Guyana chronicle 13 08 14

guyana No. 103918 wednesday august 13, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Cecil Cox

Elisa Hamilton

Deowattie Narine

Rohee ...

Shared governance not an issue with PPP; trust is

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General-Secretary Clement Rohee

Businessman ‘peppers’ Police nab 20 brother-in-law’s suspect who house with bullets

‘Plaisance Granny’ murder...

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Businessman John Singh

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confessed on video ––expected to appear in court today Stabroek News’ attacks on the PPP Government serve the interest of its political directorates in the Opposition

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Four die in separate incidents NINETEEN-YEAROLD Richard Kanhai of Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast, lost his life on Monday at about 13:00h when a falling tree pinned him in the Arakaka Backdam, in the North West District.

It is unclear how the incident occurred,

but the police are continuing their investigations into the matter.

On Monday also, at about 05:30hrs, Ryan Kawall of Mosquito Hall, Mahaica, ECD was found unconscious at the Baramita Health Centre, where he later succumbed.

A post-mortem examination will be performed on his body to determine the cause of his death.

And on Sunday, miners Clifton Rodrigues, 55, of Aishalton and Leon Mootoo, 20, of Berbice lost their lives when they were trapped in a caved-in mining pit at Marudi Mountain, Aishalton.

The bodies of Rodrigues and Mootoo have been recovered as police continue their investigations.

(Asif Hakim)

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Leguan residents bemoan protracted lack of landline telephone service

By Telesha Ramnarine RESIDENTS of Leguan Island in the Essequibo River have, for several months, been without landline telephone service provided by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Limited.

This newspaper understands that this unfortunate situation has been ongoing from as far back as the beginning of this year, affecting not only residents, but major offices on the island.

For instance, it has been reported that the hospital as well as the police station, the post office, the Transport and Harbours Department, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, and the Regional Democratic Council, among other offices, have all been made to exist without this vital link.

Success/Phoenix has been reported as the only area on the island with landline telephone service.

Several complaints have been lodged with GT&T, which has

consistently promised residents that the Area Supervisor would look into the matter. Some residents have even personally travelled from Leguan to Georgetown to lodge their complaints at the GT&T Head Office, regrettably without redress.

What residents find most bothersome is that they are receiving a monthly bill that covers the amount for the rental of GT&T’s telephone. Residents who are paying the amount are wondering if they would be refunded rental charges for those months they have been without the service.

Efforts to obtain a comment from GT&T through Public Relations Officer Allison Parker proved futile. GT&T’s Customer Support Call Center, Complaints Department (0488), however said that the Area Supervisor would be reminded about the issue.

Meanwhile, anxious Leguan residents are awaiting a change in their fortunes in regard to this sorry state of affairs.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Rohee: Shared governance not an issue with PPP; trust is

By Vanessa Narine

OVER the last week, there has been increased commentary on the issue of shared governance in Guyana and on Monday, General-Secretary of the ruling party, Mr. Clement Rohee, noted that shared governance has never been taken off the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) agenda.

He, however, contends that the issue of trust, which is critical to advancing the concept of ‘shared governance’, has been “torpedoed by narrow, partisan political” interests.

“The question of trust remains on the table,” he said in response to questions posed by the Guyana Chronicle during a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Of the many attempts at building trust by the Ruling Party, he said: “The first attempt at building trust with the PNC (People’s National Congress) as a government and as a Party started under the Hoyte era…In that period, a number of initiatives were taken, including constitutional reform... Recall that under the Hoyte administration, we did attempt to build trust; we also had many other initiatives, such as the depressed communities initiative. Mr. Corbin attempted to continue with this sojourn, but he ran into a number of problems. Elections were subsequently held, and that process ran around…we continue to push ahead with this concept (with Mr. Granger).”

Noting that it was unfortunate that recent efforts were not allowed to bear fruit, given that agreements reached between the two major political parties had by then begun to unravel, Rohee said: “Trust requires both parties, not one. Trust is something that has to be mutually built. The Government has certain responsibilities; the Party also has responsibilities to build trust with all stakeholders.”

He is, however, heartened by the fact that the PPP has been

able to make significant headway with several sections of Guyana’s population, such as the faith-based organisations, the religious community, several non-governmental organisations (NGO), and the private sector.

Having said that, he said: “The question therefore rises over what and where is the ‘fly in the ointment’ in respect of trust building with the Opposition. And the answer to that is clear and simple: The opposition’s agenda, as they have repeated time and again, is that they want to see the back of the PPP/C administration… It follows, therefore, that they will work towards that end; they are doing everything in their will to realise their objective.”

NATIONAL DEMOCRACY THRUST He maintained that while the Party’s “thrust towards a national democracy” has taken into account, and will continue to take into account, the matter of shared governance, trust building towards a national democracy requires multi-stakeholder participation.

“We have never taken shared governance off the agenda as a Party; this has always been there,” he said, “in the context of our thrust towards a national democracy. A national democracy takes that particular phenomenon into consideration.

“And while it may have not been recently pushed by the PPP, you would recall that sometime we spoke about a broad front; a broad front of patriotic stakeholders who have a vested interest in moving the country forward.

“This was seen for the first time, for example, in 1992, when we introduced the concept of the PPP/Civic. It would seem to me that this concept still remains alive and it is a manifestation, just one manifestation, of what a national unity government ought to look like.”

He is of the view that while political parties participate

as political parties, there are individuals of “good standing” who are prepared to associate themselves with such an enterprise, in terms of a future government.

In acknowledging the position taken by Main Opposition Leader, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger, on a ‘one-nation’ government, a concept with which the PPP is familiar, Rohee said: “It is good to see a conversion to this concept, which was originally floated by the PPP in the 1974 to 1976 period, when we spoke about a national front government. At this time we also introduce the concept of winner does not take all where we said very clearly that with a national front government we would not want to domGeneral-Secretary inate, nor would we want to Mr. Clement Rohee be dominated.

“These philosophical postulates are quite familiar to the PPP. If another party attempts to plagiarise on those concepts, they are free to do so, but it must it must never be forgotten that the PPP were the originators of those innovative political concepts, to advance the process of democracy and inclusiveness.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Talks on ending Gaza war ‘difficult’, but truce holds

( R e u t e r s ) - TA L K S t o end a month-long war between Israel and Gaza militants are “difficult”, Palestinian delegates said on Tuesday, while Israeli officials said no progress had been made so far and fighting could soon resume.

As a 72-hour ceasefire held for a second day, Palestinian negotiators held fresh talks with Egyptian intelligence following a meeting on Monday that lasted nine hours.

Hamas, the Islamist

group that dominates the Gaza Strip, and its allies are seeking an end to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade of the coastal Palestinian enclave.

“We are facing difficult negotiations,” Hamas’ leader in Cairo, Moussa Abu Marzouk, said on Twitter.

An Israeli official, who declined to be named, said the gaps between the sides were big. “There is no progress in the negotiations,” the official said.

Defence Minister

Moshe Yaalon told Israel’s armed forces to prepare for a possible resumption of hostilities.

“I don’t know if, by midnight on Wednesday, we will reach an accommodation. I don’t know if we will need to extend negotiations. It could be that shooting will erupt again and we will again be firing at them,” he said, visiting a navy base.

A Palestinian official with knowledge of the Cairo talks told Reuters, on condition of anonymity: “So far we can’t say a breakthrough has been achieved ... Twenty-four hours and we shall see whether we have an agreement.”

Hamas also wants the opening of a seaport for Gaza, a project Israel says should be dealt with only in any future talks on a

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Children stand amid the ruins of their family’s apartment that witnesses say was destroyed by Israeli air strikes in the Shejaia neighbourhood in Gaza City August 12, 2014 (Credit: REUTERS/Siegfried Modola)

permanent peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Israel has resisted lifting the economically stifling blockade on Gaza and suspects Hamas will restock with weapons from abroad if access to the coastal territory is eased.

Neighbouring Egypt also sees Hamas as a security

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threat.

Israel pulled ground forces out of Gaza last week after it said the army had completed its main mission of destroying more than 30 tunnels dug by militants for cross-border attacks. It now wants guarantees Hamas will not use any reconstruction supplies sent into the enclave to rebuild those tunnels.

The Palestinian official said the Palestinian delegation had agreed that reconstruction in Gaza should be carried out by the unity government of technocrats set up in June by Hamas and the more secular Fatah party of Western-backed

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli representatives are not meeting face-toface with the Palestinian delegation because it includes Hamas, which Israel regards as a terrorist organization. Hamas for its part is sworn to Israel’s destruction.

In Gaza, many families have returned to areas they had been forced to leave by the Israeli army, but some found their homes had been shelled or bombed. Some people pitched tents, while others spent the night in their homes if they could.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Colombia drought T&T general election

by Sept 2015 –PM triggers clashes in La Guajira province

Bottled water has been flown to the drought-stricken province from the capital, Bogota

(BBC News) NINE people have been injured in clashes between police and residents of Colombia’s northern La Guajira province demanding more government support for the impoverished region.

La Guajira is currently suffering from a drought and locals say the authorities have not done enough to mitigate its effects on the population.

Riot police were deployed to clear roadblocks and remove burning cars.

The government says it has done all it can to ease the water shortage.

‘Enormous debt’

Angry locals have called an open-ended strike and about 70% of businesses and most schools remained closed on Monday.

Protest leader Felipe Rodriguez said that “the debt the state owes this province is enormous”.

According to Mr Rodriguez, more than half of the population do not have running water and only 39% have adequate sewage systems.

Some communities say they have not seen any rain for as long as two years.

La Guajira Governor Jose Maria Ballesteros has called for calm, but

the protesters said they would not give up until President Juan Manuel Santos convened an emergency committee to tackle the crisis.

The president travelled to the province on the weekend, his first trip since he was inaugurated for a second term in office on Thursday.

He announced that his government would help local authorities build 100 wells to ensure residents had access to drinking water at all times.

He said it was his “dream to convert La Guajira into the larder of Colombia.”

(Trinidad Guardian) PARLIAMENT will dissolve in June 2015 and general election will be held, at latest, by September 2015, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Monday.

Saying Government will hold general polls when constitutionally due, she added that Parliament will prorogue by next June and general polls cannot be held after September 2015.

“Take note you know, so those of you who’re calling for it now, think twice,” she said.

Saying people had said the People’s Partnership (PP) would not last the term, the PM declared to PP desk-thumping support: “I will run the term of this Government as long as it’s within the law, so when Parliament dissolves in June 2015, according to law, elections can be held any time thereafter not later than September 2015.”

She noted that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had postponed Local Government polls four times.

Pointing out that her Government had brought the current bill on the Constitutional Reform Commission’s recommendation, Persad-Bissessar said it was decided to bring those items that required a simple majority vote first and others later on.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar

She said the current proposals were not the end of such reform legislation and others which require a special majority vote — including referendums, proportional representation and strengthening the powers of the Director of Public Prosecution — would be brought in future.

Persad-Bissessar said the Constitutional Reform Commission held 21 meetings nationwide, suggestions had come from the people and she was satisfied the CRC had discharged its duties

faithfully. She noted the PP’s manifesto had stated its constitutional reform proposals.

The PM said the public was now being distracted with talk of runoff polls but the basis of the runoff was the right of voters to recall an MP via majority of votes process.

She noted the use of a simple majority for passage of the bill was confirmed by former Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) president Michael de la Bastide, Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman Dr Norbert Masson and senior counsel Martin Daly.

“Nowhere in this bill is any express or implied amendments that require a special majority. (So) I can see nothing wrong with giving people the right to the power to say to an MP, ‘If you are not performing, I am coming to take you out.’

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Editorial

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Guyana

Risking their lives for a pittance THE age of security guards that are employed by private security firms ranges from the late 20s all the way to the 70s.

Many of these guards are from former military and paramilitary backgrounds, and are thought to bring the appropriate skills to an occupation that requires being disciplined, prompt, punctual, alert and responsible, given the critically precise nature of the profession.

But specifically, one will find security guards mostly in the 50 to 70 age group in the service of these firms, as they are perceived to be more matured, dedicated, and reliable than their younger counterparts.

But should very aged persons, irrespective of their commitment, be employed as security guards, especially being assigned alone to locations that are rated high risk? This question may be considered contradictory, given the reasons alluded to above, as to the reasons for such employment consideration in the first instance.

However, the recent death of an aged security guard, set upon and brutally battered by assailants at his worksite in New Amsterdam, again highlights this issue. One must hasten to be objective, and the fact is that security guards of various ages, some much younger, have been found murdered at worksites, particularly in this millennium. The case of a young female guard killed at the Uncle Eddie’s home, some years ago, is recalled.

Given the fact that aged guards would be less

able-bodied in most cases, perhaps less alert, too, it would make good and rational sense for such a guard to be accompanied by another colleague. An observation was made that in all the cases where security guards have met tragic ends, they were the sole persons at their locations. This leads to the inevitable questions concerning the type of site to be protected, and the guard assigned.

It is a given that sites where there are on-going construction works, and those that are repositories for storage of materials, are natural targets for criminal attacks.

It necessitates that these areas be properly secured and brightly illuminated, and that they be assigned appropriately armed guards, since the latter is going to be the first-line target in any robbery attempt. But such is far from the reality, and a survey of such places will reveal that those requirements are either not met wholly, or are partially observed, or not at all.

How rational is it to place an inappropriately-armed single guard at a location where, for example, he/she is responsible for the safe-keeping of multi-million dollars worth of materials/goods? This is fodder for any criminal.

Another instance is referred to, of a guard who lost his life at an East Coast worksite a few years ago. Not only did the location store a significant quantity of material, but it was also improperly lit.

Not so long ago, his widow reported in the media as to the difficult times she has been experiencing in providing for their five surviving children since his murder.

It is manifestly unfair to the particular guard, whom it seems was assumed to have been endowed with superpowers: Expecting him/her to defend against deadly attacks, while in the process of ensuring protection of the particular locale, is unconscionable. It is a non-starter for proper and efficient security, and renders that guard defenceless and open to being fatally harmed. What resistance can an unarmed guard offer to criminal attacks, where guns, cutlasses, iron bars, etc. are used?

