Guyana chronicle 23 07 14

GUYANA No. 103897

WEDNESDAY JULY 23, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PPP declares…

PRICE: $60

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‘WE ARE READY FOR ANY ELECTIONS’ - accuses a drowning AFC of clutching at straw with ‘no-confidence’ motion

The PPP commended His Excellency President Donald Ramotar for his swift, erudite and forthright response to AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan’s baseless threat of a ‘no confidence’ motion

Five busted in ‘ganja’ find aboard Breakthrough in 5 against AIDS Guyana-registered cargo vessel 12 fight - Scientists ‘delete’ HIV from human cells Page

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Accused in schoolboy murder freed on no-case submission ––but DPP appeals acquittal

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‘PNCR Linden’ advises Kissoon against appearing before disciplinary committee

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Guyana’s King of Comedy, Habeeb Khan, passes away 20 Page

Veteran comedian, Habeeb Khan

Is all you read in the Stabroek News on local government elections true?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

More monitoring and evaluation capacity being built – another workshop underway PERSONS drawn from the different Government Ministries are engaged in a Monitoring and Evaluation workshop as the government continues to place emphasis on better management of the State’s resources.

Dr. Ray Rist, who is a renowned world authority on developing Monitoring and Evaluation systems, and co-founder of the International Programme for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) is the facilitator of the five-day workshop being held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, at the workshop’s opening ceremony on Monday, called on the participants to see their involvement as a broader initiative to implement a stronger and more comprehensive government monitoring and evaluation system.

“I want to say to you that as the latest cohort of M&E trainees you are part of a broader initiative to implement across government a robust monitoring and evaluation system. It is in that context that I want you to view your participation in this workshop,” Dr Singh said.

The minister noted that while emphasis is being placed on building capacity, the government is also looking at other aspects of

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony of another five- day Monitoring and Evaluation workshop

strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation system.

Already the government has taken several steps by way of making constitutional amendments and enacting legislation, all aimed at improving the architecture for monitoring public money.

“Some of you may be familiar with some of this, but I must say we now have architecture on the law books of Guyana that places emphasis on more effective management of public resources.”

Guyana also has constitutional oversight committees including parliamentary committees on economic and social services, and legislation that speak of performance of each government programme being measured, targets being set and budgetary allocations being sought and approved with reference to these measured outcomes.

“Some of you may know, today a programme that goes to the Parliament for approval of financial resources is accompanied by something called the programme performance statement that includes key strategic objectives of that programme, key performance indicators and target against

effective manner.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rist called on participants to make the best of what will be presented to them during the five-day training.

“The agenda here is to make the public sector stronger, smarter, quicker, and more information rich, will ,you new skills, tools and perspective, and to make your own performance better than what it was.”

This is the eleventh such workshop hosted by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the International Programme for Devel-

opment Evaluation Training (IPDET), and targets representatives from various Government agencies.

IPDET is an executive training programme that aims to provide managers and practitioners with the generic tools required to evaluate development policies, programmes, and projects at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

The programme features in-depth workshops taught by renowned international faculty members drawn from southern and northern organisations. (GINA)

A section of the latest set of trainees who are undertaking the Monitoring and Evaluation workshop, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance

each of those indicators.”

In addition, Monitoring and Evaluation units have been successfully established in some of the government’s key spending agencies, including the Ministries of Health, Education and Public Works, all to ensure state funds are used in the most

Dr. Ray Rist, co-founder of the International Programme for Development Evaluation Training delivering his remarks to participants of the Monitoring and Evaluation workshop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

PPP declares…

‘WE ARE READY FOR ANY ELECTIONS’

- accuses a drowning AFC of clutching at straw with ‘no-confidence’ motion

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has taken note of the threat which Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, has laid against His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, by proposing to bring a no-confidence motion against the PPP/C Government.

Our Party has never been afraid of facing the people we serve and we are prepared to put our case to the citizenry at any time,” the ruling PPP said in a statement yesterday.

“We commend His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, for his swift, erudite and forthright response to Ramjattan’s baseless threat,” the party declared.

It said the AFC’s call for such a motion at this time is aimed at influencing delegates who will be attending the PNC’s upcoming Congress.

That is one of the motives behind the no confidence “threat”, the PPP said.

“We know that the AFC has been losing support and its membership is hemorrhaging badly, it wants to regain its support but this time at the expense of the APNU. Ramjattan’s no confidence motion is nothing but a smoke screen and is tantamount to a drowning man clutching at straws,” the PPP asserted.

Further, it said the AFC through its promotion of this motion, has reached the pinnacle of its deceptive and blackmail politics, arrogantly being perpetrated against the Guyanese people.

“We wish to remind the AFC and at the same time reiterate that the PPP remains resolute and prepared for any election that may be precipitated by a no-confidence motion.

We repeat, the PPP is ready and mobilized,” the PPP stated.

Wallowing in the newly won democracy since 1992 and freedoms restored by the PPP/C Government, the AFC also aimed its guns on the PPP claiming that the PPP/C

Government is “demonstrating dictatorial tendencies”.

But the PPP is of the view that this call by the AFC is a blatant attempt to place the proverbial ‘Sword of Damocles’ over the Nation in an effort to derive political benefits and to satisfy its insatiable appetite for political self-interest at the expense of the Guyanese people.

The PPP said that as far as it is concerned, the Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh was

“We are ready to face the people at any time and no threat of a no confidence motion will slow our resolve to faithfully serve our people and build a prosperous Guyana for all Guyanese” - PPP executing his constitutional duty as he did in 2012 and 2013 when he tabled in the National Assembly the Statement of Excess on the Current and Capital Estimates; the AFC supported the cut that time, the application was upheld by the High Court.

“If as the AFC claims Minister Singh was engaged in an unconstitutional act in 2014, this means that the AFC was equally guilty of so doing in 2012 and 2013,” the PPP argued.

“Having penalised Guyanese with budget cuts for trans-formative projects, thus stymieing progress and morphed themselves as part of the People’s National Congress (PNC), the AFC is now facing the desertion of its elite and grass root membership who are now returning to the PPP,” the governing party said.

It noted, too, that the AFC, having found

The PPP commended His Excellency President Donald Ramotar for his swift, erudite and forthright response to AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan’s baseless threat of a ‘no confidence’ motion itself in a quandary, is now seeking to extricate itself by placing the blame at the door step of the PPP and to distance itself from any wrongdoing.

In this regards, the PPP reiterated that it is “ready to face the people at any time and no threat of a no confidence motion will slow our resolve to faithfully serve our people and build a prosperous Guyana for all Guyanese.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

U.S. and European airlines halt Israel flights

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask the U.S. to renew flights to Israel. Mr Netanyahu asked U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for help lifting the FAA ban, which comes amidst heightened scrutiny over flights near conflict zones.

Earlier in the day, Israel’s transportation ministry said: “Ben Gurion Airport is safe and completely guarded and there is no reason whatsoever that American companies would stop their flights and hand terror a prize”.

Delta said it had diverted a flight en route to Tel Aviv from New York City to Paris on Tuesday (BBC) United States (U.S.) and European airlines suspended flights to Israel’s Ben Gurion airport after a rocket landed one mile (1.6km) away.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered three U.S. carriers that fly to Israel - Delta, United and U.S. Airways - to

halt flights for 24 hours.

Europe’s aviation regulator is also urging airlines not to fly to Tel Aviv. The suspension prompted Israeli

Islamic State crushes and coerces on march towards Baghdad (Reuters) - Using its own version of “soft” and “hard” power, the Islamic State is crushing resistance across northern Iraq so successfully that its promise to march on Baghdad may no longer be unrealistic bravado.

While conventional states try to win hearts and minds abroad before necessarily resorting to military force, the jihadist group is also achieving its aims by psychological means - backed up by a reputation for extreme violence.

The Islamic State, which in June captured a vast stretch of territory in the north including the largest city Mosul, used this strategy when its fighters met armed resistance from the town of al-Alam for 13 days running.

They kidnapped 30 local families and rang up the town’s most influential citizens with a simple message about the hostages: “You know their destiny if you don’t let us take over the town.”

Within hours, tribesmen and local leaders caved in to save the families. The black flag of the Sunni militants, who are bent on overthrowing the Shi’ite-led Iraqi government, was soon flying over government buildings and police stations in al-Alam.

Weeks later, only a few masked gunmen guard checkpoints surrounding al-Alam at night, so comfortable is the Islamic State in its

EUROPEAN REACTION The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it “strongly recommends” that airlines should avoid operating to and from Tel Aviv.

Even before the announcement, Lufthansa - which includes Swiss, Germanwings and Austrian Airlines - said it had decided to suspend flights to Israel for two days.

National Geographic launches magazine for schoolchildren NEW DELHI: The famed National Geographic yesterday launched a special edition of ‘Explorer’ magazines for schoolchildren to provide ed-

ucational resources and new learning solutions for teachers as well as students.

The National Geographic Learning’s Explorer Education Programme was inaugurated by U.S. Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Kathleen Stephens at the American Centre in New Delhi, India in the presence of the Vice President and Publish-

er of National Geographic Learning, Francis Downey.

“National Geographic is known for its magazines, books, and channel. We are now producing educational resources to find new solutions for teachers as well as students. As we know, teachers have to teach more content than ever before and students need to be better

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prepared than ever before,” Downey said.

Explorer magazine can engage students and teach them in greater depth than possible through a textbook. With National Geographic photography and story-telling, the aim is to bring all our sensibilities to education, he added.

(Times of India)

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control through fear.

“One hundred percent of people are angry that the Islamic State is here but there is nothing we can do,” said a scared resident who spoke by telephone on condition of anonymity.

Similar accounts of victories by the Islamic State, which has also seized territory in neighboring Syria during the civil war there, are repeated across other towns and villages in Salahuddin province north of Baghdad.

Hostility to the jihadis in some of the majority Sunni areas - where from 2006 to 2008 local people fought al Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State’s predecessor - has not stopped them from taking and holding territory.

Breaking the will of local populations has allowed the relatively small force to surge south, focusing their fight most recently on battlefields just 70 km (45 miles) from Baghdad.

The fighters have boosted their arms and equipment along the way, making the seizure of weapons and vehicles a condition of deals struck with communities they have coerced into submission.

SWELLING RANKS U.S. military and Iraqi security officials estimate the Islamic State has at least 3,000 fighters in Iraq, rising towards 20,000 when new recruits since last month’s blitzkrieg are included.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

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Breakthrough in fight against AIDS - Scientists ‘delete’ HIV from human cells

By Kounteya Sinha, The Times of India (LONDON): Scientists have, for the first time ever, “deleted” HIV from human cells, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. Once HIV conquers a human cell, it stays there forever. The virus inserts its deadly genome permanently into the victims’ DNA, forcing patients to be hooked on drugs for life.

But now, for the first time, researchers have found a way to eliminate latent HIV-1 virus from human cells — and this could be a cure for other latent infections.

Now, a team of Temple University School of Medicine researchers has designed a way to snip out the integrated HIV-1 genes for good.

“This is one important step on the path toward a permanent cure for AIDS,” said Kamel Khalili, professor and Chair of the department of Neuroscience at Temple University, which is located in northern Philadelphia in the United States.

Khalili led the work which marks the first successful attempt to eliminate latent HIV1 virus from human cells.

“It’s an exciting discovery, but it’s not yet ready to go into the clinic.

It’s a proof of concept that we’re moving in the right direction,” added Khalili.

When deployed, a combination of a DNA-snipping enzyme called a nuclease and a targeting strand of RNA called a guide RNA (gRNA) hunt down the viral genome and excise the HIV-1 DNA. From there, the cell’s gene repair machinery takes over, soldering the loose ends of the genome back together — resulting in virus-free cells.

“Since HIV-1 is never cleared by the immune system, removal of the virus is required in order to cure the dis-

can snip out the 9,709-nucleotides that comprise the HIV-1 genome.

To avoid any risk of the gRNA accidentally binding with any part of the patient’s genome, the researchers selected nucleotide sequences that do not appear in any coding sequences of human DNA, thereby avoiding off-target effects and subsequent cellular DNA damage.

The editing process was successful in several cell types that can harbor HIV-

Professor Kamel Khalili, who is also Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Temple University lication of HIV-1 makes ease,” said Khalili, whose patients more likely to research focuses on the suffer from diseases usuneuropathogenesis of viral ally associated with aginfections. The same tech- ing,” Khalili said. These nique could theoretically include cardiomyopathy be used against a variety — a weakening of the heart muscle — bone disof viruses, he said.

The research shows ease, kidney disease, and that these molecular tools neurocognitive disorders. also hold promise as a “These problems are often therapeutic vaccine; cells exacerbated by the toxic armed with the nucle- drugs that must be taken to a s e - R N A c o m b i n a t i o n control the virus,” Khalili proved impervious to HIV added.

Researchers based infection.

Worldwide, more than the two-part HIV-1 ed33 million people have i t o r o n a s y s t e m t h a t evolved as a bacterial HIV. Although highly ac- defense mechanism to tive antiretroviral therapy protect against infection, (HAART) has controlled Khalili said.

Dr Khalili’s lab engiHIV-1 for infected people in the developed world neered a 20-nucleotide over the last 15 years, the strand of gRNA to tarvirus can rage again with get the HIV-1 DNA and any interruption in treat- paired it with Cas9. The gRNA targets the control ment.

Even when HIV-1 rep- region of the gene called lication is well controlled the long terminal repeat with HAART, the lingering (LTR). LTRs are present HIV-1 presence has health on both ends of the HIV-1 genome. By targeting both consequences.

“The low level rep- LTRs, the Cas9 nuclease

1, including microglia and macrophages, as well as in T-lymphocytes.

“T-cells and monocytic cells are the main cell types infected by HIV-1, so they are the most important targets for this technology,” Khalili said.

The HIV-1 eradication approach faces several significant challenges before the technique is ready for patients, Khalili said.

The researchers must devise a method to deliver the therapeutic agent

to every single infected cell. Finally, because HIV1 is prone to mutations, treatment may need to be individualised for each patient’s unique viral sequences.

“We are working on a number of strategies so we can take the construct into preclinical studies,” Khalili said. “We want to eradicate every single copy of HIV-1 from the patient.

That will cure AIDS. I think this technology is the way we can do it”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Chinese have made immense contributions to national development Of recent times, Chinese citizens and investors have been subjected to much verbal and physical attacks by a particular grouping in Guyana’s socio-political demographics. So a timely reminder seems appropriate that the Chinese also contributed to the development of Guyana; and when Guyanese like Paul Chan-a-Sue and many other descendants of a mighty and ancient civilization are degraded in a homeland to which they have contributed with unparalleled commitment, then this newspaper refuses to remain silent, and so the following is to remind those anxious to denigrate our fellow cit-

izens to take cognisance of the following facts.

