Guyana chronicle 16 03 14

GUYANA No. 103769

SUNDAY MARCH 16, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $120

INCLUDING VAT

President Ramotar unveils monument in honour of Rose Hall Martyrs Page 2

-Sookdai Mohabir at 107 years-only survivor of the Rose Hall Riot 15 STRANGE POLITICKING BY ‘ABC’ GROUP FOR LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS THIS YEAR Page

AUOR study finds suicide is a grave problem

Page 3

President Ramotar and Aunty Nancy (Sookdai) Mohabir), only survivor of the riot (Adrian Narine photo)

Calgary University cardiology team arrives today Page 15 -will assist in setting up children’s clinic

-but debunks a media report of 82 suicides on the Essequibo Coast in 2013

Guyanese miners robbed allegedly

by Venezuelan Page 11 -GGDMA, Venezuelan gunmen Embassy to investigate

Father torches home with 10 wife & four children inside Page

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

President Ramotar unveils monument in honour of Rose Hall Martyrs -Sookdai Mohabir at 107 years-only survivor of the Rose Hall Riot

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally THE Rose Hall Memorial

Monument was unveiled

by President Donald Ramotar last Thursday in

Riot in which 15 defenceless sugar workers were killed by the colonial authorities.

Hundreds from across

REMEMBERING

Guyana congregated to witness a moment that would be etched in Guysee centre

“What we enjoy today, that foundation was laid by our martyrs. Our sugar industry played a pivotal role in the life of our country. It was this industry that led the way that changed the conditions of our people.

The sugar industry produced the first set of managers who went to class and helped to develop other industries in Guyana; skilled workers came firstly from this industry.”

Dr Cheddi Jagan

THE Guyana Government is committed to the ideals of sustainable development. We are not prepared to allow anyone to ravage our forests. We are working to improve our capacity to protect our environment. But to do so we need resources - human, material and financial. …. It is therefore a necessary condition for effective environmental protection that countries be free of the strangulation caused by their massive debt payment requirements.

(Dr Cheddi Jagan at the Opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Conservation Association August 23, 1994) President Ramotar paying tribute to the martyrs (Adrian Narine photo)

commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the March 13, 1913 Rose Hall

3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

AUOR study finds suicide is a grave problem -but debunks a media report of 82 suicides on the Essequibo Coast in 2013

By Shirley Thomas THE findings of a study conducted by the Guyana-based American University of Research (AUOR) on ‘Suicide Prevention and Self-Awareness in the Essequibo’ has found that suicides now constitute such a grave problem locally, that serious intervention is needed to stem the increase of suicidal behaviour in our land.

The study was done on the Essequibo Coast during the first week of February by a team of Researchers from the AUOR headed by President, Dr. Eton Simon. The study sought to determine the prevalence and root causes of suicide, and to map out strategies aimed at preventing the spread of suicide in the Essequibo.

THE STUDY Dr. Simon, who presented the findings to the media at the AUOR offices last Wednesday, while acknowledging that suicide has become a dangerous trend locally, nevertheless debunked the statistics appearing in a news story in a section of the media last month claiming that for the year 2013 there were 82 suicides in the Essequibo.

On the contrary, the AUOR study conducted from Supenaam to Charity, Essequibo Coast supported by statistics from the Records Department of the Suddie Hospital spanning 2009 to 2013 showed that for 2013, 16 people died as a result of suicide and not 82.

Heading the 13-member team of researchers was Dr. Eton Simon, President of AUOR, along with Dr. Yeaswantie Beckhoo; Ms. Leila Ramson, Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission, Ms. Aisha Mc Doom Singh; Jenel Williams, Project Officer

and Psychology Student; Zairol Neisha,Co-ordinator, Guyana Professional Counselling Association and Adviser/Mediator in the High Court. Other participants included students of psychology at AUOR. The project was funded solely by the American University of Research, a research, analysis and consultant institute, whose objective is to conduct research to find the root cause of social problems.

SUICIDE DATA: Suicide data presented by the research team revealed the following figures over a 5-year period: For 2009 – 21 deaths; 2010 – 18 deaths; 2011 -17 deaths; 2012 – 20 deaths; and 2013 – 16 deaths. Notwithstanding that fact, reported attempted suicides were: for 2009 - 65; for 2010 – 90; for 2011 – 80; for 2012 -150; and 2013 – 113.

Causes: Of the total of 92 suicides over the five-year period 2009 to 2013, 67 were by poison ingestion, while 25 were by hanging - numbers which all point to the fact that, according to Dr. Simon, suicide has become a trend, and constitutes a serious problem locally.

Dr. Eton Simon, President of the American University of Research presenting the findings of a study done by a Research and Consultant Group on ‘Suicide Prevention and Self Awareness And according to our analysis has become a trend and trends are not very easy to reverse, because the whole idea of trend tends to take on a new mental

“This is an issue that is really scary at the moment, and I must say this issue is more scary than anything else when it comes to suicidal behaviour. And according to our analysis has become a trend and trends are not very easy to reverse, because the whole idea of trend tends to take on a new mental state of awareness.” Dr Simon Trend: “This is an issue that is really scary at the moment, and I must say this issue is more scary than anything else when it comes to suicidal behaviour.

state of awareness,” Dr. Simon disclosed.

He said based on that mental state of awareness it becomes an addiction. And that addiction

will take tremendous input to reverse, adding: “So I strongly believe that serious intervention must be given, to stem the increase of suicidal behaviour in Guyana.”

He gave examples of trends in Guyana and what these lead to, making reference to the culture of dumping garbage at street corners, in alleyways, in front of businesses and even a church cited. The end result is that it eventually gets into people’s psyche, and eventually they begin to pass garbage strewn along the way, without making any big deal of it.

Trends, Professor Simon noted, are behaviour patterns that consume the human mind and when those trends consume the human mind they become very difficult to reverse.

He pointed to other dangerous trends being embraced in

our culture, such as alcoholism, stressing that we need to be aware of them, because once they become ‘trend’ --- it means that individuals would have become addicted to that behaviour and it’s not easy to reverse.

“That is why we need to be very cognizant of these trends – these abnormal behaviours that are manifested in this culture today,” he reiterated.

Appalled at what came out of the news article on suicide in the Essequibo, Dr. Simon said the AUOR-led team, travelled to the region, conducted the research and further took the initiative to perform a pioneering role in addressing suicide.

In Essequibo a total of 2,370 people-12 years and older were interviewed, including parents, students’ teachers, persons who have themselves attempted suicide; random sampling from

the public; as well as visits were made to public places where the team interacted with friends of persons who attempted suicide.

The team of researchers held workshops and counselling sessions with various target groups including an Amerindian Captain and his tribe at Wyaka in the Essequibo; The team did a television presentation on suicide; held coaching and workshops on suicide prevention and other social issues with students and staff of the New Opportunity Corps (a remedial school); with persons who had attempted suicide, as well as their relatives.

Why people commit suicide: The AUOR cited reasons for committing suicide as including: Frustration, unemployment; domestic isSee page 9

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

Malaysian PM says lost airliner was diverted deliberately the plane’s altered course could have taken it anywhere from central Asia to the southern Indian Ocean, he said.

Minutes after the Malaysian leader outlined investigators’ latest findings, police began searching the house of the aircraft’s 53-year-old captain for any evidence that he could have been involved in foul play.

The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in the early hours of March 8 with A girl looks at a board with messages 239 passengers and crew of support and hope for passengers of aboard. the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 at Najib, giving his first the Kuala Lumpur International Airport statement at a news conferMarch 15, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/ ence since then, confirmed Damir Sagolj reports that investigators believe somebody cut off the plane’s communications reporting system, switched off its transponder and steered it west, far from its scheduled route.

“In view of this latest development the Malaysian authorities have refocused their investigation into the crew and passengers on board,” he said.

“Despite media reports the plane was hijacked, I wish to be very clear, we are still investigating all possibilities as to what caused MH370 to deviate.”

By Anshuman Daga and Siva Govindasamy (Reuters) - A missing Malaysian airliner appears to have been deliberately steered off course after someone on board shut down its communications, Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Saturday.

A week after the disappearance of flight MH370, Najib said its last transmission of satellite data came nearly seven hours after it disappeared

from radar screens.

But the new satellite data gave no precise location, and

DATE: 15/03/2014 O 05 08 13 26 09 17 06 DATE: 12/03/2014 K 04 20 02 01 06 09 21

An election commission official installs a Crimean flag during preparations for a referendum at the polling station in Simferopol March 15, 2014.

Credit: Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko

Crimea to vote on joining Russia, Moscow wields U.N. veto

By Richard Balmforth and Mike Collett-White (Reuters) - Pro-Russian leaders in Crimea made final preparations on Saturday for a referendum widely expected to transfer control of

the Black Sea region from Ukraine to Moscow, despite an outcry and threat of sanctions from the West.

Russia vetoed a U.N Security Council resolution that declared the referendum invalid, as Ukraine’s defence ministry

scrambled aircraft and paratroopers to confront what it said was a Russian encroachment just beyond Crimea’s formal regional boundary.

Ukraine’s new rulers accused “Kremlin agents” of fomenting violence in the Russian-speaking east of the country. They urged people not to respond to provocations that Kiev fears Moscow may use to justify further incursions after its take-over of Crimea.

12/03/2014

03

05

26

09

02

12/03/2014

8

8

3

12/03/2014

03 04 12 11 09 02 19

13/03/2014

03

23

11

04

12

13/03/2014

5

1

2

13/03/2014

03 21 19 02 13 12 05

14/03/2014

19 11 01 09 17 15 08

15/03/2014

01 04 05 06 07 08 11

14/03/2014 15/03/2014

06 02

15 04

10 14

19 18

08 26

14/03/2014 15/03/2014

5

3

8

2

3

0

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

5

Deal signed to end row over Panama Canal expansion (BBC News.com) The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has approved a deal to end a dispute over $1.6bn (ÂŁ1bn) cost overruns that had delayed work to widen the waterway.

The Spanish-led construction consortium and the ACP say each will invest an extra $100m in the project, due to be completed in 2015.

The consortium will also be allowed to claim $400m from the project insurers.

Construction was halted for two weeks in February, but resumed after an initial agreement was reached.

The canal authority says the

The construction of the third Panama Canal lock is now due to be finished

by December 2015

deal reached late on Thursday should accelerate the construction works, aiming to finish the third lock by December 2015.

It also extends up to 2018 a moratorium for the construction group - officially known as Grupo Unido por el Canal (GUPC) - to repay around $780m worth of cash advances.

