Guyana Times Daily - April 22, 2015

Ramsaran sorry for harsh words to activist

wednesday, april 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, april 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – 05:00h-06:00h and Thursday, April 23, 2015 – 08:30h-10:00h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – 06:15h-07:45h and Thursday, April 23, 2015 – 06:55h-08:25h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Wednesday, April 22 – 06:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

Thursday, April 23 – 06:00h, 11:00h and 17:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery and heavy rain showers are expected to prevail throughout the day, with thundery showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.12 metres per second and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:39h and 19:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.72 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:41h reaching a minimum height of 0.52 metre.

Ramsaran sorry for harsh words to activist

...was provoked, interrupted

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran on Monday apologised for his remarks against rights activist Sherlina Nageer, but he explained that he was “rudely interrupted and provoked” by the young woman.

Nageer and Dr Ramsaran had a very heated exchange outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Berbice during the hearing of a case against former President Bharrat Jagdeo by brought by accountant Christopher Ram.

According to reports, Nageer was outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court where she spotted the Health Minister giving an interview to two reporters. It was while the Minister was speaking to the reporters that she approached him, interrupting his interview.

The activist was clear-

ly heard being provocative and loud, asking him why he was outside the Magistrate’s Court while the incidence of maternal mortality continues to rise. She suggested that he was wasting her money and the monies of other taxpayers by travelling to Whim to support former President

PNC-led APNU/AFC Toronto dinner

Maurice

BJagdeo. The Minister then responded, making some disparaging remarks even as she responded in similar manner.

However, the Minister, via a press release on Tuesday evening, apologised for his utterances. According to him, on Monday around 09:30h, he had joined a group of

peaceful persons at Whim Magistrate’s Court to give solidarity to former President Jagdeo. He said that as he was about to depart, two journalists sought an interview on the matter at hand to which he readily agreed, but was soon “interrupted, rudely so by Nageer”.

Ramsaran said that despite his attempts on several occasions to move away and to prevent a confrontation, she persisted in interrupting the interview. The Health Minister related that he now regretted his actions and as such, wished to apologise to the woman.

“It was unfortunate that I was provoked into anger and uttered harsh words at her for which I now regret. I, therefore, wish to apologise for uttering those words,” the Health Minister said.

Rajkumar never endorsed coalition

usinessman Maurice Rajkumar has denied endorsing the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition at a fundraising dinner held in Toronto, Canada over the weekend.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rajkumar clarified that while he attended the dinner after being encouraged by relatives and friends, he played no part and at no time endorsed the parties for the May 11 polls.

In his statement, Rajkumar said he left Guyana on Friday, April 17 and arrived in Canada on Saturday, April 18 to engage in personal matters.

“I was encouraged by some friends and relatives to join them at the Elite Banquet Hall on Sunday, April 19, to attend a meeting by APNU/AFC.

"I reluctantly complied and chose to sit in a very obscure corner of the hall in order to make my presence very low key and inconspicuous. I exchanged small talk with some people who were at the table, including an acquaintance who shared similar views with me on the po-

litical scenario in Guyana."

Rajkumar said: “I never endorsed the Opposition party neither did I indicate any intention of moving to Canada if the PPP wins. It is an established fact that I have invested on projects in Guyana to cater for my imminent retirement and resisted migration opportunities as I dearly love my beloved country.”

He said he never intimated to anyone that he would like to see former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, Attorney

General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and Finance Minister Ashni Singh arrested, charged and prosecuted.

“I hereby declare, as I always have, that I have the highest respect and regards for these gentlemen and further admit that Anil Nandlall and Robert Persaud have always been and still are my personal friends.

I have repeatedly complimented Frank Anthony, Priya Manickchand and others whose morality and integrity are beyond reproach,” the businessman stated.

Rajkumar said that someone has decided to maliciously tarnish “me unjustly as I enjoy some level of popularity in Guyana due to my varied levels of business and sporting activities”.

He added that during the “fundraising” event, “I was identified as a person who should make a contribution to the fund. I was caught offguard and in order to avoid

any embarrassment, I promised to give a donation on my return to Guyana.”

Rajkumar said on Tuesday he was shocked and horrified to see a “Breaking News” piece by Nicolas5 on the caribnewsdesk.com blog attributing unfounded comments and assertions to my name as regards the integrity of Government Ministers and the upcoming May 11 elections.

“This is absolutely sick propaganda trash. In fact, these comments are baseless fabrications, which I vehemently denounce. It is without doubt the most despicable and insidious act of political character assassination. No doubt, this dastardly act was done with the devious and unscrupulous intent to malign and use my name and standing in Guyana for political gains... unjustly. If anyone can stoop so low with such a libellous and cruel hoax, then what else will they resort to in order to gain political mileage?"

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Lessons from the past

One of the notable things to come out of the recent controversy about our nation’s history during this election campaign is that, like a collective Rip Van Winkle, we are awakening from our seeming slumber to actually speak publicly about our recent history.

Also significant is the fact that such a discussion (for want of a better word) suggests public acknowledgement of a past that many Guyanese aren’t learning of.

When politicians advise we should forget about our past, and letter writers publicly ask what past, it proves firstly we have a history too uncomfortable for many to face, and secondly, that there are those who deny that uncomfortable past. It may also suggest ignorance of our history.

Nowhere in our local textbooks is Guyana’s complete history frankly discussed; local history educators and historians seem reluctant to tackle this incompleteness. Instead, we have snippets of a past that appeal to one political group or the other.

Unfortunately, our proverbial skeletons in the history closet – that many prefer remain hidden because it is convenient and safer – are uncomfortable for some to the point of rabid reaction when it is even mentioned.

This is a tragic pity; never has the oft-quoted saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”, been more relevant than today.

In a 1995 article in the New York Times, it was reported that chapter six of a German school history textbook for 16-year-olds looks unflinchingly at Hitler and Nazi Germany. “Every student in Germany must tackle this theme,” one history teacher is quoted as saying.

Speaking about their feelings about Nazi Germany, another history teacher said: “I don't see myself as responsible. But I would be responsible if it happened again.”

“We cannot do anything about it – it was our grandparents that did it. But we should not forget it,” a 16-year-old student said.

What this education curriculum did for German students, the article noted, is make them aware of “their history's racism, anti-Semitism, militarism and nationalism” and gives them a sense of responsibility and commitment to never revive such a history.

The point is not one of comparison of regimes but rather to illustrate that history must never be hidden away in the hope or belief that it will be forgotten. It doesn’t become the following generations’ burden and shame but an obligation to ensure they learn from their history.

World history has seen politicians and states experiment with many forms of rule and authority, Guyana is no different. Few countries, if any, can claim a history of roses and perfume.

Why then must Guyanese be commanded to forget our history? Why aren’t our school students taught a complete political and economic history after independence? Why should only one side of our history be recorded and told? Why are we picking bits and pieces out of our history to represent all our history under the rosy rule of a particular political group?

Such actions suggest a lack of political maturity, irrational denial, and more sinister, a deliberate attempt to keep Guyanese uneducated for political advantage.

An uneducated populace is easier to manipulate – again, history has repeatedly shown this: dictatorships, fanatical and political organizations, etc historically use the uneducated to fulfil their agendas; it is not unique to Guyana.

In this current elections campaign, it has become obvious that the PNC-led APNU+AFC has been intent on telling voters to conveniently forget the past and certain pieces of political history in Guyana.

In a previous Editorial, it was stated that young people must be educated about all events under both the PNC and PPP/C administrations, and that while it is necessary to look to the future in terms of examining the plans and policies each party has for Guyana’s development, they must also be judged on their track record while they were in Government.

Our country’s future is at stake.

Where land meets sky

Cheddi had a vision for all Guyanese, unlike APNU-AFC

Dear Editor,

I find the APNU-AFC advertisement with Dr Cheddi Jagan as an insult to his intellect, vision, dream and ideology. Moses, Freddie, Ramayya and Bissessar want to sell this country for lust of power and revenge.

Cheddi struggled and suffered injustice and inhumane treatment to make Guyana a free, country, so that people like these can get the opportunity to express themselves. These are the same people who used to curse the PNC and criticize them for the atrocities committed against Guyanese.

Cheddi spoke of unity and coalition, but would never have done what these power hungry people did to rewrite history for the convenience of fooling the

Guyanese people.

Cheddi, knowing the traits, personality and history of individuals within the PNC, would not have gotten into any coalition, unless he was given the presidency, ensuring that Guyana didn't return to dark days.

History has shown what the PNC did to the UF and the PPP. The coalition has blocked all the projects that would have made all of us proud. Cheddi wouldn't have denied his identity for a nonfunctional prime ministerial position, three vice presidents and 12 seats.

Cheddi would have wanted people to know the past, so as to guide them into the future and prevent them from making the same mistakes. APNU-AFC wants to ignore the past because they

want to repeat the atrocities and bring Guyana back to the Burnhamite era.

Please read Granger's book and see the hatred and his desire to follow Burnham's legacy. He would like to seduce Guyanese with false unrealistic promises to aid in the return of the PNC.

Cheddi wouldn't have gotten into any marriage with the PNC (APNU) which was responsible for rigging of elections, killing of innocent Guyanese, discrimination, victimization, robbing, looting, burning of properties, and depriving thousands of Guyanese access to tertiary education by making National Service compulsory.

These people are now talking about unity, equali-

ty and a secure Guyana. Can Mr Granger tell Guyanese one instance in which he stood up for the hundreds of businessmen who were robbed and killed by bandits?

How can Granger and his followers make Guyana safe when they make these criminals heroes and drape them with the Flag of Guyana? Cheddi was intelligent, decent and a simple human being.

Guyanese, you are proud people. Each one us should pause for a while, look around, and reflect on the past and compare the present to determine the future. Save our children from the nightmare of the PNC.

Kevin Singh

GECOM should release final list of approved polling places

Dear Editor,

With only 20 days remaining before the nation goes to the poll, the PPP/C calls on GECOM to release the final list of approved polling places. It is expected that voters will be given adequate time to familiarize themselves with their respective polling places.

The PPP/C has made previous calls on GECOM to avoid as much as possible the use of private residences in preference for public and better known buildings as polling stations.

Further, GECOM had agreed at a meeting held with political parties that this list will be released early for public knowledge and efforts will be made to avoid last moment changes to polling places.

However, it was also agreed that unavoidable changes of this nature will be

done in consultation with all political stakeholders. This PPP/C will hold GECOM to this undertaking.

The PPP/C wishes to reiterate its continuous calls on GECOM to allow for public vetting of polling day staff. Being treated as a top secret or surprise by GECOM will only serve to create doubts in the minds of people and eventually a lost confidence.

World over, polling day staff plays an integral role in the electoral processes hence, the more reason for involving the populace in the recruitment of these persons. Polling day staff, even though having their private and personal preferences towards a political party are expected to perform their duties in a neutral and professional manner.

The PPP/C is wary of the experiences of the past where politically biased polling day

staff seemed bent on depriving PPP/C polling agents and candidates of their rights on E-Day as was the case in the last General Election in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) in particular.

Further, the party is concerned over the seemingly abuse of proxies by the Opposition. Our field work has led us to suspect that known Opposition leaders at the community/local level are filling and submitting proxy applications for persons who are scheduled to leave the country before Election Day and for others who are physically able to visit the polling station to cast their vote.

The PPP/C calls on GECOM to ensure that proper verification of all proxies are done in accordance the prescribed procedure and only those deserving are awarded proxy voting.

While GECOM has

launched its voters education campaign through various advertisements placed on TV, radio and newspapers much more effort is needed to sensitize our brothers and sisters in the hinterland and riverine communities of the interior regions.

It is necessary that a more direct campaign be done in these areas since much of these communities have little or no access local television and radio stations.

The party calls on GECOM to target first time voters in an effort to prevent spoilage and rejection of ballots. This done, will go a long way in assuring GECOM's own efficiency and the confidence and acceptance of the results by all Guyanese.

PPP/C Freedom House

The PPP/C has made it possible for youths to choose wisely

Dear Editor,

There is a lot of talk about the decisions by young people to endorse the PPP/C, but it is important to understand that the youths that chose to “rise up” and be heard are making a decision that is informed and conscious.

It is a decision that is rooted in the development of our country and an independent understanding of where Guyana has come from and the direction of growth we are heading to.

The Opposition would want us to believe that they can do better, but let them go and tell their young followers exactly why they blocked or negatively impacted the progress of over 17 initiatives or projects that are vital for Guyana’s development in just three short years. Can we really trust them to do anything better for five years to come?

Apart from everything else this Government has done for Guyana, they have made a special effort to enlighten young people to use their freedom to make the right decision for their country’s future.

It is a foundation the PPP/C has built from the vision of Dr Jagan, whose

main intention was to have a country where youths will think freely, be creative, own businesses, travel the world and become what they dream to be.

It is also ironic that this same foundation the current opposition is making use of, to peddle their propaganda and false news.

Never before in our history, have you seen so many brilliant and self-driven young Guyanese “rise up” and take a stand to defend their freedom to choose. We are more outspoken, we are speaking to tangible and real issues that we care about, we are defending our right to vote and we are defending our country’s future.

We see that our future rest squarely in the PPP/C camp. We support the institution of the PPP/C that is rooted in progressive thinking and a better place for all Guyanese to live and develop in peace and prosperity.

On May 11, we are coming out in our numbers to defend what the PPP/C as an institution stands for, because we have seen the signs of a great future with this Government.

Malcolm Watkins

Violence against PPP/C members and supporters

Dear Editor,

I have made many urgent appeals to the Guyana Elections Commission to put a stop to the racist incitement being perpetrated by AFC presenters on their programme “Alliance on the Move”.

Ramayya, Charrandass and Mark Ross have been most vociferous in calling the Indians racists. They have also attributed statements to PPP /C leaders, which are totally false and misleading.

Mark Ross on April 16 even called on the AFC+APNU members and supporters to collect the PPP/C t-shirts at the Albion rally and burn them. However, these members and supporters had other plans in place.

At Number 51 Village, an Estate Lorry was attacked by a group of residents from that area. Missiles, which included bottles, bricks and

what appear to be containers with sulphuric acid were hurled on the unsuspecting PPP/C members and supporters.

Many persons received injuries and a female minor was burnt on her hand with the acid. Another minor was also injured by the missiles thrown.

Luckily the lorry driver did not stop and he drove on to the Skeldon Hospital where the injured persons were treated. This is a dastardly attack on democracy in this country. It could have been worse since the lorry was packed.

I am wondering what will happen when the results of the upcoming election are announced and it indicates a PPP/C victory.

Ramayya claims to be addressing the issue of the people, but this is another issue he will not address since he seems to be an instigator of violence.

A few weeks ago an intensive investigation was carried out at Chesney Village when a Corporal from Whim Police Station arrested a group of married men who were playing cards and made racial allegations.

The residents of Chesney are still awaiting the outcome of this investigation. Ramayya claimed that this was a false allegation against the Police.

These AFC racists must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Where are the human rights organizations in this country? Where are the religious organizations? Suddenly, everyone is mum.

They have become deaf, dumb and blind. People are being targeted once again and the 1960s are slowly creeping on us but this time. It is wrought by those same people who had condemned the strife of the 1961-1964 period, namely, Ramjattan

and Nagamootoo. Nagamootoo had not only spoken about the atrocities in the 1960s and during the 28 years of PNC dictatorship, but he has also written extensively on those events. This is how the AFC leaders such as Nagamootoo and Ramjattan want to extract their votes.

I cannot imagine that these are the same people who fought against the very thing that they are now practising. They are now leading the PNC band of cut-throats from the front.

This type of thuggery, bullyism, hooliganism, vandalism and violence carried out by the PNC members and supporters must be stopped before it is too late. The violence is slowly coming to life and this time it is fuelled by a group of vengeance-seeking people from the AFC.

Haseef Yusuf

Where is the victimization?

Dear Editor, Ever so often we hear from certain people allegations of marginalization and victimization by the Government of Guyana, an allegation that is totally misconceived.

I am not aware of any policy where employers are forced to employ persons of a particular ethnicity. I am

Looking forward to Moseley’s response to the Kaieteur News

Dear Editor, Allow me first to express my surprise in the Guyana Times for publishing a letter titled, “Voting race is not always wrong”, which appeared in the letter pages with strong content.

