Guyana chronicle 13 09 14

guyana No. 103949 Saturday september 13, 2014

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

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Nereid Yachting Rally arrives in Guyana

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Two Page 2 killed in separate incidents GWI CEO pleased with progress of Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) Page 10

Housing Ministry conducts successful 59th 'One Stop Shop'

The convoy of yachts that sailed to Guyana for the Nereid’s Yacht Rally

Sanjay’s Jewellery owner charged for causing death by dangerous driving Page

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Cop says gun went off during struggle for weapon Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Sanjay’s Jewellery owner charged for causing death by dangerous driving – placed on $1.5M bail

Businessman Sanjay Persaud

By Leroy Smiith SANJAY Persaud of Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving committed on Leon Hunt, 55, of Stone Avenue Blygezigt.

The accident occurred late on Wednesday night along Lamaha Street, Newtown.

The businessman ap-

peared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and was placed on $1.5M bail. He will return to court on October 3, 2014.

Leon Hunt, a mute who worked at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, was killed when he was struck by the sports car driven by Persaud on Wednesday.

Speaking with this newspaper via telephone from a private hospital in Georgetown on Thursday morning, businessman Sanjay Persaud said that he was proceeding along Lamaha Street when Hunt, who was riding in the opposite direction between Middleton and De Abreu Streets, was struck by the car which later slammed into a utility pole.

The businessman told this newspaper that he called the police after the accident and waited for them to arrive before leaving the scene, but police sources disputed that claim on Thursday stating that the man left the scene before police arrived.

He checked himself into a private room at a private hospital, causing ranks to be unable to access him to perform a breathalyser test.

However, ‘A’ Division Traffic Officer Ramesh Ashram told the Chronicle on Friday that a test was carried out on the man at approximately 13:00 hrs on Thursday and it read negative for alcohol consumption.

However, one man who witnessed the accident told this newspaper that the businessman had erred and was driving at a fast rate along the roadway. The eyewitness refuted claims that the man was heading in the opposite direction to the businessman’s vehicle.

On Thursday when this newspaper showed up at the Kitty Police Station, where the rank(s) investigating the accident are based, relatives of the deceased explained that they received the news of the death from a caller.

A male relative said he had been informed that Hunt was involved in a fatal accident.

Hunt had no children or a wife and had been living

Wife of the businessman at right opens her car door for the relatives of the deceased to enter as they left the police station to meet with the businessman at a private city hospital

with his cousin and in-laws for the past 15 years. After giving a statement to the police on Thursday, a relative and another female were escorted to the vehicle of the businessman’s wife, who took them to speak with the businessman at the hospital.

Asked if there would be a settlement in relation to the matter, a relative of

the deceased said that he was not sure, but he has the impression that it could be the reason the woman was waiting to take him to the businessman. The businessman’s wife also could not say if there would be a settlement in the matter.

Also at the Kitty Police Station on Thursday, the vehicle which the businessman

was driving was parked on top of a tow truck which had initially removed the vehicle from the scene of the accident on Wednesday.

The left front side of the car was badly damaged and the windscreen of the car was also broken.

The registration number plates for the car were also removed.

Two killed in separate incidents The vehicle that businessman Sanjay Persaud was driving when he struck Hunt dead on Wednesday night

Fifty–two–year-old Zakeer Mohamed of Leguan, Essequibo Islands was killed while travelling in the tray of a motor lorry at 51 Miles,Buck Hall,Essequibo.

According to reports, Mohammed was travelling in the tray of the lorry with other passengers, when the

vehicle turned turtle while ascending a hill. Mohammed reportedly fell out of the lorry and received injuries. He was conveyed to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the motor lorry is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 15–year–old Deon Sookdeo of Kawerieng, North Pakaraimas, was found dead in a farmhouse in his hometown with a wound to his chest; the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.

(Asif Hakim)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

GT&T exploring payroll payment through MMG GPL registers largest frequent transactions

Eshwar Thakurdin, second from right, and his administrative team at the MMG centre on Croal Street

By Leroy Smith THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Inc (GT&T) is looking to include a platform to its mobile money services (MMG) in which companies can have the option to pay their employees through the service by transferring their salaries in full or part to their mobile phones.

This was disclosed by head of the MMG service,

Eshwar Thakurdin, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle earlier this week.

Thakurdin said the platform on which mobile money is being operated is one which has been tried and tested in several developed countries, and received good reviews.

He disclosed that the payment of payroll will serve as very beneficial to persons working in remote areas and who are not readily able to

make visits to banks to make cash withdrawals.

The Chronicle was told that in addition to the payroll arrangement, which the company is feverishly working towards, ongoing discussions are at an advance stage with at least one major commercial bank which, once confirmed, will see persons having the option of transferring funds to and from their account using their mobile phones.

Thakurdin was asked

about the merchants who have partnered with the company and the responses from the members of the public in utilising the service. He said the company has discovered that customers of the Guyana Power and Light are the ones who use the bill payment aspect of mobile money more than any of the other bill payment services.

Asked the reason for this according to the company’s research, Thakurdin said that

the many persons who have properties in and out of remote areas, as well as normal individuals, tend to capitalise on the service, since there is no need to join lines.

He further posited that persons who have operations in remote areas tend to send their payments to GPL through the MMG services rather than going into the commercial offices, and this also applies to persons who may have to travel at last notice but have to ensure that their bills are paid. Those are also done from remote areas, he related.

In addition, with the GPL bill payment service available through Mobile Money, persons can purchase credit for the prepaid meters anytime of the day or night, and the token number will automatically send to their mobile devices which they need to replenish their meters with.

The payment of post-paid bills is also facilitated by the service, the manager told the Chronicle.

Thakurdin encouraged persons to sign up for the service, which is free, especially for the upcoming Christmas season, when many persons tend to move around with cash. He reiterated that there is a flooring of $500

Manager Director of GTT’s Mobile Money, Eshwar Thakurdin

which should be in the phone, while the ceiling is presently $400,000.

The company executive also reiterated the need for little or no fear when it comes to losing the mobile devices with the money inside, since those funds are secured and protected by a pin number which only the owner of the phone should know.

If a phone goes missing, all its owner needs to do is replace the sim-card and the money would again be available to him/her, Thakurdin reminded.

GECOM DECO says claims and objections field exercise completed DEPUTY Chief Elections Officer (DECO) Mr. Vishnu Persaud confirmed yesterday that the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) field work relative to the recent claims and objections period which followed the sixth cycle of continuous registration has been completed.

“The next step is that we have to revise the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

We have to publish and post that list. So, while the field work is completed, there are sequential activities that have to be addressed internally

leading up to the revision and publication of the PLE,” Persaud explained.

The claims exercise ended on August 31st, and the objections period ended on September 3rd. The entire exercise ended on September 7th, but the additional days allowed GECOM to address issues raised during the claims and objections process.

Persaud said that, during the entire process, there was a total of 2,632 new transactions; 2,733 transfers owing to issues related to change of address, among other issues;

and 1,208 changes/corrections to existing registration information.

There were also 3,644 objections, of which some 3,074 were dismissed because they were not substantiated. Objections upheld amounted to 162, whilst the remaining 408 objections were withdrawn.

The objections period allowed persons to bring to GECOM’s attention the

names of persons who had died, or those who do not meet the eligibility requirements for inclusion on the Official List of Electors. The claims period would allow persons to do the following business, if needed: Register as a new registrant if he/she would be 18 years old or older, and if his/her name is not on any of the GECOM Preliminary Voters’ Lists; Make

changes and corrections to the information which is on the list for him/her; Move his/ her particulars from one list to the list for the area where he/she is now living; Apply for a New ID Card to replace the one which was lost or misplaced; and collect his/ her National Identification Card, if this has not been done as yet, from the nearest GECOM office.

Additionally, Persaud noted that GECOM has undertaken a public awareness initiative that encapsulates

A synopsis of its position on several concerns raised by the ruling party over the last few weeks.

“We wanted to ensure that our positions are clear,” the DECO said.

The public awareness initiative, in the form of newspaper advertisements, is expected to be featured for the last day, today, in the local dailies.

GECOM’s hotline numbers are 225-0278-9, 2266557 or 223-9650. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

U.S. steps up sanctions on Russia over Ukraine (Reuters) - THE United States hit Russia’s largest bank, a major arms maker and arctic, deepwater and shale exploration by its biggest oil companies with new sanctions on Friday to punish Moscow for intervening in Ukraine.

The sanctions target companies including Sberbank, the country’s largest bank by assets, and Rostec, a conglomerate that makes everything from Kalashnikovs to cars, by limiting their ability to access the U.S. debt markets.

They will also bar U.S. companies from providing goods or services to help five Russian energy companies conduct deepwater, Arctic offshore and shale projects. The Russian companies affected are Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Surgutneftegas and Rosneft.

The sanctions seek to ban cooperation with Russian oil firms on energy technology and services by companies including Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) and BP Plc (BP.L).

Russia is one of the world’s top oil producers and is the main energy supplier to Europe. Exxon signed a $3.2 billion agreement in

A general view shows the headquarters of September 12, 2014. ington took the steps because 2011 with Russian company Russia has intensified its Rosneft Oil Co (ROSN.MM) involvement in Ukraine by sending troops and arms to to develop the Arctic.

The sanctions are the support pro-Russian sepalatest imposed by the United ratists in the eastern part of States and the EU follow- the country and by shelling ing Russia’s annexation of it across the border.

But a defiant Russian Crimea in March and what the West sees as an effort President Vladimir Putin since to further destabilise called the new economic Ukraine by backing pro-Rus- penalties “strange,” given sian separatists with troops his backing of peace efforts in eastern Ukraine, and said and arms.

U.S. officials said Wash- he was considering fresh

Sberbank in Moscow retaliatory measures.

The U.S. officials stressed that the sanctions could be removed if Russia, which denies sending troops into eastern Ukraine and arming the separatists, took a series of steps including the withdrawal of all of its forces from its neighbor.

“What we’re looking for with regard to Russian action is the complete removal of all military personnel, military equipment, support

for military and mercenaries on the territory of Ukraine, release of all hostages,” a senior U.S. official told reporters in a conference call explaining the sanctions.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States wanted to see the creation of a buffer zone on both sides of the border, which the official said was particularly important to stop shelling of Ukraine by Russia.

The new U.S. sanctions, which for the first time targeted Russia’s Sberbank (SBER.MM), were timed to coincide with new European Union economic penalties that included restrictions on financing for some Russian state-owned companies and asset freezes on leading Russian politicians.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions include a ban on U.S. individuals or companies dealing with Rostec, a major Russian technology and defense conglomerate, in debt transactions of more than 30 days maturity.

Assets also were blocked for five state-owned defense technology firms, OAO Dolgoprudny Research Production Enterprise, Mytishchins-

ki Mashinostroitelny Zavod OAO, Kalinin Machine Plant JSC, Almaz-Antey GSKB, and JSC NIIP. The new sanctions also tighten the financial noose on six Russian banks, including Sberbank, by barring U.S. individuals and companies from dealing in any debt they issue of longer than 30 days maturity.

The five banks previously covered had only faced a restriction on debt maturities of more than 90 days. Like those five, Sberbank now also faces a ban on U.S. equity financing.

The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions prohibiting U.S. individuals and companies from dealing in new debt of greater than 90 days maturity issued by Russian energy companies Gazprom Neft and Transneft.

“These steps underscore the continued resolve of the international community against Russia’s aggression,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in a statement.

“Russia’s economic and diplomatic isolation will continue to grow as long as its actions do not live up to its words.”

Moscow stifles dissent as soldiers return in coffins (Reuters) - LATE last month Yelena Tumanova was handed the body of her son in a coffin at her home in Russia’s Western Volga region.

Anton Tumanov was 20 and a soldier serving in the Russian army in the North Caucasus region of Chechnya.

The documents Yelena Tumanova was given with the body raised more questions than they answered - questions about how her son died and about the Russian government’s denials that its troops are in Ukraine. The records do not show Anton Tumanov’s place of death, said human rights activists who spoke to

his mother after she got in touch with them.

“Medical documents said there were shrapnel wounds, that is he died from a loss of blood, but how it happened and where were not indicated,” said Sergei Krivenko, who heads a commission on military affairs on Russia’s presidential human rights council.

Yelena Tumanova could not be reached for comment and Reuters was unable to review the documents.

But more than 10 soldiers in her dead son’s unit told Krivenko and Ella Polyakova, another member of the

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The then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (C) speaks to a Russian soldier wounded in Chechnya (L), as his mother (2nd L) sits by his bed, in a military hospital outside Moscow last December.

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presidential human rights council, that Anton Tumanov died in an Aug. 13 battle near the Ukrainian town of Snizhnye. The battle, the soldiers said, killed more than 100 Russian soldiers serving in the 18th motorized rifle brigade of military unit 27777, which is based outside the Chechen capital of Grozny.

Rolan, 23, a fellow soldier who served with Tumanov, told Reuters that his comrade died on the operating table after he was hit by shrapnel from rockets. Rolan said he was steps away in an armored personnel carrier

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when the rockets struck. He said two in his group died, including another soldier, named Robert.

“I was inside an APC, hatches were open, and as a result I was lightly stunned and shell-shocked,” said Rolan.

“Robert and Anton were outside two or three steps away and they simply did not manage to hide. Robert died right there. We gave first aid to Anton, he was already on the operating table when he died,” said Rolan, now at home in Russia’s Krasnodar region where he is recovering from an injury.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Cuba to send doctors to Ebola areas (BBC News) DOCTORS, nurses and infection control specialists will travel to Sierra Leone in October and stay for six months.

The announcement comes as the World Health Organisation says new cases in West Africa are increasing faster than the capacity to manage them.

More than 2,400 people have died from the virus in recent months and some 4,700 people have been infected.

The death toll remains highest in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officials say the

number of people affected is likely to be much greater than current estimates suggest.

In Liberia WHO experts say there is not a single bed left to treat patients with Ebola.

But the world football association, Fifa, says it is joining forces with the United Nations to turn the country’s national stadium into a large-scale Ebola treatment unit.

Dr Margaret Chan, director of the WHO, said: “If we are going to go to war with Ebola we need the resources to fight.

“I am extremely grate-

ful for the generosity of the Cuban government and these health professionals for doing their part to help us contain the worst Ebola outbreak ever known.”

‘Health diplomacy’ She added: “Cuba is world-famous for its ability to train outstanding doctors and nurses and for its generosity in helping fellow countries on the route to progress.”

Through a global medical programme, doctors have been deployed to a range of countries, from Algeria to South Africa.

And many consider this medical help to be a central

In some affected countries there are very few doctors available to tackle the disease ela where thousands of cat- in 2010.

The country also trains part of Cuba’s international aract operations have been performed. thousands of overseas relations.

Hundreds of Cuban med- medical students, many of One of Cuba’s most extensive efforts is an eye sur- ical workers were sent to whom return to their home gery programme in Venezu- Haiti during the earthquake nations to work.

Anger in St Barb’s after Police kill man two days before birthday Chikungunya infections (Trinidad Guardian) ENRAGED at the killing of their neighbour Kerron Wellington by police, residents of St Barb’s, Laventille, yesterday demanded justice and promised to get it for themselves by “dealing with police.” By the end of Thursday night the residents had already staged two separate protests and promised they would not let up until the officers who killed their friend were brought to justice. They took to the streets Thursday night again after police returned to try and clear debris they had set afire earlier.

At the scene of the first protest Thursday, residents were so enraged that they brazenly said police ought to be shot and killed. “We would do for them,” “We have to deal with them,” and “We would shoot them” were some of the threats made to the police. One man, with a straight face, clarified any misconceptions about what the residents meant when he said police would themselves be killed for killing Wellington, 27, who was celebrating his birthday early when he was killed.

