Guyana chronicle 27 08 14

guyana No. 103932 wednesday august 27, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Late President Arthur Chung tops list of dead people on PLE Page

WPA’s Ogunseye charges ...

PRICE: $60

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Page

President Arthur Chung

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Basil Williams only using Rodney COI ––to advance his ‘narrow personal’ interests

The plot thickens...

COI learns GDF loaned grenade launcher to Corbin Page

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19 ‘Persons unknown’ lock Sooba out of own office Page

The locks that had prevented the Acting Town Clerk from gaining entry to her office

–force her to break-in, at risk of legal action

Stabroek news’ unwilling to report that GECOM is not ready for local government elections, one must ask why?

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

WPA’s Ogunseye charges ...

Basil Williams only using ––to advance his ‘narrow Rodney COI personal’ interests WPA (Working People’s Alliance) executive member, Tacuma Ogunseye, yesterday flayed Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Basil Williams, for using his role as the Party’s legal representative at the ongoing Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to advance his “narrow personal” interests.

In a letter seen by the Guyana Chronicle, Ogunseye details Williams’ disposition during his cross-exam-

Basil Williams

ination, which he describes as counterproductive.

He said, “To my mind, he is motivated by his narrow personal interest; for him, the Commission is a forum to be used to enhance his claim to the top leadership post of the PNCR, and a presidential run in the future.

“Mr. Williams’s effectiveness in the WRCI is affected by the fact that he is using the inquiry to achieve his personal political ambition to become PNCR leader. In the process, he has

‘To my mind, he is motivated by his narrow personal interest; for him, the Commission is a forum to be used to enhance his claim to the top leadership post of the PNCR, and a presidential run in the future…Mr. Williams’s effectiveness in the WRCI is affected by the fact that he is using the inquiry to achieve his personal political ambition to become PNCR leader’ -- Tacuma Ogunseye become a victim of his own doing.”

According to Ogunseye, once the PNCR decided to have legal representations on the Commission, objectively, the Party’s conduct was opened up for scrutiny both nationally and internationally.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY He highlighted that whatever that party’s lawyers do at the CoI is important.

Ogunseye said, “How they choose to defend the party, Burnham, and the Burnham-controlled state

demonstrate the party’s thinking, not only in the past but also the present and the future. While Mr. Williams’s tactics may be good for the ears of the party faithful, it drives fear and creates resentment in other sections of the nation.”

According to him, Wil-

Tacuma Ogunseye liams’ disposition has resulted in a missed opportunity for the PNCR. “They have locked themselves in the plot of the intellectual authors of Rodney assassination, with no room to deal objectively with evidence that is coming out of the commission’s work,” Ogunseye said.

He contends too that defending the PNCR and former President and leader of the PNCR, Linden Burnham seems to be “secondary considerations” for Williams.

“Defending the PNCR and Burnham are secondary considerations for him. He has great difficulty separating his personal interest from that of the party; every opportunity see page 10

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Late President Arthur Chung tops list of dead people on PLE

By Vanessa Narine

GUYANA’s first president, His Excellency Mr Arthur Chung, tops a list of scores of people who, though dead, are still included on the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) current Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Investigations by this newspaper have confirmed the inclusion of Chung’s name on the PLE, as well as the names of several other high-profile figures who are now deceased.

A source at GECOM told the Guyana Chronicle that names for the PLE are generated from the National Register of Registrants (NRR), and, as per the Commission’s procedures, are removed from the NRR only after the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) has forwarded authentic documentation indicating those persons have died.

“If the Commission receives a report from the GRO saying that a death was registered, then it Clement Rohee removes that name from the list. The Commission has to see authentic documentation in the same way it demands authentic documentation for first-time registration,” the source said.

The GECOM source added that, in the event that a death has not been registered and the name of a deceased person remains on the NRR -- even a high profile name like that of

former president Chung -- the Commission depends on the various measures it has in place to ensure that no person votes twice or casts a vote for someone else.

“The GRO sends a list monthly to the Commission. The Commission does not go out for information…anyone who is reported as dead, the claims and objections period provides the opportunity for that name to be objected to, and there is a procedure to treat with any such objection with a view to determining whether the objection be upheld or denied,” the source said.

The ongoing process of objections ends on September 3.

A CLEAN LIST General Secretary of the ruling PPP, Mr Clement Rohee, when asked to comment on the issue, told the Guyana Chronicle that the party wants a “clean” list of electors, and has been writing the Commission about the names of deceased persons included on the list.

He said, “As we find the names of persons who are deceased, we have been writing to GECOM. Our party activists on the ground have been using the claims and objections period to bring this problem to the attention of the Commission.”

Rohee added that, given that the Commission uses either authentic documentation from GRO or documentation from persons raising objections, there ought to be some flexibility

by GECOM to ensure the credibility and integrity of the final voters’ list.

“GECOM has to exercise some flexibility where persons, including well-known persons, who have died can be removed. Our party has been working with GECOM to address this, but GECOM needs to work closer with the GRO. For GECOM to wait for someone to object, well we are not going to get a far way this way,” Rohee said.

Rohee also said that while GECOM insists that it has measures in place to avoid persons voting twice, or someone voting for someone else, past experience makes it clear that the system is not water tight.

President Arthur Chung

“If someone wants to bog the system, they can find ways and means to do so. We are working to ensure this does not happen. We all have a role to play, and we must work together to clean up the list as much as possible…. If we build Chinese wall around the system, we would have a problem,” he said.

Rohee stressed that the ruling party has a vested interest in ensuring that the Official List of Electors (OLE) is a clean list. He noted that the PPP will continue to work with GECOM ONLY PARTY CONCERNED Additionally, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DECO) Mr. Vishnu Persaud, in a prior interview, confirmed that of the three parliamentary political parties, the People’s Progressive Party is the only party that has raised concerns with the Preliminary List of Electors.

“As at this time, I am not aware of other parties expressing concerns Vishnu Persaud about the PLE,” he said.

The DCEO noted that it is within the right of any political party to express concerns pertaining to any aspect of GECOM’s work; and that, correspondingly, it is GECOM’s responsibility to respond appropriately.

Notwithstanding this position, he stressed that see page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Gaza ceasefire takes hold as focus turns to longer term

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ari Rabinovitch GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians aimed at ending their seven-week conflict in Gaza appeared to be holding early today as the focus shifted to securing an arrangement for the long term.

No clear victor emerged from what had become a war of attrition between the Middle East's most powerful armed forces and the dominant Hamas militant movement in the Gaza Strip.

Exacting a heavy toll in Palestinian lives and property, Israel said it dealt a strong blow to Hamas, killing several of its military leaders and destroying the group's cross-border infiltra-

tion tunnels.

But Israel also faced persistent rocket fire for nearly two months that caused an exodus from a number of border communities and became part of daily life in its commercial heartland.

Palestinian and Egyptian officials said the deal, which was mediated in Cairo and took effect on Tuesday evening, called for an indefinite halt to hostilities, the immediate opening of Gaza's blockaded crossings with Israel and Egypt and a widening of the territory's fishing zone in the Mediterranean.

A senior official of the Islamist group Hamas, which runs Gaza, voiced willingness for the security forces of Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the unity government he formed in June to

sibly in a trade for body parts of two Israeli soldiers believed held by Hamas, the officials said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

control the passage points.

Both Israel and Egypt view Hamas as a security threat and are seeking guarantees that weapons will not enter the territory of 1.8 million people.

Under a second stage of the truce that would begin a month later, Israel and the Palestinians would discuss the construction of a Gaza sea port and Israel's release of Hamas prisoners in the occupied West Bank, pos-

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TAKING STOCK After the ceasefire began, crowds and traffic filled the streets of Gaza. Car horns blared and recorded chants praising God sounded from mosque loudspeakers. Celebratory gunfire killed one Palestinian and wounded 19 others, hospital officials said.

"Today we declare the victory of the resistance, today we declare the victory of Gaza," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Israel gave a low-key response to the truce, saying it would facilitate the flow of civilian goods and humanitarian and reconstruction aid into the impoverished territory if the "open-ended" ceasefire was honored.

"We have no problem with civilian support for Gaza," said Mark Regev, a spokesman for Prime Min-

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ister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We don’t want to see Hamas rebuild its military machine."

Many residents of southern Israel remained skeptical, and some officials recommended against returning home too soon.

"We had ceasefires in the past that didn't succeed or work out well, and (Hamas) continued with their terror, destruction, with all their craziness, and we no longer believe them," said Israeli Meirav Danino outside a supermarket in the border town of Sderot that for years has been hit by rockets.

The United States and United Nations urged both sides to comply with the terms of the agreement.

"We are all aware that this is an opportunity, not a certainty," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. "We have been down this road before and we are all aware of the challenges ahead."

Palestinian health officials say 2,139 people, most of them civilians, including more than 490 children, have been killed in the enclave since July 8, when Israel launched an offensive with the declared aim of ending rocket salvoes.

Sixty-four Israeli soldiers and six civilians in Israel have been killed - a civilian died after the ceasefire was announced from a mortar attack earlier in the day.

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Thousands of homes in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged in the most prolonged IsraeliPalestinian fighting since a 2000-2005 Palestinian uprising. The United Nations has named a panel to investigate possible war crimes committed by both sides.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights said 540,000 people had been displaced in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has said Hamas bears responsibility for civilian casualties because it operates among non-combatants and uses schools and mosques to store weapons and as launch sites for rockets.

"We have mixed feelings. We are in pain for the losses but we are also proud we fought this war alone and we were not broken," said Gaza teacher Ahmed Awf, 55, as he held his twoyear-old son in his arms and joined in the street festivities.

Many of the thousands of rockets fired at Israel were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, a partly U.S.-funded project hailed by many Israelis as an example of their nation's high-tech capabilities.

But short-range mortar bombs rained down on farming communities and towns near the Gaza border, putting into question the start of the school year in the area on Sept. 1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

PM Leads fight for Senate approval of controversial legislation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar yesterday led her coalition government’s fight for support of a controversial amendment to the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution in the Senate as hundreds of citizens protested outside the Parliament building.

Armed police watched as the protestors, representing the two main political parties, civic organisations, trade unions and others, paraded peacefully around the building, calling on the independent senators to vote against the measure.

The coalition government needs at least one of the nine independent senators to vote support the legislation that allows for a two consecutive term for the prime minister, the right to recall legislators and perhaps the most contentious, the

need for a run-off vote in the event that a candidate fails to acquire the 50 per cent of the votes cast in a general election.

The government said the legislation was influenced by the recommendations coming out of the 21 public consultations held by the Constitution Reform Commission (CRF) chaired by the Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar.

As she did in the Lower House earlier this month, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that the legislation would enhance the democracy in the oil-rich twin island republic, telling legislators she was also “not daunted” by the risk of committing “political suicide” in bringing the legislation.

“I am convinced that the reforms will go a long way to take the powers out of the hands of the

politician and out in the hands of the people.”

She said she is of the view that “we must not lead from the tower (and) we must lead on the battlefield” and that the legislation would \’widen and deepen our democracy”.

She said the legislation was in keeping with the promises made by the coalition partners when they campaigned ahead of the 2010 general elections, insisting “my interest must be in the best, if not best, the better interest of our people”.

She said she was also prepared to take the risk of political suicide, adding “we cannot continue to do business as usual”.

She said she ws pleased with the debate now in the country following the decision of the government to introduce the legislation

and that “democracy is alive and working.

“I would have been happier if some of these voices were at the 21 consultations held by the committee,” she said defending the decision not to delay debate on the bill.

“The time has come to not just talk the talk but also walk,” she said, adding “what is so fundamentally wrong with a run-off.

But Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi said that the government had sandwiched the run-off measure in the legislation between “two roses” adding that the whole situation has a “potential for civil chaos.

“The run-off for which there was no consultation says accept it because you have a right of recall, you have a term limit,” he said, adding “this is a recipe for disaster.

Al-Rawi said that the govern-

ment was contemplating using the upcoming budget to further entrench itself in office by announcing the establishment of a Constituency Fund that would provide millions of dollars to constituencies.

“The Prime Minister has told us today that everybody should be comforted because the Minister of Finance is going to come forward, he is going to have a Constituency Fund as a line item, all constituencies are to get 10 million dollars (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) and that the Attorney General will bring some kind of legislation …

“Honourable Prime Minister we don’t know the details of what you are speaking about for a number of reasons. Number one, your government has never condescended to something called a legislative agenda so we don’t know what you have”.

He said the legislative agenda was ad hoc at best “making it up as you go along” he said, telling legislators that this government had

spent the most history in four years than any other government before it.

Independent Senator Helen Drayton she had never witnessed “so mch passion” among the population as regards to the legislation, adding I think this augurs well, whether you support it or not… it is a testimony that we can be dynamic”.

She reminded legislators even as they were now debating the bill, there were people in some parts of the world who were being “slaughtered” for their religious and political beliefs.

She said she believed there was not enough consultation on the legislation, adding “if it is an important change that goes to the very heart of the democratic process then some consultation is necessary and therefore what has happened it has gone against the grain of people expressed reason why they want electoral change which is a fairer system”.

The debate is continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Charting this nation on the right path PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has refused to be railroaded by Opposition threats and anti-democratic actions in and out of Parliament, even while he is prepared to be accommodating of all stakeholders in the national interest.

As the first Guyanese president to be challenged with a Parliament that has collective Opposition majority -- and which has, so far, proven to be recalcitrant and power-crazy, showing scant regard for the national good -- President Ramotar has

not lost his affable disposition; and it is quite evident that nothing can shake his equanimity in the pursuit of, nor his commitment to, his development agenda.

Although he is aware -- and is not afraid to admit to his knowledge -- that there were interferences in the elections process by forces intent on skewing the results in favour of the Opposition collective, which had constrained the PPP/C to request a recount of ballots cast in certain areas, he is quite prepared to work with an Oppo-

sition parliamentary majority for the national good.

