Guyana chronicle 28 04 14 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 103811

MONDAY APRIL 28, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

President roasts stubborn Opposition

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for not putting country first

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR

- in wake of looming ‘dark future’ if Guyana misses AML/CFT deadline

PSC’s Ron Webster loses battle with cancer

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Bringing citizens and police 2 together ‘is a work in progress’ Page

–Minister Rohee at Grove/Diamond fundraiser Ron Webster, an outstanding son of the soil

PPP welcomes today’s start of Rodney COI

––Finds PNC’s stance ‘disappointing, though not surprising’

Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Bringing citizens and police together ‘is a work in progress’ –Minister Rohee at Grove/Diamond fundraiser

Children just love ‘Sprinkles’, as Home Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee was to find out Saturday while attending an event in the Grove/Diamond community THE Golden Grove/ Diamond Station Management Committee on Saturday held a fund-raising exercise on the lawns of the Golden Grove Police Station, the proceeds of which will go towards enhancing the station’s infrastructure. This Committee was established in 2008 by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement

Rohee, with the overarching aim of improving relations between the police and citizens, since public support is seen as vital to intelligence gathering, which will, in turn, enable the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to be more efficient. As Committee Chairman, Mr Sewchand, explained, membership also plays an oversight role in the management of the

said activities such as the the fundraiser help bring communities together and allow for residents to really understand the role and functions of a Station Management Committee. Such committees, which have been established all across the country, he said, allow for a harmonious relationship between police and civilian, whereby they assist each other towards the building of safer neighbourhoods. “To bring the citizens and the Stations closer is a continuing exercise and a work in progress…Both the police as well as residents stand to benefit,” Minister Rohee said.

The event saw the drawing of a raffle, the prizes of which comprised: A bicycle, a television set, a DVD player, a blender, and several hampers. Residents were also given ‘Sprinkles’ and other vitamins, courtesy of the Ministry of Health. Station Management Committees were first initiated by the GPF in 1996 by then Commissioner of Police, the late Laurie Lewis, and comprised police personnel and influential persons in the communities, with the initial thrust being to assist with the maintenance of infrastructure, equipment and vehicles. (GINA)

Station, and even acts in an advisory capacity from time to time so as to improve operations. He said that as of 2008 to present, the Committee has remained vibrant, and managed to garner the support of surrounding communities, and that without residents’ support, it would be difficult to accomplish their goals and objectives. Minister Rohee, who was present at the event, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee at the Grove/Diamond community Station Management Committee’s fundraiser

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

President roasts stubborn Opposition for not putting country first ––in wake of looming ‘dark future’ if Guyana misses AML/CFT deadline By Mark Ramotar

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday chastised Guyana’s political Opposition for its blatant anti-national and anti-developmental thrust, accusing it of deliberately trying to sabotage the development of the country and the bright future of the Guyanese citizens. He also lamented the fact that the combined Opposition, comprising the APNU and AFC, would not yield to reason or allow better sense to prevail in allowing for the passage of the crucial Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, in order for Guyana to avoid becoming internationally blacklisted. “The Opposition simply does not care about the dire consequences its callous and vindictive actions will have on Guyana and the future of our citizens…,” the President told the Chronicle in an invited comment yesterday. “The Opposition is blatantly pursuing an anti-national and anti-developmental agenda, one that is obviously aimed at destabilising the country and sabotaging the future of our people,” the President declared. To add credence to his accusations, President Ramotar pointed to several huge developmental projects that have major transformational benefits for the Guyanese people, all of which are aimed at catapulting the country further along its unwavering growth trajectory. These projects, including the Amaila Falls Hydro-project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion and modernisation, the Specialty Hospital and the Amerindian Development Fund, have all died a premature death as they fell victim to the Opposition’s political vendetta against the Government. According to Mr Ramotar, the APNU and AFC (mis)used their combined one-seat majority in the National Assembly to unleash their “brutal assault” on several key developmental allocations in successive national budgets presented by the PPP/C Government in 2012, 2013 and 2014. President Ramotar was also blunt in his declaration that the Opposition’s budget cuts to projects aimed at providing significant benefits to the Guyanese people, were “politically motivated, vindictive and anti-national.” He said the Opposition’s latest indication over the weekend that it will not ‘budge’ from its position on the AML/CFT Bill, despite overwhelming support and calls from a wide cross-section of Guyanese and non-Guyanese alike for the Bill’s timely passage, is tantamount to the APNU and AFC’s failure or deliberate inability to “yield to reason.” President Ramotar indicated that it is also an unmasked intention of the Opposition pushing for, and wanting ‘snap elections’. BLACKLISTED Guyana can be formally and permanently blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action

Task Force (CFATF) if the AML/CFT Bill is not passed by the May deadline. Guyana has already been blacklisted regionally by CFATF. However, CFATF as well as the international body, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), host meetings throughout the year to review progress, as well as advocate changes to tighten the legislative

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR

CFATF Chairperson Allyson Maynard-Gibson

framework that addresses money laundering and the financing of terrorism. FATF functions as a crucial inter-governmental body, now in its 25th year, in helping to ensure required legal conformity to avoid the evils of money laundering, financing of terrorism and other threats to the international financial system. The Chronicle, in its Editorial in yesterday’s edition, noted that CFATF has been quite forthcoming in its efforts to help Guyana in overcoming obstacles to avoid being “blacklisted” as a defaulter on required compliance for international financial regulations that are acceptable also to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It noted, too, that the Guyana Government is on record, as is known to previous representatives of the CFATF who have visited Guyana, and by extension, the FATF itself, as having secured widespread national support for the relevant legislation that it needs to have approved by parliament—namely the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. This support has been varyingly repeated by major representative sectors of Guyana, not the least being the country’s trade and investment development partners; leading trade unions with identifiable mass support; as well as other non-governmental organisations. Now, in accordance with the supportive sentiment much earlier expressed by CARICOM’s Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque, in urging bi-partisan commitment to ensure Guyana’s parliamentary approval of the required provisions in the AML/CFT Bill, a specific offer of help has come from Jamaica.

It is a Community partner state that’s quite experienced from its own domestic political and economic travails, with the policies and functions of the CFATF and, of course, the FATF itself. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, has made clear in a letter to Guyana and addressed to President Ramotar, her government’s commitment to help in any way possible for securing parliament’s approval of the required AML/CFT bill. Public disclosure of this has significantly coincided with the just concluded visit to Guyana by Chairperson of the CFATF, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, the Attorney General of The Bahamas, and also the body’s Executive DiJamaican Prime Minister, rector, Calvin Wilson. Portia Simpson Miller WEEKEND MEETING APNU Co-Chairman Dr Rupert Roopnarine, told a press conference on Saturday, following a meeting his party had with Ms Maynard-Gibson and her visiting CFATF team, that while CFATF was in Guyana to assist in the passage of the AML/ CFT Bill, much cannot be achieved, since the team can only give advice on technical matters. “The Chairman was careful to maintain that they could only advise on technical matters. The fact of the matter is that we are confronted in Guyana with more than technical matters. It is a political matter… and she is not unfamiliar with Guyana’s political environment. A political solution is needed,” Dr Roopnarine told reporters. President Ramotar and a Government team also met with the CFATF Chairperson and her team at Office of the President (OP) on Saturday to address the deadlock over the AML/CFT Bill. Mr Ramotar, along with Presidential Adviser on Governance, Ms Gail Teixeira; Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill; and the Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall, were part of last Saturday’s early-morning meeting. Nandlall, in whose name the Bill was tabled in the National Assembly, has indicated to this newspaper that Government was able to underscore its points of concern very clearly. “One point that we made clear was that Guyana has a completed Bill that has been examined by CFATF and deemed to be compliant,” Nandlall See page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

South Korea PM resigns over ferry mishap -- sank off South Korea on 16 April. Officials have confirmed 187 died, but scores are missing presumed drowned. Furious relatives have repeatedly criticised what they see as the slowness of the recovery operation. “The right thing for me to do is to take responsibility and resign as a person who is in charge of the cabinet,” Mr Chung said in a brief televised statement. “On behalf of the government, I apologise for many problems, from the prevention of the accident to the early handling of the disaster.” He added: “There have been so many varieties of irregularities that have con-

SOUTH Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has resigned amid criticism of the government’s handling of the sinking of a passenger ferry. He said “the cries of the families of those missing still keep me up at night.” Mr Chung will stay in his post until the disaster is under control. The Sewol ferry, with 476 people aboard -- most of them students and teachers

South Korean Prime Minister, Chung Hongwon

tinued in every corner of our society, and practices that have gone wrong. I hope these deep-rooted evils get corrected this time and this kind of accident never happens again.” President Park Geunhye accepted her prime minister’s resignation, but did not set a last day in office. The PM would leave his post, once the ferry disaster was under control, South Korean news agency, Yonhap reported. An opposition party spokesman described it as “thoroughly irresponsible” and a “cowardly evasion” of responsibility. The day after the disaster, Mr Chung was booed, and someone threw a water

bottle at him when he visited grieving parents. Divers were battling atrocious weather conditions on Sunday as they tried to retrieve more bodies trapped in the sunken ferry. A coastguard spokesman said heavy seas whipped up by strong winds were badly complicating recovery efforts. “The situation is very difficult due to the weather, but we are continuing search efforts, using the occasional calmer periods,” the spokesman said, adding that 93 divers would take part in Sunday’s operation. All 15 crew members involved in the navigation of the ferry are now in custody, facing criminal negligence charges. (BBC News)

At Jindo harbour, relatives of the missing watch as PM Chung announces his resignation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Latin America honours saints John Paul II and John XXIII

TENS of thousands of people have gathered across Latin America to celebrate the canonisation of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. They were declared saints by Pope Francis, before a crowd of hundreds of thousands in the Vatican. Pilgrims and leaders from Latin America were among those who attended the ceremony yesterday. Born in Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American to lead the Roman

Catholic Church. In Costa Rica, some 20,000 people assembled in the national stadium for a vigil, which began on Saturday night. They watched the Sunday Morning Mass in St Peter’s Square on big screens in San Jose. ‘GOD-CHOSEN COUNTRY’ A woman from the Central American nation played a key role in the canonisation of Pope John Paul II.

