Guyana chronicle 9 25 2015

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‘Threat of war’ No. 104323

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…Guyana courts UN help against Venezuela

President David Granger meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Waldorf Astoria, New York, yesterday

Lawrence sounds Who has to be jailed warning to will be jailed- Ramjattan child molesters Cops $6M cocaine bust

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Camaraderie, charity, virtue celebrated at Eid observance

By Rabindra Rooplall WITH a focus on brotherhood, the needy and the vulnerable in society, Muslims countrywide yesterday observed the “festival of sacrifice” or “festival of feast”, known as Eid-Ul-Adha.

Groups of people, many considered less fortunate, flocked various masjids as the three-day

commemoration began with prayer yesterday; the following days will be filled with socialising, good foods, and presents for Muslims countrywide.

At the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), hundreds participated in the slaughtering of animals and sharing of the meat see page 5

The sacrificial offerings being inspected before distribution

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Guyana calls for China’s support

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

-in light of Venezuela’s aggression

By Shivanie Sugrim AT a time when fresh threats are being raised against Guyana by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, acting in the capacity of President of Guyana, has called on the People’s Republic of Chi-

since, Guyana has declared itself a strong supporter of the ‘One China’ policy.

Decades ago, a large population of China escaped and formed Taiwan that is now partially recognised as a country by itself. The ‘One China’ policy, which was endorsed by the United States, came into being in an effort to settle the dispute between China and Taiwan.

The policy is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. In other words, the policy says that both China and

Venezuela’s decades-old claim to Guyana’s sovereign space resurfaced in May, following a significant oil discovery

by ExxonMobil. The Spanish-speaking country illegally positioned armed ships in Guyana’s Cuyuni River, some three days ago.

In light of this, Nagamootoo has called upon China, given Guyana’s consistent support to the country, particularly its ‘One China’ policy, to aid in maintaining Guyana’s sovereignty.

“Guyana expects the support of our

Acting President Moses Nagamootoo addressing the gathering at the Chinese Embassy

na for support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This call was issued at the Wednesday evening reception in celebration of the 66th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese Embassy in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin and a host of diplomats and other leading dignitaries.

Guyana has consistently supported the People’s Republic of China in the face of territorial controversy since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries some 43 years ago. Ever

Chinese nationals were always encouraged to invest in the myriad opportunities that Guyana has to offer and Nagamootoo aims to move towards increased cooperation.

“Over the years, we [Guyana and China] have deepened our bilateral relations.

The opportunity must now be taken to reflect on our achievements, and to move towards increased cooperation,” said Nagamootoo.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin speaking at the reception

Acting President Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin on their arrival at the Independence reception Taiwan are recognised as one country and Guyana to date is an ardent supporter of this policy unlike several of its Caribbean counterparts, which continued to recognise Taiwan as a distinct and separate government from China.

friends for our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially at this time when fresh threats are raised against us,” Nagamootoo urged on Wednesday evening.

INCREASED COOPERATION

In 2000 Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the introduction of China Central Television (CCTV) in Guyana. Thereafter, increased trade and investment began and relations between the two countries have grown significantly.

Though several key projects are in the pipeline, Nagamootoo said that the new government is anticipating the execution of these projects to the satisfaction of all parties.

Being the second largest, China’s see page 4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Guyana calls for China ...

from page 3

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams greets China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin (Adrian Narine Photos) economy is followed closely by the world. In the first half of this year, on the basis of last year’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$10 trillion, China’s economy increased by 7%, which still ranks as one of the highest among the world’s major economies.

China attaches great importance to its relations with the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Region, which is the most dynamic Region with the greatest potential for development.

The China-CELAC forum, a mode of cooperation in production and equipment manufacturing between China and Latin America, was successfully launched early this year.

A special fund of US$30 billion will therefore be set up by China for this.

The country has begun accepting applications for loans on infrastructural projects through the fund for China-Latin America and Caribbean Cooperation, among others.

In this regard, Nagamootoo said, “Guyana welcomes the Fund for China-Caribbean cooperation under its broader US$30 billion preferential loan project. We hope to

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access this facility, as Guyana takes a fresh approach to realising the good life in a Green economy”.

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin stated his full agreement on this and pointed out that his country is willing to make joint efforts with the new administration to further enhance the relations of cooperation between the two countries.

“The new administration of Guyana has made new plans to improve infrastructure and develop a green economy. I believe that it will create more

opportunities and greater space for the future cooperation between China and Guyana,” said Limin.

China-Guyana relations have seen sound and stable development over the years.

Fresh movement of people from China has added to the Guyanese population of Chinese origin, and has strengthened not only businesses, but Chinese culture, cuisine, tradition and language.

These have enriched the multi-ethnic fabric of the Guyanese society.

A section of the gathering at the reception in honour of China’s 66th Anniversary of independence

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Camaraderie, charity, virtue ...

from page 2

to the poor and needy, friends and family members.

The most important part of this auspicious holy day is that it is a day of reflection; it is a day of rededicating one’s life to the service of the Creator and Sustainer of this universe.

Imam Haleem Khan told this publication that Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by making a sacrifice of the things loved to God Almighty.

“Prophet Abraham’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God, and is to be followed as such. Today, more than

ever, human beings need to incorporate the lessons of this great sacrifice into their lives.” Khan explained.

The Imam further explained that Qurbani offers lessons to all persons aspiring to become leaders, or who are already leaders.

Any leader, he said, must display the character of the great Prophet Abraham, especially Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything he loved for the ultimate hereafter. Khan said no one can be blessed with leadership if he displays no feeling, care and love for his fellow human beings.

Adding that Muslims need to create an inner

environment of peace and faith; of tranquility, non-violence, and security, Khan emphasised: “Let us not forget our poor and needy brothers and sisters as we observe this festival by sharing our sacrificial offerings with them. It is our sincere hope and prayer that we are able to affirm the unity possible among Muslims, and between Muslims and other religions.

“We face the challenges of living in a globalised world, where there is greater alienation and distance between classes of individuals based on economics and education.

We must work hand in hand with people who

have faith in the essential goodness of humankind,” Khan declared.

According to the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), “it is a day of understanding that, in order to effect any change in our community, society or the world at large, we have to start first by changing ourselves. When we are going to sacrifice an animal, we must understand that we are going to sacrifice our evil inclinations and deeds at the same time. By doing the sacrifice, we are pledging to make a change for the better of ourselves, our family, our community and our country.”

Meat being parcelled off for sharing to the poor and needy, friends and family members at CIOG

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Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Lawrence sounds warning to child molesters

--at opening of Child Advocacy Centre in Region 5 are in place, many children are being sexually violated daily, and are then victimised over and over again by red tape and bureaucracy.

By Clifford Stanley

EDITORIAL

Eid-ul-Adha

THE holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha has come and gone but its message of sacrifice has left an indelible mark on humanity for eternity.

The occasion observed by Muslims the world over commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his own son Ishmael.

The Almighty on recognising the faithfulness of his servant intervened before Ibrahim could have committed the act, and asked that a lamb be sacrificed as offering instead.

The story of Ibrahim has for centuries served as a reminder to Muslims of the faithfulness they owed to God, and has inspired many to keep the faith.

From the awe-inspiring narration that passed down from generation to generation, several themes stand out in universal support for upliftment of humanity.

But two of them resonate with both believers and non-believers: these are sacrifice and loyalty to the Creator. In life, sacrifices are important and many would agree that a life without God is like a ship in the ocean without a sail.

God, the Supreme Being is the embodiment of love, respect, tolerance, brotherhood, peace, unity and all the good qualities that are spiritually pure one can think about in life.

Man on his sojourn on Earth is duty-bound to keep close to his Creator, and in doing so, he has to be a firm embracer of peace, unity and brotherhood -- in short humanity—to remain God- conscious.

So in loyalty to the Creator, it is important for man to be an upholder of peace, love and unity among his fellow mankind.

This is an integral part of the universal message of sacrifice and loyalty to the Creator from the festival Eid-ul-Adha, and it strikes a chord when it comes to Guyana.

For years, Guyana has been divided along ethnic lines fuelled by the unsavoury rhetoric of some politicians who are bent on protecting their narrow self-interests.

Guyanese are peaceful and happy people by nature, but for too long there has been distrust among the two major ethnic groups.

This has not been a healthy situation for the youths of today who want to see all hands on deck, working in the interest of the development of Guyana.

For Guyana to move forward and get to where it envisions to be, it will have to be united, and this would require all to make the sacrifice, putting aside all personal prejudices and collectively put their shoulders to the wheel to build a land that is just and bountiful for all.

God wants his people to be united and to live in peace and happiness. But for this to happen, sacrifices would have to be made, and here is where the message of Eid-ul-Adha is relevant to Guyana.

CHILD molesters and paedophiles can expect strict and uncompromising application of the law once convicted, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has said.

“This government does not care who you are or who you may know; the penalties will apply without fear or favour. Those found guilty of sexual offences against children must know that they will be incarcerated,” she said.

She made the remarks while declaring open a Child Advocacy Centre (CAC), the second of its kind in Guyana, at Fort Wellington Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) on Wednesday last.

The CAC is part of the Empowering Children in Difficult Circumstances (ECDC) Project funded by the European Union (EU) with an amount of EURO 200,000 under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).

The EIDHR is a financing instrument that provides assistance for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide, and specifically aims at assisting civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights.

The ECDC in Guyana

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence project is being implemented by Child Link Inc., in partnership with the Human Services Ministry’s Childcare and Protection Agency and the Forward Guyana, with support from UNICEF and local donors.

Child Link Inc. is a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), established in 2009, and its mandate is to work with its partners towards achieving a Guyanese society in which every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure family and community.

The guests at the opening ceremony of the CAC included Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Ambassador Jernej Videti.