The dispute emerged late in 2013, when GUPC claimed it was owed $1.6bn.

But the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said the demand amounted to blackmail.

The new lock was designed to allow the passage of larger

cargo ships in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

In late February, GUPC headed by the Spanish company Sacyr and the Italian Impregilo - and the Canal Authority announced a temporary deal to resume works.

A stoppage would have risked 10,000 jobs, local media reported.

The Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, is celebrating its centenary in August.

More than 13,000 ships use the maritime shortcut every year.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

BIG QUESTION FOR THE APNU/AFC COALITION

FOR HOW much longer the parliamentary opposition of the APNU/AFC intend to avoid passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation with all the contrived excuses they keep offering?

Are they so obsessed with hatred for the democratically elected PPP-led government that they are prepared to punish the ENTIRE nation of Guyana by continuing with their political shenanigans and demonstrations of utter contempt for local, regional and international organisations and governments, that have been intervening with pleas for cooperation to ensure approval of the bill in accordance with requirements of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)?

Firm support for the bill have come from the leading private sector and trade union bodies, a cross-section of non-government organizations and, in addition, from the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Latest developments included the collective appeal by CARICOM Heads of Government at their Inter-Sessional Meeting in

St.Vincent and then, just this past Friday, the warning from the internationally respected Guyanese entrepreneur, Yesu Persaud, against any kind of political horse-trading in order to secure parliament’s approval of the bill.

As Mr. Persaud sees it, the bill should not be used as a political bargaining tool since this could create new problems for governance.

In particular, he has referred to the opposition’s manoeuvre to link passage of the legislation with approval by parliament for the appointment of a Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Further, while supporting the idea of establishing mechanisms like a Money Laundering Authority, the now retired outstanding entrepreneur warned that this could create undesirable problems. In essence, he feels that approval of the AML/CFT bill should not be used as a bargaining tool to satisfy narrow political objectives.

So far as the governments of CARICOM are concerned when the issue of AML/CFT legislation came up for discussion, they have made it quite clear that it was in the national interest of Guyana as well as the 15-member Community in general that the bill secures

parliamentary approval consistent with what’s envisaged by the CFATF, hence, their call “on all relevant parties to ensure the necessary legislation in the national and regional interest.”

So, is it likely that the APNU/AFC coalition may yet move away from their anti-Guyana politics and support the AM/ CFT bill? That’s the big question. We should soon know.

President commends Dr Yesu Persaud for his stance on AML/CFT BILL Dear Yesu, I thank you for your letter dated March, 2014.

I am pleased to observe that your letter embraces several positions which I have articulated publicly. For example, you have recognised the importance of passing the bill quickly and that our obligation to do so stems from our international responsibilities and accordingly, ought not to be the subject of political bargain whereby politicians seek to extract political gains for their support of the bill. I also note that you have recognised that the tabled bill by the government in its current form; is sufficient to comply with the minimum standards of the Caribbean Action Task Force and the Financial Action task Force.

My position is that the bill in its current form should be passed forthwith.

As regards the amendments proposed by APNU, government is prepared to compromise on these amendments and indeed, we have laid in the Special Select Committee counter-amendments.

These counter-amendments proposed are designed to address the major concerns raised by APNU in relation to the strengthening of the governance architecture of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the legitimate regime, while at the same time insulating it from political influence and indeed, any form of politicisation, in order to maintain its independence and functional autonomy. In your letter you have correctly underscored the importance of an independant Financial Intelligence Unit.

In this regard, our counter-amendments provide for the establishment of an authority as contemplated by the APNU and your letter. However, this authority shall comprise the heads of agencies that have a role and responsibility in relation to the combating of money laundering and countering financial terrorism. We propose that the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Solicitor General, the Head of CANU, the Registrar of Deeds and Companies and representatives from the Private Sector Organisation in the area of banking and commerce comprise of this authority and appointed by the Minister

of Finance.

You will observe from our counter proposal that subjectivity and discretion are wholly removed from the appointment process almost all those persons are statutory office holders. I believe that the formulation addresses the conceptual concern of the APNU in terms of strengthening the governance infrastructure in the law while at the same time removing the process from the realm of politics.

As regards currency seizures, your view coincides with the government’s on the issue. In fact, the current law requires no change in this issue and CFATF did not recommend any in relation to this matter.

Like you, I am firm in my belief we must root out from our society the use of proceeds derived from criminal activities.

DONALD RAMOTAR President Republic of Guyana

APNU, AFC need to act in the country’s interest THURSDAY March 6, 2014 will be a memorable day in my life. It was such a day when I was convinced that some people only give lip service to our National Pledge. It was a day when councillors from the Opposition (APNU and AFC) were bestowed with an opportunity to show their leaders that they can think independently when it comes to issues of national development. But they squandered that golden opportunity. It was such a day that what Mahatma Gandhi said took on a new dimension and assumed more relevance in my life. He said: ‘Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.’ Some people love to quote this saying but when it comes to making it a part of their lives they shamelessly

fall short.

Motion in Support of the AML/CFT Bill For more than two years I have sat at the Regional Council meetings in Berbice as an AFC Councillor and I have heard councillors from the combined opposition making immense effort in airing personal issues and grievances. Their personal interests would take priority then the ‘other issues’ would follow.

However, I thought that on that day they would put country first.

But I was so mistaken!

On that day I moved a motion in favour of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT). In my introduction in presenting this vital motion, I made reference to our National Pledge which states that we must be loyal to

our country and that we must dedicate our energies towards the happiness and prosperity of our country - Guyana. I presented that motion as a loyal citizen of Guyana, as a patriot who placed my country above petty partisan politics. Being an AFC Councillor took second place on that day. I thought that if we in the Opposition can unanimously pass this motion at RDC level then our leaders in Parliament would have come to their senses. Sometimes it is necessary for the ‘bottom’ to direct the ‘top’; it should not always be the opposite. It was a matter of sending a message to our leaders, but they were unwilling to do that.

New Dispensation Needs New political Culture What we need to understand that in a ‘new dispensation’ we

need a ‘new political culture’ where our councillors and members need to be able to think independently especially when issues of paramount national interest such as the AML/CFT are at stake. Every person in the opposition knows the importance of this Bill but they are willing to sacrifice this nation in their quest for political power.

During the debate of this motion, my colleagues from the AFC were quick to point out that ‘Yusuf does not represent the views of the AFC.’ However, what is not comprehensible to them was that Yusuf represented the views of the masses and the views of many who voted for the AFC! I am proud of what I have done. It was the proudest moment of my life and will do it again and again if necessary. If the AFC leaders want

to expel me I have no problem with that I have done good service to my country!

Members of the Opposition need to have the testicular appendage to think for themselves and must attack issues in an objective manner. A prime example is Moses Nagamootoo.

He fully supported the President’s Pension Bill when he was a Member of Parliament of the PPP/C government but as soon as he did not get nominated as the Presidential candidate he defected to the AFC and condemned the very Bill he supported. Is this the political culture we need in this country?

I have the courage to speak out against cronyism, fraud and corruption within my party without fear or inhibition. I have the courage to speak out against the anti-national developmental

stance taken by the combined Opposition. Members of APNU and AFC need to act in the interest of the country even if it means incurring the wrath of their egocentric leaders.

CONCLUSION I, therefore, want to reiterate my position at this time. I am extremely proud to have presented that motion in support of the AML/CFT Bill at the RDC meeting. Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.’ An advice to Ramjattan: the AFC should stop piggybacking on the PNCR to achieve political relevance!

Get your head out of their posterior!

HASEEF YUSUF

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

Some Topics Revisited

By Keith Burrowes

THIS is roughly the fifth year I’ve been writing articles, five years of what I hope to be useful anecdotes and analysis, useful commentary on some critical issues that I’ve seen affecting this society and the wider world. Over the years, some of these have stood out for me, some that I feel more strongly about than most, usually the subject of considerable dedication on my part. This week I want to focus on three of those topics in capsule.

LOOKING AFTER OUR ELDERLY This is something I’ve written about in several articles, and from different perspectives, although my primary focus has been on health and social services. It is my belief that a society’s primary social obligations should be to two broad categories of people, the very young and the very old.

When it comes to the former, those obligations are mainly to provide them with a sound education foundation and to ensure that they are afforded the best healthcare for their adequate social integration. When it comes to the elderly, the obligations are both similar and converse. The similarity is that we need to ensure that the elderly are afforded the best healthcare services we can afford.

The converse is two-fold.

With regard to education, what I’ve suggested in previous articles is that we need to find innovative ways of tapping into the tremendous knowledge base that the post-retirement demographic possesses, both in terms of technical knowledge and institutional memory.

When it comes to the social structure, whereas I think that the social contract should be designed to integrate young people to be part of it, I believe that society should conform itself to the particularly needs of the elderly, both concrete and abstract. Towards this end, I have suggested the encouragement of special retirement communities with centralised social and health care services for our older citizens. I have also suggested the establishment of special one-stop-shop facilities where the elderly can access healthcare services, social services (pension payments for example) and other services tailored specifically for them.

A pilot programme in the high population centres of the three regions can serve to provide a trial of how such an entity can function, and it can most likely be run in conjunction with a special shuttle service to move the elderly from their homes or special areas to the facilities.

That said, I strongly believe that technology has a key role to play, particularly in the provision of certain services for the elderly, particularly financial ones – for example, a special sub-programme in the OLPF initiative can be tailored specifically to providing user-friendly pension collection, NIS payment and utility bill services for our senior citizens.

PATIENT CARE AND EDUCATION

Finally, this is one area that I have repeatedly returned to and from various angles because it is one that has personally affected me the most, providing me with, I believe, a qualified perspective. I have, for example, spoken about the need for healthcare professionals to open clear channels of communication with patients on what specifically ails them, empowering the patient to act, as more of a partner in how their healthcare than simply as a subject to be operated upon, something that should be not be ad hoc but established within a clear and documented regime of patient rights. Just as I have suggested with the mechanism for the elderly, the chance for technology to play a critical role here is also available – a web portal for patient education, from common illnesses to potential pandemics to public health information in the aftermath of natural disasters would be a useful tool for potential patient education.

One critical offshoot of this had to do with the issue of pain management, something that I have personally struggled with for years. It has been my personal experience that pain, in some form or the other, is almost universal to human experience and its management, with the patient being as fully informed as possible about their options.

And then there is the obligation of healthcare providers to, again with an establish regime of patient rights, ensure that there are systems in place that guarantee a certain level of patient care, particular at the level of the frontline of the healthcare system, the nurses.

