Guyana chronicle 22 11 14

GUYANA No. 104019 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $60

Controversy over NBS $69.9M fraud case…

Labour Minister to move to High Court next week President Ramotar visits flood-hit East Coast communities – checks drainage facilities

INCLUDING VAT

Gov’t has not come to the table with maximum positions -President

Page

Page

3

Dr Nanda Gopaul

Page

2

9

Health Ministry advises public to pay keen attention to hygiene, water safety, vector control Page 10 After being slapped with fraud charges…

Glenn Lall to re-appear in court on Monday

Page

12

MMA/ADA farmers relieved to hear…

Maduni and Lama sluices will not be opened – Minister Baksh

President Donald Ramotar, and Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn head towards another East Coast village after checking out the pump station at Paradise

Page

11

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

President Ramotar visits flood hit East Coast communities - checks drainage facilities

President Donald Ramotar engaging residents of Cane Grove, Mahaica during a flood check on the East Coast Demerara; Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn and Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority also accompanied the President

THE record rainfall which capital, Georgetown, lower occurred on November 20 re- East Bank Demerara, West sulted in large swathes of the Bank Demerara, Essequibo

Coast and villages in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) being flooded.

President Ramotar visited several communities and drainage infrastructure yesterday to assess not only the effects of the accumulated water, but also to check on the stepped up efforts to

drain flooded areas. Areas visited included Paradise and Cane Grove.

The President noted that a lot of people have suffered due to the heavy rainfall, but said he was assured that the Public Works officials, and others responsible for drainage and irrigation, are doing everything possible to alleviate the problems encountered.

“We will continue to follow it to see that we bring some ease to the situation as fast as possible.”

The Agriculture Ministry today said that significant rainfall is expected in the next 72 hours that will result in flooding conditions. Sunday, it said is likely to be worse.

Rainfall records for the past 24 hours, measured at 08:00 hours yesterday show the highest rainfall of 260.0mm was recorded at Railway line, Mahaicony in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice).

Despite a large amount of water receding after the record breaking rainfall, the team of officials which comprised, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, and other officials and engineers were busy ensuring that all pumps and drainage outfalls were working optimally to provide relief.

Based on an assessment done by engineers following the heavy rainfall on November 20, the highest recorded in Georgetown was 186 millimetres, (7.25 inches) in a 24 - hour period.

On Thursday Benn reminded that the drainage systems located on the Coast are designed to take off 1.5 inches of rainfall in any 24- hour period, hence the reason for the significant flooding.

“We have 5 or 6 percent more than the normal rainfall

that can be handled through the drainage infrastructure on the coast …given the difficulty of excessive rainfall, we expect over the next two to three days, there will still be water on the ground… we are not the only affected country, you might know that there is this low pressure system also hanging over Trinidad which resulted in significant flooding in that country,” Benn said.

Teams of engineers and officials yesterday visited all kokers and sluices in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and 4 to ensure they are functional. It was found that while most of the pumps and sluices are working, there is the issue of siltation in some areas.

Workers yesterday were cleaning garbage across city areas to ensure smooth drain off of water.

(GINA)

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Controversy over NBS $69.9M fraud case…

Labour Minister to move to High Court next week LABOUR Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul is expected to move to the High Court next week to contest the grounds on which the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, compiled and allegedly released a 25page report on the case of a $69M fraud case at the New Building Society (NBS).

The report addressed what has been termed by the Ombudsman as “wrongful” fraud charges against NBS’ former Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Arjoon and two former senior managers, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo.

The fraud was said to have been committed in late 2006. The three men were fired in 2007 after an investigation, which concluded that the there was a dereliction of duty, negligence and/or serious misconduct. Following that charges were laid against them.

The managers have since challenged the Society’s decision to terminate their employment, among other things, and the matter is currently before the courts.

The subsequent Ombudsman’s report on the matter was released about a week ago.

Regarding the Labour Minister’s move to the High Court, after the Ombudsman’s report was made public, the Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed by a source close to the matter that the relevant court documents have already been prepared by the lawyers.

The source added that the grounds on which the matter is being contested include the fact that: the NBS is a private entity; the Directors of NBS are elected from its membership; the Ombudsman cannot investigate the actions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), since that office is insulated by the Constitution; and that the Ombudsman failed to observe the sub-judice rule.

SUB-JUDICE PRINCIPLE IGNORED Additionally, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, on Wednesday responded to queries about the issue.

His main point of concern was the fact that the principle of sub-judice was ignored, which is even more worrying

considering the fact that the Ombudsman was a former judge.

Dr. Luncheon said: “I believe that the principle, this sub-judice principle has been ignored….this is a matter that is being heard before the High Court and I cannot understand how could another judge, the Ombudsman is a former judge, could have ignored the sub-judice principle.”

The HPS also raised concerns about how the contents of the report were made public, given that it was not officially released by the Ombudsman.

“It seems to be that the report may not have been officially released by the Ombudsman and somehow it has been leaked…it (the leak) has distressed them (the Board and membership of the NBS),” he said.

Dr. Luncheon added that he has not paid much attention to the findings of the report, since the more important question is how the report was made public.

“I haven’t paid any mind to the findings, I am more concerned with the reaction of the NBS board and if the Ombudsman asserts that this report is not official then the question is who leaked the report,” he said.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Meanwhile, NBS has since slammed the contents of the report.

Below is an excerpt of a statement made by the then Chairman of the Board of the New Building Society, Mr. Moen Mc Doom, at a Special General Meeting of the Members held on September 8, 2007, at which the issue in relation to the three (3) managers was addressed: “During this period, the Board was legally constrained from engaging its members and presenting the public with the facts. Those persons intent on misleading our members and hurting the society were able to take full advantage of this until now.”

“The matter of the fraud was first brought to my attention as Chairman of the Board, not, as you might expect by the then Director/ Secretary, Mr. Maurice Arjoon, but instead from information I received privately on January 22, 2007.”

“I had been informed that the sum of $69.9M had been withdrawn from the Savings Account of Ms. Bibi Shamila Khan by means of a Power of Attorney over the period November 1, 2006 to December 8, 2006 when the Account was closed by the person presenting the Power of Attorney to the Society.”

“On learning of this allegation, I immediately brought the matter to the attention of the Director/Secretary, Mr. Maurice Arjoon, requiring that he urgently investigate the matter. Mr. Arjoon then informed me that he had earlier chaired a meeting of senior management at which it was decided by the management, that the monies withdrawn from the Savings Account in question were properly withdrawn.

In his report on the matter, which was later submitted to me on February 6, 2007, Mr. Arjoon revealed that, in fact, it had been brought to his attention on January 22 that Mr. Zainool Khan Safi, husband of the Account Holder, had questioned the withdrawals from his wife’s Savings Account.”

“We were later to discover that, on January 3, 2007, Mr. Safi had brought the Passbook for the Savings Account into the Society for updating.” “The same Passbook which the person presenting the Power of Attorney had claimed since October 31, 2006 to have been lost.”

“The Passbook was collected by Customer Service Clerk, Mr. Imran Bacchus, and filed. In fact, Bacchus was involved in all of the withdrawal transactions, but there is no record or report of his having brought this to anyone’s attention.”

Mr. Safi returned to the Society on January 19 to uplift the Passbook when he discovered that his wife’s Account had been closed.

Dr Nanda Gopaul

Not surprisingly, Mr. Safi demanded to speak with a senior manager and was referred to former Savings/ Accounts Supervisor, Mr. Kumar Ragobar who referred it to Mr. Vincent, the then Operations Manager. As you know, Mr Ragobar was later dismissed for reasons unconnected with this fraud.”

On January 29, Ms.. Bibi Shamila Khan, accompanied by her Attorney-at-Law, met with Mr. Maurice Arjoon, Mr. Kent Vincent, the Asst.

Secretary, Mr. Nizam Mohamed and the Internal Audit Manager, Mr. Atma Rajaram and indicated that she had not authorised any withdrawals from her Savings Account.

Ms. Khan and her Attorney were told by management that the Society would be treating the withdrawals as legitimate.”

“In the meantime, I had instructed Mr. Arjoon to have all of the managers and officers who were involved in processing and authorising the payments of the withdrawals from the Savings Account in question, submit written reports detailing the role they played and the reasons for their actions. I expressed my concern about the matter to the Board on January 25”.

“After discussing the matter further with Mr. Ar-

joon, I directed him to immediately check with Guyana’s Honorary Consul General in Toronto, Canada, whether the Power of Attorney which had been presented to the Society by the person who had withdrawn the funds from Ms. Khan’s Account, had been executed by the Consulate.”

Mr. Arjoon carried out my instructions on January 30 and reported that the Consulate had affirmed that the Power of Attorney was a forgery.”

“I then immediately directed Mr. Arjoon to hand over this matter to the Police for a full investigation. The board clearly had nothing to hide, as our critics have suggested.”

“You are aware that subsequent investigations by the Police have led to charges of conspiracy to defraud funds from the Society being brought against Mr. Arjoon, Operations Manager at the time, Mr. Kent N.Vincent, and Asst. Mortgage Manager at the time, Mr. Kissoon Baldeo, on June 7, 2007.

I would like to emphasise that it was not until this stage of the matter that the Board was persuaded that a fraud may well have been committed.”

“The Board was left with no alternative, in these circumstances, but to send these Managers on administrative leave while continuing our own internal investigations.”

“During the course of those investigations, the Board invited our Auditors, Jack A Alli Sons & Co. to examine the transactions and to make their recommendations.”

“Our investigations have

established that over a period of some five weeks, a person by the name of Compton Chase who was completely unknown to the Bank, and whose identity was never properly verified, was successfully able to present a Power of Attorney, which has subsequently, as I have stated, proven to be forged.”

“This person, without presenting a Passbook required by the rules of the Society, on four separate occasions, commencing on November 1 and concluding on December 8, transacted the withdrawals, a re-deposit and further withdrawals of sums totalLing $69.9M, with full oversight and approval of the three senior managers whose services have since been terminated.

On the first occasion the withdrawal was authorised by Mr. Arjoon and Mr. Vincent.

On the second occasion the withdrawals were authorised by Mr. Vincent and Mr. Baldeo and on the third and final occasion the withdrawals were authorised by Mr. Arjoon, Mr. Vincent and Mr. Baldeo.

The Society’s Rules require that an Account Holder must be in possession of a Passbook to make a withdrawal and that, if a Passbook has been lost, prior notice must be given in writing and an Indemnity form completed and submitted for a replacement.”

On the first occasion on 31st October, the person purporting to be Mr. Chase presented himself with the Power of Attorney, claiming that the Account Holder, Ms. Bibi Shamila Khan, Turn to page 8 ►

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Islamic State targeted in 30 air strikes

by U.S., allies (Reuters) - THE United States and its allies have staged 30 air strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq since Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command said on Friday.

The 23 strikes in Iraq included six near Baiji that hit Islamic State buildings, vehicles and tactical units while buildings, vehicles, a guard post and two tactical units were destroyed near Sinjar in four air strikes, Central Command said. Similar targets were destroyed or damaged west of Kirkuk, near Mosul and Ramadi and in Tal Afar.

In Syria, six strikes near Kobani destroyed staging areas, buildings and two tactical units, while another near Ar Raqqah damaged an Islamic State barrack, Central Command said.

An EA-18G Growler launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in this U.S. Navy picture taken in the Arabian Gulf October 28, 2014

U.S. increasing non-lethal military aid to Ukraine (Reuters) - THE United States plans to increase non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine, including deliveries of the first Humvee vehicles, having decided for now not to provide weapons, U.S. officials said.

The increase in non-lethal aid to Ukraine, which is grappling with a Russian-backed separatist movement in its east, is expected to be announced on Thursday during a visit to Kiev by Vice President Joe Biden.

The officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described it as an expansion of U.S. support for Ukraine’s armed forces, but one that was unlikely to significantly alter the conflict.

The aid falls short of what Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko requested during a visit to Washington in September when he appealed for lethal aid - a request echoed by some

21/11/2014

07

09

15

16

21

21/11/2014

7

U.S. lawmakers in response to what NATO allies say is Russia’s movement of tanks and troops into eastern Ukraine.

Officials in the Obama administration had said Wa s h i n g t o n b e l i e v e d Ukraine had enough lethal aid and the types of weaponry requested for Ukraine would be of only marginal value. They had also emphasised the need for a diplomatic outcome.

The United States and its European allies have imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Russia for its seizure of Crimea and incursion into eastern Ukraine.

