:40 hrs Civil Unrest 11:15 hrs Pairc Na Leasa 11:50 hrs Fisher 12:25 hrs Golan Way 12:55 hrs Nathans Pride South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Rocket Rider 09:05 hrs Ma Choix 09:40 hrs Dogmatism 10:20 hrs Supreme Star 11:00 hrs Black Again French Racing Tips Cagnes-Sur-Mer 08:50 hrs Special request 09:20 hrs Adjudant Chef 09:50 hrs Elusive Kay 10:20 hrs Gladstone 10:55 hrs Initial 11:25 hrs Freedom Tales 11:55 hrs Stranger In Paris 12:25 hrs Etendard D’or Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 10:20 hrs Urano 10:50 hrs Blow The Door 11:25 hrs Snowell 12:00 hrs Turban 12:35 hrs Foritsa 13:05 hrs Ballyadam Dancer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12 2014

Thrilling finishes at the U-19 ...

From page 30 off three overs for Afghanistan. Quinn and Duffy then returned with superb second spells to tie their Associate opponents down and help New Zealand complete a

nerve-jangling eight-run win.

20 August – India v Pakistan Third quarter-final At Townsville, Queensland: Pakistan 136 all out, 45.1 overs (Babar Azam 50, Ehsan Adil 35;

Sandeep Sharma 3-24, Ravikant Singh 3-43) India 137-9, 48 overs (Baba Aparajith 51, Vijay Zol 36; Ziaul-Haq 3-23, Azizullah 3-30) Result: India won by one wicket

29 After winning the toss and batting first despite overnight rain and cloud cover, Pakistan saw all its frontline batsmen apart from opener Babar Azam floundering. Right-arm medium bowlers Sandeep Sharma and Ravikant Singh took three wickets apiece, as Pakistan was bowled out for a mere 136.

None of its batsmen apart from Babar, Umar Waheed and Ehsan Adil could reach double figures.

Chasing a modest 137 to win, India made heavy weather of its reply, slumping to 84-5 in the 27th over. Man- of- the- match Baba Aparajith and Smit Patel, though, calmed the nerves in their dressing room as they took their side to within 17 runs of victory.

Then came a manic 4.5-over period that saw India losing four wickets for just seven runs and collapsing to 127/9. The last-wicket pair of Harmeet Singh and Sandeep Sharma ground out seven overs to knock off the remaining 10 runs, adding yet another exciting chapter to the traditional India-Pakistan rivalry.

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Thrilling finishes at the U-19 World Cup DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The 10th edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup (ICC U19 CWC) will be staged at seven venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 14 February to 1 March 2014.Title-holders India will be among the 16 teams in the fray that will play a total of 48 matches between them. Right from its inaugural edition in Australia in 1988, the tournament has showcased some nail-biting finishes and enthralling finales, with youngsters eager to make their mark on the world stage, giving it their all in an event that has become synonymous with high passion and energy.

Below, we look back at some of the games from the previous nine editions that have provided exciting climaxes and historic feats.

1988 - Australia 28 February - England v India At Renmark Oval, South Australia: England 172-8, 50 overs (Mike Atherton 80, Mark Ramprakash 46; Sukhvinder Tinku 3-29) India 173-8, 49.4 overs (Myluahanan Senthilnathan 47, Arjan Kripal Singh 29; Chris Lewis 2-29) Result: India won by two wickets The opening day of the inaugural edition saw Match 2 setting the theme for future high-voltage encounters at the ICC U19 CWC. England, which had eight future international players in its ranks, won the toss and batted first.

It was given a good platform by a second-wicket stand of 93 between man of the match Mike Atherton and Mark Ramprakash.

However, it collapsed thereafter, losing seven wickets for 68 runs and managing only 172-8 from its allotted 50 overs.

In reply, India lost wickets at regular intervals, with only its skipper Senthilnathan passing 40 as he emulated his counterpart Atherton by showing the way. However, just when India looked down and out at 137-8, an unbroken match-winning stand of 36 for the ninth wicket between Janardhanan Ramdas (21) and Venkatapathy Raju(18), helped it scrape home with just two balls to spare.

1998 – South Africa 30 January –South Africa v Sri Lanka Pollock Pool At Durban: South Africa 240 all out, 50 overs (Jon Kent 55, Grant Elliott 45; Malinga Bandara 3-44) Sri Lanka 244-7, 49.5 overs (Chamara Silva 85, Pradeep Hewage 83; Victor Mpitsang 2-61) Result: Sri Lanka won by three wickets Tournament host South Africa, which boasted seven future international players, won the toss and batted first. Jon Kent, who went on to play ODIs for South Africa and Grant Elliott, who would later represent New Zealand, helped it post a challenging 240.

Sri Lanka skipper Pradeep Hewage powered his side’s chase alongside future ICC Cricket World Cup star Chamara Silva. A dramatic twist in the tale came in the last seven overs, as Sri Lanka,

which was cruising at 217-2, lost five wickets for 23 runs in six overs.

With the scores level and three balls left, Naren Rattwatte hit his very first ball for a boundary to spark joyous scenes for Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, and quite the reverse for the South Africans as the result meant that New Zealand would join England in the final.

2000 – Sri Lanka 15 January – England v Zimbabwe Group A At Colombo Cricket Club: England 187-8, 50 overs (Gary Pratt 68 not out, Jimmy Adams 31; Gavin Ewing 2-27) Zimbabwe 184-6, 50 overs (Guy Croxford 63 not out, Mluleki Nkala 53; Tim Phillips 3-38) Result: England won by three runs England, which was put in to bat, lost its openers Ian Bell and Michael Carberry early.

Jimmy Adams and Gary Pratt steadied the ship but Zimbabwe, which had eight future international players in its side, chipped away to restrict England to 187-8.

