Guyana chronicle 20 08 14

guyana No. 103925 wednesday august 20, 2014

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

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President rumbles sinister plot to derail economic growth Page

President Donald Ramotar

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––‘it’s not a one-off act’ he says, but well orchestrated

At bilateral conference opening...

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GDF, Chinese military agree U$4.8M aid pact ––for acquisition of much-needed ‘non-lethal’ items

Region 10 loggers 15 throw collective weight behind Bai Shan Lin Page

––in face of Kaieteur News’ rabid anti-investment stance

Survey finds...

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Skilled workers in short supply here

Vlissengen Road heist...

Brigadier Mark Phillips (left) and PLA Major General Kong Li after signing the agreement yesterday

Police arrest suspect in robbery, murder of Page 11 Campbellvile businessmen

Stabroek News justifies its political ambition by ensuring all its columnists are anti-government players!

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Save R Kids, Leguan children benefit from dental care outreach ––thanks to generosity of young overseas-based Guyanese

By Leroy Smith

CLOSE to seven dozen children between the ages of three and 16 benefited yesterday from the expertise and generosity of young Jonnel Mortley, an overseas-based Guyanese woman who is certified in the area of dental care.

Presently in Guyana holidaying with relatives, Mortley kept up a tradition of providing dental care to children of her homeland whenever she travels here.

This publication accompanied the young professional and a small team of family members yesterday first to the Maryville Primary School at Leguan, where well over thirty children were taught the importance of taking care of their teeth, had demonstrations done on healthy teeth care, and were also given cavity checks. Each child, moreover, had fluoride placed on their teeth as part of the exercise.

They were taught the importance of flossing, the proper way teeth should be brushed, and the need to ensure that their teeth and mouths are cleaned each night before going to sleep.

Jonnel also encouraged the children to temper their love for sweets and candy, and focus more on eating healthy stuff which helps to strengthen the teeth.

She encouraged the parents and teachers gathered yesterday to ensure that the children practise the lessons taught, and admonished that they should be supervised in the care of their mouths and teeth.

At the end of the day’s activity, each child was presented with a dental kit consisting of toothpaste, flossing materials, and other items used for oral care.

Jonnel’s team had initially planned to extend the service to two hundred children on the island, but that was not possible. Many of the children who were expected to show up were either away from the island on holiday, or were just not aware of the type of dental care they were to be exposed to.

Some adults also showed up at the facility looking to have other health services from the team, but that could

ments, Mrs Mortley said she was pleased to work with the children, especially those at the children’s home. She thanked home administrator Michelle Campbell for accommodating the team although the visit was spontaneous.

Mrs Mortley disclosed that the items used during the outreach were donated by the Colgate company, where she works in the United States, and some were provided by her personally.

In her response, Michelle Campbell said that the initiative and work which was done by the team was indeed a blessing for the children.

The home has close to forty children, and was founded in 2002 by Patricia Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. It receives support from the Atlanta City Church.

Campbell said that visiting teams coming to the home is nothing new, and very often there are medical teams which would visit from overseas.

However, she did not hesitate to point out that those teams, while they provide excellent health care to Leguan children with the outreach team after the medical examinations the children, were not fully focused on dental care as the team which visited yesterday. not have been accommodated.

Mortley and Campbell entered an arrangement to After realising that they did not have the expected continue working together, and already Mortley has complement of children at Leguan, the team travelled to committed to having a full-fledged team of doctors the West Coast of Demerara, where they continued the of various specialties travel to the children’s home to outreach after the exercise had been completed at Leguan. conduct a more detailed health engagement with the Their next stop was at the Save R Kids Children’s children and staff.

Home at Cornelia Ida, where the service was identical to that given at Leguan. Although that visit had been unplanned, it was accommodated by the administration of the home, and turned out to be more than the visiting team had expected.

The children were very interactive, and seemed to have a better idea of the concept of dental care and its importance. Nevertheless, they were still engaged by Mrs Mortley.

JOSE Henrique Salvao De Souza, 66, of Junior Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle after the engageRoss Landing, Cuyuni and Bisham Munilall, five, of Charlotte Street, Georgetown are now dead after the boat in which they were travelling in Region Seven’s Cuyuni River hit a rock at Dukwari and spilled several passengers into the river.

According to the police, the accident occurred Monday at around 16:00hrs; only DeSouza has so far been recovered.

Investigations are in progress.

Two die in Cuyuni River accident

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

President rumbles sinister plot to derail economic growth

President Donald Ramotar

––‘it’s not a one-off act’ he says, but well orchestrated

THE Government of Guyana has been spending huge sums of money to create a country with a highly improved infrastructure base, to propel rapid economic growth and a better life for its citizens.

At the same time, it has been putting in other services to attract both foreign and direct investment which aid in economic development and wealth creation and job opportunities.

But while the country has been experiencing year after year of economic growth, there seems to be a pattern emerging; a coordinated attack on investments in the country.

President Donald Ramotar, in a recent interview with the National Communications Network, said, “That pattern has been shown from the beginning of last year; it’s not a one-off act.

How do you explain the non-support of the Amalia Falls, the Specialty Hospital, the expansion of the CJIA (Cheddi Jagan International Airport)?”

Citing as another “clear pattern of attack” the many attempts to villify any investment plan

involving the Chinese, President Ramotar said: “This is extremely worrying, because China has proven to be a very reliable developmental partner, not only to us in Guyana, but to the Caribbean.”

In some instances, he said, opposition politicians initially supported some of the projects, only to withdraw their support along with the requisite funding. “Is it intended to put us in an awkward position to lose a lot of money? Because your voting for these things in the past has allowed us to have contractual arrangements in many areas; and now voting against them.”

As the President was at pains to explain, whenever queries arise about any investment, the government and investors are, and remain, prepared to provide answers to those enquires. And the fact that comprehensive measures were taken by government to provide details, some of which were highly confidential, to opposition politicians, who still decided to oppose the

investments, raises the issue of the true purpose of their actions.

But in spite of all the aggavation, Guyana still remains open to investment, foreign or local, President Ramotar said, once interested companies abide by the country’s rules and regulations.

“You are welcome to invest in our economy and our society,” he urged whoever may be thinking seriously about investing in Guyana, in spite of the two main opposition parties’ obvious anti-developmental agenda.

But ours is a magnanimous President; and he is not above calling on the political opposition to show maturity and cooperate with the government for the betterment of all Guyanese.

Government still remains open to dialogue, at any time, with other Parliamentary political parties, he said, adding that he hopes good sense will prevail as efforts continue to have Guyana further advance on the path of development that it has taken over the last two decades. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Pakistani protesters reach parliament as police look on

By Katharine Houreld and Syed Raza Hassan

ISLAMABAD, (Reuters) THOUSANDS of protesters marched to the Pakistani parliament yesterday as part of a bid to force the prime minister to resign, using a crane and bolt cutters to force their way past barricades of shipping containers in the capital Islamabad.

Riot police and paramilitaries had tried to seal off the diplomatic and government zone before the march began, and were told not to intervene as protesters, some of them women throwing rose petals, moved all obstacles in their way.

The protests were led by former international cricketer Imran Khan, head of

the country's third-largest political party, and cleric Tahir ul-Qadri, who controls a network of Islamic schools and charities.

Hours before the protesters set off, the interior minister announced that soldiers would be deployed to stop them.

That was intended to send a message to the coup-prone country that the protests do not have military backing. It also underscored how the opposition has forced the fledgling civilian government to rely on the country's powerful army, despite deep mistrust between the two institutions.

The protests have piled extra pressure on the 15-month-old government as it struggles to overcome

high unemployment, daily power cuts and a Taliban insurgency. The showdown has also raised broader questions over the stability of Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 180 million people.

Khan and Qadri both want Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign. Khan accuses him of rigging last year's polls. Qadri accuses him of corruption. Police estimate the two protest leaders have about 55,000 supporters between them, but not all of them marched on parliament.

Both Khan and Qadri have been holding protest rallies in the capital since Friday with government permission.

But they have been banned from the "Red Zone", which houses many Western embassies, parliament and the office and home of Sharif.

Their protests have so far remained separate because the two have different supporters and different plans for what should happen if Sharif steps down.

Supporters of former international cricketer Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party, climb on container barricades as they participate during a Freedom March to the parliament house in Islamabad, yesterday (Credit: Reuters/Akhtar Soomro)

But on Tuesday, Qadri said his supporters would march on parliament, a day after Khan asked his supporters to do the same.

"The people's parliament ... have decided to do their sit-in in front of parliament," Qadri said on Tuesday evening, referring to his followers, to approving roars from the crowd.

Most of Khan's supporters are young men. Qadri's are seen as more disciplined and determined; there are many families among them. All the men have sticks; brigades of youths also have goggles and masks to deal with tear gas.

Speaking to the crowd, Khan said any violence would be the fault of the prime minister, as his female supporters scattered baskets of rose petals over bemused police in body armor.

"If police try to stop us and there is violence, Nawaz I will not spare you, I will come after you and put you in jail," Khan said.

His supporters roared their approval. Among them was 20-year-old Shams Khan, who came from the northwestern region of Bannu with his friends.

"My blood is boiling today and I want to be martyred," he said. "If we don't go into the Red Zone today, I will quit this party tomorrow."

RED ZONE Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar announced earlier that the military would co-ordinate the defense of the Red Zone.

"The government has decided to hand over the security of the Red Zone of Islamabad to the army," he said in a news conference.

After it became clear protesters would reach parliament, military spokesman General Asim Bajwa tweeted a reminder to protesters to respect government institutions.

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"Bldgs in red Zone r symbol of State&being protected

by Army, therefore sanctity of these national symbols must be respected," he tweeted.

"Situation requires patience, wisdom & sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue."

On Monday, Khan also announced his party would resign from their 34 seats in the National Assembly and in all provinces apart from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which his party controls.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, is the heartland of the Taliban insurgency.

Marvi Memon, a legislator from the ruling party, said no formal resignations had been received so far.

Some analysts say Khan and Qadri mounted their challenge because Sharif's relationship with the military had deteriorated, appearing to leave the civilian government isolated.

Sharif angered the military by delaying an antiTaliban operation, insisting on months of fruitless peace talks and putting the former chief of staff, Pervez Musharraf, on trial for treason.

Musharraf ousted Sharif during a coup in 1999.

Many officers are also suspicious of Sharif's strategy to improve relations with archenemy India. However, over the past weeks, Musharraf's trial has ground to a halt and talks with India have been cancelled.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

T&T Government, Opposition appeal to population ahead of important Senate debate PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – GOVERNMENT and Opposition legislators took to the public platforms on Monday night seeking support for a controversial amendment to the Trinidad and Tobago constitution ahead of a crucial sitting of the Senate later this month.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, speaking at a public meeting of her ruling United National Congress (UNC), denied suggestions that the legislation, which will allow for a run-off in the event that a candidate fails to win a 50 per cent of the votes cast in a general election, was aimed at ensuring that the IndoTrinidadian community have a stronghold in the country.

The UNC is the major partner in the four-member coalition People’s Partnership government and has its base within the Indo- community here.

“If every single Indian voted for the UNC or the Partnership they could never

get the majority required,’ Prime Minister Persad Bissessar told party supporters at Gasparillo, south of here, adding “they would have to unite with other groups.

That is what the run-off really signifies. Majority rule with a mandate of unification instead of division.

But Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley addressing a political meeting of the main opposition People’s National Movement in San Fernando, south of here, said the run-off proposal in the Constitution Amendment Bill was designed by “UNC strategists to steal the election” due next year.

“This is a bill that is going to fundamentally change how we elect people,” Rowley said, adding that ‘we will now have semi-finals in the elections and if you cant make the semi-finals you cannot make the finals”.

He said that the UNC strategists came up with the strategy to have the run-off as part of the legislation that also allows for the re-

call of legislators and a two consecutive term for prime ministers.

“The UNC strategists came up with that strategy and they advised your prime minister to come with this… strategy to rry and thief the next election,’ he added.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives agreed by a simple majority to approve the Constitutional Amendment Bill even though two senior government ministers voted against the measure and another abstained.

The 31-member Senate will meet on August 25 to debate the bill and the government needs the support of one of the independent legislators in order to ensure its passage.

Civil society groups have been calling on the independent legislators to vote against the measure and they have been staging silent protests outside the Parliament building in a bid to get support for their action.

Over the weekend, the

Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said it was never consulted prior to the legislation being debated in Parliament.

The group, Fixng T&T said it had received correspondence from the EBC indicating that it is still “in the process of examining the implications of the proposed two-round system for the country’s electoral infrastructure, but is quite apparent that a tremendous amount of pressure will be placed on both the commission and its department in the conduct of a supplementary poll in such a short time after the first”.

