Guyana chronicle 15 04 14

GUYANA No. 103799

TUESDAY APRIL 15, 2014

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Hundreds of Amerindians protest budget cuts outside Public Buildings Page 2

‘WE DEMAND WHAT IS OURS’: Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, stands with hundreds of Amerindians protesting the combined Opposition’s disapproval of budgetary allocations to advance their development. (Adrian Narine photo)

Immediate impacts of Budget cuts real as…

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2,000 Amerindians on the breadline

BRYAN ALLICOCK

‘They will not be paid because of the combined Opposition’s disapproval of the funding for Amerindian development,’ says PPP’s Bryan Allicock

GRA Officer collected money to pack Page 9 cocaine in mail

11 Vagina grabber 10 Woman arrested for gets 6 months’ jail smuggling cocaine in vagina Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Hundreds of Amerindians protest budget cuts outside Public Buildings

By Vanessa Narine A M E R I N D I A N S f ro m indigenous communities across Guyana turned out in the hundreds yesterday, braving the rain outside Public Buildings to protest the combined Opposition’s devastating $1.1B cut to the 2014 budgetary allocations to advance their development.

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, stood in solidarity with the protestors and told the media that the protest demonstration is a clear indication of the objections and anger at the cuts.

According to her, the disapproved allocations will affect not only young Amerindians, who contribute to the development of their communities, but also impact significantly on the socio-economic development of Guyana’s first people on a whole.

Last Thursday, the combined Opposition in the National Assembly, comprising the APNU and AFC, voted

down $1.1B for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), $6M for rehabilitation of buildings, $13.5M for the purchase of boats and engines, $20M for the purchase of vehicles and motorcycles and $3M for the purchase of furniture and equipment – the entire capital budget of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Also disapproved was the $185M designated for hinterland airstrips under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Minister Sukhai noted that the allocation for the ADF covered a $796M provision for the continuation of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) and lamented the opportunities for Amerindian youths that will be lost with the vote down of this sum.

The YEAP programme, which was introduced in 2013 and launched in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9, addresses youth development and empowerment, and also speaks to the focus of ensuring se-

cure indigenous livelihood by developing the capacity and capability of the youth, to match and support the development of enterprise initiatives needed or being embarked upon within their communities and region.

The minister stressed that the APNU and AFC

have denied the Amerindian people their right with their vindictive actions, which she dubbed a betrayal of their interests.

Sukhai added that the Opposition parties have contradicted their promises and backtracked on the promises they made, on the campaign

trail leading up to the 2011 national polls, when they pledged representation for the Amerindian people.

“The continued development of the Amerindian people has gone out the window,” she declared.

The protestors shouted chilling indigenous ‘war cries’ as they chanted protest slogans, among which were: ‘We demand what is ours’, ‘Stop cutting our budget’, ‘We want development’, ‘Opposition is a waste, we

WAR CRY

(PLEASE SEE PAGE 8)

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, centre, stands with hundreds of Amerindians protesting the combined Opposition’s disapproval of budgetary allocations to advance their development.

(Adrian Narine photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

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Immediate impacts of Budget cuts real as…

2,000 Amerindians on the breadline ‘They will not be paid because of the combined Opposition’s disapproval of the funding for Amerindian development,’ says PPP’s Bryan Allicock

By Vanessa Narine

country’s population and cannot get only one per cent of the Budget.

“The People’s Progressive Party is aghast that the Opposition, especially Amerindian MPs can be so vindictive and venomous against their own people. The overwhelming majority of the voted down money would have been spent by Amerindians in their own communities, further supporting the village economy and development,” he said.

Allicock added that the claims by those so-called Amerindian representatives about abuse of money are baseless.

He said: “Part of the allocation cut by the Opposition

THE immediate impacts of the cuts to funding for development in Amerindian areas and improvement of the lives of Guyana’s first people are real ones, according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member, Mr. Bryan Allicock.

He told a press conference at Freedom House, in Robb Street, Georgetown, yesterday that some 2,000 Amerindians working, currently, will not be paid because of the combined Opposition’s disapproval of the funding for Amerindian development.

Allicock said the young Amerindians are to go on the breadline.

‘The People’s Progressive Party is aghast that the opposition, “This is one of the many immediate especially Amerindian MPs can be so vindictive and venomous effects of the cuts to the 2014 National against their own people. The overwhelming majority of the voted Budget by the political Opposition,” down money would have been spent by Amerindian in their own he declared. communities, further supporting the village economy and develThe PPP member dubbed the reopment’ – Bryan Allicock, PPP Member duction one of the “disastrous attacks on Amerindians” by the Opposition, which comprises the A Partnership for National Unity includes the apprenticeship of over 2000 Amerindian (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC). youths involved in management, community development, He added that, among the programmes now affected by planning and providing much needed assistance to the the negative vote are the secure livelihood initiative in ReCaptains and Councils of Amerindian villages. gion One; annual subvention to the Bina Hill Institute that has been ongoing for years; grants to 10 villages in support NEEDED SUPPORT of eco-tourism projects and $200M in annual Presidential “This programme, which had previously employed over Grants for Toshaos who decide what initiatives they have 900 Amerindian youths, was overwhelmingly endorsed by been tasked by villagers to pursue. the leadership of the villages. In the 2014 Budget, proviAllicock criticised the six Amerindian Members of Parsions were made to ensure that every Amerindian village liament (MPs) associated with the APNU and AFC, whom would have these young people learning and providing he charged with having failed in their mandate to represent much needed support to their communities.” the Interest of Guyana’s indigenous population.

Alluding to calls by several Opposition MPs for more He said: “It was shocking and shameful to see six to be done for the Amerindian people, Allicock charged Amerindian Members of Parliament from the Opposition, that their actions, last Thursday, to reduce funding for the Dr. George Norton, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Eula Marcello, same cause they were advancing as hypocritical.

Renita Williams, Sydney Allicock and Dawn Hastings, votHe declared: “It is hypocritical that the Opposition, ing against the further advancement of their people.” which claims that our young people have no jobs, would, Coining the words of former Chairman of the National so callously, deny 2000 Amerindian youths jobs in their Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson, the PPP member pointown communities. Instead of contributing to the building ed out that the Amerindian people are 10 percent of the of human and social capital in their respective villages,

these young people will now be forced to leave their families and seek opportunities elsewhere, thereby compromising their village development.

“It is ironic that the Opposition would complain that there are no investments in the villages and that we need to assist them with income earning programmes and secure livelihoods, then, on the other hand, deny over $250M for such programmes which were provided in the 2014 budget.”

The PPP member said it is hard to comprehend the Opposition’s claims that Government has been neglecting the hinterland when the ruling party has become the largest Amerindian party.

He went on: “The PPP has Mr Bryan Allicock, continued to provide opportuPPP member nities and expand support for Amerindian development. The PPP has also provided the platform for Amerindians to be involved and contribute, at the highest levels, in the decision making process of our country. “…it is an undeniable fact that under our PPP administration the Amerindians in Guyana have experienced unprecedented development after decades of criminal neglect by the People’s National Congress.

“The PPP sees the further advancement of Amerindian communities as being inexplicably linked to the development of Guyana as a whole.”

As a member of the ruling party, Bryan Allicock assured that, despite the “unwarranted” attacks against the Amerindian people, the PPP will continue to seek avenues whereby Amerindian youth and Amerindian development can continue to benefit from the economic growth the country has experienced over the past eight years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE April 15, 2014

Nigeria violence: More than 70 killed in Abuja bus blast

(BBC News) MORE than 70 people have been killed in a bomb blast at a crowded bus station on the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, officials say.

The explosion happened as commuters were about to board buses and taxis to go to work in central Abuja, the BBC’s Haruna Tangaza reports.

Eyewitnesses said there were dead bodies scattered around the area.

Suspicion immediately fell on the Boko Haram Islamist militant group, which has staged previous attacks in Abuja.

However, most of its attacks have been in the northeast of the country.

Officials earlier said two

separate blasts had ripped through the terminal, but later said the damage may have been caused by just one bomb.

Abbas Idris, head of the Abuja Emergency Relief Agency, told the BBC that so far they have confirmed 71 people dead and 124 injured.

‘Red alert’ Police spokesman Frank Mba gave the same figures, adding that 16 luxury coaches and 24 minibuses had been destroyed.

Eyewitness Badamasi Nyanya said he had seen 40 bodies being evacuated; other eyewitnesses say they saw rescue workers and police gathering body parts.

Investigators believe the

Victims have been taken to nearby hospitals, including the Asokoro General Hospital seen here

explosives may have been inside a vehicle, according to Charles Otegbade of the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (Nema).

The blast ripped a hole 4ft deep (1.2m) in the ground of Nyanya Motor Park, some 16km (10 miles) from the city centre, and destroyed

Bail set at $6 million for Utah woman suspected of infant killings (Reuters) - A JUDGE set bail at $6 million on Monday for a Utah woman suspected of killing six infants after giving birth to them, then stuffing their bodies into cardboard boxes which were found at a house where she used to live.

Police said Megan Huntsman, 39, admitted under questioning that she strangled or suffocated the babies immediately after their births.

Bail was set at a court hearing a day after Huntsman was arrested and booked into the Utah County jail on six counts of murdering the babies born over roughly a 10-year period. The remains of a seventh infant were also found, but authorities believe that baby was stillborn.

At a hearing in Provo, Utah, District Judge Steven Hansen on Monday set bail at $1 million for each count of murder, said court

Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Police found the remains of the six other newborns, all wrapped in a towel or shirt and placed in plastic bags in separate cardboard boxes at the home where Huntsman lived until 2011 in Pleasant Grove, about 35 miles south of Salt Lake City, said Pleasant Grove Police Captain Michael Roberts.

Police believe the seven babies were born to Huntsman from about 1996 to 2006. In 1996, West was sentenced on state and federal drug convictions, and he is now residing in a Salt Lake County half-way house, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Aaron Hawker, 73, a neighbor of the house where the bodies were discovered, said in a phone interview Huntsman babysat his grandchildren about 10 years ago and was “shy, very nice always.” He said he never noticed her looking pregnant.

Hawker said he “had a lot of respect” for West, who was described as “a really good guy.

“We’ve been in a state of shock since yesterday,” Hawker said. “Finding out about all these children.

Short of the shock value, we’ve never seen anything weird or strange or out of sorts with that family.

He said he spoke with West, who “was in tears and saying he does not know how this could happen.”

Megan Huntsman is shown in this booking photo provided by the Pleasant Grove County Jail in Pleasant Grove, Utah April 13, 2014.

spokeswoman Nancy Volmer. Huntsman was in jail for the bail hearing, as is routine, and appeared via videoconference, Volmer said.

Huntsman has not been formally charged, and Volmer said she did not know if the woman has retained an attorney. An arraignment date will be set for Huntsman after she is formally charged, Volmer said.

Police say Huntsman is the only person of interest in the case and was cooperative.

She was arrested after her estranged husband, Darren Brad West, discovered the remains of one infant while cleaning the garage. West is not believed to have played a role in the killings, and investigators plan to conduct DNA tests to determine the paternity of the infants, the

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more than 30 vehicles, causing secondary explosions as their fuel tanks ignited and burned, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Ambulances have been taking the dead and injured to nearby hospitals.

In a statement, the police said they were on “red alert” and had increased surveillance at “all vulnerable targets within Abuja”.

Eyewitness Mimi Daniels, who works in Abuja, said: “I was waiting to get on a bus when I heard a deafening explosion then smoke,” she told Reuters.

“People were running around in panic.”

Another eyewitness told the BBC: “I have never seen

[anything] like that in my life. It was just terrible... We were just running helter-skelter. So somehow I think that they planted something inside one of the buses there.

“So there are many dead shot down at the scene of the accident. And as you can see now some of these casualties... we are hoping, we are praying they will be ok. We saw some ambulances bringing corpses to other hospitals.”

No group has taken responsibility for the attack, but Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed Boko Haram.

Visiting the scene, he vowed that the country would overcome the insurgency.

Malaysia Airlines search heads deep underwater in new phase (Reuters) - A U.S. NAVY underwater drone will be deployed to scour the floor of the Indian Ocean for a missing Malaysia Airlines plane, search officials said on Monday, launching a new phase of the operation after nearly six weeks of fruitless searching.

The hunt for flight MH370 will head deep underwater as the batteries in the flight’s black box recorders had probably died and there was little chance of finding floating debris, said Australian search chief Angus Houston.

The search is now relying on the U.S. Navy’s sophisticated Blue-fin 21 autonomous underwater vehicle, which is set to search the ocean floor for wreckage some 4.5 kms (2.8 miles) beneath the surface.

The aircraft disappeared soon after taking off on March 8 from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board, triggering a multinational search that is now focused on the Indian Ocean.

Searchers are confident they know the approximate position of wreckage of the Boeing 777, some 1,550 km (963 miles) northwest of Perth, and are moving ahead

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on the basis of four acoustic signals they believe are from its black box recorders.

“Despite the lack of further detections, the four signals previously acquired taken together constitute the most promising lead we have in the search for MH370,” Houston told reporters in Perth.

“The experts have therefore determined that the Australian Ocean Shield will cease searching with a towed pinger locator later today and deploy the autonomous underwater vehicle, ‘Bluefin-21’, as soon as possible,” he said, referring to the U.S. Navy device designed to detect the tell-tale “pings”.

The batteries in the black boxes are now two weeks past their 30-day expected life and searchers will be relying on sonar and cameras on the Bluefin-21 drone.

An aircraft’s black box records data from the cockpit and conversations among flight crew and may provide answers about what happened to the missing plane.