That the joint Opposition achieved a majority in Parliament, whether legitimately or otherwise, is moot and initially inconsequential to him, as his intentions have always been to lead a government that was inclusive of all stakeholders; because he was aware, as were all PPP/C presidents before him, that that was the only way for this country to realise its optimum potential for development.

However, the joint Op-

position seems hell bent on a destructive path that would stymie national development, because this would make the Donald Ramotar Administration seem inefficient and ineffective; especially if there are delays to the start-up, or continuation, of projects in the pipeline, or those already on stream.

When a Carl Greenidge can challenge an Ashni Singh on the national budget, especially in view of their well-documented re-

spective track records -– one for completely destroying the country’s economy and the other for steering the nation’s economy on a trajectory of growth -- and through the theatrics of his comrades in Parliament impede the progress in the country, so ably charted by former PPP/C presidents, then Guyana is in for some interesting times.

But “The Donald”

You shouldn’t throw stones I HAVE come to the re a l i z a t i o n t h a t t h e world we are living in is riddled with hypocrisy and double-standards; and in the context of Guyana, this is no different.

I read with great amazement the Chronicle article dated August 25, 2014 and captioned “local publisher at centre of duty-free concession scam”, and was taken aback that the publisher to which they made reference was Mr. Glenn Lall of the Kaieteur News.

For those of you who didn’t read the article, it implicated the Kaieteur News publisher, M r. Lall, w ith being involved in a remigrant waiver scam to cheat the Government out of paying approximately $40M in import duty for two brand new luxury vehicles owned by the Kaieteur News publisher.

This was done with

the help of relatives of Mr. Lall, who were remigrants who lived overseas for more than five years and were allowed under the remigrant programme, among other things, the incentives to import their vehicles duty-free.

The relatives imported two new 2013 Lexus LX570 luxury SUVs and transferred them to Mr. Lall. However, in transferring them, they breached a conditionality on the granting of duty-free concessions which stipulates that a motor vehicle cannot be transferred within three years of registration.

Checks done by Chronicle news revealed that the brand new 2013 vehicles were owned for only six months by Mr. Lall’s relatives before they were transferred to him, thereby breaching the conditionality for importing vehicles duty-free.

Reading the article

clearly indicated to me that the vehicles were bought by Mr. Lall, and his relatives were used as pawns as he benefited unscrupulously from their remigrant duty-free status.

I was in disbelief when I read the article, since I know this man and, by extension, his paper to be champions of fighting all forms of corruption; yet, the compelling facts laid out before me in the article logically showed beyond a shadow of doubt that, indeed, this so called champion of corruption was engaging in the same corrupt practices that he uses his paper to highlight.

N o w, t h e r e i s a n adage that goes: “you shouldn’t throw stones if you live in a glass house,” and I think the meaning is self-explanatory. Suffice it to say that, in this scenario, Kaieteur News is the glass house.

I say this because I recall, years ago, it was Kaieteur News that prominently featured and had on its front burner the seizure of two luxury vehicles (two Jaguars) by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) involved in a scam by a local auto dealer to evade millions of dollars in taxes.

While the two scams (Mr. Lall’s and the local auto dealer’s) are different in their execution, the end results are the same, the evasion of taxes to the GRA and, by extension, the Government.

In fact, Kaieteur News, in an article dated September 14th, 2010, under the caption “Six weeks later, GRA confirms the seizure of luxury cars”, quoted a statement by the GRA which said, inter alia, “It has been the observation of the Revenue Authority that many members of the

is unfazed, because the PPP has weathered worse storms, and emerged stronger in intent and commitment to steer the nation towards its ultimate objective; that is, to achieve all the promises inherent in this people of diverse cultures, whereby all Guyanese can live in unity in this country; where peace, progress and prosperity will prevail.

–if you live in a glass house

business community have been utilising every means necessary to avoid paying the necessary duties and taxes on their imports….

This practice has resulted in the state being denied revenues that are due, thereby resulting in hindrances to the overall development of the country.”

Kaieteur News then quoted GRA Commissioner-General, Mr K h u r s h i d S a t t a u r, a s saying that “the agency will not condone such practices. Any evidence of tax evasion will result in the guilty parties being fined and prosecuted.”

N o w, h o w h y p o critical is it that the newspaper (Kaieteur News) which published glaringly these acts of corruption (which had led to some of the GRA employees who were involved in the scam being fired and the two luxury vehicles

impounded) has at its helm a man who knowingly conspired with his remigrant relatives to defraud the GRA of taxes for luxury vehicles which he has in his possession, and according to the article prominently displays in front of his and his wife’s place of work?

I have long admired the work that Kaieteur News does, but have always been hesitant to believe some of the more outlandish and sensational stories which this newspaper carried.

I am now of the firm belief and conviction that this paper was never used as an instrument for fighting corruption, but was m o re a b o u t s e e k i n g to serve the vested interests of its publisher, who clearly is not a man of moral fortitude.

REAZ HOLLADAR

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Harmon misleading public WITH reference to several articles seen in the Kaiteur News, especially the one that stated halt and investigate Bai Shan Lin operation immediately, I wish to outline that this type of irresponsible statement is formulated to degrade the operations of Bai Shan Lin, which sends a false picture discrediting the administration of the Guyana Forestry Commission.

It is totally unfair/unjust to the Commission and Bai Shan Lin, especially when they are working within the confines of Guyana’s Forest Laws.

We, as Guyanese, need to give credit where it is due, and should commend the Guyana Forestry Commission and staff for working tirelessly over the years to bring the Commission to be among the best in the world.

It is sad to see articles humiliating Bai Shin Lin, an investment company that is creating jobs for Guyanese and improving the lives of small loggers and community workers.

As a former Operations Director of Forest Enterprise Limited and a former Forest Officer who has worked and studied forest operations in several countries the world over, and has 48 years working experience, I am fully aware of the rules and code of practice of the Guyana Forestry Commission, which guides all stake holders in doing sustainable timber harvesting.

It is not my hope or desire to respond to the many statements that make the news; but, if I do not, I will be guilty of accepting distorted information, especially when I know the truth.

I must let you know that Guyana Forestry Commission’s objective or the code of practice is for each operation to provide a range of standards, guidelines and rules that will help concessionaires to adopt appropriate practices. Its aim is to function as the following: 1. An effective instrument for the implementation of sustainable management of Guyana’s forest.

2. A brief of guidelines that will facilitate forest procedures of certification.

3. A series of guidelines that will help conserve biological diversity, forest regeneration and wildlife protection.

4. A tool for promoting enhanced productivity, sustainability, and economic viability of forest harvesting.

5. A tool for promoting improved living conditions and safety of workforce.

6. A tool promoting im-

proved relations between logging companies and local communities.

There has been massive development from 1992 to date. In 2000, the log tracking system was introduced to verify the origin of logs or sawn lumber, and to control the level of harvesting within each and every concession, be it state forest permit, wood cutting lease, timber sales agreement etc.

The tracking system is controlled by the use of tags and verification. These tags are freely given to stakeholders at the commencement of their logging operation, and the quota is equated to the number of standing trees which yield the volume and the number of trees computed. Each stakeholder is allotted a number of tags equivalent to his sustained yield.

Log tracking is fixed onto the stamp at the time when the tree is felled, and the other bearing the same sequence of numbers as recorded on the stump is placed on the produce being conveyed.

These tag numbers indicate where the produce came from, and can be traced to the origin of the produce.

Guyana Forestry Commission controls monitoring of the log tracking system, and the forest station and forest officers are supplied with the log tags for each area. Forest produce is recorded by each stakeholder for reference, and can be verified at anytime.

At Forest Enterprise Limited, our annual allowable cut was based on the company cutting cycle. Senior Forest Officers of Guyana Forestry Commission are aware of the growth rate of the different tree species, and they put systems in place for a cutting cycle. If a cutting cycle is 25 years and the area is x hectares, including small loggers clear felling in case of mining, farms and joint venture with Bai Shan Lin, taking allowance for biodiversity and overgrown trees with large canopies, it is necessary to fell these trees and remove them, so as to allow rapid growth for the many small plants.

All this should be known by those who work in the forest business and are owners of forest concessions.

They should also know the forest laws and at least guide the public.

Looking at one of the many pictures I have seen, and based on the cutting cycle, Forest Enterprise Limited is allowed to harvest approximately 18 cubic metres per hectare, which is equivalent to approximately 8 to 12

trees, depending on the size.

According to 100% inventory, one hectare has in excess of 300 trees, when FEL harvests 12 trees per hectare, we find 285 trees remaining, 12 to be harvested after 60 years, and the cycle will continue. By that time the volume of trees in the concession would increase due to the removal of the overgrown ones also.

The form of administration by GFC is compulsory for all stakeholders to follow. As a result, continuous harvesting according to the cutting cycle will continue over and over again. In this respect, it is crystal clear that the forest resources of Guyana could never be exhausted.

Any Guyanese who is in the system and those who want to be honest will say for sure that the administration of Guyana Forestry Commission is above board.

With the present harvesting system in place, there is no way Guyana natural forest resources can be exhausted, contrary to the press release.

Another issue in the news is Mr. Harmon asking for a public debate with the Commissioner of Forests.

It must be advised that the commissioner is a senior public servant, and is a neutral man in dealing with the public. He is very qualified in forest operations, forest laws, and he knows it all.

He should not be forced into political game with Mr. Harmon, who is not a forest officer; and should the debate materialise, there can be a hatred created which will target the commissioner.

Debates of this nature, in my opinion, would be appropriate with the appointed political head of the Commission, if he feels it necessary.

Another article in Kaieteur News is that local loggers demand similar concessions as foreigners.

In this respect, I am aware that duty-free concessions are available to all investors, be they local or foreign, but there is a formality in getting these benefits. You need to apply for duty-free concessions through the Guyana Office for Investment, and keep following up your application.

I know that many forest companies have applied for, and received, duty-free concessions. It is not fair for a company or individual to say that he/she is not getting duty-free concession when that company or individual has never applied for, or followed up the application.

I fully agree that all for-

eign companies should be involved in downstream operations and value added production.

When speaking about downstream operation and value added production, I must mention that in 1967, UNDP or FAO and Guyana Forestry Department, now Guyana Forestry Commission, established a wellequipped training institution that was keeping abreast internationally with improved technologies in forest utilization and downstream processing for the utilization of the forest resources.

This institution’s ultimate aims were firstly to accomplish improvement in existing industries by the introduction of new technology, and secondly to develop new processes for the utilization of forest resources.

The sections carry out service tests and observe behaviour of wood in use, e.g. flooring, sliding, piling.

Improve the durability of wood preservatives to make wood more

–about BSL, GFC operations

stable in the use through seasoning. Works to discover the best techniques of conversion and machining .Works to design and test timber structures, eg. Roof, tresses, furniture, joints and prefabricated buildings.

Works to develop uses for slabs and edgings. Works to render the sapwood of all species useable. Works to reduce wastage through proper sawmilling practices.

Testing paints, coatings and proprietary preservatives.

Prepares and tests new sawmill head rigs and wood working plants through the introduction of production planning and control techniques to ensure the use of the best wood preservatives in sawmills. And works to introduce small but efficient mills in the interior.

With all the systems in place for proper utilization of Guyana’s lesser known wood species, and to improve the downstream processing and value added production, this section of the Guyana Forestry Com-

mission was closed down in 1985, because some machinery used for training were removed by the administration.

I have since resigned after 12 years of studies local and overseas, and have taken up appointment in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

I must mention that this was the only institution in Guyana and the Western Hemisphere where students from the Caribbean attend training courses.

With comments on downstream processing and value added production etc. had it not been for the closing of the institution, Guyana would have been far better off in regard to downstream processing and value added production.

T. DREPAUL Ex. Operations Director of Forest Enterprise Limited Ex. Forest Officer, GFC Regional Councillor, Region Four (Mahaica/ Moblissa)

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

RODNEY’S DEATH: AN ENIGMA BEING ANSWERED Special Report on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry by Shaun Michael Samaroo

The plot thickens...

COI learns GDF loaned grenade launcher to Corbin DARK political plots that devastated Guyana’s State institutions and stifled its social and economic development in the 1970s and 1980s led to the grotesque corrupting and compromising of the integrity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), with missing confidential files, missing high-powered military weapons and mysterious documents baffling the nation today.

Evidence led at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry going on at the High Court in Georgetown reveals an intriguing mystery of shadowy figures bent on violating norms, procedures and standard operating procedures at the Guyanese Army during the PNC (People’s National Congress)-led administration .

Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James yesterday told the Presidential Commission that he cannot explain how Officers’ personal files went missing from secured locations at Army headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, here in Georgetown; how high-powered GDF weapons are missing decades

In testimony, Colonel James said the GDF loaned grenade launcher guns to external agencies, including the notorious Ministry, and identified the M72 gun as a grenade launcher. And the three weapons that the Police seized from criminals in the deadly shootout at Mahaicony on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at around 13:30 hours, included an M72 gun. The two other weapons were submachine guns, traced to missing guns that the GDF had loaned to the PNC Government’s Ministry of National Development, which were never returned to the Army. The GDF loaned the weapons to the Ministry on August 10, 1979. The GDF also loaned the Ministry guns on May 19, 1976.

Colonel James’ report said: - “issued to the Minister R, Corbin on 197605-18, 07 x S&W 9 mm pistols.”

- “issued to the Minister R. Corbin, Ministry of National Development on 1976-05-19, 50xM10 pistols.”

Colonel James issued his report to Commodore Best, the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Colonel General Staff and the Colonel Administration and Quartering at the GDF, while a copy was filed at Army headquarters.

In examining the witness yesterday, Counsel Hanoman noted that evidence at the Commission shows that the Ministry of National Development was destroyed by fire in July 1979, yet the GDF has vouchers showing that weapons were handed over to the Ministry in August 1979.