The brutal death of this septuagenarian security guard must serve as every good reason for all private security firms to re-examine their security strategic plans, which must include the welfare of those guards whose lives are at great risk each time they are on duty. It must be emphasised that sites are now attacked by criminals with murderous intentions, and rarely by petty thieves. But even they can kill, once obstructed in the execution of their criminal act.

Finally, this editorial is not about discriminating against aged security guards, since there are practically varied social circumstances why so many of them are employed. In fact, they bring a work ethic that should be emulated by their much younger counterparts. But, as in the case of Frederick Minty, who so valiantly fought off his attackers at their initial attempt, had another guard been there, they may not have returned, much less to commit murder.

The handful of those who want PNC rule I AM very sure that only a handful of Guyanese really want the PNC to rule them again, but they must do it through the ballot box in free, fair and transparent elections.

In relation to the AFC submitting its ‘No-Confidence Motion’ to the Clerk of the National Assembly on August 9, 2014, and the toothless poodle PSC consulting with members on the impact of passage of the motion, the time is up for consulting with anyone or any group. Guyanese should demand that the Speaker extend the life of the Parliament and let them debate and take their vote of “no confidence” immediately and not wait for October.

The AFC called it.....The PNC joined it....

The PPP/C said bring it on, so let us get on with it right now.

Nigel Hughes and Nagamootoo do not have to threaten PPP/C with anything.

Most Guyanese know what these men are trying to do, and that is to rile up the people against the PPP/C, but it is not going to work in their favour.

The PPP/C is not blocking them...the PPP/C is not stopping them.... Why are they getting on the media to tell the public they will do this, they will do that, they will do the other if the PPP/C does this, that or the other? So far as the public knows, the PPP/C said they welcome it, but GECOM must be transparent.

The PNC is very happy with GECOM these days, since the U.S. Ambassador set the stage for PNC and Elections.

The people of Guyana - all they want, and all they are asking for is fairness in electing the Government of their choice, not the choice of a handful of people, organisations and media operatives that are against the present Government.

Simply put, those who want PNC rule must let PNC win it through the ballot box, in free, fair, transparent, intimidation-free, non-violent elections.

Ted King

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Bai Shan Lin and the Chinese in General I wish to state openly that I am a great respecter of the Chinese people and of China.

The Chinese historically have been great traders, scientists, architects, philosophers, educators, builders, inventors and so much more. I had the golden opportunity to visit China twice and was amazed at the old and new China.

Greatness has to come from the heart of the people, who are extremely hospitable and ever dynamic.

They have always been generous towards other countries in human development, medicine and general aid, and are known to be great warriors, in most cases, against invading armies. I believe that China will be a great world superpower and that this era belongs to the Chinese. I see India as the next, then Brazil. Now please note the following: 1. I was quite shocked to see the extent of their love for smoking cigarettes. I believe a time will come when there will be a great epidemic of smoking-related diseases in China. I am quite surprised that the Chinese Government does not do large scale education campaigns targeting smoking. I advise the Government of China to address this issue for their country and peoples’ sake.

2. I believe and advise our Government to be careful in that the Chinese, due to their population, are extremely aggressive, and while humane, have enormous needs to satisfy. They have massive hunger for raw products and resources to satisfy their industries, diet and ambition.

LICENCE FOR FISHING IN GUYANA It is said that the Government of Guyana is considering providing this license. It is one I disagree with. The Government of Guyana is saying the license is for fishing of certain species of fish that we do not use. It will be impossible to monitor their factory ships, in large scale harvesting, and maybe in devastation of the marine creatures in the ocean, as it is known that Chinese eat virtually anything that walks, swims, floats or crawls.

I can actually imagine their ships scooping all living creatures floating, swimming, under the ocean and even resting on the sea beds, and then processing them by freezing and instant canning.

They will take the ones we usually use and the

ones we do not.

In the end the license fees will do little or nothing for us. We must protect our resources for future population, and if any, encourage the Chinese to open up factories in Guyana, for processing of products, not for the exporting of our raw material, be it fish, meat, farmed products, logs, or whatever. Let them open factories here in Guyana and process them here for export and value-added products.

The Government of Guyana has to be very careful, while we are in need of finance and international friendship and support, we cannot fetter away our resources. We have ourselves to think of and our future generations.

If the Government of the day wastes away our resources, they will be cursed in generations to come.

BI Sin LIN Logging: Did anyone expect anything else, which they will try to flout the rules.

It is done for two things basically.

I. For profitability, this is important to corporations, and more so international ones. They care little for our future and our rainforest, our dear Amazon, which is the last lung of the earth. They wish to satisfy their needs for profits, and their needs for wood products in construction and various industries. I can just see in a few years, huge swatches of the rainforest scarred, even wiped out as in Indonesia and Malaysia, decimated for Chinese hunger for profits and need.

2. They are looking after their interest, and care mostly for that, while providing some services, aid and loans to help the nations whose resources are being depleted.

They will always find ways to circumvent the laws.

I repeat that I have nothing against the Chinese people, as they are looking out for number one - themselves, and

249 animals impounded during July THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) yesterday reported that a total of 249 animals were impounded during the month of July, 2014, in pounds in ‘A’, ‘B’,’C’ and ‘D’ Police Divisions.

A press release said 19 cows, two goats and five sheep were impounded in ‘A’ Division.

The release added that three horses, 53 cows, 19 goats and 30 sheep were impounded in ‘B’ Division.

Meanwhile, in ‘C’ Division 16 cows, 26 goats and 11 sheep were impounded and 14 cows, 39 goats and 12 sheep were impounded in ‘D’ Division, the statement stated.

The MOHA added that four training

sessions were conducted in relation to the Pounds Act, Cattle Stealing Act, Roads Act and the Municipal and District Council Act respectively.

Meanwhile, games sessions were conducted in preparation for the Ministry’s 2014 Emancipation King Domino Competition that commenced on Monday 4th August and concludes on Friday 8th August, 2014 at the Ministry’s location, the release added.

The MOHA would like to encourage cattle owners to contribute to safety on the roads by ensuring that their cattle use safe grazing areas. (Michel Outridge)

they are right. We must do likewise.

I have no complaints with their business acumen, investment potential and opportunities, as they see opportunities in areas and things many Guyanese or Caribbean people tend to frown on. I respect them for this. The discipline and dedication in their business should be sources of inspiration to us.

I am warning the Government of Guyana, and I can warn them, as they are my Government, and hence, servants of the people of Guyana that voted in Guyana. Do not waste away our resources on people who have enormous appetites for food, any kind, and hungry for resources, our precious and dear resources, which we need for many generations to come.

I advise them also, that not all who counsel are against them. I reiterate that I am a great lover of China and things Chinese; of their ambition and vision. That as they look out for their peoples, their profitability, their future we, as a Government and people, must also do the same.

So while I welcome the Chinese people, I warn against the Chinese companies, which could drain our nation of its resources: logging/forestry, fishing, etc, etc, etc.

Roshan Khan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Education Minister reports...

Guyana sees marked improvement at CSEC Math this year –but still needs to work on overall performance

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

THE Ministry of Education has reported that the 2014 May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations recorded an improvement in several subject areas, as well as impressive progress in mathematics.

Speaking at a press briefing at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in Kingston, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand announced that mathematics still needs a lot of work, but the Grade 1 to 3 pass rate for 2014 is 38.7%, indicating a more than 9% improvement on 2013’s performance, where the Grades 1 to 3 pass rate was recorded at 28.92% - the best performing year recorded since 1990.

LESS THAN 50% PASSES IN MATHS She also indicated that the Grades 1 to 3 performance in English A showed a mar-

ginal increase from 45.69% in 2013 to 46.98% in 2014, while performance in English B remained relatively constant. Manickchand indicated that while these two subjects showed an improvement, the overall pass rate, particularly for mathematics, remains unsatisfactory, with less than 50% passes.

Manickchand explained that in other parts of the Caribbean, students are only allowed to write Mathematics and English if they pass a pretest; pointing out that every child in Guyana, regardless of performance, is allowed to write the subjects. “Guyana and the rest of the region were doing poorly in these two subject areas, and we decided that we need to do something; and we decided upon the pilot programme.”

She recalled that the pilot project was implemented in 2012 at forty-one schools to improve poor performances in several subject areas, especially mathematics and English, and the improve-

ments recorded are partially on account of the project.

Minister Manickchand explained that the pilot project saw that “students in the forty-one schools were given additional materials like textbooks, geometry sets and calculators. “With this we were doing a lot of training and retraining of teachers and also the monitoring of the competency level of both teachers and students. And what we have reordered was that all the pilot schools have done remarkably well.”

“Let’s take English Language in Santa Rosa in Region 1 for example, in 2013, only 33% of their students passed compared to 47% that passed in 2014 , Aurora Secondary recorded an 18% pass in 2013 and a 21% pass in 2014 and these were pilot schools. East Ruimveldt Secondary, 4% of their students last year passed mathematics this year 41% of their students passed… these kinds of remarkable improvements didn’t happen by magic…

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand making her announcement at yesterday’s briefing (Photo by Adrian Narine)

the pilot project has done remarkably well and I think it is worthy of a national rollout,” Manickchand said.

Other subject areas that showed excellent improvement are Agriculture, Food

and Nutrition, French, Home Economics Management, Information Technology, Physics, Religious Education, Theatre arts and Additional Mathematics, among others.

This year 13,724 stu-

dents wrote CSEC examinations; 5,082 from private schools and 8,642 from public schools with 4,887 accounting for males and 8,837 accounting for females.

GKC donates valuable karate books to Sports Ministry

–makes Minister Anthony honorary 6th Dan

Master Frank Woon-A-Tai (second right) presenting the karate books to Mr Alred King, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Witnessing the proceedings are Mr. Jeffery Wong, GKC Vice-Chairman (right), and Ms Vivien Connelly, GKC Treasurer

By Sandy Agasen CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Karate College and the Guyana International Karate Daigaku (IKD), Master Frank Woon-A-Tai,

yesterday donated 26 books dealing with karate as their subject to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for the Research Centre, and also presented an honorary sixth degree Black

Belt on behalf of IKD to subject Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

The presentation was actually made to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr

Alfred King, at the Minister’s office on Main Street.

On behalf of Dr. Frank Anthony, King expressed his gratitude to the IDK and Master Woon-A-Tai for the sixth degree black belt, and indicated that the books donated by Master WoonA-Tai would be added to the existing stack of books at the Research Centre.

King noted that the Minister’s intention for the development of sports in all disciplines is known to everyone, and added that the Ministry has become aware of the lack of sports education to complement the instructors and coaches that are working with the young generation to take them to the next level.

DEVELOPMENT “…he (Dr. Frank Anthony) is hoping that, over time, we would have a good collection of books that will see the Resource Centre being turned into a sport institute, so that we can be offering accredited courses that will see our technical people trained and developed…and that will

ensure that we offer quality experience to enhance and develop the level of athletes,” King said.

According to King, “Karate is the oldest discipline in the work we have done with young people. Karate would have achieved a number of things in Guyana.”

He reiterated that the Ministry is working with the Karate Association to help develop karate in Guyana.

Chairman of the Guyana Karate College, Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, said the donation of the karate books was in keeping with the pledge made to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

“During my visit last year March… the Minister made a request that I, as well as the Guyana Karate College, donate some books for the Research Library, and I followed my pledge to do so,” he said.

“These books were written by founder of Karate-do, Master Gichin Funakoshi, and world karate advocate, Master Masatoshi Nakayama, 10th Dan. Master Woon-A-Tai point-

ed out that the Guyana Karate College would be hosting a recruitment drive from Monday 18 to Friday 22 August, and he is urging those interested to attend.

Additionally, he said that tomorrow, a team of 27 individuals which comprises Team Guyana, is off to Trinidad to take part in the Caribbean Karate Championship under the team manager Vivien Connelly, Treasurer of the Guyana Karate College.

The Chairman reflected on the Cup won by the team in Barbados last year as the defending champions. According to him, former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo graciously granted an acre of land at Liliendaal to build the college.

To date, the concrete foundation and steel frames have been laid. To facilitate this building, $25M were gathered from fundraising activities over a period of three years.

He explained that the project of constructing the new college is spearheaded

by Ryan Singh, Assistant Treasurer of Guyana Karate College.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

The time for Gov’t to be scapegoat for challenges facing Afro-Guyanese

(Continued)

Old Kai has a few simple questions for those individuals who seek to divide our society by laying the blame of issues experienced by some in the African Guyanese community on the current Government: Is our Afro Guyanese community better off or worse off post 1992 under the PPP/C, as compared to the 28 years of PNC rule?

Was our Afro Guyanese community provided with more employment opportunities under the PNC as opposed to post 1992?

What percentage of the Afro Guyanese communities owned their own homes under the PNC as opposed to today?

Were there more Afro Guyanese entrepreneurs in the small, medium and large business categories pre 1992, as opposed to today under the PPP/C? What percentage of Afro Guyanese children had access to education under the PNC as opposed to the PPP/C? If they were to answer this handful of questions, they would come to the conclusion which they dread admitting, and that is Africans have been more empowered under successive PPP/C Governments than they ever were in any previous point in our history.

They will then say OK, but Africans are not being provided with top Government positions under the PPP/C. Actually, they have used this argument before, but Old Kai will firstly remind that the Opposition has waged an unrelenting campaign to attack any Afro Guyanese professional who partners with the Government to move our country forward. They have

used this strategy expertly to instill fear into those who may genuinely want to come forward and join the progressive drive.

I can immediately recall that Bishop Juan Edghill was called all manner of names, including ‘house slave’; there was an opposition protester in Linden during the unrest with a placard which read ‘kill Sam Hinds’; the PNCR=APNU published a list including African business people who were considered too close to the Government for their supporters to boycott, and how can we forget that just recently, those PNCR members who were fighting against rigged internal elections at their Congress were accused of being influenced somehow by the PPP, and as a result, they were subjected to all manner of insults, including reports that one of David Granger’s driver/bodyguard referred to an individual as a ‘dog’.

When some ignoramus burnt the multi-million dollar Linden primary school complex in a string of arson during the Opposition-instigated unrest, and they realized their mistake, they accused the PPP/C of being responsible.