The Blue-fin robot will build up a detailed acoustic image of the area using sophisticated ‘sidescan’ sonar, hoping to repeat its success in finding a F-15 fighter jet which crashed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE April 15, 2014

Dad kills toddlers

Okilia Mayers, left, is consoled by her sister Okeisha after her two-year-old daughter Keyanna and ten month old son Omari were found dead with their father Barry Karimath in bushes off Mora Trace, Matura, yesterday. PHOTOS: ABRAHAM DIAZ

(Trinidad Guardian) THE gruesome discovery of the dead bodies of a man and his two toddlers at the side of a trace in Matura at 6 am yesterday morning rocked the quiet east coast village. According to police reports, a pumpkin farmer found the bodies near his garden in Mora Trace, off the village’s main road.

A bottle of herbicide believed to be Gramoxone was on the ground near them and police suspect it may have been a case of murder/suicide, in which Barry Karimath, 34, poisoned his two-year old daughter Keyanna Mayers

and 10-month old son Omari Mayers. Karimath, police said, lives in the South and the children lived with their mother, 24-year-old Okilia Mayers, in Barataria.

Karimath had custody of the children on Saturday.

He owned a Black Mazda 323 but the vehicle was nowhere in sight. How he ended up in Matura is yet to be known. The farmer said around 9.30 pm Saturday night, he went to his “joupa” (hut) in his garden to spend the night and saw Karimath standing near the trace with Keyanna and Omari. Curious, he asked what he was

doing there and Karimath replied he had paid a woman $6,000 for a bush bath and he was waiting for her.

The farmer said he retired for the night and when he rose at six the next morning, he saw the dead bodies of the man and two children and called the police. The police found Karimath’s cellphone and called the children’s mother who said she had tried calling him after midnight but he had not answered. She said she had texted him and he sent back a message saying he was going to kill himself and the children.

According to police reports, Okilia said she did not know where Karimath was and planned to call the police in the morning. Councillor for the Matura area Terry Rondon said the whole village, including children, trekked to the area to see the bodies of Karimath, Keyana and Omari yesterday morning. He said he cannot remember a murder like this involving children occurring in the area and said the young people are traumatised.

Third Nicaraguan tremor raises fears of quake to come (BBC News) 5.1-MAGNITUDE earthquake shook Nicaragua on Sunday night, the third quake to hit the Central American nation within a week.

Seven homes collapsed but there have so far been no reports of any casualties.

Officials said the quakes could be an indication that the geological fault line which runs underneath the capital, Managua, has been re-activated.

Movement in the Estadia fault caused the 1972 quake which killed at least 5,000 people and devastated Managua.

Nicaragua was struck by another two earthquakes on Thursday and Friday last week, raising fears a bigger quake may hit “within days”.

Quick response The US Geological Survey (USGS) said Sunday’s quake struck at 23:07 local time (05:07 GMT) some 6km (4 miles) northwest of

Managuans spent the night in the streets as a number of aftershocks hit the capital

Managua.

The USGS said it had a magnitude of 5.1, but local seismologists put its magnitude at 5.6.

President Daniel Ortega said the quick response of residents, who fled their homes when they felt the tremor, prevented any deaths.

The president said there had been reports of injuries, but did not give further details.

Angelica Munoz of Ineter, the Nicaraguan state body which monitors tremors, said there had been nine aftershocks following Sunday’s quake.

She said one of the aftershocks had originated in the fault line which caused the 1972 earthquake, in which large parts of Managua’s city centre were destroyed and two thirds of its one million residents displaced.

Deadly Chile fire in Valparaiso ‘may burn for 20 days’

Aid has been flowing from all over Chile to help residents who have been left homeless

OFFICIALS in Chile say it could take more than 20 days to fully extinguish a forest fire in the hills around the port city of Valparaiso.

The blaze has killed at least 13 people, left thousands of people homeless and forced mass evacuations.

Chile’s forestry agency, Conaf, said firefighters were still battling the wildfires, but it stressed that the situation was not “out of control”.

On Sunday, President Michelle Bachelet declared the area a disaster zone.

Conaf’s chief of national operations, Alfredo Mascareno, said the fire in Valparaiso, 110km (70 miles) west of the Chilean capital Santiago, covered a “large area”.

“It has an area of 850 hectares (2,100 acres), which

has a perimeter of about 22km and a length of 6km,” Mr Mascareno told Chile’s Cooperativa radio.

“There are residual fires remaining, which could increase in intensity because of the environmental conditions of heat and wind speed.”

He said “it could take even longer” than 20 days to fully extinguish the wildfires.

“I can’t determine this at the moment, but it’s effectively a long process,” he concluded.

Helicopters On Monday, a forecast of cooler temperatures and higher humidity was expected to slow the fire’s advance.

Firefighters are using helicopters to dump water on hotspots.

The city is built on a series of steep hills, separated by narrow winding streets, making the job of firefighters all the more difficult.

More than 10,000 residents in Valparaiso have been evacuated, and the fire has destroyed hundreds of homes since it began on Saturday.

The army has been put in charge of the evacuation, and security forces are on the streets to maintain order and prevent looting.

Schools were also closed on Monday in the city.

Temporary shelters have been set up for residents who were forced to flee, but some refused to evacuate.

“I will not let go of what little I have. This represents 15 years of effort, and until I can no longer see my house, I will not leave it,” Arturo Gomez told the AFP news agency.

The Chilean Red Cross has appealed for donations, such as food and other basic supplies, to help those who were left homeless, and aid has been flowing from all over Chile.

The government said it would send 500 million Chilean pesos ($0.9m, £0.5m) to help the clean-up effort in Valparaiso.

“It’s for emergency debris removal, but it is not the only aid that we’re going to give. It is the first,” government spokesman Alvaro Elizalde told a news conference.

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EDITORIAL

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

GUYANA

Rice Sector Performing at Unprecedented Levels

THE PPP/C Government has created the synergies to revitalize the rice sector after it had been practically driven into the ground (no pun intended) by the former PNC administration, with farmers having abandoned their rice fields in droves and, for all intents and purposes, completely gave up on rice production.

Today, because of Government support and requisite reinforcement of adjunctive systems, such as drainage and irrigation, the rice sector is producing at unprecedented levels, with Government, through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) expanding market share in a highly competitive international marketplace, boosting Guyana’s rice exports – also to unprecedented levels. This is according to General-Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association and Vice-chairman of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj.

This is being reiterated by the Chairman and General-Manager of the GRDB, Messrs. Badrie Persaud and Jagnarine Singh, in the entity’s 2013 Annual Report.

The two gentlemen asserted that GRDB has played a significant role in improving the rice industry over the years, and reported that the industry produced more than half a million metric tonnes of rice in 2013 – the first time in more than a hundred years of growing rice in Guyana.

They went on to inform that the research department has introduced new high-yielding varieties that are cultivated on a commercial scale throughout the rice sector, contributing to the high yields farmers are enjoying, with the direct benefit of lowering the unit cost of production, and consequently increasing profitability. This has encouraged farmers to increase their acreage and put more land under rice.

Reflecting on some major achievements of the GRDB, Persaud stated that after years of research, an aromatic rice variety was successfully introduced at nursery level, with efforts being pursued to develop it to commercial scale. The aromatic rice will be branded and sold as premium rice if successful at the commercial level.

Quality control is an integral part of the operation of the Board in an industry that is export-oriented. The quality control department ensures that all rice destined for export meets international standards by monitoring rice mills across the industry for compliance to quality standards.

According to Persaud, the Extension Services Department plays a crucial role in the transfer of know-how, best practices, and technology to rice farmers. He went on to list some of the services provided to farmers by this crucial unit of the GRDB. He noted that the spring crop of Region 2 was devastated by the paddy bug, which led to the introduction of the Paddy Bug Management Unit, with the objective of conducting a comprehensive scientific study of the paddy bug in the Guyana rice industry to eradicate this most devastating pest.

The favourable Venezuelan market can be considered

one of the driving forces in the rice industry in recent years.

Guyana’s rice enjoys a higher price in this market compared to the traditional European and CARICOM markets. The sustainability of the Venezuelan market will be a key factor for the future of the local rice industry. Conversely, over-reliance on this market can pose a high risk to the industry.

In order to trade profitably at market prices around the world, the local rice industry will have to seek ways and means of reducing the cost of production. The GRDB has taken an important initiative in this regard by importing a shipment of 7,000 mt / 140,000 bags of urea fertilizer, which was sold to farmers at $5000 per bag compared to $7,000 per bag sold by traders. This intervention by the GRDB has benefitted the farmers by some 30% price reduction for one of the most important agrochemicals used in the industry. Such efforts will be sustained by the GRDB in their mandate to continue to assist farmers to reduce their cost of production.

Over the years, GRDB staff members have been sent on academic training at universities - both locally and overseas ranging from diploma to PhD. levels. The entity will continue to invest in human resource development and continuously improve its cadre of personnel to discharge its responsibilities in a professional manner, to face up to the challenges of developing and sustaining a viable rice industry.

The rice industry has acclaimed 2013 as a highly successful year, with production and exports surpassing targets.

Production for the year is recorded as 535,555 mt of rice, 30% above the targeted amount of 413,031 mt. This is an increase by 27% over last year’s production. As Seeraj said, and reiterated by Singh, for the first time in history Guyana’s rice production has surpassed half a million tonnes.

Exports have also surpassed the targeted 394,988 mt of paddy, rice and rice products, as compared to a projected amount of 326,100 mt and an actual export of 334,140 mt for 2012. The value of exports is also the highest in the history of the industry, and, as at the end of the year it was US $293,826,389. This is 31 % higher when compared with the budget amount of US $ 170,922,000, and 15% increase when compared with the actual value of US $196,266,960 for 2012 exports.

According to Singh, the combined efforts of all the stakeholders have made this phenomenal success possible and he extended plaudits to all who contributed to this unprecedented achievement in the sector. However, he singled out the farmers, whom he said have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of bad weather conditions, including floods and extended dry periods, and high levels of paddy bug infestation during the first crop. He commended them for having exemplified the dedication and commitment necessary to enhancing and fostering the development of the industry, which he asserted cannot be over-emphasized.

In addition to selling rice to “premium priced” markets, claims Singh, the industry has to continue to manage the cost of production, as Guyana needs to see the “Far East” as its major competitor in the future.

Singh said, “As we continue to strive to achieve increased

yields, thus reducing the unit cost of production, we would have imported some lower price urea. GRDB, with the approval of the Minister of Agriculture, imported some urea fertilizer under the Petro Caribe arrangement. The selling price to the farmers was $5,000 per bag, a reduction of more than $1,500 per bag from the previous crop. This is a significant saving to the farmers. In addition to the cost management, we will have to work on promoting more value added products, and in 2014 we plan to aggressively pursue this.

“During the year, we would have seen the re-certification of the GRDB Central Laboratory at Head Office by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and we are working with the Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CORSQ) to be accredited to ISO: 17025 (General Requirements for the Operations of a Testing Laboratory).”

The four high-yielding rice varieties (GRDB 09, 10, 11, and12) that were released by GRDB in 2011 and 2012 have gained countrywide acceptance by farmers who have already occupied more than 50% of the total cultivation acreage by the second crop of 2013. The most dominant variety in the country is GRDB 10, which occupied 35% of the national acreage. During the year, another rice milling company began producing and marketing the Guyana Aromatic Rice.

The GRDB Extension programme continues to have increased success as the combined GRDB/RPA strive to improve productivity in the industry. Fifty seven Farmers’ Field Schools were established throughout the country, with 965 farmers participating in the sessions. Approximately 800 brochures were distributed to farmers to complement the training.

Training of staff at GRDB continues to be one of the major focuses as that entity strives to improve the technical services offered by the Board, with two staff members pursuing PhD, three their MSc, and three their BSc. According to Singh, the Board is not just seeking to improve the physical infrastructure, but is also ensuring that its human capital is enhanced.

The success of the rice industry is a microcosm of Guyana’s developmental trajectory during the stewardship of the PPP/C Government. This phenomenal success being achieved in the rice industry can be replicated in all the sectors in Guyana’s developmental paradigm if major transformational projects are not continually being stymied by the combined anti-nationalistic, anti-developmental Opposition parties.

Open letter to President Donald Ramotar Dear President Ramotar, I am writing on behalf of some former employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority. We were charged in the Polar Beer fiasco involving some employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority and Fidelity Investments Inc./Kong Inc. Your Excellency, our innocence was vindicated by the court when all the charges against us were dismissed and all of us were discharged for want of prosecution on 2011-05-

31. There has been no appeal in this case.

President Ramotar, although these charges were dismissed since 2011, we were not reinstated in our jobs and we have been unable to secure alternative employment because of the negative stigma attached to us. Our dreams, aspirations and families have been shattered and we are now a contemptible liability to our country. We are young professionals, academics and parents who have resisted the temptations of migrating to another country. We prefer to stay in our beloved country and utilise our talent and resources towards its development.

Honourable President, we respectfully request your ur-

gent intervention to reinstate us in our jobs so that we may have the opportunity to serve our country and be productive citizens.

Your Excellency, at your inauguration, you promised to be a fair and just President for all. We are convinced that you are a leader who not only cares, but who would deliver on his promises. We put our trust and confidence in your good judgment.

Respectfully yours, ROOPNARINE RAMKISHUN

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

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Dr. Jagan’s legacy is sustaining force in PPP MARK Da Costa, in his letter in the Stabroek News of April 10, 2014 captioned ‘The PPP is a perversion of Dr. Jagan’s Party’, made the ludicrous claim that the PPP has abandoned the vision and ‘today discrimination is the norm’.

He went on to attack the PPP General Secretary, Mr. Clement Rohee for lashing out at what he himself is guilty of; that is, using the good name of Dr. Jagan to attack the very organisation which he founded and nurtured, the People’s Progressive Party.

It is indeed ironic, if not absurd, for anyone to suggest that the current leadership of the PPP would have any interest or reason in wanting to depart from the Jagan legacy when the administration has been doing everything possible to ensure that the pro-working class character of the Party and the PPP/C administration is preserved, consolidated and perpetuated.