Hanoman also established from Colonel James’

‘Labelled in bold letters “SECRET”, the document refers to “recovery of weapons at Mahaicony East Coast Demerara on Wednesday 2008-01-09, property of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF)”. Colonel James’ report to Commodore Best listed a number of weapons that the GDF loaned to the PNC Government’s Ministry of National Development.

‘In testimony, Colonel James said the GDF loaned grenade launcher guns to external agencies, including the notorious Ministry, and identified the M72 gun as a grenade launcher. And the three weapons that the Police seized from criminals in the deadly shootout at Mahaicony on Wednesday January 9, 2008, at about 13:30 hours, included an M72 gun. The two others were submachine guns, traced to missing guns that the GDF had loaned to the PNC Government’s Ministry of National Development, which were never returned to the Army. The GDF loaned the weapons to the Ministry on August 10, 1979. The GDF also loaned the Ministry guns on May 19, 1976’ after they were loaned to a PNC Government Ministry; and why standard operating procedures contain glaring discrepancies.

Lieutenant Colonel James resumed the witness stand yesterday morning, and spent the bulk of the day answering questions from Commission Counsel Glen Hanoman to establish that the GDF ’s operating procedures were comprised and corrupted during the period 1978 to 1980, with the State of the PNC Government transferring guns from GDF stores to the Ministry of National Development, over a period of several years.

The witness submitted a document to the Commission as evidence. The document shows that the witness wrote and issued a Secret Army document in 2008, addressed to then Chief-of-Staff, Commodore Gary Best.

Labelled in bold letters, “SECRET”, the document refers to “recovery of weapons at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday 200801-09, property of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)”. Colonel James’ report to Commodore Best listed a number of weapons that the GDF had loaned to the PNC Government’s Ministry of National Development.

- “issued to the Ministry of National Development on 1976-10-13, 06x.22 rifles, 06x.30 Carbines, 06x.303 rifles and 15 x SLR rifles.”

Colonel James’ report to Chief-of-Staff Best includes a number of other weapons issued to the Ministry and other organizations, including paramilitary organizations.

Colonel James’ report says that “what has been determined, based on the check of the records available, was that M72 gun serial # 27589, and Beretta 9mm Submachine gun serial # 21025 issued to the Ministry of National Development on 1976-08-19, were not returned.”

The Officer’s report had stated earlier that “on Wed 08-01-09, at approximately 1330 hours, three (3) weapons, a M72 Gun serial # 27589, Beretta Submachine Gun serial # 20125 and a Ducktown TN 9mm Submachine Gun serial # 940024066, were recovered by the Police, after a shootout with criminal elements in the Mahaicony Creek area.”

Those weapons that the Police recovered had the same serial numbers as the guns the GDF had loaned to the Ministry of National Development in 1976.

Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James on the stand Monday testimony that the GDF never did search, and is not now searching for the weapons missing from its stores. Colonel James said there’s no search being conducted because no such instructions came from the Chief-of-Staff.

Colonel James also said that grenade launchers – the M72 guns – were issued to the Ministry of National Development just eight months before Dr. Walter Rodney was killed in an alleged political assassination, when a bomb exploded in the populist political leader’s car in Georgetown on the evening of June 13, 1980.

For the past 34 years, the world at large and the Party that Dr Rodney led, the Working see page 9

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

PPP alleges ...

Call for breakdown of PLE fallen on deaf ears ––GECOM begs to differ

By Vanessa Narine THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in a statement to the media, has charged that requests to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to provide a breakdown of the names and origins of people with whom the Party has concerns have received no response.

“To date, GECOM has failed to act. Never in its history did Guyana have a list with over 550,000 electors. We deserve a forthright and logical explanation from GECOM. The PPP stands firm as regards the integrity of the PLE (Preliminary List of Electors), and remains strong in its belief that the list in its present form is unacceptable,” the Party said in its statement.

Earlier this month, PPP General Secretary Mr. Clement Rohee disclosed that the Party has evidence of irregularities that have surfaced during GECOM’s ongoing Claims and Objections period.

He said GECOM needs to explain to the nation the “steep

COI learns GDF loaned grenade launcher ... from page 8 People’s Alliance (WPA), have clamored for an independent inquiry into the assassination of Dr Rodney. The WPA claimed that GDF Sergeant Gregory Smith carried out the assassination, but the GDF cannot locate any personal files on the late Smith, who died a few years ago in French Guiana, where he lived in exile.

Colonel James said the personal files of two officers that he tried to locate -- 4141 W Smith and 1731 Private Leon Molena-are missing. Colonel James said Smith’s personal file would have been tightly secured at GDF headquarters, with restricted access and under lock-and-key. He could not say why or how the files could have gone missing.

The Officer said the Army is continuing its investigations into the missing files.

Yesterday’s hearing ended with Counsel for the PNC, Basil Williams, cross-examining Colonel James.

In the few minutes Williams cross-examined the witness, Colonel James established that the vouchers of the missing GDF weapons are authentic records, and verifiable in other documentation.

The Commission is unearthing the social and economic conditions that stemmed from the PNC’s nefarious, conspiratorial political plots and ugly power paranoia that existed in the 1978 to 1980 period which led to the brutal bomb blast death of Guyana’s foremost historian and international scholar, Dr Rodney.

The Commission sits this morning, with PNC Counsel Williams set to cross-examine Colonel James.

surge” in names, amounting to over 78,000 new registrants on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), when, traditionally, new registrants amount to approximately 11,000.

“The PPP demands a complete breakdown of the new registrants and their origin,” he said, adding that it would seem that there is some “padding” of the PLE. However, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Mr. Vishnu Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle that the Commission has not yet received a formal request for a breakdown of the new registrants and their origins.

“I am not aware that we received any official request for a breakdown of names of any category of electors on the PLE,” he said.

According to Persaud, GECOM has consistently made available to all the parliamentary political parties the list of persons registered in every cycle of continuous registration exercise, as well as the PLE. Persaud also responded to concerns expressed by the Ruling Party over the Commission’s data entry process, by explaining that data input is completed by the Voter Registra-

tion Division, not the Commission’s Information Technology Department.

He added that all data entry is subjected to security measures to ensure both accuracy and integrity of the entries made.

“All of this is done in compliance with a procedure approved by the Commission, and it is managed by the Voter Registration Division’s manager,” the DECO said.

Additionally, the PPP has questioned the vacancy of an Information Technology Department manager and the establishment of an International Monitoring Unit, both of which Persaud said are being addressed by GECOM. Of the three political parties, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has been most vocal in raising concerns about the work of the Commission.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield, in a prior comment, was clear in stressing that the Commission would continue to communicate with all three political parties which address concerns and suggestions on different issues.

“Our engagement is continuous with all parties,” he said.

Commentary...

Granger and Bulkan: Two peas in the same putrid political pod

By David DeGroot HALLUCINOSIS must have overcome Ronald Bulkan when he stated “...if we want to see community renewal, revitalization and rebirth, this would only come if we have David Granger and APNU in government.”

“Ha! Ha! Ha!” is my response to this undoubted hallucination!

After some 20-odd years of the worst economic and total social deterioration this country was inflicted with at the hands of the PNC/R and amorphously called APNU, it is an example of supreme, bold-faced naivety to express that David Granger and APNU can attract the type of people with the necessary political calibre to successfully administer the affairs of this country.

Just take into consideration the sorry mess they have created for themselves at their just-concluded Congress, which resulted in the worst internal upheaval in the history of that sad political party, which Bulkan has latched on to in the hope of achieving ministerial status.

Granger and Bulkan are like two peas in the same putrid political pod, destined to be shaken alive to the reality of what it takes to become successful politicians.

Political groundings cannot be earned by being pitch-

David DeGroot

forked into high political positions, an achievement both comrades have enjoyed in a party which has long lost its way amongst the people who matter most in a mass movement.

It would be most instructive for these two political minions to never overlook the fact that the PNC/APNU have performed in government; never mind the rigging for twenty-odd years. And what a calamity it has been for the people and the country. They stole their way into power, and given a chance to prove their worth, the result was that Guyanese found themselves being scoffed at by the Caribbean countries comprising CARICOM, and indeed by countries beyond.

We became the laughing stock of CARICOM citizens, and were humiliated by the fact that we were looked upon as a pariah seeking sympathy; and we were a demoralized people under the yolk of the leaders in the PNC/Burnham’s autocracism and Hoyte’s personal opportunism.

Do we seriously want to experience this dreadful, much-maligned situation again happening in this country?

Present-day Guyanese must be mindful of the precarious political environment that has developed with the advent of a minority government. We owe it to ourselves to ensure that we guard against this eventuality.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Late President Arthur Chung tops list of dead people ...

From page 3

Basil Williams only using ... from page 2 by him to play to the national and international audience listening and viewing the WRCI. He used tactics that are morally, politically and professionally, counterproductive to the PNCR interest,” the WPA Executive said.

APNU SUPPORTERS CONCERNED Ogunseye’s letter followed, according to him, concerns from supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), of which PNCR is the major stakeholder, over the “adversarial and un-comradely” exchanges between himself and Williams while he was on the stand at the Walter Rodney CoI. The WPA Executive said, “Most days before I took the stand, Williams and I and/or some of his comrades cordially exchanged views on some aspect of the day’s proceedings. Let me emphasise that these brief exchanges were at all times friendly.

“I often told them that the WPA would not be claiming innocence. I made it very clear to them that WPA will tell things as they were. It is important to remind readers that Mr. Williams had knowledge of my

written statement and oral evidence before he began his cross examination.

“Hence, he had ample time to decide his approach to his examination. I believe that a good political lawyer would have recognised that my appearance at the commission was not that of an ordinary witness. He/she would have therefore taken into account my past and present history in the political life of the nation, and the fact that I was under oath to tell the truth at all times.

“Williams in his judgment decided to begin his cross examination of me in a hostile and politically sinister manner.”

He added that although Williams’s cross examination was adjourned for many days, during which he would have had time for reflection; there was no retreat from his assumed position.

“By proceeding on that note Williams demonstrated his political and class prejudice against thousands of Guyanese,” Ogunseye said.

He reiterated that Williams is clearly “motivated by his narrow personal” interest.

The WPA forms part of the APNU coalition.

GECOM stands by the accuracy of the PLE, considering the names on the PLE were extracted from the accurate National Register of Registrants (NRR).

“The Guyana Elections Commission is convinced that every person on the National Register of Registrants, from which the names for the PLE are taken, is a bona fide registrant. Accordingly, we stand by the accuracy of the PLE,” Persaud said.

Persaud pointed out that, in the 2008 house-to-house registration, persons were registered at their homes with the participation of scrutineers from the governing and

joint opposition political parties in Parliament. Thereafter, scrutineers were involved in the registration of persons in each consecutive cycle of Continuous Registration.

Further, he pointed out that each registration transaction goes through a series of checks before being accepted and committed to the National Register of Registrants.

Persaud said that if any political party is dissatisfied with the Official List of Electors to be produced after the Claims and Objections period is over, GECOM would be more than willing to address those concerns to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Supporting evidence that Guyana’s late first president, H.E Mr Arthur Chung is listed on the current PLE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Contractor reports...

Windsor Forest/Canal No.1 pump stations 80% complete

Some of the materials stockpiled for completion of the job

The existing koker, which will remain intact to perform its drainage functions (Photos

by Leroy Smith)

By Leroy Smith SAMAROO Investments’ construction of two new pump sta-

tions at Windsor Forest and at Canal Number One are 80 per cent complete, contractor Doodnaught Samaroo

disclosed to this publication via telephone late yesterday.

The Guyana Chronicle paid an early morning

A slightly elevated view of the general construction area

visit to the construction site at Windsor Forest last week Tuesday and

discovered only a watchman present, who granted this reporter access on the

construction site.

Speaking with Con-

Turn to page 22

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Dead maternity patient lawsuit‌

CCJ to determine whether Jainarayan Singh Prohibition Order was valid

By George Barclay SIR Fenton Ramsahoye, S.C. of Trinidad and Tobago and attorney-at-law Ms Jamela Ali of Guyana have been granted leave by the Caribbean Court of Justice to appear before the CCJ in relation to an appeal that affected their client, Dr. Narine

Datt Sooknanan.

NAME ERASED The appeal had its genesis on the 13th October, 2003 when the medical doctor performed a surgical operation at the New Amsterdam Hospital and both mother and baby died. Following a complaint from the mother of the de-

ceased that death was due to gross negligence on the part of some staff members at the hospital, then Chairman of the Medical Council, Dr. M. Y. Bacchus, since deceased, informed the Applicant that his name was erased from the Register of Medical Practitioners.

On the 25th August 2006, a Motion was made

to the High Court to quash the decision to erase his name and for further relief.

An Order Nisi granting prerogative remedies was made by the High Court (Roy J.) on the 29th August, 2006. The Order was made absolute by consent by the High Court (Roy J.) on the 13th November 2006.

Following the passing of correspondence between the lawyers and the Medical Council which showed a determination to proceed with a rehearing, the Applicant instructed that proceedings be instituted in the High Court to prohibit the proposed rehearing.

Proceedings were duly commenced on the 3rd August 2007 in the High Court.

An Order Nisi to prevent the rehearing was issued by the High Court (Rishi Persaud J.) on he 3rd August 2007 in the High Court.

An Order Nisi to prevent the rehearing was issued by the High Court (Rishi Persaud) on the 3rd August 2007. The grounds of the application were that the repeat hearing was an abuse of the legal process and that the order absolute made by the High Court with consent made in the matter res judicata since the decision which was granted was a final decision which concluded the matter of the complaint against the Applicant. The Order Nisi was made absolute by the High Court (Jainarayan Singh J.) on the 30th January 2008.

The Medical Council instituted an appeal against the order made on the 30th January, 2008

by Notice of Appeal dated 12th of March 2008. The Notice was amended on the 29th October 2013 by presenting an additional ground which was that prerogative writ proceedings were not available to the Applicant.