The Opposition had then publicly announced that they will rebuild the school and started collecting bags of cash from the supposedly poor and downtrodden, and then nothing happened after that. It was the PPP/C Government which again had to come in and pick up the pieces and provide over a hundred million dollars to rebuild the institution.

These are just but a few instances where the Opposition constantly drills into the African psyche that it

is the PPP/C which is the enemy, that it is the PPP/C which wants to oppress them, that it is the PPP/C which is responsible for some being poor or some of their children being involved in crime. The PPP/C is always to be blamed for any and every problem experienced by an Afro- Guyanese family or community.

This is the nasty propaganda which the Opposition continues to peddle and then pretend they are angels, and it is the PPP/C which is really responsible for sowing the seeds of division in our country.

So on one hand they have continuously sought to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust for Afro Guyanese to withhold working in conjunction with the PPP/C Government, and on the other, they accuse the PPP/C of sidelining this segment of our population.

They accuse the PPP/C Government of neglecting certain Afro-Guyanese communities, but they do not want these communities to work with the Government.

So if there is anyone to be blamed for the reality of some African families and communities today, it is the political leaders of the Opposition who have nurtured their traditional constituents to believe that their current problems are not of their own doing, and in the event that they want to reach out for help, none will be forthcoming from an uncaring system.

Thus, some never bother to make the effort, and their challenges remain and these opportunistic leaders and groups will then come around and say, we told you we were correct.

Police: Serious crimes in 2014 show 8% decline THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a press release yesterday said that for the period January 01 to July 31, 2014, compared with the same period in 2013, there has been an 8% drop in the total number of serious crimes, but there was a 10% increase in the number of murders.

The total number of reports of serious crimes made between January 01 and July 31, 2014, was 2,134 compared to 2,317 for the same period in 2013.

The statement added that among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

A total of 80 murders were recorded at the end of July 2014 in comparison to 73 murders for the same period in 2013, an increase of 10%. Of the 80 murders committed up to July 2014, three were of the execution type,

16 were committed during robberies, 21 were domestic related, 17 were of the disorderly type and 23 are so far undetermined, police said.

At the end of July 2014 robbery under arms overall increased by 16%, with 679 reports compared to 585 for the same period in 2013.

The statistics indicated an increase of 27% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a 2% decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

ROAD FATALITIES In relation to traffic, police reported that 67 road fatalities from 61 accidents have been recorded at the end of July 2014 in comparison to 61 fatalities from 58 accidents for the same period in 2013.

The other categories of accidents – serious, minor and damage – have seen reductions up to

the end of July this year, in comparison to the same period last year, police stated.

The release also noted that pedestrians have been the main road users affected with 28 such persons having lost their lives at the end of July 2014. In addition, eight motor cyclists, 14 pedal cyclists, six drivers and 11 persons travelling in motor vehicles also lost their lives.

Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 37 of the 61 fatal accidents recorded at the end of July 2014, police said.

The statement stated that traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 43,487 cases being made against errant motorists up to the end of July 2014; of this total, 11,637 cases were for speeding.

To date, eight persons have lost their lives from seven accidents on the roads for the month of August 2014, police added. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

GWI introduces new monthly billing system for metered customers –to improve overall customer service

GWI officials making the announcement at yesterday’s press conference

By Michel Outridge

readings on a monthly basis, Thomas added.

She advised metered T H E G u y a n a Wa t e r customers not to encumInc. (GWI) yesterday announced the intro- ber the place where the duction, as of August, water meter is situated, of a new monthly bill- since that would make ing system for metered it difficult for the meter customers to minimise readers to access and estimated billing and read the meters; and she improve overall cus- said that once monthly bills are generated to tomer services.

The disclosure was customers, they have a made during a press con- 28-day period to make ference at GWI Head Of- necessary payments.

Thomas told the press fice at Vlissengen Road conference that bills and Church Street.

According to Cus- would be delivered one tomer Services Manager week before payments J e a n e t t e T h o m a s , t h e are due, and non-receipt change from quarterly of a bill by a customer to monthly billing is does not exempt that meant to improve the customer from paying up overall efficiency of bill to avoid disconnection.

She disclosed that delivery, and provide customers with a more GWI has 70,000 metered reliable billing schedule. customers, and prior to “We have listened to this new billing system, our customers’ recom- t h e c o m p a n y u s e d t o mendations for monthly bill customers for every billing,” Thomas said, three months, and this “hence the new monthly caused customers not to schedule will simplify make payments.

Thomas said their our bill delivery processes and align GWI customer-friendly paywith the other utilities. ment plan is still availOur goal is to motivate able to customers who our customers to make are in arrears, and she payments on time, and urged those customers p r o v i d e t h e m w i t h a to visit the GWI office monthly bill that is due in their area to work out with their other monthly a payment plan.

She noted that more expenses, hence making than 50% of GWI cusit easier for customers to remember their water tomers are in arrears, and she said that more service payments”.

GWI meter readers than 10,000 have been will also appear in per- disconnected, but GWI son at the premises of i s a p p e a l i n g t o t h o s e metered customers, and customers to clear their GWI asks that they be o u t s t a n d i n g b a l a n c e s given access to the wa- and be reconnected.

Thomas added that ter meters to make those

illegal re-connection affects GWI’s customer base because the service can be contaminated, which can affect others.

She said that GWI i s a d e q u a t e l y s t a ff e d with 48 meter readers; in addition, there are bill delivery personnel, as well.

She said that less than 5% of customers are guilty of illegal re-connection, and through the Corporate Services, letters have been issued to defaulters.

Meanwhile, Billing and Revenue Control Manager Julie Ragnauth said that bills for metered customers will run for three weeks every month, and GWI personnel will be on hand to make those deliveries to customers to ensure it is done in a timely manner.

She explained that bills would, on a monthly basis, be delivered from the 15th of every month in an exercise that would last until the first week of the next month.

Ragnauth also urged metered customers to utilise the payment agencies to avoid long l i n e s a t G W I o ff i c e s countrywide. Those agencies are Bill Express, Mobile Money, SurePay, and the commercial banks.

Giving the financial perspective, Executive Director Jaigopaul Ram said the organisation has evaluated its cur-

rent position in terms o f r ev enu e co llectio n in this new initiative of monthly billing.

He noted that the entity is currently collecting the value of 70% of th e s er v ice g en er ated while its strategic plan set out in 2016 overall to earn 90%, but with this new initiative, he said, the company is likely to achieve the strategic plan target in 2014 of 75%.

Ram stated that with projected increase of revenues coming in, the company would be in a better position to improve its level of service and ultimately improve its infrastructure in providing a better quality of water to customers.

Ram told reporters that customers are in arrears to the tune of

$1.4B, and the company has launched an aggressive campaign to collect outstanding payments.

Another goal of the new programme is to minimize instances of estimated bills. “Every effort is being made to avoid billing metered customers on an estimated charge,” the Customer Services Manager disclosed. “This occurs when our meter readers cannot gain access to customers’ premises, and an estimated amount is generated based on past consumption trends.

To reduce this, monthly billing offers customers a more consistent routine in which meter readers would visit their homes and a bill would be generated within 30 days. “ We u r g e c u s t o m -

ers to ensure GWI meter readers are allowed access to their meters, since this is pivotal to minimizing estimated bills”, the GWI official said.

Meter readers who are unable to access meters would leave letters urging customers to make contact with the nearest GWI location so that their service consumption can be inputted to avoid estimated billing.

The overarching aim of the Monthly Billing Programme is to provide customers with more consistent and convenient bill delivery, on par with other major utilities.

Monthly billing for unmetered customers would be launched in 2015.

Rohee: An APNU/AFC coalition would be ‘interesting’ BRIGADIER (rtd) David Granger, leader of the Main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), last month indicated that there might be a possibility of the Alliance for Change (AFC) joining

general public,” he said.

“They will have to determine whether it will be to their detriment or their advantage politically.”

Rohee declined to comment further on the matter, particularly the PPP’s position on such an

tions, but the suggestion was not entertained.

This is according to the Chairman of the AFC’s New York and New Jersey Chapter, Dr. Rohan Somar.

In a statement released to the media at the time, Dr. Somar said that the last

‘Any pre-electoral alliance between these two rather strange bed-fellows would be of interest to the general public. They will have to determine whether it will be to their detriment or their advantage politically’ forces with his Party, a coalition of several political factions.

And weighing in on the matter of a likely joining of forces, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General-Secretary, Mr. Clement Rohee, said such a move would certainly arouse the interest of the voting public.

“Any pre-electoral alliance between these two rather strange bed-fellows would be of interest to the

eventuality.

All he said was: “We have our own views; whether they come together or not, the Party will respond to that in due time.”

At least three former members of the AFC, the minority Opposition party represented in the National Assembly, up to last September, had indicated that they wanted the AFC to align itself with the APNU for the next general elec-

three persons to resign from the party – Professor Tarron Khemraj, Professor Euclid Rose and Rab Mukhraj – were in favour of an APNU alliance, but made it clear that this was against the founding principles of the AFC. Prior to this, last April, the AFC made clear that it will remain an independent party – a position it has not, to date, publicly recanted.

(Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

ACP Persaud pays surprise visit to police campsite –expresses satisfaction with level of children’s interaction

By Leroy Smith THE Guyana Police Force had expected to have 175 children graduate from its 2014 children’s camp this Friday, but the number of children at the camp declined within two days.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday afternoon during an impromptu visit with Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud, Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham explained that some of the children had to leave after falling ill while

others were not accustomed to the camp life.

Graham said that the children who were not accustomed to camp life were crying continuously and their parents were assisted by the Guyana Police Force to travel to the location and receive them. Then there were those who fell ill and could no longer remain at the campsite since they had to seek medical attention. However, the police ensured that the flu was not transmitted to other children on camp.

The camp does have

medical personnel on site and those children who complained of feeling unwell were initially seen by the camp nurse before being taken back to the city.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud who is performing the duties of Commissioner of Police, on Tuesday had lunch with the children and the camp supervisors.

In his review of the camp, Persaud said that he was very pleased with the level of interaction and camaraderie among the chil-

dren who are all of different ethnicities and religions and come from various backgrounds.

He said that the relationships being exhibited at the camp is exactly what the police force is fostering to ensure that the nation has less conflict and more cooperation, especially among the young people.

Commissioner Balram Persaud said that the force is working very hard to give guidance to the young people and not to have them fleeing when police officers

are spotted.

Meanwhile the security at the camp site remains intact and very rigid. However in its efforts not to intimidate the children, the security personnel are not carrying their firearms openly and are all dressed in civilian clothes.

On Friday the camp will come to an end with a formal ceremony and during the day and at night there will be a huge camp fire before the children leave on Saturday morning.

In addition items which the children were able to

create during their stint will be on display. On Tuesday the latter half of the day was more of a free day where they were allowed to play games of their choice under supervision.

ACP Persaud during his visit on Tuesday toured t h e f a c i l i t y w h e re h e checked on the condition under which the children were sleeping, learning and playing. He specifically asked Coordinator Graham if the children were “well fed” to which she responded in the positive.

ACP Persaud is amused as he enters the make-shift kitchen area of the scouts

Being concerned about the way the children are fed, Persaud tours the grocery storeroom

Senior police officers and youth campers have lunch together in the campsite’s mess hall

BOYS TIME: A game of football after lunch kickstarts the day’s outdoor activities (Photos

by Leroy Smith)

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

MARAD/US Coast Guard port security training workshop concludes

By Michel Outridge

THE Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) in collaboration with United States Coast Guard on Friday held its closing ceremony in capacity building training on International Port Security at Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, in which participants were presented certificates.

Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn in his address said that the Government of Guyana is committed to port security and their partnership with the US as it regards to training initiatives since we are constantly seeking to better

ribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

Benn stated that training should be ongoing because there is no ‘perfect’ port security in any country and the seminar derived many benefits for not only inter-agency interaction but also information sharing which is critical to improve our port security.

He recognised that the seminar was well attended by the relevant stakeholders and is of the hope that more such training sessions will be done to improve our port security locally since criminal elements are testing our ability with newer interventions.

The minister said we need to be above them as such train-

ety, law enforcement and the judiciary to improve legal and regulatory frameworks; support projects for increased youth employment opportunities; improve aerial and maritime security and to increase regional cooperation.

The diplomat noted that the port security related workshops and seminars facilitated by the US Coast Guard and MARAD in Guyana over the past year have helped to meet the objectives of CBSI. He said that maritime port security is pivotal in guaranteeing the safety and security of the ships calling on Guyanese ports, and ensuring that those same ships do not introduce threats to the ports they visit next.

Participants flanked by officials of both the US Coast Guard and MARAD, Minister Robeson Benn and Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt (Photo by Sonell Nelson) develop security at our ports.

He said: “We have high expectations of port security and we should never tell ourselves that we have a good system because with criminals it is in their best interest to test our system to make it default so that they can continue to do their nefarious activities and we have to be vigilant that such does not happen.”

He added that our aim is to improve and test the security system regularly and we can only do so through training and partnership is essential for such to take place under the Ca-

ing is top most priority so our people will be fully equipped by way of training which is beneficial for us to be effective at our job and with port security it is no different since it improves the overall knowledge of the point people.

Meanwhile, US Charge` D’ Affaires Bryan said that he recognises the cooperation between the Governments of the US and Guyana, and the significant bilateral discussion and commitment to enhancing maritime port security both countries have demonstrated.

He stated that in 2009, when President Barack Obama announced the CBSI partnership between the US and Caribbean Governments, he emphasised the need to substantially reduce illicit trafficking, increase public safety and security and to promote social justice.

Hunt added that since the President’s announcement, the US Government has partnered with Caribbean Governments, regional institutions such as CARICOM and the OECS, the private sector, civil soci-

Hunt added that the US Coast Guard conducted four seminars over the course of the year covering the facilitation of drills and exercises, international auditing standards and procedures and the implementation of international maritime port security laws and regulations.

The envoy pointed out that the Guyanese maritime are now better equipped to manage security within Guyana’s ports and within the maritime domain and the newly acquired training will allow Guyanese authorities to better deter, detect and respond to both internal and external threats in their maritime ports.

