Guyana Times Daily - May 27, 2015

...salutes workers as true pioneers of struggle ...announces 52 National Awardees

Pres Granger inaugurated before mammoth crowd Thousands

Sir Shridath urges end to political division

1 dead after boat crashes into tree at Akawini Man stabbed to death at rum shop during row MMU reports... 6 TV stations cited for breach of media code SASOD hosts 6th AIDS candlelight memorial

WEDNESDay, may 27, 2015 | guyaNatimESgy.com

Cuba to help Guyana “salvage” sugar industry

The Cuban Government will work with Guyana to help salvage the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said.

Nagamootoo made the comments following a meeting with Cuban Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Sugar and Agriculture, Ulises Rosales del Toro who is currently in Guyana as a special guest to share in the country’s 49th Independence celebrations. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the Prime Minister pointed out that part of their discussion was centred on areas of interest, particularly in the field of agriculture. He added that Cuba will work with Guyana in a joint effort to “help salvage our sugar industry”.

Further, he noted that Guyana will continue to work with Cuba to complete ongoing projects and programmes. He also thanked the Vice President for all

the assistance that Guyana has been receiving from the country over the years since 1976, primarily in the area of medicine.

In addition, PM

Nagamootoo expressed his joy over the fact that the tension between Cuba and the United States of America is finally “thawing” out. He added that he

has met many dignitaries of Cuba, but it was an honour for him to meet a hero of the Cuban people. Meanwhile via his interpreter, Vice President del Toro said that the two countries will seek to strengthen their relationship which they have established and improved greatly over the years. He added that he was delighted to be in Guyana and share in the country’s independence celebrations. The Minister described the relations between the two countries, and their people as magnificent.

Distress

Only on Monday, GuySuCo reportedly threatened to shut down operations across estates owing to the lack of funds, which has affected its ability to pay staff. This announcement was made by the labour unions representing sugar workers – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

The two unions in a joint release said they were informed at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh on Monday that the Corporation was unable to pay senior and junior staff members this month’s salary. According to the release, Singh said the Corporation may have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from Sunday unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a few days.

“Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO explained all employees – waged and salaried –except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday), May 31, 2015,” the unions expressed in the release.

The CEO also advised the unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. GAWU and NAACIE be-

lieve that the ceasing of operations by the Corporation would further jeopardise the state of the industry and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two unions hope that the new Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operations at this crucial time.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday evening, GAWU President Komal Chand said the new Administration needed to at this time be clear on its intentions for the sugar industry in Guyana. He said while the CEO needed to provide answers on the financial dilemma being reported, as he sees it, millions of dollars are urgently needed in the industry or else there could be a major collapse.

He said the President David Granger-led Administration needed to come clean on its plans, particularly in light of threats made at its political campaign before the General and Regional Elections that there might be a major shutdown of the industry.

The Corporation’s CEO, when contacted by this publication Monday evening, said he had nothing to say on the matter, since he nor GuySuCo did not issue the release.

Efforts to contact new Agriculture Minister Noel Holder were also futile, although he indicated in another section of the media that he was informed by the CEO of the situation and said the industry would be financed.

The Corporation on Friday said that it had missed its first-crop target by over 5000 tonnes of sugar and blamed it on bad weather. It said at the close of the first crop, the Corporation had achieved some 81,194 tonnes, some 5007 tonnes below target. The industry had set a first-crop sugar production target of 86,201 tonnes.

wednesday, may 27, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from

Wednesday, May 27 – 12:30h-14:00h and Thursday, May 28 – 13:30h-15:00h

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

Wednesday, May 27 – 11:20h-12:50h and Thursday, May 28 – 12:25h-13:55h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Wednesday, May 27 - 07:00h, 10:00h and 16:00h

Thursday, May 28 – 05:00h, 10:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected in the morning and early afternoon, with heavy rain showers expected in the late afternoon. Thundery showers can again be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 05:08h and 17:49h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 1.01 metres respectively.

Presidential inauguration Poverty greatest challenge to Guyana’s growth – Granger

By Gomatie GanGadin

overty remains one of the major challenges to the growth and development of the country, President David Granger told a mammoth crowd at his inauguration at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara Tuesday evening.

Granger said that while the country was now celebrating its 49th Independence Anniversary and has indeed come a far way, there are several things which currently pose a threat to the country’s rate of growth and development. He listed the high rate of crime which is being perpetuated almost on a daily basis, the level of illiteracy and innumeracy among the young people, the pre-

to cast aside racial and ethnic differences, in a bid for national unity.

“We cannot celebrate Independence without talking about the challenges we face. We must talk about them .… we must resolve to

must now look to the future … We must now turn our energies into defeating the real enemy of the people – that is crime, disease, ignorance and poverty,” the Guyanese leader told the thousands in attendance.

dominance of diseases and last but not least, poverty.

The President said that the election process has ended, a new Government has been put in place and it is now a collective task which must be undertaken to see that the eradication of poverty becomes a reality. This was even as he called for Guyanese to become one and

work together to forge one nation, one destiny, for ourselves, and for generations to come … we cannot become a united nation if we are divided … majority of Guyanese yearn for national unity ... Elections are behind us … our Constitution has been glorified, our democracy has been fortified, our people are gratified. We

Man kills self after stabbing brother-in-law

An Indian national went berserk taking his own life on Tuesday evening after stabbing his brother-in-law several times at their home in D’ Aguiar Park, Georgetown.

The dead man has been identified as Ashook Singh reportedly in his late 30’s while the injured brother in law is Harkirat Virk, the IT Director attached to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. Virk is nursing stab wounds to the neck and has been admitted to a private medical facility. His condition is listed as stable.

Based on information received, Virk, his wife and their baby were having dinner at about 20:00h when the now dead man rushed into the house and attacked him with a knife. After stab-

bing the man to the back of his neck, Singh turned the knife on himself inflicting stab wounds to his head and upper body.

Singh died almost immediately while Virk was rushed to a medical facility. Guyana Times understands that the mentally ill man recently went to the family’s home and threatened to kill them. The sister told media operatives that the entire incident could have been avoided only if health professionals had helped her brother when he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The aggrieved sister also made several complaints to the police about her brother’s threatening behaviour but nothing was done. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

He further noted that while the eradication of poverty in Guyana was a difficult task, it was by no means insurmountable. To this end, Granger said that his Government would work on ensuring that sensible public policies and systems were in place to ensure that the less fortunate, the poor and the needy were given a piece. “Poverty is not an act of God … poverty can be reduced if we put sensible public policies in place to address it. Guyana is a great country. There is no need for us to be poor in such a bountiful country like Guyana. There is enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but there is never enough to satisfy everyone’s greed. There are many who sacrifice the needs of many for the greed of a few…but Independence

Day today creates a new chapter for us,” Granger told the packed Guyana National Stadium.

Additionally, he noted that the education system can be partially blamed for the level of poverty and crime in the country, since the system had failed many. To this end, however, Granger promised that his Government was assiduously working on ensuring that this was not only fixed but that it was done in the earliest possible time. Continuing further on the point of illiteracy and crime, Granger then told the crowd of his decision to pardon some 60 young persons who were convicted and were serving short jail sentences. He related that the aim of the pardons, which were given to persons between the ages of 18 and 25, was to ensure that they get back to school, be educated and equipped with skills to achieve earning power since they too may have been victims of poverty situations.

National unity

Meanwhile, the Guyanese leader expressed to the crowd his fervent desire of seeing national unity and reconstruction now that elections in the country have come to an end, decrying political, racial and ethnic discrimination. “Let us now put our rivalries and our antipathies behind us. Let us look forward to making this big, beautiful and bountiful land the best place in the entire Western Hemisphere to live,” he said.

Granger restated that his administration would reach out and engage other political parties, trade unions, Private Sector and civil society to arrive at a national consensus programme in an effort to move the country forward even as he pledged to be the best President he can be for all of the people of the country.

“We shall establish cordial relations with civil society, with religious organisations and with the trade unions. We have the responsibility to restore the integrity and the viability of working peoples and Non-Governmental Organisations which have been gravely undermined.”

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

Rebuilding national unity

President David Granger came to power in Guyana by campaigning on a promise to deliver positive socioeconomic change and a Government of national unity that would heal the country, create higher levels of inclusivity and bring ethnic harmony and cohesiveness.

Since his entrance in the PNCR back in 2010 at the primaries, Granger has been talking about the need to make Government and politics people centered. This no doubt motivated him, along with the blessings of the top brass of the PNC/R which was still being controlled by Robert Corbin, to form the coalition movement under APNU

After six years in opposition, Granger has finally succeeded in becoming President despite the fact that a dark cloud is hovering over the legitimacy of his presidency because of claims by the PPPC’s that the May 11 elections were rigged.

He continues to pay lip service to the notion and meaning of the formation of a Government of National Unity. Similarly, President Granger has over the past two weeks since being sworn in made a mockery of the concept of inclusionary democracy.

Granger knows there can be no inclusionary democracy or national unity achieved without the PPPC. It is disappointing that he has not seen it fit to explain what he means when he invited the PPPC to join the “unity train” and “work in unity for Guyana’s development”.

He should have exercised more seriousness and invited the PPPC to form part of his cabinet, if he is really interested creating a unified country. He should have initiated talks with former President Donald Ramotar about working together.

Granger should have also called on GECOM to conduct a forensic audit of the elections results given the complaints and accusations being made by the PPP/C, especially if he was certain about the fairness and accuracy of the results declared by GECOM.

He should have by this week sent a frank message to all Guyanese that his administration would not tolerate any form of covert or overt racism especially from his supporters. He has used all sorts of rhetoric to escape issuing outright condemnation to attitudes being displayed by some of his own supporters to supporters of the PPP/C who have been complaining about the verbal abuse and torment they are made to face daily.

Granger has to focus on building trust in the society by working with the PPPC to temper the fears that East Indians in this country have about the PNCR.

He has announced a 26-member Cabinet of Ministers with an average age of 55.6 years and 1, 445 years altogether. There was no consultation, for the most part, with other coalition partners as to the outline of his government and who would be best suited to serve in what post.

He went ahead and created new, renamed and subsumed ministries without consultation with the public or civil society, creating a bureaucratic monstrosity and confusion amongst the populace.

No proper explanation is forthcoming for these ad hoc changes, but the public relations czars in his Government have been painting him as a leader promising to consult with the populace and all stakeholders before making major decisions.

President Granger appears to have a vision for creating unity in Guyana but he will shortchange himself over the next five years if he does not share that vision clearly with the populace so that they could understand it, critique it and improve it.

Over the next few months, the Granger government must consult with the people and must end this culture of highhandedness which is becoming evident, given the manner in which governance is being administered since May 11.

National unity and inclusivity means the period of campaigning is over and it is time for the Government to give life to all of the governance proposals they are articulated on the campaign trail, including meaningfully involving the PPP/C in their plans for Guyana.

The false perception of unity in Guyana

Dear Editor,

We saw celebrations in the streets and a large gathering at Parliament as a new President was sworn in.

The President declares that the country is unified and people can now live in prosperity, completely ignoring the rigging of the elections and the fact that a majority of the voters did not vote for him.

But APNU cannot and will not be able to unite this country, because in the first three days of taking power through unfair means, they drove the dagger of divide deeper into the racial separation more than any other time in history.

And even though they would want to disclaim themselves from the behaviors of the ones that intimated, harassed, molested and

bullied the PPP/C supporters, they were the very supporters that APNU preached to during the campaign and used to help them to unfairly take this country.

Real unity will be realized with the future PPP/C because we are the only true democratically elected and first party of Guyana that has always been rooted in true unity along racial, class and cultural lines. And unity will only be realized in a democratic process, not a rigged one.

As a supporter of the PPP/C, I have resolved to fight for all Guyanese and forgive those who trespassed against us, because as a forward thinking Guyanese I know reactionary politics only leads to a Nazi like state.

And based on what is

happening on social media and on the streets of Guyana we can already see clear evidence of vengeance and reactionary behavior with more than half the population now living in fear.

The scars of what happened in these elections will remain for years to come and it will take a truly visionary and fair leader who will have the Ghandi like ability to forgive and truly lead all Guyanese and that leader is not Granger.

To the racial and right wing elements of the PPP/C, please remember that your greatest betrayal have come from your own race. As you can see in these elections the final defeat in battle came from our closest Indian comrades who drove the dagger into our chest.

The same people you

looked up to for leadership, guidance and trust to come into your homes, helped to kill democracy on May 11. This is a clear sign that race no longer have a place in politics of Guyana, instead we must trust the leadership ability and loyalty of anyone from any race that has demonstrated the gift to lead fairly. It is up to you to decide if you will remain in this perpetual cycle of destructive “tit for tat” or you take the high road and move into prosperity as a unified country, which will not come with APNU. Because I guarantee you that we will never see the light of real unity with rigged elections, racial divide and reactionary politics. The PPP/C will rise again in unity and peace.

Malcolm Watkins

Bartica youth organisation will be contesting LGE

Dear Editor,

A large numbers of residents of Bartica in Region 7 are continuously meeting and requesting that the Bartica United Youth Development Youth Group (BUYDG) contest the Local Government Election (LGE) as soon as the new APNU+AFC government fully completes and assents to the Bills that will facilitate a smooth process in conducting the LGE.

The APNU+AFC promised in their 2015 manifesto that within its first 100 days in office they will announce a date and assent to the Bills for holding of LGE.

The residents stated that providing the APNU+AFC government fulfil their LGE promise, they will come out in their numbers and vote

for the BUYDG at the LGE election. The residents also stated that they are pleased with the work done over the years by the BUYDG and they believe that it should become part of local government body which will be tasked with the responsibility to make decision to develop Region 7.

Residents believe a lot of residents will vote for the APNU+AFC party which will win seats, but they are certain that the BUYDG will also win seats, and both APNU+AFC and BUYDG will take part in carrying out local government functions.

Some of the residents stated that the region’s local government body should mainly be made up of nongovernment organizations instead of political parties,

since political parties are already governing the country.

The executive body of BUYDG met last week and has agreed to the residents’ request for BUYDG to contest the LGE.

The BUYDG is a non-political and non-governmental organization made up of only residents of Bartica and the wider Region 7, including youths, retired head teachers, high school students and teachers, business owners and managers, public bus and taxi drivers, trade unionists, small gold miners, and a number of unemployed persons, among others.

The BUYDG’s objectives are to stay out of politics and focus on addressing all issues affecting Region 7.

Over the years, BUYDG has always stood by the side of the residents, pushing for development within Region7 and dealing with matters that are affecting their welfare.

The PPP/C had promised in their 2011 manifesto to hold LGE but failed to do so.

LGE has not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, LGE was held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because they had coincided with the general and regional elections of 1997.

Not holding LGE is a breach of democracy and the laws of Guyana, knowing that the Constitution provides for LGE to be held every three years.

Micah Williams BUYDG

Executive forgiveness is laudable

Dear Editor,

Permit me the opportunity to foremostly express salutations to all Guyanese on this 49th Independence Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to congratulate President David Arthur Granger and the Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition for the recent victory at the May 11 polls.

This was a victory by the majority of voting Guyanese for all Guyanese. In the history of Guyana’s transition and evolution, this victory was timely. Guyanese are now ready to work with the Government to unite all the races, and provide the kinetic energy to move this nation

from potential to actual; from vision to reality.

This letter is essentially dedicated to the presidential pardon President Granger is set to exercise, forgiving 60 young persons between the ages of 18 and 24 serving sentences for misdemeanour and minor offences.

This act of executive forgiveness is laudable, and it sets in motion the pursuit of national healing, for forgiveness is a critical precursor to healing and change. It returns to those pardoned their freedom and independence on Independence Day.

It affords those pardoned an opportunity to turn their lives around, and reintegrate into mainstream society to become citizens who can work

toward developing themselves, families, communities and the country by extension.

Positioning itself as the truly transformational organ for every man, “reMAN” Guyana is a non-partisan non-governmental organisation that aims at repositioning the man to embrace leadership and responsibility, focussing primarily on boys 11 to 17, and men older.

This organisation is mandated to effect behavioural change and “transforMENtion” through:

1. The conduct of nationwide consultation and robust sociological research on issues that affect men, contributing to their behaviours;

2. The formulation of policies that cater to the re-

demption, re-education, reestablishment, reformation, rehabilitation, reinstatement, reinstitution, rejuvenation, reorientation, repatriation, reposition, and or restoration of the man;

3. Mentorship programmes for boys in schools and other institutions;

4. Workshops and seminars that seek to inspire the man to appreciate and embrace leadership and responsibility, and be convicted that he is the architect of all things good and acceptable, upon whom a favourable human existence depends;

5. Facilitation of governmental and international donor agencies interested in providing intervention;

6. The establishment

of an Outreach Council for Prisoners and Prison Warders, an Ex-Cons Reintegration Programme, a Single Fathers Foundation, and a Men’s Corps;

7. Initiatives that seek to reduce or eradicate crime, and positively shape the image of Guyana;

8. Sporting and recreational activities that cater to the all-round development of the man;

9. Representing the interest of the man at the appropriate stakeholder levels;

10. All other activities complementary to the fulfilment of the aforementioned objectives.

It is reMAN Guyana’s sincere hope that these 60 young Guyanese given a chance to

“go and sin no more” will become model citizens, lead exemplary lives and help to build our country, vindicating President Granger’s decision. Their motto should read: “You pardoned us, we partner you.” Mr President, this nation embraces you and your Administration, and reMAN Guyana looks forward to partnering with its Government to transform manhood in Guyana.