After a top-order collapse, Zimbabwe was set on course by a fifth-wicket partnership of 103 between Guy Croxford and Mluleki Nkala. However, some tight bowling at the death meant the team from Africa, which needed just 16 runs from its last four overs, would fall four short of its target.

15 January – Ireland v Namibia Group D At Colombo (MSCG): Namibia 186-7, 48 overs (Johannes van der Merwe 70, Stefan Swanepoel 39; Andrew White 3-31) Ireland (target 128 from 36 overs) 127-5, 36 overs (Dom Joyce 43, Andrew White 28; Pieter Burger 2-19) Result: Match tied (Duckworth-Lewis method) On the same day as the Group A match between England and Zimbabwe came a thriller of a match between Associate nations Ireland and Namibia. In their curtailed Group D encounter, Ireland restricted Namibia to 186-7 from their allotted 48 overs. Johannes van der Merwe, Stefan Swanepoel and Stefan Ludick were the only three Namibia players to reach double figures, while Andrew White took three wickets.

After more overs were lost in the game, Ireland was given a revised target of 128 from 36 overs, by the Duckworth-Lewis method (D-L method). In conditions that were difficult for batting, Dom Joyce and Andrew White were the only two Ireland batsmen to cross 20.

When future international John Mooney departed with 14 runs required from 4.4 overs, the odds were in favour of Ireland, who still had five wickets in hand. However, the sixth-wicket pair of Ryan Haire and Peter Shields left it too late and eventually, Ireland had to be content with sharing the spoils.

2002 – New Zealand 20 January – Australia v Kenya Group D At Dunedin: Australia 4806, 50 overs (Craig Simmons 155, Shaun Marsh 125; Nehemiah Odhiambo 3-97)

Kenya 50 all out, 21 overs (Alfred Luseno 18; Aaron Bird 3-10, Rob Cassell 3-7) Result: Australia won by 430 runs A few days before the Bangladesh-India match, those present at Carisbrook had witnessed nowhere near as thrilling a finale but certainly a record-breaking exhibition of destructive, attacking batting from Australia.

Right from the time Kenya captain and future international player Ragheb Aga won the toss and opted to bowl first, things went horribly wrong for his side.

Opener Craig Simmons blasted 155 off just 115 balls with the help of 12 fours and 11 sixes, while Shaun Marsh, batting at number four, hammered 125 off 81 balls with 12 fours and four sixes.

Chasing an improbable 481 to win, Kenya was skittled for just 50 in 21 overs, with Aaron Bird and Rob Cassell taking three wickets each. Australia, whose line-up featured future international players like Marsh, Cameron White, George Bailey, Daniel Christian and Xavier Doherty, thus created a slew of records – for the highest score, biggest margin of victory and most sixes in an innings.

24 January – Bangladesh v India Group A At Auckland: India 77 all out, 32.4 overs (Stuart Binny 17, Siddharth Trivedi 16 not out; Ashiqur Rahman 3-17) Bangladesh 78-8, 32.2 overs (Aftab Ahmed 19, Ali Arman 12 not out; Siddharth Trivedi 3-24) Result: Bangladesh won by two wickets A low-scoring nail-biter at the North Harbour Stadium saw Bangladesh rolling India over for just 77 after winning the toss and bowling first. Stuart Binny and last man Siddharth Trivedi were the only two India batsmen to reach double figures in this engagement.

The new-ball pair of Ashiqur Rahman and Shafaq Al Zabir took five wickets between them, as Extras proved to be the highest scorer for India with 18.

A similar pattern unfolded for Bangladesh, which also had the most runs from extras and failed to post any significant partnership. Its innings, though, unravelled more dramatically, as it lost seven wickets for 30 runs, slipping from a comfortable 34-1 to a perilous 64-8.

Man- of- the match Ali Arman and Ashiqur Rahman, however, knocked off the 14 remaining runs to complete a famous win for Bangladesh.

2004 - Bangladesh 18 February – Nepal v South Africa Group B At Chittagong: South Africa 156 all out, 50 overs (Keagan Africa 52 not out, Godfrey Stevens 29; Manjeet Shrestha 4-15) Nepal 158-9, 49.4 overs (Shakti Gauchan 51 not out, Sharad Vesawkar 27; Craig Alexander 3-23) Result: Nepal won by one wicket South Africa, which featured the likes of Vernon Philander, Roelof van der Merwe (who played as a wicketkeeper) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, was dismissed for a below-par 156.

Right-arm medium bowler Manjeet Shrestha ripped

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

through the top and middle orders, as South Africa was reduced to 62-7 at one stage. A fine rearguard act from Keagan Africa, however, helped lend his side’s total some respectability.

Nepal, featuring current internationals like Paras Khadka, Shakti Gauchan, Basant Regmi and Sharad Vesawkar, also began badly. Skipper Gauchan’s unbeaten half-century was the bulwark of its chase.

Just as he had done with the bat in the first innings, Africa once again changed the face of the match with the ball.

His second spell brought him three quick wickets, as Nepal lost five wickets for the addition of just 20 runs and looked to be self-destructing towards the end at 138-9.

Gauchan, however, stood tall amidst the ruins, shepherding his side through to a historic win. Together with last man Sashi Kesari, he put on 20 runs for the last wicket in Chittagong.

2006 – Sri Lanka 18 February – Nepal v New Zealand Plate Championship final At Colombo (PSS): New Zealand 204 all out, 49.2 overs (Todd Astle 66, Shaun Fitzgibbon 29; Basant Regmi 3-41) Nepal 205-9, 49.4 overs (Basant Regmi 66, Ratan Rauniyar 26 not out; Hamish Bennett 3-42) Result: Nepal won by one wicket New Zealand, which included future internationals like Todd Astle, Martin Guptill, Ronnie Hira, Tim Southee, Colin Munro and Hamish Bennett, batted first after winning the toss. Apart from opener Astle, no-one from its team could build on starts, and its innings closed on 204.