The new non-lethal aid Biden will present in Kiev includes Humvees from excess supplies in the Pentagon’s inventory, as well as the delivery of previously promised radars that can detect the location of enemy mortars, officials said. They did not specify a dollar value

4

1

21/11/2014

for the assistance.

Previous non-lethal aid to Ukraine includes $53 million announced in September for military equipment such as counter-mortar detection units, body armor, binoculars, small boats and other gear for Ukraine’s security forces and border guards in the east.

President Barack Obama’s administration has long debated providing weapons to the Kiev government, but has so far concluded that it might only prompt Russia to escalate its aid to the separatist rebels.

Lethal assistance “remains on the table. It’s something that we’re looking at,” Obama’s deputy national security adviser and nominee for deputy secretary of state, Tony Blinken, said at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

In response to Blinken’s comment, Russia warned the United States on Thursday against supplying arms to Ukrainian forces.

09 14 19

04 18 20 17

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

‘Falklands are Argentine’ signs condemned by Foreign Office (BBC News) BRITAIN has objected to Argentine MPs’ decision that public transport vehicles and stations should carry signs saying “The Falklands are Argentine”.

A law passed by the country’s Congress says all public transportation must display the signs.

The MP who championed the initiative said it would reflect “our undeniable sovereignty over the Falklands.”

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office described the move as “regrettable but not surprising”.

The new measure was introduced as part of a wider raft of public transport

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has defended the country’s claim to the islands

Falling oil price hurts Govt revenue (Trinidad Express) GOVERNMENT revenues have declined following the sudden decline in global oil prices.

This was confirmed yesterday by Finance Minister Larry Howai, who spoke with the Express at the Magdalena Resort in Tobago, as Cabinet wrapped up its retreat in the sister island.

Howai’s 2014/2015 national budget was pegged on an oil price of US$80 and natural gas price of US$2.75 per mmbtu.

Within recent months there has been a steady decline in prices, with United States crude falling this week to September 2010 lows even though it rallied yesterday to close at US$75.82 a barrel yesterday afternoon.

Despite the decline below the budget price, Howai said there was no need to panic.

“Well, I can understand the need for concern. We need to monitor this very carefully. We need to take a clear-sighted view of what is likely to happen. So I would say that at this time, based on the fact that we have been able to manage our reduction in oil revenues by the fact that we continue to receive income above our budget for our gas,” Howai said.

He acknowledged that Government revenues had declined in light of the drop in oil prices.

“Of course, with the reduction in the price of oil, Government revenue would have declined,” Howai said, adding that it had been ex-

pected with the drop in prices.

He said he did not expect any net reduction in revenues, as gas revenues exceeded oil revenues at this point, and he expected this to continue.

“And therefore we expect it is possible that gas prices can come down, and therefore we also have to build in some potential for that happening.”

He said Cabinet needs to discuss the matter.

Howai said he had developed potential responses to different scenarios with regard to oil prices.

“What we have not done as yet is we have not been able to make a full presentation of this to Cabinet. We need to schedule a separate time frame to do that.”

Sewage flows near fish market (Jamaica Observer) POLICE say they will be monitoring sections of Spanish Town Road in Kingston today following threats from vendors to mount roadblocks for a second day until something is done to deal with raw sewage in the area close to the Red Rose Fish Market.

Vendors who sell goods

in and around the market say for months they have been calling for authorities to address the problem, but each time short-term efforts are made the problem returns.

Yesterday, some of the vendors blocked a section of Spanish Town Road to highlight the problem, causing major traffic congestion in the area.

“Right now we are worried that at any time we can hear about some serious health problems in the area,” said one vendor who sells fish close to the section where sewage had settled.

The vendor complained that the stench from the sewage has been affecting their business.

reforms which were passed unanimously on Thursday.

Senator Teresina Luna, the member of Congress who proposed the new regulation, wrote to the president of the parliament to say: “It is directed not only at the foreigner who comes here as a tourist or visits our country, but also at the citizens in general, and will serve to reinforce our history, our culture and our identity.”

The Foreign Office in London condemned the move as “a hostile course of action”.

“But no sign can change the rights of the Falkland islanders to their own identity and we are determined to uphold that right,” a spokes-

man added.

Argentina lays claim to the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas, but Britain maintains that it has sovereignty and has accused Argentina of ignoring the wishes of the island’s residents who wish to remain British.

Last year, Falkland islanders took part in a referendum, voting by 1,513 to three to remain a British overseas territory.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said at the time that the result “could not have sent a clearer message” but Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has maintained that the islanders’ wishes are not relevant.

Still 2,000 suspected ChikV cases, says Fuad ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) THERE have been 164 confirmed cases of chikungunya and 2,000 suspected cases in T&T, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan says. Replying to Opposition MP Dr Amery Browne’s questions in Parliament yesterday, Khan said the 164 cases had been confirmed by testing.

He said a specific criterion for ChikV was swelling of the joints. Non-specific symptoms were fever, joint pain, malaise and rashes.

Khan said people aged 20 to 30 experienced joint pains for two to three days while older patients suffered pains for longer.

He said there were other viruses with simi-

lar conditions to ChikV and the treatment for all was the same: Analgesics (painkillers) and rest. Khan also said Cabinet had agreed on a total project budget of $1,567,536,356 for the Point Fortin hospital construction. He said no date had yet been set for the sod-turning ceremony.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Let not this opportunity pass, Mr. Granger!

AT the invitation from President Donald Ramotar, another opportunity avails itself for meaningful discussions with Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Mr David Granger, relating to matters critical to the national well-being.

It would seem that Granger has already decided on this avenue for talks, as a ‘no no’, as it is his opinion, that such should only take place, after a re-opening of Parliament.

According to the Opposition Leader, his party unanimously supports

such a position. We assume too, that a similar position is the mindset of the smaller Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition party.

Thus we ask this question, whether discussions would not assist in breaking the ice, thus setting the stage for consensus not only with regard to extant matters; but also as a mode for the future direction of this country?

Though we understand, and do accept the adversarial nature of politics, we also contend that such ought not to stand in the way, or be a barrier, especially where the national interest is concerned.

We do believe that sincere discussions in any situation, no matter how protracted, can bring results for our nation, if the political will does exist; for at the end of the day, it has to be about Guyana, and nothing else.

Despite the seemingly intransigent and inexplicable position that has mostly been the forte of Granger, we have every reason to believe that he is a patriot and is amenable to reason. However, there is every reason to believe that he has to contend with the radicals within his party.

We recall his concurrence on the question of an increase in social security pensions,

when he said that in politics one does not get everything one wants at the same time, concluding that it is ‘some you win, some you lose’ situation at times. He also recognised that it was only fair that Linden’s electricity tariff be brought within the national grid, where consumers of the mining town should be asked to pay their fair share of energy charges. But he reneged on that agreement, because of what was perceived to be pressure from the radical fringe of his party.

Again, based on all his pronouncements he seemed not to have been in favour

of supporting the AFC’s ‘no-confidence’ motion. Yet, in the end, his declared intention of support towards this unnecessary pathway precipitated the Presidential Proclamation. He should let party and leadership understand that their notion of politics and Guyana is unrealistic, reckless, and dangerous!

Mr. Granger should by now learn that leadership of an official political Opposition is one of a constitutional office that carries enormous responsibility.

It is about taking into consideration what is good for

the nation, and not about the politics of NO. It is also about having to quell extremists within one’s party, especially when what they support do not lend toward the good of the nation.

Thus Granger should seriously consider the future of this country, taking into consideration the long road that it has travelled to this moment, when his input is required for its further advancement. He stands in judgment by the nation.

The time is now, Mr. Granger. Let not this opportunity pass!

APNU continues to Georgetown needs a ridicule ‘Clean-Up My high rise car park Country’ programme

OVER the years, Georgetown, as well as all urban centres in our country, has seen a dramatic increase in vehicular traffic. With that increase comes the dire need for proper parking.

On any given day, the central business district in the capital becomes inundated with all types of vehicles then illegal parking becomes the norm.

It is not a situation where there isn’t enough space for vehicles to park, because there are lots of open spaces where commuters can park. However, the problem is everyone wants to be within close proximity to their place of work or business, hence they will illegally park in any available space that presents itself.

With the coming Christmas season, it gets even worse when there is little or no room to manoeuvre. There would be double, sometimes even

triple parking to deal with. It is a near impossible situation in downtown Georgetown.

And heaven has to help us if a fire or some other emergency should take place in the main shopping area where firefighters would be hampered by a sea of illegally parked cars and the daunting task of navigating their way through it.

Now, my suggestion to solve this is the construction of a high rise car park in or around the CBD. This would bring an end to illegal parking and traffic congestion in all the urban centres. It is high time for Guyana to get into the modern era and adopt these standards where urban vehicular management is concerned.

This modern approach is found in other sister Caricom territories like Barbados, Trinidad, and even in St Lucia. The suggestion made by Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger

Luncheon to cover some of the gutters and waterways to ease traffic congestion in the city would only lead to further problems.

There would be clogged drains where silt and garbage would naturally build up, with the greater difficulty to unclog them. The perennial problem of flooding due to heavy siltation, coupled with non-biodegradable styrofoam and plastic, would make the city a health hazard. These factors would only add to the messy situation confronting us right now. It would compound the problem.

I call on government to erect a high rise car park and charge a small fee for use of the facility. This will genuinely solve the problem.

NEIL ADAMS

- Deputy Mayor bitter that $500M was not given to ‘City Hall to Spend’

FOLLOWING comments made by Joseph Harmon, member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green to sections of the media where Harmon ridiculed the Government of Guyana’s “Clean-Up My Country” programme, and where the Deputy Mayor said that the $500M which was given to Local Government to clean up the Capital City, Georgetown, “should have

been given to City Hall to spend,” and that “the Minister of Local Government did not make proper contact with the engineers of the City - Georgetown” have raised some concern.

This statement is seen as another ploy by the Opposition to thwart any progress initiated by Government to bring betterment and sustenance of livelihood to the people of Guyana.

Joseph Harmon, in his remarks, said the cleanup is “slouch money given to people to say PPP cares.”

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, has condemned such remarks.

The module employed by the Ministry to implement the ‘Clean-Up My Country’ programme sought to engage residents from the communities through consultations

See Page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

APNU continues to ridicule ‘Clean-Up My Country’...

From Page 6 where they submitted proposals outlining the works that were required to be undertaken in order to improve the environment.

For each community, the workers were mobilised by the Community Coordinators, and they were remunerated for their labour.

Hence, it is disgusting to listen to the APNU ridicule the Government of Guyana on every possible opportunity that is given to the people to improve their lives and to provide income for sustenance of family.

Already, under the cleanup programme, thousands of residents are employed as Community Enhancement Workers in 32 communities across Georgetown. By the end of November, several more communities which have not yet been cleaned will be signed up for the programme.

On the other hand, Patricia Chase-Green has criticised the Clean-Up My Country programme by saying “it was not effectively done,” and “the money ($500M) should have been given to City Hall to spend.” This raises some concerns since City Hall has exhibited very poor spending habits and demonstrates their incompetence when it comes to managing their finances.

Further, the Deputy Mayor, in her remarks said that the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, did not make “proper contact with the engineers of the City - Georgetown with regard to the Clean-Up My Country programme”. This has raised more concerns at the ministry and further to that, condemnation of such utterances of Mrs. ChaseGreen since it is a blatant misrepresentation and twist of facts.

It should be pointed out that during the initial planning of the Georgetown Clean-Up programme, the City Engineer was integrally involved in the planning of the cleanup of communities.

Further to that, it was with his guidance and technical expertise that main canals were identified to be de-silted.

Minister Whittaker in his address (Thursday) at a press conference said that the $500M allocated to the cleanup of Georgetown was never intended to prevent flooding. Instead, it was intended to improve the aesthetics and sanitation of the City by way of getting rid of the over grown vegetation and garbage around the Capital City. However, during consultations, community coordinators made representation to improve drainage within the communities and this was facilitated.

Minister Whittaker said that if the efforts under the clean-up programme were not undertaken where tons of garbage was removed from communities within the City, Thursday’s flooding would have been worst.

Minister Whittaker also

pointed out that the City’s drainage system is over 100 years old and it was only built to accommodate 1 ½ inches of rainfall per day. On Thursday, in mere hours, the rainfall exceeded that amount. In some areas there were in excess of 6 inches of rainfall. Minister Whittaker elaborated that under the ‘Clean-Up My Country’ Programme drains in communities were widened where necessary and more depth was created to discharge the water at a faster rate. As a result, over all, water is receding faster from the communities.