On the 11th October, 2006, a Civil Action No. 141 of 2006 Berbice was filed in the High Court against the Applicant

claiming damages for negligence arising out of the same matter. The action was heard and determined by the High Court (Insanally J) which dismissed it with costs on the 19th September 2013.

A decision allowing the appeal against the order made by the High Court was made by the Court of Appeal, (Singh, Chancellor, ag., Roy J. A. and Reynolds, additional Judge) on the 31st July 2014, when the order made by the High Court on the 30th January was set aside.

The Applicant doctor had applied and was granted special leave to appeal against the judgment and order of the Guyana Court of Appeal dated 31st July 2014 allowing an appeal by the Respondent, (Medical Council of Guyana) against a judgment by the High Court (Jainarayan Singh J.) dated 30th January 2008 granting an Order of Prohibition directed to the Respondent preventing it from conducting a re-hearing of disciplinary proceedings in a matter in which the Respondent on the 4th August 2006 erased the name of the Applicant from the Register of Medical Practitioners and the High Court,(Roy J) determined in proceedings to impugn the erasure quashed the decision to erase by order dated 13th November 2006 and prohibited the doing or causing to be done anything in furtherance of the quashed decision dated 4th August 2006.�

The following are the grounds of appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

1. (Jainarayan Singh J) was entitled to grant an Order of Prohibition to prevent a rehearing of the same complaint which had been finally determined in disciplinary proceedings in which the Respondent decided on the 4th August 2006 to erase the name of the Applicant decision of the 4th Ausee page 13

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Barber put on $70,000 bail over hammer attack on sister’s lover

FIFTY-three-year-old Allan Straker, known as Holder, is accused of hammering his sister’s lover after the man was seen having lunch at his

relative’s home at Lot 36 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Holder, a barber, appeared before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sher-

del Isaacs Marcus, where he was not required to plead to the charge of attempted murder.

He was granted $70,000 bail, and is ex-

CCJ to determine whether Jainarayan Singh ... from page 12

gust 2006 from the Register for the following, among other reasons.

2. The decision of the 4th August 2006 concluded the disciplinary proceedings taken by the Respondent against the Applicant on a complaint of professional misconduct; 3. The decision to erase was a final determination; 4. The Respondent had no power nor authority under Statute or otherwise to enter upon a disciplinary proceeding to rehear the same complaint on the same facts which led to its decision to erase made on the 4th August 2006 by the Respondent.

5. The decision to re-hear the complaint was a dishonorable attempt to circumvent the decision of the High Court (Roy J. ) dated 13th November 2006 whereby the erasure was quashed and proceedings in pursuance of the quashed

decision were prohibited. The decision to rehear was in the premises a malicious abuse of legal process; 6.

The decision on the complaint against the Applicant was res judicata by reason of the erasure of the 4th of August 2006 in a disciplinary proceeding under the Medical Practitioners Act, Chapter 32:02, a bar to a further or other disciplinary proceedings on the same complaint and the same facts having been created thereby.

7.

The Court of Appeal erred in allowing the appeal on the basis that res judicata did not apply to the decision of the Respondent and that the Respondent cannot be fettered in its statutory functions so as to prevent a rehearing of the complaint.

8.

The decision of the Court of Appeal was erroneous in law and oppressive to the Applicant.

pected to return to court on October 14 for report.

Police Sergeant Godfrey Playter, prosecuting, said that on August 16 last, Straker visited his sister Alicia Downer, 39, and after enquiring who was with her, he snatched the hammer from her hand and ap-

proached Phillip Wayne.

Wayne had just consumed his lunch when Straker allegedly delivered several blows with a hammer to the left side of his head, rendering him unconscious.

The bleeding virtual complainant was tak-

en to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted for two days.

Meanwhile, Downer told the police that she was in a onemonth-old relationship with Wayne when her brother attacked him.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

‘C’ Division Commander launches youth group at Turkeyen Station

By Asif Hakim

POLICE ‘C’ Division Commander (ag.), Senior Superintendent Lawrence Kissoon on Monday launched a youth group at the Turkeyen Police Station with over 60 youths from ages 5 to 17.

The youth group will be assisted by 16 adults with the help of members of the station management committee.

Among the 60 youths are those from South Turkeyen, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Field Sophia.

Speaking with the Chronicle, Commander

Kissoon said: “We want to produce citizens who will contribute meaningfully to society. We will train them morally and socially so they could be acceptable and conduct themselves properly in the future. Youths are the future of tomorrow, we don’t know who could

‘C’ Division Commander (ag.) Senior Superintendent Lawrence Kissoon

be who and we will work to bring good to these youths.”

The Commander noted that since Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud had taken over and with Commander of ‘C’ Division Christopher Griffith, who is now on leave, the division has seen a reduction in crime. He said that with the training of the youths incidents of crime will become even lower.

Kissoon also urged businessmen to take necessary security measures

such as installing surveillance cameras which will help the police to catch criminals even faster.

He assured residents that police will be patrolling day and night in various areas.

Meanwhile, the Commander is urging members of the public who may see a crime being committed to take photographs and send them to the police via BBM. He said the police BBM Pin can be found at any police station or outpost.

The Turkeyen Police Station where the youth group was launched on Monday

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Woman charged over stabbing death of Better Hope ‘peacemaker’

A WOMAN who was held by police along with her reputed husband has been charged in the stabbing death of Bharrat Sugrim of 285 Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara, whose body was found on Sunday in a yard at South Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

She is expected to appear in court shortly.

A senior officer attached to Police ‘C’ Division confirmed to the Chronicle that,

based on police investigations, the woman and her reputed were drinking when the two of them got into a fight. The officer said that Sugrim then got involved as a peace maker to part the fight when the woman reportedly stabbed him to his heart several times.

The police said that after both the woman and her reputed husband were taken into police custody for investigations, the woman confessed that she did the

killing.

According to the senior officer, the woman is to be placed before the courts for the killing of the man while her husband will be charged for violent behaviour.

On Sunday, the police issued a release saying that “the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Bharrat Sugrim, called “Lusty”, 37 years, of Better Hope, ECD, who was found in a yard at Cummings Lodge,

ECD, with stab wounds to his chest, at about 1430hrs on Sunday August 24, 2014.

A man and a woman are in police custody assisting with the investigations.”

Peacemaker, Bharrat Sugrim

16

Man caught on surveillance footage arrested for restaurant murder

By Asif Hakim

THE man who is allegedly responsible for gunning down 48-year-old waitress/cashier Debra Blackman

on Saturday has been arrested after his face was caught in surveillance footage from her workplace at the Chinese Delicious Restaurant.

The suspect is expected to be

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

Inside the restaurant where the shooting occurred placed in court this week, according to a senior police officer.

On Saturday, Blackman was fatally shot at the D’Urban Street, Wortmanville restaurant where she served for over 14 years.

She was at the time of her demise performing her duties as a waitress/ cashier.

Her friend, Marva Gordon, who operates a salon in the neighbourhood, told the Chronicle that just after 19:15 hours that day, she was at work when she heard a loud noise, but she thought it was the usual noise from the road which is normal around that time.

Ms. Gordon said she would normally see Debra over the counter but on this occasion she did not see her.

She added that after she didn’t see

her, she saw two men, one on a motorcycle and one in the restaurant who ran out and jumped on the motorcycle and they speedily rode off.

“I then ran out of my salon and went to see what was going on.

When I go in the restaurant, I see her body on the ground in blood, and I was calling for her, but she was not moving; the door was locked, and her body was inside by the door,” Gordon said.

After the shooting, the police responded but were unable to locate the perpetrators. Ms. Blackman’s body was removed by undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

According to our source, the police will be working hard on this case as their investigations continue.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

GGMC to place emphasis on social responsibility to hinterland communities

By Clifford Stanley

THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) intends to ensure that hinterland communities benefit directly from their proximity to large- scale gold and diamond mining activities.

Speaking with respect to Foreign Direct Investors (FDIs) in the mining industry, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GGMC, Clinton Williams said that it was the view that mining must improve the quality of life of surrounding communities.

He said: “Let me say this - that for those of you who are FDIs. In the past you have come up with strategies that talked about corporate social responsibility, etc! etc! But in a number of cases this was not defined at all. So you putting up a couple of hospital beds or school furniture or something here and there and that was then sufficient. But things are going to be different pretty soon.”

He stressed that those FDIs talking to the GGMC and the Government now about mineral agreements will recognize that the agency is taking a different course in terms of social responsibility of mining.

He said: “Mining by its very nature is a high-impact economic activity. The nature of the business means that the establishment of a mining operation is going to affect local communities, for better or for worse. We are asking for definitive quantitative deliverables to neighboring communities as part of that mineral agreement.”

“We are tweaking large scale projects to support any potential dysfunction that will happen during the mining period and even after.”

Mining operators will be required to not only generate community benefits in the short term, but to convert finite mineral resources into a positive and sustainable legacy for the host communities that

will continue after the life of the mine.

Williams said that this means that the GGMC and Government want to see the communities continue after the mining companies have left with sustainable industries whether it is agriculture or forestry or tourism as value-added for their proximity to these operations .

He reiterated: “We now insisting; we now tweaking these mineral agreements to insist that there are specific

deliverables, built into the agreements; that can be quantified which will benefit the communities during the mining and thereafter.”

He said that this would be part of the new strategy of shared value as it relates to the mining sector and how it contributes to creating value for neighbouring communities.

He said to the FDIs: “You will hear from us very soon.”

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday August 27, 2014

‘Persons unknown’ lock Sooba out of own office

By Ravin Singh

ACTING Town Clerk Carol Sooba yesterday, in an exclusive interview with this publication, disclosed that she is of the opinion that the next move by the Mayor and a section of the Council is to take legal action against her for entering her office after it was “unlawfully” barred.

The Town Clerk related that upon arrival at City Hall yesterday morning around 8:30hrs, she saw media operatives videoing her from the moment she stepped out of her vehicle.

At this point, she realised that the atmosphere was not welcoming, since one young lady with a camera was recording her every move.

After several requests for the young lady to stop videoing her, Sooba said she became flustered, since she was unaware of the reason for the “early-morning drama”.

“She continued to push the camera in my face, and I asked her several times to stop it, because I was trying to figure out what was wrong,” Sooba said.

As a result of the reporter’s consistent “bombardment” through the use of a video camera, the Acting Town Clerk said she “pushed the camera out of the way.”

As she proceeded to her office, Sooba said she came to realise that it was barred by strips of wood which were tightly nailed, thereby preventing entry. As such, she headed directly to the internal entrance, but was yet again greeted by new locks and hasp and staples.

According to Sooba, she then attempted to communicate this via telephone to the Chief Constable, Andrew Foo and

The outside door, minus the restraining strips of wood

–force her to break-in, at risk of legal action

other ranks of the City Constabulary since she was prevented from accessing her office. This however proved futile, so she then requested her security officers to remove the locks for her to gain entry.

The locks that had prevented the Acting Town Clerk from gaining entry to her office

and made aware that the perpetrators had committed an illegal act, since no one is authorized to enter any section within City Hall after working hours without a constabulary officer accompanying them. And from intelligence reaching the constabulary department up to yesterday, there has been no official recording of any constabulary officers entering the premises.

“It is obvious that these are strategies used to cause confusion, to disrupt and negatively affect the work of the administration at City Hall. There has also been a scathing attack on my security officers which seeks to remove them by any means, by the Mayor and supporting councillors. They want to remove these officers to expose my life to threats, because why else would they attack persons who do not get in the way of their work?” the Town Clerk questioned.

She maintained that she will not allow “acts of bullyism, intimidation and them to take law into their own hands by applying pressure by whatever means to remove me.”

Sooba concluded that she will continue to expect actions such as these in the future and will do whatever is in her power to restore dignity to City Hall through the execution of her duties.

The Acting Town clerk is contending that this act, which was executed by persons unknown, is one that was prearranged, since sections of the media had to have been made aware of the situation.

“They had to have known that this was going to happen, because no media has ever been at City Hall before my arrival, videoing from the moment I stepped out of the vehicle,” she stressed.

She was advised by senior The strips of wood that had been used to bar the door to the Town Clerk’s office staff of the City Constabulary

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Power of God church hosts literacy camp –for less fortunate children

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Power of God Ministry International (Guyana) has been providing literacy classes for less fortunate children to help combat illiteracy as part of a new initiative.

The two-week camp, which ends today, aimed at assisting children who may have found it difficult to attend extra classes in order to keep up with their school syllabus.

The camp was spearheaded by the church and volunteers.

The church said that it believes in “doing things in

a practical way” as well as demonstrating love and action to the society, hence the formation of the camp.

The camp is being funded by the Director of the Power of God church, Ms. Diane Anthony who also serves as a welfare leader and women’s leader.

Meanwhile, the idea behind this church is not only about preaching but more about being a social group to assist not only Christians but persons of other religious faiths in order to eliminate negativity and promote opti-

mism in their lives via counseling, bible sessions and other activities.

This ministry was formed last July and has been active ever since as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

It operates on the principles of the bible and does not demand compulsory tithes or offerings from anyone besides donations.

Meanwhile, when the camp concludes today participants will be given backto-school items on behalf of the church as well as certificates for their participation.

Volunteers as well as members of the church pose with the children

The children who participated preparing decorations for the conclusion of the camp

Crafting was also done by the children

City Councillors pass No-Confidence Motion against Sooba –at Monday’s statutory meeting

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

By Ravin Singh A NO-confidence Motion, tabled by Councillor Ranwell Jordan, seconded by Councillor Eon Andrews, and supported by most City Councillors was passed against Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba at Monday’s statutory meeting held in the Chambers of City Hall.

The Motion read:

“WHEREAS the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is constituted the Legal Municipality responsible for the Officers of the Georgetown Municipality, which means it is the Local Government Authority.

“WHEREAS as a Local Government Authority the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown as a body holds the power to govern its local authority area, under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

“WHEREAS the High Court has ruled on the 10th April, 2014 that the appointment of Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba as the Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development was unlawful.