During the opening ceremony, Minister Volda Lawrence noted that children’s rights are fundamental human rights that should be enjoyed by every child, and be protected by every adult. She observed that despite all the agreements signed and that

DECENTRALISATION Minister Lawrence said the Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) in Region 5 signalled the decentralisation of a critical service.

“It will ease the tremendous burden of traumatised victims of sexual offences, as it takes away the duplicity of them having to relive the experience over and over again to every interested party. Most importantly, it provides a specialised environment and expertise to conduct forensic interviews with our young victims, who should really never have to endure the pain of repeating over and over the details of the heinous crime,” she said.

She lamented: “One cannot help but wonder why this was not done sooner.”

It was noted that the CAC will conduct onestop forensic interviews with abused children.

“Under this system, children who have suffered abuse will be interviewed regarding their abuse just once, in this way avoiding having to recount their experience again and again to a number of different agencies,” the donor agency EU stated.

The CAC has a multi-disciplinary team of profession-

als, including law enforcement, child protection services, the Director of Public Prosecutions, mental health, and medical professionals.

Minister Lawrence said the CAC will not replace the work of the Child Care and Protection Agency.

That agency will continue to play a leading role in the investigative processes of child abuse cases reported throughout the country.

The CAC will just provide a hub of services for the children, she revealed.

She pledged to have the Social Protection Ministry work to have as many centres as possible, so that a child sexually abused anywhere could have access to one of the centres.

She reiterated that sexual molestation of a child is the most inhumane thing that could be done to any human being. “It leaves irreparable scars on that child,” she said.

She urged parents and the community not to protect the predators “out of a desire to save them from embarrassment.”

“The safety and self-esteem of a child are more important than anyone’s embarrassment, inconvenience, or offence,” she declared.

Parents and guardians should also listen to their children, even though they may be busy; and they should encourage their children not to keep dark secrets, she said.

GDF to show off maritime abilities THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be engaged in a number of activities today and tomorrow involving ranks throughout Guyana.

According to the GDF, today there will be a parachute display, battle muster and Coast Guard Tactical Vessel Manoeuvre.

The battle muster will be held concurrently on all GDF bases.

Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips will address the troops at Timehri, Base Camp Stephenson.

The Coast Guard vessels will also be doing a tactical manoeuvre from the Coast Guard base to the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

On Saturday, the troops at Base Camp Ayanganna will march from Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, to Base Camp

No one is asked to kill to prove his obedience to the all-pervading God of love, peace and togetherness, but simply to make the sacrifice in putting their fragile egos aside, embracing commonalities and making a concerted effort to overcome their differences.

So as Muslims throughout Guyana and other parts of the world engage in charitable activities and don new clothes to celebrate the sacrifice and loyalty of the servant of God Ibrahim, Guyanese, led by their political leaders can take a

Ayanganna and the troops from Base Camp Stephenson will march from Providence, East Bank Demerara to Base Camp Ayanganna.

They will merge at Sandy Babb Street and then the Chief of Staff will take the salute on Sandy Babb Street. This will be followed by his feature address on the Base Camp Ayanganna playfield.

There will also be concurrent marches in Linden and Anna Regina.

The activities by the GDF come in the wake of a move by neighbouring Venezuela to place troops, missiles and gunboats to towns near the Guyana-Venezuela border and in the Cuyuni River.

step towards brotherhood by shaking off the animosity they have for each other and set out a part for cooperation where all participate equally and meaningfully.

And the people, irrespective of their ethnicities, should begin to see each other as their brother’s keeper and as part of the diverse family of the Creator.

In this way, all in some way will demonstrate sacrifice and loyalty to the Creator, who is a God of peace, love and unity as the story of Eid reflects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Linden water woes continue ––despite new US$12.2M water treatment plant

By Joe Chapman

INTERIM Management Committee Chairman of the Linden Town Council Orin Gordon says there is a serious common filtration problem with water distribution in Linden, with limited water in Amelia’s Ward.

According to the IMC Chairman, not even air is coming through the system in some places, while at Wisrock, it is the same situation.

An inspection visit to the new US$12.2M Linden Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday

by Guyana Water Inc. Project Engineer David Merryl and engineer Khemraj Persaud was made possible after Gordon had written to Minister within the Ministry of Communities Keith Scott about concerns regarding its performance as it apparently was not producing an adequate volume of potable water for Linden residents.

Accompanying the IMC chairman and the GWI engineers were regional councillor Charles Sampson and Linden Town Council’s Environmental Health Officer (ag) Terone Lowenfield and her assistant Crystal Drakes, who took water samples.

The first stop was at the new water treatment plant’s reservoir at Amelia’s Ward, where it was noted that water was barely being sucked into the reservoir and GWI officials pointed out that there was a problem in the filtration system.

Gordon, acknowledging that they were facing a complex situation, said,

“We have in Amelia’s Ward where we observe that there is limited water, in some cases some residents not even getting any air in the system at times, and that is a com-

has led to a false notion of what is going to be. This he said was in addition to “the fact that whatever designs had been put in place for the filtration system, and the

reservoir, the GWI Linden Divisional Manger Rawle Friday said, “There are challenges that we are really trying to work on. There are standard operating procedures, but …

GWI’s Rawle Friday (left) and David Merryl (second left) with IMC Chairman Orin Gordon (with cap in hand) and others during the visit to one of the reservoirs for the US$12.2M new Water Treatment Plant in Linden. mon problem. So whatever water they take in, they have been sending out and it is inadequate to the residents of Amelia’s Ward. We recognise that the problem has to do with the whole question of filter beds.”

WATER RATIONING The IMC chairman observed that expectations are not going to be met and this

construction for implementation were totally out of sync at this point in time. Not fully in sync with what is required at this point in time. So in essence, the people in Amelia’s Ward and by extension Blueberry Hill will have to continue to ration their use of water.”

Speaking at the visit at the Wisrock Water Plant where there is a huge new water

once the turbidity changes, it determines what the operation will be. Once it is ideal then you have a different approach for the Wismar residents.”

Friday maintained, however, that, “The wells are performing to capacity basically.

There are three wells but presently we are using two because of the ability of the plants at this point in time because of the bottlenecks that we have

because of the ability to really utilise what we can source.”

And project engineer David Merryl remarked, “Because of the topography you might have to put it in silos. If you had a different plant in Wisrock, you tend to lose power and pressure.

Generally the topography of Linden calls for separate plants in separate places.”

LONGER WAIT Looking at the solution, Merryl said that in order to have a proper potable system in place the consumers in Linden “will have to wait a little longer.” But he pointed out: “If we can get it in the budget, we know the stated intention for it to happen in January, by February we go to bids, so then according to plans now, we can have the refurbishment as early as March.”

Gordon after some inspection at the new Wisrock reservoir stated, “While they are tinkering somewhat on what they will decide to do, because from what I am seeing that big construction at the top there really is like a grey elephant, not white, grey in colour. So in essence those two facilities [new reservoirs at the two sites] that we got there have not been maximised in terms of utilisation, and so they will have some work to do to get them up to maximising. This is because what GWI is saying, they are pumping straight from this old system here, straight into Wisrock, because they have to stop every minute.”

At that Wisrock location

Merryl noted, “They are pumping into the chlorination tank, but every minute whatever they are doing it has to stop, be it cleaning and scrubbing and so on.”

According to Merryl, “This water system was designed for a lower usage of water. But in Linden the usage is high. I am not blaming the residents for this, because we got some problems with the filter bed. If you look at it like that, you will say the system could work but no, the reason why I cannot guarantee it, is because we got to find a way of bringing down the usage, which could very well be our wastage, not necessarily the residents. If we bring that down then we could be within the design parameters.”

However, the IMC head said, “Traditionally, consumption in Linden would generally be higher than in Georgetown.

We know we have a problem with the filters, right now as I said we are trying to ascertain the issue of the sand, because our ability to test the sand is limited in Guyana. That’s one of the problems we got. We have taken the position that the contractor needs to produce the kind of sand that we want, if we can focus on that we could be able to solve (the problem).”

According to Merryl, “We still got some faith in the system, because if the reservoirs could work, it will save us a lot of money, especially in Amelia’s Ward. There is a clear flaw in the design and this is proving to be horrendous…”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

‘Threat of war’ …Guyana courts UN help against Venezuela

By Neil Marks in New York In the face of what he described as a ‘threat of war’ against Guyana by Venezuela, President David Granger is looking to bigger countries of the United Nations to ensure peace.

“The United Nations was established in the wake of a war and with the aim of preventing war and when a neighbouring State sends a gunboat into waters of a friendly country, it is threatening war,” Granger told Guyanese media at the Yale Club in New York.

“We want the Caribbean to be a zone of peace and that’s what we would like the UN to help us guarantee; that the Caribbean will be a zone of peace and Guyana, a small

State, the population of fewer than a million people, be allowed to develop its resources in peace–that’s my message.”

The President’s first bilateral meeting on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly was with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We have alerted the international community and we look to India particularly as a strong member of the Commonwealth to give us support and to lead the debate to ensure the security of small states is guaranteed.”

Once Venezuela agrees, the President said he looks forward to meeting with the Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro as arranged by the United Nations Secretary General Bank Ki Moon.

President Granger is at-

tending his first UN summit since being elected last May. He is pushing for Mr Ban to recommend that the matter go to the International Court of Justice. As far as Guyana is concerned, the borders were decided by arbitration 116 years ago, and the move to the court would be to declare on the validity of that arbitral award.

In his first address to the UN General Assembly next Tuesday, Mr Granger said he plans to ask that bigger states help in guaranteeing the security of small states “to ensure world peace”.

During the month of September, President Granger said there has been a gradual build-up of armed forces on Guyana’s western frontier, including the deployment of tanks and missiles, and

there has also been increase in the number of troops, “and the presence of armed patrol boats in the Cuyuni River, which of course is Guyana property”.

