Guyana chronicle 13 03 14

GUYANA No. 103766

THURSDAY MARCH 13, 2014

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

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Do something in nation’s interest - CARICOM Chairman urges

Page 7

– says AML Bill’s non- passage will have far- reaching consequences

ATTORNEY GENERAL ANIL NANDLALL

CARICOM Chairman and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves speaking at a press conference after the 25th CARICOM Heads Inter-sessional meeting. Also in photo are, from left, Secretary General of CARICOM Irwin LaRocque, Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar and Barbados Prime Minister Dr Freundel Stuart

As President Ramotar takes the lead…

CARICOM Heads set up 3 Caribbean Climate Change Centre Page

AFC joins APNU call for closure 2 of sugar industry Page

Chief Page 8 Parliamentary Counsel submits APNU’s draft amendments to Select Committee GAWU asks Opposition to rethink its position on scaling back the sugar industry Page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

APNU most irresponsible

- President, as he reacts to opposition’s call for closing down sugar industry PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR has labelled A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) call for the shutting down of the sugar industry as most reckless, and a careless disregard for the thousands of people who depend on it for their livelihood.

“They are thinking about putting some 17,000 to 20,000 people directly out of employment, and they will be affecting also indirectly thousands of other people who depend on the sugar industry for a living, and for them to talk about shutting down GuySuCo is very irresponsible,” President Ramotar said in an invited comment to the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday.

The president also made the point that consumers of the industry’s produce will also be affected. “The support that Government is making to GuySuCo, in some ways, is a payback, because GuySuCo, for decades, has been subsiding the prices of sugar for consumers, so this is not really a subsidy to GuySuCo, this is actually paying back in some ways to help an industry that for more than a century has been helping to keep the cost of living down in Guyana,” President Ramotar said.

At their press conference on March 11, APNU member Tony Vieira called for the closing down of the sugar industry, and for

the country to instead look at aquaculture and ethanol production.

President Ramotar, however, pointed out that this talk about making the cane field into tilapia farms is ‘ludicrous’ to say the least, even as he noted the togetherness of the Opposition parties on the issue of the sugar industry.

Yesterday, at their weekly press conference, the Opposition Party, the Alliance For Change backed APNU’s call for a move from sugar to aquaculture and ethanol production.

President Ramotar pointed out that, “the only time the AFC speaks about sugar is when they want to attack the government, trying to make false promises to the sugar workers about 25 percent increase.”

Government’s continued support to GuySuCo is based on the consideration that the company provides employment for about 17,000 to 20,000 people, and indirectly benefits another 120,000.

This indirect benefit can be felt in the company’s provision of drainage and irrigation, not only for sugar, but for all other crops in all the areas in which GuySuCo operates. Its drainage and irrigation system also benefits many residential areas.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, re-

sponding to the APNU statement, said, “under the PPP/C Government, production increased from the 131,000 tons in 1991 to surpass 300,000 tons by 2002....we have restored production and have surpassed 250,000 tons 13 times in the last 20 years, and three times surpassed 300,000 tons. But we knew production above 300,000 tons could not be sustained unless critical reconfiguration of the sugar industry is undertaken. We have been doing such reconfiguration and this still requires more time. But the reconfiguration will prepare GuySuCo to again routinely produce more than 300,000 tons and to reach 400,000 tons by 2020.”

He noted that new circumstances, such as reduced sugar price, climate change, dwindling labour pools, more expensive equipment and supplies that the sugar industry confronted in the 1990s, and is confronting up to now, have killed many sugar industries around the world. In CARICOM, St. Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago have all ended sugar. Jamaica, Cuba and other countries have downsized sugar.

He said while Guyana faces the same challenges, it has not given up, and he remains optimistic that sugar will rebound.

(GINA)

AFC joins APNU call for closure of sugar industry

By Vanessa Narine THE Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday came out in support of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) position on scaling back the operations of the sugar industry and putting the lands to use for fish farming and cane-derived ethanol – but this position has been vehemently rejected by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

And he declared that the

party should be “ashamed” of its position.

Ramsammy said, “I am glad that the AFC has made themselves clear. They have exposed themselves as the poodle of the APNU. “The AFC and APNU see a future without sugar, but the position of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is that it sees a future where sugar is still a critically important component for economic prosperity.”

According to him, the combined Opposition has had a long history of being anti-sugar workers.

CLOSING THE INDUSTRY He said, “The AFC presented themselves as the champion of sugar workers. They claimed they would have doubled sugar workers’ pay before the 2011 elections. Now they want to close the industry.”

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj

Ramjattan, has been reported as saying, “We have called ever since for the Government to make that investment in ethanol production the order of the day, and we have Brazil and other firms from India that can help in that regard and also help Guyana in the long run to save billions in foreign currency and fuel. “…we cannot allow GuySuCo to keep eating up over $200B when its factories (Skeldon) aren’t working satisfactorily. “…they want to keep them

Police Association celebrates 63 years with health fair

By Asif Hakim THE Guyana Police Association hosted a health fair yesterday at the Police Sports Club Ground in Georgetown as part of its 63rd Anniversary

celebrations.

The health fair attracted members of the Guyana Police Force and their families and also saw a large contingent of students from various schools.

(sugar workers) in that morass forever so as to garner votes, so they are trying to paint the Opposition as if they have no care for people but if the Government cared they would have transformed the sector ever since, they are too hard ears.”

On Monday, PPP General-Secretary, Clement Rohee, made it clear that a comparative analysis of the sugar producing countries across the globe would show that Guyana is not unique in the challenges it faces.

SHINING STAR “We recognise what and where the problems are and the Administration is working to address this,” he said.

Rohee pointed out that in the Caribbean, Guyana is a “shining

star” when one considers the problems with the Region’s production.

“If there is any government in this country that knows how to run a sugar industry is a government in which the People’s Progressive Party is major player and that’s a historical fact,” the PPP General-Secretary stressed.

He also rejected the assertion that the current Administration is “running the sugar industry into the ground”.

The General-Secretary said, “I will never accept that criticism of running it into the ground.

That is an over-exaggeration. We recognise where the problems are and what the problems are.

We are working to address those problems and I am optimistic that given time, the industry will rebound.”

REMEMBERING Dr Cheddi Jagan

see page 8

Students at the health fair listens attentively as one of the medical personnel offers some information

By 1953, we were well on our way to attaining national, racial and working people’s unity. I am determined to retrace our footsteps and build a united nation for all our people. We must break down prejudices and barriers. Under this government, there will be no place for first-class citizens, second-class citizens or third-class citizens – only Guyanese citizens. The hopes and aspirations of our ancestors and past generations to build our country into ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION AND ONE DESTINY have again come alive under our new Government.

Cheddi Jagan Address at the Flag-Raising Ceremony in honour of the 27th Anniversary of Independence –May 26, 1993

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

As President Ramotar takes the lead…

CARICOM Heads set up Caribbean Climate Change Centre PRESIDENT RAMOTAR took the lead on climate change at the Heads Meeting in St. Vincent following which CARICOM Leaders agreed to establish a CARICOM Climate Change Task Force to provide guidance to Caribbean climate change negotiators, their Ministers and the region’s political leaders.

The Caribbean Climate Change

Centre (CCCC) along with the CARICOM Secretariat, has been tasked with setting up the task force and facilitating its work. Heads also reaffirmed the mandate to the CCCC to develop in partnership with member states, a portfolio of bankable projects eligible for climate financing and to present to the donor community for support.

According to President Ra-

motar, “This is a critical decision by Heads at a time when efforts are underway through the UN to have a global climate change agreement by end of 2015. We need to ensure that, as a Region, our voices are being heard on this important issue, and not only from our technical people, but from the collective political leadership in the region. We

have to ensure that we push for a climate change agreement by 2015, which is ambitious in terms of emission reduction targets and providing climate financing.”

President Ramotar also emphasised that despite the difficulties faced with climate financing and support for the adaptation and climate resilience, the Region needs to aggressively tap

GECOM confirms Keith Lowenfield as new CEO THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), yesterday, unanimously, supported the appointment of Mr. Keith Lowenfield as the new Chief Elections Officer (CEO).

A well-placed source said, depending on the availability of Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, Lowenfield, who was Deputy CEO, is expected to be sworn in today.

GECOM’s decision follows the Commission’s meeting on Tuesday and overnight evaluations of interviews that were conducted after the past became vacant last August.

Immediately following the Commission’s decision, Lowenfield was summoned to a meeting and was informed of the decision.

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, took the opportunity to congratulate Lowenfield on being appointed to head the Commission’s Secretariat and expressed his confidence in his ability to honour the responsibilities of the position of Chief Election Officer.

The other Commissioners also congratulated the new CEO and wished him well in

his new position.

Responding to the sentiments expressed by Dr. Surujbally and the Commissioners, Lowenfield thanked them individually and collectively for the confidence that the Commission has placed in him through its decision to appoint him to the position of Chief Election Officer and Commissioner of National Registration.

Lowenfield was one of two Guyanese, among the four persons on the shortlist from a “substantive number of applications”, according to GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Vishnu Persaud.

The others were Acting CEO, Mr. Calvin Benn and Ms. Savitrie Singh, also Guyanese with the latter based in the United States and Mr. Danville Walker, a Jamaican.

According to a statement from GECOM, Benn was not interviewed because he tendered a letter dated March 10, 2014, informing regretfully that he was no longer interested in the post of Chief Election Officer and that, by way of the said letter, he was withdrawing his application for the post.

The statement said, “Mr.

At Demerara Assizes…

Accused wife killer retrial begins THE murder retrial of Ganesh Narine called ‘Kana’ began yesterday, before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes.

The accused of Cornelia Ida, West Coast of Demerara, is indicted for having, on June 12, 2009, at Cornelia Ida, murdered his reputed wife, Krishndae Singh known as ‘Geeta’.

A witness, Detective Corporal Jomo Williams testified that he took photographs of the deceased at the scene, the post-mortem and at the crematorium.

He also told the court that he found a blue and white bloodstained sheet in one of the bedrooms at the scene but denied a defence suggestion that it was the first time, in his evidence, that he was saying he saw bloodstains on a blue and white sheet.

Attorney-at-law, Mr. Peter Hugh is appearing for the defence while State Counsel Ms. Dhanika Singh is conducting the continuing case for the prosecution.

KEITH LOWENFIELD Benn submitted in his letter that he had engaged in some serious reflection during a recent period of illness and has concluded that it would be unwise for him to compete for the position of Chief Election Officer. Further, he expressed regrets to the Commission for any inconvenience which might have been

caused by his change of heart.”

The CEO is required to play the key leadership role in the Secretariat of GECOM, with responsibility for implementing all aspects of its operations and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the laws of Guyana and the policies determined by the Commission.

The CEO will be the Commission’s primary point of contact for the staff of the Secretariat, whose activities include the registration of registrants, the distribution of Identification Cards; the provision of information and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.

The new official will also be required to represent the Commission’s policies and activities in interactions with stakeholders and other interest groups, including political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM. The post of CEO is integral to the highly anticipated hosting of Local Government Elections.

into opportunities that exist now while we organise ourselves for future possibilities.

In this regard, the president commended the work of the CCCC and indicated that Guyana has been working closely with the Centre since its establishment and closer ties are being developed as part of the LCDS implementation.

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR

CARICOM moves ahead with Single ICT Space (CARICOM SECRETARIAT, GEORGETOWN) THE CA-

RIBBEAN Community will focus over the next two years on unveiling the Single Information Communication Technology ICT Space as the digital layer of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government, the Hon. Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said Tuesday evening that a roadmap to this end would be developed and presented to the Heads of Government Meeting in July 2014.

The Community’s efforts to boost development through the use of ICT would be undertaken in tandem with the Reform Process for the years 2014-2019, Dr. Gonsalves said at the conclusion of the 25th Intersessional Meeting.

Briefing the media from the Buccament Bay Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the meeting was held, Dr. Gonsalves said that the roadmap would include elements such as spectrum management, bringing technology to the people and transforming them to digital citizens, diaspora re-engagement, cyber security and public-private partnerships.

Utilising ICT for the Region’s sustainable development was the first substantial item on the Heads’ agenda following the formal opening session on Monday. The discussions were led by Dr. the Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, and Lead Head of Government on ICT in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet. He spoke under the chapeau of `ICT for CARICOM Transformation’.

Developing a Single CARICOM ICT Space to enhance the environment for investment and production was identified as one of the key areas that the Community should undertake in the short-term to become competitive.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

NYC buildings explosion kills 2, more missing

(Reuters) - TWO New York buildings collapsed on Wednesday in an explosion believed to be caused by a gas leak, killing two people, injuring at least 22, and setting off a search for more feared trapped in the debris, officials said.

A blast that scattered debris onto nearby rooftops brought down neighboring five-story buildings with a total of 15 apartments at about 9:30 a.m.

(1330 GMT) on the largely residential block at East 116th

Street and Park Avenue in Upper Manhattan.