In order for there to be true development, we men will have do justice to our purpose, and honour our civic and moral duties to our women, children and to nation-building.

Alvin

A Doris reMAN Guyana

A review of Dr Ramesh Gampat’s “Guyana: From slavery to the present”

Dear Editor,

The history of health and disease in Guyanese historiography is a neglected area of research.

It is for this reason that Dr Ramesh Gampat’s recent two-volume book, “Guyana: From slavery to the present” (Volume 1: Health systems and Volume 2: Major diseases) is a major advancement in knowledge about public health ideas and systems since the time of African slavery and Indian indenture in Guyana.

Previous books and papers have touched on aspects of Guyana’s public health systems and diseases, and more recently a very limited number of peer-reviewed papers relevant to health and disease have been published, although study designs and methods, diminish enthusiasm for quality and significance.

However, to my knowledge, no previous book has been entirely devoted to the subject of health and disease stretching from slavery to present. Dr Gampat’s book is a major work. It is supported with a rich repository of endnotes, references, quotes from historical documents, policy ordinances, tables and charts, analyses and interesting perspectives.

There is an attempt throughout the book to demonstrate how diseases were radicalized; Volume 2 contains three chapters on malaria and another that calls attention to the public health implications of gold mining, the use of mercury and malaria.

Dr Gampat, who hails from the Essequibo coast, is a distinguished economist who has worked and travelled extensively in Asia as part of his previous work with the United Nations Development Programme.

This book has benefited considerably from his economist lens applied to public health. An interesting element of the book is that if offers an insight into rudimentary epidemiological techniques and scientific research in British Guiana.

Dr Gampat’s book not only provides an excellent historical survey of events, policies, interventions, and issues related to colonialism and culture, it also challenges estab-

lished assumptions and raises new questions.

It also provides interesting historical knowledge about the linkages between the Dutch, French, and the British. For example, women into fashion handbags would know the French brand name “Longchamps” but who would know that today’s Stabroek (a Dutch name) was a town called Longchams when the French was in control?

The book amply highlights the filth, poor sanitation, diseases, high adult and infant mortality rates prevalent in Georgetown and the rest of the country during slavery and indenture, and ongoing problems today.

Rubbish was dumped into rivers as is still the case today. Governors after governors passed ordinances to deal with health crises, but it was only in 1874 that a rudimentary form of medical care took root in the colony.

In 1847, Ordinance number 4 required planters to bear the cost of medical care for plantation immigrants. This led to the construction of hospitals on estates that resulted in a more systematic approach to medical care.

The next major advancement came with the setting up of state hospitals in Georgetown (Demerara), New Amsterdam (Berbice) and Suddie (Essequibo). A dietary scale was also introduced, one of which was labeled the “coolie diet”.

Using innovative quantitative estimation techniques, Dr. Gampat tried to estimate the nutrient content of the plantation hospital diet as well as the diet of indentured Indians using the USDA database of foods and nutrients.

While I think it is a very innovative approach, several methodological issues plague this estimation. Nevertheless, to my knowledge this is the first time such an estimate has been done and it should provide a window into the caloric and nutrient composition of British Guiana’s plantation hospital diet and the diet of Indians at least up to the end of Indian indenture in 1917.

There are also clues in Dr Gampat’s book about how health was used by the colonial authorities and plantation medical doctors to stig-

matize voiceless indentured Indians. During the 19th and 20th centuries Georgetown’s milk supply was a public health issue.

Indian vendors, who controlled the milk industry, were seen as filthy and contaminating the milk supply with “sewage” that caused disease. Once again it was the Europeans who were the experts, their audience Europeans, and the “coolies” inert objects of scrutiny and investigations.

This narrative was important because it shifted attention away from the “abyssal sanitation” problems in Georgetown that was the underlying reason for diseases. Milk supplied by the Indians became the convenient scapegoat.

An interesting aspect of the refinement of public health during colonialism in British Guiana was the several policy attempts to improve the health systems. Commissions of inquiries reported/documented incompetent medical personnel and breaches of medical practice on several plantations.

Medical transparency in the form of data collection and analysis were a feature of plantation medicine. “Registers” and “casebooks” were important sources of data. Disease incidence and prevalence rates, although crude, were made available.

These records would also provide insight into how diseases were viewed prior to the advent of the germ theory of disease in the 1890s.

We now know that improvements in sanitation and nutrition, not medications and surgical interventions, then, as it today all over the world, are the main drivers of disease etiology, disease prevention, and longevity.

In a desperate effort to reduce high mortality rates, especially infant mortality in Georgetown, a sewerage disposal system was built. This move is an example of innovative infrastructural public health advancement.

This sewerage system was designed by Howard Humphrey and Sons and was first commissioned in 1929, discharging in the mouth of the Demerara River. The sewerage network remains unchanged today since it was

first completed in 1929. This is a sad reminder of public health “progress” since independence.

In today’s post-colonial Guyana, medical practice is largely devoid of epidemiological investigations across the health care spectrum, including for example, for malpractice, exposure to harmful diagnostic radiation, utility of diagnostic testing, and data systems.

The lack of scientific research related to health and disease in Guyana today is terribly unfortunate considering that people like Dr George Giglioli in the 1920s to 1960s did pioneering research to identify the mosquito species that carry malaria, conducted trials with DDT against malaria, and played an impor-

tant role in attempts to control malaria with DDT.

Both Volumes 1 and 2 of Dr Gampat’s book have demonstrated that colonial power did not only sought capitalistic enterprise and natural resources; it also used imported “souls” in the British Guiana expansion and consolidation scheme.

In the process, diseases had to be attenuated and sanitation improved. Colonial rule also eventually led to structural changes linked to public health improvements.

It is unfortunate in 2015, our “modern Guyana” has the same, unchanged, sewerage system built in 1929 (in Georgetown), virtually no public health epidemiological research, and no known system to account for quality of

care or medical malpractice. I only hope that the health system becomes more transparent and data becomes publicly available for analysis and hypothesis testing. Only when the data is allowed to speak can advances be made.

Dr Gampat’s book is also a timely reminder of this public health need. Public health professionals, epidemiologists, economists, physicians, nursing professionals, historians, and academics would find Dr. Gampat’s book very important. The book is available on the world-wide web from such places as Amazon. com.

Dr Somdat Mahabir (Dr Mahabir is an Epidemiologist and Health Scientist)

wednesday, may 27, 2015|

Pres Granger inaugurated amid pomp, ceremony

By Bhisham mohamed

Thousands from near and far flocked the Guyana National Stadium for the inauguration of Guyana’s Eighth Executive President, His Excellency David Arthur Granger which was held to coincide with Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary.

It was a magnificent showcase of colours, creativity and talent, but, most of all, the outpouring of emotions, a spectacle that will last for a lifetime especially for the young children seen taking shelter under umbrellas during the intermittent downpours.

The Guyana National Stadium was bursting its seams as Guyanese assembled for an event that will be marked down as history. The stands of the stadi-

Sir

um were packed to capacity hours before the actual commencement of the rich cultural extravaganza.

Just about 15:05h, Emcee of the proceedings, Basil Bradshaw announced the first performer who is no stranger to Guyana after winning the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition in 2013, Ryan Hoppie. He took to the stage performing “Love and Unity”, a fitting rendition to get things rolling.

His performance certainly set the tone for the evening’s proceedings which saw the jubilant spectators waving the national colours with pride and joy on their faces. His performance was followed by that of Gavin Blackman who sang a remix of Eddie Grant’s “Johanna”. Reigning Calypso Monarch

Shridath

King Perai also did his part as he performed his winning song “Perai” dressed in his native garb including the Amerindian Headdress. As the cultural programme continued, the crowd erupted as Guyana’s own, Charmaine Blackman took to the stage singing her version of “Stand Up”. She made way for Reigning Chutney King Roger Hinds with his tune “Searching for a Larkhi” which even had the Heads of State and members of the diplomatic corps tapping their feet. Then the title song from the hit movie “Titanic” was sung by Jennifer Pereira, a Lindener who did justice to the lyrics and notes. As it came down to the formal proceedings, GMoney and Jovinchy out of Kross Kolors also performed

their pieces. At this time, the emcee handed over to Michella Abraham Ali for the formal aspect of the Inauguration ceremony. The formal session began with the guard of honour making its way into the Guyana National Stadium to loud applause from the crowd.

As they came to a halt after their parade, it was time for the arrival of the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. As his conveyance drove onto the grass lawns of the National Stadium, there were roars from the crowd. As he ex-

“Moses! Moses! Moses!”. Sita Nagamootoo was then escorted to her seat in the presidential box as her husband waited on the arrival of the President.

Granger’s entrance In similar fashion, Granger arrived to a thunderous roar from the crowd. He was greeted by the Prime Minister, and the top brass of the security services. As he exited, he waved to the crowd and made his way to greet his Ministers of Government who lined the field. Soon after, the President inspect-

by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings in Akawaio language followed by a welcome dance by members of the Amerindian Community, after which Hasting handed over a golden key to the Head of State which meant that he was inaugurated as the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Finally, as the curtains were pulled on the Inauguration Day celebrations, the skies were lit up by an excellent display of fireworks by the Guyana Defence Force. His

ited the white car with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, who looked stunning in a cream skirt suit, the Stadium went into an uproar. Both of them waved to the crowd who shouted

ed the Guard of Honour and took his seat where he was entertained by approximately 530 children decked in colourful attire. As the shadows lengthened, a prayer was done

Excellency joined by members of his Cabinet, visiting Heads of State, members of the diplomatic community and family all stood in awe as they witnessed the display.

urges end to political division

…says “national unity” must not be empty slogan

By Vahnu manikchand

As thousands of Guyanese braved the rain on Tuesday to witness the inauguration of Guyana’s eighth Executive President, David Granger, Sir Shridath Ramphal has challenged the newlyelected President and his A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government to work towards achieving national unity in Guyana, as he called for the end of political division.

Sir Shridath was at the time addressing the large gathering at the Guyana National Stadium where the country’s 49th Independence Celebrations and the inauguration were being held. He told the new Government that it has a challenging path ahead and as such national unity is imperative. “National

unity must not be an empty slogan but …an ethic of Government. I congratulate the coalition of parties that have taken a courageous first step in this direction, as I praise our people who have answered the question – “do you want us together or apart” – in a definitive way,” he stated. Nevertheless, Sir Shridath noted that this was not the end but the beginning of a journey that never ends, adding that the country’s aspirations must not end within its borders. He reminded that Guyana is also part of a larger community, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and as such, the Government should strengthen its ties with other Member States.

“We cannot be a model of good governance at home if we do not acknowledge that wider Caribbean homeland and give leadership in occupying together,” he noted. Sir Shridath said he witnessed the beginning of Guyana’s independence, as the country’s founding fathers aspired to live by the National Motto –

One People, One Nation, One Destiny. He pointed out that Guyanese were and will forever be “One People” despite the political gimmicks which tend to sway persons’ belief that

the motto is false.

The renowned diplomat noted that Guyana was on the verge of a great future with its human resources and the richness of its natural resources. He highlighted that the country’s future lay in the future of these very resources, cautioning that it would not be an easy ride. Furthermore, Sir Shridath declared that this 49th Independence Anniversary was symbolic since it embodied the inauguration of the country’s eighth Executive President.

The Guyanese born-diplomat outlined that even in his earliest days, President Granger has managed to spread unity among Guyanese; hence, their integration at the national event. He went on to urge the thousands of Guyanese, and to a larger extent the diplomatic corps, who were present at the inauguration ceremony to lend their

full support to the newlyelected President and his Administration as they worked towards fulfilling their promises made to the public. “The task (of cohesion of its people) is not impossible. Indeed, it is within our grasp, particularly in the grasp of our young people who want to build a future that looks forward and not backward to the past. Let this great nation now run swiftly … Let Guyana rise as a model of good governance in a framework of power, respect and shared ambitions.”

Sir Shridath ended his presentation by quoting the lyrics from two popular national songs saying “onwards, upwards may we ever grow together”, while asking the question “can we do it” and to a resounding positive response from the audience, he too shouted “yes we can!”

Thousands attend Babu Jaan meeting

...as PPP/C ups ante against GECOM for recount

By Nafeeza yahya aNd aNdrew CarmiChael

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has vowed to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) recounts all of the votes casted at the May 11 poll, as it ups the ante against the elections body during a public meeting held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant on Tuesday.

The party started its campaign to pressure GECOM to commit itself to a recount last week, and is now mobilising supporters countrywide to take the fight to GECOM, while at the same time asking for the resignations of its Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally. The PPP/C

gle until democracy is restored. Rohee said during the elections campaign, the PPP/C had given warning of some concerns it had in relation to GECOM. He said the party kept complaining to the GECOM but was paid no attention by Dr Surujbally, who he referred to as a betrayer. “Our greatest achievement since Independence... has been the right of the people to choose a Government of their choice. We are back to where we started. The PNC (Peoples National Congress) has been masquerading as APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) and has stolen your votes, but this time they will not be allowed to get away with it.”

Rohee said that the a

four Vice Presidents. “That is their idea of a clean and mean Government. What happened to former President Bharrat Jagdeo at Whim the other day is just the tip of the iceberg.” Nandlall noted that the new administrated has started to operate in a high handed and dictatorial manner. “The freed sixty criminals without any consultation with you the people, they created new Ministries without any consultation with you the people, they renamed the Convention Centre without any consultation with you, the people; that is dictatorship.” Nandlall said the cause is a just one to carry the fight to GECOM and promised to take the battle on the streets, in the National Assemble and to the courts.

is calling for Surujbally to resign saying that he has no integrity as the Commission’s Chairman.

Among those who addressed the rally were former President Donald Ramotar, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee. The rally preceded marches from Albion Estate Road and Whim Middle Walk, which met at Port Mourant Train Line Square where the rally was held. More than 2000 marched from Albion and some 600 from Whim.

According to Rohee, the party will continue its strug-

Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition cannot unite Guyana when hundreds of thousands of persons are being left out and so many saying they want their votes to be counted. “They don’t want to recount the votes because if they do, they know that the PPP will win,” Rohee said to shouts from the crowd.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall encouraged persons to stay resolute as the party is behind them. “The PPP/C will lead the struggle that is our main focus.”

Nandlall criticised the current administration for having 26 Ministers inclusive of

Meanwhile Ramotar, who delivered the feature address, assured the crowd that his party will not give up and will fight to the end to ensure that the democratically elected government is in power and not the “de facto APNU+AFC coalition”. Ramotar recalled the days of early independence when the PNC was in power. He said Guyana had the dubious distinction of being the only country to gain independence with a state of emergency in place. “Today we have a situation, not as bad as that, but a situation. If we do not continue to resist we will go back to that type of situation and therefore we

have to struggle once more for democracy in our country. Cheddi Jagan used to always say that you cannot have sustained social and economic development unless you have political democracy; it was impossible to have sustained growth and development. That is why it is very important for us to fight to ensure that General Elections must reflect the will of the people of our country, and this last election did not reflect the will of the Guyanese people. You voted for the PPP/C but we didn’t get our votes counted.”

The former President went on to highlight the inefficiencies of the electoral process and alleged collusion of GECOM in rigging the elections to give a favourable verdict for the coalition. He further went on to call on Dr Surajbally to resign, if not “we the people will have to demand or force him to resign”. “Comrades we are moving to the courts up for the first time since we had elections in over 20 years; we cannot get the proper results of the vote. Until now they haven’t told us how many thousands haven’t counted as yet. We ask them to give us results, to give us the election box by box …We asked them for Statements of Poll for every box. Up to now they can’t deliver that, and yet they talk about free and fair elections in this country. Only yesterday we had to move to the courts to demand

from them that they give us the count. If they say they have the macro results of the elections it means very clearly they have the results box by box why are they refusing to give the political parties”.

The former President spoke about the strides in democracy the PPP/C made since 1992, how the country was transformed, and what plans were in store to further develop the country if they were in power. Ramotar took timeout to speak about the sugar industry and assured the gathering that they will ensure that the Government follows their plan to transform the industry to ensure continuity for the thousands who depend on sugar for their living; the PPP’s plan is the

only one that can make sugar work. “There was a need to restructure the sugar industry and I had promised that when we would have won the elections, that the PPP/C Government would have given $20 billion to the industry so that it can survive and thrive. We have a blueprint plan for the industry. They more or less seem to want to abandon, and we understand that they now won’t be able to pay workers at the end of this week. We would have to put pressure on them to go back to our plan to save the industry. We will demand of them to go to our plan because our plan is the most viable plan to save the industry, and we depend on your support.”