“Also that the appointment by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development be quashed since he does not have such

powers under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

“And Whereas Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba unlawfully instructed the City Treasurer, Mr. Ron Mc Calmon to waive, as he did, twenty-seven million dollars ($27,000,000.00) in rates for Ganga Prasad and Sons Limited for property at, Lot 162 Charlotte and Wellington Streets.

“AND WHEREAS this act by Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba constitutes a fraud against the council and by extension the Citizens of Georgetown.

“BE IT RESOLVED that this council has no confidence in Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba.

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council instructs Ms. Carol Ryan Sooba to proceed on her vacation leave with immediate effect to facilitate an investigation in the matter by the Guyana Police Force.

The Acting Town Clerk, however, rebuffed these allegations, noting the grounds for the tax waivers were justifiable and, as such, they cannot be deemed as illegal or unlawful.

She further explained that the Council does not have the power to remove her as acting Town Clerk through the mechanism of a no-confidence motion, which was supported by some 15 councillors and disapproved by five.

However, according to the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 Section 119 (1): “The power to appoint a chief executive officer or persons to hold or act in any local government offices the emoluments of which do not exceed 18 thousand dollars per annum (including the power to confirm appointments), the power to exercise disciplinary control over any persons holding or

acting in such offices, and the power to remove any such persons from office shall vest in the council of which such person is to be appointed or in which he holds office and, in the case of the appointment of a chief executive officer, be subject to the approval of the Minister.”

Sooba is contending that the value of the eighteen thousand dollars as cited in Section 119 (1) of Chapter 28:01 does not equate to her current salary, and as such, the law, which had not been amended to suit the current value of the Guyanese Dollars, is not applicable.

The acting Town Clerk also related that this was not the first instance in which a no-confidence motion was passed against her, and she said she is not surprised by this move by the majority of the councillors.

Rising to contribute to the motion was PPP Councillor

Victor Sobers, who advised the Council that the decision to remove Sooba was one which would not be deemed legal. He explained that, just recently, High Court judge Justice Brassington Reynolds withheld his ruling on whether Carol Sooba would remain in the public office of City Secretary after she had been challenged by Public Relations Officer Royston King, who sought to be Town Clerk earlier this year.

The court decided that since there are other related legal matters involving the said parties in the Appeals Court, the outcome of the other matters should be awaited.

As such, Sobers emphasized, the Council should not be swift to make decisions such as the one they made yesterday, and should await the ruling on issues regarding the Town Clerk’s post that are currently before the court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

El Niño advisory should not be –Ramsammy warns sugar, taken lightly rice industries

By Sandy Agasen MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy says that stakeholders in the sugar and rice industries should not take the El Nino warning lightly.

However, he quipped that the ‘Ramsammy El Nino’ as some jokingly refer to the warning, has not quite kicked-in, but stressed, “While you can joke about the Ramsammy El Nino because there is some rain, the onset of an El Niño later this year is real and I am willing to be the butt of the jokes as long as people are taking my warning seriously.”

“If it doesn’t happen, people have some more jokes but if it happens we must be prepared for it. And the

greater changes have been vindicated. I am not looking for vindication. I’d rather be wrong, but if we do have El Niño we will be prepared for it. Do not dismiss the ‘Ramsammy’ El Niño.”

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters along the tropical west coast of South America. El Nino has an impact on ocean temperatures, the speed and strength of ocean currents, the health of coastal fisheries, and local weather from Australia to South America.

December. The prediction, as of this time, is that it could be a serious El Niño with severe droughts in many parts of the Americas.

According to Dr. Ramsammy, the current levels of rainfall are not enough to meet the overall demand for agriculture water in the country.

“It will only get worse.

Many countries in Central America, South America, North America and the West-side are suffering from drought. Jamaica had a major impact,” he said.

DROUGHTS Climatologists and weather forecasters predicted an El Niño for the Americas, starting in July and intensifying towards October and

INSUFFICIENT RAINFALL The minister explained that currently the limited rainfall will not significantly affect Guyana’s main agricul-

ture sectors.

He pointed out that in some areas, even the limited rainfall Guyana is experiencing is not sufficient.

“In one part of the country, they are calling that the rain is affecting them to an extent, because there is some sugar harvesting ongoing, and another part of the country, in the rice sector, people have been telling me that they want water,” he said.

The Minister added that once there is proper management of the water resources, Guyana could manage to pull through an El Niño season, unless there is insufficient rainfall to bolster the water levels in the major conservancies.

Additionally, an El Niño working group has been es-

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

tablished, with people from the Ministry of Agriculture, the private sector and other

ministries such as Public Works, Local Government, etc.

Second man charged in murder of businessman outside Botanical Gardens

By Geeta Rampersaud

A SECOND accused in the murder of a businessman outside the Botanical Gardens, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown last week was yesterday remanded to prison.

Twenty-five-year-old Jermaine Otto of Lot 735 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him by Magistrate

Judy Latchman.

The charge against the pork knocker said that on Monday, August 18 at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, he murdered Ashook Raghu during the course or furtherance of a robbery committed on the said deceased and his wife Shyrazadi Raghu of $4M in cash.

On Friday last, 21-yearold Travis Mc Dougall of 422 East Ruimvledt was charged with the same offence. He

was also not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The prosecution’s facts are that on the date and time in question, Raghu and his wife Shayrazadi Raghu were in their motorcar, PGG 8291, when they stopped at the traffic light at Vlissengen Road and Regent Street.

Otto and an accomplice rode up on a CG motorcycle at

the driver’s side. Ashok was shot to his chest and one of the men grabbed a haversack containing $4 million. Shayrazadi held on to the haversack and she was also shot.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman requested that Otto is remanded to prison until October 6, 2014 with the co-accused. They will make their next appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The unrepresented ac-

Accused, Jermaine Otto

cused told the court that he does not have any money to seek any legal representation. He added that he does

not have any knowledge of the allegation and was told that he is a suspect in a robbery and murder.

Forklift driver on $1M Broad Street labourer remanded on knife-point bail over causing holdup charge death charge A 69-year-old driver was yesterday placed on $1M bail after he pleaded not guilty to a causing death b y d a n g e ro u s d r i v i n g charge.

Balgobin Persaud of Lot 155 Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara denied that on Wednesday, August 6 at Dennis Street, Campbellville, Georgetown he drove motor forklift 23439 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Latchman Sukdeo.

City Magistrate Judy

Latchman told the defendant to return to court on September 25 before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman told the court that on the day in question around 08:00 hrs the defendant drove the vehicle out from a mining compound and turned west on Dennis Street and collided with the deceased who was a motorcyclist.

Sukdeo received injuries and later succumbed after he

was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) for medical attention.

The defendant was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Lawrence Harris, who requested bail in a reasonable amount after contending that his client is not a flight risk.

The prosecutor did not object to bail and informed the court that the father of three was already placed on station bail and had fully cooperated with the police during the investigations.

A LABOURER of Cevon’s Waste Management was yesterday refused bail on a robbery under arms charge by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Seron Skeete, 33, of Lot 17 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown initially pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Saturday, August 23 at Saffon Street, Georgetown, being armed with a knife he robbed Nandkumarie Maraj of one Nokia cellular phone, one handbag and one kitchen bowl, together valued $7,500.

Police Prosecutor Mi-

chael Grant told the court that around 18:00 hrs on that day the virtual complainant (VC) was on Saffon Street, awaiting her husband when she was confronted by the defendant who was armed.

The court was told that Skeete placed a knife to the victim’s neck and demanded that she hand over the handbag which contained the articles mentioned in the charge.

Subsequently, the VC saw the police on patrol and reported the matter after the accused had made good his escape on foot. He was later

arrested and charged and the articles were recovered.

According to Skeete he has been working with Cevon’s Waste Management for three years and never robbed anyone and based on his explanation a not guilty plea was entered.

However, the prosecutor successfully objected to bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the charge.

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison and the case will be called again on September 29 before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Windsor Forest/Canal...

tractor Samaroo, this publication was told that Samaroo Investments was last year awarded the contracts in Canal Number One and at Windsor Forest at costs of $120,000,000 and $164,000,000 respec tively. The work, which included construction of two pump stations at the two locations, is to alleviate flooding and to mitigate the presence of excessive amounts of water at the two locations when the koker cannot be opened.

The contractor said

t h a t t h e w i t h t h e e xception of minor works which have to be done at the two locations, the works are very close to being wrapped up. He said that the deadline date is set for November, but providing the weather is favourable the projects can be ready and handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture by October.

The initial completion date for the two projects had to be shifted to accommodate changes in the size of the pumps which were to be installed, because the con-

tractor had been unable to source the originally specified pumps (smaller pumps) from India, and had been forced to turn to the United States for the sourcing of the pumps.

(Bigger Pumps) At Canal Number One, there would be the instillation of a smaller pump compared to the one which will be installed at Windsor Forest. The pump at Canal Number One would transmit water through the channels to the facility at Windsor Forest, which would dump same into

the Atlantic Ocean.

The pumps would be protected by pre-fabricated housing at the two locations which, were all done by the very contractor. Samaroo told this publication that he has 26 workers engaged at the two construction sites With respect to the setbacks, Samaroo said that, in addition to the weather, additional works had to be done at the two locations to facilitate the new specifications of the new pumps, which are larger than the pumps which were initially sup-

From page 11

posed to be sourced from India.

Among the works were the broadening of the pump basin at both locations and the additional depth to accommodate the foot of the pumps.

On Monday night, workers completed the casting of the pump basin at Canal Number One. Among the other works to be done at the location are the building of revetments and outlets to the canals to connect to the koker wings. In addition, there is the construction of a small culvert which has to be constructed, all being referred to as minor works by the contractor.

At Windsor Forest, engineers would be testing the seating accommodation for the large pump, and once that test is successful, moves would begin to have the pump installed and the housing erected.

The testing is expected to be done within the next seven days, the contractor assured.

At this particular location there were issues with the soil, since because the construction site is so close to the ocean, there was slush and water which came up from beneath in large volumes, compared to the location at Canal Number One that in essence did contribute to the setback in the work at the seaside location.

At both Canal Number One and Windsor Forest, there are kokers which would not be demolished but remain to act as supports for the pumps when the need arises at the locations. At Windsor Forest also, the mobile pump had to be shifted several metres down from the construction site after the bigger pumps were acquired.

This was necessary since, according to the contractor, they had to dig wider and deeper to accommodate the bigger pump, and the mobile pump was in the path and would have collapsed.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Friday, August, 29, 2014 - 05:00 hrs

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Cable thieves target Lamaha Park

–leave scores of households without phone service TELECOMMUNICATION service in Lamaha Park, East La Penitence, has been temporarily disrupted, leaving more than 100 households out of service for an undetermined period.

Residents said that the service would have been disrupted somewhere around 19:00 hrs. Monday since

some recalled using the their phones as late as 16:30hrs. and when they attempted dialing around 19:00 they found that the lines were down.

While word has gone out that vagrants have cut and stolen the transmission cables, the word coming from the Customer Services Department is that the service

has been disrupted as a result of cable damage and technicians have been deployed to carry out related checks.

The first team of technicians was deployed to conduct checks around 10:00 hrs yesterday but management could not give a commitment as to how soon the service would be restored.

(Shirley Thomas)

New DHB project at final evaluation stage –Minister Benn THE members of a recently identified technical team are engaged in a final review of some 23 expressions of interest for the construction of a new Demerara River crossing.

“We are waiting the final evaluation and decisions on the expressions of interest,” Minister of Public Works, Transport and Hydraulics, Mr Robeson Benn, said in an invited comment.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the efforts are, to date, progressing well.

Government had previously indicated that it would invite expressions of interest for a public-private partnership for the construction of the new bridge.

Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) General Manager Mr Rawlston Adams, in February this year, had explained that the feasibility study for the new bridge had already been completed, with Versailles on the West Bank and Houston on the East Bank being determined as having the best advantage in terms of location.

Also, Good Hope on

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 27, 2014

Aries - March 21 - April 19 Use the day's boisterous energy to take charge and make things happen. You'll find that actions you take today resonate in the coming days. Don't worry about the consequences. Simply go for the gusto. Strong forces are at work encouraging you to seek freedom in your creative endeavours and giving you more room to explore your inner sanctuary that you hold so dearly.

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 There's apt to be powerful aggression today that may leave you feeling like you want to declare war on everyone. You may get the feeling that everyone else is completely nuts and you're the only one who really knows what's going on. Beware of misinformed people and false information. Fights could erupt over facts that seem true at first but are just someone's misguided dreams.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 You may run into some tension today as fantasy gets in the way of your plan of attack.

Keep in mind that things are moving rapidly these days, and the slightest movement is magnified. Don't try to undo things that can't be undone. Accept your mistakes and move on. There's a whole world for you to explore and conquer, so try not to get trapped in your own little box.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 You may run into a great deal of frustration if you try to fight the current circumstances. The key is to take whatever situation you're in and make the best of it. Whining and moping about your position won't make things better. You have great gifts to be proud of and thankful for, so don't throw them away by thinking that they have no outlet. Create your own reality.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Keeping things in balance today might be tricky, since your instincts may gravitate toward a loving, fanciful, peaceful situation. There's a harsh, warring force working against this position. Beware of this powerful energy that's self-centered and courageous. Stick with the things you know and don't stoop to another's level if it doesn't sit right with you.

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 Things may be tough and aggressive today, but that doesn't mean you can't make progress. There's a nervous energy in the air spurring people to action. Keep in mind that you're likely to get caught up in the frenzy and be called to take a stand. Be careful that your viewpoint doesn't become fixed and stubborn. You can learn some valuable lessons by listening to others.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 Make sure that the battle you fight today is yours. There's a great deal of tension in the air that might erupt when you least expect it. It may behoove you to stay detached from the war that's apt to ensue. Keep things light and try not to take things too seriously. Your philosophical viewpoint and strong spirit are the very combination needed to resolve the situation.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21

Minister of Public Works, Transport and Hydraulics, Mr Robeson Benn

the East Bank and Patentia on the West Bank were cited as possible locations.