Clouds of thick smoke billowed from the rubble of the apartment buildings that sat above a ground-level church and a piano store in a largely Latino working-class neighborhood. Officials declined to give a number of people still missing.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who rushed to the scene in East Harlem, where a cascade of twisted and burnt metal blocked the sidewalk and covered parked cars, said preliminary informa-

tion showed the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

Officials at the press conference said the blast occurred 15 minutes after a resident in an adjacent building called Con Edison to complain of a gas odor.

Hundreds of firefighters were scouring the mounds of debris for survivors and trapped bodies.

“There are a number of missing individuals,” de Blasio said. “We are expending every effort to locate each and every

loved one.”

Crews also scrambled to clean up the debris, which littered nearby train tracks and shut down Metro-North Railroad service, ahead of the evening commute.

Neighbors said they thought an earthquake was shaking them from their beds and breakfast tables. The explosion, which could be heard from blocks away, shattered windows around the neighborhood.

“All of a sudden the whole building shook. We had no idea what was going on,” said Robert Pauline, 56, a Columbia University data processor whose apartment six blocks away was rocked by the explosion.

The force of the blast blew Joseph Concepcion, 30, who lives less than a block away, at least an inch off his couch.

“I literally got lifted off my couch, the boom was so strong,” Concepcion said.

President Barack Obama was briefed on the collapse and sent his condolences to the victims’ families and his support to first responders at the scene.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this incident,” the White House said in a statement.

Crowds of residents, their faces covered with protective scarves and masks, filled the sidewalks of surrounding streets, which were blocked off with yellow police tape.

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at the site of a building collapse in Harlem, New York, March 12, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton

Ukraine appeals to the West as Crimea turns to Russia

(Reuters) – UKRAINE’S government appealed for Western help on Tuesday to stop Moscow annexing Crimea but the Black Sea peninsula, overrun by Russian troops, seemed fixed on a course that could formalize rule from Moscow within days.

With their own troops in Crimea effectively prisoners in their bases, the new authorities in Kiev painted a sorry picture of the military bequeathed them by the pro-Moscow president overthrown two weeks ago. They announced the raising of a new National Guard to be drawn from volunteers among veterans.

The prime minister, heading for talks at the White House and United Nations, told parliament in Kiev he wanted the United States and Britain, as guarantors of a 1994 treaty that saw Ukraine give up its Soviet nuclear weapons, to intervene both diplomatically and militarily to fend off Russian “aggression”.

But despite NATO reconnaissance aircraft patrolling the Polish and Romanian borders and U.S. naval forces preparing for exercises in the Black Sea, Western powers have made clear that, as when ex-Soviet Georgia lost territory in fighting in 2008, they have no appetite for risking turning the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War into a military conflict with Moscow.

Diplomacy seemed restricted to a war of words. The U.S. and Russian foreign ministers did speak by telephone. But the U.S. State Department said Moscow’s position offered no room for negotiation and the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning U.S. financial aid to the “illegitimate regime” in Kiev, which it calls ultra-nationalists with “Nazi” links.

That language echoed ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich, who gave a news conference in Russia insisting that he was still the legitimate head of state. Toppled by protests sparked by his rejection of closer ties with the European Union in favor of a deal from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yanukovich blamed his enemies for provoking Crimean secession.

Parliament in Kiev, whose position is backed by Western governments, dismisses plans for a referendum on Sunday to unite the region with Russia as illegitimate and resolved on Tuesday to dissolve Crimea’s regional assembly if by Wednesday it had not scrapped the plebiscite.

There seems no chance that it will.

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Verna in ‘naked’ protest

Former minister in protest outside Parliament (Trinidad Guardian) FORMER Child Development minister Verna St RoseGreaves says the Government has failed the children of this country and is attempting to cover up the truth about the cause of death of a newborn baby after a C-section. The baby was born to Quelly Ann

Cottle at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital on Carnival Saturday but died a few minutes later. Autopsy findings showed his head was cut by the knife used to make the incision.

St Rose-Greaves walked to Tower D, Waterfront Complex, Port-of-Spain, shortly before the scheduled 1.30 pm start of

the Senate sitting to protest. She carried a placard that read: “Another baby dies, another mother cries.” The police stationed outside monitored St Rose-Greaves as she walked around in front of the building for more than 30 minutes. Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj and Local Government Minister Marlene

Former Child Development Minister Verna St Rose-Greaves, depicting a pregnant woman stands outside the Parliament at Tower D, Port-of-Spain, yesterday in protest over the death of a new-born baby after a C-section was conducted on Quelly Ann Cottle, 38, at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital last Saturday. PHOTO: MARYANN AUGUSTE

Coudray hailed her out as they entered.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, who was in the Senate to answer questions on the order paper about other matters, later told the T&T Guardian: “This is a democratic country still and Verna is doing what she does best.” Moments later, on leaving the building, Khan passed within inches of St Rose-Greaves in silence as she hummed a song.

Later she said they passed each other “like the missing Malaysian aircraft.” In response to questions about her protest, St Rose-Greaves said the baby boy was “butchered.”

She said: “I cannot understand a woman going to a hospital to have a baby and her child is butchered and there is a move to cover it up. We have to stand up and demand justice, not just for this one child (but) for all the children who go through our hospitals and die because of negligence.” “Our delivery rooms are now morgues. You go in to come out joyous and you emerge missing a part of you,” St Rose-Greaves said.

There was a history of abuse in hospitals, she added, saying the nurses had the information but were afraid to release it. “The truth must be told and we cannot continue like this,” she stressed. Recalling several disparaging public statements about homosexuals and about women being lewd at Carnival, she said there had been no public comments on the death of the child. “This is not important. They are there to moralise and not to recognise what is happening to our children,” she complained.

Five in court charged with $4m bank heist

(Trinidad Guardian) FIVE men accused of robbing Republic Bank of over $4 million earlier this month appeared before a Sangre Grande magistrate Tuesday and were granted bail totalling $6.4 million. Of the five, three were charged with a similar offence on January 17 at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) branch at S&S Persad Supermarket, Guayaguayare Road, Mayaro.

The three—Navin Juteram, 34, Chaitram Mohammed, 27, and Kumar Narine, 21—are jointly charged with two other men with robbing two men using personal violence and attempting to break and enter the automated banking machine (ABM). They are to re-appear in court on March 24 with their co-accused at the Mayaro Magistrates Court. The trio and Jason Villafana, 41, are accused of breaking and entering RBL on March 1 and stealing the money.

Juteram and the fifth accused, Sateesh Boodram, 33, are also charged with receiving money knowing it to be stolen arising from the robbery at the Sangre Grande Branch of RBL. Juteram is alleged to have received $46,800 while Boodram allegedly received $2.1 million of the loot. A sixth man, a former police officer who retired as an inspector and became a defence attorney, was arrested in con-

Navin Juteram

nection with the robbery over the weekend.

However, after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) no charges were laid against him and he was released. The men were represented by attorneys Shivan Jadoo, Dinesh Narine and Shivanand Dubay, and will re-appear in court tomorrow after the prosecutor requested time for police to acquire into their criminal record. Mohammed told the magistrate he had two convictions for stealing yam and sheep.

The men were arrested and charged by Insp Wayne Doodhai of the Fraud Squad and Cpl Rachar of the Sangre Grande Police Station. Police say they have recovered $2.1 million of the stolen money and have another suspect in custody who was arrested yesterday and who was assisting them.

Hospital horrors for highway crash victims (Trinidad Express) FOUR people who survived a highway crash that killed their American friend last Friday, were dropped off at the Chaguanas Health Centre by fire fighters, then told by a nurse to find their own way to the Mt Hope Hospital for further treatment.

The victims, who had to telephone a friend to get transportation, said they are outraged by the callous way they were treated.

Told of the incident, chairman of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) Dr Shehenaz Mohammed apologised and asked that the group write a formal complaint so it could be investigated.

New Yorker Ernst Lorquet, 37, died last Friday morning, when the mini bus in which he was a passenger, crashed when a trye blew while travelling along the north bound lane of the Uriah Butler Highway near the Divali Nagar site.

Surviving the crash were Janella Lashley, 31, brothers Wayne, 45, and Corey Young, 38, Jamila Hoyte, and driver Andre Roseman. The group was on its way to the Tobago Ferry Terminal, in Port of Spain to take the boat to Tobago to spend the weekend.

Lashley, who was visiting from Barbados, said she had never felt so insulted by any government worker, when she and the other victims were taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility. She said when they got there at around 5.30a.m. a nurse said the hospital was closed and the x-ray machine was not working.

Lashley said: “A nurse in a white uniform told us we had to go to Mt Hope for them to perform the x-ray there.

The nurse said it was only 15 minutes away to that hospital.

They said (Hoyte) had a broken arm and she was the only person that could be transported in the one ambulance that was available”

Free education unappreciated (Barbados Advocate) FREE education in Barbados is not appreciated today, but instead it is seen as an entitlement.

This is according to Reverend F. Errington Massiah, the Rector at St. Joseph and St. Aidan.

He said that he has made this assertion previously but needed to re-emphasise it. Delivering the sermon on Sunday at the Barbados Boy Scouts Association’s Founder’s Day Service, he told the congregation of persons assembled in the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, “As I said years ago and I want to repeat it here this evening, the worse thing happened to Barbados is free education.”

He asserted, “Our children don’t value it.” He said that in his time there were children who were intelligent yet because of their finances and socio-economic situation, they could not afford to go beyond primary school.

So, those who were privileged enough to attend secondary school “held their heads high.” Having been one of the latter group, he said, “we attended [secondary] school with pride and dignity.”

And he criticised, “But now the floodgate is opened, so everybody now would say it is a what? We have these things called rights, you know, it is my right; I have a right to go.”

Therefore, as we go forward, he urged, “Let us all ask ourselves this question, what kind of Barbados will we leave for the unborn? It is my view that we should leave a better Barbados for the unborn. Let us leave it better than how we found it.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Duped with their eyes wide open A REGIONAL executive member of the Alliance For Change party (AFC), Region Six Councillor, Haseef Yusuf, has brought to public attention that party’s cronyism and lack of transparency and accountability in its hierarchy, highlighting same in letters to the Guyanese media.

Yusuf has taken the AFC leadership to task over its hypocrisy.

He stated that that party’s leaders are harassing the Government in Parliament on charges that they cannot prove, whereas their own actions cannot bear scrutiny; and he advised: “It is time to take out the beam from thine own eyes”.

It is a shame and disgrace for the AFC to be working against the very principles which it claims to stand for, he posits.

Yusuf asks, “Where is the accountability within the AFC? Where is the transparency in the electoral process? Isn’t there cronyism within the AFC? (Are you) afraid of another defection if you drop the hammer?”

He also expressed doubt whether Ramjattan has the courage to act decisively in these matters, since the AFC front-bencher has brushed off his concerns by saying he is “too busy”. So if he is too busy to deal with corruption in his own party, how will he run a country with a myriad of agencies in which corruption has become endemic since PNC days, and in which corruption has become so entrenched that it has become near-impossible to root out?

The AFC is another arm to break up the PPP support base and give the PNC power once more; and they have certainly succeeded.

Persons like Yusuf should not complain, because Guyana’s history is there for the reading, but they have chosen to join the wolves in sheep’s clothing. But today the wolves are devouring each other in order to gain the spoils.

Ramjattan was promised leadership of the party on a rotational basis, but Trotman has never relinquished that position, so Ramjattan is being sidelined, first by Trotman, now by Nigel Hughes. To the AFC members in the diaspora, it seems as if Ramjattan is left to do the dirty work of the puppeteers who are drawing his strings.

Moses Nagamootoo wanted the presidency, and the final rejection of his candidacy by the PPP/C sent the self-appointed deliverer into the embrace of the AFC with the promise of “a high place” and a vice-presidency.

Both aspiring presidents are today sitting on the sidelines, refusing to accept that they were used by a clever strategist who is just as power-hungry and manipulative as they are, but who has proven to be cleverer than they are.

Nagamootoo was not even given the speakership position to which he had aspired when Trotman’s promises of a vice-presidency and “a high place” did not fructify, because Trotman had cut a secret deal with the PNC to reject him in return for AFC support in Parliament.

AFC member Patterson, not attaining the appointment of com-

missioner on GECOM, does not bother Trotman, because his loyalty is not to the AFC, but to the PNC, and the AFC was merely a vehicle to enable the PNC to take control of Parliament. It was a brilliant strategy indeed, similar to those used by Burnham; and the pawns were PPP/C defectors who were used both to wean PPP/C supporters away from their party and to get funding from wealthy businessmen who trusted and sympathized with Ramjattan and Nagamootoo. But then Trotman never made secret his ardent admiration of Burnham, the master political strategist.

However, PPP defectors to the AFC have to be blind not to recognise the trend. Gaumattie Singh was denied a parliamentary seat because Trotman chose Chantal Smith instead. Trotman has always been leader of the AFC since inception, despite the co-leadership premise on which it was founded, with Ramjattan always having been left floundering in the cold, and Nagamootoo was denied the Speaker’s position.