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar dismissed suggestions that the run-off system would stifle democracy and impose a restriction on the freedom of choice of the voter.

She said the individual’s right of choice to vote for a party or candidate of their choice is not restricted in any form or fashion and will remain unfettered. In addition,

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar (Right) and Opposition leader Dr. keith Rowley

she argued that the right of choice of the individual is in fact broadened by permitting the voter a second opportunity to vote in any instance where the electorate is unable to decide on a majority winner in any constituency.

“More power to the

people. These are what the reforms are about,” she said.

But Rowley told party supporters that the Prime Minister and a “handful of people” were engaged in a “conspiracy…to violate the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Trust is the issue DR. CHEDDI Jagan embraced the concept of inclusivity from the inception of his freedom fight and the formation of the PAC, then later the People’s Progressive Party; and he never once diverted from that path to peace, progress and prosperity.

The ugly face of the Opposition has always tried to ascribe racism and the bogey of communism to him, so as to win points with voters and potential supporters.

Once, when he was making a speech in Canada, he alluded to the treatment Europeans have always accorded black people by saying that, for the Europeans and white Americans, black people have always been at the bottom rung of the ladder in the development paradigm of their respective countries; and here he was alluding to all peoples who were not white, because anyone not of European extraction was perceived to be “black” by the white Americans and Europeans, and this includes even Indians from India.

It was the elitist WPA-supporting “Stabroek News” (the other anti-PPP organ, “Kaieteur News”, had not yet been established) that extrapolated one damning phrase from Dr. Jagan’s speech and deliberately contextualized it so as to cast aspersions of racism on the greatest humanist of the Western Hemisphere.

Their headlines screamed: “Dr. Jagan says blacks are at the bottom rung of the ladder”. The anti-PPP media collective, including the PNC organ that was edited by Adam Harris, picked up the propaganda like a wolf pack; and bandies it until today, even though Dr. Jagan clarified what he had said and the context in which he was referring. The good doctor even apologised for offending those who felt offended, even though it was from a flawed perspective.

And until today, the Opposition collective propagates the myth that the greatest leader this region ever had was a racist, and they use that phrase to augment their vilification of the great and good Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

So this branding with illusionary accusations of everyone perceived to be part of the PPP family -- even those Guyanese of African descent, whom the opposition collective term “house slaves” -- has been a strategy used since the time that Burnham and

D’Aguiar first collaborated with the colonials to depose a Cheddi Jagan Government using the bogey of communism.

Today the catchwords are, inter alia, “corruption, secret deals, marginalisation”, which are just as destabilising to national unity as the bogeys of “communism and racism; and today, like yesterday, the anti-PPP, power-hungry charlatans have no qualms in inciting hatred in the hearts of Guyanese; race against race, destroying the unity of the workforce to destabilise the unifying, progressive, and wealth-creational mechanisms that the Government is consistently trying to achieve to take this nation on the path to peace, progress and prosperity that was first charted by Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

As per the PPP policy, the Government made accommodation for the opposition in the governance structure by formulating the parliamentary sectoral committees; with the PNC chairing several vital committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, where they were allowed to examine all the financial transactions, barring none, of the State. They were even allowed to question state officials, again barring none, with the exception of the President, and then make recommendations. Most times these ensued in policy decisions at Cabinet level.

If this was not power-sharing and shared governance, then it boggles the mind what else the Opposition collective expects.

President Donald Ramotar even stated his intention to be further accommodating, depending on the level of trust that the Opposition could build up, taking into consideration their track record of always reneging on agreements – both formal and informal.

However, they have gotten so power drunk with their one-vote/ one-seat parliamentary majority that they are using every ploy to stymie the progress that has been achieved by the former PPP Government under Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership, forcing the incumbent President to re-think his intention of making greater accommodation (taking into consideration the drama being enacted in the current Parliament, one can only imagine the Tower of Babel and

the constant fracas that Cabinet would be reduced to and endure if the Opposition were allowed a foothold there).

The normally very easygoing and accommodating President Donald Ramotar was also constrained to issue the warning that, although the Government would be prepared to make compromises for the greater good of the country, his administration would not allow itself to be blackmailed into committing actions detrimental to the national good, and behaviour that would impede the progress of the country’s developmental imperatives.

One wonders if this is a ploy of Trotman’s to appear to be reasonable in this instance, keeping his firepower for the Budget; because this individual emerged from the belly of the PNC beast, and the stratagems of that party and its satellites to seem reasonable and patriotic, even as they are destroying the peace and inhibiting the progress of the nation, is legendary in the annals of Guyana’s history.

The Jagans and the PPP have always embraced anyone, irrespective of race, colour, or creed, who indicated a desire to join forces with them in nation-building endeavours and initiatives. They do not promise wealth, because they possess none themselves, and most often they draw supporters into social services, community-enhancement, and national developmental projects that entail really hard work with little material or financial benefits, except that one gets the satisfaction that accompanies efforts to make life a little better for one’s fellow citizens.

But Shirley Edwards, Cyril Belgrave and others of the older generation, as well as younger elements such as the Hamilton children and others, could testify that there is no discrimination within PPP ranks, although there may be disagreements between members, but it is never based on a racial quotient.

As former President Jagdeo said, theirs is not a perfect party, nor is theirs a perfect Government; because no such thing has ever existed, nor will ever exist once the human element is a component within the unit.

But one would expect that a responsible Opposition or media corps would not just criticise, but would put its criticism within reasonable contexts, without trying to demonise persons who may be working really hard to find solutions and to enhance the capacities and service of their respective portfolios. And while mistakes may be made, maybe a respectful suggestion to an alternative approach would be constructive and open avenues for rapprochement and genuine attempts to find answers; because no-one is above making mistakes, and while we may disagree, respect for each other should be a paramount feature in our interactions and interrelations with each other.

One cannot want cooperation if there is dishonesty in rhetoric and actions, and if one adopts a confrontational approach; because even criticism can be well received if there is a genuine attempt at problem-resolution without outlandish accusations which lack concrete proof being flung at persons. Such accusations de-motivate persons who may be blameless of the accusations, and who may be genuinely working for the general good.

For instance, one cannot refute the fact that there have been corrupt practices in certain sectors; but if there is an accusation of discrimination within a certain sector, then statistics to prove this contention must be provided.

Also, the perpetrators must be identified, instead of placing an entire sector under a blanket condemnation. If this is done, then perceptions would most likely be changed.

Guyanese need to take charge of their destiny and the future of their children by being responsible citizens striving to reach common goals for the common good; because to continue expanding divisions within the nation would see us all sliding into a crevice leading straight to hell -- where the Americans and British once relegated this nation -- when we can join forces as a united nation to make a heaven of our country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Republic Bank is the one for me

ONCE again, I am compelled to speak about Republic Bank.

I have been a customer of Republic Bank since it was named Royal Bank. At that time, I was an employee at Banks DIH, and I started borrowing money from the bank.

As the bank went through its various stages of development, I remained a loyal customer, and I have absolutely no regrets.

I have never had cause to go to another b a n k , a n d t h a t i s b ecause I received the service I was looking for at Republic Bank. Even though sometimes I was turned down in regard to loan applications, I realise that it was done to protect my best interests, and that was because of the relationship I devel-

oped with my loan officers, to whom I always tell the truth, so they always try to protect me from going wrong.

One of the officers, Mrs Serene Seepersaud, treats me like a son; and Mr Ravi Persaud, Ms. Munroe, Mrs Cox, Tracey, Mrs Judy Bagwandin, and now Mrs Rosita Persaud (which do not encompass all the staff members with whom I have interacted over the years) treat me with kindness, courtesy and respect.

I am committed to Republic Bank for all it has done for me, and the role it played in helping me to be where I am today. I have the greatest respect for Mr John Alves, who is now the head of Republic Bank.

He has guided me along the way when I had to

go to him. One of the things he said to me was that the bank is not into the real estate business, when the bank lends money, its officers want the loan to be repaid; and the next thing is: no matter who your loan officer might be, your file speaks for you, and you have to be treated by what is in your file.

Thank you, Mr. Alves and all those I’ve dealt with over the years. My advice to you folks out there, who want to have a good relationship with your banking institution, is to always tell your loan officer the truth.

I have brought many people to Republic Bank, and they are all now satisfied customers. So, Republic Bank is the bank for me.

ARTHUR TAYLOR

When will this terror ever end

ONCE again, bandits have shot a businessman dead and escaped with a bag of money.

“Why they had to do this to my father?” the man’s grief-stricken young daughter asked. “They robbed him, plus killed him. When is this going to stop in this country?

Something needs to be done!

I can’t believe that my father is dead!”

A senior police (officer) told the Chronicle that, based on police investigations, the bag the bandits reportedly made off with contained both

money and important documents, and that the Force will be working tirelessly to bring justice to the late businessman’s family.

Yeaah, right! And pigs will fly!

The police, like the PNC, does not care who gets robbed and killed. SN and KN and GHRA and PNC and PNC top notch criminal lawyers all protest when criminals are killed, but never sympathise when victims are killed; so these robberies and killings will not end ever, until all of one certain

ethnic group is wiped out of Guyana.

Government is giving police all kinds of facilities, and they go on joyrides on a 24-hour basis all over the place; and yet these terrorists are striking at will.

PPP/C does not get the big picture as yet. Their supporters are saying that their party cannot protect them, so, “…we glad if we can get visa to get out of Guyana to go anywhere in this world.”

TED KING

No raping of the forest

by Bai Shan Lin IN relation to Bai Shan Lin (BSL), the President of Guyana has spoken. There is “No raping of our forest” by foreign logging company Bai Shan Lin (Chronicle 16 Aug, 2014).

Certainly there is no raping of our forests, despite the vicious attacks on Bai Shan Lin’s logging company by the Kaieteur News in harmony with the useless political Opposition.

The President’s statement on the Bai Shan Lin logging company is absolutely correct and in order, and has shattered or devastated the ugly journalism displayed by

KN against the Bai Shan Lin company, currently investing in Guyana’s forest sector with strict adherence to its forest laws.

But KN’s misleading and erroneous information about Bai Shan Lin is mischievously and specially designed to fool or mislead the Guyanese people, since KN is on the side of the unpatriotic and anti-national political Opposition.

But the KN shall fail in its deliberate opposition to foreign investments in the forestry sector of our country under the Donald Ramotar administration. After being

exposed lying on Bai Shan Lin in Region 10, the KN flew into Kwebanna, Region 1, where they claim they found “8 loaded Bai Shan Lin trucks hiding in the Region One trail.”

This is another bogus story about the Bai Shan Lin company, since it is a joint venture arrangement with the Kwebanna Wood Products, in keeping with Section 16 of the Forest Act, 2009. So the Bai Shan Lin Forest operations at Kwebanna are legal and lawful.

PETER PERSAUD

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

At bilateral conference opening...

GDF, Chinese military agree U$4.8M aid pact ––for acquisition of much-needed ‘non-lethal’ items

By Ravin Singh THE People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China yesterday signed a US$4.8M agreement with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which will aid in providing necessities for a stronger military.

The deal was sealed during the opening of the 2014 Bi-

the PLA have been providing assistance and equipment to the GDF , and so their offices have benefited tremendously from this support. Added to this, he said that most, if not all, of the senior officers in the GDF would have had at some point visited China for training of some kind.

NON-LETHAL ITEMS

itary is one which has no political implications and is directly funded from one military arm to another. “This military assistance is not affixed with political implications and political conditions and I think we can further our detailed discussions in the later consultations,” Li said.

The GDF delegation at yesterday’s event included Brigadier Mark Phillips, Colonel Kemraj Persaud,

The GDF delegation led by Brigadier Mark Phillips (8th left) and the PLA delegation led by Major General Kong Li at yesterday’s event lateral Staff Conference at the Guyana Conference Centre at Liliendaal, and signed by Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Major-General Kong Li on behalf of the GDF and the PLA respectively.

According to Brigadier Phillips, Guyana has for over forty years maintained a “strong relationship” with the people of China. He noted that Guyana was one of the nations who voted in support of China’s admittance to the United Nations and it was a clear demonstration of Guyana’s support to China’s one-nation policy.

He further emphasised that since the 1970s, China and

The Chief-of-Staff related that the money donated to the military will be used to acquire “non-lethal” items that are much needed by the army. These would include engineering and medical equipment, military kits and for the construction of buildings. “China has always been giving us non-lethal assistance over the years and, by way of agreement, this assistance will always be non-lethal,” Phillips told reporters yesterday.

PLA Major General Kong Li expressed his support to the GDF, noting that this provision of US$4.8M to Guyana’s mil-

Colonel George Lewis, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick West, Lieutenant Colonel Nazrul Hussain, Commander Gary Beaton, Major Courtney Byrne and Major Delbert George.