Minister Benn at that time had reported that any such arrangement would be handled by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and not his ministry, since that is the agency which attends to such matters.

He explained that the reason such an arrangement is being sought is because the Government does not have the kind of money it would take to finance the venture.

Benn also reported that a freshwater environment is the perfect habitat in which to relocate the cur-

rent Demerara Harbour Bridge when its replacement comes into operation, with the Kurupukari Crossing on the Upper Essequibo River being listed as the likely candidate.

The new bridge would be made of reinforced concrete, have four lanes (some 20 metres wide) for vehicular traffic; a walkway for pedestrians; a cycle lane; navigational clearance (100m wide); navigational aids; and an estimated length of 2,250 metres.

The current use of the Demerara Harbour Bridge is estimated at 17,000 vehicles a day, a massive volume of traffic utilizing the decades-old bridge. (Vanessa Narine)

Wake up on the right side of bed. This will set the tone for the rest of the day. Keep things positive and you'll find that the aggressive energies of the day work for instead of against you. Don't try to fight people who are so obstinate that they refuse to see another perspective. At the same time, make sure you stay open to other people's points of view.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 You may feel a strong connection with your fanciful, romantic side today. Dreams and illusions are apt to enter the scene and take you into the clouds. Be careful, because you might find that a strong aggressive force opposes these dreams. Your wit and connection with new technology and electrical gadgets will be your greatest assets on a day like today.

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 Give people the benefit of the doubt today. Even though you may not agree with everything going on around you, people have their reasons for the way they act and the way they are. This doesn't mean that you need to act in exactly the same manner.

Stick to your routine and don't get thrown off track by the aggressive warrior in others.

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Some action you took yesterday may be opposed today. Unclear facts and romantic fantasies could get in the way of your taking decisive action. You may feel the need to act anyway. Keep in mind that communication could be tainted by pockets of uncertainty. Try not to rock the boat. Today's energy is a delicate balance between war and peace.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 If you find yourself in a slump today, don't worry. It could be that nothing fits right or that a certain nervous, restless energy urges you to take action but uncertainty prevents you from knowing which way to turn. This combination could result in a locked-up feeling that keeps you incapable of any movement at all.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

West Indies cricketers sign ownership deal for new Canadian T20 TORONTO, Canada (CMC) - Four of the biggest names from the West Indies cricket team have signed a deal making them co-owners in the new Canadian Premier League T20 set for next year.

They are one-day captain Dwayne Bravo, Test captain Denesh Ramdin, opening batsman Kieran Powell and former captain and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The deal arrives ahead of the countdown to the inaugural North American league tournament scheduled to commence on August 1, next year.

“I fully support the growth and development of international-calibre T20 cricket through the Canadian Premier League and the direction being taken by Roy Singh, the League’s

founder and CEO,” said Ramdin, recently appointed West Indies Test team captain.

“Roy has the vision, determination and drive to make this League truly successful and sustainable and I am thrilled to be coming on board as part of such a pioneering venture for the North American market.”

The 10-team League will consist of professional cricketers from around Canada, alongside global cricketing superstars from across the world, League officials have confirmed.

The Canadian Premier League’s management committee includes Singh, a successful Toronto-based entrepreneur who serves as CEO and Chairman, Chanderpaul, a director of the company while Bravo, Ramdin and Powell will

From back page

Grenada government....

“You will recall that the match ended about 15:00hrs and the music was going on in the posse stand and it was just stopped all of a sudden,” Joseph told a news conference here yesterday.

“I want to make it very clear that this was beyond the control of the government.

West Indies cricket board makes that decision and they sent instructions out that the music should be stopped.”

Bangladesh were shot out for a disappointing 77 in a feeble attempt to chase down the 248-run target set by West

serve as co-owners.

Former Toronto Star reporter, Bob Mitchell has been appointed president and Emma Everett, managing agent to Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Kieran Powell and Sir Richie Richardson will serve as Head of Global Player Operations.

“The Canadian Premier League is already creating waves of excitement within the international cricketing community,” said Powell.

“What makes the League stand out is Roy Singh’s brilliance and initiative in carving out a niche market in this region and ensuring that the business model surrounding his League is based on longevity that centres on a real passion for growth and development of the game”.

Indies.

Bangladesh’s final seven wickets fell for just 13 runs amid a carnival atmosphere at the national stadium.

“So a lot of people were angry with us for stopping the music because the vendors were still selling their drinks and people were enjoying themselves and having fun,” said Joseph.

“I too was disappointed when the music was stopped. The West Indies cricket board really had control over that aspect.”

Meantime West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reported to be

pleased with the large turnout of spectators for the game, weeks after officials lamented the poor attendance for the opening matches of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in Grenada.

“We were indeed delighted with the turn out,” said Joseph.

“The report from the board of directors of the West Indies Cricket Board is that they were extremely pleased.”

The National stadium in Grenada will host a Test match between West Indies and England in April next year.

`Violence’, Hubbard...

The talented Hubbard, who hails from the Harpy Eagles Gym in Albouystown, recently won a decision over Shaka Moore during the InterGuiana competition held at the Andrew Lewis Gym. Pierrie trains at the Guyana Defence Force Gym and represented Guyana at the last ALBA Games staged in Venezuela.

He has also been a national middleweight champion for several years. Guyana Boxing Association Technical Director Terrence Poole maintained that the two boxers can hold their own against the

best in the Caribbean.

“These are two experienced fighters. Both have campaigned successfully overseas several times and I would expect that they would do it again in Barbados,” Poole said. The competition is set for the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Saturday.

GABA president Steve Ninvalle said that it’s the second team to Barbados this year. He pointed out that since the meeting of Caribbean presidents in Barbados in May, there has been increased cooperation between Caribbean associations

From back page which augurs well for the development of the sport in this region.

According to Ninvalle, Barbados made “specific requests” and the local association was happy to fulfil.

“This year we have seen an increase in overseas assignments and competitions for our boxers. We have participated in more than six international competitions for the year and have on schedule at least two more before December,” Ninvalle said.

The team will return home on Sunday.

Racing Tips

10:10 hrs Gionanni Jack

Bellewstown

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English

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11:15 hrs Layla’s Hero

11:40 hrs Cillian’s Return

11:25 hrs Princess Salme

09:00 hrs Choc’A’ Moca

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American racing Tips

09:30 hrs Summer Times

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12:45 hrs Hoppsan

Saratoga

13:15 hrs Lady Mandeville

Race 1 All the Way Jose

10:00 hrs Bearskin

Kempton

10:30 hrs La Havrese

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13:45 hrs La Canaada

11:00 hrs Henry The Aviator

13:25 hrs Commandaria

14:15 hrs Sweet Cherry

Race 3 Rainha Da Bateria

13:55 hrs Limousine

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South Africa Racing Tips

14:55 hrs Homage

Kenilworth

15:25 hrs Sir Frank Morgan

08:20 hrs Buffalo Trip

Race 8 Manchurian High

15:55 hrs Maria Bella

08:55 hrs Clean Cut

Race 9 Ziptronic

Irish Racing Tips

09:35 hrs First Favour

Race10 Retire Fifty Five

11:30 hrs Nelson’s Bay 12:00 hrs A Southside Boy Catterick 09:10 hrs Burning The Clocks 09:40 hrs Foxcover

Race 2 Sherifco

Race 4 Beyond Empire Race 5 Hot Like Hepburn Race 6 She’s Roman Race 7 Console

GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

35

Mathews, Perera star as Sri Lanka square ODI series

Thisara Perera slams 65 off 36 balls, and then comes back with the ball to take three for 19.

(REUTERS) - A responsible half-century from captain Angelo Mathews and some big hitting by Thisara Perera set up a comprehensive 77-run win for Sri Lanka

against Pakistan in the second ODI yesterday and helped the hosts level the series at 1-1.

Mathews (93) once again fell short of a deserved maiden ODI hundred but all-rounder Perera smashed five boundaries and four sixes in a 36-ball 65 to take Sri Lanka to 310 for nine in their 50 overs after they won the toss and opted to bat.

Pakistan started briskly but lost their way against the spinners in the middle overs and Perera then returned with the ball to take three wickets for 19 runs and mop up the lower order as the tourists were all out for 233 in the 44th over.

In-form Mathews, who also scored 89 in a losing cause in the first ODI at the same venue at Hambantota, and Perera added 87 for the seventh wicket as

Sri Lanka added 80 in their last six overs to set Pakistan a steep target.

Mahela Jayawardene (67), who has retired from both Tests and Twenty20 internationals, propped his team up with a 122run stand with Mathews for the fourth wicket after Sri Lanka were reduced to 62 for three.

Part-time off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez pegged Sri Lanka back with a three-wicket burst as the hosts were reduced from 184-3 to 194-6 in the space of a few overs.

Mathews consolidated again before falling to left-arm paceman Wahab Riaz, who was the most successful bowler with four for 65, but by then the hosts had closed in on the 300-run mark, which was breached by Perera’s pyrotechnics.

Hafeez (62) and opener Ahmed Shehzad (56) added 96 for

the second wicket in quick time for Pakistan but both fell to legspinner Seekkuge Prasanna, who was brought into the Sri Lanka team for the second match.

The required run-rate kept creeping up and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath piled on the pressure by taking out Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (36) and Sohaib Maqsood (nine) during the batting powerplay.

Big-hitting Shahid Afridi (17) tore into Lasith Malinga in an over, hitting the paceman for three fours, but did not last long as Perera got into the act.

Fawad Alam (30) ran out of partners and became man-of-thematch Perera’s third victim before Malinga came back to clean up Junaid Khan for his second wicket and complete the victory.

The third and final match of the series will be played at Dambulla on Saturday.

Scoreboard SRI LANKA innings U. Tharanga c U. Akmal b Riaz 27 T. Dilshan c U. Akmal b J. Khan 13 K. Sangakkara c Maqsood b Riaz 11 M. Jayawardene b Hafeez 67 A. Mathews c Hafeez b Riaz 93 S. Prasanna lbw b Hafeez 1 A. Priyanjan lbw b Hafeez 3 T. Perera run-out (Shehzad, U. Akmal) 65 N. Kulasekara not out 5 L. Malinga b Riaz 0 Extras: (lb-11, nb-1, w-13) 25 Total: (for 9 wickets, 50 overs) 310 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-51, 3-62, 4-184, 5-188, 6-194, 7-281, 8-310, 9-310.

Bowling: M. Irfan 10-0-65-0 (w-2), J. Khan 8-0-64-1 (nb-1, w-3), W. Riaz 10-065-4 (w-2), S.Afridi 10-0-51-0 (w-1), M. Hafeez 10-0-39-3, A. Shezad 2-0-15-0.

PAKISTAN innings A. Shehzad c Sangakkara b Prasanna 56 Sh. Khan c Herath b Malinga 9 M. Hafeez lbw b Prasanna 62 U. Akmal c Sangakkara b Dilshan 1 Misbah-ul-Haq c N. Kulasekara b Herath 36 F. Alam c Mathews b T. Perera 30 S. Maqsood lbw b Herath 9 S. Afridi c N. Kulasekara b T. Perera 17 W. Riaz c Herath b T. Perera 5 J. Khan b Malinga 1 M. Irfan not out 1 Extras: (lb-4, w-2) 6 Total: (all out, 43.5 overs) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-114, 3-115, 4-147, 5-192, 6-202, 7-223, 8-231, 9-231.

Bowling: N. Kulasekara 4-1-23-0, L. Malinga 6.5-0-56-2 (w-1), R. Herath 10-2-38-2, A. Mathews 2-0-15-0 (w-1), S. Prasanna 10-0-36-2, T. Perera 3-019-3, T. Dilshan 5-0-25-1, A. Priyanjan 3-017-0.

Bangladesh lift ban on all-rounder Shakib … player available after September 15

Shakib Al Hasan has played 34 Tests and 136 one-day internationals for Bangladesh (REUTERS) - Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s six-month ban imposed last month for “misbehaviour” has been lifted, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said yesterday.

“After September 15, Shakib will be available for selection,” BCB president Nazmul Hassan told reporters after a board meeting.

However, the embargo on participating in overseas competitions will stand.

Bangladesh’s most prominent cricketer was banned for what the BCB called a “severe attitude problem”.

He later apologised and made a

passionate public plea to the board to reduce the punishment.

Shakib, who has played 34 Tests and 136 one-day-internationals, was accused of travelling to the West Indies to play in the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament without clearance from his board and was subsequently ordered to return to Bangladesh.

The 27-year-old had reportedly threatened to quit playing for his country and had an altercation with coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. Shakib has denied the allegation.

Yesterday’s decision paved the way for Shakib to play in the home series against Zimbabwe in October-November and the Asian Games kicking off on September 19.

“The Board acknowledged that the player had demonstrated exemplary behaviour since he was handed the penalty and we have been pleased with the manner of his appeal,” Hassan said.

“The Board will continue to monitor him once he returns to playing cricket. We hope that he has had the opportunity to reflect on a difficult phase in his life and will come back as the player the world knows and the personality everyone expects him to be.”

T&T Under-17 secure top spot in CFU group.

T&T secure top spot in CFU Under-17 BEAUSEJOUR, St Lucia (CMC) - Trinidad and Tobago have moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.

Their national Under-17 men’s team secured the top spot in their Caribbean Football Union preliminary group with a 3-2 victory over St Lucia at the Beausejour Stadium over the weekend.

T&T, who had beaten Grenada and Curacao, topped the group with nine points and have advanced to the CFU Final Round in Haiti next month.

The Trinidadians were featured in a thriller with the St Lucians as both teams needed

the win to advance.

However, St Lucia only needed a draw since both teams were on maximum six (6) points with the hosts enjoying a better goal difference.