LAWFUL SETTLEMENT Granger insists that Guyana is interested in a lawful settlement to the controversy.

The President recently met with the Un Secretary General in Barbados and the two subsequently spoke on the phone. In addition, Mr Ban sent a delegation to Guyana and that delegation received the full cooperation of the government. Guyana’s case is that the UN Good Officers process, in which the UN appoints someone to mediate the controversy between the

two countries, has failed and there is no more room for bilateral negotiations on the matter.

“We do not feel that bilateral negotiations at this time will bring about the kind of outcome which Guyana is interested in. “For our part, we have decided that after 50 years of harassment and provocation, we need to aim at a juridical settlement and we have indicated to the United Nations that we prefer to go to court,” Granger stated.

“The use of gunboats, the use of armed vehicles… the use of missiles- this is completely unknown in the relations between two states, so we don’t know where it will lead but as far as Guyana is concerned, we are interested in a peaceful and lawful resolution of the Venezuelan

claim.

“In our view, it has been settled 116 years ago and we are prepared to go to court to vindicate the position Guyana has always taken–The Venezuelan claim has no substance, has no validity under international law,” Mr Granger stated.

Apart from the military buildup on the western frontier, Maduro has suspended the process towards the accreditation if the new Guyanese Ambassador to Caracas, Cheryl Miles.

Mr Granger said that while the decision to approve is at the discretion of Venezuela, “there are no grounds for the withholding of agreement. It is up to the State, accept or not to accept; right now they seem to have declined.”

North Ruimveldt becoming criminal hotspot

––‘Call-to-action’ forum told

A RECENT police evaluation has showed that the crime rate in North Ruimveldt can now be equated to those in Warlock and in North-East La Penitence – communities reputed for being criminal hotspots.

Officer-in-Charge of the East La Penitence Police Station Inspector Joe, made this disclosure as he addressed a recent “call-to-action” forum held at the North Ruimveldt Lions Club, at which concerned residents sought to address the worrying crime situation in the neighbourhood.

That forum was held to map out a crime-prevention strategy with a focus on youth, recreate a vibrant Community Policing Group, and start regular patrols aimed at restoring peace, family togetherness and the feeling of safety that once prevailed in the community.

YOUTH AND CRIME Residents of Festival City and North Ruimveldt are condemning the wanton attacks of rape, robbery, murder and car-jackings being perpetrated in the community; but what has been the major concern lately, Inspector Joe said, is that many of the crimes being committed in North Ruimveldt and its environs are being done by youths.

Accordingly, the meeting placed a high premium on developing programmes aimed at engaging and reforming vulnerable young people (though in the minority), and helping them to become productive and law-abiding citizens.

Joe, who has been attached to the East La Penitence Police Station for just under two months, said that within that time he has noticed that North Ruimveldt has a high level of crime of a “certain nature.”

“There is so much crime going on in this area [North Ruimveldt] and the Warlock area and North-East area; and these crimes being carried out on people of this area are being done by people from this same area. So they can’t say they don’t know these people,” the officer remarked.

A leader at the community policing group level added that the community believes its youths have tremendous potential, but may have been neglected for too long, hence the task now is to move speedily to “take them back” from the throes of the adversary.

BREAKTHROUGH Inspector Joe reported police success in dealing with several matters, including the nabbing of a group of young male “car-jackers” and a woman.

But while being aware of the need to work with the youth to reshape their thinking and desires, and ultimately deter their involvement in crime, the officer made the point that solving crime is not about focusing on one area. Crime is multi-dimensional and crime is everybody’s business, he said.

“Yes, we can look at the development of youngsters, but there are other people behind these criminal activities. If there is no buyer, there can’t be a thief,” Inspector Joe posited.

He advised residents to report to the police any untoward or illegal activity they observe, while another security officer advised that residents know their neighbours’ cellphone numbers, so they could alert them if they observe anything untoward.

Residents raised concerns about the confidentiality of policemen, and the fear of their names getting back to the offenders or their families. In response, Inspector Joe made the point that, in solving crime, there must be a collaborative

endeavour between the police and the people.

“The police can only work if there is collaboration with a community to solve crime,” he said.

He implored residents to have in the police that level of confidence that would cause them to report crime as it happens.

“We are not there when the crime happens, so the people of the community will have to inform us, and will have to pass on information; and this is all part of information and intelligence-gathering,” Inspector Joe said.

The officer said what could be disconcerting is that when the police reach a certain level in their investigations, the same people who reported the matter just decide that they don’t want to pursue it any longer.

Residents also complained about tardy police responses to reports made by citizens. They said they were being given the same old excuse about police not having transportation to visit crime scenes, lack of police confidentiality when citizens give them a tip-off about crime; and more recently, “Sorry madam, I can’t help you; I’m in here alone. Call back later, please.”

“Even though [the] police response might not always be what people want in terms of patrols and the like, we are nevertheless trying. Our business is to fight crime, and that is what we are doing; and we intend to improve on it,” Inspector Joe declared.

CONSTRAINTS Inspector Joe admitted that the police are working with constraints. He disclosed that the East La Penitence Police Station is responsible for an area beginning at North-East La Penitence and going all the way to the back of Well Road in North Ruimveldt, and has just one patrol vehicle, which is “down” at the moment. The vehicle was involved in an accident while on patrol, and should hopefully be back in operation within a week.

He, however, expressed gratitude to about six community policing groups, which he said are always willing and ready to help the East La Penitence Police Station in the execution of its duties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

300 businesspersons gear up for small business expo

By Navendra Seoraj

THREE HUNDRED local businesspersons are set to showcase their products at the upcoming Small Business exposition 2015, with particular emphasis on small business development and marketing.

It is meant to substitute for the traditional Guyexpo which was pushed back to May 2016.

The small business expo which will run from November 27-29 was formulated to create awareness and open new markets for local products. However, there are several other objectives that the Ministry of Business hopes to achieve.

Among these, it aims “to promote an event that is a catalyst for the development

of local, small and medium-sized businesses in Guyana, to host an event that promotes and showcases

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin Guyana’s locally produced products and services and

link them to market and investment opportunities and to promote an opportunity for large businesses to utilise the vehicle of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to propel the birthing and growth of small businesses.”

Delivering the opening remarks at the launching, subject Minister Dominic Gaskin acknowledged that Guyexpo had become a very important activity on the calendar of local businesses, primarily the small-business sector, but since Guyexpo was simply impossible this year, the ministry has moved to this undertaking.

He explained that this expo will be somewhat different from the traditional ones, since its primary focus will be on

small businesses and not entertainment, because over the years entertainment has become the main focus and the exhibitors the “side show.” However, there will still be some forms of entertainment, but more of the cultural type.

THEME After his remarks, Minister Gaskin unveiled the theme for the event, which is: “Guyanese products and services our gateway forward.”

Meanwhile, Ramsey Ali, President of the

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the main partnering entity in organising and hosting the expo, pointed out that it will prove very beneficial to the over 300 participants, because larger companies will be assisting the smaller producers to market their products. For example, the GMSA will be taking small producers under its umbrella and help to market their products.

Ali added that he is looking forward to be able to walk around and see more local products rather than the international ones which seemed to have dominated the markets and expo over time.

Participating businesses include the Guyana Agro-processors Association, Guyana Aquaculture

Association, Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association, and Guyana Beekeepers Association, as well as fashion designers, children funland owners, and cooperatives and tourism operatives, among many others.

Thus far, the ministry has embarked on an initiative to provide a foundation for showcasing local businesses in Guyana and to bring optimum awareness of Guyana’s diverse products and services, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the development of this sector.

Against the backdrop of much talk about a decline in business over the past months, the event will serve to develop a channel for providing revenues for small businesses during the upcoming Christmas season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

City Hall tackles parking congestion

THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in the process of examining local and overseas proposals that will aid against parking congestion in the city.

Just recently, Mayor Hamilton Green lamented the ‘worsening’ congestion problem in the capital. He was speaking at a City Hall fortnightly statutory meeting.

He did not hesitate to ask M&CC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Royston King to bring to the Council the parking proposals received thus far.

Mayor Green noted that the parking of huge rice trucks in Water Street has been a major cause of congestion in that area of the city.

He observed that one such truck occupies the space for six cars. “We have to deal with this matter quickly. This is

not fair to businesses and people who do business in Central Georgetown,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, the M&CC said recently that it is touting a new idea to transform the busy and usually traffic-congested commercial Bourda block into a designated open air shopping centre.

The Council has been engaged in massive cleaning, clearing and desilting works in the area. It has found that it could be ideal to close the roads to vehicular traffic and open it for commercial activities.

“We are still at the conception stage, but we are thinking about closing off the road to vehicular traffic and organise it nicely to allow for only commercial activities. People can come in on foot and walk through the block to get their various shop-

ping needs. The Council is always looking at ways to ease congestion and to foster the free flow of activities,” the M&CC said.

“We are asking for the full cooperation of all businesses,” the M&CC emphasised.

The Council said it will not tolerate any hindrances to the city’s mandate and reminded that anyone obstructing the work of the Council or flouting city laws will face the consequences.

City Hall is in the process of examining local and overseas proposals that will aid against parking congestion in the city

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Peters, McDonald and De Silva wanted by police

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Don Peters, Michael Mc Donald and Tiagio Da Silva, all of whom escaped from lawful custody at the Lethem Police Station on September 17, 2015. Â Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Don Peters, Michael

Mc Donald and Tiagio Da Silva is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-2722, 225-6411, 225-8196, 226-1333, 7722087, 772-2005, 911, or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Don Peters is 28 years old and is of mixed race.

His last known addresses

DON PETERS

MICHAEL MC DONALD

TIAGIO DA SILVA

are at St. Ignatius in Central Rupununi, and Bon Fim in Brazil.