Guyana Times photographer attacked and robbed in Diamond

Guyana Times photographer Marceano Narine was attacked and robbed on Monday night as he was making his way home through 8th Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Narine said he was just a mere five houses away from home when he was approached by a lone man on a bicycle who demanded he handed over his valuables. The incident occurred around 21:00h.

Narine explained that he put up a fight with his attacker, who eventually overpowered him and escaped with

his cellular phone and some $10,000 in cash. However, in his haste to get away, the robber left his bicycle behind.

Narine said he immediately took the bicycle to the Grove/Diamond Police Station where he subsequently made a report of the incident.

For some time now, residents residing in the Diamond/ Grove Housing Scheme have expressed grave concern about the many robberies occurring in the community at nights. In a previous report, several residents who spoke with this newspaper noted their disgust over the situation, pointing out that their complaints to Police in the community seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Residents have been calling for the establishment of street lights, noting that the community is too dark at night and is an ideal environment for criminals to prowl. They are also calling on the Police to check persons idling at bridges and street corners in the community, since they believe that some of those individuals are up to mischief. These simple measures, they believe, will help to reduce the robberies in their community, if not stop them completely

Guyanese dead, 3 injured in Brooklyn

One person was killed and three others were hospitalised when a car crashed into a pole on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn early Monday, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The driver, who is believed to be Guyanese, was dead on the scene of the 01:15h accident on the Erskine St exit ramp in the Spring Creek area, Police said.

First responders rushed the car’s three passengers to Brookdale Hospital, where one was in critical condition, according to cops.

NYPD officials didn’t identify any of the four victims of the single-car accident early Monday morning. Investigators examined the scene overnight.

2 men on bail for unlawful wounding charge

Two men were placed on bail on a charge of unlawful wounding by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Mahase Bisnauth and Michael Bisnauth of Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with an explanation and not guilty, respectively, to the charge which read that on December 21, 2014 at La Penitence, they maliciously and unlawfully wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Jamal Joe.

According to Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question at approximately 19:30h, the VC was walking along Middle Road, La Penitence, when the defendants approached him and an argument ensued over a female friend of the VC. Both of the accused subsequently started lash-

ing and stabbing the VC about his body.

Joe was then taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. A report was made to the Police, an investigation carried out, and the two accused were arrested. The VC is known to both of the defendants.

Addressing the court, Mahase Bisnauth told the Magistrate that the VC was in the habit of ‘interfering’ with him and threatened to shoot him on several occasions.

Subsequent to the reports being made, the defendant told the court that the VC confronted him at his home, shouting lewd profanities and calling him an “informer” because he reported him to the Police.

The defendant further alleged that a few nights later, he was heading to a nearby shop when the VC

and two other men attacked him and took away his belongings, including $15,000 and his bicycle.

He managed to escape, but the men followed him to his home and began throwing stones at his house, terrifying his relatives. The man further related that he had retrieved his bicycle from Chilly’s Bar, where his assailants had left it.

Sometime after, he was doing some gardening while his niece and nephew were riding his bicycle when one of the assailants passed by and terrified them. He said he then left to go to the shop where he met the VC who began to spew several profanities at him and threatened to kill him.

He claimed that the VC then attacked him with a piece of wood and he defended himself with the garden knife that he had in his possession; however,

he denied ever touching the VC with the knife itself.

He stated that he has no knowledge of how the VC sustained the wounds. He said some time during the scuffle the number two defendant, Michael Bisnauth, tried to part the fight, and thus got involved in the altercation. After listening to his account, the Magistrate recorded a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Defence Attorney Charles Ramson Junior told the court that the number one accused was simply acting in self-defence, while the number two accused was just being a Good Samaritan in attempting to break up the altercation.

An application for reasonable bail was made on this ground which was granted in the sum of $100,000 and $50,000, respectively for the defendants respectively.

Eyew tness Reality kicks in...

...in sugar

During the campaign there were all kinds of declarations on the sugar industry by the coalition - now the government and owners of GuySuCo.

They were going to shut it down. No! They were NOT going to shut it down. There were going to privatise it. They were going to share out the land to cane cutters. They were going to diversify into bio fuels and such like. What they weren't going to do was maintain the status quo.

Well, the time for "talk" is over and the time for "walk" has arrived. The new Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, must be scratching his head and wondering how come his Ministry deals with the largest number of Guyanese - 80,000 in sugar, another 100,000 in rice and probably 50,000 in other agricultural pursuits - and yet he wasn't given a "Junior Minister"!!

Patterson gets TWO junior Ministers to assist him in Public Works (now "Public Infrastructure") and Holder has to wing it alone?

So Holder's greeted with the news from the sugar unions that they, the representatives of the workers, were told by management the GuySuCo cupboard is bare! No money to pay workers. And he's surprised?

If he's such an agriculture maven, wasn't he following the news? Every Guyanese not consumed with the news of super athlete Bruce Jenner transforming himself into a woman knew that GuySuCo was on the ropes.

Wasn't it reported that the Co-Gen plant was sold to Wartsila to keep the factories grinding? Up to the point of Ministers being announced by the President, it'd been expected that Prime Minister and First Vice-President Nagamootoo would've also been given the substantive position of Minister of Agriculture.

After all he's been pontificating rather expansively on not only sugar, but on rice and coconuts and everything that sprouts from the ground. Agriculture, no? So is he going to hold Holder's hand for a while?

Now that those sugar workers aren't going to get their wages - even as they hear that Public Servants and Teachers and Nurses and Soldiers and Police are getting an across-the-board 10 per cent increase in salaries - the government in general and Nagamootoo in particular can expect some strained relations. To say the least.

Those cane cutters can be an ornery lot - as the PPP/C found out! This Eyewitness would sure like to know what the coalition's plan for sugar looks like.

And sugar's only the beginning. Didn't they agree with their rice farmer support group in Essequibo that prices for paddy was too low?

Mr Holder shouldn't be surprised in three months when the stiff hits the fan in that crop!

...on City Hall's lawlessness

There were also a lot of rhetoric during the campaign about the "rule of law". It seems what they were talking about - at least at City Hall - was the "ruin of law".

The "rule of law" simply means that the law in a particular area must be followed and must be applied fairly to all that falls within its ambit. Even to persons whom we may not like

Now what happened at City Hall to Town Clerk Sooba at the hands of Hamilton Greene was a traducing of the rule of law and a slap in the face of all law abiding citizens.

The Town Clerk is not a creature of City Hall and the City Council - she is part of the Local Government Ministry as defined by the Municipal laws of Guyana. She is also in charge of the City Constabulary.

The City Council has absolutely no authority to apply any sanction on the Town Clerk. Sadly, the City Constabulary went along with the illegality even though warned by the official.

And to invite the city rabble to jeer the official when she was hounded out? Even Hoyte never did this to Greene.

And HE had very good reason. Oh judgement!! Thou art fled....

Work together for a better Guyana

– Region 2 REO

…. at flag-raising ceremony

By IndrawattIe natram

Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam) Regional Executive Officer

(REO) Sunil Singh has urged his fellow Essequibians to continue to work in unity for a better Guyana. Singh was at the time speaking at the 49th Independence observance held in Region Two on Tuesday morning at the lawns of the Anna Regina Fire Station.

During Singh’s address, he said the struggle has to continue to ensure a progressive Guyana. “As Guyana achieves its 49th Independence, let us celebrate with pride, we need to continue on the same road our great leaders and foreparents struggled.”

Speaking to the disciplinary forces and school-

children specifically on Guyana’s Independence, the REO said that Guyana was no longer ruled by the Dutch and British and as such the nation should be proud of the milestone achievement. He explained that the struggle for Independence was a long one and cautioned Essequibians never to forget their past.

Singh pointed out that Guyana has been transformed and particularly Region Two has developed in all the sectors. He highlighted that education was free up to the University level as was the right to speak and worship: “Today we have freedom of speech, we are free to say what we want and also worship who we want. Guyana has achieved and we must continue along this path.”

In one of the highlights

of the programme, Singh –accompanied by G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands) Commander Kevin Adonis; Lieutenant Pete Da Silva; Head of Anna Regina Fire Station, Edoo Kalamadeen; and Deputy G Division Commander Roger Pilgrim –inspected the guard of honour. The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted immediately after the inspection.

The programme, organised by the Region Two administration to commemorate Guyana’s Independence, which was achieved on May 26, 1966, also featured songs, dances and poems.

The occasion was blessed by prayers from representatives of the three main faiths – Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

PYO condemns attack on Swami Aksharananda

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) of Guyana said it has noted the upsurge in alleged racial divisiveness following the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

“We have noted the increased levels of racial intolerance, race hate and a rebirth of cynical racism from reports in the mass and social media, as well as complaints made to our representatives. We wish to particularly condemn the most recent reported incident of abuse committed on one of the leaders in our society, Swami Aksharananda,” the PYO said.

The youth organisation said it is concerned about

the impact such occurrences will have on its membership and the wider Guyanese

public, as well as the notions of national unity and togetherness. “We have noted the silence of the Government on these acts of aggression, racial intolerance and bullyism, which are most times perpetrated by its supporters towards other Guyanese because of their perceived political affiliation and inclination. If this Government is truly concerned about national unity and inclusivity, it will speak out against these atrocities and race mongering in our society...We express regret at the incident involving Swami Aksharananda and call on all right thinking Guyanese to strongly condemn it.”

President to assent to all bills passed in 10th Parliament

The benefits of former Presidents will be a major target in the new Parliament, President David Granger has said as he promised to assent to all bills that were passed in the 10th Parliament, but were not assented to by former President Donald Ramotar.

During an interview on Monday, the President related that he was displeased with the current benefits which are in place for former Presidents. He noted that it was the taxpayers who were funding these and as such, it should be reasonable.

To this end, President David Granger said that the bill will be assented to by him since it was amended and passed in the 10th Parliament but was not signed into law by the then President, Donald Ramotar.

“We are going to be reducing the benefits in accordance with the bill which was passed by the National Assembly in 2013. It was passed but was not assented to. But I intend to assent to

President David Granger

it as it was passed..,” he related to media operatives.

Granger said that those bills which had been unanimously passed by the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament will receive his signature to ensure that they become law while the others, which were not passed or were not given due attention due to the prorogation of the Parliament, will be returned to the 11th Parliament for de-

bate and passage.

“Everything that was passed by the 10th Parliament but was not assented to will now have to be returned to the 11th Parliament, so I will have to cut benefits to which I am entitled. We introduced the bill because we felt that the whole bill was unfair. We have redrafted it and reintroduced a fairer bill, and I will be a beneficiary of that bill,” President Granger stated.

The benefits of former Presidents have been a contentious issue by the current Government when they were in Opposition. They had vowed that the matter will be given due attention when in the 11th Parliament. The National Assembly in 2013 passed a bill repealing the controversial 2009 Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act but was not signed into law by then President Donald Ramotar. Passed by acclamation, the bill which will also replace the law faced heavy opposition from the then PPP/C Government.

wednesday, may 27, 2015|

Brickery residents being forcefully evicted

Residents of Brickery on the East Bank of Demerara are voicing their dissatisfaction at the victimisation they are being made to endure at the hands of persons who are attempting to forcefully evict them from the land they are occupying. They claim that several men have been dismantling their homes, and threatening them when they try to stop the action.

According to the residents, they have been residing on the land for a number of years, during which they have faced several disputes over the land; however, this

is the first time that such attempts have been made.

Winston Lackna, a father of three, said he has resided at the same location all his life and before that, his parents occupied the land.

“I have been living here for countless years, now there are some guys just coming through and dismantling everyone’s houses,” a visibly upset Lackna explained. “There are 15 houses here and so far three have been demolished” he pointed out. According to Lackna, a year ago they were summoned to the High Court by an individual identified as

Feona Singh, who was acting as a representative of Isaacs Medical Association. He said that demands were being made for them to remove from the land, which Isaacs Medical Association claimed it purchased. However, during the court proceedings, no transport for the land was tendered and the case was dismissed. He then revealed that the individuals recently returned with their demands, telling them that “the Government has changed and they can do anything”. After the homeowners refused to remove from the premises, 15 men

started going to the area on a daily basis at 09:00h and destroying the houses.

Another resident, Rajnarine Persaud is distraught after he returned home from work one day to find his house completely demolished. He also revealed that all of his belongings, including his furniture and clothes were stolen. He now has nowhere to stay.

“I born and grow up on this land … they break up my house! I work in the bush and come back and reach this. I need justice. I went to the Police Station. The Police come to the scene and say that they can’t do nothing about this problem,” a distressed Persaud revealed. “I don’t have any-

where to go. I have my children and I am homeless”, the man lamented. The residents are call-

ing for the relevant authorities to intervene and provide some sort of protection to them, as the Police have not been doing so. They allege that when they make complaints at the Timehri Police Station, they are verbally abused and chased out of the station. “The Police told us the people are acting on their rights and we can’t do nothing,” Lackna explained, “When I told the Sergeant who is in charge and who is supposed to arrest the men, he told me if I only touch the men, they are going to send us to jail.” The residents, who are fearful for their lives, said the perpetrators have implied that they will have to resort to moving the residents forcefully by night.

Digicel Business launches Disaster Recovery solution for Region

With the hurricane season fast approaching, Digicel launched its new Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) product to boost the resilience of small and medium size companies’ data security in the event of a physical loss of information.

The DRaaS product is a cost-effective cloud-based business continuity product that enables customers to secure their most vital information through a ‘server-based’ and ‘storage-based’ data replication and recovery management system. Digicel’s Disaster Recovery offering provides real-time data protection from any physical or virtual cloud environments in Digicel’s world class Tier III data centres hosted right in the Caribbean. This means that, in the event a physical machine is lost or damaged, customers can access their desktop environment within a matter of minutes thereby ensuring business continuity for critical business applications.

Group Director of Products for Digicel Business, Martin Carroll, said; “With our DRaaS product, small and medium sized business owners can have complete peace of mind as they will benefit

from a secure bandwidth efficient service that not only protects their critical data, but also gives them access to multiple desktop environments whenever they want.

With significantly faster recovery times in the event of a crisis, DRaaS ensures that customers will have near-zero downtime in the event of an outage to their physical servers.”

The ability to recover

from a disaster has always been important for most businesses, but has been seen as an ‘optional’ expense because most companies could not afford to have their own disaster recovery infrastructure. Now with DRaaS, customers can benefit from a secure ‘always on’ and ‘always available’ service through a fixed predictable and affordable cost model.

MMU reports…

6 TV stations cited for breach of media code

…Channel 9 seen as most culpable

In the Media Monitoring Unit’s (MMU) fourth and penultimate report for Guyana’s 2015 election period, five television stations are found in breach of the media code concerning the broadcasting of activities by political parties. The code prohibits television stations in Guyana from broadcasting footage of rallies or produced talk shows or interviews of political material after 06:00h on Sunday May 10. The channels guilty of breaching these codes are SAFE Channel 2, CNS Channel 6, NCN Channel 11, HGPTV Channel 67, NTN Channel 69 and HBTV Channel 9. The MMU particularly slammed HBTV Channel 9 for accumulating a significant number of breaches in relation to the content of the program “Wake Up Guyana”, which was hosted by Basil Bradshaw and aired on May 11 at 09:00h (Election Day).

Expressing great dismay and disquiet at the situation, the MMU highlighted that the programme contravened many aspects of the 2015 Media Code of Conduct (MCC), but most glaringly, it broke the rule circumscribing the media’s coverage of political parties’ activities prior to and on Election Day.

In the programme, the footage of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) final rally, which was held at the Square of the Revolution on Saturday May 9, was aired on Election Day, a blatant breach of the code.

“The airing of the footage was a contravention of Section N of the MCC, which pellucidly states that, ‘…no coverage of any activity by the political parties shall take place for a period to begin 24 hours prior to the opening of Polling Stations on the day of polling. This ban will continue to the close of Polling Stations.’,”

Man stabbed to death at rum shop during row

The Police are investigating the murder of Lionel Williams, 25, of Tin Cup Backdam, North West District, which occurred about 20:00h on Monday, May 25, at Tin Cup Backdam.

In a release, Police disclosed that the miner had been killed during a drunken argument. They said investigations have revealed that Williams and two other men were imbibing at a shop, when an argument ensued among them during which he was fatally stabbed by the two men. No arrest has been made as yet.

1 dead after boat crashes into tree at Akawini

One person is dead and another has narrowly escaped death after the boat they were travelling in crashed into a tree at Akawini, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Dead is Trevon Benn, 18, of Grant Burn Bush, Lower Pomeroon.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, Benn, along with another boy, had gone for a joyride up the river when the incident occurred around 22:00h Monday night. Information revealed that Benn, who was the captain of the 40

horsepower boat, lost control and crashed into a tree.

The survivor, of Lower Pomeroon River, was said to be thrown out of the boat. Benn was, however, pinned by the upturned boat.