According to police, around 10.15 pm Wednesday, members of the Inter Agency Task Force, led by PC Walker, were on mobile patrol near the Laventille Technology Centre when

spread to Colombia

(BBC News) COLOMBIA’S health ministry has confirmed the first four cases of chikungunya virus in the country.

All four are thought to have contracted the mosquito-borne virus locally.

Tens of thousands of people have been infected in other Caribbean countries since the outbreak in the Americas began in Gregorie displays a photograph of her son Kerron Wellington, who was shot dead by police, along with the two bullet casings left behind at St Barb’s, Laventille, yesterday.

Wellington was the 38th person to be killed by police for the year. PHOTO: MICHEAL BRUCE they saw two gunmen who and blocked off parts of St opened fire on them. The Barb’s Road and set fires. police fired back and the two Firefighters who arrived men ran away through some on the scene to out the fires bushes and escaped. About were turned away by a vothree hours later, police ciferous woman, who said were called to the St Barb’s the water should instead area near Second Hamlet be used to fill residents’ Trace. When they arrived tanks. Residents later told they saw Wellington and the media the police had another man, who shot at murdered Wellington, who them. The police fired back, was the 38th person killed hitting Wellington, who died this year by the police. at the Port-of-Spain GenThey claimed Wellington, eral Hospital around 1 am who would have turned yesterday.

28 today, was an honest Around 7.30 am Thurshard-working labourer day, residents, after getwho, for the past seven ting news Wellington had years, slaved for a soft died, took old appliances drink manufacturerer.

December.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the mosquito-born virus, which resembles dengue fever and can cause fever, skin rash and joint pain.

Far from its usual home of Africa and Asia, it is the first time it has spread locally in the Americas.

“Based on what has happened in other coun-

tries, chikungunya could infect about 670,000 people in Colombia in the next few months,” said Deputy Health Minister Fernando Ruiz.

Those most at risk were people living at altitudes of no more than 2,200m (7,200ft) above sea level, where the climate is warmer, Mr Ruiz said.

The mosquito borne disease has now spread to Central and South America

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

The guardians of the law are blameworthy for increase in crime WHEN God gifted Adam and Eve with Paradise he gave them a choice that would have either enabled them to remain in the Garden of Eden, or live a life in which human frailties would impact the quality of the comprehensive landscape of their lives, and the lives of all their descendants.

They made the latter choice.

The all-powerful Lord could have merely created mankind with all the virtues, which he did, with the added dimension of allowing everyone the option to choose either the pathway to Heaven, or to follow Satan’s

edicts. This is the genesis of democracy, and the forerunner to all parliamentary configurations, which are supposed to be the bastions of human laws and the caretakers of human rights.

But how many persons can honestly, without prevarication, say that they have always upheld the principles enshrined in the edicts that have fructified from fora that have addressed the issues of human rights violations in all the many and diverse ways leading to transgression of those rights?

Many persons who publicly profess to care about ethics and principles live their private lives with little integri-

ty; especially some members of the Opposition and media moguls and practitioners, who present themselves as the guardians of all things ethical and principled in our country, but in reality cannot bear public scrutiny.

Disregarding the United Nations’ Declaration on Human Rights, here in Guyana criminal rights have attained paramountcy over human rights, and the judiciary sets free suspected killers, with minimal sums as security not even once, but several times, so that they can terrorise, rob, rape, and kill again.

I refer here to persons such as James Gibson, found with stolen firearm and suspected

Crying for Guyana I CRY for Guyana. And it seems I weep alone. So many things are happening around us and no one seems to care. We find correspondents seeking to destroy the lives of citizens with whose beliefs they do not agree. So they are ridiculed and called all sorts of names. But the correspondents themselves have no religious or cultural traits and like animals utter all manner of abuse to poor unsuspecting Guyanese.

Let us take the Voters List for example. The PPP are complaining of all manner of irregularities they discovered. The Opposition and their press are silent on the issue or they seek to mock. They can at least invite GECOM to ensure a proper list. Do we need a return to the days when the Chief Elections Officer was a toothless poodle, and the lists then could not stand the test of time. Do we forget when elections were due in 1990 and it was found among the errors in the list that the President’s name (Desmond

Hoyte) was not listed. What happened? Elections were postponed for two years getting the list straightened out.

Now, no one cares, it seems.

There is talk of trust.

Do we forget in 1994 after the Georgetown Municipal

Elections when Green’s party got the most votes? It was agreed that the Mayoral position will be shared annually between the PNC, GGG and the PPP. The PNC and GGG got theirs and when it came to the PPP’s turn, Hamilton Green rebelled and has been squatting in the position since then. No one seems to care.

There is talk by Green as to which police officer

intervened in the Sooba’s matter when the door of her office was forced open.

He should hang his head in shame. Who intervened when Dr Joshua Ramsammy was shot outside the Co-op Bank? Who intervened when Vincent Teekah was murdered allegedly in a dentist’s chair one night? And who was responsible for, and who intervened when Rose Ann Barrow was shot to death in Green’s offices in Homestretch Avenue, when she was selling milk and other stuff to feed her infant children. Is Green still getting the hundred thousand dollars for fuelling his car?

What about the bandits who entered the man’s home on the Corentyne and robbed it, and then raped the man’s wife and three minor children, aged 14, 15 and 17? Have we heard the women’s group who speak up for those who sell their bodies? What about the Human Rights body – will they come to life if the crim-

of killing in the course of robbing a bank, who was set free to rob and kill again, and many others alleged to have committed similar crimes, who are given a pat on the wrists and sent out again in the society; and the spouses who batter their domestic partners repeatedly, but are yet set free, with the ultimate consequence of finally depriving their partners of their lives – and here I lay blame squarely at the feet of the guardians of the law, because theirs are the decisions that determine the fate of the innocent victims and the casualties of the demonic actions of bandits let loose on the public, and

men who eventually batter their spouses to death.

Hon. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P., in one of his parliamentary addresses, posited: “Society comprises citizenry no less responsible for the care and welfare of the vulnerable within communities.

Lawmakers do not have eyes and ears everywhere, so the average citizen has a duty to report crimes – even if they prefer to do so anonymously; and it is also the duty of the police to immediately and thoroughly investigate those reports, and then act according to their findings, because some calls can admittedly be hoaxes or spite calls.”

He continued: “Compassion and a sense of responsibility should hallmark the

actions of men and women living within communities. Our fore parents set impeccable standards of behaviour, from which many of us have diverted so far that we have almost become deviants.

“Perpetrators are living peacefully and pursuing their daily programmes, which ironically include regular attendance and worship in the house of the Lord, whom they ask for mercy and compassion, ignoring the fact that their mercy and compassion is sorely lacking and deficit of the dictates of decent and conscientious human behaviour.”

Indeed!

inals are caught and properly dealt with? Is this a return to the Lusignan Massacre? Daily robberies of millions of dollars occur in bright daylight and no one can be identified. Are they centrally directed to attack when and where the coast is clear?

Two correspondents who were in the bosom of the PPP are now crying shame on the party after they were booted out. They were enjoying all the benefits of officialdom, including duty free concessions for members of their ‘families.’ Have they made restitution for all the ill-gotten gains they reaped whilst in that bosom? Have they now discovered the ‘error’ of their ways?

What about our ‘independent’ press. The news reporters are injecting their personal views into any story which puts the government in a good light. How can society tolerate a newspaper which claims massive support referring to a person as ‘cow shit’ and no one has said anything? Is that what we have come to?

Poor Guyana – my heart bleeds for you, dear land.

THE Georgetown Land Court, according to my latest feedback, is still not functioning. Since last year, 2013, the incumbent Commissioner of Titles, Mr. Rooplal, took his own unceremonious discharge from the Judicial Service.

Despite the earnest assurance by the Acting Chancellor, Mr. Carl Singh in March 2014, that this important Judicial Service would resume operations shortly for at least 3 days a week initially, this has not been affected yet.

Many, including myself, have been waiting for more than a year now to have their matter heard, but at this time no information or update is forthcoming on when this court would resume sitting.

One is left to believe that matters of the Land Court do not subscribe to the importance of the Judicial system and therefore can wait to be effected whenever it is deemed necessary again.

Isn’t the Land Court a source of revenue for the people of Guyana, more than any other aspect of the Judiciary?

Why is it treated with the least importance and regard?

Many private people are now on the hook with regard to sale of properties, including transfer of ownership. This obviously will lead to a multitude of other problems other than loss of revenues and opportunities.

When this entity begins to function again one can imagine the backlog clearance before matters are dispensed with normally.

Please publish this letter so the authorities are reminded, once again, of the plight of those waiting for the past year.

MOHAMED SULTAN

S. MOHAMED

Guyana land court

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

All arrangements in place for top 25 UG AFC is a slumber party Law students’ automatic entry to UWI

IT never ceases to amaze me how a few pro-AFC letter writers kept asking about what the PPP/C Government has done for this country in terms of social and economic development. Even Rip Van Winkle woke up eventually, but it seems to me that these people are in a state of eternal slumber when it comes to the achievement of this Government.

The AFC should ask itself what it has done since the 2011 General Election to support national development in this country. The AFC has become so fixated in its objective to destabilise the PPP/C government that it has moved from budget cuts to non-support of the AML/ CFT Bill to the calling of a ‘no confidence’ vote against the government.

This is not unlike the UF backing of the PNC during the 1961-64 period. The AFC is replicating that period again, to the advantage of the PNC. History has a way of repeating itself, but can Guyanese allow this to happen?

These AFC letter writers seem to be oblivious of the

fact that the budget cuts the AFC supported are very much against what the AFC itself has in their own Action Plan.

The AFC believes that they will put those plans into action when they form the next government; but the question must be asked: When will this ever be? The prognostication says never!

Therefore, if the AFC wants to promote the social and economic development of this country they must support the government of the day and that is the PPP/C government.

The AFC letter writers are also oblivious of the fact that the support base of the AFC has declined to such an extent due to its blind support of APNU that the AFC will never again be able to split the votes in Berbice. The AFC was meant to be a Third Force, not to become indistinguishable with the PNC. Berbicians and right-minded Guyanese know for a fact that AFC’s support for APNU will never be able to allow the progress of this nation to continue. It is quite clear that the AFC

and APNU are only interested in acquiring power at any and all cost. At the last PNC Biennial Congress a stark reminder of the PNC’s notorious past became manifest with the rigging and thuggery. In addition, the Rodney COI has allowed our young voters to become acquainted with the real PNC and its capabilities.

These AFC letter writers should know that it takes a very strong President to continue to run this country despite the many devious destabilising tactics used by both the AFC and APNU and Guyanese will continue to support President Donald Ramotar and he will get the majority of votes in the next election. At no period in the history of this country has any president been tested so much and history bear testimony to his honesty, strength, dedication and resilience in the face of severe adversity.

At the AFC’s last conference in 2012, I moved a motion with regards to accountability of funds within the AFC and that motion received the unanimous support of all the AFC del-

egates including the now Presidential candidate and the Prime Ministerial candidate - Messrs Nagamootoo and Hughes. This motion was as a result of Ramaya’s spurious claims of being owed $4.5 million. Monies which he was not authorised to spend and had no documents to support those expenditures. But what came as a shocking revelation was that those measures were never put in place and certain executive members continue to mismanage those funds for their personal benefits. It was at that conference that I became the mortal enemy of Nagamoottoo. I should have kept quiet about his friend, the herbal charlatan. Now these same gentlemen want to hold the highest offices of this land but blatantly refuse to have accountability measures within their own party.

I want the AFC letter writers to know that Berbicians have moved a ‘no confidence’ motion against the AFC. The next election will prove this beyond any shadow of a doubt.

HASEEF YUSUF AFC Councillor Region 6

There is something fishy about these pirate attacks RECENTLY, there was the discovery of a self-propelled, semi-submersible craft (SPSS) in the Waini area. This “submarine craft” was made to carry drugs, the specific type cocaine; and may I add, tons of it. In addition to its ability to carry large quantities of cocaine, it was also created to avoid detection when moving in the high seas, because, being barely visible above the watermark, it can easily pass detection as a floating piece of debris.

I first learned of this device whilst watching a documentary on the various ways dealers in drugs transport their “goods.” The documentary was based on a study involving the Colombian cartels, which highlighted the successful use of these SPSS’s.

Now, this technology has reached our shores with the latest find. This takes into consideration that the drug traffickers are hell-bent on getting their stuff to the lucrative North American market. However, all plans were thwarted, thanks to the police sleuth-like prompt response and investigation. I say kudos

to the police, and do keep up this relentless work.

Staying on this subject of drug trafficking and the innovative ways barons utilise transporting it, this writer was forced to marshal his thoughts into this whole idea of piracy. My first question is, is this piracy at all, when you view it from the standpoint of the foregoing discussion.

Is there more to this “piracy” business? Is it just the hijacking of a fisherman’s boat and his catch? I beg to differ.

I am tempted to believe that there is a whole lot more going on in the high seas, which has nothing to do with a boatload of fish. I believe it is directly connected to the transportation of the illegal substance. When things go sour, the ultimate price has to be paid, and I think that is why we are witnessing these socalled gruesome pirate attacks.

Guyana is not alone in these latest attacks. A few years ago the sister CARICOM nation of St Lucia was at the receiving end of these brutal attacks. Her fishermen were constantly reporting these stories of piracy, and some of the fishermen in-

volved were never found.

This plight of the fishermen continued for some time until the alert response of marine police unearthed the root cause for these attacks - drug trafficking. This brought an abrupt end to “piracy.” To date, the largest discovery of cocaine intended for trafficking was discovered at sea. I say no more.

My call to the Government and marine police is to effectively monitor our coastline, something fishy is happening on the high seas and it has nothing to do with piracy or the stealing of a fisherman’s catch. It certainly has drug trafficking as its main objective.

NEIL ADAMS

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall and a delegation recently met officials of the Council of Legal Education where discussions were held on the way forward for the top 25 University of Guyana law students.

The Attorney General was accompanied to the meeting by Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Jacob Opadeyi, Head of the Department of Law, President of the Bar Association, as well as an executive of the Bar Association.

“The issue of the admission of the Guyana law students graduating from UG was a live one. I am pleased to report that all arrangements are in place for the 25 top Guyanese graduates to enjoy automatic entry and the 10 other non-Guyanese are to be accommodated at the UWI and other law schools based on the zoning of the territory from which they may come.”

In addition, Minister Nandlall said the question of the future and whether this problem will continue to arise annually is still alive, as it had occupied the attention of the Heads of Government at their last summit in Antigua.

The Attorney General pointed out that the Heads of Government delegated the issue to the Council to review the process of legal education in the Region.

“That directive of the Heads of Government was comprehensively discussed at the Council of Legal Education meeting and a sub-committee has been appointed by the Council to carry this process forward.”

At the Council level, Minister Nandlall said they will continue to engage the Heads of Government in terms of getting financing, but in the meantime a list of organisations has already been shortlisted whose services will be engaged in conducting this review process.

“Time is of the essence, as soon as the Heads of Government commit their financial resources that process will begin.”

In the interim, the Attorney General said several issues will be looked at, including the role of the Council as to whether it should be administering the law school or merely be an accrediting centre and let law schools be run by other entities including governments, as well as whether the Region has the need for the number of lawyers that is being generated.

“So all those matters are going to embrace the attention of this review process and in the meanwhile I hope we will continue to have our 25 automatic entries.”

Further, the Attorney General stated that there will be a review of the collaborative agreement between UG and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“The University of Guyana is contending that after 20 years they cannot be grandfathered in the way that they have been over the last 20 years, after 20 years of producing students that have excelled in every respect at the Council of Legal Education.