Nepal’s reply stuttered, and when big hope Paras Khadka became the sixth wicket to fall with just 75 runs on the board in the 27th over, it seemed an uphill task for the Associate nation.

That’s when Basant Regmi capped a fine all-round performance by scoring 66 match-winning runs and combining beautifully with late-order batsmen Prem Chaudhary and Ratan Rauniyar, who scored 26 each.

New Zealand thought they could still close it out when man of the match Regmi was sent back and the last pair of Rauniyar and Raj Shrestha needed to score 13 off 10 balls. However, the pair stuck it out to earn Nepal its only Plate Championship, with just two balls to spare.

19 February – India v Pakistan Final At Colombo (RPS): Pakistan 109 all out, 41.1 overs (Rameez Raja 25; Piyush Chawla 4-8, Ravindra Jadeja 3-16) India 71 all out, 18.5 overs (Piyush Chawla 25 not out; Anwar Ali 5-35, Akhtar Ayub 3-9) Result: Pakistan won by 38 runs Just like the Plate Championship final, the tournament final after the Super League was also quite dramatic in nature.

After winning the toss and batting first, Pakistan, was given a quick start through opener Nasir Jamshed before India spinners Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja took centre-stage.

Leg break googly bowler Chawla destroyed the Pakistan middle-order to finish with 4-8 – a new record for the best figures in an ICC U19 CWC final and one that would be his for only a couple of hours.

Pakistan had been bowled out for a paltry 109, and with the strong India batting line-up featuring man- of -the -series Cheteshwar Pujara, many would have thought defending champion Pakistan would have to relinquish its title.

Right-arm medium fast bowler Anwar Ali, however, had other ideas. He took three wickets in his first over andbroke Chawla’s record, returning figures of 5-35 and dismissing Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Tehlan, Debabrata Das and Jadeja. Anwar’s efforts, which also earned him the man of the match award, meant the India batting card read a dismal 23-7 after eight overs. India was eventually bowled out for 71, as Pakistan became the first team to defend the ICC U19 CWC title.

2008 - Malaysia 2 March – India v South Africa Final At Kuala Lumpur: India 159 all out, 45.4 overs (Tanmay Srivastava 46, Manish Pandey 20; Wayne Parnell 2-21) South Africa (target 116 from 25 overs) 103-8, 25 overs (Reeza Hendricks 35, Wayne Parnell 29; Ajitesh Argal 2-7) Result: India won by 12 runs (D-L method) Continuing the trend of thrilling finals, the next edition in Malaysia was a rain-curtailed one that saw South Africa fielding first after winning the toss against India. Two wickets each from new-ball bowlers Wayne Parnell and Matthew Arnold and another couple from Roy Adams helped South Africa bowl out India for 159, with only Tanmay Srivastava showing some resistance.

Heavy showers during the second innings then curtailed the match. South Africa, which had been reduced to 17-3, was given a revised equation of 99 from 98 balls.

Parnell batted well to make it a fine all-round performance.

However, tight bowling from the Indians, and especially from man of the match Ajitesh Argal, left South Africa needing 19 to win from the last over.

Siddarth Kaul stepped up to deliver it for India, and took a couple of wickets as India won by 12 runs to lift the trophy for the second time.

2010 – New Zealand 17 January – Bangladesh v West Indies Group D At Palmerston North: West Indies 249-8, 50 overs (Andre Creary 55, Jermaine Blackwood 48; Shaker Ahmed 2-39) Bangladesh 248 all out, 49.4 overs (Tasamul Haque 54, Sabbir Rahman 53; Akeem Dewar 3-63) Result: West Indies won by one run After winning the toss, the West Indies slumped to 20-3 having chosen to bat first.

A half-century from Andre Creary and contributions of 44 and 48 from Yannick Cariah and Jermaine Blackwood respectively helped it recover and set Bangladesh a required run rate of exactly five per over to win.

Leg break bowlers Akeem Dewar and Yannick Cariah ran through the Bangladesh top and middle-order. Sabbir Rahman and Tasamul Haque revived Bangladesh’s fortunes with half-centuries, but victory seemed distant for the side from Asia when it found itself at 194-7 in the 44th over, still needing 56 from 40 balls. A late cameo from Alauddin Babu, who scored 16 off just nine

balls, brought them close to an unlikely win.

In the last over, Jason Holder, who has since gone on to play for the West Indies in ODIs, dealt the crucial blow by removing Tasamul with two needed from four balls. Last man Shaker Ahmed was then run out attempting a bye to the wicket-keeper off the very next ball, as the see-saw battle saw the West Indies winning by just one run.

20 January – Bangladesh v Pakistan Group D At Palmerston North: Bangladesh 250-5, 50 overs (Mahmudul Hasan 63, Anamul Haque 55; Usman Qadir 2-44) Pakistan 251-6, 49.5 overs (Babar Azam 91, Ahmed Shehzad 52; Mahmudul Hasan 2-36) Result: Pakistan won by four wickets Bangladesh and Group D, though, weren’t done with thrilling finishes – there was another in store for them three days later. Bangladesh batted first after winning the toss against Pakistan, and after a much more substantial contribution from their top and middle-orders, posted 250-5.

Pakistan openers Ahmed Shehzad and Babar Azam (the man of the match) laid just the foundation their team needed, putting on 104 from 26.4 overs.

However, the middle order self-destructed, and at 199-6 after 46.3 overs, Pakistan was up against it.

The equation of 52 from 21 balls didn’t daunt debutante Mohammad Waqas, though, after he came in at the fall of the sixth wicket. He smashed 34 off just 14 balls, taking his side to a seemingly improbable victory alongside Hammad Azam, who scored 27 off 22.

The death-defying turnaround had major consequences for the tournament. Pakistan maintained its hundred percent record and topped Group D, while Bangladesh’s second heart-breaking loss put it out of the tournament, sending the West Indies through to the quarter-finals at its expense.