I believe it was poor judgement, and the letter should not have made it to the pages of any newspaper.

Be that as it may, I must say I have noted the apology which was issued the very next day. It was good to see that the Editor realised that the newspaper erred in judgment in allowing the letter to be printed.

My real reason for writ-

ing, however, comes on the heels of comments made by a prominent media operative Gordon Moseley on social media, calling out the Guyana Times for the article, the media should be responsible.

I wonder whether Mr Moseley, who is also the former President of the Guyana Press Association, has issued or will be issuing similar statements with regard to the articles which are being published by the Kaieteur News. Take for example, the blatantly inaccurate article recently carried by the Kaieteur News, accus-

ing Winston Brassington of “gifting” his brother, the contract for the taxi service at the Marriott Guyana Hotel coupled with a ridiculous full page ad.

Mind you, this is just one of the many this embarrassing rag of a newspaper.

But since Mr Moseley is so adept at pointing out the rights and wrongs of the media, I expect his response to these Kaieteur News articles given his stance on the “responsible role the media play”.

Annalisa Ally

33 cases of drunk driving recorded

Dear Editor,

As the Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement, unto April 20, there has been a total of 31 road fatalities, compared to 32 for the corresponding period last year.

not aware of any policy by the Government that denies equal opportunity for the opening of businesses, large or small, or other endeavours such as fishing or farming in order to become self-sufficient.

Nor, I am aware of any villages benefiting from subsidized electricity, yet the Government has to spend

millions of dollars to satisfy a “marginalized” community.

I am aware that with a minimum wage of $35,000 per month, a household of three workers can net $100,000 per month, a nominal yet reasonable amount to sustain a family with prudent spending. I am not aware that

there is any discrimination in the distribution of house lots, but I am aware that the whole of Sophia was swampland which was transformed through the conscious effort of this Government with the provision of electricity, water and roads that benefit the residents there.

D Singh

These include speeding (573), driving under the influence (33), breach of condition of Road Service Licence (70), careless driving (22), dangerous driving (16), failure to wear safety helmet (three), failure to wear seat belt (48), prohibition of

During the period April 12 to 18, a number of cases has been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws.

the use of hand held mobile phone (20), and failure to adhere to siren (five).

Twenty five persons were charged for the soliciting of passengers (touting).

Ivelaw Whittaker Police Public Relations and Press Officer

wednesday, april 22, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Kaieteur News reporter sacked

…after

objecting to editor ‘twisting’ his story’

Leon Jameson Suseran, a reporter attached to the Kaieteur News media outlet, was sacked by the company after he voiced his concern over the newspaper’s distorted version of an article he had written about the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Albion Rally on Sunday.

Taking to social media to express his outrage over the situation, the reporter explained that the Kaieteur News’ headline article in its Monday, April 20 edition was titled “Jagdeo spreads fear at Albion to win back Berbice” and the story took a completely different angle from what he had originally written.

Suseran furiously related in his Facebook post that his entire story was altered to inject what he termed as “feelings of discord, hate and anger” against former President Bharrat Jagdeo into the reading populace.

Upset about the twist in the article on Monday, Suseran explained that he called the editor on duty the night of the rally, Michael Jordan and related his concerns over the matter.

Subsequently, the reporter received a call from the Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris who told then allegedly informed him of his suspension/dismissal. “… the Editor-in-Chief of the Kaieteur News telephoned me to verify certain pieces of information in the article and said that I should not fear anyone since what the article mentioned was nothing but the truth.

He then went on to say that nevertheless, as the paper had agreed, they will “ease you (me) off” and “will talk to you (me)” again after the elections.

That, to me, sounded like another suspension/ dismissal. I was suspended twice before by the paper, for other unrelated matters,” the disturbed reporter mentioned in the post, indicating that the newspaper is in the habit of practising victimisation and discrimination if one does not have mutual perceptions of a situation.

“…this presents the bigger picture of my victimisation and discrimination especially if your views are not in sync with a cer-

tain group,” Suseran noted. Following these episodes, the reporter took to social media to expose the controversial media outlet for its wrongdoings and clarify the chain of events leading up to the publication of the distorted article, which Suseran indicated, brought much embarrassment and damage to his reputation.

He explained that he emailed his story along with a few photos on the evening of the rally to the editor on duty, Michael Jordan. Upon receipt of the email, Suseran related, Jordan phoned him to verify the contents of Jagdeo’s speech concerning the military, to which he replied in the affirmative.

However, the reporter declared that he was shocked to see a completely different article in the Kaieteur News the following day, for several reasons.

In addition to the entire essence of his story being distorted, Suseran said the photo he attached did not accompany the article, the manufactured article bore a byline with his name incorrectly spelt and there

was an insertion of a “choice phrase” under the “salacious” headline.

Modified

“It wasn’t until the seventh paragraph of the ‘modified’ article that my original article began, entirely from there on, until the end…I discovered that information was added to my piece, including a photograph of estate trucks bearing the caption, ‘Trucking? Several supporters were reportedly trucked from far and near to attend yesterday’s Albion

rally’,” he explained.

He mentioned that, usually, when his stories are edited or more information is added, the article would not carry a byline since it was a piece that was contributed by either another reporter or the editor on duty.

The reporter then explained that he received several calls and comments from individuals, groups and members of the PPP hierarchy about the unethical article – which he pointed out, had no input from him.

Boiling in anger over the situation, Suseran said he posted a comment on his Facebook page distancing himself from the additional information in the story, the headline and the photograph. He later contacted the editor on duty, related his concerns and then sometime after, he received the call from Adam Harris.

The reporter noted that after working with the company for some four years, he always tried, despite the circumstances, to be a fair and balanced journalist. He said he has been conducting television interviews for the PPP/C since January and he was chosen as an independent journalist with no affiliation to any political party.

“The programme ‘In Depth’ is a paid programme on various Berbice television stations whereby questions are posed to various Government Ministers and party members about the upcoming elections. I know the newspaper never approved of such actions by me and I was just biding my time until something opportune came up to suspend or dismiss me,” he expressed. In light of these circumstances, the reporter noted in his post that he stands strongly by his journalistic principles and will not let his work be compromised by the agenda of a few, especially during the political season.

“I have both criticised and lauded this present administration in the past, through my writings and even editorial letters… I can no longer take pressure to deliberately be hostile to the Government in specified articles and writings. The PPP/C’s message at the Albion rally was clear to the people of Berbice and Guyana, but this message, as usual, in my view was heavily distorted. I cannot stand for this,” he concluded. Don’t

be fooled by “honeymooning couple” – Rohee …predicts trouble in APNU/AFC camp

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Sunday warned its supporters about what its described as the alleged hypocritical nature of members within the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Speaking at his Party’s rally in Albion, General Secretary Clement Rohee

warned the thousands of attendees to beware of the “disguised danger existing within Opposition Leader David Granger and its running mate, Moses Nagamootoo”. Motivated by thunderous cheers and applause from the audience, the General Secretary described the coalition as a marriage with loaded problems, waiting to explode once the right trigger was pulled.

Rohee then burst into song as he attempted to connect the famous Guyanese melody “The Honeymooning Couple” to the coalition. As he recited the first verse in which the honeymooning couple were fighting to “get on top”, Rohee warned that the same fight will eventually break out between Granger and Nagamootoo. “That’s where the trouble deh, who gon get pun top…,” Rohee

declared.

He told the crowd that Nagamootoo would not be satisfied with just a prime ministerial post, and he will do whatever it takes to become President of Guyana. “He didn’t succeed in the PPP/C for the President… but now he gone with the PNC, he gone with the APNU and he still harbouring illusions to be the President…,” Rohee stated, noting that Granger and

Nagamootoo will be at constant war over power distribution within the party.

“If, at any time, Granger is to become the President of this country, he better don’t leave Guyana, because anytime Granger leave Guyana, it mean Nagamootoo will take over and then we will see more trouble in the camp,” Rohee predicted.

Supporting Rohee was Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who told the thousands of Berbice supporters the PNC-led alliance cannot be trusted, as the sole purpose of the coalition was to merely get the PNC back into power.

He went on to convince the crowd that Granger has plans to knock Nagamootoo out of the spotlight at the

very first chance he gets.

“As a matter of fact, they have not even come to election as yet, two weeks ago they were putting up green and yellow flag, guess what they putting up now? They drop the yellow, the yellow done get drop and the flag marked APNU. They ain’t even contest election yet and the AFC done get knock out,” Singh declared. He noted that the party, which dubbed itself as a coalition of unity, has already made up its mind to ditch the AFC.

“I don’t think Granger will turn President and then come and say come Nagamootoo and take over the presidential position and take all the power cause we nah want them...do you believe that Mr Granger will hand over all these powers to Mr Nagamootoo?”

Ballot Boxes

Meanwhile, Rohee also used his time on the platform to urge the supporters to ensure they remain vigilant on Election Day so as to prevent the APNU/AFC from interfering with the ballot boxes.

In reflecting on the PNC’s track record of rigging elections, Rohee alerted the supporter to beware of these tactics this time around as he called on them to play their part in ensuring the integrity of the ballot boxes is preserved.

Kaieteur News lies, jealousy intensify

In a very full page ad-

vertisement captioned

“Jagdeo’s Legacy”, the Kaieteur News published a number of lies pertaining to the Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII).

But this has prompted swift action and a sharp response by QAII Chairman, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, who not only cleared the air on the untruths, but also flayed the publication.

In the first lie, Kaieteur News claimed that under Jagdeo, the Governmentowned Pharmaceutical business consisting of several acres of land and buildings was sold at knock-down price to his friend Dr Ramroop without Parliamentary approval.

However, Dr Ramroop clarified that as part of the IMF programme imposed on Guyana under the PNC in 1989, the GPC was scheduled to be privatised in the second phase -under the new PPP/C government as it happened.

He cited what was reported by the Privatisation Agency after bids were advertised for the sale of GPC: “Of the 6 bids received for the acquisition of GPC, three were shortlisted for further evaluation.

The other 3 eliminated due to the failure to respond and submit much of the required information. Overall, the one bidder who has been consistent and the most hon-

est in the submission of all information was Queens Atlantic.” The company was headed by a local medical doctor, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

Ramroop added that the sale was consummated in December 1999 when QAII bought 60 per cent of the shares of the company which it renamed New GPC and incorporated under the Companies Act 1991.

He said the New GPC was then given six months to vacate the Ruimveldt property which necessitated immediate huge capital injections at the Farm East Bank

Plant to install a new manufacturing line as well as offices for staff. Three new buildings had to be constructed as well as every one of the older ones, refurbished. Overall the new owners were to inject some $600 million after it acquired the company.

“The company was able to increase its productivity by focusing on visionary human resource practices. Training of staff at all levels is paramount and salaries and fringe benefits offer incentives for staff to become trained and remain with the company.

Additionally, since it took

with the US$5,000 - $10,000 then being charged by US companies,” Dr Ramroop posited.

Additionally, the Kaieteur News advertisement spoke about the deal between the government and QAII for the acquisition of Sanata Textile Mills. However, Ramroop explained that in 2007, NICIL advertised the property for sale but there were no bidder for a year.

By that time the property and equipment had deteriorated ever further and was heavily vandalised. NICIL then received a bid from QAII for a long term lease at $50 million annually with an option to buy.

QAII immediately set out to develop the facility spending hundreds of millions of dollars on restoring the com-

is a total fabrication and bears not the slightest semblance to what is actually the case,” said Dr Ramroop. He added it is a continuation of the vendetta that Glen Mohan Lall and his sidekick Adam Harris had launched years ago against him. Dr Ramroop explained that his company had bought the TV station VCT Channel 28 back in 2008 from Tony Viera. “This was a very open and public transaction,’ Dr Ramroop explained. At the time VCT had sued the government for not granting him a radio licence and some months after the sale Justice Carl Singh had ruled in VCT’s favour compelling the government to grant him a radio licence.

Dr Ramroop further explained that because he had purchased the TV broad-

over the original company in 1999, the New GPC has added over sixty (75) new products to its line and has a further 25 new products under development.

The most famous was launched within two years of its acquisition when it started to produce a range of ten generic HIV/AIDS AntiRetro-Virals (ARV’s) in 2001 at below US$360 annually to treat one patient - compared

US-based Guyanese robbed, shot on arrival

Shortly after arriving in Guyana, an elderly man was robbed and shot just as the vehicle he was in pulled up at his sister’s home at Lot 10 Shirley Field-Ridley Square, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The incident occurred around 09:40h on Tuesday.

The injured man has been identified as 83-yearold Glendon Cadogon, a USbased Guyanese. Cadogon arrived in Guyana on Tuesday morning and travelled to his sister’s house.

Upon arriving at the house, he was confronted by three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The men drove up in a motor car just as he was about to enter the yard. Cadogon was held at gunpoint and the bandits demanded a bag he was car-

rying; however, he resisted. This prompted the men to open fire, shooting him to his abdomen and left arm.

The perpetrators then grabbed the bag from the man’s possession and escaped. The injured man was immediately picked up and rushed to the hospital. The man’s 43-year-old girlfriend, who went to the airport to receive him, has since been taken into Police custody and has been assisting with the investigations.

Gloria David, the 70-year-old sister of the injured man, told the Guyana Times that she was expecting her brother that morning, but he arrived earlier than expected. The woman stated that when he arrived, she opened the door but went back inside to get something for her neigh-

bour.

Five shots

“By the time I turn, I hear (gunshots). When I look, I say ‘wait, is bullets?!’ and I hear she (neighbour) hollering for me to tell me like don’t come out,” David stated, noting that there were about five gunshots fired.

The traumatised woman said that she stayed in the house and began to scream. She recalled that she then saw her brother in a crunching position and then a car pulled up to take him to the hospital.

According to the elderly woman, her brother’s younger girlfriend took cover at the back of the car and was also screaming during the attack. David noted Cadogon underwent surgery

and up to Tuesday afternoon when the Guyana Times spoke to the family, he had not regained consciousness.

Relatives gathered at the house believe that the man’s younger girlfriend might have had something to do with the armed robbery.

A distraught David explained that her brother recently bought a house in Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and came to do some business regarding same.

“He call about two weeks ago and tell me he coming I must cook for him and I did, but now look what happen… If I didn’t turn back, I would have been shot too,” she lamented.

The woman said that she would advise her brother to return to the US and never come back to Guyana.

plex and a further $400M to remove asbestos from the building.

Further the advertisement alleged that Jagdeo had unlawfully given away radio and television spectrum to Dr Ramroop and several individuals and entities. In response Dr Ramraoop furt pointed out that the exact allegation had been made by the Kaieteur News in March 2013. “This

casting license from Viera Communications under which his application for radio was made when the court granted the order he automatically became the beneficiary by virtue of his legal acquisition of the broadcasting house.

Dr Ramroop said he has explained this time and again, but the newspaper is bent on peddling its own version of the “truth”.

Fight lands former friends in court

An altercation between former friends led to the two appearing before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to face cross charges of unlawful wounding.

Francis Barrows, a 23-year-old Brazilian miner, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 16 at Main Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully wounded Julius Johnson.

Julius Johnson, a 22-year-old manager of Survival Supermarket who resides at 1194 South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, also pleaded not guilty

to the charge that on the same night at the same location, he unlawfully wounded Barrows. According to the Prosecutor, the two were friends and on the night in question, an argument ensued between them which escalated into a physical confrontation.

Barrows’ legal representative, Adrian Thomson requested bail for his client on the grounds that he had no previous convictions or pending matters. Johnson was unrepresented by legal counsel. The men were released on their own recognisance and were scheduled to return to court on May 7 for statements.

Canal No 1 woman, son get 3 years for cocaine trafficking

Awoman and her son were sentenced to a total of six years in prison on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Esarbai Gokul, 50, of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara and her 19-year-old son, Anand Gokul, were brought to the court on Tuesday afternoon and were found guilty of trying to smuggle a total of 10.503 kilograms of cocaine to Canada.

The duo was found guilty by Magistrate Fabayo Azore as the trial that had been going on for the past nine months concluded.

The pair were busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on July 8 with the cocaine in their suitcases while they were outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines Flight BW 606.

During a customary check of their luggage,

ranks observed the suitcases had false bottoms. Thus a thorough search was conducted of the two suitcases and 5.221kg of cocaine was

found in Esarbai’s suitcase while 5.282kg was found in her son’s.