In 1834, the slaves who had been taken from Africa to the colonies of Britain were set free. In British Guiana a significant proportion of the freed men chose to live off the fertile land and sought paid employment on an irregular basis. The resulting reduction in the labour force caused the sugar plantation owners to search for replacement workers.

They obtained large numbers of labourers from Madeira (Portugal), India and China, each bound by a contract of indenture. The Chinese were the smallest group of these indentured workers.

Police must go after the ‘bling bling’ wearers MINISTER Clement Rohee should advise the ‘honest police’, if there are any, to stop and search those they see on the roads and streets wearing ‘bling bling’ galore.

Does Minister Rohee think that those wearing these big, gold ‘bling bling’ worked and toiled and smelled their sweat for it?

If the Guyana Police Force is honest and serious in fighting crime, then Police ranks need to stop those on the streets wearing gold ‘bling bling’, then proceed to check their homes and their Facebook profiles.

In some cases they will see exactly what they saw with regard to the dead bandit Kevin Fields.

If the Commissioner was to order raids in some homes in these so called depressed communities he will find more Kevin Fields and would be surprised at what the Police will find. But there is no way for Police to conduct secret raids, simply because the Kevin Fields of those so called depressed communities will be tipped off by their ‘Kit n Kin’ in the Police Force and the Army. GDF

See Page 7

The first batch of Chinese landed in Georgetown, British Guiana in 1853, and for the next few years all were men, most being taken forcibly. To curb the excesses of this trade in human cargo the British and Chinese authorities in Canton agreed to a formal supervised recruitment process and families were encouraged to emigrate. Chinese women began arriving in 1860, but in small numbers. The period from 1860 to 1866 saw a relatively large influx of immigrants, bringing the local Chinese population to a peak of 10,022 in 1866.

Subsequently only two boats arrived with Chinese immigrants, one in 1874 and the

other in 1879. After this, Chinese immigrants came of their own free will and at their own expense.

The 39 ships that brought the Chinese labourers were chartered by recruiting agents based in Canton, China, with the cost of shipping shared between the colony’s Immigration Fund and the plantation owners. The ships travelled by way of Singapore and Cape Town, arriving at Georgetown after a journey of between 70 and 177 days.

The distribution of Chinese labourers to the sugar plantations in the three counties of Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo was made by the Immigration Agent-Gen-

eral, who based his decisions on the quotas submitted by the plantation owners several months previously. Families were kept together in the distribution.

Passenger lists were maintained by the Immigration Office in Georgetown and an ongoing search is in progress to locate these and other relevant documents that give the names of the Chinese immigrants. The names of some individuals are presented in this compilation and further names will be added as they become known.

By 1900, the Chinese population in British Guiana had dwindled to 2,919 since the majority of Chinese at that time preferred to marry people from their own country, but there were

too few Chinese women available. Many also left the colony to seek their destiny in other countries, particularly French Guiana, Suriname and Trinidad. This was Guyana’s loss. It is time we pay respect to and recognise the invaluable contributions Guyana’s Chinese citizens have made to this nation.

We close with the words of former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during one of his addresses to the Guyanese nation, “This country belongs to a large number of beautiful people, all of them having equal rights. No-one is inferior and no-one is superior. We are all equal in this land.”

Greed and grudge drive Opposition’s agenda PLAIN old hypocrisy and a desire for trouble-making are the reasons behind the questioning of Former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s medical bill. What is so barefaced with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) is the fact that when they are enjoying a part of a deal, they relish it and never stop to think.

However, when the PPP/C is in the same situation, both parties conjure up the courage to ask questions.

Here are some examples where the voice of complaint was totally silent: when Former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and the late Sheila Holder exacted funds from the State to seek medical attention abroad (as this had become necessary); just

recently, when the Former Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer was ill and had to be flown abroad for medical at-

tention; and then, during the scary moments, when Alliance For Change Chairman Nigel Hughes had fallen ill in the interior and had to be flown out.

It is very disgusting indeed that APNU, AFC and certain sections of the media

are so hellbent on misinforming and misleading the public. Their agenda is very clear. It is about stirring up negative sentiments regarding the PPP/C. I think that we all remember how APNU and AFC had called for public debates, but only to back off when they were being exposed and embarrassed. Here again, it is the same story. They are making claims and they cannot substantiate them. They peddle their suspicions as though these are actual facts. They even refuse to investigate and check on what they are talking about. I think that in their minds they are saying that if we were in power, then we would have been corrupt.

There is an old proverb that says ‘those who are suspicious were once guilty’. I add here that those who are suspicious are planning to steal (or do the same thing that they are attacking the PPP for). APNU and AFC seem to be panicking.

It is my hope that more and more people will get to know what is really happening here in this country. It is not surprising that these two parties are so much for curtailing the work of the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information and News Agency (GINA).

They want to block the passage of truth to the people.

And I think that by now both APNU and AFC cannot stand this.

SHARON McDONALD

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

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PNC lessons of the past IN responding to my letter of 7-12-14 in the Stabroek News titled, ‘No to shared governance, yes to federalism’, the TUC’s Mr. Lincoln Lewis resorts to the usual diatribe in his SN letter of 7-14-14 titled ‘The GTUC has a proud record of fighting for and achieving racial equality’.

In reinforcing affirmation that Guyanese workers, especially Indians are indebted because the Afro Guyanese-led TUC fought for those benefits, Mr. Lewis proudly also reminds us that “These were done during the stewardship of an African dominated PNC government”.

His letter has its quota of fulsome disrespect by his “lack of integrity” and its sharp edge benefits for me.

No offence is taken.

But isn’t living in the PNC’s past graduated as a bigger burden for black progress? Dialogue should, however, continue, even with a gifted shape shifter, now holding forth about yesterday’s PNC magnificence.

Mr. Lewis, of course, has the democratic right to remain anchored in yesterday’s starvation. But assuredly what is currently desired, and it is also everyone’s right, is to be included as equal beneficiaries in “the nation’s bounty and beauty” regardless if it is under

stewardship of a working class based PPP/C Government that has massively neglected its Indian base, no less working class for sure!

No way does it logically follow that when Mr. Lewis’ TUC democratically opted to remain manacled to the PNC and its sordid past, can any demands by race entitlement become the leapfrog automatic solution of equality?

Extolling embrace of PNC failures in racial solidarity is not only a forever hindering imposition on all Guyanese moving ahead, but it reinforces such permanent imprisonment as an anchor keeping themselves back.

Until such issues are exhaustively addressed, the many century’s “anchoring slave mentality” will continue to keep black Guyanese from emerging into the 21st century as self-sufficient, bountiful cool cats dependent on none.

Guyanese are not dimwitted to actually believe his is no abrupt aboutturn of disassociation from his first letter of 7-7-14 in SN titled ‘Evidence-based discussions needed on executive governance to address the interest of all.”

Why does Mr. Lewis boldly deny, in his own words, mind you, that he “did not set out in any form

Police must go after the ...

From Page 7 Officer David Clarke was sent to Buxton and the rest is now public knowledge.

See the Kevin Fields photos. They put guns to peoples’ heads, rob them of their gold, get their jeweler to melt it down and make bling bling for them. When and if the Police go after them, they must be made to call

the names of their goldsmith.

They all work together. The mothers and family members all enjoy the loot and will never report the illegal activities of their criminal sons and daughters. Lots of them are driving fancy vehicles, while dressed to the ‘nines’; they own huge, well-furnished properties when they never worked a day in their lives.

TED KING

or claim to say executive power-sharing/shared-governance must be the new form of executive governance”?

Could he have set out to probably embrace Federalism and sing a sweet song of sixpence? This may be a dainty dish to set before the king - if additionally more than four and nineteen blackbirds (not “4-20” as Dr Walter Rodney no longer sings) were to support baking the pie – in tune with the PPP/C’s recipe.

Those birds can really sing. Compare the dissonance where in his first letter in SN of 7-7-14 he specifically wrote: “As a trade unionist an element of such discussions (his!) would ensure respect for universal (truth?) principles. The GTUC in 1978, during the tenure of Joseph Pollydore as General Secretary, took to the Constituent Assembly a pro-

posal for (sic) executive power-sharing”.

Still touting old time TUC munificence to all workers – no exceptions, it was Mr. Lewis himself who also reminded us that “the call by the GTUC, though initially rejected, or not quite (sic) understood by some, has over the years been reproduced in various forms in the call for (sic) executive power sharing”.

Same old timer who also wrote “Though there’s respect for the calls for a (sic) new model of executive governance, what is not being made clear is how this will… (be implemented).” All these ingredients Mr. Lewis wants us to believe in no way endorses “power dispensation” by whatever flavour of the month it is described.

Guyanese swift automatic evaluation of such

catalogued fossils of yesteryear will not find it anyhow difficult to discern if these are intentionally more lies, damn lies or barefaced lies all packaged, especially by an undaunted trade unionist, to be tomorrows’ new refreshing Jonestown coolaid tonic.

It is either partition, sharing of whatever, retaining the present status quo, or federalism for sure.

While today’s TUC’s Lincoln Lewis however rides the sprinting “race horse” like a seasoned jockey, he is also most welcome to ignore, to thy kingdom come, those glaring valid demands in my letter of 7-12-14,which is embedded with its own prerequisite urgency and necessity: “For power-sharing to work it must be very clear what is being brought to the table by all sides.” Would

these demands disappear if ignored?

The Opposition is the alternative government in all, but not by entitlement or race. Those PNC happy-happy joy-joy days for 28 years, in his words “under an African dominated PNC government” inspires no confidence with the “frying pan” in charge, the “fire” is the alternative, the “match” from Linden is out of the box and the big pookney (“fan”) in the AFC are all on standby for “slow fire more fire”!

There are many talented Guyanese on both sides of the divide who will never rise to the top: But no one marches into oblivion by choice in a democracy.

Because she is playing hooky, psychologist Dr Faith Harding should have her head examined for free if she brings Dr Van West Charles along, because they have not abandoned the PNC but Guyanese.

SULTAN MOHAMED

COMMENTARY:

Stabroek News, Surujbally deliberately misleading citizens

By David DeGroot WHERE does the truth lie regarding the readiness of GECOM to competently hold Local Government Elections?

The answer is vitally important in the face of the bold daily campaign being waged by the Opposition mouth piece, the Stabroek News, to have these polls and in the process castigating the central government for the delay in setting a date for the vote to be taken.

Three members sitting as Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have sounded grave concerns about statements to the effect that the Elections Commission is currently in a state of read-

iness. They have cited a number of critical deficiencies in the operations that pose a threat to acceptable efficiency.

Naturally, the Stabroek News, which has been most vocal in calling for a date to be set to hold Local Government Elections, has devoted a lengthy Editorial in what has come across as a desperate effort in denouncing the statement issued by the three Commissioners, simply by characterising the eight significant items of concern as matters of routine action that will have to be taken by GECOM. To recognise the matters as routine is ridiculously false, but the fact is that substantial work has to be devoted towards fixing the cited deficiencies, unambig-

uously indicate that GECOM is palpably not ready to hold elections.

The Stabroek News has exposed its questionable and malicious campaign against the Government of deliberately delaying calling a date on which elections can be held.

Extreme measures are being suggested by Stabroek News that should be adopted by the Opposition political parties in order to force the hands of the Government to call elections.

This is quite laughable. Imagine setting up the Opposition to expose themselves to ridicule in view of tremendous burden of various actions that have to be taken before elections can be called, for instance, key legislative

David DeGroot issues, including Lacunae Laws affecting Local Government, constituency matters of varying issues, satisfactory electoral lists to be completed, et al.

Despite the foregoing, we now have the spectacle of the Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally entering the fray with the astounding claim that GECOM is “fully ready” but his detailed explanations on the status on aspects affecting readiness, you find in fact that key personnel in at least one sensitive position is yet to be identified, together with the Lacunae legislation requirement remain outstanding issues.

It is a clear case of not being fully ready.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

‘PNCR Linden’ advises Kissoon against appearing before disciplinary committee THE People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) groups in Linden, PNCR Linden, on Monday reiterated its discomfiture with the suspension of Party stalwart, Vanessa Kissoon, and the composition of the Disciplinary Committee dealing with her suspension.

They’ve also advised her not to appear before the Committee, which was expected to meet yesterday for the hearing.

In a statement issued Monday, the groups justified her absence before the Disciplinary Committee by detailing seven of its contentions, namely: : * All the explanations coming from the Leader have never justified that his action was consistent with the Party Rules. Linden is clear and has taken a principled position on this issue since we recognise that it is the Rules of the party that have to guide the business of the party.

Mr. Granger has repeatedly said he is operating within the Rules/Constitution. In our perusal of the Party Rules we did not find any rule that authorises him to suspend Ms. Kissoon. Neither has Mr. Granger sought to provide the evidence of the rule that authorises him to suspend Ms. Kissoon. * The argument by Mr. Granger that this issue is serious as such a decision was taken by him to suspend Ms. Kissoon does not apply to her since she is not an employee. Ms. Kissoon is a member of the party and owns a piece of the party just like Mr. Granger. As such any decision to suspend her has to come after an investigation has been conducted and the member found guilty. * Section 24 (1) (a) of the PNCR Rules expressly Vanessa Kissoon states, “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) shall appoint a Disciplinary Committee comprising five (5) members, and shall name its Chairman and Vice Chairman.” What is clear here is that Mr. Granger has an appointed an ad hoc committee, not one consistent with the Party Rules. At every delegates congress the life of every committee comes to an end. * For the two years Mr. Granger has been in office he has not seen it fit to put in place the constitutionally required disciplinary committee. This is a violation of the rules of the PNCR. It was not until he unilaterally suspended Ms. Kissoon he chose to select some persons to form a committee to discipline her. * The Party’s Central Executive Committee has taken a decision after Mr. Granger had unilaterally suspended Ms. Kissoon that it will appoint a disciplinary committee and a nominee must come from our region. The PNCR groups will not support the violation of the Party Rules. * Further, in this case the five persons are not the constitutional mandated Disciplinary Committee, but appointed specifically by Mr. Granger to make legitimate his act of suspending Ms. Kissoon. Those comprising the Committee are Mr. Allan Monroe (Chairman), Mr. Granger’s neighbour; Mr. Lance Carberry, political advisor to the Leader; Ms. Malika Ramsey , Mr. Christopher Jones and Ms. Cheryl Sampson, employees of Congress Place. All these persons are

members of the CEC and have voted supporting the Leader’s decision to suspend Ms. Kissoon. * And further, the act of supporting the Leader at the CEC disqualifies all of the named persons to be impartial arbiters in this affair.

GET AT KISSOON PNCR Linden made clear its call for the issue to be addressed with “ s o m e d e g re e o f alacrity” in the least.

