Guyana chronicle 12 07 14 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 103886

SATURDAY JULY 12, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Copa makes inaugural flight to Guyana

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Passengers upon arrival at CJIA during COPA Airlines inaugural flight to Guyana from Panama yesterday displaying the flags of both countries (Cullen Bess Nelson photo)

Caribbean legal education needs comprehensive review-AG Page

President Donald Ramotar

Project ‘C-PETS’ launched in Police 10 ‘D’ Division Page

GPF to intensify drug fight Page

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall

Seeraj blasts Ramjattan for ‘clouded’ reasoning, AFC’s political mileage drive11 Page

-after contentious statement in National Assembly…

Guyanese female 27 caught with whopping 480 kilos of cocaine in Antigua Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Copa makes inaugural flight to Guyana By Michel Outridge Copa Airlines yesterday made its inaugural flight to Guyana from Panama landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), offering unmatched connectivity to Latin America, South America and North America destinations. Minister of Public Works and Transport, Robeson Benn, who was present at the ceremony yesterday, spoke of the vision and leadership of Copa Airlines and the cooperation between Guyana and Panama. He noted the reliable and impeccable service provided by Copa before their launching here in Guyana and their international standards and service. Benn was very pleased to be at the ceremony accompanied by his wife and spoke also of the cooperation between Guyana and Panama via Captain Krish Persaud, who held the Flag of Guyana high in that country and yesterday the first flight

Passengers upon arrival at CJIA during Copa Airlines inaugural flight to Guyana from Panama yesterday displaying the flags of both countries (Cullen Bess Nelson photo)

CEO of CJIA speaking at the podium while members of the head table look on following the arrival of Copa Airlines

by Copa was dedicated to him for his service to that airline. He stated that the advent of Copa Airlines provides the opportunity for manufacturers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, traders, tourists, service providers and people, who may want to visit. Benn added that people will want to visit because they want to understand their struggles and undertakings and their views of the future, see the historical aspects too and understand the culture of Panama. He explained that the flight yesterday signals an important opportunity for Guyana to make another leap forward in development of our country and integration with Panama and South America. With the launch of Copa here, Benn said that there is the opening for trade, investment and exchange of visions and views for our country to develop in a new paradigm. Copa Airlines Regional Sales Manager, Diego Bermudez said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are happy to be at the start of a new and promising partnership and we want to assure that we are going to be here for the long haul. We want to expand the possibilities for Guyana and Copa Airlines and offer the Guyanese our world-class service.â&#x20AC;? He said Copa provides unmatched on-time service and they are renowned for their high service and they will promote the Guyana destination. Chairman of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Hugh Denbow, welcomed Copa Airlines to Guyana and highlighted the services provided by Copa. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haroldsingh conveyed regards on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, who was unavoidably absent from the event. He however, welcomed Copa to Guyana and vowed to See page 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

President affirms Guyana’s commitment to BRICS/ UNASUR engagement ahead of Summit 2014 By Derwayne Wills

IN an unprecedented move to establish global economic ties, Guyana and other UNASUR (Union of South America) member states will be attending a high-level meeting with the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) trading bloc in Fortaleza, Brazil during July 15 and 16. President Donald Ramotar made this disclosure, and noted that Guyana’s invited attendance at the meeting of the world economic superpowers will only strengthen its economic development even as it pledges to “broaden our relations” in that arena. President Ramotar lauded the global recognition of the BRICS nations in thrusting forward the international economy. The BRICS represent almost 3 billion people in the world’s developing or newly industrialised countries, and has a combined nominal Gross Domestic Product of some US$16 Trillion and an estimated US$4 Trillion in combined foreign reserves. UNASUR, created in 2008, is a multilateral organ-

isation with membership coming from 12 of the 13 nations in South America. The President stated that the Fortaleza Summit is the first such meeting between BRICS and UNASUR, and Guyana’s involvement is accordingly crucial. The agenda for the summit is “social inclusion and sustainable development.” The President noted that the prospect of a BRICS Development Bank being created is a laudable one. He reaffirmed Guyana’s will-

ingness to participate in, and support of, the upcoming Fortaleza Summit. The conversation of the Summit will be carried under the theme, “Inclusive growth: sustainable solutions.” The launching of the much-anticipated initiatives, including a US$100B Contingency Reserve Arrangement (CRA) as well as the finalisation of the US$100B New Development Bank (NDB), might find their way on the tall order agenda. In last year’s BRICS Summit, held in Durban, South Africa, the leaders had approved the reserve fund to combat currency crises. All the BRICS leaders except that of Brazil have signalled their willingness to establish the Headquarters of the Development Bank in their country. It was noted in the press that the President Pro Tempore of UNASUR, His Excellency President, Desi Bouterse of Suriname, similarly expressing his President Donald Ramotar

COPA makes inaugural flight ... The new flight will provide Guyanese with a non-stop service to Panama the hub of the Americas and connectivity continue to work collaboratively with CJIA to improve to more than 66 other destinations flown by Copa Airlines air travel easier to all destinations globally via Guyana. and 1,316 airports in 192 countries reached by Star Alliance Haroldsingh told the gathering that Copa will certainly carriers. They have about 9,000 employees worldwide. boost connectivity to new markets and routes for Guyana The new flight will expand connectivity for Guyanese which will no doubt stimulate channels of trade and tour- throughout Central, South and North America and the Caism and open opportunities for entrepreneurs also. ribbean unlike any other flight previously flown to South He noted that Copa, a Star line member is renowned for America’s only English-speaking country. its world-class service, reliability, seamless connections and It will also provide Guyanese travellers with the best being on time. option to visit Panama and take advantage of the excellent Haroldsingh said: “We are proud to welcome Copa to the shopping and tourism activities including its world famous airline family and fraternity in Guyana. This is a very timely beaches. and strategic investment in the sector and urged collaboration Officials of Copa Airlines also expect that the new link and cooperation among airlines, tour operators, resorts, at- with the Americas will bring a wealth of opportunity for the tractions and events organisations, packaging will create and Guyanese business and tourism sector and has been working boost demand for destination Guyana.” closely with Guyana’s Ministry of Tourism to promote GuyA special passenger was onboard the inaugural flight ana as a destination. to Guyana from Panama yesterday and she was introduced Copa will operate a Boeing 737-700 with 12 business as Geeta Marie Perclass seats and 112 economy saud, whose father, a seats on the flights to Panama Guyanese, was a vet– Guyana and Guyana – Panaeran Captain of Copa ma routes subsequently. Airlines and trained 60 Copa flight 423 will depart pilots as such the flight CJIA on Tuesdays and Fridays was dedicated to him. and passengers connecting to She said that it was North America destinations his desire to have Copa will have a baggage allowance in Guyana and is proud of two pieces at 23kg each. it happened yesterday Copa’s on-board service and even presented the include complimentary meals flag of Panama to her and beverages, including relatives at CJIA folwines and spirits; a 12-chanlowing her presentation. nel audio-visual entertainment The man, Krish Persystem in English, Spanish and saud left Guyana on Portuguese, with new movies July 11, 1969 for Panmonthly and complimentary Dancers of Classique Dance Company gyrating to a ama, where he lived headsets. popular song at CJIA welcoming Copa Airlines until he passed away Passengers earn miles and spent almost his through the Mileage Plus freentire life flying. quent-flyer programme. Also making remarks was Chief Executive Officer of Established in 1947, Copa Airlines transported more than CJIA, Ramesh Ghir. Present also was Guyana Civil Aviation 11 million passengers in 2013. The airline was named “Best Authority Director General, Zulficar Mohamed. Airline” in Central America and the Caribbean Region” at the Copa Airlines – subsidiary of Copa Holdings, Skytrax World Airline Awards in June 2013. S.A. and a member of Star Alliance global network, The passengers, crew and officials, who arrived launched its nonstop service, twice weekly between in Guyana yesterday afternoon during the inaugural CJIA and Copa’s Hub of the Americas at Tocumen In- flight at CJIA was treated with a dance performance ternational Airport in Panama, with connecting service by members of the Classique Dance Company and throughout South, Central and North America and the local Guyanese dishes of varying finger foods, rum Caribbean. punch and local fruit juices. From page 2

See page 10

GPF to intensify drug fight By Michel Outridge WITHIN recent times the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Narcotics Branch have been consistently making several drug busts almost on a daily basis and their efforts will be intensified locally, so said Acting Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud. In an interview with this newspaper, he said that one of the concerns is that because it happened in a cluster he believes that there is a huge effort to get cocaine out and into Guyana. Noting that Guyana has been deemed a ‘trans-shipment’ point, the Top Cop added that he is of the opinion that the seizures will have some impact on those who are behind these shipments so they may find other places to do their work. Although there is an almost a permanent presence by ranks of the GPF Narcotics Branch drugs sometimes pass out of our ports of entry and exits, but Persaud said he is certain they will flush out the elements behind the illegal drug trade. He credits these recent drug busts on inter-agency collaboration at our airports especially at Ogle International Airport and Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The Top Cop told this publication that the Canine Branch Acting Commissioner is a part of their interdictions at of Police the airports. Seelall Persaud Persaud stated that these drug busts are also intelligence-led because a lot of work and time are invested into investigations and also collaboration with other agencies which have proved to be very useful in many interdictions at airports. He said that their efforts will be intensified and they are “doing pretty well” as it is, and both Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and Police Narcotics Branch at the airports work collectively and are also supported by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which helps a lot in many drug busts. The most recent drug bust happened on July 8, 2014 when Police Narcotics Branch ranks based at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) arrested a Guyanese woman and her Canadian son. Police reported that at about 14:35hrs, ranks conducted searches on the baggage of a Guyanese woman and her Canadian son who were passengers on an outgoing flight at the CJIA. A total of 10 kilogrammes 503 grammes of cocaine were found concealed in the false walls of their suitcases.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Israel to ‘resist Ukraine says rebels will pay as international missiles kill 23 soldiers pressure’ over Gaza ISRAEL will resist foreign pressure to halt its operations in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said. He said Israel had attacked more than 1,000 targets there since Tuesday, and was using twice the force it used during a similar operation in 2012. More than 100 people have died in the Israeli air strikes in the territory, Palestinian sources say. Meanwhile, Gaza militants have continued to fire rockets into Israel, causing damage and injuries. Mr Netanyahu said he had held “very good, positive” telephone consultations with US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But he added that “no international pressure will prevent us from acting with all power.”

(Reuters) - UKRAINIAN P re s i d e n t P e t ro P o ro shenko vowed to “find and destroy” pro-Russian rebels who killed 23 servicemen and wounded nearly 100 in a missile attack on Friday. Poroshenko issued his angry statement following an emergency meeting of his security chiefs called in response to the early morning strike by Russian-made Grad missiles on an army motorised brigade near the border with Russia. The attack, which came as government forces seemed to be prevailing in the three-month conflict, appeared to be the deadliest on government troops since the Ukrainian military ended a unilateral ceasefire on June 30. “All those who used the Grad against the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be found and destroyed,” Poroshenko said in a state-

Five people were reported killed in an air strike on Rafah, southern Gaza, on Friday

James Reynolds reports from a petrol station gutted by a rocket attack in the Israeli city of Ashdod. The Palestinian health ministry says in addition to those killed, 675 people

- mainly civilians - have been injured in Israel’s Operation Protective Edge since it began on Tuesday. Israel says “dozens of terrorists” are among the dead.

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ment on his website. “For every soldier ’s life, the militants will pay with scores and hundreds of their own. Not a single terrorist will avoid responsibility; each will get what they deserve,” he said. The pro-Russian separatists launched a volley of Grad missiles at 4:30 a.m. on the border post at Zelenopillya, in Ukraine’s easternmost Luhansk region, military sources said. U k r a i n e ’s D e f e n c e Ministry said 19 servicemen were killed and the border guard service said four of its number also died. Military spokesman Vladyslav Seleznyov said on his Facebook page 93 were injured in the Grad attack. Authorities had earlier put the death toll at up to 30 but this was later scaled down to 23. Kiev blames Moscow for fanning the violence

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and allowing fighters and high-powered weaponry to cross the frontier from Russia to Ukraine. The attack was a big setback for the government which scored a notable victory last weekend by pushing rebels out of their stronghold in Slaviansk and forcing them back to the industrial city of Donetsk, where they have dug in. Separatists have been battling government forces for three months since they set up ‘people’s republics’ in the Russian-speaking east of the country and said they want to join Russia. Poroshenko’s government has threatened a “nasty surprise” to drive rebels out of Donetsk, the region’s industrial hub with a population of 900,000, while pledging to limit civilian casualties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Russia’s Vladimir Putin begins ‘Violating rule of law Americas visit in Cuba could lead to anarchy’ (BBC News) RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has begun a trip to Latin America, in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence. His choice of first stop, Cuba, is seen as an attempt to further boost friendly ties with the one-time Soviet ally. Russia confirmed cancellation of 90% of Cuba’s debt two days before the visit. Mr Putin will also travel to Argentina and Brazil, where he will attend the football World Cup final on Sunday as leader of the next host nation. Later he will attend a summit of the Brics emerging economies - also including India, China and South Africa - in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza. In an interview on the eve of the trip, the Russian president said Brazil was one of a group of emerging countries who should play a greater role on the world stage. “This powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order,” he said,

Mr Putin is looking for allies in the region amid worsening relations with the West

adding that Russia would back Brazil’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Analysts say Mr Putin is trying to encourage Latin American countries to challenge Western dominance in the world at a time when Russia is isolated by sanctions over Ukraine and relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War. In Cuba, Mr Putin is expected to meet President Raul

Castro and his predecessor and brother Fidel. They will be expected to discuss the progress of an agreement signed last year which cancels 90% of Cuba’s $35.2bn Soviet-era debt to Russia and channels the remaining 10% into joint investment projects in the country. The deal was ratified by the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday.

Relations between Cuba and Russia declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but have improved in recent years. Russia is involved in oil exploration offshore and began drilling a development well last year. Mr Putin said Russian companies were interested in investing in reinforced plastic products, car parts and heavy equipment for the railway industry.

Mother who drowned 3 kids in Belize to be sentenced B E L M O PA N , B e l i z e CMC – A 23-YEAROLD mother, who all e g e d l y d ro w n e d h e r three children at a beach last year, is to be sentenced at a later date after changing her guilty plea of murder. Felicia Chen, who appeared with a new attorney in court, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in the killing of the children on April 27, last year. Chen, who had her first child at 15, is alleged to have drowned the children – one-year-old Trinaya Felicia Tuel, threeyear-old Thomas Tuel and four-year-old Triana Tuel – by forcibly submerging them in the water in the first reported case of infanticide in Belize. However, the eldest child ran for help and in the process escaped meet-

ing the same fate as her other siblings. Chen has been undergoing court-ordered psychiatric evaluation and according to psychologist Peter Quimbo, when she committed the offences she was suffering from diminished responsibility. Based on his observation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution said it was accepting Chen’s new plea of manslaughter. During the court hearing, her sister, Rosella

Chen made an emotional plea for leniency saying that her sister has a daughter who still needs her. The accused told the court that while she was not the best mother in the world, she loved her children and recognised that she had done wrong. She too urged the court to be lenient. Her attorney, Leslie Mendez, told the court of the hardships facing her client, and that on the day of the incident, she

had been hearing voices telling her to drown the children. The attorney said she is hoping that when the sentence is handed down, a date for which has not yet been given, she hopes her client will receive less than the average 12 years that are usually given in diminished responsibility cases. Mendez has also asked the court for her client to continue receiving psychiatric treatment.

(Trinidad Express) VIOLATING the Industrial Court’s injunction is violating the rule of law and could lead to anarchy, acting Prime Minister Errol McLeod said yesterday. Addressing the post-Cabinet news briefing at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, McLeod stressed the Government was not unaware, nor was there any record that any employee of the Immigration Department made any report on threats to their health or safety. He said the neglect of the buildings did not take place overnight, but the Government was actively taking corrective action to address the legitimate issues. He said a letter dated July 9 from the chief inspector of the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) to Duke pointed out that following an inspection, the safety and health risks were not assessed to be unacceptable. McLeod said the PSA has access to the court to respond to the injunction barring them from taking industrial action. In the meantime, while Immigration officers don’t do the work, they are required to as essential services to the public are being denied. McLeod said among them are: 1. Extension of the entry

certificate for non-nationals to remain in the country are not being processed 2. Interviews for permanent resident status are not being conducted 3. Interviews from foreign student permits are not being conducted 4. Visas are not being processed and issued to non-nationals who require them 5. The inability to issue machine-readable passports has placed citizens who hold the old passports, which are valid up to the end of June 2014, in the position of being unable to obtain the new machine-readable passports and therefore unable to travel 6. Citizens who have been unable to obtain their passports for travel have had their constitutional freedom to travel (movement), taken away 7. Citizens who are out of Trinidad and Tobago and cannot have their passports renewed are at risk of not having any valid form of iden-tification while abroad and/or may not be able to travel on expired travel documents and so are trapped abroad. 8. The department’s ability to administer the immigration laws of the country is severely affected, including the enforcement of the department which deals with persons or permitted entrants who are no longer so to be treated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Where are the constitutional lawyers?