Hunt stated that because ports are a country’s gateway to the world, they are very complicated and involve multiple agencies.

He said: “I was pleased to learn that not only did the US Coast Guard and MARAD Guyana participate in these workshops but many key players and stakeholders involved in the ports participated as well.”

Hunt pointed out that there was participation from Customs, Guyana Coast Guard, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Health and representatives from all the country’s private and public ports and see page 13

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

MARAD/US Coast Guard port security training ... from page 12 the interaction between multiple agencies and the involvement of the private sector is crucial to successful coordination in both prevention and response to potential threats.

He noted that globalisation and the increased demand for “just in time” delivery have fuelled ship builders to design and build faster and larger ships and these ships are now able to connect more places in the world and effectively decrease the distance, relative to time, of two trading nations.

Hunt said: “This increase in trade efficiency introduces a new threat to the maritime transportation system. More ships calling on a port offer more opportunities to introduce threats.”

He stated that security is also becoming a more global issue and criminal networks are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to move people and illicit cargo aboard the same ships that supply the goods and resources that grow and develop our economies.

The diplomat added that for these reasons, we must be proactive and remain vigilant to the ever persistent threat that is posed to our countries ports via the international maritime transportation system.

Hunt disclosed that security comes at a cost but the cost of insecurity is far greater and not maintaining adequate security could have the result of shipping insurance rates increasing or shippers going to other countries to supply and receive goods.

He said that a reduction in shipping as a result of security related incidents could significantly impact the price of both imported and exported goods, and negatively impact economic growth in Guyana and harm businesses in its major trading partners including

the U.S. The US Embassy official pointed out that by providing workshops and seminars on maritime port security, the US Government is working with MARAD and other agencies in Guyana to prevent such a potential situation from becoming reality.

Hunt told the gathering that the US Government remains committed to port security partnerships with Guyana and in the Caribbean as a means of investing in the future and supporting sustainable development of the Region.

He added that building partnerships with Regional institutions such as CARICOM and the OECS partnering with Governments, civil society and private enterprises remains essential to our ability to support initiatives that are relevant and create sufficient impact and long term economic growth.

Hunt stressed that the collective efforts of the many port security partners and key stakeholders is collectively instrumental in creating an environment that can support the success of port and maritime security.

He said: “The strides that have been made thus far in various programmes across the Region have been as a result of the involvement of all these players, therefore, we look forward to continuing similar collaboration and building on this work in the future.”

Chief Port Security Officer, Major Dwain Nurse in brief remarks said that the capacity building seminar was four-part and outlined its importance in safeguarding our ports as was necessary since the stakeholders have benefitted tremendously from a well planned seminar which was done.

US Coast Guard Lieutenant Steve Barry said the four-week course was intense and he

is pleased with the attendance of participants from various sectors which indicated that Guyana is serious about port security and we want to equip our people to improve our system locally.

He added that in order for the system to be boosted participants need to rely on each other and employ best practices and we must not see our port security as being ‘perfect’ but seek to constantly improve it and identify our vulnerabilities and also continue training.

Acting Director General of MARAD Stephen Thomas told the gathering that training is always welcomed and necessary

13

to strengthen ships and port security noting that MARAD is also tasked with enforcing safety regulations as well.

He pointed out that the modules was most fitting as he highlighted the task of MARAD as it relates to ships and port security while admitting that we should not be of the view that our port security is perfect as was pointed out by US Coast Guard Lieutenant Steve Barry.

Thomas encouraged the participants to share their knowledge as they would have gained from the seminar to their colleagues to further safeguard ships and ports maritime security.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

‘Plaisance Granny’ murder...

Police nab suspect who confessed on video

By Leroy Smith

THE police on the East Coast of Demerara were on Monday night able to apprehend their prime suspect in the murder of 57-year-old Plaisance grandmother, Jennifer Ann Mendonca.

The Guyana Chronicle was reli-

ably informed that after the suspect was apprehended by the police, he confessed to killing the woman and making off with several items from her home. While his name has not yet been released, this publication was told that the man did not ‘beat around the bush’ in telling investigators what he did, why and how.

The team of investigators, who recently graduated from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) training course, used their newly-acquired skills to stake out a particular location, based on intelligence received, and were able to apprehend the man.

Using their interviewing techniques and other methods derived from the training sessions, the police were able to get the suspect to disclose his motive for committing the crime. However, there are still other aspects of the investigation that the police need to complete before the man is charged and placed before the court.

This publication was told that the man at one point was a visitor at the woman’s home and carried out chores assigned to him and for which he was paid. He knew his way around the yard, and some sections of the woman’s home.

The police were able to apprehend the man based on intelligence received from persons who are very

close to the man.

Last week the police arrested two persons for questioning in relation to the murder of the woman who was discovered bound and with a pillow over her face by her neighbours.

The police had lifted fingerprints from the scene and questioned several persons in the area with respect to the incident. This publication was also informed that the prime suspect who the police were looking for since Sunday also agreed to give a confession via video footage and that has been done.

Persons raised an alarm when they searched the woman’s house for her last Friday after she was not seen for most of the day and discovered that she was murdered.

Based on an eyewitness report following the discovery last Friday, the police were able to arrest the first two persons, one of whom also supplied information to the police on the man who committed the dastardly act.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Payments to rice farmers expected to be completed before August month-end ––Agriculture Minister

By Sandy Agasen PAYMENTS to rice farmers are expected to be completed before the harvesting of the second crop, at the end of August, according to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

In an invited comment, he told the Guyana Chronicle that the issue with the late payments to farmers has been normalised and it is improving.

The Minister said, “Certainly before the new harvesting come in, by the end of this month, I want it to be zero.

“We are close to bringing it down to zero…The monies paid are greater than 90 per cent of the amount of what was owed, so a small percentage (about five to six per cent) is still to be paid.”

Dr. Ramsammy explained that the minis-

try is working closely with millers to ensure that the monies owed are paid to farmers in as short a span of time as possible. He noted that the millers are adhering to the agreements made with the farmers concerning the payment of the monies owed.

Additionally, the General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj said that the payments to farmers are ongoing.

He added that the RPA and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are working daily with the millers to ensure that the remaining payments are made to the farmers by the end of this week.

“The RPA is providing major support to the millers in ensuring that the monies owed are paid out,” Seeraj said.

HARVESTING T h e R PA H e a d also added that harvesting is expected to commence in two weeks time in Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

He also pointed out that the crops throughout the rice producing regions are approximately 40 to 60 days old with some being older.

Meanwhile, the dry weather was expected and so far the crops have been doing well.

He noted that rice does well in the dry weather.

Seeraj indicated that although there were few showers of rainfall in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), parts of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Region 6, no harm was done to the crops and irrigation measures in place have been assisting with irrigation.

In addition, the RPA

General-Secretary explained that initially the dry weather caused a few problems in Black Bush Polder and the front lands of Region 6, but they have been normalised, with the pumps working to help with irrigation.

PADDY BUG Seeraj noted too

15

that farmers have been urged to keep an eye on possible increases in the local paddy bug population.

These pests cause serious damage to paddy at the milking stage and all the commercial varieties, see page 16

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Culture Ministry Payments to rice finally in farmers expected to ... from page 15

RPA General Secretary, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj

including the rustic and other varieties, were found infested by this pest. Paddy bugs can be found at the top and base of the rice plants above the water level.

According to him,

cases of paddy bugs in certain areas have been noticed and farmers remain alert to the possibility of an increase in the pest population within their rice fields.

Seeraj highlighted the need for control, considering the dev-

astating consequences of damage that can be caused by paddy bugs.

During the spring crop 2013, an outbreak of paddy bug infestation was noticed in Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam). The prolonged wet periods, accompanied by strong winds, were considered to have caused the migration and dispersal of bugs.

RECORD-BREAKING CROP The first rice crop brought in a record-breaking 315,000 tonnes, which is not only the largest single crop, but also surpassed the annual targets made by the industry prior to 2000. For the second crop, some 225,000 acres of rice was cultivated, with a production target of 310,000 tonnes with the prices depending on farmers’ yield of bags per acre.

possession of NCC blueprints

––thanks to arrangement with overseas-based archtectural firm

By Sandy Agasen THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday received the blueprints of the National Cultural Centre from the architecture firm, Norris Mitchell Associates.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Alfred King, received the blueprints from Norris Mitchell of Norris Mitchell Associates on behalf of Minister of Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony.

According to the PS, the accounting for all assets, including buildings, is mainly his responsibility, and that a main concern of the Ministry’s is the design and engineering details of the treasured buildings in Guyana, including the National Cultural Centre.

“The National Cultural Centre is indeed an asset to all Guyanese,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary explained that recently they have been trying various avenues to acquire the blueprints of the historic building, in order to facilitate adjustments and modifications.

“We were wondering where we can get all the details as it relates to the design so that we can do some adjustments and … at least look see page 18

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Monday night’s shootings…

Three arrested for questioning, ID parade

By Leroy Smith ‘A’ DIVISION police have arrested three men to assist them in their investigations into two separate shooting incidents on Monday night at Sophia North and on Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park.

On Monday, Marvin Cumbermack was robbed of his motorcycle and shot dead by a bandit, who made off with the bike as he lay on the roadway. Yesterday, the police confirmed that they were able to arrest three persons who will be assisting them in their investigations.

The men will be part of an identification parade today to ascertain if any Dead: Marvin of them were Cumbermack involved in the two shootings on Monday night.

Following the robbery and gunning down of Cumbermack, who had moments before dropped his fiancée off at her home, the police were called to yet another shooting, where

Kwame Smith was shot in the neck on Eping Avenue.

There was speculation that the same person who shot Cumbermack and took his motorcycle away was the same person who shot Smith on Eping Avenue. It is not clear if the two shootings are related but the police are conducting intelligence gathering exercises into the incidents.

At the scene on Monday night at the back of Sophia, persons were openly expressing their dissatisfaction and disapproval with the number of gun-related crimes plaguing the country.

The parents of the man’s girlfriend could not control their anger and outburst after seeing the manner in which the man died. They all agreed that he was a hard working young man who never got on the ‘wrong side’ of anyone.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the bandit who approached the man wrestled with him for the motorcycle and after meeting with resistance he shot him and escaped with the bike, leaving the man bleeding to death.

A Georgetown Public Hospital ambulance which responded to the scene picked up the man, placed him in the vehicle but later took him out of the ambulance and left the scene. Persons in the area said that the man was still gasping for breath when the ambulance staff left him at the location.

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Culture Ministry finally in possession ...

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014 from page 15 back at of the systems that were in place. We noticed they (building) are aging and will need to do modification from time to time. Only the drawing can help to do those modifications, if you understand the structure,” King stressed.

He expressed his gratitude to Norris Mitchell and his company for repatriating the drawings to the ministry.

Mitchell of the Norris Mitchell Associates said that in 1972, his company was awarded the contract for the construction of the National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue, which was completed in 1976.

He noted that he maintained contact with the Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose, who expressed his interest in the

drawings of the National Cultural Centre. “… an interest was expressed in repatriating the drawing, and I now live in Grenada, they (drawings) were in my office and I said the time had come for Guyana to have the drawings of an important building, so today we are repatriating the drawings to the Ministry of Culture,” he explained.

The decision to erect the Centre was made early in 1971 and Guyanese architects were invited to submit designs for the building in a competition held that year. From the four entries received, the design submitted by Norris Mitchell Associates was selected. After many delays the National Cultural Centre was officially opened on May 16th, 1976.

Mr. Norris Mitchell (second left) presenting the blueprints of the National Cultural Centre to Mr Alfred King, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. At left is Dr. James Rose, Director of Culture

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

QC’s Cecil Cox, Deowattie Narine share CAPE top spot

–with seven Grade One passes each

By Ravin Singh THE results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), written in May/June of this year, were released yesterday, and Queen’s College students Cecil Cox and Deowattie Narine emerged jointly as the most outstanding performers.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with the top performers at this examination, and they all concurred that sacrifice and hard work are key components towards achieving success at the exams.

Cox secured Grade One passes in all seven of his CAPE Unit One subjects. He was unfortunately unavailable for comment on his success, as he is currently abroad on a scholarship programme.

The other top performer, Deowattie Narine, a former Bishops’ High School student who completed her two years of CAPE studies at QC, secured seven Grade One passes at her final sitting, two in Unit One and five in Unit Two. She said, “I am very proud of my achievement. I attribute my success to my motivational teachers and parents, who have helped each step of the way. Also leading up to exams, a lot of determination, dedication and endless nights of studying and no sleep were also major factors which were

Andy Sattan

necessary for me to pass these exams. To the students writing CAPE next year and in the future, I would just like to advise (them) to start studying early, be dedicated, and find a little recreational time; and most of all, practise good time management. Future plans, I am heading to UWI to pursue medicine, but in the future I would like to become an aerospace engineer and astrophysicist.”

The other three members of QC’s top five students are: Andy Sattan, who achieved six Grade One and one Grade Two passes. He said: “Leading up to the exam was a lot of hard work, some sleepless nights doing IAs and studying. Most of my work was group work, coming together in study groups with my family and so. I was hoping for the best (be)cause I worked for the best; and even though I got what I worked for, as any good results, it came as a surprise. I want to pursue Civil Engineering. Depends on what options present (themselves), I will decide on (my future); but I have applied for UG. CAPE is not an easy task; you need to keep working hard, stay focused and keep your prayers alive.

Also with six Grade One and one Grade Two passes was Prashant Shivdas. He said, “Leading up to the examination was a lot of studying and a lot of preparation. I

Cecil Cox

didn’t really think I would do this good, but I was hoping for the best. Without parents and teachers, I don’t think I could have gotten this far. I always wanted to study abroad, so that was my main drive to push. I want to pursue Civil Engineering. I would advice future students to study a lot.

Don’t take the preparation for granted. Put your all into preparation.