Michael Mc Donald is 20 years old, and is also of mixed race. He hails from St. Ignatius in Central Rupununi and Bon Fim in Brazil as well.

Tiagio Da Silva is 19 years old, is of mixed race, and is from Boa Vista in Brazil.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Indigenous peoples must be included – Min Allicock in climate change dialogue GOVERNMENT believes that the indigenous peoples of Guyana have a fundamental right to full and free participation in all matters of national interest, especially as they pertain to climate change.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, made this disclosure during a recent national dialogue to support indigenous engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event was held at the Amerindian Village in the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate that we un-

derstand that we possess this right, and will exercise it on behalf of our villages and communities all across Guyana, advocating for the best interests of all indigenous peoples of this land,” Minister Allicock said while addressing the gathering. “We are at a point where we must find ways as peoples, governments, nations, to fight a good fight. We must save our planet. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, had this to say: ‘Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth…these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, ener-

gy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all,’ Minister Allicock declared.

He challenged the indigenous leaders participating in the confab to offer their expertise in preserving the forest and all things natural.

From the government’s side, he said, there is the commitment to settle the indigenous people’s land issues. There is also the commitment to use, record and preserve the languages of the indigenous community.

Emphasising that the two commitments are expressions of a wider commitment to

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, during his presentation on the national dialogue to support indigenous people’s engagement in the UNFCCC accord the appropriate levels ples, Minister Allicock said a droughts and wildfires. Simulof respect to indigenous peo- national policy of respect for taneously, when our forests the indigenous accomplish- are destroyed, their carbon ments in this regard, and the is released back into the atappreciation for knowledge mosphere, further impacting of the eco-system, is needed. climate change.

“Government is comIt’s a horrifying one-two mitted to ensuring that the punch.’

UNDP initiatives aimed at He continued: “Historiguaranteeing the exercise of cally, we kept the forests, we this right remain on track. In understand its vulnerability, this regard, the Amerindian and know its value. We can Land Titling Project and the win this fight. Let us unite Amerindian Development around this opportunity here Fund are continuing, and will today. Let us strategise today. be better managed in order Let us fight from here on as a to support the efforts of our united people. Let us pledge partners, the UNDP, as we to do our bit to win this fight together work to empower for all of humanity. our indigenous communities.

“We have already started Land is important to this pro- in Aishalton and neighbouring cess,” Allicock underscored. villages. We are monitoring Minister Allicock also said our forests. We are doing our there is need to embrace every own mapping exercises. We opportunity which allows the are good at whatever we do. We responsible exercise of those work hard, and celebrate hard. rights, and to do all things with- This is a tough universal fight, in the framework of the laws of and we have our role to play.”

Guyana, to protect those rights.

Minister Allicock furA d d i n g t h a t c l i m a t e ther said that government change is serious business, is prepared to listen. The the minister noted: “We, as UNDP is facilitating the indigenous peoples know how conversation because it has to live with our forests. We that shared understandmust share what we know with ing and similar values. As the rest of Guyana and human- such, he said, all must show ity. It was one Chris Noth sincere appreciation to the who said: ‘We need healthy UNDP partners for all they forests if we want to protect have been doing with reour climate. As the climate spect to the indigenous peochanges, forests become more ples of Guyana.(Rabindra vulnerable to insect outbreaks, Rooplall)

Friday September 25, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Saturday September 26, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Distribution of laptops to teachers carded for next month THE distribution of the last batch of laptops to teachers under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project is expected to commence next month.

The Guyana Chronicle asked Technical Adviser to the Minister of Education Vincent Alexander about the status of the project that is now adopted by the present administration, and he said that distribution of those laptops to teachers and academic achievers should begin next month.

Weeks ago, at a press briefing, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said the rationale behind government’s move to channel these laptops to teachers was to properly equip them with the instruments to deliver the curriculum in a more “electronic” manner, given Guyana’s current technological position, which is backward.

VINCENT ALEXANDER Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine in recognising this pitfall, said too that the system needs to be equipped with new technologies for Guyana to see an actual revolution in terms of education delivery.

The government has therefore taken this into consideration and decided to push for technological advancement in schools, starting with making laptops available to teachers so they can provide firsthand information to students, rather than relying solely on textbooks.

The laptops will be distributed to teachers, beginning with those at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as they are being trained to become professional teachers.

“We [Government] do want to emphasise teachers. I believe in the first instance we would like to target teachers that are currently at the CPCE [and] those that are perhaps pursuing degrees and diplomas at the University of Guyana and we will roll it out from there,” Trotman said.

Meanwhile, teachers are upbeat about the government’s intention to provide them with laptops.

Many have deemed the initiative “laudable” and suggested that the government should ensure availability of internet access once the distribution is done.

The One Laptop Per Family project was one of the many projects initiated by the former administration. Minister of State Joseph Harmon has indicated that the project was stalled and is now linked with the E-Governance Project at which approximately 12 OLPF staff members will be employed.

The possibility exists, however, that government would modify the One Laptop Per Family programme to a One Laptop Per Teacher initiative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Guyana, Australia discuss security-related issues ––during High Commissioner’s visit to Public Security Minister

VICE President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has met with Australian High Commissioner to Guyana Ross Tysoe to discuss security-related issues.

Tysoe visited Guyana to conduct bilateral meetings with several government officials.

Tysoe is a Senior Career Officer at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Based in Trinidad and Tobago, he also holds accreditation as the Australian High Commissioner to CARICOM. Minister Ramjattan and Tysoe discussed issues such as the treatment of refugees, border security, deportation, gun amnesties, territorial sovereignty, and potential for economic development. The minister and the Australian High Commissioner shared current practices and experiences that obtain in Guyana and Australia respectively.

Also discussed were areas where im-

provement and assistance were needed in Guyana, and possible solutions which could be utilised.

The Australian High Commissioner offered to share with the Government of Guyana information on how the Australian Government dealt with certain issues related to border security, which the minister said would be most welcome.

Minister Ramjattan expressed his appreciation to the Australian High Commissioner for his visit, and the parties agreed to maintain communication with the prospect of collaboration in the future.

The Ministry of Public Security has said it would continue to work with international partners to seek areas of collaboration that would enhance the effectiveness of the security sector in Guyana, and maintain the safety and security of the country’s citizenry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Cops $6M cocaine bust

Who has to be jailed will be jailed - Ramjattan

By Leroy Smith PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan last evening vowed that he has indicated his intention to fight right down the line to get to the bottom of the corrupt practices within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), especially on the issue of the bribe that was paid to four police officers who pocketed $6 million to allow the occupants of a bus transporting a large amount of

cash and cocaine to pass without them being detained.

“I am so happy that a number of junior ranks are speaking out on the issue of corruption, something they were afraid to do in the previous regime,” the minister stated. Asked if he believes that the issue of senior ranks being involved in corrupt practices of such a grave nature has the potential to demoralise the junior ranks and their willingness to serve genuinely, the minister responded in the negative, as he pointed out that the junior ranks are motivated when they see senior ranks being brought to

justice for corrupt practices.

Ramjattan said that he is sure that the development with respect to the $6 million bribe will no doubt reflect very badly on the Guyana Police Force, but also brings to light the reality of the corruption within the Guyana Police Force and exposes the fact that very senior officers are also part and parcel of corrupt practices. “You cannot be fighting criminals and be a criminal at the same time,” said the minister. He went on to state that when senior ranks are caught with their pants down, as in the case of the Assistant Superintendent of Police, it motivates the junior ranks and allows them to also know which senior police officers they can approach to complain about other senior ranks who are involved in corruption.

“When they get catch like this the junior ranks are motivated, they know the senior ranks who are creating mischief and they are bringing it to the force and I want that comfort level to remain there so that they can come forward with confidence and speak out when they see senior ranks doing crap and I see it as something that will motivate them to speak.”

Minister Ramjattan used the opportunity to compliment the Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts who according to Minister Ramjattan is a very fine policeman and a good commander who took the right and necessary action. The minister also commended the Commissioner of Police for supporting the commander in his move to ensure that the rogue cops are separated from the genuine police ranks.

Meanwhile, this publication has been informed that on the day the police took the $6 million bribe from those who were transporting the cocaine and cash, they waited for three hours until the occupants of the minibus travelled to the city where they collected the cash to pay off the police.

It was reported that the cash the occupants returned with was actually borrowed from a businessman who resides in Republic Park and was charged some time ago for murdering the sister of another businessman. He subsequently walked scot free in that matter. Police sources stated that they could not confirm if the drugs were the property of the businessman who provided the bribe money and if he was told by the occupants of the minibus what they really wanted the money for, but that information is being pursued by the investigating ranks.

Thus far, out of the four police ranks who are under close arrest in Berbice, only two are cooperating with the investigators while the other two are not. All three of the civilians who are being questioned in relation to the matter are cooperating with the police investigators who travelled from Georgetown to deal with the issue. The Assistant Superintendent of Police who was immediately transferred to Georgetown in connection with the investigation is under house arrest at the Tactical Services Unit.

There he is not permitted to leave the confines of the GPF Headquarters. On September 10, 2015 the ranks received information about the minibus and the fact that the vehicle frequently transports cocaine across the country. The police waited for the minibus and when it was spotted the ranks pulled it over, searched the vehicle and found the cocaine and cash.