Minister Whittaker, along with Minister Robeson Benn and Town Clerk Carol Sooba visited several kokers in the City to ensure they are working effectively. According to the City Engineer, “all kokers were opened on time”.

Georgetown was put on priority list for cleanup since Central Government saw the continuous reluctance of the Georgetown Municipality to improve the sanitation and aesthetics of the City. So to give the Council half of a billion dollars to spend, one would wonder what

would have been the end product.

With regard to calls made by leader for A Partnership for National Unity, David Granger, the ministry continues to say that maintenance rests in the hands of the Georgetown Municipality. So at this time, it would be most appropriate for Mrs. ChaseGreen to commence the utterances of maintaining clean drains and parapets.

CLEAN-UP MY COUNTRY PROGRAMME Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

GTU swimming nationals 2014 a blast WHEN I was informed that the Guyana Teacher’s Union Track and Field Championships 2014 was billed for the Guyana Defence Force Ground (Camp Ayangana), I was furious for many reasons, one being that it was too late and the rainy season was upon Guyana; as well as the event not having access to the Guyana National Stadium for this year due to a cricket tournament.

It is also sad in many ways not to have witnessed athletes from all ten Administrative Regions in Guyana compete in Track and Field at Guyana’s most prestigious sporting event (Nationals) as in any other global location.

On the brighter side of the situation, I managed to attend and did a photography coverage of the swimming aspect/segment of Nationals 2014 at the Aquatic Centre in Turkeyen and it was a blast, with perfect weather, well supported, highly competitive, fun, etc.

T. PEMBERTON

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Colwyn Harding hospitalised again …with discoloured intestines DOCTORS at a private city hospital were on Saturday conducting emergency surgery on Colwyn Harding after his intestines fell out and were found to be discoloured.

Harding is the Laing Avenue man who was allegedly raped with a police baton by a constable while in police cus-

tody at the Timehri Station a year ago.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, Harding complained of feeling unwell on Saturday and with his intestines protruding, his relatives rushed him to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital where he was immediately taken into surgery

which lasted for well over five hours.

Speaking with this newspaper on Tuesday morning the young man’s mother, Sharon, said that when the intestines came down they observed that they appeared discoloured. Up to yesterday Harding was still hospitalised and he was said to be in an unconscious state.

Meanwhile, the trial of

two police ranks in the Harding abuse case is slated to commence on November 28.

His current hospitalisation came as a shock to relatives since they were of the view that he was on a very slow road to recovery although he was scheduled to have other operations following the reported baton assault into his rectum.

The treatment of Harding

Labour Minister to move to... was in Canada and volunteered a phone number at which she could be contacted. There was no phone number contact recorded for the Account Holder on the Society’s Index Card.

No attempt was, however, made by the management to contact the Account Holder at her Guyana address recorded on the Card for the Account Holder, which was at Better Hope.

No attempt was made by any of the senior managers to check the authenticity of the Power of Attorney as to whether it was registered at the Deeds Registry or, much more importantly, whether it had, in fact, been issued from the Guyana Consulate in Canada where it indicated it had been prepared.

It would not be unreasonable to expect Mr. Arjoon to check with the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, as previously he had verified a Power of Attorney executed by the Guyana Consulate in Suriname tendered for another large withdrawal.

Mr. Vincent did call the number given by the person claiming to be Mr. Chase and spoke to a person alleging to be Ms. Khan. Mr. Vincent did not know Ms. Khan and relied on identifying the person on the phone from the information on the Account Holder ’s Index Card. This information is not confidential and is readily accessible to a number of the Society’s employees.

Though the person on the phone was asked to confirm authorisation of the transaction in writing and to request a replacement Passbook, no explanation was sought for the loss of the Passbook and why a replacement had not been requested. Chase was told to return the next day.

Mr. Vincent made no other attempt to profile the person on the phone or to establish the whereabouts of the person. A phone number can be used from almost anywhere in the world. A prudent and careful man-

ager, in the circumstances, should have requested a faxed notarized copy of the person’s ID, or Driving Licence or Passport to be sent before being satisfied of her identity.

The faxed confirmation authorising the transaction from the person alleging to be the Account Holder, had no address or means of tracing its origin and was not notarized, yet it was accepted by the managers.

Prior to the occasion of the second withdrawal on 17th November, the person alleging to be the Account Holder spoke with Mr. Vincent and the day before the withdrawal faxed confirmation authorising the withdrawal. Again, the fax was accepted without a traceable address and was not notarised.”

“When Chase signed the fax acknowledging its receipt by him, he listed a different address to the address on the Power of Attorney and different from the Guyana address of the Account Holder listed on the Index Card. This also escaped the attention of the management.”

“When Chase made the first withdrawal he was given an Indemnity Form for the Account Holder to complete for the purpose of issuing a replacement Passbook, but claimed that it had not yet been completed by the Account Holder.”

“Nevertheless, in complete violation of the Society’s Rules and established practice, the second withdrawal was, once more, authorised.”

“Again, on this second occasion, no attempt was made to establish the authenticity of the Power of Attorney, either at the Deeds Registry or from its identified source of origin at the Guyana Consulate in Canada.”

On November 20, Chase returned for the third time. On this occasion, he re-deposited the sum of

$20,500,000 from previous withdrawals, seeking two separate withdrawals of $10,200,000 and $10,300,000.”

“Once more, these withdrawals were authorized by the Managers, despite the considerable sums being consistently withdrawn, without any further attempts to check the authenticity of the documents being presented and without receipt of the Indemnity Form from the Account Holder and without the presentation of a Passbook or request for a new Passbook.”

“Chase returned on December 8, the final occasion, this time to close the Account. On this occasion Mr. Vincent reported receiving a call, prior to Chase’s return, from the alleged Account Holder authorising the closure of the Account and a fax was received on December 7 to this effect, but, again, without a traceable address and, on this occasion, not signed and, as on all other previous occasions not notarised.”

“On this occasion, Mr. Arjoon thought it fit, for the first time, to direct Mr. Vincent to call the person alleging to be the Account Holder and request the Indemnity Form, which had been provided to Chase since November 1 be completed before closure of the Account. “ “According to Mr. Vincent’s report, the person he spoke with returned the call on several occasions to claim she was unable to fax the Form. The Form eventually was sent by email, though not properly completed and was not notarised. Yet, none of this gave rise to suspicion nor concern on the part of the managers and on receipt of the email, the transaction closing the Account was authorised by Mr. Arjoon.”

“You should know that in order to meet the final payment, it became necessary to redeem Treasury

Bills held by the Society, prior to their maturity, which resulted in a loss of interest to the Society of $1.3M” “I wish to emphasise that during this entire transaction, including even the necessity to redeem the Treasury Bills at a cost to the Society, the matter was not brought to my attention as Chairman, nor was any member of the Board consulted. “ Third party withdrawals from members’ accounts, and most certainly of this magnitude, demand of management, extremely careful scrutiny and strict observance of the rules and well established practices of the Society. Such scrutiny and strict observance were significantly absent on the part of the Managers.”

“The three senior managers who have been dismissed and were directly involved in processing and authorising the fraudulent withdrawals from the Savings Account in the name of Bibi Shamila Khan, did not observe the rules of the Society and were in grievous breach of established practices.”

“An Account Holder is required to be in possession of a Passbook to make a withdrawal. A member losing his or her Passbook is required to immediately give notice in writing to the Secretary. Any person other than the Account Holder seeking to make withdrawals on behalf of the Account Holder, must be subject to due diligence in the identification of that person. As I have described for you, these rules were grossly violated throughout the processing of the withdrawals and the standard of diligence expected of the managers was simply not evident.”

The three senior managers were seemingly content to sanction these withdrawals without ever having properly examined the authenticity of the Power of

was condemned by many persons including the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, retired Justice Cecil Kennard. A report by Justice Kennard found that the police had erred in their investigation, treatment and reporting of the matter.

The treatment of Harding saw his lawyers and relatives moving to the High Court to secure his release from prison

where he had been remanded.

The Government of Guyana was also sued by Harding through his attorney and that matter is currently engaging the attention of the courts even as several other ranks were disciplined departmentally for the alleged abuse of Harding, then 23 years, at the Timehri Police Station in November last year.

From page 3

Attorney which was submitted and without ever having properly established the identity of the person claiming to be the Account Holder on the telephone. It is clear that the senior managers involved in the approval of the transactions of such large sums of cash exercised extremely poor judgment.”

On June 12, the Board, having conducted its investigations, was satisfied that there was sufficient reason to interdict Mr. Arjoon, Mr. Vincent and Mr. Baldeo from duty without pay and benefits with immediate effect. They were invited to meet with the Board on 15th June in order to be given an opportunity to explain why serious disciplinary action, including dismissal, should not be taken against them.”

As you must know, on June 13 & 14, the managers resorted to Court action preventing the Board from taking any further action against them. The Court, however, ruled in favour of the Society. “ “On August 3, the Board, once more, invited each of these managers to meet and be heard separately by the Board on August 8 and 9.. The managers chose not to attend these meetings. “ “On August 14, the Board informed the three managers of its decision to summarily dismiss them with immediate effect for serious misconduct.”

As I made mention earlier, it is entirely regrettable that highly irresponsible and misleading statements, devoid of the truth, have been made by persons claiming to represent the interest of members of the Society.

These statements were clearly calculated to cause alarm and could have had no other effect but to hurt the Society.

You have now been apprised of the facts.

As I earlier stated, the Society was served with a writ of summons by the Account Holder claiming

the restoration of the funds withdrawn from her account.

It is sad, indeed, that this fraud against the Society took place and that we have had to make provision for a loss of just over $70M. Nevertheless, as our published accounts have shown, the Society remains financially sound and stable and in good hands.”

“We have appointed a team of managers with an accumulated experience of some 50 years led by Asst.

Secretary Mr. Nizam Mohamed who is acting as Director/Secretary. Mr. Anil Kishun, the former manager of our Rosignol branch, is now in charge of Operations and Mr. Noel Fernandes, who has been with our Society for some 12 years and in a management position for over 10 years, is acting as Asst. Mortgage Manager.

We have begun the process of appointing a Chief Executive Officer.”

“In the meantime, our external auditors, Jack A. Alli Sons & Company, have made a number of recommendations which will further improve our systems and make them less vulnerable to both internal and external crime against the Society.”

“Finally, I ask you to recognise that white collar crime and, in particular, fraud against financial institutions, has affected every financial institution in this country. It is a new experience for NBS. Usually, it is given little or no publicity and is dealt with internally.

In our case, as soon as the matter came to the attention of the Board, we unhesitatingly brought it to the attention of the police authorities who have initiated their own action in the matter.”

“The Society must now put this matter behind it and move on with the business of serving its members.”

Additionally, the report was endorsed by the Society’s members at the Special Meeting.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Gov’t has not come to the table with maximum positions –President IN every instance of talks with the Opposition, the Government has come to the table with its positions and has reduced those to minimum positions, making concessions; whereas the combined Opposition parliamentary parties have held on to their maximum positions.

These were the sentiments expressed by President Donald Ramotar, at his most recent press briefing last week Friday when he addressed the challenges of engaging A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) in talks.

The Head of State’s most recent invitation for talks, since the prorogation of Parliament has been ignored by the combined Opposition.

In proroguing Parliament, Mr. Ramotar was emphatic that this was intended to pave the way for greater dialogue among political parties, while keeping the 10th Parliament alive to address the critically important issues currently before the National Assembly.

When asked to respond to the charge from APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger, that the Government has not granted any concessions during talks with the two Opposition parties, the President made it clear that this was untrue–a fact supported by clear evidence.

He said: “It is the other way around….it was not me, but the Opposition that has taken these (maximum) positions…the agreements that we have reached, there haven’t been that many, but it’s been we (the current Administration) who have been making the concessions. “…these things are public knowledge; these things are known….I have not been hard

or holding so strongly to my grounds.”

As it relates to the latter, the Head of State highlighted that the only instances he has held his ground is on areas he felt strongly about, and even here, there were concessions; for example as it relates to the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill.

REJECTED OWN BILL Ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) June plenary in Paris, France, APNU had proposed three amendments, which were included in the Party’s draft amendments to the Principal

David Granger

AML/CFT Act. President Ramotar indicated that APNU’s demands would be supported, if APNU agreed to making future amendments, was the Bill, which included APNUs’ amendments, found to be in breach of international AML/ CFT standards. This was rejected.