Almost everyone has either been subject to or have heard first-hand accounts of frankly the very crude things that nurses have said to individuals under their care. Like, for example, telling a pregnant teenager in labour that “You didn’t cry out for pain when you were doing what you were doing to get the child in the first place.”

Although I am sure that there are nurses who are professional and competent in their approach to their work, the fact that I have significantly experienced, inconsiderate and unprofessional treatment by nurses in both private and public systems.

While this is something I should say that I have also experience abroad, in Barbados and Canada for example, my focus is on looking for solutions to Guyana’s challenges.

My immediate perspective on this final issue is that we should view it as customer issue as well as a health care issue, even in the public health system. In just the same way that you don’t expect a waitress to be verbally abusing you about your food selection of food in the restaurant she works, I don’t believe that people should be subject to verbal abuse and demeaning remarks from nurses at the hospital they chose to be treated at.

STATE BOARD WORK In times of crisis, particularly in recent times, we have seen an increasing level of public criticism of state boards, and

I believe for the most part that a great deal of that criticism is both warranted and constructive.

As I’ve argued before, state entities with boards should be able to function better if there were a simple mechanism in place to orient new members on crucial aspects of the entity’s core operations, one that is constantly updated as the entity progresses or evolves or whenever a primarily new board is put in place. The information provided by that mechanism at a minimum should include a detailed operational structure of the entity, as well as a summary of the key decisions taken by the immediate previous board, par-

ticularly those which continue to impact the entity during the tenure of the new board.

I’ve been on state boards for the better part of a quarter century and this is a mechanism that has been largely absent, and it is something that I will be putting in place as an outgoing chairman of boards that I currently chair.

My own perspective on state boards, as I’ve dealt with in previous articles on this issue, is that there is the perception that, because of the primarily voluntary nature of membership, individuals on them don’t have to spend much time doing actual work. Now, I don’t disagree that there might be some people who view membership

7 on these boards as professional status symbols, or another notch to put on their resumes, but the reality of state board membership is that you have to be prepared to put in a great deal of work, over long hours, if it is that you want to create proper policy and operational plans for the entity you have agreed to serve.

Another aspect of board membership has to do with the perception that only people with a working knowledge of the core area of operation should serve on state boards.

Any operation that has a board has that board in place because what is needed to sustain it is a multifaceted approach to management policy.

I am aware of another board member who was able to produce a new procurement plan which has led to the decrease in cost. The individual is currently involved in reorganising this

KEITH BURROWES unit which when completed is likely to result in reduced costing.

My own area of expertise is financial management, and, for example, while my knowledge of the core operations of a certain entity was very little, during my tenure there I put in place a procurement plan that saved the entity on expenditure.

8

USA AND ‘DRUG TRAFFICKING’ POLITICS Analysis by Rickey Singh

HEADS OF Government of the Caribbean Community decided at their Inter-Sessional Meeting in St.Vincent last week to establish a Regional Commission to advise them on the use of “medical marijuana” as part of a programme to ‘decriminalise’ possession of “small quantities” of the herb. This is consistent with the wider and more demanding efforts to combat narco-trafficking and the illicit trade in small arms.

While being so focused they would, nevertheless, be expected to offer a response to the latest US State Department’s recent claim of official corruption in the facilitation of drug trafficking through the Region. It is, customary for governments in Washington to make sweeping claims against small and medium sized nations without bothering over America’s own alarming consumption of illicit drugs.

I guess as the sole “superpower” nation of the world—even though currently agonising over the limits of its economic and military might in dealing with Russia over the Ukraine---America feels it can still indulge in making sweeping claims against countries in our Caribbean Region.

Hence, the State Department’s verbal swipe at poor governance “leadership” in this Region in its latest report that accused government leaders of the Eastern Caribbean in particular for having “largely failed” to address “official corruption” pertaining to narco-trafficking primarily from Colombia and Venezuela.

Coincidentally, the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, in addressing last weekend a delegates conference of the governing St Lucia Labour Party of Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, was stressing why the Caribbean bloc of states in general would remain supportive and appreciative of Venezuela’s initiated PetroCaribe project.

Currently contending with violent political confrontations at home—which, it claims, enjoy clandestine backing from the USA-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

-the Caracas administration of President Nicolas Maduro, has reassured the beneficiary countries of PetroCaribe to maintain, with some variations, this subsidised oil facility while coping with spreading domestic social and economic challenges.

SOME REALITIES Prime Minister Skerritt, for his part, thought it necessary to remind the delegates conference in St.Lucia that both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund have come around to recognising the benefits of this partnership project that enable vulnerable economies in this Region to cope with current socio-economic challenges.

Be that as it may, there is the harsh reality of Washington-based administrations dismal record of failure to curb America’s own huge domestic consumption of illegal drugs. The USA needs to remind itself of glaring failures to effectively respond to its own unflattering reputation as the world’s biggest consumer of illegal drugs---mix of cocaine, marijuana, heroin and opium—that have resulted in enormous social, economic, social and political consequences for the Greater Caribbean and wider Latin American Region.

The USA---which under administrations of both Republicans and Democrats---had for far too long treated Caribbean and Latin American states as part of its historical “backyard” with variations in rhetoric---should take a deep breath and humbly reflect on the roles of successive Washington administrations complicities to combat narcotics trafficking in this hemisphere.

‘COCAINE POLITICS’ Following the report on latest chastisement by the State Department of claimed corruption by CARICOM governments in relation to the illicit drug trade, I chose to have a re-read of chapters of what remains a most definitive book on political and financial corruption involving security and military personnel, as well as key figures in America’s drug enforcement and intelligence agencies (DEA and

CIA).

The book, “Cocaine Politics—Drugs, Armies and the CIA in Central America”---by Peter Dale Scott and Jonathan Marshall is worthwhile revisiting, or obtaining, by anyone with a keen interest in understanding the mind-blowing political, intelligence, security, military and diplomatic intrigues and human and economic consequences involving Washington administrations so-called “war on drugs and terrorism”.

First published back in 1991 by University of California Press, authors Scott and Marshall’s book, which offers some 64 (sixty four) pages of valuable notes and references, is well worth obtaining by anyone with more than a casual interest in the differing roles of the USA to better place in context Washington’s stated commitment to helping the Caribbean/Latin American Region combat narco-trafficking and terrorism.

A central focus of the book is the authors concern of what they have identified as “the explosion of cocaine trafficking” through Central America during the years of President Ronald Reagan and made possible by his administration’s “covert operations” to overthrow the Sandinistas government in Nicaragua amid spreading developments of what came to be known internationally as the “Iran-Contra” war.

Current Secretary of State, John Kerry, knows much about the involvement of the America’s connivance in drug trafficking, terrorism and destabilisation of governments in this hemisphere, having chaired the congressional subcommittee that submitted a revealing report sourced by the authors of “Cocaine Politics”.

By Gwynne Dyer BRITAIN’S Prime Minister David Cameron rambled a bit on his visit to Afghanistan last December, but ended up sounding just as deluded as US President George W Bush had been when he proclaimed “Mission accomplished” six

dians) died in vain, but Barack Obama has found a better way to address the dilemma. He just doesn’t offer any assessment of the campaign’s success. “I never doubted Obama’s support for the troops, only his support for their mission,” wrote former Defence Secretary Robert Gates, and he was right.

So was Obama, in the sense that he realised the mission, whatever its purpose (the definitions kept changing), was neither doable nor worth doing. But in fact he did support it, at least to the extent of not pull-

cannot run again. It will be at least as crooked as the last one in 2009: 20.7 million voters’ cards have already been distributed in a country where there are only 13.5 million people over the age of 18. Karzai is so confident of remaining the power behind the throne that he is building his “retirement” residence next to the presidential palace, but he’s probably wrong.

His confidence is based on his skill as a manipulator of tribal politics. Indeed, his insistence that the US hand over control of Bagram jail, and his subsequent release of 72 hardcore Taliban prisoners, was designed to rebuild ties with

politicians like Karzai aside – probably not at once, when most or all of the Western troops go home at the end of this year, but a while later, when the flow of aid (which accounts for 97 percent of Afghan government spending) finally stops.

The US-backed government of South Vietnam did not collapse when American troops went home in 1973, but two years later, when Con-

the United States; best not to bring it up. And there have been no international terrorist attacks coming out of Afghanistan in the past eight years, although the Taliban already control a fair chunk of the country.

The election will unfold as Karzai wishes, and his preferred candidate (exactly who is still not clear) will probably emerge as the new president, but this truly is a case of rearranging the deck-chairs on the Titanic. The second long foreign occupation of Afghanistan in half a century is drawing to a close, and Afghanistan’s own politics and history are about to resume.

BARACK OBAMA weeks after the invasion of Iraq. British troops were sent to Afghanistan, Cameron said “so it doesn’t become a haven for terror. That is the mission...and I think we will have accomplished that mission.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was equally upbeat when addressing Canadian troops just before they pulled out in 2011.

Afghanistan no longer represents a “geostrategic risk to the world (and) is no longer a source of global terrorism,” he said. Both men are technically correct, since Afghanistan never was a “geostrategic risk to the world” or “a haven for terror,” but they must both know that the whole war was really a pointless waste of lives.

Obviously, neither man can afford to say that the soldiers who died in obedience to the orders of their government (448 British troops, 158 Cana-

PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI DAVID CAMERON ing the plug on it – and 1,685 of the 2,315 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan died on his watch. Could do better.

Now there’s another “election” coming up in Afghanistan (on April 5), and at least three-quarters of the remaining foreign troops (perhaps all of them) will be gone from the country by the end of this year, and the whole thing is getting ready to fall apart. This will pose no threat to the rest of the world, but it’s going to be deeply embarrassing for the Western leaders who nailed their flags to this particular mast.

The election is to replace President Hamid Karzai, who has served two full terms and

STEPHEN HARPER the prisoners’ families and clans before the election. But it is that same Taliban organisation that will probably make all Karzai’s plans and plots irrelevant.

It’s not that the Taliban will sweep back to power all over Afghanistan once Western troops leave. They really only controlled the Pashtun-majority areas of the east and south and the area around the capital even when they were “in power” in 1996-2001, while the Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras of the “Northern Alliance” ruled the rest.

That pattern is likely to reappear, with the Taliban and the northern warlords pushing

gress cut the aid to Saigon. The Soviet-backed government of Afghanistan did not collapse when Soviet troops withdrew in 1989, but three years later, after the Soviet Union collapsed and Russia cut the aid. It will happen that way again.