They demanded the cash to allow the vehicle to pass and after being told by the occupants of the bus that they could not touch the quantity that they had in the vehicle, the men were ordered to go and get the bribe; this was done even as the police kept the minibus with the cocaine under guard. Police sources are of the view that the ranks who spilled the beans did that in the interest of other ranks who worked with the rogue policemen and the senior rank. It was pointed out that the ranks who spilled the beans about the corrupt practice mentioned that the illegal transaction had the potential to put in harm’s way the other police ranks and even civilians who might be at the police station, should the owner of the drugs and money return to settle a score under the pretext that they were robbed by the ranks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Digicel visits four special needs schools ––in observance of Deaf Awareness Week

Jacqueline James, Head of Digicel Marketing, interacts with some students of the Tuschen Deaf School

Nyall Jodhan ICT/Business Solutions Sales Manager, interacts with teachers and students of the Diamond Primary School deaf class

REPRESENTATIVES of communications giant Digicel Guyana visited the Diamond Primary (Deaf Class) in Region 4, the New Amsterdam Special School in Region 6, the Linden Special School in Region 10, and the Tuschen Deaf School in Region 3 on September 23, 2015 in recognition of Deaf Awareness Week.

The objective of those visits was to lend support to those organisations during Deaf Awareness Week, observed during the period September 20-26, and the visits resulted in each of those four schools being given a specially designat-

ed area to accommodate deaf students.

The schools visited all cater for deaf students in one way or another, and most of them have deaf classrooms with dedicated teachers.

Special needs is an area on which Digicel believes great emphasis should be placed, and, as a corporate entity, the company is committed to leading in this venture; thus, it would be supporting this cause continually.

During the visit, Digicel Guyana interacted with the pupils and gave students tokens as gifts. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Police seeking assistance to identify Blackman’s killer

THE police are yet to identify the suspected shooter of Debra Blackman, who was gunned down in the cashier’s cage of the Delicious Chinese Restaurant on Durban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown on August 23, 2014, even though the entire incident was captured by a security camera mounted on the premises, and the man’s image was released to the media via footage.

Sleuths yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle that the

image had been released several times, but it has not prompted much response from members of the public with regard to the identity of the gunman who shot and killed the waitress in the cashier’s cage.

The police say they have had few leads, although several persons had been arrested, detained and questioned.

The missing link is that there has been no solid evidence to link arrested persons to the crime, thus it remains

unsolved to date.

Detectives disclosed that no one is volunteering any information which may aid in the murder probe, and it is as though no one seems to care these days, as some people are apparently not bothered by anything, including murder; and this is a worrisome development.

A one-minute video showed a man dressed in a greyish jersey and cap having positioned himself at the cashier’s cage, apparently making a purchase, since he had submitted a note. And while he was there, two other male customers entered the restaurant.

Ms Blackman’s relatives yesterday said they also have not heard anything new from either the police or from citizens, but they are hoping the case will not remain cold for long.

In a press release on September 6, 2014, the GPF said it is seeking the public’s assistance in idenMurdered: tifying the person whose Debra Blackman image is displayed below.

The young man is shown at the cashier’s counter in a brief conversation with Blackman just before he pulled out a gun, pushed his hand through the grillwork at the cashier’s cage, and fatally shot her.

RECAP On August 23, 2014, 54-year-old Debra Blackman was in the cashier’s cage at her place of work, Delicious Chinese Restaurant on Durban Street, Wortmanville Georgetown, when two men arrived on a Jialing motorcycle and one of them entered the restauThe image of the gunman. rant. Shortly after, a loud explosion was heard, and the man who had entered the restaurant was seen hastily mounting the motorcycle, which sped off with him as the pillion rider.

The Delicious Chinese Restaurant had been subjected to several armed robberies during the 14 years of Debra Blackman’s service to the eating house. No motive for her killing has as yet been established; but interestingly, no cash had been taken on the day she had been shot.

The Guyana Police Force is asking anyone with information that may lead to identification and possible location of the suspected killer to kindly contact the police on telephone numbers 225-2227, 225-6411, 225-8196, 226-7065, 227-1149, 911, or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence, the police statement has said. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

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Entertainment Hot Flash!!!

‘Dance Explosion’ set for November take-off

HARD on the heels of a successful hosting of the ‘Princess Star Karaoke Competition’ comes ‘Dance Explosion’, as Sukerpunch Promotions gears to ‘keep it real’ yet again, presumably at the same venue.

The event is open, and caters, to ‘dancers from every walk of life’, and will commence at a date to be announced in November 2015.

It also allows for contenders to win smashing cash prizes, trophies, and other prizes, and is open to both amateur and professional dancers.

Any genre of dance will do, so if you are into Indian Classical, Bellydancing, Dancehall, or Traditional African, then welcome aboard. “Just bring whatever dance you can do best, and we’ll take it from there,” SukerPunch says, adding: “Mind you, we will, however, not accept any vulgar presentations that entail the removal of clothing, at least while on stage,

or any erotic performances that promotes vulgarity or lewd presentations. Such acts, if any is presented, will be eliminated from the very audition stage.”

So, are you out there, just dying to show ‘em what you got? If so, then this is definitely the forum for you.

Grasp this opportunity to be crowned ‘Dance Explosion’ King or Queen. And enjoy the feel of those crisp, green notes as you pocket $100 000 in cash among other giveaways.

The winner of this event also has the opportunity to compete at the ‘Best-of-the-Best’ dance fantasia slated for later this year.

Interested persons can register by calling: 619 1952.

Auditions for this event will be staged late in October 2015.

Well! What’re you waiting for? Just call this number and let the journey begin!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 25, 2015

Talking healthy living - with ‘Madame Cleo’

How to keep your food cravings at bay while you lose weight

NOTHING truly worth achieving in life comes easy, right? Even some of our most popular nutritionists freely admit to longing for a sweet treat at times.

Just follow the following expert weight-loss advice, and you will be able to overcome any food yearnings you may have.

Track Your Progress Let’s say you are into photography and you started doing night shoots this month, and it became near impossible to find time for structured meals between takes. So, when you got tired, it is very difficult to stay away from all the baked goods.

To make matter worse, you discover that the exact things you crave when you want to feel better, were available on the set. To control your cravings, you really have to make an effort to have healthy options like almonds, apples, and hummus with carrots on hand at all times.

You’re always hungry

“If you’re eating enough calories, you may be labeling yourself as ‘hungry’ when you are actually just experiencing a desire to eat,” says Judith Beck, PhD. “When you’re truly hungry, your stomach feels empty,” she says. “Otherwise, something else, like boredom or thirst, may be spurring your desire to munch into the very foods you should avoid.”

One trick to try Have a large glass of water or seltzer with lemon and wait ten minutes. Not only will the drink give you the sensation of being fuller, but it will take care of the problem if you have been mistaking thirst for hunger. If that doesn’t work, try engaging your mind elsewhere. Call a friend, take a walk, polish your nails, or just surf the Internet.

Desperately missing your nightly ice cream?

The solution is to have some! The trick isn’t to stop indulging; it’s to learn how to do it right. “If you put it off- limits,” Beck says, “the craving will only get worse, and you will eventually give in and probably eat way more

than you should.” Whether it’s ice cream, a brownie, or a piece of red velvet cake, have a little every night as your evening snack.

Better yet,stock up on portion-control treats such as ice cream cups, mini-chocolate bars, etc. This not only helps you stay on track, but teaches you to estimate portion size when your splurge doesn’t come individually packaged. “You can’t eat whatever you want, in whatever quantity you want, whenever you want. If you did, you would, of course, gain weight,” Beck says. But you can knock back a 150-or-so calorie portion of something once a day, and not wreck your diet.

You never, ever crave good-for-you foods Make these “healthy” foods so yummy that your brain thinks they are indeed the treats you should avoid. “There are so many tasty low-calorie foods out there now, that if you can forget they are good for you and focus on the taste, you will come to realises that you are not giving up anything by making

healthier choices,” Beck says.

Get creative, too: Sprinkle low-fat keylime-pie yogurt with a few crushed vanilla wafers and, voila! Its key-lime pie instead of just yogurt. Or try a quick substitute for something high-fat; like a mini cheesecake sandwich made with part-skim ricotta cheese and raspberry jam between crackers,

You sometimes want a cocktail -But oh!

The calories!

The solution. “Your best bet is a whitewine spritzer: Half wine, half club soda,” Madame Cleo says. Other options include a glass of wine, a light beer, or any kind of spirit mixed with a non-caloric liquid, like vodka with seltzer. Then, chase each drink with an equal amount of water or seltzer, so you drink less, overall. One final tip: Be sure to slide that bowl of mixed nuts down the bar, far out of reach.

‘Madame Cleo’ hopes that you take her advice seriously, and join us next Friday for more tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 25, 2015

Come ‘Block de Traffic’ with General Degree at Palm Court

Everyone wants to know that they can ‘block de traffic’ with either their fashion trends or maybe their very alluring presence.

Well folks, here is your chance to do any of the two when folks at the Palmcourt Nightclub (Main Street, Georgetown) brings to the forum their ‘Traffic Blocking’ party with the sensational entertainer, ‘General Degree’.

This event is slated for Saturday, September 25, 2015.

The event was named after one of the singer most popular hits, “Traffic Blocking”.

Throughout the 1990s, General Degree enjoyed success with singles such as “Mother Rude Pickney”, “Granny”, “Mr Do It Nice”, “When I Hold You Tonight”, “Bodyguard”, “Papa Lover”, “Traffic Blocking”, “Boom Boom”, and “Inna Body”.

General Degree worked as a tailor before beginning his career in music in the late 1980s, he was influenced by General Trees, and his stage name reflects this. His lyrics are often sexually explicit and humorous, containing double entendres such as his single “Pianist”. In 1997, he was featured on Richie Stephens’ “Come Give Me Your Love”, which reached number 61 on the UK Singles Chart.

There is so much more we can tell you about this entertainer…. But why not get up close and personal with him by attended this ‘must go party’. I am sure he will be happy to share is success and music with you if you are not too bashful to approach him Pre-sold tickets for the show cost $2500 and are available at Palm Court. Those without tickets will pay $3000 at the gate. Those who wish to experience the VIP treatment will pay $5000. Doors open at 20:00h.

Music will be provided by Selector Carl and Selector Diamond.