The accident was noticed by passersby who rendered assistance, but rescuers had a difficult time locating Benn.

The body was retrieved by ranks from the Anna Regina Police Station and later taken to the Suddie Funeral Home to await an autopsy. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

a statement from the MMU read.

According to the MMU, the host also made uninformed comments about rumoured incidences he never sought to verify before going public, which is also a violation of the code.

“For example, he said that he heard that at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, ‘…somebody is distributing ID cards’ and ‘…there is a problem on the East Coast of Demerara… some ballots are not being stamped… some ballots have six digits at the top and five at the bottom…’,” the statement continued.

The MMU maintains that the public announcement of unverified informa-

tion, especially sensitive information of that sort, was tantamount to deliberately trying to ignite raw emotions in a way that could have led to the derailment of the General and Regional Elections through the eruption of public disorder.

In addition to the breaches, the unit found that the host’s selection and play of two jingles with political content which was highly critical of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was distasteful and a subtle form of electioneering. “It was, without doubt, the type of behaviour that confounds the universally hallowed rules governing media conduct on an election day,” the MMU con-

tended.

The MCC of 2015 was signed by 23 media organisations in Guyana. The MMU was responsible for monitoring those media entities throughout the political campaign season and highlight the incidences where the MCC was violated by the media organisations that signed on.

Generally, for television broadcast, SAFE TV was titled to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU/ AFC) the opposition; Capital News on WRHM was also pro APNU/AFC; HBTV broadcasted support for APNU/AFC; Prime News on HBTV did the same; NCN broadcasted more positive coverage for the PPP/C

when compared to APNU/ AFC; TVG Channel 28/ Evening News also broadcasted more positive support for the PPP/C; MTV News broadcasted in excess of double positive coverage for the APNU/AFC when compared to that of the PPP/C; HGPTV’s Nightly News also favoured the coalition; and NTN with Frontline News showed both APNU/AFC an PPP/C in a slight negative coverage.

For newspapers publications, the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicles saw more contents in favour of the PPP/C while the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News supported the APNU+AFC coalition.

wednesday, may 27, 2015

Independence celebrations Granger salutes workers as true pioneers of struggle

By Bhisham mohamed and devina samaroo

“Independence brings change, change from colony to nation; change from subject to citizen; change from segregation to liberations; change from discrimination to the lives of dignity and equality.” These were the words of President David Granger as he addressed thousands at a flagraising ceremony held at the rehabilitated Independence Arch on Brickdam.

lives of our heroes …. We’re assembled here to pay homage to those who agitate for decades to achieve national independence.”

President Granger recognised the ordinary workers, the legislators, and the politicians for their contribution to the struggle of freeing this nation from foreign rule. Though this struggle occurred years ago, the President reminded Guyanese that as citizens of this beloved land, it is their duty to continue the work

faith.

In quoting the words of Guyana’s first Prime Minister Forbes Burnham in his closing remarks, Granger said: “Independence is a means to an end. The end must be the changing of our society and the revolutionising of the economy. Change indeed is never-ending. Let us resolve, therefore, to work together to change our society into one great economy. Let us try to change our economy into a great prosperity; let us change our

Granger reflected on the struggles of Guyanese citizens in their fight for freedom as he paid homage to them for their devoted services in making Guyana what it is today – an Independent nation. “Guyana today celebrates the independence it gained on the 26th May 1966, after 350 years of Dutch and British colonisation … We’re assembled at this national monument in solemn remembrance of the

of these brave souls in order to transform Guyana into a united nation.

He reminded too that change is a process driven by the industrious efforts of dedicated individuals as he urged Guyanese to pour all their efforts into ensuring “we live together in peace, love and harmony”. He urged Guyanese to not dwell on the pains of the past, but look forward to the future with

country into a nation of love, a nation of unity. Happy Independence Day. May God bless you. May God bless our country.”

Parade and salute

The ceremony was also spiced with military pomp and splendour that included a 21-gun salute. Besides, thousands braved the rain to be part of history since it was the first time after Guyana

gained Independence in 1966 that the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead was done at the Independence Arch on the eastern end of Brickdam, Georgetown. The national colours – red, white, black, green and yellow –were on display in abundance not only for spectators present at the momentous ceremony but to the world at large.

The ceremony was slated to commence at 08:00h by which time all the diplomats, Heads of Government, Ministers of Government and other invitees trickled in under the white tent and anxiously awaited the arrival of His Excellency, David Arthur Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger.

Minutes before his arrival, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, arrived at which point the Prime Minister was escorted to the podium for a military salute. Then, the sound of sirens from afar was the signal to indicate the arrival of His Excellency. Three outriders were spotted from a distance followed by a police vehicle and the presidential entourage comprising three well-polished black cars. The President’s vehicle bearing the emblem of the Cacique Crown was in the middle.

President Granger stepped out of the vehicle to thunderous applause from the thousands who had assembled to get a glimpse of the man who has promised to unite the nation. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Nagamootoo along with top military men including Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mark Phillips; Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud; Fire Chief Marlon Gentle; and several other high-ranking officials.

Without any hesitation, the programme went into full steam with the sounding of the trumpets as the Last Past was observed in honour of Guyana’s fallen heroes.

As customary, a two-minute silence was also observed. Then it was time for one of the most anticipated parts of the programme – the wreath laying led by President Granger followed by the Army Chief-of-Staff, Police Commissioner, Georgetown

Guyanese to evolve as one and dedicate their energies towards building Guyana as a nation.

The second most important part of the programme was the hoisting of the National Flag then there was a prayer done by Ashiana Narine, a student of the Bishop’s High School and the National Pledge recited by Anjanie Mohabir, a student of Queen’s College. The Guyana Police Force

Mayor Hamilton Green and other representatives. The eight wreaths were neatly placed on the base of the Independence Arch, made of quartz stone from the Mazaruni River. After that important aspect, there was a brief address by the Eighth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, who urged

band took over as they played “Guyana the Free” followed by the singing of the National Anthem after which, the President took the final presidential salute and made his way to his presidential entourage to depart. As he left, he waved to those who came out to be part of the festivities to mark Guyana’s Independence Anniversary.

Mayor Green, Bryn Pollard, Mary Menezes head

list of national awardees

Georgetown Mayor

Hamilton Green, Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard and Sister Mary Noel Menezes have been accorded with the Order of Roraima- Guyana’s second highest National Award-when the list of awardees was announced at the Independence Day celebrations at the Guyana National Stadium Tuesday evening.

Green’s honour was a surprise to many, given his disastrous management of the capital city, but according to Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency, Green was honoured for his long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and his role in providing public service for three generations.

CCH honours

Meanwhile, Cacique Crown of Honour awards were also announced to several persons for their long, outstanding and dedicated service in the fields of politics, public service and community work. Among them are: Edith Bynoe, former Minister of Government; Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform; Yvonne Harewood–Benn, former teacher and Minister of Government; LLewelyn John, former Minister of Agriculture, Home Affairs and Local Government; Professor Winston McGowan; Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency; Supriya Singh-Bodden, Founder of Guyana Foundation; Justice Donald Trotman; and Elsworth Williams, Apostle Full Gospel Fellowship.

Golden Arrow of Achievement

The Golden Arrow of Achievement was awarded to the following: Edgar Wrensford Adams,

former Ministry of Works and Guyana Defence Force Officer (for long and dedicated service as Captain, Pilot Coast Guard Commander and Marine Surveyor)

Ivor Allen, Businessman and Contractor (for long and outstanding service in the public sector, in the field of politics and in business)

Jeanne Atkinson, President of the Amerindian People’s Association (for long and dedicated service to the indigenous peoples of Guyana)

Basil Brentnol Blackman, former Coast Guard and Guyana Defence Force Officer (for long and dedicated service in the Maritime Sector)

Paulette Euranie Bynoe, Director of the Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Guyana(UG) (for her outstanding contribution to environmental education, training, research and the development of national policies on natural resource management issues)

Mitzy Gaynor Campbell of the Kidney Foundation of Guyana (for long service with exceptional dedication in the public and private sectors and in social work)

Malcolm Chan-ASue, Executive Director of Aircraft Owners’ Association (for long, dedicated service and outstanding service in the field of aviation)

Ivor Winston Crandon,

Professor of Neurosurgery at the UWI (for his outstanding service in the field of medicine, for surgery in general and neuro-surgery in particular)

Doreen Patricia Duncan, retired Head Mistress (for long and dedicated service as a teacher and as a community worker in Region Two)

Fazil Shahibbdeen Ibrahim Hakh, Proprietor of F& H Printing Establishment (for outstanding service in the printing industry for over thirty-five years)

Maruice Bertwinsdel Henry, Ministry of Regional Development and Ministry of Legal Affairs (for long, dedicated and outstanding service as a Public Servant)

Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly (for long and dedicated service in regional administration, in the Cabinet Secretariat and in the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana)

Leila Jagdeo, former General Manager of Guyana Book Foundation (for long and outstanding service in the Guyana Book Foundation)

Jean Benedicta Imelda La Rose, Programme Administrator of the Amerindian People’s Association (for long and dedicated service in indigenous rights activism)

Dr Paloma Ramona Francis Mohamed, Senior Lecturer of Faculties of Social Sciences and Medical Sciences (for her extensive and exceptional contributions in education and culture at the national and international levels)

Prince Albert Pompey, Councillor of Woodlands/ Farm Neighbourhood Council (for long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of local government and in politics)

Evan Brewster Bridgewater Semple (for long and meritorious service to the People of Guyana and as a Minister of the Anglican

Diocese)

Gwendolin Agatha Tross, retired Lecturer (for long and dedicated service as an educator in nursing and for her pioneer role in the establishment of the degree nursing programme at the University of Guyana)

Maurice Wilfred Veecock, Senior Lecturer at UG (for service of an exceptionally high quality as a water resources and hydropower engineer in the Ministries of Works and Energy and Mines)

Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (for its outstanding service to the community in the West Demerara area)

Olga Bone Ministry of Education and University of Guyana (for long and dedicated service in the field of education)

Wordsworth Mcandrew, Broadcaster/Folk Researcher (for long, dedicated and outstanding service to Guyana, especially for his research and celebration of Guyana’s cultural heritage and as a broadcaster)

Medal of Service

The Medal of Service was awarded to the following:

Mabel Baveghems, former Member of Parliament (for long and dedicated service in the field of politics)

Gordon Chase, Ministry of the Presidency (for long service, with exceptional dedication, in the Guyana

Public Service)

Roylance Patricia David, Executive Director of the Adult Education Association (for long and dedicated service in the field of education)

Jaitun Haniff-Persaud, Confidential Secretary to the Speaker (for long and dedicated service in the Public Service and more recently in the Parliament Office)

Noshella Lalckecharan, Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (for long and dedicated service in the field of nursing)

Godfrey Emerson Marshall Advisor on Forestry for the Guyana Forestry Commission (for long and dedicated service as a Forest Officer)

Sheik Shakur Niamatali, Managing Director of Variety Woods and Green Heart Ltd (for long and outstanding service in sustainable tropical forest management, wood utilization and marketing of forest products in the development of Guyana’s Forestry Sector)

Dionysia Niewenkerk, Chairperson of Women’s Group, Lethem (for long service in the field of women’s affairs and in politics)

Amrita Thomas, ViceChairman of Region 7 (For service of a consistently high quality to the residents of Region 7)

Burnell Lancelot Thomas, former ViceChairman of Region 10 (for his long and outstanding involvement in the field of culture and in politics)

Military Service Star

The Military Service Star was awarded to Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, for service of an exceptionally high quality and beyond the normal call of duty in the Guyana Defence Force.

Military Service Medal

Wilbert Arlington Lee, retired Colonel of the Guyana

Defence Force (for distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force)

Walter Leyland Francis Morris, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (for distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force)

Carol Audrey LewisPrimo, former Assistant Commissioner of Police (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force)

David Kenneth Ramnarine, Assistant Commissioner of Police (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force)

Carl Vonludwig Grahame, Deputy Director of Prison (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service)

Welton Cuthbert Trotz, Director of Prison of the Guyana Prison Service (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service)

Desiree D’Santos-Moore, retired Station Officer of the Guyana Fire Service (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service)

Peter Wilson, retired Station Officer (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service)

Dabydeen to feature at Canadian academic conference

Guyanese-born poet, short story writer and novelist, Cyril Dabydeen will be a featured writer reading from his newest collection “God’s Spider” with a focus on the iconic Sir Wilson Harris, at this year’s Annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences Conference at the University of Ottawa on Sunday.

Dabydeen will be a special guest at the joint session of the Canadian Association of Commonwealth Language and Literature Studies Society (CACLALS) and the Ass’n of Canadian and Quebec Literatures.

The Congress – previ-

ously called the Learned Societies – is an annual gathering of the brightest and best scholars from Canada and abroad at a Canadian university. The country’s tertiary institutions take turns each year to host this special event focusing on scholarship. It is being hosted this year by the University of Ottawa under the theme “Beyond Borders”.

Dabydeen’s new volume is inspired by his reading over many years of Harris’ work on the mythos of pre-Columbian peoples and archetypes associated with new ways of apprehending our world beyond the conventionally logocentric.

The metaphor of the “spider” symbolises the artist’s combined instinct of creator and weaver, and the greater power of

a metaphysically Godinspired universe in symbiosis with Guyana as focus and interweaved with classical Greece as reflect-

ed in “Homer’s Odyssey”.

Dabydeen, in writing the new poems, goes into interior landscapes with motifs springing from his own Indianindenture ancestry with poems such as “Tryst with Destiny”, “Sarojini Naidu” and “Buddha in Ottawa” tied to associations with CLR James, cricket and Commonwealth awareness. This is in a cosmopolitan world-view.

The writer has met Harris in London, UK, and elsewhere. As an adjudicator for the prestigious Neustdat International Prize for Literature given by the University of Oklahoma, he nominated Harris to receive this top

award a few years ago.

Dabydeen had his last formal reading was at the University of Vienna at the International Conference on the Short Story, where he also served on an international panel on short fiction (flash fiction). He has been invited to read at the next biennial short story Conference in Beijing in 2016. He has done over 300 readings internationally, and is a previous winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature for his novel “Drums of My Flesh”. Dabydeen has taught writing at the University of Ottawa for many years, including the Advanced Fiction Writing course.

Volcano erupts on Galapagos Island

Avolcanic eruption on the Galapagos Islands has raised fears the ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution may be under threat. On Monday, the Wolf volcano on Isabela Island erupted for the first time in 33 years, spewing fire, smoke and lava. Experts said the eruption posed no risk to people living on the island.

The island holds the world’s only population of pink iguanas but authorities say that they are not in immediate danger. The Galapagos National Park said that the lava was flowing in a south-westerly direction. The iguanas, “which share the habitat with yellow iguanas and giant chelonoidis becki tortoises, are situated on the north-west flank, which raises hopes that they will not be affected,” it said in a statement.

The volcano lies on the northern tip of Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos Islands group. The chain of 13 islands and 17 islets, which sits about 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world.

“The eruption generated a very large column of smoke that rose more than 10 kilometres into the air, and later drifted toward the southwest part of the volcano,” Sandro Vaca of Ecuador’s Geophysics Institute told a news agency.

The variety of wildlife on the island famously inspired Charles Darwin to conceive the theory of evolution. “One general law, leading to the advancement of all organic beings, namely, multiply, vary, let the strongest live and the weakest die.” he wrote in On the Origin of Species after visiting the islands. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombian FARC rebel leader allegedly “killed in

raid”

Commander of Colombia’s largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), was among five rebels killed in a bombing raid on Monday, the Colombian military says. The rebel, known as Ramon Ruiz, led the 18th division of the FARC which operates in north-west Colombia.

The bombing was the latest in a series of attacks on the FARC by Colombian security forces. The two sides are holding peace talks but have not agreed a ceasefire.

The Colombian Air Force said it bombed a rebel position near the town of Riosucio in north-western Choco province on Monday. Sources in the security forces later told local media that among those killed in the raid was Alfredo Alarcon Machado, better known by his alias Roman Ruiz. Ruiz is believed to be the right-hand man of Pastor Alape, who is part of the FARC

team negotiating with the Colombian Government at peace talks in the Cuban capital, Havana.

However, Ruiz has been reported killed once before. Last year, sources in

the security forces announced he had been killed, only for the head of the police to deny it later.

President Juan Manuel Santos gave the order for the resumption after 11 soldiers were killed on April 15, in a Farc ambush in south-western Cauca province. The attack on the soldiers caused outrage in Colombia, with many questioning the rebels’ commitment to the peace talks. The FARC had declared a unilateral ceasefire in December as a sign of its commitment to the talks. It argued the ambush in Cauca had been a “defensive measure” taken by its rebels as they came under pressure from the security forces.