The new part-Taliban Afghanistan that emerges will be no more a source of international terrorism than the old part-Taliban Afghanistan was.

It was Osama bin Laden and his merry men, mostly Arabs and a few Pakistanis, who plotted and carried out the 9/11 attacks, not the Taliban.

True, Bin Laden et al. were guests on Afghan soil at the time, but it is highly unlikely that they told the Taliban about the attacks in advance. After all, they were probably going to get their hosts’ country invaded by

For Sunday March 16, 2014 -05:30hrs For Monday March 17, 2014 -05:30hrs

BY GWYNNE DYER

Afghanistan: Mission Not Accomplished

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday March 16, 2014

9

Neoliberalism in the Venezuela protests

By Dr Prem Misir

FOR about a month now, Venezuela has become embroiled in bitter protests against its huge murder rate, chronic food shortages and a mounting inflation level of 56%.

The student movement initiated the protests challenging the Nicolas Maduro Government to correct their concerns.

And Opposition Leader Henrique Capriles’ supporters later

joined ranks with the student movement, together creating a strong and largely middle-class force. While frequent murders, food shortages and high food prices are real to Venezuelans and there is no disagreement these concerns are part of the reality in Venezuela, there are several dimensions to review in interpreting reasons for the protests.

Irene Caselli of the BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/

AUOR study finds suicide ...

From page 3 sues/domestic violence; relationship issues; peer pressure; bullying; parent/child conflict; child abuse; sexual abuse depression/stress.

Dr. Simon cautioned that in dealing with problems there are two basic approaches: Dealing with the symptoms, which is reactive or instinctive behaviour, which invariably people do, and land themselves into deeper problems; or ‘getting to the root cause’ which is in effect, the source of the problem.

“If you want to find the solution to problems you should look for the root cause of that problem, which is the underlying issue. When we start looking at the source – we come to the place where we would find the seed or foundation that was planted in the mind,” he emphasised.

Findings of the American University Research: * Statistics from the last five years have revealed that a large number of persons have attempted suicide. Further information to be revealed by Dr, Beckhoo * Technological advance has created an imbalance between parents and children * Relationships and domestic issues are also vital contributing factors to suicide rates. * The age range of the majority of suicide victims was from 12 – 20. * The majority of persons who have attempted or committed suicide are males.

FUTURE PLANS: The team has gathered extensive information on suicidal behaviour and is also in the process of designing a strategic plan to reduce this abnormal behaviour, which includes ‘user technology’. The University will establish a ‘Counselor-on-demand’ system, whereby a person can just punch in a code and have live counselling from one of the University’s counselors. And this is because of the realisation that persons have a stigma when it comes to mental health. * Self-awareness and self-development training are also on the cards. * Creating Youth Awareness group to work with other youths to share knowledge on self-awareness and self-development.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Residents recommended: Establishment of Counselling Centres and recreational facilities; creation of more jobs to address the unemployment issue which proved to be a root cause of suicide; sensitisation on suicide through the use of TV programmes; formation of youth groups, outreach programmes to individuals and families.

AUOR recommended: TV programmes, establishment of community centres; social awareness training; self-development training; coaching; establishment of youth clubs, counselling; and religious involvement.

CONCLUSION: The American University of Research concludes that the fundamental sources of suicide include: genetic/ biological factors; cultural factors; psychological factors and environmental factors. It sums up that: “The lack of effective mental processing is the root cause of all suicidal behaviour, since all abnormal behaviours are psychologically induced and mental processing is the key.”

Dr. Eton Simon is president of the American University of Research, a research, analysis and consultant institute (based in the United States), whose objective is to conduct research to find the root cause of social problems. The Guyana branch, the American University of Peace Studies, was established in 2003 and has been here for more than 10 years.

world-latin-america-26335287) reported that the protesters are largely from the middle class; that the Maduro government’s support remains strong among its supporters, as validated by its good showing in last December’s local elections; that Maduro believes that Washington is trying to stage a coup similar to what happened in 2002 against Chavez; and that Maduro expelled three American diplomats and appointed a new Ambassador to Washington.

In international relations it is no secret that there is bad blood between the U.S. and Venezuela. It, therefore, is not surprising that in recent times, the U.S. is fingered each time as the culprit behind any political instability in Venezuela; this may not be difficult to figure because since around 2000, the U.S-Latin American relations

and unregulated markets, freed from governmental interference, constitute the best tool for economic development. The stakes in Venezuela are high for the U.S. right now, as the promotion of U.S. interests, using neoliberalism as its instrument, faces bottlenecks in Venezuela which could spread to other parts of Latin America. For while Chavez is no longer on the scene, Nicloas Maduro and his government comply rigidly with the Chavez strategy to root out neoliberalism. In Mahmood and Muntaner’s study (2013, p. 64), Chavez significantly dismantled neoliberalism in Venezuela’s health reforms, and the same can be effected for other sectors of the economy.

There is the Chavez view which may now be the view throughout the Region that the foreign debts of Latin American

literature.

Venezuela experienced a fair amount of political stability in the 1960s with the advent of the Punto fijo, a pact between

and currency control; and that as a remedy, the government now seems ready to launch a new foreign exchange system which will improve foreign

major political parties in 1958.

At that time a small elite in Venezuela, an oil-based economy, took control over this key source of economic power with strong alliance to the political directorate. But Wilpert’s study (2007) showed that this political stability only brought exclusionary policies that gave rise

exchange flows to the private sector; also the government has increased public sector wages and has enabled the lower-income people to shop at subsidised supermarkets. How dire is the economy when the government increased public sector compensation as well as making available affordable food items?

These reasons pertaining to a dire economy are manifest indicators for the protests. But there are also latent reasons which relate to undermining the anti-neoliberal Maduro government.

Mahmood and Muntaner (2013, p. 60) noted that the social cleavages in Latin America strictly along class lines are fertile lands for installing neoliberal policies, with Venezuela feeling the impact of such cleavages as evidenced by the current middle class protests.(Published in Modern Diplomacy)

‘In international relations it is no secret that there is bad blood between the U.S. and Venezuela. It, therefore, is not surprising that in recent times, the U.S. is fingered each time as the culprit behind any political instability in Venezuela; this may not be difficult to figure because since around 2000, the U.S-Latin American relations have regained its hot spot status in the world, largely due to the prominence of former President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez.’ have regained its hot spot status in the world, largely due to the prominence of former President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, according to Corrales and Romero’s new book (2013).

The book spoke about former President Chavez’s anti-U.S. statements, such as: conspiring to produce coups, hatching presidential assassinations, planning invasions to take ownership of Venezuela’s oil assets, instigating genocide, etc.

The book also addressed Washington’s thinking as a response to Chavez’s, such as: likelihood of new instability in Venezuela and other parts of Latin America, possibility for financial catastrophe should Venezuela impose an oil embargo on the U.S., potential of Venezuela being an uncompromising veto player at the Organisation of American States (OAS), becoming Russia’s largest weapon importer, and procuring satellite technology from China.

Corrales and Romero’s book also noted that despite these incisive differences between the two nations, both sides maintain a mutually working, non-punitive relationship with each other. For instance, although Venezuela has a massive stockpile of weapons, it constitutes no military threat to the U.S.; and Venezuela is a dependable oil supplier to the Americas; and I would add that the extent of both countries’ anguish toward each other is reduced to expulsion of diplomats.

However, unlike Corrales and Romero, I would argue that while Venezuela is no match for the U.S., the U.S. can be an overwhelming force against Venezuela; but U.S. strategy and tactics against Venezuela do not have to be military-based.

The U.S in consort with other powerful Western nations still has its trump card of neoliberalism to play as needed in its global promotion of the gospel of imperialism. The core of neoliberalism, according to Brenner and Theodore (2002, p.

350) is that open, competitive,

countries in the 1980s brought about deep asymmetries among them, and were caused by the multilateral agencies, as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc., through their neoliberalism and conditionalities, totally backed through the Washington Consensus.

There was a passion for the formation of UNASUR to create symmetries among countries in Latin America and as a regional body to marginalise the impact of the World Bank, IMF and other international financial institutions. And Chavez established the Bolivarian Alliance

to mounting inequities among the masses of the poor and vulnerable. This was false political stability and, indeed, there was more to come!

In 1989, Alvarado et al.

(2005, pp. 95-109) noted that the Caracazo emerged as an uprising against the inequities, marking the beginnings of the fight against neoliberalism.

False political stability punctuated the 1990s. For instance, Mahmood and Muntaner (2013, pp. 63-64) mentioned the policy behaviours of two former presidents: President Carlos Andrez Perez had an anti-neoliberal platform, yet when he

for the Americas (ALBA) as a regional initiative to eliminate the asymmetries among countries in the region. ALBA comprises Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In all of this, Chavez hoped that not only Venezuela but the Region would achieve genuine political stability; but not the false political stability that has scarred Venezuela’s history and unable to contain neoliberalism.

Let me offer some examples of false political stability from the

took office in 1989, he implemented the World Bank and IMF’s recommendations called El Paquete; Rafael Caldera became President in 1993 and did the same thing as Perez; his neoliberal plan was the Agenda Venezuela. And given the current protests, perhaps, there is an expectation for a return to neoliberalism.

There is a view (http://www. thefinancialist.com/a-dire-economy-causes-unrest-in-venezuela/) that the current protests in Venezuela have to do with its dire economy with price regulations, chronic underinvestment,

References: Brenner, N. and Theodore, N., 2002. Cities and the Geographies of “Actually Existing Neoliberalism” Antipode, 34 (3), p. 350.

Corrales, J. and and Romero, C.A, 2013. U.S-Venezuela Relations since the 1990s. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis. http://www.bbc.com/news/

world-latin-america-26335287 (Accessed March 12, 2014). http://www.thefinancialist. com/a-dire-economy-causes-unrest-in-venezuela/ (Accessed March 12, 2014).

Mahmood, Q. and Muntaner, C., 2013. Politics, class actors, and health sector reform in Brazil and Venezuela. Global Health Promotion, 20 (59).

Wilpert, G., 2007. Changing Venezuela by Taking Power: The History and Policies of the Chavez Government. New York, USA: Verso.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

Cuban Ambassador pays courtesy call on the Guyana Chronicle CUBA’S Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante recently paid a courtesy call on the Guyana Chronicle newspaper. He was accompanied by Economic and Commercial Counselor, Ms. Lic. Praxedes Louis Nordet.

Acting Sunday Chronicle

Editor, Chamanlall Naipaul and Administrative Manager Colin Alfred met with the Cuban officials.