APNU’s position was an ‘all-or-nothing’ one, as the

continues to languish before the Parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the Bill.

President Ramotar noted that the combined Opposition has been unreasonable in demanding its “maximum” positions, as opposed to negotiating a position of consensus.

President Donald Ramotar

Party then stressed that it wanted its three amendments to be included in the AML/ CFT Bill, as well as other demands.

These included that the President give his assent to several Bills passed in the National Assembly, including the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014. The Head of State has already forwarded his explanation for his-non assent to the National Assembly.

Since June, Guyana, at FATF’s October plenary, has managed to avert being placed on an international blacklist and the high level commitment of the Government, coupled with demonstrable actions taken by the country, has been credited for this feat.

Guyana was referred to FATF last November by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), after missing a compliance deadline, as a result of which the country was blacklisted regionally.

The move was a result of Guyana’s cited failures relative to the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, which

UNREASONABLE DEMANDS Another example of this, he pointed out, is the AFC’s demand for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which the government has agreed to, providing that Cabinet retain its no-objection role in the process; but the latter position has been rejected by the AFC.

Khemraj Ramjattan

The Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2013 was read a first time in the National Assembly last November and aims to amend the 2003 principal Procurement Act by making changes to section 54, deleting subsection six – effectively restoring Cabinet’s no-objection role.

Section 54 deals with Cabinet’s involvement in reviewing the award of procure-

ment contracts and the phasing out of its functions with the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission, in the interest of de-centralising the procurement process.

Subsection six states that: “Cabinet’s involvement shall cease upon the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, except in relation to those matters referred to in subsection one which are pending.”

Without the Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2013, once the PPC is established, Cabinet’s no-objection role will no longer be effective.

While there have been moves at the level of the Public Accounts Committee to address the establishment of the PPC, the PPC cannot be set up without a two-thirds majority support in the National Assembly.

The Government’s consistent argument has been that if a Government is charged with accounting for the nation’s finances, it should have, at least, a no-objection to the award of contracts.

“I have not been unreasonable,” the President stressed, adding that these are only two examples of the failed engagements with the combined Opposition.

OLIVE BRANCH Additionally, at the opening of the 10th Parliament, in 2012, the Head of State had extended an olive branch to the combined Opposition.

He acknowledged that moving forward would require maturity and political cooperation in the interest of the development of Guyana, despite differences among the parliamentarians.

“I am convinced that we have the capacity to rise to this challenge. I am satis-

fied that we are capable of demonstrating to the Guyanese nation that, while political competition and diversity are essential in a democracy, they should not foreclose on the possibilities for compromise and consensus in the way we do business. Indeed, the make-up of this new Parliament dictates that we seek consensus and compromise, and should resist the temptation to believe that any party can ride roughshod over another. Any such attempt may see us missing the historical opportunities that this new composition offers,” Mr. Ramotar had said in 2012.

The President had, in stressing the importance of members of the National Assembly working together in the best interest of all citizens, also committed his Government’s efforts to working with the combined Opposition.

Last Friday, when asked about his thoughts on his ‘olive branch’, he acknowledged that his invitation did not bring the results he expected.

Mr. Ramotar said, “It did not bring all the results that I wanted. I thought that we could have developed a much better working relationship and I thought that if we based our actions on the interest of the people, there would have been many areas where we could have found agreement on….but personal political agendas seemed more important to some people, than national development.”

Given the current political state of affairs, the Government’s attempts at dialogue and the Opposition’s refusal of the most recent invitation to talks, Guyana could, very likely, be headed to an early general election.

The last election was held in November, 2011.

GWI advises customers to be cautious in – urges customers to keep safe the event of flooding water for domestic use

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on Thursday adv i s e d re s i d e n t s o f t h e low coastal regions of Guyana to implement the following precautionary measures in the event of excessive rainfall and

flooding.

A press release said should one’s water supply be compromised through flooding, one should ensure that all tap water intended for food, drink preparation and personal consumption - brushing of teeth, etc.is boiled for at least one

minute. One should also ensure that boiled water, whilst cooling before use, is stored in a tightly covered container.

GWI added that alternatively, water could be made safe by using household bleach: add three to four drops of household bleach

to each gallon of water, mix well and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.

The water company said again, ensure that treated water is stored in a tightly covered container. GWI advises residents to practise rainwater harvesting. To avoid contamination, allow

water to run off from the roof for approximately thirty (30) minutes and ensure a mesh or cloth is placed over the container before water collection.

Further, customers are advised to promptly repair all leaking pipelines within their premises.

For further information, customers are advised to call our Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701/03/04, email us at customercallcentre@ gwi.gy or visit us at www. gwiguyana.com andwww. facebook.com/everydropcountsgy

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

THE Ministry of Health is advising the general public to pay special attention to your health, personal hygiene, water safety and vector control in light of the increased rainfall and the flooding in many parts of the country.

The Ministry would like to advise persons living in flooded area to stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, Leptospirosis, Diarrheal diseases and other water-borne diseases. Direct contact with flood waters can expose you to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases. Most importantly keep children out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting

“Remember, the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya virus breeds in fresh still water around your home,” the ministry urges.

Persons in affected area should be aware of rats, roaches, snakes and centipedes and other pest that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.

If your home was seriously affected by flood water and you suspect electrical wiring have been damaged, have it checked before turning the main electrical switch.

“Know the location of the main electrical breakers and the gas and water valves in your home and ensure path is clear to access them easily so that you can shut them off in emergencies” they

Health Ministry advises public to pay keen attention to hygiene, water safety, vector control – against backdrop of flooding diseases.

If contact with flood water is unavoidable use protective foot wear such as long boots. “Prepare a foot bath of ½ cup of bleach to one bucket of water and wash your feet before entering the house and then apply Vaseline or oil to your skin as it forms a barrier and provides some protection from the dirty water,” the Ministry advises.

Use safe water, water treated with bleach, for drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth, and for making ice and homemade drink.

Discard all food that has been in contact with flood waters safely by placing it in a plastic bag and depositing it in covered bins. Wash all fruits and vegetables with treated safe water and peel before

eating. Keep all food items and drinking water in sealed containers. Cook food thoroughly and consume within one hour of preparation.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and safe water or use hand sanitisers, especially before and after eating

meals, after going to the toilet or latrine and taking care of the children. Protect yourself and family against mosquitoes by sleeping under mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents and cover storage containers as reduce the breeding of mosquitoes.

explained. Turn of the main electrical switch and unplug all appliances if you home is under water.

The Ministry of Health would like the public to be aware that if you or any family member experiences any fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, cuts, sticks, bruises or other conditions, seek medical attention immediately.

The Georgetown Public Hospital and other hospital outpatient departments in the affected regions are all fully operational and equipped to provide adequate care. Health centers around Georgetown will be open for extended period and mobile sites in affected areas will be established and published soon.

West Ruimveldt teen GEA highlights need for fined, bonded for ‘Energy Efficient Procurement’ threatening behavior In observance of CARICOM Energy Week…

– Guyana Energy Forum carded today at GICC THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in observance of CARICOM Energy Week on Wednesday held an energy seminar on ‘Energy Efficient Procurement’ at the conference room of the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown.

CEO of GEA, Chief Executive Officer Dr Mahender Sharma gave the opening remarks and in his impactful presentation focused on the methods of implementing energy efficient appliances and their necessity for companies and organisations.

The presentation aimed at showcasing the importance of energy efficiency in the procurement of appliances consuming energy at various companies.

As every organisation aims at lowering costs, particularly their electricity bills, replacing or phasing out the use of equipment that is not energy effective, is needed to reduce cost. The CEO disclosed the ineffectiveness of Air Conditioning (AC) units that may be too many and too big for buildings in certain organisations and businesses, illustrating that upfront costs for new energy efficient AC units are offset over

CEO of GEA, Chief Executive Officer Mahender Sharma

time from the energy savings through lower energy bills.

SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS He also illustrated the significant savings companies may obtain if they utilise effective lighting as this can account for a large percentage of their annual electricity bill. He underscored the simple changes such as matching the amount of light to the performed function and replacing incandescent lamps with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in addition to choosing appropriate CFLs for different fixtures around the building.

The GEA previously con-

ducted 50 energy assessments of various companies underlining the changes they could implement to become more energy efficient, Sharma disclosed that the GEA is willing to assess the energy efficiency of public sector buildings and provide technical and educational support when necessary.

The seminar saw representatives from the various Ministries such as Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, Human Services, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Amerindian Affairs and Home Affairs. The Guyana Police Force, the Bank of Guyana, the Cyril Potter College of Education, the Guyana Revenue Authority and GUYSUCO were among others that also sent representatives.

CARICOM Energy Week 2014 is celebrated under the theme ‘Achieving climate, environmental and economic resilience through sustainable energy.’

The GEA also held an Energy Forum yesterday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, with a focus on sharing information on energy-related issues.

By Clestine Juan A SEVENTEEN-year-old labourer was yesterday fined $15,000 by Magistrate Ann McLennan on a threatening behaviour charge.

Rupert Hayman of Lot 64 Friendship, East Bank Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge that said on Friday, November 12 at Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he behaved threateningly to-

wards Phillip Waldron.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the virtual complainant and the defendant are known to each other but are not friends. He added that on the day in question, the victim went to a shop with one Joshua, who called Waldron an informer and dealt him a cuff to his mouth.

The prosecutor said that Hayman then ran the victim with a cutlass and subse-

quently, the matter was reported to the police. Joshua was also charged but was not present in court.

Hayman however told the court that Waldron ran him with an ice pick and to defend himself he ran him with the cutlass.

He was fined $15,000, failure to pay which will result in him having to serve three weeks in prison. He was also bonded to keep the peace for 12 months.

Labourer remanded for beating mother LABOURER Dellon McRae was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating his mother.

McRae of Tucville Squatting area, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges of unlawful assault and threatening behaviour committed on Renatta Reid, when Magistrate Ann McLennan read the charges to him.

He denied that on Novem-

ber 17, at Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted his mother and behaved threateningly towards her.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that on the day in question, McRae and his mother had an argument and he dealt her several cuffs to her face and pushed her into a wall. The woman later made a report to the police station and the teen was arrested and subsequently charged.

However, the defendant said that his mother was lying.

He told the court that his mother was upset over a misunderstanding they had had, and the fact that he dyes his hair and has different girlfriends.

The magistrate then ordered that the defendant be remanded to prison for his failure to provide an alternative address, giving him time to think about the act he had committed against his mother, until November 28.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

MMA/ADA farmers relieved to hear…

Maduni and Lama sluices will not be opened – Minister Baksh THE heavy rains over the last few days have given rise to concerns about the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), which is usually controlled by opening the Maduni and Lama sluices in Region 5 (Demerara/ Mahaica).

In the past, the Maduni and Lama sluices had to be opened to drain the EDWC when heavy rains caused overtopping, and residents in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary (MMA) area had to battle a rise in the Mahaica Creek. Over the years, residents in the MMA area have lost crops and cattle in floods that occurred during these periods.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Baksh, has assured that the two sluices will not be opened.

“The Ministry is committed to not open the sluices and send water that will flood those areas,” he said. “Control

mechanisms are in place to ensure this does [not] happen, and our officers are on the ground to ensure that no residential or agricultural lands are affected.”

Baksh added that current mechanisms in place will be bolstered by other efforts undertaken by the Ministry and stakeholder agencies.

INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT Responding to concerns of possible flooding in the MMA area, seen last in March 2011, the Ministry embarked on infrastructural projects to avert the opening of the two sluices.

One such project is the US$15M Hope Canal Project (HCP).

Indications are that the HCP, expected to be the answer to flooding experienced in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary (MMA) areas during rainy periods, would be operational as the rainy season sets in.

Construction of the project began in February 2011 with an estimated 18 months for completion, and the deadline for the project was initially set for June 2013. This deadline was subsequently extended to the end of August, and then further extended to

December 31, 2013, then to June 30, 2014.

The EDWC Northern Relief Channel, the Hope Canal, which missed its June 30 deadline for completion, was given a new deadline in the latter part of July, when its completion was raised at the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee meeting on Natural Resources and the Environment.

The Agriculture Minister, when he appeared before that committee, disclosed that the project would be completed

in seven weeks’ time, by September. However, unforeseen challenges caused this deadline to be missed as well.

The Northern Relief Channel has four components: the more-than-10-kilometre channel; the head regulator; the eight-gate sluice at the canal’s Atlantic end, the outer sluice; and the EDWC Northern Relief Channel Public Road Bridge. The latter was completed and commissioned in February.