The group added that it is of the view that Congress Place wants “to get at Ms. Kissoon” at all cost. “ We a r e a w a r e that Ms. Kissoon Amna Ally who is a very hard worker is responsible for the recruitment and continuation of membership to the party of over 800 persons. We are also aware that the Leader and the General Secretary continue to give Ms. Sandra Adams the

‘Linden’s position is clear: This issue is not about what transpired during the alleged altercation; it is about the violation of the Party Rules which we hold sacred’ – PNCR Linden credit for the work done by Ms. Kissoon. To be involved in denying the facts about membership recruitment brings into focus the depth some leaders will go to side line some members,” the group said.

PNCR Linden also rejected the statement made on the February 1 by the party’s Chief Whip, Ms. Amna Ally, to the Leader of the party, in the presence of some, that he will have to get rid of Ms. Kissoon or she will leave the party.

The group said, “Ms. Ally’s comment came after Ms. Kissoon requested of Ms. Ally that she be spoken to with respect.

“At the next sitting of the National Assembly Ms. Kissoon was moved to the back bench without prior notification.

“There exist serious concerns since it has become obvious that there are some in the leadership of the party who are using our women to create cat fights in effort to divert attention how the affairs of the party are being managed and the poor representation done on behalf of its constituents.”

MIXING UP ROLES PNCR highlighted the fact that Mr. Granger and his allies at Congress Place are “mixing-up roles,” something that is cause for concern.

“For there are clear distinction how you will

treat with members vis a vis employees in handling issues of discipline. Having examined the entire situation the Linden Committee has been mandated to commence dialogue with Congress Place to find common group to bring about a resolution before the Delegates Congress,” the group said.

According to the body, failure to do so will leave PNCR Linden with no alternative but to have it resolved on the floor at Congress, which is the Party’s highest decision-making forum.

Kissoon has since said that her attendance at Congress will be determined by “her feelings” on the given day and the party rules, which PNCR Linden has said it will respect.

The group said, “Linden’s position is clear: This issue is not about what transpired during the alleged alterOpposition Leader cation; it is about David Granger the violation of the Party Rules which we hold sacred.

“If Mr. Granger is too busy to meet with Lindeners to address the concerns we have been trying to get his attention for the past two years, then Lindeners will go the Congress and plead their cases to their fellow members.

“Linden will be entering Congress stridently, with strong positions and expects at the conclusion of Congress this party will be stronger and battle ready to move Guyana forward to respect citizens’ rights, rules, constitution and laws.”

PRIOR LETTER Additionally, the group had dispatched a letter, detailing its concerns, to the party Leader, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger, on July 14, which stated that: “Since members of the Disciplinary Committee have already pronounced the question of bias becomes an issue.

“And it is for this reason that a request is made to not only have these persons recuse themselves, but the entire Disciplinary Committee be disbanded and the parties commence discussion within the next 24-hours on receipt of this letter. At this proposed meeting it is suggested that we agree on the modalities on how we will go forward by removing the irritants that can inhibit normalcy.”

In the groups’ statement on Monday, it acknowledged receipt of a response from Granger, but contend that the concerns detailed in the first letter were not addressed.

“Neither had he set a time that he would be desirous of engaging us. Since these exchanges Ms. Kissoon has received a letter on 16th July signed by Mr. Allan Monroe, chairman of Mr. Granger’s disciplinary committee, informing her of the charge against her, and requested that she submits a statement by 19th July and the committee will start its hearing on 22nd July,” the letter said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

EXPOSED How honest is Granger when he says the PNC/R has never received money from criminals?

OLD Kai has seen and heard it all, after Opposition leader David Granger pronounced authoritatively that the PNC/R has never received money from criminals.

The media has quoted David Granger, in response to PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee accusing the party of being funded by criminals as saying, “I can say with absolute certainty that the People’s National Congress (PNC) has always stood on the side of law and order and we have never received d i r t y m o n e y, we’ve never received money from criminals, we’ve never been the beneficiary of the proceeds of PPP General Secretary crime so I canClement Rohee not see what Mr. Rohee is talking about.”

Well, if Mr. Granger cannot see what the PPP official is talking about then he is definitely blind to reality and the documented history of his party.

Must I repeat recent testimony from a former member of the House of Israel and PNC/R MP, in the ongoing Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, who detailed how the organisation supported the PNC, which did not only include being a terrorist arm of the party. All Guyanese who lived during that period knows this except David Granger, so I was correct when I referred to him last year as Rip Van Winkle. He has proven my contention that he suffers from convenient amnesia.

Granger, in typical PNC/R style, brings up the Roger Khan bogey by stating, “It is well established that persons such as Roger Khan who has been convicted in another jurisdiction for cocaine trafficking and other crimes was a close associate of the People’s Progressive Party. He actually published a full page advertisement in the newspaper stating that he is collaborating with the Police under the PPP in what he called crime fighting.”

Note there that Granger specifically indi-

cates that Roger Khan stated he was collaborating with the “Police” and then conveniently brings in the PPP as members of that party obviously make up the Government.

But can Mr. Granger tell us who exactly the Commissioner of Police was during this period? It appears he has suffered from his convenient amnesia again, so Old Kai will help him out.

In a statement by Roger Khan to the Guyanese people via a paid and signed advertisement in the daily newspapers, he had indicated that “he and the Commissioner of Police were close friends for over four (4) years.”

He had also indicated that during this

It appears that Granger’s condition is contagious, as both himself, Felix, Collins, Harmon, Corbin, etc, are currently suffering from convenient amnesia. time he was in contact with a senior GDF officer, helping to locate the stolen AK47 weapons.

What we do know now is that both the heads of the GPF and GDF at that time are close associates of David Granger and currently occupy prominent positions within his party.

Khan had even stated in the ad that he was willing to “answer any questions relating to my relationship with Winston Felix in a Commission of Inquiry under oath and even under a polygraph test. Is Winston Felix (APNU’s current Shadow Minister of Home Affairs) prepared to do the same?”

Let us now move on to the infamous telephone conversation between the then Commissioner of Police and a senior official of the PNC/R, who were overheard discussing the disappearance of a large sum of foreign currency from Congress Place and were hatching a nefarious plan, to plant drugs on a PNC/R employee who was a suspect.

Does Mr. Granger still believe that his PNC/R has never associated with criminal activities and received any such proceeds?

But then again, maybe he was sleeping through this period and cannot remember.

Therefore, we will move on to another former PNC/R Member of Parliament, Abdul Kadir who is currently serving life imprisonment in a U.S. penitentiary on terrorism charges. Are we to still believe Granger’s contention that his party has never associated with criminals and received any proceeds whatsoever from dubious characters?

Granger’s chief spokesperson and current Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon was the military intelligence chief, so are we to accept that he nor the PNC/R never had, even an inkling of such information?

It appears that Granger’s condition is contagious, as both himself, Felix, Collins, Harmon, Corbin, etc, are currently suffering from convenient amnesia.

Certain members of the media also seem to be affected by this condition, as they were the ones badgering Rohee for evidence of his claims during the PPP press conference, when they have been in the media for donkey years and have been exposed to these facts not to mention, they were also formerly employed by the PNC so they would have inside knowledge.

Let me conclude, by referencing Granger’s response to Rohee regarding the image which surfaced of himself and slain gunman Kevin Fields on Facebook as Opposition Leader he is quoted as David Granger saying in his defense, “I meet thousands of people when I go out, I don’t ask them to identify themselves… everywhere I go, I meet people.”

You see Mr. Granger that is not the issue. What is causing suspicion was the sudden removal of the image of you and Kevin Fields from your Facebook page, shortly after the gunman was killed. If you are so convinced in your statement of having no links to the gunman, why was the image removed?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Agriculture Minister reports...

Agreement with World Bank for Cunha Canal works being concluded

By Vanessa Narine THE Ministry of Agriculture is currently concluding arrangements with the World Bank for works on the Cunha Canal, according to subject Minster, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, on Monday, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment.

The Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project is intended to improve relief drainage in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) that is envisaged to reduce Guyana’s vulnerability to the catastrophic flooding of its low-lying coastal areas. The World Bank estimates the entire project will cost around US$2.51M. The proposed physical works for the Cunha Canal will include widening the canal proper; rehabilitating the former outlet structure; rerouting the canal to re-establish its original alignment; and constructing a bridge on the East Bank of Demerara Public Road where the canal intercepts the road.

Rehabilitation of the Canal will increase its discharge capacity and contribute to reducing the risk of the embankment overtopping and flooding the areas along the East Bank Demerara.

BARAMA TALKS Minister Ramsammy told the Committee that talks are also ongoing with the Barama Company Limited, and stakeholders are in the midst of finalising an agreement.

Back in the 1990’s, the Cunha Canal was filled to accommodate Barama’s Head Office, a move that has since been dubbed a “strategic mistake” by the Agriculture Minister, as it created a major problem for residents in the areas that were once drained by the Cunha.

“It was, therefore, a strategic mistake in 1990 when the canal was filled to accommodate the Barama Office, and, subsequently, that sluice was closed. In 2005, the sluice was restored but, because the canal was filled, it had to be diverted to a small, circuitous canal away from Cunha and, even though we restored the flow out to the Demerara River, it was working only at 40 per cent of what it originally was,” he explained in a prior comment to the Guyana Chronicle.

Current efforts have been supported by the Barama Company Limited, which had indicated its willingness to facilitate any work necessary for the resuscitation of Cunha Canal.

IMPORTANT T h e A g r i c u l t u re Minister also told the Committee that the Cunha Canal works fall under efforts being advanced, via Phase Two of the Conservancy Adaptation Project (CAP), and stressed its importance.

“The Cunha will restore the third discharge on the western end of the Demerara,” he said.

Ramsammy added that Cunha is an adMinister of Agriculture, dition to several other Dr. Leslie Ramsammy efforts to improve Guyana’s drainage capacity.

He pointed out that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has undertaken a portfolio of infrastruc-

tural development projects which it will be executing between 2013 and 2020. These projects would serve as the main support service for a sustainable and expanding agriculture sector.

The Minister said that in addition to the construction of a number of pump stations in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a total of 28 packages, comprising 570 projects, have been developed from consultations with stakeholders. Some of the major projects include: The EDWC Northern Relief Channel; the Black Bush Polder drainage outlet at Bengal; Canals Polder drainage outlet at Patentia; development of 5,500 acres of land at Aurora; and resuscitation of the Cunha Canal.

The Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project is a part of Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) adaptation initiatives. This project is an important intervention addressing the focus area of adapting to climate change.

The works will improve the ability of the Government of Guyana to manage water resources in the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

The Project Concept Note (PCN) for the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project was approved by the GRIF Steering Committee in June of 2012, laying the preparatory work for the development of the full project document and subsequent implementation of the project.

Following the approval of the PCN, the World Bank which is the partner entity for this project conducted two missions to Guyana in July and November 2012 to review the proposed project activities and costs; implementation arrangements; results indicators; procurement and financial management arrangements; safeguards; and technical aspects with a view to preparing and completing the full project document.

Accused in schoolboy murder freed on no-case submission ––but DPP appeals acquittal

By George Barclay ON a defence no-case submission, Justice Diana Insanally yesterday acquitted 17-year-old Samuel Cornelius for the murder of 17-year-old Anfernee Bowman, committed on February 27, 2012; but the Director of Public Prosecutions has given notice of appeal against this decision.

Bowman, of Robb Street, Georgetown was stabbed to death following a fight between himself and Cornelius, of Trench Road, Albuoystown, which occurred after lessons had been completed at Aubrey

Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The two young men had attended the same secondary school, and used to take lessons at a place in Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, when the relationship between a girl and the now deceased Bowman became sour after she had become friendly with the accused. That led to a quarrel and a fight between the two young men.

The case for the prosecution, as conducted by Miss Natasha Backer, was that the accused had intended to kill the defendant, or to cause him grievous bodily harm; but defence counsel Mr. Mark Waldron had submitted that his client had been attacked and had retaliated in self-defence.

Yesterday, after Madam Justice Diana Insanally had

accepted the no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused, Prosecutrix Miss Natasha Backer, on behalf of the DPP, gave Notice of Appeal in accordance with the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Act, 2010, which provides for appeal in such a situation.

Defence counsel Mr. Mark Waldron applied for bail for his client Cornelius, and was granted same in the sum of $300,000, the judge noting that Cornelius was entitled to bail. Cornelius was also ordered to lodge his passport with the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and was further requested to report regularly to personnel at the Ruimveldt Police Station.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Suspect confesses to killing reputed wife’s brother over washroom space

By Leroy Smith

TRAVIS James, main suspect in the stabbing to death of 52-year-old Alvy Israel Richmond of Strath-Campbell, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, has confessed to the police that he murdered his reputed wife’s brother with the use of a knife during an argument.

The Guyana Chronicle has learnt that James told the police yesterday that he became enraged when the deceased ordered him to leave the premises and to never return, and also when Richmond informed James that he was barred from entering another property the Richmond family owned a short distance away.

Police sources also confirmed that James had been deported from Barbados after spending three months in jail for drug possession.

On Monday afternoon, James and Richmond had an argument over space in the washroom when James became overly aggressive and stabbed Richmond to the chest, causing Richmond’s demise.

After committing the act, James had made a dash for freedom, but was apprehended by persons in the area.

Speaking with this publication, persons in the area said James has always been a hot-headed person who would, from time to time, get into arguments with persons over very simple things. He would also allegedly blow things out of proportion, and had a penchant for engaging in lengthy arguments in which he would display uncalled for aggression.

Contacted for a comment yesterday after James had confessed to the killing, Ernestine Richmond, mother of the late Alvy Israel Richmond, told the Guyana Chronicle that she wanted to hear nothing about the confession because what James did was wrong. She said that this is not the time for apologies and confessions.

“Why he did what he did to my son?” she questioned. According to her, the two men never had arguments before, but there had been times when her son would accord James a cordial greet-

PNCR confirms...

Region 10 Sharma Solomon in the running for leader

By Derwayne Wills CHAIRMAN of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Mr. Sharma Solomon, has been named the third candidate contending for the coveted position of Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) party.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, PNC/R General Secretary Mr. Oscar Clarke confirmed Solomon’s nomination against notable contenders incumbent leader Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger and former PNC/R Member of Parliament Mr. Aubrey Norton.

S o l o m o n ’s u n precedented bid for leadership of

Opposition Leader David Granger

Sharma Solomon

Aubrey Norton

the PNC/R has the backing of the support base of the PNC/R stronghold of Linden, and the announcement of his nomination similarly comes at a time when some hostility

has been spawned b e t w e e n t h e p a rty ‘old guard’ and the up-and-coming younger breed.

The Region 10 Chairman is also reportedly contending for the chairman-

ship of the PNC/R against notable party heavyweights Aubrey Norton and the incumbent, Mr Basil Williams, PNC/R Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Legal

ing which James would ignore.