It was stated that upon their arrest they told the Police that they were paid by someone to take the illegal substance to Canada. However, their Attorney, Gordon Gilhuys, had told the court that his clients, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, had been under duress when they made that statement to Police.

In her ruling, Magistrate Azore stated that the Prosecution, led by Inspector Stephen Telford, had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the Gokuls were guilty of trying to smuggle drugs out of Guyana. She sentenced them to three years each.

Fruit vendor pleads not guilty to attempted burglary

Ayoung man charged with breaking and entering was placed on $50,000 bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday when he made his first appearance.

Seon Singh, 18, of 165 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read to him by Magistrate Annette Singh.

The charge stated that on April 18 at Laing Avenue, he attempted to commit a

felony by breaking and entering the home of Virtual Complainant (VC) Nayelli Fernandez with intent to burglarise the home. According to the prosecution, the young man is a fruit vendor and lives with

his girlfriend near the home of the VC and is known to her. The prosecution did not object to bail. The matter will return to court on May 6 for statements.

Trio accused of motorbike theft

Three men appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh on Monday to answer to charges of breaking and entering and larceny.

The men, 21-year-old Ryan Primo of Sophia, Greater Georgetown; 20-year-old Jeremiah Frank of South Ruimveldt Park, Greater Georgetown; and 20-year-old Terry Dick of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown – all pleaded

not guilty.

It is alleged that between April 13 and 16, 2015, they broke into a storage bond belonging to Virtual Complainant Yolanda Price and stole two APV Honda motorcycles valued at $7 million.

It was stated that Frank and Dick were known to the Police as they have been involved in similar matters and Frank had made arrangements for the sale of

the bikes, which were recovered in a Canter Truck and were currently at the East La Penitence Police Outpost. According to Attorney-atLaw Mark Conway who represented Primo, his client has no previous convictions or pending matters and the articles were not recovered in his possession. The defence counsel stated that the men were arrested some time after the alleged incident and only then was the

allegations brought to them. He requested bail for his client on these grounds.

Primo was granted bail in the sum of $300,000; however, Frank and Dick were refused bail as they have similar matters pending in Court Eight and Nine and Frank offered two different addresses to the Police and Court. The men were remanded and the matter will return on May 4.

Eyew tness

The generals...

...in denial

Seems that some top fellas from the Disciplined Forces are a tad miffed because former President Jagdeo said that SOME in their ranks are hand in glove with bandits of this country. They huffed and puffed in righteous indignation. As if, not so long ago, "kick down the door" bandits weren't synonymous with Soldiers and Policemen in some communities! But from even more recent happenings, we'll let the words of one top brass speak for himself.

He's "Voice 1" while “Voice 2” is a PNC big wig...now both on the PNC-APNU/AFC list.

Voice 1: Wha goin on?

Voice 2: I deh.

Voice 1 :... Yeah. Anyway I see you busy; #1 seh he had to call you or something.

Voice 2: Whey he deh?

Voice 1: Me ain't know if he geh you. I tell he....

Voice 2: He run away when all this gun play teking place?

Voice 1: (Laugh) he...(muffled)...(laugh).

Voice 2: Yuh laugh eh?

Voice 1: (Laugh)

Voice 2: (Muffled)... watch the move good, but yuh all ain't mek no statement about them eight people wa dead you know (in Agricola).

Voice 1: I did saying the same thing.

Voice 2: Yuh all aint mek no statement.

Voice 1: I did saying the same thing, they aint mek no statement deh.

Voice 1: But, am...

Voice 2: Yuh all playing dangerous games.

Voice 1: No, I don't check pun da PR thing, but ah gon gaffa find out from them in the morning.

Voice 2: You all shoulda been the fus people fuh run in deh. That is a Black people community.

Voice 1: You help, well, you give....

Voice 2: Banna, banna, I ....

Voice 1: You give me information.

Voice 2: I, eh eh (cough) I, I deliberately....

Voice 1: I know.

Voice 2: I, I deliberately turn the thing away... (from the Government/Home Affairs Minister).

Voice 1: I know.

Voice 2: From it...(muffled).

Voice 1: I know.

Voice 2: But now I can't do duh because the facts coming out.

Voice 1: Uh hmm.

Voice 2: So, but on in the interim, in the initial stages I... (muffled), I made a firm decision that me ain't saying nothing, but them people, I turning them away.

Voice 1: Uh hmm, I realise duh.

The fact of the matter is we're seeing a double standard in operation by these "professionals" from the Disciplined Forces. All three were around when former President Desmond Hoyte reminded them of their loyalty to "kith and kin".

Was that not worthy of protest? Was Hoyte not also out of power when he made the statement, no?

...and incitement

Lincoln Lewis has shed his trade union cover and is now wallowing in politics.

"Wallowing" as in "dirty" politics. So he oleaginously joins the yelps from the paper generals about Jagdeo's supposed "incitement". Never mind they totally decontextualised the words. So suddenly Jagdeo is about to precipitate a new Rwanda and Bosnia here - complete with ethnic cleansing and everything

But who's been more incendiary than Lewis? For over a decade he's been preaching about the PPP/C committing "economic genocide" against African Guyanese. Just last week, he claimed "the $2.5 billion bauxite industry pension plan, the largest single pool of money that was owned primarily by Africans, was broken up" by Jagdeo.

Apart from the entire claim being false, why so gratuitously haul in "Africans" in the same "sensitive time" that he claims Jagdeo is exploiting??

But what we're seeing unfolding in Guyana today is that only one side of the political divide has the right to speak... and it sure as heck ain't the PPP/C.

...and selling out

Yesterday, we mentioned the duplicitous role the I-News outfit was playing in Guyana. But one tipster mentioned it was actually an "incestuous" role....hence the "I" in I-news. Incestuous? Like when you're screwing your own!!

wednesday, april 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Court to decide on issuance of Certificates of Employment to party agents

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is presently awaiting a court decision on whether Certificates of Employment will be issued to the elections agents of the political parties.

Speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday morning, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon said that the party has met with the Commission and it was disclosed that it will await the decision of the court on the matter before its proceeds.

According to him, it is GECOM’s position that it will abide by the decision taken by the court while expressing hope that the matter is justly resolved.

“I just spoke to Mr Ramjattan with the issue of the Certificates of Employment. I just gave him a brief, because GECOM will be going for a determination in the court and I ask him to make a check. They have been prevailed upon to get a determination in the court. What GECOM has said is that whatever decision the court makes, they will abide by it, we are hopeful that better sense will prevail so that persons who are working will get the opportunity to vote,” Harmon said.

Meanwhile, in a press re-

lease on the same day, the Commission said that enquiries were made by the coalition about GECOM’s current posture as it relates to the issuance of Certificates of Employment to Polling Agents working on Election Day.

“The GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, mentioned that GECOM has undertaken steps to ensure that due process is maintained in order to achieve a legallybinding position on the matter of issuance of Certificates of Employment,” it said. GECOM took the decision to abide by the laws of Guyana and to disallow party polling agents from voting out of their jurisdiction by not providing Certificates of

Duo on ganja charges remanded

Aduo was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of narcotics possession.

Edmond Prescott, 59, of 214 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stated that on Monday, April 20 at his home, he was found to be in possession of 21 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. It is also alleged that on the said date, he was also found to be in possession of 300 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking at the aforementioned location.

Dawn Barkley, 39, of 29 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, also pleaded not guilty to a charge, which read that on April 20 at 214 Freeman Street, she was found to be in possession of 300 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

Employment to them.

This was first related to media operatives by Executive Member of APNU and the Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, at the party’s press conference, last Friday. He related that this was a matter of concern to the party.

Dr Roopnaraine noted that this was a matter of concern, since the refusal of GECOM to issue the Certificates of Employment would mean that its officials and Polling Day staff will not be allowed to vote if they are posted outside of their districts in which they are registered.

He noted that this was a disappointment since it was well in the jurisdiction of GECOM to issue the certificates and to implement measures which will ensure that the difficulties in the electoral process are reduced. To this end, he noted that the party would now be vastly affected since this move by the

Commission would limit its ability to put persons in areas it wished, to observe the elections process.

“It is an act of disenfranchisement. GECOM should not be engaged in an act that disenfranchises the electorate. Rather, it should ensure that maximum enfranchisement is enjoyed,” he noted.

Roopnaraine told media operatives that the party would not sit idly and accept the decision and intended to challenge the decision taken by the body. However, when contacted for a comment on the matter, a senior official at GECOM had told the Guyana Times that the decision was taken on a legal basis.

The official noted that the Commission took the decision to abide by the law which does not provide for the issuance of Certificates of Employment to any category except for the ones listed under the law. To this end, the official related that the parties’ agents were not catered for under this law.

Sir Shridath hospitalised

Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Ramphal has been admitted to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

While details of his illness remain sketchy, the Guyana Times understands that the former Commonwealth Secretary General was at the institution on Tuesday after complaining of feeling unwell. Efforts by this publication to get a statement from the hospital proved futile.

The 86-year-old Ramphal, who recently launched a 624-page memoir, “Glimpses of a Global life” was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1966. He was knighted in the 1970 New Year’s Honours list, and invested with his knighthood by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on February 3 of that year. He was also appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1990. On February 26, 1982, Sir Shridath was appointed an honorary Companion of the Order of Australia. He was also the 19th appointee to The Order of New Zealand, that country’s highest civil honour. He was then decorated as a Member of the Order of the Caribbean Community in the first conferment in 1992.

According to Police Prosecutor Kerry Boswick, on the day in question, the Police witnessed Barkley hiding a tin under the stairwell of the premises and a search was conducted. The smaller amount of the substance was found in the tin and the woman provided the ranks with information which led them to conduct a search in the house where a large container of the substance was found. The two individuals were arrested and taken into custody. The duo’s defence counsel argued that on the day of the incident, the substances was not found on the defendants and could have belonged to anyone with access to the premises. An application for bail was made on the grounds that the two have no prior convictions or pending matters. The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that there were no special reasons for bail. The duo was remanded to prison and will return to court on May 7.

Govt ups monitoring of Region 9 drought

...residents pray for rain, relate hardships

Government has upped its response to the drought in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) vowing to provide relief to save crops and livestock.

Region Nine has been grappling with drought for several weeks now and residents have been praying for rain.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy related that late last week the Civil Defence Commission led a team in the region meet with authorities and members of the community.

“They have made some provisions to support the schools because the drought

has had some impact on the school programmes in terms of food supplies and other areas.”

He said on the agriculture side, a team from his ministry is also in the region looking at ways to bring relief to farmers.

“There has been some rain, but not the amount we are hoping for,” Ramsammy acknowledged that the weather forecast for the next 48 hours indicates that there will be more rain much heavier than the region has seen for a while. He said this will bring some further relief, “but the rain is not going to be for any prolong period, it will just be big bursts,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Ramsammy also highlighted that there are some areas in the region that has not been hard hit, noting that some folks had been practising water conservation.

He said government remains committed to supporting farmers who would have suffered losses of crops.

Meanwhile, speaking with the Guyana Times on Monday, Adon Jacobus, a resident of Aranaputa Village, North Rupununi, related that many people were falling ill owing to the dry weather conditions.

“The dryness is terrible, the effects are tremendous… people getting diarrhoea, vomiting… serious illness stepping in,” he lamented.

The man added that many livelihoods were also being threatened.

“I see people cattle just falling down, you could be walking by, and one by one the animals falling down,” Jacobus noted as he described the suffering of cattle one of the main sources of income for residents in the Rupununi.

Jacobus also noted that the forest fires have died down, but quickly related the severity of the damage the natural disaster caused.

“That’s [the land’s] where people would earn their money and now it is destroyed and now they will have to start all over again,” he stated.

But worst of all, the residents expressed grave concern over the shortage of water in the village. Another Aranaputa resident, Andrica Holnes, told this publication of her woes in getting adequate water to perform her chores and conduct everyday activities.

The Guyana Times was made to understand that there is currently only one full well in the village, lo-

estimates, the population of Aranaputa is roughly about 600 persons, with more than 60 per cent of the population suffering from the severe water shortage.

In trying to be optimistic, one resident noted that there was still hope if it continued to rain, but cringed at the thought of the future of the residents in the village if it did not.

In the border community of Lethem, residents are also experiencing severe water shortage. According to one businessman, Daniel Gadjie, many residents have expressed concerns over the limited access to water. “It is very difficult to cope with,

old lad related that he would often hear tales of drought from the older folk of the village, but never did he thought those circumstances would fall upon his hometown again. “The creeks and ponds are dried up, the animals hardly have water to drink…it is terrible,” he bemoaned.

In addition, he noted that the cassava crop, which is a major food staple in the hinterland, is under serious threat as a result of the drought. Region Nine Chairman Wilson Lorentino attested to this, noting that the most important concern for the farmers is saving the current cassava crop.

cated at the school, and most residents travel from great distances there to fetch buckets of water back to their homes. Some residents have private wells, which they sometimes permit their friends and family to use. According to one resident’s

because we have limited supply of water so we have to conserve. The place is very dry,” he related to this newspaper.

Another resident of Lethem, Hernaman Dorrick, said in all his life, he has never witnessed anything like this before. The 19-year-

Lorentino expressed his worry that if there was not adequate rainfall within the next month or so, the cassava crop would be lost. Based on reports from residents, the last time such a severe drought had fallen upon the region was some 15 years ago.

Miner on bail for allegedly firing weapon

Aminer of Grove, East Bank Demerara was granted $150,000 bail on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly discharging a firearm.

The defendant, Cleveland Ambrose, was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after he allegedly fired the weapon near the Virtual Complainant (VC), Rayon Carter.

It was alleged that on March 21 at Grove, Ambrose discharged a loaded firearm with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty.

Police Prosecutor Stephen Gonsalves told the court that the VC and the

defendant were having an argument when the defendant pointed the gun at the

VC and threatened to kill him. Prosecutor Gonsalves stated that Ambrose then fired a shot, but not at the VC. A shell was recovered from the area. Police were unable to find any prior matters involving the defendant. However, he told the court that he had been charged in 1993 after being accused of stealing some items.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry subsequently granted bail to the defendant. However, she stated that he would have to report to the closest Police Station every Friday at 17:00h. His matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for April 23.

PSC furious over Opposition’s scuttling of presidential debate

Private Sector

Commission (PSC)

Chairman Ramesh Persaud has expressed disappointment at the

Opposition’s scuttling of a presidential debate it had organised between President Donald Ramotar and his rival for the May 11 elections, David Granger.

In fact, he condemned what he called the immature behaviour of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for creating unnecessary ruckus over a simple debate.

Persaud recognised with great alarm, the failure of the two major political forces in Guyana to agree upon an uncomplicated issue. On

that note, he related his fears for the future when these two parties will have to make collective decisions on much more pressing is sues regarding the country and the welfare of its people when the 11th Parliament convenes after the May 11 polls.

In further expressing his disappointment, Persaud told this publication that he believed the two par ties robbed the nation of a chance to put their future leaders under public scru tiny. “I find it very unfor tunate that the electorate cannot be exposed to that… the leaders of the country should be up for public scrutiny,” Persaud lamented.

Teen dies after falling off truck

Ateenager is now dead after he reportedly jumped off a truck at Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, on Monday evening. The incident occurred around 19:00h.

Dead is Stewart Williams, 19, of Lot 727 Kuru Kururu. According to reports, the young man and six other persons were on a ‘bush truck’ heading into the village when a fire reportedly broke out on the vehicle. This caused three of the men, including the teenager, to jump out of the truck.

One of the men reportedly jumped off the back of the truck, another, the side and Williams, the other side. However, while he was jumping the truck made a turn in the same direction, causing him to fall. The lorry apparently first ran over the teenager’s shoulder before crushing his head.

Williams was picked up and rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital (Diamond Diagnostic Centre) where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).

According to the young man’s father, Calvin Williams, he was at home when he received a call from the mother of one of

the workers on the truck.

He noted that by the time he got to the scene, persons had already taken his son to the hospital.

“When I reach there and I see all that blood, I done know he didn’t make it because it was too much… he lost too much blood. And when I reach at Diamond (hospital), I see he cover up and the doctor tell me he was already dead when they bring him,” the man lamented.

According to the father, the teenager would occasionally get work with the crew to fetch ‘mould’ (fertiliser). He noted that he has been hearing a lot of things about the incident, including that his son was allegedly pushed off of the truck.