DaCosta quotes selectively from Dr. Jagan’s writing, which he then distorts and put his own meaning and interpretation to. This is intellectual dishonesty at its best. His reference to Dr. Jagan’s integrity and ‘him not forgetting his working class roots’ is purposefully done to create a distance between Dr. Jagan and the present crop of PPP leaders, whom he accused of being ‘elitist and oligarchic’.

Comparisons, it is said, are odious. Every leader has his leadership styles, personality traits and values. Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds, and Bharrat Jagdeo were all former Presidents of Guyana; not to mention our current President Donald Ramotar, who was literally nurtured by Dr. Jagan and from

whom he took over the post of General Secretary following Dr. Jagan’s passing in 1997.

Each of them has brought to bear in the public eyes their own leadership styles and persona. There is no point in trying to put one against the other. If there is one thing they have in common, it is their commitment and dedication towards the realisation of a better Guyana.

This is why there has always been policy coherence among the PPP/C administrations, which are basically working class oriented and people driven.

To accuse the PPP leaders of being discriminatory in terms of the distribution of goods and services, as Da Costa is seeking to do, is completely misleading and cannot stand up to scrutiny. The PPP/C administration has always been even-handed in the way state resources are distributed. One only has to examine the budgetary allocation of money to the various administrative regions to get an idea of this even-handedness.

This even-handedness could be seen from the distribution of public sector jobs, the allocation of house lots and the award of government scholarships - both overseas and local. An increasing number of Guyanese from all walks of life are today the proud owners of their own homes, thanks to the robust housing programme pursued by the PPP/C administration.

There are some people who find it difficult to rise above petty thinking and see the big picture. Like the proverbial ostrich, they bury their heads in the sand and find faults with everyone who do not share their way of thinking, regardless

Does PPP not know why there is no Opposition objection to these sectors?

MORE than 90 percent who work in these sectors are Opposition supporters. Even if they become the highest paid workers in Guyana they will still cry about their being ‘marginalised, depressed, compressed and discriminated against, and PNC in parliament will hound PPP to death for more money for them; if not, it will be ‘slo fiah and mo fiah’ to make the country ungovernable and more threats that if the PPP wins elections and don’t share power with the PNC there will be no Guyana. Talk about barefaced bullies!!!!! They are right though, since the majority ethnic group and others have no one to fight for them at their own level.

The allocations for the Security Sector were unquestioned in the National Assembly on Thursday night, and Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman made a point to note to the various security sector Heads that they have the full support of the House, meaning PNC, which Trotman is still a part of.

The current and capital expenditures approved related to the Home Affairs Secretariat services, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Police Complaints Authority, Guyana Fire Service, General Registrar’s Office and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

The CANU vote had been expected to attract some degree of scrutiny in light of the many references by Members of Parliament (MPs) to Guyana’s economic success being advanced by “drug money” and narco-trading, but not a word was uttered against the passage of funding for this entity, which speaks to the hypocrisy of the joint Opposition in an obvious pre-arranged support to these sectors.

The case of the kidnapped victim is another instance where Indo-Guyanese have cause to distrust the police, because reports indicate that they were told where the kidnap victim was being held; yet they did not search the house until it was too late.

People are saying that the police did not act quickly because they knew the kidnapped and murdered victim was East Indian. Also, because of their delay in acting on the tip there is suspicion that the police knew the perpetrators and must have been waiting for the ransom to be paid before moving in to get their cut of the pie. Police criminality is a fact, and they have to work hard to dispel this image from the eyes of the public.

This is why the Americans took taxpayers’ money and ran

back to America after telling them he knows how to make 911 work; but 911 can’t work if those who supposed to pick up the phone when it rings do not pick it up and answer, or do not respond to calls for help, even while the acts are being committed.

And when and if they do answer a 911 call, they ask the caller for name, address, and location; and once it is an Indo-Guyanese you can bet your life the police will show up many hours after the fact: so that is why I say the PPP and Minister Rohee are not getting the big picture as yet.

In relation to the drug trafficking through our airport many hired crooks are working with the airport narco trade.

The Peeper hit the nail bang on its head with this observation. Many others and myself are so scared to be at CJIA because of those that are hired to work there because you never know when they can slip something in a suitcase to make life horrible for some people.

Remember a certain conversation between a former Police Commissioner and a big one in the Opposition.

I often say that those who work at our airports must be shifted around on a constant basis, and their cell phones must be taken during their work hours. Loitering in our airport and banks must be a no, no -100%.

This is scary stuff now, because the bandits are being tipped off about potential victims who made withdrawals and who arrived with stuff from overseas.

Cocaine in awara; cocaine in fish; cocaine in pumpkin; cocaine in false bottom suitcase; cocaine in lumber; cocaine in coconut milk; cocaine in liquor; cocaine in shoes; cocaine in glue; cocaine in achar; cocaine in pineapple; cocaine in genip; cocaine in scrap iron.

Now we learn about cocaine in cheese rolls and pine tarts.

What next? You name it and the cocaine smugglers have tried it. It seems as if any and everything can be used to conceal illegal narcotics.

This is why it is so frightening to even travel. And why travellers have to take extraordinary precautions when going overseas because you never know when someone can slip something, plant something, or ask you to carry something and unknown to you those things contain illicit substances.

TED KING

how warped and convoluted such thinking may be.

The PPP is very cognizant of the fact that much work remains to be done to realise the Jagan dream and the PPP and the PPP/C administration cannot and will not allow itself to be distracted by the likes of Da Costa who obviously have an opposition agenda which is to besmirch the good name of the PPP and its leaders.

JAGNARINE SOMWAR

Saving our wildlife

SEVERAL articles have been written recently about our increasingly endangered wildlife and the need for prevention enforcement. In a recent KN article, Wayne De Freitas, an Ecotourism Operator, pointed out how “for years there have been hardly any laws or regulations monitoring excessive fishing and hunting in Guyana, which threatens the continuity of animal species and hinterland resident’ livelihoods.” in January 2014, the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations were gazetted, tabled, and on January 16, 2014, they were approved by the National Assembly.

Our Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, said: “These regulations and guidelines will enable the development of systems, including penalties and mechanisms for enforcement for the management of local wildlife.”

Unfortunately, as we all know, laws by themselves do not stop over-fishing, illegal hunting, capture and illegal sales, and the general mistreatment of wildlife. Laws without enforcement are worth little more than the paper they are written on. That is why the above quote from Minister Robert Persaud is so important, because it is the ordinary, who must ensure the enforcement of the new regulations and guidelines and that all wildlife are properly protected.

My firsthand experience at Plaisance Market last Sunday (on the Embankment Rd) brought great sadness to me, but more importantly, it demonstrates why we need to put in place dynamic systems that can protect our wildlife.

I was tipped off about monkeys being sold at the Plaisance Market by an animal lover who saw six (6) monkeys (March 30th) bunched together in a tiny wire cage in blazing sun and no water. He tried to talk to the wildlife traders and explain how it was morally wrong to cause such suffering to wild animals but he was only met with abuse.

I went to the Plaisance Market on Sunday (April 6, 2014) and saw with my own eyes a very young baby monkey being sold to a woman who wanted a pet. I went there with the purpose of collecting information on the system being used to buy and sell wildlife, but when I heard the screams of fear from this poor little creature and saw the sadness in its eyes, I lost my cool. I left after a heated talk with the traders, but the cries of that baby monkey will be with me forever.

I hereby ask the public to speak out and demand zero tolerance on illegal hunting and mistreatment of wild animals. Let us work together to protect our wildlife, whether they are iguanas tied in the most horrendous positions and sold in the hot sun; stressed out parrots in small cages or crates at back of Stabroek Market and Charity Stelling; sloths hanging from the sides of bush trucks; fish caught in illegal nets; deer shot at night blinded with bright lights, and all the other disgusting ways found to mistreat our wildlife.

I know President Donald Ramotar and our First Lady care deeply for animals, so I am pleading with them to please strengthen the EPA’s ability to implement the new Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations.

SYEADA MANBODH (Ph#227-7800)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Hundreds of Amerindians protest ...

Summary of APNU, AFC cuts to Amerindian Budget: • $796M provision for YEAP • $12M for construction of village offices and multi-purpose buildings • $5.6M for the purchase of sport gear, musical instruments • $30M for implementation of drip irrigation systems and purchase of tractors • $1.5M for eco-tourism programme • $200M for 2014 Presidential Grants • $5M for Secure Livelihood programme • $4M for language revival programme

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, and RPA Head, Dharamkumar Seeraj, on site to lend their support to the protestors

Former NTC Chair, Yvonne Pearson, urges on demonstrators during yesterday’s massive protest action outside public buildings

Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in conversation with PS Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall. Also in photo are Mr Harripersaud Nokta and Ms Yvonne Pearson.

(FROM PAGE 2) need development’.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall, was also part of yesterday’s demonstration and said the “calculated cuts” stymie development and set back the progress that has been made by the current Administration.

He noted that the budgetary allocation hone in, importantly, on employment opportunities and capacity building of young Amerindians and the advancement of communities.

“The Amerindian people are here to protest for what is right,” Dharamlall said.

Current vice Chair of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), Joel Fredricks, stated that for too long the development of Guyana’s first people has been neglected and the inroads that have been made in the last several years must not be interrupted.

He added that the community leaders have a “good idea” of what their people need and the budgetary allocations respond to these.

Fredricks said, “We know how to manage and we need the resources to make sure the development continues.”

He added that more important than the current impacts of developmental investment are the futures of Amerindian children that will be affected.

“We must be able to get what we deserve,” the NTC vice Chair said.

Former chair of the NTC Yvonne Pearson, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Amerindian people are out in protest to send a clear message to the combined Opposition.

“We are disappointed. We are angry. We are here to demand that our rights must be respected. Our right to development must not be denied,” she said vehemently.

AMERINDIAN MPs ROASTED Pearson added that the six Amerindian Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Opposition side who “claim” to be representing the Amerindian people’s interest have betrayed their people with their politicking.

“We want these MPs to know that we are disappointed and we will continue to protest. We will continue to make our voices heard and we will stand and fight for what is our,” she stressed.

The sentiments of the protestors were not dissimilar as they roasted the Amerindian MPs sitting in the Opposition benches.

Among their chants were: ‘Norton (APNU’s Dr. George Norton) is a waste’, ‘Hastings (APNU’s Dawn Hastings) is a Judas’, ‘Marcello (AFC’s June Eula Marcello) is a sellout’ and ‘Garrido-Lowe (AFC’s Valerie Garrido-Lowe) is a shame to Amerindians’. The same sentiments were repeated for all six of the Amerindian MPs. The political parties were also slammed by the hundreds gathered yesterday and the recurring sentiment expressed was that the Amerindian people made a mistake in supporting the APNU and the AFC. The demonstrators were clear in stressing that their development should be a right that is protected as they refuse to “go backwards”.

GOING TO THE UN Head of The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), Peter Persaud, told this newspaper that the Opposition’s disapproval is a serious matter that will be taken to the United Nations (UN).

“We are saddened and angry at this because the bottom line is that real people are being affected,” he stressed.

Last year, the Government of Guyana told the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) that their approach, through relevant sectoral ministries, focuses on executing and applying a policy of balance and fairness, while ensuring and safeguarding the collective rights of Amerindians to land in the issuance of concessions to extractive industries, and has always been consistent in not granting property rights for mining, forest or other interest in Amerindian village tilted lands.

The current Administration, in keeping with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), stressed its support for Guyana’s indigenous people, despite the political challenges.

Additionally, several Government MPs were on site yesterday to lend support to the protestors, including Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; and Head of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj. Also braving the rains was former Local Government Minister, Harripersaud Nokta.

The general consensus from the Amerindian people was that they will continue to make representation for what is their right, the right to be able to benefit from development programmes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana...

Sign of the Times: The ‘Once Upon a Time newspaper’ employing lil-pickney

… and accusing its own reporters of incompetence

OLD KAI and many others have always contended that the information provided by the ‘Once Upon a Time newspaper’ was always riddled with inaccuracies and, in some instances, blatant lies. There are cases when you could easily see that they ‘mek-up seh seh’ stories to catch the attention of readers, especially with deh big and bold headlines.

When the ruling party, the Government or any other official or regular citizen expose them for their trickery and conniving ways, they use to bawl and beat up deh chest, saying how it was an attack on ‘press freedom.’

They use to always have a ‘plaster for every sore’ but now things apparently not looking suh nice fuh dem.

People getting tired of de lies, the ting get so repetitive that dem can now expect the format of the stories which will come in the news de next day. They can even picture de anti-government headlines and what de Opposition will seh.

Then they have a whole lot of reports which look like

they were written by kids. Even de dem boys seh admit that dem employ a ‘child’ to wuk fuh dem. Old Kai hope de TIP people looking at deh operations closely.

Anybody who want to maintain dem credibility don’t want to work there, so like dem get desperate and trying to get the unsuspecting ‘lil-pickney’ dem to do deh bidding.

Pressure does mek people do strange things as after years of denying that dem does publish wrong information and try to destroy the credibility of innocent people, the once upon a time people finally crack.

The ‘dem boys seh’ now admit that the chubby one from Bachelors Adventure who is one of the few remaining senior staff still around as nobody else want he, is an incompetent. Imagine, this man is dem ‘crime reporter’ and you would think dem had sense enough to have someone responsible and capable to function in such an important position. But alas dis is what dem boy seh, “…He is a man who does investigate everything and half of de time he does end up wrang, but he don’t do it

willfully…”

Dis is the kind of people the ‘Once Upon a Time newspaper’ have feeding this nation information.

Imagine the amount of destruction deh wrong news has already caused our society and deh apparently aint showing no sign of stopping.

Dese people aint got no conscience or shame and they still wondering why de newspaper not selling as fast as it used to.