The most recent update indicated that the project will be completed by the end of November.

The Hope Canal was designed to work with the Cunha

Canal, which is an approved Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) project.

The Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project is also intended to improve relief drainage in the EDWC. It is envisaged to reduce Guyana’s vulnerability to the catastrophic flooding of its low-lying coastal areas.

Several farmers in the MMA area who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle noted that the water level in the Mahaica Creek is stable.

They also expressed appreciation for the assurance of Minister Ali Baksh that the Maduni and Lama sluices will not be opened. (Vanessa Narine)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

After being slapped with fraud charges…

Glenn Lall to re-appear in court on Monday PUBLISHER of Kaieteur News, Mr. Mohan Lall, commonly referred to as Glenn Lall, yesterday was served a summon to re-appear in court on Monday to answer charges that relate to defrauding the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) of duties, before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

In mid-October, Lall and his wife Bhena were arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

The filing of the charges followed the disclosure of details of an alleged duty-free scam which were made public by the Guyana Chronicle after a close examination of the Government of Guyana’s review of the Remigrant Scheme.

The couple, who reside at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, denied the charges that were read to them by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The defence was represented by high-profile law-

Glenn Lall yers, some of whom are also prominent politicians. The list of lawyers include: Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Senior Counsels Rex McKay, Nigel Hughes, Christopher Ram, Joseph Harmon, Brendan Glasford, Bettina Glassford and Robin Hunte.

CHARGES READ In their first appearance in court four charges were

read to Lall and his wife.

They state that: 1. The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle, PRR 8398, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

2. The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle, PRR 8399, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

3. Glenn Lall and Bhena Lall, knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties thereon to wit one (1) Lexus LX 570 Motor Vehicle registration number PRR 8398 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis No. JTJHY7AX6 D4094851, contrary to Section 218(d) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 4. Glenn Lall and Bhena Lall, knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties thereon to wit one (1) Lexus LX

570 motor vehicle registration number PRR 8399 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis No. JTJHY7AX6 D4094851, contrary to Section 218(d) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01.

Defence counsel, Ramjattan requested that his clients be released on their own recognisance, which is selfbail and this was granted.

Representing the prosecution was attorney-at-law Mr. Mahendra Satram and Sandil Kissoon.

Additionally, the other two parties involved in the alleged duty-free scam, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, did not appear to answer the charges against them.

The charges against the two remigrants state that: 1. The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle, PRR 8398, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

2. The two parties were

knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle, PRR 8399, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

3. Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan did make and subscribe to a false declaration in a matter relating to the Customs, contrary to Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01, involving a vehicle PRR 8398 4. Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan did make and subscribe to a false declaration in a matter relating to the Customs, contrary to Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01, involving a vehicle PRR 8399.

The lawyers representing Glenn and Bhena Lall are expected to be the same group of lawyers representing the Brijnanans.

Altogether, six criminal charges were filed against Lall and the Brijnanans.

DETAILS DISCLOSED Under the remigrant pro-

gramme, Guyanese who would have resided overseas for more than five years and are returning home to reside are entitled to a number of benefits, among which are import duty-free waivers for vehicles, and tax exemption for household items, once the items at reference were owned for six months or more in the country where the remigrant was living.

In Lall’s case, husband and wife Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan were entitled to concessions as two separate individuals, although a joint application was submitted.

The Brijnanans, having decided to return to Guyana to live permanently, were entitled to certain tax breaks, so they imported two luxury vehicles. But the address they gave on the registration forms for both vehicles, Lot 8 Continental Park, East Bank Demerara, was that of their son, Navin Sankar, even

See Page 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Smith Memorial Congregational Church celebrates 171st anniversary

SMITH Memorial Congregational Church in Brickdam, Georgetown will celebrate its 171st anniversary this month with an annual Church Service to be held in its auditorium tomorrow from 9:00 hours The public is invited to join the congregation and invitees to observe the occasion.

Smith Memorial Church, standing resplendent on lush green lawns situated on the south-eastern shoulder of Brickdam, Georgetown, was erected to the memory of Reverend John Smith of the London Missionary Society (LMS), who was sentenced to death by hanging for the role he had allegedly played in the East Coast Demerara Slave Insurrection of 1823. He was exposed to very cruel and inhumane treatment in prison while awaiting word from the Government of England on the matter of his execution, but died in prison on February 6th, 1824, and subsequently came to be referred to in Demerara and internationally as the Demerara Martyr. The circumstances surrounding his death gave rise to this appellation.

Reverend Smith arrived in Demerara in February 1817.

He came to succeed the Reverend John Wray, the pioneer missionary at Bethel Chapel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Smith, like his predecessor Wray, gave religious instructions to the slaves, to the annoyance of the colonial authorities. Wray and Smith also taught the slaves to read the Bible and the catechism, thereby laying the foundation for the slaves’ schooling and elementary education.

Quamina, a Senior Deacon at Bethel Chapel located at Le Ressouvenir, his son Jack Gladstone and other slaves suffered death for the role allegedly played during the 1823 uprising, which had as its goal the freedom of the slaves.

On November 24, 1843, exactly 20 years after the date on which the Reverend John Smith was sentenced to death, Smith Memorial Church was opened as a tribute to the work and suffering he had to endure on behalf of his deacons, members and other followers.

Glenn Lall to re-appear ...

From Page 12 though the Lalls are the primary users of the vehicles.

The vehicle, PRR 8398, for instance, is usually parked in front of the Kaieteur News head office on Saffon Street, Charlestown, while PRR 8399 is often seen on Regent Street, in the heart of the city, near Bhena’s Footwear, the shoe business operated by Lall’s wife.

The Brijnanans successfully obtained import duty concessions in the sum of $4,222,223.55 for each vehicle, totalling in excess of $8M. Meanwhile, this newspaper’s research into the source price for a Lexus L570 is about US$80,000.

Import duty for such a vehicle would be a total of US$94,500, bringing the total value of the vehicle

to US$174,500, or more than G$36M for each of the vehicles imported by the Brijnanans.

If the alleged violations are upheld, it would mean that the Government was cheated out of a total of US$189,000, or almost $40M in import duty for the two vehicles.

At the end of August, after an hours-long standoff between GRA officials and the Brijnanans’ son, Sankar, a high-ranking GRA employee, the vehicles were handed over to GRA and impounded at the authority’s warehouse.

An investigation was then launched to ensure that procedures and policy, as well as the provisions of the law, were adhered to.

The criminal charges, this newspaper understands, stem from that investigation.

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Flood situation under control – and everything being done to drain the land at the earliest

LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister (MLGRD) Norman Whittaker, updating the media on the situation regarding Wednesday night’s inundation and the consequent flooding, said the highest rainfall in decades was recorded within a 24-hour period.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday morning in the LGRD Ministry Boardroom at Fort Street, K i n g s t o n , G e o rg e t o w n , Minister Whittaker said that heavy and continuous rainfall that occurred primarily along the coastline over the past 24 hours resulted in flooding in several parts of the city and along the coastline.

Based on the information he has received, the minister disclosed, this is the highest recorded rainfall in decades -- 186 millimetres – and it occurred between 11pm on Wednesday night and 8am yesterday morning.

The minister said that last Wednesday’s rainfall exceeded by 20 millimetres the 2005 rainfall that occasioned the Great Floods, which dumped 166.1 mil-

LGRD Minister Norman Whittaker; Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn; Technical Adviser/Hydraulics Engineer Walter Willis; City Engineer Colvern Venture, and other staffers yesterday during the press conference

limetres of rainfall on the coastline.

He pointed out that he, accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, visited sluices in the Georgetown area located at Sussex and at Princes streets; at Ruimveldt, Riverview, and at areas within the ward of Kingston with a view to determine whether those sluices were functional and whether they could do more to get the water off the land.

Whittaker said the rainfall occurred simultaneously with a ‘washing’ tide, but the

LGRD Ministry staffers are doing what they can to pump and drain water off the land.

Minister Robeson Benn said the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydro- meteorological Department had indicated that this was the highest rainfall Guyana had experienced in decades, with 186 millimetres being some seven and three-quarter inches of rain in a 24-hour period.

This, he noted, inevitably resulted in extensive flooding in the lower East Coast, in the city, in the lower East and West Banks of Demerara, in the West Coast of Demerara, the Essequibo Islands and in parts of the Essequibo Coast

and other low-lying areas.

Minister Benn said Guyana was experiencing (nip) high tide during the period of this extensive rainfall, and the overall capacity of the drainage on the coast is one and one- half inches of ‘draw down’ or rainfall in any 24hour period.

Consequently, there was significant accumulation of rainfall; and given the amount still anticipated over the next two to three days, water would inevitably be on the ground until the situation is returned to normalcy.

Minister Benn reported that the figures indicate that zero to 50 millimetres of

rainfall is likely in general areas over the next two to three days, and those figures are even subject to upward adjustment.

Minister Benn said the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is also affected by heavy rainfall because of a ‘low pressure’ system which has caused severe flooding in areas of that country.

He said the drainage infrastructure in the city has been examined in terms of the kokers, pumps and outfalls; and that within the next few days, in an effort to enhance the drainage system and aid the speedy retreat of water, district engineers in

sea and river defences would be monitoring the situation very closely and reporting to the Ministry. This exercise began since 06:00 hrs yesterday morning in various areas in the various districts.

Minister Benn added that Ministry personnel would be moving into indentified areas in the city and on the coast, and along with personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, would be pumping water off the land once the kokers are involved.

Benn said that pumps will be put in to enhance drainage in several areas, and, where necessary, a clean-up of garbage would also commence at bridges and culverts.

Meanwhile, Hydraulics Engineer/Technical Advisor Walter Willis told the press conference that the rainstorm within the past 24 hours, recorded from 08:00 hrs on Wednesday to 08:00 hrs yesterday (Thursday), deposited 186 millimetres of water on the coast, some seven and three-quarter inches of rainfall.

He said it had been established previously that

Turn to page 17 ►

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

90% of waste blocking drains, canals are Styrofoam, plastic bottles –Local Government Minister

-says blockage of canals, drains is a significant contributor to the slow receding pace of water MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker is appealing to the private sector, which he describes as “the biggest contributor” to improper solid waste disposal to desist from giving their garbage to social rejects.

Coming against the backdrop of floods which swept through sections of Georgetown on Thursday, Whittaker explained that a team headed

by Walter Narine, the solid waste director at the City Council, has been working along with his Ministry to combat the issue through the

Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker

removal of solid waste.

According to the minister,

while the Ministry has been supplying the team with support by way of machinery and equipment, they have been moving through various areas of Georgetown, cleaning up the public spaces and the canals.

According to reports, Whittaker revealed, about that 90 per cent of what the team has cleaned thus far, comprises Styrofoam boxes and plastic bottles. These he added, are not only found on the roadways and corners, but were removed from drains and canals. “And it is the people who put them there…

It is Guyanese who put them

there,” Whittaker posited.

He further noted that the team continued their work yesterday, along Avenue of the Republic, Regent Street, Water Street and Church Street. “So they have been covering these areas for the purpose of removing unsightly garbage on the roadside and in the canals,” he said.

However, Whittaker disclosed that another team, of which the City Engineer is a part of, is looking to see where there are blockages within the internal drains. “If you go along Regent Street, Water Street, Main Street, you will see clear evidence

that there is free movement of water in most places, there is evidence of blockage in other areas” he explained, noting that this happens primarily in the areas where citizens have these large concrete drains.

“It is difficult to get under these concrete drains to do the kind of clean-up work and desiltation that we wish to do. I want to use this opportunity to appeal mostly to the private business people, the business people who are the biggest contributor to the waste along Regent Street, Main Street and Water Street corridor, I appeal to them to desist from giving their

garbage to social rejects who deposits anywhere and everywhere,” the Minister said yesterday.

Notwithstanding that, Whittaker assured that they are working to get pumps to aid in the removal of the waste and where it is not possible, a “clean-up team,” in the form of manual labour will intervene. To this extent, he stressed that the blockage is one of the significant contributor to the fact that water has not been receding at the pace they would like. (Ravin Singh)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

‘KI’ promises to ‘mash up de place’ for the Carlsberg official launch Impending volcano to hit Guyana tonight as…

WHILE the buzz surrounding Trinidad’s Chutney King, KI, continues to escalate about his promised riveting performance at the Carlsberg Beer launch tonight, the international star is firm in his commitment to ‘mash up de place’ for his many fans.