Guess who holds both positions coveted by Ramjattan and Nagamootoo? Trotman, of course, because he has been revealed to have been holding secret talks with the hierarchy of the PNC, the beast out of whose belly he emerged. And ironically, it is the PPP/C support base that is being eroded to ultimately empower the PNC, and former PPP supporters in the diaspora and the business world who are funding them. Michael Forde, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar must be turning in their graves.

Maybe there would be many more like Gaumattie Singh and Yusuf, who would realise the colossal mistake they have made in trying to deliver this nation into the jaws of the wolves in sheep’s clothing, because the wolves are already devouring each other, merely waiting for the day when the treasury is delivered to them before they begin swallowing the spoils.

Immigration consultant Balwant Persaud is asking: If Ramjattan, Hughes, Nagamootoo and the other leaders of the AFC spent their own money (which they could afford), what happened to the donation of $115 million that was handed over to them, not to mention the massive amounts collected from their very wealthy overseas supporters and from businessmen in Guyana, along with the proceeds from fund-raisers held by ordinary supporters like Yusuf?

Ramjattan is arrogantly and contemptuously asking what Yusuf donated (meaning: why should he question Ramaya?), so the ordinary supporter like Yusuf, who worked hard and long hours, neglecting their families and their work in the process, have no value in the eyes of Ramjattan.

They hardly ran advertisements for elections 2011, because most of their public relations work was done by their supporters in the media, including Ramaya and foot soldiers like Yusuf. Few billboards and hardly any flyers were circulated, so Balwant Persaud and Yusuf could rightly ask what happened to all the hundreds of millions of donation funding.

Most of the opposition campaign was conducted via relentless legwork of their supporters, with donations of resources like sound systems and vehicles provided free every time they called a meeting.

Their supporters, who had been fooled by the fancy talk of these erstwhile messiahs who promised to deliver them from the terrible PPP, are, in Ramjattan’s language, “collateral damage”.

So, just as Trotman fooled Ramjattan and Nagamootoo into joining AFC with promises of co-leadership and ‘a high place’, so did the duo fool PPP supporters to win their trust, their votes, their help, and their resources.

Today, like Yusuf, Gaumattie Singh and thousands of other supporters whom the AFC caused to lose their jobs through their infamous budgetary cuts, are left holding, in the now famous words of President Donald Ramotar, “larwah!”

The only difference is that, today, big shots like Ramjattan, Nagamootoo and Ramayyah are sitting cool in Parliament, drawing all the parliamentary benefits, including duty-free vehicles, while their supporters are left “high and dry” like the Amerindians, Yusuf and Gaumattie Singh. Their contempt for the workers, whose rights they said they were representing to win their support and their votes, was evident when Ramjattan, upon being reminded that their actions in Parliament would make many workers be forced out of their jobs, said, “Well, if they gotta go, then they gotta go,” while calling them collateral damage.

Public servants have always been betrayed by the PNC, as they have been once again, this time joined by the AFC; but time and again they have responded to calls of “kith and kin”, disregarding their own welfare and that of their children and future generations, and one wonders when their good sense will prevail and they will recognise the wolves in sheep’s clothing who perennially fleece them of their trust and their votes.

As Yusuf noted, in any other country, the misuse and abuse of campaign funds are dealt with criminally, especially where a person is making unsubstantiated claims in order to enrich himself or herself; whereas in Guyana such a person will be promoted to high office. It is a well-known fact that troublemakers in the society who aspired to the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, or higher offices, were bribed with parliamentary seats, a vice-presidency, or a co-leadership position to join the AFC. The Gaumattie Singh imbroglio should have warned persons like Yusuf what to expect from the AFC.

Shame on those opposing the Rodney CoI I RECENTLY returned from the Moruca Sub-Region, Region One, and upon my return to Georgetown, I was greeted with the shocking but not surprising news in your newspaper that the PNC/APNU, but more particularly the WPA and GHRA, are uncooperative with the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, a world-renowned historian, politician and a co-leader of the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA).

Shame on the PNC, WPA and GHRA! In a Stabroek News article of Saturday May 4th, 2013 under the caption “No justifiable reason for withdrawal of South Africa award to Burnham”, PNCR leader David Granger said in relation to Rodney’s murder, “The PNC has done everything legally possible; everything humanely possible to refute the allegations made against members of our Party as to the involvement in the murder. We certainly don’t accept it and we have always held out that we are willing to have an inquiry and give evidence at any forum.”

Well, the forum has arrived in the form of the COI, but it now seems that Granger and his PNC Party are trembling and backing off from the COI on the basis of an excuse that one of the members of Commission is known to the government.

It is being said that Granger can be likened to a dog that eats its own vomit. If the PNC is innocent of the allegations of Rodney’ murder, then why is it creating so-called concerns for it not to appear before the COI to “give evidence” as Granger had boasted in the mentioned quotation of the SN article?

I am shocked at the behaviour of the WPA, the party which was co-founded and led by Dr. Rodney, for its non-cooperation with the COI on the weak basis of its lame excuse of objecting to one of the Terms of Reference of the Rodney COI. Is the WPA ashamed to say that some of Burnham’s military henchmen penetrated the ranks of the WPA in the 1970s? Is the WPA’s stance a deliberate ploy not to cooperate with the Rodney

COI, since it is now in bed with the PNC, formerly led by Burnham, who was accused by thousands of Guyanese and the WPA itself of Rodney’s assassination?

It was Eddi Rodney who said, “Today, it is a sad travesty to see former Rodneyites like Dr. Rupert Roopnarine taking instruction from Burnhamite men like David Granger. It sickens the stomach to see the betrayal of their leader’s legacy by these former comrades (SN May 4th, 2013).” Shame on the WPA! The GHRA’s position is only to be expected, and I condemn this so-called Human Rights cabal as being a mouthpiece for criminals and Guyana’s useless Parliamentary opposition, and parroting what they say in relation to the Rodney COI. The GHRA can merely be qualified as a political front for the PNC/APNU and AFC. Shame on this so-called Human Rights body.

PETER PERSAUD

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Do something in nation’s interest - CARICOM Chairman urges – says AML Bill’s non- passage will have far- reaching consequences

THE fact that Guyana has not been able to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill will not only be Guyana’s problem, but the Caribbean Region as well, CARICOM Chairman and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has underscored.

Briefing the media after the 25th CARICOM Inter-sessional meeting ended Tuesday evening in St Vincent, Dr. Gonsalves stressed that, “If the Guyana Parliament doesn’t pass the legislation, there will be a blacklisting of Guyana. The CFATF, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the Financial Action Task Force, (FATF) internationally, they have already made the point!”

The Prime Minister pointed out that once Guyana is blacklisted, as is expected given its failure to pass the legislation, overseas banks can sever ties

with local counterparts. This move by the “corresponding banks” as he described them, will result in Guyana’s banks being reduced to “domestic savings” banks. The new status will see the Guyanese banking institutions being unable to engage in making payments for goods and services with third party countries, the CARICOM Chairman explained.

“It’s a serious problem, a very, very serious problem. It affects Guyana and it affects the Region. That is why we are asking, CARICOM is saying, “Look guys pass the law”.

This is why bankers and businesspeople are saying that the law must be passed, he added. What is needed, the CARICOM Chairman, said is maturity of judgment, “for everyone to just pull back from petty politicking and do something in the interest of the nation”.

A communiqué issued by the regional body was not one drawn up by the Guyana Gov-

ernment and rubber stamped, but was drafted and approved

by CARICOM, Dr Gonsalves insisted.

A similar situation existed in St. Vincent and that country’s government had to move quickly to avoid being blacklisted, it was further explained.

The official excerpt from the communiqué dealing with the AMLCF reads: The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community regards with profound dismay, Guyana’s inability to enact the requisite legislation aimed at implementing the recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering regime.

We recognise that Guyana’s failure to enact this Bill will result in Guyana being blacklisted

by CFATF and consequently have far-reaching implications and, indeed, repercussions on the economy of Guyana as well as that of every territory

of the Region. It will affect the cost of processing international transactions and will adversely affect trade and financial flows in the Region. The non-passage of the Bill will also retard the regional integration enterprise, limit the opportunity for growth in Guyana and the Region and result in hardship for the people of Guyana, and indeed, of the Region.

We call on all relevant parties to enact the necessary legislation in the national and regional interest.

A second CFATF deadline, of February 28, was missed by Guyana to pass the legislation, after failing to meet the initial time limit of November 2013, after the Opposition used their one-seat majority in the National Assembly to vote down the bill, which led to the country being blacklisted at the regional level.

CFAT has no objections to the bill in its current form, and its Financial Adviser, Roger

Police seek Natton regarding murder of Rock Creek shopkeeper THE Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for Natton Anthony Stoute, wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of interior shopkeeper Bibi Shaniza Bhola, 34, which occurred on February 26 last at Rock Creek, Cuyuni/Mazaruni in Region 8.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Natton Anthony Stoute is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-2722; 225-6411; 225-8196; 226-1333; 911, or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

NAME: Natton Anthony Stoute RACE: Mixed COMPLEXION: Brown LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Helena No. 2 Mahaica, ECD Bhola, of La Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was bludgeoned and stabbed multiple times by two men who reportedly carted off her cash, gold and other valuables.

Survived by two children, aged 14 and 13, Bhola had operated her shop for about four years.

The gruesome discovery was made after an elder sister had peered through a window and had seen Bhola lying motionless on her bedroom floor.

Relatives allege that Bhola had provided the men with food, and had later found employment for them. According to reports, Bhola had even bought equipment for the men, to assist them in prospecting. It is alleged that the men also sold the equipment after killing her.

Murdered: Bibi Shaniza Bhola

Natton Anthony Stoute is wanted by the police

Hernandez said the regional watchdog body has concerns in relation to the amendments that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) proposed. Hernandez explained that some of the amendments put forward deal with previous areas of the Act that were deemed compliant. “The concern that we

7

have is that the amendment put forward may make those areas that were formerly compliant, non-compliant, he said. (GINA) I f t h e C FAT F ’s M a y plenary is dissatisfied with Guyana’s progress, its 2013 November statement already provides the decision for the country’s referral to FATF. In June 2014, the FATF is slated to meet, when it will make a decision as to whether Guyana should be subjected to a prima facie review by the International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG). (GINA)

Woman released on bail after post-mortem on reputed husband revealed his death accidental

By Michel Outridge YONETTE Gumbs, 45, of Lot 1525 Onderneeming, La Parfait Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara, reputed wife of seven years to late miner Dennis Harris, 44, was on Monday released on bail from police custody after a post-mortem performed on Harris’s body revealed that the man had punctured a vein in his hand, and had bled to death.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said that given the post-mortem report and the incident itself, Harris’s death can be termed ‘accidental’, in which case he can be deemed responsible for his own demise.

Harris and his reputed wife had, on March 6, returned home from a celebration in the village marking the birthday of one of Harris’s relatives. The couple had left home quarrelling, and had returned home with their issues unresolved; and the allegedly inebriated Harris was verbally abusing Gumbs in front of her three daughters, which resulted in Harris being locked out of the house when he picked up a scissors and threatened Gumbs.

Thereafter, Harris had begun to verbally abuse Gumbs in a loud tone of voice laced with expletives; and in an attempt to re-enter the house, had cuffed a glass window, which shattered and caused Harris to receive a gaping cut to his hand. He bled to death while receiving medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Yonette Gumbs had met Harris while she was working in the hinterland as a cook, and he later moved in with her; but he was often abusive to Gumbs and her three daughters, and had, on many occasions, even threatened to kill them all.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Police Association celebrates 63 years ...

One of the various groups that participated in the Guyana Police Association health fair

From page 2 The fair was held to offer members of the Guyana Police Force and their relatives some complimentary medical services.

Among the services at the health fair were dental care (extraction and filling), HIV testing, blood pressure testing, eye care, blood donation and TB testing. In addition Body Mass Index [BMI] readings, glucose testing and vaccines were also done.

Guyana Chronicle spoke with the secretary of the Guyana Police Association, Sergeant Pollards, who stated that in celebration of the GPA’s 63rd Anniversary they decided to give back to the members of the force and their families by offering pre-medical health care.

The police officer urged members of the force and citizens to take good care of their health and to do regular body checkups. She noted that every individual must put their health first because without proper health there is very little that can be achieved.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) booth focused on contraceptive methods which they had on display as well as their other services.

Meanwhile, the GRPA which is located at 70 Quamina Street, Georgetown will be hosting an ongoing youth clinic every last Friday of every month from 1-3pm and they are urging the public to come out and participate.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel submits APNU’s draft amendments to Select Committee … along with a counter draft from Gov’t CHIEF Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Durjohn on Wednesday afternoon submitted the A Partnership for National Unity’s two draft amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill to the Parliamentary Select Committee, to which it was committed.