The PLA delegation included Ambassador Zhang Li Min, Major General Kong Li, Colonel Zhang Ye, Senior Colonel Zhang Jin, Senior Colonel Wang Wei, Lieutenant Colonel Zhang Qian and Lieutenant Zhang Duo. Meanwhile, from August 26-29, Guyana will host the inaugural high-level meeting of the GDF and the Brazilian Army.

Narcotics accused denied trial for 17 years - blames prosecution for dilemma

By George Barclay FORTY-three year old Vicram Suebarran who was charged with a narcotic offence 17 years ago said that although he was committed to stand trial since 1997, no date has yet been fixed for his trial.

As a consequence, in a constitutional motion he is seeking: (a) An Order or rule Nisi of Certiorari quashing or setting aside the charge of trafficking in narcotics instituted against the Applicant; (b) A permanent stay of the proceedings by or on behalf of the State against the Applicant for the charge of trafficking in narcotics instituted against the Applicant; (c) A declaration that the Applicant can no longer enjoy a fair trial; (d) A declaration that the Applicant’s right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as guaranteed by the provision of Article 144 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has been infringed;

(e) Damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of the Applicant’s fundamental right to a fair hearing as guaranteed by Article 144 of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana.

The Notice of Motion was issued by Mr. Madan Kissoon, Attorney-at-law for the Applicant, Vicram Suebarran.

In an affidavit in support of the Motion, the Applicant said that he is a citizen of Guyana and a senior manager of COPS Guyana.

On the 1st day of April, 1997 he was arrested as a suspect for the offence of trafficking in narcotics and was remanded to custody.

That the hearing of the Preliminary Inquiry was commenced before His Worship Mr. Juman Yassin.

On the 16th of April, 1997 Mr. Juman-Yassin committed Your Petitioner to stand trial at the next sitting of the Assizes for the offence of trafficking in narcotics.

The Applicant added that “during the month of February, 1998 I was admitted to bail in the sum of $200,000 with the condition that I lodge my passport with the police at CID Head-

quarters, Eve Leary.

“Several witnesses testified before the learned Magistrate during the conduct of the Preliminary Inquiry. “ I am advised by my Attorney-at-law and verily believe same to be true that Article 144 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana provides: “If any person is charged with a criminal offence,then, unless the charge is withdrawn, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established by law.

I am advised by my Attorney-at-law and verily believe same to be true that to date I have not received a date for trial and the State is guilty of grossly inordinate delay.

I am advised by my Attorney-at-law and verily believe same to be true that the failure of the State to prosecute within 17 years is an infringement of my Constitutional right to a fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 144 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The Chief Justice will shortly fix a date for the hearing of this matter.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

Kaieteur News et al’s apparent fascination with logs OLD Kai is not surprised at the ignorance, either deliberate or otherwise, displayed by the Kaieteur News and, of course, its ‘doll house’ partner, the political opposition, in regard to our forestry sector.

The publisher of the newspaper jumps into a helicopter, hovers over a clearing in Region 10, and pretends to be dumbfounded at the sight of logs being brought from various parts of the forest to the loading point.

We then know the reason for this pretense, as he and his newspaper, in conjunction with opposition elements, begin a series of attacks on the Chinese company Bai Shan Lin. It is not the newspaper, but rather forestry stakeholders who subsequently were forced to expose the Kaieteur News’s misinformation by revealing that the area in question was not solely used by the Chinese company, as there were several other companies utilizing the site to store their logs for transport.

The ruling party and the Government then had cause to point out that this was yet another attack by this particular media house and its opposition allies against foreign companies, more specifically Chinese companies.

This becomes more obvious to the average person who is familiar with the local forestry sector; as we now have to ask why only this stockpiling site was highlighted and why only this Chinese company is being blamed, when there are several other such sites which have been in operation for decades and are owned by both local and other foreign companies?

Why only now is this fear suddenly being created that our forests would be depleted within a few years due to logging by this particular Chinese com-

pany, when hundreds of small, medium and large scale operations -- some larger than this Chinese company -- have been in operation for more than 30 to 100 years in Guyana?

Why has Kaieteur News refused to focus on all the other forestry logging operators and has centred its fury on this Chinese company?

Simply put, it is a deliberate, sinister attack.

The newspaper then went and found two Amerindians who appeared to be disgruntled ex-employees who claimed they were owed “plenty, plenty money”. If this is indeed true, then it needs to be investigated; but with such a large operation, as is apparently the main concern of the Kaieteur News, how come they could only have found ‘two’ disgruntled workers from a company which directly employs around 200, and creates employment opportunities for hundreds more?

This is the nature of the deception by the Kaieteur News. Why have they not gone to the hundreds of Guyanese who have been benefiting from the operations of the Chinese company to provide a balanced coverage? How balanced is two as opposed to several hundred? That is the Kaieteur News style of journalism for you.

Let us also consider that the Guyana Forestry Commission has indicated that the company’s export of timber is way below its allotted quota; and, also, the harvesting of timber is a carefully scrutinized process, inclusive of real time satellite tracking and a host of other independent monitoring mechanisms.

After this disclosure, Kaieteur News then switched its concern to the fact that logs were being exported rather than being processed in Guyana, and this value added process would create more jobs. Fair enough, but the paper has failed to ac-

knowledge and hold accountable the opposition controlled Region 10 RDC for deliberately creating stumbling blocks to prevent Bai Shan Lin from establishing its wood processing plant in the region for this very purpose.

The company has noted in a statement to the media that when it applied to establish the facility, the ideal location was in port Georgetown; however, the PPP/C Government had insisted that the facility be established in Region 10, to create more jobs in that area.

Bearing in mind that the PNC/R=APNU and its Region 10 Chairman have always lamented the lack of job opportunities for residents there, one wonders why they seem bent on ensuring the project does not materialize?

We now have to ask the very serious question as to whether or not the opposition, aided by certain sections of the media, is playing a dangerous game of politics with the lives of our citizens yet again.

Who would benefit from a lack of job opportunities in these areas which have traditionally been strongholds for the PNC? By depriving Lindeners and surrounding villagers of new sources of employment, the opposition will then turn around and subsequently lament, close to election time, that the Government has not done anything to create employment; and of course their race-baiting messages will commence.

You can bet your last dollar that the opposition’s pit-bull, the Kaieteur News, will be there to report it and interview the residents, lamenting the lack of jobs and berating the Government.

However, for this to be possible, they have to do what they are currently doing, which is attack any and every initiative that would create those jobs.

Sunday outing turns tragic ...

Nine-year-old drowns in creek near Wauna Bridge

––grieving mother laments ‘strange happenings’ in the area

By Shirley Thomas THE North West District villages of Hosororo and Wauna in Region One were last Sunday plunged into mourning following news of the drowning of nine-year-old Dinesh Saktue of Hosororo Hill.

Dinesh, late Grade Five pupil of the Hosororo Primary School, died shortly after noon on Sunday in the black waters at the popular Wauna Bridge.

His deeply distraught mother, Juliet Valenzuela, trying to hold back the tears, spoke with the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday, relating that she and her husband, Tullsiram Saktu, had gone to church earlier in the day and had left Dinesh and his other siblings at home.

His elder siblings were preparing to take their cousin, Nicholas, visiting from Venezuela, to the Wauna Creek for an outing, and Dinesh’s older sister, Anisa Dhanraj, was also going on the trip, but was against taking Dinesh with them.

However, as they were boarding the vehicle to leave, Anisa

recanted her decision and decided to take along a very tearful Dinesh, who was begging to go.

Anisa maintained a close watch over Dinesh as they all got into the water, but an emergency situation caused her to exit the creek and head uphill for a short while, and that was when tragedy struck.

Juliet said she learnt that there were three big empty boats tied in the water, and in Anisa’s absence, the boys playfully began pushing one of the boats about the water. Unaware that Dinesh was behind the boat, they gave it a hard yank and the boat slammed into the child’s head, causing him to fall backwards into the water.

Even though he was experiencing great pain, he managed to wave his hands in the water, beckoning help, but the others apparently misinterpreted his signals and did not immediately attempt to rescue him.

When eventually they did realise that he was in trouble and was beckoning for help, others jumped into the water after him, but by then he had completely disappeared in the black

waters of the creek.

The members of the group were all afraid to break the news to his parents at church, and so it was not until about two hours later that Dinesh’s parents learnt of the disaster.

His mother said that when she arrived on the scene, all she could have done was kneel in the water and ask God to give her strength. Dinesh had disappeared without a trace.

A search party was immediately mobilised, and it set to work searching for the missing child, but it was not until approximately 19:30 hrs that his body was retrieved.

“Dinesh was the youngest of six brothers, but he was my strongest child. I am building my house, and he would help me make the foundation. He crushed bricks; he was a dutiful child, loving and caring…,” his mother Juliet recalled.

Albeit, the family is convinced that there are strange things happening in the water at Wauna Bridge lately. People are now coming in and engaging in all sorts of practices. “Just two weeks ago, a lady also died out there, and we feel that these things (strange practices) should be stopped,” Juliet lamented.

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Survey finds...

Skilled workers in short supply here

By Sandy Agasen

and future demand and supply of labour and jobs; and vacancies and recruitment.

The survey monitored the skills demand and supply in the construction and engineering, forestry, manufacturing, hotel and hospitality; and commercial trades sector. This report was presented to the public yesterday at the National Center for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston, Georgetown.

A LABOUR Market Intelligence (LMI) survey, the first of its kind locally, has found that there’s a scarcity of skilled workers in the local labour market.

The report highlighted that a larger percentage of workers are fixed at an educational attainment level of primary and secondary education and this does not help with filling the gaps.

It was also concluded that workplaces should have skilled training and retaining programmes of their own REDUCING UMEMPLOYMENT to meet the skills gap.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of LaThese are conclusions drawn from the survey carried bour, Patrick Findlay, said that the Labour Market out by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Statistical Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which was conducted in the ten administrative regions of Guyana.

The LMI survey interprets the past, present or future structure and workings of the labour market and the factors that influence it.

The survey seeks to inform stakeholders in the labour Chief Statistical Officer in the Ministry of Labour, Mr Ivelaw Henry (right), demarket on the economic and livering the LMI report, while at the head table are Permanent Secretary in the labour market conditions; Ministry of Labour, Mr. Patrick Findlay (right) and Mr Sydney Walters, Director education, qualifications, of CTVET (left) training and skills; current

guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014 Intelligence survey was a necessity since the empirical data of Guyana is absent in the labour market.

According to Findlay, the study revealed that the youths of Guyana who are leaving the education institutions are in need of jobs, hence they are bothered by the fact that jobs are not readily available. “This (LMI) is but one step in the direction to reduce unemployment,” he said.

He noted that employers have expressed their concerns that the youths leaving the vocational training institutions are not suitably trained, which indicated a mismatch on what persons are trained to do and what the labour market requires, hence the need for the country to have skilled workers.

Findlay explained, “I am of the opinion that there are other areas where collaborations can take place as it pertains to skill training. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged so that persons trained can establish their own businesses. At this junction of our history here in Guyana, we need to develop a highly steered work force. “…I am convinced that we need to continue improving the attitude of young men and women towards work.”

The Permanent Secretary said that women accessing the skills training programme but calls for an increase in the number of women involved.

Findlay thanked CTVET for affording the statistical unit the opportunity to carry out the survey. And gratitude on behalf of the Ministry was expressed to the Inter-American Development Bank for financing and giving important technical assistance with the survey and the completion of the report.

IN DEMAND According to the report, the gap between the demand and supply of labour revealed that the occupational fields in demand are managerial, technicians and machine operators, with inadequate provisions to supply these skills. The survey was carried out in 317 establishments, with some 17,000 persons employed, which is seven per cent of the workforce in Guyana, according to the 2002 census report.

Of the 17,000, 16,167 persons were categorised as managerial, highly skilled, and basic skilled or other, with the remaining unaccounted for. Of the 16,167 persons, 39 per cent were considered basic skills level staff, 34 per cent occupy the other employees’ category, and 15 per cent were highly skilled with four per cent being managerial or supervisory.

It was also found that the majority of the workforce was in the age grouping 30 to 50 years which is approximately 53 per cent. The survey revealed that the age group 15 to 29 holds 35 per cent of the sample studied, with 12 per cent of persons over 50 years.

WORK EXPERIENCE Another component of the LMI is the years of work experience. Employers in the five sectors indicated that they usually consider three attributes of potential employees – knowledge and skill; responsibility and commitment; and prior experience. Forty-six per cent of the 16,167 workforce had one to five years of experience, with 40 per cent having six or more years’ experience.

Efforts were also made to access the educational attainment of the labour force. The level of the schooling of the workers was assessed. Fifty-four per cent attended and completed secondary school; 7.9 percent were university graduates; one per cent of post graduates and four percent with specialised training.