At a press conference held yesterday, KI was steadfast in his commitment; so, come tonight at 21:00 hours, when the Southland International Inc. Carlsberg Beer official launch is staged at the

704 Lounge in Georgetown, patrons can expect sheer Chutney fireworks from His Royal Highness, Trinidad’s King of Chutney.

The world class chutney entertainer exclaimed that he was elated to be back in Guyana for the fourth time, after a six-month hiatus. The star noted that he would put on an extra special performance for Guyanese, and urged them to come out in their numbers.

He thanked the Southland International fraternity, and emphasised that he is proud

to be associated with such a superior brand of beer.

KI is here to perform alongside ‘DJ Sherriff’ out of Trinidad.

Southland International’s CEO Irzad Zamal welcomed the media, and informed that at tonight’s event the Carlsberg Chug Challenge will also be officially launched.

This feature is a contest to see which Carlsberg fan can consume four bottles of the beer in a record thirty seconds.

Chief Financial Officer

From left to right at the launch ceremony are Carlsberg Group Chief Financial Officer, Gavin Ramsoondar; CEO Irzad Zamal; Chutney sensation ‘KI’ and Trinidad’s DJ Sheriff

Gavin Ramsoondar welcomed the performers to

Guyana and to the countrywide launch of the beer

brand. He said the fact that a phenomenal artiste like KI is endorsing the beer can bring many positives for Guyana, judging from the artiste’s vast fan base.

Noting that a ‘big beer’ deserves a ‘big artiste,’ he said tickets are limited so he is urging the public to acquire theirs early, in order to be present at the function.

He explained that the brand will also soon be staging its ‘Beer Bong Championship,’ which allows individuals six chances to throw a ‘pong’ into a glass of Carlsberg Beer to win a prize. (Alex Wayne)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Flood situation under...

From page 14

between 1.5 to two inches of rainfall could be handled when the system operates efficiently in any 24-hour period, but given the scenario that obtained yesterday, it would take about three to four days of no further rainfall in order to get the water off the land.

Willis added that areas that are very low will flood first and drain last. He said this situation cannot be changed, but there are 11 sluices in Georgetown to drain the city. During their visit to the sluices yesterday morning, it was observed that plastic materials and other refuse were restricting the flow of water off the land.

He said there is no pump at McDoom, Rome and Meadow Bank, and it was observed that the Meadow Bank sluice is effective. He said another sluice may be constructed there to enhance drainage capacity.

Mayor and City Council (M&CC) City Engineer Colvern Venture said the City has personnel on the ground, and they are also manning the sluices in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the MLGRD, working feverishly to have the water drained off the city as soon as possible.

He noted that arrangements are made to install additional pumps at strategic places, and, for the next two to three days, the staffers at Liliendaal Pump Station would ensure there are no blockages of the grill because of the debris coming down in the canals.

In addition to the employees at the Kitty Pump Station, Venture said, there are personnel clearing refuse along the way to the main pumps at Liliendaal and Kitty Pump Stations.

He pointed out that sluices are operable and in working order and will be monitored for optimum use to drain water.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, said it is quite evident the authorities are

doing everything they can to alleviate the situation of flooding. He said there is no need to panic, since the reality is that Guyana had experienced overwhelming rainfall.

He said it is a reality and we should not go into the ‘panic mode’.

Edghill said every effort should be made at the household level in the south of the city, where there are a lot of bottom flats and the water is in homes. He advised people to take all necessary precautions and put their things a bit higher to safeguard them from flood waters.

He explained that, from a technical point of view, the water would be drained off the land in a few days, and we should ensure we take the necessary health precautions to avoid contracting water-borne diseases.

Edghill added that this is not the time for the nation to be engaged in the ‘blame game’, but we should work together. He said some political opportunists would seek to exploit the situation, but knowing the real situation in Guyana, we should ‘lock shoulders’ for minimum damage to our homes and properties.

He urged all to keep children safe, since schools are closed until further notice due to the flooding.

Town Clerk Carol Sooba, in remarks, told the press conference that she observed that the water had significantly receded during her visit to several flooded areas.

She told the gathering that M&CC Solid Waste Department had deployed a team clearing culverts of plastics and refuse in flooded areas in addition to the other M&CC team out there.

Sooba said the markets are under heavy flooding, and she appealed to all to control the dumping of garbage into the city drains, which hinders drainage. She appealed to persons selling vegetables in markets to wash same with bleach water to avoid any contamination. (Michel Outridge)

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Sisters died from burns, suffocation in Eyewitness tells police arrested Robb & King Streets fire duo not the arsonists

By Leroy Smith THERESA Rozario, 12, and her sister Clarissa Rozario, 14, died from burns about their bodies and suffocation, according to post-mortems which were performed on the bodies Wednesday morning.

The two sisters were trapped in their home at lot 65 Robb and King Streets in Georgetown, while their father Randolph Thomas, 63, remains hospitalised and is being treated for burns.

The home the three shared was reportedly set alight by arsonists, who were allegedly working at the behest of a man with whom Thomas is reported to have a dispute over the said property.

Yesterday an eyewitness reportedly told the police that the two men whom

DEAD 12-Yr old Theresa Rozario

DEAD 14-Yr old Clarissa Rozario

they arrested for the crime were not the same persons who were seen setting fire to the building on Monday night; and according to the eyewitness, the men who committed the act can be easily identified once they are spotted again.

The two who were arrested were placed on an identification parade by the police and several persons came forward to confirm to the police if they indeed

had the right persons for the crime. The witness spoke with this newspaper immediately after confirming to the police that the men they arrested were not the culprits.

According to the eyewitness, on Monday morning a black IST motorcar was circling the area between Avenue of the Republic and Wellington Street and Regent Street and North Road. The eyewitness who requested anonymity, related that after

circling the area, the vehicle stopped and two young men exited the vehicle.

It was reported that the men approached the building, opened the grill work that was securing the wooden door, kicked the door open and made their way into the building where they set a fire that eventually failed to ignite.

Now being aware that the fire was out, the men then exited the building and made their way along Robb Street, where they were picked up in the vicinity of Wellington Street by the vehicle they had arrived in, as it turned north into Wellington Street onto North Road.

The men according to the eyewitness continued circling the area and when it had been confirmed that the building was not on fire, they returned to the location but this time parked on Regent Street. One of the men then approached the building with a bottle in his hand while the other stood close to a mobile

fish outlet.

Again the grill work was opened and the wooden door again kicked open, as the man entered the building and was successful in having the fire lit this time; they quickly exited the building and again locked back the building and made their way south along King Street where they were pursued by some commercial sex workers.

The men however turned east onto Regent Street and rejoined the black car which made its way south into Wellington Street and onto South Road where they managed to escape.

The fire service was summoned but then the wooden building was quickly engulfed in flames, even as the girls’ father in the building jumped to safety, leaving his two daughters trapped inside the building.

They were eventually burnt to death and their charred remains removed by firefighters and undertakers.

In 2010 the same two

children along with an older sister and their father were rescued from the same building after it had mysteriously caught afire, but was saved when the fire service responded in a timely manner.

Reportedly, the property has long been a source of contention between the now hospitalised man and another gentleman whose name was given as “Buddy.” In 2010, fingers were pointed at “Buddy” for the fire to the building and the same is the case with the fire that claimed the lives of the two children.

Persons said that after the fire had started and the man jumped to safety, he informed persons that his daughters were trapped inside the building but because of the heat, smoke and falling debris, they were unable to enter the building to rescue the children. Their screams were reportedly drowned out by the cracklng sounds of firewood and shattering glass as the building was

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

31

Pakistan hold firm to draw second Test …Yasir takes maiden five-wicket haul; Ross Taylor hits 12th Test century `Chasing 261 for victory, Pakistan were 196 for five when the teams agreed to a draw in fading light, with Shafiq (41) and firstinnings centurion Sarfraz Ahmed (24) unbeaten at the crease.

“It was a very good Test match... It was the right result for both teams,” New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said at the presentation ceremony.

Younus (44) fell late in the last session to offspinner Mark Craig, but had steadied the ship after a mini-collapse threatened to swing the match New Zealand’s way.

Pakistan were comfortably placed at 70 for one but were reduced to 75 for four in the space of a few overs.

Coming back to bowl after a four-over spell in the morning, left-armer Trent Boult dismissed opener Shan Masood (40) leg before and then had captain

Misbah-ul-Haq caught behind in his next over.

Masood had added 62 for the second wicket with Azhar Ali (24) before the latter threw away his wicket, hitting a full toss from Craig to James Neesham at cover.

“We were planning to chase it down, bat normally till the 40-45th over and then promote Sarfraz,” Misbah said. “But we lost three wickets in three-four overs and that changed everything.”

Leggie Yasir Shah walks back after The hosts had claiming his maiden Test five-for suffered an early against New Zealand . jolt in their chase when paceman Tim Southee removed opener single to reach his mark, Taufeeq Umar for four in his innings studded with his first over, the second of 12 boundaries.

The 30-year-old rightthe innings. batsman was Younus struck three handed sixes and two boundaries stumped on 104 to give legduring his 84-ball knock to spinner Yasir Shah his first five-wicket haul in tests. calm Pakistan’s nerves.

Taylor had added a Earlier, Ross Taylor completed his 12th Test crucial 60 for the seventh century before New Zealand wicket with Craig (34).

Southee whacked 20 declared their second in five balls, with three innings on 250 for nine.

Former skipper Taylor, consecutive sixes off leftunbeaten on 77 overnight, arm spinner Zulfiqar tapped paceman Ehsan Babar (4-96) to boost New Adil on the leg side for a Zealand’s total.

Scoreboard NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 403 (T. Latham 137; Z. Babar 4-137) Pakistan 1st innings 393 (S. Ahmed 112, A. Ali 75, Y. Khan 72) New Zealand 2nd innings (Overnight: 167-6) T. Latham c Shafiq b Shah 9 B. McCullum lbw b Babar 45 K. Williamson c Umar b Babar 11 R. Taylor st S. Ahmed b Shah 104 C. Anderson b Shah 0 J. Neesham b Babar 11 B. Watling c Shafiq b Shah 11 M. Craig c R. Ali b Shah 34 T. Southee c Az. Ali b Babar 20 I. Sodhi not out 2 Extras(lb-3) 3 Total(for 9 wickets declared, 64.5 overs) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-42 T. Latham,2-63 K. Williamson,3-78 B. McCullum,4-79 C. Anderson,5-125 J. Neesham,6-166 B. Watling,7-226 M. Craig,8-228 R. Taylor,9-250 T. Southee Did not bat: T. Boult Bowling: R. Ali 8 - 0 - 39 – 0, E. Adil 8 - 1 - 33 – 0, Z. Babar 27.5 - 5 - 96 – 4,Y. Shah 21 - 1 - 79 – 5.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings (Target: 261 runs) S. Masoodlbw b Boult 40 T. Umar c Watling b Southee 4 Az. Ali c Neesham b Craig 24 Y. Khan c Taylor b Craig 44 Misbah-ul-Haq c Watling b Boult 0 A. Shafiq not out 41 S. Ahmed not out 24 Extras (b-15 lb-2 nb-1 w-1) 19 Total (for 5 wickets, 67 overs) 196 Fall of wickets: 1-8 T. Umar,2-70 Az. Ali,3-73 S. Masood,4-75 Misbah-ulHaq,5-149 Y. Khan Did not bat: Y. Shah, Z. Babar, E. Adil, R. Ali Bowling: T. Boult 10 - 6 12 – 2,T. Southee 11 - 3 21 – 1, M. Craig 17 - 3 - 66 – 2, I. Sodhi 21 - 5 - 63 – 0, C. Anderson 3 - 1 - 4 - 0(w1), J. Neesham 2 - 1 - 1 – 0, B. McCullum 3 - 0 - 12 0(nb-1).