The Buzz Artiste of the Week

‘JP’ packs a wallop on the entertainment scene She raunchy, and energetic and brings a certain enriching ‘Caribbean Flava’ to the stage and many has already dubbed her the Guyanese ‘Lady Saw’.

This Turkeyen, Sophia home grown lass is no stranger to the entertainment arena, and may are still marveling at her natural astounding talent. In a world where stigma still makes it difficult for a female to hop on the ‘dancehall train’, JP as she is more popularly known, has braved the odds to put up a fight that saw her invading stages some think are just for males only.

This fiery dancehall diva brings with her riveting lyrics, a compelling presence and a certainly style that seems to connect with and mesmerize her audience. She’s sharp and witty, punchy and rhythmic, even as she explodes like a volcano while entertaining her many fans.

Twenty nine year old ShondellAlleyne has been under the wings of the Vizion Sound Studios under the watchful eyes, of CEO, Walter Fraser who never fails to give her valid tips on enhancing her showmanship.

This artiste started from the tender age of thirteen, singing and entertaining her peers in the pastures of So-

phia and quite soon she was regarded as their soon to be dancehall queen. At that age she was already choreographing dance moves to go with her catchy ballads and everyone just wanted to be

like We’ already chalking up notable points, she says she certainly did not regret collaborating with the well celebrated ‘GT Bad Gyal’ Jackie Hanover who she said has help to groom her some-

in her company.

By age seventeen she was already performing at small concerts, fairs and other entertainment ventures and of course she caught the eyes of many promoters. She was quite a champion at many fetes and open air functions in her hometown and many regarded her as the soon to be artistes that will put Sophia on the map as the location that emitted one of the hottest dancehall divas around.

With her hit single ‘Bad

what into what she is today.

JP is by now a well sought after figure and has performed more than once at the annual Slingerz Anniversary event alongside international acts, ‘Capleton’ and Tommy Lee. She is presently working on a new album which is slated for release in the near future, and advises fellow artists to stay focused and keep persevering, since it brings great results in the long run.

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Blatter says failure to back reform would be betrayal

By Brian Homewood ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter told his scandal-plagued federation’s 209 member associations yesterday that failure to support reform would amount to a betrayal of millions of soccer fans.

Blatter’s comments came

as FIFA’s executive committee began a two-day meeting where it was due to discuss a request to provide greater transparency around investigations into allegations of corruption.

The committee also will be given an update on the second of two reform processes which have begun since FIFA was plunged

into the worst crisis in its 111-year history in May. Soccer’s governing body has been in turmoil since 14 sports marketing executives and soccer officials, including several from FIFA, were indicted in the United States on bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud charges.

Seven of those accused were arrested by Swiss

police in a dawn raid on a luxury Zurich hotel on May 27, two days before the FIFA Congress where Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term.

As pressure mounted on FIFA, Blatter made a shock announcement in early June that he would step down at an extraordinary Congress which will take place on February 26 in Zurich.

Last week, the problems took another twist when FIFA put secretary general Jerome Valcke on leave and requested a formal investigation into allegations against him.

His duties have been taken over by his deputy Markus Kattner.

“I expect all member associations to fully support this reform process at the Extraordinary Congress in February,” Blatter wrote in his weekly column in FIFA weekly.

“To fail to do so would represent a betrayal of our institution, of football and of the millions of fans around the world that rightly expect the highest standards from those managing the game.

“Our goal must be to give FIFA, the institution, the opportunity to move forward next year and to build on the progress we have achieved in staging competitions and developing football around the world since 1904,” he added.

“If we do not act now, we will be putting all of that work at risk.”

Domenico Scala, head of FIFA’s audit and compliance committee, presented an eight-point plan at the last executive committee meeting in July, which he hoped would be approved and put to the extraordinary Congress in February.

Instead, it was decided

to set up a second reform committee under Francois Carrard, a Swiss lawyer and former director general of the International Olympic Committee, which met for the first time earlier this month.

Allegations of corruption are investigated by FIFA’s ethics committee, which is only allowed to report its final decisions and cannot name people who are under investigation.

Critics have regularly lambasted the in-house watchdog, and questioned its independence from the FIFA leadership, for refusing to give names and other data, even linked to well-known and widely reported cases.

However, the ethics committee has said it is following the code of ethics, which it has asked to be changed, a request which is expected to be discussed under the item “Approval of amendments to the FIFA code of ethics”.

Vintage ‘Jackie Chan’ carries Pele to ...

From Backpage Pele, who had defeated the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 2-1 on the league’s opening night, is atop the eight-team table with four points.

From the chants and cheers, it was obvious that the bulk of the supporters in the GFC ground belonged to Pele FC. It was also Alpha United’s second draw in the league in as many matches after playing to a goalless draw against rivals Slingerz FC. Both Slingerz FC and Alpha United are on two points.

And from the blast of the referee’s Fox40 to start the game, Richardson welcomed all to the ‘Jackie Chan’ show.

Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover’s defenders, though not standing idly by, had no answer for Richardson’s aggression and relentless attack.

To g e t h e r w i t h h i s ‘wingman’ Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant, Richardson five minutes into the contest came close to finding the opening goal but Alpha United goalkeeper was equal to the task to deny the former Golden Jaguar an opening goal.

B u t n o t t o b e re strained, Richardson then paced down the left

wing attacking the North Road end goal at GFC and earned a corner from which he sent Pele in the lead.

Grant took the corner and the ball sailed into the goal area, with Alpha United defenders failing to make the clear, Richardson pounced on the loose ball and hammered it into the back of the net and Pele took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.

The crowd was in frenzy as Richardson celebrated and pointed to and kissed the Pele FC crest stitched on his uniform.

However, Alpha United being their usual dominant selves, in the 29th minute found the equaliser through their captain Daniel Wilson.

A deafening silence permeated the venue and the game’s momentum shifted in favour of Alpha United. But 10 minutes later, the former Victoria Kings wingback Sherwin Skeete handed the ‘Hammers’ the advantage.

Richardson willed Pele FC to find the equaliser but the half ended with Alpha United leading 2-1.

Fans were on the edge upon the resumption of play and once again, Pele, behind Richardson, controlled the tempo of the game.

Richardson came close to drawing the game in

the 80th minute when he flicked the ball past the goalkeeper after neatly evading three defenders but his effort rolled centimetres away from the goal.

The crowd rose to their feet and cheered loudly in appreciation and Richardson covered his face in dismay, knowing how close he came to levelling the score.

But as fate would have it, Grant, who had a dominant performance in the midfield, was fouled in the 87th minute almost 20 yards out from goal and Richardson opted to take the kick.

He spotted the ball on the mark set by the referee and stood over the ball similarly to Cristiano Ronaldo; took two steps backward and on the official’s mark, ‘Jackie Chan’ sent his shot swerving over the wall set by Alpha United and the ball climbed into the ‘V’ of the goal, beating the full-stretched goalkeeper.

Even Minister of State Joe Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who were sitting in the VIP section, rose to acknowledge Richardson’s goal.

However, time didn’t permit Pele to get the full three points but certainly the club will be satisfied with a point.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

Pietersen says Strauss was right to overlook him for Ashes Tests LONDON, England (Reuters) - Kevin Pietersen says England cricket director Andrew Strauss was right to overlook him for this year’s Ashes Test series victory over Australia.

The controversial South African-born batsman, speaking to 200 delegates at a Sports Industry Breakfast Club meeting yesterday, was asked if his former captain Strauss made the correct move in leaving him out.

“Absolutely,” replied Pietersen. “It seems to be the right decision at the moment and good luck to him.

“He’s done OK. Some of the stuff he has done with the England team and with getting past players back in the dressing room is brilliant,” added the country’s fifth highest Test run-scorer.

“There is so much knowledge out there which we missed out on in the last three or four years of my career where we could have had that impact.”

Pietersen was sacked by England last year following a number of incidents that culmi-

Kevin Pietersen nated in the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia during which he was accused of being disengaged from the team.

Asked yesterday if he

thought the door was now firmly bolted shut on a return, the 35-year-old replied: “If it is, it is. I’m not sitting here worrying about what has happened. I’m living my life”.

The two men fell out spectacularly during the 2012 Test series against South Africa when Pietersen sent provocative texts about then-captain Strauss to opposition players.

The animosity between them was re-ignited last year when Strauss made offensive comments about his former team mate while broadcasting for Sky Sports.

RECALL CLAMOUR There was a clamour for Pietersen to be recalled in May when he smashed 355 not out for Surrey against Leicester-

Carib Beer T20, NBS 40 overs cricket on tomorrow

CRICKET action continues this weekend in the Georgetown zone with several matches in the Carib Beer T20 1st Division cricket competition as well as the New Building Society 40 overs tournaments.

On Saturday, the lone weekend fixture for the shortest format of the game will pit the boys in blue against their camouflage compatriots at the Malteenoes Sports Club com-

mencing at 13:00hrs.

Meanwhile, the University of Guyana side will have a tall order when they take on the Everest Cricket Club in the first of the NBS 40-over matches beginning at 10:30hrs.

At Bourda, the home side will have to defend against the challenges of Diplomats Sports Club while the Gandhi Youth Organisation take on their Woolford Avenue counterparts, the Muslim Youth Organ-

isation (MYO) at the Demerara Cricket Club.

Third Class Cricket Club will have to make a trip to the GNIC’s Woolford Avenue facility for their match against the hosts while Sophia will invade the GDF at Camp Ayanganna.

The fixtures on Sunday from 10:30hrs: Sophia against Transport Sports Club at GNIC and the Thomas Landsbased Malteenoes will host the Ace Warriors side.

Results in Upper Corentyne 4R’s 20/20 cricket competition THE Upper Corentyne 4R’s 20/20 cricket competition saw the third round played last Sunday at various venues in the area.