IT IS incredible what is being said about the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Priya Manickchand’s forthright address on the occasion of the 238th Independence Anniversary observances, recently held at the residence of the already recently departed United States Ambassador, Brendt Hardt. What has been noticeable and key in all these views/opinions etc. is that almost all of them come from personalities who seem to have no knowledge of diplomatic protocols or have become conveniently ignorant of

what these are. Most of the comments have been from those, the usual anti-government critics, who were speaking from a purely unadulterated political agenda. Since the entire episode of the Ambassador’s infringement of diplomatic courtesies, and Government responses that culminated in Minister Manickchand’s emphatic response, is of a constitutional nature, the question must be asked – where are those constitutional lawyers of whom there are many? Sure thing, they are always promptly there in court as legal representatives of

the political Opposition parties. But in this matter of Ambassador Hardt’s assault on our national sovereignty, a deafening silence pervades among their numbers. They should speak; their voices ought to be heard, as this is an issue that can only be determined within the pristine ambit of strict legal principles. But the fact of their silence only signals to the nation, that either they are afraid to stand by the true and honest interpretation of international law as it pertains to this extant case, lest it angers the Americans, and their political

Opposition clients. This editorial does hold the view that it is not too late for a view from these learned gentlemen, for there has just been a defined position taken by the eminent professor of law, and retired judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Duke Pollard, via a letter in the media, in which he gave a clear and unambiguous interpretation of the law that governs the conduct of diplomats in accordance with the Vienna Convention. He must be commended for his patriotic stance. Of

course, Ambassador Hardt was cited for interference. Even former government minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey, now a columnist/critic, has made it quite clear in his Wednesday column “Future notes”, as to the diplomat’s culpability. Of course, no one is attempting to arm twist any of these attorneys into a public opinion. Yet, it is a fact that they are generally prompt in their interpretation of the law

as it pertains to judicial matters that involve both the Government and the Opposition. So why not on the very important issue of State, which sovereignty has been clearly attacked? Is their silence one of fear, or one of convenience? Those who know the truth must defend it; particularly when it involves the dignity of the State which must be upheld at all times.

While ‘interference’ may be tolerated, a call for insurrection cannot be ignored (Part Two) It is interesting to note that Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP were always the target of outside interference. On October 9, 1953, 133 days after the British Guiana election results, Britain launched a military coup codenamed Operation WINSDOR, to oust Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Hundreds of British soldiers onboard the warship HMS Superb stormed Guiana’s capital, Georgetown, and secured key positions. They suspended the Guyana constitution and arrested the country’s democratically elected legislators, including the Jagans. The territory remained under direct British military rule for the next three years, during which the Jagans were held under house arrest, even during the birth of their two chil-

dren. Eventually, Cheddi Jagan was released and became Premier of Guyana in 1961. After Independence, the PNC was bankrolled by the CIA, and with their knowledge, allowed Forbes Burnham to siphon off large sums of money from the local flour mill to build the PNC into a well-organised, formidable force. Declassified documents also revealed that Burnham was allowed to rig General Elections with the knowledge of the US Government. In 1992, Guyana had its first free and fair elections under the watchful eye of former US President Jimmy Carter. As President, Carter would have had access to all classified intelligence files on Guyana, and as a God-fearing man, may have said to himself, enough is

enough! Guyanese voters are no longer disenfranchised at the polls, and our economy has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Guyanese are much better off than they were under the vote-rigging PNC dictatorship, and the PNC/APNU supporters are benefitting equally with their PPP counterparts. But they are those among us that will sell out our country for a US visa, or to protect the ones they have. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon. Priya Manickchand, delivered an appropriate response from the Guyana Government to a meddling diplomat on the eve of his departure. This Ambassador was cautioned privately on several occasions by the Administration on his breach of diplomatic protocol and ethics, but

chose instead to denigrate and insult our elected President and the General Secretary of the PPP. In his speech on July 2, the Ambassador went even further, inciting an insurrection in this country by insinuating that the Opposition follow the American lead in 1776 when they picked up arms against King George to win their freedom. At the time, America was a colony of Great Britain. He declared, “We’ll be the wind behind your back, but you will have to do this yourself.” There was no denunciation of this call for insurrection by a diplomat who enjoyed the hospitality of this Government and the people of Guyana from any member of the Opposition. So much for patriotism! Those dissenting voices who oppose the speech that

was read by Minister Manickchand are the very ones that would benefit from the “regime change” Freddie Kissoon so callously writes about in his column. Like Hamilton Green, APNU’s Africo Selman, Christopher Ram, Mark Benschop, Adam Harris, Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, Mark Crawford and Charrandass Persaud, Kissoon seems comfortable to allow the US Government to once again undermine our democracy, and deny the right of every Guyanese to choose his own destiny. It is sad that Ralph Ramkarran finds himself in this group rather than in the sensible, knowledgable writings of Professor Duke Pollard and Henry Jeffrey. But I thank God for the brave few who publicly defended the Administration’s

position which stated firmly that Ambassador Hardt was in breach of the Vienna Convention. In defence of our constitution, Professor Justice Duke Pollard, from the Department of Law, University of Guyana, wrote, “What is determinative is the customary rule of international law which precludes a diplomatic envoy from interfering in the domestic affairs of the receiving state, a primordial obligation encapsulated in Article 41.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1963) and also reflected in Article 2(7) of the United Nations Charter. It seems like the Administration and most specifically, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, have just been vindicated. HARRY GILL

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Miss Universe Guyana welcomes Sun and Sand hotel KATHERINA Roshana, Miss Limacol/New GPC Guyana, Miss Universe Guyana, Miss Universe Guyana Best Smile, Miss India Guyana 2013, says welcome to Sun and Sand Hotel, and also to the Marriot, two five-star hotels to our great and wonderful country of sun, sand, and pristine jungles. These hotels have their websites, which automatically market and attract, and at times they go on certain special marketing campaigns, with links. They are known to partner with airlines and other marketing agencies. This, in her opinion, is a great blessing for our developing country. Having visited India twice, she had the opportunity of staying at the Sun and Sand, and enjoyed the perfection of its most exquisite service. The ambience of the environment and display of the rooms, banquet halls and the environment was of total elegance. These kind of hotels, the Guyana multi beauty queen says, naturally draws people of stature internationally by their mere presence, coupled with the fact that Guyana has enormous tourist attractions, in

particular our resorts in jungles and near city. Vi s i t o r s t o G u y a n a , housed by these hotels, will have the opportunity to visit the Amazon Rainforests, and conduct fresh and salt water fishing; bird watching, and not only witnessing the lifestyles of our various indigenous peoples, but living and interacting with them. Our blue water lake in Linden, caused by unique formation, could be another marketing tool used by Sun and Sand to attract people to Guyana. She says the cultural resplendence of our five races in weddings, and religious ceremonies are another dimension which can be marketed to bring those who wish to witness cultural diversity and have the experiences. Those in Europe, China, Japan, Africa and North America are hungry for our sun and cultural history and diversity. Katherina Roshana is also a member of the Marriott Hotel, which she wishes to stress she welcomes to Guyana with all her heart. While in China, Malaysia, India and North America, she experienced the service which was impressionable. Marriott will also bring numerous visitors to Guyana, and provide

lounges and conference centres and entertainment halls that will be truly good for Guyana. She believes that the presence of these name brand hotels will raise the general standards of hotels in Guyana and the service. The Miss Universe Guyana compliments the Government of Guyana for

making it attractive for international hotels, businesses and corporations to come to our country which needs development and opportunities. Katherina Roshana compliments the Chamber of Commerce of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission for encouraging development in the Private Sector.

Katherina Roshana can be contacted on her Fan Page, e-mail and phone through her secretariat at 172 Light and Charlotte Streets. She ends by calling on all political entities to support growth and development in our country and for our people to always be respectful,

encouraging and giving support to tourists, and that we must live as one people in harmony and love: GOD BLESS GUYANA she says. ANNMARIE MOHAMED Personal Assistant to Miss Universe Guyana

Several actions on table against Finance Minister A F C l e a d e r, K h e m r a j Ramjattan has warned that should the Government refuse to bring the financial paper to the National Assembly when Parliament meets next week, it is essentially forcing the hand of the Opposition. Sounds like a threat to the PPP/C Government. If Ramjatan is threatening the PPP/C Government, then the PPP/C Government must refuse to bring the financial papers to the National Assembly, forcing the com-

bined Opposition to say “no confidence”. If the PPP/C Government gives in to these blackmailers, then it makes no sense holding general elections - period. The Government must never pass anything, no matter if it is good or bad, that is brought by the AFC. The AFC knows that the heat they are getting from those who support it financially is tremendous. Ramjatan will soon have to give detailed accounts of what happened to the

people’s money and why he is not capable of stopping certain PPP/C Government’s projects. I believe that right now a certain hotel owner and an Opposition newspaper owner want to hear from them why they took money, promising to block the Marriott Hotel. It was Ramjattan who told disgruntled PPP members that once he gets power he will cut the Jagdeo {Berbice} bridge in four and fling it in the river; and they

cheered the loudest, but the Jagdeo Bridge is still there. Guys, this is why the PPP/C Government should not pass anything AFC brings to Parliament. Ramjatan and Nagamootoo are piggy-backing on the words of PNC’s failed Finance Minister Carl Greenidge and saying Ashni Singh will be jailed. What else will the combined Opposition throw at the Finance Minister that they haven’t thrown at him already?

Men like Greenidge, Ramjattan and Nagamootoo and other Opposition wannabes hate the mere fact that two young men are literally smarter than they are. They hate Jagdeo and Ashni Singh. They have nothing to give Guyanese except empty promises. All they want to do is tell the stupid people, “hey, look how we get Jagdeo and Ashni to come to their senses and listen to we; because they were wrong and we were right.” Well, this is

why the PPP/C must never pass anything they bring to the table. Jagdeo and Ashni know the Constitution inside out and what they don’t know they are getting the best advice there is from another bright youngster, Anil Nandlall. Let Ramjattan continue to talk, because the more he talks, the more he buries himself when it comes to Guyana’s Constitution.

Kennard defeated

remark to Mr. Kennard that he had never had cause to forge his personal age, a statement that seemed to touch a nerve and brought the meeting under control. In fact, Mr. Kennard’s management of the AGM made a Parliamentary Secretary who was present, leave in utter disgust immediately after the elections. His team members have been active recently, passing a useless motion of no-confidence, with the complicity

of our now suspended secretary. Mr. Kennard needs to understand that serving in a voluntary position does not give one the right to act in a manner that is inimical to any organisation, and I am confident that my legal opinion is of a much better quality than his. Furthermore, we wish to put Mr. Kennard on notice that he should not attempt to influence any senior Police officer on approvals for Police presence at race meet-

ings sanctioned by GHRA, since he is not an officer of GHRA. Mr. Kennard needs to realise that his era is over and it is now time for him to ride off into the sunset. Hopefully, he will do so in a manner that preserves the little bit of respect he still has left. Finally, we have a lot of work to do to improve the standard of racing locally and we need the full cooperation of reputable

club owners, horse owners, trainers and jockeys. We can do without persons who are intent on preserving their little morsel of turf and who are prepared to break up an organisation to do so. Unfortunately, this has become the norm within almost all of our sporting organisations.

I NOTE that finally the leader of the pack has emerged into the public eye. Mr. Cecil Kennard, the former President of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), was soundly defeated at the last AGM, despite allegedly engaging in voter padding, and was proud to say that he is a white man who

can take his licks. He then resigned as Vice President the following day, while stating that he would only accept the President’s position, apparently what he felt was his God-given right. His provocative actions at the AGM almost caused its abandonment and one Club representative had to

TED KING

V. ODITT President Guyana Horse Racing Authority

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Caribbean legal education needs comprehensive review-AG By Derwayne Wills

ATTORNEY GENERAL (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall has made it clear that unless there is a comprehensive review of legal education in the Caribbean, then the insular establishment of institutions would be regressive to regional integration. The AG’s comment came on the wings of a statement issued by CARICOM which recorded consensus from Regional leaders to urgently review the Regional approach to legal education. Additionally, the Regional Heads of State sought to address the role and function of the Council of Legal Education. Head of the University of Guyana Law Department, Mr. Sheldon McDonald had raised this concern recently that the role of the Council for Legal Education (CLE) ought to be as an accreditation body for Regional law schools as opposed to an institute of legal education monopoly. According to the AG, the almost 40year structure that has seen an increase in the number of academic institutions offering law degrees President Donald Ramotar has not yet addressed the growing need for more legally trained personnel in the Region. Unless such a regionally driven process is undertaken, the AG noted, insular steps would be taken by CARICOM member states which would revert the thrust for regional integration. “Such a

Indian jurisprudence.” The CARICOM Heads of Government had discussed legal education in the Community following its consideration of the matter of access by Guyanese students to the Hugh Wooding Law School. In an invited comment, Mr. Nandlall said: “As a member state of the Council for Legal Education, we continued to pay our dues that are owed and payable by member states... [However] several years ago [Guyana] stopped paying the economic costs for our students and therefore our students pay the economic costs themselves.” Mr. Nandlall accompanied President Donald Ramotar to the 35th CARICOM Heads of Gov-

“Unless this process is Regionally driven then insularity will step in which may see the establishment of educational institutions outside of a regional structure. Such a development will be as inimical as it will be regressive to regionalism and integrated community we fervently aspire to foster.”- Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall AG calls for comprehensive review of legal education in the Caribbean ernment Meeting held in Antigua earlier this month. The minister had noted at a symposium held recently at UG that the Guyana’s principled decision to withdraw from paying economic costs could not be the reason why the CLE failed to

The Hugh Wooding Law School development will be as inimical as it will be regressive to regionalism and integrated community [which] we fervently aspire to foster,” Nandlall remarked. High on the agenda, the Minister said, should have been the re-establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to pave the way for the “growth and development of an indigenous West

accept Guyanese students. Since Guyanese students have paid full costs, they have not left any debts with the Council or with the Hugh Wooding Law School of the University of the West Indies. The minister said that the Government of Guyana, many years ago, had taken a principled decision to withhold from paying economic costs

to the CLE since: “Other countries in the Region who have continued to pay the economic costs for their students have largely been delinquent in the payment of those costs and with the exception of Jamaica and Trinidad, almost every member state of the CLE is indebted to the Council to the tune of millions of US dollars.” Returning from the meeting of the Regional leaders, President Donald Ramotar disclosed that while law students of the current academic year have been provided for by the CLE “we have to do something from here on because there is a problem with capacity of the Law school in Trinidad.” The President said: “I think that the University of the West Indies will have to expand their facilities to deal with the demand of the Law students... [Also] the consensus was that we will have to look into expanding the capacity to accommodate more and more students.” The CARICOM Heads of Government discussed legal education in the Community following its consideration of the matter of access by Guyanese students to Attorney General and the Hugh Wooding Minister of Legal Affairs, Law School. Mr. Anil Nandlall They welcomed the commitment for accommodation of the top twenty-five Guyanese graduates of the University of Guyana at the Hugh Wooding Law School for the academic year 2014/2015 following discussions between the then Chair of CARICOM and the Chair of the Council of Legal Education. However, Heads of Government acknowledged that this was a short term solution to the issue which also affected other CARICOM Nationals, in particular Belizean students, who have graduated from the University of Guyana and institutions in the Community other than the University of the West Indies. Member States expressed commitment to work with the Council of Legal Education on these issues, taking note of the fact that the Council and the system of legal education in the Community was established by an Agreement among Heads of Government in 1972, and amendments would be required to give effect to the findings and recommendations of the review. The Hugh Wooding Law School opened its doors to its first students in September 1973. Like the Council of Legal Education’s other Law Schools, the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica which was also established in 1973, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School, the third Law School of the Council of Legal Education established in The Bahamas in 1998, it prepares students for admission to practise in the Commonwealth Caribbean territories. The Hugh Wooding Law School is named after an illustrious jurist of the campus territory Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Hugh Wooding.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

Guyanese have lost any trust they had in the AFC COUNSELLING needs to be provided to the women and children, who will be scarred for life, after being exposed to the awful image of the naked AFC councillor. Old Kai is counting the days since AFC Region 2 councillor Nait Ram alleged that he was stripped naked by the Police but to date no evidence to support his claim has been provided. Eight days have passed since the incident, seven days since Kaieteur News printed the article, with an image of the naked councillor posing for the cameras in the presence of women and children but alas, it appears that of all media houses, Kaieteur News is not interested in following up this story. This is a newspaper which usually does week long features on issues it believes it can use to attack and undermine the Government and other arms of the State, especially the Guyana Police Force but the story of the naked AFC councillor has apparently gone cold. It is clear that they are finding it hard to uncover anything of substance, which could explain the silence from the usual suspects and Opposition front groups who relish any opportunity to attack the State. Why have certain sections of the media suddenly gone

silent on this most serious allegation by the AFC councillor after all they always claim they are interested in pursuing the truth? Why have they not requested images of the actual incident of him being stripped by the Police from those who were present during the protest and took out the image of the posing naked councillor? Why have they not interviewed eyewitnesses and documented their statements on how Nait Ram became undressed? Surely the women and children present at the protest would be scared for life at the awful sight of the AFC’s naked councillor and if the ‘rights groups’ are not concerned, then I think the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, inclusive of its Child Protection Agency should intervene and provide counselling for the traumatised victims. This is a very serious allegation as were the Police actually guilty of such an act, the repercussion would have been severe. Are these media houses, the individuals who pretend to be the moral conscience of our society and the rights groups telling us by their silence that it is ok for the AFC and its councillor to strip naked and traumatise witnesses and then to top it off, make untrue statements by laying the blame at the Police? This was s a nasty effort at destroying the image of the Guyana Police Force. Old Kai expects that the AFC councillor

should face charges, not only for making defamatory and untrue statements but also for public exposure/indecency. When you have these AFC leaders who were playing up this incident on the social media so as to create outrage, it illustrates the lengths they will go, which include deliberately subverting the truth. By this action, they now further bring into question several other incidents, including the Colwyn Harding affair which they had also used to create public outrage. The AFC leadership has confirmed once again, why they can never be trusted by their own membership and the Guyanese public. The nation cannot endure this devious behaviour much longer. The party by its actions confirms that it is a divisive force in society and its ultimate objective is obvious. If they continue along this line, more and more of their members will continue to flee but it appears they are dead set in their ways. In the meantime, Old Kai is still waiting on the AFC to produce those images of their councillor being stripped; failure to do so should automatically result in a public apology to the Guyana Police Force and the entire nation.