“Let him go and face the law! Let him spend his time! Let him go where he needs to go! When you sorry for magga dog dem does turn round and bite you!” the woman remarked.

Mrs Richmond recalled that although her son was reluctant to physically challenge James, James forced the issue and attacked her son, killing him in the process.

She said that James had been a guest at the Richmonds because he really had nowhere to go and because he was seeing her daughter, but they never expected him to one day turn on one of the family members.

She said James should suffer for what he did to her child, and she called for swift justice for the late Alvy.

Alvy Israel Richmond was murdered on Monday by Travis James, who plunged a knife into his chest after the two had had an argument at the Richmond residence at Strath-Campbell, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Affairs in the APNU Shadow Cabinet.

Vice-Chairmanship of the Party will see contending the likes of Norton, PNC Member of Parliament Ms. Volda Lawrence and P N C m e m b e r M r.

Stanley Paul; while the Treasurer ’s post will be sought by PNC Member of Parliament Mr. Ronald Bulkan and PNC member Mr. Clement Corlette.

A total of 98 nominees was determined for contesting seats in the Executive Committee of the party, the General Secretary added. “Ninety-one of those nominees have accepted nominations, and therefore there are 91 persons on the list for the delegates of congress to choose 15.”

ELECTORAL INTEGRITY There have been allegations that the electoral process set for the Congress has been subject to rigging or intentions of rigging, and that 60 delegates would

be allowed to attend from Linden, as opposed to the initial figure of 90.

This claim, made by the Region 10 PNC/R Committee, has sparked some concerns that an attempt has been made to reduce the influence of the Linden constituent representatives at the Congress.

Speaking on the soundness and fairness of the electoral process, Clarke remarked, “The number of delegates is dependent on the number of memb e r s o f t h e p a rty.” He added that in relation to the delegate selection scheme, “one delegate for every ten members who qualify to be delegates” will be allowed to contest.

Clarke, howe v e r, re s p o n d ed in the negative when asked about the possibility of factions in the party challenging the electoral process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Five busted in ‘ganja’ find aboard Guyana-registered cargo vessel FIVE persons were arrested when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) intercepted a Guyana-flagged cargo vessel in the Caribbean Sea, south of Puerto Rico, with 3,500 pounds of marijuana aboard, officials said on Monday.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Northland said they acted after detecting a suspicious 68-foot motor vessel transiting the Caribbean Sea with five crew members on board.

At a news conference held in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Robert Warren said the vessel was stopped last week some 200 miles southwest of southern Puerto Rico, near Cabo Rojo, and a boarding team found 3,591 pounds (1,630 kilogrammes) of ganja hidden on the cargo vessel. The haul was estimated to have a street value of US$3.5M. The individuals on board - Michael Da Costa, Shawn A. Ally, Nolan E.

Coast Guard officials show the seized ganja Connelly, Ron D. Griffith and Owen K. Drakes –have been detained and will be charged for conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on board a vessel,

subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

The Northland handed over the drugs and alleged smugglers to the Customs and Border Protection and

to special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Since October 2013, the Coast Guard has seized 4,341 pounds of marijuana

and 17,591 kilogrammes of cocaine during 25 counter-drug interdictions under Operation Unified Resolve, being executed in partnership with regional law en-

forcement authorities in the Caribbean. The wholesale value of these seizures is worth more than US$444 million.

If convicted, Da Costa, Ally, Connelly, Griffith and Drakes could face a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison. Guyana media reports claim the ship was registered to a local businessman, and apparently carried rice between the South American country and Jamaica.

“HSI will continue working with our CCSF partners to investigate and prosecute those who, in flagrant disregard of our laws and way of life, try to smuggle or transport illegal contraband into or outside our area of jurisdiction,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI in San Juan.

“This seizure demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with vigilance and a commitment to enforce our nation’s customs laws.” (Asif Hakim, credits to News America)

Predatory minibus operators holding ‘East Coast’ commuters to ransom

By Michel Outridge ROUTE 44 minibus operators have imposed a $200 fare hike on passengers plying the East Coast Demerara corridor, and the authorities are seemingly oblivious to this development.

The regular fare is $120 from Georgetown to Non Pareil, but some minibus operators charge $160 per person, while others take $200, an increase of $80 on the fare.

School children and the elderly are not exempted from this new fare increase, imposed by unscrupulous minibus operators and announced only in the afternoon, when the travelling public needs to get home.

The regular fare is charged in the morning hours.

As early as after noontime, passengers have to pay the new fare in order to get to their destinations; and ‘touts’ and minibus operators demand payment before a commuter can enter the bus, leaving the travelling public with no choice but to pay.

Remarkably, various associations that advocate for minibus operators have been

mum on this issue, and when contacted yesterday, several of them claimed ignorance of this development.

The short-drop fare automatically goes up in the afternoon hours from $60 to as high as $80 and even $100. Passengers have been voicing their disapproval at this predatory practice, but to no avail, and even the police have not been saying much on the issue.

Vice President of the United Minibus Association, Ronald Backer, yesterday told this publication that the association is not endorsing this new fare structure, and does not approve of the predatory action of the bus operators. He added that members of the association are in discussion with the Ministry but no hike in the fares has been approved, and in any event, fare hikes need to be done in an organised manner.

Passengers have been against the hike, but there isn’t much they can do, since the authorities have been unable to put measures in place to relieve the financial hardship on passengers utilising public transportation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Parliamentary Media workshop planned for today - Prime Minister, Former Speaker, Opposition Leader to attend

THE Office of the Speaker, through the National Assembly’s Public Relations Department, has scheduled an intensive one-day workshop for media practitioners.

Under the theme ‘Parliament, The Media and the People’, the overall objective of the Parliamentarians – Journalists event is to promote an improved and productive relationship between Guyana’s Parliament and the media as a means of promoting citizens’ understanding of the work of the major components of Parliament.

Parliament’s Public Relations Officer, Onieka Alphonso-Walton, has indicated that both the current Speaker and the two sides of the Assembly share an interest in seeing that Parliamentary reporters, especially, but not excluding columnists, feature writers, editors and publishers, are made aware of the general and procedural routines of

the Assembly as well as many of the more technical or legal characteristics of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, among other issues related to fair, balanced and improved coverage before, during and after Sittings.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is scheduled to deliver remarks at the public opening session as are the Leader of the Opposition and a representative from the Guyana Press Association. Former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran is slated to discuss previous relationships between the local media and the National Assembly.

Scheduled for the Georgetown Club at 09:00 am today, the Public Relations Unit, in collaboration with the Parliament Office and experienced private Public Relations consultants, has invited Guest Speakers and facilitators to address and interact with respect to such issues, as Past and Current Media – Parliament relationships, challenges

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds of coverage, parliamentarians’ concerns during this Tenth Parliament and the origins and evolution of Bills and Laws among other topics already listed.

The Speaker, other officers of the Parliament and Members of Parliament have been invited to share the workshop event with the local journalists.

Agri Minister dismisses allegations that parts for Surendra pumps were bought locally MINISTER of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has dismissed allegations that his ministry has purchased parts locally for the pumps supplied by Surendra Engineering Company out of India.

During a presentation before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment, at Parliament Building on Monday, Minister Ramsammy was questioned by Opposition Member of Parliament, Joe Harmon as to whether these allegations that seemed to find its way in a recent newspaper article were true.

The minister said in 2012 the contract was signed for the 14 pumps to be supplied by Surendra Engineering Company; six mobile and eight fixed site pumps, but initially the programme consisted

of 39 pumps which will be placed across the coastland of Guyana.

However, only 14 are to be supplied

by Surendra.

“The Surendra 14 pumps are a part of the 39 pumps, so some of these stations are using pumps that are supplied by a local contractor who purchased it from an agency outside,” the minister was quoted by the Government Information Agency as having told the Committee.

GINA said the minister then added that “some of the pump stations like the one at Wales were given a contract to build and install a pump that was not utilising a Surendra pump.”

In his attempt to give an example of what he meant, he also See page 14

Mr. Raphael Trotman, Speaker of the National Assembly

Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Former Speaker of the National Assembly

Opposition Leader David Granger

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Agri Minister dismisses allegations ...

From page 13

pointed out that “when we commission the Paradise/Enterprise pump in a few weeks it will be a pump that was from the Surendra 14, but a station that was constructed by a local contractor.�

Other stations that will be utilising the Surendra pumps include Canal Number One, Windsor Forest, Rose Hall, Gangaram, Eversham, Number 43 Village and Lima

among others.

The US$4M award was given to Surendra Engineering Company after competitive bidding and approval by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, in 2012. The company was not contracted to build the machines, but rather to supply them, fabricate or procure from another firm, for drainage purposes.

Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy addressing the concerns of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment on Monday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Women lawyers sign on to Impact Project

15

- in Albouystown

By Leroy Smith F O U R f e m a l e a t t o rneys-at-law formally agreed last week to throw their collective weight behind the Guyana Police Force in support of its Project Impact Albouystown, even as the project continues to gain momentum.

The deal was sealed after the women met with ‘A’

Division Commander, Mr. Clifton Hicken; Impact Project Coordinator, Mr. Wayne DeHeart, one of the two parents, and one of the children they propose sponsoring, through their respective law firms.

With the help of the police in the selection process, the legal minds agreed to stand the educational and other school-related expens-

es of two children from the Albouystown Ward for a period of two years. The attorneys at reference are Kim Kyte-John; Sharon Small; Fay Barker; and Tanya Warren-Clement.

Only one parent and one child were present last week when the announcement was made, as the Police were having trouble getting in touch with the other child’s

Commander Hicken (right) and Deputy Superintendent Scipio (second left) with one of the beneficiaries and his mother, and some of the lawyers

parents, in spite of their being aware of the selection and committed to accepting the offer.

Speaking on behalf of the ladies, one of the lawyers explained that the reason they decided to come on board with Project Impact Albouystown was that they realised that it was a step in the right direction the police had taken by engaging children, parents and the communities at large.

It was pointed out that after the sponsorship will have run its course, each child will be assessed, and, based on the findings, a decision will be taken as to the way forward.

The lawyers said that they are prepared for the challenge, and that they have no ceiling or flooring with

respect to the amount of assistance they give to the two children during the two-year period, once it is related to their schooling.

The work of the police, through the project, is appreciated by the lawyers, it was noted, and according to the women, they fully understand what the police are trying to do, and that it only goes to show that there are many other ways of fighting crime other than the traditional one.

The lawyers believe that the Impact Project is just another way of giving young people an alternative life, and that just supporting it by giving lip service is not good enough, hence the initiative to sponsor the children.

The Guyana Chronicle was told by the lawyers that

their support is not just for the Albouystown project but any other project of a similar nature, since they all go a far way since it catches the young people before they go down the wrong road. The women are already offering free legal services through the legal aid clinic.

Meanwhile, the mother of the child, who was present at the formalising of the initiative, related that she was very delighted to have received the assistance since it is usually hard on her to send the three out of the five children she has to school.

She related that she has been playing the single-parent role for some time now, and appreciates the work being done by the police and the lawyers to assist her.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Guyana rolls out 2020 Agriculture Strategy - Citing increase in exports, decrease in imports and renewable energy thrust

By Derwayne Wills

AS it currently stands, it is reported that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) imports US$5.2B worth of food every year.

With an intention to intercept this demand for food in the Region, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has outlined Guyana’s Agriculture 2020 Strategy.

In his report to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment, on Monday, the Minister pointed out that the strategy will address issues of imports, import substitutions and exports in Guyana’s economy.

According to him, “The strategy we are pursuing at the moment takes into consideration the fact that the CARICOM Region imports US$5.2B worth of food and we believe that much of this can be supplied by Guyana.”

Ramsammy main-

tained that Agriculture should remain the pillar of Guyana’s economy, even with the steady growth of other emerging industries. The Agriculture Minister warned that while other countries have reduced their food and nutritional capacity, Guyana will not move down that path.

‘F5’ APPROACH The proposed strategy with the intention of achieving 5% growth in the agriculture sector for the next five years will see Guyana solidifying its capacity through a five-tier plan. According to him, the plan is referred to as the ‘F5’ Approach. F 1 and 2 will address issues of consolidating Guyana’s food and nutritional security statuses, respectively.

F3 will see the exploration of utilising agricultural products for the formalisation of an energy sector to drive the energy

demand of the industry.

Meanwhile, F4 will address the use of agricultural products in cosmetics and medicine. The minister disclosed that there is currently a demand from

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy the European markets for Virgin Coconut Oil for the

cosmetic industry, which he believes Guyana can provide.

Finally, the fifth approach, F5, will address the use of agricultural products for furniture and other craft.

IMPORT SUBSTITUTIONS Recognising the country’s potential for producing many of the products it imports, the Minister proposed that there ought to be a reduction in food imports such as corn, soya, potato, garlic, onion and spices. He noted that “all of these crops are presently being grown in either test plots or in farmer’s plots” in the country.

Some accomplishments have already been recorded where Guyana no longer imports cauliflower and broccoli, “because we now have local production.” Minister Ramsammy noted that these proposals of 50% reduction in the import of products produced

by Guyana should be recognised by 2020.

INCREASE EXPORTS

On the supply side of things, the Minister observed that the aim is to stabilise sugar production to 450,000 tonnes by 2020, with a short term goal of 350,000 tonnes by 2017. In relation to rice production, he said, “We want to increase rice production to 6 tonnes per hectare by 2020. At the moment, we are about 5.4 tonnes per hectare, and this is increasing from about 2 and a half tonnes from the early 1990s.”

The Agriculture Minister alluded to the much needed increase of non-sugar and nonrice exports by “a minimum of 25% by 2020.”

Similarly, there is some hope that there will be an increase in agro-processed production in Guyana by 50% and the production of 50,000 litres of bio-fuel on a commercial scale. In an invited comment, Minister Ramsammy noted that as an example, his vehicle as well as a few of the Government’s vehicles are run using fuel made from agro-processed bio-fuel mixed with traditional fuels.

“The demonstra-

tion plant at Albion has demonstrated its potential and we are now looking at using other substrates other than molasses for bio-ethanol, such as cassava,” Minister Ramsammy remarked.

With an aim of reducing milk imports by 50% by 2020, meeting the local demand for milk and dairy products, Ramsammy bemoaned the fact that Guyana currently imports over US$25M worth of milk.

“We want to see a dairy industry that is formalised and at least one dairy plant operating at a commercial basis by 2020.”

A plant which will produce at least one value added product such as cheese in addition to pasteurising, he added.

Minister Ramsammy confidently asserted that this is the first time that any CARICOM c o u n t r y h a s o rchestrated an Agriculture Strategy; he noted that while other countries have sub-sector strategies, Guyana has adopted the approach of an overall strategy.