Prashant Shivdas

Deowattie Narine

Kaleshwar Singh also secured six Grade One and one Grade Two passes. He said, “I feel very elated, and I’m kind of surprised, because I didn’t feel I did so well this year, certainly not as well as I did last year. I did more subjects though, and I think I did (well). It was a lot of last minute studying apart from the preparation. People say that (doesn’t) work, but

that’s not totally true. I plan on going to UG, I have already applied. I will further my studies in engineering, Civil Engineering. I’m also a bit interested in Mechanical Engineering, so that would be my next move. The most I could say to students sitting next year is to study hard, do your work, don’t take much time to play and wait for last minute, like me. Complete all

Kaleshwar Singh

your internal assessments on time, and try to do as well as you can.”

This year, 798 candidates from nine senior secondary schools and three private centres participated in the exam. The overall pass rate of the examination improved to 85.07 per cent, with no unit recording a pass rate that was below 50 per cent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

QC’s Elisa Hamilton tops the country at CSEC 2014

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

QUEEN’S College student Elisa Hamilton achieved 19 Grade 1s and one Grade 2 to become Guyana’s top performer at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination for 2014.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education also recorded another tremendous achievement with a 9.72% increase in Mathematics, making this year the best in terms of performance since 1990.

Skeldon Line Path Secondary student Bharti Bhoge

copped second position with 17 Grade 1s, while third is Larissa Whiltshire of Queen’s College, also with 17 Grade 1s.

At the CSEC level, at Queen’s College, 98.77% of the students who wrote the 2014 examinations gained Grades 1 to 3 passes, closely followed by the Bishops’ High School with an overall pass rate of 98.7%, and St. Joseph’s High with a 96.22% pass rate.

With more than 13,000 students writing the CSEC examination in Guyana, the Education Ministry is expecting a better performance from

students this year. From the grand total of 13,721 students, 12,366 sat Mathematics while 11,384 wrote English Language A. Speaking at a press conference at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in Kingston, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand congratulated all the students on a job well done and encouraged them to continue with the same determination as they further themselves academically. Manickchand also congratulated and thanked the teachers involved for achiev-

ing an improvement in the CSEC and CAPE results for 2014. “I would like to thank profusely the parents of the students that wrote CSEC and CAPE, the teachers, head teachers, the administration and all who assisted in any way to help our students perform well,” she said.

BEST YEAR FOR MATHS The Education Minister noted that 38.7% of the students who wrote CSEC Mathematics gained Grade 1 to 3 passes. Though the figure remains under the 50% mark,

it also represents a better performance compared to results recorded since 1990.

She emphasised that “this is the best performing year in mathematics ever recorded.”

Last year, just 28.92% of the students who wrote CSEC Mathematics gained Grade 1 to 3 passes.

Minister Manickchand noted that there was an increase in the number of candidates who wrote CSEC in 2014 and the private schools amounted to 37% of the total entries. The 2014 CESC results revealed that the overall pass rate at the General and

Technical proficiencies for Grades 1 to 3 was 60.21% as opposed to 59.31 in 2013.

Several candidates recorded outstanding performances at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), and among the top students for the country are Cecil Cox and Deowattie Narine, both of Queen’s College, securing Grade 1 passes in seven subjects, Manickchand highlighted. She also noted that the overall pass rate in 2014 for CAPE is 85.07%, a slight decrease from 86.6% in 2013.

WINNERS ROW: Minister of Education Priya Manickchand flanked by some of this year’s top CSEC and CAPE performers from Queen’s College. Absent from the line-up is CSEC top-performer, Elisa Hamilton, who, like so many other students at this time of year, is away on vacation (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Businessman ‘peppers’ brother-in-law’s house with bullets –expected to appear in court today In fit of anger...

By Leroy Smith

PROPRIETOR of the Nut Centre on Regent Street, John Singh went berserk on Monday night and discharged some fifteen rounds from an 9mm pistol at the home of his brother-in-law where his wife and children were staying.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the man showed up at the Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara home and demanded that his wife bring out his children so that he could take them for a vacation.

The children, ages 15, 14 and a younger one, were not willing to go with their father and according

Businessman John Singh

to a close relative who spoke with this publication, the man decided to take the children by force.

He destroyed a chained and padlocked door that leads into the home where the children were

with their mother and uncle. The man and the woman are said to be married but due to some domestic issues they have been living apart for the last few weeks.

A man related that the businessman is the owner of a shotgun but on Monday night he showed up with a 9mm pistol.

Speaking with the Chronicle, the uncle of the children said that they were all traumatised in the house because of the manner in which the man operated. However, persons who are familiar with the man indicated that he is always very quiet.

Following his wanton discharge of rounds, the man fled with the children but was appre-

The door with the chain that Singh damaged to get to the children

hended by investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department in Georgetown and those from the East Coast of Demerara.

Police have since disclosed that the man will be charged and he is expected to appear in court today. Additionally, his firearm was also confiscated by the police and has been lodged. He is expected to be charged for discharging a loaded firearm.

Meanwhile, the police recovered several spent shells from the house where the shots were fired. It is believed that the businessman is going through some difficult times over his financial status and relationship woes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

CSEC top performers credit success to hard work, dedication –and lots of sacrifice

Elisa Hamilton

Bharti Bhoge

Larissa Wiltshire

Tressiya Ketwaroo

Lisa John

Walica Deokinannan

By Ravin Singh

of Skeldon Line Path Secondary, who secured 16 Grade One and one Grade Two passes.

She said, “The preparation was alright. I didn’t focus too much on the exam; I did a lot of studying. I found it hard to study, though, and I would only study when my mom was awake, so she would have to wake up with me every night to study, and I must thank her. I have not decided on my next move, but I am thinking about going to UG and pursuing something in the medical field. I would recommend that those sitting the exam next year just relax and not think about the future too much. This is because once they apply themselves, they will reap the benefits. I wish them well, and hope they exceed our scores.”

Fifth-place student is LISA JOHN, also of QC. She secured 16 Grade One and one Grade Two passes.

She said: “I kind of expected this result ‘cause you have to be positive all the time. It’s a lot of hard work. I didn’t go (to) too (many) lessons, but I went to some and it helped a lot; teachers and parents and friends supported too.

That’s what you need while working hard. Putting God first, too, is necessary. The late nights and studying and keeping up with church and school. You have to manage yourself. I had to give up entertainment and some of my social life. I want to be an economist. Put God first, work hard and the rest will come.”

Sixth-place student is WALICA DEOKINANNAN from the Saraswati Vidya Niketan. She obtained 15 grade one and two grade two passes. She said, “It was quite challenging and

tough for me, but I made it.

It is pressuring though, and requires a lot of work and dedication; but it will pay off in the end. You actually see results for the hard work.

I have started CAPE, and I want to pursue a career in Chemistry. I would tell those writing next year that even though the road seems tough, put your mind to it and it will be rewarding.”

Seventh place student, VA R S H A B O O D R A M from QC, obtained 15 grade one and two grade two passes.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that though it was a rough year for her, her efforts paid off and she is content with her achievements. She said, “Well, when I applied to do 17 subjects, it was quite a challenge, because almost every day it was lessons, then home and study. So I had it rough for practically a year, but I can say that the hard work paid off and it was great success.

I’ll be going back to school to do CAPE, and I wish to pursue Medicine. If I can do it, they can do it too, and I pray that they as well work hard and focus on what they’re about to do; and, of course, put God first.”

From JC Chandisingh Secondary, NATASHA ALLADIN, who placed eighth in the country with 15 grade one passes, was unfortunately unavailable for comment.

At ninth place is ALIYYAH ABDUL KADIR, also from QC, who told this newspaper that her aspirations to become a lawyer drove her to work hard. She secured 15 grade one passes.

She said, “I would like to be a lawyer, so the next move is Bishops’ High School to do CAPE. Of course it was a struggle, but in order to do

well you have to work hard; but it will pay off in the end.

I had to sacrifice a lot of things, like music and social media, especially Facebook, and spend your nights studying (and) waking up early in the mornings to attend lessons. So it’s really hard, but it pays off in the end. I would advise that if you want to do well, you have to put in the effort before. It’s going to be difficult at first, but in order for you to succeed and be as happy as I am, you have to work hard.”

Another QC student, SARAH HACK, who placed 10th in the country with 14 grade one and two grade two passes, said her success was a result of hard work under “intense” pressure. She said, “It was intense pressure regarding the SBAs (schoolbased assessments) and I endured many sleepless nights completing them while also studying. But in the end it all paid off. I’m very grateful to everyone who supported (me) in any way -- God, my parents, teachers, and close friends who also excelled.

I’ll be taking the SATs later this year, and hoping to begin (studying) Medicine next year. I might also do A-levels, but I’m still thinking about it.

My advice for other students is if you want to succeed, firstly they need to possess a persevering, determined, relentless attitude.

And you’ll be challenged in every possible way. It’s important to remember never to give up, and to just give it your best shot. Do your best and stay humble; and, more importantly, don’t forget those who helped you to get there.”

SASKIA KHALIL from QC obtained 14 grade one passes. She said, “I’m tru-

ly elated (at) my success.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to my mom, my two supportive brothers, my best friends, and my intelligent teachers. My next step is to pursue a degree in Economics. I well also like to say congratulations to the other students. I hope they never give up, and that they strive to do good things.”

In 12th place is BIBI A R E E FA M O H A M E D from Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, who obtained 13 grade one and six two passes.

She said, “The fact that I did well is good. It was not easy; it was a lot of hard work and effort. Sometimes you are stressed out, but with the support of my parents and teachers, all who went the extra mile with me, I was able to do well.”

FARIDA YUSSUF, also from Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, placed 13th in the country with 13 grade one and three grade two subjects. She said, “I am overjoyed that my hard work paid (off). I am also glad that I was able to make my parents proud. It was a lot of hard work, but I found that you had to balance work and rest.”

In 14th place was KRYSTAL LEE from St. Stanislaus College, who copped 13 grade one and two two subjects. She said, “My mom told me the news, and for a moment I froze. Words couldn’t describe how I felt.

It was a pleasant feeling. I always wanted to see the name of my school in the papers, and today I lived that dream!

“I had to say thanks to the Almighty, who has always been my guidance and my listener; and to my hard working mother, Dawne

Waithe, this was all for her.

She is my biggest motivation and she made it possible!

To the teachers that worked with me to the end, I owe it all to them; and my supportive friends, this is their success too.

“My many sleepless nights and going the extra mile surely paid off, and no feeling is better than success after hard work. I’m a very proud student of the St Stanislaus College, and hearty congratulations to the other top performers at CSEC.” Closing the top 15 performers is SHAUNELLE THOMAS from QC, with 13 grade one and two grade two passes. She said, “Well, I must say it took a lot of hard work, good habits, sacrifice, setting of goals, some failures to motivate me, and persistence. As for me, 15 subjects was a bit of a challenge, but I took it on. My parents, siblings and others had my back; and teachers, especially the principal, Mr. Hardyal, and Ms. Blenman motivated me.

“Additionally, I chose the right set of friends e.g.

Elisa, Theresa, Jenelle and others, who motivated me and encouraged me to strive for the best. I had to miss some guitar lessons in order to focus more on CSEC, so it was a sacrifice.”

Some 52 students secured 11 and more grade one passes at this year’s exams. In total, there were 77,361 subject entries from 13,724 students, of which 8,837 were female and 4,887 were male.

Additionally, the analysis of the overall pass rate was pegged at 60.21 per cent for passes from grade one to three at the CSEC examinations for 2014. (Additional reporting by Sandy Agasen)

QUEEN’s College (QC) emerged the top Guyanese learning institution that fielded students at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, with ELISA HAMILTON copping 19 Grade One and one Grade Two passes.

But there were 14 other schools that shared outstanding honours with Queen’s College, among them Skeldon Line Path Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary and St. Stanislaus College.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with some of those top students, all of whom credited their success to hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

The top student is currently abroad; but the second placed student, BHARTI BHOGE from Skeldon Line Path Secondary, who secured 17 Grade One passes, had this to say: “It feels surreal; I am not sure what I will do next. Science has always been my area of interest, so my next step will be in that field. I owe my success to many sleepless nights and hard work. For students who will be writing the exams next year, my advice would be to keep an open mind and apply yourself in the exams, and everything should be fine.”

L A R I S S A W I LTSHIRE, another QC student, secured 17 Grade Ones, and was the third most successful student at this year’s examinations. The Guyana Chronicle was unable to contact her, as she, too, is currently abroad.

In fourth place is TRESSIYA KETWAROO

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Albouystown labourer jailed, fined marijuana trafficking A LABOURER was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment together with a $300,000 fine on a marijuana trafficking charge yesterday.

Devon Netherman, 20, of Lot 58 Middle Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was unrepresented by an attorney.

According to details of the offence, on August 9 at Bent Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 25 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

The court was told by the police prosecutor that on the day in question around 22:00 hrs the police were on patrol duty at Camp Street when they saw the defendant run into a yard. Ranks followed him and enquired what he was doing there.

Subsequently, he led them to the area where he left a bag and a search which was carried out revealed the illegal substance.

Miner remanded for refusal to pay taxi fare CITY Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday remanded a passenger who refused to pay his taxi fare until Friday.

Gary Banker pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on August 11 at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he incurred a debt to Fitzroy Grant by obtaining credit for the amount of $5,000 by travelling in motorcar HC 1153 and refused to pay the fare.

The 47-year-old miner was refused bail until Friday when he is expected to repay the amount. However, if he fails to do so, he will be further remanded to prison until September 5.

He resides with his sister at Ruimzeight, and works at Buck Hall in the interior.

According to the Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones, the defendant hired the taxi to take him from Cornhill Street to Parika for the sum of $5,000 and on arrival at his destination he refused to pay the fee.

The matter was reported and investigations were carried out, leading to the present charge.

Jones opposed bail on the grounds that since the defendant does not have a specific address, he may pose a flight risk.

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Man fined $35,000 for boots, bicycle theft A SELF-EMPLOYED man yesterday accepted that he stole a pair of boots and a bicycle when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Brian Singh, 48, of Lot 38 Sheriff Street, Georgetown, was fined $35,000 on two counts of simple larceny.

Particulars of the first charge said that on July 3 at Sherriff Street, Georgetown, he stole one pedal cycle from Fazal Shaw, valued $5,000.

The other offence said that on July 17, also at Sherriff

Street, he stole one pair of boots valued $25,000 ,property of Fidel Singh.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant and Fidel Singh are brothers residing at the same address. On that day, he was seen by their mother Meena Singh going to his brother’s room and stealing the boots.