The Church says Floribeth Mora’s life was miraculously saved by the Polish-born Pope. She had a rare type of brain aneurysm that could not be operated on, and says she was cured after praying for the late Pope in 2011. That was the second miracle required by the Vatican for Pope John Paul to be declared a saint. Ms Mora was at the ceremony in St Peter’s Square. “God has chosen this very beautiful country to car-

Argentine and Venezuelan pilgrims encamped outside the Vatican at St Peter’s Square

ry out a miracle; something unexplainable,” a young Catholic named Carlos Cruz told Reuters. In Mexico -- which was part of Karol Wojtyla’s first visit abroad after he became Pope in 1978 -- some 1,500 people took part in a vigil in the capital’s main cathedral. “Those of us here have come because of our faith, fervour for Jesus Christ and to ask John Paul II to intercede on our behalf,” said Maria Ines Rivera. Brazil, which has the largest Catholic population in the world, has become the first country to name a church after Saint John Paul II. The small church, in a poor neighbourhood of Sal-

vador, was opened by the Pope in 1980.

‘FOUR POPES’ The Mass was attended by Pope Emeritus Benedict, who quit as pope last year, and roughly 100 foreign delegations. Pope Francis paid tribute to the two new saints as “priests, bishops and popes of the 20th Century.” Relics of each man -- a container of blood from John Paul, and a piece of skin from John -- were placed near the altar. At the climax of the service, Pope Francis said in Latin: “We declare and define Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II to be saints and we enrol them among the

saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole Church.” The Vatican estimated some 800,000 pilgrims had poured into Rome to see the two-hour ceremony firsthand. “Four popes in one ceremony is a fantastic thing to see and to be at, because it is history being written in our sight,” said Polish pilgrim, Dawid Halfar. John Paul II was Pope from 1978 until his death in 2005. John XXIII was born in the Italian city of Bergamo. He introduced a number of reforms in the Catholic Church during his papacy, between 1958 and 1963. (BBC News)

GUYANA

EDITORIAL

Man’s inhumanity to Man

IN THE developing world, violence is an everyday threat for the poor. Millions of children and women are exploited in the commercial sex trade; statistics have established the stark reality that one of five women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime, and in excess of 30 million people are held as modern-day slaves. It is estimated that, by 2020, an approximate 1.5 billion persons will live without secure rights to their homes and properties. Throughout the developing world, fear of violence is a part of everyday life for the poor. It is as much a part of poverty as hunger, disease or malnutrition. The poorest are so vulnerable because their justice systems – police, courts and laws – don’t protect them from violent people. According to the United Nations, justice systems in the developing world are so broken that the majority of poor people live life “far from the law’s protection.” Solutions for these abominations in the family of mankind can only come with community-level involvement, with a holistic approach from all stakeholders. Community and church leaders should partner with law enforcement officials to go into brothels, bars, slave facilities and other dark places to rescue victims. Justice should be relentlessly pursued in the courts to ensure that all traffickers, slave owners, rapists, child molesters and other criminals are brought to justice swiftly – with the accent being on swiftly. Survivors of violence should be helped to rebuild their lives and be restored to their families; and trauma counselling, job skills training, education or other help should be provided to meet each survivor’s specific need. Human rights groups should lobby for functional justice systems and constitutional changes, where necessary, to strengthen the advocacy and justice systems, so that victims do not fall through cracks left open either intentionally or unintentionally. The International Justice Mission has a worldwide membership of volunteers who provide advocacy, organize fundraisers, and offer victims help in a multiplicity of ways. Village Service Trust is a progressive UK charity that works with Indian NGOs to support women, HIV+ people and Dalits confronting poverty and injustice. The organisation empowers marginalised people to build community organisations and pursue lives free from poverty, violence and discrimination. Violence and abuse affect women from all kinds of backgrounds every day. Sometimes women are attacked by strangers, but most often they are hurt by people who are close to them. Violence and abuse can cause terrible

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

PSC’s Ron Webster loses battle with cancer

By Derwayne Wills and Asif Hakim

will act as Chairman until elections are held.

CHAIRMAN of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Ronald Webster, passed away yesterday morning at approximately 03:30hrs at the Balwant Singh Hospital, after losing a long and arduous battle with cancer. He was 72. Over the past three months, Webster had sought medical treatment at a private institution in Trinidad, and had returned home for further treatment only on Saturday, April 26th. At time of his demise, Webster had been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Container Inc; Chairman of the Board of the Kwakwani Utilities Inc; and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). Now that Webster is not there, Mr. Ramesh Persaud, Vice-President of the PSC,

TRIBUTES President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), and former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr Ramesh Dookhoo, a council member of Banks DIH Limited, said that Webster’s passing has left him incredulous with shock. He extended condolences to Webster’s family members and friends, and said: “Webster was an easygoing man and was very good. He served Guyana well, and he did a lot for his country.” Dookhoo deemed Webster’s passing a “sad blow” for Guyana, and described him as a very experienced man who had brought to his positions maturity and level-headedness that were particularly integral in reshaping the PSC’s relationship with Government, primarily in the

physical and emotional pain, thus victims need to be encouraged to think they are not alone, and that they can get help from the relevant bodies. Education and support are factors that are key to strengthening the resolve of victims to escape from their respective situations. But what of the chance encounter --that moment in time where a victim falls prey to a predator on the prowl, like little Sade Stoby of Mocha? The accused, Jevon Wharton, admitted to having sex with her, stating during his trial: “Me and her walked until there was no shops…. We went in de bush and Sade tek off she clothes and we continue doing what we bin doing… sex.” Wharton and Charles Cush are accused of raping and murdering the nine-year-old resident of Barnwell North, Mocha at sometime between November 2 and November 5, 2007. It was revealed through a post-mortem examination, conducted on her body by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, that the child had been brutally raped and drowned. The cause of her death was asphyxiation due to submersion, compounded by blunt trauma to the head. When the child’s body was recovered, she was bloated, and had haemorrhaged from her head and chest. According to Dr Singh’s report, “There was thick black mud in her trachea, her stomach was filled with dark black mud, blood in her vagina, her hymen was ruptured and her intestines were protruding through her anus; there was blunt trauma to (the) head. There was bruising of the vagina, which indicated sexual activity just before her death.” How is it possible for a child to consent to sex? How could any human being inflict such torture on an innocent child, and leave those who loved her to suffer the enduring pain, not only of her death, but the agony she endured before she died. And what punishment could suffice to bring justice to victims of such horrendous acts? Throughout history, Man’s inhumanity to Man has superseded the dictates of civilized society, and reached a level of surpassingly cruel bestiality that drives normal people almost to despair; and it is only the hope of resurrection, regeneration, and reincarnation of the soul that provides hope to enable endurance and fortitude.

area of tax reform. Former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr Clinton Urling, who was also Webster’s opponent for the Chairmanship of the Private Sector

Ron Webster, an outstanding son of the soil

Commission, commented thus: “The Private Sector fraternity has lost one of its most committed and dependable leaders. Mr. Webster demonstrated tremendous energy as Chairman, and was instrumental in ensuring the PSC operated in a balanced manner with stakeholders.” Urling deemed Webster’s passing a very sad development, and offered his deepest condolences to Webster’s family members. Questioned on the way forward for the PSC in filling the now-vacant seat, Urling stated that the Private Sector Commission’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for early June, 2014, and as such, the newly elected Councillors will vote to fill the position of chairmanship. He also said that Vice-Chairman Ramesh Persaud will assume the duties of the Chairman in an interim capacity until the councillors are elected. DISTINGUISHED CAREER Mr. Ronald Webster had had a long and distinguished career in the private sector, and had brought to bear a wealth of experience in his

role as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). He started his career at the Booker Group of Companies, and eventually became the youngest Managing Director there. He also once served as Managing Director of Technology Investments and Management Inc, and had served as Director on the Board of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) up to 1992. He had been Chairman of the Board of the New GMC also in the period up to 1992. Mr. Webster served as President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association from 1997 to 1999, and had been the holder of a Lifetime Achievement Award from that Association. He had also served as Vice-Chairman of the Private Sector Commission from 1998 to 1999. In addition, he had served as Chairman on the Board of the Bauxite Industry Development Company Inc from 1999 to 2005. Moreover, he had been a Director on the Board of the Aroaima Mining Company from 2004, and had served as Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission from 2005 to 2010. ATTRIBUTES OF THE MAN Ronald Webster had been known for his steadfast advocacy of the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, as well as the Motion to establish an Interim Management Committee (IMC) for the City of Georgetown. That IMC would have comprised a contracted group, tasked with restructuring the current management practices of the City Council.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Messages of Condolence as ...

The nation mourns the passing of ‘a true patriot’ President Donald Ramotar....

Minister Robert Persaud...

‘We have lost a cherished Guyana has lost ‘a genuine colleague; a friend for all seasons’ partner’ in its quest for national development

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday sent his condolences to the family and friends of the late Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr Ronald Webster, who passed away after losing the battle with cancer. The following is the full text of President Ramotar’s message: “I learnt with shock and sadness of the death of Mr. Ronald Webster, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. On behalf of myself, family and people of Guyana, I extend most profound condolences to his family and the private sector community. “Mr. Webster was admired for his values which underpinned his commitment to public service, and the promotion of national development, mainly through private enterprise activities. “He’s left an indelible print on the private sector society, which will be sorely missed. Mr. Webster will always be remembered as a genuine partner in national development, a true patriot, and as someone who has given unequivocal support, above narrow, selfish interests. “Once again, my condolences, and may his soul rest in peace.”