Perhaps the time has come to relook at the current arrangement in order to give UG greater parity in the relationship.”

Minister Nandlall said it is a concept which he personally embraces and supports, but he still believes that a collaborative arrangement, whatever form it may take, is necessary to continue to guarantee UG law degree the quality that it currently enjoys and the status that it enjoys both in the academic community and professional environment. (GINA)

8

City Council being ‘Soobarized’ – APNU’s Ronald Bulkan

A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Local Government, Mr Ronald Bulkan, yesterday related that in his estimation, the City Council is being “Soobarized.”

Bulkan’s remarks came at his party’s weekly press conference which was addressing the need for Local Government Elections, a call reiterated by the Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (retd) David Granger.

According to Bulkan, in its failure to host Local Government Elections, the Government has contributed to the further deteriora-

tion of the city, which could have been prevented. He was supported on point by fellow APNU Member of Parliament Winston Felix, who said that acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba is of no help to this cause, since she has done nothing but “attack all the councillors.”

Bulkan said it his belief that the City of Georgetown now has a new Mayor, who is Ms. Sooba. He added that she “has virtually hijacked the authority of the council.”

“It is indeed sad and distressing. It appears that there have been some secret elections which installed Ms. Sooba. This is the root cause and sorry state of our com-

Mr Ronald Bulkan munities,” Bulkan declared.

Felix, in his address, also disclosed that stipends which are due to councillors have been taken away from them by the Town Clerk, and she has “imposed herself on the council as an imperial majesty.”

Contrary to this disclosure, however, the acting Town Clerk reassured that she has been paying stipends to all councillors who have been attending the statutory meetings and it is only those who abstain who would not receive their stipends.

Just a few weeks ago, a no-confidence motion tabled by Councillor Ranwell Jordan and seconded

by Councillor Eon Andrews was passed at a statutory meeting against the Town Clerk, while another sought to send her on administrative leave for investigations to be launched into alleged illegal spending by her.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Whittaker addresses concerns in Region 7

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker along with other officials from the subject Ministry met with officers of the Regional Democratic Council, and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to address issues facing the region and the Bartica community.

Items of grave concern on the agenda included the absence of progress on the current regional solid waste management programme, for which it was reported that the contractor who was awarded the contract to identify and develop a sanitary land fill site, similar to

Mr. Norman Whittaker that of Haags Bosch, had been “lackedaisical” in getting the works done.

Subsequent to that meeting, Whittaker met with the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of th Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Indian actress Zoya to participate in local Bollywood show

By Raveena Mangal INTERNATIONAL Promoter Ramjodha from New York and his local representative Dave Danny, owner of the Triple ‘D’ Fashion Store, have revealed plans for the local hosting of a Bollywood show.

At a press conference held at the SleepIn Hotel on Brickdam in downtown Georgetown, Ramjodha divulged that the show would include the Indian television and theatre actress Surbhi Jyoti. She is the female lead of the soap opera ‘Qubool Hai’, which has won her Zee

Surbhi Jyoti, who plays ‘Zoya’ Gold Awards for Gold Debut in Lead Role (Female) and Best Celebrity Jodi.

The show would include three international singers. Chintan Bakiwala, first runner up in the “K For Kishore” (Indian television popular singing contest) is expected to perform as well.

“We decided to bring “Zoya” since she is from a popular Indian series that is viewed in Guyana. She has assured us that we can expect much from her, but patrons can also look forward to excellent entertainment from the international singers, including Chintan Bakiwala, Shaiez Willu and Sangeeta from shows such as Indian Idol and K for Kishore,” he

Pensioner found dead in East Street home

By Leroy Smith PENSIONER Sheila Hannes James was discovered dead in her home at Lot 139 East Street, Georgetown by ranks from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) at about 16:00 hrs yesterday.

The woman, who lives alone, was not seen since yesterday morning, and persons from the area said they became worried after calling out to her and getting no response.

Roy Anderson, a neighbour, told the Guyana Chron-

The home in which Ms James’s body was discovered yesterday afternoon

icle that he has lived in the area all his life, and had never really witnessed any relative coming to visit the woman.

Persons could not say if she had had any children.

Another person related that the woman would have a few guests now and again, and would usually have mail coming to her address.

Ms James was described as a very reserved individual who never really said much to persons.

This publication was told that after the woman had not been seen, persons called the police to investigate the matter, and the police, in turn, telephoned the Guyana Fire Service to assist in gaining entry to the home.

Fire fighters used a ladder

said.

The show is intended to be a “cultural event which promises good, healthy entertainment, particularly for the older folks”, according to Ramjodha. “It will also showcase local bands and local dance groups”, he said.

“Part of the proceeds from the shows will be donated to youth organizations, as there will be youth groups participating in the organising of the event,” Dave Danny said.

The promoters of the show. Dave Danny is on the left, Ramjodha is on the right

ZOYA Surbhi was first paired opposite Karan Singh Grover playing the role of Zoya, a female protagonist in the Muslim backdrop show where she represented the

educated progressive youth of today. After the show’s recent 20-year leap, Surbhi is now seen in her new character of ‘Sanam’.

Three shows are expected to be held: in Berbice on October 10, in Georgetown

to gain access to the upper flat of the building where the woman lived, and they opened a door below which leads to the upper flat, allowing police ranks to enter the building and conduct their investigations.

It was related that several persons would come and bring meals for the woman, who had not been physically able to move around a lot, since she had suffered a stroke several years ago and had been recovering from that illness.

One man said that when an individual showed up at the home yesterday morning to take meals to the woman, James had indicated that she was not feeling too well to come down the stairs, and had told the individual to tie the bag with the meal on the door.

Undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Parlour

Undertakers carrying hearse were summoned to the scene to remove the body after the police had concluded their investigation.

at the Everest Ground on October 11, and in Essequibo at the Anna Regina ground on October 12.

Tickets will begin at a price of $2000 and will soon be available at Triple “D’ Fashion on Robb Street.

the body to a waiting Sources disclosed that there were no marks of violence on the pensioner, which suggested that she died of natural causes.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Businessman caught in GPL’S Name & Shame campaign on $20,000 station bail

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), having last week Wednesday launched its “Name and Shame” campaign which is aimed at reducing electricity theft, had Lusignan ice factory owner Rajendra Mohan apprehended and detained at the Vigilance Police Station allegedly for stealing electricity.

The businessman told this publication yesterday that he was released on $20,000 bail on the same day that he was arrested, and he was asked to return to the Vigilance Police Station on Monday.

He would likely be charged for electricity theft.

Mohan added that the power to his home and business is yet to be restored, since GPL is claiming he is in debt of $6M although he was paying for the service.

A team from GPL, accompanied by the media, a representative from the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) and the police, on September 5 swooped down on Mohan’s Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara business, which had been under surveillance for electricity theft for some time.

GPL and the team ar-

rived at the man’s residence at about 10:20hrs and an employee of the utility company mounted the utility pole and removed the main connection wires which were displayed.

It was revealed that the connection had been tampered by a mechanism implemented to cheat GPL of millions of dollars in electricity charges due.

Confronted with the evidence in the presence of the police, Mohan claimed he was unaware of any tampering, and told the media that he was being unnecessarily hassled by GPL, even as he displayed paid light bills.

Ice Factory owner Rajendra Mohan of Lot 129 Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara told the media that he has been constantly harassed by GPL officials, who have been taking reports from persons.

Mohan explained that GPL officials had visited him previously, saying they had come for an inspection, and had turned off his electricity service, which he said was paid for, and he has been paying his bills regularly. He owes GPL for $3.6M and is in a contract with the power company.

He, however, showed media personnel that he had

Rajendra Mohan being shown the jumper on the service connection by GPL Operations Manager Sundar Dominic last week

paid on his estimated electricity bills, which he had on his person as the GPL team arrived outside his residence, when he began enquiring about their presence.

Mohan told the team, especially the media persons, that he has been operating his business for the past 15 years, and isn’t aware of any illegal connection. That was

wherein firefighters observed that a section of the wooden cottage had been destroyed by fire believed to have been started from under the bed, presumably by a lighted cigarette left unattended, which ignited a fire.

This fire resulted in the lone occupant of the modest house, who had fallen asleep presumably under the influ-

ence of alcohol, being burned to death. His charred remains were found by firemen after the blaze had been doused.

The Chief Fire Officer appealed to citizens to desist from igniting fires on parapets, and also to stop burning garbage and other waste. He said the country is experiencing a dry spell, and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)

has noted an upsurge in fires caused by persons who are in the habit of burning refuse and other waste on parapets and in their yards.

Gentle noted that fires on parapets create poor visibility to motorists and other road users, and can also damage or destroy utility poles and culverts.

(Michel Outridge)

Cabinet okays contracts for books for CPCE Library; reprinting, supply and delivery of texts for national distribution

By Telesha Ramnarine AT its most recent meeting on Tuesday, Cabinet granted its no-objection to a contract for the purchase of text books for the Cyril Potter College

of Education (CPCE) Library, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, announced last Wednesday.

Speaking at his usual post-Cabinet press briefing

at the Office of the President in Georgetown, Dr Luncheon said the contract is worth close to $18M. Dr Luncheon said there was a May 2014 opening of bids for the purchase, and in the education sector, a

21 days after cashier shot dead, matter still being investigated

By Asif Hakim IT has been twenty-one days since cashier Debra Blackman, 48, was gunned down at her workplace, and still no one has been arrested and placed before the courts for her murder.

A senior police official, who spoke with the Chronicle, said the matter is still being investigated, but the reason why the shooter has not been arrested to date is because he has gone into hiding ever since the video footage was released to the media.

The officer said there is no way that the shooter could escape the police. He cannot use his passport to go out of the country because his footage identity would have been posted to all ports of entry and exit in the country.

Asked if the man’s pass-

This is the face of the suspect who is responsible for the fatal shooting of Debra Blackman. A surveillance camera captured the image

Blackman was fatally shot at her workplace, where she had served for over 14 years.

The restaurant is located on Durban Street, Wortmanville, between Haley and Hardina Streets, and Black-

shortly before he was taken into police custody.

GPL Loss Reduction Manager Loaknauth Singh said they had brought the GEI to have a first-hand look at the happenings for verification process, since GPL has a zero-tolerance policy on electricity theft, which is cheating the company of millions of dollars.

Man perishes in a fire that razes his house while he slept

FORTY-EIGHT-YEAROLD Fazan Ali Asgar of Lot 45 Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice perished on Thursday night in a fire at his home.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said that, at about 22:38hrs on Thursday, the Onverwagt Fire Station on the West Coast of Berbice responded to a fire call

Chinese Delicious Restaurant shooting…

bid was opened last July for the reprinting, supply and delivery of text books for national distribution. Cabinet also gave its no-objection to this contract, which is valued at $70.8M.

Ms. Blackman lies on the floor after she had been shot

port picture would match the video footage in order that his identity might be known, the officer said that experts at the ports of entry/ exit are very professional and are capable of matching the two pictures.

The officer said the Guyana Police Force will continue to investigate the matter, and bring justice to the family of Ms Blackman.

He also said that for the past six months, the police have been able to bring justice to families and to investigate matters very professionally, until the suspects are proven guilty.

“If we are capable of solving so much big crimes in the country for the past couple of months, why can’t we solve this one?” the officer asked.

On Saturday, August 23, restaurant cashier Debra

man was shot by a man who had gone there with an accomplice on a motor cycle.

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the assistance of members of the public in identifying the suspect, whose image was caught on a surveillance camera attached to the Chinese Delicious Restaurant.

The captured footage of the clearly discernible face of the man is attached to this article.

Anyone with information that may lead to identification and possible location of this individual is asked to contact the police on the following telephone numbers: 225-2227, 2256411, 225-8196, 226-7065, 227-1149, 911, or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidence.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

GWI CEO pleased with progress of Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP)

–following tour of civil works

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) yesterday said the US$12.3M Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is progressing as planned.

This was observed during a recent tour of the civil works by GWI Chief Executive, Mr Shaik Baksh, who was provided with an update on all progress by GWI personnel, contractor UEM Inc, and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN. A GWI press release added that the major structures of the new Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant were observed to be 90% completed, as were the construction of seven (7) tanks and a

high-capacity reservoir which is capable of producing 57 litres of water per second.

GWI noted that civil works for the construction of the Wisroc Water Treatment Plant are also at 90% completion, including booster stations and the installation of transmission mains. The reservoir, which is capable of holding 3500 cubic metres of water, is at 60% completion.

Additional works, including the installation of electro-mechanical components and pipeline installation, are currently being executed at both water treatment facilities, the release stated.

The Chief Executive noted that while wells are the primary source of water for the Amelia’s Ward Plant, the facility at Wisroc will utilise freshwater from the Dakoura Creek, GWI said.

“In 2013, GWI appealed

to residents and stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution,” the CEO stated. “We facilitated several articles in the local press, and issued a television broadcast urging residents of Linden to protect this valuable freshwater resource. Again, we are appealing for all stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution, as this will be the major source of water for the Wisroc Plant.”

GWI stated that the installation of water service meters, which form a significant component of the LWSRP, is currently being done. This is pivotal for the overall success of the programme, since it will encourage conservation of the treated water provided by the new facilities.

The CEO further commented on the successful employment of staff from Linden within the LWSRP. “Over 70% of the staff

GWI CEO, Mr Shaik Baksh, inspecting LWSRP civil works

employed under the LWSRP is from Linden,” the Chief Executive said. “This was a priority, since it was our intention that the programme (should) benefit from the skills and talent available in Linden, and that the people of Linden reap benefits in

the form of employment from such a large-scale programme,” he said.

Substantial completion of civil works at both water treatment facilities is expected to be achieved in December 2014.

Upon completion, the

water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and at Wisroc would significantly improve the water service provided to the people of Linden, and enhance the overall quality of life experienced in Linden, GWI said.

Cabinet approves massive GDF, U.S. Special Forces countrywide road rehabilitation share ‘top-notch training’ programme, soon to commence at local bases

By Telesha Ramnarine

CABINET this week gave its no-objection to a contract worth more than $913M for upgrade of roads in several regions across Guyana. The tender was opened last June, and this programme is expected to commence shortly.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, disclosed last Wednesday at his usual post-Cabinet press briefing at Office of the President in Georgetown that roads will be done in Regions Two(Pomeroon/Supenaam),

Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara), Four(Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

In Region Two, the roads in Onderneeming will be upgraded at a cost of $23.9M; In Region Three, more than $128M have been assigned to upgrade roads in La Parfaite Harmonie and in Windsor Forest; in Region Four, $298.8M will see upgrading of roads at Vryheid’s Lust; Sophia, Sections B and C; and Block ‘EE’ Eccles, East Bank Demerara. In Region Five, $46.8M will be spent on roads; while in Region Six, $415M will see

We APOLOGISE In our yesterday’s edition in the article: “Police launch programme to cobat crime in the Hinterland” and in the photo caption on page 18 we inadvertently stated Assistant Commissioner Alvin Ramnarine instead of David Ramnarine.

We apologise for this error and regret any inconvenience caused.

road works at Cumberland, Guava Bush, Hampshire, Williamsburg, Bloomfield and Number 76 Village.

Just recently, Cabinet similarly granted its no objection to contracts that will see road works at Diamond, Eccles, Herstelling and New Amsterdam. The New Eccles Industrial Road will be upgraded at a cost of $65.9M, while infrastructural development in Herstelling will cost some $226.9M. An amount of $13.7B was budgeted to improve roads and bridges in 2014. $12.9B of this sum will be spent on roads, and $844.2M will be spent on bridges.