2012 - Australia 14 August – Afghanistan v New Zealand Group B At Buderim, Queensland: New Zealand 198 all out, 50 overs (Robert O’Donnell 69, Henry Walsh 52; Sayed Shirzad 4-34, Yamin Ahmadzai 4-35) Afghanistan 190-9, 50 overs (Najibullah Zadran 69, Afsar Zazai 42; Matthew Quinn 4-26, Jacob Duffy 4-40) Result: New Zealand won by eight runs After winning the toss and batting first, New Zealand faltered to 20-3 before a 108-run fourth-wicket stand from 28.5 overs between Robert O’Donnell and Henry Walsh gave its innings some backbone.

Left-arm medium bowler Sayed Shirzad and right-arm medium fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai, however, completed four-wicket hauls as New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 198.

I n r e p l y, A f g h a n i s t a n slipped to 26-5 in the 10th over, as right-arm seamers Jacob Duffy and Matthew Quinn used the conditions to their advantage. Najibullah Zadran and Afsar Zazai, however, had not given up the ghost.

Their well-constructed innings brought the equation down to a very achievable 28

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IPL 2014:

Pietersen at centre of bidding war today KEVIN Pietersen could be at the centre of a bidding war that makes him the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) auction history today.

The 33-year-old is available for the entire tournament for the first time after being sacked by England.

“He is such an awesome player that every franchise would like to have him,” said Kings XI Punjab head of cricket operations Anant Sarkaria.

Former IPL chief Lalit Modi said Pietersen could cost a record £3M. Pietersen has been given the highest possible reserve price of 20 million rupees (£195 000), but competition among the eight franchises is expected to drive the cost of his signature far higher.

Each franchise has a spending cap of 600 million rupees (£5.87M).

The current record paid for a single player was set in 2011, when India batsman Gautam Gambhir was signed for $2.4M (£1.45M).

L a s t y e a r, A u s t r a l i a all-rounder Glenn Maxwell fetched the highest bid of $1M from eventual winners Mumbai Indians.

This year, players are being bought in Indian rupees instead of U.S. dollars for the first time “A lot of teams would be looking for Pietersen and we are one of them,” added Sarkaria.

“The availability of English players for the whole duration of the IPL has always been a problem for most of the fran-

chises. They have international commitments to fulfil.

“Pietersen’s retirement changes the dynamics of auction.”

Indian duo Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and England short-game specialists Alex Hales and Samit Patel are among another 30 players given the top reserve price.

Current and former England internationals Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Jade Dernbach, Craig Kieswetter, Luke Wright, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Rikki Clarke and Simon Jones also go under the hammer in Bangalore from 04:00 GMT. However, Eoin Morgan, who has played more matches in the tournament - 32 - than any other England-qualified player, withdrew from the auction on Monday in order to boost his chances of a Test recall.

In total, 514 players will be on sale for the seventh edition of the 20-over tournament, which features eight teams, mixes floodlit cricket with Bollywood glitz and high-profile corporate sponsorship and runs from April 8 to May 30.

Any England players on central or incremental contracts who are selected for the home limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, starting on May 20, must be back in the U.K. by May 13.

No such restrictions will apply to Pietersen after he was released from his central contract, following England’s 5-0

Ashes whitewash in Australia.

The England & Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday that it was discarding Pietersen because it wanted an England team based on “trust” with all players “pulling in the same direction”.

Pietersen, who signed a new contract on Monday to play county cricket for Surrey, has played 21 IPL matches for either the Bangalore Royal Chargers or Delhi Daredevils, but missed last season’s competition through injury.

Delhi released their entire squad last month, allowing Pietersen to enter the auction.

“Kevin Pietersen is one of the world’s best players, without any doubt, as far as Twenty20 is concerned and other forms of the game,” Modi said last week.

“Now that he will be available for the whole time, I think it will be England’s loss and the IPL’s gain. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went upwards of £2.5M to £3M.” Squads can include up to nine overseas players, but only four non-Indians can be picked for each match.

Rules limiting the number of players over the age of 22 in each squad places a further premium on the best young domestic talent.

Last year’s tournament was overshadowed by a spot-fixing scandal, which led to former India fast bowler Sreesanth and his Rajasthan Royals team-mate Ankeet Chavan receiving life bans from cricket.

Kevin Pietersen

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CSA did not sell out to ‘Big Three’ - president

By Nick Said

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) did not sell out to India, England and Australia over the decision to allow the ‘Big Three’ to effectively take control of the sport, president Chris Nenzani said yesterday.

However, Nenzani acknowledged it was “not ideal” the International Cricket Council (ICC) governing authority

had given more power to the three wealthiest nations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA).

FICSA originally stood alongside Sri Lanka and Pakistan in opposition to what was widely viewed as a hijacking of the sport by the Big Three before making a U-turn and voting in favour of the ICC proposal in Singapore at the

CSA president Chris Nenzani

weekend.

“We did not leave the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and Sri Lanka Cricket hanging,” Nenzani told a news conference.

“I met them before the meeting in Singapore and explained to them our position.

“I would also like to correct the perception that we changed our vote at the last minute. I exercised the voting position handed to me as a mandate by the CSA board on February 1.”

The PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket abstained from voting in Singapore.

Nenzani said CSA changed its stance after “significant improvements” were made to the proposal by the Big Three and denied any deals were struck to gain its vote.

“The first proposal talked

about the chairmanship of the ICC, finance and commercial affairs (F&CA) committee and the new executive committee being held permanently by the BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia.

“The new proposal says there will be elections for these positions involving all member countries after 2016.

TEST FUND “The original proposal also excluded South Africa from the Test cricket fund that helps boards finance incoming tours but we have now been included in that as a beneficiary,” said Nenzani.