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh...

‘I am deeply saddened at the passing of my friend’ “I AM deeply saddened at the news of the passing of my friend, Ronald Webster. More so, I am saddened that the country has lost a private sector titan and leader. “I offer my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, as well as his families at the Private Sector Commission and Caribbean Containers Limited, and his friends, at his sudden passing. “Ron, as he was fondly called by family and friends, was dedicated to the development and growth of the country’s private sector, with

a keen understanding of the role it has to play in the economic prosperity of Guyana. “My experience working with Ron has impressed upon me his dedication and professionalism in achieving whatever he sought to accomplish. Having committed his life to the private sector, he was a wealth of information, history and foresight.

“Ron was bold in the face of fierce criticism, but never faltered as he continued to work with fervor to promote the interest of the local private sector.”

“IT IS with deep regret that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MoNRE) mourns the passing of Mr. Ronald Webster, and extends most sincere condolence to his family and colleagues in the Private Sector Commission. “Mr. Webster served Guyana with great distinction; our lives have been enriched as a result of the tireless pursuit, wealth of experience and unwavering commitment of Ronald Webster, through the various organisations of which he was a leader. “With his unflagging commitments to the natural resources sector, Mr. Webster will truly be missed for his leadership in championing various policy initiatives, inclusive of interventions to reduce the use of non-biodegradable packaging materials in Guyana, and more recently, a series of tax reform measures. “The untimely passing

of this patriot, Mr. Ronald Webster, is indeed an irreplaceable loss to the Natural Resources and the Environment Sector, Private Sector Commission, and to the nation.

“We have lost a cherished colleague, a friend for all seasons, and a Guyanese patriot of rare quality. To his family, friends and colleagues, the MoNRE extends our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.”

President roasts stubborn Opposition... From page 3

said. One of the concerns raised by the Government was the fact that Guyana risks becoming non-compliant in areas the country has already been deemed compliant by CFATF, as a result of the proposed draft amendments. It should be noted that the proposed draft amendments do not address the completed Bill, on which there is agreement, but rather it seeks to amend the principal act. The principal act of the anti-money laundering legislation was passed in the Parliament of Guyana in 2009, with the full support of the then Opposition which was then led by Robert Corbin. MUST PASS Non-passage of the Bill will not only affect Guyana and its economy, but the Region as a whole. The AML/CFT Bill is still with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee, which is reviewing it and is, currently, waiting on Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cecil Dhurjon, to complete a new draft that includes more amendments to the initial ones proposed by APNU. APNU’s original three amendments proffer a change to the entire governing apparatus of the FIU; removal of the Attorney General wherever that name appears and replacement of it with the FIU; and vesting a Police or Customs officer with the power to seize currency from any person, anywhere in Guyana, if those officers have reason to believe that it is the proceeds of crime or will be used to fund criminal activities. In addition to their proposed changes, APNU is also calling for the Head of State to assent to several Bills he returned to the National Assembly with the explanation that they were unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Alliance For Change (AFC), which supports APNU’s position, is demanding the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), that Government has agreed to, providing that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the process but the latter has been rejected by the AFC. (Additional reporting from Vanessa Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Rodney COI hearings begin today

THE hearings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) are slated to begin today at the Supreme Court Law Library, where testimony and evidence will be received from interested parties to enable the commissioners to investigate the death of the late founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) party, which occurred on June 13, 1980. Rodney was killed when a bomb exploded in the car in which he was travelling. He was 38 years old at the time. Nine years ago, Parliament unanimously approved a Motion to establish a commission to enquire into the circumstances WALTER RODNEY surrounding his death. According to the Walter Rodney Secretariat, the Commission, headed by Sir Richard Cheltenham, K.A, Q.C, Ph.D, and comprising Mrs. Jaqueline Samuels-Brown, Q.C., and Mr. Seenath Jairam, S.C.,will examine the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of,

and subsequent to the death of Dr. Rodney, in order to determine, as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the late historian’s death. It will also inquire into the cause of the fatal explosion, and seek to determine whether it was an act of terrorism, and if so, would enquire who had been the perpetrators of the deed. Further, the Commission will examine the role, if any, which the late GDF Sergeant Gregory Smith played in the death of Dr Rodney, as well as inquire into who may have counselled, procured, aided and/ or abetted Smith to carry out the act, including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Dr. Rodney’s death. The CoI is also tasked with examining and reporting on the actions and activities of the State, such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana National Service, the Guyana People’s Militia, and those who were in command and superintendence of these agencies, in order to determine whether they were tasked with the surveillance of, and authority to carry out those actions; and whether they did execute those tasks and carry out those actions against the political opposition for the period January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1980. The Commissioners will, in addition, examine, review and report on earlier investigations and inquiries done on and into the death of Dr. Rodney.

PPP welcomes today’s start of Rodney COI ––Finds PNC’s stance ‘disappointing, though not surprising’

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in a statement issued over the weekend, has said that while it welcomes the start today of the work of the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Guyanese historian, Dr. Walter Rodney, it is not unduly surprised that its arch rival, the People’s National Congress (PNC), The following is the full text of the statement: “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) welcomes the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Guyanese historian and revolutionary, Dr. Walter Rodney scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Supreme Court Law Library. “The PPP takes this opportunity to urge all Guyanese who have evidence and whatever information at their disposal to boldly come forward and provide same to the Commission. “In this regard, the Party feels encouraged by the decision taken by key leaders of the WPA, the Trade Union Congress, as well as other interest groups both at home and abroad, to participate in the work of the Commission. “It has not, however, escaped the attention of the PPP that the PNC has opted not to appear before the Commission. This is indeed disappointing, though not surprising, given the obvious discomfort the PNC has, firstly, with the setting up of the Commission, and secondly with the Terms of Reference of the Commission, more particularly Article 4, which sought to ‘specifically examine the role, if any, which army officer Gregory Smith, played in Rodney’s death and if so to enquire into who may have counseled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Rodney’s death.’ “It would appear that this particular aspect of the Inquiry has touched a raw nerve as far as the PNC is concerned, and could possibly unearth information and facts that the PNC would have preferred to have buried under the sand.

“One would have thought that the inquiry would have provided the PNC with an opportunity to clear its name, especially given widespread allegations regarding that Party’s involvement in Dr. Rodney’s death. Instead, for reasons best known to itself, the PNC has opted to stay away from the work of the Commission, a position that clearly has not gone down well with a wide cross-section of the Guyanese community. “The Stabroek News, for instance, in its editorial of Tuesday April 22, 2014 said that ‘...the PNC owes it as much to itself as to the nation to be part of an enquiry that will pronounce, hopefully, conclusively and once and for all, on the matter of the killing of Dr. Rodney. Otherwise, it will simply have to live with such demons as will continue to derive from not facing a proper Enquiry.’ “This is a piece of advice that any self-respecting political party especially with a sordid past like the PNC can only find useful or chose to ignore at its own peril. “The PPP is hopeful that the findings of the Commission of Inquiry would heal the wounds of a past period in our history when fear, terror and darkness prevailed over this land. Contrary to what the PNC and its Leader David Granger may wish to project, the brutality and oppression which obtained at the time of Rodney’s death stands in sharp contrast to what obtains today, one in which there is complete freedom of expression and respect for the constitutional and democratic rights of all Guyanese. “Mr. Granger seems to be afraid to go under cross-examination at the COI, knowing that Rodney’s assassination was during his 43 years in the PNC. “The PPP urges the PNC leader, David Granger, to seriously reconsider its position regarding the Rodney Inquiry, and own up to its responsibility to come clean with the Guyanese people on this issue of concern to the Rodney family, and for that matter the nation as a whole.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana ...

Granger’s contradictory take on Public Security: A timely eye-opener OLD KAI is not surprised by the recent effort of the opposition, specifically the mask of the PNC = APNU, to condemn the most proactive anti-crime measure to have been adopted by the Guyana Police Force in the ‘Impact Albouystown’ project. APNU leaders cannot lecture Old Kai on Albouystown; their most prolific activist from that community is a known drug addict who is regularly sent to disrupt anti-opposition pickets outside the National Assembly. So it comes as no surprise that they are eager to attack any initiative which will enhance public security in Albouystown. For people like the APNU leaders, who can sit in their offices and pontificate, Albouystown is just the name of an area which was ‘one big shantytown’ when they were in Government. However, it is now convenient for them to project an image that they are the ‘godfather’ of that community, as they want to preserve ‘ethnic political support’. Their political strategy is to ingrain, in certain sections, this ‘us-versus-them’ mentality when, as I have exposed just recently, these leaders in the opposition care about no one else but themselves. How else can one explain a leader telling his/her followers to ‘destroy’ even their own brother if he refuses to toe the party line? I have news for the opposition, though: Old Kai

knows more about that community than the APNU leadership put together. As a youth, I spent many days with my friends in what was described as ‘a hopeless dump’ under the PNC. I later worked for one Mr. Gonzales, who, back then, operated a woodworking shop in the community, building pallets for Banks DIH Limited, among other companies. I have experienced what life was like in that community under the dictatorship of which David Granger was a key member. People were literally starved of all resources. All over the community was littered with broken-down shacks; supported by broken-down shacks. Starvation led to desperation. There were no roads; just pathways filled with craters. At any given time that the community was visited, man, woman and child would be outside the home, unsure of where their next meal would come from. This is the legacy of people like David Granger and his colleagues. I know; because I was there in the struggle. Can David Granger say the same? Since 1992, it has been painstaking, but change is evident. There is still poverty, but signs of progress are all over the community. Pathways are no longer crowded by members of that community during the day. There are still elements, some up to no-good; but for the most part, children are in school or in some training activity. The majority of single parents -- mostly mothers – work, or attend some empowerment class. More and more businesses are opening to cater for residents. The roads have

been repaved. There is a perennial issue with drainage and sewage, but the goodly Mayor of Georgetown, Mr Hamilton Green, prefers to fight with the Town Clerk and attack initiatives aimed at revenue collection, thereby denying the City much-needed funds, which it can, in turn, use to fix issues such as the Sussex Street canal and outfall to solve the drainage issue once and for all. In all of this, security has been a recurring issue; not just youths using the community for cover to go out to attack and rob victims, but also interpersonal violence among residents of the ward; anyone paying attention to cases appearing before our courts would know this much. So it was to my satisfaction when I learnt of the plan by the new Commissioner of Police (ag) to confront some of the social issues in that community, and be more engaging with residents; but at the same time ensure the Force remains alert to those who would want to dissuade such a project from taking root in Albouystown. I was waiting for it, and it came a few days later: APNU, led by David Granger, launched a scathing attack against the initiative, and urged the ‘Top Cop’ to ensure that “nothing is done to jeopardise public security.” Clearly, APNU cannot be referring to the security of law-abiding citizens, as they will benefit from the ‘Impact Albouystown’ project; so APNU’s ‘concern’ can only be directed to those whose activities will be affected by this project. (To be continued...)