When de Police expose dem for all the wrong reports, dem does jump and cuss de Police, dem does holler how dem get ‘credible information from a source.’ Well now we know who dem source is; it is de imaginary friend of dem crime reporter who apparently can’t determine the difference between a b and a d.

Is not Old Kai seh suh, is de own people from the ‘Once Upon a Time newspaper.’ So prepare for more lies and leh we pray that some day they will actually publish at least one correct story.

Ramsammy outlines goals towards Dubai Declaration - says GSA curriculum review included

By Ravin Singh MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy emphasised in the National Assembly, last week, that, notwithstanding the importance and benefits of the agrochemicals industry to increase food security, the aspects of food safety, human health and environment protection are all high priorities.

He explained that Guyana, through international chemical agreements and support, will be disposing of six tons of obsolete pesticides, an achievement which will be a major objective set out under the Dubai Declaration on Strategic Approach in International Chemical Management (SAICM) 2020 Goals.

The Dubai Declaration was initiated in 2006 when governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations gathered in Dubai during an International Conference on Chemical Management.

“During that session, a process of negotiation was culminated among the leaders, all within the framework of the Preparatory Committee for the Development of a Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management,” the minister reported.

He said: “If we are serious about making chemicals safer for humans and the planet, we must first address risk assessments of chemicals…these must carry provisions for national centres, especially in the developed world, to train not only staff, but farmers in chemical safety, including how to effectively deal with spills, storage and accidents.”

CRITICAL ELEMENT With regard to sustainable environment, Dr Ramsammy noted that development of fisheries policy is a critical element, especially to promote marine fishing.

Two significant initiatives the ministry hopes to conclude in 2014 are to: * obtain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certifica-

tion, a sustainable fishing practice certificate. The MSC will monitor marine stock level and identify the carry capacity of the fleet, so as not to overfish. Added benefits from MSC certification include improved marketability of products from the industry and increased traceability of seabob vessels and to * establish a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). In 2013, twenty-one VMS units were installed on seabob trawlers. The remaining ninety-six VMS units will be installed in 2014. Additionally, by-catch reduction devices (BRDs) have been installed on most trawler vessels.

He stressed that, without human resources, agriculture will be stalled Dr Leslie Ramsammy, while adding that the GuyMinister of Agriculture ana School of Agriculture will continue to take on a lead role in advancing human resource development.

“Shortly, the school will be collaborating with the University of Guyana which will see graduates in Diploma in Agriculture only spending two years to complete a Bachelor’s Degree,” Ramsammy disclosed.

He revealed that the new courses offered at the institute include agro-processing; repair and maintenance of small equipment; urban agricultural techniques and product development and training for rural communities.

The minister concluded by assuring that the school has commenced the review of its curriculum and will continue

along that path to include online training to offer more specific, relevant and demand-driven careers in the sector.

He said allocations have been made in the 2014 Budget for various industries, aimed at advancing and developing the sector.

Agriculture in Guyana accounts for more than 33 percent of total employment and 25 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

GRA Officer collected money to pack cocaine in mail A Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer was yesterday handed over to the police after admitting to collecting US$1,000 to pack cocaine in mail bound for New York while being grilled by internal investigators.

“Once again the GRA’s surveillance system has proven effective as the actions of the officer, who worked at the Customs’ Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) location, were caught on camera,” GRA said in a statement yesterday.

It said an internal investigation was immediately launched after reports surfaced across the media that 644 grams of cocaine was found in mail bound for New York on a Caribbean Airlines flight.

Commissioner-General of the GRA Mr. Khurshid Sattaur said the actions of the officer are a clear breach of the organisation’s Standard Operating Procedure and that the entity will work on putting more robust systems in place to weed out corrupt elements. He noted that officers fail to realise that they have a responsibility to act with integrity and protect the image of the organisation, rather than work to tarnish it.

Mr. Sattaur reiterate that the GRA will not condone corrupt individuals whether officials or taxpayers. He said the GRA will do all within its power to stamp out corruption.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Rohee calls for evidence of narco-money being used in Guyana’s development - rebutting Granger’s claim that narco-trafficking is driving Guyana’s economy

By Vanessa Narine

LEADER of the main opposition, David Granger, is “playing politics” with the major issue of Guyana’s efforts to combat narco-trading, according to General Secretary of the ruling party, Clement Rohee.

And he called for both, an apology and the evidence from Granger to support, what he dubbed “unsubstantiated” claims, that Guyana’s economy is driven by the drug trade.

“Granger and his party is only playing politics with an issue of grave importance to the security and well-being of the citizens of this country who are getting increasingly tired of the antics and theatrical postures of the opposition parties in parliament,” Rohee said at a press conference yesterday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

The Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) last Tuesday told the National Assembly that Guyana is now closer than it has ever been to becoming a narco-state based on the revelations of Guyana’s narcotic linkages and the Government’s “inability” Minister Clement Rohee to enforce anti-drug trafficking measures.

Granger said, “Police have to be better paid and they have to be retrained, that is the most important thing, having a good police force… the important thing is to ensure that you have an efficient police force, well paid, well trained and committed to performing their duties. “…it turns out now that there were local gangs operating in that area but because of the minister’s intrusive behaviour innocent policemen have now been stigmatized by being transferred. “…unless you deal with the police force, you cannot deal with things like murder, banditry, piracy all of these other crimes and traffic accidents can only be brought under control by an efficient police force. If you have a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that is weak, if you have traffic police that are weak or venal, they are taking bribes, you can’t stamp out crime… at any level, whether it’s domestic violence or narco-trafficking.”

The General-Secretary said, “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is alarmed over recent statements made by Leader of the Opposition David Granger that the country is faced with a public security crisis where “narco-trafficking is the engine of growth that is driving the economy.”

“The party stands fully behind President Donald Ramotar when he said that Granger and the Opposition should apologise to the people of Guyana for those outrageous statements which are an attack on all the hard working people of Guyana who by virtue of hard work and investment have driven the economy forward. “…the PPP is of the view that rather than making wild and unsubstantiated statements, Granger should do the decent thing and provide evidence of those involved in narco-trafficking and provide names of those whose narco-money are

being used to drive the Guyana economy.”

Rohee made it clear that the Opposition Leader’s comments are a clear attack on sugar workers, rice and cash crop farmers, fishermen, public servants and the private sector – all hardworking people, who have combined their resources and talents to advance the prosperity and collective wealth of Guyana.

SMOKESCREEN He added that Granger is using the issue of narcotrafficking as a “smokescreen” to detract attention from the Budget which has attracted the attention of a broad cross-section of the Guyanese people.

“What Granger has deliberately withheld from the Guyanese people are the strong endorsements of the great strides made by the Government of Guyana in the strengthening of the economy and in the struggle against money laundering and narco-trafficking,” Rohee said.

The General-Secretary referred to the 2014 Country Report from the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), which said, “As a matter of policy, the Government of Guyana does not encourage or facilitate the illicit produc-

“The party stands fully behind President Donald Ramotar when he said that Granger and the Opposition should apologise to the people of Guyana for those outrageous statements which are an attack on all the hard working people of Guyana who by virtue of hard work and investment have driven the economy forward” - Rohee tion or distribution of narcotics or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances, or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drugs transactions.”

He added that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a recent report also lauded the economic performance of the country and said, “Real economic activity expanded by 4.8 percent in 2012 on the back of broad-based growth in

agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction and other services…the macroeconomic outlook is generally positive for 2013 and the medium term. Growth is projected at 4.8 percent in 2013, continuing the broad-based robust expansion in economic activity.”

Rohee stressed that these are strong and powerful statements emanating from reputable international bodies, which speak to the enormous strides the country has made both in terms of economic growth and in the fight against narco-trafficking.

He said, “The PPP is pleased with the efforts made by the Government of Guyana as regards measures taken both at the legislative and administrative level to stem the flow of illicit drugs into the country and in the implementation of anti-narcotic measures within the overall framework provided by the International Control system.

“These include the annual allocation of additional funding to facilitate the procurement of highly technological equipment and heightened surveillance by the Drug Enforcement Agencies in Guyana.”

He underscored the difference in what is being said and done by the Opposition and pointed to the continued delays in the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and the more recent votes against budgetary allocations that would advance the nation’s development, as well as that of the people.

The General-Secretary said, “Granger certainly has some explaining to do to the Guyanese people in terms of his party’s refusal to support the passage of the anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism bill, despite the pleadings from Regional leaders and other concerned organisations.

“The cuts in budgetary allocations and other legislative action by the political Opposition are aimed at putting road blocks in the Government’s attempts to strengthening the economy and building capacity to address the issue of money laundering and narco-trafficking. “…Granger is still stuck in a mindset that once prevailed in Guyana where the integrity of the state was sacrificed on the altar of narrow political opportunism to a point where a notorious fanatic and drug trafficker Jim Jones was allowed to set up a virtual ‘state within a state’ in Jonestown, Guyana.”

Rohee expressed his confidence that the people of the nation will “see through the facade of Granger and his party and their total disregard” for the safety and well-being of the Guyanese people.

Vagina grabber gets 6 months’ jail

SAWMILL operator Raymond Evans, who confessed to holding the vagina of a Bible student, was on Monday sentenced to six months imprisonment by Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court.

The 25-year-old of Kendall Village, Corentyne, stood before his 19-year-old victim and with a penitent voice, expressed regret over the incident.

The teenager responded by informing Evans that while she accepted his apology, the matter was entirely in the hands of the Honourable Court, who will decide his fate.

Questioned by the Magistrate as to what length of jail term he preferred, Evans replied, ‘One month, Madam.’

But the magistrate informed the defendant, that the legislature had stipulated five years was the maximum penalty, and,

in turn, asked Police Inspector Grace Bristol for a suggestion.

She replied, ‘Two years, Your Worship’.

However, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, in imposing the sentence, took into consideration the fact that it was the prisoner’s first offence, the probation report which revealed that he never had a formal education, and his penitence.

On March 14 last, the teen had left her Bible class and was walking along Main and St John Street, New Amsterdam when Evans told the victim ‘good night’, before grabbing at her private part.

Loud shouts from the teen alerted persons at a nearby restaurant, and they quickly responded by arresting the suspect.

He was subsequently taken to Central Police Station where the charge was instituted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Woman arrested for smuggling cocaine in vagina PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) — POLICE Monday confirmed they arrested a 24-year-old woman after a “cocaine ball” had been found in her vagina as she was preparing to board a flight to Amsterdam.

Police said the cocaine weighed 2.317 grams and was discovered after members of the Anti-Narcotics Brigade carried out the search on Sunday.

The police said that the woman, a Surinamese national, has since been taken into custody and will appear in court later this week.

Police have nabbed several women in recent months trying to use this method to smuggle cocaine.

The police website lists at least one such arrest monthly.

Suspects in auto dealer’s kidnapping/murder…

11

Police to institute charges by tomorrow THE POLICE will go ahead and level several charges, including murder, against persons they have in custody for the kidnapping and subsequent murder of businessman Rajendra Singh.

A police source has informed this newspaper that, based on the information available to investigators, the men would be charged, and are expected to be placed before the courts tomorrow.

Last Sunday, the police disclosed that they had arrested and are detaining six persons in connection with the businessman’s kidnapping and subsequent murder. Those persons were first held for 72 hours, after which the police sought and obtained permission to detain the suspects for an

additional 72 hours, which reportedly would expire tomorrow.

The police have also confirmed that a female was first held in connection with the kidnapping, but they say she was subsequently released.

The Guyana Police Force has also issued a statement to remove misconceptions in regard to information published in another section of the media, where it was reported that the police had received specific information regarding the village and house where the kidnappers were holding their victim, but had failed to act immediately, and had only searched the house after the kidnappers had removed the man.

The police have specifically denied those claims,

have stated that they were never in receipt of the information in question, and that they never searched a certain abandoned house among the places which had been searched for the kidnapped businessman.

In chronicling the events which guided their investigation, the police have stated, among other things, that they had searched several houses as they tried to locate the businessman.

SENSELESS Relatives of the late Rajendra Singh are still trying to come to grips with what they are calling

the ‘senseless killing’ of the businessman.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle newspaper yesterday afternoon, a relative said that since the businessman had been kidnapped, only his wife, her family and the police had participated in the negotiations to facilitate his release.

The relative said that the man’s family members had not been privy to any information, and had not been allowed to participate in the process of trying to secure the man’s safe release.

According to this relative, the man’s relatives had been apprised of developments in the case only by

reading what was published in the press, and listening to what was being circulated at street corners and other talking points.

The businessman’s wife had intended to speak publicly on the matter after the man had been safely returned to her, but that did not materialise.

It was communicated to this publication yesterday that during the man’s captivity and before he was found dead, the police had had his wife spending most of her time in their presence as they sought to monitor her movements and the calls she received from the kidnappers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

At Central Committee meeting…

PPP/C discusses establishment of Integrity & Discipline Commission ––to deal with errant members

By Vanessa Narine GENERAL-SECRETARY of the ruling Peoples Pro-

gressive Party, Mr Clement Rohee, has noted that establishment of an internal Integrity and Discipline

Commission (IDC) was addressed again at that party’s Central Committee meeting on Saturday.

At a press conference held at Freedom House on Robb Street yesterday, Rohee acknowledged the importance of the IDC, given the perception of corruption associated with some party members.

The idea of an IDC was first raised last year with the intention of ensuring that party members serving in public offices at all levels maintain the highest standards of integrity in performing their duties.

At a press conference on

October 21, 2013, Rohee explained that the IDC would be mandated to investigate allegations levelled against party members in relation to theft, bribery and forgery; besides investigating misconduct by party members who engage in activities “unbecoming of a good member”, including defamation and sexual harassment or misconduct.

Rohee had added then that the idea of an IDC had been floated at a party congress held in August 2013,

and at deliberations of the new Central Committee of the Party.