German-Caribbean cooperation on Climate Change entering critical phase THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the German Government are supporting the efforts of eight CARICOM member states to adapt the manage-

ment of their natural resources and economies to the ever-pressing and far-reaching socio-economic and environmental impacts of climate change. In a keen effort to strengthen the national capacities to mitigate the adverse effects of an

altering changing climate, which inevitably impacts small islands and low-lying coastal states the most, the key objectives of the joint CARICOM-German Government support are twofold: (i) to See page 18

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

BRHA head denounces Opposition trickery

By Parvati Persaud-Edwards BERBICE is a melting pot of Guyanese, and it is in this ancient county, in Port Mourant to be exact, that Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Founder-Leader of the PPP was born.

Among the several historical landmarks in the freedom struggle for which Berbice is famous is the birth of the first slave revolt at Highbury, where also the first Immigrants from India landed and set foot on the soil of Guyana; Canje, Berbice where sugar workers were murdered in colonial times for their struggle; and #63 Village, Berbice, where PPP supporters were brutally murdered while attempting to prevent the seizure of Ballot Boxes by armed forces.

Some distinctive features of the Region are that it is the second largest Region, geographically, in Guyana and is the Region with the second largest pop-

ulation of the country.

Economically, Region 6 is agriculturally-based, with sugar and rice production being primary industries; followed by livestock rearing, fishing and cash crop production. Besides sugar and rice is the industrial

such place is Babu John where there is a Shrine dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jagan, and also his spouse, Mrs. Janet Jagan, who in her own right has a place in Guyana’s history. There is also the monument dedicated to the Ballot

The APNU and the AFC are both predators bearing different names, trying to “devour the Hydroelectricity project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport project, the Specialty Hospital and especially the poor and vulnerable; significant are the joint Opposition’s vicious attacks on workers of our beloved Guyana.” sector, which includes bauxite mining, saw milling and a few other enterprises. Employees of these various enterprises and farmers make up the bulk of Region 6’s population, as well as a thriving, sizable business community.

Region Six has certain distinctive features, apart from the birth place of Dr. Jagan. One

Box Martyrs.

Speaking to this newspaper recently, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, head of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), pointed out that under the PPP/C Government Berbice has come out of the period of decline, stagnation and discriminatory practices that it inherited.

He listed some signs of development, which he said are visible everywhere, naming the Berbice River Bridge and the University, among a multiplicity of others. “… there are better roads and streets; social services and amenities like water, education, health and electricity services are improving.

There is vibrancy in the business community and generally life has improved qualitatively,” Dr Mahadeo posited.

Dr. Mahadeo denounced the misleading claims by Opposition politicians who see Berbice as fair game in their power-grabbing strategies and iterated: “Dr. Jagan’s vision to politically transform our Guyanese society into a socially and economically just one is still relevant and one which those of us who

Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo were his adherents continue to uphold. We can do no less, and together, as a nation, we can give life to the ideals of Dr. Jagan and make his dreams for socio-economic changes for all the people of Guyana come true!”

He opined that the APNU and the AFC are both predators bearing different names, trying to “devour the Hydroelectricity project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport project, the Specialty Hospital and especially the poor and vulnerable; significant are the joint Opposition’s vicious attacks on workers of our beloved Guyana.”

Dr Mahadeo said Guyana today has a non- functional Parliament, where the

combined Opposition uses every opportunity to try to humiliate the Government. He also denounced the ploys by the Opposition to garner support through trickery. “Many have said that Berbice is the heartland of the PPP – there is more than a grain of truth in that observation! Perhaps that is the reason why every fly-by-night political organisation that comes up pays special attention to Berbice, seeking to weaken and replace the PPP’s strong historic influence and support in this area,” Dr. Mahadeo said.

He urged that all Guyanese should avoid pitfalls being dug by opportunists and build unity to advance democracy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

German-Caribbean cooperation on Climate Change ...

From page 16 conserve the unique marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea, and (ii) to foster the development and adoption of good

practices and adaptive measures in agriculture, forestry, and water/wastewater management. The main target groups include governmental and non-govern-

mental organisations, national farmers and fisherfolk organisations, the tourism industry, water utilities and small and medium sized businesses.

To deliver on the

CARICOM-German Government partnership, the regional development programme titled Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) was formulat-

Bellevue Farmers from St. Lucia discussing the situation of the reefs and the role of agriculture with the rangers of the Soufriere Marine Management Area.

ed. The CATS Programme, headed by Dr. Horst Vogel (GIZ), operates through a Marine Component, namely CATS-2, which focuses on the conservation of the marine biodiversity and coastal protection, and a Terrestrial Component, CATS-1, which leads all projects related to adaptive measures in agriculture, forestry, and water/wastewater management.

T h e C AT S P r o gramme is executed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and by the Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on behalf of CARICOM.

C AT S a d o p t s a ‘ridge-to-reef ’ approach that follows many of the lessons learnt and approaches from the GEF-funded Integrating Watershed and Coastal Areas Management Project—guided by a deep understanding that agricultural, forestry and water/wastewater management operations upstream exert a direct influence on coastal and marine ecosystems.

CATS-1 supports adaptive measures in agriculture, forestry and water management in Jamaica, Belize and Guyana.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, CATS-2 focuses on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in five East-Caribbean countries namely Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

New UN Asst. Secretary General visits

By Shirley Thomas

NEWLY appointed U.N. Assistant Secretary General/UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms. Jessica Faieta, on a tour of the Caribbean Region, was on Thursday last welcomed to Guyana at a reception in her honour at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

At the reception hosted by U.N. Resident Co-ordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Khadija Musa, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds joined Guest of Honour,

Ms. Khadija Musa extended a very special welcome to the visiting Director, Ms. Jessica Faieta. Musa recalled with pride that, 23 years ago, Ms. Faieta was here in Guyana serving as UN Volunteer Coordinator, and today, has returned here in her new capacity as the UN Assistant Secretary General/Director of the Latin America and the Caribbean Group.

Musa disclosed to the gathering that the Assistant Secretary General is very impressed with the progress and the difference she sees in Guyana from 1991 to today, and

volved in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which is also very important to the Caribbean, hence the partnership looks forward to joint work in this area.

Endorsing the sentiments expressed, Ms. Jessica Faieta, noted that it was a very special occasion, particularly, since she started her career here 23 years ago as a UN Volunteer.

She added: “And I have to say that it is really my tenure in this place that shaped my conviction…my conviction for development, my conviction for Human Rights…

Ms. Jessica Faieta displays a portrait given to her by the local UNDP Office, capturing a memorable Volunteer moment here 23 years ago. In background is U.N. Resident Coordinator & UNDP Resident representative, Ms Khadija Musa Ms. Jessica Faieta in proposing toasts to the partnership.

Also in attendance were Presidential Adviser, Ms. Gail Teixeira and other members of the Cabinet; Chair of Latin America and the Caribbean team; Members of the United Nations Country Team and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Chairperson was Ms. Yolanda Durant-McKlmon, U.N. Coordination Analyst.

Meanwhile, kudos were extended by the Assistant Secretary General for the progress made by Guyana over the years, and graciously acknowledged by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

hopes that it will continue.

Ms. Faieta is here on a tour of the Caribbean Region. It is her first visit to nations since taking up her appointment, Musa said, adding, “… and it really means very much, because she has given the Caribbean Region a focus to be here the first time that she left New York after being appointed. So we really appreciate that, and I am sure we can count on her to continue to support this Region and help us develop more dynamic programmes here, and also help us in leading the many issues that are on our plate.”

Ms. Faieta is also, at the moment, very in-

and throughout my career, I have always referred back to my roots in Guyana. So, I hope I hold a very big place for this country in my heart.” For this reason, she says, she considered it fitting to make Guyana and the Caribbean Region priorities on her list of tours.

And turning her attention to the progress realised by Guyana since she’s left here, Ms. Faieta reiterated: “I am tremendously impressed with the progress that Guyana has achieved in the last 23 years since I’ve served here. But I am also deeply impressed by the efforts of the people, and of Government.”

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and visiting U.N. Assistant Secretary General/ UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms Jessica Faieta propose toasts at the reception in her honour, last Thursday evening Conceding that there may still be many challenges in some of the things the country would want to achieve, she asserted, “But I still think that it is commendable and something that we have to appreciate and acknowledge.”

Ms. Faieta assured that the United Nations is very committed to the Caribbean, especially in this year when they will be holding the Third International Conference of the Small Island Development States (SIDS).

She said too that the U.N. expects to work jointly with its partners to take this opportunity of the SIDS Conference and other events in the U.N. system this year, namely the Climate Change Special Session, as well as to raise

the importance of the support for the development of Caribbean countries like Guyana.

The Assistant Secretary General, through Mr. Hinds, extended best regards to President Donald Ramotar, and her firm commitment that, “As I go forward in this function, you will see me often and you will always have my support.”

She thanked the Government of Guyana and the many other partners for the partnership enjoyed together with the UNDP. “I think we are a committed group of agencies of the United Nations who believe very much in standing behind the efforts of the people and the Government of Guyana to achieve more progress for this country,” she con-

cluded.

I n p ro p o s i n g h i s Toast, Prime Minister Hinds (who was at the time Acting President) expressed on behalf of the people of Guyana, profound appreciation that the U.N. Assistant Secretary General/ UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, should choose to return here to Guyana where she started her career.

“Let me also congratulate you on your promotion and let me also express our appreciation for your appraisal of Guyana and making it known how well we have advanced. We find those words very encouraging and hope they keep us all together to continue.”

The Circle of Love Quartet regales the guests with a medley of patriotic songs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Police rigorously probing recent stabbing deaths -incidents point to crying need to address interpersonal violence

By Leroy Smith CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday con firmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the Force is continuing very active investigations into all the stabbing deaths which occurred between last week Friday and Monday evening.

Speaking with this publication by telephone, the Crime Chief related that in regard to the strangling and knifing to death of Candy Rawlins of Lot 4 Crane Housing Scheme, WCD on Friday, July 19, 2014, the policing are looking to issue a wanted bulletin for the suspect, who has since gone into hiding.

Other police sources have confirmed that the police are reviewing phone records and are working on information of the possible whereabouts of the man, as advised by relatives of the dead woman. The police are continuing their searches in that respect.

Dead: Alvy Richmond In regard to the stabbing deaths of commercial sex workers Jason John and Carl Sinclair, which occurred early Sunday morning, July 20, the Crime Chief advised that investigations remain open even as the main suspect in the matter is now deceased.

Asked if charges were likely to be instituted against the MMC workers accused of transporting the man to the area where he stabbed the two commercial sex workers to death in different locations, James related

Dead: Candy Rawlins

Dead: Jason John

Dead: Carl Sinclair

Dead: Curtis McKinnon

that procedures have to be followed. He, however, confirmed that the police would first need to have statements to that effect before they can move to institute any charge against the workers of the security firm.

This publication was informed by someone other than the Crime Chief that statements are needed to the effect that the MMC men did drop off the assailant in the area where he committed the crimes.

Still investigating mur-

ders involving the use of a knife, the police are continuing their questioning of Nicola Joseph, whom they said is responsible for the killing of her reputed husband, Curtis McKinnon, on Sunday night. The woman reportedly told investigators and the dead man’s brother that she stabbed him during an argument.

One relative told this newspaper that after she was taken to the police station for stabbing the man, Nicola Joseph was not aware that

he had died, and that upon hearing the news, she began breaking down.

The police were, up to yesterday, still trying to ascertain whether the woman was indeed pregnant, as some sections of the media are claiming.

And in regard to the final stabbing death incident, which occurred at Mahaicony on Monday evening, the police are now moving to seek the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution, since the main suspect

in that matter, Travis James, has confessed to the police that he had stabbed his reputed wife’s brother and caused his death on Monday.

All four stabbing incidents, which claimed a total of five lives, stemmed from anger issues, based on the information received by this publication.

The incidents underscore the need for a mechanism of some sort to address the issue of interpersonal violence.

Guyana’s King of Comedy, Habeeb Khan, passes away

By Asif Hakim VETERAN comedian, the legendary Habeeb Khan, passed away yesterday morning at his Friendship, East Bank Demerara home at the age of 77.

This publication visited his relatives’ home in the same village to find family members deeply mourning his death. His son, Hamid Khan, told this publication that he was heading to work when he got a call that his father had died. Hamid said he did not believe, but on passing by his father’s home to verify the news, he saw a hearse removing the body.

“When I saw the body being removed, I started to feel weak. My dad was such a good and loving person; he was my life, and I cannot believe he is gone,” Hamid sobbed.

Born June 16, 1936, Habeed is said to have fathered 16 children from four different mothers. His second ‘child-mother’, Ms. Lynette Ferouz, who bore him 10

Veteran comedian, Habeeb Khan children, described Habeeb as a very easygoing and quiet person.

His last ‘child-mother’, Ms Doris Sukhwa, said they had been together for some 20 years. She has just one child with him. She said when she went to visit him yesterday morning, `he was lying in bed and not breathing.

Habeeb at his hilarious best at the National Cultural Centre “On his birthday that gone, he told me that this will be his last birthday with me. Last night (Monday, June 21) we talk to each other up to 9 o’clock, but in the morning when I went to visit him, I saw him lying on his bed with one foot up and the other down; his mouth was open and he was not breathing, so I know he had died

because he been sick for five years now; he had bronchial pneumonia. He was a very nice, loving and caring person,” Ms Doris said.

Habeeb Khan’s first wife was Myrtle Daniel, with whom he fathered one child.

His third ‘child-mother’, whose name we did not learn, bore him four children.

Habeeb Khan had been

The house in which Habeeb lived and died universally known for his comedy shows. He was born and raised in Kitty, Georgetown, before he relocated to Werk-en-Rust and subsequently to Friendship, East Bank Demerara.

Known mostly for his television advertisements and stage shows in Guyana, Habeeb had performed in various shows throughout

the Caribbean and North America, until he became the most popular comedian.

One of his most aired television ads features “Elegance Jewellery and Pawnshop”.

A post-mortem would be performed on Habeeb’s body to confirm the cause of his death.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

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Canadian expert holds local economic development seminar at Regency Hotel

By Ravin Singh CANADIAN Municipalities Board Member Michael Thompson yesterday completed Phase Two of his visit to Guyana with the holding of a local economic development seminar at the Regency Hotel, held under the theme “The Role of Elected Officials in Local Economic Development.”

The seminar, falling under the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) Project, was attended by Canadian authorities, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, Ministry officials, NDCs and RDCs. CARILED is a Government of Canada funded sixyear project being implemented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development (DFATD). It focuses on local economic development (LED), and spans seven Caribbean countries. Its mandate is to develop models of LED that can be shared throughout the Caribbean Region.