Finance Minister: Former President’s expenses in 27 months total $45.3M

Ramjattan: The utterly selfish politician THIS vexed issue of the denial of funding for what will be the country’s sole Specialty Hospital is revisted; particularly against the background of the Opposition politician who had spearheaded the motion against its budgetary funding. Since the bidding process had been conducted in quite a transparent manner, and a final award made to Surendra Engineering, an Indian company, then one is bound to question the motives, much less the reasons for the objection by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition party. Of course, it was not until after the contract award that the nation knew that the Leader of the AFC, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, had a business tie to the awardee in the form of being their legal counsel. This explains his vociferous objections, accusing the Government of favouritism, because of the awardee having been prior contracted to do the Enmore packaging plant. What does the latter have to do with an altogether different bid as it related to an altogether different project? The core concern of Ramjattan in this matter

of the Specialty Hospital was that of his purely business interest with Fedders Lloyd which unfortunately lost in the bid. Thus using his parliamentary clout, he wholeheartedly supported a motion that excised funding for the Hospital. What A Shame! What utter selfishness, all from a politician who would have continuously been proclaiming his care and concern for the welfare of the Guyanese people. How can any patriotic-minded Guyanese so deliberately stymie such a modern development for his countrymen/women? Is this what he understands by becoming a politician, albeit leader of a political party, with a following of some sort? Does he need to be reminded that such an undertaking is at all times about the people, their hopes, and their aspirations; and of course, country first? No would-be national leader should ever aspire to such summit unless he/she understands these fundamentals. Ramjattan, by his openly selfish motives, does not, and is therefore unsuitable.

FORMER President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s expenses for electricity, transportation and security between December 2011, when he demitted office, and February 2014 has amounted to some $45.3M over the 27-month period. According to a breakdown provided by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, to the House on Thursday, $9.9M was spent on electricity; $15.2M on transportation; and the remaining $20.3M on security. Dr. Jagdeo incurred no expenses for health, he said, adding that with respect to the former President’s transportation costs, all the vehicular assets are property of the State, and that security services are provided by the Presidential Guard Service. The foregoing details were in response to a number of questions posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Desmond Trotman The first was: “What is the electricity charge paid under the Act for former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for each month since he demitted office in 2011 up to the end of February, 2014?” As a follow-up, Trotman asked: “What is the total health expenses/claims met under the Act for former President, Bharrat Jagdeo and/or his dependents for each month since he demitted office in 2011 to 28th February, 2014?” Not yet done with the subject of the former President’s benefits since demitting office, Trotman asked: “What is the cost of providing transportation (local and overseas) inclusive of cars and drivers, including air cost and road under the Act for former President, Bharrat Jagdeo and/or his dependents for each month since he demitted office in 2011 to 28th February, 2014?” His last query was: “What is the monthly cost of providing security for personal and property(s) under the Act for former President, Bharrat Jagdeo since he demitted office in 2011 until 28th February, 2014?” There has been some criticism over the time taken to provide the answers to the National Assembly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Project ‘C-PETS’ launched in Police ‘D’ Division By Leroy Smith RESIDENTS on the East Bank of Essequibo and West Demerara should have safer communities with the implementation of the Guyana Police Force’s ‘D’ Division C-PETS programme which was launched on Thursday afternoon at the Tuschen Car Park, East Bank Es-

In his power-point presentation Commander Amsterdam said that the vision of the project is to share the burden of policing through partnerships for the development of safer communities. In addition the initiative is to promote trust, empower citizens to develop a sense of personal security and to remove the social ills from their communities.

The overall objective he added is to reduce crime and fear of crime within the communities within the Division and enhance community safety and security while reducing the incidents of domestic violence and empowering youths. According to Amsterdam, C-PETS also aims at the reduction of drugs and alcohol abuse among citizens

and promote sports, culture, entertainment and a healthy lifestyle awareness. He told the gathering of police ranks, scouts, members of the community and business sector that the C-PETS PROJECT will not only be formed and left to fall at the roadside but there would also be the establishment of a Management Committee, Research Com-

mittee (SARA), Domestic Violence and Health Committee, Media and Public Relationships Committee, Crime and Security Committee, Culture, Sports and Entertainment Committee and an Empowerment Committee. Commander Ian Amsterdam said that while the C-PETS PROJECT will be looking for the general support of the communities there are several benefits which the project will offer the community and that include: Skills training, development of sports, youth and scouts groups, music and dance programmes, drug abuse resistance, education

in something else rather than law enforcement and its recruitment drive. The Police Commissioner said that crime is a social problem and as such requires social solutions to deal with it. He added that while law enforcement goes a far way in dealing with the social ills of society it cannot complete the job hence the need for partnerships and working along with the communities. He stated that the institution of the family is broken down and most of the problems being faced by the society are a spin-off from the broken institution of the family. The Commissioner pointed to the yarning of young people

Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Commander Ian Amsterdam and senior officers with the steering committee of the C-PETS Project (Delano Williams photo) sequibo. C-PETS- Creating Positive Environments through Safer Communities and Partnerships is an initiative of Commander of ‘D’ Division, Ian Amsterdam, and is part of the strategic plan for his Division on how to get community involvement and partnerships with the police. The initiative will see the building of partnerships with the stakeholders and building cohesion between the faith-based organisations in the various districts within the Division.

Commander Amsterdam presents a cash incentive to a top performer in the region at the launch on Thursday

A Section of the gathering at the launching of project yesterday at Tuschen EBE

President affirms Guyana’s commitment ... From page 3 support for the BRICS Development Bank by stating that the forging of stronger ties with BRICS countries is a step forward for the Region in expanding South-South Cooperation. The Surinamese Government had hurled accusations against other Western governments for meddling in Suriname’s internal affairs. Guyana had similarly taken such a position. Jump-starting his Latin America tour, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is scheduled to make stops in Cuba and Argentina before heading to Brazil, has written off $32B of Cuba’s Soviet Union debt in a move approved by the Kremlin - Russia’s legislative body, according to Russia Today. Guyana has benefited immensely from closer bilateral relations with the BRICS nations, especially China and India, and the summit will ensure that a stronger network of trade is established amidst qualms of neo-colonialism emerging from

the Western governments. President Ramotar, at a recent ceremony held to receive newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam, underscored that the relationship between India and Guyana has grown since formal ties were established in 1966, “based on the promotion of economic interests and the strengthening of cultural ties.” Guyana and China, in 2012, celebrated 40 years of closer ties since the first intention to do so in 1972. While President Xi Jinping of China will make his first visit to the Latin American Region; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first multilateral engagement since his ascent to power, is also expected to make a grand inaugural appearance with a much anticipated influential role in the summit. President Donald Ramotar has not yet decided on his accompanying delegation, but has signalled that Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh would definitely be part of the delegation.

training, driving courses and seminars, domestic violence/substance abuse/educational and counselling sessions, healthy lifestyle programmes, self-defence, acrobatics, drumming, computer, photography and security training among others. C-PETS, according to the Commander, will benefit schools, business communities, faith-based organisations, early school leavers, young adults and unemployed, domestic violence and child abuse victims, parents and differently abled persons. There are several stakeholders on board with the project according to the Commander. He listed some of them-the private sector, station management committees, entertainers, promoters and the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud said that the entire administration of the Force has been changed to ensure that the police are involved

to turn to unconventional activities due to the lack of proper supervision mostly in single-parent homes where parents are busy out of the home trying to earn to take care of dependents. Persaud exhorted that working with the future generation is something that everyone can do but the question of how effective those activities are is what is important. His view is that the new approach taken by the Guyana Police Force in working with the communities is an effective approach. He said that taking young people out of their communities to work with them and then sending them back into those very communities are not effective thinking and working. According to Persaud, the approach has to be taken at the community level where the focus is not just on a few from the communities but rather the entire community so that the change blanket is spread across the board.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Seeraj blasts Ramjattan for ‘clouded’ reasoning, AFC’s political mileage drive -after contentious statement in National Assembly… By Vanessa Narine THE General-Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj in an interview with this newspaper blasted the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, for a statement he dubbed as “misleading” that was made in the National Assembly on Thursday. He made it clear that the AFC Leader’s comments clearly indicates that his reasoning is “clouded” by his party’s drive to “secure political mileage” from an issue that the party’s own Regional Councillor, Mr. Naith Ram, exacerbated. “Mr. Ramjattan does not have an appreciation of what is the reality. The AFC seems clouded by their drive to gain political mileage from everything,” Seeraj said. Ram, last Friday led a protest in Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) and also incited violence afterwards that resulted in the blockage of the main roadway in the region. The police report on the matter stated that Ram mobilised farmers who had been consuming alcohol after what was a peaceful protest march. He RPA General-Secretary, and 18 others were arrested Dharamkumar Seeraj and have since been indicted on several charges, including riotous assembly. Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region 2 councillor, Wazir Latiff at a recent meeting of the Regional Democratic Council vehemently condemned the AFC instigated protest. He told the meeting that the shameless and disgraceful protest and blocking of the roadway should never have been allowed to take place. DEMANDS He also made three demands of the Government, following the protest in Region 2 last Friday: the release of the vehicles impounded by the police; that police drop charges against those arrested for their riotous assembly and the establishment of a revolving fund to address the challenges of timely payments to rice farmers by millers. He informed the House that the protest was based on the fact that aggrieved farmers could not secure an audience with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), nor the RPA. “It (the protest) ended up that members involved in the protest were stripped, some were tear-gassed and some were locked up…I have to go there to ensure that these men were granted bail. It is a matter of public importance,” Ramjattan said. The AFC Leader’s statements to the House attracted the ire of Government Members of Parliament (MPs) and Seeraj, during his presentation, rose in the House to point out the “misleading” comments being peddled by Ramjattan. However, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Raphael Trotman, informed Seeraj that he will not be allowed to respond, as the matter is a statement, not a debate. Trotman proceeded to inform Ramjattan that his demands would be best communicated by bringing a motion to the National Assembly.

MISLEADING After the uproar over Ramjattan’s statement, the RPA General-Secretary told the Guyana Chronicle that the AFC Leader is either misinformed or deliberately misleading the House. “It is completely unacceptable that a Member of Parliament can stand in the National Assembly and make such assertions. It is misleading,” he said. Referencing the three demands, Seeraj stated that the revolving fund that is being called for is already in place, with ongoing negotiations to expand the fund. He said: “The crop recently harvested is over $23B and almost $20B has been paid out. Where is the money coming from? We still have 60 per cent of the crop in store to be exported, so the money has to be coming from somewhere. “There is a revolving fund and there are two sides to this fund; one is from the established commercial banks, which makes loans available and the other is through support from the Government…. there is something in place…. this is a dead call because this is already in place. “We are also engaged to Leader of the Alliance expand this. We are talking For Change (AFC) to the Bankers Association to Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan make additional funds to the industry.”

‘Mr. Ramjattan does not have an appreciation of what is the reality… obviously Ramjattan is being misleading to the house unless he was misled by his people in Essequibo, it is a deliberate act. The AFC seems clouded by their drive to gain political mileage from everything.’ ––RPA General-Secretary, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj Seeraj added that as it relates to the dropping of charges and the release of the impounded vehicles, this is a matter for the police and the courts, particularly considering that the men have been charged in the courts already. The RPA head said: “The Essequibo situation is one where this guy Naith Ram obviously was the leader… the afternoon’s actions was an illegal protest, because they blocked the road, and they caused discomfort for many people and they even abuse police officers. “The whole day they were allowed to do the protest and they did so peacefully, but after the drinks took over, after these farmers had liquor bought for them, they went and blocked up the place and Mr. Naith Ram even stripped himself. “It shows how desperate he is for attention. It shows how desperate they were to make the news and to make some kind of impact. But obviously they chose the wrong way to make

an impact.” Seeraj made clear that the AFC Leader has a responsibility to be honest with the National Assembly and not mislead the members of the House. “We have been working fairly with everyone to address the concerns of all farmers and millers. No one in the industry can accuse the RPA of any favouritism. This talk of favouritism has never been an issue and I have been with the RPA for 20 years now,” he stressed. Seeraj reiterated that the AFC’s actions and Ramjattan’s statement to the National Assembly represent cheap political tricks that ought not to be employed, the reasons having already been evidence by the consequent ramifications. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that the protest march and meeting, for which approval was sought and given, commenced at 10:00hrs, and proceeded peacefully with about 200 persons, including farmers. The Force, in a statement after the fact, added that at the conclusion of the protest march and meeting, at about 12:30hrs, most of the particAPNU Councillor ipants of the march had left, Mr. Wazir Latiff but some remained and began consuming alcohol. The report stated too that at about 17.15hrs, those who were imbibing and others, including Ram, boarded their motor vehicles, tractors and trailers, and proceeded to drive along the middle of the main roadway in the vicinity of the villages of Reliance and Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast, at a very slow rate. On reaching a short distance before the Land of Plenty Bridge, at about 18:00hrs, the men continued breaching the laws by proceeding to block the entire roadway with the use of their motor vehicles, tractors and trailers, and to set fire to tyres and other debris that had been thrown on the roadway. A utility pole was also used to block the roadway. By this time, the crowd had increased to over 400 persons, and efforts by the police to get them to remove the vehicles from across the roadway proved futile. Missiles comprising bricks, bottles and other articles were thrown at police ranks who attempted to remove the burning obstacles from the roadway, causing the police to cease efforts in that regard. The GPF was also emphatic in its denial of reports, in some sections of the media, that police ranks “stripped” Ram, who is also the chairman of the Essequibo Paddy Farmers’ Association, during their confrontation with the protestors. According to the police, Ram, after a peaceful protest action which was approved by the police, stripped himself of his clothing, posed for photos and left the scene, returning soon after in a change of clothes. The police continued to appeal to the persons who had blocked the roadway, but to no avail. Tear gas was then used to disperse the crowd; and the vehicles involved in blocking the road were impounded, and 19 persons, including Ram were arrested. Ramjattan, in his tirade, however, dismissed the police’s account of the violence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Fire Chief calls for stepping up demolition of derelict buildings By Michel Outridge

CHIEF Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle last week said there is need to have several derelict buildings in the city demolished since they pose a threat to life and limb. According to the Fire Chief, the time for action is now because these buildings which were identified since 2006 for demolition are still standing. Gentle said that this is of great concern to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) because the old structures can collapse at any time. He cited such buildings as the old Bedford High School at Robb and Bourda Streets, one in Globe Yard

on Waterloo Street, and a building which was partly destroyed by fire some time ago at High and Barrack Streets, but is still occupied by several persons. He told this publication that since 2006 these buildings were identified for demolition and the correspondence was sent to the relevant authorities for that process to take place but up to now those derelict buildings are still in existence. Gentle pointed out that if and when one of these old buildings come crashing down, people can die or be seriously injured and they do not want that to happen. He is therefore urging the authorities to take action immediately to have these derelict buildings demolished in a safe and proper manner before “too late shall be the cry” and obviously the GFS would be blamed. Gentle said it is dangerous to have these buildings still standing and they

should be demolished as early as possible. He added that more alarming is that people are occupying at least one of the buildings identified for demolition. He stated the derelict buildings also pose a serious fire hazard. He pointed out that although they do not have the authority to tear the buildings down, there are the municipalities and other agencies that have vested interest to do so but they are not acting on it. He explained that derelict buildings are not only a fire issue but a public safety issue and they cannot wait on buildings to fall and kill people. Gentle said: “GFS does put out any fire and there are consequences, fire is a destructive element, it consumes and fire-fighting isn’t a magic wand, as soon as you turn up at the scene the fire disappears. Fire stays and we have to fight it because that is what we do but people need to call us in a timely manner. Mostly GFS usually get fire calls late and it is only then they can respond to fires and contain it.”