The main difficulties with the recruiting of staff are the applicants’ lack of experience at 25 percent, under-qualified applicants, insufficient compensation and incompatibility of working hours.

NEXT 5 YEARS Over a one-year period, it was found that in the commercial trade sector there were 53 per cent of the 1,216 available vacancies in the five sectors. The demand for basic skilled workers for that period was approximately 63 per cent; highly skilled comprised of 13 percent.

The LMI survey gave a bird’s-eye view of the future plans of the establishments reviewed. Ninety-seven of the 317 establishments plan to recruit staff in the next five years, 94 per cent plan for expansion and/ or extension and 78 per cent will be focusing on capital or infrastructure expansion in the next five years.

Giving the closing remarks was Sydney Walters, Director of CTVET, who highlighted the necessity of the LMI survey.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

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Vlissengen Road heist...

Police arrest suspect in robbery, murder of Campbellvile businessmen

By Asif Hakim A SUSPECT has been arrested in the shooting robbery/murder of 43-year -old businessman Ashook Ragghu of 77 Pike Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, which occurred last Monday in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens on Vlissengen Road in Georgetown.

That suspect is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Two bandits on a Honda CG motorcycle had apparently traced the couple from a city bank which the couple had left in their burgundy coloured vehicle, PGG 8291, after withdrawing money.

One eyewitness told the Guyana Chronicle that the traffic light on Vlissengen Road near the entrance to the Botanical Gardens was ‘on red’ when the bandits caught up with the couple and shot Raghu dead. Raghu’s wife, Shyrazabin, was also shot in the thigh and toe, and is now a patient at the Georgetown Hospital.

The man’s two daughters and another family member at the hospital According to the eyewitness, the businessman was heading south on Vlissengen Road, while the bandits were travelling north.

“After the car stopped at the traffic light,” the eyewitness said, “the bandits, who look to be in their mid-30s, then went up to the man car,

trying to snatch a bag. But as they try to get the bag, the man was fighting (them off).

“As the man fight back, the bandits then shot him.

When the man was coming out the car to go to the hospital in another vehicle, he was hollering for his life; his wife, who was also shot, was screaming. A car then took them to the hospital.”

The two bandits reportedly made good their escape after the deed was done, with the pillion rider still carrying the gun in his hand.

The police have issued a release which detailed that “at about 13:00hrs on Monday, August 18, 2014, businessman Ashook Ragghu, 43 years, of Pike Street, C’ville, Georgetown, and his wife Shyrazabin Ragghu, 49 years, were in a motor vehicle at a traffic light on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown when they were attacked by two men on a motor cycle, one of whom was armed with a firearm.

“The armed man discharged rounds at the victims, fatally wounding Ashook

The car in which the businessman and his wife were travelling when the shooting occurred Rahgghu to his chest, and injuring Shyrazabin Ragghu to her right foot. The perpetrators escaped with a bag

containing an undisclosed sum of cash and a licensed firearm and ammunition.

Shyrazabin Ragghu

has been admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Investigations are in progress.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

ACDA ‘Freedom Walk’ sees renewed calls for just reparations

By Shirley Thomas The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) last Sunday led its second Annual Revolution Walk from Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara to Parade Ground, on Middle Street, Georgetown, considered the home of the Monument to the Martyrs of the 1823 East Coast Demerara Revolution.

The march, which attracted a modest turnout, began at 06:30 hrs and wended

its way west along the East Coast carriageway, then into David Street, Kitty, then down Lamaha Street before culminating on Parade Ground, covering some eight miles.

At the Parade Ground, a rally was held honouring the 1823 Martyrs, as well as restating the demands of Africans for just reparations. The first meetings to plan the 1823 East Coast Insurrection were held in the Bethel Church at Le Ressouvenir and the revolt was put into effect on August 18, 1823.

Speakers at Sunday’s Rally included Mr. Eric Phillips, Dr. Penda Guyan, Dr. David Hinds, Barrington Braitwaithe and Frederick Kissoon.

The Freedom Walk this year coincided with the 100th anniversary of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement

Association (UNIA).The association represented the largest mass movement in African-American history.

The occasion was spiced with music and spirited African drumming while books, food, art and craft were among the many items on exhibition and sale.

Dr. Penda Guyan (front at extreme right) and some of the young and ‘not-soold’ have a ‘lime’ while waiting to be picked up after the rally at Parade Ground

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

GBCHA to host 7th Annual Awards Ceremony

––for business excellence towards health and wellness THE Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) awards event is an unparalleled opportunity to publicly recognise the unique and vital contributions made by the business community towards health and wellness, a press release stated.

Awardees will be highlighted for their efforts in the workplace and community through the categories of Advocacy and Leadership, Community Investment, Workplace Programme and Media Action.

The ceremony will be held under the theme: “Inspiring Compassionate Leadership in the Workplace & Beyond”.

In addition to the presentation of prizes to winners, the event will recognise companies which supported the GBCHA over the year. The event will consist of a dinner and awards ceremony and will be attended by representatives of the business community,

diplomatic corps and developmental partners. Attendees will be treated to top local entertainers and speakers for the evening include the Minister of Health and the Canadian High Commissioner.

According to the release, sponsors for this 7th Awards for Business Excellence include Kissoon’s Group of Companies, Continental Group of Companies, GT&T, Guyana Lottery Company and Scotia Bank.

GBCHA celebrated six years on May 23, 2014 as a registered non-profit organisation which works with the business sector, the Ministry of Health, international partners and community-based organisations to mobilise resources to assist in the national HIV/AIDS response. Since its launching in 2008, GBCHA expanded its mandate to address general health and wellness including gender-based violence.

GBCHA 2013 Awardees

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Canje youth dogged by ill fortune

By Shirley Thomas

TWENTY-three-year-old Rakesh Mangal of Adelphi New Scheme, Canje, Berbice who fell and injured his scrotal area in December 2012, as he was washing the walls of a school to earn cash to help his widowed mother in the home, ended up being the loser on all fronts.

But moreover, the injury he suffered when he fell has not been taken care of completely, and so he is back in the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) awaiting another surgery.

In December 2012, Mangal, then 21, was washing the walls of a school near his home in Canje, when he slipped, fell and landed on the rim of a 45-gallon mild steel drum (one foot in and one foot out). In the process he injured his coccyx and scrotal area and had to undergo an operation.

While in the hospital someone stole his overnight bag which contained his clothing, passport and a few dollars he had to pay for transportation to return home, and so he was without clothing and personal effects until civic-minded persons came to his assistance.

But the greatest shock he was to receive on returning home, Mangal now recalls, was that the headmistress of the school who had requested him to wash the walls and roof of the school, did not pay him a cent, and so the plans he had to make Christmas bright for his mother and siblings were all dashed. “In fact, she nor the school never even sent me an orange nor a roll of toilet paper throughout my illness,�

Mangal said forlornly.

Now 23, he said he is just hoping that the injury does not affect him adversely in later days.

A rather pensive Rakesh Mangal wondering what would be his fate

Rose Hall log-cutter suffers fractured spine

By Shirley Thomas A PRIVATE log-cutter from Rose Hall, Corentyne, Ronyel La Fleur, 41, is in a serious condition in the Georgetown Public Hospital, nursing a fractured upper spinal column.

On Wednesday, August 6, La Fleur, a father of two, was cutting logs at Canje Creek, and was not aware that the tree he was cutting was entangled with another at the top. As a result, when the bottom one he was cutting fell, it brought down the one at the top as well, and a branch from that tree hit La Fleur at the base of the neck, causing him spinal injuries.

The injured man fell to the ground where he remained in an unconscious state. For-

tunately, however, there were two other men working in the area, who heard him cry out and rushed to his rescue. They ferried him by boat out of the creek and to the Corentyne main thoroughfare, from where they were able to get him transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

On arrival at the hospital he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital At the GPHC, he was also admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, but having seen some improvement, he is currently warded at the Male Surgical Ward where his condition remains critical but stable.

Ronyel La Fleur is the husband of Natasha La Fleur and their two children, one aged two years, six months and the other five months.

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Region 10 loggers throw collective weight behind Bai Shan Lin

––in face of Kaieteur News’ rabid anti-investment stance NEGATIVE reporting and its effect on the future of the forestry sector was but one of the many concerns raised yesterday as scores of loggers gathered at the Umana Yana to “once and for all” put to rest speculations abroad about alleged malpractices in the industry.

The occasion was a public meeting of loggers drawn from ten major organisations in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), among them the Maria Elizabeth Three Friends Small Loggers Association; the Coomacka Forest Producers and Agri-

cultural Association; the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Association; the Blueberry Hill Small Loggers Association; the Ituni Natural Resources Organisation; the Kwakwani Natural Resources Organisation; the Rockstone Small Loggers Association; the Region No. 10 AFPA; the Upper Berbice Forest Producers Association; MAC Enterprise; and the Araima Natural Resource Organisation.

AGENDA OF INDEPENDENT MEDIA Under one voice, these loggers gath-

Forestry stakeholder, Mr. Phillip Bynoe addressing the gathering at the Umana Yana yesterday

ered in their numbers to defend their position and express their concerns with the anti-investment stance taken by the local daily, Kaieteur News.

Leading the charge was forestry sector stakeholder, Phillip Bynoe, who assert-

ed that: “Kwakwani today is buzzing with economic activity that has come because of the Chinese.”

Bynoe, who recently became the See Page 17

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Anti-piracy fight …

Minister urges fishermen to install monitoring systems ––if they want to be licensed in 2015

By Sandy Agasen NO fishing vessel will be permitted to operate in 2015 without a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) or a Global Positioning System (GPS), Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has said.

This development is in response to the increased incidents of piracy in the fishing industry; the most recent one being the piracy attack in neighbouring Suriname involving Guyanese fishermen.

The VMS is a satellite-based positional track-

ing method, with devices consisting of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a satellite data transmitter that provides information on

press briefing at Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) head office, Kingston, Georgetown, noted that piracy is a major problem

“The licence is not a big thing, it is a very small amount of money so I am urging them to do that because that is part of the anti-piracy thing” - Minister of Agriculture vessel name, location and activity.

The Agriculture Minister, Saturday last, at a

not only for Guyana but the fishing industry around the world, which the United Nations (UN) has identified as

one of the biggest challenges for the industry, along with overfishing.

D r. R a m s a m m y e x plained that the Ministry of Agriculture is working with its sister ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Coast Guard of the Guyana Defence Force to implement a more aggressive Anti-Piracy Programme since it is outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

However the issuing of fishing licences remains the responsibility of the Agriculture Ministry.

He mentioned that another challenge being faced

is the fishermen’s refusal to abide by procedures put in place by the Coastguard.

“When the coastguards go and they see anybody, they got to stop and to know what that person is doing out there because they want to know whether you are legitimately fishing or so and they are going to ask you for a licence and this is the problem… you want them out there but when they come out there you don’t want them. So that’s the challenge,” he said.

ILLEGAL FISHING The Minister expressed his sympathy to the fishermen, but said that at the same time they should recognise and be appreciative of the help provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and the other stakeholders in the industry.

Not only is fishing without licence a major concern of the ministry, but also the illegal methods engaged in the fishing exercise.

He indicated that the fishermen should decide whether of not they want the coastguards out at the sea or not.

Dr. Ramsammy said: “Do you want the coastguards out there or don’t you want them? Because if you want them for piracy you also have to know that they will check for the other things. When I see a fisherman person out there, if I am a coastguard, I will want to approach him whether or not he is legitimately there or he is up to no good. And that is where the danger comes when you fish with no licence.

“The licence is not a big thing, it is a very small amount of money so I am urging them to do that because that is part of the anti-piracy thing.”

TRACKING SYSTEMS The Agriculture Minister further said that another move being made to reduce the risk of piracy is the implementation of tracking systems in trawl-

ers and other fishing boats in operation.

According to him, all trawlers as a part of their licensing requirements will need to install a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) before licences are granted. This measure will assist the ministry with the tracking of the vessels and also reduce the allegations of illegal trading.

“The VMS allows us to track them, where they are.

It solves a big problem for us because those trawlers that might be tempted, I am not accusing anyone, they might be tempted to get rid of their catch because there are some allegations that big boats come from some place and meet them in the sea and they take some of the fish and go away so Guyana doesn’t get. I don’t know the extent of it, but with the VMS we will know, what they are doing out there,” the Minister explained.

Dr. Ramsammy also acknowledged that the tracking systems will be able to solve the problem of trawlers getting into the path of artisanal fishermen and consequently damaging their fishing equipment.

Out of the 87 trawlers in operation, approximately 50 per cent or more have fulfilled the requirement of installing the VMS in the boats, and by the end of the year it is expected that no boat will be operating without the VMS or the GPS tracking systems.