The peace talks have been going on for two and a half years during which the two sides have so far reached agreement on three topics on their five-point agenda. An estimated 220,000 people have died in half a century of armed conflict in Colombia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Latest lead for Holloway’s body proves false

Yet another tip about the location of the body of missing American teen Natalee Holloway has drawn a blank. Authorities in Aruba have dismissed the account of a man who claimed to have been an eyewitness to Holloway’s demise on May 30, 2005.

Jurrien De Jong said that he saw the 18-yearold Alabama student being chased into a building by long time suspect Joran van der Sloot, who emerged a short while later carrying Holloway in his arms. Van der Sloot went on to slam the young woman into the ground and dig an opening in a crawl space, according to De Jong. The building was under construction, De Jong told reporters, and is now the Spyglass Tower of the Marriott Hotel in Aruba. His claims led Chief Prosecutor Eric Olthof to

ask Aruba Police to contact Marriott’s management office in Florida, to determine when the hotel’s Spyglass

Tower and its staircase was built. Marriott officials said neither the tower nor its staircase had been built when Holloway disappeared, prosecutors said.

“This means that Natalee Holloway could never have been hidden and/or buried there,” officials said in a statement. “This leads to the conclusion that the claims made by Mr De Jong...cannot be correct, and that his testimony...does not add to the solving of this case.”

De Jong’s claims prompted the missing teen’s father, Dave Holloway, to return to Aruba earlier this month with a private investigator and a cadaver dog. His search for justice for his daughter nevertheless failed to gain any ground.

Bouterse’s party returns to office in Suriname elections

The incumbent National Democratic Party (NDP) has won another term in office, taking more than half of the 51 seats up for grabs in Monday’s General Election.

Preliminary results show the Desi Bouterse-led NDP won 27 seats, with 80 per cent of the votes counted.

The V7 coalition of six parties, led by former Justice Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi, secured 17 seats.

Five of the other seats have gone to the Alternative Combination, while the remaining two seats went to the Party for Democracy and Development in Unity and Progressive Worker and Farmers Union.

To serve as President for a second five-year term, 69-year-old Bouterse needs at least 34 lawmakers –two thirds of those sitting in the National Assembly – to vote for him when the National Assembly chooses a President in a few weeks. Although the results are only preliminary, NDP supporters have been celebrating. On the other side of the political ring, Santokhi said he was still waiting for the official results, but admitted that he was disappointed at the outcome; saying it was “worse than I had expected”. “We did not make it. That is a disappointment. The voters have spoken and we have to respect that,” he said. (Caribbean 360)

Jamaican Govt rolls out programme to prevent Zika virus

The Jamaican Government will shortly roll out an integrated vector control programme to prevent the Zika virus from reaching the shores of Jamaica, and to step up a public education campaign on the disease.

The virus, which has caused a recent health scare in Brazil, is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms include severe fever, joint and muscle pains, headaches, rashes and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear within three to 12 days following a bite.

“We are going to come very shortly with an integrated clean-up programme, (including) drain cleaning, but the citizens of the country must also take responsibility for their health, even as Government must lead the process,” emphasised Minister of Health Dr

Fenton Ferguson in an interview with JIS News.

The Minister added that his Ministry has started a public education campaign encouraging people to utilise the means to protect themselves if the virus should come to Jamaica, but stressed that having surroundings where people gather remain clean is key to preventing all mosquito-borne diseases.

“It is the same Aedes aegypti mosquito that is responsible for that Zika virus, and unless we clean up around our homes, place of worship, and workplaces, the country will be vulnerable to the disease,” Ferguson pointed out.

The Minister informed that he met recently with the Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, and Jamaica will be getting support from that group with its vector control programme. (Jamaican Observer)

Seaborne and JetBlue partner to boost intraregional travel

JetBlue Airways, the largest carrier in San Juan, and Seaborne Airlines have finalised terms to begin a codeshare marketing relationship that will improve travel between select Caribbean countries.

The two airlines offer a combined 50 daily flights that connect 22 destinations. Seaborne will expand the JetBlue network to multiple new destinations, including Anguilla, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Kitts and Nevis, and Tortola.

In addition, the Seaborne Airlines network will also provide JetBlue customers’ access to an expanded presence throughout the United

States Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with JetBlue. Providing improved connectivity in our common hub of San Juan will add tremendous value to Caribbean residents, visitors, and businesses,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaborne Airlines Gary Foss. Scott Laurence, Senior Vice President of airline planning at JetBlue, said the codeshare agreement, which expands on the carriers’ successful interline agreement in place since 2013, will make travelling to the Caribbean “easier than ever”. (Excerpt from Caribbean 360)

Around the World Amtrak to monitor train engineers after crash

Amtrak plans to install video cameras to monitor the engineers of locomotives on its heavily travelled routes in the north eastern United States following a deadly derailment, the nation’s largest passenger rail service said on Tuesday.

The move to add cockpit cameras in trains on the Northeast Corridor Line by the year’s end follows a derailment outside Philadelphia that killed eight people and injured about 200. “Inward facing video cameras will help improve safety and serve as a valuable investigative tool,” Amtrak Chief Executive Joe Boardman said in a statement. The cameras will be installed in 70 locomotives that power trains on the Washington-to-Boston Northeast Corridor, as well as service between New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Amtrak is still looking into ways to install cameras in the high-speed locomotives that power its

Acela express line through the region and on diesel-powered locomotives.

The northbound train involved in the May 12 derailment accelerated to 106 miles per hour (171 kilometres per hour) from 70 mph (113 km) in the minute before

the crash, which occurred on a sharp curve. Investigators have not yet concluded why the train sped up so dramatically but are looking into possibilities including equipment malfunction or human error.

The Federal Railroad

Administration last week ordered Amtrak to take immediate steps to improve the safety of its busiest route, including identifying dangerous curves along the Northeast Corridor where slower speeds could reduce the risk of mishap. (Reuters)

India cracks down on Greenpeace, other foreign NGOs

India’s Government has cracked down on hundreds of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the environmental watchdog and lobby group, Greenpeace.

The Government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that “Greenpeace violated the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act”, according to a local news agency.

Greenpeace India, which receives less than 50 per cent of its funding from overseas, approached the court to challenge the Government’s decision to block its bank accounts after it was accused of violating rules governing international financial transactions. In a massive clampdown against NGOs, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently cancelled the licenses of 8975 organisations for allegedly failing to file annual returns.

Pranonjoy Guha Thakurta, a board member of

the Greenpeace India Society told Al Jazeera that the move was an “act of intimidation and harassment” by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government was treading on “shaky ground”. “Sixty percent of the money Greenpeace receives is from ordinary citizens, not corporations or government entities. According to the law, the government has no right to block these funds,” he said.

Nalin Kohli, a spokesman of India’s ruling party, told Al Jazeera that Greenpeace was not following the provisions of the law and did not disclose how they obtained their funds. “The Government would not take action against those who work in the interests of India or its citizens,” he said.

Critics argue the Government’s decision to restrict the movement of foreign funding to local charities is an attempt to stifle the voices of those who oppose Modi’s economic agenda. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Multiple explosions rock central Kabul Dozens killed in elderly home fire in China

Heavy gunfire and a series of explosions have been heard in the centre of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, with a guesthouse hosting foreigners believed to be the target of the attack.

Teams of Afghan security forces have been deployed to the Wazir Akbar Khan area, an exclusive neighbourhood where many embassies and Government buildings are located.

Al Jazeera’s Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said there were reports that the guesthouse targeted on Tuesday night served as accommodation for foreign con-

tractors.

She quoted Police as saying that a suicide bomber detonated a bomb, then gunfire erupted as security forces shot at suspects in a “complex” attack which appeared to involve several targets.

More than a dozen explosions were heard in an hour and heavy gunfire was continuing, reports said.

Most of the blasts sounded like rockets, but several more powerful explosions could have been suicide bombings, an Afghan security source told Reuters news agency.

Earlier on Tuesday, Taliban fighters attacked a Police headquarters in south-

ern Afghanistan, killing 20 security personnel and seizing three army checkpoints.

Al Jazeera’s Glasse said fighting occurred in three areas of Helmand province, with clashes in the districts of Sangin, Musa Qala and Nawzad.

“In Nawzad, the standoff was particularly difficult and went on for hours, with the Taliban taking three army checkpoints and surrounding the district’s headquarters,” she said.

“At least 20 Army and Police Officers have been killed in that attack and local officials have called for reinforcements.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

At least 38 dead and six injured after a fire engulfed a nursing home in central Henan province’s Pingdingshan city. The blaze broke out on Monday evening in an apartment building at a

Appeals court rules with states challenging Obama’s immigration action

The Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday in favour of 26 states challenging President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration, potentially paving the way for a Supreme Court decision on the issue.

Two judges on the three-judge panel ruled that the executive action, which would grant an estimated 4.7 million undocumented immigrants relief from deportation, should remain on hold while the Government appeals its blocking.

The immigration order was first put on hold by Texas Judge Andrew Hanen in February after the states, all led by Republican governors, alleged that taking in migrants would be overly bur-

densome.

“The President’s attempt to bypass the will of the American people was successfully checked again today,” Texas Governor

Greg Abbott said in a news release.

The case has become the focal point of Obama’s efforts to change US immigration policy.

Seeing no progress on legislative reform in Congress, Obama announced in November he would take executive action to help immigrants. He has since faced criticism from Republicans who say the programme grants amnesty to lawbreakers.

The White House said the two judges who ruled against the Administration on Tuesday chose to “misinterpret the facts and the law.”

“The President’s actions... are squarely within the bounds of his authority and they are the right thing to do for the country,” White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said.

The Justice Department is evaluating the ruling and considering next steps, a US official said on the condition of anonymity. (Excerpt from Reuters)

privately owned home for the elderly in Pingdingshan city, the news agency, Xinhua, said on Tuesday.

Al Jazeera’s Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said that about 44 people were

rescued from the blaze. “But this old people’s home had 168 residents, so by the middle of Tuesday morning it was fair to assume that many of them did not make it,” he added. Two out of the six injured were in critical condition in a hospital, the Work Safety Bureau of the Henan province said in a statement on its website.

Brown also reported that the “ferocious” fire likely occurred while the residents were asleep and would have had almost no chance of escape. Search and rescue operations were continuing, Xinhua said, and the cause of the fire remains unclear. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Spikes in Nigerian

suicide attacks

The United Nations Children’s Agency (UNICEF) says there has been an “alarming” increase in the number of suicide attacks in northern Nigeria, with many of them involving women and children. There had been 27 attacks so far this year, compared with 26 for the whole of last year, UNICEF said in a statement. Three-quarters of the attacks were carried out by female bombers, some as young as seven, it added.

BBC Nigeria analyst Naziru Mikailu says Boko Haram may be increasingly resorting to suicide attacks, following its loss of territory to regional forces. Nigeria’s army said, in March, that it had recaptured all cities and towns from the group, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State mili-

tants fighting for a global caliphate.

UNICEF said it did not believe that the girls carried out the bombings willingly.

“Children are not instigating these suicide attacks; they are used intentionally by adults in the most horrific way,” the agency said. “They are first and foremost victims - not perpetrators.” Some of the girls had been abducted and were being exploited by militants who knew that they were less likely to be checked when entering target areas such as busy markets or bus stations, the statement added. Our correspondent says there is suspicion that some girls are duped into being bombers, thinking they are carrying parcels when they are, in fact, explosives.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

wednesday, may 27, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Junior Ministers not part of Cabinet

The eight Junior Ministers of Ministers within the various Ministries will not be members of President David Granger’s Cabinet.

This is according to Director of Communications for the Office of the President, soon to be renamed Ministry of the Presidency, Mark Archer, who spoke to the Guyana Times on Monday evening. According to Archer, there are only 15 Members of the Cabinet, along with President David Granger.

The 15 members who constitute the Cabinet are: Moses Nagamootoo, who is the Prime Minister; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Agriculture Minister Noel Holder; Business Minister Dominic Gaskin; Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan; Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister the Sydney Allicock; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Health Minister Dr George Norton; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes; and Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence.

This would then mean that Annette Ferguson and Keith Scott, Ministers within the Public Infrastructure Ministry; Valerie Garrido

Lowe, Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry; Dawn Hastings, Minister within the Communities Ministry; Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Education Ministry; Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Finance Ministry; Karen Cummings, Minister within the Health Ministry; and Simona Broomes, Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, will not be included in Cabinet meetings or take part in Cabinet activities. It also means that Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, and Citizenship Minister Winston Felix will not be making an appearance at the meetings of the Cabinet. These three Ministries come directly under the Ministry of the Presidency, which is currently known as the Office of the President. Their roles, according to

Archer, would be to shadow the Ministers, in an apprenticeship kind of way.

President Granger has been on record as stating that the Junior Ministers were appointed to work under the Ministers, in an effort to gain experience, first -hand knowledge and the necessary skills to create a platform where younger leaders can be placed in ministerial roles. It is unclear whether the Junior Ministers will be accorded all the privileges and perks like full-fledged Cabinet Ministers.

Not large

Meanwhile, the Ministers, some of whom were sworn in last Wednesday and then on Friday, had their first official meeting as the new Government on Monday evening at the Office of the President; in an effort to discuss the Independence activities, the execution of the

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (ANU/AFC) famous 100 days plan and other pressing issues affecting the country at this time.

President Granger also dismissed claims that the new APNU/AFC Government is a “large Government”, and pointed out that there are fewer Ministries than those under the previous administration. “It is the amalgamation of the Ministries that would have created concerns,” the President said. “I have not created a larger number of Ministries than existed before; there are now fewer than there were before. As far as the names are concerned, I have explained that some of the changes in name were to emphasise the functions.”

Citing one example, the President pointed out that the Ministry of the Presidency always existed, as it is merely the renaming

of the Office of the President. “I felt it necessary to have a Minister of State, who would continue to act authoritatively to ensure that the Cabinet’s decisions are implemented throughout the Government’s service.”

Explaining the name change of the Ministry of Local Government to Ministry of Communities, President Granger said, “We are not simply building houses or building roads, we are building communities where human beings live and that is why it was renamed; to emphasise the human aspect of local development, of local government, of regional government and of housing schemes and water supply.”

The Head of State stressed the need to see places where citizens dwelled. Not just a collection of buildings but a collection of families, so that emphasis can be placed on sporting facilities, culture and other types of

community life. These, and more, the President said, are more often than not absent from newly developed housing schemes, across the country.

The renaming of the Home Affairs Ministry to the Public Security Ministry, the President said is self-explanatory. “What does Home Affairs mean? Home Affairs is an old title which is taken from the British Empire; they had foreign affairs which dealt with international matters and home affairs. But we do not have an empire, so why should we call it ‘Home Affairs’?” Likewise change to the Public Infrastructure Ministry from the Public Works Ministry is also selfexplanatory as it caters to infrastructure for public use, and will be dealing with stellings, roadways and bridges.

Meanwhile, responding to the issue of no consultations being held before the renaming of some of the Ministries, President Granger said, “There is a lot of criticism, but some of it is not well informed. The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Indigenous people said that they prefer to be called ‘indigenous peoples’ rather than to be called ‘Amerindians’.” With regard to the appointments, he said, “I had to have some consultations before the appointments were made; I could not sit down by myself and make Mr Ramjattan a Vice President.”

SASOD hosts 6th AIDS candlelight memorial

Harris, Chief of Party of the USAID Advancing Partners and Communities

The Society Against Sexual Orientation

Discrimination (SASOD) on Sunday supported the initiative of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GN+) and hosted the sixth International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Guyana on the steps of the St George’s Cathedral.

The theme for this year’s, the 32nd annual observance, “Supporting the Future”,

challenges people from various communities around the world to unite and demand a sustainable AIDS response – one that is fully inclusive. In a release, SASOD said the event reinforced the need for access to treatment, care and support, as many persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are still facing discrimination and criminalisation in various contexts.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is not

just a memorial, but an opportunity for communities to mobilise and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. It is about fostering global solidarity, and breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination, and restoring hope for the future. Delivering the feature address was Folami Harris, Chief of Party of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) Project. In her address, she challenged those present to apply a simple ABC model as they support the future. She spoke to Acceptance of those living with HIV, calling for a sense of Belongingness within our respective communities and groups, and being a part of the Collective response to HIV.

The Candlelight Memorial brought together a sizeable group of young people, health professionals, civil society representatives and members of the public to show camaraderie and support for persons infected and affected by HIV; to en-

courage people to continue to act together, and to call on the public to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, and key affected populations.

Equal access

Performances from local artistes including Jackie Hanover, Randolph Critchlow, EUPHORIA Dance Group, A-TayJah, Nurriyyih Gerrard, Lloyda Alicia and Gavin Mendonca sent positive and progressive messages while entertaining the crowd as they chimed in on cue to a few of the performances. Those present were then invited to share words of tribute and participate in the lighting of candles in memory of those lost to the disease.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is committed to ending HIV by raising awareness and advocating for the advancement of effective policies at all levels. Much has been done to improve and advance the HIV response in Guyana; however, much more is still needed. SASOD is calling for equal access to treatment,

prevention and care services for all Guyanese regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Stigma and discrimination – especially homophobia and transphobia – are barriers to access-

ing services for the communities we serve. There is an urgent need to end stigma, discrimination and human rights violations, affect-

ing people living with HIV and key populations such as men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, sex workers and young people. Coordinated by GN+, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns for HIV awareness annually.