Globe Yard on Waterloo Street

The Old Bedford School Building at Bourda and Robb Streets

Burnt-out building at High and Barrack Streets, Kingston

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Debate on Summary Jurisdiction (Amendments) Bill 2014…

AG proposed, AFC supported, APNU opposed amendments to the Summary Jurisdiction Act By Derwayne Wills ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, yesterday set before the National Assembly amendments to the Summary Jurisdiction Act in an attempt to reduce the abuses of the judicial system through prolongation of the administration of justice. The AG noted in his remarks that there has been “rampant abuse” of the judicial process because of the automatic effect of filing an appeal on a magistrate’s decision. Such an abuse, he said, would be remedied in the bill, which would not affect the right of a litigant to challenge a decision through appeal. “Nor does it deny the litigant a capacity to acquire a stay in the Magistrate’s Court,” Nandlall continued. “This bill has instead put a time frame on the length of

APNU Member of Parliament Mr. Basil Williams that stay.” Not acting alone, Minister Nandlall sought the expert advice of President of the Guyana Bar Association, Mr. Ronald Burch-Smith; President of the Guyana Women Lawyers’ Association, Ms. Simone Ramlall; and President of the Berbice Bar Association, Ms. Deena Panday. Minister Nandlall said these representative organisations of the legal profession lauded the intention of the amendment bill, and two of them registered their See page 14

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

AG proposed, AFC supported, APNU opposed ... From page 13 recommendations to allow respectively for four and six weeks’ stay of execution. Crafted into the bill, the AG said, was the resolve of having a four-week stay of execution, as proposed by the women lawyers’ representative group. Responding to the possibility of the bill having an adverse effect in the administering of justice in legitimate claims, the AG said, “This bill does not, in any way, affect the right of any litigant to challenge a decision by way of appeal. Nor does it deny the litigant a capacity to acquire a stay in the Magistrate’s Court.” The AG affirmed that the amendments would establish a timeframe on the length of stay, and he pointed out that while appeals can be filed if a litigant is dissatisfied with a decision taken by the courts, such an appeal “does not operate as a stay of execution of the decision against which the appeal is filed.” He said that both the Full Court Act and the Court of Appeal Act, within the High Court structure, provide expressly that an appeal does not operate as a stay of execution. LANDLORD TENANT Recognising the role of lawyers in stalling justice, the Attorney General pointed out that, in some cases, lawyers are fully aware that their clients might not have any likelihood of a successful appeal, but on the advice of the client they still file an appeal at the appropriate time, intending later to withdrawing same. “So you have a proliferation of appeals being filed unmeritoriously with the ultimate objective of simply denying the Magistrate Courts’ decisions,” Nandlall added.

Some tenants, recognising that the Law is structured to favour them above the landlord, have damaged property and avoided payments of rent, since “the landlord, in establishing possession in possession proceedings, has an unusually high and inequitable burden to discharge…compared to the tenant,” Nandlall added. The case is further compounded in cases when magistrates have been so lenient that they have issued six-month, one-year and two-year stays of execution, which allow for the tenant to file an appeal after the period would have come to an end. “He (the tenant) puts a hold on the man’s (landlord’s) ability to enjoy a property that he has title for,” AG Nandlall remarked. Commenting on the initial provision, Minister Nandlall observed thus: “The substantive act being amended is an act that Leader of the Alliance we [Guyana] received as part of our colonial history For Change (AFC) Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan since 1919.” He added that the law had been amended several times, but is now approaching 100 years since its introduction. The Attorney General identified the Summary

Jurisdiction Act as being insubstantial to current times, and has sought to fine-tune such bills to fit the current circumstances of the Guyanese society. IN FAVOUR Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan rose in favour of the motion, referring to the 80-year history of the Principal Summary Jurisdiction Act in his presentation. Ramjattan bemoaned that an extension of stay, which prevents a tenant from being evicted, often results in “the injustice…to the landlord.” The AFC leader expressed his support for the Attorney General’s amendments with a proposal that the period for a stay of execution be extended from four weeks to six weeks, thus creating a parallel to the stay of execution process that exists in the High Court. AG Nandlall, on the advice of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, moved that the stay of execution be altered from four weeks to six weeks. DENIED But A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Mr. Basil Williams spoke against the amendment. He cited the saying, ‘If it’s not broken, why fix it?’ Williams asserted that while the bill should provide for magistrates to give a stay of execution, such a stay must range between one and three months. “I suggest that the magistrate should have the discretion to impose a stay of execution (of) not less than a month and not more than three months,” Williams said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

COPA assures it will remain in Guyana -as long as the market is there By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally COPA Airlines has assured that it will be in Guyana for “as long as the market needs us.” This assurance was given at a cocktail reception hosted by the airline at the Pegasus Hotel to mark its inaugural flight to Guyana. COPA airlines will be plying the Guyana Panama route twice weekly. COPA’s Regional Sales Manager for North America, Diego Bermudez Parra told the large gathering of persons “we are not here to make a seasonal profit; rather we are here to expand connectivity between Guyana and

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for the faith and partnership he and his Ministry has demonstrated in working with us to get the service here. We want to thank him for keeping good to his word of ensuring that key staff is trained in Spanish, and for making the road to approval for flights out of Guyana smooth,” he said. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said it is with a great sense of satisfaction that “I join with you to launch what is the first major direct flight between Guyana and Central America through the country of Panama.” She explained that this venture all started in 2012 at a meeting in Bolivia during a lunch and now it has developed into a new era for trade of goods and services between Guyana and Central America. Ms.

requirements for Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador. The President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, noted that he will be using COPA Airlines and will in-transit in Panama on his way to Brasilia for the UNSUR Conference. “It a pleasure to share this important moment as COPA begins to fly to Guyana,” President Ramotar assured. He related that this new route will open new and huge possibilities from both Guyana and Panama; it will increase our trade relationships as well as our tourist travellers. It will also open a ‘new door’ to different parts of the world making travel much easier and also make our airport a major hub for the Caribbean people.

L-R Diego Bermudez Parra, COPA’s Regional Sales Manager for North America; President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn (Adrian Narine photo)

the rest of the world. From tomorrow (Friday July 11) Guyana will have a new gateway to the rest of the world and we know that together we will do great things.” He said in Guyana the company sees an opportunity for the expansion of the local tourism sector, previously limited, by North American connections. “We can now offer opportunities with much easier connections. Our research has shown us that a lot of Guyanese business people and travellers from the rest of the world would fly via Panama to get to Guyana and our decision to enter the local market was based on these figures and potential increases in traffic,” Parra reiterated. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to all involved in making this partnership a success especially the Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali. “I want to thank

Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised that investment of this nature “must start somewhere and we must follow it to the end, if we are to grow.” The minister reiterated the need for the necessary infrastructure and called for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). “The necessary infrastructure is needed, that is why we need the expansion of the CJIA and the construction of the Marriot. Most countries are upgrading their airports because they see the need for better and more advanced infrastructure as well as they do not want to become obsolete,” she expounded. She also indicated that the Government of Guyana has made the necessary arrangement to ensure that the flying public now can travel ‘with ease’ by waiving visa

Mr. Ramotar also echoed Minister Rodrigues-Birkett’s words on the call for the expansion of CJIA and accommodation infrastructure. He said “this justifies all the efforts we are making to improve the services at CJIA so that our airport can accommodate larger planes.” Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, echoed the words of all speakers and emphasised the need for the relevant infrastructure since trade and travel will increase with the new airline. COPA airline operates over 375 daily flights from various destinations across the world and operates a fleet of over 90 aircraft. It flies to 69 destinations in over 30 countries and has been awarded several international travel awards for the quality and efficiency of its service.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Parents to get $10,000 grant in September Term

-Ministry of Education continues consultations THE Ministry of Education, as a part of the Government’s $10,000 per child grant which was allotted in the 2014 National Budget, is currently engaging parents and guardians of school-age children on the most suitable way in which it can be issued. This grant is set to be available in the September school term. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during a recent visit to Region 2

(Pomeroon/Supenaam) engaged parents of 45 schools in nine separate meetings ‘on how the Ministry can best provide the grant to them’. Manickchand told the gathering who attended the consultations “it is not $10,000 per household so a mother with 10 children can be sure that she will be receiving $100,000 for her children, each child of school age is entitled to the $10,000 grant.” From much discussion

and deliberations it was unanimously chosen by parents and guardians to be able to ‘cash’ voucher. Ms. Manickchand also consulted the parents and guardians on the question of which financial service they would prefer to be able to get their cash. On the Essequibo Coast, the parents have four services available to them. These are the banks, post offices, Western Union and GT&T’s mobile money.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand reaching to embrace a parent of the Aurora Primary School.

Section of the gathering at Charity Primary School

Some parents noted that they were expecting to receive their grant before school reopens in September. However, Ms.Manickchand explained that the grant will be issued in the new school term to facilitate the children now entering the public school system. She added that as many as 10,000 children

are expected to start school in September, and based on the law, until they start school at the beginning of the term, they will not be counted as children attending school. The Minister and a team of Education Officers during last week were involved in a similar consultation at the Stella

Section of the crowd at Anna Regina Secondary School

Maris Nursery, the New Diamond/Grove Primary School and the Golden Grove Primary school on the East Coast of Demerara, which also saw impressive crowds. Earlier in the month, Minister Manickchand and team travelled to and consulted with parents of Region 9 over a three-day period.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

In Berbice…

Armed bandits chop, rob GPL details damage to shrimp vendor, 72-year-old networks during stormy weather last Sunday overseas visitor By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric

A shrimp vendor, Parbattie Bickram, was chopped and robbed of her recently acquired laptop, cash and jewellery, on Wednesday evening, after three teenaged masked bandits rushed into her yard at Lot 54, Doctor Bush Albion, Corentyne. An overseas-based visitor, 72-year-old Ramkali Ramdat, also sustained a chop on her left arm, and two wounds on her hand, after the cutlass wielding bandit fired the chops while making demands for cash. According to Bickram, she was sitting in a hammock below her home when she heard someone say: ‘You all don’t move.’ “At the time my two daughters were at the nearby table familiarising them-

selves with the laptop. Moments earlier I had collected the laptop from the Cropper Primary School. It is from the One Laptop for family project. My nani boujie was lying in the bed, just next to me.” “There were three thieves-two had cutlasses, while one had a gun. I believe that they were a bit scared. They looked as though they were on some kind of drugs. The gunman pointed the gun threatening to shoot if we did not give him the money. In the meanwhile, one of the two who were armed with the cutlass fired chops at my left hand, while the other was firing chops at Ramdat. “She [Ramdat], fell from the bed onto the ground, and was bleeding profusely. They removed two gold bangles and a gold band. Meanwhile, the gunman turned his attention to my older daughter

who was left seated at the table. He pointed the gun to her and demanded money. During that time he fired a gunshot which pierced the floor and zinc sheetings above. “My daughter left, saying she was going for the money, the gunman followed her partially. I got up and met her on the inner stairway, where I took the envelope from her, opened it and gave the gunman US$1,200 and over G$30,000.” According to the woman, the thief was dissatisfied, and wanted more money, but instead of giving him more, she used the opportunity to lock herself and daughter into one of the three bedrooms, much to the annoyance of the bandit, who, thereafter went into the other rooms, chopping at the wooden wardrobes in the process.

However, the approaching lights from a neighbour returning from the masjid scared off the bandits who fled, snatching the laptop as they were leaving the yard. Minutes later the police arrived and commenced investigations. This newspaper was informed that earlier that day the couple had gone to Rose Hall Town where they had changed an undisclosed amount of foreign currency, and had thereafter bought groceries in anticipation of hosting a Jhandi [Hindu religious ceremony] this weekend. While the elderly visitor remains a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, the shrimp vendor had her lacerated wounds sutured before being sent away. Police investigations are continuing.

Young Surinamese man dies in freak accident on Corentyne Highway By Michel Outridge SURINAMESE national Richie Debideen, 25, was a passenger in a motor lorry transporting equip-

ment along the Corentyne roadway when, at No. 51 Village, he came into contact with a wire dangling across the road, and fell out of the vehicle at about 16:15 hrs on July

11, 2014, police have said. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital. Police investigations are ongoing.

Tip-off leads to police seizure of ammo and marijuana at Canje camp By Michel Outridge ACTING on information received, police ranks went to a camp in the Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice area, at

about 14:00 hrs on July 11, 2014, and found one hundred and seventy-eight (178) 12-gauge shotgun cartridges and 4.5 kilogrammes of dried cannabis sativa (marijuana).

Canje find: shotgun cartridges and dried cannabis sativa (marijuanna)

Everything was taken into police custody, but two men who were observed running away from the camp as the police ranks approached were not apprehended. Investigations are in progress.

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL), in a press statement on Wednesday, said as result of the storm on the Upper Corentyne on July 6, 2014 the power company sustained major damage to its primary and secondary networks. GPL added that consumers in the affected areas experienced outages of varying durations, while emergency crews effected repairs to the network. The power company noted that with assistance from additional personnel mobilised from out of the area, the faults were rectified so that power was restored to the last area by 21:00 hrs on July 8. GPL said while the major effect of the stormy weather was the uprooting/ breaking of both primary and secondary poles, the network was also affected by roof sheets, and in one case at Tain, a section of a

roof, being blown onto the lines and causing damage. The release stated that 19 primary poles were uprooted, while numerous leaning and three fallen secondary poles were among the damage sustained. Major damage occurred in the Black Bush Community where 10 primary poles had to be replanted and reinforced. Restoration of power to this area began at 02:30hrs and was completed by 10:30hrs on July 8. Crews are currently engaged in mopping up operations and addressing isolated cases where individual consumers may have had service interruption caused by the high winds. The public is hereby advised to report emergencies to the following numbers: Demerara- 2264015/6, Berbice 333-2186 and Essequibo 777-5015.

GDF participates in Exercise Tradewinds 2014 IN keeping with the integration of regional militaries, a contingent from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) comprising five Officers, one Warrant Officer and five Senior Non Commissioned Officers, participated in Phase Two of Exercise Tradewinds 2014, which was recently held in The Dominican Republic. The GDF, in a statement, said that the exercise was conducted from 2014-06-15 to 2014-06-26. The GDF contingent was headed by Captain Cleon Coppin. The participating ranks were exposed to both theoretical and practical training in the areas of Human Rights, Duties of OIC/RSO on a Conventional Range, Planning and Conducting a Conventional Range Practice, Coaching the Grouping

Practice, Employing Ammunition Safety, Collection and Preservation of Evidence and Conduct of Vehicle and Personnel Searches, the statement added. GDF stated that the training also covered the areas of Establishing Vehicle Checkpoints, Basic Photography of a Crime Scene, Tactical Site Exploitation/ Site Assessment, Urban Operations (Patrolling and Close Quarter Combat) and Civil Military Affairs. All training was conducted by officers and ranks from the US Marines, US Army and Canadian Armed Forces. Members of the GDF contingent benefited greatly through the exchange of knowledge with their regional counterparts as well as with members of the US Marines, US Army and Canadian Armed Forces.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Government to answer questions posed by Parliamentary Opposition parties in the National Assembly by July 23 By Sandy Agasen A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have raised questions in the National Assembly about various Government Ministries, and those questions are to be answered on July 23, 2014. AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Katherine Hughes has queried the removal of the Independence Arch from Ruimveldt Public Road to facilitate expansion of the East Bank Demer-

ara Road. She asked Public Works Minister Robeson Benn to answer when and where the arch would be erected. She also requested Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee to make available to the House the number of work permits issued to foreign nationals; the nationality of each recipient, and the duration of the permit; the job being done by the permit holder, and the name of the employer of each permit holder. APNU Member of Par-

liament Annette Ferguson invited Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali to give a breakdown of land allocated to private home developers. The Minister was also requested to provide an explanation on the factors that were taken into consideration to formulate the price for land allocation. HOUSE LOTS Ms. Ferguson further tasked Minister Ali with providing the cost and allocation of house lots; and he is, moreover, required to present

to the House the current costs for the house lots in the different categories (low, middle and high income), and the rationale that informed those costs. Minister Ali is also requested to provide a detailed list of the cost for house lots received during the period 2010 to 2014, and to give an account for the delays in the processing of payments made by individuals. He was also called on to divulge the mechanisms that are in place to process applications for persons who are physically challenged. In the presentation of the 2014 Budget, the Minister of Finance reported that 90 flats were constructed in 2013, hence APNU MP Ferguson called on Minister Irfaan Ali to state the location of the houses, and how many are occupied to date. Ferguson also asked the Minister to disclose whether or not competitive bidding was use to facilitate the construction process of the houses made by the Ministry of Housing. This question relates to whether competitive bidding from competing contractors, suppliers or vendors

was invited by openly advertising the scope, specifications, terms and conditions of the proposed contract, as well as the criteria by which the bids would be evaluated. The Minister was also requested to disclose where and when public advertisement was done. EXPANSION The Public-Private Turnkey Initiative will see 100 homes being constructed; while some 50 police officers, nurses, and teachers will be allocated land. In this regard, Ms. Ferguson asked the Minister to state where the additional houses would be constructed; whether or not there has been a competitive bidding process; and when and where public advertisement was done. Ms. Ferguson also called for the breakdown of the number of persons being allocated land in each of the aforementioned category. She invited Minister Ali to also state whether or not there are mechanisms in place by which to apply for house lots. Ms. Ferguson also asked Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to identify how many mortgage holders have ben-

efited from the ‘Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) Regulation 2013’, which establishes the regulatory framework for mortgage interest relief (MIR) to be granted. She wanted to know the portion of taxable income to be exempted from personal income tax of the first time home owner who is paying interest on a housing loan of up to $30 million to a commercial bank or building society. Ms. Ferguson disclosed that the APNU is aggrieved with the height at which buildings are being constructed in the city of Georgetown. Local Government and Regional Development, Minister Norman Whittaker was requested to provide an explanation on the security concerns that are being taken into consideration when approval is given for the construction of buildings above three tiers in the vicinity of security institutions. Minister Whittaker is also required to say whether consideration is given simultaneously for the provision of parking facilities when buildings has been approved.