“One thing for sure, no boat will be operating in 2015 without the VMS. We are urging the artisanal fishermen to also have a GPS system in place. It will be another cost but I think it is worthwhile.

In Suriname, you could no longer obtain a licence unless you have a GPS in the boat. And here some fishermen are saying that we are forcing them to have another expense… no fisherman will be allowed in 2015 unless he has a GPS. It will not stop piracy but it will make piracy a little more difficult,” Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said.

guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

17

Region 10 loggers throw collective ... from page 15

focal point of the KN Bai Shan Lin campaign, refuted the claim that he had threatened the independent media reporters. On the level of misinformation, he said, “When without any knowledge about the circumstances on the ground pursue their own agendas, and they create dislocation and harm to the communities of Guyana, particularly in this case, Region 10, they don’t come back and say they are sorry when they are presented with the facts.”

Bynoe expressed concern that although the media house at reference had been invited to the meeting, “they have not even visited here today.” Bynoe bemoaned what he called the agenda of the independent media with an obvious and callous “axe to grind.”

Secretary of the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Association, Ms. Lynette Benn He further said that although Forestry Commissioner James Singh had gone to great lengths to correct the errors in the media regarding forestry procedures, the Kaieteur News, rather than devote space to it in their newspapers today, instead gave priority to other things.

NO THREATS Bynoe maintained that he made no threats to the reporters of Kaieteur News. Giving his account of the incident, he said: “I never threatened

them, or abused them.” He added that he only uttered, “Shame on Kaieteur News.”

Confident in his position and fully endorsed by the hundreds of loggers in attendance Bynoe emphatically stated, “I will repeat that from the tip of this Umana Yana, with a loud megaphone in my hand, I will tell the world “Shame on Kaieteur News.”

Bynoe repeated the chant time and time again as the crowd erupted in applause. He said, “We must all echo in one voice ‘SHAME ON KAIETEUR NEWS!’” ONE VOICE The Guyana Chronicle caught up with one representative of the united group of loggers, who identified herself as Secretary of the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Association, Ms. Lynette Benn.

For her part, Benn voiced her concern that the Chinese exporters have been attacked repeatedly by the Kaieteur News “as if they are in violation of the principles… [of] forestry management in the various regions in Guyana.”

“We saw this as a threat to our communities and to our association, in the light that before the Chinese came, there was actually no exporter or no buyer for our producers and so we are not here to defend the Chinese, we are here to say to the public and more so the Kaieteur News that the Chinese… are not in violation of any principles governing the Forestry Act. “Should the Chinese decide to leave or not to do business anymore because that is published and it is in the international world, it is a challenge for their exporters and we thought that we should come out and speak the truth that most of the logs was not harvested by the Chinese [but] also came from other loggers in Region 10,” Benn declared.

At a Guyana Forestry Commission news conference yesterday, Forestry Commissioner James Singh had made clear that the images which were published by KN, regarding a sprawling land with countless felled logs as that of Bai Shan Lin, were erroneous because the logs belonged to other loggers in the region who held concessions in that area and would instead place the logs in a “log market” for examination and verification by the GFC.

A section of gathering of concerned loggers from Region 10

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guyana CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

GDF graduates 10 from its Senior Command and Staff Course Number 13

The graduates of the Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) Number 13, with the Chief of Staff (CoS), Brigadier Mark Phillips (fifth from left); Deputy CoC; senior officers and course staff following their graduation

TEN officers, including one from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), graduated on Monday from the Guyana Defence Force Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) Number 13.

Having successfully completed the course, the ten officers are now equipped to command units and subunits, and to perform staff duties at senior levels of the

GDF and the SKNDF. Lieutenant Commander Roger Nurse gained top honours as Best Graduating Student, and also copped the award for presenting the Best Research Paper. Major Kester Craig was the runner-up.

Congratulating the graduating officers, Chief of Staff (CoS) Brigadier Mark Phillips emphasised that leadership is about responsibility.

“When you are in command, command!” he charged. “Performance, professionalism, upholding the values and standards of the GDF are very important, as you leave this course,” he declared.

“This course is the most senior course of the GDF, and it brings together the triumvirate of defence, development and diplomacy as it pertains

to Guyana. You have been immersed in content that has broadened your knowledge, and you ought now and always to be able to speak with confidence on issues.

“If you are to lead, you must master the ability to research, analyse and communicate effectively,” he said.

Reminding the officers that they were now moving into another phase of their

At right is Lieutenant Commander Roger Nurse, who emerged Best Graduating Student and copped the award for presenting the Best Research Paper. At left is Major Kester Craig, runner-up Best Student

careers, the CoS entreated them to adapt their minds to higher levels of strategic and operational thinking.

He explained that this was critical, since the contemporary operating environment of the GDF was evolving and the threats to Guyana’s

development were becoming more diverse.

“We must continue inter-agency cooperation by refining existing protocols, by investing in the design of new mechanisms for continuous collaboration,” he said. (ARMY PR)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Fans hail Jamzone’s 2014 ‘Bike

By Alex Wayne COUNT on the HJTV Entertainment fraternity to host an excellent show, and that’s exactly what they did last Sunday evening when they hosted the 2014 leg of Jamzone Bikers Fest.

Festivity was already in the air since around 16: 00 hrs as fans began arriving at the National Park in large numbers.

The stands were packed to capacity by18:30 hrs when the MC for the evening, Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine, signalled the imminent start of the event.

The excited crowd cheered as the delegates of the 2014 Jamzone International Pageant arrived, led by the new-

ly-crowned Guyanese queen, Soyini Fraser.

They also gave a resounding applause in appreciation of the presence of overseas-based Guyanese songbird, Lisa Punch.

This mega event was opened in fine style by a pretty lass on a bicycle followed by our own Guyanese ‘Flying Stars’. Bringing up the rear were the international riders and stuntmen from the USA Pro Impact Stunt Team.

The Flying Stars team did an excellent job as they showcased bicycle stunts they learnt over the years from the international acts that come to the annual Jamzone Bikers Fest. With great skill they executed ‘flying

acts’, the ‘willie’ and many more stunts associated with biking.

Wind Jammer Hotel of Kitty, Georgetown, in a kind gesture donated US$50 for the member of the team who could execute the best ‘willie’ stunt on a bicycle. This feat was won by ‘Marlon’ of Charlestown, Georgetown.

Then there were prizes to be won in the ‘Slow Race’ which dictated the winner being the last man to cross the finish line. The riders were tasked with riding really slow but they could not pedal backwards or ‘stickle’ their bicycles in one position as some would have loved to do. This race was won by the talented Leslie Mingo who also

won himself US$50.

Then the crowd had the time of their lives when the MC dared those on roller blades to jump over him as he squatted flat on the National Park tarmac.

Luckily each skater successfully completed this feat without any mishaps. The audience held their breaths when the skaters were then tasked with hopping over three motorcycles lined up together and while most of the riders backed out, the two who entered did so successfully. Prizes for this segment were donated by the R & R Consultant’s entity.

The Dirt Bike race was very entertaining even though there were only three contestants and the crowd gasped

in suspense as they sped around the arena at alarming speeds.

Loud was the applause for the overseas stuntman, ‘Dan’ when he soared through the air repeatedly on his motorbike, executing a number of thrilling manoeuvres.

The Vehicle Sound Off was very entertaining as well as Junior Bacchus, Miracle Optical, Team Wrecker (Ramchand Auto Body Works and Wrecking Service) and Transpacific ‘Avengers’ blasted sounds from 40, 000, 60,000, 96,000 and 120,000 watt sound systems respectively.

Then in came popular Character Dancer, Ivelaw ‘Granny’ Campbell and the audience

went wild as he showcased several hilarious dance routines to dancehall hits like ‘One Drop’ and many others.

He was soon joined by his ‘Big Sista Rogie’ dance partner who actually showcased some amazing stunt riding on a bike belonging to one of the international riders.

The riders kept the audience entertained as they engaged in games like ‘Musical Chairs’ and others that highlighted Guyanese folklore. The hot babes on the bikes accentuated by smoke effects were totally enthralling.

The events that followed were totally enthralling, leaving the fans beaming with satisfaction.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

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ers Fest’ ‘a resounding success’

Some of the hot action at the Jamzone 2014 Bikers Fest

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

15 spectacular books added to the Guyana Classics Collection

Professor David Dabydeen, G u y a n a ’s A m b a s s a d o r to China, facilitating the launch of the 15 books to the Guyana Classics Collection at the Umana Yana

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport has launched 15 books (16 volumes and 13 titles) in addition to the 75 books accommodated at the Guyana Classics Collection last Friday evening amidst a blissful gathering at the Umana Yana.

This initiative was done in collaboration with the Caribbean Press Publication (CPP) in the presence of Guyana’s Ambassador to China, Professor David Dabydeen, and a plethora of writers and poets.

The event featured excellent presentations by writers reading extracts from their poems and novels that were published by the CPP. Dabydeen dedicated the evening to these writers, since they were all given a chance to take the podium and deliver their published pieces.

Chairman of the CPP, Al Creighton, noted that there have been numerous book launches done by the CPP, but with an initiative like the Guyana Classics Collection, many “important titles” which would have gone out of print are made available to the public; because they can now be found via the publication of the Guyana Classics.

Legal deposits of these books were given to the Na-

The writers and poets who were presented at the launch of the 15 books to the Guyana Classics Collection at the Umana Yana

tional Library, Parliament of Guyana, University of Guyana Library and CARICOM Library, among other local libraries; as well as to the Bishops High School and Queens’ College, honouring their outstanding performances at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate

(CSEC) examinations.

Moreover, among the new collection launched were Volumes 2 and 3 of the National Assembly Speeches made by former President Forbes Burnham, and there was Dr. Yesu Persaud’s Reaching for the Stars - The life of Yesu Persaud (Volume 1) also be-

ing launched alongside Stanley Niamatai’s ‘The Hinterlands’, ‘Heads and Tails’ by Pearl Lewis, and 'Twenty-five Poems' by Guyanese Children Volume 1, and other books.

At the Carifesta launch in Guyana in 2008, the idea of the Caribbean Press was initiated, and it officially

commenced in 2010, spearheaded by former President Bharat Jagdeo.

These books feature information relating to Guyana’s history and literature, and there are also works by scholarly and renowned Guyanese novelists and poets.

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Kaneville man put on $150,000 bail –for break-and-enter A LABOURER of Lot 2 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara was yesterday placed on $150,000 bail, following a break and enter charge.

Rowlin Boston, 26, pleaded not guilty to the offence before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and the case will be called again on October 22 at Providence Court.

Particulars of t h e c h a rg e s a i d t h a t o n T h u r s d a y, J u n e 19 at Diamond Housing Scheme, he broke and

entered the dwelling house of Grace Innis and stole one gas bottle, one computer, one DVD player, one PC Tablet, two bottles of cologne and $175,000 in cash, all totaling $766,400.

After the defendant entered a plea, Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman opposed bail on the grounds of the seriousness nature of the offence, the value of the articles and the punishment it attracts. The prosecutor noted that police are investigating

matters of a similar nature, where the defendant is the suspect.

However, the objection was overruled by Magistrate Azore and the unrepresented man was granted bail.

Boston then said: “Why you don’t take my life now. Why I just don’t drop down in this court.” He also alleged that he was beaten by the police although he told them he knew nothing about the articles mentioned.

Magistrate Azore responded, “No Sir, no dropping down in my court.”

Court hears...

Labourer asks for drink of water –then steals electric saw A LABOURER of Diamond Housing Scheme, after asking for a drink of water, stole an electric saw when no one was watching, Magistrate Fabayo Azore was told yesterday at the Providence Court.

Lionel DeHalley, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Azore who placed him on $100,000 bail.

The defendant is scheduled to make his next court appearance on October 21.

On Saturday, August 16 at Diamond, East Bank

Demerara, the defendant allegedly stole one electric saw valued $60,000, property of Mohan Surujpaul.

According to the prosecution, the virtual complainant (VC) is a contractor and employed persons to repair Diamond Primary School. He said on the day in question, the defendant went to the construction site and asked for a drink of water and when nobody was watching he stole the saw. However, someone had seen him and raised an alarm.

The father of one minor child was represented by

attorney-at-law Mr. Paul Fung-a-fat. He requested bail in a reasonable sum after stating that a junkie stole the saw and his client informed the police where the man took it.

Counsel said the article was recovered and the defendant had a prior assault charge which was dismissed.

His pretrial liberty was opposed by Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts.

He said that DeHalley was positively identified and may pose a flight risk if admitted to bail.

Diamond Scheme youth to do community service –pay $5,000 fine for marijuana possession

MARK Mohamed, 19, of Diamond Housing Scheme was yesterday fined $5,000 and ordered to do community service after he pleaded guilty to a marijuana possession charge.