Georgetown restoration

Local businesses join massive city cleanup campaign

Following the Government’s massive Independence Day cleanup campaign, several businesses in Guyana have taken it upon themselves to upkeep their corporate social responsibility by organising similar activities to clean up the city. Businesses, such as Gizmos and Gadgets, Metro, Zoon, John Lewis Styles, Baishanlin, BK International, Ming’s Service Limited and Abby’s Touch of Magic Salon, enthusiastically launched their own cleanup campaigns in Georgetown.

In their own ways, these businesses contributed towards the cleanup initiative which was geared at transforming Georgetown into the “Garden City” in time for the grand 49th Independence Day celebrations.

Gizmos and Gadgets spearheaded a mini campaign to clean up around the entity’s immediate sur-

roundings in Wellington Street, Georgetown. The company said it was inspired by the Government’s cleanup and restoration drive and decided to embark on its own project. The activities included removing

garbage from the area, trimming trees, and cleaning drains, among others. The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ravi Mangar, in a press release, said, “ Gizmos and Gadgets is making efforts to get other com-

panies involved in cleaning up their surroundings in order to return Guyana to its natural beauty.”

Joining in Gizmos and Gadgets cleanup initiative were staff from John Lewis Styles and Abby’s Touch of Magic Salon. Abby’s Touch of Magic Salon also donated two bins towards this project. Metro and Zoon also organised mini cleanup activities within the immediate surroundings of their establishments, located on Quamina and Middle Streets, Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Baishanlin donated $1 million to the Government’s cleanup project, while BK International and Ming’s Service Limited engaged themselves in a cleanup campaign, free of cost.

The cleanup campaign, under the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, started off at the Independence Arch on

Brickdam and has moved to several monuments across the capital city. Even market vendors along Stabroek and Bourda Markets engaged in mini cleanup activities around their areas. Residents were also seen hard at work as they pour all their efforts into ensuring that their surroundings were clean for the

It was the CEO who discovered corrupted/fake

Dear Editor,

As a Commissioner of GECOM, who was referred to as “one who voted in favor of the said declaration and publication of the said results” in relation to which Chronicle and Guyana Times carried articles on May 24, which articles were sourced to a press release of Commissioners Mangar, Shaw and Gunraj, I find it necessary to respond, since the said news houses did not find it necessary or prudent to seek my comment on a matter that has more than one side or interpretation.

In response, I first wish to outline the system that was established for the transmission and tabulation of the results of the 2015 elections.

2299 results were to be determined at the places of poll and documented on statements of poll, copies of which were to be made available, immediately after the count, to the Presiding Officer, the Assistant Presiding Officer, the Counting Officer and the parties’ agents.

Also, a copy was to be posted outside of the related polling station and enveloped copies sent to the Returning Officer (RO) via the Deputy Returning Officer and likewise a copy sent to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO).

I am verily informed that this process was followed and am unaware that of any complaint in that regard, from any quarter. The most critical point to note is that the three most relevant authorities (ROs, the CEO and the parties) should have been in possession of the original and identical statements of polls.

Two parallel counts were to be conducted: a count at

the level of each RO, for the purpose of ten district/regional/constituency declarations and a count by the Information Technology (IT) unit after the statements bound for the CEO would have been delivered to GECOM, signed off on by at least two present Commissioners and transmitted to IT for tabulation, after which they should have been transmitted to the CEO’s office for custodial purposes.

The CEO informed the Commission of his intention to conduct an independent tabulation, once the statements were delivered to his office, thus allowing him a comparator relative to the IT tabulation and the, eventually submitted, 10 declarations.

The ten declarations were to be used as the bases for the CEO’s summative count; the calculation of the allocation of seats; and the presentation of a report to the Commission, for its approval, prior to the final declaration of results and allocation of seats.

In relation to what actually occurred, there has been no evidence or complaint that the statements of polls, which were delivered to the ROs, were corrupted. Each RO conducted a verification that involved the political parties and in no instance did the statements of polls used by the RO and those in the possession of the parties not correspond.

It is true that the PPP/C sought to question approximately 34 statements in the case of District 4, but in no instance did they present original statements of polls as the basis for their con-

tention. They presented a spread sheet, which purportedly reflected the statements of polls in the PPP/C’s possession.

In the specific case of District 4, they made those objections on Thursday through Friday and were requested to produce the evidence by Saturday May 16. They returned to the verification process on May 16 without the original statements of polls, thus leaving the RO with no alternative, but make the declaration since the objection was not based on concrete evidence.

It was the CEO, whose statements of polls had passed through three different sets of officials before they got to him, who discovered corrupted/fake statements. Those statements were supposedly received, opened and recorded by Logistics; were signed off on by Commissioners; and data entered by IT before being delivered to the CEO.

The CEO discovered documents that were not original documents. He also observed a disparity with the results on those documents as well as he observed some statements on which the votes cast were in excess of the divisional electoral rolls.

To his credit, the CEO brought this discovery to the attention of the Commission where it was decided that a two-prong approach was to be used, in the circumstance.

On one hand, it was decided that he would abandon the use of statements of polls that were directed to him through Logistics, Commissioners and IT, in that sequence and that he would have resorted to using the information from

the ROs, which information would have been subjected the stakeholder scrutiny, primarily that of the political parties, for the purpose of determining the results.

It was also agreed that the CEO would investigate the apparent corrupting of the system, but not at the expense of delaying the production of credible results. It is on that basis that the CEO produced credible results that I and others felt comfortable with and approved.

The aforementioned responses to the, central, critical and fundamental, concerns raised by the three Commissioners in their press release and clears the air on the question of the credibility of the results, since the statements of polls originating from the ROs and eventually used by the CEO were not compromised or invalidated.

It should, however, be noted that the PPP/C requested partial recounts in four districts even before the CEO made his revelation about corrupted statements. Those recounts were done in the presence of stakeholders, including the PPP/C’s representatives and no differences with the recorded results were found.

Subsequent requests for recounts, throughout the country, were denied on the ground that the verification process did not reveal any basis for such recounts, generally, and in the case of District 4, where objections were made, there were no evidential documents produced to justify the objections.

It should also be noted that a PPP/C delegation also met with GECOM and argued the same case that had

Independence Day celebrations held yesterday. It is the hope of many that this initiative will continue all throughout the years, and that businesses will continue to demonstrate their commitment to their corporate social responsibility by ensuring that the capital city remains a beautiful sight.

statements

been argued at the level of District 4.

On that occasion, they presented their spreadsheet with information extracted from 21 of their statements of polls and 21 falsified results, which they claimed were used by GECOM to tabulate the results in the stead of what was recorded on the original statements of polls.

GECOM verified that it had not used the falsified results and that there was no difference between what GECOM used and what was recorded on the statements of polls presented by the PPP/C. This finding was shown to representatives of the PPP/C.

I am also still to be advised of the legal provision that provides for GECOM to undertake recounts after recounts would have been requested at the stages prior to, and after, the ROs’ declarations.

None of the above negates the need for the ongoing determination of the abandoned system that was corrupted. That process is ongoing and I eagerly await the findings. The above, however, explains why the exclusion of reports, emanating from IT, became essential, since IT was a segment of the corrupted pathway.

To insist on its involvement would only have established bases for discrediting an otherwise sanitized system. For all intents and purposes, the CEO produced electronic results based on the uncorrupted and verified information, which he obtained from the ROs; and the manual report in the form of the actual district reports.

It should be mentioned that the previous CEO did

not present two reports (electronic and manual) in 2011. There was no objection from at least one commissioner, who is now demanding that of the new CEO, although the CEO has fulfilled that requirement.

It should also be noted that the information requested on May 20 is immaterial to the declaration. Similar requests in 2011 were denied the Commissioners, by the then CEO, pending the Chairman’s approval, which approval was granted weeks after the declaration and the swearing in of the former President.

Even those, when provided, were riddled with errors and subsequently withdrawn and reissued well into a month after the declaration and swearing in. I am also reminded that the PPP/C or, as a matter of fact, any contestant has only one recourse at this time, which is to the court.

In 2006, the AFC actually identified an error in the allocation of District 10 seats; brought it to the attention of the then CEO, Mr Boodoo, who acknowledged, accepted and undertook to make amends, which he never did, thus forcing the AFC to approach the court.

The matter was subsequently thrown out on procedural grounds while the PPP/C for five years benefitted from a seat illegally allocated.

It is my sincere hope that equal prominence is given to this letter as was given to the PPP/C nominated Commissioners’ press release in Chronicle and Guyana Times

Vincent Alexander

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Don’t go public regarding your personal secrets. You need to do some soul-searching to discover how you really feel before you share anything with others. Don’t fold under pressure.

Romance is on the rise. Revitalise your self-esteem with a personal update or makeover. You will turn heads and receive interesting offers if you get out, socialise and share your ideas.

Don’t allow a minor disagreement to escalate. A re-examination of the events will reveal that you may have overreacted as well. Be willing to compromise. A career change is looking positive.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

An unforeseen event will have a strong influence on your direction. Someone with something to offer will tempt you. Play it safe, take your time and don’t appear too eager.

Major changes are forthcoming. With the right preparation, you will outshine the competition and win the respect of your colleagues and superiors. Make plans to celebrate your accomplishments.

Recent emotional matters will bring you down. Disregard critical comments or judgmental people. Spend time with the people who love you, and don’t worry about material things.

It’s time you put your talents to good use. Connect with creative individuals and develop a one-of-a-kind idea. Social events will turn out to be quite informative.

You will be tempted by an unusual offer. Be sure that you have all the facts straight before you make a commitment. Things are looking up financially, but that is no reason to overspend.

Join a group that shares your moral and ethical beliefs. A humanitarian or environmental cause is a great way to expand your friendships and test your leadership skills. Put some distance between you and uncooperative or moody people. A good way to avoid controversy and complaints is to keep busy taking care of your responsibilities and unfinished business.

Don’t allow a dose of nostalgia to ruin your day. There are many avenues to explore and lots of interesting people to meet. A younger individual will provide inspiration.

Joint ventures look promising. Consult your financial adviser about ways to reduce debt and increase your savings. The knowledge you gain through a business meeting or trip will be most helpful.

Australia will test West Indies’ resilience

When the Frank Worrell Trophy was last contested, in the Caribbean in 2012, Michael Clarke, with praise rare from an Australian captain, credited West Indies with waging a “really hard-fought” series, adding that he hoped they “get a lot of credit for the way they played”.

Australia prevailed in two of the three Tests; the weather precluded a result in the other. That West Indies carried each match into the fifth day was something of an accomplishment for a team that had spectacularly plummeted down the rankings after Mark Taylor’s Australians ended their 15 years of Test cricket supremacy with a 2-1 triumph before their stunned devotees in 1995.

A split of the ODIs and the two T20s lent credibility to Clarke’s comment and to coach Mickey Arthur’s “they went toe-to-toe with us”.

The outcome hinted at an overdue revival for West Indies as much as it did a waning of Australia’s strength.

West Indian optimism proved fleeting; the results soon reverted to type. After a few difficult years, Australia rebounded to rise to No. 2 on the ICC’s Test rankings and to reclaim the World Cup they had surrendered in 2011.

Three months after Clarke’s team departed, New Zealand arrived in the Caribbean to be beaten in both Tests, four of the five ODIs and both T20s. Such emphatic domination proved an illusion.

Since 2013, they have suffered reversals against New Zealand - both home and away - as well as heavy defeats in the Tendulkar farewell Tests in India and most recently in South Africa. Their only successes were over Bangladesh (twice) and Zimbabwe.

A youth-based 1-1 result at home under a new coach less than a month ago against England, No. 3 on the ICC’s register, raises expectations, for the umpteenth time, of a better future.

Australia, revitalised by the typically upbeat attitude of their own new coach, the fair dinkum Aussie, Darren Lehmann, have returned to the region for two Tests, compressed into a period of 12 days, the first starting June 3 at Windsor Park in Dominica, the second eight days later at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

Given the statistical disparity between the teams,

the mini-series is considered relaxing preparation for the Australians, still skippered by Clarke, prior to the real business of defending the Ashes in England that immediately follows.

It is an opportunity, so the reasoning goes, for their key players to become reacquainted with the long format after four months confined to the artificial limitations of the World Cup and the IPL.

In such a scenario, West Indies’ only option would be damage limitation, though it is not quite as straightforward as that. Both Clarke and his West Indian counterpart Denesh Ramdin lead teams reconstituted since their 2012 series.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey ended their illustrious careers less than a year later; Clarke himself and Steven Smith have capably filled the batting void in the interim. Smith brings a notable record with himeight hundreds in 21 Tests since Ponting and Hussey departed.

The belligerent left-handed opener, David Warner, endured a modest return three years ago, averaging 28.50 in the series; he is back with an average of 48.20, 12 hundreds in his 36 Tests and unchanged aggression against all bowling.

The two Mitchells, Johnson and Starc, both leftarmers and distinctly hostile, Peter Siddle and the strapping 24-year-old Josh Hazlewood are as intimidating as any current Test attack; Johnson missed the previous tour through injury, Siddle and Starc had one

match each, Hazlewood was a promising 20-year-old a yearand-a-half off his debut Test.

It is a combination that has generated a hat-trick of successes over the past yearand-a-half - a 5-0 Ashes whitewash over England at home, 2-1 over South Africa and 2-0 over India in four Tests in Australia last December and January, along with the subsequent repossession of the World Cup.

For all that, Clarke is openly wary of underestimating opponents who he expects “to prove a handful”. The conditions are likely to be “very similar to the subcontinent so I think the wickets will be slow and low and will spin.”

He should know from personal experience; in a rare trundle of his left-arm spin in the Dominica Test last time, he claimed 5 for 86 from 23 overs. Nathan Lyon, the offspinner, was then their leading wicket-taker; West Indies offspinner Shane Shillingford took ten wickets in his native Dominica, earning him the title sporting ambassador and a diplomatic passport for a proud government.

Lyon is back as Australia’s established spinner, Shillingford’s suspensions for a bent-elbowed action have effectively ended his Test prospects.

Clarke’s caution is based on Australia’s problems away from the comforts of home in recent times.

“Travelling overseas is a tough part of playing international cricket,” he said before setting off for Antigua where the Australians start their only warm-up match on Wednesday against the

WICB President’s XI. “To be able to win away from home is the challenge we face in the West Indies.”

In 2013, they were thrashed in all four Tests in India, 3-0 in the Ashes in England and last year were beaten 2-0 by Pakistan in the UAE. Only strong performances in the forthcoming Tests in the Caribbean and in the subsequent Ashes in England would authenticate their claims to be international cricket’s most powerful contemporary team.

West Indies’ ambitions extend no further than continuing the progress sustained against England.

Like the young Australians with Lehmann, the rising generation now comprising almost half the squadthe batsmen Darren Bravo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, the allrounder Jason Holder, the fast bowler Shannon Gabriel - appeared to respond positively to Phil Simmons in his first series as head coach.

The inevitable decline, at 40, of the ever dependable Shivnarine Chanderpaul, repeated saviour of lost causes throughout his 21 years in the West Indies middle order, left the batting in the care of those in their low and mid20s - the experience of Marlon Samuels, the only other over 30 in the top six - became essential.

With a dearth of quality spinners, Jerome Taylor returned after a lengthy absence to spearhead the bowling against England. He and Kemar Roach, the standout fast bowler on either side in 2012 with 19 wickets at 19.73

runs each, would comprise an incisive new-ball combination against the Australians once Roach rediscovers the form that deserted him after shoulder and ankle injuries.

The mood of West Indies was evident as much in the standard of the fielding against England as the batting and bowling. There were 19 catches, 11 between first slip and gully, in addition to keeper Ramdin’s six and two stumpings. These were complemented by five slick runouts.

Bravo, an unreliable fielder in the deep during the 2012 series, has morphed into a slip catcher with adhesive hands; five of his six were snared at first slip.

Only two were missed, both at slip by Devon Smith late on the final day of

the Grenada Test when England’s victory was assured and thoughts of his tenuous place in the team was a distraction; a year ago, six were spilled in the space of two sessions on the fourth afternoon of the first Test against Bangladesh, another eight in the three Tests against New Zealand.

Simmons was suitably encouraged yet, after eight years in the same position with Ireland, the strongest of the ICC Associates, he is aware of the perils of expecting too much, too soon.

The Australians present as daunting an examination of his team’s resilience as could be expected this early in his tenure. He will know more about his emerging team once it’s over.

(Cricinfo)

Blatter brushes off Figo’s ‘dictatorship’ claims

Luis Figo had strong words for how Sepp Blatter runs FIFA, but the president was bullish in his response to the Portugal great.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has brushed aside claims from Luis Figo that he runs football’s governing body as a “dictatorship” and is confident of winning a fifth term in office.