Racing Tips English Racing Tips Lingfield 07:50 hrs Celestial Vision 08:20 hrs Hurricane Alert 08:55 Fieldsman 09:25 hrs Humour 10:00 hrs Spinning Cobblers 10:35 hrs Santa Teresa 11:10 hrs Clearing 11:45 hrs New Rich Haydock 08:10 hrs Moujik Borget 08:45 hrs No Duffer 09:15 hrs Dawalan 09:50 hrs Melodic Rendezvous 10:25 hrs Kateau 11:00 hrs Taquin Du Seuil 11:35 hrs Shotavodka Ascot 08:25 hrs Fletchers Flyer 09:00 hrs Bullet Street 09:30 hrs Spartan Angel 10:05 hrs Al Ferof 10:40 hrs Faugheen 11:15 hrs Grey Gold 11:50 hrs No No Manolito South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:00 hrs Milton 08:35 hrs Princess Chloe 09:10 hrs Putney Flyer 09:40 hrs Afrikaburn 10:15 hrs Act Of War 10:50 hrs Brutal Force 11:25 hrs Zacharias 12:00 hrs Amarillo Starlight Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:30 hrs Buiseness Sivola 09:05 hrs Tell Us More 09:35 hrs Douvan 10:10 hrs Circe’s Island 10:45 hrs Moscow Mannon 11:20 hrs Wounded Warrior 11:55 hrs Swiftmarc American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Bad to the Roan Race 2 Tiz Elusive Race 3 Patriot’s Voyage Race 4 Aussie Prayer Race 5 Sunny Desert Race 6 Honor Code Race 7 Asset Inflation Race 8 West Hills Giant Race 9 Cheyenne Nation

Guyana hold T&T ...

With Trinidad having greater success in previous matches of the competition, the Guyanese needed a win to make the semi-finals while a draw would suffice for the islanders. The last time the two teams met on the hockey pitch was one year ago in the PAHF Cup in Mendoza Argentina.

Pool rounds results resulted in Guyana and Trinidad having to face each other twice in the competition with Trinidad enjoying victories on both occasions, each by a single goal margin.

Despite the mismatch in their records, Guyana began in an attacking mode as they moved the ball swiftly around the pitch with much more poise and control than they appeared to have in their opening match against the Dominican Republic.

Trinidad, however, soon stamped their authority on the game, creating several penalty corners and opportunities to score. Pan American All Star goalkeeper, Guyanese Alysa Xavier, seemed untroubled by the Trinidadian raids and calmly organised her troops and dispelled all attempts at goal with relative ease.

Xavier’s older sister, Gabriella, made several forays into the Trinidadian scoring circle up the right wing to keep the Guyanese threat alive.

With both teams unable to score before the halftime whistle, Guyana would need to press harder for the win in the second half.

It was the Trinidadians, however, who came the clos-

Alpha going ...

From back page

est in the opening ten minutes when a hard cross from the right found Trinidadian Captain, Patricia WrightAlexis unmarked on the far post. Wright-Alexis however swung her first-time shot wide much to the relief of the Guyanese.

Sweeper Ulrica Sutherland was her usual dynamic self throughout the match providing good cover for goalkeeper Xavier with her unmatched speed and fearless tackles.

While the Trinidadians held the edge in possession, Guyanese striker Samantha Fernandes excited the morning crowd with her pace and deception creating a few promising attacks.

The clock would have the final say on the match as both teams failed to make a mark on the score sheet ending in a 0-0 draw.

It was ‘silent’ victory for the Guyanese, although they failed to make the semifinals, they played above expectations and drew with the defending champions who were ‘leaps and bounds’ ahead of them at the last CAC Games.

In play thus far, Guyana has won one game, lost one and earned a draw in the other.

The result means Guyana will face Jamaica today at 11:00hrs for the placements of 5th through 8th. The other teams vying for these spots are Barbados and Bermuda.

The semi-finals see hosts Mexico playing the Dominican Republic while Trinidad goes on to face Cuba. Ladies matches end tomorrow.

From back page

In order to remain undefeated Alpha has relied heavily on top marksman Dwight `AK’ Peters, Ronson Williams, Daniel Wilson and Chris Camacho.

Peters has netted seven times and is second in line on the tournament’s highest goal scorer list. Riddim Squad will look to the magic of Amos Ramsay, the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Orville and Dorville Stewart and Sherwin and Seon Hope to see them to victory.

The third place playoff would see Western Tigers versus Santos. Tonight’s final has gotten a shot in the arm with the announcement of several red-hot exhibition matches. The first will feature Ansa McAl led by Troy Cadogan, Nigel Worrel and John Maikoo coming up against Wartsila which would be captained by Aaron Fraser.

However, the match expected to be a crowd pleaser features a battle between two All Star teams. The organisers have put together teams representing East and West Georgetown to clash for a cash prize.

Team West is being headed by Hits and Jams founders Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers and includes Troy Mendonca of Guinness Bar, Frank `English’ Parris and former national cricketer Lennox Cush.

Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba is Team West Manager/Coach. Team East would comprise, ace forward Manu Durant, Chris Barnwell and Lawrence `Sparrow’ Griffith. The competition is being sponsored by Hits and Jams, Ansa McAl and Elaine’s Ville.

Assad Fudadin added ...

From back page

Cottrell had returned from the A tour of Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury. As a result, he will not leave for South Africa with the rest of the squad on November 30.

Test squad for South Africa: Denesh Ramdin (capt), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton. (ESPN Cricinfo)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

Inspired Smith leads Aussies to ODI series victory over South Africa (REUTERS) - STEVE Smith smashed a brilliant century to lead Australia to a series-clinching three-wicket win over South Africa in the fourth one-day international yesterday.

Smith hit a career-best 104 from 112 deliveries to register his second ODI hundred as the Australians passed South Africa’s 267 for eight with six balls to spare at the

Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia were in deep trouble after the top-order collapsed to 98 for five in the 25th over but Smith and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade turned things around.

The pair added 121 runs for the sixth wicket before Wade departed for 52 (from 59 balls) in the 45th over with the match still in the balance.

Steven Smith scored his second ODI century against South Africa at the MCG, yesterday.

But all-rounder James Faulkner, who finished unbeaten on 34 off 19 balls, dominated a 48-run stand with Smith to tie the scores.

Smith had the chance to hit the winning run but the 25-year-old was bowled by left-arm spinner Robin Peterson trying to smash the ball out of the ground, leaving

Pat Cummins to seal the victory off the next ball.

“I was lucky enough to have some good partners out there,” Smith told reporters. “It made it a lot easier.

“You need a partnership and myself and Wade managed to do that, put on a hundred.

“Then James just finished it off. I just thought if we could be still be there at the end with a few wickets in hand we were always a chance.”

AB De Villiers earlier fell just short of a deserved hundred after a masterful batting display for the Proteas.

The South African skipper made 91 off 88 deliveries and David Miller hit a quickfire 45 for the visitors, who were looking at a total in excess of 300 after reaching 230 for four in the 42nd.

But when De Villiers holed out to Smith at deep midwicket after being deceived by a slower ball from Cummins, the runs suddenly dried up and the South Africans added only 51 off their last 10 overs.

“We didn’t finish well,” South Africa coach Russell Domingo said. “We fell short at the back end with both bat and ball.”

Despite the absence of injured captain Michael Clarke and strike bowler Mitchell Johnson, the Australians wrapped up the series before tomorrows final match in Sydney.

Shakib stars in Bangladesh ODI win

SHAKIB Al Hasan starred with bat and ball as Bangladesh earned their first one-day international win in over a year at the expense of Zimbabwe Having crushed the tourists 3-0 in the Test series, the Tigers continued their dominance with an 87run victory at Chittagong as Shakib scored 101 and took four for 41.

Bangladesh had gone 13 games without tasting success in the 50-over format, but Zimbabwe increasingly represent easy pickings.

The hosts posted 281 for seven batting first and dismissed their opponents for 194 with 7.5 overs to spare.

Both Bangladesh open-

ers fell in the first 10 overs, Tamim Iqbal bowled by Tinashe Panyangara for five and Anamul Haque making a slow 12 before Tendai Chatara coaxed him into a loose stroke.

Mahmudullah lasted just nine balls before becoming Chatara’s second victim, leaving the innings wobbling at 31 for three.

Shakib immediately settled things, compiling 39 alongside Mominul Haque to restore balance.

But that was merely the prelude to a match-winning stand of 148 with fifthwicket partner Mushfiqur Rahim.

The pair of former captains, playing again under the leadership of Mashrafe Mortaza, batted for almost

24 overs and kept the run rate comfortably above a run a ball.

Mushfiqur was dropped

by Elton Chigumbura with 16 to his name, denying John Nyumbu a vital wicket.

Shakib registered a busy, but unspectacular, half-century in 57 balls before upping the ante with a series of heavy hits off Sikandar Raza.

He and Mushfiqur milked the bowling for 48 during the batting powerplay, during which the total raced past 200.

Shakib’s second fifty occupied just 38 deliveries, though he reached his sixth ODI hundred - and first in four years - with a gentle single.

Notable Dates Light heavyweight Dennis Andries knocked out Jamaican Glen McEwan in the seventh round of a scheduled eight round event on November 22, 1978.

The event was staged at the Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, the homeland of Andries, who was born in Guyana. The fight allowed Andries to record his fifth victory from seven fights, with one defeat and a draw.

Andries started his pro career on May 16th, 1978 with a second round knockout of Ray Pearce and would have seven more fights that year.

He would go on to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight title and the European cruiserweight crown. Andries retired in December 1996 with a pro record of 49 victories (30Kos), 14 defeats and 2 drawn matches.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

33

NBS second division 40-over competition.

Boodram steers Cotton Tree Die Hard into quarter-finals with 1OO not out Jagdeo Persaud CHESNEY felt themselves in a comfortable position when they posted a challenging 241 for 9 in 40 overs against Cotton Tree Die Hard in their last 16 playoff of the 2014 New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40 overs cricket competition in Berbice.

Cotton Tree was up to the challenge having had an opening stand of 84 from Jagdeo Persaud

(49) and Permaul Singh (36) and after they slipped to 116 for 2, Romain Boodram came in and took complete charge, firstly putting on 51 for the 3rd wicket with Singh.

Two more quick wickets fell, leaving them at 172 for 4.

However, Abdul Subhan joined Boodhram and together they saw their team home with a 90 run unbroken 5th wicket stand with 9 overs to spare.

At the end Boodram was 100 not out which included 7 fours and 9 sixes and Subhan 28 not out.

In another playoff, Police did well to score 252 for 7 in 30 overs

against No. 55 Mayflower, whose No.3 batsman D. Harvey, when they responded, refused to accept being given out by the standing umpire. He hurled aggressive remarks at the umpire for about one minute.

The umpires complained then Harvey eventually went off the field. The No.55 Mayflower team refused to send in another batsman to replace Harvey and after waiting for eight (8) minutes, the game was awarded to Police.

A spectator assaulted one of the umpires.

The Competitions Committee of the Berbice

Cricket Board, which takes a strong view for the dissent shown by players and officials during B.C.B organised matches, will meet with all parties involved next Tuesday. A decision will then be made.

Police in their innings were spearheaded by Michael Campbell who made 72 (5 fours and 6 sixes) and Don Farley with 51 (4 fours and 3 sixes).

In summarised scores: • At Cotton Tree: Cotton Tree Die Hard beat Chesney by 6 wickets. Chesney 241 for 9 in 40 overs with Ravindra Somwaru 50, David Harilall 35, Imran Khan 27, Shastri Persaud 27. Romesh Boodram 3 for

Romesh Boodram 42 and Roshan Gaffoor 2 for 21.

Cotton Tree Die Hard 242 for 4 in 31 overs with Romesh Boodram 100 not out, Jagdeo Persaud 49, Permaul Singh 36, Abdul Subhan 28 not out.

Anishwar Deonarine took 2 for 24.

• At No.55: Police 252 for 7 in 30 overs with Michael Campbell 72, Don Farley 51, Cylus Gibson 43, Marlon Shepherd 27. Mahadeo Annand took 3 for 45 and Oudal Budhram 2 for 60.

Trophy Stall continues partnership with GTA FOR the fifth successive year, the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Hadi’s City Mall Inc. and South Road, have partnered with the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA), sponsoring that entity’s Doubles Tournament which serves off next Saturday at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.

Devi Sunich, wife of the proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich, last Wednesday afternoon handed over the sponsorship cheque and symbolic partner trophies to president of the GTA Grace McCalman for the hosting of the 5th consecutive Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis Tournament.

The tournament will be conducted over three weekends starting from 29th November and run until Sunday 14th December with matches being played primarily at the National Racquet Centre on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs.

Matches will also be contested at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club from 17:00hrs to 21:00hrs on weekends and some weekdays and the categories being contested are Ladies Open, Men’s Open, Men’s Over-35, Men’s Over-45, Mixed and Novice Medley Doubles respectively.

At the presentation, McCalman recognised the

champion Phillip Squires to create a potent force for net play.