He pointed out that it had been affirmed at both forums that additional steps should be taken to establish a mechanism to address allegations of misconduct, thereby reinforcing party discipline at all levels.

Rohee maintains that establishment of the IDC is further enhancement of the Anti-Corruption Committee which the party had established some years.

AOAG flays Parliamentary Opposition for cutting aviation budget

By Clifford Stanley MEMBERS of the Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) have said that they are disappointed that the Parliamentary Opposition has seen it fit to cut the entire aviation budget, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion programme which is fully supported by both the aviation and tourism industries.

The AOAG in a media release said its members also felt let down that the recommendations urged by the aviation industry for the development of this very important economic sector have received minimal recognition in this year’s budget.

The AOAG stated that following the National Economic Forum in July last year, hosted by the Government, the Aviation Sub-Group of the Forum submitted, in February this year, a comprehensive Policy Proposal and Action Plan for the aviation industry to the Competitive Strategy Steering Committee.

CONFIRMING TO ICAO PRACTICES The aviation industry’s policy proposal included a menu of measures, all of which were well within the financial reach of the country’s budget and essential for Guyana to conform to the requirements and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The industry’s recommendations set out in the policy proposal for the immediate attention of the Government were:

Independent Aircraft Accident Investigation and prompt public reporting of the findings of these investigations and actions taken by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

A National Search and Rescue system with appropriate protocols under the Civil Defence Commission.

Strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Civil Aviation Authority in order to achieve and maintain a Category 1 United States (US) Federal Aviation Authority/ International Air and Shipping Association (FAA/IASA) status.

Implementing industry recommendations for hinterland airstrip development to accommodate larger aircraft and with sufficient budgetary funding to support an efficient maintenance and rehabilitation programme.

This plan was subsequently approved by the National Competitive Strategy Council, chaired by his Excellency, the President.

Inexplicably, the AOAG said, these proposals have been ignored in the Budget.

The AOAG said it looks forward to the National Assembly seriously addressing the development of the aviation industry in a constructive and comprehensive manner.

This is indeed necessary, it said, if Guyana is to be expected to meet its developmental objectives and obligations, particularly with regard to the servicing of hinterland communities and mining, forestry and tourism industries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

One injured in two-vehicle smash-up - at North Road & New Garden St

ONE Sherwin (only name given) was driving a Toyota Carina 212, # PPP 8902, west along North Road in Bourda, Georgetown when a Toyota Allion, # PMM 5272, allegedly sped out of New Garden Street and crashed into his vehicle, sending it plunging into the eastern section of the canal at the approach to Shiv Chanderpaul Drive south of North Road, whilst the Allion ended up in the drain at the western side of Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Sherwin was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical

treatment, and is now an in-patient at that institution, whilst the driver of the Allion was being questioned by police who were summoned to the scene of the accident.

Persons who were on the scene questioned why the relevant authorities do not either remove

the bridge rails, which cause drivers not to see the North Road traffic clearly, or install a traffic light at that junction to regulate the smooth flow of traffic between Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, North Road and New Garden Street.(Asif Hakim) The two vehicles which were involved in the accident (Adrian Narine photo)

Investigation into Inspection/ Survey in Lethem still on-going THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has taken note of a comment in sections of the media that a ‘ministerial order’ was issued that no disciplinary action be taken against officers in an on-going investigation being undertaken as relates to an inspection and survey in Lethem, Region 9.

Contrary to reports, the Ministry said it would like to restate that the GLSC Board of Directors has established a Committee that is reviewing the reports and conducting an investigation into the matter involving the Inspection and Surveying in Lethem, Region 9. The work of this Committee is on-going and there has not been any intervention by the Ministry as erroneously stated in a media article.

Following the media report and request for clarification, the Management of the GLSC has further advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment that the Committee has met on several occasions and deliberations are still on-going.

This Toyota Allion was allegedly speeding along Shiv Chanderpaul Drive

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

PPP prepared, ready for elections - Rohee says extensive discussions on this was held during party’s ‘CC’ meeting on Saturday

By Vanessa Narine THE Central Committee of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) met, last Saturday, at Freedom House and General Secretary Clement Rohee, who chaired the meeting, reported that extensive discussions took place also on local government and national elections.

The Party’s preparedness

to face the electorate whenever elections are called was also discussed, he told a press conference yesterday at the party’s Freedom House headquarters in Robb Street, Georgetown.

According to him, during the caucus, much emphasis was placed on strengthening the party, both organisationally and ideologically, in order to respond, effectively, to the challenges on the ground.

One of them, he said, is the disposition of the combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Rohee said: “The meeting condemned the combined Opposition parliamentary parties for continuing attempts to derail the development agenda of the PPP/C Administration by the indiscriminate cuts in budgetary

allocations to the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs, Health, Public Works and other Government agencies.”

To date, the cuts affected the Specialty Hospital ($910M); upgrading of Regional and District Hospitals, including Port Kaituma, Kwakwani, Linden, Bartica, Eye Surgery Operating Room at Linden, etc, ($360M); ambulances, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and boats ($42M); surgical equipment and instruments ($32M); the Amerindian Development Fund ($1.1B); other Amerindian Programmes and tractors, etc, ($40M); the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernisation and expansion ($6.6B); Civil Aviation ($50M) and Hinterland Airstrips ($185M).

The PPP General Secretary said: “The need for greater Party unity and for the Party to close ranks in light of destabilisation at-

tempts by Opposition elements, aided and abetted by a hostile Opposition was emphasised.”

OTHER ISSUES He added that, among the other issues addressed by the Central Committee was the role and militancy of the women and youth arms of the Party, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) and broad guidelines and directions given on the way forward.

“The meeting was highly critical of the Opposition media, in particular the Kaieteur News for its unrelenting attacks against the PPP and the PPP/C Government,” Rohee revealed.

He stated, too, that the Central Committee was high in praise for the current Administration led by President Donald Ramotar for the substantial gains made, in terms

of economic growth and enhancing the living standards of the Guyanese people in the face of a hostile Parliamentary Opposition and a less than favourable external environment.

Rohee said the meeting heard presentations from himself and President Ramotar, which set the tone and provided the broad framework for the discussions and deliberations. “…the Central Committee lauded the PPP/C Administration for presenting yet another pro-people budget to the National Assembly and for the emphasis the Budget placed on health, education and social sector development as a whole.”

The General Secretary said the meeting ended on a high note of optimism, with all members pledging their unstinting loyalty and commitment to the cause of the Party and current Administration.

From left, PPP Executive Secretary Mr Zulfikar Mustapha, PPP General Secretary Mr Clement Rohee and PPP Member Mr Bryan Allicock at yesterday’s news conference at Freedom House. (Adrian Narine photo)

Twenty petitioners granted $5.7M bail TWENTY petitioners who were previously denied bail for various offences were last Friday granted a sum of $5,745, 000 bail by Acting Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, S. C., pending the hearing of their cases.

Following is a list of the offences, the names of the offenders and the amount of bail granted to each of them: Possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking: Sharon Osman - $400,000; Vishnu Persaud - $350,000; Saltiza Rasheed - $225,000; Orlando Daniels - $500,000; Hillary Mc Kenzie - $300,000; Marlene Hall - $450,000; Unlawful and malicious wounding: Vidyanand Ramrattan - $225,000; Manon Benn - $100,000; Unlicensed firearm: Eyon Paul - $200,000; Possession of firearm and ammunition: Morris Jacobs - $225,000; Kenny Jones $175,000; Gromoyhoo Jones - $1, 200,000; Robbery under arms: Kamiva Peters - $200,000; Peter Mc Kenzie - $200,000; Robbery with violence: Devon Seales - $200,000; Assault: Romeo Persaud - $25,000; Conspiracy to defraud: Kiron Cortis - $100,000; Attempted murder: Nicholas Williams - $250,000; Assault causing actual bodily harm: Alum Kamhasomen – $120,000; and Larceny by clerk or servant: Shameza Baksh - $300,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Tesouro Resources donates $1M to GPF Albouystown Project

By Asif Hakim

Police Commissioner Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, receives the cheque from Mr. Dean Hassan as company investors looks on

A COMPANY named Tesouro Resources, yesterday morning donated $1M to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Impact Albouystown Project that was launched last Friday.

The donation was handed over by Mr. Dean Hassan and investors of Tesouro.

In making the presentation, with senior officers of the GPF management team present, in the Commissioner’s Conference Room, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Hassan said the company is pleased to be of support to the police in this and other similar initiatives.

Acting Commissioner Seelall Persaud, on behalf of the GPF and the Albouystown community leaders, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

He admitted it is encouraging to see such an early response from the corporate sector and said it augurs well for the implementation of the undertaking.

Mother reports her daughter beat her with a bowl BIBI Neisha Khan, 51, of Charity Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, has reported that her daughter, 18, beat her up with an enamel bowl on Sunday.

The mother, who is sickly and poor, said her daughter, who got pregnant while at school, took the bowl and punched her several times in her belly and head.

The woman who has only one child said her daughter always beat and cursed her.

Ms. Khan, who burst into tears while relating her story, said she is a Christian and believes in the Holy Bible, and she does not understand how her own daughter could treat her that way.

Asked if she reported the matter to the Police at Charity, Ms. Khan said the

Ms. Bibi Khan with the bowl with which her daughter beat her Police do not want to listen to her story. She said her husband deserted her several months ago.

The sickly woman is calling for help and assistance. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

‘Dancing Enchanters’ captivate audience

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

THE ‘Dancing Enchanters’ on Saturday night captivated the audience at the Indian Monument Gardens at Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown.

‘Dancing Enchanters’ offered a spectacle of talented Guyanese artistes, showcasing their unique talents in drama, dance and music.

The evening saw a rich traditional and cultural programme which was immensely enjoyed by all, including First Lady, Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar.

First Lady, Mrs. Ramotar, commended Ms. Devi Ramcharitar and the group for all the hard work they had been doing to ensure that the event was a success; and she commended them on a job well done.

“This form of expressive art,” she said, “helps our young

people to find alternative ways of expressing themselves and fostering creativity as they go forward to build this our Guyanese society.”

‘Dancing Enchanters’ is a group of beautiful personalities who share a deep passion for dancing. The current group has 20 dedicated members, nine seniors and 11 juniors, including Director Devi Ramcharitar.

The dances are choreographed by Ramcharitar, with assistance from the company’s manager, Nirvanie Manniram.

The two have been dancing from a tender age, and are the driving forces behind the group’s astonishing performances. Their style of dancing is unique, elegant and graceful, highlighting the rich culture of Guyanese.

The dances range from classical Indian to contemporary and modern English.

First Lady, Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar (centre) shar

GEA distributes booklets to pri

St Margaret’s Primary Head Teacher, Ms Georgiana receiving the booklets from GEA’s Public Communic Officer, Taiwo Wilson-Williams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

e at ICT show

re a moment with members of ‘Dancing Enchanters.’

Energy Activity imary schools

Lewis, cations

THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), on Friday last, distributed the Energy Activity Booklet titled ‘What is Energy?’ for 4 Primary schools. The schools that were the recipients of the booklets were St Angela’s Primary, St Margaret’s Primary, Stella Maris and Maes Primary. Each school received 35 copies of the Booklet, according to a statement from the GEA. In the exercise of its mandate to continuously seek to promote and disseminate information about energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development and utilisation of renewable sources of energy, the GEA designed the booklet for children of grades 4 to 6.

‘What is Energy?’ was created as a means of disseminating information to students about energy so as to foster discussions within classrooms and to encourage further learning through an entertaining medium. Divided into the four core subject areas (Maths, English, Science and Social Studies) under which various activities have been prepared, the booklet was designed with the common theme of ‘Energy’ running through each subject.

The four aforementioned schools took part in the pilot exercise of the booklet; thereby contributing significantly in ensuring that the booklet catered effectively to the core target group (grades 4 - 6) in relation to the activities it contains, appropriateness and comprehension of content. The recommendations received from the teachers and pupils were incorporated into the final publication.

The Guyana Energy Agency said it wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the Principals, teachers and students for their invaluable support and partnership.

It is the Agency’s hope that the Booklet will be truly embraced in such a manner that Guyana’s Energy Champions (children) would recognise that they too have the “power to conserve energy”, thereby making a positive contribution to ‘a secure and sustainable energy future’.

‘What is Energy?’ can also be downloaded from GEA’s website (www.gea.gov.gy).

17 ‘Dancing Enchanters’ rendering one of their enthralling pieces (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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Anna Regina planning to stage second Town Day

Chairman of the IMC MrToolsie Narine

By Rajendra Prabhulall THE Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Anna Regina is getting ready to stage another Town Day celebration in August.

Its Chairman, Mr. Toolsie Narine, said that a meeting will be held shortly with all stakeholders and the business community to start discussion and planning for the grand celebration.

Addressing Councilors at their statutory meeting, last week Thursday, Narine said this year’s activity is expected to be much big-

ger and more colourful than last year’s, which was the first ever Town Day in the Region.

He said the 2013 Town Day was successful and gathered together thousands of people to celebrate the achievements of the Anna Regina township in the commercial centre.

Member of the IMC, Mr. Rajendra Prabhulall has advocated for a clean-up day under the slogan ‘Pick it Up, Essequibo.’

According to him, the activity should be used as a springboard for planning of the Anna Regina Town Day.

He suggested that the business community, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Police, Army, Fire Service, schoolchildren, rice farmers, Government workers, market vendors/stall holders, fishermen, health workers, teachers, housewives and other residents within the town be involved in the exercise and it should be planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Anna Regina became a town on August 1, 1990 and its first Mayor was the late Etwaria Kumar.

GUYANA CHRONICLE April 15, 2014

GFS receives two ambulances valued $16M - MOVING TO ESTABLISH A GUYANA FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE – ROHEE

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle (centre) with staff members of the Guyana Fire Service

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally

Part of the crowd at last year’s launching of Town Day at Anna Regina

YESTERDAY as the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received two ambulances valued at $16M, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee, said: “This is the re-discovering of the service once provided by the station in the 1950s.”