Last week

Figo joined Michael Praag in pulling out of the upcoming presidential elections, leaving Prince Ali bin AlHussein as Blatter’s sole challenger.

Figo, a former Real Madrid, Inter and Barcelona star, stated in a lengthy statement that he would not put himself forward for consideration until “it is proven to me that we are not living under a dictatorship”.

The Portugal legend also claimed the upcoming vote was about the “delivery of power to one man”.

Responding to Figo, Blatter told Sky Sports: “Luis Figo is free to say what he wants to say because he’s free you can ask him why to be called [me] a dictator? I have received so many titles, but I am still the president until Friday.

“You know me, I’m an optimist so of course I’m confident [of winning the election].”

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce also dismissed Figo’s claims and expects Blatter to triumph.

“I can’t say it is [a dictatorship]. A lot of people have asked me this question at the Exco meetings people like myself and other new members we have been given our place and if there was something that I have wanted to say I have said it.

“I have never been refused permission at any time to make my views or other peoples’ views known. So I don’t think it is fair to claim a dictatorship and I have certainly not found that.

“There were four presidential candidates and now we only have Prince Ali. I am little bit surprised because I felt it was giving people the opportunity if they wanted change to have change.

“I will be surprised if Sepp Blatter does not get the necessary support in the election on Friday.” (Digicel

Malik ton, Riaz aggression give Pakistan big win

The return of international cricket to Pakistan might have been fraught with threats of violence, but the first ODI in the country in six years brought about the most nonviolent 375 you could imagine, setting up a 41-run win. In an incredibly cool and calculated innings, hardly a shot was hit in anger as Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Haris Sohail chipped and chopped an innocuous attack to the highest total in Pakistan.

However, the thinness of Pakistan’s attack, the flatness of the pitch and the fact that Zimbabwe’s batting is much stronger than their bowling, became apparent in the chase with only Wahab Riaz

runs in five overs on a pitch that never misbehaved. In the sixth over though, Azhar, the captain playing his first international at home, took the first risk, playing across the line of a ball outside off, placing it wide of mid-on for three. That shot was the release as he raced away to 21 off 24 with Hafeez labouring to five off the same number of deliveries.

Zimbabwe’s attack didn’t have the necessary threat to hold the openers back. Hafeez got going with pick-up shots for four and six off Tinashe Panyangara in the ninth over. Azhar reached his fifty first, and Hafeez was on his heels and when he hit the remodelled Prosper Utseya - now bowling little legrollers - for

looking like taking a wicket. Elton Chigumbura scored a chancy century, Hamilton Masakadza a fifty, but the chase only kicked into life towards the end, by which time the asking rate had reached 15 an over, a task too tall with four Wahab overs to contend with.

Considering Mohammad Sami and Anwar Ali’s struggle with the ball, Pakistan will be thankful their batsmen posted the total they did. This was the first time all of their top four scored fifty or more, and the first Pakistan innings to feature two 150-run stands. Malik’s 112 off 76 was his fastest century. Pakistan hit 35 fours and 10 sixes in all, but that masked the lack of frenetic hitting and powerful strokes you associate such big scores with.

Azhar and Hafeez began sedately before opening up in a 170-run stand, Pakistan’s third-highest opening partnership at home. The duo missed out on what looked like certain centuries, falling within eight balls of each other, but Malik and Sohail took over from where they left, and added some more intent as you would expect after a strong opening. Playing for the first time in two years, Malik posted his first score of more than 43 in five years, at once reminding you why he had been dropped and why quite a few have been disappointed with an unfulfilled career.

Azhar and Hafeez were Pakistan’s fourth opening combination in their last five ODIs, and the tentativeness showed in their start - eight

successive fours in the 22nd over, Pakistan’s run rate had crossed six an over never to come back down again. Those two shots summed up the touch play this partnership relied on: first a mere push between mid-off and extra cover, and then waiting for the expected flatter delivery and back-cutting it between point and short third man.

Utseya managed to get both the openers out, but looking at how Malik and Sohail went he must be wishing he hadn’t. It was Malik in this partnership that made a slow start, but from the moment he skipped out and lofted Sikandar Raza for a straight six in the 33rd over, he gal-

loped along. With Malik looking in rare touch, Sohail could take it easy and settle in. As with Hafeez and Azhar, it was more about clever placement and missing the infielders rather than manic hitting for Malik.

Forty-one came off the Powerplay, and at 263 for 2 in 40 overs Pakistan were set to break the Lahore record of 357, what with 10 an over in the last 10 almost the norm in modern ODI cricket. Except Pakistan are one of the teams that usually buck the trend. Not here. In Malik and Sohail they had right amount of placement and power, in Zimbabwe they had a flat attack, and the two carried the party on. Clean hits cleared the fence, mis-hits fell to ground, Zimbabwe missed quite a few yorkers, the fielding was poor, and 112 came off the last 10. In the 49th over Malik raised the first international century in Pakistan in six years. Sohail, who relied on some power hitting over the leg side in his 89 off 66, ran out of time, but time was a bigger problem for Zimbabwe who were about 40 minutes behind schedule in finishing their 50 overs.

They didn’t show much more urgency in the chase, looking for the most part content with batting out the 50 overs of their own.

Chigumbura and Masakadza added 124 for the third wicket, but they did so in 20 overs, which meant the asking rate had reached 14.5 for the last 17. Chigumbura, who survived a plumb lbw shout and benefited from two dropped catches, brought brief interest to the chase. He raced away to a maiden ODI century, in the process hitting Sami for a hattrick of fours and then for 22 in another over. Wahab, though, proved too good for him, troubling him with bouncers before cleaning him up with a quick yorker, and ending the game in the process. Pakistan, though, will be worried at how ineffective their second string of bowlers were. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan innings (50 overs maximum)

Mohammad Hafeez b Utseya 86

Azhar Ali* c Panyangara b Utseya 79

Shoaib Malik c Masakadza b Panyangara 112

Haris Sohail not out 89

Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 3, nb 1) 9

Total (3 wickets; 50 overs) 375

Did not bat: Sarfraz Ahmed†, Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah

Fall of wickets: 1-170, 2-174, 3-375

Bowling: T Panyangara 10-075-1, BV Vitori 10-1-77-0, CB

Mpofu 10-0-70-0, SC Williams 5-0-42-0, P Utseya 10-0-632, Sikandar Raza 5-0-43-0.

Bayliss: England name Australian as

new head coach

Trevor Bayliss has been appointed as the first Australian to coach England.

The 52-year-old New South Wales coach succeeds Peter Moores, whose second spell ended in a sacking in early May.

Bayliss led Sri Lanka from 2007-2011, took temporary charge of Australia for their Twenty20 series in South Africa in 2014 and has coached Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

“It’s an honour to be appointed England coach,” said Bayliss. “I firmly believe that the team has a bright future.”

Bayliss will take up his new role in June, in time for the start of the Ashes series against Australia which begins in July.

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie had been one of several candidates for the job.

The Yorkshire coach had indicated he would take the role if offered it and met twice with England director of cricket Andrew Strauss.

Paul Farbrace, who led England to victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s, will stay on as Bayliss’s assistant coach, and remain in temporary charge for the second Test against the Kiwis which starts at Headingley on Friday.

Bayliss played in 58 firstclass matches as a batsman for his native New South Wales but never represented Australia.

“What particularly excites me about the role is the chance to work with a very talented group of players, “

he added.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to help them realise their potential and achieve success on a consistent basis.”

Strauss said: “Trevor has an outstanding record as coach, has global experience and is very highly regarded in the game.

“He has proved himself in both domestic and international cricket, has a strong reputation for manmanagement and has shown how to build winning teams in all three formats.

“His expertise in the shorter forms of the game will be vital as we build towards three major ICC events over the next four years; the World T20 in India in 2016 and the Champions Trophy and World Cup which will be staged in England and Wales in 2017 and 2019 respectively.”

As well as coaching Kolkata to two IPL titles, Bayliss also won the Big Bash League and Champions League Twenty20 with the Sydney Sixers in 2012. (BBC Sport)

ireland to vote against Blatter in upcoming FiFa’s election

Ireland will vote against Sepp Blatter in Friday’s Fifa presidential election, says Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney.

Blatter, 79, is favourite to win a fifth four-year term after saying in 2011 he would step down.

“Regardless of the good he claims to have done during his tenure, he has to recognise that Fifa has an incredibly bad brand image,” Delaney told BBC Sport.

“We won’t be voting for him.”

The English and Scottish Football Associations intend to support Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan - the only other candidate in the election in Zurich following the

Zimbabwe innings (target: 376 runs from 50 overs)

V Sibanda c & b Wahab Riaz 23

Sikandar Raza c Mohammad Hafeez b Anwar Ali 36

H Masakadza c Hammad Azam b Shoaib Malik 73

E Chigumbura* b Wahab Riaz 117

SC Williams c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 36

R Mutumbami† not out 21

P Utseya not out 21

Extras (lb 2, w 5) 7

Total (5 wickets; 50 overs) 334

Did not bat: CR Ervine, CB

Mpofu, T Panyangara, BV Vitori

Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-65, 3-189, 4-263, 5-293

Bowling: Mohammad Sami 7-0-63-0, Anwar Ali 10-0-81-1, Wahab Riaz 10-0-47-3, Hammad Azam 5-0-29-0, Yasir Shah 6-035-0, Mohammad Hafeez 8-044-0, Shoaib Malik 4-0-33-1.

withdrawals of Luis Figo and Michael van Praag.

Delaney said the FAI will also back Prince Ali and that Blatter should step down for “the good of the game”.

“If he was doing the right thing by football, which he says he cares and loves, then he should step aside and let somebody else come forward and improve the image of the world game,” added Delaney.

“Uefa’s image is very good, which is run by a good friend of mine Michel Platini.

“I can go to Uefa and ask ‘can we increase the Euros from 16 teams to 24’ which I did, they get that.

“You can talk to Uefa about 13 countries hosting

the tournament 2020. It gets discussed and it gets done. But at Fifa you can’t.

“Blatter has had a hell of a run at it. But surely he knows, in his private moments, he must know, that outside of the voting chambers, that the world, the football public, the players and supporters, want change.”

“I have no problems telling anybody, telling the world now, that we will not be voting for Sepp Blatter.

“There is a permanent controversy at Fifa.”

Blatter is expected to win another term with widespread support in five of Fifa’s six continental regions. (BBC Sport)

Bolt braves the cold to strike in Ostrava

Usain Bolt won the 200 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet on Tuesday, as the Jamaican star prepares for the World Championships after a season marred by injuries.

Facing rain and cold at the IAAF World Challenge event, Bolt came out of the bend slightly ahead and breezed unchallenged to victory, crossing the finish line in 20.13. The six-time Olympic champion improved on his previous season’s best of 20.20, clocked in April in Jamaica.

It was his first race in Europe this season as he gets into shape for the worlds in August in Beijing.

Isiah Young of the United States finished second in 20.35 and Lykourgos Stefanos Tsakonas of Greece was third in 20.62. (Digicel SportsMax)

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‘Shiv not treated poorly, he just didn’t fit’ says Simmons

Newly-appointed Windies coach Phil Simmons has dismissed suggestions that veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was poorly treated following the decision to drop him from the regional team’s squad ahead of the Australia series.

The coach, who met with the player following a poor series performance against England, insists the batsman simply did not fit into the team’s plans for the Australians.

“It depends on what you consider to be shabby. I think players before were not recognised and lauded for their performances. But to say you have to play two Test matches for me to laud your performances over 164 [Tests] doesn’t make sense,” Simmons said.

“I think it is a case where we need to acknowledge and laud his performances over the years by acknowledging it.”

Chanderpaul is the region’s second highest Test

runs scorer behind Windies batting legend Brian Lara, who he trails by 86 runs.

The 40-year-old batsman has scored 11867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 Test centuries, but has struggled to impressed in his last two series against South Africa and England.

“When we went through the process, he didn’t fit in so it’s not about giving someone two Tests to finish their career, it’s about picking the best team to play the next game.” (Digicel

SportsMax)

Champions League likely to be scrapped

Aday after informally discussing the fate of the Champions League Twenty20 with Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket South Africa (CSA), the other stakeholders of the tournament, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur dropped another hint that it may be scrapped. ESPNcricinfo understands that a meeting of the CLT20 governing council is likely to be convened soon to make the final call.

“We still have CLT20. We will have meetings on how to make it a better tournament, or something in place of that. We just finished the season eight of the IPL which has been very successful. We will now start thinking on those lines [fate of CLT20],” Thakur told a group of se-

lect journalists in Kolkata on Monday.

“If CLT20 cannot attract crowds in India or abroad, you need to sit down and think about other options. It’s in the interest of cricket. In the interest of cricket, you make changes. Like from

Test cricket we switched to ODIs, then T20s and now we’ve the IPL. With time, you bring in changes so that the game does not die. There should be enough takers for the game. Tournament should be successful.”

For more than a month, the fate of CLT20 has been hanging in the balance. BCCI, the majority stakeholder of the tournament, and the broadcaster aren’t keen on hosting it, but they will need a formal consent from CSA and CA before cancellation. The South African board seems to have accepted that CLT20 is a history, having already announced Africa T20 Cup to be held in September, when the CLT20 usually takes place.

IPL chairman Rajiv

Shukla had also said that the BCCI was planning to do away with CLT20, adding that they were exploring possible alternatives.

Sections in the media had reported of a tournament involving the top four IPL teams from this season. Although Thakur denied those claims, he admitted that the Champions League has been struggling to attract any takers.

“Would you like your product to go down?” he said “No. You will only get sponsors if you’ve a successful tournament. There will be no takers otherwise. Eventually, you will have to look for cricket first. For me, that one-month window has to be used properly in the interest of cricket and cricket board.” (Cricinfo)

Why India don’t have a coach yet

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Duncan Fletcher’s chequered term as India’s head coach ended with their World Cup semi-final loss to Australia almost two months ago. His authority diminished towards the end of his stint with Ravi Shastri’s appointment as team director.

With another grueling season awaiting India, starting with a tour to Bangladesh next month and culminating with the World Twenty20 in 2016, there has been no official word on Fletcher’s successor.

While it is understood that the BCCI is trying to rejig the structure of the team’s support staff, there has been no official word. After discussing the vacant coach position in detail with BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, secretary Anurag Thakur said that the support staff for the Bangladesh tour “will be announced before June 6”.

Considering the ECB appointed Trevor Bayliss as Peter Moores’ successor in barely two weeks, ESPNcricinfo tries to dissect the delay in the appointment of India’s new coach.

Why is there a delay in appointing a head coach?

The change of administration in the BCCI is a key factor, since the previous regime under the deposed

president N Srinivasan had set the ball rolling to find a replacement for Fletcher.

Are they looking for a head coach and a team director as well?

It is still not clear whether the BCCI wants to fill both positions, or just one of them. The popular perception in the board is that a team director aided by three assistant coaches would serve the purpose. The position of team director was created for the first time when former India allrounder Ravi Shastri was appointed after India’s defeat in the England Tests. Shastri had agreed to continue in the role as an interim arrangement till the end of the World Cup.

How are the two roles different?

In the six-month period when they functioned together, head coach Fletcher was in charge of preparing the team for matches. Team director Shastri was more of a facilitator between the players, the coach, the selectors and the BCCI. Most of his work was in the background, but he was responsible for the overall performance of the team.

Who are the contenders for the team director’s role?

Sourav Ganguly and Ravi Shastri are definitely in the fray, along with a few undisclosed overseas candidates.

It is understood Shastri has the confidence of the players, who were happy with his open approach. There is no clarity on whether the BCCI has approached him or whether Shastri himself wants to carry on in the long term at the cost of his media assignments. It is understood that Ganguly has the backing of the BCCI, but the man himself said in Kolkata he would talk about it “once we get to it”.

One hurdle facing BCCI and Ganguly is he is also secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal and heavily involved in its day-to-day administration. Ganguly also has lucrative contracts with various media houses and if he does pick up the team director’s role, would he have to forsake his other commitments is a question BCCI needs to workout.

And the candidates for the head coach?

Since it is still not clear if the BCCI would prefer a head coach along with team director, no names have emerged so far.

Has the BCCI set a deadline for the appointment(s)?

Not really. The BCCI is prepared to wait until it finds the most suitable people. That India’s next two assignments - a tour to Bangladesh in June to be followed by a limited-overs se-

ries in Zimbabwe in Julyare low key gives them time to scan for the best candidate. If the new coach/ team director is not finalised before the team’s departure to Dhaka on June 7, then the BCCI may well send a support staff consisting of three assistant coaches without a chief. Or they might request Shastri to continue in the team director’s role for another series.

Who are involved in selecting the head coach?

BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur are the two main decision-makers. They are understood to have sought inputs from some former India captains including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Shastri himself to help them shortlist the candidates. The two captains - Dhoni (ODI and Twenty20 captain) and Virat Kohli (Test) - would suggest some names as well and are expected to play prominent roles in the process.