“It was also previously proposed the F&CA and executive committee board contain representatives from the Big Three and one other board. That has

been amended to three plus two and we are pushing for three plus three.”

Nenzani, though, said that handing more control and financial muscle to their main rivals, on the pitch and in terms of revenue generation, has in part been forced on the other seven Test-playing nations.

“What we have achieved is not the ideal outcome but it is the best possible one that was available to us both for our own future and that of the global game,” he explained.

Nenzani added CSA was also negotiating to host one of the ICC’s major limited-overs events between now and 2023.

The existing proposal states that all events will be hosted by India, England or Australia in that period.

Moin Khan named Pakistan’s head coach (REUTERS) - Former Test captain Moin Khan has been appointed Pakistan’s head coach for the Asia Cup and Twenty20 World Cup tournaments in Bangladesh, Pakistani cricket’s new management committee said yesterday.

The 11-man committee was constituted on Monday by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who sacked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf on charges of mismanagement and misuse of powers.

Headed by new chairman Najam Sethi, the committee reversed all decisions taken by Ashraf declaring null and void the appointment of former Test captain Aamir Sohail last week as chief selector and director of

Former Test captain Moin Khan is appointed head coach. game development.

“There is no record of any appointment letter being issued to Sohail so he holds no post on the board,” chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad told a news conference in Lahore.

The committee appointed former Test captain Zaheer Abbas as the Pakistan team’s chief cricket consultant who will accompany them on all tours.

Abbas was also named on the committee by the government.

The head coach position fell vacant after Australian Dav Whatmore did not extend his two-year contract with the PCB this month.

Moin had served as manager of the national team since last October but was sacked when Ashraf was reinstated as PCB by the Islamabad high court last month.

The Asia Cup will be played from February 25 to March 8 and the Twenty20 World Cup between March 16 and April 6.

India keep faith with Yuvraj for World T20 NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - All-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s limited over prowess secured him a place in India’s 15-member squad yesterday for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next month.

One of the cleanest strikers of the ball and more than a handy left-arm spinner, Singh, 32, was instrumental in India’s triumph in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 where he hit England paceman Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over.

Though he could not cement his place in the Test squad, Singh, 32, was also the architect of India’s 50-over World Cup 2011 victory at home where his all-round exploits earned

him the player-of-the-tournament award.

Singh was not part of the Indian 50-over squad in New Zealand which lost the fivematch series 4-0.

Stuart Binny, son of former India all-rounder Roger, was also named in the squad to be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni who would be seeking his third world title in Bangladesh.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are expected to share the spin workload even though the selectors included a third spinner in leggie Amit Mishra.

India begin their World Twenty20 campaign against 2009 champions Pakistan in Dhaka on March 21.

Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Stuart Binny, Amit Mishra, Mohit Sharma, Varun Aaron.

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Australia the underdogs in Substitute Anichebe nods late equaliser as West Brom South Africa, says Smith hold Chelsea

PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - Australia are underdogs for the three-Test series in South Africa despite last month’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England, home captain Graeme Smith said yesterday.

“If you’re the number one team in the world you have to be favourites,” Smith told a news conference on the eve of the first Test in Centurion.

“It’s something we’ve become accustomed to and very comfortable with over a period of time. We’ve been number one in the world and travelled to some tough places to get it, firstly then to defend it.”

Smith said he was banking on his team to carry on performing at their best against Michael Clarke’s Australia.

“In a series like this it’s going to be intense and there are going to be moments of pressure,” said the opening batsman.

“Our breaking point as a team has extended over a long period of time. We have a great ability to handle pressure and to still perform at a high level.”

and Australia needing to bring someone in for the injured Shane Watson.

Alex Doolan is likely to bat at number three for the visitors.

Faf du Plessis could go up the order for South Africa while wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers is fully fit after undergoing hand surgery last month.

South Africa come off a 1-0 home win over India in December but have not beaten a touring Australian team in a series since 1970. Test at

Graeme Smith and Michael Clarke pose with the trophy ahead of the first Clarke, whose side are ranked third in the world, said Smith’s outfit were deservedly top of the pile.

“It’s a great test for my team playing the number one team in their own backyard,” he added.

“South Africa have through my career been as tough as any opposition.

“They’ve been extremely successful over the years, they’ve got a great mix of youth

and experience and they’ve earned their position on top.”

Clarke said the batting surfaces would assist the two top-quality pace attacks.

“The wickets are conducive to fast bowling but that’s the challenge you look forward to,” he explained.

Both teams have yet to determine their line-ups with South Africa looking to replace the retired Jacques Kallis

‘Brad’ pack to lead evergreen Australia at T20 World Cup (REUTERS) - Australia have opted for experience over youth in an attempt to win a maiden World Twenty20 title by selecting veterans Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge and Brad Haddin in their 15-man squad for the tournament in Bangladesh next month.

The 43-year-old Hogg played his last Test in 2008 but the spin bowler was man-ofthe-match in last week’s Big Bash final for the victorious Perth Scorchers and is now set to become the oldest player in the history of international T20 cricket.

Middle-order batsman Hodge, 39, also played his last Test six years ago but is rewarded with a call-up after celebrating his own career renaissance following years spent on the outer fringes of Australian selection.

The notion that the shortest form of cricket is a young man’s game has been further dismissed by the selection of 36-year-old Test wicketkeeper Haddin, who replaces Matthew Wade after a sparkling display with the bat in the 5-0 Ashes series win over England. “ We h a v e s e l e c t e d a squad that has plenty of experience playing the Twenty20 format in the sub-continent, which augurs well for the challenges of Bangladesh,”

Brad Hogg chairman of selectors John Inverarity said in a statement yesterday.

“We have a group with good depth in power hitting and a range of bowling options.”

Australia open their campaign against Pakistan in Mirpur on March 23 but will first head to South Africa for a series of warm-up internationals leading into the tournament.