However, the man dis-

was not hopeful the parties would reach an agreement, the PSC was still willing to host the debate. In fact, he disclosed that the PSC made contact with officials from the APNU/AFC coalition regarding the PPP/C’s position on the situation, and the PSC was now awaiting a response.

was brave enough to accept without any new conditions. But the APNU/AFC made it clear that it would no longer agree to presidential debates unless a debate was organised for the candidates’ running mates. Only recently,

missed that version, stating that Stewart never had any problems with any of the workers. “All kinds of things we hearing, I don’t know what to believe right now,” the grieving father explained.

He related that he was told the workers were heading home into Kuru Kururu when the truck stopped, waiting for the oncoming traffic on the other side of the road to pass before turning into the community. However, as the truck was turning, the three persons, including his son, jumped out and his son was crushed.

The man further stated that he heard there was a fire on the truck; however, he was unable to confirm this, since he did not have a chance to talk to the other workers as yet.

Stewart, who was the youngest of four , would have celebrated his 20th birthday on Friday. The driver of the ‘bush truck’ was taken into Police custody to assist with the investigation.

The Guyana Times was informed that three of the men who were on the truck have already given statements to the Police, while the other three are yet to show up at the Police station.

2 injured in Melanie shooting

Two men are now nursing gunshot injuries after they were attacked on Monday evening at Melanie Daminshana, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the Police, 29-year-old Vendell Skeete and 24-year-old Eon Goodluck, both of Bareroot, ECD, were shot around 19:30h. They were standing at Market Road in Melanie when the incident occurred.

Skeete was shot to his right hand, while Goodluck sustained a gunshot injury to his abdomen. The men were admitted to hospital and are receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

He added that the two parties were making unnecessary and unacceptable excuses to avoid the debates, ultimately robbing the public of the chance to hear them discuss and be questioned on the policies and plans they have for the country.

Nonetheless, the PSC Chairman said the door was still open if the two parties came to an agreement to have the debate. He explained that although he

Opposition Leader David Granger had initially agreed to debate President Donald Ramotar, but later changed his mind, demanding a Prime Ministerial Candidate Debate as well. But the PPP/C did not succumb to the demand, and issued a statement saying it would not participate in the prime ministerial debate on the grounds that the APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo has consistently been utterly “disrespectful and vile” towards the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper.

However, the ruling party declared that the offer of a presidential debate still stood if the coalition

General Secretary of APNU and Co-Chair of the coalition, Joseph Harmon accused the PPP/C of trying to prevent Harper from undergoing public scrutiny.

wednesday, april 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Clive Jagan follows in footsteps of Cheddi ...says

party still practising Jagan's principles

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Nephew of for-

mer President Dr Cheddi Jagan, Dr Clive Jagan says the late President had advocated self-development amid his staunch stance against corruption.

Dr Clive Jagan made the comments while addressing the mammoth crowd at the People’s Progressive Party/ ivic elections rally at Albion on Sunday. The younger Jagan told the gathering that his uncle promoted democracy and freedom to develop.

“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is based on the fundamental principles of justice, freedom, progress, liberty and democracy that were set by Dr Cheddi Jagan,” Dr Clive Jagan told the gathering.

Dr Clive Jagan, who is on the PPP/C‘s list of candidates for the May 11 polls, said he knew the late President well. “Today the question is asked about the Party straying away from the principles of Dr Cheddi.

Well, I say no to that. Our Party has remained steady in the freedom of our rights and freedom of democracy, the freedom to development. There are many people who are trying to convince us otherwise and take us back to the dark ages. I am the nephew of Dr Cheddi Jagan. I know the gentleman well and if he were alive today he would say to you go and put your X next to the cup. Womenfolk get up early, go vote and see that your men do not visit the rum shop, ” Dr Jagan implored the gathering.

The younger Jagan, who has followed his uncle into the field of dentistry with his own three sons following in their footsteps, was alluding to the furore raised when former President Bharrat Jagdeo suggested that Dr Cheddi Jagan would not have intended for his party leaders to “live in logees”. The PPP/C had subsequently cleared the air on Dr Jagan’s lifestyle and his policies regarding the accumulation of wealth. The

Party had explained that it has upheld, as far as possible, the principles of its founder leader. The Party had said that it was dismayed by the statements being made by a number of “born again democrats” who are seeking to create the impression that the PPP/C has departed from the core values and principles of its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the Jagan legacy continues to grow as it remains the bedrock on which all the decisions, programmes and policies are being made, both at the levels of the Party and Government,” the PPP/C had said.

Sense of pride

Meanwhile, Dr Clive Jagan told the crowd of supporters that he felt a sense of pride and belonging, sitting on the PPP/C platform. “We are all home under this banner of the PPP/C,” the younger Jagan, who was a candidate of the PPP in 1985 and also in 1992, said. He had qualified as a dentist in the late seventies and has practised locally ever since, never leaving the country – just like his famous uncle. He recalled the days when he would sit in a car for hours at the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling waiting to cross the Berbice River to get to Georgetown and compared it with today’s ease of travel.

“We have a bridge and life has become much better for us here in Berbice,” Dr Clive Jagan thundered.

He said the same Opposition that severely criticised the Berbice River Bridge only recently used it for its rally at Whim. The Bridge Company also disclosed on Monday that it had waived its tolls and gave out hundreds of free

tickets for the vehicles of the Opposition for the Whim rally. “Just the other day the PNC (People’s National Congress)-led coalition had a meeting in Berbice and brought 250 vehicles down with them. Just imagine if there was no bridge, it would have taken two weeks to get all the vehicles and another two weeks to go back,” Dr Clive Jagan said.

Jimmy Carter

He noted that very soon President Jimmy Carter will be coming back to Guyana. Carter was last in Guyana in 1992 when the PNC was

lights and reflectors along the way. Mr Carter will this time reach to Georgetown in about 30 minutes and going into a spanking new Marriott Hotel,” Dr Clive Jagan declared.

Rigged elections

According to him, President Carter will also feel that he is in a totally different country. He said the PPP/C party has served Guyana well and has grown and has been responsive to the needs of the people.

“Even now the Party is demonstrating the ability to adjust to meet the challenges

Ramjattan when this namecalling was going on? I am sure that some time in the past Mr Nagamootoo would have stood and spoken in glowing terms of those heroes,” he stated.

He said the “martyrs” viewed the ballots boxes as symbols of freedom and a new life for themselves and family. “So when they saw the ballot boxes being taken, it was like their lives being taken away from them.”

The younger Jagan also said that Guyana has come a long way in terms of the creation of a modern society with a broad-based economy

voted out of office and a new democracy was ushered in. Twenty-three years later, President Carter will be returning. “When President Carter was here in 1992, it would have taken at least three to four hours to reach to Georgetown from the airport. The road was full of potholes and much of the time there was blackouts. Now when he is back and he reaches the Diamond area, he will be moving onto a four-lane highway which has

that face us today.”

Dr Clive Jagan also reflected on the rigging of elections: the Ballot Box Martyrs - Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar –who the now Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, referred to as gangsters.

“He referred to our fallen heroes as gangsters. Where was the Prime Ministerial Candidate of the Opposition, Moses Nagamootoo when this name-calling was going on? Where was Khemraj

which does not only depend on rice, sugar and bauxite as in the past. “Today, we have gold, fishing, forestry and other non-traditional crops. Back in the 1990s, Guyana had a sinking dollar and was crippled by inflation, but today, the country’s exchange rate remains stable and inflation is kept low. Under the PPP/C Government we have made a positive impact on the quality of life of the Guyanese people.”

Republic Bank ploughs $150M into social projects

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited will be pumping some $150 million into the third phase of its “Power to Make a Difference” initiative, from which 13 organisations will be benefiting.

In keeping with its commitment to be a socially responsible company, Republic Bank, over the past 10 years, expended in excess of $2 million to help various organisations across Guyana through phase one and phase two of the initiative. Phase three was launched at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday.

Since the project was launched in 2003, Republic Bank has undertaken several projects geared towards the creation of a more successful society. “We placed greatest emphasis on improved literacy; persons with disabilities; the environment; youth development and empowerment; and preserving and sustaining Guyana’s cultural heritage,” said Marketing and Communication Manager Michelle Johnson.

Socially responsible

The Bank has contributed heavily to projects that directly and indirectly transformed the lives of countless individuals throughout the country. For example, in recognising the difficulties endured by disabled persons on a daily basis, the Bank has, over the last four years, provided remedial education and hosted practical developmental programmes to enable them to better function in society.

In the area of education, the Bank is known for awarding the top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). The Bank also has a commitment with the University of Guyana. In 2009, two students from the University of Guyana were the recipients of a four-year scholarship in the area of Agriculture.

Republic Bank

Managing Director John Alves, in his remarks, reiterated the company’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility. “As long as there are those who need us, we shall be here to help. We have only just begun and we look forward to the continuance of our vocation as a socially responsible company,” Alves said in passing on the thoughts expressed by the Group’s Managing Director, David Dulal-Whiteway.

For the next four years, the 13 organisations that have received or will be receiving support from the Bank are: The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for its Republic Bank RightStart Music Literacy Programme and its Mashramani Panorama Steel Band Competition; the Education Ministry for its Academic Awards for NGSA, CSEC and CAPE; the Labour Ministry for its Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme; the Guyana Community Rehabilitation Programme for the transportation of disabled persons; Iwokrama for climate change mitigation and conservation in schools; the Mayor and City Council for Promenade Gardens maintenance; the National Art Gallery for its drawing competition; Step by Step Foundation for the sponsorship of the school of autistic children; St Joseph Mercy Hospital for the rebuilding of the structure; the Theatre Guild for the annual corporate sponsorship; the University of Guyana for sponsorship, awards, scholarships and coaching programmes; the Women Across Differences for its teenage mother programme and the Staff Volunteerism programme at the Republic Bank Branches for its projects.

Meanwhile, as the Bank embarks on yet another journey, the Managing Director revealed that the company will be welcoming new partners and extending projects in this new phase of the “Power to Make a Difference” initiative. The company will be

widening its literacy initiatives whereby they will harmonise with the Republic Bank Group on several regional projects, which will be supported simultaneous-

ly in Guyana and other territories in which Republic Bank operates. The projects are the International

Literacy Week/World Book Day Observances, Cropper Foundation’s Caribbean Writers Workshop and

Archdiocesan Parenting Workshop.

Tornado kills 2, leaves 1000 homeless in Brazil

Atornado battered a city in southern Brazil, killing two people, injuring 120 others and leaving more than 1,000 people homeless.

The National Institute of Meteorology said that a supercell storm produced the tornado that struck Xanxere city in the state of Santa Catarina late Monday evening.

Santa Catarina’s Civil Defence Director, Luciano Peri, reports that the storm

damaged approximately 500 homes and knocked down lampposts which left many residents without electricity. Two people were killed inside their homes and 120 have been taken to hospitals, including 15 who were seriously injured.

The storm flipped cars and trucks; smashed homes or left them roofless.

Residents said a black cloud covered many neighbourhoods in complete darkness for minutes.

Tornadoes are rare in Brazil. However, the region where the country meets Argentina and Uruguay is prone to supercell storms that can give birth to tornadoes because of the warm and moist air from the Amazon jungle that collides with the cold wind of the Andes. In 2009, more than 14 people were killed and dozens wounded in the wake of a tornado in the border area of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. (ABC News)

US banks blacklist Belize

Belize’s economy, which is already on life-support and barely kept alive by the slew of loans made by the Barrow Administration, has received another blow with the announcement that US banks could soon end their correspondent banking arrangement with local banks. This arrangement, which has existed since the early years of Belize’s economy, has allowed a customer of a bank in one country to send money to someone in another country, even if the bank in question does not have a branch there. US banks are

at the centre of the global financial system and Belize’s banks are strategically linked to them. The threat by the US to cut off Belize is believed to be a direct result of the country’s designation as a “major illicit drug producing, drug-transit, money laundering” state by the US 2015 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.

The US Government, in a move to enforce rules at preventing money-laundering and starving terrorists of funds, has toughened up on big international banks in America for lapses in their

controls relating to moneylaundering, sanctions and the financing of terrorism. In response, the banks have imposed stricter controls. This could lead to a very serious dilemma for Belize. Denying local banks access to US accounts for transactions could affect credit card services or online ordering services.

More serious is the news that even the Central Bank faces the threat, which means that the Government could be blocked out of international financial transactions in the United States.

(Excerpt from the Belize Times)

Caricom Task Force on climate change meets in St Lucia

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Task Force on Climate Change is taking a strategic approach to prepare and present a coordinated position ahead of the 21st Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 21) scheduled to take place in Paris at the end of this year. The President of France, Honourable Francois Holland, has invited the Heads of State and Governments of the

region to a summit on climate change in Martinique, on May 9. The initiative seeks to advance the Caribbean climate change negotiation position in the context of the COP 21.

In this regard, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) convened a meeting of the Caricom Task Force on Climate Change in Saint Lucia on April 21. The preparatory coordination meeting was held un-

der the chairmanship of Saint Lucia`s Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Honourable Dr James Fletcher, who currently heads the Caricom Task Force.

Focus areas for this meeting include mitigation and adaptation, loss and damage, the CARICOM Preparations for Martinique Summit, the draft Martinique Declaration and the Road to COP 2015 in Paris. (Excerpt from the Government of St Lucia)

New York Governor visits Cuba

Andrew Cuomo has become the first United States State Governor to visit Cuba since a thaw in relations began last year.

Cuomo led a delegation of business executives from New York to the island where he held talks with the Cuban Minister on external trade. He said that the isolation of Cuba had not worked.

Relations between the US and Cuba have improved since the announcement in December that the two countries would work towards restoring diplomat-

ic ties.

President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, met earlier this month at a regional summit in Panama. Days after the meeting, President Obama recommended that Cuba should be removed from the list of states the US Government considers to be sponsors of terrorism.

A number of US officials and politicians have visited the Communist-run island since the thaw in relations was announced on December 17, but Cuomo is the first State Governor to do so.

He travelled with a delegation of New York-based companies which he said he hoped would become some of the first to operate in Cuba.

Cuomo also said that engagement and full relationships were the best way “to have a dialogue on the issues that we agree with and the issues that we disagree about.”

BBC reporter Will Grant reports that US politicians are keen to be seen in a country that was until very recently off-limits and to show their support for the move to normalise ties.

Progress being made on Bahamian Materials Recycling Facility

Despite minor setbacks, Renew Bahamas President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gerhard Beukes said that the organisation was making tremendous progress on its new Materials Recycling Facility, which started construction earlier this year.

He stated that the 125,000 square-foot facility is expected to solve one of the country’s biggest problems by formalising recycling in the country and reducing future landfill fires.

“We’re making very good progress. I think the next time you come there you’ll see that there is a signifi-

cant structure up and we’re looking to put some waste in the facility in early May,” said Beukes.

Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett, who attended the organisation’s first annual RecycleArt 2015 awards ceremony last Friday, commended Renew Bahamas Officials for what he believes will resolve longstanding challenges at the landfill.

“While we have many NGOs who sought waste in their community efforts, a lot of the waste still ends up at the landfill with no resulting recycling efforts. That was one of the reasons the Government decided to part-

ner with Renew Bahamas to build a state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility so that recycling can become a reality in The Bahamas,” Dorsett said.

“I’m happy to note that we are well on our way to moving away from some of the challenges that we have experienced over the last four or five decades with the landfill. Not only will there be a state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility, but landfill remediation will be well on the way to hopefully avoid the sort of fires and emissions that we have sadly grown accustom to,” he added. (Excerpt from the Bahama Journal)

New Mature Carnival Queen crowned in St Maarten

Norissa Richards was crowned the new Mature Carnival Queen in a packed Carnival Village in St Maarten on Monday night by an esteemed panel of judges.

The event started with an introductory dance by the contestants, who were later joined by last year’s Queen Anna Rabess Richardson.

The evening was divided into six sections – Introductions, Talent, Best Costume, Creative Professional Wear, Evening Wear and Interview.

Norissa Richards is a student at University of St Maarten and works for the Department of Labour. She dedicates her time to giving back to children in need. She watched her mother suffer from cancer. It made her realise that she had to mature and be responsible to look after her family.