Delivering the opening address at the seminar was Programme Director of CARILED, Alix Yule, who gave a brief history of the project, which was first launched in May 2012. She noted that the project seeks to work with Local Government Ministries, and through selective communities, to advance economic development in the region. As such, projects are being executed in regions Two, Three, Four and Six. She explained that during the execution of the three-year

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker and Con. Michael Thompson FCM, Toronto, Canada project, CARILED will be working along with communities to assist them to be more pro-active in local economic development. She underscored how important the role of the NDCs and RDCs are in aiding economic development, and she stressed the need for work to commence at the community level.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker highlighted the fact that the role of elected officials in local economic development is set out in the constitution and in individual pieces of legislation that guide the roles and functions of the various local government organs.

“One only has to look at Chapter seven (7) of our Constitution and Section 74 of 28:01 or 28:02, where the roles of the local government organs are set out,” Minister Whittaker said.

He stressed that the roles of elected officials are guided by regulations, guide-

lines, policies and plans that have been developed over time; and those, to a large extent, guide how and what is done by the elected officials. “They guide how we procure resources and how legally we ought to use those resources,” Whittaker said.

The minister said the next important thing ought to be the leadership role of elected leaders in leading along the path to improved development. Accordingly, he emphasized the importance of leaders re-engaging the population and providing mediums for collaboration, so as to promote involvement of the people. This, he said, would not only create involvement at an implementation stage of the project, but at the conceptualization phase, where project strategies would be discussed.

The minister boasted that most of the development in communities is through NDCs and the municipali-

ties, but he pointed out that there is a failure at all levels to engage the people in public awareness exercises, which results in trickle-down effects, such as rates and taxes not being paid.

“Because we do not engage them in large numbers in a meaningful way in the decisions as to what we do, they feel that the next road that is being built is being built by the Ministry of Public Works; they feel that the next drain that is being desilted is being done by the Ministry of Agriculture; they feel that the next bridge that is being fixed is done by the Ministry of Local Government; but eight out of ten times it is the NDC doing this little project that means so much to the people,” Whittaker noted.

“Leadership is critical as we seek to deal with the challenges of development,” he continued, while stressing that we need to create the type of environment that is conducive to investment.

The Local Government Minister related that the process of economic development is built on collaboration with the key drivers, being central government, local government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. These agencies, he said, must possess the same objective -which is working to create better conditions for economic growth and job creation.

“The roles of elected officials extend beyond attending meetings and sitting in offices.

We must share experiences and ideas on how we can move forward our local economic development,” he urged.

The seminar, which was expected to conclude at 15:30 hours, would have sought to challenge the officials present to engage in meaningful discussions and to express ideas through which the formulation of policies could be achieved, thereby assisting in fostering economic development for

the region.

The keynote address was expected to be delivered by highly acclaimed Canadian official Michael Thompson, a member of the City Council of Toronto and an associate of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Board of Directors.

Thompson will also, on July 25, visit and commission the Tapakuma Women’s Agriculture Diversification Project in Region Two. He will continue his trips to the Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to look at some of the benefits of the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP). Under the institutional development and capacity-building aspect of the CRIP, which was supported by the FCM, the Diamond NDC benefited from the construction of a new NDC office, and also from capacity training and the purchase of a new computer system.

A section of the gathering at yesterday’s seminar held at Regency Hotel Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson

Commander Hicken spends birthday feting members of the Blind Society

By Asif Hakim P O L I C E ‘ A’ D i v i s i o n Commander, Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken celebrated his 46th birthday yesterday, by treating over 30 members of the Guyana Society for the Blind to a hot meal at the institution’s headquarters on St Phillip’s Green in Georgetown.

Before the meal was shared, ranks from the Guyana Police Force Band entertained their audience with steel pan music, and had them singing along to the lively beat.

Speaking with this publication, one member of the society said they are thankful for the meal, and that God has made everyone

Commander Hicken helps serve lunch

Sharing the traditional birthday cake with one of his guests

different, and He knows how they would live. “We know we are blind; some of us born this way, while some of us did not. It is not fair for us to live our lives unhappy; we need help more that anyone, because we cannot see. And we would like to thank the Commander for his offer, and looking forward for more,” the member said.

Commander Hicken said he was happy to be making such a donation. He said it is something that he loves, and he would continue to not only share meals, but donate other stuff to the Blind Society, among other institutions.

“When someone cannot see, it’s hard for them to help themselves; and I think that

Commander Hicken treats his guests to a bit of pan music Chronicle, “We cannot see; by donating stuff and helping if one of the nests fall, how the blind, I will make them are we going to defend ourselves? I can hardly see, but feel happy,” Hicken said.

Residents of the Blind someone needs to get those Society are appealing to the hives removed,” the man relevant authorities to remove said.

There are approximateseveral bee hives surrounding ly 10 bee hives attached to the building.

One resident told the the roof of the institution.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Several complete first phase of cosmetology course in Albouystown ...Commander Clifton Hicken gets manicure for his birthday

By Leroy Smith MORE than sixteen young ladies from the Albouystown community, on Monday, completed the basics in cosmetology, compliments of the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship and the Guyana Police Force.

The young ladies were

visited by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken on Monday who got a surprise manicure of both of his hands as a birthday gift. Hicken celebrated his birthday yesterday (Tuesday).

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in Albouystown, one young lady could not cease thanking the police and the church for empower-

ing her with the cosmetology skills, and she is already looking to learn more about the course so that she can start her own establishment.

Another young lady said that prior to the course, she would usually be at home with nothing to do and since she has been taking part in the course, she found it a real joy.

The young ladies with the Commander after giving his fingers a make-over One of the trainers who spoke with this publication

explained that the young ladies were all upbeat about the entire initiative and from all indications, are willing to learn more about cosmetology.

The course began on June 10th and will be completed later this month. They will be issued with certificates and will be guests at a luncheon hosted by Commander Hicken on Thursday.

Sometime this week, an overseas based Guyanese who once resided in Albouystown will be visiting Guyana and has indicated to the police that he is willing to purchase twelve pieces of equipment for a permanent training facility for young ladies interested in cosmetology. The items include work stations and chairs, among other items.

Hicken with the trainers and Pastor of the Heavenly Light Fellowship

A birthday manicure for ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Accused in Longden St. murder freed on judge’s directions

By George Barclay JUSTICE Franklyn Holder, the presiding judge in the Longden Street murder trial, yesterday directed the mixed jury to return a verdict of not guilty in favour of accused, Tony Collymore.

Justice Holder, who was expected to sum up yesterday afternoon, changed his mind after reviewing the evidence, and concluded that one of the elements of murder had not been proved by the prosecution.

He therefore had no alternative than to direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty in relation to the capital offence.

That being done, the accused, Tony Collymore, a city vendor, was discharged .

After the lawyers, the defence counsel and the prosecutrix had completed their closing addresses to the jury on Monday morning, the judge indicated that he would sum up the evidence on Tuesday afternoon.

But yesterday afternoon, he addressed the jury and directed them to return a not guilty verdict. The judge made the decision after reviewing the evidence.

The accused had been charged with having, on August 1, 2012, reportedly murdered plantain chips vendor, Jermain Simon, following a clash between them that led to the deceased attacking the accused with a knife, and the accused defending himself with an ice pick.

The accused was admitted to hospital with a wound in the chest, while Jermain died from his injuries.

Defence counsel Gomes had asked for an acquittal of his client, while the prosecutrix had asked for a verdict in accordance with the evidence and the oath the jury had taken..

Mr. Gomes had asked the jury to find that the evidence given by the star witness for the prosecution, the brother of the deceased, Sherwin Simon -- who said he saw the killing and then at another time said he did not see -- had not been straightworward with the Court.

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SASOD honoured with 2014 Red Ribbon Award THE Guyana-based Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) was honoured with the 2014 Red Ribbon Award for Advocacy and Human Rights at the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia on July 20, 2014.

The Red Ribbon Award is the world’s leading award for innovative and outstanding community work in the response to the HIV epidemic. The prestigious award was received by Mr. Joel Simpson, Co-chair and Managing Director and Ms Shellon Providence, Member of SASOD. Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit Mr. Dereck Springer witnessed the presentation. Advancing Health and Wellness is among the CARICOM Secretary General’s Top Pri-

orities for focused attention across the Caribbean Community over the next five years.

This, under the Caribbean Community’s five year Strategic Plan (2015-2019), designed to improve the quality of life for citizens in the region through concrete action on matters of direct relevance and benefit to all.

SASOD, dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean, has worked to repeal discriminatory Guyanese laws; change local attitudes about the lesbian, gay, bisex-

ual and transgender community; and end discrimination in the government, workplace and community.

Nine other community-based organisations that have shown outstanding community leadership and action on AIDS were also honoured in five categories (prevention of sexual transmission, prevention among/by people who use drugs, treatment, care and support, advocacy and human rights, and topping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive).

The selected community organisations will benefit from international visibility, and each recipient of the award received a US$10,000 grant to expand their capacities and to improve their quality of service further.

Apart from Mr. Springer, other Caribbean delegates present were Dr. Shanti Singh, Director of Guyana’s National AIDS P ro g r a m m e a n d Mr. Ian McKnight, former Executive Director of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

PANCAP Shocked and Saddened by Loss of Colleagues on Flight MH17

THE Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) says it is deeply saddened that a number of great friends in the fight against HIV may have been lost in the devastating crash of Malaysia flight MH17 last week.

“I am deeply shocked by this tragic news. I pray for the family of our colleagues and friends who were on flight MH17”, PANCAP’s Coordinating Unit director, Dereck Springer, stated on the PANCAP Facebook page on Monday.

Up to 100 delegates travelling to this week’s 20th Inter-

national AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia may have been among those lost on flight MH17. Representatives, activists, health workers, youth delegates, medical professionals, government leaders, researchers, community workers and others from around the world were scheduled to attend.

While reports are still unconfirmed, it has been stated that among the passengers were former president of the International AIDS Society and Dutch HIV researcher Dr Joep Lange; AIDS lobbyist Pim de Kuije and WHO media adviser,

Glenn Thomas.

PANCAP said just as its members are united in their efforts against HIV, they are united today in mourning for the loss of their colleagues and friends.

According to PANCAP, although details of the crash and the lives that were lost remain unclear, it is certain that the loss of those committed to the betterment of humanity and the lives of people worldwide affected by HIV will be felt for years to come. (CARICOM Secretariat)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

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ACIC/Sadr team up with Caribbean tv/radio shows for airing of events in Toronto THE Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA) are pleased to announce their securing of an alliance with popular radio/TV host Trinidadian born Richard Aziz for the airing of their local programmes and activities in Toronto, Canada.

Mr. Aziz is the host of popular Radio Shabnam and Caribbean Showtime TV programmes in the Greater Toronto area, and is well known to the Caribbean community in that area.

Aziz was honoured by the Trinidadian Government in 2012 with the ‘Distinguish Trinidad & Tobago National Canada Award’, and is a permanent fixture within the Caribbean Diaspora in the Greater Toronto area.

He is also involved with all religious festivals and the propagation of their spiritual and charitable programmes.

Aziz is a credible, vibrant voice in the media commu-

Popular Radio Shabnam and Caribbean Showtime TV programmes host, Richard Aziz

nity, the arts and entertain- four years. ment, culture, and social jusThe alliance will also altice. Mr. Aziz has produced low for the airing of Aziz’s the weekly Saturday broad- programmes on the organisacast of Shabnam Radio on tions’ TV & radio programmes WTOR 770AM TORONTO in Guyana. President General for the past 16 years, and the of ACIC, Hakeem Khan, exweekly Caribbean Showtime pressed great pleasure at this TV programme for the past development, which he stated will keep the many supporters of ACIC/GUSIA in the greater Toronto area more informed about the activities of these organisations.

From time to time, there Below rates for July 22, 2014 will be live video and auBuying Selling Currency dio streaming of these programmes.

ACIC is Guyana’s lead205.98375 208.43594 G$/US$ ing Islamic centre and is 351.36708 355.75846 G$/GBP$ home to more than 80% of 191.62113 193.83021 G$/CAD$ the national Islamic pro277.58370 281.09671 grammes. ACIC is the leadG$/EURO$ ing Muslim cultural group 101.86969 102.89094 G$/BDOS$ in Guyana, and the home 75.45903 76.21551 G$/EC$ of international cooperation 32.37401 32.69856 between Guyanese Muslims G$/TT$ and the rest of the world.

There are several Muslim organisations in the Toronto area with which it shares a relationship, most popular is the International Muslim Organisation (IMO) of Toronto, and the Sunnatul Masjid of Ontario.

GUSIA is Guyana’s oldest Islamic organisation, and is the only Islamic organisation incorporated in Guyana by an act of Parliament.

For Wednesday July 23, 2014 -14:30hrs Aziz has expressed his satisfaction at being For Thursday July 24, 2014 -14:30hrs able to promote the Guyanese Muslim community, and stated that his programmes cater for the activities of all religious groups. He has, from time to time, been providing media exposure to many prominent Guyanese organisations and individuals, as his programmes remain the most popular Caribbean cultural shows in the greater Toronto area.

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Aries March 21 - April 19 At the moment, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than home, and while you can’t click your heels together and get yourself there, probably because of a work situation, all you can think about is shuffling through the front door, pulling down the shades and curling up with the cat on the couch. Fade to black. That’s not the kind of thing you’d ever do, though -- unless you’d really had it with the entire world.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Patience has never been at the very top of your list of personality traits -- especially if you want something and you’ve wanted it for a while. So if there’s something out there you’ve been gazing longingly at while window-shopping, you won’t be willing to wait until it’s half price. Full price will do just fine -- as long as you get to bring it home and play with it today.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 Speaking of making a move, if you don’t do it first -- and you know how fond you are of that sort of thing -- they will. Enough with thinking about it, mulling it over and trying to decide which moment would be best. Use your instinct -- which really has yet to let you down, if you think about it -- and just do it. They’ve been waiting long enough, and so have you. Besides, isn’t it nice to keep them on their toes?

Cancer June 22 - July 22 Some quality time alone with yourself, or, if you’re attached, with your one and only, is definitely in order. That means you need to do something to start with that’s particularly tough for you: Disconnecting the electronic devices -- including, but not limited to the pager, the cell phone, the Blackberry, the beeper and even the landline. After all, if someone you love needs you, you know they’ll leave a message. And if worse comes to worst, you’ll find out later.

Leo July 23 - August 22 A long-distance invitation is about to arrive from a dear friend you haven’t seen in far too long. Does this mean you’ll definitely be the one travelling? Not necessarily. As fond as you are of home, you’ll probably be able to talk them into making the trek instead. But if you do decide to go, make your plans now. It’s a terrific time to do something totally spontaneous. And weren’t you just wishing for a break from your routine? Well, here it is!

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Here’s your dilemma: On the one hand, you want to keep playing, especially because someone you absolutely weren’t expecting to see has suddenly turned up.

On the other, you’ve been struck by a strong dose of duty and responsibility, and you’re already starting to worry about tomorrow being a workday. There’s only one thing to do: Divide the day equally. Work during daylight and play after sunset.