In the case of the pedal cycle, the virtual complainant rode his bicycle and parked it in front of a restaurant and proceeded to conduct business. Subsequently, he saw the defendant picking up the said bicycle and making good his escape.

The defendant was fined $10,000 with an alternative of three weeks’ imprisonment for stealing the boots and for the bicycle he was fined $25,000 and in default he would have to serve a four weeks jail term.

Essequibo mason jailed for stealing toilet bowls A THIRTY-YEAR-OLD mason of Essequibo Coast was yesterday sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for stealing toilet bowls and troweltex.

Vishal Lall made his appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the particulars of the offence, between August 4-8 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, he stole two toilet bowls and two containers of troweltex. together valued $135,000, property of Clifton Austin.

Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) Deneshwer Maindranaught, prosecuting, said the defendant is known to the virtual complainant.

The VC placed the articles in a home at First Bridge, Diamond Housing Scheme and on August 4 a check was made and they were intact.

Maindranught said later on August 8 another check was made and it was discovered that the articles were missing.

The matter was reported and investigations were

carried out, leading to the present charge.

However, the defendant admitted stealing the

troweltex but not the toilet bowls.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 13, 2014

Over 600 hinterland students to benefit from Global Shapers stationery drive THE Global Shapers Community - Georgetown Hub – is moving to provide over 600 students in Regions 1, 8 and 9 with stationery supplies for the 2014-2015 academic year through their micro project ‘HeadStart! Stationery Drive.’

This marks the second initiative hosted by the Global Shapers Community. They will once again garner support from the general public and the business community here and around the world to support young students in Guyana’s hinterland communities.

Last year the Georgetown

tion of school in September.

Meanwhile, so far the Georgetown Hub has already received remarkable responses, both from the local private sector and from individuals and businesses across the globe. In addition to donations of supplies, monetary contributions have also been made and this will make a notable difference in the lives of the hinterland students.

The Global Shapers Community - Georgetown Hub - was established on December 27, 2013. The Hub has highlighted several issues within the Guyanese society, and projects are be-

Last year the Global Shapers brought smiles to the students of the hinterland communities through their ‘HeadStart! Stationery Drive’ Hub provided ‘back-to-school’ supplies to over 400 young students in Matthew’s Ridge, Kurupukari and Cashew Island through its HeadStart! Stationery Drive which was made possible by the generous donations from the supporters already noted.

However, this initiative has received such overwhelming support from donors and sincere appreciation from its beneficiaries that the Georgetown Hub has decided to make it an annual stationery drive. Therefore, the organisation is targeting over 600 students in the hinterland communities.

Moreover, this micro project was birthed after recognising the desire in the hinterland communities due to socioeconomic and geographic limitations. Georgetown Shaper, Hubert Forrester will be packaging the stationery supplies for nursery and primary students as well as delivering the supplies in time for the resump-

ing undertaken to create a wider impact within the country. The Hub is united by a common desire to channel the members’ tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a more peaceful and inclusive world.

The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of more than 350 citybased Hubs developed and led by promising young leaders between the ages of 20 and 30, who want to build on their achievements and entrepreneurial drive to make a positive contribution to their communities. Together, they embody the “community of the future,” bringing together empowered youth in a community that is diverse.

Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and is independent, neutral, non-political and not-for-profit. (Shivanie Sugrim)

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Pastor’s car bursts into flames on Vlissengen Road

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Aries - March 21 - April 19 You're great at cutting to the chase, so head games don't usually work for you -- unless they're the kind that people who are attracted to each other like to play. Since you can easily spot frauds and those who hold info back from you, you've got an edge in those kinds of games. If your instincts tell you that's what's going on today, make your excuses and leave. Nobody says you have to stay for dessert!

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 You're not usually known for having much of a temper. It takes quite a lot to get you riled up, for one thing, and by the time you actually get around to expressing anger, you've realiSed that it's likely not worth the energy. You've got tremendous selfcontrol, most of the time. Every once in a while, though, the dam bursts and someone ends up gored by a raging bull. That could easily happen today. Someone -- not you -- had better hire a bodyguard!

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 Secrets aren't really your thing -- you much prefer chatting about anything that crosses your mind just as soon as it passes through. Right now, one big secret is becoming almost impossible to keep quiet about, though. It's just too thrilling to keep to yourself!

If you must share it with a friend, go for it -- but make sure to choose the right one.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22

Firemen stand next to the car after it was pulled off the road and the blaze extinguished.

On cell-phone at left is the driver of the vehicle, Daniel DaSilva

By Leroy Smith A MOTORIST early yesterday morning on Vlissengen Road in Georgetown was lucky to escape unhurt after the car he was driving burst into flames, forcing him to jump from the moving vehicle.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at the scene yesterday morning, the driver Daniel DaSilva, who was the only person in the vehicle, related that while driving, he felt a heat and attempted to stop the vehicle but when he applied the brakes, the vehicle would not stop.

He then noticed thick

You love entertaining at home almost more than anything else. You're a natural caregiver, and when you've got everyone you love under one roof, eating whatever you've whipped up (with plenty of TLC), it's as close to heaven as it gets on this world. Now is the time to treat yourself and your people to just such an event. Gather everyone together for an impromptu shindig at your place.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 You've never minded working overtime -- much. You do whatever it takes to get things done right, but when it's time for fun, it's time for fun. In fact, for a while, you've been thinking about taking time off. You may have come close to marching up to your boss and telling them (not asking) that you're wandering off, at least for a week or so. Now is the time -- but you do need to temper your words if you'd like to return to work eventually.

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 To you, there's nothing quite as dangerous as boredom. It can cause even the most rational person (that's you) to behave in some crazy ways. Instead of letting that happen, try to find a new way to amuse that big brain of yours. If you can't, you may end up getting so riled up that one missing paper could inspire an all-out, unforgettable tantrum right in the middle of work. Try ducking out to fly a kite or see a movie instead.

Libra - September 23 - October 22

A close-up of the engine area where the trouble started (Photos by Leroy Smith)

smoke, and the next thing

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Thursday, August 14, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Friday, August 15, 2014 - 08:30 hrs

he knew the car immediately burst into flames, forcing him to grab his bag and jump out of the moving vehicle. He said he couldn’t say when last the vehicle went to a mechanic, since it does not belong to him but rather his pastor.

He was heading from the Ogle International Airport where he dropped off his pastor shortly before the incident. The vehicle, a Mazda Axela PLL 9683, is registered to one Lindmar De Baros.

The incident was observed by a senior police officer who was heading to her office and she immediately informed the Police Operations room which telephoned the Guyana Fire Service.

The fire brigade responded promptly and put out the blaze.

When this publication arrived on the scene, investigators were questioning the driver of the vehicle. A close look at the vehicle observed that the engine area appeared to be damaged beyond repair.

Shortly after the incident, several of the driver’s relatives and members of the pastor’s church showed up at the scene.

Anyone who tries to zip through an encounter with you using superficial chatter had better be ready for a lesson, because it just can't work. You're often a fan of pleasant small talk, because you love getting along smoothly with everyone. Today's mood, though, isn't exactly conducive to whimsical chitchat. You don't want to argue with anyone, but you probably do so rather than talk about absolutely nothing. You want depth!

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 Today may be tough for you, but if anyone is up for a bit of a challenge, it's you. The good news: Once you've done your duty and start to head home, you find a sweet surprise waiting for you, thanks to your partner or housemate. Their instincts are just as sharp as yours, and they know what you need. Things are definitely looking up for tomorrow, too, so hang in there.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 You're not afraid of hard work, but you've been doing far more than your fair share lately, and you seriously need some time off. Let yourself go! You can be extravagant when it comes to down time -- or anything else that perks you up. All your selfdiscipline is good for your soul, but not all that great for your love life. Walk away from it all and get out there.

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 There's only one thing you can do to get out of this rut: take action. Let that wild urge for activity lead you somewhere new and pleasant. Have everyone over for some bigtime fun. You've earned the right to goof off so have they -- and besides, you need their opinion on those big changes you're thinking about making. While they're all in the house, pass out a sign-up sheet for the painting or moving party.

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 You've decided that something just isn't working for you. It's not really in your nature to accept the unacceptable, and you're famous for having little patience with those who do. You need to make some changes, and move quickly on them -- maybe so quickly that your people wonder who you are and what you've done with the person they thought they knew. Resist the urge to guide them through it -- things get better soon.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 You won't be in the mood for any recreational activity that doesn't automatically include structure, rules and a set leader. Oddly enough, you may actually want to be the leader this time out, and why not? You're not ordinarily fond of taking the reins, but with your natural intuition even more finely honed at the moment, you're the perfect person for the job. Just don't take it too seriously. Remember, you're supposed to be having fun, too.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

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Piedt’s record haul leads South Africa to big win … Dale Steyn equals Ian Botham’s career wicket tally of 383

By Nick Said HARARE, (Reuters) - Dane Piedt produced the best performance by a debutant South African spinner as the Proteas thumped Zimbabwe by nine wickets to retain their number one Test status following the one-off contest at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.

After bowling Zimbabwe out for 181 in the second innings, the visitors knocked off their target of 41 for the loss of opener Dean Elgar, who was bowled by Tendai Chatara for 21.

The 24-year-old Piedt finished with match figures of eight for 152 on a helpful pitch having been drafted into the side for leg-spinner Imran Tahir, beating the previous best debut figures of seven for 189 by Ian Smith against England in 1947.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn finished with eight for 84 in the match to move level with Ian Botham on 383 career test scalps, 13th on the list of most wicket takers.

A South African victory was always likely at the start of the day, but Zimbabwe can take heart from the fight they showed in delaying the Proteas’ celebrations until the final hour of day four.

Resuming on 28 for one, they lost only nightwatchman Donald Tiripano (five)

Racing Tips English Beverley

Scoreboard ZIMBABWE 1st innings 256 (B. Taylor 93; D. Steyn 5-46, D. Piedt 4-90) South Africa 1st innings 397 ZIMBABWE 2nd innings H.Masakadza c de Villiers b M. Morkel b 19 V. Sibanda c&b Piedt 45 D. Tiripano b Piedt 5 M.Vermeulen lbw b Steyn 21 B. Taylor c Elgar b Piedt 5 R. Chakabva b Morkel 15 S. Williams c Duminy b Morkel 3 R. Mutumbarni c (wkpr) deKock b Steyn 43 J. Nyumbu c&b Piedt 13 T. Chatara not out 0 T. Panyangara b Steyn 2 Extras (b2, lb7, nb1) 10 Total (all out; 76.2 overs) 181 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-58, 3-98, 4-98, 5-113, 6-121, 7-124, 8-178, 9-178, 10-181.

Bowling: D. Steyn 21.2-938-3 , V. Philander 13-3-250, M. Morkel 15-9-15-3 , D. Piedt 25-3-62-4

Dane Piedt

before lunch after he had a wild slog at a Piedt delivery and was bowled.

It was the middle session that set up the win for the visitors though as they ripped through the heart of the Zimbabwe batting line-up.

Mark Vermeulen, who scored 21, was the first to go as he was trapped plumb leg before wicket by Steyn.

From there it was a procession as Piedt had Vusi Sibanda caught and bowled for 45, before he snagged the big wicket of home cap-

tain Brendan Taylor, caught at short leg by Elgar for five.

Morne Morkel (three for 15) entered into the attack and bowled Regis Chakabva for 15 after the batsman offered no stroke, while Sean Williams (3) was brilliantly caught at point by JP Duminy off the lanky paceman.

Then followed an entertaining 54-run eighth wicket stand between Richmond Mutumbami (43) and John Nyumbu (13) that briefly threatened to force the game into day five.

It was ended when Steyn had Mutumbami caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and just four balls later Nyumbu was caught and bowled by Piedt.

The innings was ended when Steyn collected his third wicket, sending the offstump of Tinashe Panyangara (two) out the ground.

The teams will now contest a three-match one-day series in Bulawayo starting on Sunday, before Australia arrive for a triangular tournament that gets underway on Aug. 25.

09:00 hrs Al Muheer

09:50 hrs Grigolo

13:30 hrs Lahinch Classics

09:30 hrs Pamushana

10:25 hrs Tercel

14:00 hrs Timiyan

10:00 hrs Rock Follies

10:55 hrs My Spirit

14:30 hrs Spring Focus

10:35 hrs Noodles Blue Boy

11:30 hrs Petticoat Lane

15:00 hrs Peggy’s Leg

11:05 hrs Woodacre

12:00 hrs Shushu Sugartown

15:30 hrs Sherra Run

11:40 hrs Where’s Tiger

South Africa Racing Tips

American Racing Tips

12:10 hrs Chant

Scottsville

Saratoga

Newton Abbot

08:30 hrs Kings Gold

Race 1 Selection Sunday

09:10 hrs Vosne Romanee

09:05 hrs Seeking The Dream

09:40 hrs Bullet Street

09:40 hrs Friar Tuck

10:15 hrs Manjakani

10:15 hrs First Flight

11:20 hrs Speed Check

10:50 hrs Chesnut Chief

Race 6 Great Attack

11:50 hrs Rusty Nail

Irish Racing Tips

Race 7 Isabelle

12:20 hrs Good Of Luck

Gowan Park

Race 8 Takeoff Your Hat

Salisbury

12:30 hrs Rule The Waves

Race 9 Dads Cap

09:20 hrs Desert Force

13:00 hrs Sauanna Belle

Race10 Southern Blessing

Race 2 Warrior’s Hero Race 3 Sheriffa Race 4 Edie Race 5 Keep Right

NaMilCo becomes first-time sponsor of Boyce/Jefford Classic V THE Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic V continued to break new ground yesterday when the National Milling Company (NaMilCo) added its brand to the annual athletics feature.

NaMilCo became a first time sponsor of the event that will happen on Saturday and Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, Linden where over $2M in cash will be dolled out to Clubs and athletes.

“We are happy to be part of this programme and we wish it a success. We know that with you gentlemen at the helm, it will be a success,” Affeez Khan, Marketing Consultant at NaMilCo, said on behalf of Managing Director, Bert Sukhai.