According to Minister of Legal Affairs, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who is part of the committee, one set of the amendments captured the APNU proposal, and the other, the counter proposal from the Government side.

“We began to look at APNU proposal, but we didn’t get very far as the proposals are problematic, and to go through them to assess their impact on the bill itself and the Principal Act proved to be a time consuming exercise,” Minister Nandlall stated.

“The APNU members themselves made several amendments to their own proposals and that vindicates government’s earlier view that those proposals were hurriedly put together, and their impact not properly examined,” he added.

“The Chief Parliamentary Counsel has tried his best to capture all the proposals and they are still making changes to this; now that they are seeing it for the first time, they are raising objections thus making it a circuitous exercise.”

Once the committee has completed the process of fully perusing the APNU draft amendments, Minister Nandlall said they would then have to examine the government’s counter proposal.

Minister Nandlall said the Administration still maintains that all this is unnecessary, since a CFATF compliant bill was already prepared and approved by the committee some two months ago, and can easily be enacted.

“The changes that are being made now are institutional changes to the very structure of the Principal Act, and even if we approve them, I believe it would be prudent to send them to CFATF for their imprimatur since they may run the risk of not meeting the approval of CFATF, thereby rendering the exercise in which we are engaged a futile one.”

The Select Committee is scheduled to meet again on March 25, 2014.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana...

Ramjattan and co. ‘collateral damage’ politics help seal AFC’s fate OLD Kai always looks forward to the tales of the AFC’s Prak-a-lak, dutifully carried by the ‘Once-Upon-A-Time’ newspaper. It is predictable, almost scripted from Machiavelli’s book, ‘The Prince’, which outlines the devious and darker side of politics.

Clearly, Prak-a-lak is following its contents, where Machiavelli addresses the aspect of whether it is better to be loved or feared. “The answer is that one would like to be both the one and the other; but because it is difficult to combine them, it is far safer to be feared than loved if you cannot be both.”

The great fanfare that he and Moses of Hendree’s Cure fame, along with a few other stragglers, had basked in when, as ‘Johnnies-come-lately’, they managed to repackage themselves as some sort of value-added product on the political market, has now quickly evaporated before their very eyes.

So Prak-a-lak and Hendree’s boy believed that they would now be better off if they were feared. So, when they instigated the people to violent protests in Linden and Agricola, this was their aim. When they called for ‘no peace’, this was their aim.

When they told Guyanese they were ‘collateral damage’, this was their aim. When they sabotaged the national projects and tried to deny our people the Specialty Hospital, this was their aim. When they continue to hold hostage the ammended AML/ AFT Bill, this is their aim.

But Machiavelli had warned against the possibility of being despised by the people, as he noted in his book, “…a prince must ensure that he is not feared to the point of hatred, which is very possible.”

The recent revelations that public support for the AFC had plummeted to an all-time low of 4% is testimony to this fact. When contrasting this figure with the fact that this Party

received some 10% of total votes in the General elections a little over two years ago, you will find that support for the AFC fell by a dramatic 60%.

There is no clearer indication that the entire leadership of that Party has failed, and failed miserably, to the point where they face outright rejection by a significant majority of their former supporters who have abandoned ship.

This should come as no surprise, as several top members and financiers of the Party were already walking away after bitter public fallouts with the leadership cabal; and today, even their own Councillor in Region 6, Haseef Yusuf, is publicly lambasting them for their crooked ways, and acts of sabotage against the country’s economy.

In Region 2, their Councillor, known as ‘Hot Skull’, has been accused of physically assaulting the PPP/C Regional Chairman in Region 2. Another male Councillor, who is also a teacher, was accused of having sexual relations with school boys. Their Chairman, Nigel the Nightingale, has been exposed so many times that it’s hard to keep track of his scandals.

Hendree’s Cure told the nation how he does ‘cuss up’ his own grandkids; and there are still question marks over the Berbice Bridge land issue; and a handicapped man and his wife accused Prak-alak of swindling them. Not forgetting his employers, the infamous Specialty Hospital bidder, and even their former leader, now House Speaker, was entwined in his own land scandal which was exposed by another Prakash.

Then there is the simmering scandal of their ‘bush doctor’, who spent millions in donors money on couple ‘bora, bagee and balanjay’ to feed a handful of people in Berbice, and then after elections, he bought a big fancy vehicle. The stories are numerous for such a small party which just came into being ‘the other day’.

Sadly, it appears that their leaders have lost control of what comes out of their mouths these days, and this is the excuse given when they are exposed for their misleading concoctions.

Maybe it is a rare form of desperation, if there is such a thing, as how else can you explain the comments of Prak-a-lak in the ‘Once-Upon-A-Time’ newspaper insinuating that President Donald Ramotar is afraid of assenting to the final Local Government Bill which will pave the way for these elections because, “...he knows that the PPP gun get dem tail cut.” This outlandish boast is coming from a man who just witnessed a drop in public support of himself and Party by a whopping 60%.

There is a sinister side to this also, as what Prak-a-lak has failed to point out, and which the ‘Once-Upon-A-Time’ paper has refused to question him on is: Why did his party team up with APNU to cut funding for the Local Government Elections in the 2013 Budget if they were so interested in these elections?

If President Ramotar and the PPP were so afraid of ‘getting dem tail cut’, why then would they have placed the money to host this critical election in the Budget, where the opposition had the majority say in passing it, only for them to inexplicably cut it and, one year later, they are now crying and beating their chests about how the ruling party is stalling these elections, in the hope of evoking pity in Guyanese and the foreign people.

The Guyanese public has already been informed by the Head of State that the final Local Government Bill is unconstitutional, and that these areas have also been revealed. It is for the National Assembly to now rectify it, so as President Ramotar could assent to it, as he has assured the nation he would.

Absolutely no mention was made by Prak-a-lak of this version of events, but then again, Old Kai never expected a Machiavelli boy to do such a thing.

GAWU asks Opposition to rethink its position on scaling back the sugar industry

…calls for EU disbursements to be fully released to the industry THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), yesterday, weighed in on the increasingly controversial comments

by A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Anthony Vieira on the sugar industry.

And while the Union has acknowledged that the statements made have triggered a new round of debate on sugar and the future of the industry, the organisation made it clear that the focus on the industry reflects its importance to Guyana’s economy.

In a statement. GAWU said, “This continuing focus on the industry is reflective of its importance to our economy and our country and, certainly, to thousands of workers and their families who depend on it directly or indirectly.”

The union also expressed concerns that “jockeying for political advantages” could very well affect a serious and comprehensive assessment.

It said, “We are also most certainly concerned that proffered “solutions” may not be well thought out or how they will impact the lives and livelihood of our members or, indeed, all workers who rely on the industry.

“We have taken note of what seems to be a contradictory stance taken by APNU’s spokesperson, Mr. Anthony Vieira, who is now saying,‘Actually, we are coming out of cane because even if we are doing ethanol, we are not going to be a competitive producer’.”

QUESTIONABLE GAWU questioned why Guyana must plunge into ethanol, which would require capitalization and then back out of it shortly afterwards because it (ethanol) would not be competitive?

The union said, “Aquaculture is also mentioned. We have heard such an idea before and believe, to some extent, it is being pursued in the country.

“But, we ask: why should the sugar industry be purposefully destroyed or drastically miniaturized and be replaced by aquaculture?

“We do not dispute that there is a place for aquaculture in our economy, or its value, but this can and should go on without the destruction of sugar. There is scope in our country for this. The GAWU is not unaware of the trials and trying times facing the sugar industry.”

According to the Union, its views on the state of the sugar industry have been publicly aired, but the ongoing debate must take into consideration some salient points related to this industry in more recent times.

GAWU said, “We need to note that since the arbitrary 36 per cent price cut in 2006 for our sugar sold to the European Union, the industry’s challenges became real and challenging.

“It took almost a whole year before the EU Accompanying Measures came on board with the disbursement of support funds to the ACP sugar producing countries, Guyana being one. The toll of the price cut on the sugar industry was significant. Factories have been starved of important and costly components, certain field operations and infrastructural work have had to be shelved or only partly undertaken.

“This and other related factors saw lower sugar production and inadequate yields of canes per hectare. EU funding from the price cut commenced in 2007 to the Guyana Government.”

Recently the EU Commission in Georgetown summarized that from 2007 to 2011, €91.5M or G$21.5B has been disbursed to the Guyana Government. For the years 2012 and 2013, the disbursements are said to be about €45M or about G$10B. The Union pointed out that only a small portion of the total disbursements had been received by the sugar industry for the financing of the Enmore Packaging Plant and a few budgetary support.

“GAWU holds the view that all the disbursements ought to be fully released to the sugar industry, even belatedly, so that the industry’s capitalization and other field programmes will not continue to suffer and put a brake on the industry’s rejuvenation,” it said.

RENEWED CALL The Union, on that note, renewed its call for the exclusive use of the EU disbursements to contribute to sugar’s recovery and also additional

support.

The Union stressed that public discourse on the future of the industry should not downplay the fact that even at this time the industry continues to serve our country in a multifaceted way.

GAWU has also since called for the appointment of a new Board of Directors with an able Chairman as soon as possible, without further procrastination.

It said, “This professional leadership is crucial and we are certain that there are competent persons with the requisite skills to draw from.

“Such leadership must also be able to inspire and instill confidence in the managerial personnel to discharge their responsibilities in a co-operative spirit and motivated to want to turn the industry around. With such measures, in addition to others, we see no reason why the industry’s output in under three years’ time cannot be once again significant and the industry becoming viable.

“After all, between 1992 and 2004, the industry demonstrated its resilience and ability to come out of the doldrums.”

The sugar industry employs about 16,000 workers during its peak periods and also facilitates about 1,500 cane farmers. In one way or another, tens of thousands of Guyanese depend on the industry’s operations.

The industry is also the nation’s largest net foreign exchange earner and a large proportion of the industry’s multi-billion dollar revenue is circulated, thus enhancing many business enterprises.

Many villages and communities surrounding the sugar estates also benefit from the industry’s expansive drainage network.

The Union said, “As an important political entity in our midst, we expect its positive approach motivated by the need to make sugar a thriving industry once more. GAWU would still like to believe that all responsible political groupings have Guyana’s socio-economic development at heart.”

To that end, GAWU made it clear that the Opposition, as well as other stakeholders, may want to review its positions on scaling back the operations of the industry and use sugar lands to advance with ethanol and aquaculture.

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Illegal vending no longer an issue in Corentyne villages from Number 52 to 74

By Savitri Laikram

ILLEGAL vending is no longer an issue in the Number 52 to Number 74 Villages in the Corentyne, Berbice areas, according to the Overseer of the Number 52/74 NDC, Mr Ravindra Dass in an interview yesterday with this publication.

Dass pointed out that if one had visited these communities a few months ago, they would have

observed that these areas were plagued with illegal vending on both sides of the roadway.

He said that after a lot of work

by NDC officials, the vendors were cleared off and relocated to the facilities that the government had constructed for them.

The overseer said that quite recently, the vendors who had taken up places on the access road which leads to the Number 63 Beach were the last to be removed by the local authority, as they were

the most reluctant to give up their places.

He said that after quite a few months, all areas have finally been rid of illegal vending and the NDC is working fervently to ensure that the vendors do not return.

Dass is urging these persons to refrain from going back to the places from where they were removed. He said that it is necessary that these persons remain at the location where they have been relocated to, and he would encour-

age others to use those facilities and refrain from vending illegally.

The overseer said that the NDC is proud of its accomplishments, as they are one of the few who, in a short time, has managed to clear the communities of illegal sellers from roadways and government reserves.

Meanwhile, Dass is urging that persons report any illegal vending activity to the NDC, where necessary action will be taken.

GPF deems KN report on police crime lab boss false & mischievous

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday deemed misleading a Kaieteur News article published on March 11, 2014 under the caption “Transferred police crime lab boss holds on to critical forensic exhibits”.

The GPF has said that, from the outset, the thrust of the article is apparently intended to create mischief, and the GPF categorically refutes allegations stated in the article that Superintendent Greaves had been requested to prepare a “specific” report on ballistics tests carried out on weapons used during the Linden riots, which had led to the deaths of three persons. The Force says this report is totally untrue.

The policy of the GPF is for analysts at the Forensic Laboratory to have full autonomy over the analyses they conduct, and therefore they are allowed to operate independently regarding the analyses and preparation of the reports, a GPF release has said, as it noted that in all cases when ranks of the GPF seize exhibits in the execution of their duties, they tender those exhibits as evidence in the courts without any problem, even though the exhibits would have been lodged with a supervisor at a police station.

The report said further that when Superintendent Greaves took over control of the Forensic Laboratory from his predecessor, he would have taken over a number of exhibits relating to court matters, and the GPF has never had any issues in terms of those exhibits being admitted into evidence in the courts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Police seeking ‘person of interest’ for murder at Paradise of 19-year-old woman

By Michel Outridge POLICE are still seeking a person of interest from the Paradise community who is expected to aid significantly in the investigation into the February 25 murder of fast food outlet employee, Patricia Younge.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has said that samples were taken from her common-law husband with whom she resided prior to her demise. These samples are being stored until they arrest the suspect and then another set of samples will be taken and sent to Brazil for DNA analysis.