The allegation against

him stated that on August 18 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, he had in his possession one gram of cannabis sativa.

He was also ordered to perform three months of community service at

Diamond Police Station every Friday, commencing on August 22 for no less than two hours.

T h e u n re p re s e n t e d young man told the court that he is employed with his father and has no prior convictions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Aries - March 21 - April 19 Stop worrying. First of all, you know how you get when you're stressed; it's not pretty, and it hasn't been what most often wins you friends -- especially since your sign virtually wrote the book on the subject. Then, too, there's the fact that if you play your cards right, you can make not just a new friend, but cross paths with someone who might be exactly right for you. There now, isn't that enough inspiration to keep you calm?

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 Don't you dare ignore the phone, no matter who's been absolutely driving you crazy trying to chase you down, and how hard you've been working to continue avoiding them. If they do happen to catch you, you'll think of a reason to hang up quickly -- and if you get lucky, the person on the other end will be the one you've been thinking about for what seems like forever. It'll be worth it.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 Your way with words is famous. It's so famous, in fact, that you can keep company with just about anyone you want to, whenever you want to. That fact will go double right now, so do yourself a favour. Don't waste this energy. Gabbing with just about everyone is what you're famous for, but save the best for that certain someone who actually responds to your wit with some pretty keen comments of their own.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 You're not in the mood for happy hour, but if there's any way at all you can force yourself to go out after work, even if it's just for a little while, you won't regret it.

The heavens are brimming over with fun energy -- the stuff that lively, unexpected conversations are made of -- and if you've been hiding out, that might be just what the doctor ordered. Even if you haven't, get out there. Too much time alone isn't good for anyone -- especially you.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 You may not have absolutely everything you want, but you're close, aren't you?

Close enough to see that one of your major goals is about to be realised, right? Don't be overanxious. The universe is definitely on your side -- oh, and so is that certain someone you've been attracted to for what seems like forever -- but don't try to rush things along. First off, it won't work. It never does. Nothing happens until all conditions are right.

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 You're golden now -- in several departments. For starters, career matters will go along exactly the way you'd planned, provided that you stick to your plan. When it comes to relationships, the news is even better. If you're attached, stick close to home and be sure your loved one knows how precious they are to you. If you're not, don't be shy.

Get yourself out there. The person you're looking for is on the hunt, too.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 Been thinking about getting away from it all? Well, why not? You're probably overdue, for starters, but this month, you have all kinds of wonderful excuses (oops -- reasons?) to hit the highway. Here's a hint, by the way: If you're attached, heading homeward to make those introductions wouldn't be a bad idea now. If you're still single, you might be surprised at who else is, too. Like maybe the one you thought had gotten away for good?

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 No one ever said that getting into a truly meaningful conversation with you was for the faint of heart -- and it's a good bet that no one ever will. Still, though, it's only fair that you warn anyone who gets a little too close to a subject that's especially dear to you. Think of it this way: If they don't change the subject to something lighter, and if they can actually keep up with you, the two of you may have a future.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 Someone you've been just dying to confide in -- to confide your really deep, really meaningful feelings to -- is absolutely wide open to those feelings right now. The time is right for you to sit down, have a nice, long chat with that person and subtly work your way toward the topic you want to cover. Oh, and don't be surprised if they open the discussion before you do.

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 After all the good work you've done lately, asking for that raise, bonus or promotion should be a piece of cake. You're confident that you've earned it, but as usual, you're feeling a bit on the humble side and wondering why they haven't yet offered it to you.

Well, remember that old adage about the squeaky wheel getting the grease? It's true.

Step right up, tell your superiors that you deserve this, and do it in a startling, sudden fashion. They'll admire your tenacity.

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 That last full Moon convinced you that it was finally time to bring up the topic you'd been avoiding -- that elephant in the room that you and your sweetheart have not been able to mention. Well, here's your opportunity. Clear your throat and start, right back at the beginning. It may be tough to get the show on the road, but just imagine how relieved you'll both be when it's all finally been said.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 If any sign is famous for being psychic, it's yours. So when someone new crosses your path -- especially if it's under coincidental circumstances, you pay special attention to everything about them. That's unless you're being distracted by something else you're famous for: Romance. Both are due to come your way today -- and yes, it may be via the same person. Stay on your toes. This is your official notice.

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Racing Tips English York 08:55 hrs Robot Boy 09:30 hrs Misleading

10:05 hrs Kingston Hill 10:40 hrs Australia 11:20 hrs Itlaaq 11:55 hrs Burnt Sugar Musselburgh 09:10 hrs Dad’s Girl 09:45 hrs Shamaheart 10:20 hrs Space Artist 10:55 hrs Longshadow 11:30 hrs Black Douglas 12:05 hrs Strictly Glitz 12:35 hrs Royal Etiquette Kempton 13:20 hrs Mister Bob 13:50 hrs Spellbind 14:20 hrs Rock Kristal 14:50 hrs Si Senor 15:20 hrs Elegant Ophelia 15:50 hrs Got To Dream 16:20 hrs Souville Irish Racing Tips Killarney 12:10 hrs Postulation 12:40 hrs Henson 13:10 hrs Illusive 13:40 hrs Flight Risk 14:10 hrs Hazel Blue 14:40 Bazaar 15:10 hrs Red Rocks Point South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:10 hrs Crystal Cavern 08:45 hrs Reim 09:20 hrs The Conglomerate 09:55 hrs Tiger Tops 10:30 hrs Princess Salme 11:10 hrs Sunset Tripp American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Virsito Race 2 Good Catholic Girl Race 3 Hear The Footsteps Race 4 Dangerous Couboy Race 5 Cajun Wedding Race 6 Roman Approval Race 7 Kenzadargent Race 8 Watergate Race 9 Storming Inti Race10 Battie Hardened

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

Portland Timbers ‘hammer’ Alpha United 4 – 1

By Rawle Toney Despite talks of redemption and optimism of a successful outcome, Guyana’s Alpha United fell 4 - 1 to a well-oiled Portland Timbers of the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) in the CONCACAF Champions League last night at the Providence Stadium.

Steve Zakuani opened the account for the Americans in the 18th minute then Maximiliano Urruti made it 2 - 0 in the 34th minute.

On the stroke of half time, Alpha United’s Brazilian import Barbosa Murilo scored what could possibly be the goal of the tournament thus far to see Coach Wayne Dover’s men still trailing 2-1 going into the second stanza.

Fanendo Adi (66th minute) who replaced Urruti in the second half, along with Alva Powell (83rd minute), did more than enough to see Portland Timbers winning their first CONCACAF Champions League game; in fact, it’s first time the team is featuring in the competition.

The game started with the visitors settling and allowing Alpha United to be the aggressor which saw the Guyanese unit creating a few clear cut chances through Grenadian International Kithson Bain and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson.

On the other end, some dazzling display of skills by Portland Timbers got a few ‘oohs’ and ‘awes’ from the crowd of just over 2000 that turned up at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Meanwhile, with Timbers still playing cautious, Richardson was brought down on the left flank while attacking towards the goal at the Media Centre end and the striker

took the free kick himself, with his shot on target but was safely held by Timbers’ Goalkeeper Andrew Weber.

Bain on a one-two play with Richardson, flicked the ball in the air and used the King Pele made famous bicycle kick to get a shot on goal but again, Weber’s quick gloves ensured the Grenadian was kept off the score sheets.

But things took a turn and the entire flow of the game changed when Zakuani lashed on a pass that came in from the Timbers’ right wing and sent Ronson William sprawling in goal.

Sixteen minutes later, Urruti caught Alpha United’s defence sleeping and had all the time in the world to calmly tuck the ball in the back of the net with again, Williams not even coming close to the save.

But Brazilian rightback Barbosa Murilo scored a goal that should be featured on the famed ESPN Sports Center.

Richardson was brought down almost 35 yards out on goal and the Brazilian stepped up and his left footed shot curled around the Timbers’ wall and elevated to the top left corner of the goal, way out of reach from goalkeeper Andrew Weber.

The crowd rose to their feet; even the opposition nodded in appreciation of the strike but the goal still saw Alpha United trailing 2 – 1 heading into the second half.

Dover’s men seemed a bit lackadaisical in the second half while Portland Timbers were more purposeful and decisive in their attack.

Both strikes from Fanendo Adi and Alva Powell in the second half were the simplest of goals that came at a time when Alpha United seemed

WICB and Gibson...

Gibson became West Indies coach in early 2010, replacing John Dyson, after serving as England’s bowling coach.

West Indies have shown recent improvements under Gibson by winning the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

However the poor performances that have followed including losing the recent series in the Caribbean to New Zealand have triggered fresh speculation over his future as head coach of WICB. “On behalf of the Board and West Indies cricket as a

From back page

whole we express our gratitude to Ottis for his work, particularly in coaching the team to winning the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012, and offer our best wishes to him in all his future endeavours,” the release quoted WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead as saying.

West Indies play Bangladesh at the Grenada national stadium on Wednesday in the first of three One-Day International matches.

The two sides are also due to play two Test matches and one T20 fixture.

to have given up.

Alpha United will now travel to Honduras to face Club Deportivo Olimpia on August 28 in their return game after losing the first 1 – 0 at home, after which a trip to the USA will see them play Portland Timbers at Providence Park on September 23.

At the post match Press Conference Dover said that the team’s chances of qualifying is not impossible, but highly improbable.

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Djokovic is the top seed for U.S. Open (REUTERS) - Reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has been seeded number one for the U.S. Open with five-time winner Roger Federer seeded second, the United States Tennis Association announced yesterday.

Should both players reach the final of the year’s last grand slam tournament, they would compete in a mouth-watering re-match of this year’s Wimbledon final, a five-set thriller won by Djokovic.

Serbian world number one Djokovic has reached

the U.S. Open men’s singles final for the past four years at Flushing Meadows, winning the title in 2011.

Swiss Federer is seeded at the U.S. Open for a 14th consecutive year, tying Ivan Lendl for the second longest streak in the Open era with only Jimmy Connors (18) ahead of them.

Spanish world number two Rafael Nadal, the reigning U.S. Open champion, has withdrawn from the tournament because of an injured right wrist.

Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka of

Switzerland has been seeded third with Spaniard David Ferrer fourth and big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic fifth.

Czech Tomas Berdych is the sixth seed, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov seventh and Britain’s Andy Murray, the 2012 U.S. Open champion, eighth.

The seeds for the women’s tournament will be announced today, with the draw to be conducted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre tomorrow..

The U.S. Open starts on Monday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

James Alexander Gordon - Voice of football results dies aged 78 … delivered BBC radio’s football results for four decades JAMES Alexander Gordon, one of the most recognisable voices in British broadcasting, has died aged 78.

Gordon read the classified football results on BBC radio for 40 years before stepping down in 2013. He retired following throat surgery after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: “A voice we all know, the voice of the football results, James Alexander Gordon has died. Tottenham Hotspur 1, Newcastle United 1, #RIP” Nicknamed ‘Jag’ because of his initials, Gordon attracted an army of followers with his distinctive Scottish accent and unique style of delivery. He would alter his tone of voice to indicate whether a result was a home win, an away win, or a draw.

Richard Burgess, head of BBC Radio Sport, said: “James was an iconic radio voice, who turned the classified football results on BBC radio into a national institution.

“He was also a true gentleman, who was loved and admired by his colleagues.

“He took enormous pride in his work and I know he was greatly touched by all the tributes he received upon his retirement last year.”

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield, a BBC Radio 5 live colleague of Gordon, was among the many football personalities to pay tribute.

“5 Live and the football results have lost a friend today,” said Armfield. “I can remember before I joined and he came to the BBC that the style was more regimented.

He put a different slant on to it. He went up with the voice and down with the voice.

“He seemed to pitch it just right. He did it all with perfect enunciation. That lovely voice, with the little trace of Scots in it, with the highs and lows. He knew when to lift it and put it down.

He really was something special. People used to mark the pools coupon with the football results. James knew that. He always gave them time to find out whether it was 1, 2 or an X for the football pools.

“It wasn’t the same picture at all when he started out. There was no satellite broadcasting. Matches weren’t shown as they are now.

Everything came down the line on the radio. He was the first point of contact for who had won. James knew it all. He had it all weighed up. He was the consummate professional.”

Mark Pougatch, as a presenter of Radio 5 live’s Saturday tea-time show Sports Report, introduced Gordon on many occasions, and tweeted: “It was a honour to say your name on so many Saturdays Jag. Tonight it’s Heaven 1 Earth 0.”

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson, now a BBC analyst, told BBC Radio 5 live: “When

James Alexander Gordon started, there were nothing like the same outlets. There weren’t 10 reporters at every game. Sometimes you had to wait until James Alexander Gordon for the definitive result.”