Dareem Daniel, Anthony Herbert and a second half winner from Herbert sealed the win for the young Trinidadians while St Lucia pressed for an equaliser in the closing ten minutes of the match.

“The boys saved their best performance for the last game in this group phase. We were in control of the game from the first whistle,” head coach Shawn Cooper told Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) media.

“Credit to St Lucia as they pressed us on the break with there quick counter-attacking and they were a very athletic team with some quality players in their squad”.

T&T will vie for one of five spots from the Caribbean for the CONCACAF Final round in Honduras next year towards the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.

The 2015 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship will include 12 teams: five from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), four from the Central American Football Union (UNCAF), and three from North America.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

United smash British record by signing Di Maria

By Ken Ferris LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester United smashed the British transfer record when they signed Argentina winger Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million yesterday.

Di Maria has signed a five-year contract, the Premier League club announced on their website (www. manutd.com), with the fee breaking the British record of £50 million Liverpool received from Chelsea for Spain striker Fernando Torres in 2011.

Di Maria said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.

“Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back

to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started.” van Gaal added: “Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player.

There is no doubting his immense natural talent.

“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team.”

NEW ROLE Di Maria remained crucial to Real Madrid even after the world record signing of Gareth Bale last year and thrived as an often unheralded yet crucial cog in the team that won La Decima - their long-awaited 10th European Cup title.

However the high-profile close-season signings of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos prompted the 52-cap Argentina

Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring against Switzerland during extra time in their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo in July, 2014. international to reject a new contract at the Bernabeu. A new role awaits in England where Di Maria must cope with the pressure of returning a wounded United, who have taken just one point from their opening two Premier League games, back among the elite of European football.

Hamstrung captain Clarke set to miss more cricket

Michael Clarke MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia captain Michael Clarke, sidelined with a hamstring injury, may not be fit until the “back end” of the triangular one-day tournament with Zimbabwe and South Africa, according to stand-in skipper George Bailey.

Clarke injured his hamstring at training in Harare and was scratched from Monday’s series-opener against Zimbabwe, which Australia won by 198 runs.

“It happens a little bit too often,” Bailey said at the toss, referring to standing in for Clarke.

“Hopefully ‘Pup’ will be right for the back end of this series. Rest up for the first couple and then get himself right.”

Australia play South Africa in Harare

today, with further matches next week before the final on September 6.

Australia are likely to be very cautious about rushing Clarke back, with a two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates to follow in October.

The team’s performance without their top batsman will also have buoyed selectors, along with the straight hitting of paceman Mitchell Johnson, who blasted a six into the television commentary box window.

The shot showered Neil Manthorp and colleague Pommie Mbangwa with shards of glass.

The pair were uninjured and leftarmer Johnson, who bowled Australia to Test series wins over England and South Africa earlier this year, was not apologising beyond a sheepish smile and a raise of his hand when surveying the damage from out in the middle.

“I didn’t see it shatter, I just saw some of the commentators brushing away a bit of glass, so it was a good thing it didn’t shatter everywhere and the ball didn’t go through,” he said in comments published on Cricket Australia’s website on Tuesday (www. cricket.com.au).

“It’s something I’ve been working on, trying to hit straighter.

“I’ve been trying to hit as straight as possible instead of hitting across the line.

“So I’m not going to apologise, but hopefully I didn’t hurt anyone up there.”

Media reports said he would be given the iconic number seven shirt made famous by United greats George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Di Maria’s career started out at Rosario Central with the Argentine club’s renowned youth academy and

moved to Benfica in 2007.

Real paid the Portuguese club £20 million for his services in 2010 and the winger was a part of the team that triumphed in Europe last season.

However, the 26-year-old fell out of favour and was omitted from the squad for the Spanish Super Cup last week.

Di Maria looked strong in preseason after suffering a thigh injury in the World Cup quarterfinals that forced him out of the tournament.

Despite that injury he was named on FIFA’s 10-man shortlist for the player-of-the-tournament award.

Last week Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said Di Maria had asked to leave the club. His arrival at United takes their close-season spending to £131.7 million following the earlier acquisitions of left back Luke Shaw, midfielder Ander Herrera and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo.

Ajmal undergoes testing in Brisbane THE peculiar sight of a trio of the world’s best spinners bowling in long-sleeve shirts in sweltering heat was a red flag to cricket authorities to launch their latest crackdown on chuckers.

It surely wasn’t a fashion statement when Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal, in Brisbane on Monday to have his controversial bowling action analysed, chose to wear long sleeves during the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year.

He was joined by the West Indies’ Sunil Narine and India’s Ravi Ashwin in wearing long sleeves instead of the standard short sleeve shirts.

This was despite most matches in Bangladesh being played in more than 30 degree heat and the temperature gauge often nudging 40 Cricket’s chucking police took notice and even more so when Ashwin blatantly admitted he had been wearing the long sleeves so he could get more elbow bend.

Wearing long sleeves helps as it makes it harder for umpires to determine if an action is suspect.

“I just wanted to see if you can get more revs on the ball if you can do a little bit with your elbow, as much as that is,’’ Ashwin said at the time.

“You can get a lot of advantage with these things, so why should I lag behind if someone else is getting a competitive edge?’’

Off-spinner Ajmal, 36, who has taken 178 wickets at 28 in 35 Tests, is one of five bowlers to be reported for having dodgy actions since a worldwide crackdown began in June.

Ajmal’s mystery ball and the one under most scrutiny is his doosra, the away spinner delivered by an arm which often needs to straighten to get

Saeed Ajmal sends one down during Pakistan’s recent Test against Sri Lanka. maximum whip.

The current law allows bowlers to flex their elbow at an angle of 15 degrees. This has been the case for a decade, with the law introduced due to bowlers such as Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralidaran who was proved to have a medical condition which meant he had a permanently bent elbow If Ajmal’s action is deemed to be illegal, he will be forced to step down from the two-Test series between Australia and Pakistan in Dubai in October.

The recent chucking debate has some fascinating sidelights with veteran Australian spinner Brad Hogg suggesting more Australians should bend the rules and start bowling suspect doosras.

“If someone’s got a suspect action (and wants to bowl the doosra), we laugh about it and my advice is to just do it. Everyone else is doing it,’’ Hogg said earlier this year.

“The rules have been bent to help bowlers of that nature, and I think we’ve gone too far that we can’t come back.

“Australian kids are going to have to start doing it if we want to compete on the same stage.’’

The scientific study of Ajmal’s action was held behind closed doors on Monday and the results will not be announced for a fortnight.

(Courier Mail)

GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

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NSC’s 38th Annual `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme concludes on Saturday THE 38th Annual `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme will conclude on Saturday with an 11race programme around the inner circuit of the National Park beginning at 09:00hrs.

Alanzo Greaves who won the feature 35-lap event last year in a time of one hour 17 minutes 12.79 seconds will be hard-pressed this year to retain that title since he will be strongly challenged by a host of in-form pedalpushers, the likes of Hamza Eastman, Raynauth Jeffrey, Robin `The Park Ranger’

Persaud, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Jamal John, Mario King and Warren McKay among others.

The `Teach Them Young’ programme which is the brainchild of national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed has produced some of Guyana’s leading all-time cyclists and continues to do so.

In its formative years, the programme brought out cyclists that represented Guyana with distinction at the regional and international levels. Cyclists

such as Hector Edwards, Noel Fiedtkou, Byran and Bertram James, Godfrey Pollydore, Dwayne Gibbs, Persaud, Marlon Williams, Geron Williams and others too many to mention.

Apart from the feature 35-lap race, the 10-lap race for juveniles will be another event to look forward to, with Eastman, who won the event in 22 minutes 55.33 seconds being the defending champion, hard-pressed by Stephano Husbands, Jamal John and Alonzo Ambrose who occupied the first three places respectively in last

Alanzo Greaves

Saturday’s Banks Malta Supreme 10-lap race at the same venue.

Junior Niles is the defending champion for the veterans’ five-lap race, having recorded 12 minutes 32.68 seconds in winning the event last year.

He will however have to withstand some amount of pressure from Ralph Williams, Marc Sonoram and Jaikarran Sookhai.

The defending champion for the five-lap event for mountain bikers is Clyde Jacobs whose winning time last year was 25 minutes

Kvitova, Bouchard steamroll into second round at U.S. Open

By Larry Fine NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and runner-up Eugenie Bouchard launched their U.S. Open campaigns with a bang, blasting by their respective first-round opponents in quick fashion yesterday.

Third-seeded Kvitova of the Czech Republic crushed Kristina Mladenovic of France 6-1, 6-0, while Bouchard was nearly as efficient in dismissing Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-2, 6-1 in the Flushing Meadows sunshine.

“I’m very happy. First round is always nerves,” said the hardhitting Kvitova, who won the lead-in tournament in New Haven last weekend. “It was the same today. When I wake up, I start to feel nervous. I was just glad how I played today.”

Kvitova stumbled at the first hurdle here after winning her first Wimbledon crown in 2011.

“The other grand slams are a big challenge for me right now. I remember 2011 when I lost my first round after winning Wimbledon, so I’m just glad that I’m better already,” she said with a smile.

The 20-year-old, pigtailed Bouchard, the only woman to reach the semi-finals of the year’s first three majors, eradicated questions about her hard-court form with an overwhelming win.

Seventh-seeded Bouchard, who won one match in three

events since losing to Kvitova at the All England Club last month as she was bothered by knee and hamstring injuries, ripped 19 winners and forced 24 errors from an outclassed Govortsova.

former French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.

The 20th seed was upset by 82ndranked Marina Erakovic of New Zealand 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3).

On the men’s side, 10th seed

Petra Kvitova “Obviously I would have liked more matches, but that’s the way it is sometimes. I feel like I practised well before, and that was the best I could do at that moment,” said aggressive baseliner Bouchard.

“I still feel very confident with myself and I’m happy with today.”

They were joined in the second round by eighth-seeded former world number one Ana Ivanovic, 11th-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta, 16th seed Victoria Azarenka and 2011 champion Sam Stosur.

Failing to follow a procession of seeds into the second round was

Kei Nishikori of Japan, 13thseeded American John Isner and 25th seed Ivo Karlovic of Croatia were among first-round winners.

Nishikori dismissed American wild card Wayne Odesnik, Isner ousted compatriot Marcos Giron, and Karlovic eliminated Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.

Sam Querrey gave local fans another cause to cheer with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.

The day session served as an appetiser to a hotly anticipated night programme featuring 17-time grand slam winner Roger Federer

and two-time defending champion Serena Williams.

STOSUR TURNAROUND Former champion Stosur carried her recent momentum into New York with a first-round win that extended a perfect record for Australians to five-for-five before a loss by Ashleigh Barty to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of Czech Republic ended the streak.

Stosur pushed past 49thranked American Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-4 to put behind her a shock, first-round ouster at Flushing Meadows last year to American qualifier Victoria Duval.

The win by 21st-ranked Stosur, only the third player to beat Serena Williams in a grand slam final, continued a turnaround after six losses to opponents ranked outside the top 60 had dropped her out of the top 20 for the first time in five years.

Last week, the hard-hitting Australian showed signs of a revival. The 30-year-old Stosur beat Bouchard in New Haven before eventually falling to Kvitova in the semi-finals.

“I am feeling good,” she said.

“Going to Connecticut last week and playing well there and making semis, I think is a huge boost. I couldn’t really be pleased more with the way that I have had this lead-up.”

Ivanovic showed off her selfassured hard court form with a 6-3, 6-0 rout of American Alison Riske,

34.25 seconds.

This time around, he is expected to be challenged

by Keon Thomas, Adrian Sharma and Deraj Garbarran, among others.

Apart from those events, there will be three-lap races for BMX boys 9-12 years old as well as BMX boys open, two-lap races for BMX boys and girls 6-9 years old.

The day’s programme will be graced with the presence of Director of Sport Neil Kumar who will also assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

Floodlight boxing returns to California Square … GBA Nat Intermediate THE national Intermediate Boxing competition is set to punch off this Saturday evening at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre Ground (California Square).

The two-day competition would have participants from gyms across Guyana Held under floodlights, the tournament would see the return the Carryl Boxing Gym of Linden to intermediate competition, following a hiatus of several years. It concludes Sunday night.

So far the gyms that have confirmed participation are: Carryl, Essequibo, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Guyana Defence Force, Republican, Rose Hall Town Jammers and Young Achievers.

Floodlight boxing is returning to the venue following the highly successful Nuff Cuff Novices event held there in May.

who had lost to the Serb 7-5, 7-6 this year in New Zealand.

“It was very tough first-round match. We had a tough one in Auckland,” said Ivanovic, who has wins over Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in battling back into the world top 10.

“The confidence is on a high level,” said Ivanovic. “I had a great season behind me.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

GCB Developmental Programme reaches Linden ... donates money and cricket equipment LAST SUNDAY, the Developmental Programme of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) showed its face in the mining Town of Linden, where members of the GCB met with representatives of East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) and Linden, at the Bayrock ground.

Honorary Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, and GCB Territorial Developmental Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart were on hand to hold discussions with Regional Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon, president of the EBDCA Rohan Sarjoo, president of the Upper Demerara Cricket Committee (UDCC) Lancelot Easton, with regard to the growth of cricket among other items.

According to Sanasie, Easton continuously petitioned the GCB for help and for the past 15 years, whenever he went to the Bayroc ground, he saw cricket being played or some sort of developmental work ongoing, for which he is happy.

Even during their visit last Sunday, a cricket match was being contested at the venue between the home team and Sandpipers. As a result Sanasie said the GCB finds it necessary to aid in the progress of the sport in the Region.

“As part of the GCB Developmental Programme, we have been going around the country assisting clubs and associations to

expand and develop cricket in various ways.

Today we are giving $250 000 to Bayrock Club to develop cricket and an additional $250 000 to the regional authority to partner and assist the Cricket Committee with its cricket programmes.

Regional Chairman of Region 10 Sharma Solomon (2nd left) receives the cheque and cricket bat from secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, in the presence of Lancelot Easton (left) and TDO Colin Stuart (right) while other officials including Rohan Sarjoo and cricketers look on appreciatively.