During the discussions Mr. Marchante expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the Guyana Chronicle for the work it has been doing pertaining to Cuba’s

development and positions on various global issues. He also assured that the Cuban Embassy will be intensifying collaboration and cooperation with the Guyana Chronicle to help deepen the friendly and close relations existing between Guyana and Cuba.

L-R Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante, Acting Sunday Chronicle Editor, Chamanlall Naipaul and Economic and Commercial Counselor, Ms. Lic. Praxedes Louis Nordet during the courtesy call by the Cuban officials (Adrian Narine photo)

Father torches home with wife & four children inside A BERSERK businessman on Friday night trapped his wife and four children in their home at Port Kaituma, North West District, and set the building alight.

This was confirmed early yesterday morning by the Guyana Police Force, who also confirmed that the four children and their mother were unable to get out of the burning building and were eventually burnt to death.

The dead have been identified as Lea La Cruz, 14; Lavette La Cruz, 3; Labron La Cruz, 8; Levon La Cruz, 1; and their mother, Lurlene La Cruz, 39.

Police in the area responded on Friday night to a report from a twelve-year-old child that her father and mother had been involved in an intense argument, and that her father was threatening to burn down the family home, located at Main Road, Port Kaituma, North West District.

The police took the child’s report very seriously, and set off for the area; but as they approached, they saw that the building was already on fire. However, suspecting there were persons trapped in the burning building, the police vainly attempted to access the building, but the intense heat and a locked grill door prevented them.

A bucket brigade comprising police and residents of the area also failed to put out the fire.

Early yesterday morning, the police were able to pull the charred remains of the woman and her four children from among the debris of the burnt out home.

The patriarch of the home, identified as fifty-yearold, Linus La Cruz, who operates a business in the area, has been taken into police custody. He sustained burns to parts of his body, and is under guard at the Port Kaituma Hospital even as investigations into the matter are continuing.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

Guyanese miners robbed allegedly by Venezuelan gunmen -GGDMA, Venezuelan Embassy to investigate

By Leroy Smith and Rajendra Prabhulall A GROUP of Guyanese miners were on Wednesday robbed at gunpoint of a quantity of gold as they left their camp to purchase groceries for stockpiling. The men who have been operating at the Five Star backdam in the North West District for some time claimed they were robbed by gunmen who are Venezuelans.

According to the information reaching this publication, the men were robbed of their gold just after noon on Wednesday.

The matter was reported to the police and statements were taken in relation to the matter. The men told the police they were robbed while heading to secure groceries for their mining camp.

The gunmen reportedly crossed the border entering Guyana illegally to carry out their criminal act before re-entering their country.

One miner explained that the gunmen carried high powered weapons and promised to use the weapons on

the Guyanese miners if they refused to hand over what was requested, that is, their gold.

The threat caused the Guyanese miners to hand over their gold to the gunmen who seemed very determined to use their weapons and get gold from the men by force if they refused.

One of the victims related that he laboured for almost two months to acquire the gold of which he was robbed.

The gunmen reportedly tore their way through the baggage of the Guyanese miners looking for the gold, while others trained their weapons on the victims. This is after the miners would have already been stripped of whatever gold they had on their person.

The men also made off with a bag which contained gold that represented two months of production. It is not clear how much the gold weighed and what was its market value. The harassment of the Guyanese miners were under the guard and command of the gunmen for approximately two hours before their cell phones and other communication devices were confiscated and were allowed to travel.

The latest development has seen calls by the miners for the Guyana Defence Force to offer proper protection and policing of the borders in that part of the country, which is usually an entry point for criminals who cross the border and commit illegal acts and retreat to their homeland.

Contacted on Friday, Head of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Patrick Harding said that his agency received no such reports but promised to have the information checked and investigated.

This publication also contacted the Venezuelan Embassy here in Guyana where the secretary to the Venezuelan Ambassador said that neither she nor the embassy was aware of the claims by the Guyanese miners.

The embassy personnel who identified herself stated that the only time she heard of the incident was through the call by this publication and an earlier report she saw on an internet news site. She promised to have the information checked and related that the embassy would open an investigation into the matter once it is found that it did occur.

Efforts to contact Brigadier Mark Phillips for a comment on the matter were unsuccessful.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

STRANGE POLITICKING BY ‘ABC’ GROUP FOR LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS THIS YEAR

By Phil Pascal—(Overseas-based contributor) THE POLITICAL landscape in Guyana is taking on a new shape in rather unconventional terms – not to say surprisingly foolhardy.

This is one aspect that crossed my mind as a Guyanese national in the diaspora as I tried to make sense of the recent public statement by “Civil Society and Western Missions”. It was another call for local government elections carried in another section of the media.

I admired the list of selected 10 civil society organisations drawn from private enterprise, manufacturing and services, trade unions, the Bar Association and of course Transparency International. No doubt they constitute an interesting cross section of Guyanese interest groups that will legitimately be concerned about encouraging all political parties of their country, through civic mindedness to improve local democratic governance and act expeditiously for the long overdue polls, stymied by recalcitrant and obstructionist stances by all the political parties.

However, some who are somewhat removed from the cut and thrust of the local scene might share my perplexity and dismay as to the basis and rationale on which legitimate Guyanese civil society organisations had to be ”joined” by “western (diplomatic) missions” in an apparently fashionable mood of “alliances” or “partnerships”, to urge that local government elections be held.

And not just “held” but by when, and thus providing an ultimatum with a set date of August 1, 2014!

Western Missions issuing an ultimatum on a political issue is absurd and totally unacceptable. Guyanese can do so. Surprise! Surprise! Some may cynically question whether this a humourous case of the “Emperors in new clothes” of neo-colonialism?

Perhaps it was a paternalistic gesture to give weight to the anxiety and burning desire of “Western Missions” to ensure that Guyana’s citizens “benefit from strong and effective local governance.” Our history carries a mixed record of benefits derived and whose interests were best served by “Western Missions” in the periods of during colonial rule to protect us from “communism” as well into the post-independence phase and even now to hold our hands for “local democratic governance.” What a life!

ABC GROUP Most readers will be familiar with what is traditionally known as the “ABC Group”, or the Diplomatic Missions of America, Britain and Canada. I prefer to stay away from the categorisation of a so-called “Gang of Three”. No need for such political labelling. What is quite surprising is that the ABC representatives were allowed to join, if not actually initiate the idea to be allied with some 10 Guyanese CSOs in a media release to publicly call for “2014 as the year of local government elections”. It is indeed

Calgary University cardiology team arrives today -will assist in setting up children’s clinic

Dr. BHERI Ramsaran has disclosed that a five-member team of cardiologists headed by Professor Debra Isaacs, Director of Cardiac Transplant at Calgary University, is scheduled to arrive in Guyana today.

The team will focus on paediatric cardiac surgeries, and will be offering the capacity needed to conduct these surgeries locally.

The doctors will be looking at means of upgrading cardiac interventions, primarily in babies.

Over the past two years, this group has worked with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to establish the Guyana Paediatric Cardiology Steering Committee (GPCSC), which is solely responsible for vetting cardiac patients for further intervention.

Key members of the committee, such as Dr. Frank Dicke, Paediatric Cardiologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital; and Dr. Isaacs, will be working to establish in Guyana a cardiac programme that will allow these surgeries to be conducted locally.

The committee has been formed to oversee, for the benefit of Guyanese children, the development and ongoing management of accessible and modern paediatric cardiology at the GPHC. Among its duties, the clinic will focus on educating paediatricians and nurses, and provide database/ electronic medical records and evidence-based plans for monitoring and follow-up of paediatric patients with heart diseases.

Minister Ramsaran noted that this clinic should be up and running later in the year.

Earlier in the year, another team from the same university had conducted a series of CMEs on chronic kidney disease/transplant services while in Guyana. They also met with government officials on that aspect of medical health.

Guyana has thus far benefited tremendously from strategic partnerships not only with the Calgary University, but with several such universities and organisations as the Health Ministry continues its strategic partnerships with international health institutions. (GINA)

an appealing slogan but it smacks of neo-colonialism at work.

Additionally, coming from “Western Missions” it is nothing short of meddling in the political affairs of the nation in which they are hosts and governed by the established “Convention on Privileges and Immunities”. In Guyanese language it is real “eye-pass” by the “ABC representatives”. They are more so insensitive when taken in the context of the strong trade and investment ties, as well as sources of “aid” that are at the heart of relations with Guyana. Do they thereby feel so entitled to meddle as they see fit?

Recourse to the public media to state the facts of a situation affecting a diplomatic mission is not only normal but also strongly encouraged and expected. But all diplomatic missions would know that there exist separate and well-recognised channels through what is sometimes referred to as political dialogue between friendly nations.

In the current circumstances, it is indeed unfortunate that the ‘ABC’ officials must be reminded of the most elementary norm of diplomacy to which all who subscribe to the right of self-determination

and sovereignty of nations should adhere—namely, “non-interference in the internal affairs of nations”.

The “media” diplomacy of the “Western Missions” with the call for “2014 as the year of local government elections” was, therefore, all the more regrettable and contemptuous given the fact that it was precisely the IDENTICAL demand of a parliamentary opposition party for its support to be provided to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorism legislation to ensure passage by Parliament.

The prevailing acrimony and acute polarisation that have become entrenched as a sad feature of the Guyana’s political landscape can hardly be healed, much less move to a desired level of accountable governance, if representatives of “Western Missions” degrade themselves by foolhardy diplomatic practices.

Encouragingly, the other resident representatives of the diplomatic community have wisely stayed away from becoming involved in this kind of partisan politicking by the ‘ABC Group’, adhering instead to the cherished principle of “non-interference.”

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

President Ramotar unveils monument in honour ...

From page 2

ana’s history and to pay tribute to the Rose Hall Martyrs.

The monument was erected to commemorate the defenceless sugar workers who made the supreme sacrifice in demanding a better life. On that day, 15 sugar workers lost their lives: Motey Khan, Bholay, Sohan, Hulas, Badri, Jugai, Sadula, Sarjoo, Lalji, Durga, Gafur, Roopan, Juggoo, Nibur and Gobindei – the only woman.

President Donald Ramotar speaking to the large gathering said: “What we enjoy today, that foundation was laid by our martyrs. Our sugar industry played a pivotal role in the life of our country. It was this industry that led the way that changed the conditions of our people. The sugar industry produced the first set of managers who went to class and helped to develop other industries in Guyana; skilled workers came firstly from this industry.”