Works are continuing on the four-lane access road to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway, the West Coast of Demerara Road, and the Parika/Ruby backdam roads.

Among other locations to benefit are Canal Numbers One and Two in Region Three, and East Bank Berbice in Region Six.

US and GDF Special Forces during the month-long training exercise (US Embassy photo)

A GRADUATION ceremony was hosted last weekend at the end of a monthlong training exercise that involved Guyanese and American Special Forces at two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) bases.

The ceremony was the finale to the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) for the GDF’s 3-1 Special Forces Squadron and members of the United States Special Forces, according to a GDF press release.

The training, conducted at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, was executed in three phases, the first of which was a venture spearheaded by the U.S. representatives that dictated sessions in short and long range marksmanship, swimming, and classroom training.

The classroom aspect entailed training in tactical combat casualty care, radio operability, patrolling techniques, and leadership skills.

Some thirty-four Guyanese soldiers advanced successfully through phase one of the exercise, which concluded with a Combat Water Survival Test.

Phase two, which was built on skills mastered in phase one, was executed at a faster pace; while phase three, according to the press statement, ended with an advanced exercise routine that featured individual and team events that tested skills learnt by the local contingent.

Among the features exhibited at the event were marksmanship, radio procedures, combat lifesaving medical skills, and swimming. A physical training venture was also executed to test the participants’ skills in the areas of swimming, physical fitness, and obstacle course training.

During this initiative, the US Special Forces participated in a special training course at the Colonel Robert Mitch-

ell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS) at Makouria. Under the supervision of GDF ranks, they were taught a wide range of survival skills among other related training practices.

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, presided over the graduation ceremony.

Lieutenant Commander Bob Novotny, the United States Senior Defense official in Guyana, in addressing the gathering, noted that the exercise was an outstanding initiative that benefited both parties. He added that each team was able to share ‘topnotch training’ in their fields of expertise, thus strengthening their bonds and creating better unions.

He added that the Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office looks forward to bringing more JCETs to Guyana for similar initiatives in the future. (Alex Wayne)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Housing Ministry conducts successful 59th 'One Stop Shop'

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali engaging one of the beneficiaries during the “One Stop Shop”

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally PERSONS from across Guyana flocked the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, yesterday, to secure the opportunity to acquire their house lots as the Ministry of Housing and Water staged its 59th “One Stop Shop.”

From very early persons made their way into the stadium in their quest to be among the first batch of persons to receive house lots for Plantation Providence Phase 3, East Bank Demerara. Speaking briefly with the very eager patrons, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Emile McGarrel related that the development of the Phase 3 area started in March 2013 and some $1.2B was spent in doing so.

He also said that “$60M was spent on providing electricity for the persons that would be occupying the allocated lots.”

McGarrel wished the allotees all the best in the future exhorting, You have begun one of the most important investments in your life and

your family’s life and that is to own your own home.”

Chief Executive Office Central Housing and Planning Authority, Ms. Myrna Pitt explained that the Ministry will be allocating more than 500 house lots for the Providence Phase 3: “this will pave the way for over 500 families to realise their dream of home ownership and this is just a section of the development of the East Bank Housing projects”.

“In totality, the East Bank housing project will cater for approximately 17, 000 house lots which amount to about 2,000 acres of land.

We are expecting to be able to provide housing for almost seventy thousand citizens,” Ms. Pitt noted. She explained that 300 acres of land have been set aside for industrial purposes, also land have been earmarked for schools, day care centres and community playgrounds. Land is also earmarked, and some have already been allocated to persons, for warehousing, entertainment centres such as theaters, mall, call centres and

even a medical university.

According to Ms. Pitt, the Ministry has not only allocated residential lots but also industrial so as to create job opportunities for persons that will be residing within these areas. Congratulating the persons gathered she said: “You are all stepping in the right direction in owning your

own home.”

Melissa Hendricks, one of the beneficiaries, said: “Receiving my lot today is great and I am excited to be in my own home soon and enjoy my own comforts,” Kushnarine Singh another beneficiary of a house lot explained that “I have only recently gotten married and starting a new life and to be given this opportunity of owning my own home is so good.” He explained that he will not have to pay a rent anymore he can use the same monies to repay a bank loan “and at the end of all of this the place is mine.”

Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, briefly addressed the allotees explaining the ministry’s plan on the road infrastructure, noting that when there is over 75% occupancy within this area then the roads will be asphalted “if we do this now the road will break up because of all the construction machinery that will be going in and out of this area.”

Ali implored allottees that they should not be lured by other persons to resell their land since the bank value for one of the allotted land is es-

Minister of Housing & Water Irfaan Ali assisting one of the beneficiaries in pulling of a house lot number

timated at $12M. He also informed them that because this has been a recent problem the ministry is encountering “we have in place on the contract you will be signing that the land cannot be sold or title transferred for 10 years.”

Housing Minister congratulated the allotees on now being owners

of their own house lots a n d w i s h e d t h e m s u ccess in the construction of their homes. “This is another example that the Government is working for our people. It is our duty to do so and we are proud that we can provide this service for you,” he said.

A section of the gathering at the “One Stop Shop”

Patentia schoolboy murder trial...

Cop says gun went off during struggle for weapon

By George Barclay WHEN the hearing of the Patentia schoolboy murder trial continued yesterday, the jury heard that the cop who is on trial had claimed that his gun went off during a struggle for the weapon.

At the Demerara Assizes, a mixed jury before Justice Franklyn Holder, presiding, is trying former Policeman Quancy John for the alleged murder of Kelvin Fraser.

Fraser was shot to death on June 7, 2010 when police invaded the school to quell an unrest by alleged dope smokers and sellers who were said to be interfering with female teachers of the secondary school.

Assistant Superintendant of Police Elston Baird, one of the witnesses who testified yesterday, told the court that on June 8, 2010 he and other officers visited the Wales Police Station where PC Quancy John was on close arrest as a re-

sult of the Patentia shooting the day before.

According to Baird, he identified himself to John telling him that he was stationed at the office of Professional Responsibility and he was there assisting in conducting the investigation into the alleged shooting of Kelvin Fraser.

He enquired from John whether he would take him to the scene and he obliged.

The accused took the party, including Cpl Grannum and Assistant Com-

missioner Jameer, to Third Street, Patentia. No caution was given to John.

Witness said that the accused pointed out to the party where the alleged incident occurred.

Witness added: The policeman said that “The young man was running and I told him to ‘freeze’ and he stopped running.

I told him to come over a drain where I was standing.

He came. I was holding the gun in my left hand around the middle, the nozzle was

pointing upwards.

“I was holding him with my right hand and he grabbed the gun and we started a struggle and the gun went off, ” witness said the cop told him.

ASP Baird said that no one in his presence ever put the allegation of murder or manslaughter to the accused because they were not investigating murder or manslaughter.

In answer to defence counsel, Mr. Glenn Hanoman, witness said that the

investigation was completed in four or five days after the 8th of June, 2010.

Baird said that at the end of the fifth day he was unable to appraise himself what the evidence constituted. He said that Assistant Commissioner Jameer, the most senior person, might be able to so avail himself.

Miss Diana Kaulesar is conducting the case for the prosecution.

The hearing is continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Region 1 plans host of activities for Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations

By Raveena Mangal An interview with the President of the Mabaruma Heritage Committee Initiative (MHCI), Keisha Benedict revealed a host of activities planned for the eighth annual Miss Region 1 (Barima/Waini) pageant and Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations.

The pageant is an elaborate public presentation that emphasises the Amerindian culture. It sees girls from Amerindian villages across Region 1 being selected to compete for not only the coveted Miss Region 1 Amerindian Heritage 2014 Crown, but also a chance of a scholarship to further their studies.

The contestants who are between the ages of sixteen to twenty-one, vie for the crown by competing in segments that showcase colourful Amerindian traditional costumes, the physical beauty of the contestants,

their personality, intelligence, talents, Amerindian dialect and they also answer questions based on their platforms.

Speaking of the success of the pageant, Ms. Benedict said: “From the initial years, the pageant served as a way of showcasing the talents and culture of the Amerindian villages. But it became more than that as the young women saw it as an opportunity to empower themselves and so it lead to a scholarship being offered. ” “The under privileged young women are given the rare opportunity of visiting Georgetown (as many of the participants come from rural villages and it is financially difficult for them to travel out of the region) to visit places of interest such as the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and to interact with their sponsors.”

The MHCI, therefore, seeks to empower hinterland young women through

pageantry by networking with various ministries and non-governmental agencies.

“Many of the past delegates and winners who were given the opportunity to further their education in varying sectors have returned to their villages as teachers and nurses among other professions. They put their newfound talents and skills to bettering the human resource development of their communities,” she said.

The pageant is already underway as the first of the three sub-districts of Region 1, Mabaruma, held its Miss Mabaruma Amerindian Heritage Sub-Regional Pageant 2014 at the L & D Resort, Kumaka in August.

Another, Miss Port Kaituma Amerindian Heritage Sub-Regional Pageant 2014 will be held at Marlon’s Place, Airstrip on 13 September.

Benedict expounded that the many villages across Re-

A flashback from last year’s Amerindian Month celebrations

gion 1 send the young girls to participate in the pageants held for their respective sub-districts. The winners then move on to compete in the finals, for the title of Miss Region 1 Amerinidan Heritage 2014.

While there is still need for additional sponsors and

assistance to further empower the delegates. Benedict lauded Global Technology Incorporated and the Carnegie School of Home Economics for their dedicated support of the successful pageants over the years.

The MHCI president also highlighted that apart from the pageant, the region

will celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month with an exhibition of local art and craft, food and drinks to be held at the Kumaka Tarmac.

September 28 will see the preceding event of a heritage fun day that will have football competitions for both males and females.

Cabinet gives go-ahead for $204M construction of Zeeburg Secondary School

By Telesha Ramnarine CABINET on Tuesday granted its no-objection to a project valued more than $204M for the construction of the Zeeburg Secondary

School on the West Coast Demerara.

The bid was opened last June 17, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon told reporters Wednesday at his usual

post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

The Ministry of Education had said it is well on its way to achieving Universal

Secondary Education in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara).Just last month, it announced that works will begin on the expansion of the West Demer-

ara Secondary School and the construction of a new school in Parfaite Harmonie to house 1,000 students.

Works on the West Demerara Secondary School, for instance, will be completed within five months after which there will be a sixmonth grace period, where persons will monitor how the building is functioning.

The $22.6M extension project was contracted to Vision and General Contracting Services, and will accommodate six additional classrooms. The two-storey building will have corridors on both floors and will cater for disabled students as well.

WORK AT OTHER SCHOOLS Expansion work is expected to take place at several educational institutions and work has started on the Friendship Secondary School, East Bank Demerara, which is expected to be completed on February 25, 2015.

A new secondary school is currently being constructed at Kato, Region 8 (Potaro/ Siparuni), while Lusignan in Region 4 and other areas will also benefit from similar infrastructure.

Already, Regions 2, 4, 5 and 10 have achieved this status, while Regions 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are set to achieve this goal by the end of 2015.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand on a visit to the school last month related that having provided the necessary infrastructure, the Government of Guyana is now focusing on how to improve participation and the quality of education delivered, therefore, the ministry sees it as the right time for the implementation of several programmes and policies targeting these areas.

“Education is extremely important to the PPP Government and we know that if Guyana is to advance and progress, it’s to invest in you, and we believe every investment in our children is an investment in our dear land of Guyana, and that is why we have no problem plugging (money) into the sector and helping parents,” Manickchand emphasised.

“The PPP/C promises that we will continue to look after you and your children. We will continue to invest in you and we look forward sincerely to your support where necessary,” she said.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Local Govt. Ministry donates brush-cutters – throwing support behind continued drive for to Regions 3, 4 improved vector control

By Derwayne Wills WITH a growing threat of non-communicable diseases and the urge for increased vector control measures, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Wednesday donated in excess of $2M in equipment to 10 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and eight Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica).

The presentation was formally made by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker, to the representatives of the various NDCs in the presence of Regional Executive Officer of Region 3, Mr. Donald Gajraj, and Vice-Chairman of the RDC, Mr. Azzam Pasha Mohamed.

The REO, who chaired the day’s proceedings, expressed his gratitude for what he called a “significant contribution” coming from the Government of Guyana and the Local Government Ministry. Gajraj said that the donation should be recognised as “assistance in the ongoing programme of promoting effective vector control measures in the region.”

He further added that “the 10 brush cutters will be assigned to assist the NDC with the ongoing programme against insects [and] mosquitoes.”

In recognition of the growing “threat of the chikungunya virus”, the REO

At centre Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker with Vice-Chairman of the Region 3 RDC, Mr. Azzam Pasha Mohamed (second from far left); Region 3 Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Donald Gajraj (third from far left) and other Regional and NDC representatives

expressed his satisfaction with the timeliness of the intervention taken by the Local Government Ministry.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, for his part told the representatives present that the contribution came out of awareness by both the Government and the ministry of the few shortcomings of the local authorities.

According to the minister, apart from the resources available to the NDCs in the form of annual subventions, and rates & taxes collected, these resources are limited compared to the demand for services from the citizens of the neighbourhoods.

Minister Whittaker further bemoaned that while there is a great burden placed

on NDCs to deliver services, it is not often asked as to how these local government bodies are to go about the works.

As such, “both the Government and the ministry, in their considerations, had determined that the NDCs should have assistance in terms of dealing with the type of work,” the minister said, adding that these works are essential for community development.

Commenting on the source of funds for procuring the equipment, Whittaker gave all assurance that the contributions were not made as part of the country-wide “Clean Up My Guyana Programme,” but rather as part of the LGRD Ministry’s grant- “our annual grant that we receive from [the] Government to help NDCs with

Repeat offender remanded for simple larceny, vagrancy

By Geeta Rampersaud A 2 4 - y e a r- o l d m a n o f Lot 83 Barrack Street Kingston, Georgetown, yesterday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court and was remanded to prison on charges of simple larceny and vagrancy.

Reynold Charles also known as Michael Charles and Ryan Matthews made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

He pleaded not guilty to the first charge, particulars of which said on

September 6 at Alexander Street, Kitty, he stole two slippers valued $20,000, property of Edward Hamid.

Charles pleaded guilty to the other charge that said on the same day at Alexander Street, Kitty, he was found loitering in the yard of Hamid and could not give a reasonable explanation for being there.

He explained that he was attacked by two men and decided to run into the yard. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf, on the basis of his explaination.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the grounds that he had been convicted for o t h e r s i m i l a r o ff e n c e s .

He also revealed that the defendant only came out of prison last Monday and is presently charged with vagrancy.

According to the unrepresented man, he is the father of a two year old, whom he claimed is the reason for him to be alive.

Bail was refused and the defendant will return to court on September 16 before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

the small things that matter.”

Also speaking at the event was Vice-Chairman of the Region 3 Democratic Council, Mr. Azzam Pasha Mohamed who, like the REO, expressed his gratitude for the contributions from the

ministry.

Mohamed, however, went as far as to call on the NDCs to be unwavering in their responsibilities to citizens. “I do hope, with this intervention, that the NDC will take up the mantle by delivering

services to upkeep their communities to a standard where people would be satisfied.”

He charged the NDC representatives to ensure that the equipment presented to them is “properly monitored and used to bring relief to the people of their NDC and [ultimately] within the region.”

The Region 3 NDCs include: Wakenaam, Leguan, Hydronie/Good Hope, Greenwich Park/Vergenoegen, Stewartville/Cornelia Ida, Hague/Blankenburg, La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders, Best/Klien Pouderoyen, Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen and Toevlugt/Patentia.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that eight NDCs similarly received donations of brush-cutters from the LGRD Ministry.