During the talent portion, Richards performed a monologue called “One love, what’s love got to do with it.” Her performance sealed her position as one of the crowd’s favourites. She ended with the advice not to be afraid and to stand up against domestic violence.

Her costume was a brightly coloured “Guardian Angel of Carnival” outfit featuring photographs of three Carnival greats and Norissa’s mother as her guardian angel. She gave the same crowd pleasing effect in an army uniform, under which she was wearing a glittery outfit, for her Creative Professional Wear costume.

For the Evening Wear and Interview sections, Richards, dressed in a stun-

ning champagne outfit, answered the question “What is the Essence of a Woman?” She reflected on her own experiences and said that she wished to be an Ambassador to teach younger women to choose the right path and find for their ambitions.

The other contestants include Lisette Carty (first runner-up), Micheline Warner (second runner-up), Fabiola Brown, Lisa MyersLeonard, and Querida Lovera. (Excerpt from the Daily Herald)

Migrant Boat Captain charged with multiple manslaughter

Prosecutors blamed the Tunisian Captain of a fishing boat for causing the deaths of hundreds of migrants locked below decks when his vessel capsized in the Mediterranean this past the weekend.

On Tuesday, Prosecutors said that Mohammed Ali Malek, 27, arrested under suspicion of multiple homicides, had steered his severely overloaded boat into a collision with a merchant ship that was coming to its rescue.

Only 28 survivors have been brought to the Italian shore from the hundreds of, mainly African and Bangladeshi, migrants on board. Police have quoted the survivors giving death tolls that range from 400 to 950 in what appears to have been the worst disaster ever among migrants fleeing across the Mediterranean to Europe.

So few survived because most of the migrants on board, including women and children, had been locked in the hold and lower decks of the three-deck fishing boat when it capsized. That also made it impossible so far to reach the bodies and verify the total death toll.

The Captain has been ar-

rested on suspicion of multiple homicide and people-smuggling. He and his 25-year-old Syrian first mate, Mahmud Bikhit, are also suspected of causing the shipwreck. According to the Prosecutors, the fishing boat was so heavily overloaded that it could not be manoeuvred properly. The Captain crashed it into the King Jacob, a Portuguese merchant vessel that had approached to give aid. Both men are in Police custody while the investigation continues.

The disaster comes after weeks of a dramatic rise in deaths among migrants packed into rickety vessels to cross the Mediterranean. Nearly 1800 have drowned so far this year, compared to fewer than 100 deaths by the end of April last year, a period when a similar number attempted the crossing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Egypt’s Morsi given 20-year jail sentence

An Egyptian court has sentenced ousted President Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in jail for ordering the arrest and torture of protesters during his rule.

It is the first verdict he has received since his overthrow and is one of several trials he is facing. Others include colluding with foreign militants in a plot to carry out a mass prison break in 2011; espionage and conspiring to commit terrorist acts in Egypt; endangering national security by leaking state secrets and sensitive

documents to Qatar.

Morsi stood accused of inciting supporters to kill a journalist and opposition protesters in clashes outside the Presidential Palace in late 2012. Morsi and 14 other Brotherhood figures (his supporters) escaped a more serious charge of inciting the killing of protesters, which could have carried the death sentence.

Most of the other defendants were also given 20-year prison sentences.

Hearing the verdict, Morsi and the other defendants gave a four-fingered sa-

lute, a symbol of the deadly clearance of Brotherhood supporters at the Rabaah alAdawiya mosque in 2013.

“They want to pass a life sentence for democracy in Egypt,” a senior Brotherhood figure, Amr Darrag said.

Morsi has rejected the authority of the Courts, shouting during his first trial that he was the victim of a military coup. Morsi was Egypt’s first freely-elected president, but protests began building less than a year into his rule when he issued a decree granting himself far-reaching powers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Thailand seizes 4 tonnes of ivory in record bust

Thailand says it has seized four tonnes of ivory, hidden in bean sacks, tracked from the Democratic Republic of Congo in what authorities called the biggest bust in the country’s history.

The 739 elephant tusks, bound for Laos, were seized upon arrival at a port in Bangkok on Saturday after the authorities received a tip-off, reported the Customs Department’s Director-General, Somchai Sujjapongse, on Tuesday.

Sujjapongse said that the shipment, labelled as “Beans”, was shipped out of Congo in February and went through Malaysia before reaching the Thai capital. Authorities believe that if the ivory, worth US$6 million, had reached Laos, it would then have been distributed to buyers in China, Vietnam and Thailand.

Al Jazeera’s Scott Heidler reported that authorities

have been tracking the shipment for two months. Officials said that the confiscated ivory would be destroyed.

Thailand is one of the top destinations for African ivory smuggling in Asia and could face international sanctions soon if it does not show progress in combating the problem.

The confiscation comes in line with beefed-up security measures to tackle ivory trafficking as part of Thailand’s

US couple found guilty of sadistic Bali suitcase murder

An Indonesian court found a young US couple guilty of murdering a woman and stuffing her battered body into a suitcase on the resort island of Bali.

Heather Mack, 19, and Tommy Schaefer, 21, were arrested last August after staff at a luxury hotel discovered the body of Mack’s mother, Sheila von WieseMack, in an abandoned suitcase in a taxi. Schaefer was sentenced

to 18 years in prison for premeditated murder immediately after the verdict was delivered on Tuesday by a panel of three judges; and Mack to 10 years for being an accessory to murder.

National Ivory Action Plan.

An amnesty for ivory owners through registration was launched in mid-February, aiming to get owners and sellers to come clean and declare their ivory. So far, about 150 tonnes of ivory and ivory products have been registered under this programme.

Poachers have killed tens of thousands of African elephants for their tusks in recent years to meet demand for ivory in Asia. (Al Jazeera)

Soldiers have been deployed to volatile areas in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal in a bid to quell anti-immigrant violence that has killed at least seven people in several weeks of unrest, has said.

The Government had vowed to crack down strongly on the unrest, but the decision to put soldiers on the streets on Tuesday came after two nights of relative quiet in both cities.

“We come in as the last resort, the army will serve as a deterrent against the crime that we see,” Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, South

Schaefer, who had said in court that he had killed Wiese-Mack in self-defence after she attacked him in anger because she objected to the couple’s relationship, apologised to the family of the victim.

“Although I do take full responsibility for my actions, I am not a murderer,” he told Reuters after hearing the verdict.

Bali Police, assisted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), conducted a four month investigation into the killing, including a re-enactment with the defendants at the five-star St Regis Bali Resort where the body was found with bruises and broken fingers.

Mack and her mother had a troubled relationship and Von Wiese-Mack had frequently reported that her daughter punched and bit her, according to Police reports cited by Chicago media. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Presiding Judge Made Suweda spent more than an hour reading out the grisly details of the killing before delivering the verdicts. “In my decision I have made a special judgment because Heather has a baby who needs a mother,” said the judge. “For Tommy, I call the crime sadistic.”

South Africa deploys army to quell xenophobic violence

Africa’s Defence Minister, told reporters.

“There are people who will be critical but those who are vulnerable will appreciate this decision,” she said.

Mapisa-Nqakula made the announcement in Alexandra, a Johannesburg township where a Zimbabwean couple survived an overnight shooting.

Police have struggled to contain mobs that have been attacking foreigners from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and other African countries in both the economic capital

Johannesburg and in the port city of Durban.

“We are not here to take over the work of the Police. We are simply here to give support to what the Police are trying to do in their efforts to prevent a continuation with what we have seen,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

The spate of attacks has revived memories of xenophobic bloodshed in 2008, when 62 people were killed in Johannesburg’s townships, shaking South Africa’s post-apartheid image as a “rainbow nation” of different ethnic groups. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The Queen celebrates 89 years

Gun salutes have been fired in London’s Hyde Park to mark the Queen’s 89th birthday.

The Monarch is celebrating the occasion privately at Windsor Castle where she has been staying for the past month.

In her honour, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery staged a 41-gun Royal Salute in full dress uniform.

The salute was followed by a selection of celebratory music from the Band of the Royal Artillery close to the firing position.

The King’s Troop rode their horses and gun carriages past Buckingham Palace at midday en route to Hyde Park, where they

staged their gun salute using six 13-pounder field guns dating from around the time of World War One.

An hour later, the Honourable Artillery Company fired a 62-gun royal salute from the river bank at the Tower of London, overlooking HMS Belfast.

The basic Royal Salute is 21 rounds. A further 20 are fired at Royal Parks, Royal Palaces and Fortresses; and another 21 for being in the City of London.

The birthday comes as people begin to gather outside St Mary’s Hospital in London in anticipation of the birth of the Queen’s newest great-grandchild.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to give birth there to her and Prince William’s second child later this month, with some fans already waiting as long as two weeks outside the hospital.

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926, at the Mayfair home of her mother’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

Though the Queen’s actual birthday is April 21, her official birthday is June 12. The tradition of two birthdays dates back to the time when, if monarchs were born in winter, the weather was deemed unsuitable for outdoor events. (Excerpt from BBC World)

wednesday, april 22, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Mandela hit-and-run driver jailed for 60 months

The family and loved ones of Claude McPherson got justice in Court Three of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday when the driver who caused his death in a hit-and-run accident was found guilty.

Shawn Ravindra Ramai, 36, was convicted of causing the death of McPherson by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The Magistrate stated that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) driver had indeed caused the death of the deceased.

He was thus sentenced to 60 months in prison for all four charges that were levied against him: causing the death of McPherson in February 2014, failing to stop his vehicle after the accident had been committed, failing to render assistance to the victim, and also failing to report the accident.

On the day of the accident, McPherson was riding his bicycle when he was struck down by a GWI Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) on Mandela Avenue, and dragged an estimated 100 yards away from the point of impact. He was found in front of a shop with his bicycle badly mangled and his leg severely crushed. He died hours later at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Less than an hour after the accident, Ramai report-

‘Cut-eye’

Aedly parked the damaged vehicle at the GWI Vlissengen Road compound.

The driver was first brought to court on March 6, 2014 to answer to the charges. He had pleaded not guilty upon the guidance of his lawyer at the time, Mortimer Goddit. GWI had reported that Ramai had written up a report of the accident, stating that it was a horse that he had struck. However, he admitted in Court to hitting the victim. He told the court that the victim’s bicycle had come out of nowhere and collided with his vehicle. Ramai said he tried to apply the brakes to avoid the collision, but there was traffic coming from the opposite direction that prevented him from going to either side

without causing some sort of accident.

The driver was first brought to court on March 6, 2014 to answer to the charges. He had pleaded not guilty upon the guidance of his lawyer at the time, Mortimer Goddit.

On the charge of failing to assist the deceased, Ramai said he was scared. A crowd had formed at the accident site and knew he was driving the vehicle that had hit McPherson. He said they attacked him when he vacated the vehicle, so he jumped back in and drove away.

Another reason for this, Ramai had stated was that his daughter was quite ill at the time and he was also fearful of losing his job, stating that he was the only breadwinner. He explained to the court at large that he was a staunch Christian and in different circumstances he would not have left a dying man on the roadways, but he “had to get away… to protect my own life”.

Ramai said he intended to report the matter later to the Police, but the accident was published in the papers and he panicked, getting himself legal advice on the ramifications of what he had unintentionally done.

He apologised to McPherson’s family, stating that he was truly sorry for causing his death.

lands brothers, foe in court

n altercation which stemmed from one man being offended by another’s facial expression landed four men before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

Paul Smith, 27; and three brothers Glenroy Adams, 21; Travis Adams, 19; and Terry Adams, 23, all pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.

Smith, a vendor, pleaded not guilty to making use of threatening behaviour against the Adams on

April 16 at Digicel’s America Street, Georgetown Branch. Glenroy Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge that on April 16 at Digicel’s America Street Branch, he unlawfully assaulted Smith. Travis Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge of making use of threatening behaviour towards Smith by brandishing a cutlass during the incident. Finally, Terry Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge of making use of threatening behaviour towards Smith by brandishing a firearm.

According to Smith, he and Travis Adams do not get along and on the day of the incident the young man “cut his eyes up” at him, so he became annoyed. The man said that a scuffle soon ensued and Travis’s two brothers rushed to his assistance.

The four men opted to forget the matter as they did not wish to proceed with a trial nor did they wish to have their records tarnished. The Magistrate reprimanded the men and the matter was dismissed.

Magistrate dismisses threatening behaviour case against Lusignan woman

The case against a Lusignan woman who appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday to answer to a charge of threatening behaviour was thrown out for lack of substance.

Kiran Ragnauth of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on Friday, April 17 at Water Street, Georgetown, she made use of threatening behaviour against the 15-year-old Virtual Complainant (VC), Kenisha Jones.

According to the Prosecutor, on the day in question, an argument ensued between the VC’s mother and the defendant during which Jones got involved. It was further alleged that during the incident, the woman pointed a knife at the teen.

In her defence, Ragnauth said that the altercation stemmed from her asking the VC to remove a bag of mangoes that she had placed in the passageway leading to her sister’s stall, which she was managing in her sibling’s absence. She said the VC became annoyed

US-based Guyanese remanded on drug charge

A US-based Guyanese was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of possession of narcotics.

Katrina Dalyrimple, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Monday, April 20 she was found to be in possession of 937 grams of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the purpose of trafficking.

According to information received, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch at the CJIA arrested the outgoing passenger after the substance was found in her suitcase during a search.

The woman’s defence counsel informed the court that the woman is a Guyanese by birth, but resides in the United States of America. It was argued that the woman had no knowledge of how the substance was placed into her luggage

and it was suggested that it may have been placed there by employees of the airport. The defence claimed that no investigations were made into the incident before it was brought before the court, and bail was requested on these grounds. Police Prosecutor Kerry Boswick objected to bail and the woman was remanded to prison until May 7 when the matter will return to Court for statements.

Kwakwani man accused of having illegal firearm

AKwakwani, man was refused bail on Tuesday after being brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts accused of owning an unlicensed gun.

The accused, Wesley Campbell, who originally hailed from Bamboo, Upper Berbice, was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Tuesday to answer the charge.

It is alleged that the defendant was at his home in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) when he was found with a 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun on December 8, 2014. He was not the holder of a firearm licence.

The Prosecutor told the court that the Police, after receiving a tip, went to the defendant’s home and found the gun on his premises. They had to search to locate the weapon. Campbell was arrested and subsequently charged for the offence. He told the court that he works in Kwakwani as a farmer and had never had any problems with the law before.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry remanded him and transferred his case to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court. His next court appearance will be on May 15.

Trawler Captain remanded for alleged marijuana

possession

A37-year-old Trawler Captain was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday charged with possession of 1884 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

It is alleged that Marlon Joaquin, a resident of Maburama, North West District, had been found on a speedboat at Dukwuarri

Landing in the Cuyuni River with the marijuana. He was charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The Prosecutor told the court that Police ranks were on patrol around the area when they saw the defendant arrive on the landing with a huge bag. The Police requested to search the bag and found the

marijuana in plastic bags closed with brown tape.

Joaquin’s lawyer, Peter Hugh, asked for bail on his behalf, stating that he had had no trouble with the law previously, but bail was denied by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. His case will be heard at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on April 29.

Sophia resident charged for stealing horse bridle, other items

and rushed towards her, threatening to assault her.

The defendant explained that during the incident, she was cutting up vegetables to place on the stall, and denied ever threatening the young girl or brandishing a knife in a threatening manner.

After reviewing all of the facts presented, the Magistrate opted to dismiss the matter on the grounds that the case lacked substance as well as evidence to go to trial. He also reprimanded Jones, admonishing her for her behaviour.

Aresident of 111 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday for allegedly stealing a horse bridle and other items.

The defendant, 22-yearold Wazim Perriera, is accused of stealing the horse bridle with bit, a saddle, a bicycle and some cash from two Virtual Complainants (VCs).

Police Prosecutor Desiree Gittens detailed that the defendant was alleged to have

stolen the items on April 12 at Deobirama Street, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown. The horse bridle, valued at $13,000; the saddle, valued $5000; and $10,000 in cash are the property of Yogsaran Ganesh and the bicycle worth $20,000 belongs to Stephon Joseph. The matter was heard by Magistrate Dylon Bess who granted the defendant $80,000 bail – $40,000 for each charge. The matter is expected to be heard again on May 12.