The decomposing and semi-nude body of the 19-year-old woman of Paradise, East Coast of Demerara, was found in a village cemetery under a tree on February 25.

Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle that the woman’s common-law husband has since been put on bail.

The teenager was last seen on February 23 when she left her home alone to view the Mashramani float parade in the city.

Her common-law husband reported her missing on February 25 and after she failed to report for work the following Monday, her colleagues began to enquire of her whereabouts, which started a search by friends and relatives.

It was her common-law husband who saw her sandals on the Paradise Public Road, near the cemetery and alerted others and then her corpse was discovered.

Upon the discovery, the young man was held and detained for questioning before his conditional release.

Younge, who used to live with relatives at Plaisance, another East Coast of Demerara village, moved in with the young man after meeting him.

A post-mortem determined that Younge was strangled but it did not reveal whether she was sexually assaulted.

Major stakeholder consultation today on AML Bill GOVERNMENT’S effort to ensure the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill, will see the hosting today of a major consultation to engage stakeholders at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

President Donald Ramotar will be addressing the gathering at the event slated to begin at 10:00hrs and which is open to all stakeholders and interested persons.

The meeting is intended to inform and educate stakeholders about the AML/CFT Bill, which has not been passed in the National Assembly due to delays by the political Opposition.

It follows several recent meetings held in communities such as Lusignan and Mahaica in Region 4, Anna Regina in Region 2, and Greenwich Park in Region 3. At all these communities, the common thread was for the bill to be passed or elections to be called to resolve the parliamentary situation where the Opposition holds a one -seat majority.

Bartica, Berbice and Linden residents also responded positively to meetings held within their communities in the first round of meetings in February.

The AML/CFT Amendment Bill No. 22, 2013 is before the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. The APNU has proposed last minute amendments which are problematic for the parliamentary draftsman who had asked for more time to complete them. One of the amendments is to give police and customs officers the power to seize $10M or more in cash from persons. They are also tying the bill’s passage to the assent of bills that were not assented to by the President. The Alliance For Change had always said it wanted the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, but recently said it also wanted what the APNU was demanding.

Various stakeholders such as the Private Sector Commission, which represents the local business sector, and the Heads of Missions of the United States, Canada and Britain, along with thousands of residents of various communities across Guyana, have also called for the support of the critical piece of legislation and its passage.

Guyana stands to be blacklisted internationally if the bill is not passed in a timely manner. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Public Works Ministry installing geotextile tubes along Georgetown sea defence THE Ministry of Public Works will be installing six geotextile tubes along the Kingston to Kitty sea defence to form a groyne field, an initiative under the 2014 Sea

Defence Programme.

This project will contribute to beach stabilisation and the retention of sediment drifting in a westerly direction along the Kingston to Kitty fore-

shore. The works are currently being undertaken by the Sea and River Defence, Force Account Unit within the Works Services Group (WSG).

Geotextile tubes are used

Ministry of Public Works technicians installing the first geotextile tube groyne to be constructed at the Kingston - Kitty foreshore (photo courtesy Ministry of Public Works)

internationally as a cost-effective material alternative for coastal and marine projects.

The tubes are manufactured from geosynthetic based mate-

rials which are factory sewn to achieve the desired formation.

Installation of the tubes is carried out by filling with sand or suitable dredged material.

For the groynes being installed at Kingston, white sand is being utilised as the fill material. Â (Public Works Ministry)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Phagwah and Easter activities promise a whirlwind of activities THE Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority are encouraging everyone to join in the exciting and exhilarating stream of activities planned for Phagwah and Easter 2014.

The activity of choice for many Guyanese varies during the period when these festivities are commemorated. Some people prefer to bask in the religious nuances of the occasion, while

others prefer to relish the revelry and excitement surrounding all of the fun–filled events that are staged across the country during Phagwah and Easter.

This electrifying period com-

mences with a Phagwah Bazaar on March 8th; followed by a Grand Phagwah Mela on March 17; then the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, which lasts from April 12th to April 20th; after which the Rupununi Rodeo commences on April 20/21; and the ever popular Bartica Regatta, with its impressive lineup of activities, is staged from April 19th to 20th.

Additionally, there will be a grand three-day concert, titled ‘Bollywood Live with the Stars’, which will be held on March 21st at Tuschen Sports Club; March 22nd at Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), and March 23rd at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground in Berbice.

From participating in traditional kite flying activities in the National Park and along the seawall to travelling to witness the hair-raising Easter Rodeo in Lethem, or enjoying the Grand Phagwah celebrations across the country, or taking the ride of a lifetime on the world-renowned

Pakaraima Safari, all are assured of having a grand time during the upcoming holidays.

All of the activities will culminate on Easter Day, Monday April 21st, when the skies over the city will be adorned with kites of all shapes, colours and themes, expertly navigated by the thousands of Guyanese and tourists flocking one of the popular venues to participate in this age old tradition. Activities also include kite flying at the popular beaches across the country, including #63 Beach in East Berbice, and the Hope Beach on the East Coast of Demerara.

Easter weekend in the Rupununi Savannahs sees the annual Rodeo, a popular national event, being staged in vaquero country as competition runs high among the various ranches of the region. Now a popular national event, the rodeo brings thousands thronging to the destination by planes, cars, or 4x4 trucks.

According to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, this period is opportune for Guyanese to explore all the country has to offer. “We always advocate for more domestic tourism and for more Guyanese to travel the length and breadth of their country. Here we have the Phagwah/Easter period filled with dozens of activities across the country, and we are encouraging persons to visit these places, experience local culture, and seize the opportunity to get to know Guyana,” Haralsingh encouraged.

In their bid to provide even more persons with the opportunity to experience Easter Rodeo, several tour companies are offering special packages from as low as (US$250) Gy$50,000!

These include Dagron Tours, which can be contacted on 2237921, and Adventure Guianas, which can be contacted on 227-4713 for further details.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Miner used forged document to get duty free concession, court hears A THIRTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD miner/taxi driver of Broad Street, Charlestown, was granted $200,000 bail yesterday on forgery and uttering a forged document charges to obtain a duty free concession.

Leroy Vanderhyen pleaded not guilty to both charges, which said on April 12, 2013 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged one gold declaration statement in the name of Leroy Vanderhyen purporting to show that the same was issued to him by Mohamed Enterprise.

The second charge said he uttered the forged document to an official at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, knowing same to be false.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, did not object to bail but asked that the amount be substantial with conditions attached. He said the man presented the declaration claiming that it was real and authentic but after an investigation it was found to be forged.

The prosecutor said Mohamed was contacted and he denied issuing any declaration, stating that he bought gold from the defendant. He said the defendant uttered the document with intent to obtain a duty free concession from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to purchase an ATV motorcycle.

He was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Jonas Coddett who requested reasonable bail for his client.

Vanderhyen was granted $100,000 bail on each charge on condition that he reports to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every Friday. The case will be called again on March 21.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

GRA gets online with tax payments and driver’s licence – pilot programme begins

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Tuesday launched the pilot of its online tax payment system and its Automated Driver’s Licence Card at a press conference at its headquarters, Camp Street, Georgetown.

Officials of the GRA explained that the technological move is with the intention to avoid the upcoming congestion which is expected with the approaching deadline for submission of income property tax and other returns on April 30, 2014.

Both initiatives represent

another step in the GRA’s efforts towards modernisation, with the use of the latest in Information Technology (IT) as the pillar.

The new tax payment system offers taxpayers the opportunity of making faster tax payments from the comfort and convenience of their home or office for various tax types, including personal Income Tax, Property Tax, Corporation Tax and Value-Added Tax. Persons can also purchase their motor vehicle licences.

Currently persons who have accounts with Demerara

A photo of the new automated driver’s licence

Bank Limited can make payments while account holders at Republic Bank and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry will be able to make payments shortly. Additionally, taxpayers can commence the use of the over-the-counter service of the nearest Bill Express and Grace Kennedy locations.

Plastic driver’s licence Simultaneously, the GRA launched its new state-of- theart plastic driver’s licence. The new automated licence card will replace the booklet-form licences. “Instead of the paper licence, our 150,000 drivers will now be holders of this more durable plastic card,” Commissioner-General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur, said.

The programme is to be conducted in phases, for which the Public Relations Department of the GRA would facilitate the agency’s public education campaign. The programme is expected to be extended to other regions in the near future.

It has however been made clear that for driver’s licences, for now, for conductors and hire cars, and provisional licences, the cardboard licences will remain the same until the system in fully automated. The price will also remain the same until more features are included on the licences.

Security features have been improved on the automated licences, which are expected to be welcomed by taxpayers, and there is the hope to reduce the offering and taking of bribes

Comm. General of GRA, Khurshid Sattaur displays his new automated driver’s licence with this implementation.

The initiative seeks to bring to the public a more convenient and faster payment option as the GRA moves to optimise the use of technology in its provision of services, allowing tax payments to be done via the internet or telephone from the comfort of one’s home, office or other suitable location.

The system, which is similar to what is already in place by several utility companies for electronic bill payments, will seek to promote a number of noble objectives. Chief among them are to provide more convenience and security for clients who often flock the GRA’s headquarters to conduct business, particularly as due dates approach. It will also

relieve congestion in the building, as well as on the streets as it relates to parking.

Sattaur is convinced that the new system will be welcomed by all stakeholders since it will lessen the onerous time customers and clients have to spend, and promote security for taxpayers engaged in money transactions.

Accommodation and parking for clients has been an issue the GRA has had to address since the bulk of its operations were consolidated at Camp Street.

The initiatives which have been on the cards for a while, come at a time when taxpayers have often accused the entity of not being transparent. “It would enable the stepping up

of anti- corrupt and enforcers’ activities being engaged.”

Sattaur also posited that as the platform becomes more filled with highly integrated technology, the police and other law enforcement agencies that rely on the GRA as a source of information will be able to log onto the GRA system and access needed information.

External assistance was needed to put the system in place since the facilities were not available at the GRA. “We don’t have the facilities to print these cards. The card has to come from overseas as well, it has to be imported,” the Commissioner General said.

“Hopefully, with the acceptance from the commercial banks, from other external agencies and parties that intermingle with us, we’re going to have a greater level of acceptance of the card, the replacement, perhaps, of a photo ID; and then later on we are going to have more features, bar code and all of that,” he added.

After completing the electronic registration process, the applicant will be required to return in three to five working days.

This period is necessary to facilitate the verification of highly sensitive data provided and members of the public are asked to return in an effort to prevent congestion at GRA’s headquarters and the unnecessary waste of their time. Applicants are also reminded to ensure their licences are renewed before the date of expiration.

(GINA)

IAC Phagwah celebration begins with ‘Rang Bharse’ THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), yesterday, announced a programme of activities to celebrate the Festival of Phagwah.

It will begin with the annual

Phagwah mela ‘Rang Bharse’ to be hosted on March 17 at Bath Settlement, West Coast of Berbice.

Rang Bharse will, once again, provide the opportunity

for thousands to participate in the fun and frolic associated with Phagwah. The rich cultural event will commence at 16:00 hrs, featuring the Dax New Generation Band, top local singers

and dancers, a variety of Indian foods and sweetmeats while non-alcoholic beverages would be on sale.

Admission to it will be free of cost.

Executive members of IAC, from left, Maria Rasheed, Evan Persaud, Chattergoon Jadoopat, Neaz Subhan and Yvette Ramharack

Over the years, the Phagwah Mela continues to be supported by Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and the utility will be making available t-shirts and powder for some lucky patrons.

Executive Member of IAC, Mr. Neaz Subhan expressed the organisation’s appreciation to GT&T for its continued support.

EXTREMELY CONCERNED Meanwhile, he said the IAC is extremely concerned over the incidents of suicide that continue to plague parts of the country, more profoundly the East Berbice Region.

He said IAC believes this warrants interventions of a national magnitude and had previously called on the authorities to declare the current suicide

situation a national priority.

Subhan explained that the IAC is hoping that they can address the matter as early as May and they will be commissioning a Guyanese expert in the field of suicide to do a paper on some or more of the recurring reasons for it and more information will be made available at a later date.

“It is our fervent hope that this initiative would be supported by all, including the media, since we believe a combined effort, through various mechanisms, can help. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those organisations and individuals who have supported us, including the media, over the years and we look forward to your continued support,” said Subhan.

On behalf of Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud, he extended Phagwah greetings to Hindu brothers, sisters and Guyanese at large.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

UG gets more MACOR … through renewed MoU

MACHINERY Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), yesterday, for the third time renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between itself and the University of Guyana (UG).

The renewal affords MACORP and UG, through the Faculty of Technology, continuous opportunities to further national development by enhancing tertiary education and training, for a period of two years, with the option of extension.