PPP calls for restoration of monies to bolster Amerindian development By Vanessa Narine GENERAL Secretary of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, has commended the Amerindian Peoples on their “militant stand” during the three days they demonstrated to demand recognition of their right to development. At a PPP press conference at Freedom House on Monday last, he called on the Opposition Parliamentary parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), to restore the funds that were allocated to advance development in Amerindian communities across the country, but which they cut from the 2014 National Budget. The combined Opposition in the National Assembly voted down $1.1B for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), $6M for rehabilitation of buildings, $13.5M for purchase of boats and engines, $20M for the purchase of vehicles and motorcycles, and 3M for the purchase of furniture and equipment – the entire capital budget of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Also disapproved was the $185M designated for hinterland airstrips under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Additional sums for development in the Amerindian communities were also voted down under allocations in the Ministry of Finance’s capital expenditures budget. At a press conference held at Freedom House last Monday, Rohee said, “(The Opposition parties have to) stop putting narrow partisan interests ahead of the lives and wellbeing of our indigenous people. “…the APNU and the AFC have once again used their oneseat majority to deny (Amerindian people) allocations provided in the 2014 Budget by the PPP/C Government to improve the

quality of their lives…. “We condemn the cuts made by the Opposition Parliamentary parties, which would negatively impact on the living standards of these communities, especially as it pertains to land titles and building capacity at the local level to undertake community projects which are made available under the Amerindian Development Fund.”

Amerindian protest outside Public Buildings Rohee said that refusal by the combined Parliamentary Opposition to approve monies allocated for Amerindian development is not only outrageous, but highly unconscionable. “It exposes the true nature of the APNU and the AFC, both of whom have conspired to deny the Amerindian people their inalienable right to a decent and dignified life,” he said. SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS Rohee added that the ruling party has consistently held the view that under the previous People’s National Congress (PNC) regime, Amerindians were reduced to being second class citizens, and were denied basic fundamental rights.

He said, “These rights included the right to quality education, quality health care, employment opportunities, and recreational facilities. “It is quite evident, from the actions taken by the combined opposition, that they are bent on repeating their past performance; namely, to starve Amerindians of developmental funds, and to stultify their material and cultural advance…. “The PPP calls on the Opposition parties to desist from playing politics with the lives and wellbeing of our Amerindian and hinterland communities.” Rohee said that, as a party and Government, the PPP/C is proud of its track record in terms of raising the profile of our Amerindian people, and in bringing these communities into the mainstream of national development. “It is clear for all to see that the entire social and physical infrastructure of these hinterland communities have been substantially overhauled since the assumption (to office) of the PPP/C administration, even though challenges still remain,” he said. Rohee pointed out that one of the first tasks of the PPP/C administration, on its assumption to office in October 1992, was to establish a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and appoint a Minister of Amerindian Affairs. In addition, he cited the PPP/C administration’s dedication of an entire month, September, to celebrate the life and works of our indigenous peoples. “It is clear that the actions taken by APNU and the AFC are intended to punish the Amerindian population for their overwhelming support (of) the PPP and the PPP/C administration,” Rohee said. Rohee assured that the ruling party would continue to champion the cause of Guyana’s Amerindian population.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Resource mobilisation By Hydar Ally

MOBILISING resources for development has always been a challenge for most governments, both in the developed and the developing world. This is particularly so for countries with limited resources, such as ours, where it is not an easy task to generate the requisite financial outlays to sustain, muchless accelerate the momentum of change and development. This is why when it comes to the financing of development, there can never be too much money, since, as every schoolboy knows, there is a positive correlation between the quantum of resources and the rate of economic growth. There was a time when Guyana’s development was largely overseas-driven. This was especially so during the period of colonial rule, when

development financing, in particular the financing of capital programmes, depended almost entirely on overseas grants from the Mother Country. Our records would reveal that there was a time when money from the colony was transferred to Britain to finance development in that big metropolitan power. One of the major challenges faced by the PPP government of the late 1950s and the early 1960s was how to mobilise resources for development. Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who was then Premier, sought to obtain funding from Britain, the United States, and other western countries, but was faced with numerous obstacles, mainly because of ideological reasons. Attempts to get funding from the USSR and other Eastern European countries did not yield the anticipated results, since the British Government did not take kindly

to the colony getting development assistance from the Socialist world. After the PPP was removed from office in 1964, the new PNC-UF coalition was showered with lots of overseas loans and grants, which, for the most part, were greatly mismanaged and spent on ill-advised projects, some of which never saw the light of day despite the huge sums of money spent on initial preparatory works. The western financial institutions and other donor countries were literally tumbling over each other to spend money on Guyana. Most of the money came in the form of loans, which had to be repaid with interest. By the latter part of the life of the PNC regime, the country was saddled with a huge foreign debt, which was consuming over 90 per cent of the country’s

revenues. The country was unable to meet its debt obligations to the international financial institutions, and at one time was declared ‘uncreditworthy’ by the IMF,

HYDAR ALLY

and therefore considered ineligible for further loans. One of the first tasks of the new PPP/C administration was to mobilise resources to rebuild a battered economy, especially given the fact that the Treasury was empty, and the productive capacity of the country in virtual tatters. By the early 1990s, the production of sugar and rice had reached

record lows, and bauxite had experienced an advanced state of production decline. Several development rounds took place, with the assistance of the Carter Centre and the UNDP, aimed at securing financing for development. In addition, several interventions were made at the bilateral and multilateral levels to either write off or reschedule the country’s huge debt burden. After several rounds of negotiations, Guyana became one of the few countries of the world that benefitted from debt write offs under the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative (HIPIC). This was a major breakthrough for Guyana, and released considerable financial resources which otherwise would have had to be spent on repaying and servicing the debt burden. Because of good governance, the country was projected as a model of a Third World country which has recovered from the trauma of economic and political disaster. I thought of providing that background information, if only to show how far the country has evolved over

time in terms of its capacity to mobilise financing for development. Today, Guyana is no longer a part of the IMF policy prescriptions, having exited the programme some years ago. This is a major economic advance, especially when seen against the background of what is taking place in several of the more advanced economies in the region which are still heavily dependent on the IMF to finance their development. What we have in Guyana is something of a paradox, where the PPPC administration has successfully mobilised resources for development, but the combined opposition is slashing the funds which are designed to stimulate the economy and accelerate the pace of our development. This is a very unusual situation, which is certainly not in the best interest of the country and its citizens. The actions taken by the combined opposition is motivated by narrow partisan interests, and has the potential to do harm to the economy, and by extension the wellbeing of the people of Guyana.

Digicel launches Samsung Galaxy S5 here DIGICEL Guyana last Wednesday launched the Samsung Galaxy S5 on the local market and the handset went on sale the following day at all authorised Digicel outlets. Digicel has said in a press release that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be available at all Digicel stores at a cost of GY$165,000, VAT inclusive. The Galaxy S5 is the first smart phone with a built-in Heart Rate Sensor which enables you to measure your heart rate when you need to. The enhanced health feature leads you through your fitness routines daily and consistently. Set your goals and achieve them with the help of Galaxy S5’s pedometer and S Health’s constant tracking of your condition, walking distance, calories, speed, duration, and so on. The Samsung S5 guarantees that you will not miss a moment as this android powerhouse comes equipped with 16MP camera Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot. It captures excellent videos, video stabilization with Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat) operating system, WiFiNFC, Bluetooth®: 4.0.Digicel is committed to enriching lives by placing innovative technology in the hands of Digicel customers simultaneously with the rest of the world. With the continuing expansion of its network across Guyana, Digicel said that its vision is guaranteeing that its customers enjoy nothing but the best as all handsets are brand new and come with a one-year warranty and excellent after sale services. “When purchasing from Digicel you are assured factory fresh handsets and quality customer service every time,” the release noted. Some additional features include IP67 certificated Dust & Water Resistant, Emergency Mode, Ultra Power Saving Mode, Quick Connect, Private Mode, and Kids Mode. Nalini Vieira, Head of Sales, is quoted as saying that, “this latest addition to Android phones that we offer ensures that you have the latest innovative technology in your hands. We are continuously delivering on our promise to offer the best smart phones at competitive prices. The new S5 will give customers a better smart phone experience featuring the latest super-fast Android processor amongst a whole host of great features, the S5will deliver an enriching experience to the lives our of customers and satisfaction is guaranteed.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Internationally-certified protocol consultant, Melinda Massiah-Duncan ready to serve Guyana

BEING a young mother of an 18-month-old and a wife

MELINDA T. MASSIAH-DUNCAN

in a foreign land is a job in itself. It requires service at

all odd hours, but that does not mean that one cannot progress to greater heights with one’s homeland at heart. This is the story in brief of 29-year-old US-based Guyanese Melinda T. Massiah-Duncan. She migrated to the USA three years ago, after being educated at School of the Nations and at the Cyril Potter College of Education, and after obtaining a degree in Education from the University of Guyana. Coming from a family-oriented background, her plan was to cater to her husband, Guyanese Rawle Duncan; but even as she was with child, a call to a greater

purpose and nationhood kept her mind and heart occupied, as did her baby, Rachael. While Ms. Massiah-Duncan attends to her original plan, she has now opted to answer the call after recently graduating from The Protocol School of Washington with training and certification in ‘Corporate Etiquette and International Consultancy’; and Guyana is on her mind. “My desire to study such a field is as a result of me having a servant’s heart…. I love to serve; and doing it the right way was learning the best of etiquette, protocol and hospitality (they all are different) at the best institu-

tion, so that I would be able to deliver quality, effective and efficient training,” she confided. She recalls the sore experiences of attending official functions where teenagers and even adults weren’t aware of ‘good’ and ‘correct’ table manners; but the seed was planted while on local soil, thanks to Ms. Dianne Hermonstine, who made it her duty to teach protocol and hospitality since the year 2000.