International Mother Earth Day 2015: “It’s our turn to lead”

Message by Natural resources

aNd eNviroNMeNt MiNister

robert M Persaud

Today is Earth Day. It is also the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day, which was first observed in 1970. At that time, it was visible air and water pollution in the US that was cause for concern. You may recall that in the 1960s the US was heavily invested in the Vietnam War thus it accelerated its manufacturing to meet the demands of war.

On the first Earth Day in 1970, an astounding 20 million peoples across the US demonstrated in protest against the evident pollution, bringing environment to the front and centre in the US and globally.

Earth Day continued to be observed until 2009 mostly in the US and Canada, though a few other countries chose to participate. This changed in 2010 after the UN declared April 22 International Mother Earth Day or Earth Day for short.

Earth Day becomes international International Mother Earth Day is celebrated to remind each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. It also recognises a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.

International Mother Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness around the world to the challenges regarding the well-being of the planet and all the life it supports. Presently, the Earth must out of necessity gear up to fight the war of climate change. As Earth’s opponent,

climate change has the ability to cause untold devastation to Earth’s people and their lives. Climate change is superior in reach to any advanced missile – it can reach the whole world!

Earth Day 2015

Earth Day 2015 is celebrated under the theme “It’s our turn to lead”. This was aptly explained by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who noted that “the big decisions that lie ahead are not just for world leaders and policy-makers. Today, on Mother Earth Day, I ask each one of us to be mindful of the impacts our choices have on this planet, and what those impacts will mean for future generations “.

As we observe Earth Day, we can lead by calling for a binding Global Climate Change Treaty to be signed this year – after 20 years of attempts. Let us as individuals also lead the demand for power from renewable energy sources and energy-saving technology and as companies lead investment in renewable energy.

Guyana shows leadership in fight against climate change

In 2006, Guyana took the decision to act against climate change and made a conscious decision to chart a Low Carbon Development Path guided by a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Guyana’s bold decision to transition into a green economy earned recognition by the Government of Norway, which, in 2009 in a first partnership of its kind between a developed and developing country, pledged $250 million to help Guyana along this path up to 2015 – of course – based on performance. Guyana has been performing well and has been benefiting from these funds which are being used to catalyse efforts to diversify the economy and provide new eco-

nomic opportunities, employment and more efficient use of resources.

Improving capacity to assess deforestation

To build its capacity to assess deforestation, the Guyana Forestry Commission developed a robust Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) to determine its forest cover and rate of deforestation. Using this system, Guyana’s annual rate of deforestation has been found to be less

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert M Persaud

than 1.0 per cent showing a small increase from 0.054 per cent in 2011 to 0.079 per cent and decreasing in 2013 to 0.068 per cent. These rates compare very favourably with Guyana’s Reference Level as agreed under the Guyana-Norway Bilateral Agreement on Forest and Climate, which is set at 0.275 per cent.

Transitioning to renewable energy

Among the significant projects aimed at mitigation of climate change is the US$80 million Amaila Falls

Hydro-lectric Plant Project, which –when it is completed – will deliver 165 MW (megawatts), providing a steady source of clean, renewable energy that is affordable and reliable to meet most of Guyana’s energy needs while transitioning the country from dependence on fossil fuels.

Strengthening climate change adaptation

Focus is also on adaptation to climate change because of the reality of most of Guyana’s population, agriculture and economic activities are located on the low coastal plain, which is under the threat of flooding from heavy rains and sea-level rise. As such, a US$2M Project to rehabilitate the Cunha Canal is under way to widen, rehabilitate and reroute the Canal to increase its discharge capacity and reduce incidence of flooding of the low coast and associated economic and social consequences.

Advancing better mining practices

The LCDS also acknowledges the importance of limiting deforestation and forest degradation from gold mining, and as was reported in the 2013, since the launch of the LCDS the Government has redoubled its efforts to ensure that mining practices are continually being improved and aligned with international best practices over time.

Promoting education for living in a world with climate change

The Government of Guyana has been at the forefront of informing citizens both on the coast and in hinterland communities about climate change. Information dissemination, discussion and consultations have been and continue to be critical to the success of the chosen low-carbon development path. Information on pro-

gress of projects being funded under the Norway-Guyana agreement is freely available to citizens.

As well, all relevant Government Agencies are gradually mainstreaming the LCDS and climate change mitigation and adaptation into their programmes. The Guyana Forestry Commission, for example, continues to work with forestry-based communities to educate on REDD+. Further, the Environmental Protection Agency has an ongoing climate change awareness programme with primary schools and as part of its Litter Enforcement Programmes has embraced education as a tool in the fight against littering by developing an illustrated story book aimed at the nursery aged children.

A purposeful future

Following its LCDS, Guyana intends to place focus on new areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation while increasing livelihoods and income for its people. Some of the areas to be developed include business process outsourcing, aquaculture, eco-tourism, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, there will be continued focus on strengthening the forestry and mining sectors. For hinterland communities, there will be emphasis on hinterland adaptation measures, ICTs and distance learning. Other new areas that would be addressed include clean transportation and curriculum development towards mainstreaming climate change education.

Guyana is firmly on a sustainable development path, one that would lead to prosperity while placing it amongst the few countries that are walking its talk about addressing climate change. This is a future which together we should all work toward.

Guyanese Adventists to elect new leaders

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana will today commence activities for the hosting of its fourth quadrennial session.

The four-day session will see the election of church officers including its President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Church’s Communication Director, Barbara Savory told the Guyana Times that the religious body, which has been in Guyana for over a century, is a highly organised institution.

Every four years, delegates, representing the over 60,000 members from some 216 congregations across the country convene to elect the three-member administration to serve the religious organisation.

This year’s session, which commences today at

the Central Seventh- day Adventist Church, will have in attendance President Donald Ramotar, who will deliver an address, along with Opposition Leader David Granger. The feature address will be presented by the Assistant to the World Church President Orville D Parchment. During the session, the sitting officers are also expected to deliver reports of their work over the four-year period. Savory told the Guyana Times that the religious organisation remained committed to the development of Guyana, and has been contributing in every aspect through its membership. Seventh-day Adventist teachings reached British Guiana in 1883, making it the first country on the continent of South America to

receive the Advent message.

The Church is currently under the stewardship of President Avert James, Executive Secretary Exton Clarke and Treasurer Margaret Ramsarran. From the time of its humble beginnings to now, the Seventhday Adventist Church has emerged into a multi-ethnic, multicultural religious organisation with approximately over 60,000 members woven into the tapestry of Guyanese society. One that is built on sound biblical principles which holds to a creed that genuinely works for the holistic development of humanity. It is part of a worldwide church with a membership of approximately 20 million along with hospitals, schools, special needs homes and other institutions for the benefit of

humanity.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana is a genuine representation of the cultural mix of a beautiful multi-ethnic society. Its message is based on unity as opposed to division. Each “people” group or culture

group is welcomed to be part of the church.

“A visit to any of our 216 congregations would reveal that members of all the ethnic groups in Guyana worship and interact in oneness and togetherness under a common gospel of unity.

This unity is of special note given the current political climate in our country. We do not see skin colour or hair texture, we see humans with a possibility of uniting under the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Bartica man drenched in acid while asleep

Travis Joseph, 27, of

3 Miles Bartica, is now recovering from severe burns after he was doused in battery acid while he was asleep in his bed on Sunday morning.

According to reports, the man was instantly awakened from his nap when he felt the corrosive substance eating away at his skin.

Joseph sustained injuries to his head, face, eyes, chest and right hand.

According to residents from the area, Joseph and another male had an argument at the Platinum Club on Saturday evening.

One bystander related to this publication that Joseph was laughing away while the other man was viciously yelling at him.

The Bartica resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said Joseph appeared unbothered by his associate’s outrage.

The resident further told

this newspaper that the couple were allegedly involved in an intimate relationship.

He said the word around town is that after being infuriated, Joseph’s alleged partner doused him with the battery acid while he was asleep.

On the other hand, reports indicated that Joseph’s family is blaming

his former employer for the ruthless act.

The family is alleging that the employer is behind the attack since Joseph was about to make a report to the local Police about some illegal activities the businessman might be involved in.

Efforts to make contact with Joseph proved futile.

Childcare agency to care for 13-year-old mother

The Child Care and Protection Agency has committed to taking care of the 13-yearold girl who gave birth to twins at the Suddie Public Hospital on Monday.

A senior official of the Agency said that the mother as well as the infants will be taken care of fully by the Agency. At present, only social workers are allowed to visit the teenager at the Suddie Public Hospital. Baby food as well as baby clothes and diapers will be delivered shortly, the official who asked not to be named said.

According to the official, the teenager will be put into a safer home away from the man who impregnated her. Police are also said to be hunting the babies’ father. The teenager was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital over the weekend. She hails from an Amerindian community in the Lower Pomeroon River.

Reports are that the teen was left on her own to shoulder the responsibilities of her younger siblings after her parents were sent to prison for murder. During the time, it was

said she was constantly abused by another teenager who has since fled the community. The teenager reported last Thursday to her teacher that she was feeling something moving in her abdomen. The teacher then took her to a health centre where it was confirmed via pregnancy test that she was pregnant. She was immediately rushed to the Charity Hospital and later transferred to Suddie Public Hospital where she delivered twins. The babies were premature and are presently in incubators.

Tourist arrivals up by 13.9% in first quarter

The Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have reported a record-high 46,369 arrivals in the first quarter, or a13.9 per cent increase over last year’s arrivals.

“It is clear that the country’s interest in tourism is very aggressive at this moment. This steady increase is testimony to the continued investment in the country’s Tourism Sector and the aggressive marketing strategies used,” acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali explained.

The Unites States remained the top market with a share of 39 per cent of the total tourist arrivals, while visitors from the Caribbean accounted for 24 per cent.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh attributed the increase in arrivals coming from Central and South America, accounting for

15 per cent of total market share, to the boost in airlift from Conviasa, Copa Airlines and Insel Air, and the marketing initiatives of the GTA; the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG); and the Private Sector.

He explained, “Conviasa continues flying to Guyana from Venezuela; Insel Air has also commenced flights direct from the Dutch Caribbean. In addition, with the introduction of direct flights by Copa we have seen an increase in airlift to Guyana.”

The third and fourth biggest generating markets were Canada and Europe with 13 per cent and six per cent respectively. The current year-to-date (January to March 2015) summary indicates that visitor arrivals increased by 26.1 per cent with a total of 18,464 visitors compared to 14,648 for the same period in 2014.

Op-Ed:

Earth

Day

our turn to lead

By United StateS emBaSSy Chargé d’affaireS Bryan hUnt

April 22 marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day and this year’s theme is “It’s Our Turn to Lead”. It is a day to remind ourselves of our responsibility to be good stewards of the air we breathe, to protect and preserve our precious ocean resources, and to redouble our effort to combat the scourge of wildlife trafficking around the world.

It is an opportunity to highlight the devastating effects that climate change is having on the world. Climate change is no longer a distant threat – we are already feeling its impacts across our country and around the globe. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate existing problems, such as ill health, poverty, food and nutrition insecurity, environmental degradation, and brings new challenges to human development and global and regional stability.

The ocean is in trouble. Critical fish stocks are declining, coral reefs are dying

and marine debris is littering even the remotest sea. In fact, it is estimated that if we continue on our current path unabated, over the next decade, for every three tonnes of fish in the ocean there will be one tonne of plastic. And, marine species are being threatened with extinction. But there is hope because we can work together to make a difference. The United States is partnering across the globe to improve waste management systems and stem the flow of plastics entering our seas. We must continue working together to charge ahead and find innovative ways to protect our

2015:

It’s

ocean. More than one third of the world’s population lives in coastal areas, and all of us – no matter where we live – depend on the ocean for the food we eat and the air we breathe.

On Earth Day, it is critical that we also recognise the animal world with which we share our planet, and to commit ourselves to protecting our shared natural heritage from the poaching and trade in illegal wildlife products that are decimating so many species. One of the challenges is that wildlife trafficking is highly lucrative, and generates billions of dollars in black market revenues each year. The risks to security and stability are great. This is one of the reasons why together we must remain deeply committed to stamping out the illegal trade of wildlife.

The United States is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Guyana to help ensure that future generations will be able to breathe clean air and enjoy the vast natural resources of Guyana.

Message from the Office of Climate Change

The Office of Climate Change (OCC) is proud to join celebrations in Guyana and around the world for Earth Day 2015 under the theme, “It’s Our Turn to Lead”. Since its first observance 45 years ago, Earth Day has encouraged us to carefully consider our relationship with the planet that sustains us.

According to the GTA Director, these figures can be attributed to the fact that Guyana continues to attract more international recognition through films and documentaries; the country has maintained attendance at key travel and trade shows and the fact that the GTA has intensified its marketing strategies. Haralsingh noted too that Guyana was also in talks with more reputable airlines. “This is a tangible return on our investments,” he pronounced. It is evident from the figures and the overall trends that visitor arrivals keep climbing, and according to Minister Ali, it is expected to continue along this trajectory. He noted too that the growth in the sector will be supported by several major investments including the recently-opened Marriott Hotel and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport among many others.

As Guyanese, we should reflect on Earth Day’s theme with satisfaction. Guyana is well-endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural lands, bauxite, gold and extensive tropical forests which cover approximately 85 per cent of the country. In fact, we have one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world. In recent years, we have made great strides and charted a new course for sustainably managing our natural resource base.

Despite being a small country, Guyana’s innovative Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is demonstrating to the world how we can combat climate change – the defining issue of our generation – while holding firmly to our aspirations for development. The LCDS continues to be an exemplar of how developing countries can pursue their aspirations for economic development in a low-carbon and climate-resilient manner. Guyana’s deforestation rate is one of the lowest in the world and the Strategy aims to ensure that our forests are worth more alive than dead. Guyana continues to play a strong role globally in advocating for support for forest con-

servation and sustainable forest management (SFM) efforts under the global climate change framework. The fight against climate change is not easy. Partnerships and strong support to help us to mitigate and adapt to climate change are important. Guyana’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Norway is testimony to the integral role of strategic global alliances. Under this partnership, Guyana has already earned US$150 million, with more to come. These funds have been channelled into a series of priority investments aimed at improving the lives of the Guyanese people and enhancing our ability to pursue development in a lowcarbon, climate-resilient manner.

Under the LCDS, we are charting a course to become a regional leader in generating power from renewable energy. Although our energy-related greenhouse emissions are small on the global scale, transitioning to renewable energy will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Guyana. Another key thrust of the LCDS is creating sustainable and low-carbon livelihoods for individuals and for communities. Moreover, as a low-lying coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change, and the LCDS supports adaptation and resilience building initiatives to improve our capacity to cope with climate change.

The OCC encourages all Guyanese to embrace the theme of Earth Day 2015, by taking the lead in the fight against climate change. As leaders, we should promote actions to create a clean and healthy environment like joining an environmental group or promoting good environmental practices such as recycling, conservation of water, or planting of a tree. In addition, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in many small ways. We can turn off all lights and unplug appliances when not in use, purchase energy-efficient appliances, promote car-pooling and cycling, and motivate others to be leaders as well. As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, extreme rainfall and flooding are expected to become more frequent. We would like to encourage all Guyanese to become better custodians of their environment by disposing of garbage in a proper manner. Draining water from our low-lying coastal plain and inland areas is more challenging when our drains are blocked and overflowing with garbage. We encourage you, as proud Guyanese, to help to make our country cleaner. By working together to combat climate change we can continue to develop a low-carbon, climate-resilient environment. Today, let us renew our commitment and capture the spirit of Earth Day every day to ensure a bright future for our families. Our best wishes for Earth Day to everyone.

GCB U-19 Inter-County 1-Day tournament…

Disciplined Essequibo stun

Berbice by 3 wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Essequibo produced a disciplined all-round performance to stun powerhouse Berbice by three wickets in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-County One-Day Tournament at the Police Ground on Tuesday.

It was an authoritative all-round performance from Essequibo as they first restricted the Berbicians to a modest 218, and then knocked off the runs with 10 balls to spare. They eventually reached 224-7 in 48.2 overs.

West Indies youth player Kemo Paul again batted well to smash his way to 69, while Travis Drakes did his cause no harm by notching up a blazing 36-ball 47. Paul, the West Indies Under-19 all-rounder, struck 10 fours and one six, and was later adjudged Man of the Match for his knock, while Drakes smoked five enormous sixes and two fours.