These include: Industry/ Plaisance, Better Hope/ La Bonne Intention, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance, Buxton/ Foulis, Haslington/ Golden Grove, Unity/ Vereeniging, and Cane Grove.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Reception Thursday evening at the Royal Restaurant at Princess Hotel held in honour of PAHO/WHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque at the reception on Thursday night

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne share a light moment at the podium during Thursday’s cocktail reception at the Royal Restaurant at Princess Hotel

PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne in conversation with former Health Minister of Guyana, Ms. Gail Teixeira, who is currently Advisor to the President on Governance

A member of the Classique Dance School during a scintillating performance at the reception. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Importance of primary health care services underscored

–as PAHO Director tours Campbellville Health Centre

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Carissa Etienne, accompanied by Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, tours the Campbellville Health Centre

DIRECTOR of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Carissa Etienne, Thursday, was taken on a guided tour of the Campbellville Health Centre where she urged the staff there to always remember how valuable their services are.

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Chief Exec-

utive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Michael Khan and other medical personnel were present. The health centre is the responsibility of the GPHC. Coming from Dominica, where a massive hurricane caused that country to look more into a primary health care system, Dr. Etienne said she knows and val-

ues any good primary health care system.

“I believe that this is the most important level of health care, this is where people live, work, and it is here the health sector must interact with people to ensure that we deliver comprehensive services, including prevention and promotion, rehabilitation and palliative

care, very much what you are doing here.”

Dr. Etienne underscored the importance of the services the staff offers at the health centre, while noting that these play a very critical role in a population’s health.

“Sometimes you are made to feel that what you are doing is second class and sometimes your hospital, doctors and nurses would try to make you feel what you are doing is less than what they are doing. The truth is no, the majority of people live in the community you deal with, and you help them to remain healthy, make sure that the children are immunised, you help with the promotion and education, so the work that you do is of high importance.”

The Campbellville Health Centre

Reiterating the importance of a working primary care programme, the Director said she is aware of the effects that primary care service have on the health status of individuals, as she has had first-hand experience in the field.

“I saw countries that were

much bigger than Dominica trying to implement primary health care service; they may have sophisticated equipment and big hospitals, but that does not bring health to people; the work that you do, that is what ensures health and ensures people remain healthy.”

Turn to page 16

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Importance of primary health...

The PAHO Director also took the opportunity to congratulate the doctors and nurses who give their services to the Campbellville community and its environs.

“I want to congratulate you on the coverage you have

been able to achieve. I know a lot of people benefit from what you do, and as we move forward, primary health care makes a significant contribution to the health care sector.”

She also encouraged the staff to look into the possibil-

ity of interacting more with members of the community to get a better understanding of what their health care needs are. She also called on them to place more emphasis on preventative care.

“Preventative care and

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Carissa Etienne, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, and PAHO Representative in Guyana, Dr Wiliam Adu-Krow, with the head doctor and the dentist of the Campbellville Health Centre

preventative service is good; this is of immense value to your population. I urge you to work assiduously.”

While acknowledging the importance of referral services and hospitals, Dr. Etienne reminded the staff

From page 15

that, “increasing access to health care is what you are doing here, it’s of immense value, it’s a passion that has to drive you. I hope you have passion that will sustain you to continue to give service to your people.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Ramsaran also took the opportunity to congratulate the staff at the health centre, noting that he was impressed with the level of services they have been providing over the years. (GINA)

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Carissa Etienne and team speaking with staff of the Campbellville Health Centre

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Jaguar shot, killed at Grant Burn Bush, Lower Pomeroon –in Hindu Temple compound A large jaguar was shot and killed last Friday night in the compound of a Hindu Temple at Grant Burn Bush/ Profit in the Lower Pomeroon River.

According to reports, the fearsome animal that was roaming the area searching for dogs to eat ended up trapped in the Temple compound.

Reports said a resident who lives next to the Temple was awakened after he heard sev-

eral dogs barking loudly. The farmer said upon investigating, he saw the jaguar in the temple compound and the dogs barking furiously at the animal, so he decided to inform a licensed firearm holder to come and shoot it.

The farmer said he left his home quickly and travelled along the river by boat to get the hunter Paul Gonsalves, who is also a boat builder.

According to the farmer, the

hunter responded quickly despite it being 01:00hrs in the morning and shot the jaguar to death.

Several farmers in the area said the jaguar over the past weeks killed and ate several dogs and was a threat to them whenever they visited their farms.

Farmers said they are now relieved that the jaguar was shot and killed. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Main access dam to be added to scope of work for Cozier

窶電isilting of canals to be expanded

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in discussion with farmers at Cozier

Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy travels on the Cozier canal to meet with farmers

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has assured rice and other crop farmers at Cozier in the Pomeroon, that the main access dam will be added to the scope of work for Cozier.

Minister Ramsammy, who travelled by boat with a high-level team on the Pomeroon river and Cozier Canal, yesterday, met with scores of rice and other crop farmers and addressed them on several problems/challenges facing them. He told the farmers that his visit is an ongoing one on the ground to meet with farmers and as a minister, he had promised them a visit to see what the problems/ challenges are and to set up a work programme for the development of the Cozier agricultural area.

After listening to some farmers relate the challenges/ problems they are facing in terms of agricultural development at Cozier, the minister said the PPP/C Government has always responded to meet

with farmers on the ground to sort out and find solutions to problems/challenges they are faced with in farming.

He said at Cozier the major problems faced by rice farmers are the main access dam to the public road and a concrete culvert across a main irrigation canal to shorten the transportation route of produce to the public road.

Minister Ramsammy assured farmers that his ministry will work with the Region 2 administration to ensure that the problems/challenges are resolved with some urgency.

According to the minister, the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has already responded to the desilting and clearing of drainage and irrigation canals in Cozier and said more work for the fertile farming area will be advertised this weekend. He assured farmers that the scope of work for drainage and irrigation will be expanded.

Farmers also assured the minister that they will assist in

self-help mode by providing labour and machinery/equipment to construct the concrete culvert across the canal; the minister in turn disclosed that the Government will provide materials for the project. He said other crop farmers have some different challenges in terms of the pump station and several cross-canals and assured them that his ministry will work quickly to have the issues addressed so that cultivation and production will increase on a large scale.

Some members on the high-level team that accompanied the minister to Cozier are Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. George Jarvis; CEO of the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Mr Lionel Wordsworth; Region 2 Chairman Mr. Parmanand Persaud and officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board and Department of Agriculture. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

10 years on...

Guyana recognised for supporting Grenada post-Hurricane Ivan There was the sensitisation of Guyanese to the Government’s offer of repatriation and tangible assistance on Government’s part. Twenty-six (26) containers containing relief items from Guyana were

Former Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Daniel Williams, hands over the plaque of appreciation to Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill

ON September 7, 2004, Hurricane Ivan, a Category Three storm, struck the Caribbean island of Grenada, causing widespread destruction.

Eight-nine (89) per cent of the country’s housing stock and most schools on the island were damaged.

There was as well, severe destruction of the health services and the agriculture sector.

A decade after, Grenada remembers Hurricane Ivan, and in its remembrance, the country has also shown its support and appreciation to those countries and organisations that contributed to its restoration following the disaster.

On Friday, September 5, when the country hosted its Annual Disaster Awareness Showcase under the theme, “Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Preparing for the future,” at the Grenada Trade Centre, on Morne Rogue, in the capital, St. George’s, Guyana was among the countries honoured for its support and hospitality in the aftermath of the devastation.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Mr

Juan Edghill, who represented Guyana at the event, received the Award on the nation’s behalf from former Governor-General, Sir Daniel Williams.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, the financial cost of the devastation to Grenada was estimated at more than US$900M, more than twice the country’s GDP. The hurricane had damaged an estimated 27,000 homes, displacing over half of the population. It affected nearly every school on the island, prompting the government to declare education a priority sector. Further, 69 per cent of the infrastructure in the health sector was damaged, and as a result, health care continued to be available in the aftermath of the disaster only on a limited scale.

Hurricane Ivan also caused widespread damage to the island’s principal agricultural crop, Nutmeg.

In Guyana, there was a joint response between Government and the Private Sector to the plight of a sister Caribbean country, and there was the provision of humanitarian aid, both by air and sea.

sent to Grenada.

G u y a n a ’s a s s i s t a n c e also included taking up the $40M bill for sugar supplies that were in Grenada when the hurricane struck. The Government of Guyana repaid the Guyana

Sugar Corporation for the shipment.

In addition, 100 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers were deployed to Grenada for a six-month period to assist in the rebuilding process. Among

the party of soldiers were carpenters and electricians. The Guyana Government financially supported the soldiers’ mission there and their upkeep for the six months.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Nereid Yachting Rally ar

By Savitri Laikram The Nereid Yachting Rally has graced Guyana’s waters for the second time, with participants from the United Kingdom, Argentina, Israel, Italy, France, United States, Switzerland and Australia.

The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of

Guyana (THAG) hosted a reception at the Hurukabra River Resort at Bartica in Region 7(Cuyuni/Mazaruni) on Thursday to officially welcome the participants.

The welcoming party comprised members of the GTA including GTA’s Director Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, Former THAG President Mr. Kit Nascimento, Regional Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradford, among others.

Mr. Haralsingh pointed

out that the Tourism Industry in Guyana is very ardent about the development of the yachting industry.

He said that the yachtees are in a country that the National Geographic has named as one of the top 20 must-see destinations in the world.

He posited that while other Caribbean countries offer more of a sun, sand and sea tourism, Guyana offers nature, eco and adventure tourism.

A few of the yachts that were anchored in th river against the backdrop of the Hurakab Resort such as Trinidad and Tobago, He underscored that the and in time, will be able to atGovernment of Guyana is com- tract its share of what is quickly mitted to responsible tourism becoming a multi-million dollar and sustainable development industry. with its Low Carbon DevelopMeanwhile, Regional ment Strategy (LCDS). Harals- Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradingh also commented that as it ford boasted of the wonderful is the hurricane season, Yachtees tourism experiences the region are safe here in Guyana. has to offer.

Organiser of the Yacht Rally, He said that the hospitality Mr. David Matelicani said it is offered by Region 7 residents through the hard work of the were unmatched and will conGovernment and the private tinue to be that way. sector that Guyana is now being Bradford noted that the seen as an alternative destina- region has been offered assistion. tance for this function and is He noted that sailors do not grateful that the rally was kept need to stay in the Caribbean there. waiting for hurricane season to The yachtsmen and women end. had wonderful things to say Matelicani reiterated that about what they have seen of one of the main purposes of the the country, as well as the GuyNereid Rally has always been anese hospitality. to encourage sailors to sail The yachtees were imsouthwards because this time pressed by Guyana’s primeval of the year is hurricane season environment, and expressed in many other Caribbean is- their pleasure at the brilliant lands and this makes Guyana way eco-tourism has been utian ideal destination since the lised. country is not plagued by such While many of them dedisasters. scribed their journey as “rough” He added that convincing they were glad to be here, notpeople to sail to Guyana, was ing that their experiences have easy as it is a country with many exceeded their expectations. natural wonders and a rich diAlthough many would verse culture. leave after the rally is finished, He commended the hospi- a few promised to return for a tality of Guyanese as they have few weeks for a vacation. been very generous to the yachIn a few days, the rally will tees visiting the country. proceed to neighbouring SuriMatelicani said that he is name before coming to an end convinced that Guyana can com- in French Guiana. pete with yachting destinations The management of the

Two of the yachtees at the Hurakabra Reso wonderful experiences here in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

rrives in Guyana Director of the GTA Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh (Adrian Narine photos)

he bra

Director of the GTA Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, Chairman of Region 7 Mr. Gordon Bradford, Owner of the Hurukabra River Resort Mr. Kit Nascimento and the yachtees pose for a photo against the milieu of the Essequibo River where some of the yachts are anchored

The fleet of yachts in the Essequibo River

Hurukabra River Resort, Mr. Kit and Mrs. Gem Nascimento along with the regional administration has planned several guided tours for the yachtees.

ort, speaking of their

They will be visiting Fort Nova Zeelandia, Marshall Falls and the Heritage Day celebrations at Karrau Village on September 13.

It was noted at the mo-

ment there is no place for a yachtsman to go to repair his yacht if the need arises and to this end, a training centre for the service and repair of yachts will be opened in

Organiser of the Nereid’s Yachting Rally Mr. David Matelicani

Guyana next year.

This will then be developed into a marine facility, offering the full range of services including haul out

Chairman of Region 7 Mr. Gordon Bradford addressing persons at the welcoming reception held in honour of the visiting Yachters

Two of the biggest yachts to grace the rally this year

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Nineteen-year-old father remanded for larceny from the person Geeta Rampersaud

A 19-year-old father of one was yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate

Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a larceny from the person charge.

Ricky Lakeram, a porter of Lot 40 Seaforth Street,

Campbellville, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on August 24 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he stole from

Vanessa Pierre two gold chains valued $200,000.

The court heard that around 17:45 hrs on the day in question, the victim was walking along Croal Street and at the time was wearing the articles mentioned in the charge. Subsequently, Lakeram walked up to her, snatched the two chains and made good his escape.

The virtual complainant (VC) managed to raise an alarm and the police were summoned; ranks gave chase and the defendant was apprehended with pieces of the articles in his possession.Lakeram pleaded for reasonable bail, stating that his common-law wife will give birth in three months.

Police Prosecutor Mi-

chael Grant opposed bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence. He added that only Monday last the defendant was charged with breaking and entering and for larceny from the person .

Lakeram,who was unrepresented by counsel, was remanded to prison and the case was postponed to September 15.

48-year-old businessman placed on his own recognisance -for threatening behaviour, abusive language and assault A 48-year-old businessman of Durban Street, Georgetown, was yesterday placed on his own recognisance for threatening his wife, using abusive language and assaulting his sisterin-law.

Paul Hamilton pleaded not guilty to the three charges before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Be-

harry and the matters were transferred to Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond’s court for October 10.

Particulars of the first charge said on September 9, at Water Street, Georgetown, he used threatening language to Juneann Hamilton, whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned.

The second and third

charges alleged that on the same day at Water Street, he unlawfully assaulted his sister-in-law Shondell Bynel and used abusive language to her.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not object to bail and the defendant was also bonded to keep the peace, pending the outcome of the matter.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

On the start of works on new West Dem road…

CDB still to approve bidding document before tenders go out annually on their maintenance works, particularly since theproject monitoring and evaluation component of the agreement is key to ensure standard and quality of such undertakings. Additionally, a project management team will be supported by a steering committee and the Ministry – all of whom report to the CDB. The Project Coordinator is Kester Hinds, while the CDB focal point is

Glen MaCarvell.

The project has several components including: the actual road works, road safety awareness at the level of the schools and community, capacity building, engineering services and project monitoring and evaluation.

Works on the road are expected to begin before the end of the year.

(Vanessa Narine)

Below rates for September 12, 2014

TENDERS for work on the West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo corridor, from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, have not gone out as yet, since the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Hydraulics, is awaiting the approval of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

This was according to Chief Roads and Bridges Officer of the Public Works Ministry, Ron Rahaman, who said, “We are currently awaiting the CDB’s no-objection of the bidding document.”

A total of 31 kilometers of roadway are expected to be rehabilitated, while 28.5 kilometers of foot-paths for pedestrians and 20 kilometers for cyclists will be developed under an agreement between the Government and the CBD. Additionally, the CDB is engaged in doing a review of the massive project.

The partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank is the fourth road improvement project, with a financing cost of US$46.7M and a project life of five years. The actual road improvement works are expected to be completed within two years.