According to MACORP’s Product Support Manager, Mr. Guillermo Escarraga, the occurrence yesterday is consistent with

the company’s mission, which is “to become the undisputed leader in supplying sustainable integrated solutions to customers.”

He said:“We need young engineers that can hit the ground running, that can deliver from day one.

Escarraga added that the company has seen results from

the four years the previous MOU was in place and noted the enthusiasm with which it moved to continue.

“Our country requires a skilful workforce today more than ever,” he said, encouraging other private sector entities to follow MACORP’s lead.

From left, Mr Guillermo Escarraga, Mr Jorge Medina, Professo

COURTS Valent winners rec COURTS Guyana Inc. ‘Share the love this Valentine’ promotion winners were presented with their prizes yesterday.

The rivalry was focused, primarily, on sharing the love by promoting COURTS

bedroom sets at unbeatable prices.

During the period January 21 to February 14, customers who purchased any item valued $29,999 and more were given the chance to win a romantic getaway

From left, Ms. Romona Urling, Mr. Pernell Cummings Mark

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

RP assistance ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi said “the university is especially grateful for the partnership with MACORP, given the fact that the institution was only able to school engineers and not properly train them.”

With the signing of the MoU, the Faculty of Technology of UG receives $850,000 annually, the money to be used

for sponsoring final year projects, sponsorship of research and acquisition of capital items, including books and instructional materials, among others.

The MoU also allows the faculty to utilise MACORP’s services, among them laboratory and testing facilities.

Meanwhile, UG received, as well, a laptop computer, projector and portable screen along with an all-in-one printer, scanner and photocopier.

Handing over of equipment from Macorp to UG

or Jacob Opadeyi, Mrs Elena Trim and Mr. Audwin Rutherford

tine promotion ceive prizes for two at the renowned and luxurious Pegasus Hotel.

Patrons who bought bedroom ranges received a voucher for a free treatment at the Healing Waters Spa. Three lucky customers were chosen but one of them,

Keron Fraser was absent from the presentation.

Romona Urling and Quason Fraser won themselves the romantic getaway for two and they were presented with the prizes at Courts Guyana in Main Street, Georgetown.

keting Manager of Courts Guyana Inc., and Quason Boodie

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Two ex-cops remanded on unlicensed firearm, ammo charge

By Geeta Rampersaud TWO ex-policemen charged with unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition were remanded to prison yesterday

by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Jarrel Huntley, 27, of Lot 140 Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown and George Valledares, 35, of Lot 159 Third Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, both pleaded not guilty to three separate charges that said on Tuesday, March 11 at Camp and Barrack Streets, Georgetown, they had one 9

mm Glock pistol, when they were not holders of firearm licences. The second charge said on the same day, they had 14 live rounds of matching ammunition.

The third charge alleged that on the same day, they made use of threatening language to Surrendra Etwaroo, where a breach of the peace may be occasioned.

Attorney-at-laws representing the duo said both men are employed with Annabel Offshore Services and requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that it was a toy gun. They also

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requested bail on the grounds that the likelihood of an early trial was very remote.

Police Inspector Joel Ricknauth, prosecuting, succeeded in his objection to bail, informing the court that he was instructed in relation to the unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, that it was a real gun and not a toy gun. He further objected to their pretrial freedom, citing that no special reasons were provided by the defence for bail to be granted and the alleged weapon was found on their persons.

The prosecutor said as it relates to the threatening language offence, both defendants threatened to harm the virtual complainant’s family if he did not repay them the money he owed for a cellular phone.

Counsel said the VC is also a businessman and a partner with the two men. He emphasised that it is very strange that the defendants made threats over a cellular phone and the VC turned up at a particular location to meet with them, knowing that he was threatened.

The duo was placed on $30,000 bail each on the threatening language charges.

They will return to court on March 21.

Another litterbug vagrant ordered to do community service

By Geeta Rampesaud ANOTHER litterbug with no fixed place of abode was sentenced to two hours community service yesterday by Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

Twenty-one-year-old Vikram Gopaul pleaded guilty to the offence, which said on Monday, March 10 at Cummings Street, Georgetown, a public place, he deposited waste.

After the vagrant apologised for committing the offence, he was ordered to perform the community service in the compound of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19

Opportunities will pop up in the most unusual places, but you have to be ready to jump before they slip away. If you hesitate too long, fickle winds could blow these fortuitous clouds away so quickly that their brief appearance may seem an illusion. Be prepared to follow threads that may seem hopelessly entangled. Holding fast to the free ends will help you find where they lead.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

There’s no shortage of scams looking for suckers, so give all get-rich-quick schemes a wide berth. You don’t have to end up poorer to get wiser. Do your homework and take no guaranteed income claims at face value. You still may be able to parlay an idea into a moneymaker, but face the fact that you must do it the old-fashioned way -- with hard work. No system is going to make you an overnight millionaire, especially if you have to pony up a sizable seed.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

You are completely in control of how a situation plays out today. If you get your back up and start spouting a stream of defensive excuses, the spiral will take a decidedly negative nosedive. If you take the higher road and respond with fairness and equanimity, you’ll engineer a mutually satisfactory conclusion. It’s your choice. Are you going to do what’s right?

Cancer June 22 - July 22

You really want someone to take care of you today, but your mom may be too far away and others seem insensitive to how you’re feeling. You’ll just have to make your own chicken soup and give yourself the pep talk that will begin to lift your spirits. Some meditation to unblock your energy might help as well. Try to escape to a peaceful wooded spot. Take a blanket and some quiet -- nothing else. Allow nature to be the salve to your wounds.

Leo July 23 - August 22

The love line is open and you’re the operator in charge of all calls. Casual flirting doesn’t have to stay casual, and the direct approach will probably work better than any coy dancing around the topic. Be careful that you don’t come on so strong that you overpower the object of your affections. Let your sensuality supplement your words. It can speak volumes for itself.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

Sometimes family members can be a bit too cautious. Concerns over their own security or sincere regard for your feelings could cause them to object to a course of action. You know what’s right for you, however. If the plan you’re contemplating isn’t likely to bring dire consequences if it fails, you have nothing much to lose by giving it a go. Success will be all the sweeter.

Libra September 23 - October 22

Allowing a false sense of idealism to blind you to potential pitfalls can cause trouble down the road. Instead of spinning endless success fantasies in your head, seek the counsel of those who have gone before you. Heeding these wise words can save you effort, energy and money. At the same time, don’t let a sourpuss dissuade you from a plan you know in your heart can pay off. Keep looking until you find someone who has made it work.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

Temptation fills the air, and you’re just as caught up in the excitement as everyone else.

It’s rather like being in the eye of a hurricane. You feel completely safe and insulated from the whirling danger around you. But this impression can be illusory, despite the presence of others who often take a rational and cautious approach. Once the hurricane begins moving again, you don’t want to be sucked up into it. Proceed with extreme care.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

Be bold and pack your to-do list with at least twice the usual number of tasks. You may as well take advantage of your boundless energy and get a jump on things instead of squandering this gift and having to play catch-up later. Besides, the more people you come into contact today, the more laughs you’ll enjoy and the more fun you’ll have. Making a game out of chores helps you stay in touch with your inner child.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Taking two steps backward for every one step forward is an exasperating way to spend your day. Sometimes, though, despite making your best efforts, events conspire to send you back to the drawing board again and again. Does your plan need modification? Perhaps you’re being too ambitious or trying to bite off more than you can comfortably chew in one session. Look for ways to simplify -- but don’t give up. You’re on the right track.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

You definitely woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Just make sure that your self-confidence doesn’t devolve into arrogance. If you rely completely on your own devices, you may miss a wonderful opportunity to make a significant connection. The sound of your own voice may be music to your ears, but only by listening to others can you broaden your experience and expand your perceptions beyond your usual boundaries.

Be open to the possibilities.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Listening today will help you far more than you think. Quite a bit of chatter is going on and most of it may seem superficial and meaningless -- but within these conversation bubbles are clues to what’s really stirring just under the surface. Incautious remarks can get you sucked into a vortex that will be difficult to escape. Consider all statements carefully before giving them voice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

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WICB REGIONAL 4DAY

Guyana looking to rebound after suffering losses in first two rounds … ‘Tiger’ in for Hemraj

Dalton Polius

Raun Johnson

By Calvin Roberts FOLLOWING their two firstround defeats at the hands of Jamaica and Barbados, hosts Guyana will be looking to rebound against the Windward Islands when they face them commencing today and continuing over the next four days, in the third round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional four-day tournament at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 10:00hrs.

When these two met last year at the Arnos Vale ground in St Vincent, the Windwards, under the astute captaincy of Liam Sebastien, came out on top by four wickets, thanks to the bowling of Shane Shillingford, coupled with all-round support with the bat from the team.

This was in the face of

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some controlled spin bowling from Devendra Bishoo and Steven Jacobs, who had match figures of 8 for 86 and 4 for 84, with Bishoo claiming 5 for 67 in Windwards’ first innings score of 276, while Jacobs had 3 for 40, when they were chasing 87 to complete an outright win.

The Windwards, who were led by Shillingford’s 4 for 40, coupled with three wickets each from Sebastien and Delorn Johnson, bowled Guyana out for 151, in which Assad Fudadin topscored with 55 (7x4), while Rajendra Chandrika and Leon Johnson chipped in with 25 and 23 respectively.

In the second innings, Shillingford snared 7 for 63 (match figures of 11 for 103) as Guyana were bowled out for 211, with Zaheer Mohammed striking 10 fours in his 61, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson and Bishoo supported with 33, 31 and 24 respectively.

To date, Guyana have played their opponents for today’s match 32 times, winning 13, losing six while the remaining 13 were drawn, but with their pathetic batting display so far in this year’s tournament, where they were bowled out for 117 and 264, and 140 and 94 in their two matches to date.

Once again, they are

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forced to go into battle without the appointed captain Leon Johnson who is still recovering from his knee injury, along with former Guyana and West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan, even as Johnson’s appointed deputy Shivnarine Chanderpaul makes a return and is expected to take over the reins of captaincy from Christopher Barnwell.

Chanderpaul’s 17-year-old son Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who featured prominently in both losses to date, is expected to open the batting alongside a struggling Sewnarine Chattergoon, who brought some respectability to his career with a resilient first-innings 50 against Barbados.

To date, Narsingh Deonarine has accumulated 38 runs from four innings, inclusive of four ducks, but the selectors have persisted with him in the squad, while Fudadin has been struggling with self-confidence.

Barnwell and Vishal Singh, who is coming off the back of a resilient second-innings half-century against Jamaica will occupy the middle order with Shiv Chanderpaul, as Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul and his spin-twin Bishoo offer support, while leading the lower order.

Meanwhile, former national Under-19 fast bowler Raun Johnson who made an impressive debut as a senior national player when he replaced Ronsford Beaton for the contest against Barbados, is expected to share the new ball with his Young Achievers Sports Club teammate Keon Joseph.

If selected, Fudadin and Barnwell will lend support with their medium pace while Permaul, Bishoo and Deonarine are expected to take care of the spin department.

On the other hand, the Windward Islands, despite going under to Trinidad and Tobago in their last round encounter, will be bubbling with confidence for this one, not only because of Guyana’s poor showing to date, but based on the fact that they have defeated them three years in a row.

Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile, Keddy Lesporis, Romel Currency, Sebastien and Lindon James will lead their batting with worthy support from Dalton Polius and Kenroy Peters, while the fiery Nelon Pascal and swing of Delorn Johnson will take charge of the new ball, with Polius, Sebastien and Alston Bobb doing the bulk of the work as spinners.

Team from Guyana: Christopher Barnwell, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Assad Fudadin, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Anthony Bramble, Amir Khan, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph and Vishal Singh.

Windward Islands from: Liam Sebastien, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile, Keddy Lesporis, Romel Currency, Lindon James, Alston Bobb, Kenroy Peters, Delorn Johnson, Nelon Pascal, Sunil Ambrose and Mervin Matthew.

The umpires for this one are Leslie Reifer and Nandkumar Shivsankar, with Colin Alfred as the third umpire. Former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Reon King will execute the duties of Match Referee.

24

Barca ease past Man City, PSG cruise through (REUTERS) - Barcelona eased into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Manchester City yesterday and Paris St Germain (PSG) joined them after overwhelming Bayer Leverkusen 6-1 over the two legs of their last-16 tie.

Barcelona, holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, had a penalty appeal waved away after Lionel Messi was brought down in the box early on and Neymar had a goal chalked off for offside after 18 minutes.

Messi hit the post early in the second half before City, with manager Manuel Pellegrini watching from the stands, upped the pressure and Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes pulled off a stunning save to deny substitute Edin Dzeko and defender Pablo Zabaleta fluffed a shot just wide.

Argentine Messi would not be denied a third time, however, taking advantage of Joleon Lescott’s error to clip the ball home after 67 minutes and City’s misery was compounded when Zabaleta was sent off for a second yellow card with 12 minutes left.