Earlier, Kassim Khan hit an impressive 54 from 22 balls, with five huge sixes and four fours, while opener Balchand Baldeo (33); West Indies Under-19 batsman Shimron Hetmyer (31); Zachary Persaud (20) and Ritesh Umrao (16) contributed to Berbice’s 218. Khan’s reassuring pres-

ence at one end not only pulled Berbice out of the slump, but ensured they put up a reasonable total.

Left-arm spinner Akenie Adams continued his impressive form, taking 4-32 from his 10 overs, while Loaknauth Chinkoo (3-34) and Keanu Harry (2-45) were the other bowlers with accomplishments.

After deciding to bat first, Berbice lost Leon Andrews cheaply, but Hetmyer, who struck six crisp fours, and Baldeo, who hit two fours and a six, added 76 for the second wicket before Adams removed both batsmen in quick succession.

Following those two quick dismissals, the wheels came off for Berbice as they suffered a middle-order collapse, losing Samuel Kishnasammy (00); Clifton Lindie (10); Daniel Lewis (02); and Parmanand Ramdhan (18), courtesy of Chinkoo, who took three of those wickets and Adams, the other, as Berbice were reduced to 1167.

Khan, with the help of Umrao and Persaud, frustrated Essequibo with some resolute batting and in the process added 102 runs for the last three wickets.

However, after bringing up his brisk 50, Khan was comprehensively bowled by

Jimmy Butler was simply following orders from Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

He kept shooting and the ball kept going in.

Butler set a playoff career-high for the second straight game with 31 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks 91-82 on Monday night to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

After scoring 25 points in Game 1, Butler trumped that with another terrific performance. He was at his best down the stretch, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter.

“Jo, Derrick were telling me to score the ball — literally telling me to shoot and not to pass up any shots,” Butler said. “I was feeling it a little bit so I just put the ball in the basket.”

Butler hit 4 of 5 shots in the fourth and all three 3-pointers after missing his first six from long range.

Rose scored all of his 15 points in the second half after dominating in the series opener.

Pau Gasol added 11 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. Mike Dunleavy Jr. scored 12 points. Noah

Badree to mentor Australia spinners

WHarry and Persaud followed soon after, while Adams trapped Umrao leg before wicket, leaving Grant unbeaten on four.

As Essequibo began their reply, Grant bowled Parmesh Parsotam for eight a few overs before lunch, but Paul and Nathan Persaud kept things steady heading into lunch at 25-1. The pair batted maturely with Paul’s half century coming off 72 balls.

The pair added 101 for the second wicket before Persaud was run out for 44. David Williams was then bowled by Khan without scoring, while Baldeo bagged the wicket of Paul, leaving the score at 137-4.

Drakes continued his power hitting, along with Neiland Cadogan (18), who joined in hitting a few big sixes, which took Essequibo well past the 200 mark.

When both Drakes and Cadogan departed, Essequibo were well within victory and Harry struck Grant for six to seal an emphatic win for his team. Baldeo with three wickets was the best bowler in the losing cause.

Meanwhile, Demerara whipped the National Under17s by 73 runs in the other second-round game played at the Police Ground.

The final round will be played on Thursday.

Butler leads Bulls to 2-0 series lead

grabbed 19 rebounds and the third-seeded Bulls dominated on the glass 64-48 while taking a commanding lead in the series.

Game 3 is Thursday at Milwaukee.

Khris Middleton led the sixth-seeded Bucks with 22 points, and Michael CarterWilliams scored 12.

“They’ve been in the playoffs before so they understand this moment,” said coach Jason Kidd, whose team shot about 36 percent. “For us, it’s to make it hard for everybody. Pau — we’re trying to make it hard on him. Rose, Dunleavy, it doesn’t matter who it is. Butler got going there. We just couldn’t slow him down.” Warriors 97, Pelicans 87 Klay Thompson scored 26 points, Stephen Curry had 22 points and six assists and Golden State regrouped from an early deficit to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. The top-seeded Warriors fell behind by 13 points in the first quarter after a strong start by the Pelicans’ Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon. A big burst before halftime pushed the Warriors ahead, and they did just enough in the clos-

est Indies legspinner Samuel Badree will mentor Australia’s young spinners as part of Cricket Australia’s spin camp this year. Badree, currently, ranked the No.1 Twenty20 international bowler in the world, will work alongside Cricket Australia’s head spin coach John Davison at the training camp in Brisbane in May.

“The knowledge and experience that Sammy Badree can share with our young spinners will be a quality extension to previous programs,” Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s team performance manager, said.

“The spin camp looks to extend the work being done in states and to challenge players on different ways to assess the game and grow personally.

“We’re delighted to have Sammy join John Davison and some of the country’s best young spinners for the week, and to build on the expertise Shane Warne and Muthiah Muralidaran have brought to our spin program in the last two seasons.”

Badree said: “I am looking forward to being involved in this program to share my experiences and philosophies with the young spinners of Australia and hopefully impart something to them that would make them better players. It’s my first visit to Australia as well and I look forward to the experience.

Samuel Badree

“My greatest success has been in the shorter versions of the game so I hope to impart knowledge based on that, the importance of control when bowling, adapting to different conditions and taking wickets through guile is crucial.

“I look forward to being part of the spin week and sharing reasons for success, the pressures of the international game, various T20 leagues and being the No.1 T20 bowler in the world.”

A group of 24 spinners will take part in the program, most of whom are yet to play state cricket. However, legspinner Cameron Boyce, who made his T20 international debut last year, is part of the squad, along with Clive Rose, Will Bosisto, Jason Floros and Beau Webster.

(Cricinfo)

ing

Kings XI end Royals’ run in Super Over

The man with the most runs for Kings XI Punjab had been on the bench for their first four games of the season.

Brought in because regular captain George Bailey had a shoulder injury, Shaun Marsh played two crucial innings to give Kings XI their second win.

He first made 64 off 40, the highest score in a chase of 192, as Kings XI leveled the scores with Axar Patel's last-ball four. Marsh then watched David Miller depart off the first ball of the Super Over and went on to hit Chris Morris for three successive fours. Rajasthan Royals lost both their wickets halfway into Mitchell Johnson's over, which ended their five-match winning streak. Shane Watson was bowled first ball by a yorker, and James Faulkner, pondering a bye, was run

SCOREBOARD

Rajasthan Royals innings (20 overs maximum)

AM Rahane c †Saha b Johnson 74

SR Watson* st †Saha b Patel 45

J Hooda b Shivam Sharma 19

SPD Smith c Maxwell b Patel 0

KK Nair c Patel b Anureet Singh 25

JP Faulkner c Maxwell b Sandeep Sharma 1

STR Binny not out 12

SV Samson† not out 5

Extras: (lb 3, w 6, nb 1) 10

Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 191

Did not bat: CH Morris, R Tewatia, PV Tambe

Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-136, 3-137, 4-162, 5-166, 6-175.

Kings XI Punjab Bowling:

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-25-1, Anureet Singh 4-0-41-1, MG Johnson 4-0-33-1, AR Patel 4-030-2, Shivam Sharma 3-0-44-1, GJ Maxwell 1-0-15-0.

Kings XI Punjab innings (target:

192 runs from 20 overs)

M Vijay run out (Tewatia) 21

V Sehwag* run out (Smith) 1 SE Marsh c Rahane b Tambe 65

GJ Maxwell c Smith b Tewatia 1

DA Miller c Binny b Hooda 54 WP Saha† b Morris 19 AR Patel not out 12

MG Johnson not out 13

Extras: (lb 4, w 1) 5

Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 191

Did not bat: Anureet Singh, Shivam Sharma, Sandeep Sharma

Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-42, 3-59, 4-117, 5-152, 6-166. Rajasthan Royals Bowling:

CH Morris 4-0-34-1, STR Binny 2-0-13-0, JP Faulkner 4-0-41-0, PV Tambe 3-0-20-1, R Tewatia 3-0-31-1, DJ Hooda 3-0-35-1, SR Watson 1-0-13-0.

out by Wriddhiman Saha.

The chase had been slipping away from Kings XI. They were reduced to 59 for 3 in the ninth over when Glenn Maxwell topedged a slog off legspinner Rahul Tewatia. But Marsh and Miller kept their side alive as they put on 58 off 35. While Miller took his time to get going, Marsh kept the runs coming in his usual flowing manner, timing boundaries both sides of the wicket and straight down the ground.

Still, the asking-rate continued to climb steadily, and after Marsh topedged a slog off Pravin Tambe, Kings XI needed 72 off the last five overs. Saha arrived and played a vital

hand, swinging and pulling four fours in the eight balls he lasted.

Miller had found his range just before Marsh departed, and was now effortlessly launching sixes over deep midwicket. When he eventually failed to clear the off side boundary and fell for 54 off 30, 25 were required off 12.

Johnson and Axar brought it down to 14 from the final over, and ran four twos and a single off the first five balls from James Faulkner. Axar sliced the last one to the deep point rope to take it to the Super Over.

That they would be part of such a tight finish would not have been remotely on the Royals' players minds after the total they put up.

Asked to bat by stand-in Kings XI captain Virender Sehwag, Ajinkya Rahane and Watson came within five runs of making it successive century opening partnerships.

Rahane was troubled initially by the swing the Kings XI bowlers generated, but he responded with some stinging shots through the covers. Watson took his time and was on 14 off 23 at one stage. He suddenly sprung into action, hitting his next six deliveries for four fours and two sixes to end on 45 off 35.

Steven Smith and Faulkner managed a run between them but Royals' young Indian batsmen contributed swift cameos. Stuart Binny ended the innings with a four and a six off Anureet Singh but Marsh's twin innings would overcome them. (Cricinfo)

Villa, Reading charged over FA Cup pitch invasions

Aston Villa have been charged by the Football Association for the pitch invasion at the end of their 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win against West Brom.

Some home fans ran on to the Villa Park pitch in injury time and at full-time while seats were thrown from the away fans’ stand

at the match on 7 March.

A number of West Brom players appeared to be pushed by fans on the pitch.

Reading face the same charge after supporters encroached on to the pitch in their last-eight win over Bradford.

Both Aston Villa and Reading have until 23 April to respond to the charge.

The FA - which could give both clubs a heavy fine - described the scenes at Villa Park as “disturbing”.

West Brom used the same term as they accepted Villa’s public apology for the incidents “in the spirit with which it was intended”.

Cheshire Police’s Mark Roberts, the national lead

Mayweather-Pacquiao: Still no tickets on sale for May 2 fight

PBob Arum is still unable to explain why there are no tickets on general sale for the super-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on 2 May.

The MGM Grand holds 16,500 but only about 1,000 tickets are expected to be made available to the wider public.

Contracts with the MGM Grand remain unsigned, while tickets are also not on sale for other venues across Las Vegas.

Arum cut a news conference short on Monday before questions could be asked.

A representative for Arum, who handles Pacquiao only, said technical issues were to blame for the aborted teleconference, but Arum said he was unhappy with the amount of journalists on the call.

Another source close to Arum told BBC Sport that, contrary to reports, the ticketing problems have not been caused by Mayweather’s camp.

After the MGM takes its share of the tickets, each camp is allocated a percentage and is able to resell them to ticket brokers at higher prices.

Last week, Pacquiao’s manager, Michael Koncz, accused Mayweather’s camp

of attempting to “manipulate the ticketing”.

It has been announced that tickets will eventually be on sale for between $1,500 (£1,000) and $7,500 (£5,040) but those prices have already tripled on the resale market.

Even if the tickets were sold at face value, the gate receipts would be in the region of $72 million (£48.3 million), far surpassing the previous record of $20m for Mayweather’s 2013 fight with Saul Alvarez. This year’s Super Bowl took an estimated $71m at the gate.

A representative of ticket search engine Seatgeek. com said very few tickets had been sold through the website so far, because buyers were unwilling to take the risk.

Tens of thousands of tickets are expected to be sold for closed-circuit broadcasts of the fight at venues along the Vegas Strip, but no price has been set for them either.

In addition, while there have been a reported 15,000 requests for media passes, most journalists will not find out until Thursday whether they will be accredited.

The source close to Arum said he had not witnessed a fight build-up bigger than this in the almost 30 years he has been working in the sport. (BBC Sport)

Hafeez cleared to bowl in international cricket

Mofficer for football policing, questioned playing the tie at 17:30 GMT on a Saturday evening.

Villa went on to beat Liverpool to take their place in their first FA Cup final since 2000. They will play Arsenal, who overcame Reading after extratime in the other semi-final.

(BBC Sport)

ohammad Hafeez, the Pakistan allrounder, has been cleared to bowl in international cricket. His reworked action was found to be legal by results of a retest conducted in an ICC-accredited facility in Chennai on April 9. Hafeez was suspended from bowling in December last year after he was called during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. He had missed his first official assessment owing to a calf injury, which had also ruled him out of the World Cup. But the PCB had requested the ICC for a retest on Hafeez’s action, along with Pakistan women’s allrounder Javeria Khan.

“At the retests, it was re-

vealed that the amount of elbow extensions in both the offspinners’ bowling actions for all their deliveries bowled were within the 15-degree level of tolerance,” an ICC media release said.

At the time of his suspension, Hafeez’s elbow had extended as far as 31 degrees.

An unofficial test of his action in January showed the flex, while still above permissible levels, had reduced to 16-19 degrees.

He had played as a specialist batsman against New Zealand in the UAE ODIs, and is currently with the squad in Bangladesh as well. Pakistan play the final ODI of a three-match series tomorrow and then a T20 and two Tests. (Cricinfo)

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Windies women optimistic about Sri Lanka tour

Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies women’s captain, Merissa Aguilleira is expecting a tough tour of Sri Lanka in May.

The West Indies are scheduled to play five OneDay Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.

“It is going to be a hard series because we are playing for points. It is competitive cricket and every team shows up and you cannot underestimate them.

“Sri Lanka has been playing good cricket for the past few years and they have been constantly improving. We know we are going to meet some good competition down there but it is all about staying focused and mentally ready for what we have to do,” said Aguilleira.

The Windies captain credits the incorporation of

the Championship Points System by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the reason for the increased level of competition.

“It has changed cricket by a huge margin. Now

you have to go out there and make sure you get some points on the table because eventually you will have to play for a place in the World Cup. This has really raised the standard of the crick-

et and you have to go out there and play hard to make sure you get some points on the table. So I think it was a brilliant idea by the ICC and hopefully they can continue to come up with more,” the West Indies captain explained.

Regarding preparation of the team, Aguilleira was pleased with the build-up to the series and believes all the pieces are coming together.

“Well I think preparation has been good, even though the team has not been together. Right now everybody is training in their respective countries but things are okay now. The preparation has been good so far, I guess we are really looking forward to going out there and doing some damage,” she said.

Barca into 3rd consecutive

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eymar’s two goals saw Barcelona coast past Paris StGermain and into a third successive Champions League semi-final.

PSG, needing to overhaul a 3-1 deficit from the first leg, were torn apart by a dazzling Andres Iniesta run and assist for Neymar to score the first.

The Brazilian striker headed in his second before the break to open up a four-goal aggregate lead.

And Barca were rarely troubled in the second half as they pursue a first Champions League title since 2011.

Iniesta’s mesmerising skill for the opening goal will be remembered as one of the Champions League’s great assists, and it was indicative of Barca’s superiority over the two legs.

The Spanish World Cup winner collected the ball in his own half, before jinking past three PSG players, moving up the pitch and slipping the ball to Neymar, who easily eluded David Luiz and rounded keeper Salvatore Sirigu.

Barcelona’s second was more straightforward, as Dani Alves hooked in a

left-footed cross from the right and Neymar was gifted all the space he needed to flick in his 30th goal of the season.

PSG had hoped the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - not only to the line-up after a suspension, but to face his former clubwould inspire an unlikely comeback in Spain.

Samuels keeps...

They could be forgiven a certain amount of lethargy, having sent down 129.4 overs in the fourth innings in Antigua. Four days later they were back in the field, looking to make capital in conditions that were more receptive to swing bowling. Lingering cloud cover and the dampness of the surface, which placed a heavy tax on run-scoring, encouraged Cook to attack with the ball. Ramdin admitted he would have done the same.

The teams had travelled south to the Windward Islands for the second Test and the more tropical conditions were in evidence as only an hour’s play was possible on a showery morning. Heavy overnight rain had cleared before the scheduled toss but further squally weather delayed the start by an hour

and 45 minutes.