What happens to the current support staff?

The pair of assistant coaches Sanjay Bangar and B Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar await message from the BCCI about their future. (Cricinfo)

Ramnarine blasts Lloyd’s selection panel over Chanderpaul’s dropping

Former West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine has blasted the Clive Lloyd led West Indies selection panel for dropping veteran batsman Shiv Chanderpaul ahead of the Australian series.

Ramnarine has criticized Chanderpaul’s exclusion from a 12 man squad released on Saturday as “disgraceful” and said the manner in which the Guyanese cricketer was dropped was unbecoming.

“It was most unfortunate that the West Indies selectors would treat yet another great West Indies cricketer who has been a loyal servant in the most disgraceful manner,” Ramnarine told the Express.

New West Indies head coach Phil Simmons told a news conference on Sunday that he does not believe the 40 year old Chanderpaul was treated shabbily and that selectors did not see it fitting to pick him simply to offer him a farewell series.

But Ramnarine has insisted that Chanderpaul’s axing is in line with how WICB has been treating great West Indies players.

“When I saw recently the president of the WICB Dave Cameron say that Chanderpaul would be given a special send-off, I was waiting to see what would be done to celebrate his long-standing and successful career,” said Ramnarine.

“But then I saw the team and Chanderpaul was

left out, it is so consistent with the WICB, how they have treated great players in the past including Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richards, Desmond Haynes”.

Ramnarine recalled that other top cricketers like Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, and Sachin Tendulkar were given the opportunity to play their final game in front of home crowds.

He also cited the example of English Premier League footballer Steven Gerrard of Liverpool whose fans got an opportunity to say goodbye recently.

“The WICB missed an opportunity to make this (Australia) series a send-off for Chanderpaul, lost an-

other opportunity to build back trust with fans and to celebrate Chanderpaul career for being the dependable batsman that he was,” Ramnarine stated.

“What is important is that he came from humble beginnings and achieved and the WICB should have used that as a motivating factor to the younger players to show that if Chanderpaul was able to make it at highest level and succeed then everyone can”.

West Indies and Australia play two Tests, the first starting at Windsor Park in Dominica on June 3 and the second bowling off at Sabina Park in Jamaica on June 11. (CMC)

Wickets should favour Windies - Cameron

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president, Dave Cameron, says work to improve the state of the region’s pitches is ongoing, but insists that those pitches must also provide the West Indies with the opportunity to do well against quality rivals.

Regional pitches came in for some criticism during the recently concluded series against England that ended earlier this month, with commentators and players alike describing some of the surfaces as graveyards.

Still, there were outright results in two of the three matches played between Antigua, Grenada and Barbados. The first Test in Antigua ended in a tame draw, but England won the second Test in Grenada by nine wickets, before the West Indies stormed back to level the series by beating the English by fivewickets inside three days in Barbados.

It is against that background that Cameron believes the pitches, while in need, are an improvement, having proven to be good enough for now.

“Kent (Crafton) continues to go around, and we are focused on making those pitches better, but the interesting thing is we say we have graveyard pitches, but we lost the game in Grenada for one bad session, otherwise, we could have had a very good outcome there, but all of

Nadal & Djokovic win French Open first-round ties

Rafael Nadal began his quest for a 10th French Open title with a straight-sets victory over teenager Quentin Halys. Frenchman Halys, an 18-year-old wildcard, had the Roland Garros crowd on his side but was not consistent enough to trouble the champion.

And sixth seed Nadal, 28, won 6-3 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 50 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Spaniard is in the same half of the draw as top seed Novak Djokovic, who beat Jarkko Nieminen 6-2

7-5 6-2.

Djokovic, 28, has now won 23 matches in a row as he bids to claim his first title at Roland Garros and become the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam. He was given a useful workout by Finland’s Nieminen, the 33-year-old taking a surprise 5-2 lead in the second set.

That merely served to bring the best out of Djokovic, who won the next nine games in a row to effectively seal victory.

He could meet Nadalwho has slipped down the world rankings during a dis-

appointing clay-court season by his standards - as early as the quarter-finals.

Nadal took the first step in that direction, and improved his record at Roland Garros to 67 wins and one defeat, with a solid opening effort.

There were a few worried glances to coach Toni Nadal in the stand when one service game went against him in a scratchy first set, but the nine-time champion made just one error in the second.

Halys, the US Open boys’ runner-up in 2014, showed enough flashes of talent to engage his home crowd with

his forehand, drop shot and willingness to attack the net.

Nadal was restricted to a single break of serve in the second and third sets but it was all he needed to earn a second-round meeting with compatriot Nicolas Almagro.

“When I’ve had some up and downs during the season, it’s normal that can happen here,” said Nadal.

“I am trying to avoid that. I am here to try to play good tennis and give myself a chance to play well and compete for everything.

“My mentality and my goal is the same always.”

(BBC Sport)

the wickets, if we play bad cricket on them, we will lose,” he said.

Australia arrives in the West Indies for a two-Test series beginning June 3, and Cameron said we have to be careful what we wish for when it comes to pitch preparation.

“We have to give ourselves opportunities to at least get a good result while we are in the rebuilding stage,” he said. “I hear all the pundits say we should have faster tracks, but we have to be mindful who we are playing against, and for us to get back up the rankings, we have to use our own advantages.”

Opportunities To Be Competitive

With that in mind, Cameron said the pitches being prepared at Windsor

Park and Sabina Park will give the West Indies the best opportunities to be competitive against the ever-improving Australians, who boast some of the world’s best bowlers.

“The instructions are clear. Prepare fair wickets, and if we do well, credit should go out to our bowlers,” the WICB president said.

“They are swinging the ball around now, and Michael Clarke has commented that they are looking at our opening bowlers, and they are looking well; so for me, it’s less about wickets. We want to give them fair wickets to bowl on, but we also want to ensure that we give the West Indies team a chance to do well against these better teams.”

(Windies Cricket)

James Harden scored a playoff career-high 45 points and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish to avoid elimination in the Western Conference finals with a 128-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 on Monday night.

The Rockets used a 45-point first quarter to build a big lead. They were up by 22 in the second quarter when Stephen Curry landed on his head in a nasty spill and missed about 12 minutes before returning.

His first field goal after returning came on a 3-pointer that got Golden State within six points with less than 8½ minutes remaining. But Harden, who had 17 points in the fourth quarter, scored the next seven points as part of 10 straight by Houston to push the lead to 114-98.

Klay Thompson had 24 points and Curry added 23 for Golden State, which can reach the NBA Finals with a victory at home on Wednesday. (The Ledger.com)

“King of the Hard Court” to continue tonight

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)

“King of the Hard Court” league will continue tonight at the Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets, with two games.

The first game set for an 18:30h start will see the Plaisance Guardians taking on the Pepsi Sonics in an Under-23 match.

The game is expected to be fast paced as most of the Under-23 games usually are; however, the Guardians will have the likes of Nduka Horatio and Kelvin Yorrick that should spur them to a win over the Pepsi Sonics.

Meanwhile, the Knights will meet West Side in a First Division encounter to cap the night of action.

Knights are by far the favourites to win this game due to their experience when compared to the West

Side team that are now trying to climb the ranks of basketball in Guyana. Knights should be able to use their pace as well as

post play to control the game against the less-experienced side at this level of competition.

However, basketball is a

game of runs and both sides can do with a win in the tournament, as both have no winning momentum heading into the game.

Mocha win Independence tape ball cricket

- Agricola and Plaisance share honours in football and basketball

Mocha have emerged the winners of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Day of Sport tape ball cricket competition held in observance of Guyana’s 49th Independence celebrations at the Guyana National Service Ground on Sunday.

Mocha, last year’s third placed team, rose to the top this year beating last year’s second placed team, Agricola in the final.

Mocha batted first and scored 95-2 off their allotted 10 overs, with Jason Sampson scoring 31 runs and Alwin De Mattos 26 not out.

In reply, Agricola struggled to 85-8 in their allotted overs. Tuen Hicks topscored with 25 and got good support from Sheldon Chapman with 15 and Marlon Darell, 10. Sampson returned with the ball to pick up four wickets, while De Mattos

grabbed two.

Meanwhile, Plaisance returned to win the sevena-side football competition, pushing Mocha into second place and Agricola third.

Plaisance also dominated in the basketball competition, which saw Agricola being the losing finalist. Mocha were outplayed by both teams.

The Day of Sport was organised by Social Worker attached to the Department of Culture,

Bolt needs help to lift tarnished track and field image - Campbell-Brown

Despite being in awe of the achievements of compatriot Usain Bolt, decorated Olympic Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown believes it will take more than the effort of the sport’s biggest star to change the general negative perception of widespread doping. In the last few years, despite some remarkable achievements, some of track and field’s biggest names have been linked to various doping scandals, or suspended for infringements. Bolt the world’s fastest man is often seen as the sport’s stan-

dard bearer, not only in terms of achievements, but in terms of having an unblemished record.

“Usain is great, Usain is well-loved, he’s energetic, he’s fun and he’s been doing a good job carrying the sport. But I do believe he could do with some help. If the burden is not only his, it will help promote and push the sport,” Campbell-Brown said in an interview with the Times of India.

“As a sport, we have to regain trust at all levels so we can get the support we need. There’s too much negativity, finger-pointing and cynicism

that is stopping our progress. I don’t know how we do it but we’ve got to go out, work hard and compete hard and clean. That’s what I’ve always done.”

Campbell-Brown recently faced her own battle with doping accusations, after returning a positive test for a banned diuretic two years ago. The sprinter was, however, completely exonerated by the Court of Arbitration for Sports, who pointed out flaws in the sample collection procedure that could have led to contamination. The sprinter has always maintained her innocence.

Life is challenging at times, it was rough and even to this day, I really don’t know what happened but one thing I can say for sure is that I’ve never used drugs in my career. I’ve been clean and honest all my life,” she said.

“A lot of people may speculate or insinuate, they can say what they want to say, but the bottom line is as long as my conscience is clear and me, my family, my friends and God knows the truth, then I don’t care what people say.” (Digicel

Johnny happy with preparation of outgoing teams

Coach Sham Johnny who was able to be part of numerous training sessions with some of the athletes headed to Colombia and Ecuador this weekend highlighted that training has been good thus far.

With the likes of Carifta Champion Cassey George and South American Youth silver medallist Natricia Hopper on the teams, Johnny expressed his confidence in the teams.

“I liked how the teams look. I think they are ready and will do well,” Johnny told this publication in a telephone interview.

The teams which had the newly-commissioned National Track and Field Centre to use were not hampered by the weather, according to Johnny.

Mentis,

Youth and Sport, Andrea Hall.

Director of Youth Julian Frank was also present at the event and in a short address, thanked the teams for coming out despite the short notice.

“It was great for us to use the track; it was what we were hoping for for a while now and the weather did not hamper us at all, and I must say thanks to the Ministry and the AAG [Athletics Association of Guyana] for helping us to use the track,” Johnny highlighted.

Junior athletes will be leaving for Ecuador while the youth athletes are expected to leave for Colombia.

The junior athletes set to depart for Ecuador are

Powley and Ornesto Thomas, while the youth athletes set to leave for Colombia are Carifta gold medallist Cassey George, South American Youth silver medallist Natricia Hooper, Avon Samuels, Claudirce McKoy, Shantoba Bright, Compton Caesar, Matthew McKenzie and Kenisha Phillips. Phillips might not be able to travel given the fact that she has not turned 14 as yet and the meet in Colombia requires the participating athletes to be 15 years of age.

However, Hutson did indicate that the AAG is awaiting a response pertaining to Phillips’ eligibility to participate in the event. Both teams are expected to leave this weekend.

Windies women win series on dazzling all-round display from Matthews

West Indies Women secured the threematch T20 series against Sri Lanka women after a dazzling all-round effort by Hayley Matthews spurred them to an easy nine wicket win in the final match here on Tuesday.

Matthews, with impressive figures of four for 10, restricted Sri Lanka to 74 runs and scored an unbeaten 32 as her side cruised to victory with 52 balls remaining at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Caribbean women

have now wrapped-up the series two-one after losing the opening encounter.

Mathews grabbed four Sri Lankan wickets to crash any hopes of a recovery after Anisa Mohammed and her captain, wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira con-

spired to disable the top order.

The Sri Lankans, sent in by West Indies, struggled from the onset losing wickets frequently in the face of dangerous spells from Mathews and Mohammed.

Mohammed picked up two wickets for seven runs including two maidens from four overs.

She sent the home side reeling at six for two by removing opener Yasoda Mendis and Dilani Hansika cheaply, both caught by wicketkeeper Aguilleira.

Opener Chamari Jayangani top scored with 43 in a valiant attempt to steady a sliding innings but was quickly running out of partners as Hayley swept aside the middle order.

The off break bowler removed Nipuni Hansika for one, Shashikala Siriwardene for two, Eshani Kaushalya for two and Sripali Weerakkody for a single as the Sri Lankan innings imploded.

While Jayangani perished approaching the death overs, Sri Lanka’s only other double digit contributor,

Johnson to use warm-up game against Australia to press for a recall

Guyanese opening batsman Leon Johnson says he intends to use the three day warm-up match against Australia, which starts on Wednesday, to force his way back onto the regional side.

Johnson, who is leading the president’s XI against the Aussies, was left out of the West Indies squad for the recent three-match test series against England which the Windies came from behind to draw.

He is among several fringe players looking to catch the eye of the selection Panel in the firstclass tour match against Australia at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here.

“ I was left out of the team for the England series and coming up now against Australia two good performances will give me a chance to get back into the international side,” said Johnson, who has four test matches and 275 test runs at an average of 39.28 .

“Australia is definitely a difficult team to play against. I have never played against them but from hearing and looking at them they are very competitive. Even in this three day game they will be very competitive and looking at the make-up of the team they have seven eight world class players”.

Johnson is in fact one of two players in the President’s XI squad with international matches under his belt for West Indies, but is the only member of the squad that has played Tests.

The match will be Australia’s only warm-up ahead of their two-Test series against West Indies beginning on June 3.

“Looking at the squad assembled by the selectors obviously the players

selected are players who have done well during the regional tournament probably not just this year but over a period of time,” said Johnson.

“So we are just looking to come out and give a good show of ourselves against the number two test team in the world and the number one one day team. So a good performance here and good performance there might give the selectors something to think about”.

WICB President’s XI squad: Leon Johnson(capt), Carlos Brathwaite (vicecapt), Sharmarh Brooks, Rajindra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Jason Dawes, Shane Dowrich, Imran Khan, Marquino Mindley, Jason Mohammed, Tyrone Theophile, Jomel Warrican. (CMC)

Chathurani Gunawardene scored 10.

Matthews and Stafanie Taylor brought West Indies well within sight of their series victory by putting on 74 runs for the first wicket.

Taylor, who scored 38

from 35 balls punctuated with six fours, was caught while attempting to take her side across the line in fine style.

Matthews struck five fours and was unbeaten on 32 from 33 balls. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka Women Y Mendis st Aguilleira b Mohammed 1

C Jayangani* c Henry b Smartt 43

D Surangika+ st Aguilleira b Mohammed 0

N Hansika c King b Matthews 1

S Siriwardene c & b Matthews 2

E Kaushalya c Smartt b Matthews 2

S Weerakkody st Aguilleira b Matthews 1

C Gunawardene c Smartt b Fletcher 10

U Prabodhani run out (Dottin) 0 S Kumari not out 7 I Ranaweera not out 2

Total: 74/9 (20 Overs)

Extras: (w 5) 5 Fall of Wickets: 1-6 (Mendis, 1.3 ov), 2-6 (Surangika, 1.4 ov), 3-20 (Hansika, 5.5 ov), 4-31 (Siriwardene, 7.2 ov), 5-41 (Kaushalya, 9.2 ov), 6-48 (Weerakkody, 11.3 ov), 7-60 (Jayangani, 14.5 ov), 8-61 (Prabodhani, 15.1 ov), 9-70

(Gunawardene, 17.5 ov).

West Indies Women Bowling: S Taylor 3-0-14-0, A Mohammed 4-2-7-2, H Matthews 4-0-104, A Fletcher 4-0-18-1, S King 1-0-9-0, T Smartt 4-0-16-1.

West Indies Women (Target; 75) H Matthews not out 32 S Taylor c Prabodhani b Ranaweera 38 D Dottin not out 0

Total: 75/1 (11.2 Overs)

Extras: (lb 2, w 3) 5 Did not Bat: M Aguilleira*+, B Cooper, S King, CA Henry, A Mohammed, T Smartt, A Fletcher, S Campbelle. Fall of Wickets: 1-74 (Taylor, 11.1 ov).

Sri Lanka Women Bowling: S Weerakkody 1-0-6-0, U Prabodhani 1-0-11-0, S Kumari 2-0-13-0, E Kaushalya 1-09-0, C Gunawardene 2-09-0, S Siriwardene 3-0-180, I Ranaweera 1.2-0-7-1.