He added: “The sugar industry for a long time led our economy and was the biggest contributor to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the moment the industry contributes some 3.9% of our GDP and it earned last year US$114M, which accounted for 8.3% of the total export earnings of Guyana. It pays wages to workers totalling $19.9B and it employs some 16,000 workers, where they have 80,000 persons benefiting directly from this industry. Because of the difficulties that the sugar industry is experiencing and the changes in the regime, the government has and still supports this industry and yet again in this year’s budget the industry will be catered for, but while we are doing this we see the opposition parties calling for the closure of the sugar industry, but I ask you comrades ‘stand with me and together we will overcome the difficulties and take the country to greater heights.”

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth

President Ramotar and Aunty Nancy (Sookdai) Mohabir), only survivor of the riot (Adrian Narine photo)

& Sport recalled “not so long ago we did not know what took place 101 years ago at Rose Hall, and in fact when we first visited here this place was a dump site. This happened perhaps because we the people did not understand what took place in this community and where our martyrs have been buried. Indentureship was not an easy period of our history, there were many things that were dealt out to our ancestors, in some cases they worked for 3 months without any payment for the job done.

These were the conditions that our ancestors laboured under.”

He noted: “Many of these incidents of our history are lost because we do not put it into our books that our children read. If we do not know our history then we would repeat the same mistakes, we must understand our history so we can defend what our ancestors fought for. As we honour our 15 martyrs, it is the hope that it will be incumbent on all of us to teach our history to our

families, our friends and our country at large.”

Speaking from a historical view Mr. Evan Persaud, Lecturer -Faculty of Technology, University of Guyana related that “the University of Guyana is currently reviewing the official report and investigating the events that transpired on that fatal day, and so far has determined that the information is false and are working fervently to have it corrected.”

Mr. Persaud disclosed that: “Corporal James Ramsey led the arrest team to arrest Motey Khan and started to fight with him, they ended up into the nearby trench where the police opened fire and shot Corporal Ramsey. The report stated that Corporal Ramsey was hacked with a stick by Motey Khan but this was proven to be fallacious when his body was exhumed.”

Chairman of the Canje Development Committee, Mr Mohammed Akeel, thanked all parties that assisted with erecting of the monument and explained

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014 that within one year a dream has become a reality.

“Sookdai Mohabir is the only surviving member from the March 13, 1913 riot but at the time was too young to understand what transpired, she is presently 107 years old” Mr Akeel said.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand expressed the same sentiments of the speakers before him but urged the working class “to be vigilant because the industry now has different challenges and all

stakeholders must play their part to eradicate these challenges.”

“GAWU is optimistic about the future. We can move forward and progress. We owe it to our martyrs and today we also see our workers have advanced in several ways because of their sacrifices,” Mr. Chand said.

In an effort to secure a better life on the sugar plantation, labourers on the Rose Hall Estate protested the retraction of a four-day holiday awarded to them for a good grinding season.

The refusal of an order

East Canje Humanitarian Society March

Crowd gathered to pay homage to the Rose Hall Martyrs

given from the plantation manager, Mr Smith to plant cane on those days by the labourers led to a formal complaint to the Immigration Officer.

In exchange for the charges levied against the labourers to be dropped, Mr. Smith demanded that they pay the legal cost. The labourers offered to pay in installments but management refused and the case went to the Magistrate’s Court on February 7, 1913.

Hundreds of immigrant labourers filled the Reliance Magistrate’s Court where the men were found

guilty of instigating resistance to work. The workers protested the verdict and management threatened to transfer the protesting families to distant plantations. The threat caused the workers to raise the level of their protest.

Warrants were issued for the leaders and on March 13, 1913 the police attempted to execute the warrants. The workers resisted and the police opened fire injuring 56 persons among which 15 sugar workers died.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 15, 2014

25

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

Permaul’s six for 42 sets up exciting final day ...

From Backpage

for 35 (75b, 99m, 5x4) and removed Permaul lbw for 12 (3x4), to end with 4 for 42 in support of Sebastien’s 2 for 75, leaving Keon Joseph unbeaten on 1.

In their second innings, the Windward Islands quickly lost Devon Smith (00), Tyrone Theophile (00), Keddy Lesporis (06) and first innings centurion Sunil Ambris (06) to the combination of Permaul and Narsingh Deonarine, to be 23 for 4.

Sebastien (06) and James

(04) followed soon as Permaul continued to rip through the visitor’s batting, who reached 62 for 6 off 28 overs at tea, with Romel Currency on 22 and Alston Bobb 12.

After tea, Permaul removed Bobb (16, 3x4) who was caught at silly point by Deonarine to claim his 10th

W I N D W A R D ISLANDS firstt Innings 307 Guyana 1st Innings (O/night 187/7) A Bramble b Peters 35 D Bishoo c James b Peters 29 V Permaul lbw b Peters 12 K Joseph not out 1 Extras (nb1) 01 Total (all out off 90 overs) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-36, 4-37, 5-117, 6-136, 7-136, 8-198, 9-207, 10-213 Bowling: Pascal 105-19-1 Johnson 9-322-1 Peters 17-8-424 (1nb) Sebastien 34-14-75-2 Bobb 192-51-1 Smith 1-0-4-0

W I N D W A R D ISLANDS second Innings

English Carlisle 10:00 hrs Russborough 10:30 hrs Un Guet Apens 11:05 hrs Granaruid 11:35 hrs Tutchec 12:10 hrs Short Takes 12:40 hrs Tartan Snow Ffos Las 10:15 hrs Flying Eagle 10:45 hrs Tidal Dance 11:20 hrs Rossa Parks 11:50 hrs Big Casino 12:25 hrs Charingworth 12:55 hrs Tarraco South Africa Racing Tips Clairwood 08:20 hrs The Helmsman 08:55 hrs Harry’s Son 09:30 hrs Pine Princess 10:05 hrs Regal Eagle

five wicket haul at this level and Peters (06), before Currency who has so far faced 98 deliveries and struck three fours in his unbeaten innings and Delorn Johnson (01*) accepted the offer for bad light from the umpires at 17:30hrs, with their team leading by 190 runs.

D Smith lbw b Deonarine 00 T Theophile c Bramble b Permaul 00 S Ambris c Fudadin b Permaul 06 K Lesporis c&b Deonarine 06 R Currency not out 40 L Sebastien c Fudadin b Permaul 06 L James c Barnwell b Permaul 04 A Bobb c Deonarine b Permaul 16 K Peters lbw b Permaul 06 D Johnson not out 01 Extras (8b, 1lb) 09 Total (for 8 wkts off 43 overs) 96 To bat: N Pascal Fall of wicket: 1-0, 2-0, 3-07, 4-23, 5-37, 6-43, 7-81, 8-95,

10:40 hrs Choir Maiden 11:15 hrs Cayenne French Racing Tips Auteuil 08:30 hrs Arthur Junior 09:00 hrs My Name Is Nick 09:30 hrs Athena Vallis 10:08 hrs Plumeur 10:40 hrs Saint Palois 11:10 hrs Roll On Has 11:40 hrs Un Joyeux 12:10 hrs Zircjorien Irish Racing Tips Navan 10:25 hrs Macnicholson 10:55 hrs Drumlee 11:30 hrs Le Vent D’antan 12:00 hrs Flaming Dawn 12:35 hrs Cadspeed 13:05 hrs Notimetoserve

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16 2014

27

Organise more Tests for Tests to survive’ - Tendulkar

…Sachin Tendulkar believes the ICC needs to organise more Tests, if it wants the format to survive SACHIN Tendulakar believes the ICC needs to organise more Tests, if it wants the format to survive. At the same time, he feels, no player can be forced to play a Test match, because it is the format that will always catch you out if you are not mentally and technically prepared.

Speaking at the seventh annual ESPNcricinfo awards night, in Mumbai, where he was named Cricketer of the Generation, Tendulkar also pointed out how the game has evolved in recent times, in

large part due to the influence of limited-overs cricket. Twenty20 cricket, he said, complements Test cricket.

“The ICC should take notice of it and organise more Test matches if they want Test cricket to survive,” Tendulkar said, while accepting his award. “[But] I still believe Test cricket is in good hands, players are producing unbelievable cricket. If you see around the world, most matches have results, very few are drawn, which is probably due to T20s, so the formats are comple-

menting each other.

If you want more guys to follow cricket, T20 is an ideal format to introduce people to cricket. Gradually they can progress to one-day cricket and Test cricket.”

There’s no point forcing Test cricket down throats, Tendulkar said, since that would only eat into the quality of the game.

“When it comes to players though, you cannot force someone to like Test cricket. If you are passionate about Test cricket, it has to be from within.

And if it doesn’t exist in some

cases, don’t force him, leave him, let him play one-day and T20 cricket.

Test cricket is the ultimate format and it’s one format where the bowlers are always going to get you out. In Tests, you require planning, vision and execution. It doesn’t happen that much in T20 cricket, where you can be a hero in three balls.”

The game changed, especially in the second half of his 24-year career, Tendulkar said.

He pointed out inno-

See Page 28

Sachin Tendulkar speaks after being named Cricketer of the Generation, in Mumbai , Friday.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

Organise more Tests for Tests to survive’...

From Page 27

vations in field placements, batting and bowling styles.

Some of those changes, Tendulkar said, resulted in him curbing his aggression as his career progressed.

“The field settings were different. Later on in my career when I walked in to bat and I looked towards point, I thought, ‘Point is catching so there’s a gap.’

But later I realised, ‘No, no there’s deep point already too’. With time, your style of play too changes. Today the kinds of shots played by batsmen are incredible.

“I saw [Zimbabwe batsman] Andy Flower play the reverse sweep consistently in a Test, he was 10-12 years ahead of his time. Twelve years down the line, it has become quite a common shot: [England captain] Alastair Cook was [in the 200s] at Birmingham, and he, of all people, reverse-swept Amit Mishra. The game has changed “Now consistently you see 300-plus totals, which is because of the rule changes and also due to T20 cricket. Batsmen are prepared to take chances, bowlers have to develop more variations. In the 90s, I don’t think anyone bowled the slower ball bouncer like [South Africa pacer] Shaun Pollock did in the latter stage of his career, now it’s a regular variation. So maybe 20 years down the line, who knows how the game will be.”

Tendulkar was one of three nominees for the award, presented to mark the first generation of the existence of ESPNcricinfo, which has been online since 1993. Tendulkar recalled facing up to the other two, South Africa allrounder Jacques Kallis and Australian legspinner Shane Warne.