A d m i t t e d l y, M a s s i ah-Duncan says, “I’ve never had a desire to train otherwise, but now that I have completed this stage, I’m preparing to facilitate training in Guyana at churches (leadership) and even (among) government officials.” Tending to her baby, Ms. Massiah-Duncan disclosed her belief that she’s now ready to spread her wings “... helping to make our home a more sociable place

as I strive to bring back the Queen’s Standards of ‘dining like a diplomat’, business and social etiquette.” She is ever grateful to her Guyanese ‘church family’ at the First Assemblies of God Church, and says she strongly believes in the Word of God, which is reflected in her mantra that she hopes will catch on in days to come: “To whom much is given of the same is much required.” (Alex Wayne)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Golden Arrow Airways nearing certification to operate countrywide --to service hinterland locations first, then internationally later By Michel Outridge GOLDEN Arrow Airways (GAA) last Friday moved closer to certification status to begin domestic flights across Guyana with its demonstration flight to Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Timehri, East Bank Demerara and back to Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara. The Trislander aircraft is powered by three engines and comfortably seats 17 passengers and operates out of CAMS Hangar at Ogle. It was piloted by Captain Learie Barclay, who took the media and the Certification Officer, Egbert Field, accompanied by the owners on the demonstration flight Friday morning. Captain Barclay told reporters that the demonstration exercise is the culmination of a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and two months of training for the staff members and they were happy to be nearing the final stage of certification to operate in Guyana domestically. He added that they have been working assiduously with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in acquiring their Air Operative Certificate. The tri-engine Trislander aircraft has the same capacity as the Caravan and can

fly on two engines if one fails and it is one of the safest aircraft of its kind and is attached to GAA . At present GAA has two aircraft but is in the process of acquiring another one. The company will first launch its domestic flights to several hinterland locations after which they will fly internationally, Barclay said. However, when questioned about the aircraftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capability Barclay stated that it can fly non-stop from Guyana to Trinidad but at present they will go to all airstrips in Guyana that can accommodate their aircraft. He disclosed that they will be plying Regions 7, 8 and 9 and later they will launch their international flights to Trinidad and other countries. Barclay said that the Trislander is one of the largest operators with four additional seats and the level of safety of the aircraft is unprecedented. The GAA will provide a greater sense of security for passengers as they roll out their operations in a week or two. They have five local pilots and two aircraft and will gradually increase the fleet of 11 staff members, including five ground attendants, four operations staffers, one

Operations Supervisor, and Operations Manager, Captain Barclay. Golden Arrow Airways is owned by Giovanni Charles and Nirvana Mahase, who were also on the demonstration flight from Ogle International Airport. The duo made brief remarks, thanking the media and others for their time on Friday, following the exercise in the boardroom of CAMS Hangar. Egbert Field, Manager Flight Operations Oversight (Jamaica), who was on the demonstration flight told the media that he is working with the local CAA in the certification process of Golden Arrow Airways and the trip was a part of the dress rehearsal required in the standard operations. He noted that the process entailed five phases which took some time but GAA is nearing its final stage based on his recommendation for certification to operate. He also briefed the media on the lengthy process that was involved in the undertaking. Field added that he is very satisfied so far with the operations of Golden Arrow Airways since they have met all the requirements and have all the vital elements in place.

The Trislander aircraft that went on the demonstration flight is attached to Golden Arrow Airways which will launch its domestic services shortly

The Golden Arrow Airways team on Friday at the Boardroom at CAMS Hangar at Ogle (Photos by Michel Outridge)

Industry players say tighter security measures needed to reduce crime in mining areas By Ravin Singh A SERIES of criminal activities surfacing in remote areas of Guyana over the past few months, particularly in Port Kaituma, has led to questions being asked. The authorities would like to know how those incidents are affecting not just the communities, but Guyana as a whole; and what measures could be implemented to reduce the prevalence of crime in the affected areas? Four deaths, three by murder and the other by suicide, have been reported in the Port Kaituma community over the last week alone. Last month, a presumably mentally ill man set his house ablaze, in the process roasting his wife and four children, although he also later died of injuries sustained in that incident. And an eight-year-old girl was raped by an elderly man in that presumably troubled community last month. Following that, a number of armed robberies directed towards operators in the mining industry have given rise to criminal activities, particularly in Port Kaituma. The repercussions of such issues can lead to instability and stifle economic growth, not only in the region, but

throughout the country, as Guyana is heavily dependent on mining. Expressing his view on the issue in an interview with this newspaper, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Mr Patrick Harding, explained that while the increase in these crimes has not yet posed a threat to the industry, security and protection of its operators should not be taken for granted. He added that the mining industry, as a high-cost investment, is extremely vulnerable; and noted that while the police are cooperating with industry players and residents in the troubled areas, their effectiveness is curtailed by their limited numbers in those regions. Harding opined that large-scale miners are not affected to a great extent, as they usually facilitate provision for their own security. “However, these crimes pose threats to smaller miners, who depend heavily on the police for protection,” he said. As such, Harding is urging the relevant authorities to assist in improving the situation by providing additional ranks in these areas. Echoing Harding’s sentiments, Rickford Vieira,

Guyana Geology and Mines Commissioner (GGMC), stressed the need for “tighter” security in these areas. Vieira explained that it is very costly for investors to have to bear the entire cost of providing security in these hot-spot areas. This daunting issue has the potential to escalate if not monitored, Vieira said, and it can possibly affect not only the business industry, but the tourism industry as well. The remote areas which once seemed a haven for many Guyanese seeking respite from the stresses of the concrete jungle are now producing constant criminal incidents. Vice-Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr Ramesh Persaud, expressed that body’s concern about the situation, saying what is needed is protection of the tourism industry and the business

Aries March 21 - April 19

The ball is totally in your court, and you could be nearing the end of the game. Give it your all -- holding back now just confuses your teammates and might give your opponents just the opening they’re waiting for. You don’t want to do that, especially when the prize is just within your reach. Most of all, you deserve it -- a fact that competitors have to acknowledge. Keep up the good work!

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Mind games get you nowhere today, especially because the rules are so complicated that no one knows what’s going on. You’re not doing it on purpose, of course -- you’re just so muddled about what it is you want that things have become extremely complicated. Take a big step back and try to figure out what it is you really want to achieve. After that, you can approach the situation with a new sense of clarity.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Your ideas and advice, usually top-notch, are generally welcomed by your people. A more argumentative energy is flowing through you right now, so make sure you can back up those opinions that you’re suddenly handing out so generously. It’s even more important to make sure that people actually want to hear your suggestions, and that you’re not just lecturing them to hear the sound of your own voice!

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Shifting universal energies lead to corresponding changes in your life. They affect you, your friends, your family and, most importantly, how you and all your people relate to one another. Keep cool, don’t overreact and remember that your faith that things will work out all right leads to positive end results for you. Hold on tight, and enjoy the ride!

Leo July 23 - August 22

Missing information proves vital to your whole day, so don’t jump into any new situation before you know everything you need. It may be hard, because everything looks so good at first glance, so enlist a friend or colleague to help you wait things out until you can make an informed decision. Exercise patience for the time being and it should grow stronger, like a muscle.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

Take a hard look at your finances and professional life before you decide to tackle someone else’s plans. Is that what you really want? Are you sure that it’s even possible at this time? These are all big questions you need to ask yourself before you make a move, no matter how much you want to act on the spur of the moment. Your mental energy can help you get your fiscal situation ship-shape, so do what you can to make it so.

Libra September 23 - October 22

Just because someone close has a problem, that doesn’t automatically mean that you have to fix it. The temptation to be nice is constant, but it might be kinder to everyone if you just let people deal with their own problems and try your best not to interfere. This teaches them responsibility, but it also means that you can breathe more deeply and get on with living your life.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

GGDMA President, Mr Patrick Harding

For Monday April 28, 2014 -14:30hrs For Tuesday April 29, 2014 -05:00hrs For Wednesday April 30, 2014 -05:00hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

sector’s operations in those areas. “We are extremely concerned about the miners and community members as well,” Persaud said, as he noted the need for increased police presence in those areas, especially Bartica, Port Kaituma and Barima. The foregoing concerns were not responded to by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as efforts to contact Commander Courtney Ramsay of the ‘F’ Division proved futile. Only yesterday, in an INews report, Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), retired Justice Cecil Kennard, revealed that he had received several complainants that police officers in the Lethem/Annai area are accepting bribes to forego prosecution of offenders.