At the launch of the project in March, Benn explained that the primary objective of the project is to increase efficiency and safety of road transportation along West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo corridor.

Benn pointed out that infrastructural development has a multiplying effect on socio-economic advances in the country, particularly in rural communities.

“There has been significant growth,” he said, adding that constrained infrastructural development poses real challenges to growth.

Benn’s Ministry, as per the CDB agreement, will be tasked with maintenance, which was identified by the CDB as a risk to the sustainability of the completed works. The Government will also be expected to report

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

Buying 205.98625 334.43522 186.57268 266.31639 101.86969 75.45903 32.15634

Selling 208.43594 338.62503 188.72541 269.69526 102.89094 76.21551 32.47871

Aries March 21 - April 19 Group activities that you attend today are likely to be spiritually oriented, such as group meditations. You could meet new friends from faraway places who share your interests. Though you’re usually more intellectually inclined, today you should be feeling especially intuitive. Write down your thoughts and ideas lest you forget them. You may want to use them later.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Some vivid and wonderful dreams might provide inspiration for future creative projects. You’re feeling cheerful and optimistic now, and your enthusiasm is likely to continue. Success in career and relationships is indicated. Your increased intuition heightens your understanding of others. Don’t be surprised if friends and colleagues line up for your support and guidance.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 You might find yourself thinking about a possible vacation. You’ve worked hard during the last few months and feel you deserve a break. This year you’re likely to want to do something different from the norm, perhaps travel to a foreign land associated with a great spiritual tradition. You should feel closer to your loved ones and optimistic about the future. Enjoy!

Cancer June 22 - July 22 Your health should be in top shape today. You’re likely to feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong and ready to tap into your inner power. Dreams may make it possible to release old traumas and move ahead. An increased understanding of the needs and desires of others enriches your relationships.

Take heart from past success, continue as you are, and enjoy your day.

Leo July 23 - August 22 You’re good at dealing with others, but today you should be especially so. Your intuition is strong and you’re likely to instinctively understand others’ thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires. You give freely of your experience, knowledge, and understanding. This brings others closer to you, which can work for you on many levels. Social events may bring new friends.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 You generally are good at sizing up other people and sensing their thoughts and feelings, but today that talent is greatly enhanced by increased intuition. You should be feeling especially enthusiastic and optimistic today. Both work and home life are likely to be looking good. Physically, you should be healthy and vigorous, and spiritually you should be strong. Enjoy your day.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Communication with close friends and a romantic partner should be especially beneficial today, since you’re feeling more in touch with those close to you.

Children could also be a source of joy today. Your creativity and inspiration are strong, so this is a great day to start new projects. Your enthusiasm and optimism should propel you to new achievements. Enjoy!

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Recent successes could lead to new aspirations to increase your socioeconomic standing. You should be feeling especially determined and confident about your future. Your plans have worked out well. You’re feeling close to family, as your intuition level is high and you can sense what they’re thinking and feeling.

For Saturday September 13, 2014 -08:30hrs For Sunday September 14, 2014 -08:30hrs For Monday September 15, 2014 -09:30hrs

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Normally you tend to view things on a logical, intellectual level, but today the strength of your intuition could surprise you. Your communications could be subtler than words. Today you’re probably feeling especially optimistic, enthusiastic, and very inspired by your circumstances. Continue on your path!

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Artistic talents are greatly increased by fresh, deeply felt inspiration. Today you may spend much of your time giving material form to your ideas. You’re intuitive by nature, but today your psychic gifts are operating at a high level.

Don’t write off any insights you receive. Instead, write them down. Don’t forget to keep paper and pen next to your bed. You’ll want to remember your ideas and dreams later.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 This is a time when you’re likely to feel especially idealistic and hopeful. Spiritual experiences may have you on cloud nine. Your intuition is also strong. You might consider taking a trip to a distant state or foreign country, perhaps one associated with a great spiritual tradition. Wait a day or two and talk it over with friends before making any arrangements.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 During this time, you’ll feel especially intuitive, optimistic, and spiritually on a roll. You could feel artistically inspired, and channel some of your newfound awareness into recently started projects. Your relationships are probably going well. Your increased understanding of others’ needs makes you generous with sympathy or assistance where needed. Enjoy your day.

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Fireworks anticipated...

From back page

Mullings said what he might not be able to make up in strength, he will make up with his skills and technique.

Richmond’s latest victim via knock-out was CABOFE middleweight champion Edmond DeClou whose jaw was broken during the contest.

The main supporting bout on the night’s card brings together Mark Austin and Dexter Gonsalves in an eightround light welterweight contest.

Austin, who is a lastminute replacement for Trinidad-based Guyanese Iwan Azore who had to pull out because of a hand injury he sustained during a sparring session in Trinidad, is no pushover and will go into the ‘square jungle’ tonight boasting a record of seven victories from nine fights with one knock-out, while Gonsalves has three knock-out victories to his name.

Austin’s camp is very optimistic of a victory

tonight despite the late offer for the fight, since he possesses exceptional boxing skills and has been training very hard.

Austin said he would not go into the ring tonight looking for a knockout victory, but if the opportunity presents itself he would take advantage of it.

The undercard will feature former super bantamweight world rater Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore is a six-round rematch against Mark Murray whom he stopped in the third round when they first met five years ago.

Winston will face Jamaica’s Kemahl Russell who has two fights to his name and he won both by knock-out.

This middleweight contest is scheduled for four rounds.

The other bout on the undercard brings together CABOFE flyweight champion Dexter Marques and Richard Williamson in a bantamweight rematch.

West Indies...

From back page “I will remind the fellows in the dressing room about the history and where we came from ... about the past and how as West Indians we have to fight as hard as we can. We are a people who will never give up ... who will fight all the way.”

Chanderpaul added: “As a youngster when I came into the team, I was among many greats, and I got a full appreciation of what it meant to represent the West Indies. We have a rich legacy and a great history and we are all happy to be part of this great match.”

Ramdin is leading the West Indies in his fifth Test since taking over in June. He applauded the team for their win in the first Dhaka Bank Test in St Vincent and said he is looking for his first series win at the helm.

“This is a very special occasion … everyone is looking forward to it. This is very exciting. We will look to come out and give a good account of ourselves as we did in the last match in St Vincent and take home a victory for ourselves and our fans,” said the 29-yearold wicketkeeper.

“I am honoured, happy and privileged to be the man leading the team in this historic match. This is not just a special occasion for us as players but also for West Indians everywhere and West Indies fans and supporters worldwide.”

He added: “This is something for us to cherish and celebrate and we will look to win and celebrate the match and the series.

We want to pay tribute to all the great people who have contributed to the history and development of West Indies cricket so this helps to add to the special occasion.”

The second Dhaka Bank Test will be played from today to next Wednesday.

West Indies lead the twomatch Dhaka Bank Test Series 1-0 following their 10-wicket victory earlier this week at Arnos Vale, St Vincent.

West Indies played their first Test match against England at Lords in 1928.

The record is: 162 wins, 168 defeats, 168 draws and one tie. To date 299 players have represented the West Indies in the 499 Tests. (WICB)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Paralympic track star Pistorius found guilty of culpable homicide … Sentencing set for October 13

By Stella Mapenzauswa and Tiisetso Motsoeneng PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius was convicted of culpable

homicide yesterday, escaping the more serious charge of murder for the killing of his girlfriend, and will now battle to avoid going to prison.

The 27-year-old double amputee, who became one of

the biggest names in world athletics, stood impassively in the dock, his hands folded in front of him, as Judge Thokozile Masipa delivered her verdict.

Pistorius was also convicted of firing a pistol under

the table of a packed Johannesburg restaurant but cleared of two other firearms charges - illegal possession of ammunition and firing a pistol out of the sun-roof of a car.

Masipa based her decision of culpable homicide on the reasoning that Pistorius had acted negligently when he fired four shots from a 9mm pistol into a toilet door in his luxury Pretoria home, killing Steenkamp, who was behind it, almost instantly.

He said it was a tragic error, and that he had believed he was shooting at an intruder.

Steenkamp’s mother June was unconvinced, saying: “Justice was not served.”

“I just don’t feel this is the right sentence,” she told the U.S. network NBC. “I won’t believe his story and that’s the difference.”

Culpable homicide - South Africa’s equivalent of manslaughter - carries up to 15 years in prison but, given Pistorius’s lack of previous convictions, legal experts said he could avoid a custodial sentence altogether.

“It could range from a suspended sentence to a stiff jail sentence. It could even be the imposition of a fine or community service, or it could be ... house arrest,” said Stephen Tuson, law professor at Johannesburg’s University of Witwatersrand.

“The court will take into account the degree of negligence or recklessness.”

Criminal law expert Martin Hood expected a noncustodial sentence, telling ENCA television: “He’s almost certainly, in my opinion, not going to be going to jail.”

SENTENCING Masipa set sentencing for October 13 and granted a bail extension. Flanked by police and bodyguards, a stone-faced Pistorius made his way out of the court through a scrum of reporters, television cameras and onlookers.

“We never had any doubt about Oscar’s version of events,” his uncle Arnold Pistorius told reporters. “It won’t bring Reeva back, but our hearts go out to her family and friends.”

Before the shooting, Pistorius was a symbol of triumph over adversity, recovering from having both his legs amputated as a baby to win six gold medals at three Paralympics running on carbon-fibre prosthetics, earning the nickname ‘Blade Runner’.

He was also responsible for taking athletes with disabilities into the mainstream, competing against able-bodied runners at the London 2012 Olympics.

South Africa’s National

Racing Tips

10:30 hrs Showstoppa

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Prosecuting Authority said it was “disappointed” not to have secured a premeditated murder conviction, but would not make any decision about an appeal until after sentencing.

Masipa’s decision also sparked anger outside the court, particularly among groups campaigning for women’s rights in a country with high levels of violent crime against women and children.

The verdict has also forced democratic South Africa to ask itself some uncomfortable questions about race and inequality, in a country where whites and blacks still inhabit largely different worlds, two decades after the end of apartheid.

“If it were me, I would be going to jail,” said Thabang Modise, a black 37-year-old fast food store manager.

There were many, however, who were more willing to put their trust in the judgment of Masipa, the 66-year-old former Soweto crime reporter and social worker who rose to be only the second black female High Court judge in South Africa.

“Being a feminist, this judgment is hard to take in, I must say. But facts are facts, and I believe Judge Masipa delivered a fair judgement,” said Sindi Cindi, a 20-year-old black law student.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

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Maidana ‘ready to make history’ against Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather Jr says he expects Argentina’s Marcos Maidana to be “once again extremely dirty and wild” in their heavily anticipated re-match in Las Vegas today.

(Reuters) MARCOS Maidana has talked up his chances of dethroning Floyd Mayweather when the pair meet in a rematch this weekend.

Mayweather won the

first bout in May on a controversial split decision, with post-fight reaction prompting the speedy rematch.

Maidana believes that this time he can finish

the job and inflict a first career defeat on the WBC and WBA welterweight champion.

“I just know that I have to win. I’m focused on winning. I am going to take out any doubts in my mind about the first fight. I’ve adjusted now and I think I’ll be ready,” Maidana said.

“I haven’t talked to Carlos Rios or Carlos Baldomir about their Mayweather fights but I have watched their fights. I noticed that being aggressive and attacking him is what makes him uncomfortable.

“I think I did get tired in the first fight. I have to pace myself a little better and this time around I will be better.

“If the knockout comes great, but I’m ready to go

the distance as well. I’m ready to make history.

“I have to use my distance a little more and pick and choose my punches. I wasted too many punches last fight. I have to work my distance correctly and get leverage.

“I think Floyd got pressured by the press and I think that he knows the first fight was close so he’s giving me the rematch and I have to take full advantage.

“I actually had two full months to prepare this time. I worked very hard and that’s probably why I look a little skinnier this time.

“I think Floyd is going to run but I’m going to have to do a good job of cutting off the ring.”

(Eurosport)

Yorkshire beat Nottinghamshire to win County title YORKSHIRE clinched their first County Championship title for 13 years, with victory over Nottinghamshire by an innings and 152 runs at Trent Bridge, yesterday.

Former England paceman Ryan Sidebottom took 6-30 against his former club as Notts were all out for 177.

It took the White Rose county just 14.2 overs to collect the five wickets they needed on the final morning.

Sidebottom ended the game when James Taylor (75) was caught at gully, giving him match figures of 9-65.

It was a magnificent performance by the evergreen 36-year-old, who was a member of Yorkshire’s 2001 titlewinning squad, but moved to Notts three years later.

He contributed 50 wickets to help them win the Championship in 2005 and 30 when they did so again in 2010 before returning to his home county for the final phase of his career, after retiring from international cricket.

Yorkshire were relegated in Sidebottom’s first season back at the club, but bounced straight

Yorkshire and England all-rounder Tim Bresnan is given a champagne shower.

back the following year as runners-up in Division Two after Australian Jason Gillespie took over as coach They began the game at Trent Bridge with a 26-point lead over the home side and were bolstered by the return to the team of England Test players Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Tim Bresnan.

They dominated the game after opener Adam Lyth’s sixth hundred of the summer enabled them to pile up 532-9 declared.

Resuming on 149-5 after being made to follow on, Nottinghamshire’s chances of holding out

for a draw were slim and became even slimmer when Sidebottom knocked back Gary Keedy’s off stump in the third over of play.

He then produced an absolute beauty to account for home skipper Chris Read, seaming away to find the edge and leave wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow with a simple catch.

Sidebottom underlined his commitment by racing round the boundary to make a sliding save before collecting his fifth wicket of the innings by having Luke Fletcher taken at second slip

by Lyth, Taylor went past 50, but new batsman Jake Ball

found himself ringed by fielders when leg-spinner Adil Rashid replaced Jack Brooks and was soon beaten by a flipper which left the umpire with a straightforward lbw decision.

With only last-man Harry Gurney for company, Taylor ran out of patience and carved a ball from Sidebottom straight to substitute fielder Rich Pyrah as Yorkshire wrapped up their eighth win of the season and took the title with a game to spare.

Their final match of the summer against Somerset begins at Headingley on September 23. (BBC Sport)

Ajmal suspension puts PCB in a spin

KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Banned Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal was reported for a suspect action in a domestic match in 2006 but the cricket authorities turned a blind eye until, eight years later and after six years of international cricket, he was suspended from the game.

Ajmal, 36, now faces an uphill battle to revive his Pakistan career after the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him from bowling following a failed biomechanics test in Brisbane.

“I had reported his action after a first-class match between KRL and Habib Bank because they were problems with some of his deliveries,” Test umpire Riazuddin said on Pakistan’s Geo Super television network.

“Unfortunately I don’t know what happened about the report but no action was taken and he continued to play in domestic cricket.”

Saeed’s case is not unique on Pakistan’s domestic circuit, where bowlers with suspect actions have been allowed to carry on playing despite reservations from match officials.

“No-one in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ever taken this problem seriously,” Pakistan’s former captain Rashid Latif told Reuters.

“There are cases of bowlers, who clearly straighten their arm more than the permitted 15 degrees angle, being allowed to carry on playing.

“But now with the new protocol put in place by the ICC for (testing) bowlers with suspect actions, the PCB realises it has to be proactive and not reactive. That is why they have set up the illegal bowling action committee.”

PASSIVE ATTITUDE Latif added that those changes stemmed from the introduction of high-profile cricketers to the ICC. “From what I know, (former Indian spinner) Anil Kumble as the head of the cricket committee pushed for the protocol changes.”

Pakistan’s passive attitude towards suspect actions is perhaps the reason why plans for setting up a biomechanics lab at the national cricket academy (NCA) in Lahore have been on ice since 2009.