Kallis, Tendulkar said, was an ace planner. “His strength has been his focus and concentration. Kallis used to walk to the wicket and he would be looking

down, and I used to jokingly tell our bowlers once he has realised which way the blades of the grass are, he is going to make us field for a long time, so get him out before that.

“Kallis pretended that he was tired, just come in there to bowl six balls and go back to the slips and field, but I knew that his effort ball would soon come. I always knew that one special ball was always round the corner and this was all part of his planning and he was about to execute that.”

Tendulkar remembered the early days against Warne, when the two became “good friends”.

“I first played against Warne in 1992 and you could make that Shane was talented, but he wasn’t consistent I felt in the first game,” he said.

“The next encounter against Warne was in Sri Lanka and I was beaten by his flight.

But I decided to go for the big one, I picked the length and fortunately that one went for a six.

But Warne being a tricky character he walked up to me and try to instigate me, he said something. My habit was to play the shot and walk over towards the square-leg umpire, that was part of my preparation - not that I wanted to not hear what Warne had to say.

“But I caught him after the game, he came to our dressing room, and I asked him ‘Warnie, what were you trying to say to me? Now you can tell me.’

From then onwards, we became good friends.”

Before Tendulkar was presented the award, his former India team-mate and captain Rahul Dravid and the former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe aired their views on his career. “He was the kind of cricketer whose respect you wanted to earn,” Dravid said.

Crowe said: “[West Indies’] Viv Richards was the greatest batsman I played against and his footwork lasted 15 years.

Sachin’s lasted a decade longer. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16 2014

29

Gibson, Sammy back Russell to perform big-hitting role BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Two principal figures in the West Indies team management have backed Andre Russell to excel in his new role, even as the Jamaican all-rounder struggles to fill the slot made vacant by injured Twenty20 star Kieron Pollard.

In the recent T20 series against Ireland and England, Russell was used at number six in attempt to compensate for Pollard’s absence. However, he failed to provide the explosive power needed at the back end of the innings, with scores of just 15, 8, 24 not out, 2 and 0.

Despite the string of fail-

Andre Russell

ures, captain Darren Sammy said Russell had the team’s fullest support, and would continue in this position as West Indies prepared for the defence of their World T20 title in Bangladesh later this month.

“We have to give players that confidence. It’s been five games since he’s been tried in that role. It’s a big gap to fill.

Pollard knew his T20 game inside out and was very experienced. If Russell goes and gets the job done then I’m always there at the back end to do it [also],” Sammy pointed out. “[There may be] situations

… in the last five overs where I will have to go and we’ll have to make that decision then but as for now I am backing him, the coaching staff is backing him to do the job and we believe he is going to deliver. If he doesn’t then I back myself to come and finish the job.”

Russell has emerged as a powerful hitter in the limited overs format, and was key to Jamaica Tallawahs winning the inaugural Caribbean Premier League last year.

The 25-year-old produced a number of cameo innings – including a scintillating unbeaten 29 off six balls in the

semi-final win over Barbados Tridents and 33 not out off 18 balls that saw Jamaica to victory in the final over against Guyana’s Amazon Warriors.

Coach Ottis Gibson said he was confident Russell could rediscover this form for the Windies but said the player needed time to adjust to the role.

“He had a really good CPL for Jamaica with the bat. He made important runs for them. We’re missing Pollard and he’s a big loss for us because he’s one of our key men in those middle orders,” Gibson explained.

“We’re trying to give Rus-

sell the opportunity to fill that Pollard role and you have to give him time, it’s something he has to grow into. He has played three games in the (England) series and I will sit down with him and assess, and let him know how I think he has gone and what else he needs to do, and if he’s going do it the way Pollard has done it for us in the past.”

He added: “We believe strongly in Russell. We believe he’s got the capabilities to do it. He’s got the game, he’s got the power to do that job so we have to continue to back him up and give him the support he needs.”

Companies to Entries for Kennard Memorial Turf Club Phagwah clash at GCC sixes horse race closes tomorrow tournament TOMORROW is the closing day for entries for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s Annual Phagwah Day Horse Race Meet which is scheduled for the club’s facility at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

The race meet which will be staged next Sunday and is scheduled for a 13:00hrs start with eight races being staged, will have as its feature event a six-furlong race for horses classified `A’ and Lower and will see the winner receiving $1M, while the second, third

and fourth place finishers will receive $500,000, $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

Entrance fee per horse is $100,000. .

The day’s activity will get under way with a six-furlong race for horses classified ‘D3’ and Lower and the winner will receive $400 000, while the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will earn $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively. Entrance fee per horse is $45 000.

Three more six-furlong rac-

es are carded for the day, one for ‘I’ and Lower horses, one for ‘J1’ and Lower horses and the other for three-year-old Guyana-bred maidens.

The winner of the ‘I’ and Lower race will earn $250 000, the winner of the ‘J1’ and Lower event will receive $200 000 and the winner of the three-year-old event will receive $250 000.

A five-furlong race for horses classified ‘J3’ and Lower will also be staged and the winner will earn $150 000.

There will also be two sev-

en-furlong races for horses classified ‘G’ and Lower and another for three-year-old Guyana-bred maidens.

The winner of the ‘G’ and Lower race will draw down $300 000, while the winner of the three-year-olds event will receive $400 000.

Entries close tomorrow and interested owners and trainers can make contact with Roopnarine Matadia (325-3192); Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316); Justice Cecil Kennard (623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1399).

today

All systems are in place at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) for the staging of the first Bourda Corporate Cricket Sixes Tournament set to take place today at the GCC Ground, Bourda.

Competing for the G$75,000 prize are Sterling Products Limited, Windsor Estate, Neal and Massy Group of Companies and GCC. Each game will be played between two teams of six players. A game consists of a maximum of five six-ball overs bowled by each side. The side having the highest score at the game’s completion will win and in the event of tied scores, the side losing fewest wickets will be adjudged the winner.

BBQ will be on sale and a well-stocked bar will be open to spectators.

GCC is encouraging cricket-loving fans across the country to come out and support their team. The tournament gets underway at 11:00 hrs and admission is absolutely free.

No medals as Guyana struggles at the South American Games GUYANA continues to fail in the medal count at the South America Games as their athletes struggle to meet the top three in the athletics part of the meet, even though the fastest man in South America is being deemed to come from Guyana . Also, inspite of being one of the best boxing countries in the Caribbean and South America, Guyana still failed to medal in that event.

However, there are various events in that category and also in the athletics category remaining where Guyana can try to bounce back with

some medals.

Representing the Golden Arrowhead at the men’s 400m finals, where he showed an outstanding performance in the first round and semifinals, Winston George came in 4th with a time of 46.15s, which was one of his best times in the meet.

He was, however, beaten

by Brazilians’ Freitas Hendriques [gold medal] and Baludunio De Sousa [silver medal] who came in with timings of 45.03s and 45.09s, respectively, and taking the bronze medal was Venezuela Menzos Freddy with a time of 45.86s.

In the men’s 1500 metres final, distance king Cleveland Forde and Cleveland T h o m a s c a m e i n 8 th a n d 9 th position, respectively, with timings of 4.02.20 and 4.02.36. The gold, silver and bronze medalists of this event were: Bruno Federico [3.03.96], Lopas Bilbao [3.42.62] and Rodriguez Lleneres [3.42.75].

In addition, in the women’s 100m semi finals Guyana’s sprint ace Alisha Fortune failed to reach the finals as she made it to the bottom of the table with a time of 12.29s.

The three [3] qualifiers of this

event were Ecuadorian’s Tenorio Micolta [11.72s ] , Quintero Chavez [11.74s], and Colombian Palicios Santos with a time of 11.84s.

In the boxing arena of the competition, Guyana’s Eon Bancroft was punched out by Venezuelan Maestre Gabriel who won the fight 3-0. However, the men’s and women’s 200m final along with Guyana’s final boxing matches, where Guyana can still bounce back with some medals, will commence today and Chronicle Sport will continue its updates of the competition, which is being held in Chile.

Winston George

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16, 2014

Edwards hundred gives Barbados firm base C AV E HI L L , B a r ba do s , (CMC) – Kirk Edwards made an emphatic return to the Barbados team with his eighth first-class hundred, to lead a strong batting performance against Combined Campuses & Colleges in the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday.

Edwards hit a composed 109, as the “visitors” reached 248 for four, replying to CCC’s first innings total of 269, at the close on the second day of their third round match at the Three Ws Oval.

It was Edwards’ first innings since he was expelled from the national side prior to the NAGICO Super50 Tournament last month in Trinidad and he stamped his authority with his fifth Regional FourDay hundred.

He struck five fours and four sixes from 204 balls in four hours of batting, and dominated a stand of 180 for the second wicket with captain and opener Kraigg Brathwaite, unbeaten on 85, that established a new mark for the Barbadians against CCC. Edwards reached his hundred in 198 minutes, when he

Batsman Kirk Edwards celebrates his century against CCC yesterday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) drove his 182nd ball – from Austin – to long-on for a single.

Brathwaite, Edwards’ successor as Barbados captain, was unbeaten on a painstaking 85 and wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich was not out on eight when stumps were drawn.

Test opener Brathwaite, whose knock contained five fours from 274 balls in just over six hours, stood firm, batting all day, as the CCC fought back with three wickets in the final hour to add some intrigue to the final period.

Left-arm spinner Jomel

Warrican, a graduate of the West Indies High Performance Centre, has been the pick of the CCC bowlers with a miserly two for 47 from 28 overs and off-spinner Ryan Austin supported with two for 64 from 27 overs.

Starting the day on three without loss, Barbados benefitted from resolute batting from Brathwaite and fellow opener Rashidi Boucher in the first hour.

Boucher was trapped lbw for 29 to Warrican in the first over after the drinks break, sweeping across the line, leaving the Barbadians 47 for one.

Edwards came to the crease and with Brathwaite put the grind on the CCC for the next four hours, as they carried Barbados to 75 for one at lunch and 173 for one at tea.

Brathwaite was fortunate on 34, when leg-slip fielder Kyle Corbin dropped him off Austin, in the first hour after lunch.

Edwards reached his 50 from 108 balls when he drove Warrican to mid-off for a single and Brathwaite followed

about 20 minutes later when he glanced Kesrick Williams to fine leg, also for a single.

Edwards, on 85, was fortunate, in the second over after tea, when wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton mis-stumped him off Austin.

He continued merrily until he reached his milestone, but he tried to clear long-off with a delivery from Warrican and was smartly caught just inside the boundary rope by Shacaya Thomas, running about 10 yards to his right before diving to hold on.