Libra September 23 - October 22 There’s a tender, touch-loving energy in the heavens above you -- the kind that’s tailor-made for an evening at your place. Order in some rich, sinful food, get yourself a nice bottle of wine and choose some romantic movies. You probably haven’t had a chance to be alone together like this in centuries. Enjoy it. Oh, and the good news is that you may have an instant replay tomorrow.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 You may have superhuman abilities when it comes to focusing on the task at hand, but you also know when it’s time to quit. So after days of pounding away at a project, now that it’s done, you may be tired, but you’re ready to quit, and to concentrate on an entirely different subject: The person who’s been impatiently waiting for you to get through and find some time for them.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Hopefully, you got happy hour out of your system last night, because you won’t be in the mood for it today. Believe it or not, you -- yes, you -- will wake up in the mood to make lists, check them twice and get things done. No, that’s not your usual M.O., but whoever said you were anything close to usual? Definitely not anybody who ever knew you for more than an hour or so.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Now here’s a day you can live with. Everyone will be acting solid, practical and responsible -- the way you are all the time. This certainly could mean that you’ll be moved to make a business decision such as the one you’ve been putting off for a while now. If it feels right, go ahead. If you’re doubtful, bring the papers to a seasoned professional before you sign anything at all.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 You adore your family, but your friends? Your friends are very, very special to you. They’re always there for you, and vice versa -- and you undoubtedly share an awful lot of memories. It’s all about these kindred spirits for you today, as you try to make them happy any way you possibly can. That includes saying what you think they want to hear. You might reconsider that part -- it’s called ‘enabling.’.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Each and every word you utter will have a solid, grounded tone to it, so when you’re asked for your opinion -- or even if you’re not -- you’ll be more than happy to give it. This easy confidence comes to you courtesy of the emotional Moon, who’s in a warm, loving, equally confident mood, determined to make the rest of us feel that way, too.

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Defending Champs maul Vryman’s Erven 8 – 0 to reach semi-finals

By Rawle Toney Tw o t i m e s d e f e n d i n g Champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) showed that they are aiming to add a third Digicel School’s football championship trophy to their growing repertoire, after mauling Vryman’s Erven 8 – 0 Secondary yesterday to reach the semifinals.

Their nemesis and the team whom they stopped in last year’s finals, Waramadong Secondary, also edged one step closer to their aim of dethroning the Linden school, when they cruised past Leonora Secondary 4 – 0.

In Berbice, Bush Lot Secondary fought off Annai to win 3 – 2 in a close encounter while Georgetown Champions St George’s were

given marching orders by Beterverwagting Secondary who won 1 – 0.

From all indication, prior to the start of the tournament, it was clear that the participating schools had one thing in common which was to end the stronghold CWSS has on the tournament.

The inaugural hosting of the event which was won by Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) saw the school which is popularly known as ‘Multi’ finishing second.

After Digicel had changed the tournament to Under-18, others find it hard to keep up with the Lindeners as they went on to win back-to-back titles in dramatic fashion.

Yesterday the school showed that they mean business and that message was clear and Vrymen’s Erven was unfortunately the messengers.

The visiting school from Berbice thought that it would’ve been easy after playing goalless for the first 20 minutes of the game, but then Donavan Francis would score his first of four goals in the 21st minute.

Two more from Francis in the 22nd and 45th minutes along with a Shane Luckie strike in the 24th minute saw the Lindeners taking a 4 – 0 lead going into second half.

Luckie, a potent striker known for his goal scoring ability, hammered in his second of the day (54th minute) to open CWSS’ account in the second half but Francis completed his helmet-trick one minute later.

Amaniki Buntin goals in the 60th and 78th minute was the final ‘hooray’ from the defending champions and a sigh of relief from the Vrymen’s Erven players as their nightmare soon ended.

Meanwhile, a 69th minute goal from Paul Kingston was more than enough to send BV Secondary past St George’s Secondary when the two met at the Camp Ayanganna Base ground.

P h i l l i p Ye a r w o o d could’ve doubled the score for the East Coast Demerara school in the 87th minute but his effort went crashing into the cross bar.

St George’s really didn’t create any chances in the game and were virtually outplayed in every department on the pitch.

The semi-finals of the fourth Digicel School’s football championship is set for Friday while the Finals will be played on August 3.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Dunga succeeds Scolari as Brazil manager

By Pedro Fonseca RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil named Dunga as their manager for the second time yesterday, two weeks after they were hammered 7-1

by Germany in the World Cup semifinals, a result which led to the resignation of former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The 50-year-old Dunga, who captained Brazil to their fourth world title in 1994, was last in charge of the national team in 2010 when he was sacked for failing to take them further than the World Cup quarterfinals in South Africa.

“I am immensely happy to be back,” he told reporters.

“I have an outline of what I want. Fans know me and they know I am not going to sell a dream but a reality and that reality is we have to work hard.”

Dunga acknowledged that Brazil has fallen behind the leading European teams in recent years and said he has spent his time outside football watching games and talking to managers and former players such as Arsene Wenger, Ruud Gullit and Arrigo Sacchi.

He warned fans not to expect cavalier football and said the best form of attack is defence.

“Managers today organise the defence in order to be able to attack,” he told reporters at a news conference to announce his appointment. “The important thing is not to have four or five players up front; it is to get forward with four or five players. Football today is total. Everyone needs to participate.”

Dunga played for a host of clubs in Brazil, Italy, Germany and Japan and was known for his combative midfield style. He captained Brazil to their fourth World Cup in the United States in 1994.

FIRST APPOINTMENT He was first appointed Brazil manager in 2006 but although he won both the 2007 Copa America and the 2009 Confederations Cup, his team crumbled when they went behind to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup and lost 2-1, costing him his job.

His only managerial po-

former goalkeeper and player agent Gilmar Rinaldi as technical coordinator in charge of all Brazil’s adult, youth and female sides.

Rinaldi is from the south of the country like Dunga and the two were friends and team mates at both Internacional and on the Brazil side that won the 1994 World Cup. Their friendship and ability to work together is considered to be a major factor in Dunga’s appointment just days after Rinaldi was chosen out of the blue.

Dunga acknowledged he has his work cut out to win over fans, with online polls showing a large maBrazil’s new manager Dunga smiles during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, yesterday. (Credit: Reuters/Ricardo Moraes) sition in the years since was a 10-month spell in charge of Internacional, the club where he started and ended his playing career.

His appointment as the new Brazil boss was leaked last week and comes just 10 days after Germany won the World Cup. Brazil hosted the tournament and were favourites to lift the trophy for a record sixth time. But the way they

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were outfoxed by faster, more agile and tactically astute teams brought calls for a revolution in Brazilian football. Some critics called for a foreign manager to be appointed and others wanted a complete overhaul of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

However, the CBF did not wait to dissect the defeats and two days after the cup ended they appointed

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jority against his appointment.

“The fans are hurting,” he said, citing Nelson Mandela as a man whose patience was rewarded. “I need to look for support of the 20odd percent who support me and try to win over the 70-odd percent who don’t with hard work and commitment.”

Dunga’s first match in charge will be against Colombia in Miami in early September with further friendlies against Ecuador, Argentina and Turkey to follow.

His first competitive fixtures will be in next year’s Copa America in Chile.

Bardet, van Garderen suffer as Rogers wins Tour de France Stage 16

By Julien Pretot

BAGNERES DE LUCHON, France (Reuters) - Frenchman Romain Bardet and American Tejay van Garderen’s Tour de France podium hopes suffered a major blow yesterday when they lost considerable ground in the 16th stage won by Australian Michael Rogers.

Rogers gave his Tinkoff-Saxo team their second stage win this year by powering away from a breakaway group in the 237.5-km mountain trek from Carcassonne.

Vincenzo Nibali of Italy retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey ahead of Spain’s Alejandro Valverde while France’s Thibaut Pinot, who was the strongest in the intimidating ascent to the Port de Bales, moved up to third at the expense of compatriot Bardet.

AG2R-La Mondiale rider Bardet, who had promised to blow the race open in the Pyrenees, was unable to sustain the pace in the climb and lost over 1:40. van Garderen could not follow either and lost more than three minutes, but Bardet’s team mate Jean-Christophe Peraud could not be shaken off.

World champion Rui Costa of Portugal did not start the stage as he with-

Tinkoff-Saxo team rider Michael Rogers of Australia celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 237.5km 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Carcassonne and Bagneres-de-Luchon, yesterday (Credit: Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier) drew suffering from pneu- reduced the group to seven men. monia.

Thomas Voeckler’s at“He was forced to withdraw after an X-ray exam- tack skimmed it down to ination, carried out during four before his Europcar the rest day at a clinic in team mate Cyril Gauthier Pezenas, showed an outbreak burst away, but he quickly of pneumonia,” his Lampre paid for it and was dropped.

Rogers, Colombian Jose team said in a statement.

A 21-man breakaway Serpa and Voeckler were on took shape after about their own three kilometres 60 kilometres and built a from the summit.

That is where Pinot’s 12:30 gap that started to shrink when they hit the team mate Arnold Jeannesfirst slopes of the ascent to son upped the pace in front the Port de Bales, a 11.7- of the yellow jersey group as km climb at an average Bardet dropped out. van Garderen was long gone already. gradient of 7.7 per cent.

Pinot finished it off in Astana and Movistar set the tempo of the peloton the last kilometre, dropin the climb while Rogers’ ping Valverde, Peraud and acceleration in the break even Nibali.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Chanderpaul, Homraj hit half-centuries for Guyana on opening day … Martina snares five-wicket haul

By Calvin Roberts FIRST class opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Ashkay Homraj were the stars with the bat for Guyana, against Shaquille Martina’s five-wicket haul for Leeward Islands at the end of yesterday’s opening day of their first round West Indies Cricket Board Under-19 three-day encounter at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Guyana, who last won a Regional Under-19 three-day title in St Kitts seven years ago under the captaincy of Steven Jacobs, were bowled out for 270 with Chanderpaul 65 and Homraj 62 leading the way, backed by Steven Sankar’s unbeaten 32.

Martina bowled unchanged for the visitors, except for two of his overs when he switched ends, to end with 5 for 86 from 31 overs of controlled spin, receiving support from Theron Bussue who took 2 for 48.

Asked to bat 10 overs for the day, Leeward Islands reached 21 for the loss of Dion Weste’s (1) wicket, with Ross Powell (14, 2x4) and Martina who is yet to score, their not-out batsmen, while Balchand Baldeo has taken the lone wicket to fall.

Guyana’s Tagenarine Chanderpaul was caught by Chronicle Sport’s photographer Adrian Narine, playing a forward defensive stroke during his innings yesterday.

Earlier in the day, Guyana lost Shimron Hetmyer (5) and skipper Brian Sattaur (10) within the first hour of the day’s play, to be 42 for 2, before Chanderpaul and Baldeo 20 (2x4) pushed the score to 74, with their 32-run thirdwicket partnership, which was broken when Baldeo was caught by Alzarri Joseph low down at first slip off Martina.

Shiraz Ramcharran (10) joined Chanderpaul and pushed Guyana to 108, with the 100 being posted from 39.4 overs before Ramcharran played around a delivery from Martina and was bowled.

Chanderpaul hit Leewards skipper Jeremiah Louis and Bussue for backto-back boundaries, followed by two fours back over the

head of Colin Archibald, posting his 50 from 122 balls, 192 minutes of batting and counting six fours.

After posting his 50, Chanderpaul celebrated with a six into the Media Centre off Archibald, before he played a tired shot at Martina and offered Kenrick Scott a catch at mid-off, having faced 137 balls during his 197 minutes at the wicket in which he struck eight fours and one six.

Kemo Paul joined Homraj at Chanderpaul’s demise and played a cameo knock, scoring six fours in his 26 off 17 balls, before he nicked one through to wicketkeeper Mohit Hingorani off Joseph at 173 for 6.

At tea, Guyana were 205 for 6 with Homraj on 41 and

Kemol Savory 8 and after the break, Savory departed when he struck one back to Bussue, while Homraj got his 50 from 92 minutes batting in which he struck five fours from 50 deliveries.

In partnership with Sankar, Homraj added 41 for the eighth wicket before he emulated Savory and struck one low back to Bussue which the bowler accepted and was followed seven runs later by Damion Waldron (2).

Sankar and Keon Morris (9) pushed Guyana to their eventual total, before Morris, who, along with Waldron and Savory, was making his debut for Guyana at this level, pulled a short delivery from Archibald into the waiting hands of Kasey Carthy at deep backward square leg.

Lewis, Williams feature as spinners dominate day one GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Chad Williams led Barbados’ fightback with the ball after Ramaal Lewis tormented their batsmen, but Jamaica were within sight of a valuable firstinnings lead in the Regional Under-19 Tournament, yesterday.

Left-arm spinner Williams grabbed 4-15 from 13 overs, as the Jamaicans reached 106 for five in their first innings at the close, on the opening day of the opening round match at Everest on the northern tip of the Guyana capital, just 14 adrift of nosing in front.

Williams defied an opening stand of 62 between Leroy Lugg and Odaine McCatty, removing the cream of the top-order batting before Lewis, the Jamaica and incumbent West Indies Under-19 captain, again featured prominently.

Lewis batted through about 45 minutes until the close with Abijai Mansingh, son of Dr Akshai Mansingh, the head of the West Indies Cricket Board’s medical panel, to stem the fall of wick-

ets, after the Jamaicans had stumbled to 76 for five.

Lewis had grabbed 5-47 from 19.2 overs and his deputy and fellow off-spinner Nicholas Walters supported with 3-21 from 11 overs, as the Barbadians, choosing to bat, were bowled out for 120 in their first innings about 50 minutes after lunch.

Shamar Springer, a member of the Barbados side that won the Regional Under-17 Tournament last week in Tobago, hit the top score of 31 and opener Lee-Germon Gaskin made 27.

No other Barbados batsman reached 20, as most of them were dismissed either to good bowling or loose strokes on a hard, true pitch in hot, sunny conditions.

Lugg and McCatty then gave Jamaica a strong start, taking them to 51 without loss at tea, but things started to unravel for them after the break, as Williams kept wicketkeeper Leniko Boucher busy behind the stumps.

Williams had McCatty and Lugg both stumped for

16 and 42 respectively before he removed Mark Parchment from a top-edged cut to the

Ramaal Lewis gloveman for four and Ramone Francis to a mishit to mid-on for one.

Jamaica’s grip was further weakened, when diminutive off-spinner Neil Persaud had Romaine Morris caught behind for six but Lewis came to the crease and with Mansingh got the Jamaicans back on track.

Earlier, new-ball bowler Odean Smith made the breakthrough for Jamaica in his second over – the fourth of the innings – when he had opener Dikembe Wilson caught be-

hind for one.