The line of England’s attack was not as threatening as it could have been but they removed both openers inside 14 overs - though Devon Smith was perhaps unfortunate to be given out caught behind after appearing to hit the ground whilst driving.

In Jordan’s second over, Smith was put down by Gary Ballance, stationed at leg gully for the flick off the padsthe chance was a sharp one but Ballance, having got one hand to the ball, might have been expected to hold on - but the batsman did not last much longer, given out attempting an expansive cover drive three balls later. He elected not to review and although replays suggested he had not hit it, without Hot Spot or the Snickometer, overturning the

decision would not have been straightforward. There was no doubt about the delivery that cleaned up Brathwaite, which was vintage Anderson. His first over, a series of gentle outswingers, barely touched 80mph, although Brathwaite edged the final delivery on the bounce to second slip. Tired, Jimmy? No, just getting warmed up. He started his second over with a banana ball that nearly knocked Brathwaite off his feet, swerving in late from well outside off to hit middle and leg. Test wicket No. 385. That hinted at a potential clatter of wickets but there was little to rouse a healthy crowd, disappointed at the failure of Smith, the first Grenadian to play a Test at the ground. At least until Samuels’ riposte. (Cricinfo)

But the Swede was an isolated figure up front, only briefly coming to life in the first half when he slotted home an effort that was disallowed for offside. He then forced Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to make a save when the game was already out of the visitors’ reach.

Edinson Cavani, who touched the ball fewer times in his 80 minutes on the pitch than Barca’s half-time substitute Xavi, skewed wide PSG’s best opening late on.

But Luis Enrique’s La Liga leaders could afford some sloppy moments in a second period that fizzled out, and the Catalan side advance into the last four of the competition off the back of a run of one loss in their last 25 games. (BBC Sport)

YBG Regional Conference Berbice... France, Wills dominate; lead teams to win

Action in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Berbice Regional Conference tipped off on Monday with two exciting games.

Individual performances were the key to both games as Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) topped Vrymens Erven 3120, while New Amsterdam Multilateral School defeated New Amsterdam Technical Institute 34-24.

In game one featuring BEI and Vrymens Erven, Shamar France was a oneman show, scoring 22 of his team’s 31 points to lead them to victory. France also recorded four rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the dominating display.

Mark Wilson was the best scorer for Vrymens Erven with eight points while grabbing five boards and three steals.

Game two featured another dominating display of

Shamar France drops an easy lay-up

individual brilliance, this time by Neil Wills, who scored 17 of his team’s 34 points. Wills also had six rebounds and two steals in the winning effort.

The tournament will con-

tinue with a number of other conferences starting during the course of the week, while the Georgetown Conference will tip-off on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 16:00h.

Smythfield Rockers shut down NA Rockers 36-29

Smythfield Rockers came from behind to win their opening game of the MPG Packaging Plant Basketball Tournament at the Fyrish Court in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.

Defence was the key in the fourth quarter as Smythfield limited NA Rockers to one point in the final quarter that allowed them to pull off the win.

Led by a game-high 10 points from Shimroy McKenzie, who was playing his first game for the Rockers since switching from the Warriors, Smythfield outscored NA 12-1 in the final minutes.

At the end of the first quarter, Smythfield trailed 15-6, but closed the gap to just two by the end of the first half with the score on 20-18.

The Rockers in action on Sunday night

With both teams locked on 28 points to start the final period, the defence of Smythfield made it hard for NA to convert their plays on the offensive end of the court.

Tyrone Dey scored eight points and Denyson Fraser five for the winners, while Kevin Thom had nine points, Teopmelos Bess seven points and Edmar Semple six points for the losers.

2J’s General Store sponsors MVP for Busta Soft Shoe Tournament

The 2J’s General Store has opted to come on board with the Busta Soft Shoe Tournament by sponsoring the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize on Tuesday at the Store’s Regent Street location.

The MVP prize will be a cash incentive of $50,000 for the best player of the tournament.

Fernleaf,

Troy Mendonca, Director of the Petra Organisation, which is the organiser of the Tournament, was grateful for the contribution from the well-known general store.

“We believe in rewarding the persons who entertain the crowd or fans and we are happy that 2J’s are donating the MVP prize,” Mendonca stated at the simple handing-over ceremony.

Supervisor of the General Store,

Barnwell noted 2J’s

in partnering with the Tournament, stating that the company was “happy” to join with Busta and donate the prize.

The knockout stage of the Tournament will start during the upcoming weekend at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

GFF get women back on the field

Women football is back on the front burner following the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Fest sponsored by Fernleaf last Sunday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base, Camp Ayanganna.

The event was the second of two Awareness Outreach programmes that the GFF has used to get women ‘kicking’ again. “It was important for us to get together a sample of young women from various regions out playing, talking about football again, and Fernleaf helped us do that,” said GFF Technical Director Claude Bolton.

He was adamant that the “first precept of development has to be fun; that’s what today was about”. From the abundance of smiles on the field, fun seemed to have been had by all.

Meanwhile, the GFF will formally introduce its Next Generation Project Technical Plan today.

“This endeavour clear-

ly places at the forefront of Guyana football development the areas of grassroots, youth, women, and coaching education,” a release from the GFF was quoted.

New Amsterdam teacher Onefa George, who participated as a player in the

Fernleaf GFF Women’s Fest, praised the event.

“[It was] very encouraging. It was nice to see so many young players out. As a woman and a teacher, it is good to see that sport is still alive among women…this can be a catalyst for women to step up and carry it further,” she said.

The participants were also treated to a quick hello from the GFF Senior Men’s Team Head Coach, Jamaal Shabbazz. The Golden Jaguars Coach then stayed on to scout the Under-23 exhibition match between Berbice and East Demerara that followed, as he is looking to assemble a squad for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers.

“The GFF is looking forward to having a continued working relationship with Fernleaf and other corporate sponsors as we keep women’s football in the forefront of our footballing community with more events soon to come,” the GFF said.

IAAF will not ban Russia over doping claims – Lamine Diack

RThe competition continues on Sunday with Canje Knights taking on Rose Hall Jammers at the Area H Ground. The Jammers have already secured a win, while Canje will be playing their first game.

ussia will not be banned from major competitions because of allegations of a systematic doping programme, athletics’ governing body has said. A German TV documentary alleged last year that as many as 99% of Russian athletes had been guilty of doping.

The International

Association of Athletics Federations and the World Anti-Doping Agency are investigating.

But IAAF president Lamine Diack said suggestions Russia could be excluded from major events were “a joke”. Diack, who will stand down in August after 16 years in the role, added: “They are in. They are in.

It’s a great nation of athletics.”

In January, Russia’s anti-doping agency suspended five athletes who compete in the walk, including three Olympic champions.

The same month, Russian heptathlete Tatyana Chernova was banned for two years for doping by the Russian antidoping agency. (BBC Sport)

Guyana Football: Maynard would relish national call-up

Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard would consider accepting a call up to the Guyana national football team should the country seriously put forward an offer.

The former West Ham United player believes the move would be a great opportunity to expand his career.

“It is an opportunity I would seriously consider and accept if I am approached to do so. Playing international football is a huge privilege, and it would be an honour to be involved in the World Cup Qualifiers,” Maynard said.

Guyana will be playing St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Round 2 action of the 2018 World Cup

Nicky Maynard

qualifiers in June, in and a home and away series.

“Once the paperwork is filled and I get a passport sorted out then that would be a day to rejoice and to

represent Guyana. Let us see how things progress. I still have a few games left with Cardiff City, so in May I will think about it.” (Digicel SportsMax)

GABA launches...

However, no monetary prize will be awarded to the winners in the roundrobin tournament, which will see teams playing at least five games to accumulate points. According to Hercules, GABA and main sponsor ANSA McAL, under the Mackeson brand, is aiming to develop the sport at the club level.

“There will be no monetary prize per say for this tournament, but what we, along with ANSA McAL, want to do is develop the clubs by giving the winner of this tournament 10 Spalding balls and looking at specific needs of that club in order to develop them.

“We want to host three competitions throughout the year and the final one, which will be our league, will have cash incentives,” Hercules noted.

The tournament will stretch out for 51 games with matches set for Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, there will also be an Under-23 aspect to the tournament with teams playing at least four games apiece.

Meanwhile, GABA has also partnered with the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) in order to help promote its “Vote like a boss” campaign.

Caricom, WICB...

“We also agreed that we will have a joint press release from the West Indies Cricket Board and of course the Prime Minister’s team,” Prime Minister Mitchell told the media at the end of the meeting.

“I believe we have reached a positive conclusion which will chart the way forward. We will be working together with the board and all concerned to move West Indies cricket forward.”

Prime Minister Mitchell chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, the current Caricom chairman; Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

All 18 directors of the WICB, including President Cameron and Vice President Emmanuel Nanthan, along with Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead and Corporate Secretary Verlyn Faustin met with the Caricom Committee which also included Caricom Secretary General Irwin

LaRocque.

“I think the meeting was very productive. We have agreed a way forward and a joint release will be issued. So you will get the details very shortly,” said Cameron.

“I think the meeting was very positive. We have a shared vision. All of us want to see West Indies cricket back at the top and we are committed to making this happen.”

The two sides were expected to discuss the abandoned tour of India last October, the reform and governance of West Indies Cricket, and the relationship between the Caricom Committee on Cricket Governance and the WICB.

Also in attendance were West Indies cricket legends who met with the four Caricom Prime Ministers earlier in the day at the same venue.

Reports from inside that meet say the legends - Andy Roberts, Sir Vivian Richards, Deryck Murray, Wes Hall , Gordon Greenidge , Sir Garry Sobers and Michael Holding on the telephone from Miami and the

Green re-elected GAPF President

The incumbent, Peter Green has been returned as President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) following that body’s Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers last weekend.

There were few changes to the executive with John Edwards returning as Vice President and Edwin Spencer being voted in for another term as General Secretary.

Dr Osmond Mack has replaced Deon Dutt as Treasurer of the Federation, while Denroy Livan takes over from Paul Adams in the post of Public Relations Officer/Organising Secretary.

The Committee Members are Karl Marks, Jagdesh Budhram and Winston Stoby. Marks and Budhram have replaced Erwyn Smith and Wendell McPherson on the executive.

persons are asked to register with International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) certified referees John Edwards and Gordon Spencer. National referees and coaches are invited to attend as well.

A representative of the Non-Governmental Organisation, Tricia Teekah, who noted that the body was not affiliated to any political party, said the campaign has two objectives: to educate first-time voters on the process of voting as well as educate all voters on the importance of their vote.

The partnership between the two organisations will allow promotional exchanges by both groups for their respective events.

The tournament is slated to start today at the Burnham Hard Court from 18:00h, with two games –Knights versus Colts and Pacesetters versus Patriots.

Prime Ministers - were united on the need for change in the Governance structure of the WICB.

“Today was a very important one for West Indies cricket in the sense that we had the views and of course clear passion of the legends that have built West Indies cricket,” Mitchell said.

“They were here with us and expressed strong support for moving this process forward and eventually we were able to meet with the board to express the view for the necessity for change and I think we have reached a conclusion in that respect.”

The second meeting brought Cameron face to face with Prime Minister Gonsalves who criticized the WICB chief following the abandoned tour.

However both men were cordial to each other and were heard engaging in occasional friendly banter before and after the session.

The meetings occurred on the eve of the second Test match between West Indies and England, due to start at the Grenada National stadium on Tuesday. (CMC)

Green, who is now in his eighth year at the helm, thanked the outgoing members for their voluntary service and also expressed gratitude to those who have shown the vested confidence in him to serve another term as President.

The season will start with a referee/coaching clinic soon and interested

The scheduled clash of champions is set for May 1, with registration closing on April 24. Lifters eligible for the competition are asked to register with Denroy Livan or John Edwards.

“The clash of champions will give lifters the added opportunity of making qualifying marks for the Pan American and Commonwealth championships set for September and

December respectively, as well as setting new national records,” a release from the GAPF stated. Intermediate and Masters Competitions are set to follow, along with Power Bashes, featuring events in Linden, Berbice and Demerara. There will also be the introduction of visually impaired and blind competitions among eight lifters, who have been training under the guidance of Andrea and Erwyn Smith.

“With the Paralympics on the radar, the lifters have been responding admirably and are expected to make their mark soon,” the GAPF release concluded.

Samuels keeps England at bay

At the end of another day of hot, sweaty toil, West Indies had provided another show of the character that Phil Simmons hopes to instil in this side. The scene had moved from Antigua to Grenada but West Indies, thanks to an innings of discipline and application from Marlon Samuels, were once again feeling in the pink. England were left looking a little bit red and a little bit ragged, despite only having to get through 70 overs after rain cut the morning session in half.

The portents had been more promising for England, after winning the toss and inserting West Indies in helpful conditions. Having called correctly, Alastair Cook then received a second stroke of luck, with the news that Jerome Taylor, who menaced England's top three in the first Test, had been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

When James Anderson produced a sonic-booming inswinger in his second over to remove Kraigg Brathwaite it appeared everyone had received the script. The sight

of England's leading Test wicket-taker bending the ball adroitly in either direction was doubly heartening for the tourists, after his struggle for lateral movement in Antigua. Chris Jordan, too, had an early success but England's four-man seam attack was only intermittently probing. If their figures looked tidy enough, this was as much

down to the batsmen not being required to play, as anything particularly unplayable. Cloud cover remained throughout the day but the feeling persisted that their lengths had not been full enough to exploit it. A couple of dropped catches added to the sense of frustration.

West Indies were in need of some doughty defiance and it came from an unex-

Caricom, WICB reach agreement

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Caricom committee on cricket governance say they have ended a “productive” meeting where an agreement has been reached on “the way forward” for West Indies cricket. However both parties have declined to comment on the specifics of the agreement following their meeting which ran for nearly five hours at the upscale Spice Island Beach resort in Grenada’s southern tourist belt late Monday.

WICB president Dave Cameron and Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said details of the agreement will be contained in a joint press release to be issued on Tuesday.

turn to page 23

pected quarter. Samuels' dismissal as they attempted to salvage the Antigua Test bore the mark of lazy profligacy so often associated with his batting but on this occasion he showed the stomach for a fight - noticeably so during some feisty exchanges with Ben Stokes in the evening session.

Having taken 21 balls to get off the mark, Samuels

battled through to a halfcentury and finished the day six runs shy of a seventh Test hundred.

He spun the wheel on occasion - too much self-denial is not good for such a carefree soul - but was blessed by fortune, surviving an lbw review against the returning Moeen Ali on umpire's call and then dropped by Cook at first slip on 32, driving at Jordan. By then, Cook surely knew his own luck had run out.

England did succeed with a review against Jermaine Blackwood, shortly after Stuart Broad had missed a chance off his own bowling, but Samuels opened up his shoulders during an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with his captain, Denesh Ramdin. From 44 off 139 balls, Samuels hit 50 from his next 47, his blade flashing in more familiar style; when their fifty partnership came up, Ramdin had contributed four.

It was a position of security that looked unlikely earlier on. Dotted all over the hills surrounding the National Stadium in St George's are houses built on

stilts. With the ball darting around, the footing for West Indies' batsmen was equally precarious. Runs were hard to come by and both openers fell before lunch; England claimed two more in the middle session, though this time they were firmly ascribed to batsman error. Darren Bravo had twice edged Anderson short of the cordon during his first spell - a sign that the pitch was not overly quick - but he buckled up and left well until inexplicably guiding Broad to slip after two hours of hard work in seeing off the new ball. Shivnarine Chanderpaul then scooped a full Stokes delivery into the hands of Moeen , diving forward at point, and West Indies were indeed wobbling at 74 for 4.

Stokes had jarred his left knee while fielding midway through the second session but he was able to bowl and touched 90mph. His combative approach, mixing in the odd full toss and overzealous overthrow, was welcome, with England's bowlers otherwise seemingly affected by the soporific atmosphere.

GABA launches “King of the Hard Court”

By TreisTon Joseph

Georgetown

Basketball Association (GABA)

of 2015 which is being dubbed the “King of the Hard Court” on Tuesday in the boardroom of Starr Computer in Brickdam. At the launch, President of the Association, Junior Hercules noted that the tournament was birthed out of the need for an official hard court champion coupled with the fact that the Georgetown teams will be officially seeded out of the tournament.

its first tourna-