Don’t stop looking for love just because you’re feeling a little cranky, or you may find yourself losing ground really quickly. There’s a time and a place for the big discussion, so make sure things absolutely need to be discussed before you announce it’s time for a negotiation session. Your current aggressive energies could trigger a full-scale war out of almost nothing, so you might want to save it for later.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

All your plans are finally falling neatly into place, so now is the perfect time to pack up all your troubles and drop them off at the dump. Decision-making often confounds you, and that leads to procrastination -- but to resolve this problem, all you have to do is stop doubting yourself. You’re on the precipice of a brand-new chapter of your life. Big fun is just ahead, exotic locales beckon and your plans are on an upward swing.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

You’ve got a lot to think about right now! An offer to upgrade to a larger home might be out of your immediate financial capability, but opportunities like this allow you to grow. That is even more true for work challenges that you’re sure you’re not ready for yet. Your energy is just right, though, so release those doubts. Think things through, ask for advice, and you should be pleasantly surprised.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

You may find yourself in the middle of a tense moment with a loved one today. A standoff does no one any good (and just raises your blood pressure), so find a way to talk things over with the relevant party before it’s too late. If you make a serious effort toward increasing the peace, your social energy should do all the rest. Owning up to your part -even if you feel justified -- should go a long way. A little extra charm doesn’t hurt, either!

Pisces February 19 - March 20

You’re sick and tired of feeling so sick and tired! If you’re fed up with an old situation, it’s time to take steps so it doesn’t keep cropping up in your life over and over again. The key to breaking this cycle is to pay attention to everything you do: how you speak, those around you and the consequences of your actions. A little extra concentration shows you the exit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

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Latiff named Man-of-the-Match ... From back page his second over and first two of his third were all struck for sixes by Mohammed Karim 36 (19 balls, 4x6) and Tamenchandra respectively. However, Wolf Warriors lost wickets regularly, including the hard-hitting Amrit Rai (6), and despite Karim adding 42 for the fifth wicket with his brother Safraz (12) and an additional 46 for the sixth wicket with Tamenchandra, the task of scoring close to 13 an over was too huge for the losing side. Regal celebrated in fine style, when Kippins had Tamenchandra caught at long on by Esau off the second ball of the penultimate over for a well-played innings, even as Azad Azeez chipped in with 20 (2x6) against the bowling of Pritvi Motilall (3 for 43) and Gittens and Latiff who took 2 wickets each for 17 and 30 runs respectively for Regal XI. The winners pocketed $100 000 and a trophy while the losers got half of that and a trophy as well, with Latiff receiving two trophies and an undisclosed sum of cash for his Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series efforts, with Latiff accumulating 262 runs including an even century against Success, while he also took eight wickets. In the Male Over-40 final which was a T20 affair, Success Masters batted first and were bowled out fro 124 off the final delivery of their 20 overs,

with Dharmendra Mohabir 33, Hafeez Samad 12 and Krishna Ramnauth 11 being their top-scorers. Clyde Canterbury took 2 for 9 for Floodlight Masters, who in reply reached 125

RICARDO ADAMS for 7 off 19.5 overs, with Richard Persaud 38, Ricky Deonarine 34 and Wayne Jones’ unbeaten 24 leading them to victory as Mohabir

took 3 for 20 and Samad two wickets. Like Regal XI, Floodlight Masters took home a trophy and $100 000, with Success Masters taking home $50 000 and a trophy, Mohabir the Man-of-theMatch award and Jones the Player-of-the-Series award. After limiting Mike’s Wellwoman to 73 for 6 off their 10 overs, of which Latoya Smith top-scored with 24, Trophy Stall Angels, through their skipper and Player-of-the-Match and June Ogle-Thomas’ unbeaten 48, raced to 74 for 2 from 9.2 overs to take home the $50 000 first prize, leaving their opponents to settle for $25 000. O g l e - T h o m a s was named Best Batter-of-the-Tournament, her teammate Kavita Yadram Best All-rounder with her 171 runs and five wickets while Smith was named Best Bowler - feats for which they all received trophy.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Darren Bravo-32 wickets in 2013 (CSK) Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors

Today’s Quiz:

Which two teams met in the inaugural IPL final? Who was declared Man of the Match in the first ever IPL game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Smith half-century keeps CSK on winning run SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – West Indies Twenty20 opener Dwayne Smith extended his good form in the Indian Premier League, blasting a half-century to power Chennai Super Kings to a five-wicket win over Darren Sammy’s Sunrisers Hyderabad here yesterday. Chasing 146 for victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, CSK got home with three balls to spare to post their fourth win on the trot in the multi-million Twenty20 league. Smith was once again at the forefront of the run chase, cracking 66 from 46 balls, with four fours and five sixes. He shared an opening stand of 85 off 65 balls with Brendon McCullum who scored 40 off 33 deliveries. The Barbados batsman emerged from a watchful start to punish the Hyderabad attack,

… MUMBAI REMAIN WINLESS smashing two sixes off seamer Ishant Sharma’s opening over, the eighth of the innings. He took CSK to within sight of victory before falling, holing out to long-off off seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 16th over with 20 runs required for victory. Smith was one of three wickets to fall in the late stages before captain MS Dhoni, with 13 not out, saw CSK home.

Earlier, Sammy had pummelled a typically explosive unbeaten 23 from 15 balls, with two fours and a six, as Hyderabad, opting to bat first, reached 145 for five off their 20 overs. Opener Aaron Finch topscored with 44 from 45 balls, while Smith had a role with the ball, taking one for 11 from two disciplined overs. In the other game of the doubleheader at the venue, West Indies big-hitter

Kieron Pollard found some form but his Mumbai Indians remained winless, after going down by six wickets to the Delhi Daredevils. Choosing to bat first, Mumbai posted a paltry 125 for six, with Pollard scoring a measured unbeaten 33 from 30 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Opener Murali Vijay then hammered 40 and Kevin Pietersen, an unbeaten 26 from 18 deliveries, to steer Delhi to victory with seven balls left in the contest.

Obama blasts ‘incredibly racist’ NBA team owner Dwayne Smith top-scores with 66 for Chennai.

(REUTERS) - President Barack Obama yesterday said comments reported to have been made by the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers basketball team were “incredibly offensive, racist statements.” The NBA is investigating an audio recording posted online of Clippers owner Donald Sterling, allegedly telling his girlfriend not to post photographs of herself with black people and not to bring African-Americans to Clippers games, league officials said last Saturday. “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance you don’t really have to do anything, you just let them talk,” Obama said when asked about the controversy during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Obama said he was confident NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would deal with the issue. “Obviously the NBA is a league that is beloved by fans across the country,” Obama, America’s first black president, said. “It’s

President Barack Obama

got an awful lot of African American players steeped in African American culture.” He said the controversy was also an example of how the United States continues to wrestle with the legacy of race, and he likened that struggle to Malaysia’s effort to foster a harmonious multi-ethnic society. Celebrity news site TMZ.com published the 10-minute recording on its website late on Friday, describing it as a taped conversation between the billionaire Sterling and a model, who goes by the name V. Stiviano.

“The audio recording posted by TMZ is truly offensive and disturbing, and we intend to get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible,” Silver said on Saturday night. The recording was sharply criticised by civil rights leaders, fans and players. It was not immediately clear when and how the conversation was recorded. Silver said the league would move swiftly to determine the authenticity of the recording and its context, while Clippers president Andy Roeser issued a statement saying they have listened to the tape on TMZ. “We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered. We do know that the woman on the tape who we believe released it to TMZ - is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family,” the statement said. “Mr Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Barbadian Jordan rewarded Smith, Theophile lead strong Windwards reply with new Sussex contract GROS-ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – A boundarystudded half-century from Devon Smith in an enterprising century stand with fellow opener Tyrone Theophile led a bold reply for Windward Islands following strong batting from Jamaica in the Headley/Weekes Trophy Final yesterday. Smith was unbeaten on 66 and Theophile 44, as the Windwards reached 113 without loss at the close on the second day of the final to the Regional Four-Day Championship, still 279 in arrears on first innings. This followed half-centuries from Nikita Miller and Andre McCarthy on the hard, true Beausejour Cricket Ground pitch that inflated Jamaica’s first-innings total to 392 before they were dismissed about five minutes before tea. Miller led the lower-order resistance with an unbeaten 64, McCarthy gathered 62 and Damion Jacobs added 30 to follow up on half-centuries from Jermaine Blackwood and opener Nkrumah Bonner the previous day. Kenroy Peters was the pick of

Devon Smith

the Windwards bowlers with three for 59 from 27 overs, Mervin Matthew supported with three for 68 from 31 overs and Shane Shillingford, bowling with his damaged left middle finger heavily strapped, ended with two for 55 from 16.1 overs. Smith then typically treated the Jamaica new-ball pair of Jerome Taylor and Sheldon Cottrell with disdain, and was particularly severe on anything short with his trademark cuts and pulls. He reached his 50 from 63 balls in the final hour of the day, when he tucked a delivery from Dave Bernard Jr to fine leg for a single. He has so far struck eight fours from a total of 94 balls in just

SCORECARD JAMAICA 1st innings (o/night 232/3) N. Bonner c Ambris b Matthew 88 J.. Campbell c wkp. Charles b Johnson 2 J. Blackwood lbw b Peters 94 A. McCarthy c & b Sebastien 62 T. Lambert c wkp. Charles b Peters 18 C. Baugh c D.S. Smith b Matthew 8 D. Bernard c wkp. Charles Matthew 0 N. Miller not out 64 D. Jacobs c Matthew b Peters 30 J. Taylor c Ambris b Shillingford 5 S. Cottrell c Lesporis b Shillingford 13 Extras: (lb-3, w-1, nb-4) 8 Total: (all out, 147.4 overs) 392 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-186, 3-194, 4-237, 5-266, 6-266, 7-304, 8-361, 9-366. Bowling: Johnson 18-3-80-1 (nb-1, w-1); Matthew 31-8-68-3; Peters 27-7-59-3 (nb-1); Shillingford 16.1-0-55-2; Sebastien 47.3-7103-1 (nb-2); Smith 4-0-11-0; Charles 4-1-130 WINDWARD ISLANDS 1st innings D.S. Smith not out 66 T. Theophile not out 44 Extras: (b-2, w-1) 3 Total: (without loss, 32 overs) 113 Bowling: Taylor 5-1-21-0; Cottrell 4-1-220; Bernard 6-0-21-0 (w-1); Miller 11-3-34-0; Lambert 5-1-12-0; Jacobs 1-0-1-0 Position: Windwards trail by 279 with all firstinnings wickets standing.