Minister Whittaker rubbishes KN article on truck purchased by LGRD Ministry By Savia Laikram LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker yesterday lashed out at the “misleading” article published in the Friday, July 11, issue of the Kaieteur newspapers under the headline “Government to buy truck for four times its cost.” Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom in Kingston, Georgetown, the minister disclosed that the cost being queried represented that of the truck and the extra equipment purchased. He posited that the total cost of US$436,803 was

approved and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and that what is being purchased is not merely a truck but, rather, the following equipment was included in its cost:- a 32-ton capacity chassis, double axles (front and rear), auxiliary cranes, closed and open top containers, and spare parts. Included in the cost also is the provision of training for four staff members. Minister Whittaker further stated that all additional spare parts were purchased brand new from the truck’s manufacturers. He stressed that brand new equipment was purchased as this is more beneficial than buying used or reconditioned parts.

Minister Whittaker pointed out that Kaieteur newspaper depicted a single axle truck in its article, but the one bought by Government is double-axle (front and rear). He said the project was advertised, and there were two bidders, but the other bidder was approximately US$90,000 over the recommended price. M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Whittaker asserted that the LGRD Ministry can provide a detailed breakdown of the cost involved. The truck and all its equipment were purchased for use at the Haags Bosch Landfill, so as to improve the running of operations at the facility.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Tattoo on dismembered body found in Long Island parking lot similar to one on missing Guyanese mother

Missing Chinelle Browne

FORENSIC tests are still to determine identity of the partially dismembered body of a woman found in a weedstrewn parking lot in Bay Shore, Long Island, USA on Tuesday, but relatives of 27-year-old Chinelle Latoya Browne, who has been missing from her Brownsville home since Saturday, think the body is hers. The body found on Long Island has the same tattoo as the one a missing mom from Brooklyn is reported to have, according to a police source; but authorities have said that forensic tests have not yet determined the identity of the woman whose body was found in the weed-strewn Long Island parking lot. As police investigate, rel-

atives of 27-year-old Chinelle Latoya Browne, missing from her Brownsville home since Saturday, believe she is gone. “Right now, we are sad and broken-hearted at losing our beloved sister so soon and so tragic,” a sister of Chinelle, who spoke on condition of anonynimity, declared.

“My sister was a decent and hard-working human being who did not deserve to die this way,” she continued. And Dale Browne, speaking from his home in Guyana, said his wife Chinelle, the mother of his four children, moved to Brooklyn a year ago, and was working at the Century 21 department store in Lower Manhattan. The plan, he said, was for him to join her with their kids after he got his paperwork in order. He said his wife rented a room on Sumpter St., and he last spoke with her on Saturday. He said he reported her missing when he could no longer reach her. Dale Brown said he learned from another tenant that his wife had an argument with the landlady about electricity payments, and the landlady had hit her. The landlady, whose name is being withheld because she has not been charged with a crime, suggested to the Daily News that she was defending herself. “If somebody hit me, I’d hit her back!” the landlady said. Asked what happened

Crime scene investigators on the scene

to Browne, she yelled, “Stop assuming! Stop assuming!” Two police sources have confirmed that the landlady and another person are considered people of interest in the case. On Tuesday morning, two people walking to the Fire Island ferry found a partially dismembered body in a Bay Shore, Long Island parking lot. A “distinctive” tattoo on the torso of that dead woman matches one on Mrs. Chinelle Browne’s body, based on what her husband told the NYPD, the first cop source said. The Suffolk County Police Department has said that homicide detectives are investigating the case. They are awaiting the results of forensic tests to identify the woman and also determine if a severed arm found on the front lawn of a home in Hempstead on Wednesday belongs to the body found in

The apartment which Chinelle had rented

Bay Shore. The Nassau County Police Department, which has the case of the severed arm, said forensic tests are still being conducted. Suffolk police said on Tuesday that they are investigating the discovery of the woman’s body, which was found in a weed-strewn lot. Detective Lt. Kevin Beyrer

said two passersby called police after seeing the body as they walked to the ferry, at about 06:50hrs. Police had no comment on the approximate age of the victim, but Beyrer said on Tuesday that authorities were looking into missing persons’ reports. (Asif Hakim, credits to NY Daily News)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

LGRD Minister displeased at protest on selection of suitable candidate for Overseer of Industry/Plaisance NDC

By Savia Laikram LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker yesterday expressed his displeasure at the just concluded protest against the recent appointment of the overseer of the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Speaking at a press conference at the LGRD Ministry boardroom in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister Whittaker said standard procedure was followed in

making that appointment, in that the position was advertised and a panel of judges interviewed the candidates that applied for the job. He said the panel of judges included a representative each from the NDC and the Regional Democratic Council, and the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry. The minister said the panel looked at both academic and professional qualifications and experience of the candidates; and in this case, the successful young male candidate pos-

sessed five Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) passes; was computer literate, because he presented certificates in computerized accounting; and also graduated from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, majoring in Industrial Relations and Management. Moreover, he has worked before in various positions, including those of Legal Clerk, Customs Clerk, and was a Sales and Marketing Representative, so he has quite a wide range of experience, the Minister said.

Minister Whittaker reiterated that in terms of academics and work experience, the selected candidate was an ideal person for the job. However, this publication was reliably informed that the successful candidate has declined the job as a result of the orchestrated protest for his removal and the appointment of a certain other candidate. The Local Government Minister also said that the candidate the protesters were rooting for did not meet the academic or pro-

fessional criterion for the job, as she was unable to acquire the required pass grades at CXC. Minister Whittaker said that having seen the article based on the protest for the removal of the said overseer, he reviewed all policies and requirements needed for the job. He pointed out that neither he nor the panel could find a single consideration to adversely affect appointment of the overseer. He said he was informed that the unsuccessful candidate was the person whom the protesters wanted to

have the job, and that person may have been responsible for orchestrating the protest. Minister Whittaker said the protesters were ill-informed and the LGRD Ministry can make the requirements and polices available for viewing by request. He concluded that new employees benefit from the ministry’s policies which see Senior Regional Development Officers (SRDOs) and District Development Officers (DDOs) working with the new employees as training provided when individuals are appointed.

Ex-cop freed of offence as alleged sex act victim refuses to testify By George Barclay FORMER policeman Shawn Edinboro, called ‘Christopher’, who appeared at the High Court yesterday charged with having committed a sex act on a child, was freed after the alleged victim refused to give evidence against him. It is understood that the girl had told the authorities that the cop was her boyfriend. The Panel Four jury had been empanelled on the previous day, and its members were ready to proceed with the trial when the Prosecutrix, Ms. Mercedes Thompson, indicated to Justice Rishi Persaud that the prosecution was not in a position to offer any evidence against the ac-

cused. Therefore, Justice Rishi Persaud had no alternative other than to ask the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused. I n d i s c h a rg i n g t h e accused, Justice Rishi Persaud told him that to some extent justice had been done. However, the freed accused has another charge hanging over his head, and was not allowed to go home. Instead, Prison Service authorities took him back to the prison, where he is awaiting the outcome of the other charge. The Panel Four jurors attending Justice Rishi Persaud’s court were asked to return to court on Tuesday, July 15, at 13:30hrs for possible selection in another matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Protest led by AFC Councillor was ‘cheap politics’ –Region 2 Chair By Vanessa Narine REGION 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) Chairman Parmanand Persaud, yesterday, weighed in on last Friday’s violence which followed a peaceful protest by rice farmers demanding payment from millers, and made it clear that the actions of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Regional Councillor, Mr. Naith Ram, were the worst display of irresponsibility. “This is cheap politics. As a political party, they are losing support and the protest was an attempt to regain lost ground,” he said. According to him, a “drunk” Ram not only incited farmers, who had been imbibing, to burn tyres and block roads, but also displayed a complete disregard for the resolution reached the day before the protest, during a meeting with farmers and millers. “I told him when I went to talk to the farmers on Friday night that the farmers and millers agreed to a payment plan. He knew this,” Persaud said. The Regional Chairman added that Ram’s vulgarity

made the situation worse for him, in terms of his respectability and particularly in terms of its impact on his post as councillor. “In that one night, he stripped himself twice,” Persaud said. NOT NECESSARY He explained the violence was an unnecessary resort, particularly since the Regional Administration, in addition to the support by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), offered its support to farmers. The Regional Chairman acknowledged the issue of non-payment to farmers as a legitimate problem, but made it clear that the region’s offer of support was declined by AFC’s Ram. “He (Ram) has people on a PA (public announcement) speakers saying the Chairman and regional officials were invited to the protest march and refused to come. This is absolutely false. After I heard this, I went, and even the farmers recognised that I was not invited,” Persaud said. He stated too that the

CJ grants nine petitioners bail totalling $2M+ By George Barclay ACTING Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, S.C., yesterday granted nine petitioners bail totalling two million and fifty thousand dollars ($2,050,000), pending determination of their cases. Particulars are as follows. For possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, Dexter Albert was placed on $325,000 bail; Sohan Ramdat was placed on $250,000 bail; Belinda Williams, $100,000 bail; and

Omana Persaud $450,000 bail. For cultivating a prohibited plant, Monty James was placed on $100,000 bail; and Odinga Ridley, $100,000 bail. For simple larceny, Davidson Hardyal was placed on $50,000 bail. For inflicting grievous bodily harm, Kumar Persaud was placed on $75,000 bail; and for causing death by dangerous driving, Michael Lall was placed on $600,000 bail.

cheap political play not only caused discomfort among residents, but showed complete contempt for a heritage site, the Anna Regina Heritage Bridge. “Even in the height of protest, I went to talk to the farmers. I appealed for them

to stop and even repeated that this problem was discussed at the meeting on Thursday, which was only the day before. I said this to Mr. Naith Ram, but they continued,” the Chairman said. Asked about payments to

farmers, he said, as agreed, millers continue to disburse the monies owed to farmers. “Farmers are getting their money. The banks are full,” Persaud said. By the end of this week, some $400M is expected to be paid out. The prob-

lem of delayed payments has been an ongoing one which has been addressed through discussions and agreements between farmers and millers. This is the first time such violence has manifested itself over the matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

GPF transportation capacity gets significant boost – with infusion of vehicles/motor cycles

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) received a fleet of 35 vehicles/motor cycles, to boost its performance. Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee made the presentation on Thursday at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown where the vehicles were on display. Rohee said the event marked a historic occasion where the Government via the Ministry of Home Affairs handed over another fleet of vehicles and motor cycles to the GPF and it is notewor-

thy that the handing-over ceremony took place when the GPF is celebrating 157th years of its establishment. He said: “I believe that these vehicles added to what was handed over before is expected to serve and protect the people of our country.” Rohee added that this must at all times be the bottom line as they adhere to the motto of the GPF because the people of this country have every right to be knowledgeable of what is handed over to the police and what it is being used for. He stated that it is in their best interest that the resources which are placed

at the disposal of the GPF are in the interest of the people and the nation since they look forward with great expectation for the GPF to provide them with a high level of service because they deserve that and expect no less. Rohee explained that as part of the citizenry of this country, the GPF must fulfill their legal responsibility, as part of the Constitution, to the people of Guyana. He said they must at all times perform at the highest level and with a great degree of respect towards the citizens. Rohee noted that the

Ranks posing with the vehicles at TSU, Drill Square, Eve Leary on Thursday

Traffic cops getting a feel of the motor cycles following the handing over ceremony (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Government continues in its commitment to provide land and water transport to the GPF and looks forward to working in close collaboration with GPF to ensure that our country and its people are served and protected to the highest possible level by the GPF. Acting Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud accepted the vehicles on behalf of the GPF said that transportation represents a significant part of the operations of the GPF. He pointed out that it lends itself towards the patrol system to response time – for timely service to the

community and overall enhancement of security. The Top Cop said: “As indicated, there are expectations and the people we serve can expect that our response time will improve as well as prevention and detection strategies will be enhanced in keeping with the implication of the police Strategic Plan. A vehicle maintenance strategy is being proposed and they are in the process of implementing the care and maintenance of these vehicles.” Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police/Administration, Balram Persaud said the Government through

the Ministry of Home Affairs continue to provide resources to the GPF, so it can provide efficient and effective service. He added that 35 vehicles that were acquired in the 2013 budget through the MOHA comprising of 13 4x4 pick-up, 10 cars, seven motor cycles, two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), one 26-seater bus, one troop carrier and one short-base truck. The vehicles, he stated will greatly enhance the performance of the Force once it is being used in accordance with its Standing Orders and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Beesons exports first batch of windows to Grenada By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally BEESONS Windows and Doors, a member group

of the M. Beepat Group of Companies, on Thursday exported their first batch of windows, valued

at US$25,000 to Grenada. The company presented their line of superior of products to Guyana with over

Some staff members loading the container for shipping to Grenada

Director of BEESONS Windows and Doors Mr Muhammud Ahsan Ul-Haq explaining to media operatives the procedures involved in making windows

40 years of manufacturing experience in the Caribbean with factories in St Lucia and Grenada. BEESONS prides themselves on the widest range

of windows, doors and shop fronts with customised glass and mirror supply. At a press briefing held at the company’s manufacturing site located at the New

Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara, Director of BEESONS Windows and Doors, Mr. Muhammud Ahsan Ul-Haq explained that Turn to page 23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Providence cops/CPG members donate items to Mocha Primary School

Head Teacher of the school, Ms. Vanessa Moore, seen receiving the donation from CPG Chairman Sewnarine Kalicharan in the school’s compound

Students of the Mocha Arcadia Primary School listen attentively to police and CPG members

By Leroy Smith POLICE officers from the Providence Police Station, headed by Woman Inspector Small and accompanied by members of the ‘A’ Division 2 Community Policing Group, on Sunday last donated several school items to the Mocha Arcadia Primary School. The exercise books, sharpeners, lead pencils, erasers and other items were handed over to the headteacher of the school, Ms. Vanessa Thumbler-Moore, by the Community Policing Group’s Chairman, Sewnarine Kalicharan. The handing over was witnessed by secretary of the CPG, Paul McTurk, Inspector Small, Woman Sergeant Handy, parents, and several students of the school. In her very short speech, the senior police officer told the children that the decision

to donate the items was arrived at between the police and the community policing group, who viewed the education of the children and the need for them to be equipped with learning materials as very important. She encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, and to understand the need for them to be educated, employed, and to separate themselves from activities which are in contravention of the laws of Guyana and could see them getting into problems with the law. She also brought them greetings on behalf of her divisional commander and sub-division officer, who were unable to be present at the handing over ceremony on Sunday. The two community policing group members spoke to the children about remaining

on the good side of the law, and about reporting any unlawful activities to their teachers, who would forward those reports to the police. They expressed satisfaction that they were able to team up with the police to ensure

the acquisition of the items and their subsequent handing over to the school, and they expressed hope that the items play an integral part in the children’s learning process. They promised that the donation to the school would not be the last of its kind, since the police and the CPG body would remain in contact with the school and would provide, where necessary, the items

Staff member at work (Photos by Cullen Nelson)

company benefited from fiscal incentives through GO-INVEST (Guyana Office for Investment) and from Government’s incentives

mism that the good relationship between the police and the school would continue. There were close to sixty students present to witness the handing over of the items to the school. There were also some parents present at the event, proving to the teachers and the police that they, too, are involved in the hands-on approach to educating the children.