James Alexander Gordon, broadcaster, born February 10, 1936; died August 18,.2014.

BBC Radio 5 live’s senior football reporter Ian Dennis added: “For a generation of football lovers, James Alexander Gordon’s voice was Saturday afternoon for the complete picture. You heard the theme tune for Sports Report and then you heard his voice.”

Gordon’s legion of followers included comedian Eric Morecambe - on whose early-career radio show Gordon had been an announcer.

In a 2012 interview, Gordon said that Morecambe always greeted him with a famous tongue-twister scoreline involving Scottish sides East Fife and Forfar - one which never happened, yet became closely associated with the BBC’s voice of the classified football results.

“Eric never called me James,” Gordon recalled in 2012.

“Whenever I saw him over a 20year period, he would say ‘East Fife 4 Forfar 5’. I’ve got a tape of that.”

When Morecambe died in 1984, Gordon received a tribute from the comedian’s wife, Joan.

“After his funeral, his wife said there was only one thing she would like to have had - me saying ‘East Fife 4 Forfar 5’,” said Gordon. “It was quite sweet.”

Gordon, born in Edinburgh in 1936, contracted polio when he was six months old and spent much of his childhood in hospital.

He worked in the music business before moving into radio, promoting artists such as Bert Kaempfert and James Last.

In 1972, he joined the BBC, reading the news and presenting various programmes on Radio 2 even Newsbeat on Radio 1 - before he began reading the classified football results in 1973.

At the time, he was a BBC Radio 2 staff announcer and revealed in 2012 that his chance to read the football results came unexpectedly after being summoned by his boss.

“He came in and said: ‘Jag, footy,’” Gordon recalled. “I said: ‘I beg your pardon?’ He said: ‘Jag, footy.’ I wondered what the heck he was talking about. It was the football results.”

As he sat alone in a dimly lit room at BBC Television Centre in London contemplating the task ahead, he came up with a style of

Max Verstappen to become youngest ever F1 driver

By Alan Baldwin LONDON, England (Reuters) - Dutch 16-year-old Max Verstappen is set to become Formula One’s youngest-ever driver after the Toro Rosso team announced on Monday that he will replace Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne in their lineup next year.

Verstappen, son of former grand prix racer Jos, turns 17 only next month, and is still too young to take a driving test in the Netherlands.

Even when he does turn 17, he will still have to wait a year before he is allowed to drive unaccompanied on public roads at home.

The sport’s youngest driver to date is Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who made his debut with the same Red Bull-owned team in 2009 at the age of 19 and 125 days.

Alguersuari - whose arrival was questioned by

some on safety grounds was then discarded at the end of 2011 and reluctantly left the sport at an age where few others had even broken into it.

Verstappen has already built up an impressive resumé, however, after starting in go-karts at the age of seven and comes from a racing family.

He has won a string of karting titles, including the world championship at the age of 15, and is currently challenging for the European Formula Three title.

“We consider Max to be one of the most skilled young drivers of the new generation and we believe he has the necessary maturity and mental strength to take on this challenge successfully,” said team principal Franz Tost in a statement.

Verstappen will partner Russian Daniil Kvyat, who made his debut with the team this year at the age of 19 years and 324 days.

Kvyat joined Italy-based Toro Rosso from the junior GP3 series and has made a strong impression, becoming the youngest driver ever to score a point when he

Max Verstappen finished ninth on his debut in Australia.

The same Red Bull junior production line has produced four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who took his first win with Toro Rosso before graduating to the main team, and the German’s Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo.

“Ever since I was seven

years old, Formula One has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true,” said Verstappen, who thanked his father and sponsors for their help.

“We’ve all worked tremendously hard to reach Formula One and I will give my absolute best to be successful in the pinnacle of motorsport,” he added.

“With the return of the Verstappen name to Formula One, I hope we can relive old memories and I’m hoping to see many fans at all the Grand Prix circuits.”

Jos ‘The Boss’ was a team mate of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when the German won his first title with Benetton in 1994, and they went on to become firm friends off the track.

The Dutchman subsequently raced for now-defunct Simtek, Arrows, Tyrrell, Stewart and Minardi.

reading the football results that was to become his trademark.

“I was sitting there in anticipation wondering what on Earth was going to happen,” he said. “I thought: ‘How am I going to do it?’

“I trained as a musician and I think music had a lot to do with the way I read them. I looked at these names and thought, unkindly, five minutes of that could be very boring for the listener. I thought it would be nice to make it a little different, with a bit of excitement.

“So I had a dummy run. There were no numbers, but I thought: ‘Arsenal have lost and I feel really sorry for them. Manchester United have won and I’m over the moon.’

I wasn’t a Manchester United fan, I was just working it out.”

“I was terrified at first, but I put my heart and soul into it and have loved it ever since.

“Such fun getting it right. The most important thing, though, has been making it exciting for the listener.”

Having been diagnosed with cancer, Gordon had surgery in 2013 to remove his larynx, which meant his voice was no longer strong enough to broadcast.

He was replaced by former Radio 4 newsreader Charlotte Green.

Gordon, who lived in Berkshire, was married to Julia, with a son, David, and two grandchildren, Molly and Martha. (BBC Sport)

de Kock equals record as South Africa beat Zimbabwe

On his way to a quick 38, Quinton de Kock equalled the record for fastest to 1 000 ODI runs he has got there in 21 innings, the same as Jonathan Trott.

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (Reuters) - Quinton de Kock tied a one-day international record as South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 61 runs yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-opening batsman made 38 to equal the mark of England’s Jonathan Trott in reaching the

landmark of 1 000 runs in only 21 one-day games.

Faf du Plessis top-scored with 55 as South Africa were bowled out for 257 in 49.4 overs after being put in to bat.

It was only the third time in 34 ODI meetings that Zimbabwe had bowled out their southern African rivals.

Out-of-form South Africa captain AB de Villiers was involved in a bizarre dismissal.

He missed a delivery from spinner Prosper Utseya and, in the mistaken belief that Richmond Mutumbami did the same, set off for a single only for the bemused wicketkeeper to run him out for one.

Sean Williams (55) then passed 50 for the second successive match but Zimbabwe were bowled out for 196 in 49.1 overs.

Paceman Wayne Parnell took three for 28 while all-rounder Ryan McLaren picked up three for 21.

The final match is also in Bulawayo tomorrow before South Africa and Zimbabwe are joined by Australia for a triangular series that stars in Harare next Monday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

37

Shastri appointment ups pressure on Dhoni and Fletcher … former Indian player named director of cricket for ODI series

By Josh Reich LONDON, England (Reuters) Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and coach Duncan Fletcher remain in place, but only time will tell if the appointment of Ravi Shastri as director of cricket is a temporary measure or a sign of deeper changes ahead in the Indian game.

Former captain Shastri was installed “overall incharge of cricket affairs” for India’s upcoming five-match one-day series against England, following their embarrassing 3-1 Test series to defeat to the same opposition.

India claimed their first overseas win since 2011 when they won the second Test at Lord’s, but surrendered the final three matches meekly, the final indignity being their downfall at The Oval when they lost by an innings and

244 runs within three days.

Dhoni was one of the only

game,” Nalin Mehta said in The Times of India yesterday.

Ravi Shastri players to show some fight as India’s batting line-up failed to pass 200 in their last five innings of the series, but has come under severe criticism from media back home for overseeing some desperate performances.

“He has well and truly outlived his usefulness as a captain in the long form of the

“It is not so much the defeat, but the manner of the capitulation that rankles.

India’s cricketers have not just been routed in a series they began well under Dhoni, they looked bereft of ideas and direction.”

The sentiment was shared

by Sanjeev K Samyal in the Hindustan Times, who

recalled that former greats Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly had lost the captaincy during their careers.

“And they never led teams that have played as poorly as those MS Dhoni has captained,” he wrote.

“The humiliation at Old Trafford and The Oval is unacceptable. He has long since outlived his utility as Test captain.”

Fletcher, a former England coach, has arguably been placed under supervision following Shastri’s appointment.

He was not spared criticism either, apportioned blame for the way the likes of Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, tipped as potential stars of the series, struggled on foreign pitches.

“Fletcher is aware of the conditions and should have developed ways to see that the boys improve and come out

of lean patch,” former India captain GR Viswanath said in

coach.

The Board of Control

Duncan Fletcher The New India Express.

“I think Fletcher has not been able to do the job.”

Bowling coach Joe Dawes and fielding mentor Trevor Penney have been given a “break” for the ODI series, with Sanjay Bangar and Bharat Arun made assistant coaches and R Sridhar named as fielding

for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the changes were for the next five matches, but given India begin the defence of their World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand in February, more big decisions may be needed if India are to add a third 50-over trophy to their name.

Refreshed Australia ready to get back in the saddle SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia are refreshed and chomping at the bit to play international matches again as they prepare to hit the road for another hectic two years of cricket, according to coach Darren Lehmann.

After a four-month break from international cricket, Michael Clarke will lead a one-day squad to Zimbabwe for a triangular series also featuring South Africa.

That starts a long cycle of almost non-stop cricket with Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and India back in Australia in December and January.

An ODI series against India and England follows as part of the preparations for the World Cup, which Australia is hosting with New Zealand early next year, before another Test series in West Indies and the defence of the Ashes in England.

Given Australia had played 10 Ashes Tests alone in the previous year, and the amount of cricket they will be playing over the next 12 months, Lehmann said the time off had been vital. “ P ro f e s s i o n a l l y, everyone was tired coaches were tired, players were very tired and they did an amazing amount of work in 12 months so to get a break before we go on the road for two years

was pretty important,” Lehmann told the Cricket Australia website.

Michael Clarke will lead the Australians “Now the challenge is getting us back up to the skill level that we need to compete at international cricket because we’ve had the break and we’ll have to get that very quickly because we’ve got Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“I think everyone is jumping out - they just want to play.”

Australia still top the rankings in one-day internationals but have slipped from the number one status in Test cricket that a 5-0 Ashes sweep and 2-1 series victory in South Africa earned them.

The break has not completely cleared the injury list - Ryan Harris remains in rehab after knee surgery - but Clarke has recovered from a shoulder injury.

FINDING FORM All-rounder Shane Watson will miss the tour after rolling his ankle by standing on a ball in training last week and David Warner has decided to skip the trip to remain in Sydney to be with his fiancée, who is expecting their first child.

Lehmann, whose arrival as coach last year helped bring on a remarkable transformation of Australia’s cricketing fortunes, does not expect the players to hit top form straightaway.

“From my point of view, we’ve got to get them upskilled quick enough to compete at international level and then keep them there for a long period of time which is going to be a challenge but everyone is fresh and that’s what you want to start with,” he added.

“So we’re going to be a bit rusty with the skills, but that’s okay. We’re going to make mistakes, but that’s okay.

“What we need to do is build and build and build, to become a better Test side, a better one-day side, a better Twenty20 side.”

Clarke said the players needed to focus simply on the challenge immediately in front of them.

“If you look at our next block of two years there’s a lot of cricket, and some really

important cricket as well so that’s exciting for us,” he said.

“But I think that’s for others to focus on

and work out what teams they’re thinking, what players they’re thinking for conditions all around

the world over the next two years.

“For us, it’s about performing well.”

Webster surges back to top spot in Lusignan Golf Club tourney

In photo from R to L: Patrick Prashad, Shanella Webster, Juliet Prince and Avinda Kishore for Mohanlall Dinanauth.

GUYANA Open female golf champion of 2013, Shanella Webster, displayed some fine performances as she rose to top spot in last Saturday’s medal-play Club Tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club..

Fulfilling her promise of last week to win this week’s competition, Webster delivered a gross 91, resulting in a net 66 from her handicap of 25.

The mental approach and encouragement from Club vice-president Dr Philbert

London inspired and encouraged her to succeed.

‘I will win next week,” she had said at the end of the previous competition, on Saturday, August 9, even though she did not place among the winners then!

But her prophetic words came to pass! Webster’s most recent victory was on Saturday, March 29, 2014 when she won the Torginol Paints-sponsored medalplay tournament with a net 64, then edged out veteran player Kalyan Tiwari on a back-nine count since he

also fielded a net 64 then.

Meanwhile, the previous week’s second place winner, Juliet Prince, who also gave credit to vice-president Dr London’s mental coaching and encouragement, indicated that it was a 5 bogey at one particular hole that forced her into second, as she too was determined to take the top honours. Prince returned a gross of 103, which gave her a net 67 from her 36 handicap.

Other winners in last Saturday’s tournament were: 3rd place - Fazil Haniff, handicap 11, net 72; 4th place and Best Gross – Mohanlall ‘Santo’ Dinanauth, handicap 3, gross 75, net 72; and Nearest To the Pin – Patrick Prashad.