At the Scottsburg ground, Number 73 Young Warriors defeated the hosts by 65 runs Bating first, the home side scored 135 for 5 off 20 overs with skipper Lakeram Latchman scoring 48 not out and Chitram Ramjass 30 not out while the Scottsburg bowling saw Raymond Lowenfield pick up 2 for 21 off 4 overs and J. McCalmon 2 for 20 off 4 overs.

In reply, Scottsburg were bowled out for 70 runs in 15.3 overs with Kevin Clarke and James Hart each scoring 14 runs while Number 73 bowling was spearheaded by Young Warriors’ Chanderkumar Ramjass, 4 for 20 off 3.3 overs and Claude Felix 3 for 13 off 4 overs.

In match 2 at the same venue, Corriverton defeated Crabwood Creek Young Royals by 3 wickets.

Royals batting first posted

140 for 5 off 20 overs thanks to Rabindra Singh 40 and Taleshwar Beepat 25* while Corriverton’s bowling department featured Deoprakash Ramdat 2 for 16) off 3 overs and Faoud Bacchus 2 for 25 off 4 overs.

In reply, Corriverton scored 141 for 7 off 18.5 overs, compliments of Eric Phillips (34 not out), Amzan Appalsammy (29) and Anthony Seeraj (20) while the Royals bowling saw Gobin Sugrim (2 for 25 off 4) leading the attack.

At Yakusari ground, hosts Caribs defeated Number 52 Survival by 39 runs in a rain-reduced 15 overs game.

Batting first, Yakusari Caribs made 104 for 4 off 15 overs with Ramesh Iyana (36) and Terrance Bubhu (34) being the main scorers while Number 52 Survival’s Peer Tello was the pick of the bowlers after he ended with 1 for 4 off 3 overs.

In reply, Number 52 Survival were bowled out for 65 runs off 14 overs as Ramesh

Iyana returned with the ball to snare 4 for 6 off 3 overs and Chermani Iyana 4 for 8 off 4 overs.

Meanwhile, Round 4 gets going on Sunday with several matches.

At the Number 53 Complex, the first game from 10:00hrs will feature Number 52 Survival vs Number 59 Sports Club while in the second game Number 52 Survival meet Number 48 Challengers.

At Number 58, the hosts Riot Squad play Number 48 Challengers from 10:00hrs and return later in the day to play Number 59 Sports Club.

At Number 70, the host side will face Crabweed Creek Rising while from 14:30hrs, MYO and Number 69 Red Rose do battle.

Skeldon ground will be in the mix as well with the hosts clashing with Red Rose from 10:00hrs before taking on Crabwood Creek Rising Other matches will see Numbers 69, 72, 73 and others in action.

shire, and the innings prompted a meeting with Strauss.

“I went there with a lot of positivity and left with quite a bit of negativity,” Pietersen said to a smattering of laughter.

“He had a decision to make and he made his decision and it turned out absolutely fine.

England won the Ashes.

“At the time I thought it was ridiculous, it was nonsense to leave me out. I might have said something stronger to him,” added Pietersen.

“I am buzzing that England won and I am not looking back to the meeting in May thinking ‘oh goodness, things could have been so different’. I am pretty cool about it.”

Pietersen, who hit 8 181

runs in 104 Tests including 23 centuries, said he had many business interests but was in no mood to quit cricket yet.

As well as turning out for Surrey this year, he has represented St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League and recently signed for the Dolphins in the South African Twenty20.

Pietersen said his first love remained Test cricket and he is hoping the T20 format does not suffocate the five-day game.

“Twenty20 is going to stay for sure because that form of the game brings a whole different audience to Test cricket,” he explained.

“I love Test cricket and I think we owe it to the great game, which is Test cricket,

to speak positively about it. I don’t want to sit on this stage and say Test cricket is dead.”

Saying he wanted the structure of the five-day game to remain intact, Pietersen added: “I think Test cricketers need to be paid more.

“They need to know they are being looked after a lot more so they don’t think, ‘oh, I’m not really making it in the Test arena, I’ll go over to Twenty20.

“I am not saying they don’t get paid well now, and some of us playing franchise cricket earn some very good money, but we should all be saying we want to be playing Test cricket, that’s where we all want to be,” said Pietersen.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

All Blacks overwhelm brave Namibia with nine tries

By Mark Trevelyan LONDON, England (Reuters) - New Zealand ran in nine tries, with two each for wingers Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea, as they powered to a 58-14 win over Namibia yesterday, but the rugged Africans made the reigning world champions work harder than expected.

Victor Vito, Malakai Fekitoa, Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith and Codie Taylor also helped themselves to a try apiece as a second-string All Blacks side made it two wins out of two in Rugby World Cup Pool C. But the biggest cheer came in the second half when Namibian inside centre Johan Deysel, a university student, showed the strength to stay on his feet despite two tackles and break through for a try.

Namibia, whose line-up includes a dentist, some farmers and a diamond trader, fought bravely to avoid the rout that some had expected in the

New Zealand’s Julian Savea in action (Reuters/Eddie KeoghLivepic) meeting of the tournament’s top-ranked and lowest-ranked teams.

“It was a very proud performance. We won a couple of small victories during the match which we can take

NOTABLE DATES

ANDREW `The Eagle’ Murray had his last professional fight on September 25, 2001. The southpaw former Commonwealth welterweight champion had moved up to the junior middleweight division to challenge Englishman Richard `The Secret’ Williams for the Commonwealth junior middleweight title.

Williams retained his crown when referee Dave Parris halted the contest at two minutes 21 seconds of the third round to hand Murray his third consecutive defeat within a 13-month period. `The Eagle’ had won the Commonwealth welterweight title in October 1993.

He later added the World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin title to his resumé which included the World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX belt. However, the talented southpaw never fought for the Guyana welterweight title.

Four months after the battle with Williams, Murray was involved in a fatal road accident on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. His death brought an end to a stellar career that included a memorable points-victory over American Kevin Pompey at the National Sports Hall.

He made his debut in Barbados in 1990 against Alonzo Clarke and ended with a record on 27 wins (17 KO), seven defeats and one draw.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday September 25, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &

AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)35 players (2)26 players Today’s Quiz: Who is the first player to score twin hundreds on his Test captaincy debut?

Where and when did a wicketkeeper captain the WI in an ODI for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

into the next game, particularly to score a try against the best side in the world, who normally give others at times a solid hiding,” Namib-

ian captain Jacques Burger said.

Things had looked ominous when, straight from the kick-off, the All Black for-

wards ran a huge driving maul from their 22-metre line right up to halfway.

Flyhalf Barrett kicked a penalty to open the scoring and a try on each wing - by Vito on the left and Milner-Skudder on the right - had New Zealand 15-0 ahead with just under 10 minutes played.

It looked like the opening of the floodgates, but Namibia, tackling like men possessed, had different ideas.

Their nerves were settled when flyhalf Theuns Kotze kicked a penalty to put them on the scoreboard, and they enjoyed several promising attacks after intercepting stray passes as New Zealand showed occasional glimpses of fallibility.

Normal service was resumed when Sonny Bill Williams, tackled by two players, still managed to offload to Malakai Fekitoa for New Zealand try number three under the posts.

Another Kotze penalty and tries from Barrett and Milner-Skudder made it 34-6 at halftime.

In a scrappy second half, New Zealand were frequently frustrated by dogged Namibian defence but added four more tries, helped by the sin-binning of Jaco Engels for cynically knocking the ball out of Tawera Kerr-Barlow’s hands as the All Blacks pressed within metres of the try line.

Milner-Skudder was named man-of-the-match for his weaving runs, brace of tries and a superb offload to set up hooker Taylor for the final try right at the death.

For New Zealand, Barrett kicked five conversions and a penalty to add to his try, while Kotze kicked three penalties for Namibia. New Zealand’s next match in Pool C is against Georgia on October 2, while Namibia face Tonga next Tuesday.

Injury curse continues for Australia paceman Cummins

... All-rounder James Faulkner recalled as replacement (REUTERS) - Pat Cummins’ hopes of a long-awaited second Test for Australia have been dealt a savage blow with the paceman ruled out of the Bangladesh tour with a serious back injury.

Cummins, who has struggled with a number of injuries since his sole Test against South Africa in 2011, had suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, scans revealed.

“Consequently Pat will be unable to participate in the Bangladesh Test series and will now enter into a lengthy rehabilitation programme,” team physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement yesterday.

Fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner will replace Cummins in the squad for the Tests in Chittagong and

James Faulkner Dhaka next month, Cricket Australia said.

The latest breakdown will be a bitter pill for the 22-year-old Cummins, who has suffered two previous back stress fractures, along with a serious heel injury and a side strain since his dazzling seven-wicket haul as an 18-year-old debutant in

Johannesburg.

He had been on the verge of a Test recall after featuring in 13 one-day internationals and four Twenty20 matches over the past year, a rare injury-free period.

“This is really unfortunate for Pat and I know how disappointed he will be,” selectors chairman Rod Marsh said.

“He is a young bowler with a bright future for Australia and we were really pleased with how he bowled in the UK.” Cummins joins David Warner on the sidelines, the opening batsman ruled out of Bangladesh weeks ago after breaking a thumb during the ODI series in England.

Faulkner is back in the frame two years after his first and only Test against England, a dead rubber in the 2013

Ashes at The Oval in which he took six wickets.

Man-of-the-match in Australia’s victorious World Cup final against New Zealand in March, the 25-year-old will be eager to re-ignite his international career after being booted out of the one-day team in July for being caught drink-driving in England.

“James comes back into the Australia Test side having only played the one Test, but he is an exciting young bowler who could be very handy in the conditions we are likely to see in Bangladesh,” Marsh said.

Faulkner is likely, however, to be second in the queue behind fast-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is in the 15-man squad along with seamers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and the uncapped Andrew Fekete.