The PCB had bought equipment for the lab worth around $450 000 in 2009, yet it remains unused.

Former Test captain Aamir Sohail, who headed the NCA, said he had pushed for establishing the biomechanics lab in order to work with bowlers at the domestic level, who had problems with their actions.

“For one reason or the other it didn’t happen. Now we are facing the consequences,” he said.

The PCB now realises it has a major problem on its hands.

Since the suspension of Ajmal, Pakistan’s top spinner over the last three years, questions have been asked about the bowling actions of his possible replacements.

Off-spinners Atif Maqbool and Misbah Khan from Karachi are among the top wicket-takers in the domestic game, but are not being considered to replace Ajmal for the coming series against Australia and New Zealand because of their actions.

Misbah was reported last year for a suspect action in domestic cricket.

“It is a problem in Pakistan cricket and the illegal bowling action committee has pointed out around 25 bowlers whose actions need to be worked on,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares softball competition continues tomorrow

.

THE Ramchand & Rohan Auto Spares Softball competition continues tomorrow. The tournament is also sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall, Romeo Oil Seal, Motor Trend, Bel Air RUBiS, Ariel Enterprise, and Nauth Motor Spares.

Enterprise ground: Pitch 1: 09:30hrs - Floodlight vs Industry Super Kings. 12:30hrs Enterprise Legends vs Frontliners.

Pitch 2: 09:30hrs - Farm vs Princess Hotel. 12:30hrs - Wellman vs Bel Air RUBiS. Pitch 3: 09:30hrs - Uprisers vs Brickery, 12:30hrs - Country Side vs Trophy Stall.

Pitch 4: 09:30hrs - Blue Divas vs Sleepin, 11:00hrs - Karibee Strikers vs Trophy Stall Angels. 12:30hrs - Wellwoman vs 4R Lioness, 14:00hrs - Karibee Strikers vs Blue Divas.

GNIC ground: 09:30hrs - Regal Masters vs Fishermen Masters, 12:30hrs - Regal vs Warriors X1.

Parika ground: 09:30hrs - Speedboat vs Challengers. 12:30hrs Slingers vs Parika Defenders.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

U.S. ease past Lithuania into basketball World Cup final

By Tim Hanlon BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Holders United States showed no sign of missing their top players as they breezed into the basketball World Cup final with a commanding 96-68 win over Lithuania on Thursday.

The Americans, competing in Spain with a second-string team, will head confidently into tomorrow’s showdown against either European champions France or upstarts Serbia who clashed in the other semi-final yesterday.

The champions had steamrollered into the last four and their athletic outfit, even without top NBA players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, enjoyed another largely effortless evening.

“Lithuania are a great basketball country and were more than worthy opponents,” U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski, one of America’s biggest admirers of top European teams, told a news conference.

“We fouled like crazy (in the first half). In the second half we started afresh, we adjusted the

Kenneth Faried (7) of the U.S. dunks over Jonas Valanciunas of Lithuania during their Basketball World Cup semi-final game in Barcelona, Thursday.

(Credit: REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino) defence and it made a huge difference.”

The Lithuanians were able to hold their own only in the opening five minutes, when some erratic shooting from the champions allowed the Baltic nation to take a 13-10 lead.

But they had no reply for U.S. domination under the boards as the tournament favourites scored an avalanche of second-chance points from

offensive rebounds.

With a 43-35 halftime lead, the U.S. team shored up their defensive leaks after the interval and built a 7649 advantage in the third quarter, when captain James Harden scored all of his 16 points.

Guard Klay Thompson added as many while playmaker Kyrie Irving led the charge with 18 points and four assists.

Usually a high-scoring

team, the Lithuanians nailed only 17 of 56 shots from the field and conceded they were second-best in all departments.

“In the first two quarters we were fairly good but it changed in the second half,” said playmaker Adas Juskevicius.

“We lost our rhythm, there were too many turnovers and we lost our way.”

Coach Jonas Kazlauskas added: “When you face the USA you can’t afford to lose your concentration for a minute. In the first half we were fighting but then the difference got to 20 points and there was nothing we could do.”

While Lithuania’s bronze-medal game on Saturday against the loser of the France v Serbia semi should be a cracker, the final may well boil down to another one-sided contest after the French stunned much-fancied Spain in the quarterfinals.

Asked to comment on the 24-nation event’s biggest shock, Krzyzewski said: “I am not surprised by anything. We didn’t know who we would play or whether we would play in the final.”

Prior, Trott lose England contracts, Stokes a surprise Matt Prior LONDON, England (Reuters) - Wicketkeeper Matt Prior and struggling batsman Jonathan Trott have lost their central contacts with England, though all-rounder Ben Stokes has been rewarded despite a poor home series against India.

Prior endured a miserable Ashes in the 5-0 whitewash by Australia and his international future remains in doubt after

undertaking major surgery on his injured Achilles.

His fellow South Africa-born team mate Trott has been in the international wilderness since pulling out of the Ashes after the first Test in Brisbane due to a stress-related illness.

New Zealand-born Stokes was dismissed for three consecutive ducks and dropped after the second Test against India, but is among six new faces centrally contracted for the 2014-15 season.

All-rounder Moeen Ali, batsman Gary Ballance, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, and pacemen Chris Jordan and Chris

Woakes have all been contracted for the first time, reflecting the team’s regeneration under coach Peter Moores, who replaced team director Andy Flower after the Ashes.

Seamer Steven Finn has retained his central contract, despite not playing a Test for more than a year.

Another five players have been given incremental contracts, which are awarded to players who may feature in shorter format teams but may not have cemented their place in Tests.

After a shock Test series loss at home to Sri Lanka,

Alastair Cook’s England recovered from a heavy defeat at Lord’s to beat India 3-1.

They round off their year with one-day series against Sri Lanka and a triangular one-day tournament against Australia and India before the Cricket World Cup next year.

England central contracts: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.

Increment contracts: Ravi Bopara, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Liam Plunkett, James Tredwell.

Sumir slams unbeaten 134 for Floodlights 36. Frontliners 221 all out in 19.5 overs. Mahendra Dhanpersaud 85 not out.

Lionell Persaud 49. Linden McCoy 42. Raghunandan Narine 4 for 27.

Wellwoman thrashed Blue Divas by 71 runs.

Wellwoman 134 for 3 off 10 overs. Latoya Smith 81 not out. Amanda Bobb-Semple 35. Blue Divas 63 for 7 off 10 overs. Sangeeta Sawh 26.

Roneka Isaacs 4 for 7. Zole Telford 2 for 17.

Trophy Stall Angels defeated 4R Lioness by 24 runs. Trophy Stall 103 for 5 off 10 overs. Heema Singh 28. Ruth George 3 for 17.

4R Lioness 69 all out. Ruth George 18.

Latoya Smith hits an unbeaten 81 for Wellwoman.

JOHN Sumir slammed an unbeaten 134 for Floodlights as they defeated Frontliners by 71 runs in their match played last Saturday in the Ramchand & Rohan Auto Spares Softball competition.

There was also victory for Wellwoman as they defeated Blue Divas by 71 runs. Wellwoman top scorer was Latoya Smith who hit an unbeaten 81.

In results: Regal Masters defeated Industry Super Kings by 3 wickets.

Industry 129 for 7 off 20 overs. Ishwar Persaud 36. Mukesh Persaud 21 not out. Troy Kippins 2 for 15. Clyde Butts 2 for 34. Regal 132 for 8 off 18.3 overs. Jaga Bhoj 51 not out. Linden Lyght 21.

Jagdesh Persaud 2 for 21.

Ishwar Persaud 2 for 25.

Rahaman Khan 2 for 26.

Floodlights edged past Frontliners by 3 runs.

Floodlights 224 for 8 off 20 overs. John Sumir 134 not out. Richard Persaud 23. Gary Mickey 4 for

John Sumir slams an unbeaten 134 not out for Floodlights

Slingers crushed Wellman by 48 runs. Slingers 192 for 9 off 20 overs. Rudy Rodrigues 57. Danny Mohanram 26.

Dennis Mangra 23. H. Hermand 3 for 18. Wellman 144 all out in 18.1 overs.

Greig De Franco 31. Hafeez Samad 4 for 7. Mohamed Rafeek 2 for 8.

Regal defeated Wolf Warriors by 19 runs. Regal 199 for 7 off 20 overs.

Martin Dutchin 51. Patrick Rooplall 29. Quacy Joseph 26. Mark Harold 2 for 23.

Wolf Warriors 180 for 8 off 20 overs. Ricardo Adams 38. Lincoln Leander 21. P. Motilall 3 for 28. S. Boodhoo 2 for 22.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

37

CLT20 2014 Qualifiers - Teams preview WITH the Champions League T20 2014 set to start today, the cricketloving public of India will be buzzing with excitement.

Fans will make a beeline entry into stadiums to watch their heroes showcase their supreme skills.

Let’s look at the teams who will play in the qualifying round of the CLT20 2014.

Southern Express Southern Express will represent Sri Lanka in the Champions League T20 2014. They qualified for the glitzy and glamorous event by defeating Udarts Rulers in the final of Super 4s T20.

Jehan Mubarak will lead the side and look to take them to dizzying heights. Kusal Perera, known for his ability to play splendorous strokes will be their key player.

Farveez Maharoof, the all-rounder and Dilruwan Perera, the off-spinner, also would look to make their mark. They will though, miss the services of Lasith Malinga, as the speedster has opted to play for Mumbai Indians.

Tillakaratne Dilshan

has dropped out of the tournament as well due to personal reasons. Naveed

Districts will depend on the likes of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Daniel Harris,

Lahore Lions Lahore Lions, captained

experience and youthful exuberance in their ranks, Lahore are expected to glow

Defending champs Mumbai will be eager to make it to the next round.

Nawaz, a prolific run-getter in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket in the 1990s will coach the unit.

Northern Districts Northern Districts are the current Champions of HRV Cup in New Zealand.

It was their maiden title in the T20 format. Northern

Daniel Flynn, Ish Sodhi and company to leave an indelible mark in the tournament.

They surely need the wisdom of experience from Harris to fire on all cylinders.

Boult will have to make crucial breakthroughs upfront. Northern Districts come across as the dark horses of the tournament.

by Mohammad Hafeez, is the second most successful outfit after Sialkot Stallions in Pakistan’s domestic T20 cricket. They qualified for CLT20 2014 by winning the Fayasal Bank T20 tournament - Pakistan’s premier T20 domestic competition.

With an amalgam of

brightly in the tournament.

Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad and company can provide that volcanic burst of freshness to help Lahore to scale to great heights.

Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians, the

2011 and 2013 CLT20 champions, would look to shine brightly this year.

Players of the calibre of Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Michael Hussey and Lendl Simmons have the ability to essay stunning turnarounds and help their team to taste the glory of victory and uncork the champagne. Infact, Mumbai along with Lahore are the favourites to qualify for the main draw of CLT20 2014.

However, they would miss the services of their captain and key batsman, Rohit Sharma, due to injury.

It a huge blow to Mumbai, as Rohit can play on the up and through the line fearlessly.

All the teams playing in the qualifying round would look to aim at reaching the pinnacle of success by touching stratospheric peaks. Only two teams can qualify for the main draw made up of two groups. The competition to make it to the next round will certainly be intense.

Hopefully, it will turn out to be a tournament full of slick plot-twists and highadrenaline action

Former NZ cricketer Chris Cairns expects perjury charge … I have nothing to hide, says player

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns expects to be charged with perjury this month by British authorities and will travel to Britain to defend himself, the player said yesterday.

The charges stem from a 2012 libel action he brought against Lalit Modi, the former boss of the Indian Premier League.

The court ruled in Cairns’ favour and ordered Modi to pay damages.

Cairns said the Crown Prosecution Service had told him they intended to lay charges on September 25. He said he would cooperate with British authorities.

“I have nothing to hide and I will do whatever it takes to once again prove my innocence,” he said.

“There will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all.

Chris Cairns “I hope that, through this forum, significant additional information will be flushed out that will help people to better assess the situation, as well as the character and motives of the parties involved.

“I wish this wasn’t the situation having been to Court before, I know what lies ahead and how gruelling it will be and how tough it is on my family - but I have nothing to hide and I will do whatever it takes to once again prove my innocence.”

New Zealand Cricket issued a statement acknowledging the move

by British authorities but declined to elaborate.

“These charges will now be tested in a British court of law and be subject to the normal processes of a criminal trial,” NZC said.

Cairns flew to Britain in May to be interviewed by British police and the sport’s anti-corruption officials in a separate investigation into allegations of match-fixing.

The former all-rounder has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent was banned for life in July from all cricket after admitting to match-fixing in games in England.

Mr Clive Hubert Lloyd

BCB congratulates Lloyd THE PRESIDENT and Executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Clive Hubert Lloyd on his recent appointment as the chief selector of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

In an invited comment, first vice-president of the BCB, Anil Beharry, said the BCB is confident that Lloyd will play a significant role in returning the team to its former glory, just as he did when he moulded the team into an unbeatable unit during his stint as captain.

Beharry continued by saying that the BCB has tremendous respect for Lloyd first as a cricketer and an administrator and his statistics have vindicated that - with 110 Test matches and scoring 7 515 runs at an average of just under 50, including 19 centuries and 39 fifties stretching over two decades.

The BCB wishes to extend congratulations once more to Mr Clive Hubert Lloyd, a true son of Guyana and the West Indies.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

Smartt, Dottin give Windies series lead

Deandra Dottin pulls en route to her half-century against New Zealand. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Tremayne Smartt’s five-wicket haul and Deandra Dottin’s attacking half-century fired West Indies Women to a five-wicket victory and to a crucial 1-0 lead in the four-match One-Day International series against New Zealand.

Chasing a paltry 143 for victory, West Indies waltzed to their target off 40.1 overs at Warner Park, with Dottin hammering an attractive 60 off 77 deliveries.

She shared two essential partnerships after West Indies slipped to 36 for two in the 12th over. She put on 58 for the third

wicket with Stafanie Taylor who hit 21 before adding a further 36 for the fourth wicket with Shemaine Campbelle, who was not out on 18 at the end.

Seamer Suzie Bates took two for 17 while 20-year-old off-spinner Georgia Guy picked up two for 26.

Earlier, medium pacer Smartt snatched five for 24 to rock New Zealand after the visitors won the toss and opted to bat first.

Sophie Devine and Katie Perkins topscored with 36 while Amy Satterthwaite got 33, as left-armer Shanel Daley picked two for 32.

New Zealand had a nightmare start when captain Bates was bowled by Smartt off the fourth ball of the day without scoring, playing across a straight delivery and Smartt was on target in her next over when she trapped Sara McGlashan lbw for one, playing back and across.

Struggling on two for two, New Zealand were then rescued by two partnerships. Firstly, Sam Curtis (12) and Satterthwaite put on 42 for the third wicket before Devine and Perkins added another 70 for the fifth wicket.

Well placed to launch a late assault at 129 for four, New Zealand spectacularly lost their last six wickets for just 13 runs, as the innings plunged into terminal decline.

West Indies lost Natasha McLean for five in the seventh over with the score on 20 and Kycia Knight looked good for 21 off 44 balls before driving Guy to Bates at cover.

Dottin and Taylor then took charge for West Indies in a partnership that put them back on course for victory.

The right-handed Dottin cracked seven fours and a six while Taylor counted three fours off 54 balls.

Taylor eventually gave McGlashan a catch at cover off Guy but Dottin carried the Windies in sight of victory, before departing in the 38th over.