City captain Vincent Kom-

Barcelona’s Neymar (L) challenges Manchester City’s James Milner during their Champions League last-16 mark when Simon Rolfes’ poor penalty was saved by Salvatore pany scored a consolation goal Sirigu. on 89 minutes but Dani Alves Ezequiel Lavezzi steered restored Barca’s lead in stophome PSG’s second early in the page time. second half and Leverkusen’s Any thoughts that LeverkuEmre Can received his marchsen, trailing 4-0 after the first ing orders for a second yellow leg, would roll over in Paris card as the hosts cruised to a 2-1 were extinguished after six minwin on the night. utes when Sidney Sam nodded Barcelona and PSG joined the visitors in front. holders Bayern Munich and AtMarquinhos equalised with letico Madrid, who progressed a header seven minutes later, on Tuesday, in the quarter-fihowever, before Leverkusen nals. The final four last-16 ties wasted the opportunity to retake will be completed next week. the lead just before the half hour

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

Lycamobile gives up ownership of the Red Steele franchise

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Lycamobile, Europe’s largest Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), has given up its ownership of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steele franchise, four months before the start of the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL).

CPL says it has reached a mutual agreement with Lycamobile for the global cell phone carrier to relinquish ownership of the franchise with immediate effect.

Officials making the announcement say the joint decision has been taken ahead of the next round of franchise sales.

“Our goal is to create longterm meaningful partnerships with franchise owners that benefit cricket in the region,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of

… Warner Park to host semifinals and finals Caribbean Premier League.

“We part on good terms and we are both keen to establish other ways in which we can work together in the future to help develop the CPL brand globally.”

Lycamobile, which boasts a market share of 30 million customers across 17 countries, purchased Red Steele franchise just days before the start of the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 Tournament last year.

CPL says it is in advanced discussions to secure a new owner for The Red Steel, who have already attracted significant interest from a number of potential owners.

The franchise rights for

the remaining teams - Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks - will go up for sale shortly.

Meanwhile, Warner Park in St Kitts has been chosen as the venue to host this year’s final, officials have announced.

Warner Park, originally rebuilt for the 2007 ICC World Cup, will also host semi-finals and six group-phase matches in the CPL second edition which begins in July.

The venue has undergone major renovation including state-of-the-art lighting facilities.

“We are delighted to wel-

See Page 25

Blazing Hodge leads Australia to victory in rain-reduced game (REUTERS) - Veteran Brad Hodge smashed two sixes in the final over to propel Australia to a five-wicket victory over South Africa in a second Twenty20 international reduced to seven overs a side in Durban yesterday.

After Australia won the toss, South Africa piled up 80 for one and looked to be on course for victory when the touring side required 15 from six balls to win.

That was reduced to 13 from four but 39-year-old Hodge crashed two sixes to the mid-wicket boundary off Wayne Parnell to guide his side to 81 for five with two balls to spare as he ended on 21 not out from eight deliveries.

Brad Hodge South Africa made just six in their first two overs but a sparkling unbeaten partnership of 74 off 32 balls between Quinton de Kock (41 not out) and Faf du Plessis (27 not out) lifted the home side to 80 for one. de Kock was the main aggressor and his runs came off

only 20 balls including four massive sixes and two fours, even as David Warner’s golden summer for Australia in South Africa, continued when he smashed 40 from 16 balls and the Australians looked like cantering to their target.

But two wickets in the fifth over from JP Duminy, including Warner’s, put the brakes on the tourists and the game briefly swung in the home side’s favour.

They could not tie down Hodge in the final over, however, and the teams head into tomorrow’s final match in the series with Australia leading 1-0 after the first game in Port Elizabeth was washed out without a ball being bowled.

‘Small, encouraging signs’ in Michael Schumacher’s condition MICHAEL Schumacher’s manager has said there are “small, encouraging signs” in the former Formula One driver’s condition.

Schumacher has been in a medically-induced coma for over two months following a skiing accident in Meribel shortly before New Year, with doctors at his hospital in Grenoble having started to awaken him in recent weeks by slowly reducing the levels of his medication.

Sabine Kehm, Schumacher’s agent and spokesperson, has reported, “We are and remain confident that Michael will pull through and will wake up. There sometimes are small, encouraging signs, but we also know that this is the time to be very patient.

Michael has suffered severe injuries. It’s very hard to

Michael Schumacher comprehend for all of us that Michael, who had overcome a lot of precarious situations in the past, has been hurt so terribly in such a banal situation.”

“It was clear from the start that this will be a long and hard fight for Michael.

We are taking this fight on together with the team of doctors, whom we fully trust. The length of the process is not the important part for us.

“It is heart-warming to see

how much sympathy his family is shown and I can say that the family is extremely grateful for it. However, it should not be forgotten that Michael’s family is dealing with an extremely intimate and fragile situation.

“I would like to remind all of us that Michael has always actively kept his family out of the public eye and consequently protected their private lives. We try to channel all the energies we have toward Michael and we firmly believe that this will help him.

And we believe that he will also win this fight.”

Doctors had previously told Schumacher’s family that “only a miracle” could save the life of the seven-time world champion, according to a report.

Last month, Schumacher’s family said they still “strongly believe” in his recovery, adding: “We are aware the wake-up phase can take a long time.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13 2014

25

Murray blown away by Raonic at Indian Wells (REUTERS) - Canada’s Milos Raonic, one of the biggest servers in men’s tennis, knocked Andy Murray out of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells yesterday.

Despite winning the first set, the Wimbledon champion was unable to contain the raw power of Raonic, who triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a little over two hours.

Raonic had won two of his previous three matches against Murray and he improved on his head-to-head record with another impressive display built around his booming serve, blasting 15 aces past his bewildered opponent, who is one of the best returners in the game, and won a staggering 83 per cent of points when he landed his first serve.

Murray did break Raonic’s serve in the opening set and again in the deciding third but struggled to hold his own serve

come some of the biggest stars in cricket to Warner Park during this year’s competition,” declared St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Sports, Glen Phillip.

“Carnival cricket has always been synonymous with the Caribbean, and we’re looking forward to showing an audience of millions around the globe that St Kitts and Nevis can host a party like no other.”

Warner Park boasts an 8 000 capacity ground and officials are planning a week of celebration and entertainment in support of the final.

Last year, over 250 000 spectators attended matches in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia.

A global TV audience (36 million) was entertained by the skills of international stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pol-

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – With leaders Jamaica indulging in their bye week, the other six teams in the Regional 4-Day Tournament will be looking to make strategic moves in the table when the third round begins tomorrow.

Leeward Islands, with West Indies opener Kieran Powell at the helm, have enjoyed a bit of a revival in this year’s competition, entering this round of matches in second place and they travel to Port-of-Spain to face Trinidad and Tobago for their second straight day/night fixture at Queen’s Park Oval.

The Leewards will be aiming to reverse their recent history against Rayad Emrit’s side, as they have only beaten T&T twice since the turn of the century, coincidentally both times in the Twin Island Republic, including a 29-run victory three years ago at the Oval.

T&T, however, have won four of their last five matches against the Leewards – all on foreign soil and peculiarly, they have won only once in eight matches on home soil.

Another side looking to reverse recent form will be Guyana, when they host third-placed Windward Islands, starting today, a day earlier than the remaining matches at the Guyana

National Stadium, Providence.

The Windwards have been the dominant side in this headto-head battle, winning six of the 16 contests between the two sides since the turn of the century, including five of the last six matches, most of which they played on home soil, but it also includes a 151-run victory at this same venue five years ago.

Guyana’s previous victory over the Windwards was 11 years ago at Albion - the last in the sequence of three straight - and they have either been beaten or led on first innings in drawn matches against this opponent, all except once in the last 12 contests.

The other match of the round is expected to be a keenly-contested affair between the Barbados-based Combined Campuses and Colleges and reigning champions Barbados at the Three Ws Oval on the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies.

All seven matches in this head-to-head battle have ended in a victory with the Barbadians holding a 4-3 edge.

They, however, have lost three of the four matches they have contested at the Three Ws Oval - only breaking the sequence of losing at this venue last year with a resounding innings and 185-run victory,

Andy Murray (GBR) caught during his match against Milos Raonic (not pictured) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden yesterday.

(Reuters/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY) against the 6ft 5in (1.96-metre) the ATP’s newcomer of the year. tall Canadian.

He won two more titles in Although he has not made 2012 and again in 2013 and it past the fourth of any grand made his first Masters final in slam, the 23-year-old Raonic Montreal last year. has been steadily climbing the His next opponent in the rankings since he announced his quarter-finals will be Ukrainian arrival by winning the 2011 San giant-killer Alexandr Dolgopolov Jose Open and being named as who followed up his upset victory over Rafael Nadal on Monday with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-4 drubbing of Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

With five of the top nine seeded players eliminated from lard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah the prestigious event in the Muralitharan.

Californian desert, the title is “We cannot wait to bring wide open. the big-hitting excitement of the Later on yesterday, Roger CPL to Warner Park. By awardFederer, Novak Djokovic and ing these prestigious matches Australian Open champion to St Kitts and Nevis we are Stanislas Wawrinka were all demonstrating that the whole of due to play their fourth-round the Caribbean can celebrate and matches. enjoy the successes of this global tournament,” said Pete Russell, Chief Operations Officer of CPL. “The renovation of the stadium was a key factor in the bid succeeding; the new facilities are second to none, and we’re ST JOHN’S, Antigua Abbreviations: Pts-total ond round of matches in the keen to provide show-stopping – Following are the Official points, M-matches, W-won, Regional 4-Day Tournament cricket to match.”

Points Standings after the secL - l o s t , D - d r a w n , T- t i e d , ended on Monday.

The Limacol CPL will be played in July and August Teams Pts M W L D T this year and will see Jamaica 1. Jamaica 35 2 2 0 0 0 Tallawahs defend their title 2. Leeward Islands 20 2 1 1 0 0 against the St Lucia Zouks, 2. Windward Islands 20 2 1 1 0 0 Trinidad and Tobago Red 4. Barbados 19 2 1 1 0 0 Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, 5. Trinidad & Tobago 16 1 1 0 0 0 Guyana Amazon Warriors 6. Guyana 6 2 0 2 0 0 7. Combined Campuses & Colleges 4 1 0 1 0 0 and Barbados Tridents.

Lycamobile gives ...

From Page 24

Third round bulletin for WICB Regional 4-Day tournament which will be a boon to their confidence as they seek to get their title defence back on track.

Teams from Barbados (from): Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Kirk Edwards, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kevin Stoute.

Combined Campuses & Colleges (from): Steven Jacobs (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Ryan Austin, Kyle Corbin, Akeem Dewar, Kavem Hodge, Kevin McClean, Floyd Reifer, Raymon Reifer, Shacaya Thomas, Chadwick Walton, Jomel Warrican and Kesrick Williams.

Trinidad and Tobago (from): Rayad Emrit (captain), Jonathan Augustus, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Shannon Gabriel, Akeal Hosein, Kavesh Kantasingh, Stephen Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed and Marlon Richards Leeward Islands (from): Kieran Powell (captain), Justin Athanaze, Jahmar Hamilton, Sylvester Joseph, Anthony Martin, Mali Richards, Lyndell Richardson, Akeem Saunders, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kelbert Walters and Tonito Willett.

Points standings after round two

NR-no result, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points.

NR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bat 6 2 2 1 1 0 1

Bowl 5 6 6 6 3 6 3

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13, 2014

10th Annual RHTYSC Busta ‘Champion of Champions’

RHTGG and Albion win semifinals easily - to meet in yet another final THE CAST for the final of the 10th Annual Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club-organised Busta ‘Champion of Champions’ was decided last Saturday and will see the two favourite teams in the Ancient County, namely Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets and Albion meet in a repeat of last year’s final for championship honours.

Playing at the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town, defending champions RHT Gizmos and Gadgets crushed Young Warriors by a massive margin while Albion cruised past a lack-lustre Port Mourant by seven wickets.

RHTGG won the toss and electing to bat first, received an opening partnership of 24 in six overs between former national player Delbert Hicks and former national Under-19 player Dominic Rikhi before Rikhi inside- edged medium pacer Royden Phil onto his stumps for 10.

Jonathan Foo Phil struck with his next delivery to trap Jason Sinclair lbw without scoring to leave the defending champions on 24 for 2, which became 40 for 3 when former national junior player Shaquille Williams had the big-hitting Hicks caught

for 20.

Rajiv Ivan (40) and Royston Crandon (35) repaired the damage with their 85-run fourth-wicket partnership, before they were both dismissed by off-spinner Balram Samaroo to leave RHTGG 127 for 5 in the 24th over.

Former national Under-19 player Clinton Pestano then blasted 77 (10x4, 2x6) and with valuable support from former National Under-19 skipper Shawn Pereira 55 not out (3x4), piloted RHTGG to a massive 285 for 9 off their allotted 47 overs.