Minister Rohee also explained that the GFS will proceed in the direction of establishing a Guyana Fire and Ambulance Service and the handing over of the two

ambulances is a manifestation that “we are moving in that direction.”

The GFS received two fully equipped ambulances from the Ministry of Home Affairs and referring to the uses for the ambulances, Chief Fire Officer, Mr Marlon Gentle, said: “Primarily we are working to have them outfitted and become operational within a month. We will then be using them to assist when we arrive on a scene at a road accident or

house fires where persons are injured and we will be assisting the public also in the event of an emergency.”

He also said that some of the first responders have already been trained and they will be training another batch in the near future. There is also continuous training for trained persons.

The Minister of Home Affairs also indicated that monies were budgeted for two more ambulances for the GFS this year.

Kabakaburi residents praise, thank Government for improved sports facilities RESIDENTS of the Kabakaburi community in Upper Pomeroon River are loud in praise and thanks to the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for investing some $2M to improve sports facilities there.

Toshoa Cleveland Simion said the money was provided through Central Government by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to upgrade the sports ground and construct a new pavilion.

He said the investment by Government will benefit hundreds of youths and give them opportunities to develop their sporting skills and excel on to the national and international stage.

Youths playing a game of volley ball on the newly upgraded ground at Kabakaburi

The Toshoa said the intended beneficiaries have welcomed the development and expressed thanks to the Government.

He said the ground was graded and levelled

by a bulldozer and some $1M were spent to upgrade it.

Mr. Simion said the village has two clubs ‘Blazer’ and ‘Macaseema’. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

PNCR Leader, Brig. David Granger addressing the members meeting at Paradise Primary School on Sunday.

PNCR prepares for Local Government elections

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), on Sunday last, held a General Members meeting at the Paradise Primary School. The focus of the Town-Hall style meeting was to prepare Party members for Local Government elections, according to a statement yesterday from the PNCR. Speakers included APNU Local Government Elections Campaign Director, Mr. Winston Felix, MP; Party Chairman, Mr. Basil Williams, MP; and Party Leader, Brigadier David Granger, MP. The Party members present were informed of the PNCR’s plans for local government elections. Party Leader, Brigadier Granger reminded members that the Party would be contesting the elections under the banner of A Partnership for National Unity. Party members were urged to ensure that every eligible person within their various constituencies take advantage of the current 6th cycle of registration and get registered.

Campaign Director, Mr. Felix, told members that their door-to-door mobilisation had to be intensified and suitable candidates identified from the various constituencies to contest at both the Proportional Representation and the First-Past-the-Post. He also outlined the qualifications necessary to be a councillor for a Local Authority Area.

“In a lively interactive question and answer period that followed, members asked a wide range of questions of regional and national interest,” the PNCR stated.

“The Members of Parliament present also took the opportunity to discuss with the Party members the work of APNU in the National Assembly,” the party said, adding that “much time was spent discussing the 2014 Budget”.

Little Abary murder trial…

Statement by No. 1 accused ruled inadmissible in voir dire

By George Barclay A VOIR DIRE (a trial within a trial) held to determine the admissibility of a caution statement by the number one accused in the Abary murder trial, ended with the statement being thrown out and rendered inadmissible in evidence.

Justice Wiliam Ramlal, the presiding judge who conducted the voir dire in the absence of the jury, delivered the ruling at the conclusion of the small trial.

The number three accused, Satnarine Jaikarran, is represented by lawyer, Mr. Jailall Kissoon; accused Neville Crawford is represented by attorneys-at-law Mr. Sandil Kissoon and Miss Rinee Kissoon and accused Randy Crawford is represented by lawyer Mr. Satyesh Kissoon.

Following the ruling in the voir dire, Prosecutrix Miss Dhanika Singh called as her first witness in the substantive trial Sgt. Benaise Adams of the Turkeyen Police Outpost who is attached to the Criminal Investigations Department.

He testified that on June 29, 2010 on the day in question he was on duty when as a result of a report received about an alleged stabbing at Little Abary, Mahaicony, he visited the scene where he saw the body of a man lying on the parapet in a north to south position.

The body, he said, was attired in a dark pants. The witness said that he left the body on the roadside and returned to the station.

According to him when he first saw the man, he was bleeding from the left hand.

The injuries, he said, revealed a chop on the back about four inches in length and a haematoma (a mass of usually clotted blood) over the left eye and injured fingers.

The defence lawyers are alleging that Sgt. Adams did not examine the injured man as he was supposed to do and returned to the station without taking him for treatment.

Adams was expected to be cross-examined at length yesterday afternoon.

The hearing of the matter is continuing before Justice Ramlal and a mixed jury.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

PM Hinds cautions Opposition against cutting GPL subvention

By Clifford Stanley

GUYANA Power and Light (GPL) will need the $3.850B subvention allocated in the 2014 Budget for capital investments aimed at improving and extending the electricity supply to every home in this country.

And should the allocation be cut from the estimates, efforts to improve the delivery on the Corentyne and in Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica and Anna Regina will have to be shelved and the national loss prevention programme suspended.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds outlined the situation, last week, to the Opposition in Parliament during the Budget Debate.

He told Members of Parliament (MPs) on the opposite side of the House: “If you cut, I hope that, if we have to go out and get this money elsewhere and we get it on the private market at 15 to 25 percent interest rate, I hope you wouldn’t come back and cry corruption.”

“Be careful how you cut,” the Prime Minister warned them.

In his presentation to the National Assembly, he said the subvention requested was neither a handout nor money being thrown into a black hole and added that it is the amount GPL ought to have been receiving from tariffs.

TARIFF CALCULATION “The tariff calculation established at the time of GPL’s privatisation, which was based on international practice, sets the annual adjustment of GPL for 2014 at about 12 percent, which would have provided the company with $4B from the increase,” he explained.

PRIME MINISTER Mr. Hinds said that, since SAMUEL HINDS the pull out from GPL of the previous investor, Government has given allocations to the company amounting to more than $40B. On the other hand though, Government had been keeping electricity charges to consumers suppressed, at times by as much of 30 percent and, if Government had allowed the tariff to be where it ought to be, GPL would get $4B or just a little more than that provided in the 2014 budget, he pointed out.

“So, while Government allocations for GPL had totalled $40B, the net total suppression of tariffs or the net forgone revenue has totalled about $27B,” the Prime Minister disclosed.

He said it should be known that, when tariffs are suppressed as has been the case, the company would still need money and, if not provided can then only run down.

“That is how the GPL was in 1992 and we don’t want to repeat that experience,” he stated.

CONTINUOUS REVIEW The Prime Minister said, despite allegations to the contrary, GPL was under continuous review by experts and consulting groups and is doing fairly well.

He said the requested $3.850B will be used to complete upgrading programmes in Corentyne, the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast and at Bartica.

He cautioned the Opposition MPs: “If you cut this allocation, the opportunity to make these investments at a concessionary charge of four percent will be lost; the Corentyne will have to live without the sub-stations, the supply of electricity to Leguan and Wakenaam will be restricted to sixteen hours a day or less; the new generating stations at Anna Regina and Bartica will be delayed and the loss recovery programme will have to be suspended.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE April 15, 2014

CADVA honours outgoing US ambassador

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally OUTGOING US Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Mr. D. Brent Hardt, was honoured by the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness organization (CADVA) at a simple ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel on March 11.

Ambassador Hardt had this to say at the ceremony: “Throughout my tenure as ambassador, I have often spoken about the critical contributions that Guyanese in the diaspora can make back home here, and CADVA’s engagement is really charting new ground and setting a shining example that I hope many others will follow”.

The members of the United States (US) Embassy team have been working diligently to tackle the plague of domestic violence with the same determination with which they have helped to combat human trafficking, created new opportunities for young people, and raised environmental awareness among other programmes and initiatives.

Ambassador Hardt expressed sincere gratitude to CADVA for hosting a ceremony in his honour, and said that while he humbly accepted the

Taurus April 20 - May 20 There’s so much good stuff all around you, you’ll just want to grab hold of as much as possible and revel in it. It’s certainly an appropriate time for indulgence, but you’ll be even happier in the end if you mix in a balance of activities -- and others will enjoy it with you as well. How about heading up a nice walk before (and maybe after) that big, celebratory meal? It could just become a special new tradition.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 The energy the stars are sending you befits this special day perfectly. You’re ready for fun and celebration surrounding family and friends, and everything has a little extra sparkle to it. If there’s a romantic connection happening in your life, that’ll be extra shiny, too. Get out the camera to document the memories, and don’t forget to spend a few minutes on the phone with those who can’t be there.

L-R CADVA official, Ms. Diane Madray, presents U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt with a token of appreciation.

tokens and tributes, he has done so on behalf of his “extraordinarily dedicated, hardworking and passionate” team at the US Embassy.

Ambassador Hardt also highlighted the efforts of Mrs. Saskia Hardt, who has been reaching out to young people in particular.

He also congratulated the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) for its efforts in combating domestic violence, promoting human rights, and attempting to rid society of homophobia.

Ambassador Hardt was sworn into office on August 18, 2011, and will end his tenure as ambassador sometime in July, 2014.

CADVA Incorporated was founded by Ms. Sukree Boodram, who had been a

victim of domestic violence.

Boodram is the author of ‘Break Out’, and is among those fortunate enough to have managed to escape the entrapment of domestic abuse and violence. She is determined to help others become victorious in their struggles.

CADVA Incorporated focuses on improving the situation in the US and Caribbean countries, where large pockets of cultural demographics exist, and where domestic violence is not openly discussed.

With help from donations, funding, charitable contributions, fundraising events and partners, CADVA is looking to make a difference in its efforts to free the world of domestic violence.

Body of alcoholic fished out of trench at Sparta BANUMANATTIE Ramcharran, 51, of Sparta on the Essequibo Coast, was found dead early Friday in a drainage trench along the public road at Reliance.

According to reports, the woman, who is said to be an alcoholic and mother of two, would normally drink and roam from village to village.

The body of the woman, which bore no marks of violence, was discovered by residents. It was fished out the drain by police officers and taken to the Suddie mortuary.

Investigations are ongoing.

(Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

Aries March 21 - April 19 Your world’s an orderly, balanced and bright one, and you’re doing your part to keep it that way -- putting selfishness aside and enjoying giving just as much as you’re delighting in receiving. This generous mood of yours also gives you an extra-sparkly charm factor, which won’t go unnoticed by those around you (and may be noticed by one person in particular). Keep the cycle of good energy going, and get the most out of this special day.

Cancer June 22 - July 22 Home and all things domestic -- maybe lavish meals, entertaining family and friends, enjoying coziness and comfort -- are in the stars, in a way that seems custom-made for you. You’ll actually enjoy troubleshooting any little bumps that occur in your carefully laid plans, getting creative if relatives have a tiff or dessert gets burned.

Who knows? What starts out as an accident could turn into a great tradition.

Leo July 23 - August 22 It feels as if other people were put here to grant your wishes, but it’s also a reflection of your own generous spirit and accumulated good karma. A very special gift could come your way now, and you know how you love to get gifts. It could be something big in the material realm -- computer equipment, a digital doohickey you’ve been hankering for, a gorgeous piece of artwork -- or it could be something intangible but that’s even more precious. Enjoy!

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Your analytical side goes out the window now, and you’re indulging in sweet sentimentality. It doesn’t hurt that you have the day all planned out (which will also come in handy since if you had to make a decision today, it’d be difficult). Enjoy the company of family and friends, and don’t be surprised if you’re moved to tell people how meaningful they are to you. In fact, just go ahead and do it.

Libra September 23 - October 22 With your usual impeccable timing, you have the good energy going full-blast and it’s just going to continue to flow. The universe is definitely on your side, and any and all celebrations that you’re a part of will be a smashing success. Meanwhile, there’s also the possibility of some amped-up romance, so don’t hesitate to steal some special moments with a special someone -- it could be the best part of a great day.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 If life were a reality TV show, you’d be the one who was most excited about the final revealing scene, the one with the surprise twist and the unveiling of the cause of all the buildup. Today is just like that, except without the creepy cosmetic surgery and weird hosts. The sweet little secrets you’ve cooked up recently are finally revealed, and everyone loves them. Plus, someone’s got a special thing or two to surprise you, too.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Friends treasure you, family loves you, and you feel totally tapped into it all. Life’s a gift, and you’re gleefully tearing off the paper and tying the ribbon around the top of your head (yes, you’re a gift, too!). Some deeper moments during the day will especially please you -- talking about what it all means, maybe even being asked for advice by someone you really respect.

Tuesday April 15, 2014 - 05:00 Wednesday April 16, 2014 - 05:00

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Letting your industrious side take the day off could prove challenging, but it’ll mean a great deal to the family and friends who’d like your complete presence. Whatever’s going on at work will definitely be there tomorrow, while this day happens only once. Get yourself busy and engaged in the moment -- appoint yourself official photographer, or soups chef for a celebratory meal, or make a point of having a good conversation with each and every person in the room. Or do all three!

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Your mind may be wandering to far-off places -- perhaps someone’s given you the gift of a plane ticket, even -- but friends and family would still like to feel that you’re in the present moment. Make a special effort to keep your five senses up and running; if you take the time to appreciate all that’s around you, you won’t be able to help being involved.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Things are just getting better right about now, and today is no exception to the general trend. In fact, gatherings and groups are wonderful today, and you have many an opportunity to strengthen bonds and deepen connections. The fact that you’re sincerely ready to help also makes you a precious part of the scene and an integral part of the fun. Keep it all in balance with a little bit of alone time -- maybe a brisk, thoughtful walk.