Scoreboard NEW ZEALAND WOMEN innings S. Bates b Smartt 0 S. Curtis b Taylor 12 S. McGlashan lbw b Smartt 1 A. Satterthwaite stp.

Aguilleira b Mohammed 33 S. Devine c Selman b Smartt 36 K. Perkins lbw b Selman 36 R. Priest b Smartt 4 H. Jensen c Quintyne b Daley 5 M. Nielsen c & b Daley 0 L. Tahuhu b Smartt 0 G. Guy not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-11) 15 Total: (all out, 44.1 overs) 142 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-44, 4-59, 5-129, 6-135, 7-140, 8-141, 9-142.

Bowling: Smartt 10-3-24-5, Daley 10-0-32-2, Mohammed 8-2-21-1, Selman 2.1-0-10-1, Taylor 6-2-15-1, Dottin 5-020-0, Quintyne 3-0-16-0.

WEST INDIES WOMEN innings K. Knight c McGlashan b Guy 21 N. McLean lbw b Jensen 5 S. Taylor c S. McGlashan b Guy 21 D. Dottin c Devine b Bates 60 S. Campbelle not out 18 M. Aguilleira lbw b Bates 0 S. Daley not out 13 Extras: (w-7) 7 Total: (5 wkts, 40.1 overs) 145 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-36, 3-94, 4-126, 5-126.

Bowling: Tahuhu 5-0-26-0, Nielsen 8-1-30-0, Jensen 6-022-1, Devine 9-1-24-0, Guy 8.1-3-26-2, Bates 4-0-17-2.

COURTS launches lucrative 10K Road Race set for September 28 COURTS Guyana Inc. launched its lucrative 10K Road Race yesterday, an annual event that features Guyana’s top distance athletes.

However, unlike the previous years, the company known for its generosity to sports has upped the stakes and will spend $1.2M to award the top finishers of the September 28 event that will be run through the streets of Georgetown.

According to the company, a further $500 000 will be spent towards logistics to help the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) pull off a successful event.

Defending champion Cleveland Forde along with Euleen Josiah-Tanner and Alika Morgan are all

COURTS Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings, hands over the sponsorship to president of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, at the furniture giant’s Main Street store.

expected to be on show for the event which will get on the way at 06:00hrs.

COURTS Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings, speaking at the launching of the event held at the Main Street Georgetown Head Office, said: “The COURTS 10k has been growing and we’re hoping that this year is

the biggest and we want it to be the best.”

It is the hope of COURTS, according to Cummings, to see Guyana’s best athletes on show, adding, “It’s about keeping Guyana fit as this month is our birthday month.”

Aubrey Hutson, president of the AAG said

that they are extremely happy for not only having COURTS continue the 10K Road Race tradition, but also upping the stakes.

Safety of the participants will be high on the AAG’s agenda come race day, as Hutson pointed out, “We have written to the Commissioner of Police highlighting the race and we hope that they ensure the route is safe. What we have also done is to ensure some of our marshals come out with some red flags to alert the motorists of the race, so we can almost guarantee full safety this year.”

Athletes are urged to register at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters in Kingston not later than September 26.

Soca Warriors face relatively easy path to Caribbean Cup finals KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Eight-time winners Trinidad and Tobago will fancy their chances of easily advancing to the Caribbean Cup finals in November, after being drawn in Group 7 of the second round of qualifying.

They will face St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic in the four-team group which will be hosted in Port of Spain.

All three groups in the second round of qualifying run from October 8 to 12.

T&T, who lost to Cuba in the 2012 final in St John’s, were handed a bye from the earlier rounds of qualification by virtue of having reached the final four in the last Caribbean Cup. Antigua and Barbuda, who played unbeaten to win Group 5 in the first round of qualifiers, which ended last week, will be fancying their chances, as will St Lucia, who finished second to St Kitts and Nevis in Group 6.

Trinidad and Tobago open their campaign against the Dominican Republic who finished third in Group 5 but advanced as the best thirdplaced team.

Meanwhile, 2007

champions Haiti who also finished third in 2012 will do battle in Group 8, alongside St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados and French Guiana.

Haiti, who also did not contest the first round of qualifiers, will start their campaign against French Guiana and, like T&T, will fancy their chances of heading into the final round.

St Kitts will be full of confidence after topping Group 6 in the first round of qualifiers while Barbados finished second to Martinique in Group 3. French Guiana were second in Group 4 behind Curacao.

Group 9 will see Curacao, St Vincent and the Grenadines and French sides Martinique and hosts Guadeloupe compete for top honours.

St Vincent were second to Antigua in Group 5 while Guadeloupe, like Haiti, are entering the competition for the first time.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the eight-team finals where they will face title-holders Cuba and hosts Jamaica, from November 10 to 18 in Montego Bay.

Trinidad and Tobago to do battle in Group 7 of the second round qualifiers

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday September 13, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) John Trim-4 Tests (2) Shakib Al Hassan-122 & Mohammed Rafique-100 Today’s Quiz: (1)Where and when the WI won a Test match for the first time?

(2) Which WI was the first to play 100 Tests?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 13, 2014

39

Windies hunt series win in historic 500th Test GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – West Indies will hope to mark their 500th Test with a victory when they face Bangladesh in the second and final Test at the Beausejour Cricket Ground here today.

They swept aside the visitors by ten wickets in the first encounter at Arnos Vale last week and with the added motivation of the historical landmark will again fancy their chances of an equally dominant win.

West Indies played their first Test match against England at Lord’s in 1928, rising to the pinnacle of World cricket in the 1970s and 1980s. And though their star has long receded, the significance of the second Test is not lost on the side’s newest captain Denesh Ramdin.

“This is a very special occasion … everyone is looking forward to it. This is very exciting. We will look to come out and give a good account our ourselves as we did in the last match in St Vincent so hopefully our bowlers can

get the job done here and our batters can put runs on the board,” said Ramdin who replaced Darren Sammy at the helm last June.

“I am honoured, happy and privileged to be the man leading the team in this historic match. This is not just a special occasion for us as players but also for West Indians everywhere and West Indies fans and supporters worldwide.”

He added: “This is something for us to cherish and celebrate and we will look to win and celebrate the match and the series. We want to pay tribute to all the great people who have contributed to the history and development of West Indies cricket so that will help to add to the special occasion.”

Occasion aside, the Windies will want to emphasise the gulf between the two teams by again winning handily.

They batted once at Arnos Vale, compiling nearly 500 runs, but that was built upon 21-year-old opener Kraigg

Brathwaite’s marathon career-best 212. handily Shiv Chanderpaul,

in the squad by Guyana lefthander Leon Johnson. If he makes his debut, he will be

West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin (on the ground) goes through stretches ahead of today’s start of the second Test. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) Chris Gayle and Darren Bravo all got half-centuries against a Bangladeshi attack which lacked bite.

Gayle will miss the game as he deals with a personal matter and has been replaced

the 300th Test player for West Indies.

The Windies will again brandish an attack laden with pace and with the pitch carrying grass Ramdin is hoping his fast bowling trio

of Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor and Shannon Gabriel can exploit conditions.

“I believe it will have a lot more bounce,” the 29-yearold wicketkeeper said.

“I’ve played a lot of matches here, first class matches and T20s, and a couple of 50-over matches and the ball has carried quite a lot throughout the innings so hopefully our faster bowlers can get the purchase here that they didn’t get in St Vincent.”

With tough assignments in India and South Africa ahead later this year, Ramdin knows the importance of stacking up victories now to create momentum.

He’s also still waiting for his first series win having conceded the three-Test rubber to New Zealand back in June, and says the historic moment presents the ideal opportunity.

“The type of cricket both teams are playing, the match will have a result and once we do what we need to do as a team – as batters as bowlers –

and execute the plans that we have set out in this match we should be able to come out on top,” Ramdin said.

“It would be fantastic to win my first series as captain in what is the 500th Test match. Over the last couple of days the guys have put in some really good work and we are raring to go, come tomorrow.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Shane Shillingford, Jerome Taylor.

BANGLADESH – Mushfiqur Rahim (captain) Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shamsur Rahman, Robiul Islam, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Shuvogoto Hom, Elias Sunny.

GCB SENIOR INTER-COUNTY TOURNAMENT

Pulsating action anticipated in today’s final JOINT defending champions in hosts Berbice and their nemesis Demerara will clash in the final of this year’s Guyana Cricket Board senior Inter-county 50 overs tournament today to bring the curtain down on that aspect of the competition, at the Albion Community Centre ground.

Both teams are packed with players who have national experience at various levels, with Demerara boasting of having 10 first class players in their ranks, while Berbice have seven and if you use the national Under-19 grid, then today’s fixture will be an all-national affair, as all of the players have represented Guyana at the youth level.

Spin will be the key factor on a track that is conducive for such bowling in the second half today, with several of the Berbice players being familiar with same, in the likes of skipper Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Krishendat Ramoo and Devon Clements.

The venue is the home ground for Deonarine, Permaul and Motie-Kanhai, but on the other hand, the Christopher

Barnwell-led Demerara bowling attack is a spin-based one, with players of the calibre of Yatesh Dhanpaul, Raj Nannan who has been turning heads in this tournament, Amir Khan, Steven Jacobs, Zaheer Mohammed and Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Earlier in the tournament, Demerara coach Garvin Nedd said he was wary of the team from the Ancient County, since they are known to rebound from preliminary round losses and come back strong in finals, something most of his players would be au fait with as well.

For this reaxon, Nedd and his assistant Clive Grimmond held two days of intense training sessions in sweltering heat at the Demerara Cricket Club, with the aim of stamping out any complacency among their troops ahead of today’s fixture.

One thing is certain; the batsmen for the team batting first, will have to post a total that is good enough for their bowlers to defend, since both sides have batsmen who on their day can be destructive elements to any local bowling attack.

For Demerara, who played

unbeaten throughout the preliminary round, including their 144-run win over Berbice at Wales - another spinners paradise - they have a plethora of openers to choose from in Trevon Griffith, Robin Bacchus, Rajendra Chandrika,

Flashback! Demerara’s pugnacious opener Trevon Griffith pulls to leg during his innings against the National Under-19 team earlier this week. Will it be the same against Berbice today?

Shemroy Barrington and Andrew Lyght Jr. Whichever way they go, they will be looking for a bright start so that the middle order which comprises Barnwell, Jacobs and Hemraj, can build and allow the power hitters in the lower order such as Dhanpaul, Khan, Nannan, vice-captain Paul Wintz and Seon Daniels to free their arms in the latter stages of the innings.

Barnwell, Daniels and Wintz will share the new ball and take the sheen off same, so that Jacobs, Nannan, Mohammed, Khan and Dhanpaul can work their magic.

Strangely, the home team used Seon Hetmyer as an opener in their first game to partner Kandasammy Surujnarine, sidelining the experienced Rajiv Ivan, but with much at stake including the title of Inter-county limited overs champions, coach Hubern Evans will put his best 11 on the field.

This means that Clements and Surujnarine will be expected to lead their batting, or if possible wicketkeeper/ batsman Anthony Bramble will partner Surujnarine, with Deonarine, Clements, Ivan

and the hard-hitting Jonathan Foo making up the middle order.

Raun Johnson Motie-Kanhai and Permaul are no rabbits with the bat, while Romario Shepherd-DeJonge, Keon Joseph and Raun Johnson are all capable batsmen, with Shepherd-DeJonge being the best of the trio in this regard.

In Joseph and Johnson, Berbice have the best newball pair in the country while Shepherd-DeJonge can lend valuable support in this department as well, making way for Permaul, Deonarine, Mo-

tie-Kanhai, Ramoo and Clements to spin webs around the Demerara batsmen.

The victorious side will pocket $100 000 and the runners-up half of that, while individual prizes such as Man-ofthe-Match, Best Bowler, Batsman, Wicketkeeper and Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be up for grabs and distributed at the end of the contest.

Teams for today’s final which bowls off from 09:00hrs read: Demerara: Christopher Barnwell (captain), Paul Wintz, Trevon Griffith, Robin Bacchus, Andrew Lyght Jr, Shemroy Barrington, Rajendra Chandrika, Raj Nannan, Zaheer Mohamed, Amir Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Seon Daniels. Garvin Nedd (coach), Clive Grimond (manager/assistant coach).

Berbice: Narsingh Deonarine (captain), Veerasammy Permaul, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Seon Hetmyer, Devon Clements, Jonathan Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Anthony Bramble, Jason Sinclair, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Krishendat Ramoo, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson.

Albert Smith, (manager), Hubern Evans (coach).

Sport CHRONICLE

Windies hunt series win in historic 500th Test See story on page 39

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

Fireworks anticipated at tonight’s GBBC ‘Battle of the Contenders’ card

By Michael DaSilva GUYANESE celebrate Christmas, New Year and Diwali with fireworks, but they w\ill also have an opportunity to see `fireworks’ tonight when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages its `Battle of the Contenders’ five-bout card at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 20:00hrs.

There were many exchanges of words between Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings and Guyana’s Derrick Richmond, the two fighters who will square off in the feature fight when the GBBC held a press conference at the Banks DIH Sports Club,

Thirst Park yesterday.

The light middleweight contest is scheduled for eight rounds.

Mullings, who recently won the Wray and Nephew Contenders Series that was staged in Jamaica and which attracted a number of boxers from around the Caribbean, boasted that he is a crafty boxer and would be elusive tonight, but Richmond in response said, “Mulling would not be invisible, he’ll be right there in front of me and so he cannot \get away from me.”

Mullings with 17 fights under his belt, 16 of which he has won with 11 via knockout, said he will give Richmond a boxing lesson

in the art of the sport, but the Guyanese (Richmond) who has a mere five fights to his name as a professional with three wins by knockout said he is ready and raring to go.

Mullings acknowledged that Richmond is a powerpuncher. He said he has studied the Guyanese for some time and credits him for his power-punching but said Richmond would not be able to land those punches: “I’ll be invisible.”

Richmond, who will be looking to improve his record against a more seasoned fighter, said he will go into the ring tonight and give his best.

Mullings said once he sees weaknesses and

flaws in Richmond, he will take advantage of those flaws and weaknesses and he is prepared mentally, physically and spiritually.

According to Richmond, Mullings will have a problem with his (Richmond) southpaw style.

Mullings, in reply, told Richmond that he (Richmond) is an inexperienced fighter and boasted that he (\Mullings) has lots of experience and would use it to his full advantage.

Both Richmond and Mullings have shed a lot of weight for the bout but according to Richmond, that would not affect his power punches.

Turn to page 33

Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings (left) and Guyana’s Derrick Richmond strike a pose for photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson shortly after yesterday’s press conference at Banks DIH Sports Club, Thirst Park.

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the most capped West Indies Test cricketer and will play his 158th match today.

West Indies celebrate 500th Test Match GROS ISLET, St Lucia – West Indies cricket will mark a special milestone today when the West Indies team play their 500th Test match.

The landmark will be celebrated when they take on Bangladesh in the second and final Dhaka Bank Test match at Beausejour Cricket Ground.

First ball today is 10:00hrs (09:00hrs Jamaica Time).

Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the most capped West Indies Test cricketer and will play his 158th match today. He described it as a “great and special occasion”. Skipper Denesh Ramdin said the entire team is looking forward to

the match and called it a “celebration for West Indies fans worldwide”.

“This is a wonderful occasion for West Indies cricket and I’m delighted to be part of it,” said Chanderpaul on the eve of the match. “This is a milestone that we have achieved and as a West Indian I am proud and I want to keep the West Indies flag flying as high as possible.”

The 40-year-old lefthander made his Test debut over 20 years ago and has scored 11 499 runs at an average of over 52 runs per innings, including 29 centuries and 64 half-centuries.

Turn to page 33 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014