over two hours at the crease. Theophile, batting with a sore hand which he injured in the field the previous day, lived a charmed life and was fortunate to have survived until stumps, as he stroked two fours and one six from 98 balls. He was dropped on six at slip off left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, on 18 when Bernard failed to hold a high, return chance, and on

of 45 minutes scoreless before breaking the shackles with a pair of boundaries off Mathew – a cut through backward point and a pull over mid-wicket just before lunch. After the interval, McCarthy stayed long enough to usher Jamaica past 300 with Miller before he gave a return catch to Windwards captain and off-spinner Liam Sebastien

Jamaica’s Nikita Miller fends off this short delivery, during his unbeaten innings against the Windward Islands yesterday. (Photo courtesy flickr.com/windiescricket)

24 when he edged the same bowler high to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr’s right. Theophile also drove a low, but wide and difficult chance to extra cover fielder John Campbell, when 32, off Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert, bowling his uncomplicated off-spin. Earlier, Jamaica reached 298 for six at lunch, after they stumbled with the loss of three wickets inside the first hour of the morning. Starting the day on 232 for three, the Jamaicans suffered an early setback, when Lambert was caught behind for 18, touching a delivery from Peters in the fifth over of the morning. Baugh came to the crease and spent close to an hour, moving the visitors past 250 with resolute batting, before he was caught at slip for eight in the first over of the day from Mathew, who also had Bernard caught behind for a duck, leaving Jamaica on 266 for six. In-between, McCarthy drove Johnson into the off-side to reach his 50 from 126 balls, but he spent nearly 20 balls spanning a period

from a leading edge, trying to play into the leg-side. He struck half-dozen fours from 163 balls in a little more than 3-½ hours at the crease. Miller, whose 104-ball innings contained just three boundaries in close to 2½ hours, held the lower order together with responsible batting. He added a valuable 57 with Jacobs to take the Jamaica past 350 before two wickets fell in the space of three balls. Jacobs was caught at extra cover off Peters and Jerome Taylor was caught on the boundary for five, trying to clear long-off with Shillingford, who brought the innings to a close when he had Sheldon Cottrell caught at mid-wicket for 13, following a last-wicket flurry with Miller, as the visitors chased the 400-run threshold. The Headley/Weekes Trophy was inaugurated five years ago in honour of the late Jamaica and West Indies batting legend George Headley, and living Barbados and West Indies batting legend Sir Everton Weekes.

LONDON, England (CMC) – Barbados and England all-rounder Chris Jordan has been rewarded for his success with a two-year contract extension at Sussex, the English County club has announced. The 25-year-old, a probing right-arm seamer and a bighitting lower-order, has made a big impression at Hove since joining last year from long-time club Surrey. Jordan has also made a promising start to his international career with England and Sussex said the player was a key part of their plans going forward. “CJ has had an incredible year and there is no reason why he can’t continue to take his career forward,” said Sussex’s Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson said. “He hasn’t changed since the moment he walked in. He has been humble, honest, hardworking and as a cricketer, exciting to be around. We look forward to watching him develop over the next few years.” Jordan, who played for Barbados as recently as the 2013 first class season, said he was delighted with the new commitment. “It’s great to have signed an extension to my contract at Hove. I really enjoyed my first season with Sussex and hopefully I can continue putting in solid performances

and to help us be successful, especially with our strong start to the campaign,” said Jordan.

Chris Jordan

“I want to be able to help Sussex have the best chance of winning trophies, and hopefully the new contract will give me the platform to push for further international honours across the next couple of seasons.” After being released from Surrey following a six-year spell, Jordan announced his arrival at Sussex last season with a haul of 59 wickets at an average of 26.73. He also managed 408 runs with a highest score of 92. He subsequently broke into the England setup during Australia’s tour of England last year and since played seven One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals. In the County Championship yesterday, he took two of the three Somerset wickets to fall as Somerset struggled to 82 for three on the opening day wrecked by rain.

Sharapova beats Ivanovic in Stuttgart final STUTTGART, Germany (AP) - Maria Sharapova won her third straight Porsche Grand Prix title yesterday by coming from behind to defeat Ana Ivanovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final. Sharapova won her first tournament of the year and the 30th title of her career, while she is now undefeated in 13 consecutive matches on the indoor clay in Stuttgart. Ivanovic wasted a 3-1 lead in the second set as Sharapova raised her game to stay in the high-quality match between two former top-ranked players and French Open champions. Ivanovic was seeking her third title of the year.

“I just tried to hang in there,” Sharapova said. “For the first half of the match I thought it might not be my day today, but somehow I turned it around.” Ivanovic got off to a flying a start and won the first five games of the match before Sharapova started fighting back. Ivanovic wasted a set point and could not serve out the set at her first attempt. She gifted Sharapova another game with a double-fault but finally pulled together to win the first set. Sharapova had trouble reading Ivanovic’s varied game and change of pace. But she held on as Ivanovic began to lose her focus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Bravo, Deonarine among runs in National League

Trevon Griffith

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies batsman Darren Bravo turned his back on some patchy form with a half-century for Queen’s

Park Oval, on the opening day of the seventh round of matches in the National League last Saturday. The left-hander carved out a fine top score of 81 as the hosts were dismissed for 228 in their first innings against Tableland, following which West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 2 for 19 as Tableland were bundled out for 96. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein took three for 15. Guyana and West Indies lefthander Narsingh Deonarine was also among the runs, scoring 70 to help Preysal to 207 all out in their first innings against Bamboo, who in reply were bowled

Narsingh Deonarine

out for 178, with another Guyanese batsman Krishna Arjune top-scoring with 39, Deonarine taking 2 for 15 with his off-breaks for Preysal, who were nine for

one in their second innings. In Diego Martin, Barbados fast bowler Javon Searles struck an unbeaten halfcentury before Trinidad and Tobago left-arm spinner Ricky Jaipaul grabbed a seven-wicket haul, to keep Merry Boys afloat against Esmeralda. Merry Boys were dismissed cheaply for 151 in their first innings, with Searles striking a top score of 57. Jaipaul, who made his first class debut this season, then destroyed Esmeralda’s innings with seven for 44, to give Merry Boys a two-run lead on first innings, with Guyana opener Trevon Griffith top-scoring with 49 and, at the close, Merry Boys were one without loss in their second innings.

Gerrard slip costs Liverpool, as Chelsea blow title race wide open DEMBA BA and Willian struck at the end of each half as Chelsea blew the Premier League title race wide open with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over leaders Liverpool at Anfield. The Senegal international took advantage of a costly slip by Reds skipper Steven Gerrard to surge clear and coolly beat Simon Mignolet on the stroke of halftime. And the Blues wrapped up the points when one-time Kop hero Fernando Torres unselfishly laid on a tap-in for Willian in injury-time after the visitors broke clear. Chelsea made seven changes from the side that drew at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and looked to disrupt Brendan Rodgers’ outfit throughout a game of attack versus defence.

Liverpool went close through Mamadou Sakho but that was as near as they came as another big-game Jose Mourinho master class saw the hosts continually frustrated. Andre Schurrle almost doubled the lead after the break with a rasping drive that Simon Mignolet did well to parry while at the other end the Reds saw longrange shots from Gerrard and Joe Allen fly wide. Luis Suarez almost snatched an equaliser when he stung the fingertips of Mark Schwarzer before Willian sealed the triumph. The result sees Chelsea close the gap on the leaders to two points, while Manchester City can leapfrog Liverpool into top spot on goal difference if they win their two games in hand. (Eurosport)

Oklahoma beat Memphis in third straight overtime thriller ... THUNDER 92, GRIZZLIES 89 OVERTIME again, but this time, after losing two straight overtime games, the Oklahoma City Thunder survived for a 92-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum to even their first-round Western Conference playoff series at 2-2. Reggie Jackson scored a career-high 32 points, including the last five in regulation, as the Thunder rallied from an 80-75 deficit over the last 1:20 to send the game into overtime tied at 80. The Thunder had led by 14 with 26 seconds left in the third quarter. In overtime, Jackson scored eight of the Thunder’s 12 points and sank four free throws over the last 12.2 seconds. The Thunder never led by more than three in overtime and the Grizzlies never led by more than one, the last time at 1:34 when point guard Mike Conley hit a step-back jumper. Conley’s three-point attempt bounced high off the iron as the overtime ended.

Memphis missed opportunities at the freethrow line, shooting 56.5 percent (13-for-23). Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook again struggled against the Grizzlies’ physical defence and scored less combined (30 points) than Jackson did by himself. Westbrook finished with 15 points, going 6-for-24 from the field, and Durant scored 15 while making 5-of-21 from the floor. Marc Gasol led Memphis with 23 points and 11 rebounds and four assists. Pacers 91, Hawks 88 Indiana could have folded under another barrage of three-pointers from the Atlanta Hawks but instead the Pacers answered and evened a series that has been much closer than many expected. Paul George scored 24 points and George Hill had his best game of the series in a 91-88 victory over the Hawks at Philips Arena. The first-round playoff series is tied 2-2 and heads back to Indiana for Game 5 today.