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Pistorius ‘using emotions as an escape’, prosecutor says

By Helen Nyambura-Mwaura PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - The prosecutor in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial yesterday accused the track star of using emotional breakdowns under cross-examination to evade answering questions about the night he killed his girlfriend.

The Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, who faces life in prison if convicted of murdering Reeva Steenkamp, says he shot the 29-year-old model in a tragic accident, firing at what he thought was an intruder hiding behind a locked toilet door.

The athlete has broken down numerous times during the 22-day trial, including retching into a bucket. He burst into tears again yesterday morning when recounting the moment he screamed at what he thought was a burglar, prompting the judge to call a 30-minute adjourn-

Oscar Pistorius ment.

State prosecutor Gerrie “Get the f… out of my Nel, whose reputation as one house! Get the f… out of my of South Africa’s toughest house!” a trembling Pistorius attorneys has earned him the said when asked to state pre- nickname ‘The Pitbull’, said cisely what he screamed at the athlete was just putting the perceived intruder. on an act to avoid having to He then burst into tears answer his questions. as family members in the Nel questioned why Pispublic gallery rushed to torius would get upset when comfort him. being asked about whether Towards the end of the he did or did not open doors day, he again began to cry leading from his bedroom to when answering questions a balcony to shout for help about the immediate after- minutes after the shooting. math of the shooting.

“I cannot see how that

can cause you to be emotional because you cannot remember how to open a door.

We’re not talking about Reeva,” Nel said, referring to previous breakdowns, which have usually been when he describes the shooting.

“You’re not using your emotional state as an escape, are you?” Nel said, raising his eyebrows and shaking his head.

The murder trial has captivated South Africa and millions of athletics fans around the world who viewed Pistorius, known as the ‘Blade Runner’ because of the carbon-fibre prosthetics he uses on the track, as a symbol of triumph over adversity.

His disabled lower legs were amputated as a baby but he went on to achieve global fame, winning Paralympic gold medals and reaching the semi-finals of the 400 metres in the 2012 London Olympics against able-bodied athletes.

Two in three Americans do not plan to follow football’s World Cup

By Lindsay Dunsmuir NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - When the U.S. men’s football team line up in Brazil to play their first game of the football World Cup in June, their home support may be tepid at best.

Two in three Americans do not plan to follow this year’s tournament, according to an ongoing Reuters/Ipsos poll. Only 7 percent said they anticipated following it closely.

It’s been 20 years since the United States hosted the World Cup, an attempt at the time to bring football to a mass American audience. Two years later, a new professional league - Major League Soccer (MLS) - began. The league has grown from 10 to 19 teams.

The arrival of international stars such as David Beckham and Thierry Henry to play for MLS teams in recent years has boosted the sport’s popularity.

David Beckham The owners of successful English Premier League team Manchester City, in partnership with the New York Yankees, are due to debut the New York City Football Club for the 2015 MLS season.

A Beckham-backed Miami team is also in the process of being established in order to join the league.

But football still has a long way to go before its marquee event can stake a claim alongside football’s Super Bowl, the National Basketball Association finals, and baseball’s World Series in American minds, the poll shows.

Eighty-six percent of

Americans said they either know nothing or only a little bit about the World Cup, and more than twothirds did not know Brazil is the 2014 host nation.

Jose Vargas, 48, does plan on watching the World Cup in Houston, where he has lived since coming to the United States in 2003. But he will be supporting his birth nation: Colombia.

And while he says that football is popular among his Hispanic friends, he does not think a diversity of Americans is that enthused. “Soccer is really a sport that’s followed in Latin America and Europe,” he said.

ABC/ESPN paid $100 million in 2005 for the broadcast rights in English to FIFA events from 2007 to 2014, including this year’s World Cup, while Univision paid $325 million for the Spanish-language rights.

The poll does show that one-third of Hispanic Americans will be fol-

lowing the tournament or some teams closely, double the percentage for respondents overall.

Hispanics comprised 16 percent of the total U.S. population in 2010, according to census data.

Kelli Cousineau, 33, and her family will not be watching the World Cup at home near Phoenix despite her having played football in junior high.

She switched to volleyball for a chance at a college scholarship and says that football still isn’t taken as seriously. “It’s just not a sport that has a lot of following,” she said. “The other sports like basketball, baseball and football are considered all-American.”

The results were taken from an ongoing Reuters/ Ipsos online poll and include the responses of 1 416 adult Americans from April 7 to 11. The credibility interval, a measure of precision, is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Limacol renews Caribbean League sponsorship deal KINGSTON, Jamaica: New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company Incorporated (NEW GPC INC), under its popular Limacol brand, has renewed its sponsorship of the hugely successful Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Limacol was title sponsor as the CPL launched in 2013 to sell-out crowds, with over 250 000 spectators attending matches across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia. Global stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan took part in the tournament, dubbed the Biggest Party in Sport, where franchise team shareholders included Hollywood stars, Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler. The competition is set to get even bigger in 2014 with the Caribbean’s finest players set to be joined by cricketing superstars like Kevin Pietersen and Mohammad Hafeez.

As well as providing exciting cricket and high quality entertainment, the Limacol CPL 2013 was a big success off the field. Research carried out by Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), University of the West Indies, found that the tournament generated a combined impact

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of US$105.6M across the region.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Caribbean Premier League, said: “It’s great to have Limacol on board again. It recognised the potential of the CPL in our early days, and after the success of our inaugural competition, we’re looking forward to working with Limacol again to further develop our brand.”

Dr Ranjitsingh ‘Bobby’ Ramroop Chairman, NEW GPC (Limacol) said: “We are delighted to be on board as CPL title sponsor for a second year.

The Limacol CPL was the most exciting thing the region has ever seen in terms of sports and entertainment and we wanted it to be here to stay so we took the decision to invest. The event is Caribbean at heart, but with global aspirations.

In that sense, it mirrors Limacol’s own vision – to be a world-class Caribbean brand that also captivates the world.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League returns in July and August 2014 when Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.

12:00 hrs Ray Of Joy 12:35 hrs Travel South African Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Cote De Pablo 08:55 hrs Judical 09:30 hrs Red Mariner 10:05 hrs Kingston Mines 10:40 hrs Bluebell Glade 11:15 hrs The Sanquharian American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Mad Magic Race 2 Good Feng Shui Race 3 Goldinyourhands Race 4 Fat Kat Race 5 Cinnamonjellybean Race 6 Miss Sweet Afleet Race 7 Valentinos Gold Race 8 Collection Time

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

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Pacquiao targets Mayweather in fight all fans crave

By Rebecca Bryan LAS VEGAS, N evada (AFP) - Manny Pacquiao avenged his loss to Timothy Bradley in convincing style last Saturday, and said he’s ready any time to negotiate the bout with Floyd Mayweather that fight fans crave.

“The line is open 24 hours, seven days a week,” the Filipino ring icon said after his 12-round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Bradley.

The win rectified what most saw as a grave miscarriage in their first fight in 2012, when Bradley was awarded a split decision win and the World Boxing Organisation welterweight belt.

Pacquiao’s energy and precision also backed the 35-year-old’s claim that his boxing journey is far from over -- making talk of a mouth-watering Pacquiao-Mayweather match inevitable.

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates victory over Timothy Bradley of the U.S. in their WBO welterweight fight.

“If he wants to fight, the fight will be on,” Pacquiao

said, although history has shown it’s not that easy.

In late 2009 and early 2010, Pacquiao and Mayweather were considered the world’s top pound-forpound fighters and record profits were expected from a showdown.

Timothy Bradley of U.S. (R) covers up against Manny Pacquiao of Philippines (L) during their WBO World …

But a disagreement over pre-fight blood testing scuttled talks already complicated by the need to satisfy rival pay-per-view outlets HBO and Showtime.

Other negotiations broke down over the division of the purse, and the intervening years have brought a further chill to relations between Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions and Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“It’s really hard to talk about that,” Pacquiao said.

“How many years have we talked about it and it hasn’t happened?”

Trainer Freddie Roach

CSK facing off-field distractions, says Stephen Fleming DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming yesterday conceded to experiencing off-field “distractions” going into the IPL 7 season because of the controversies surrounding the team but hoped that his side would settle down once the tournament begins tomorrow.

“There’s a lot going on, I won’t lie. There are a lot of distractions (leading up to the tournament). I think we were all uncertain about how it was going to play out,” Fleming said.

“We were desperate to get back into the fold of the team. It has been only six years but a lot has happened. It’s nice to get back into a team environment, where you’re somewhat cocooned, and get a bit more info. All we can do is to try and be consistent again but yes, it (controversy) is there, we acknowledge it.”

The franchise has been on shaky ground ever since one of their officials, Gurunath Meiyappan, also the son-in-law of BCCI president N. Srinivasan - the vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, the company that owns CSK - was arrested on charges of

seems to flip-flop as to whether the bout will ever take place, saying earlier this month he thought it would if only because the pool of potential opponents for both Pacquiao and Mayweather is so small.

In the days before the Bradley fight, he seemed less optimistic, but said if it does happen it could be as a career finale for both men.

“On our side, I think Bob wants that fight to be our last fight,” Roach said Pacquiao looks set to clash later this year with the winner of the May 17 fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado.

Pacquiao has fought Marquez four times, and was brutally knocked out by the Mexican star in their last encounter in December of 2012.

Mayweather, 37, will put his perfect 45-0 record on the line against Argentina’s Marcos Maidana on May 3 in a welterweight world title clash.

Prominent advertising for Mayweather-Maidana at the MGM Grand during the week of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight incensed Arum, who went so far as to threaten never to have Pacquiao

fight there again He derided the Mayweather-Maidana match-up as “nonsense,” no doubt further provoked by Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions’ decision to make Maidana available to the media at the MGM Grand just hours before Pacquiao-Bradley last Saturday.

Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, took the opportunity to take a poke at Arum’s card, saying the projected gate receipts of about $8 million -- later confirmed by Arum -would be dwarfed by Mayweather-Maidana, which had already sold $14 million worth of tickets.

“People come to see Floyd Mayweather fight in big events,” Ellerbe said.

“That’s why we do the kind of numbers that we do.”

Despite the war of words, Arum insisted Saturday night that he was ready to try again.

“If they want to operate in good faith and want to get something done, everything is possible,” Arum said. “Any excuse for it not happening is just posturing.

Phelps to come out of retirement, says USA Swimming

Going into the IPL 7 season, CSK are surrounded by controversies but Stephen Fleming feels that his side would settle down once the tournament starts. most important thing. gone for some power playWe’ll touch on the con- ers that on their day can win cheating, forgery and fraud troversies (in team talks), games. two days before the IPL 2013 if we think it’s an issue. final, amid the spot-fixing “We’ve learnt a lot in the But I think most players last six years. The players scandal. are pretty relieved to be we’ve picked have quality The Supreme Court, back and playing togeth- and experience; these guys while hearing a case relater.” ed to Srinivasan’s conflict have done it before. Smith, S p e a k i n g a b o u t t h e in particular, has done it of interest issues, proposed changes in the team this before for Mumbai. McCulsuspending the franchise season, Fleming said, “I lum’s the same - he didn’t last month, but decided think there are some pretty have much of a go at KKR, against it in the end. powerful additions to the but we’re looking forward to Fleming said getting toside - some new tools to getting him an opportunity. gether as a team could act play around with this season. as a balm for the players’ Overall I know we’ve There has been a shift in that got a good side because the nerves. we’ve lost a great player in Indian core of players is dy“Getting back into the Michael Hussey, but we’ve namic.” (Cricketnext.com) team environment is the

(REUTERS) - Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time, is coming out of retirement, USA Swimming said yesterday.

The American, who has not competed since the 2012 London Games, will headline an April 24-26 meet in Arizona along with fellow Olympians Ryan Lochte and Katie Ledecky.

Phelps, who turns 29 in June, rejoined the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s drug testing programme last November, a clear signal that he could be considering a return to the swimming pool in time for the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.

Phelps retired from competitive swimming after winning four gold and two silver medals at the 2012 London Olympics to take his career tally to 22, 18 of which were gold.

Michael Phelps He had repeatedly said before the London Games he would not contemplate a comeback after he retired and his coach downplayed any suggestions Phelps was considering a return to compete at what would be his fifth Olympics in Rio. The Next Arena Grand Prix at Mesa is the fourth stop of USA Swimming’s 2013-14 Arena Grand Prix Series, which provides the nation’s best swimmers six opportunities to face top-flight competition on U.S. soil.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

Campbell, Miller bowl Jamaica into semis CAVE HILL, Barbados (CMC) – Slow bowlers John Campbell and Nikita Miller shared seven wickets as they bowled Jamaica into the semi-finals of the Regional Four-Day Championship, with a 59-run victory over the Combined Campuses & Colleges here yesterday.

Part-time off-spinner Campbell ended with the flattering figures of four for 17 from eight overs and champion left-arm spinner Miller finished with three for 61 from 27.5 overs, as the CCC were dismissed for 177 in their second innings on the final day of the seventh round match.

Miller formalised the result about 40 minutes after the start of play, when coincidentally he had opposing left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican caught

behind for four, playing defensively forward.

The result earned the Jamaicans 15 points, moving them to 59 and into fourth place at the completion of the preliminary phase of the tournament, and the CCC bagged three points to end on 49 and finish fifth.

The visitors will now remain in Bridgetown to face Kraigg Brathwaite’s Barbados side come Saturday in one-semi-final while Rayad Emrit’s Trinidad & Tobago take on Windwards in the other semi-final at Queen’s Park Oval. Both semi-final matches start on Saturday.

Starting the day on 155 for five, CCC were set back in the third over of the morning, when the injured Paul Palmer, their last recognised bats-

Nikita Miller

man, was caught at slip off Campbell for a duck.

Miller turned the screws next over, when he trapped Akeem Dewar lbw for one, playing defensively forward, and Campbell squeezed tighter, when captain Steven Jacobs was caught at deep mid-wicket for 21, going for glory.