“Brad (Hogg) bowled very well for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League and many batsmen found him difficult to read,” Inverarity added.

“Despite his age, his enthusiasm and fitness are undiminished.

“Brad Hodge has made a great number of Twenty20 runs on the sub-continent and played many match-defining innings there.

“He will provide the squad with a great deal of calm experience and knowledge.

“His inclusion is just reward

for his outstanding performances in this form of the game over many seasons.”

All-rounder James Faulkner has been picked in anticipation he will recover from knee surgery in time for the tournament, while David Warner, Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and Haddin all come across from the Test squad.

George Bailey will captain the team.

Australia squad: George Bailey (captain), Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Glenn Maxwell, James Muirhead, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Brad Hodge

Centurion, today.

VICTOR Anichebe dented Chelsea’s aspirations by coming off the bench to head the equaliser in West Brom’s 1-1 draw yesterday with the Premier League leaders at The Hawthorns.

Jose Mourinho’s side appeared to be cruising to three points when Branislav Ivanovic swept the ball into the rigging from close range after David Luiz had flicked on Willian’s corner in stoppage time in the first half.

But Chelsea paid a heavy price for dropping further and

further back as Anichebe - on for Morgan Amalfitano with 17 minutes remaining - arrived three minutes from the end of normal time to send Saido Berahino’s cross beyond Petr Cech.

Chelsea must content themselves with a lead of two points rather than the four it seemed likely to be at halftime. They will be knocked off their perch at the top if Arsenal can overcome Manchester United at the Emirates tonight.

They can have few complaints with West Brom showing a gusto and spirit in the second half that was well worthy of a point.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12, 2014

Minister Anthony pledges support for historic BCB 75th anniversary celebration A THREE-MAN committee of the Berbice Cricket Board 75th Anniversary committee, headed by Chairman Hilbert Foster last Friday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street, Georgetown office.

The other members of the committee were former president of the BCB Malcolm Peters and Guyana and West Indies legend Basil Butcher.

The delegation informed the Minister of the massive plans of the BCB to observe the Diamond Jubilee anniversary including the hosting of at least 20 cricket tournaments at all levels and 50 major programmes/activities including the publication of a special full-coloured magazine. Other plans outlined to Minister Anthony were their annual award ceremony, inter-county match, HIV/AIDS

march and rally, unveiling of the greatest cricketer produced by Berbice Portrait, inter-religious service and a special dinner/exhibition for Test cricketers, national cricketers, administrators and sponsors of Berbice Cricket.

Minister Anthony congratulated the BCB on their stewardship of the game in the Ancient County and pledged the cooperation of the Ministry of Sport to make the anniversary celebration successful.

Minister Anthony committed to providing funds for the Golden Jubilee Dinner and Exhibition and asked the BCB to provide a photograph of Mr Rohan Kanhai to prepare his portrait as the greatest cricketer produced by Berbice.

The Ministry of Sport would also provide some trophies for the annual award c e re m o n y s c h e d u l e d f o r March 16 while the board

also sought the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture to organise an evening of music for the expected overseas visitors.

Efforts are also being made to have Dr Clem Seecharran, a Guyanese cricket expert based in England, to deliver a lecture on Berbice Cricket during his upcoming visit to Guyana.

Minister Anthony promised to cooperate with the BCB to obtain a three-day cricket tournament sponsorship as the board strives to expose its younger cricketers to the longer version of the game.

Chairman Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude on behalf of the 75th anniversary committee to Minister Anthony for the 90-minute meeting and for his commitment. The committee is also expected to meet with Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ally shortly.

Jumbo’s New Year sweet stakes set for Sunday … over 100 horses confirmed to compete

THE Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) will come alive this Sunday when Jumbo Jet Auto Sales in collaboration with PMTC stages what is being dubbed the New Year’s Sweet Stakes horse race meet.

The one-day activity has already attracted over 100 of the country’s top thoroughbreds to compete for millions in cash

and trophies from noon.

Seven highly anticipated races are carded for the day with the feature D1 and Lower fetching the highest first prize of $1M. That race will be 1500m long.

The main supporting race is for Three-year-old Guyana and West Indies-bred animals competing at 1200m for a top prize of $600 000.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday February 12, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230)& CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Alf Valentine WI vs IND (In India), 1983-84 Today’s Quiz: Who is the first West Indian to hit a double-century in Tests?

Against which two of these teams the WI have never played an ODI game?

Ireland; Scotland; Afghanistan; Bermuda; Namibia Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The winner of the Fouryear-old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses event (1500m) is guaranteed $500 000 while a similar amount is at stake for the champion horse in the E1 and Lower (1200m).

Other races on the agenda are the G1 and Lower (1200m/$400 000 first prize), I and Lower (1000m/$250 000 first prize) and the I and Lower (1200m/$200 000 first prize).

According to information emanating from the organising team, all systems are in place for a highly competitive day of racing, featuring the leading horses, jockeys and stables.

Reports out of Berbice are that the track is in excellent condition and participating stables from that part of the country have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to get their animals in top shape for Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown.

The BCB anniversary delegation - Hilbert Foster, Basil Butcher and Malcolm Peters with Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

Tutorial and UG off to Barbados Relay Fair tomorrow TWO 14-member teams representing the University of Guyana (UG) and Tutorial High School are expected to depart Guyana tomorrow afternoon for Barbados, where they will be taking part in the Barbados Relay Fair to be held this Saturday at the National Stadium, Waterford, St Michael, Barbados.

The two teams will leave on the same LIAT flight that departs at 15:00hrs tomorrow.

The UG and Tutorial teams are expected to be the only teams from Guyana who will be attending the annual event.

For Tutorial, this will be the school’s third consecutive year participating in the event, which is expected to be attended by teams from all across the Caribbean. The school will be entering a Girls’ and a Boys’ Under-17 team comprising five athletes each and a Girls’ Under-13 team of 4 athletes.