The students pose with their headteacher, police and CPG members for a photo opportunity after the donation was made (Photos by Leroy Smith)

Beesons exports first batch of...

the company started their manufacturing only this year but was granted the land by the Government of Guyana in 2013. He noted that “the

which are needed when those can be provided by the two bodies. School’s Head, Ms. Vanessa Moore, on behalf of the teachers, students, and residents of Mocha, thanked the two bodies for their donation to the school, and disclosed that the items would be used by the school in the manner expected. She also expressed opti-

in the form of concessions on all imported machinery out of Canada and the United States of America. The company has so far invested

From page 22

a minimum of US$1.8M into making this venture a reality.” He added that the company’s products are of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and will be supplying both the international and local markets. “The aim is to have Guyana become recognised as a producer and exporter of quality building materials,” Ul-Haq emphasised. The Director related that Guyana is a developing country-it is one of the only countries where there is a GDP (Gross domestic product) growth and hence the reason for the company investing in Guyana. “We understand also it is a growing market and we are prepared to work hard to serve Guyana.” “We need to work hard since the mar-

ket is competitive but our equipment is of the highest standards and therefore production is of the highest quality, long lasting windows and doors” he expounded. BEESONS as a renowned manufacturer in multiple territories bringing a complete line of UPVC products such as windows, windows with arch and sliding doors to name a few. UPVC is a type of stable plastic used in the manufacture of double-glazed window frames, doors and cladding. This material as explained will stand up to the rigid weather conditions especially during hurricane season. Ul-Haq related that the company is here for the “long haul” and as production increases it is the plan of the company to expand. Presently the company is employing

13 persons mostly women. He noted that initially the company employed only males but “the women are more reliant and willing to work as well as learn.” Training for staff was done by personnel from Canada; these are the persons from whom the machines and materials were purchased. “Training lasted about three weeks and they were also trained by persons from the other 2 existing factories. The personnel from said companies would normally do site visit every three months to make sure standards are up kept” he indicated. The Director expressed his gratitude for all the assistances the company was given by the Government of Guyana and Go-Invest so as to make this venture a reality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Habitat/Beharry Co. donate home to disabled man By Shivanie Sugrim

RECOGNISING the need for giving back to society, Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity presented a house to a 47-year-old disabled,

deserving citizen at Herstelling on Thursday. Clive Richmond who has one arm and crippled feet would stand prominently at the junction of Lamaha and Vlissingen Road by the traffic lights to receive charity from persons in passing

vehicles. Richmond was involved in a vehicular accident in 2000 and at the time he lived with his parents who were worried about his condition and need for surgeries but they passed away a year later. Thereafter, with no sup-

port from anyone, Richmond took to begging for several years on the streets until some kind persons provided shelter for him. Subsequently, Richmond was able to purchase a piece of land at Providence, East Bank Demerara and then he

From left are Mr. Rawle Small, National Director of Habitat for Humanity alongside new home-owner Clive Richmond, Ms. Anjuli Beharry, Director of Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, and William Harris, Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Guyana

Clive Richmond poses happily in front of his newly-built home at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara

approached several organisations for assistance in building his home but without any success. However, his situation was brought to the attention of Habitat for Humanity and after a review of his case, it was realised that Richmond

was an ideal candidate for the housing intervention. He has expressed his appreciation to both collaborators and thanked them whole-heartedly for building a home for him. Director of Edward B. Turn to page 25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Habitat/Beharry Co. donates... From page 24

Beharry & Company Ltd, Ms. Anjuli Beharry said that she is very satisfied with the company’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and is proud to provide necessitates to the less fortunate like Richmond. National Director for Habitat for Humanity, Rawle Small echoed similar sentiments to that of Ms. Beharry and said that “it is the impact of our partnership that keeps us going when you can see the change in someone’s life.” The Partnership between

Edward B Beharry & Company and Habitat for Humanity Guyana was established in 2013. The Beharry Build initiative saw a commitment from them in support of housing intervention for single-parents, the extremely poor and those with no means to access housing finance. Meanwhile, with every purchase of a Beharry product $1.00 is donated to Habitat for Guyana towards the construction of homes for individuals who are extremely disadvantaged. Additionally, Beharry staff also provides

hours of volunteer work on building sites. Habitat for Humanity Guyana is a non-profit Christian organisation whose main goal is to eliminate poverty housing in Guyana. They comprise of five affiliates working towards similar objectives throughout Guyana and had dedicated their first six houses in 1997 and in 2003 the 200th house. Over time, they have built over 350 houses as well as providing shelter for approximately 1,600 persons in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2014 off to a grand start By Sandy Agasen SAGICOR Visionaries Challenge 2014, the second annual Sagicor Visionaries Challenge contest for secondary school students, was launched on Wednesday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCRED), Battery Road, Kingston, Georgetown. The contest seeks to engage high school students to solve problems facing their schools and communities, using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The contest also aims to ignite interest among youth for innovation in STEM in an effort to build and integrate sustainable communities throughout the Caribbean, and integrate knowledge gained from formal and informal education to enable tomorrow’s leaders to build a more sustainable Caribbean. This year ’s challenge will include students in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Hillsborough County – Tampa, Florida, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. National competitions will take place in November 2014, and one representative from each winning team will travel to Tampa, Florida for the STEM Ambassador Programme in July 2015. IMPRESSED Speaking at the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2014 launch yesterday, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said that measures will continue to be taken to improve performance in STEM, areas that often present a challenge to students. Manickchand stated that she was deeply impressed with the progress she saw from the 2013 challenge. Secondary school students entering the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge had the chance to design a sustainable solution to a problem facing their school or community. ZEEBURG SECONDARY In Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2013, Zeeburg Secondary School emerged the overall winner in the Guyana finals of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge Competition, copping the national award from among 19 schools which submitted

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Doodmattie Singh, (left), Sagicor’s Manager Marlene Chin (centre) and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand (right) yesterday at the launch of Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2014

a total of 32 projects for judging. “Here was a group of young people from a particular committee, identifying a problem that was affecting not only the school but the community for many years… and I was deeply impressed by that. I particularly liked this whole concept of Sagicor - it really brings science to life,” she said. Zeeburg dominated the competition, last year, with its entry: ‘Use of a Shrimp Drier to reduce air pollution.’ The winning project submitted by Zeeburg aimed at reducing air-pollution in the community, brought on by the primitive method of sun-drying fish and shrimp. The method used is both hazardous to the health of residents of the community, more so the school located nearby. The school had complained of being greatly affected by the odour and attendant fly infestation. The competition, the team said, presented the ideal opportunity for them to brainstorm and come up with an innovative project (a mechanical shrimp drier) that would bring relief to both the school and the wider community affected by current method of drying shrimp. “Teaching inside the classroom, with the blackboard and textbooks that is all good and necessary, but if we teach our children to practically employ what they

are learning it will be more effective. This is what this project really does; it allows the students to practically employ classroom knowledge to our environment. Learning them is one thing, using them is another… The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge, for me, is a practical example of this,” Minister Manickchand said. MICRO SCIENCE KITS She said while limited resources may prevent establishment of science labs in every secondary school across the country, the ministry has been able to find innovate ways of meeting this vital need. Some of

these efforts are evident in the introduction of the micro science kits which were given to several schools which do not have labs, particularly in the hinterland. These kits seek to engage students in the sciences by using small amounts of chemicals while performing experiments. The ministry also introduced the Inquiry Based Science Education programme in 2012. This was done with support from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and aims at generating interest among fifth and sixth grade primary school students in the sciences.

Minister Manickchand said, “By 2015, all schools will be using the micro science kits than the more sophisticated labs. We have been able to execute it in the schools in the hinterlands.” Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ms. Doodmattie Singh, indicated that this challenge will allow students to leave the programme as “Caribbean ideal persons.” According to her, the Sagicor Life Incorporated and the Caribbean Science Foundation have the same goals as the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). The programme encourages students aged 11 years to 18 years to identify

Students and schools that will be participating in the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2014

challenges in their schools or communities and propose solutions. She also indicated that students who will be sitting the science subjects at CXC will be allowed to use Sagicor Visionaries Challenges 2014 projects, which are viable as School Based Assessments (SBA). Sagicor’s Manager, Marlene Chin, stated that the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), Sagicor Life Inc. (Sagicor) and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) believe that, through greater community involvement, “we can live more sustainably and build a better future.” “To create more sustainable communities we’ll need greater local knowledge of our limited natural resources, and the impacts of climate change on our food, health, energy, and water security. Innovation in science and technology must play a critical role in overcoming these challenges,” she said. She urged the students to “recognise your good fortune and give your dreams a chance.” BULIDING POTENTIAL According to Science Coordinator and Country Representative for the Caribbean Science Foundation, Ms Petal Punalall-Jettoo, this ambitious initiative is geared towards making students enlightened about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Each participating school Turn to page 27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Guyanese female caught with whopping 480 kilos of cocaine in Antigua A GUYANESE female has been reportedly caught with a staggering 480 kilos of cocaine in Antigua. Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that two individuals inclusive of a 41 year old Guyanese born woman are expected to appear in court in Antigua after the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) sent out reports that they have seized over EC$17M in illegal substances recently. This organisation has so far declared that the latest seizure of 480 kilos of cocaine is the largest in the

Caribbean recently. Reports suggest that a male Antiguan national is also being held in connection with this bust. In a statement, the ONDCP noted that this bust follows the recent confiscation of some 2300 pounds of cannabis that fetches a staggering street value of EC$37 million for which a Jamaican group of six individuals were arrested and are awaiting trial. In 2010, the ONDCP then seized over 900 kilos of cocaine from three Columbian men and one Venezuelan man. At the conclusion of the trial the captain of the vessel received 14 years

imprisonment and a record fine of EC $385.6 million according to statements issued by the ONDCP. Prime Minister Gaston Brown has so far congratulated the agency on their efforts, emphasising that the agency is clearly upholding its motto of zero tolerance in connection with drug trafficking and similar crimes. ONDCP director Edward Croft noted that he was also pleased with the work of the ONDCP over a six-month period, citing that a high degree of commitment and energy is often executed in the performance of their duties.

Sagicor Visionaries Challenge... From page 26

is allowed to envisage and put into action various STEM-driven project ideas. It is expected that both teachers and students will work in close collaboration in order to derive the desired result. However, the collaboration is further extended, according to Punalall-Jettoo, who noted that “each project idea comes along with an entrant teacher and a group of students who work together, and beyond that they are supported by mentors

from universities from various parts of the world. “This is what it is all about; the main goal is to encourage students to embrace and understand careers in STEM to create innovation for national and regional development…This is why CXC, particularly with the Science Foundation, have come together with the Ministries of Education to support in a big way, financially and morally, the motivation that comes from Sagicor,”

Saturday, July 12, 2014 - 05:30 Sunday, July 13, 2014 - 05:30 Monday, July 14, 2014 - 05:00

Punalall-Jettoo asserted. FORMAL AND INFORMAL LEARNING She pointed out that this programme allows students to bring formal learning and combine it with informal learning, thus helping the students to realise their potential. The project guidelines were developed using the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) social studies School Based Assessment. National competitions will be held in the various countries. There, the competing students will be provided with a poster board, table and power outlet that they can use in any way to showcase their project idea and convince the judges that their projects are the best. The team leader from each winning team and supervising teacher at the national level will compete in the regional competition in Barbados. They will also represent their respective country in a seven-day STEM Ambassador programme to Florida which includes visits to places like the Kennedy Space Centre, Disney’s EPCOT center, The Museum of Science and Industry and the engineering labs at the University of South Florida.

Aries - March 21 - April 19 You care about people, but right now, you are so driven by ambition you are in danger of seeing people as a means to an end. Don't get too caught up in thinking about the ways in which they can help you. Astute people can generally tell when they're being used, no matter how sugarcoated the manoeuvre. Unless you want to get a reputation as a user, back off and forget trying to exploit others' contacts for your own purposes. Taurus - April 20 - May 20 Comfort is particularly valued when away from home -- and that's huge considering you're gearing up for travel. You'll be thrilled with your surroundings once you arrive at your destination and so delighted with your accommodations and the various other niceties offered, you'll become a walking billboard, proclaiming its merits just to about everyone you encounter. Just be sure to show some moderation around food and drink. You don't want overindulgence to make you too sluggish. Gemini - May 21 - June 21 Because you generally rule the roost with uncontested authority, the challenge to your iron control that comes today could leave you momentarily speechless. You recover quickly enough, but you may have a battle of wills on your hands. The objections you're hearing, however, could be the tip of a much larger iceberg. Keep asking questions until the entire story is revealed. Cancer - June 22 - July 22 You likely are not feeling emotionally and physically up to it, but you will probably need to confront a personal situation today. Dodging the issue now will only stretch it out and make its effect linger, and you'd much rather put it behind you as quickly as possible. Be careful what you say and how you say it. Someone is primed for battle, so don't give them plenty of ammunition with any careless or cutting remarks. Leo - July 23 - August 22 You're a natural leader, but be on guard -- don't allow any arrogance to gain the upper hand. Pushing your weight around may get you some cooperation in the short term, but won't do much to inspire long-term loyalty, much less admiration. When people sense they're being treated in a condescending way, they either get angry or withdraw. Work harder on being a cheerleader instead of a taskmaster, and you'll have much more success. Virgo - August 23 - September 22 You will really begin to see some solid and gratifying results today if you've been working hard on a creative project -- perhaps related to home improvement or maybe an artistic work. Lots of effort goes into pulling such an undertaking together, though it doesn't look like much in the early and middle stages. Now, however, the concept is really taking shape. Instead of being hypercritical of what you've done so far, keep going. If necessary, you can make alterations when it's completed. Libra - September 23 - October 22 If you're feeling down in the dumps today, you just need to get out of bed and make something happen, regardless of your feelings. Events in the past are over and can't be changed. Everyone has to live with the consequences of their actions, and that can be difficult. But don't give in to any tendency to endow your regrets with more significance than they deserve. Melancholy people are only appealing in works of fiction. Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 Others will be eager to fall into step behind you today, so make sure you have some idea of where you're going. Fixing your sights on a destination shouldn't be a problem, though. Your confidence is high, your outlook is positive and you can explain anything to anyone. Put those communications skills to good use and keep the team fully informed. Their morale will soar. Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 You really want to explore your creative potential, and you feel that you need a professional's direction. So today's overriding concern is probably how to make that happen financially. Sure, such lessons could take a big bite out of your budget, but look at the big picture and establish some priorities. Are you willing to forego a few dinners out to move in this new direction? Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 Getting up in front of a crowd is easy for you today, especially since you are showered with so many good wishes before you begin. You could be making an important business presentation, speaking to a classroom of students or making a heartfelt toast at a fabulous party. Words come easily, backed by your sincerity and positive feelings. Everyone who hears you is touched in some way. Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Have you been having trouble sleeping? Exhaustion is your constant companion today. Staring wide-eyed at the clock in the middle of the night is no fun and does a real number on your attitude. If you're keyed up over personal issues that are robbing you of sleep, perhaps it's time to resolve them if you can. If you're worrying about situations beyond your control, you may want to try some light yoga or meditation before turning out the night light. Pisces - February 19 - March 20 Prepare for an important upcoming meeting so you can make a meaningful contribution and help gather enough information to make an intelligent decision. You could be tasked to recommend a new hire at work, a replacement teacher at your child's school, a board member for a volunteer organisation or the holder of some other key post. Gear your questions accordingly; you know the qualities necessary for the position.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Ballot Box Martyrs 55-mile cycle race set for tomorrow in Berbice

THE annual Ballot Box Martyrs 55-mile cycle road race will be staged in Berbice tomorrow beginning at 09:00hrs from outside the People’s Progressive Party/Civic headquarters on Alexander Street. The day’s event is being sponsored by Berbice businessman Chris Jagdeo and is in observance of the 41st year since Parmanand Bholanuth and Jagan Ramaswar were killed while transporting ballot boxes on July 16 1973. From the New Amsterdam starting point, the seniors and juniors will battle to the Corriverton Police Station and turn back to finish at Number 63 Village, while the veterans, ladies and mountain bikers will ride from New Amsterdam to Number 63 Village for the finish. The first six overall finishers (seniors and juniors combined) will be rewarded as will the top three juniors, top three veterans and top three ladies. The first Over-60 cyclist will also be rewarded. Godfrey Pollydore who won the event last year in a time of two hour, 12 minutes 49.52 seconds will not be defending his title tomorrow thus making the way for a

new champion. In Pollydore’s absence, the way is open for Raynauth Jeffrey, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Robin Persaud or even Orville Hinds to claim top honours. Michael Anthony who won the junior category last year is highly favoured to repeat as champion, while Berbician Wazim Hasnoo, who is in good nick at the moment, can dominate the veterans category, but only if Stephen Fernandes decides to contest the open category rather than the veterans category. Other serious challengers in the veterans category is defending champion Raymond Newton, Linden Blackman, Junior Niles and Kennard Lovell. Ozia McAully will be defending the mountain bike category and should come out victorious. The cyclists will be sent on their way by a member of the PPP/C executive whose members will also assist with the distribution of prizes to the respective winners. Meanwhile, cyclists are advised that transportation from Georgetown to Berbice will move from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport office, Middle Street at 05:00hrs tomorrow.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Germany supremely confident Amazon Warriors make ... they can beat Argentina From Backpage

Test captain striking six fours and a six, and the Pakistani all-rounder counting three fours off 31 balls. When off-spinner and captain Marlon Samuels claimed Hafeez to a catch at the wicket in the 10th over, Ramdin found an ally in Neesham to add a further 33 for the fourth wicket. Neesham holed out to long on for 11 off Cottrell in the 14th

By Erik Kirschbaum SANTO ANDRE, Brazil (Reuters) - Germany captain Philipp Lahm and forward Thomas Mueller sounded supremely confident yesterday that their team will be able to neutralise Argentina’s Lionel Messi and win the World Cup tomorrow. Sounding at times as if they had already won the match, the two players told reporters at their team base that Germany have more talent, more experience, an extra day’s rest and more than enough confidence to beat Argentina the way they did in the 1990 final and the quarter-finals in 2006 and 2010. “We’re here to win the World Cup,” said Lahm. “We all enjoyed watching the (Argentina-Netherlands) semi-final on TV and it didn’t matter to us at all who we’d play in the final.” Lahm said Germany players not only have more experience in the latter rounds of the World Cup that will help tomorrow but also every player on the team has played in the finals of the Champions League, German Cup or cup final in England. “The experience we’ve got all the way through our team is definitely an edge for us,” he said. “A lot of our players have experience in important final matches with their clubs and it doesn’t always matter if they won or lost. I think that deep experience everyone on our team has

Germany’s national soccer team player Philipp Lahm (C) and his teammates run during a training session in the village of Santo Andre north of Porto Seguro on Thursday. (Credit: Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann)

is definitely important for a tournament like this.” Mueller and Lahm even answered questions at times about how they planned to celebrate the victory tomorrow. Mueller said that there was an abundance of confidence on the team with its “golden generation” that has made it to at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and the last three European championship tournaments. “I’ve been telling friends back in Germany on the phone that we’re going all out here so that you can keep having those big barbecue parties in Germany to celebrate during the best time of the year in Germany,” said Mueller, who also had no doubt about the outcome tomorrow. “I’m not expecting that we’ll be ahead 5-0 at half-

time again like against Brazil even though that would be nice,” Mueller said, reflecting a growing smugness and optimism back home in Germany that it’s no longer a question of “If” but only a matter of “by how many goals” they’ll win. “It could end up being a tight match like against Algeria or France. But it doesn’t matter. We know what we have to do.” Mueller said the team are looking forward to returning to Rio de Janeiro for the final after beating France there in the quarter-final 1-0 but said they’re not going to see the tourist attractions. “Unfortunately we won’t be going to Rio to take a guided tour or to get to know the magic of the city,” he said. “There’s only one reason to go there: to pick up the World Cup trophy. We know what we have to

do.” Mueller, who has five World Cup goals here, said scoring again in the final would help the team beat Argentina as well as help him win a second Golden Boot for most goals scored after he won it in 2010 with five goals. “If I score that’ll help in both competitions,” he said, but added winning the World Cup was more important to him. Mueller offered his ideas on how to stop four-time World Footballer Messi. “We’ve all got to stay on his heels and try to keep disrupting him. As soon as he gets away from one of us, the next guy has to jump in and be on him and so on until we get the ball back. It’s important to defend collectively as a team against him but without losing sight of the other Argentina players.”