CCC were 163 for eight

JAMAICA first innings 182 COMBINED CAMPUSES & COLLEGES 1st innings 161 JAMAICA 2nd innings 215 COMBINED CAMPUSES & COLLEGES 2nd innings (target: 237) (o/n 155 for five) S. Thomas c Campbell b Taylor 15 K. Corbin lbw b Miller 31 F. Reifer c wkp. Baugh b Taylor 2 C. Walton c Taylor b Campbell 47 R. Reifer c Taylor b Jacobs 30 S. Jacobs c Jacobs b Campbell 21 P. Palmer c wkp. Baugh b Campbell 0

and it was all a matter of time, as Campbell had Kevin McClean caught at silly point for 10 from a delivery that leapt at the batsman before Miller wrote the final sentence.

The victory also meant that the Jamaicans kept their enviable record of never losing to the CCC in this tournament intact.

A. Dewar lbw b Miller 1 K. McClean c Bonner b Campbell 10 J. Warrican c wkp Baugh b Miller 4 R. Austin not out 0 Extras: (b-11, lb-3, w-1, nb-1) 16 Total: (all out, 61.5 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-27, 3-64, 4-131, 5-155, 6-158, 7-163, 8-163, 9-175.

Bowling: Taylor 7-1-36-2 (nb-1, w-1); Cotterell 6-0-10-0; Miller 27.56-61-3; Jacobs 11-1-31-1; Lambert 2-0-8-0; Campbell 8-1-17-4 Points: Jamaica 15, CCC 3

Donation of equipment for GTTA from former junior Caribbean champ

T H E G u y a n a Ta b l e Te n n i s A s s o c i a t i o n (GTTA) last Saturday received a donation of equipment from a former junior Caribbean table tennis champion Michael Clarke, i n a s i m p l e p re s e n t a tion ceremony held at the Guyana Olympic House, High Street.

Attended by executives from the GTTA, and a number of table tennis players, Clarke handed over a collection of developmental equipment.

Clarke, noting how difficult procuring equipment was back in his days, stated that he hopes this donation will be the first of many ges-

tures towards giving back to the sport.

“The thing about it is equipment was not easy to get back then, you really had to be proficient and save your money, so when I thought about this gesture I had stuff piling up in my garage and I thought this would be fitting to do.

“I want to make sure Guyana stay competitive because I read about the programmes and they are quite impressive, so this is the first gesture but it doesn’t stop here,” Clarke said.

Representing the GTTA, president Godfrey Munroe expressed his pleasure at the gesture, and gratitude

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday April 15, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALLBourda 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: 153 runs Australia Today’s Quiz: How many Test centuries Sir Vivian Richards made?

How many were against England?

How many times the WI have been involved in ‘tied’ ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Pre-Cadet bronze medallist Kayson Ninvalle receives the donation from Michael Clarke, in the presence of GTTA president Godfrey Munroe (far left) and other stakeholders.

towards Clarke for his benevolence.

“We are quite heartened by your kind gesture and it’s fitting when someone who benefited from the sport can contribute. We know that they might have always been things that you liked, but there were also pluses and it’s that we can rise above that and we appreciate the gesture,” Munroe said.

GFF/Banks Beer National Premier League

BV/Triumph defeat NA United 6-2 to climb points table

BV/Triumph defeated New Amsterdam United 6-2 at the Burnham Park ground when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Banks National Premier League continued last Sunday.

The highlight of the game was a helmet-trick off the boot of Romario Welcome who scored the first of his four goals in the ninth minute after Akeem Curry had opened the team’s (BV/Triumph) account with a seventh-minute goal.

Welcome then doubled his personal account in the 41st minute then scored the other two goals in the 71st and 85th minutes.

Kashif Jackman scored the other goal in the second minute of injury time.

Scoring for New Amsterdam United was Adrian Adams who netted a double in the 28th

… Welcome registers helmet-trick

and 45th minutes.

The win for BV/Triumph earned them three points, propelling them to 13th in the points standing with 17 points.

They join New Amsterdam United, Santos and Milerock who all have 17 points each, but New Amsterdam United have a plus three goal difference, while BV/Triumph have a minus 15 goal difference.

Santos have a minus 10 difference and Milerock, who beat Silver Shattas 3-0 on Sunday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground have a zero difference.

Also on Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Winners Connection defeated Mahaica Determi-

nators 2-1 and earned three points for the victory and with that, they have moved to 19 points and are currently 10th in the points standing.

There are two remaining matches to be played on a date to be announced by the GFF. Mahaica Determinators are down to face Silver Shattas and New Amsterdam United will square off with Young Achievers in the other match.

Based on the points standing, it is evident that Yoiung Achievers and Mahaica Determinators will be relegated as they have three and 12 points respectively.

A win for Young Achievers over New Amsterdam United will only take them

to six points, while a win for Mahaica Determinators over Silver Shattas will see them move to 15 points.

Heading the points standing are Alpha United with 45 points from 15 matches all of which they won, scoring 62 goals in the process while conceding only seven.

Guyana Defence Force, BK Western Tigers and Buxton United have all played their 15 matches and GDF are second in the standing with 34 points.

Western Tigers are third also with 34 points but with a plus 15 goal difference compared to the Army’s plus 26.

Buxton United are fourth in the standing with 29 points.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 15, 2014

31

Stag Beer/EBFA Div.1 League

Grove Hi Tech take lead, handing Timehri their first loss GROVE Hi Tech handed Timehri Panthers their first loss of the Stag Beer/ East Bank Football Association (EBFA) division-one league and in the process took over pole position in the points standing, with a superior goal average.

It was a ding-dong battle between the arch rivals at the Grove Playfield on Sunday afternoon when the final whistle was blown.

Grove had scored twice with assistance from Timehri with an own goal and the losers failed to register a goal, losing 2-0.

The day’s opening salvo saw Kuru Kururu Warriors record their third win of the season while delivering the fifth straight loss to Herstelling FC - a 4-0 whipping.

The main attraction, witnessed by a fair-size crowd of mostly Grove supporters who were totally involved in every moment of the game with the home team going on the offensive early, cognisant of the fact that Timehri are a dangerous team.

The pressure was kept up in the first quarter of the game with quite a few corners coming Grove’s way. It was from a corner that the opening goal materialised. Clive Matthews

… Kuru Kururu also win

Domini Garnett’s header sails into the back of the net for Grove’s opening goal against Timehri Panthers in the Stag Beer/East Bank Football Association division-one league

Jr it was who was entrusted with throwing the ball over and found the head of diminutive forward and captain, Domini Garnett, who made no mistake in clinically putting the ball away in the 14th minute.

While the lead was secured, Grove still experienced nervous moments as they sought to protect their advantage even as Timehri sought to draw even. As the game progressed the tension kept rising in both camps and around the field among the fans.

The anxiety significantly lowered for Grove when Timehri scored against themselves in the 70th minute - a goal that effectively

knocked the wind out of their sails. Grove did their utmost to secure the lead and accomplished same at the end of 90 minutes of bruising ball.

Leading Kuru Kururu Warriors to an easy win over Herstelling was Cordel Johnson who blasted a hat-trick.

He was on target in the 46th, 71st and 86th minutes. The scene for the win was set

by Rakesh Haimnauth who converted in the 27th minute.

The win for the Warriors propelled them into fourth place behind Agricola, Timehri and Grove.

Another double-header is fixed for Sunday at the same venue.

Rain spoils exciting final day action as game ends in tame draw

By Calvin Roberts

TWO RAIN interruptions before the start of play and 10 minutes after lunch yesterday, spoilt what would have been an exciting final day in the seventh round West Indies Cricket Board Regional four-day match at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, between hosts Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Final scores Trinidad and Tobago 294 and 212, Guyana

282 and 80 for 3.

Asked to score 225 for victory, Guyana who lost Trevon Griffith lbw to Amit Jaggernauth for 13 the previous afternoon, began the day on 17 for 1, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 3 and T&T’s destroyer with the ball Devendra Bishoo yet to score.

This was after play commenced 70 minutes late in the morning session, due to some early morning rain and a heavy drizzle

… Bishoo named man-of-the-match

which forced all the players off the field during their warm-up sessions.

When umpire Nigel Duguid and his Barbadian counterpart Gregory Brathwaite called play, Bishoo steered a delivery from Marlon Richards to third man for four, before he saw the demise of Chanderpaul

who was lbw to Richards for 7, at 33 for 2.

Enter the 17-year-old Shimron Hetmyer who failed to score in the first innings, in overcast conditions, and this time he did not disappoint, pulling a short delivery from Richards to squareleg authoritatively for four, to score

Official Points Standings after Regional 4-Day Round 7 matches ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Following are the Official Points Standings after the seventh and final round of preliminary matches in the Regional 4-Day Tournament ended yesterday.

Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, D-drawn, T-tied, NR-no result, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points

Leon Johnson

his first runs at this level.

H o w e v e r, h e g o t a rush of blood and picked out Ryad Emrit at midoff, when he looked to hit Richards over that area, a replica of his first-innings dismissal, leaving Guyana on 43 for 3, which later became 64 for 3 at lunch, with Bishoo on 21 and Leon Johnson 18.

After lunch, Guyana progressed to 70 for 3 with both batsmen adding three runs each to their respective totals, before the heavens opened and halted the proceedings for three hours and 17 minutes.

Play resumed at 16:52hrs and Johnson hit two fours off Imran Khan to push his personal score to 30, before the umpires and players called it a day at 17:00hrs, with Bishoo on 25 and Guyana 80 for 3 off 40 overs.

Bishoo was named manof-the-match.

T&T first innings 294 Guyana 1st innings 282 T&T 2nd innings 212 Guyana 2nd innings (o/n 17-1) T. Griffith lbw b Jaggernauth 13 T. Chanderpaul lbw b Richards 7 D. Bishoo not out 25 S. Hetmyer c Emrit b Richards 4 L. Johnson not out 30 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (for 3 wkts, off 40 overs) 80 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-33, 3-43.

Bowling: Gabriel 6-1-12-0, Emrit 5-3-8-0 Jaggernauth 14-4-18-1, Mohammed 6-2-9-0, Richards 7-121-2, Khan 2-1-11-0.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Grove Hi Tech take lead, handing Timehri their first (See Story on page 27)

Alpha, GDF into NAMILCO One Love Football Classic semis

THE semi-final die is now cast, following the final quarter-final matches of the NAMILCO One Love Football Classic knockout tournament, contested last Sunday evening at the Tucville Playfield.

Based on the pre-game hype, the scale was tipping in favour of wins for Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United and Slingerz but by the end of the evening, Alpha were through, yes, but it was the Guyana Defence Force who arrested Slingerz to book a semi-final date with Riddim Squad while Alpha will engage Fruta Conquerors.

Both Alpha and GDF were 1-0 winners over Western Tigers and Slingerz, respectively. Facing off in the main event, Slingerz and the GDF did not hide their intentions as they both went after each other in a fierce manner but within the confines of the laws of the game.

While the evening was cool, the on-field exchanges were hot, as both teams pressed each other and, like the first game, close marking was the order of proceedings.

The fact that the game was

decided by a single goal tells the story.

There was air-tight defence on both sides and when the Army were presented with the slightest possibility to score, they responded with glee. The opening 45 minutes was even in terms of returns, the boys from Camp Ayanganna were solid in defence as they kept the dangerous Anthony ‘Awo Abrams at bay.

Abrams’ reputation as a striker is well known and it was clear as day that the GDF did their homework in nullifying his strengths while unleashing a sleeping giant of their own in offence - the fleet-footed Delwyn Fraser.

Fraser was a constant bother to Slingerz’ defence, as Abrams was kept at bay also at the other end. Early in the second half however, Fraser ensured that he made Slingerz pay for allowing a bit too much latitude as he broke away from their defence to bang a well-directed shot past Jason Cromwell into goal.

The breakthrough came

Limacol renews Caribbean League sponsorship deal

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This GDF player (#3) keeps his eyes on the ball as this Slingerz player works his way into the final third. building more on Alpha. Their four minutes into the half and that was all that was needed to secure a place in the final four.

Even the likes of Devon Millington and Vurlon Mills in the Slingerz line-up did not intimidate the Army boys as they stuck to their game plan of not giving up too much space to the high-ranking

and star-studded Slingerz.

It was almost the same script in the first game as Western Tigers too, kept on the heels of the Alpha United players as they matched them play for play.

The longer the game went without a goal being scored meant that the pressure was

experience as the undisputed kings of the game in Guyana and their known exploits at the Caribbean and CONCACAF levels is what brought them through successfully.

Gregory ‘Jackie’ Chan tried his best to crack the defense of the Tigers but every time he looked like sneaking

away, he was kept in check.

His presence, however, kept the Tigers defenders and goalkeeper Derrick Carter alert always.

Carter brought off some stinging and pointblank saves early in the second half as Alpha stepped up the pressure. They attacked the northern goal. Incidentally, that was the goal where both games were decided.

With the game 64 minutes old, captain Dwight Peters, who worked overtime to give his side the advantage, aimed a powerful shot at goal which was partially blocked

by Carter. The onrushing second-half substitute Sheldon Holder was alert enough to pounce on the ball and tuck it away to break the deadlock.

Tried as they may, neither team were able to be effective in the final third and the ended 1-0 in favour of Alpha who will now host team Fruta Conquerors in the feature semi-final tomorrow at the GFC ground.

Riddim Squad and GDF will square off from 18:00hrs in the first.

Man-of-the-Match Devendra Bishoo

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Guyana’s ace spinner and man-of-the-match Devendra Bishoo ponders his next move with ball in hand, during Trinidad and Tobago’s second innings at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, last Sunday afternoon. Bishoo took 9 for 78 and 6 for 71 to end with match figures of 15 for 149. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2014