“Additionally, we are now donating six cricket bats and five boxes of cricket balls with

Hemraj and Dhanpaul shine as Barnwell XI triumph

By Calvin Roberts I M P R E S S I V E performances with the bat and ball from Chandrapaul Hemraj and Yatesh Dhanpaul respectively enabled Christopher Barnwell’s XI to defeat Leon Johnson’s XI by a mammoth 129 runs, when the two sides met in the first trial match organised by the Demerara Cricket Board, at the Everest Cricket Club ground yesterday.

Batting first in the encounter which was reduced from 50 overs to 40 due to overnight and early morning rain, Barnwell XI on the back of 55 from Hemraj (52 balls, 3x4, 3x6), 40 from Shemroy Barrington, a boundary-studded 26 from Robin Bacchus and 24 from Jeetendra Sookdeo were bowled out for 212 off 36.4 overs.

Paul Wintz (4 for 34), Raj Nannan (2 for 31) and Seon Daniels (2 for 32) were the chief wicket-takers for Johnson’s XI< who in reply found it difficult to handle Dhanpaul who took 5 for 13 and were bowled out for 83 off 22.3 overs.

Only Kamesh Yadram (21) and Daniel Seegobin 17 (2x4) offered resistance to Barnwell’s XI bowling attack before they were both dismissed by Dhanpaul, who assisted Bacchus (3 for 14),

more equipment to follow,” said Sanasie, who also pledged four truckloads of special dirt to rebuild the cricket wickets at the Bayrock ground.

In his brief remarks, Solomon thanked

while Antonell Atwell (2 for 14) mopped up the tail to hand his side the win.

Earlier in the day, Barnwell’s XI lost Trevon Griffith 17 (2x6, 1x4) and Bacchus whose innings was decorated with six fours, to be 63 for 2 before the 20-year-

Chandrapaul Hemraj old Hemraj and Barrington added 51 for the third wicket, following which Hemraj and Sookdeo posted 49 for the fourth wicket.

Both Hemraj and Sookdeo struck Nannan back over his head for six before the left-arm orthodox spinner removed both batsmen, but not before Hemraj had also scored a mammoth six over long off, off the bowling of Zaheer Mohammed.

The return of Wintz and Daniels saw a decline in Barnwell’s XI innings as they lost wickets

regularly, with Barnwell hitting a similar number of boundaries like Griffith, to post a similar individual score while Steven Jacobs made 10.

When Johnson’s XI batted, Bacchus removed Andrew Lyght Jr. (5), Rajendra Chandrika 13 (2x4) and Christopher Pattadin (6) then watched as Randolph Knights kept things further under wraps, with the wicket of Vishaul Singh (1), to leave the opposition on 29 for 4.

Yadram and Seegobin, who were both given chances off Barnwell and Dhanpaul, added 36 for the fifth wicket, but when Dhanpaul removed Yadram, the middle order including Johnson (1) had no response, as he left them shakily placed on 83 for 9.

They failed to progress from that score, as Atwell mopped up the tail by claiming the wickets of Shaquille Williams (1) and Nannan (0) in the space of three balls, to complement the work of Dhanpaul and Bacchus.

The second and final limited overs trial match will be played at the same venue from 09:30hrs today, following which the team to contest this year’s Guyana Cricket Board senior Inter-county limited overs tournament will be announced, while the three-day trial bowls off on Friday at Camp Road.

the GCB for its move and promised to put the contribution to proper and meaningful use.

“Cricket has always been a feature in sports in Region 10, and this is one of the most impressive moments in cricket in this Region. We are very grateful on behalf of the many cricketers and potential cricketers.

Thanks for this gesture. We can assure you that your assistance will be used wisely by the authority for cricket here,” stated Solomon.

Easton said this effort from the GCB is a step towards development, and he is hopeful that more players from Linden will represent Demerara and end up representing Guyana in the near future.

“This is the best we have gotten from any cricket fraternity in Guyana for the 35 years I have been in cricket. We have a lot of good young cricketers but only one (Stephon Browne) managed to make the Demerara Under-19 team this year.

“We are looking to get more young players involved. So we are extremely thankful to the GCB for giving us a push. This is the beginning of better things for cricket in Linden,” assured Easton.

Sarjoo thanked the GCB for assisting Linden, Farm and Providence, with the clubs at Farm and Providence, according to Sarjoo, also receiving tangible donations from the GCB which will be used to improve their facilities.

Jamaica win record four medals NANJING, China (CMC) - Jamaica finished with a record four medals, after failing to add to their tally on the final day of track and field at the second Youth Olympic in Nanjing, China on Monday.

The four-medal haul - three gold and silver - surpasses the one medal won by Odean Skeen in the men’s 100m four years ago in Malaysia.

Led by Jaheel Hyde’s World Youth Best 12.96 seconds in the men’s 110m hurdles, Jamaica also won gold medals in the men’s 400m with Martin Manley, as well as the women’s 200m with Natalliah Whyte, plus a silver in the men’s long jump from Obrien Wasome.

Injury prevented gold medal favourite Raheem Chambers from taking his place in the men’s 100m final, while Chad Walker was disqualified for a lane violation after he finished second in the men’s 200m.

Also Hurdler Shanice Cohen and men’s triple jumper Jordan Scott failed to add to the medal tally as Jamaica slipped to sixth place on the medal table from the 32 countries that earned at least a medal.

Cohen ran one minute 03.06 seconds for seventh place in the women’s 400m hurdles final, won by South Africa’s

Jaheel Hyde leads with a World Youth best 12.96 seconds in the men’s 110m hurdles.

Gezelle Magerman in a personal best 57.31 seconds.

Scott was fifth in the triple jump final with a best mark of 15.20m in the first round.

He had two jumps over

15.00m with his third round effort landing at 15.13m.

Suriname’s Carifta Games Under-18 champion Miguel Van Assen won with an impressive 16.15m.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 27, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1)Brian Lara (2)Reon King & Carlton Baugh Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was the ‘duckman’ in the first ODI in the justconcluded WI/Bangladesh series?

(2) How many persons have now captained Bangladesh in ODI cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE August Wednesday 27, 2014

39

History-making karate examination held in New Amsterdam AFTER two decades, karatekas in Berbice finally had the opportunity of being graded in their hometown.

Last Sunday, head of the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and Chief Instructor of the Association, do Shotokan Karate (Guyana) which falls under the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), 6th Dan black belt Sensei Amir Khouri journeyed to New Amsterdam to conduct the examination.

Sensei Khouri was joined by local instructors - 5th Dan Clinton Moriah and 4th Dan Hazrat Ali on a panel that graded six karatekas at the beginners’ level.

Marlon Baird and Seshram Persaud excelled by skipping belts. They moved from the white belt level to the orange belt grade (7B Kyu), while one child attained the full rank of orange belt (7 Kyu) and three others gained green belts (6 Kyu).

The simple grading exercise was conducted in the presence of parents and guardians of the karatekas and saw the small group display a competitive level of sparring

skills and kata (karate form).

Speaking with Chronicle Sport after the session Sensei Khouri said that the group missed the major grading exercise on August 1, which was conducted by Master

Frank Woon-A-Tai in Georgetown and it is the objective of the IKD to ensure that all karatekas are graded.

“Though they are only six in number, they do play a major role in the development

Senseis Khouri, Moriah and Ali are flanked by the newly promoted karatekas at the Trinity Street Dojo in New Amsterdam.

Ramdin creates West Indies’ home records BASSETERRE, St Kitts Stats highlights from West Indies’ clean sweep of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, after their win in St Kitts: 169 runs Denesh Ramdin scored in this ODI, the highest by a West Indies batsman at home, beating Desmond Haynes’ 152 not out against India in Georgetown, way back in 1989. This is also the second-highest ODI score by a batsman in West Indies. Upul Tharanga’s unbeaten 174 against India in Kingston in the tri-series last year is the highest by a batsman in West Indies.

11 Sixes hit by Ramdin in this match, the highest by any batsman in ODIs in West Indies, beating Chris Gayle’s nine sixes against New Zealand in Kingston in 2012. Ramdin’s 11 sixes are the second highest by a West Indies batsman in an ODI, just one short of Xavier Marshall’s 12 sixes against Canada in 2008.

Ramdin’s 11 sixes in this match are also the highest by a wicketkeeper in an innings, beating MS Dhoni’s 10 sixes against Sri Lanka in Jaipur in 2005.

258 Runs added for the third wicket by Darren

Bravo and Ramdin, the highest by a West Indies pair for any wicket. They beat the 226-run partnership between

Denesh Ramdin hammers 11 sixes in his blistering 169 on Monday.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Carl Hooper for the fourth wicket against South Africa in East London in 1999. This is also the highest third-wicket partnership in ODIs beating the 238-run stand between Hashim Amla

and AB de Villiers against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2013. This was also the highest partnership for any wicket against Bangladesh beating the 250-run stand between Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott at Edgbaston in 2010.

338 Runs scored by West Indies in this match - their highest total at home in ODIs, beating the 337 they scored against Zimbabwe in St George’s last year. This was also the fifth-highest score posted by West Indies in an ODI. 8 Scores of 150 or more

by No. 4 batsmen in ODIs, including Ramdin’s in this match. His 169 is now the third highest by a No. 4 after Viv Richards’ 189 not out against England at Old Trafford in 1984 and 181 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in the 1987 World Cup. Of the eight scores of 150 or more by No. 4 batsmen, five have been by West Indies batsmen.

11 Number of instances, including this match, when two West Indies batsmen have hit centuries in the same ODI. The last such instance came against New Zealand earlier this year in Hamilton, when Kirk Edwards and

Dwayne Bravo hit centuries.

19 Sixes hit by West Indies batsmen - the highest they have ever hit in an ODI. Their previous highest was 14 sixes, which they hit against Canada in 2008.

This was also the most sixes hit against Bangladesh in an ODI, beating the 16 that Australia struck in Dhaka in 2011.

2 ODI centuries by West Indies wicketkeepers including Ramdin’s in this match. The previous one was also hit by him, against England in North Sound earlier this year.

241 Runs scored by wicketkeepers in this match - the third-highest total runs scored by the designated wicketkeepers of both teams in an ODI. The highest such aggregate came in a match between India and Sri Lanka in 2005, when India’s wicketkeeper MS Dhoni got 183 and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara hit 138, taking the total by wicketkeepers in that match to 321 runs.

13 Number of consecutive ODIs Bangladesh have now played without winning.

The last time they won was against New Zealand in Fatullah last year..(ESPN Cricinfo)

of karate-do and we see it necessary to ensure that they are all promoted to a higher rank,” he said, while adding: “Berbice is a remote community and the IKD wants to promote the disciplined art of fighting by encouraging youngsters to work at their own pace ... karate is an ancient art but, we have developed modern strategies in conducting training sessions and practical examinations.”

Training sessions in New Amsterdam are conducted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Trinity Street Dojo by Clinton Moriah between 16:30hrs and 18:00hrs, while Hazrat Ali conducts sessions on Tuesdays and on weekends at the Albion Community Centre during the same hours.

Interested persons can contact Clinton Moriah on cell phone 668-4297.

The next major grading exercise will be conducted at the YMCA Hall, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown by Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, during the month of November. (Michael Khan)

Suriname wins triple jump gold at Youth Olympics

By Ivan Cairo NANJING, China (CMC) - Suriname’s Miquel van Assen claimed Olympic gold in the Men’s triple jump at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China on Monday.

He established himself as the favourite to cop the gold medal when he qualified for the final with a 16.29-metre jump.

However, in Monday’s final a 16.15-metre jump was enough to secure the gold and a place in Suriname’s sports history.

“I am so proud to win a gold medal for Suriname. It was not easy, but I got it,” the 18-year-old athlete said.

His closest rival, Tobia Bocchi (Italy) ended with 16.01 metres to claim silver while Nazim Babayev from Azerbadjan copped bronze.

Miquel van Assen became the country’s second athlete to ever win a gold medal at an Olympic tournament after

Miquel van Assen claims Olympic gold.

Anthony Nesty won gold at the Men’s 100-metre butterfly in 53.00 seconds at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South-Korea.

“Today I don’t care about the distance he covered,” Lazaro Calderon, his Cuban coach and trainer told journalists. “The gold medal is more important.”

After winning the event van Assen made a victory lap carrying a Surinamese flag. He is expected to receive a hero’s welcome on his return to Suriname.

Sport CHRONICLE

History-making karate examination held in New Amsterdam

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

See Story on page 39

Grenada government says it did not stop the music ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) - The Grenada government yesterday distanced itself from a decision to stop the post-game party after the second One-Day International (ODI) match between West Indies and Bangladesh at the national stadium last Friday.

Economic Development Minister Oliver Joseph

says his government was not responsible for turning off the music in the party stand after Bangladesh crashed to a 177-run defeat two hours before the game was scheduled to end.

The Keith Mitchell administration has been criticised for stopping the music by sections of the public including callers to talk shows.

Turn to page 34

Cricket fans in Grenada

`Violence’, Hubbard for Barbados … Roldan is coach

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Markember `Violence’ Pierre A THREE-man team representing the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is scheduled to depart for Barbados on Friday to participate in an international competition there.

Light heavyweight Markember `Violence’ Pierre

Francisco Roldan and bantamweight Travis Hubbard are the two boxers making the trip to Barbados.

They would be accompanied by coach Francisco Roldan.

Hubbard is set to participate at the youth level while Pierrie would compete among the elites.

Turn to page 34

Roach’s blinder Kemar Roach pulled off a blinder to dismiss Bangladesh batsman Imrul Kayes in the 3rd and final ODI at Warner Park in St Kitts on Monday night. West Indies won the match by 91 runs to complete a 3-0 whitewash of the three-match ODI series.

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West Indies cricketers sign ownership deal for new Canadian T20 See Story on page 34 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014