Jonathan Carter spent 20 minutes at the crease, but failed to give the scorers any

COMBINED CAMPUSES & COLLEGES 1st Innings 269 BARBADOS 1st Innings (overnight three without loss) *K. Brathwaite not out 85 R. Boucher lbw b Warrican 29 K. Edwards c Thomas b Warrican 109 J. Carter c Corbin b Austin 0 R. Chase c Hodge b Austin 1 +S. Dowrich not out 8 Extras (b1, lb1, w5, nb9) 16

work before he was caught at slip off Austin, edging a backfoot stab, and four overs later, Roston Chase got another blow to his confidence, when he was caught at silly point for one off Austin from an ill-advised sweep.

Barbados, who hold a 4-3 edge in this head-to-head battle, are fourth on 19 points and CCC are bottom of the seven-team table on four points.

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

TOTAL (4 wkts, 97 overs) 248 To bat: C. Brathwaite, A. Nurse, S. Benn, J. Holder, T. Best.

Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-227, 3-232, 4-238 Bowling: Warrican 28-7-47-2; Williams 7-0-21-0 (nb4); R. Reifer 8-0-30-0 (nb5, w5); Dewar 20-459-0; Austin 27-11-64-2; Jacobs 5-0-18-0; Hodge 2-0-7-0 Position: Barbados trail by 21 runs with six first innings wickets standing.

MILO/PETRA UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Morrion’s brace helps Bishops’ High defeat School of Nations 5-1 -Defending champions held to draw

THANKS to a brace from Joel Morrion, Bishops’ High School were able to come away with a 5-1 victory over School of the Nations, when action in this year’s Milo sponsored Petra Organisation organised Under-20 Schools Football Championships continued at the Ministry of Education ground yesterday.

On the same day, defending champions St. George’s Secondary were held to a nil all draw by Queenstown Secondary, even as Lodge and Dolphin Secondary Schools got past St Mary’s and South Ruimveldt Secondary in their respective

encounter.

Morrion found the back of the net in the 2nd and 52nd minute of play and along with goals from David Chan (30th), Nathaniel King (54th) and Romario Gonsalves’ 59th minute, ensured Bishops came out on top, even as Lyndon Dorway pulled one back for School of the Nations in the 7th minute.

After witnessing St. George’s who looked in danger of failing to make the knockout phase which kicks off this weekend, being held to the draw, Dequan Matthews (15th) and Lenroy Forde (52nd) were on target for Dolphin Secondary in their win over

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday March 16, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 569 all out (WI vs AUST, 1991) Gordon Greenidge Today’s Quiz: What are Curtly Ambrose’s best innings bowling figures in a Test?

How many ODIs Alvin Kallicharran played?

How many centuries he scored?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

South Ruimveldt.

Orlando Greaves (15 th ), Tavel Jones (45 th) and Jarel Grannum (51st) found the back of the net for Lodge Secondary, who stamped their authority over St. Mary’s to come away

with the 3-0 win, thus boosting their confidence ahead of the next phase of the competition.

The action is set to continue at the same venue today, where four more matches will be played, thus closing the curtains on the preliminary round of the competition.

Part of the action in yesterday’s preliminary round of this year’s Milo/Petra Organisation Under-20 Inter-Schools football championships

US Soccer Coach to host EBFA Coaching Programme COACHES attached to clubs in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) will benefit from a coaching programme organised by the EBFA and facilitated by United States based US Soccer Federation B license Coach, Ralph Green.

The programme which is set for tomorrow at the Grove Community Centre commencing at 09:00hrs will see Green touching on the Fundamentals of coaching: What makes a good coach (speaking to players, portraying a positive image, being a mentor to your players, role model).

A practical session will be held on Wednesday from 16:00hrs at the Grove Playfield and will see the coaches taken through the paces on the following areas; working on defense, midfield, attack and goalkeeping among other areas.

Green, who arrived in Guyana, yesterday, was approached b y E B FA S e c r e t a r y F r a n k l i n Wi l s o n t o l e n d h i s e x pertise to the association and readily agreed to assist.

The former Camptown defensive player is an accredited United States Soccer Federation ‘B’ License Coach having also completed the C and D licences. He represented Camptown in the early 1970s.

Green migrated to the USA in 1979 where he played in the Amateur League (Bankers Athletic League) in New York which was made up of ex- professional players working in the financial industry and was

Ralph Green.

Manager for European American Bank team.

His coaching career commenced after the Camptown New York chapter was formed in 1992 and Green is the current President.

His career in coaching at the youth level kicked off in 1998 with Woodhaven Soccer Club in the Long Island Junior Soccer League where he currently still coaches.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 16 2014

31

Hinds registers emphatic victory in Diamond Mineral Water feature 35-lap race UNITED Bikers cyclist Orville Hinds registered an emphatic victory in yesterday’s feature 35-lap event of the Diamond Mineral Water 9th annual 11race cycle programme in the National Park.

Racing in rainy conditions that were ideal for cyclists, Hinds set the tone for his victory from the 18th of the 35-lap race by advancing to the fore of the field from the 21stlap and was never challenged thereafter.

As the laps progressed Hinds extended his lead to more than 800 metres ahead of his closest rivals which included Warren McKay, Godfrey Pollydore, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey and Stephen Fernandes.

But as the race progressed, Hinds, with Junior Niles on his back wheel changed into overdrive and extended the lead which was never reduced.

After breaking away, Hinds alternated the lead with a number of his rivals before breaking away and establishing a comfortable lead which he never relinquished.

Hinds kept turning up the gears from the 20 th lap and almost lapped the entire field, thanks to assistance from veteran rider Junior Niles who earlier in the day won the veterans under-50 five-lap race ahead of Berbician Wilbert Benjamin and Ralph Williams, respectively.

With 10 laps remaining in the feature event, Jeffrey, the overall third place finisher jumped the chasing pack and was looking as though he would have caught up with Hinds, but this was not to be as the other riders in the pelethon sucked him back and kept him in their sights.

Prize winners of the various categories in yesterday’s Diamond Mineral Water feature race in the National Park strike a pose with DDl’s Marketing Assistant Trish Doodnauth (third right) and race organiser, national coach Hassan Mohamed (second right).

With seven laps remaining, Robin Persaud jumped the chasing pack but was subsequently sucked in and Hinds went on to win comfortably.

In the sprint for the minor positions, Warren McKay out-sprinted Jeffrey to take second, while Jeffrey placed third and Robin Persaud eased near the finish line to give Andre Abdool fourth position. Persaud settled for fifth and Stephen Fernandes sixth.

Hinds won six of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs while Godfrey Pollydore and Jeffrey won one each.

In other results, Michael Anthony won the juveniles 10lap race ahead of Andre Green and Alonzo respectively, while Ozia McAully won the fivelap mountain bike race from Clyde Jacobs and Wayne Nurse, respectively.

Anthony Farriah, the only contestant in the veteran’s over60 five-lap race completed the distance, while Linden Blackman won the veteran’s over-50

five-lap event ahead of Virgil Jones.

The BMX boys six to nine years old three-lap race was won by Sherwin Sampson ahead of T. Harrison, third was Esau Jaisingh.

Sampson also won the BMX Boys nine to 12 years old three-lap race ahead of Taran Garbaran, while Adrian Sharma won the three-lap open race for BMX boys. Second was Taleel Jackson and third was Stephen Wilkinson.

In the BMX boys and girls three-lap event, Christopher Griffith was first, Avish Ramkhellwan second and Teshawanna Doris third.

Race organiser Hassan Mohamed showered praises on the sponsors for being on board for the past nine years and is hopeful that they will continue their sponsorship of the event for many years to come.

The presentation of prizes to the respective winners was done by Demerara Distillers Limited’s Marketing Assistant Trish Doodnauth.

East Ruimvledt, Tutorial play to nil all draw

East Ruimvedlt/Tutorial female match up ended in a nil all draw, yesterday, as the Scotia Bank/ Pepsi schools Tournament kicked off yesterday morning at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue with the lone encounter.

The tournament commenced with a march past of the competing schools in the tournament of which North Georgetown Secondary was adjudged the winner.

The teams were encouraged by Tournament Coordinator Brenda Harmon to do their best as they play competitive football. The ceremonial kick off was done by Pepsi Representative Larry Wills.

The tournament continues today with Tutorial High tackling Cambellville Secondary boys.

Kick off time is 09:30 hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Hinds registers emphatic victory in Diamond Mineral Water feature (See Story on 35-lap race pag 31)

Permaul’s six for 42 sets up exciting final day at Providence Stadium -W/Islands lead by 190runs

I got him guys! Guyana’s Assad Fudadin was caught by Chronicle Sport’s Adrian Narine as he is about to take this catch to remove Sunil Ambris off Veerasammy Permaul. The wicketkeeper is Anthony Bramble, while Narsingh Deonarine hovers in the background. ana set to resume on 187 for

By Calvin Roberts 7, with Anthony Bramble and Devendra Bishoo on 29 HAVING conceded a first in- and 22 respectively and both nings lead of 94 to the Wind- batsmen got boundaries off ward Islands, host Guyana Liam Sebastien and Kenroy wrestled back control of their Peters before rain interrupted West Indies Cricket Board play for the second time at (WICB) third round Regional 10:53hrs, with Guyana 198 for four- day encounter at the Guy- 7 off 81.3 overs, with Bramble ana National Stadium, Prov- on 33 and Bishoo 28. idence at the end of the third When play got underway at day, yesterday, thanks to left 12:50hrs following a 77 minarm spinner Veerasammy Per- utes delay, Guyana lost Bishoo maul. caught by Lindon James at the Replying to the visitors 307, wicket off the first delivery Guyana were bowled out for 213 from Peters after hitting five within the first hour of play after fours and batting for 75 minutes lunch, as rain permitted only three in which he faced 68 balls for overs to be bowled for the morn- his 28. ing session, but they rebounded He added 62 for the eighth to restrict the Windwards to 96 wicket with Bramble who for 8 despite an unbeaten 40 from watched as Permaul got back Romel Currency, with Permaul to back boundaries off Peters, snaring 6 for 42 and Narsingh raising Guyana’s 200 with the Deonarine 2 for 28. first from 83.1overs and 229 Scores to date: Windward minutes of batting.

Islands 307 and 96 for 8; Guyana Peters wrapped up the in213 nings, when he bowled Bramble Rain delayed the start of (See page 26) play for 40 minutes with GuyVeerasammy Permaul snared 6 for 42

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2014