T h e G i r l s ’ U n d e r- 1 3 team will be participating in the 4x100m, 4x200m and the medley (100mx200mx300mx400m), the Girls’ Under-17 team will also be in a 4x100m, a 4x200m and a medley (200mx200mx400mx800m) relay.

However, the Boys’ Under-17 team will be only in the 4x400m and the medley relay.

The contingent is being managed by the school’s Physical Education teachers Kirk Moses and Andel Bethune, who will be travelling with the athletes along with three other adults.

Speaking with Chronicle

Cleveland Forde Sport, Moses said that he has confidence in his team who have been in preparation for the past month or so.

“They have been training at the Police Sports Club ground under the guidance of Mr Scott and Lyndon Wilson, and Grimes teacher for the past few weeks and we are pretty confident about the Under-13 girls. For the Under-17 girls and the Under-17 boys we had a drawback because a few of them dropped out and that affected us a bit, and because of that we could not have the Boys’ 4x100m team. Basically I expect them to really compete, and I think we have a very competent team,” Moses said.

The team first attended the event in 2012. According to Moses, after having a number of adept athletes coming out of Tutorial, the school felt it fitting to extend the opportunities to its proficient athletes.

Moses pointed out that it is not just about sports since the students also have to perform at

a certain level academically before they could make the team.

“Over the last few years we (Tutorial) would have dominated in the East Georgetown school sports, and we would have had quite a number of notable athletes who would have come out from Tutorial.

We had national athletes such as Jevina Straker, Alika Morgan and Delon DeAbrue just to name a few, and so we decided to extend a little further with this competition.

“The athletes had to have a minimum 60% academic performance to make the team and were selected based on their performance at the inter-house school sports last year.” related Moses.

For UG the team, the female side will comprise Kim Chan, Fiona Jones, Kishwana Jeffords, Tamica Garnett, and Kezia Bess, while the male team is made up of Owen Adonis, Delon Willis, Kadeem Peters, Kareem Critchlow, Dane Johnson, Joshua Griffith, Adesina Flatts, Cleveland Forde, and Floyd.

Tr a v e l l i n g w i t h t h e team are the University’s Sports Organiser Lavern Fraser-Thomas and coach Scott.

The females will be participating in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and the medley (100x200x300x400m). The University will participate in the men’s 4x100m, 4x400m, the medley (200x400x800x1200) and an open 4x800m. Meanwhile Flatts will also be participating in the shot put and discus throws.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 12 2014

35

T&T confident ahead of today’s semi-final clash with unbeaten Jamaica

The Trinidadians celebrate another wicket.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Trinidad and Tobago coach Kelvin Williams says his players are growing in confidence ahead of their semi-final

showdown with Jamaica, who remain unbeaten in the NAGICO Super50 tournament.

The first semi-final takes place today when the Trinida-

dians square-off with Zone A winners Jamaica, who qualified from their group with three straight victories.

Williams says his players

are not ruffled by the rampaging Jamaicans, who are without two of their top players.

“I think to win the tournament we have to beat everybody

that is in front of us,” declared Williams.

“Jamaica will be a good game because they’re threeout-of-three (in Zone A) and they’re the form team. At the end of the day it’s what happens on the day that counts and we’re growing in confidence.”

T&T suffered a major setback when they lost their opening match against Barbados.

However, they bounced back to reel off resounding wins against the Leeward Islands and Combined Campuses and Colleges to book their spot in the last four.

“The most important thing is we can’t be complacent,” Williams said.

“So long as we’re not complacent we will get there (in the final).”

Williams has expressed confidence in his new batting opening pair of Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons.

Lewis scored a 27-ball 44 while Simmons scored a 41ball 31 to help Trinidad defeat Combined Campuses and Colleges in their last match. “ We t r i e d s o m e t h i n g (changing the lineup) and it

worked,” he said.

“I was quite pleased with what I saw. We were confident that Evin would come good last night (Sunday).” Matches will be played at Queen’s Park Oval.

The first semi-final between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago begins 14:00hrs (13:00hrs Jamaica Time) today.

FULL SQUADS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Adrian Barath, Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Rayad Emrit, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul, Imran Khan, Yannick Ottley, Shannon Gabriel, Kevon Cooper; Kelvin Williams (coach) JAMAICA: David Bernard Jr (captain), Nikita Miller (vice-captain), Andre Russell, Carlton Baugh Jr (wicketkeeper), Tamar Lambert, Andrew Richardson, Horace Miller, John Campbell, Jermaine Blackwood, Andre McCarthy, Sheldon Cottrell, Jerome Taylor, Nkrumah Bonner, Kenar Lewis; Junior Bennett (coach).

Kirk Edwards yet to have his say

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - A meeting to discuss a dispute between former Barbados Cricket captain Kirk Edwards and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), did not come off as planned, media reports from Bridgetown have indicated.

The meeting, involving an ad hoc committee of the BCA led by president Joel Garner and including Edwards’ attorney Donna Symmonds, were scheduled for the Kensington Oval, Monday night.

However, Barbados TODAY has reported that Edwards, a West Indies Test and

… planned meeting did not come off

One-Day player, waited in vain for two hours and still no meeting took place.

“The BCA president (Garner) was at the meeting and other members of the BCA, as well as Attorney-at-Law Pat Cheltenham,” Barbados TODAY, quoted a BCA source as saying.

“But Kirk and his lawyer were made to wait outside the room and he never got the chance to speak to anyone in the BCA. No one invited him into the room where the meet-

ing was held.”

Edwards was expelled from the Barbados team on the eve of the NAGICO Super50 tournament, under way in Trinidad and Tobago, for refusing to sign for match kits which he said were substandard.

West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Wavell Hinds has criticised Barbados team manager Hartley Reid for his handling of the dispute.

BCA officials who held their own meeting at Kensington Oval, Monday, while

Edwards waited to meet with them have declined to comment on the issue.