Williams ended with 3 for 49 and Samaroo 2 for 45 bowling for Young Warriors, who were tottering at 9 for 4 in the fourth over of their reply, thanks to the all-spin attack from the home team.

West Indies Under-19 opener Shimron Hetmyer was bowled by off-spinner Troy Mathieson for 1 while Vishal Mohabir 1, Kassim Khan 5

Clinton Pestano and Ishwar Singh 0 were all dismissed cheaply, but Williams and Kevin Ramdeen took them to 82 in the 20th over, before the latter was lbw to Ivan for 29 (1x4; 1x6).

The rest of the batting quickly folded as only Williams with an impressive 50 offered any resistance, and Sasenarine Sukhdeo who surprisingly batted at number 10 was left unbeaten on 13, as Mathieson 4 for 21, Pereira 3 for 9 and Ivan 2 for 27 bowled out the visitors for 135 in 27.4 overs.

At the Port Mourant ground the home club, who are re-organising to recapture their former glory, were brought down to earth by a severely depleted Albion who are missing five national players.

Batting first, Port Mourant were well placed at 67 for 1 in the 20th over after opener Andre Lyght Jr. was earlier dismissed for 6 by medium pacer Satesh Dwarka, which allowed Joshua Ramsammy and Devendra Thakurdeen to add 56 for the second wicket.

However, Thakurdeen in a careless piece of cricket was bowled by Jonathan Foo for 27 while the dismissal of the talented Ramsammy for 25 engineered a massive collapse as PMCC folded for 122 all out in 42.3 overs. Only Chandrasekhar Arjune with 12 reached double figures for the remaining batsmen.

Sharaz Ramcharran had 4 for 15, West Indies Under-19

left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie claimed 3 for 17 runs and Foo 2 for 19 for Albion, who were in early trouble at 12 for 2 in the third over, before Foo in his usual robust fashion, took over.

Together with Ramcharran, they took the score to 56 in the 10th over before Ramcharran was dismissed by left-arm spinner Gregory Crandon for just 2, but Foo continued to take the attack to the home team bowlers and in company with David Latchaya shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 87 which piloted Albion to 123 for 3 from 21.1 overs.

The talented Foo blasted an unbeaten 81 that was decorated with eight fours and four sixes, while an impressive Latchaya scored 20 not out (2x4) for Albion, who will now face RHTGG in the final of the tournament which is scheduled for the Port Mourant ground on a date to be announced.

Barbados to host world-class GSCL Inc. commences table tennis tournament registration for B R I D G E TO W N , B a r b a dos (CMC) - Barbados is preparing to host a major table tennis tournament involving teenagers from at least four continents later this year.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cadet Challenge Barbados features about 100 competitors aged 15 and under from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North and Latin America. The tournament will be held from

October 23 to November 1, this year.

“It is my understanding that the top players from around the world are expected to converge on Barbados for this tournament, including a specially selected top-ranked coach for the junior team,” said sports minister Stephen Lashley.

“Exposure such as this at such a high level of competition, in my view, (will) only redound to enhancing the standing of

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Sir Gary Sobers (WI vs PAK, Jamaica, 1958) Paul Collingwood-5,092 ODI runs) Today’s Quiz: Clive Lloyd played 110 Test matches.

How many he played overseas?

Which Englishman has scored most ODI runs without making a century?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

table tennis in Barbados, as our young players strive for excellence.”

Eight team members from Barbados - four boys and four girls - will also be taking part in the tournament which will also feature a four-day training camp.

“The hosting of this tournament in Barbados will, undoubtedly, go a long way towards safeguarding the legacy of table tennis in Barbados,” said Lashley.

“I believe it would serve to heighten the interest in the sport, especially among our youth and, certainly, within our school”.

The tournament, which has been hosted in locations such as Portugal, Japan and South Africa, is being held in the English-speaking Caribbean for the first time.

“I’m really happy to see that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (is involved), because that is exactly what we are bringing together in October …,” said ITTF Competition Manager, Raul Calin. “We have a cultural day where the kids will experience Barbados.”

Independence Cup

FOLLOWING the successful hosting of its inaugural Republic Cup tournament earlier this month, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) has commenced its preparations and registration for the hosting of the first-ever Independence Cup. This tournament, which will see teams battle in three categories, namely Masters, Open and Female, is set for May 3, 4 and 5, at various venues around Georgetown, culminating with the finals at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The registration process has commenced and can be done by contacting Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the GSCL Inc. Russell Jadbeer on 225-4802, 226-4205 0r 626-8228, while the launching of the tournament will be held at the GNIC Sports Club on a date and time to be announced.

Live radio commentary will flow from NCN’s Voice of Guyana and teams desirous of competing in the Open and Masters categories for which the first 12 teams of both categories will be accommodated, are asked to pay an entrance fee of $110 000 and $100 000 respectively. The GSCL Inc. is looking to accommodate six female teams who are asked to pay an entrance fee of $25 000 each.

The victors of the Open category will pocket $800 000 with the runners-up receiving $200 000. For the Masters, the winners will take home $500 000 and the runners-up $200 000 while the female winners will collect $100 000 and the losing finalists $50 000.

Teams are asked to note carefully that GSCL Inc. will be providing balls for all three categories of the competition and will also look after the umpires’ fees; hence all teams are charged with providing their own water and meals, throughout the tournament.

The GSCL Inc. will be providing the Supreme balls to be used by teams competing in the Open and Female categories, while for the Masters category the big ball will be utilised.

Round hand and wrist bowling will be tolerated. Added information will be provided at the team briefing.

Some of the grounds identified to be used for this tournament, which promises to be an annual affair, are: Demerara Cricket Club, Ministry of Education, Carifesta Sports Complex, Muslim Youth Organisation, Guyana National Industrial Corporation, St Stanislaus and Everest.

Meanwhile, the GSCL Inc. will be holding an Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) next Tuesday at the GNIC Sports Club from which a date, time and venue will be set for the hosting of their Annual General Meeting (AGM), wherein the elections of Office Bearers for period 2014 to 2015 will be held.

All interested clubs are asked to take note of this OGM and also to make a special effort to attend same, since their input will be of importance and vital to the continued success of the GSCL Inc.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 13 2014

27

Windies find favourable momentum ahead of World T20 defence, says Sammy B R I D G E TO W N , B a r b a dos (CMC) - Captain Darren Sammy says defending World T20 champions West Indies have found favourable momentum with less than a week to go before the start of the tournament in Bangladesh.

The West Indies captain was commenting after his team’s back-to-back victories over England in the first two of a three-match T20 series, beating England by five wickets on Tuesday after prevailing by 27 runs on Sunday to clinch the series with the final match set for today.

“We wanted to leave here with good momentum going into the World Cup,” Sammy said. “For two games it has been a complete team effort, I can’t fault the lads”.

West Indies begin the defence of their World T20 title with a game against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur on March 23.

Sammy said the series victory over England represented the ideal boost the team needed

before leaving for the Caribbean and credited the achievement on total team work.

“In T20 cricket the momentum shifts at different times and we wanted to make sure we started well and we finished well,” said Sammy.

“It feels good. It’s been a long time since we won a series, much less winning 3-0.”

Sammy said he was relieved to see Gayle’s return from injury as well as his current form and pointed to the opening partnership of Gayle and Dwayne Smith as an asset on the subcontinent.

“Chris (Gayle) is one of the most explosive Twenty20 players and (Dwayne) Smith allows Chris to play in that manner.

Cricket is all about partnerships; we bowl in partnerships and when we bat, it’s very important,” said Sammy.

“Gayle, we know how destructive he can be, but he gives himself time and Smith gives him that time by going hard at the ball. Then we know we’ve got power at the end with myself and (Dwayne) Bravo.”

Flashback! The members of the West Indies team break into a celebratory jig after clinching the World T20 title in Colombo two years ago.

Mayor’s All Star line-up to Bookie hits ton as West visit Suriname next week Demerara batsmen fail ... … play Alpha in practice fixture tonight

By Calvin Roberts FOLLOWING their selection at the completion of this year’s Mayor’s Cup football tournament, the Joshua Kamal-led Mayor’s All Star lineup will, from Monday March 17, begin a tour of neighbouring Suriname, at the invitation of that country’s governing body.

According to organiser of the Mayor’s Cup and manager of the All Star team Lennox Arthur, the Surinaamse Voetbal Bond (Suriname Football Association) has invited the team to compete in a series of matches against their Under-20 team as well as Prakash Football Club.

“We were invited by the Surinamese to play three matches there, starting with a game against the National Under-20 side on March 18, followed by another contest against the same lineup two days later, while we play Prakash on March 20,” said Arthur.

He told Chronicle Sport that all the matches will be contested at the Andre Kamperveen

Delon Lanferma Stadium in Paramaribo, the same venue that saw the Golden Jaguars go under to Suriname 1-0 in their 2010 World Cup qualifier six years ago.

To this end and in order to make sure that his boys churn out a good performance in Suriname next week, Arthur has organised a practice fixture against the Guyana’s number one team Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United from 19:00hrs at the Georgetown Football Club ground tonight.

Players of the calibre of Delon Lanferman, Jamal Petty,

Randolph Wagner Dominique Garnette, Randolph Wagner, Trevor Jones and Joshua Browne, will form part of the Mayor’s All Star line-up for tonight’s fixture.

The full squad to tour Suriname reads: Joshua Browne, Lescharles Critchlow, Kimba Brathwaite, Delon Lanferman, Jeffrey Pereira, Andre Hector, Dwayne Wilson, Jamal Petty, Dominique Garnette, Trevor Jones, Clive Matthews, Joshua Kamal, Devon Charles, Rishawn Hicks, Keron Solomon, Malcolm Wilson, Orville Stewart, Kevin Layne Jr., Rondell Arthur, Nickel Fraser and Randolph Wagner.

From Backpage

ing the emphatic win by the Gavin Nedd-coached defending champions’ line-up.

Opting to bat first in hazy conditions, Bookie guided Georgetown to 291 for 5 from their 50 overs, hitting 12 fours and one six in his 109 (50-5x4; 1x6) and got ample support from Kurt Lovell 61 (4x4, 1x6), with whom he added 163 for the fourth wicket, even as Joshua Persaud chipped in with 35 (5x4).

Daneshwar Kowlessar and Ritesh Samaroo took 2 wickets each for 29 and 58 runs respectively for West Demerara, who, in reply, were bowled out for a meagre 13 in 7.5 overs, with all of their batsmen failing to trouble the scorer.

Ashmead Nedd (4-0), Colin Barlow (3 for 3) and Junior Phillips 2 for 9, ran through their batting without any resistance, with extras accounting for all their runs.

At GCC, East Coast like Georgetown, chose to bat first and were bowled out for

Bhaskar Yadram 175 from 49 overs, with their s k i p p e r B h a s k a r Ya d r a m , who led Guyana at the Regional Under-15 tournament last year, topscoring with 47 (7x4).

He added 62 for the third wicket with Basdeo who contributed 40 (5x4) to his team’s total, with Prakash Balkissoon chipping in with a valuable 31 that was decorated with three fours in East Coast’s middle order, in the face of Bhojnarine Singh’s 5 for 22 and Rickey Das’ 3 for 26.

Basdeo returned with the

Ashmead Nedd ball to snare 6 for 34, which enabled East Coast, who narrowly lost out on claiming the title last year to Georgetown, to bowl out their opponents for 156 from 41.2 overs, despite 35 (2x4) from Sagar Hetheramani and a resilient 13 from Rawle Douglas, that included two fours.

The action continues today at the Everest Cricket Club ground, where both West Demerara and East Bank will be seeking redemption for their first-round loss, when they clash from 10:00hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

‘Small, encouraging signs’ in Michael Schumacher’s condition (See story on page 24)

Guyana looking to rebound after suffering losses in first two rounds (See Story on page 23) Chronicle Sport’s photographer Adrian Narine was on hand at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday afternoon to catch the Windward Islands at their practice session ahead of today’s encounter.

DCB Under-15 Inter-Association

Bookie hits ton as West Demerara batsmen fail to score

By Calvin Roberts ALPHIUS Bookie struck the first century of this year’s Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under-15 Inter-Association cricket tournament for defending champions Georgetown, who demolished West Demerara by 282 runs at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground yesterday.

Across at the once-famous Georgetown Cricket Club ground, East Coast on the back of a solid all-round performance from Ramdeo Basdeo, who was later declared the Man-of-theMatch like Bookie, defeated East Bank by 19 runs in a thrilling encounter.

But it was the Georgetown versus West Demerara affair which set tongues wagging throughout the day, follow-

(See page 27)

At left, Georgetown’s Alphius Bookie proudly displays his Man-of-the-Match trophy, after receiving it from former International umpire Eddie Nicholls while at right, Guyana’s NAGICO Super50 player Robin Bacchus hands over the Man-of-the-Match trophy to a proud Ramdeo Basdeo. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014