Vicepresident Dr Philbert London, in congratulating the winners, expressed his expectation that all players would maintain their enthusiasm and continue to compete and produce even better performances.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

T&T dethrone Suriname to win Goodwill Swim Meet … Two gold medals for Guyana’s Soroya Simmons SOROYA Simmons, Onika George and Nathan Hackett all managed to score gold for Guyana, as Trinidad and Tobago dethroned Suriname at the conclusion of the 2014 Goodwill Swim Meet, which ended last Sunday in Paramaribo Suriname.

Trinidad amassed 1 569 points to overcome defending champions Suriname, who ended with 1 460 points, as Guyana finished fifth with 461 points when the threeday competition came to a close.

Third and fourth place went to Barbados and St Lucia respectively; Barbados had 524 points, while it was 488.5 points that allowed St Lucia to finish ahead of

Guyana.

Though unable to place highly among the countries, Guyana did not leave the competition empty-handed as a small collection of swimmers returned laden with medals.

At the top of the medal-takers was Simmons who walked away with two gold, a silver and a bronze.

Others on the team who medalled included Antonio Hussein, Joseph DeNobrega, Accalia Khan, Noel Raekwon, and Omar Adams, in addition to the Boys 11-12, 13–14 and 15-17 relay teams who all picked up bronze medals.

Simmons outclassed both George and Suriname’s Shannie Hoost, to win

the Girls’ 15–17 100m backstroke in 1:11.42s. George’s

Soroya Simmons 1:13.50s was only good for third as Hoost clocked 1:11.94s to outswim her.

George, Simmons and

Darts Association to stage special tournament on Friday THE Guyana Darts Association (GDA) will be staging a special tournament this Friday at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

This tournament is being played as a warm-up to the up-coming National Championships.

The starting-time is 08:00hrs. Registration of participating players closes at 07:30hrs. There will be strict adherence to these times.

The games to be played will be a luck-ofthe-draw doubles, played in a round-robin format.

The pairs will be divided into two groups and at the end of the round robin the first- and second-placed pairs from each group will play a crisscross knockout to determine the winner.

The round robin seg-

ment will comprise two games of the 501 format with one point for each game won. The knock-out stage will be best of three of 501 games, and the finals best of five.

A special innovation will be used so as to provide a level playing field for all participants. The country’s top players will be seeded in a draw system that eliminates unbalanced pairings.

The tournament is jointly sponsored by Double M Taxi Service of Montrose, ECD, Sudesh Fitzgerald and the GDA. The tournament directors are Grantley Culbard and Raymond Williams.

Note: All players and members of the Guyana Darts Association are reminded that subscription dues for 2014 are still outstanding.

Hoost were at it again in the Girls’ 15-17 50m backstroke.

However Simmons proved to have more endurance than speed and she found herself trampled by George, but

still managed to keep Hoost at bay. George’s 32.99.39s was the only timing that overcame the 33.70s by Simmons. Hoost had to settle for third as she finished 33.73 seconds.

Simmons won her other gold in the 200m freestyle event in her category.

For Hackett his gold came in the Boys’ 100m breaststroke swimming in the Boys 11-12 age category, Hackett clocked 1:2.47s, swimming in just in front of St Lucia’s Devin Boodha.

Hackett also had silver from his performance in the Boys 11-12 50m breaststroke and 50m backstroke events.

DeNobrega won silver in the Boys 13-14 200m freestyle (2:09.69s), also

taking a silver was Hussein, who also took bronze in the Boys’ 11-12 100m freestyle.

Another silver came from Khan who finished behind Suriname’s Anjali Rahan in the Girls 13-14 100m backstroke.

Adams won a bronze in the Boys 15-17 200m freestyle. Guyana’s youngest swimmer to medal was Raekwon who won two bronze in the Boys 8-and-Under category.

Overall Guyana’s Boys team finished third, while Guyana’s weakness lay on the female side where Guyana did not participate in any of the relays, and ended up finishing fifth because of this deficiency.

Malta Non-Alcoholic 11race cycle programme set for Saturday Paul DeNobrega THE inner circuit of the National Park will be a hub of activity on Saturday, when national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed runs off the Malta Non-Alcoholic 11-race programme. Starting-time is 09:00hrs.

The feature event is anticipated to be a thriller since all the top pedal-pushers will be vying for top honours in the 35-lap race The fearsome Raynauth Jeffrey might have his work cut out by the likes of Paul DeNobrega, Michael Anthony, Warren McKay and Marlon Williams among others.

The defending champion of the event is Alanzo Greaves who returned a time

of one hour 16 minutes 55.44 seconds in last year’s event.

Another exciting race should be the 10-lap race for juveniles.

This event was won last year by Hamzah Eastman in a time of 23 minutes 25.10 seconds.

This year however, Anthony who is still a juvenile will be seeking to upstage him.

The veterans Under-50 five-lap race was won by Junior Niles last year in a time of 12 minutes 27.08 seconds and Niles is expected to make a successful defence.

Two more five-lap races are on the card - one for veterans over 50 years of age, while the other is for mountain bikers.

The latter event was won by Stephan Husbands last year in a time of 18 minutes 02.93 seconds.

B a n k s D I H ’s M a l ta Non-Alcohol manager Clayton McKenzie and the beverage giant’s Outdoor manager Mortimer

Stewart will be on hand to witness the day’s activity as well as to present the respective winners with their prizes.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 20, 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 Tuesday’s quiz: (1)2013: 16 wickets; 2014: 17 wickets (2) 23 players Today’s Quiz: (1) Which player copped the top prize for the LCPL 2014 ‘El Dorado Celebration’?

(2) Which player won the prize for the LCPL 2014 ‘Classic Catch’?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 20, 2014

39

First ODI in Grenada today…

Much to prove as Windies and Bangladesh renew rivalry ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC)- West Indies and Bangladesh play the first of three One Day Internationals here today with much to prove following a trail of poor performances in series this year.

The two sides are renewing a rivalry which reached a thrilling high point when Bangladesh, with a gritty performance, clinched a tie-breaker to earn a 3-2 win in their last ODI series at home.

“I am excited with the one- day team that is selected. We are ten games away from a prestigious tournament which is the 2015 World Cup so this is part of preparation,” said Bravo.

“It is an opportunity for us to start back winning cricket games and winning series”.

Seven members of the Bangladesh outfit have toured the West Indies before while the likes of Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Shamsur Rahman and Sohag Gazi have visited with Bangladesh-A. Only Anamul Haque, Taskin Ahmed and AlAmin Hossain have not toured the Caribbean.

“I enjoy playing cricket

here personally. The last time I played here I got six wickets in an ODI game against Zimbabwe so it’s good to start here and it’s always good to play on grounds that you have good memories,” the captain said, referring to the National Stadium in Grenada “Let’s hope that the luck remains and things continue to go in our favour.We have two games here and if we can close the series of right here in Grenada it’s gonna be good”.

The visitors are expected to rely heavily on the inform captain Mushfiqur Rahim who will be hoping that Tamim, Nasir, Mahmudullah, Razzak and Gazi would return to form.

Bangladesh will have high expectations of main strike bowler Mashrafe Mortaza but would harbor concerns for their spin attack since Abdur Razzak and Sohag Gazi have been poor so far this year despite playing all their cricket in home conditions.

They are without their leading player Shakib Al Hasan while a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson on the

eve of an important series for the two lowly ranked test playing nations.

Al Hasan is serving a

have only drawn one Test against Sri Lanka and won two T20s, against Nepal and Afghanistan, will be

Dwayne Bravo and Mushfiqur Rahim with the Dhaka Bank ODI trophy at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium , yestertday. (WICB Media Photo) six-month suspension while the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was late yesterday preparing an official statement to address widespread reports that Gibson was fired before his contract matured in 2016.

Bangladesh, who

hoping to use the series to end a losing streak this year in one-day cricket, their favourite format.

On the other hand, under Dwayne Bravo, West Indies have now won three out of seven ODIs this year.

Bravo himself has been

the team’s best batsman and bowler, averaging 93.50 and taking 12 wickets in seven ODIs. But apart from Lendl Simmons, none of the other batsmen have even crossed 200 runs this year, while none have reached doublefigures in the wickets column apart from left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, who has taken 10 wickets.

However since last month, West Indies players have been busy in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with Simmons emerging the tournament’s top-scorer and in third position Chris Gayle who has not played an ODI since November last year when he pulled his hamstring.

Among the bowlers, Ravi Rampul was the leading wicket-taker and Sunil Narine the only other bowler in the ODI squad among the top ten.

“Roachie (Kemar Roach) has been out through injury, Ravi has been out best bowler also there is Jerome Taylor who is back into cricket and you can’t forget Jason Holder who has done great things since he came back into international cricket,” said Bravo.

“I am very happy that all those players are playing cricket and that they are fit and available” The home side lost a three- match Test series against New Zealand this year and won a threematch T20 series against England and a one-off ODI against Ireland.

The Bangladesh players are in a part of the world where they have put their best cricket on show, having achieved several milestones.

These include their best World Cup campaign when they beat India to move into the Super Eight and in 2009 picking up their first overseas Testseries win playing a third rate regional side amid a players’ strike.

“We have to play aggressive cricket. We have to play hard,” said Bravo.

“We have to play our brand of cricket that we as West Indians know how to play , fearless, batsmen go for our shots, be positive, fast bowlers bowl fast and spinners do their thing” The first ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh begins 9.30 local time today at the National Stadium

Krishna Arjune slams scintillating 169 … HACC make it 10 wins in a row

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Former Guyana opener Krishna Arjune was in scintillating form here over the last weekend, slamming a brilliant 169 as Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) continued their winning ways in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier League 50-over competition at the Ellesmere ground.

Arjune’s knock ensured HACC maintained their unbeaten run in the competition, chalking up their 10th consecutive victory in the process as they mauled opponents Durham Cricket Club

by 224 runs.

The 33-year-old Arjune, who made his debut for Guyana in 2006 and has played 40 First Class matches including representing the West Indies B team, featured in two match-winning performances. The tall right-hander, whose best performance for Guyana was 157 against the Leeward Islands, added 144 for the fourth-wicket with former national wicketkeeper Azib Ali Haniff who contributed 44.

Arjune also added 72 for the fifth wicket with Chidanandan Shiwram (29) before he departed in the final over after hitting 16 fours and five sixes, as

HACC reached a massive 365 for six. Skipper and former Guyana youth player Hemnarine Chattergoon had earlier contributed 26.

For Durham, who had also suffered a heavy defeat against the same opponents a few weeks ago, D. Ellis claimed two for 30, S. Marlon two for 39.

Durham had no answer to the bowling of fast-medium bowler Riyad Sattaur and were skittled out for a paltry 141 in 33 overs with the exuberant bowler grabbing five for 49 in his allotted 10 overs. In a new role as a bowler, Hanif picked up three for 50 in seven overs while

HACC president Archie Mohan hands over the signed match ball and a token of appreciation to Krishna Arjune after his brilliant innings.

Chattergoon supported with two for 19 from 10 as only Marlon with 26 showed any resistance.

With four more matches in the preliminary rounds to

go, HACC president Archie Mohan exuded confidence that his charges will end the season on an unbeaten note, a feat they also achieved last year.

Mohan was full of praise for his side, who despite missing some key players from last season, have been maintaining their stranglehold on their opponents.

Sport CHRONICLE

Much to prove as Windies and Bangladesh renew rivalry

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

See Story on page 39

Portland Timbers ‘hammer’ Alpha United 4 – 1 MLS side win on CONCACAF Champions League debut See Story on page 35

Chronicle photographer Adrian Narine caught Alpha United’s Barbosa Murilo goal that sent Portland Timbers keeper Andrew Weber flying but to no avail.

Portland Timbers Maximiliano Urruti shows off his Usain Bolt impersonation after scoring his team’s second goal in the 4 – 1 win over Alpha United.

WICB and Gibson agree to terminate contract

Team manager Richie Richardson will take charge of the team on an interim basis.

ST.JOHN’s, Antigua, (CMC)Ottis Gibson’s tenure as head coach of the West Indies cricket team has ended, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) confirmed late yesterday.

The statement, released by the board ending rampant speculation over Gibson’s future with the regional side, said both parties ‘mutually agreed’ to terminate their association with immediate effect.

Team Manager, Sir Richie Richardson, has been asked to take charge of the team on an in-

terim basis for the series against Bangladesh starting in Grenada today.

“Today the West Indies Cricket Board and Mr. Ottis Gibson mutually agreed to terminate their association with immediate effect,” said the short four line statement.

“The WICB wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Gibson for his unwavering commitment and professionalism during his tenure as the Coach of the West Indies team”.

Turn to page 35

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Ottis Gibson was appointed West Indies coach in 2010 replacing Australian John Dyson.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014