Other pairs are the veteran team of Leyland Leacock and Nicholas Fenty who were the finalist last year and the Glasgow brothers.

Mrs. Devi Sunich (left), wife of the proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich, hands over the sponsorship cheque and symbolic partner trophies to president of the GTA Grace McCalman unwavering support of the sponsor not only to tennis but to sports in general and reminded Ms. Sunich that the launching of this tournament in 2010 recreated significant interest in competitive doubles.

Players, both male and female, who were considered novice at that time, are now confidently venturing into the Open categories and McCalman expressed her optimism about the expected quality of matches, even though she lamented the loss of several competing veteran doubles players over the years as club facilities declined and players migrated.

The majority of great

doubles players generally emerge from active recreational clubs especially when there are lighted courts for extended play late in the evening.

Despite this obvious limitation, there has been steady improvement in doubles among juniors and novices over the last few years as clubs continue to make efforts to rejuvenate their membership.

In the highly anticipated Men’s Open category, reigning GBTI Open doubles champions Jason Andrews and Anthony Downes are expected to lead the field, but there is word of a possible teaming up of top junior Daniel Lopes with former Men’s

These exciting match ups promise to make this fifth edition of the tournament, the most exciting and entertaining one yet and Tournament Coordinator Gavin Lewis can be reached at 656-3449, while entrance forms which have

been distributed at clubs are due to be submitted by next Wednesday.

All players are urged to participate and attend the Opening Ceremony scheduled for 08:45hrs before the official serve off is made next Saturday.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

`Respect the Game’ launched

By Leeron Brumell WHAT started out as a friendly basketball rivalry hoping to gain the respect from each other, has now become a brand. ‘Respect The Game’ – the brainchild of four friends is bringing to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall – three ball games on December 13.

Attorney-at-Law James Bond, sports journalists Rawle Toney, Edison Jefford and marketing rep. Compton Bobb are the faces of ‘Respect The Game’.

Together with the country’s top basketball players, radio and television personalities and other public figures – the unit wants to raise monies for charities this Christmas.

‘The proceeds will go to charities identified by the personalities on the teams to play a part in bringing cheer to those homeless children, those elderly persons who do not have a child or relative to take care of them.

We’ll be taking the giving season to a whole new level,’ said Bond.

Bond said respect is what is missing from our society, a quality the group hopes to foster.

‘From the mannerisms of good morning and good afternoon, entering a workplace and saying good afternoon, how are you doing…we intend to bring it back because re-

RESPECT GROUP –‘Respect the Game’ founders pose with sponsors, players and the Respect Girls. spect comes with tolerance, respect comes sonalities, and businessmen and women to with appreciation of values, appreciation of return respect to the game, whatever you may how we were brought up and we believe that be, respect is what you get when you give it.’ change cannot come but until we as individuThey hope this event will be the als change outer and remodel our perspec- ‘biggest’rivalry of the year event at the tive, purpose, principles and positions.’

Sports Hall on December 13.

He continued, The ‘Game’ is a broad conRTG is also working along with the Guycept that includes sports, the hustle, the suave ana Amateur Basketball Federation – draftlifestyle, everything.’ ing two teams from their Schools Pilot Proj‘It’s a call to all of Guyana, sports per- ect. On the night St. Roses and St. Stanislaus

College will go head to head. The University of Guyana and Qualfon will also play.

At half time of the ‘celebrity’ game between ‘Team Bond’ and ‘Team Toney’, a couple fans will get the opportunity to go one on one with each other – both hoping to gain the ‘respect’ of each other.

Toney said the group is not just about basketball and with future commitments from two of their sponsors, they hope to get involved in other disciplines.

Team Bond already boasts players in Tyrone Hamid, Travis Burnett and Jermaine Slater, while Team Toney has on its bench Ryan Gullen, Chris Williams, Stephon Gillis and Lugard Mohan, Darcel Harris as coach.

His public figure is SASOD’s Joel Simpson.

The full team lists are to be announced at a later date and if all goes well, two guest artistes could also be part of the on court battle.

Buddy’s Pools Hall, the chain of Exclusive Styles, Footsteps and Gravity Lounge, Mohammed’s Enterprise, Mark Grimmond Communication, Lystra Adams, The Director of Sports Neil Kumar, HJTV, and 94.1 are among the sponsors.

Malcolm Ferrieria, Nurriyah Gerrard, DJ Casual and Nerissa Pearson are among the radio and TV personalities who will be donning personalised team uniforms.

Tickets for the games cost $2,000.

Blow for Red Force as Sarwan out of first class season

Invaders Captain Vaickesh Dhaniram receives the uniforms from Massy Gas Products Customer Services Officer Elicia Chapman while some members of the team look on.

Massy Gas renews sponsorship with Invaders Cricket Club MASSY Gas Products has renewed its sponsorship of Invaders Cricket Club following the presentation of a set of uniforms, during a simple ceremony at the Company’s head office at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Shameer Hoosein, Chief Executive Officer of Massy Gas Products said this has been the third time that the Company has provided sponsorship to Invaders Cricket Club, one of the leading cricket teams in West Demerara.

EliciaChapman, Customer Services Officer, made the

presentation on behalf of the company to Vaickesh Dhaniram, captain of the Cricket Club.

Dhaniram said the club was extremely grateful to Massy Gas Products for its generous support and the team looks forward to closer collaboration with the Company in the future.

Invaders Cricket Club has been outstanding in recent competitions in Region 3 recently. Last month the team won the West Demerara/Independence Cricket Club’s 20/20 cricket competition and has earned a quarter-final place in the cur-

rent West Demerara 40-over Cricket tournament.

The multi-talented team also secured the runner’s up position in the Kares Construction countrywide 10/10 tapeball competition two years ago.

The team is comprised of several national junior and inter-county players including Harrinarine Bissoondyal, Shawn Jairaj, Mark Jeffers, Avenash Dhaniram, Lincoln Leander, Kemraj Ramsundar and Ganesh Narine, among others who are residing between the villages of Cornelia Ida to Zeeburg.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Ramnaresh Sarwan has been ruled out of the WICB Professional Cricket League, after withdrawing from the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad.

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board confirmed that the former West Indies right-hander had pulled out of the squad for “personal reasons” and would return to his native Guyana.

Sarwan, a veteran Test player, was picked up in the PCL draft as the only nonTrinidadian to represent Red Force. However, he was not included in the first game against Barbados Pride last weekend which finished in a draw.

“The national cricket organisation thanked Sarwan for his desire to represent the Red Force and wishes him well in the future,” the TTCB said.

“The T&TCB said it is their sincerest hope that the former West Indies Test player can resolve the issues he currently faces with a view to his possible return for T&T in the NAGICO Super50 limited-overs regional tournament in January.”

The 34-year-old’s career has slipped into the doldrums in recent years. He

Ramnaresh Sarwan ... has withdrawn from T&T squad for personal reasons.

has not played a Test in three years and his recall to the one-day side last year was met with relative failure.

He managed an unbeaten hundred against Zimbabwe but managed 12 runs in three innings against Australia and two runs in as many outings in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Sarwan averages 40 from 87 Tests and 38 in over 200 first class matches.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday November 22, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 774 runs (vs WI, 1971) (2) Sir Viv Richards Today’s Quiz: (1) How many players have captained the WI in Tests to date?

(2) Rohan Kanhai played 79 Tests. Against which two of these teams he never played?

India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 22, 2014

35

Deonarine in sight of 11th first class ton -bad light stop play

Narsingh Deonarine

By Calvin Roberts far.

With early morning WHEN bad light rain washing out play in stopped play at 17:02hrs the first session, Guyana yesterday afternoon, the Jaguars who played an Guyana Jaguars were unchanged team after comfortably placed on winning the toss and 169 for 3 on the first batting first reached day in their clash with 100 for 2 at tea, with Windwards Volcanoes in Deonarine on 41 and their second round West Assad Fudadin 32.

Indies Cricket Board/ The Jaguars lost Professional Cricket Rajendra Chandrika (05) League Regional 4-day in the second over of their encounter at the Guyana innings, bowled by Nelon National Stadium, Pascal, who was later Providence. steered to the vacant third This was mainly due man position by Leon to Narsingh Deonarine’s Johnson, while Fudadin unbeaten 79 and Shivnarine celebrated his recall to the Chanderpaul’s unbeaten West Indies side as Darren 26, the duo adding 59 runs Bravo’s replacement, for their unbroken fourth with a four of his own off wicket partnership to date, Matthews. while Mervin Matthews Johnson was next to with his 1 for 14 is the best go, caught by substitute bowler for the visitors so fielder Keddy Lesporis

Scoreboard Guyana Jaguars 1st innings R. Chandrika b Pascal 05 A Fudadin lbw b Matthews 34 L Johnson c (sub) b Peters 19 N Deonarine not out 79 S Chanderpaul not out 26 Extras (nb-3, b-2) 05 Total (for 3 wickets off 64 overs) 168 Fall of wicket: 1-5 (Chandrika, 1.4), 2-39 (Johnson, 14.2), 3-110 (Fudadin, 40.5), 4To bat: R Reifer C Barnwell A. Bramble, V. Permaul, D. Bishoo, R. Beaton Bowling: Matthews 9-2-14-1 Pascal 8-2-24-1 (nb-1) Peters 9-4-18-1, Bobb 18-1-48-0, Sebastien 16-4-51-0 (nb-2) Fletcher 1-0-6-0 Theophile 3-1-5-0

who along with Johnson Charles was left out of the Volcanoes’ lineup for this encounter, at extra cover off Kenroy Peters, following which Deonarine and Fudadin added 71 for the third wicket.

Deonarine, who scored an unbeaten 110 against the Leeward Islands the first round, was in an authoritative mood, driving and pulling anything loose from the Volcanoes bowlers, especially Alston Bobb and skipper

Liam Sebastien.

The Jaguars took the tea break at 100 for 2, with Deonarine on 41 and Fudadin 32, but lost Fudadin in the third over when play resumed, lbw to Matthews for 34 at 110 for 3, shortly after seeing Deonarine post his 43rd first class half century from 94 balls, with seven fours struck while batting for 129 minutes.

Despite the departure of Fudadin, Deonarine continued to play positive

in search of his second successive and 11th first class ton, driving Sebastien with ease past extra cover for his ninth four, as the Jaguars moved to 163 for 3, with Deonarine progressing to 77.

Play will resume at 09:00hrs weather permitting on the second day today, wherein Guyana Jaguars will be looking to pile on the runs even as both Deonarine and Chanderpaul will go in search of individual tons.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

2014/2015 WICB/PCL

Deonarine in sight of 11th first class ton -bad light stop play See story on page 35

CAC Games 2014

Guyana hold T&T to draw, but miss semis spot GUYANA’S female hockey team in search of a semi-final spot at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico, made a valiant effort but a draw with favourites Trinidad and Tobago dashed those hopes.

In the cool of the early morning, the two familiar sides took the field to determine who would secure the final spot in the women’s semi-final to face either Cuba or hosts Mexico who had both qualified from Group B.

Stag Beer final…

Alpha going for the jugular tonight

ALPHA United has Riddim Squad’s jugular vein on radar going into this evening’s final of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag Beer Futsal final being staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The word from the Alpha United camp is that `The Hammer’ would be coming out blazing at 21:30 hrs when the whistle blows to signal the start of the battle for the $400,000 first prize.

“Due to the rain, we have not had a chance to practice in two days.

However, I can assure you that our guys are fully focused and psyched for this event. We have been playing undefeated so far and intend to finish the competition without a blemish,” coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover stated yesterday.

“We hope to be tested by Riddim Squad and we intend to test them. We have been in attack mode from the start and I would caution Riddim Squad to be prepared.”

TURN TO PAGE 31

Dwight Peters

Samantha Fernandes surrounded by Trinidadian defenders in red.

Assad Fudadin added to West Indies Test squad ASSAD Fudadin, the Guyana batsman, has been added to West Indies Test squad for the tour to South Africa in December and January as a replacement for Darren Bravo, who withdrew because of personal reasons.

Fudadin, 29, has played three Tests for West Indies, against New Zealand and England in 2012, when he made 122 runs in five innings with one half-century.

He recently scored a century for West Indies A against Sri Lanka A in Moratuwa, in October.

The West Indies selectors also requested that fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell play for Jamaica in the third round of the Professional Cricket League so that they “have an opportunity to evaluate his match readiness,” the board said in a release.

TURN TO PAGE 31

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

Assad Fudadin’s Test career has a new lease of life © WI SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014