Pitch concerns force abandonment of trial game KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – A dangerous pitch on Wednesday forced the abandonment of the third Jamaica trial match after four balls on the second day at Sabina Park.

Once the fourth delivery of the day from pacer Jason Dawes snorted from a full length and forced Kemar Marshall to take evasive action, umpires consulted with coaching officials before deciding to scrap the game.

“The match has been called off because the umpires deemed it (pitch) unfit for play. It’s extremely disappointing ... (but) we had to look out for the health of the players,” head coach Junior Bennett was quoted as saying.

He added: “It (pitch) was worse today ... balls were jumping a lot. It was rolled a few times and still it was behaving like this in the morning.”

Paul Palmer’s XI had added two runs to their

overnight 84 for one when play was called off. Shacaya Thomas, unbeaten on an aggressive 56 overnight, finished on 57.

The right-hander took quite a few blows on Tuesday’s opening day as the pitch behaved erratically but he counter-attacked with seven fours and two sixes.

“I’m disappointed (the match was called off). I was looking good, though the pitch was difficult to bat

on,” the Jamaica Observer newspaper quoted Thomas as saying.

“Normally a ball you’d come forward to would pass over your head. It was unpredictable, so in the best interest it was called off so no one could get hurt.”

John Campbell’s XI were dismissed for 124 on Tuesday’s first day.

Sabina Park is scheduled to host a two-day trial game next week.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 25, 2015

I’m still the best, so I could never be done – Richardson

By Rawle Toney

FOR many reasons the name Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson always pops up in a football debate.

On Wednesday night Richardson put on a show for football fans at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, to carry his Pele FC side to a 2-2 draw against Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United. He scored both goals.

“It always feels good scoring for the club I love since I was a ‘lil’ boy; Pele FC is the team I love,” Richardson told Chronicle Sport in an interview following his dominant performance against his former club.

Popularly known as ‘Jackie Chan’, Richardson became the first Guyanese to land a contract in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) after securing a deal with the Colo-

Flashback! Mexico Goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco heads the ball away from Gregory Richardson at BBVA Compass Stadium on October 12, 2012, in Houston, Texas.

Mexico defeated Guyana 5-0 in the 2014 World Cup Qualifier.

rado Rapids in 2009.

Known for his ability to ‘smartly’ evade defenders, Richardson came to eminence during the CONCACAF Club Championship with his Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League club Joe Public when he devastated MLS top club New England Revolution, scoring a hat-trick in his club’s 4-0 win.

He also single-handedly ripped apart several other top clubs in the tournament.

Several international news agencies linked the striker with moves to New England Revolution and other top MLS clubs, including Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquake.

But like most professional players, Richardson had hit a rough patch in his career as he went from the MLS to the North American Soccer League (NASL) with Carolina RailHawks (2009–2010)

where he made 33 appearances and scored 12 times in the process, after which he transferred to Puerto Rico Islanders (2011–2013).

The forward then returned to Guyana and donned the uniform of Alpha United for two years before making a bold move back to Pele FC. Some fans thought the player’s days were over since he wasn’t scoring as much and with him not finding a place on the Jamaal Shabazz-coached Golden Jaguars team any longer, talks of him walking away from the game surfaced.

“I don’t have anything to prove, I always come to play football, I love this game and the people that are saying I’m done, never played the game, so they could say anything.

“Remember, I’m the boss on the field and people always want to see ‘Jackie Chan’ play and people who know me and

know this game; they know that I could never be done,” Richardson said as he blasted his naysayers.

Asked about Pele’s chances of winning the Stag Elite League, Richardson said, “Honestly, our focus is winning the next game but people know that Pele are capable of winning this league. Pele got the tools and more tools coming. So the team a little off-balance right now but we have a great chance of winning this league.”

Richardson, however, pointed out that while indeed he has nothing prove, he intends to leave his mark on the Stag Elite League, pointing out that “people, no matter what they say about ‘Jackie Chan’ will always come to see me play. I might not score every night, but I make an impact on the game. My goals will come and they will come when Pele need it all the time”.

FIFA election is closed Long-awaited T&T town-hall meeting set for today shop, says candidate Zico

By Brian Homewood ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA has closed the door on those within football who want to enter the presidential election race, former Brazil playmaker Zico said yesterday as his bid threatened to hit the buffers.

Zico is struggling with the rule that requires potential candidates to present letters of support from five national football associations

by October 26, four months before the election.

He said most FAs were afraid of backing the wrong candidate and suffering reprisals from their continental confederations.

“The problem is not that I am a victim, the victims are everyone who works in football who could have the ambition to one day be a candidate,” Zico told reporters at a Zurich hotel.

“It’s your (personal) history in the sport which should be important, not whether or not you can provide a letter for someone.

“Any sportsman feels he is a victim of this ruling,” added Zico who appeared in three World Cups and is considered one of the finest players Brazil has produced.

He said the rule made it difficult for those who were part of the sport but not part of FIFA or the continental confederations, such as players, coaches, doctors and

Zico

club directors, to break into world football’s governing body.

“I’m the only real outsider among the candidates,” he said. “I have never participated in anything to do with FIFA, I have never been on any FIFA committee.”

Each of FIFA’s 209 member associations holds one vote at the election but critics say the associations are heavily influenced by the continental confederations who sometimes ask their members to vote as a block for one candidate.

“There is big pressure from the confederations and this takes away the independence of the federations,” said Zico. “The federations are afraid to provide a letter because they could suffer reprisals in case their candidate is beaten.”

He added block voting did not make sense in any case.

“Brazil doesn’t have the same objectives as Bolivia, Japan doesn’t have the same objectives as Vietman, Germany doesn’t have the same objectives as Kazakhstan, so why do they have to vote for the same person?,” said Zico.

“Why is there no right for everyone to have one’s choice. This is a terrible thing for football and needs to be included in reforms for the good of world football.”

FIFA was thrown into turmoil in May when 14 sports marketing executives and football officials, including several from FIFA, were indicted in the United States on bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud charges.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The long-awaited Trinidad and Tobago leg of the West Indies Cricket Board townhall meetings will be staged today, with president Dave Cameron saying he is looking forward to the event.

Previous attempts to arrange the town-hall meeting with the T&T Cricket Board were mired in confusion with neither side able to agree on a venue.

The WICB had proposed Queen’s Park Oval in the capital Port of Spain but the TTCB disagreed with that option and subsequently proposed the National Cricket Centre in Couva or the Chaguanas Town Hall.

Chaguanas, located in central Trinidad, will now host the event.

“We are looking forward to this town-hall meeting in the two-island republic. The meetings have been an excellent way to meet with our stakeholders up close and personal, and hear their concerns which most of us share,” Cameron said.

“These town-hall meetings have helped us, the leadership of West Indies cricket, to get the pulse of the people of the region on topics ranging from governance to cricket development, and most importantly, the performance of our flagship team.”

Cameron, as usual, will be joined by WICB vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan, for the town-hall meeting which will is expected to address issues of governance, finance, player issues and selection.

Denesh Ramdin’s axing

as Test captain after just 15 months in charge is expected to come up for discussion.

Cameron said the meetings were important in helping the WICB to use the opinions of stakeholders to improve the cricket product.

“We face many important

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issues and it is important for the entire region to merge our efforts to make the cricket industry more viable than it has been in recent times,” he said.

Already, town-hall meetings have been held in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, Guyana, Jamaica and Antigua.

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Sport CHRONICLE

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

FIFA election is closed shop, says candidate Zico See story on page 31

Vintage ‘Jackie Chan’ carries Pele to 2-2 draw

IF YOU ARE a fan of Guyanese football, certainly the name Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson will easily come to mind and on Wednesday the huge crowd that turned out at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground were reminded of why he was considered at one time as the Caribbean top forward.

Playing against his former team, Richardson, the first player from Guyana to feature in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS), scored both goals (10th and 87th minute) for Pele FC in their 2-2 draw with Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United when action continued in the Stag Elite League.

The result means that

See page 28

Pele FC’s Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant (on the ground) battling Alpha United’s Philbert Moffat for a loose ball during their heated 2-2 draw at the GFC ground on Wednesday. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson

WICB pledges support for newly-installed captains

Jason Holder

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The West Indies Cricket Board(WICB) says it will make every resource available to newly appointed captains Jason Holder and Stafanie Taylor, in order to ensure the success of their tenures.

Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus, said the WICB was cognizant of the challenges associated with captaincy and had already written both players to inform them they would be

granted whatever support systems they required.

“The directors and the management of the WICB recognised that being captain of a West Indies team is a unique challenge and carries an enormous burden of responsibility,” Pybus said in a release yesterday.

“We have written and offered them access to whatever support system they believe is necessary for them to handle their responsibilities in a purposeful manner.”

The announcement comes just days after the WICB was criticised by renowned former opener Desmond Haynes, who contended there was no systems in place to support Holder as a young captain.

At 23, Holder is the youngest-ever Test captain and comes to the post with a mere eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals under his belt.

However, Pybus appeared to push back against Haynes’s claims, pointing out that legendary former captain Clive Lloyd – the current chairman of selectors – was already in place to help both Holder and Taylor.

“As a legend of the game, a successful international captain and in the role of Convener of Selectors, Clive is uniquely placed to give valuable insight and we have encouraged Jason to lean on his wisdom, so he can manage the transition to the leadership position,” Pybus contended.

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Stafanie Taylor “Clive is also available to Stafanie, but we will also work with her to identify a suitable mentor going forward.”

With the support systems in place, Pybus said he was confident both Holder and Taylor would succeed in their new roles.

“The WICB is committed to their long-term development and success in their new roles, and we believe this will help Jason and Stafanie to focus while they settle in,” the Englishman said.

“We have full confidence that Jason and Stafanie will lead with courage and conviction, and do a wonderful job of moving their respective teams forward, so we have taken steps to help them to plan and manage their time effectively.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015