According to Khan, Na-

MilCo has decided to financially recognise the top male and female athletes.

Chairman of the Boyce/ Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, assured the company that the Fifth Edition of the meet will live up to expectations.

“I want to assure you that this Fifth Edition, with all the athletes we have competing from Guyana and overseas, will be one of the biggest athletics meet in Guyana to date,” Boyce informed.

Boyce reminded officials at NaMilCo of two of the important objectives of the meet, which he stated is to bring competition to local athletes on the one hand while showcasing local talent on the other hand. Digicel Guyana Inc. is the major sponsor of the Boyce/Jefford Classic.

Gavaskar, Nicholas

escape...

From back page There was torrential rain and our car was being driven very fast.

Thankfully, no one was hurt although the accident was very, very scary,” Gavaskar told Mid-Day. “I was visibly shaken after the

accident.”

It is understood that despite the car being damaged, it was able to take its occupants to the nearest train station, where they boarded a train for London.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Minister Anthony...

From back page The Permanent Secretary accepted with gratitude the collection of books which will no doubt boost what already exists at the Resource Centre’s library. He highlighted that Minister Anthony is keen on the development of sports and has recognised the need for more sports education to complement the skills of the coaches and trainers.

PS King emphasised that it is the Minister’s hope that over time and with a good collection of books, and the transformation of the Resource Centre into a sports institute that accredited courses can be offered. In this regard, he expressed appreciation for the books on behalf of Minister Anthony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Ajmal move reveals ICC’s firm hand

By Osman Samiuddin IF there was any doubt about the seriousness of the ICC’s renewed vigour in pursuing bowlers with illegal actions, it should have dissipated by now.

For umpires to call

Shane Shillingford, Kane Williamson and Sachithra Senanayake, as they have done in recent months, is one thing.

Saeed Ajmal? That shows a different degree of vigour altogether. Ajmal is, alongside Rangana Herath,

the world’s best spinner.

He is among the best bowlers in the world, the one man because of whom Pakistan remain a threat.

Nobody has taken more international wickets since the start of 2011; nobody is really even close

Saeed Ajmal to his 323-wicket haul.

He is the biggest fish. It is something the ICC has been working towards.

In June this year, at an ICC meeting, the cricket committee expressed concerns about the identifying, reporting and testing of suspect actions.

Primarily, the ICC is unhappy with the biomechanics lab at the University of Western Australia in Perth, where bowlers with suspect actions have usually been sent for testing and correction. The ICC is not convinced that the lab’s testing procedures are rigorous enough, at least to the standards they want. They are unhappy that not enough of the bowlers reported and then tested in recent years have been found to possess suspect actions.

So now they are taking greater control over the process, accrediting a number of other labs around the world where they can implement uniformity to the testing, to the standards they want. Not least of the issues to keep an eye on with this case will be where Ajmal goes for testing.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that the actions of Williamson and Senanayake were tested and confirmed to be illegal at a newly accredited facility, at the Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Sport in Wales (Shillingford, and teammate Marlon Samuels, it is only fair to point out, were banned from bowling

after tests in Perth).

But somebody has to report them first and had umpires not been emboldened to do so, none of this would be happening. At that ICC meeting, the committee recommended changes to specifically “encourage umpires and referees” to identify suspect actions.

That was followed by the words of the ICC’s general manager, cricket, Geoff Allardice at the annual general meeting at the end of June. “There’s enough bowlers with suspect actions that should be scrutinized, that probably haven’t been.”

The message is clear.

So is the bigger picture in which Ajmal finds himself. It is the details, however, that are not so straightforward. Ajmal was reported in 2009 as well, and was cleared to bowl again soon after. The ICC loves to insist no bowler is ever permanently cleared, but to many constituencies, Ajmal’s action has never been quite right.

The accompanying conjecture is not as bad as the hounding of Muttiah Muralitharan, but it has been snide.

Michael Vaughan’s recent tweeting of a grainy photograph of Ajmal in delivery is a classic example of the kind of mischief some have sought.

Ajmal has not helped, as when, back in 2012, he seemed to suggest the ICC had granted his action a special allowance. They had done no such thing.

Ajmal was simply unable to articulate clearly in English vital technical information.

That little episode did shed a light, however, on how little people understand of suspect actions. A bent elbow during delivery is not the vital measure, for example: it is to the degree that the elbow straightens when the ball is released that is. That should not exceed 15 degrees and in the 2009 tests that Ajmal spoke of, he did not.

To the naked eye his action over the last five years has not looked particularly changed. Was it different in Galle? Did his action become more ragged because of how much he bowled? He always bears a heavy burden though (he has bowled more international overs than anyone since 2011).

It could just be that the environment is changing around him.

Unusually, and ominously for him, it may not be just Ajmal’s doosra that is under scrutiny. The ICC has said only that a “number of deliveries” raised concerns. Ajmal is unique in one respect: the 2009 tests found that his elbow straightened fractionally more (but within legal limits) for his off-break and quicker ball than for the doosra.

The impact on Ajmal will be difficult to gauge. He likes to play the free, easy and unconcerned simpleton but he is infinitely more complex. He might take heart from having been cleared once before. He might let it weigh him down. Either would be a pretty normal reaction to a difficult situation.

Pakistan will not even want to imagine a world without Ajmal. Over the last 15 years they have seen the careers of so many of their leading bowlers curtailed that if Ajmal does not clear those tests, they might be compelled to acknowledge that the posting itself is cursed.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

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WICB REGIONAL U-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hetmyer and Paul shine once again as Guyana chalk up fifth victory Sherman Lewis (2 for 72) into the waiting hands of Cato at long on at 241 for 5 in the 48th over, before Ali-Mohammed and Kemol Savory added a hasty 35 from 15 balls, with Ali-Mohammed hitting two sixes in his unbeaten 13 ball 30, while Savory struck one four in his unbeaten 7.

By Calvin Roberts ONCE again, and for the second successive match for Shimron Hetmyer and fourth in five for Kemo Paul, both batsmen struck half centuries for Guyana who came away with a (114) runs victory over the Windward Islands at the Albion Community Centre ground yesterday.

Scores in the match; Guyana 276 for 5 Windward Islands ().

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, openers Shimron Hetmyer (86) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul 43 added 129 for the first wicket off 32.2 overs, with Hetmyer hitting Sherman Lewis for three fours in the 7th over, on the way to posting his 50 from 49 balls with five fours at 76 without loss in the 16th over.

When Chanderpaul hit Deron Hypolite back over his head for his third four in the 25th over, the Guyanese who won their first four matches with ease, saw their 100 being posted off 24.4 overs, with Hetmyer on 62 and Chanderpaul 31.

A good running catch on the midwicket boundary

by Sherman Lewis was all it took to separate the pair, when Chanderpaul looked to hoist Hypolite over that area in the 32nd over, after

Shimron Hetmyer facing 98 balls and hitting four fours during his partnership with Hetmyer.

Guyana lost Hetmyer who was caught by Cato at mid-on off Lewis, having faced 114 balls and hitting six fours in his 86, followed by his skipper Brian Sattaur 16 (18balls, 2x4), before a swashbuckling 51 from Kemo Paul, his fourth half century of the tournament, pushed Guyana over the 200 runs mark.

He added 60 for the fifth wicket with Ashkay Homraj 28 (20balls, 2x4) from 36 balls, with Paul posting his 50 from 30 deliveries, inclusive of two sixes and the same number of fours, before he handed Roland Cato at long on his third catch of the innings, off Ryan John (2 for 56).

A game Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed joined Homraj who later pushed

Kemo Paul Asked to record the highest run chase in this year ’s tournament, the Windward Islands were asked to contend with the pace of Paul and spin of Balchand Baldeo, Shiraz Ramcharran, Steven Sankar and Damion Waldron, Guyana’s bowling lineup that has been performing exceedingly well this year.

They were rocked early by the Paul/Baldeo combination who sent back Anson Latchman (06) and Tonis Simon (04),

leaving the Windwards on 14 for 2 in the 6th over, before Kersakie Jno-Lewis struck Paul for a hattrick of fours in the 10th over, pushing the score to 45 for 2.

A mix-up between Jno-Lewis and Gordon saw the latter being run out

by Ali-Mohammed, as he failed to beat the throw from mid-on after they added 52 for the third wicket from eight overs, while Kersakie Jno-Lewis struck Ramcharran back over his head for six, before he pushed one back to Waldron when on 42 (53balls 4x4, 1x6) at 90 for 4.

Aggressive running between the wickets from Cato 38 and John (34) pushed the score to 156, with John hitting Waldron for two fours in the 34th over as they added 66 for the fifth wicket after Pope retired hurt on 4 at 71 for 3.

A smart catch by Sattaur at short cover, accounted for Cato off Sankar while Baldeo removed both Lewis and Pope off successive deliveries to leave the opposition on 157 for 7, following which they were later bowled out for 162 from 41.3 overs, as Baldeo 3 for 35 and Ramcharran 2 for 26 did the bulk of the damage, while there was a wicket each for Paul, Waldron and Sankar.

Rooney gets captain’s job at Manchester United (REUTERS) - New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given England striker Wayne Rooney the role of team captain and made Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher his vice-captain.

“It is a huge honour for me – and for my family – to be named captain of this great club,” Rooney told United’s website after Van Gaal’s side beat Valencia 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Old Trafford yesterday.

“It is a role I will perform with great pride.

Team spirit has always been very high in our dressing room and I am very grateful to the manager for the faith he has shown in me.

“I look forward to leading the team out on Saturday at our first match of the new season,” added Rooney referring to the opening Premier League fixture against Swansea City at Old Trafford.

Former Netherlands

c o a c h Va n G a a l , w h o took charge of United last month, said Rooney had the capacity to galvanise the youngsters in the squad.

“For me it’s always very important the choice of captain,” added the Dutchman.

“Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everything he does.

“I have been very impressed by his professionalism and his attitude to training and to my philosophy.

“He is a great inspira-

tion to the younger members of the team and I believe he will put his heart and soul into his captaincy role,” said Van Gaal.

“Darren Fletcher will become the vice-captain. Darren is a natural leader and will captain the team when Wayne isn’t playing.”

R o o n e y, 2 8 , j o i n e d United from Everton 10 years ago while Fletcher, 30, has spent his entire professional career at Old Trafford.

Scoreboard Guyana Under-19s vs Windward Islands Under19s GUYANA UNDER-19s (50 overs maximum) S. Hetmyer c Cato b Lewis 86 (At Albion Ground) T. Chanderpaul c Lewis b Hypolite 43 B. Sattaur c Cato b John 16 K. Paul c Cato b John 51 A. Homraj c Cato b Lewis 28 R. Ali-Mohammed not out 30 K. Savory not out 07 Extras (w8, lb6, b1) 15 TOTAL (5 wkts, 50 overs) 276 S. Ramcharran, B. Baldeo, D. Waldron, S. Sankar did not bat Fall of wickets: 1-129,2144, 3-167, 4-227, 5-241 Bowling: #Lewis 9-1-72-2, #John 10-0-56-2, #Phillips 5-0-34-0, Pope 10-0-28-0, Hypolite 10-0-38-1, Edward 6-1-41-0 WINDWARDS UNDER-19s (target: 277 off 50 overs) A. Latchman c Waldron b Paul 6 T. Simon c (sub) Smith b Baldeo 4 M. Gordon run out 20 K. Jno Lewis c and b Waldron 42 G. Pope b Baldeo 4 R. Cato c Sattaur b Sankar 38 R. John run out 38 S. Lewis st Savory b Baldeo 1 D.Edward c Sankar b Ramcharran 3 D. Hypolite not out 1 C. Phillips c Hetmyer b Ramcharran 0 Extras (w9) 9 TOTAL (all out, 41.3 overs) 162 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-14, 3-66, 4-90, 5-156, 6-157, 7-157, 8-159, 9-162 Bowling: Baldeo 10-0-35-3, #Paul 5-0-26-1, Ramcharran 6.3-0-26-2, Waldron 10-049-1, Sankar 10-0-26-1 Points: Guyana Under-19s 6.1, Windwards Under-19s 0.4 Barbados vs T&Ti Barbados Under-19s vs Trinidad & Tobago Under19s (AT EVEREST) T&T UNDER-19s (50 overs maximum) *J.Solozano c Springer b Williams 56 +A. Jangoo c Shorey b Williams 26 J. Joseph lbw b Springer 38 B. Christmas b Springer 1 C. Carimbocas c (sub) Harding b Jones 44 J. Maniram c wkpr Fergusson b Jones 0 B. Jaggernauth c (sub) Harding b Jones 19 T. Jadoo not out 4 A. Seetal not out 0 Extras (b5, lb4, w7) 16 TOTAL (7 wkts, 50 overs) 204 J. Bootan, S. Roopnarine did not bat Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-124, 3-137, 4-145, 5-146, 6-200, 7-200 Bowling: #Shorey 5-2-8-0, Jones 10-2-43-3, #Springer 10-0-38-2, Persaud 9-0-330, Williams 10-1-31-2, Kirton 2-0-18-0, #Toppin 2-0-14-0, Drakes 2-0-10-0 BARBADOS UNDER-19s

(target: 205 off 50 overs) N. Kirton b Christmas 45 L. Boucher c wkpr Christmas b Roopnarine 1 A. Greenidge c Solozano b Roopnarine 43 *J. Drakes run out 10 J. Toppin b Seetal 7 S. Springer c wkpr Jangoo b Seetal 16 M. Jones lbw b Seetal 0 +A. Fergusson b Joseph 0 C. Williams not out 1 T. Shorey b Jadoo 1 N. Persaud b Jadoo 2 Extras (b2, lb1, w17) 20 TOTAL (all out, 43.4 overs) 146 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-88, 3-109, 4-119, 5-121, 6-121, 7-136, 8-140, 9-144 Bowling: Roopnarine 6-022-2, Joseph 10-2-22-1, Seetal 7-0-36-3, Bootan 7-1-34-0, Jadoo 8.4-2-15-2, Christmas 5-0-14-1.