FIFA announces nominees for Golden Ball FOUR German players have been included on FIFA’s tenman shortlist for the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball. The Golden Ball is awarded to the best player at the World Cup, with the winner voted for by representatives of the media. The award was first handed out to Argentina striker Mario Kempes at the 1978 World Cup and has since been

Neymar

awarded to the likes of Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Diego Forlan. The full shortlist is as follows: Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mats Hummels (Germany), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Mueller (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Arjen Robben

(Netherlands), James Rodriguez (Colombia). FIFA also revealed the players on the shortlist for the Best Young Player and Golden Glove Award. The Netherlands’ Memphis Depay and France duo Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are the three candidates for the Best Young Player Award. Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Argentina’s Sergio Romero are on the shortlist for the tournament’s best goalkeeper. (Eurosport)

ANTIGUA HAWKSBILLS innings B. Dunk c Mohammad Hafeez b Beaton 38 S. Thomas c Mohammad Hafeez b Permaul 20 D. Hyatt run-out 36 M Samuels run-out 4 D. Hussey c Santokie b Neesham 10 D. Thomas not out 16 S. Cottrell run-out 5 C. Brathwaite c wkp. Ramdin b Neesham 0 J. Athanaze c Santokie b Neesham 0 M. Cummins not out 0 Extras: (w-7) 7 Total: (8 wkts, 20 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-100, 3-103, 4-108, 5-115), 6-136, 7-136, 8-136. Bowling: Santokie 4-0-34-0, Mohammad Hafeez 2-0-21-0, Narine 4-1-3-0, Beaton 2-0-21-1 (w-4), Permaul 4-0-24-1 (w-1), Neesham 4-0-33-3.

English Racing Tips Ascot 08:25 hrs Caltra Colleen 08:55 hrs Robot Boy 09:30 hrs Tullius 10:05 hrs Lulu The Lulu 10:40 hrs Felwah 11:15 hrs Kinshasa 11:50 hrs Collaboration York 08:40 hrs Bronze Angel 09:20 hrs Waila 09:55 hrs Queensberry Rules 10:30 hrs G Force 11:05 hrs Flaming Spear 11:40 hrs Rhombus 12:15 hrs Epithet Newmarket 09:05 hrs Token Of Love 09:40 hrs Estidhkaar 10:15 hrs Horsted Keynes 10:50 hrs Noozhoh Canarias 11:25 hrs Nufooth 12:00 hrs Disavow 12:35 hrs Gold Trail Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 09:10 hrs Mr Good Guy 09:45 hrs Carrie Bow Cay 10:20 hrs Gold Falcon 10:55 hrs Les dARCY

over, triggering a slide where four wickets fell for 12 runs in the space of 14 balls, as panic set in. But Perm aul bl ast ed Laughlin over long on for six and then lashed him through point for four in the same over, leaving Amazon Warriors to get just four from the last over. Narine duly performed the final rites, thrashing Brathwaite to the cover boundary off the third ball.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS innings L. Simmons b Cottrell 0 M. Guptill c Brathwaite b Cummins 4 M. Hafeez c wkp. Thomas b Samuels 35 D. Ramdin b Brathwaite 51 J. Neesham c Brathwaite b Cottrell 11 C. Barnwell c Hyatt b Laughlin 5 N. Stewart c Hyatt b Laughlin 1 S. Narine not out 11 V. Permaul c Hyatt b Cottrell 15 K. Santokie not out 0 Extras: (lb-1,w-7) 8 Total: (8 wkts, 19.3 overs) 140 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-8, 3-67, 4-100, 5-110, 6-112), 7-112, 8-133. Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-24-3 (w2), Cummins 4-0-24-1 (w-3), Brathwaite 2.3-0-24-1 (w-1), Laughlin 4-0-27-2, Athanaze 2-020-0, Samuels 3-0-20-1.

Points: Amazon Warriors 2, Hawksbills 0.

11:30 hrs Cullentry Royal 12:05 hrs Patrolman 12:40 hrs Leliani American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Media Kid Race 2 Saythreehailmary’s Race 3 Four Direction Race 4 Love Train Race 5 Hampden Fiveone Race 6 Wake Up in Malibu Race 7 Benny’s Bullet Race 8 Groomedforvictory Race 9 Grandeur South Africa Racing Tips Clairwood 08:25 hrs Innate Quality 09:00 hrs Izora 09:35 hrs Fly By Night 10:10 hrs Sounds Of Tigers 10:45 hrs Terrybelle Kenilworth 08:45 hrs Fancy Yellow 09:20 hrs Lobola 09:55 hrs Act Of War 10:30 hrs Sage Of Sivana 11:05 hrs London Theatre

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Root leads fightback after England collapse (REUTERS) - Joe Root and James Anderson fought back from an England collapse with a stubborn last-wicket stand on the third day of the opening Test at Trent Bridge yesterday to put them within reach of India’s first innings total. India bowlers had put their side in a commanding position when Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar tore into the home batsmen after lunch, as the host’s chased India’s 457 in overcast conditions in Nottingham. England lost six wickets for 68 runs before Root and Stuart Broad provided stubborn resistance with a 78-run partnership and helped them pass the follow-on mark. When the aggressive Broad (47) fell, followed by Liam Plunkett, tail-ender James Anderson (23 not out) joined Yorkshire batsmen Root, who remains unbeaten on 78, to take England to 352 for nine at the close of play, 105 runs behind India’s first innings total. “Great credit to the guys after tea,” Root, who

morrow hopefully. The tea break broke up their rhythm, and gave us the opportunity to re-group. The way Broad came out and attacked them was fantastic.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar pierces Liam Plunkett’s defences. The Indian seamer has so far bagged four for 61. the pressure back on them became the fourth-youngest England batsman to score a double-century in the Sri Lanka series last month, told Sky Sports. “Broady’s innings put all

and a lot of credit has to go to Jimmy at the end. They have given us a great chance to get back into the match. “Jimmy and I have some good work to do to-

AFTERNOON COLLAPSE England had enjoyed a good morning with Sam Robson and Gary Ballance making half-centuries on a slow wicket that has drawn widespread criticism. The visitors found some swing under the gloomy Nottingham sky though and it was Sharma that made the crucial breakthrough shortly after the interval to end the pair’s 125 second-wicket stand. Robson (59) fell first to a marginal lbw decision, before Ballance (71) was also trapped by Sharma as he swung the ball back into the stumps, hitting him in the middle of his pad. Ian Bell hit a feisty 25 that included six boundaries before being caught in two minds by Sharma and clipping the ball through to wicketkeeper Mahendra

Singh Dhoni. Moeen Ali (14) provided some brief resistance but he was taken by surprise by a short ball from Mohammad Shami, the ball hitting his glove on its way to Shikhar Dhawan at first slip. The lack of a video review option proved to be vital when Matt Prior was given out caught by Dhoni off Kumar for five, despite replays showing he had not hit the ball. Kumar and Dhoni combined again to get rid of Ben Stokes for a duck to leave England in disarray as tea approached. England’s revival started when Broad raced to 47 off just 42 balls before Kumar trapped him lbw with

INDIA first innings 457 ENGLAND first innings A. Cook b Shami S. Robson lbw b Sharma G. Ballance lbw b Sharma I. Bell c Dhoni b Shami J. Root not out Moeen Ali c Dhawan b Shami M. Prior c Dhoni b Kumar B. Stokes c Dhoni b Kumar S. Broad lbw b Kumar

5 59 71 25 78 14 5 0 47

a wicked swinging delivery. The Indian seamer continued his sparkling form with an inswinger that sent Plunkett’s (7) stumps cartwheeling out of the ground to reduce the hosts to 2989, giving him career-best figures of 4-61 in the process. By that stage England had ensured the visitors would have to bat again, and Root and Anderson were positive in trying to reduce their advantage when they begin their second innings, perhaps drawing inspiration from Kumar and number 11 Mohammed Shami, who put on over 100 for India’s final wicket on Thursday.

L. Plunkett b Kumar 7 J. Anderson not out 23 Extras: (nb-10, w-2, b-2, lb-4) 18 Total: (for 9 wickets, 106 overs) 352 Fall of wicket: 1-9, 2-134, 3-154, 4-172, 5-197, 6-202, 7-202, 8-280, 9-298. Bowling: Kumar 25-8-61-4 (nb-1, w-1), Shami 24-3-98-2 (nb-2, w-1), Sharma 27-3-109-3 (nb-7), Jadeja 24-4-56-0, Binny 6-0-22-0.

Tour de France

Trentin wins as American top guns take tumbles By Julien Pretot NANCY, France ((Reuters) - Italian Matteo Trentin gave his Omega Pharma-Quick Step team something to cheer about when he won the seventh stage of the Tour de France yesterday as top American contenders Tejay van Garderen and Andrew Talansky took tumbles Slovakian Peter Sagan was second and France’s Tony Gallopin finished third. Italian Vincenzo Nibali retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey. It was a moment to savour for the OPQS team after their British sprinter Mark Cavendish pulled out, injured after a crash on the first stage. “I am very happy to have won this after the hard luck we had for the last six days and especially Mark Cavendish’s crash,” said Trentin after the 234.5-km ride from Epernay.

Omega Pharma-Quick Step team rider Matteo Trentin of Italy (R) reacts after crossing the finish line to win the 234.5 km seventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race from Epernay to Nancy, yesterday. (Credit: Reuters/Christian Hartma) to 18th overall. Also in“We came to the Tour stage, that we could do it. We volved in the crash was for Mark to take the yellow did it at last.” his Colombian BMC team van Garderen, 11th in jersey in his mother’s home mate Darwin Atapuma, town and it ended in a crash. the race at the start, fell who abandoned the race The next morning, he gave with about 15 kilometres because of “unspecified us a very good speech, tell- to go and lost 1:03 to the injuries”, the team said. ing us that we should win a other favourites, dropping “(It is) Nothing major,

I’ll be definitely fine to start tomorrow. It’s a tough blow but the Tour is long, the race changes,” van Garderen said. “It’s definitely not a good day for the team. Atapuma, we were keeping him fresh for the mountains and to lose him is tough. He banged his knee pretty hard.” In the final straight Garmin-Sharp rider Talansky fell after colliding with Australian Simon Gerrans. He got back on his bike and, as the incident happened inside the final three kilometres, was credited with the same time as the bunch. He moved up to eighth overall, but was fuming at Gerrans, who apologised shortly afterwards. “Gerrans moved right over onto Andrew’s front wheel as Andrew was trying to get out of the way,” Garmin-Sharp manager Jonathan Vaughters told reporters. “Not much you can do

about that. He’s fine. “First thing he said to me was ‘I want an apology from Simon Gerrans’. That means he is doing fine, He’s going to be a little bit stiff tomorrow but he is alright.” The sprinters dropped out when the peloton reached Col de Maron, a short fourth-category climb 20 kilometres from the finish. In the final kick, a 1.3-km climb at an average gradient of 7.9 percent, Sagan and Greg Van Avermaet powered away from the pack before being caught. Sagan was then beaten by a tyre’s length by Trentin who also won a Tour stage in Lyon last year. “For a while I did not know if I had won it,” said Trentin. T h e To u r h i t s t h e mountains today as the eighth stage takes the peloton to the Vosges massif for a 161-km trek from Tomblaine to Gerardmer.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Roberts out of Commonwealth Games THE GUYANA Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) is grappling to find a swimmer at the last minute to represent Guyana in that sport at the upcoming Commonwealth Games which begins later this month, after selected swimmer Niall Roberts opted out due to injury. Roberts is said to have sustained injury to his rotator cuff while training last week Tuesday, and is currently awaiting an MRI on his shoulder to fully ascertain the severity of his injury, which has put paid to the 21-year-old’s hopes

Niall Roberts

of representing Guyana at the Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3. According to Roberts he had been troubling with his rotator cuff - is a group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilise the shoulder - prior to last week’s incident but didn’t take it seriously until last week Tuesday. “It was kind of a buildup because I had felt a tightness in my shoulder before but I didn’t really pay much attention to it, then it was last week Tuesday that I felt a pain in my shoulder and over the

weekend there was a large amount of pain and it was really bad,” a disappointed Roberts told Chronicle Sport via telephone yesterday. Had he attended the Games, this would have been his first at the quadrennial meet where he was scheduled to debut in the Men’s 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly races at the event. GASA is now left with the challenge of selecting a new swimmer to fill Roberts spot, and participate along with Onika George in the swimming segment of

the multisport event, while providing ample justification to the Guyana Olympic Association as to why the newly selected swimmer should be given the chance to attend. Reports are that GASA is currently overlooking the possibility of using Jamila Sanmoogan as a replacement for Roberts and speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday Sean Baksh said whoever the swimmer is the chances are very likely that it will be a female swimmer, since it would be more difficult to find a male replacement for Roberts.

Messi crucial in attack and defence for Argentina By Brian Homewood RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Lionel Messi is not only Argentina’s key attacking threat but he is also instrumental in helping the defence. Long suspected as being their weak point, Argentina’s defence have gone through three knockout matches, including two periods of extra-time, without conceding a goal. Messi’s very presence inhibits Argentina’s opponents from attacking them and both Belgium, in the quarter-finals, and Netherlands, in the semis, were both surprisingly subdued against Alejandro Sabella’s team. Incredibly, the Dutch managed only one shot on target in the two hours’ play against Argentina.

Argentina’s strengths may be in attack but they generally avoid pouring forward in numbers, often leaving five or six players at the back as a safeguard against counter-attacks. Despite the potential offered by the exciting talents of Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezeei, they have been surprisingly cautious and have not served up the thrilling football many have expected of them, winning five games by a one-goal margin and the other on penalties. On the other hand, they have never resorted to rough-arm tactics used by neighbours Brazil. Fullbacks Pablo Zabaleta and Marco Rojo rarely venture very far over the halfway line and, even against Switzerland, where Argentina attacked non-stop for

nearly two hours, they tended to hold back. The defence is given added protection by the presence of two holding midfielders, Javier Mascherano and either Fernando Gago or Lucas Biglia. Mascherano, who often plays as a central defender for Barcelona, has had an outstanding World Cup and produced arguably the tackle of the tournament when he dispossessed Arjen Robben just as the Dutchman appeared set to score a late winner on Wednesday. Mascherano often drops back alongside the two central defenders to help Argentina play the ball out of defence and is the main instigator of their attacks. Injuries have forced coach Alejandro Sabella to fiddle with his attack

during the course of the competition. Aguero, who initially formed a two-man strike force with Gonzalo Higuain, missed the second round and quarter-finals with injury while Angel Di Maria missed the semi-final and is doubtful for the final. Against the Dutch, Argentina played with Lavezzi attacking down one flank, Benfica midfielder Perez on the opposite flank and Higuain as the lone centre forward. Messi, who almost looked bored at times against Belgium, has taken on a playmaker role in the last two games, often slowing down play rather than simply launching himself at the opposing defence. There was one bizarre moment against Belgium when Argentina, leading

Lionel Messi 1-0, advanced to the halfway line and, despite having four players in close proximity to the ball, stopped and played it backwards rather than bursting forward. It is difficult to predict how Argentina would line-up against Germany in the final.

Much will depend on the fitness of Aguero and Lavezzi and, although neutrals will be hoping that Sabella will finally unleash Argentina’s full attacking might, Germany’s deadly attacking threat makes that highly unlikely.

LeBron James to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers LeBRON James is going home by signing with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, he said in a first-person article in Sports Illustrated. The signing reunites the Cavaliers with James, who four years ago left the team in a messy divorce to join a star-studded Miami Heat team he led to four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals and two championships. Under a banner headline ‘I’m Coming Home’ on si.com, free agent James announced his decision.

“Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I cried. It’s where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. “I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realise that four years ago. I do now.” (Eurosport)

LeBron James

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams shines at Caribbean Cup tournament in New York … leads tournament with 8 goals in three games By Rawle Toney SLINGERZ FC and Guyana National striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams is showing that no matter the competition, he’s going to get his goals. Abrams was part of the bunch of players who departed to represent Guyana at the Annual Caribbean Cup Football tournament in New York. The tournament features Jamaica, Barbados, Panama, Guyana, Haiti, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda, Dom-

inica and Trinidad & Tobago, with all its matches being played at the Thomas Jefferson High School playfield in Brooklyn, New York. The striker, who is only known for high goal-scoring exploits, leads all scorers at the competition with eight goals from three matches. Guyana sit second place in the Western Zone behind St Lucia. He scored a helmet-trick and a hat-trick in Guyana’s two victories and their lone goal in the country’s single loss at the tournament so far. Dujon Verneige is the

Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams second high scorer behind Abrams with six goals fol-

lowed by Rhenson Haynes with four. Another Slingerz FC player Clive De Nobrega (two) is the only other Guyanese to score more than a single goal on the list. Kevin Beaton, Collie Hercules, Romaine Haynes and Colwyn Drakes each netted a single goal so far in the tournament. Jamaica and Guyana lead the competition with the most goals scored by a team (14). The 2014 tournament marks 22 years since the tournament has been in existence and Jamaica are by far the most successful team at

Mohamed’s 38th annual `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme starts on Monday

THE 38th annual National Sports Commission (NSC)-sponsored `Teach Them Young’ Cycle Programme, organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, will commence on Monday and will conclude on August 31. The activity which was started by Mohamed in 1977 is open to anyone desirous of learning the art of competitive cycling, adjusting their gears and getting acquainted with the rules of competitive cycling.

Hassan Mohamed Sessions will be held from Monday to Friday each week, from 09:00hrs to 11:30hrs each day. Mohamed, a former

CRICKETQUIZ CORNER

(Saturday July 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 Thursday’s quiz: WI vs AUST, Barbados, June 2008 (2) Ravi Rampaul and Samuel Badree (22 Int’l T20 games each) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Int’l T20 games the WI played in 2007? How many did they contest in 2010? (2)How many half-centuries have been scored in all Int’l T20 games between the WI and NZ? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

racing cyclist himself was taught the art of cycling in Russia and Mexico among other countries. He has travelled extensively with cycle teams as coach and manager/coach. Among the cyclists to have benefited from his expertise are: former national champion and Guyana Cycling Federation president Hector Edwards, former champion Leo Romalho, the James brothers Byron and Bertram, the Fiedtkou broth-

ers Marcus and Noel, Tyrone Hamilton, Linden Dowridge, Godfrey Pollydore, Raymond Newton, Paul Cho-Wee-Nam, Junior Niles, Linden Blackman, Robin Persaud and current stars Geron Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey and Paul DeNobrega, among others. Mohamed said the programme is being offered free of cost and is open to anyone, but interested persons must have protective gear including a helmet and a proper cycle.

the event. Last year’s victory over St Lucia in the final saw the Land of Wood and Water capture their 10th title while St Vincent and the Grenadines hoisted the trophy five times. In 2011, Grenada were joint winners with Jamaica after Hurricane Sandy caused the final to be abandoned but the Spice Isle had won the

tournament on three previous occasions to take their tally to five titles. Trinidad & Tobago won twice and Barbados and St Lucia claimed victory once each to round off the countries that have all had success at the prestigious tournament. The tournament wraps up on Sunday, August 31.

Wins for MHS, St Joseph and Marian Academy at U-16 level

THE Under-16 teams took centre stage on Day Five of the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) ninth annual National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with wins for Mackenzie High School (MHS), St Joseph High School and Marian Academy. A game-high 20 points from Kevlon Cadogan saw Mackenzie High School dish out a sound thrashing on St Stanislaus College 52-13. Apart from tearing open the nets, Cadogan also had seven rebounds and five steals. He was supported by Daniel Anthony with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Kadeem Bowen’s eight points. The only thing Saints had to cheer about was three rebounds. Behind their star player and point guard Nathan Saul’s crafty 16 points St Rose’s High School took care of New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAM) 43–39. The NAM were carried by Ramone Fogenay and his monster game of 23 points, 15 rebounds, but basketball is a team sport and his ‘one-man’ army-style of playing could not get the victory. A collective effort from Marian Academy saw them overpower Bishops’ High School 47-41 despite a heroic effort from Timothy Thompson. Thompson posted 27 points and collected 13 rebounds and got six steals yet his team (Bishops’ High) fell to Marian Academy. For the victors, Dwayne Obermuller and Narryan Ramdhani each scored 13 points. The tournament will conclude this weekend.

Pakistan court reinstates Sethi as board chief KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan’s Supreme Court reinstated Najam Sethi as chairman of the country’s cricket board yesterday, a day after he was removed from the post. The decision comes just 24 hours after the government axed Sethi as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, appointed an interim head and called a new election in 30 days. At yesterday’s hearing, however, the Supreme Court declared the process to hold elections as invalid and restored Sethi.

Najam “I was appointed by the prime minister to complete some specific tasks and

Sethi reorganise board affairs,” Sethi told reporters. “I told the court today I would

like to complete the tasks handed over to me. “The court heard my side and has allowed me to continue in my role until the matter is finally settled.” Since last year, PCB matters have been in a state of uncertainty with numerous petitions filed in the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court on cricket affairs. Zaka Ashraf and Sethi have been in and out of the PCB chairman’s seat since May 2013, a situation which eventually led to the Supreme Court taking action.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 12, 2014

BCB president says Sanasie’s offer would be nice By Calvin Roberts PRESIDENT of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Keith Foster yesterday afternoon told Chronicle Sport, that the suggestion by Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie, who said the GCB is open to discussions and reconciliatory talks with the BCB, would be nice. Sanasie made the comments after the GCB last Wednesday won another court battle over the BCB, paving the way for them to continue with the administration of the gentleman’s sport in Guyana. “Yes, the injunction was discharged and damages granted to the GCB and we are happy because this is the third time the BCB has taken the GCB to Court and lost and I hope this finally stops and we can get on with the business of administering cricket in Guyana. That being said, I wish to state that the GCB is open to discussions and reconciliatory talks and suggestions with the BCB to solve issues and while we have chalked up another victory in the courtroom, we would rather have those victories on the field of play.” He added, “We are prepared to welcome the BCB on board with the GCB, as the GCB is made up of the three county boards in

… calls for issuance of Minutes

Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice and I am extending on behalf of the president and other executive members of the GCB, an invitation to the president and executives of the BCB to come on board with us and let’s put Guyana’s cricket first.” In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Foster said; “It would be nice if the GCB wishes to extend an olive branch to the BCB, for we are a part of the GCB as Mr Sanasie rightly said.” He added, “However, we would like to have made available to us, the Minutes and Financial Statements of the GCB since we have not had any being forwarded to us under this present regime of the GCB and that is why we have been absenting ourselves from their Ordinary General Meeting (OGM). “We do not wish to attend the meeting and have no idea what we are going to discuss, since the Minutes of the GCB were never made available to us, so if he (Sanasie) is willing to hold reconciliatory talks with us, please furnish us with the Minutes and Financial Statements.” Foster alluded to the fact that the GCB under the presidency of Chetram Singh would normally forward the Minutes of meetings and

Wins for Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica SCARBOROUGH, Tobago – Results of third round matches in the Regional Under-17 Tournament contested yesterday. At Bon Accord: Barbados beat Leeward Islands by 68 runs. BARBADOS 152 off 42 overs (Yvan Grant 67; Jerrickson Louis 4-18, Jaidel Richardson 3-16). LEEWARDS 84 off 28.2 overs (Karima Gore 23; Shamar Springer 3-18, Tremaine Harris 3-25, Nicholas Kirton 2-6, Dominic Drakes 2-18) At Shaw Park: Guyana beat Trinidad & Tobago by 62 runs. GUYANA 245 for eight off 50 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 79 retired hurt, Adrian Sukwah 56, Keemo Paul 33, Renaldo Ali-Mohammed 29; Kirstan Kallicharran 3-38, Bryan Boodram 2-39, Emilio Gopaul 2-45). T&T 183 off 43.2 overs (Brandon Maharaj 50, Dejourn Charles 25, Daniel Williams 24, Bryan Boodram 20; Keemo Paul 3-38, Renaldo Ali-Mohammed 3-58) At Louis D’Or: Jamaica beat Windward Islands by 6 wickets. WINDWARD ISLANDS 100 off 34.3 overs (Christian Charlery 26; Michael Frew 3-20, Orane Peterson 2-13). JAMAICA 103 for four off 25.3 overs (Jordan Hill 47 not out, Javelle Glenn 31; Joshua Mann 2-17) (WICB)

Financial Statements to the BCB, even though the BCB opposed Singh in more areas than one and questioned why it cannot be so now. Quizzed on GCB’s president Drubahadur’s offer made last year while attending a function at Albion to honour their latest Test player in Veerasammy Permaul and one in which the GCB head promised to have the Minutes forwarded to the BCB, Foster said none has arrived as yet. “This is not something new we are asking of the GCB. As I said before, we

collected Minutes from the GCB under the presidency of Chetram Singh whom we opposed several times and even with Sanasie as Secretary, so what is the difference now. “Saying that he is willing to extend an olive branch to us is nice, but in doing so, we would like to have the Minutes and Financial Statements as well, so we can know what we are discussing when we attend meetings,” said Foster. The GCB had won the court matter filed by Angela Haniff, who had claimed

BCB president Keith Foster that the duly elected executives were illegal as its

(GCB) AGM and Elections of Office-Bearers, held in January 2013, was not constitutional, hence the two appointed directors to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) should not be allowed to vote. Haniff’s action had also listed as its plaintiffs, BCB president Keith Foster, vice-presidents Anil Beharry, Hubern Evans and Julian Cambridge, Angela Haniff, Raymond Haniff, Romesh Munna and Shabeer Baksh, while the defendants were the entire executive body of the GCB including its long-serving administrator Savitri Persaud.

RHTY&SC cricket camp and academy bowl off Monday

THE AREA ‘H’ ground will be a hive of activity from Monday when the 16th edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC)/Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) cricket academy bowls off along with the seventh edition of the RHTY&SC’s Republic Bank summer camp for Grade Six students. The cricket academy, which is being sponsored by TCL, will cater for 80 young

cricketers, while the summer camp will cater for 50 Grade Six students preparing for entrance into various secondary schools in September. The academy, set for July 14-25, will be conducted by coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks and sessions will start at 08:45hrs and conclude at 13:00hrs, with the club providing snacks and refreshments to every member of the academy. According to a release

from the Club, special emphasis will be placed on improving the batting, bowling and fielding skills of the members of the academy, which over the years has produced over 30 national cricketers for Guyana and 50 for Berbice at all levels. The summer camp, with sponsorship from Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, will be conducted by University of Guyana graduate, Rohan Etwaru.

The main aims of this camp is to make sure that the students make a successful transition from primary to secondary school and to expose them to basic coaching in cricket, volleyball and basketball. Club Secretary Hilbert Foster is urging all those interested in attending either of the programmes to be present at the venue by 08:30hrs on Monday or call 337-4562 for more information.

Blake’s injury woes continue as he pulls up in Glasgow ( R E U T E R S ) - Yo h a n Blake’s injury troubles hit a new low as he pulled up during the 100 metres at yesterday’s Diamond League meeting in Glasgow. Blake’s race ended after 60 metres with the Jamaican clutching his hamstring in obvious pain as his compatriot Nickel Ashmeade went on to win in 9.97 seconds, pipping Michael Rodgers in a tight finish. Blake, a former world champion and double Olympic silver medallist, had only just returned from a succession of hamstring injuries and left the track in a wheelchair. He had already said he would not compete at the Commonwealth Games in the same city this month in order not to jeopardise his preparations for the 2016 Olympics. Three men broke the

Yohan 10-second barrier with Nesta Carter finishing third, a hundredth of a second behind Ashmeade and Rodgers. In the absence of double Olympic and world champion Mo Farah through illness, Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet produced a sprint finish rem-

Blake iniscent of the Briton as he held off compatriot Yenew Alamirew to win the 5000m metres in 13 minutes 11.09 seconds. There was another tight finish in the women’s 400 metres as Sanya Richards-Ross blasted out of

the blocks and led into the home straight before being chased down by Francena McCorory who timed her run to perfection to win in 49.93 seconds. It was a good night for multi-eventers as Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton finished second in the 400m hurdles behind Javier Culson, beating the top two from the London Olympics, Felix Sanchez and Michael Tinsley. British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson was second in the long jump with a personal best jump of 6.92 metres, six centimetres behind Tianna Bartoletta of the United States. Britain’s William Sharman upset the fastest man in the world this year, Jamaican Hansle Parchment, to win the 110 metres hurdles in a time of 13.21.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Ballot Box Martyrs 55-mile cycle race set for tomorrow See in Berbice Page 38

Godfrey Pollydore

Amazon Warriors make winning start courtesy Ramdin

Man-of-the-Match Denesh Ramdin ... top scored with 51.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – Captain Denesh Ramdin struck a man-of-the-match half-century but Guyana Amazon Warriors were forced to overcome some late innings jitters before disposing of Antigua Hawksbills by two wickets in the opening game of the 2014 Caribbean Premier League here yesterday. Chasing down at moderate target of 137, Amazon Warriors were guided by Ramdin’s 51 from 36 deliveries, as they got home with three balls to spare at Grenada’s National Stadium. However, left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell grabbed three for 24 and medium pacer Ben Laughlin, two for 27, to create panic in the Amazon Warriors camp as they tumbled to 112 for six at the start of the end of the 16th over. When seamer Carlos Brathwaite bowled Ramdin with the first ball of the next over with no runs added, the game was up for grabs but tail-ender Veerasammy Permaul struck two lusty blows in 15 before Sunil Narine finished off the game with a flourish, ending unbeaten on 11. Earlier, the Hawksbills struggled for fluency en route to their

136 for eight, with Australian opener Ben Dunk top-scoring with 38 and Jamaican Danza Hyatt getting 36. New Zealand seamer Jimmy Neesham was the best bowler, picking up three for 33. The Hawkbills’ start was strong but slow, as Dunk and Jamaican Shacaya Thomas, who scored 20, put on 40 from 32 balls, before Thomas combined with Hyatt to add another 60 for the second wicket from 50 deliveries. Much of the slow scoring was down to a brilliant spell from off-spinner Narine, who befuddled the Hawksbills batsmen with his variations to concede just three runs from his four overs. Dunk provided the fireworks, crashing five fours and two sixes – the first over wide long-on off off-spinner Mohammed Hafeez and the second clearing the ropes in the same area off pacer Ronsford Beaton. The left-handed Dunk looked in great touch, taking 14 runs from Mohammed

Hafeez’s second over, the fourth of the innings. He was looking to press on when he fell to a soft dismissal, popping a catch to Hafeez close in, the very next ball after striking Beaton for six. Hyatt and Thomas then came together but never really found the acceleration required. The right-handed Hyatt faced 33 balls and counted three fours and a six while Thomas, also a righthander, struggled to get the ball away in 32 balls at the crease. He hit two fours. The partnership was broken when Thomas top-edged left-arm spinner Permaul to Hafeez at fine leg in the 14th over, sparking a collapse that saw nine wickets crash for 36 runs in the space of 37 balls. In reply, Amazon Warriors lost in-form West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons without scoring to the third ball of the innings and New Zealander Martin Guptil for four in the next over, to slip to eight for two. Ramdin and Hafeez who got 35, repaired the innings in a 59run stand, with the West Indies

See Page 39

Regional Under-17 championship

Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica score easy victories

SCARBOROUGH, Tobago, (CMC )– Contrasting half-centuries from Sherfane Rutherford and opener Adrian Sukwah, powered Guyana to a handsome 62-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago, in the third series of the Regional Under-17 Championship here yesterday. Sent in at Shaw Park, Guyana piled up 245 for eight from their 50 overs with Rutherford top-scoring with an enterprising 79 off 81 balls, while Sukwah grafted a patient 56 off 105 deliveries. In reply, T&T slipped to 83 for five before eventually tumbling to 183 all out

Kemo Paul off 43.2 overs. Middle order batsman Brandon Maharaj struck an even fifty from 92 balls while Dejourn Charles (25) and Daniel Williams (24) got starts but failed to carry on.

New ball bowlers Kemo Paul (3-28) and Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (3-58) both picked up three wickets to lead the Guyana attack. Guyana’s innings was founded on a century stand between Rutherford and Sukwah, who put on 131 for the second wicket. Rutherford was bold in his stroke-play, carving out eight fours and three sixes while Sukwah struck five fours. At Bon Accord, Yvan Grant smashed 67 from 92 balls to help lift Barbados to a convincing 68-run win over Leeward Islands. Asked to bat first, Barbados found traction thanks to Grant’s innings, as the

Sherfane Rutherford

middle order stroke-maker gathered five fours and four sixes in an entertaining knock that lifted his side to 152 all out off 42 overs.

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Shamar Springer (3-18) and Tremaine Harris (325) then both claimed three wickets as the Leewards were shot out for a measly 84 off 28.2 overs. Lower order batsman Karima Gore, with 23 from 39 balls, was the only one to pass 16. Leewards were reeling at six runs for three wickets in the third over and never recovered. Barbados had a similar bad start sliding to 22 for four in the sixth over but Grant bailed them out with big-hitting before he was ninth out in the 40th. At Louis D’or, Jamaica brushed aside Windward Islands by six wickets, in a low-scoring affair.

Winning the toss and batting, the Windwards were rolled over for 100 in 34.3 overs, with opener Christian Charlery the only one to pass 20 with 26, while Michael Frew claimed three for 20. Jamaica then recovered from a bad start to reach 103 for four off 25.3 overs, thanks to a 54-run, fourth wicket stand between opener Jordane Hill and Javelle Glenn. Hill struck an unbeaten 47 from 72 balls with five fours and a six while Glenn stroked 31, as Jamaica recovered from 32 for three in the eighth over. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2014