“I have no comment to make to the Press.” said Garner, the former Windies pacer when asked about the outcome of the BCA meeting.

Edwards had said that he never had any disciplinary problems and last week WICB president Dave Cameron praised his leadership of the West Indies A team.

Kirk Edwards

GSDF football Veteran umpire Norman Malcolm coaching session kicks retires after more than three decades off in Georgetown

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Jamaican Norman Malcolm has announced his retirement as a senior umpire in regional cricket.

Malcolm, who is quitting as a member of the West Indies Cricket Board Senior Panel of Umpires, has been a veteran of more than 30 years.

He rose to the level of the ICC international panel and stood in 27 one day internationals between 2008 and 2011.

Malcolm made his ODI debut in June 2008 when he officiated in the second match of the series between West Indies and Australia in St Georges, Grenada.

His last ODI match was in North Sound Antigua in 2011 between West Indies and India.

Malcolm, who also stood in seven Twenty20 matches at the ICC level, says he will continue to officiate at the local level.

He was re-elected as president of the Jamaica Cricket Um- Umpire Norman Malcolm calls pires’ Association over the weekend. it a day.

THE Guyana Sports and Development Foundation (GSDF) Coaching Programme got under way on Monday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The programme saw the participation of 17 teachers/coaches from 10 of 12 schools participating in the Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Tournament The ten schools attending were: Queen’s College, Tucville Secondary, Bishops’ High, Chase Academy, Tutorial High, School of the Nations, Christ Church, New Campbellville Secondary and St George’s Secondary.

Teachers/coaches were instructed both on and off the field on the basics of the sport. Facilitator Stanley Harmon said he found the participants to be very responsive to the training as they were very excited to be learning new training techniques.

Several of the participants said they while some aspects of the training were not new to them, others were and believed after today’s session they will be in a better position to assist the development of players under their watch.

Similar coaching sessions will be conducted - with New Amsterdam which was scheduled for yesterday and a session for Linden today.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

T&T confident ahead of today’s semi-final clash with unbeaten Jamaica

(See Story on Page 35)

Guyana charged

for semi-final clash with Barbados P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Captain Christopher Barnwell says Guyana’s loss to Jamaica will help to boost team confidence as his players prepare to go into battle in the semi-finals of the NAGICO Super50 tournament.

Guyana, despite their 10-run defeat at the hands of the Jamaicans in the final preliminary round match, have moved into the round of four to play Barbados in the second semi-final set for tomorrow.

“We were disappointed after that loss to Jamaica, but it helped boost our confidence for the rest of

Guyana’s captain Christopher Barnwell

the tournament at the same time, going into our semifinal match with the same mood and frame of mind, which is a confident one to win,” said Barnwell.

Guyana have been affected as a result of illness to a number of players namely – Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Leon Johnson and Assad Fudadin.

However, the captain says the four players are recuperating well and will be ready for action tomorrow.

“The guys are coming along okay and will be ready to go in the semifinal clash on Thursday,” said Barnwell in an inter-

view with the Chronicle.

“Everybody has been putting his shoulders to the wheel since we got here, as the winning of the title is the ultimate goal”.

The Guyanese last won a Regional List ‘A’ title nine years ago when they claimed the inaugural WICB KFC Cup. A confident-looking Barnwell says his players are raring to go in their semifinal clash with Barbados.

“We came here to play hard cricket and we know that the other teams will be doing the same, so we do not expect anything to be given to us. We want to win this tournament and we know that in order for us to do so we have to play good cricket from the first ball to the last,” said Barnwell.

“As I said, nothing will be handed to us easily and we have to outplay and outsmart the opposition in every department, if we intend to come out victorious and take the trophy back to Guyana after February 15.

Wartsila launches Guyana’s most lucrative Road Race … $3.3M in cash and prizes up for grabs WARTSILA Operations Guyana Inc. on Monday launched the most lucrative 20km road race as the power company brings the curtain down on its 20th Anniversary celebrations during February 23-March 2.

The launch, which took place at the Head office of the Guyana Olympic Association in Kingston, is an athletics association of Guyana-sanctioned event aimed at attracting some 200 local and overseas professional athletes, school athletes as well as casual runners.

The meet is set for a

06.00hrs start on March 2 and sees $3.3M in cash and prizes up for grabs in six categories.

They include the juniors 1819, seniors 20-34 women, 20-39 (male), masters 35 years and above in the women’s category, males 40-54 years old, masters men age 56 and above over 5km, with the youths boys and girls also involved in a 5km meet.

The challenge will race off from Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara, proceed west along the East Coast public road, continue on to the Kitty public road, into Carifesta Av-

enue, north on to upper Camp Road, west into Battery Road, south on to Water Street and end in front of the power company’s Kingston head office.

“The genesis of this event is in the fact that we thought that we could make road races bigger. We wanted to do this to end our anniversary week with a bang,” Arron Fraser, the Contract Manager at Wartsila, said during the launch..

He added that organisers intend on bring an international standard meet to participants as a reflection of Wartsila as a

Wartsila’s Contract Manager Arron Fraser hands over the sponsorship cheque to AAG president Aubrey Hutson. Looking on are Ms Mayfield Taylor-Trim and Gavin Hope. also look forward to everyone “transnational” company. best events we will ever have in coming out to participate in this Fraser also noted that there Guyana”. mega race,” Hutson said. will be added attraction in a ‘fun He has called on local and Organisers have assured run’ and is encouraging corpointernational athletes to get that every effort will be made rate Guyana to come out and be registered and be a part of this to have an incident-free event a part of this anniversary race. worthwhile event. with security, medical perPresident of the AAG, Au“The season is ripe for this sonnel, marshals, water and brey Hutson, acknowledged race and we expect all the leadrefreshment staff in place to that the race will be “one of the ing athletes to register. We deal with any eventuality.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014