After Smith and fellow fast-medium bowler Oshane Thomas failed to make further headway in their opening spells, Lewis turned to himself and Walters in a move that paid handsomely.

Lewis had Boucher, the victorious Barbados Under-17 captain, caught at slip for two in his second over before Walters also struck in his second over, holding a return catch to dispatch Akil Greenidge, son of former Barbados and West Indies batsman Alvin Greenidge, for nine, as the Barbadians crumbled to 42 for three.

Lewis triggered further instability, when he comprehensively beat and bowled Jafari Toppin for six and had Nicholas Kirton, another member of the winning Barbados Under-17 side, caught at slip for a third-ball duck.

Walters left the innings in further tatters when he trapped Gaskin lbw playing forward, as Barbados subsided to 49 for six.

Regional Under-19 scoreboard

GUYANA vs LEEWARD ISLANDS GUYANA first innings S. Hetmyer c Martina b Louis 5 T. Chanderpaul c Scott b Martina 65 B. Sattaur c Joseph b Martina 10 B. Baldeo c Joseph b Martina 20 S. Ramcharran b Martina 10 A. Homraj c & b Bussue 62 K. Paul c Hingorani b Joseph 26 K. Savory c & b Bussue 8 S. Sankar not out 32 D. Waldron c & b Martina 2 K. Morris c Carthy b Archibald 9 Extras: (w-2, nb-7, lb-1, b-11) Total: (all out, off 77.1 overs) 270 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-42, 3-74, 4-108, 5-133, 6-173, 7-207, 8-248, 9-255.

Bowling Joseph 14-1-38-1 (nb-3, w-1), Louis 8-1-28-1 (nb-3, w-1), Martina 31-8-86-5 (nb-1), Archibald 9.11-38-1, Bussue 13-2-48-2, Scott 1-0-7-0, Carthy 1-013-0.

LEEWARD ISLANDS first innings Dion Weste c Morris b Baldeo 1 Ross Powell not out 14 S. Martina not out 0 Extras: (b-4, nb-2) 6 Total: (for 1 wicket, off 10 overs) 21 Fall of wickets: 1-10.

Bowling: Paul 4-1-14-0 (nb-2) Baldeo 5-3-3-1 Waldron 1-1-0-0.

Position: Leewards trail by 249 runs with nine first innings wickets standing Points-to-date: Guyana 4, Leewards 3.3 BARBADOS vs JAMAICA BARBADOS 1st innings L. Gaskin lbw b Walters 27 D. Wilson c wkp. Morris b Smith 1 L. Boucher c Mansingh b Lewis 2 A. Greenidge c & b Walters 9 J. Toppin b Lewis 6 N. Kirton c Mansingh b Lewis 0 M. Jones c Walker b Walters 13 S. Springer c Smith b Lewis 31 C. Williams c wkp. Morris b Mansingh 8 K. Harding c Smith b Lewis 13 N. Persaud not out 3 Extras: (b-2, lb-1, w-1, nb-3) 7 Total: (all out, 46.2 overs) 120 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-23, 3-42, 4-45, 5-48, 6-49, 7-71, 8-90, 9-110.

Bowling: Thomas 4-0-12-0, Smith 5-2-12-1, Lewis 19.23-47-5, Walters 11-3-21-3, Walker 1-0-2-0, Mansingh 6-1-23-1 JAMAICA 1st innings L. Lugg stp. Boucher b Williams 42 O. McCatty stp. Boucher b Williams 16 R. Francis c wkp. Boucher b Williams 4 M. Parchment c Springer b Williams 1 R. Morris c wkp. Boucher b Persaud 6 A. Mansingh not out 10 R. Lewis not out 19 Extras: (b-1, lb-5, w-1, nb-1) 8 Total: (5 wkts, 45 overs) 106 Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-65, 3-69, 4-76, 5-76.

Bowling: Harding 5-0-22-0, Jones 11-2-17-0, Springer 2-0-16-0, Williams 13-7-15-4, Persaud 14-4-30-1.

Position: Jamaica trail by 14 with five first innings wickets standing Points to date: Jamaica 4.1, Barbados 3 T&T vs WINDWARD ISLANDS T&T 1st innings J. Solozano lbw b John 18 A. Jangoo c wkp. Latchman b John 11 B. Christmas c wkp. Latchman b Phillip 5 C. Carimbocas c wkp. Latchman b John 0 J. Joseph run-out 6 J. Maniram lbw b Pope 12 S. Roopnarine c Simon b Edwards 10 A. Phillips c & b Pope 2 J. Bootan lbw b Edwards 5 T. Jadoo c Latman b Pope 0 A. Seetal not out 0 Extras: (b-1, nb-4) 5 Total: (all out, 54.2 overs) 74 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-32, 3-32, 4-38, 5-55, 6-59, 7-61, 8-67, 9-74.

Bowling: Lewis 10-6-13-0, Phillips 6-2-9-1, John 10-314-3, Pope 10-3-8-3, Hypolite 11-5-15-0, Edwards 7.22-14-2 WINDWARD Islands 1st innings G. Pope lbw b Jadoo 20 M. Gordon c and b Roopnarine 32 T. Simon not out 30 K. Jno Lewis not out 4 Extras: (w-1, nb4-) 5 Total: (2 wkts, 37 overs) 91 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-74 Bowling: Seetal 6-1-11-0, Phillip 3-0-8-0, Roopnarine 11-5-18-1, Jadoo 7-2-13-1, Joseph 4-0-16-0, Bootan 5-0-24-0, Christmas 1-0-1-0 Position: Windwards lead by 17 runs with eight firstinnings wickets standing Points-to-date: Windwards Islands 3, T&T 0.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

Guyana robbed of its fair share of matches in CP 2014 - avid cricket fans

By Jaden Samuels APART from the three matches handed to Guyana in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) being a huge success, many still believe that Guyana, being the title sponsor, has not gotten its fair share of the deal where the matches are concerned.

It is the view of avid cricket fans that apart from Guyana having the majority of the fan base, had it been any other Caribbean country it would have made sure it pocketed the semifinal or final and not the team’s three home matches. discuss While speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday fans felt the major sponsors of the league here, which are huge companies, could have come to a better deal where the booking of matches is concerned.

Caribbean mobile net-

work Digicel was named as the first global sponsor for the inaugural 2013 tournament and beyond in a multi-year deal As previous sponsors of the West Indies cricket team and the Digicel Caribbean Cup, the brand has considerable experience with sponsoring cricket and other sporting events throughout the Caribbean. Another huge sponsor is the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise owner, Dr Ranjisingh ’Bobby’ Ramroop’s New GPC Inc, specifically its Limacol brand, which has assumed the title sponsorship of the CPL, and Guyana’s best El Dorado Rum has been named as an official partner of the inaugural tournament.

This year’s tournament saw Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad, Barbados and St Lucia each being awarded three matches while ten matches were given to St Kitts including the first

Aubrey Jones - Amazon Warriors supporter: We is the sold-out venue every time. Look at the last three games, sold out budday. At least we should have a semifinal game.

Man, deh wrong.

James Bacchus Remember these decisions is them big ones making them but Trinidad dun hoping fuh improve in dem amount ah games, so leh we see wha we gun do next year cause is nuff money we putting.

and second semifinal matches and the final.

Several cricket-lovers,, after lauding the current per-

formance of the Amazon Warriors and the tournament at large, expressed their disappointment in Guyana not

38th Annual `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme attracts a number of youngsters THE 38th Annual `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme, organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed and sponsored by the National Sports Commission, has indeed attracted quite a few newcomers to the sport.

The aim of the programme which got under way last Monday and which will conclude on August 31 is to teach interested persons the fundamentals of the sport with the hope that they will become active racing cyclists.

The activity, which was started by Mohamed in 1977, is open to anyone desirous of learning the art of competitive cycling, adjusting their gears and getting acquainted with the rules of competitive cycling.

Sessions are being held from Monday to Friday of each week, from 09:00hrs to 11:30hrs.

According to Mohamed, the current rainy weather has been hampering his programme and he is hopeful that it (weather) will improve soon so that he would be more able to impart his knowledge to the young enthusiastic cyclists.

As part of the programme, Mohamed will teach the youngsters how to care their

National cycle coach Hassan Mohamed (standing) is caught by photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson explaining the basics of the art of riding to the newcomers while at left, seasoned cyclists are seen putting mileage in their legs. cycles, how to change their wheels, their gears, how to set their saddles, their handles and what plate is best suited for them, depending on their height and arm’s length.

Mohamed who started his cycling career in the 1950s, attended cycle coaching courses in Russia and Mexico among other countries, and has accompanied several national teams to various regional and international championships.

Among the cyclists to have benefited from his expertise are: former national champion and Guyana Cycling Federation president Hector Edwards, former champion Leo Romalho, the James

brothers Byron and Bertram, the Fiedtkou brothers Marcus and Noel, Tyrone Hamilton, Linden Dowridge, Godfrey Pollydore, Raymond Newton, Paul Cho-Wee-Nam, Junior Niles, Linden Blackman, Robin Persaud and current stars Geron Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey and Paul DeNobrega, among others.

Mohamed told Chronicle Sport that persons desirous of joining the clinic, event though it has already started, can do so by simply registering their names at the National Park, but they must have a proper cycle and a helmet.

The programme is being offered free of cost.

Sharon Jones - Amazon Warriors supporter Indeed we suppose to get more games. How come St Kitts get ten including the last three.

Renee Vanrossum We have to do better than that where we money is concerned. Jee only three games. I show yuh bai.

being able to host at least the second semi-final.

Matches and schedule have been categorisd in five weeks; one week will be known as finals week where

semifinals and final will be played. The team at the top of the points table will directly qualify for the final scheduled to be played on August 16.

Pope and John rock T&T as Windwards take first-innings lead GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) Windward Islands outplayed Trinidad and Tobago to snatch first-innings lead on the opening day of the Regional Under-19 Tournament yesterday.

Three-wicket hauls from Ryan John and Gidron Pope terrorised the Trinidad and Tobago batting and triggered an avalanche of wickets as T&T imploded for 74 runs in their first innings at Enmore.

No significant resistance came from the Trinidad batsmen, crumbling against Pope who grabbed three for eight, John three for 14 and Doran Edwards who assisted with two for 14.

At stumps, Windwards had surged to 92 for the loss of two wickets, leading by 17 runs.

T&T captain and opener Jeremy Solozano led his team’s batting efforts with a top score of 18 and besides 12 from Jemeel Maniram,

11 from Amir Jangoo, and Samuel Roopnarine’s 10, no other Bateman got into double figures.

Windwards wicketkeeper Anson Latchman was outstanding, taking four catches behind the stumps to dismiss Jangoo, Brian

Christmas for five and Camillo Carimbocas and Tevin Jadoo for a duck each.

Tonis Simon is unbeaten on 30 while the Windwards have lost Pope and Melvin Gordon for 20 and 30 respectively.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday July 23, 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) Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated Antigua Hawkbills by 2 wickets (with3 balls remaining).

(2)

Dinesh Ramdin

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored in the LCPL 2013 final?

How many runs he scored?

(2) Who were the on-field umpires standing in the opening game of LCPL 2014?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 23, 2014

39

Thompson opens Guyana’s participation at IAAF World Juniors

Brenessa Thompson U.S.-BASED Guyanese Brenessa Thompson opened Guyana’s participation at the fifteenth edition of the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Junior Championships with her run in the women’s 100m dash yesterday, when the competition began at Hayward Field, Oregon, in the United States of America.

Thompson was expected to be out on the track late last evening at 21:30hrs, local time. Thompson, who earlier this year represented Guyana at the CARIFTA Games, ran out of lane one in heat four of seven, entering with a personal-best time of 11.60 seconds which she recorded earlier last month.

Thompson’s performance in the women’s 200m race tomorrow will end her participation at the event, where Guyana is also represented

by U.S.-based Guyanese Kadecia Baird. Thompson’s performance yesterday will be followed today by Baird’s participation in the women’s 400m later this afternoon.

Coming off a season-best time of 53.34, the world junior silver medallist will be running out of lane seven in heat two of five heats.

The CARIFTA Games gold medallist enters with the third fastest time in her heats and the 11th fastest timing in the event where she is vying against 35 other athletes for the ultimate victory.

Her heat is headed by Russia’s Yana Glotova, who comes in with a season-best time of 52.79 seconds which she clocked last month at the Russia Junior Championships.

It was in the women’s 400m back in 2012 that Baird won Guyana’s first IAAF Junior Championship medal when she came second off a personal-best time of 51.04 seconds. Baird did not participate in the event last year, but now she is back and no doubt gunning after another medal.

The first four athletes and the next four fastest timings will be moving into the semi-final round of the women’s 400m. This will be Baird’s only race at the Championships.

Guyana out of CFU U-17 Qualifiers

Junior Jaguars fall 3 – 0 the Dominican Republic Guyana lost 3 – 0 to host Dominican Republic in their final game of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) leg of Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers yesterday at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal.

It was a must win game for Junior Jaguars after Barbados had defeated Antigua and Barbuda 2 – 0 and victory for the Guyanese would’ve seen them finishing on top of their group, but destiny thought otherwise.

According to reports reaching Chronicle Sport, the host team was the aggressor and saw their goals coming off the boot of Yeudy Jose Marte.

Barbados now advance to the next stage of the competition with five points after securing two victories and a draw and failed to lose a single.

The Dominican Republic will now have to wait on the outcome of the other groups in the tournament to see if they can be on the top second place finishers.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Thompson opens Guyana’s participation at IAAF World Juniors See story on page 35

Defending Champs maul Vryman’s Erven 8 – 0 to reach semi-finals BV, Waramadong and Bush Lot Secondary also advance See story on page 35

CWSS Striker Donovan Francis

Beterverwagting Secondary’s Paul Kingston celebrates after easily tucking the ball in the back of the net to give his school a 1 – 0 win over St George’s (Adrian Narine Photo)

Statement on behalf of the Limacol CPL Re: The naming of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel THE management of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League is pleased that the matter regarding the naming of the Red Steel franchise has been resolved and that the team will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel.

We would particularly like to thank Minister Gary

Griffith for his timely intervention in this matter and for his support in bringing it to a positive conclusion.

We can now concentrate our efforts on ensuring that the remainder of the tournament is a resounding success and that cricket fans across the world enjoy it to the fullest.

Limacol CPL CEO,

Damien O’Donohoe, said; “On behalf of the entire CPL team, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and her Government for their ongoing support for CPL and in particular her help in restoring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel’s name to the franchise.”

He continues; “We are absolutely thrilled that the

Red Steel will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, and, with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of CPL Champions 2014.

We wish them all the best and would like to thank the fans in Trinidad & Tobago for their fantastic support.”

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

Dwayne Bravo WEDNESDAY, July 23, 2014