Hill, like the rest of the Pacers, has struggled in the series, but scored 15 points, including the last basket of the game on a driving layup that put Indiana up three with 56 seconds to play. The Hawks hit 11 threepointers, but needed one more and failed to convert on their last three possessions. Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague hit a deep threepointer with 4:36 left in the fourth quarter that put the Hawks up 83-78. Hill answered with a corner three-pointer on the next possession. George and forward David West hit back-toback three-pointers that helped the Pacers build a four-point lead with 1:32 to play. The Hawks did not make a field goal in the final four minutes of the game. Atlanta forward Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 29 points, and Korver added 15. The Hawks scored 11 straight points in the second quarter and led by as many as 10. They led 5852 at halftime.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 28, 2014

Gizmos and Gadgets pumps Mentore retains DCC presidency $375 000 into RHTYSC - RENEWS FIRST DIVISION SPONSORSHIP FOR 5TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

By Calvin Roberts

SPONSORSHIP for sports in Guyana is difficult to obtain and maintain but the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) continues to attract support from the business sector throughout the country. This was evident last Thursday, when popular Georgetown-based company, Gizmos and Gadgets, renewed its cricket sponsorship of the RHTYSC first division team for 2014 to the tune of $275 000 and also donated trophies and electronic gadgets valued $100 000 for the club’s upcoming 24th annual awards ceremony. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the company for its investment into one of the leading first division teams in Guyana, the RHT Gizmos and Gadgets, who, along with their long-time rival Albion have been dominating at the first division level in the Ancient County over the last decade, and include some of the country’s leading cricketers. Players in the team include West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin, national players Royston Crandon and Rajiv Ivan, former national player Delbert Hicks, former national Under-19 captain Shawn Pereira and West Indies female cricketer Shemaine

AMIDST lots of chaos and confusion which reigned for over an hour at the Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstownbased Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), incumbent Alfred Mentore retained the stewardship of the club known as the ‘Home of the Legends’, unanimously and unchallenged, last

Campbelle. Foster stated that with Gizmos and Gadgets support, the RHTYSC was able to concentrate fully on playing cricket without worrying about the financial cost. The team as they have done in the past,

produced numerous players for Berbice and Guyana at all levels, while Foster also expressed gratitude to the company for supporting the award ceremony, as the Club strongly believes in rewarding its heroes who performed beyond the call of duty.

Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets, Divya Sieudarsan (right), hands over the sponsorship cheque and a few items which will be used during the upcoming award ceremony to RHTYSC Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster.

continued to dominate cricket in Berbice and in the last six months won the Busta Champion of Champions 50 overs and NAMILCO/Bakewell 20/20 tournaments. Under the Gizmos and Gadgets sponsorship the team have won eight major championships and have

Office Manager and head of the RHTYSC Cricket Development Committee, Moonish Singh, disclosed that Crandon would lead the team in 2014 with Pereira as his deputy, while Winston Smith will execute the duties of coach and Foster would continue to serve as the manager.

Singh stated that with the pool of dedicated players, the RHTYSC aim to dominate for the rest of the 2014 Berbice season with special emphasis being placed on developing promising talents for the future. Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets Divya Sieudarsan stated that her General Manager Ravi Mangar was pleased to sponsor the team and was very impressed with their achievements under the sponsorship. The team, she noted has promoted the company’s brand with passion and success and as such it had no problem with renewing its sponsorship. She wished the team more success in the future and expressed confidence that the RHTYSC would continue to uphold the high standards it has set itself. She also expressed congratulations to the awardees of the club who would be honoured at the 24th annual awards ceremony scheduled for May 18, which will see the Cricketer-of-the-Year receive a package worth $500 000 including $200 000 cash, a return ticket to USA, designer clothing, cosmetic hampers, cell phones and electronic gadgets among other prizes.

Bakewell renews sponsorship of RHTYSC cricket teams for 15th successive year GUYANA’S largest bakery, Bakewell, last Thursday renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Under-17 and second division teams for the 15th successive year, to the tune of $220 000, covering their participation in Berbice Cricket Board tournaments. Secretary/CEO of the Club, Hilbert Foster, at the presentation said Bakewell has been an official sponsor of the club since 2000 and has played a major role in its development into Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The second division team won four titles and the Under-17,

three under the sponsorship, which has also played a major role in the development of Esaun and Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Dominic Rikhi, Jason Sinclair, Akshay Homraj, Eon Hooper, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Clinton Pestano, Plafianna Millington and Shailendra Shameer among dozens of others. Bakewell, Foster stated, should be proud of the role it has played in the development of Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Campbelle and Erva Giddings who have all played for the West Indies. The veteran cricket administrator disclosed that as the RHTYSC prepares to

celebrate its silver anniversary in 2015, it has started to restructure its cricket sections under the supervision of cricket manager Moonish Singh and cricket coach Winston Smith. Special emphasis is being placed on the development of new talents at the junior level and to make sure that they fully understand the club’s formula of success discipline, commitment, faith in God and hard work. Foster informed Bakewell that the Under-17 team earlier in the week reached the final of the Berbice Cricket Board tournament, while the second division team started to play in the 2014 New Building

Society tournament. The Under-17 team is being led by national cricketer Brandon Prasad with Berbice Under-15 captain Kelvon Anderson as his deputy while Shailendra Shameer is the captain of the Bakewell second division with Prasad as his deputy. Cricket manager of the RHTYSC, Moonish Singh, assured Bakewell that every member of the two teams was grateful for its support and has made a commitment to represent the company’s brand with pride and passion in 2014. Singh stated that while the Under-17 players are confident of retaining their

Thursday night at the upper pavilion of the club. The confusion, which was quelled for a brief period, where national Super50 skipper Christopher Barnwell give a motivational speech, stemmed from some members, who were not in a good financial standing with the club, being denied the right to exercise their votes. A vote was cast by the electorate who are deemed to be in good financial standing, to decide whether or not those members who are not in good financial standing, should be allowed to vote, following which a unanimous verdict of NO was reached. More confusion erupted while the results of that minivote were being announced. Barnwell called for peace

and tranquillity in his speech which was applauded by those present including Honorary Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board Anand Sanasie and GCB Marketing Manager Raj Singh. Mentore, who was being challenged for the position of presidency by present president of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper, then made the announcement of Bish Panday, a former GCA president, as the Returning Officer. Again, there was more confusion with several members of DCC from both factions of the floor challenging the legality of the elections, with some members, who were offering their unwavering support to Harper, opting to keep a separate meeting on the opposite side of the venue. However, when all was said and done and the dust had settled, Mentore was re-elected for another year, having as his deputies, Ian John and Ruth Howard, with Howard being asked to serve in the capacity of Administrator. Seon Greaves retained his position of secretary while there is a new treasurer in Darren Torrington. Ullanda Wiltshire was asked to execute the office of assistant secretary/treasurer and Shalim Baksh Public Relations Officer (PRO). Jamal Hinckson will take over as club captain, while there are five committee members in Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian and shadow Minister of Sport, Trevor Williams, Garvin Nedd, Lyndon Lyght, Kevin George and Ron Amos.

dominance at that level, the management of the RHTYSC has decided that the second division team would be used to blood the younger players to a higher level of the game in an effort to develop their talent. General Manger of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga, expressed his company’s pleasure to be associated with the RHTYSC as it is, without doubt, the most dynamic and productive youth and sports club in Guyana. “Bakewell was satisfied with

the club’s representation of its brand and noted that the company would continue to support the RHTYSC in the future,” said Ganga, who also handed over $40 000 worth of trophies for the Club’s 24th annual awards ceremony scheduled for May 18. The company also cosponsors the RHTYSC annual review magazine, cricket academy, proeducation campaign and massive Christmas charity programmes.

Alfred Mentore

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Obama blasts ‘incredibly racist’ NBA team owner See story on page 24

President Barack Obama

GFSCA/TROPHY STALL TOURNAMENT

Latiff named Man-of-the-Match and Series as Regal XI lift title

We are the champions! The victorious Regal XI lineup and some of their supporters surround skipper Troy Kippins (3rd from right) as he accepts the trophy from Managing Director of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich. that was bowled by Narine Bailey as Regal XI piled up a mammoth 226 for 4 from their 20 overs against a Wolf Warriors bowling lineup, who were dazed at the rampant start Adams and Latiff gave their team. In reply, Tamenchandra took the attack to the Regal XI bowling with his topscore of 46 that included five sixes, two of them struck off successive deliveries from Regal XI’s skipper Troy Kippins, whose final three balls of

… Floodlights and Trophy Stall Angels also win By Calvin Roberts REGAL XI’s pugnacious opener Richard Latiff was named Man-of-the-Match in the Final and Player-ofthe-Series, while his team lifted the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA)-organised, Trophy Stall-sponsored Open T20 title under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club ground last Saturday night. Also in winners’ row were Floodlights XI and Trophy Stall Angels, who defeated Success Masters and Mike’s Wellwoman to take the Over-40 and Female categories of the same competition, in the presence of a vociferous crowd. Regal XI’s nemesis Wolf Warriors won the toss and asked them to take first strike, for whom Latiff and Ricar-

do Adams posted 92 for the first wicket from eight overs, with Latiff hitting six sixes and two fours in his 29-ball 62, posting his 50 from 23 deliveries with five sixes and two fours. Vishnu Tamenchandra (2 for 28) was the man who broke the partnership, when he bowled Latiff in the 8th over, but it only allowed Adams and Chien Gittens 20 (12 balls, 2x4, 1x6) to add 4 for the second wicket. When Gittens was dismissed, Adams added 53 for the third wicket with Safraz Esau 35 (23 balls, 3x6; 1x4) as Regal XI scored runs at will. Adams posted his 50 from 35 balls, with three sixes and four fours. Together with Ricky Sargeant (3), Adams, who finished unbeaten on 69 (41 balls, 6x4; 4x6) took 18 off the final over

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MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014