Points: T&T Under-19s 6.3, Barbados Under-19s 0.2 Leewatds vs ICC Americas Leeward Islands Under19s vs ICC Americas Under-19s (AT THE GUYANA NATIONAL STADIUM) LEEWARDS UNDER-19s (50 overs maximum) S. Martina c (sub) Dore b Rawlings 60 R. Powell lbw b Rawlings 34 K. Carty not out 59 +J. Clarke b Rawlings 0 D. Weste run out 51 J. Louis not out 11 Extras (b8, lb3, w30, nb3) 44 TOTAL (4 wkts, 50 overs) 259 A. Hodge, M. Hingorani, Scott, C. Archibald, Joseph did not bat Fall of wickets: 1-123, 2-123, 3-123, 4-213 Bowling: Dutta 8-0-44-0, #Phill 5-0-27-0, Simons 4-117-0, Farhan Malik 8-0-41-0, #Bascome 6-0-28-0, Rawlings 10-1-38-3, #Abraash Khan 4-0-29-0, Ross 5-024-0 ICC AMERICAS UNDER-19s (target: 260 off 50 overs) N. Dutta b Joseph 0 A. Buch run out 1 *T. Ross c Carty b Joseph 21 V. Altekar c Archibald b Joseph 15 O. Bascome c wkpr Clarke b Scott 13 Abraash Khan b Louis 4 +A. Kapoor lbw b Louis 2 D. Rawlings b Hodge 8 Farhan Malik c wkpr Clarke b Joseph 18 M. Simons b Joseph 5 K. Phill not out 0 Extras (lb2, w18, nb2) 22 TOTAL (all out, 25.2 overs) 109 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13, 3-39, 4-59, 5-67, 6-70, 7-75, 8-87, 9-108 Bowling: #Joseph 7.4-147-5, #Archibald 3-0-14-0, #Louis 6-0-19-2, Scott 7-317-1, #Hodge 2-0-10-1 Points: Leewards Under19s 6.8, ICC Americas Under-19s 0

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

Twenty nine swimmers for Goodwill Swim Meet in Suriname this weekend A team of 29 swimmers, 17 boys and 12 girls, along with six officials are expected to travel to neighbouring Suriname tomorrow to represent Guyana in the 20th Goodwill Swim Meet which is set to be held from August 15 – 17.

Selected by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), and under training since earlier this year, the team includes gold medalist at the recently concluded Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), Soroya Simmons, as well as Guyana’s sole swimmer at the just concluded Commonwealth Games, Onika George. George and Simmons will both swim in the girls’ 15-17 category.

The team also includes Dylan Nurse, Omar Adams, Hannibal Gaskin, Jamila Sanmoogan, and Accalia Khan, all of whom also medalled in individual events at the

IGG which concluded two Sundays ago here in Guyana. Each swimmer on the team will be participating in at least three events.

The team has been training under the watchful eyes of Cuban coach Isabel Couso Fals, and assistant coaches Paul Mahaica, and Jamie Skeete, all of whom will be travelling alongside the team. Fals will also act in the capacity of female chaperone for the team along with Shaka Noel. The other officials travelling with the team are team manager Leon Seaton, and assistant Shefetah Tzedeq

This year’s contingent exceeds the 20 member team that Guyana sent last year when the competition was held in Barbados. As well, the 29 swimmers has outdone the 17 swimmers that took part last year, and comes closer to the maximum forty athletes that each participating nation is allowed to field at the regional event.

Kaneria refused final appeal against life ban LONDON, Reuters) Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria’s application to appeal against a life ban for corruption in English county cricket has been refused, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday..

The 33-year-old Kaneria, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has now exhausted all legal options open to him after the Court of Appeal said his application was “totally without merit.”

Kaneria denied involvement in trying to engineer particular situations in a game and was banned under the ECB’s anti-corruption regulations in June 2012.

A disciplinary panel found him guilty of corruption while playing for county side Essex in 2009.

He was convicted of ‘cajoling and pressurising’ former team mate Mervyn Westfield into accepting money for conceding a set number of runs in a match.

“Rt Hon Sir Stanley Burnton, sitting in the

Court of Appeal, Civil Division, ruled that the application by Kaneria was ‘totally without merit’,” the ECB said in a statement.

“He also decided that Kaneria could not request the decision to be reconsidered at an oral hearing. It means that Kaneria has exhausted all the legal options available to him to appeal a life ban imposed for his role in spot fixing while playing for Essex.”

ECB chairman Giles Clarke said the ruling body welcomed the decision.

“Mr Kaneria acted as a recruiter of potential ‘spot-fixers’ and used his seniority and international experience to target and corrupt a young and vulnerable player,” Clarke said.

“It is high time that Mr Kaneria came clean about his involvement in these corrupt activities and stop misleading the Pakistan cricket fans and wider public with his empty protestations of innocence.”

The Guyanese usually compete against swimmers from Barbados, Trinidad, and Suriname at the annual event, additionally the host nation is also allowed to extend invitations to another nation to compete at the

walked away with two silver and six bronze medals.

The competition was won

by Suriname, a well-known powerhouse in swimming in the junior arena within the Caribbean region. Surina-

Onika George

Soroya Simmons event. This year the Suriname Swimming Federation extended a guest team invitation to the swimming federation of St. Lucia.

Competing last year, Guyana finished fifth with 142 points, while at final medal count Guyana

me championed last year’s Goodwill Swim Meet after assembling 1514 points, with a whopping 133 medals including 57 gold medals.

Much improved performance is expected from the team, given Guyana’s recent improvement in swimming at

r o e , P a u l M a h a i c a

GIRLS 9 – 10- Danielle George,Jadyn G e o r g e , L i a n W i n t e r

BOYS 9-10- Leon Seat o n , S e k h e l T z e d e q

G I R L S 1 1 - 1 2 Kenita M a h a i c a

BOYS 11-12- Nkosi Beaton Nathon Hackett, Alex Winter, Antonio Hussein

GIRLS 13-14- Accalia Khan, Nikita Fiedtkou

B O Y S 1 3 - 1 4 Joseph De Nobreg a , D y l a n N u r s e , Daniel Scott, Samuel Clarke

GIRLS 15-17-Onika George, Soraya Simmons, Jamila Sanmoogan

BOYS 15-17- Omar Adams, Selwyn Miller, Jamaal Skeete, Derrick Ramsaroop

the tri-nation IGG where Guyana came up against a team from Suriname.

The full team is as follows: GIRLS 8 and underAleka Persaud, Antonia Dey,Patrice Mahaica BOYS 8 and und e r - R a e k w o n N o e l , L a j a u n M u n -

Dant cart off OSCL 10/10 final the 10/10 tournament by the OSCL with Better Hope carting off the inaugural competition.

Meanwhile, East Coast also trounced Cougars by 58 runs in the Consolation final.

Led by unbeaten knocks of 63 from Surujpaul Deosarran and 43 from Eion Katchay, East Coast piled up a challenging 124 without loss in

their allotted 10 overs.

Cougars were limited to 66 all out in the final over with Rakesh Dyal claiming three for four and Krishna Deosarran two for nine.

Dant will be seeking their second championship when they clash with Better Hope in the 15/15 final set for the same venue on Sunday. (Frederick Halley)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 13, 2014)

The victorious Dant team after winning the 10/10 final.

TORONTO - Dant made light work of opponents Rems to capture the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 10/10 tournament which climaxed last Saturday at the Ashtonbee ground, Scarborough.

Starting as firm favourites, Dant did not disappoint their fans as they piled up 92 for seven in their allotted 10 overs and limited Rems to a paltry 52 for nine to win by 40 runs.

Former Guyana youth player Frank Hussain led the way with a top score of 30

after Dant were struggling at 40 for six in the sixth over.

Riaz Kadir supported with a quick-fire unbeaten 20.

Rems, who were missing the services of their ace batsman Rovendra Madholall, were never in the hunt and succumbed to the bowling of Bholanauth Sukhu who grabbed four for 10 from his two overs while there were two wickets each for Satrohan Balkarran and Shaun Deonandan, This year marked the second since the introduction of

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: (1)

Kevin O’Brien (Red Steel)

(2) 2014)

Dwayne Smith-104* (Tridents vs Warriors, Barbados,

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two have not featured in LCPL 2014?

Trevon Griffith, NarsinghDeonarine, William Perkins, Adrian Barath, Raymond Reifer (2) Which LCPL team has the distinction of being the first to cross the 200-run mark in a single innings?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 13, 2014

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Stag Beer Inter-Village 5-aside Football to kick off on Friday 16 teams, $200,000 first prize

Distributing giants Ansa McAl, will kick off their ‘West Side’ Inter Village 5-Aside football tournament on Friday August 15 at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac and according to coordinator Collin ‘BL’ Aaron, the event will be the first of its kind.

The tournament which is being sponsored under Ansa McAl’s Stag Beer brand will see teams hailing from 16 villages, all from the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo. $200,000 will be awarded to the winners of the

tournament, while second through fourth places will pocket $100,000, $75,000 and $25,000 respectively.

“We expect this to be an exciting tournament simply because nothing much is happening on the ‘West Side’ and players are hungry for some action, they all want to play and this is the best way possible that will give each village a chance to actually play a part,” Aaron said.

The event coordinator added that “as far as I can remember, there has never been such an event, so this will be a first of its kind and we all know

how much people on the ‘West Side’ are passionate about their football, so we’re confident of a successful event” Apart from the opening of the tournament on Friday, matches will be played August 20, 21, 27, 29, 31 and the final set for Sunday September 7.

Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac and Pouderoyen Basketball Court are the two venues that are slated to host the event.

Teams who are yet to register are asked to contact the organisers on telephone number 670 – 1947 or 674 – 5981.

Jamaica, T&T face quarter-final battles today GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, (CMC) – Jamaica predictably booked their spot in the quarter-finals or the CONCACAF Girls Under-15 Championship, when they played to a nil-all stalemate with Costa Rica here Monday.

Playing in their final preliminary round contest,

on Haiti at the TE McField Sports Centre on tonight while Costa Rica will do battle with Canada in the first game at the same venue.

Haiti finished second in Group D after drawing 1-1 with Canada on Monday, after both teams entered their final preliminary game with two wins each.

tition. Both teams suffered heavy defeats to Jamaica and Costa Rica in their earlier games.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, also qualified for the next round following their 2-0 victory over Honduras on Sunday, which left them top of Group B on seven points.

They will now come up

Webb pledges CONCACAF support for women’s game

Jamaica ... through to the next round of the CONCACAF Girls Under-15 Championship Jamaica failed to find the scoresheet against fellow Group C heavyweights, who entered the contest also unbeaten.

The result was surprising as both teams had scored heavily in their previous games, with Jamaica amassing 14 goals and Costa Rica, 12.

Jamaica will now take

Both Haiti and Canada finished level on seven points, with the North Americans adjudged group winners on virtue of goal difference.

In the other Group C preliminary game on Monday, Anguilla and Belize drew 1-1, to pick up their first points of the compe-

against the Bahamas at the Truman Bodden Complex, after the Bahamians drew nil-all with British Virgin Islands in their final Group A game on Sunday, to finish second to hosts Cayman Islands.

In the other quarter-final, Cayman Islands face Honduras.

G E O R G E TO W N , Cayman Islands, (CMC) – CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb says his confederation is fully committed to the development of women’s football throughout the region.

He was speaking against the backdrop of the inaugural CONCACAF Girls Under-15 Championship which kicked off here last week.

“This is an exciting time for us here at CONCACAF,” said Webb, also a vice-president of football’s world governing body, FIFA. “This Under-15 competition fulfils our pledge to fully focus on developing football in the region, not

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb only for boys, but for our female athletes as well.”

The tournament boast 16 teams from throughout North, Central America and the Caribbean doing battle in four groups, with the likes of Canada, Haiti, Jamaica and Barbados all pitting their talents against each other.

This follows on the heels of the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship which was also held in the Cayman Islands in January, with United States emerging champions.

The US has been at the forefront of CONCACAF’s global success in women’s football and Webb said tournaments such as the Under-15 Championship were crucial for the development of the game.

“For our confederation to remain world champions in women’s football, we have to continue to develop, continue to challenge our athletes and continue to give them the opportunity to develop as a group,” Webb pointed out.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Twenty nine swimmers for Goodwill Swim Meet in Suriname this weekend See Story on page 38

Minister Anthony is an honorary 6th Dan Black Belt holder GRAND Master Sensai, Frank Woon-a-tai from the Guyana Karate College today presented a certificate to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King recognising the Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony as an honorary 6th Dan Black Belt holder.

PS King received the certificate on behalf of the Minister who is on official duty overseas.

Several months ago the Head of State, President Donald Ramotar was presented with his 7th Dan Black Belt certificate from the International Karate Daigaku (IKD).

During yesterday’s simple presentation, SensaiWoon-a-tai handed over a number of martial arts books. He recalled that at the first South American Karate Championships which were held under the auspices of the IKD, a request was made for a donation of martial arts related books.

Sensai Woon-a-tai explained that the books are not ordinary books but are primary sources of information; this indicates that the books were written by people who lived at the time when karate was first founded. The authors of the books include Master Funakoshi and Master Nakayama (he visited Guyana in 1974 and 1978).

Turn to page 35

Permanent Secretary, Alfred King receives Minister Anthony’s certificate recognising him as a 6th Dan Black Belt from Grand Master Sensai Frank Woon-A-Tai of the Guyana Karate College

NaMilCo becomes first-time sponsor Gavaskar, Nicholas escape unhurt in of Boyce/Jefford Classic V road accident

Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce (left) and Edison Jefford (fourth from left) receive the cheques from Namilco representatives (See Story on page 35).

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SUNIL Gavaskar, the former India captain, and Mark Nicholas, the former Hampshire player, have been in a road accident while travelling from Manchester to London between the fourth and fifth Investec Tests, but went unhurt.

According to Mid-Day, Gavaskar and Nicholas, fellow Channel 5 commentators, were being driven in a Jaguar to London with a friend, when their car collided with a car coming from the opposite direction.

Reportedly, the Jaguar’s driver was slow to react on a wet road, but managed to pull off a late manoeuvre to avoid a head-on collision although still hit another vehicle.

Though the Jaguar was badly damaged, all its passengers went unhurt, but were reportedly shaken. “God has saved us.

Turn to page 35 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2014