GuyanaTimes

Police hunting for teenaged accomplices to murder

The Police are now hunting for two teenagers who were implicated in the gruesome murder of Samantha Benjamin-Mc Ewan, whose dismembered body was found at the Annandale Seawall, Ease Coast Demerara two Thursdays ago.

The main perpetrator, Kevin Ramsaywak after confessing to the heinous crime revealed the names of two young men from Buxton, East Coast Demerara, who carried out the brutal attack on the businesswoman during a robbery attempt.

A source close to investigation revealed that the Police went in the search of the young men on Thursday evening but came up empty handed. It is believed that they may have absconded out of fear.

Guyana Times was told that the main suspect was influenced to rob the woman, thus he plotted the entire ordeal and was supposed to make it look like a robbery which ended up being a homicide.

On that fateful night, the three men reportedly wore masks and attacked Benjamin-Mc Ewan who was in the house at Middle Walk and due to her physical stature, she put up a fight. In retaliation, one of the men picked up a piece of wood and dealt her one blow to the head. Due to the impact, she died almost immediately.

when the two men dismembered the woman’s body.

Based on information received, they then placed the barrel into a wheel barrow and wheeled the corpse to the Annandale Seawall.

While at the sea wall, the three men decided to cut off the woman’s head. They thought that once the woman’s head was missing, no one would ever be able to identify the remains but this did not go as expected. Hours after the discovery of the woman’s body, the head was found as the water receded.

The three men, according to reports, went back to the house and cleaned up the blood stains but forgot to clean the wheel barrow. The main suspect then left the house and went to a house in Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, where he engaged in a barter system for drugs.

went to the house where the woman stayed and found evidence of blood which was enough to have Ramsaywak arrested for the murder.

Investigators stumbled on several pieces of evidence including the woman’s phone, the blood stained barrel, the cloth used to clean the blood stain and the woman’s keys. More importantly, they recovered the blood stained cutlass stuck to the roof of the chicken pen.

After interrogation, Ramsaywack confessed to the murder and is expected to be charged shortly. However, investigations are expected to take DNA samples from the woman’s body to be sent overseas for further analysis.

DNA samples were also collected from the crime scene as they attempt to match it to the deceased. Investigators are in the process of com-

As a means of covering up the crime, the two accomplices cut off the woman’s hands and feet, placed them in black garbage bags and into a barrel. The main suspect reportedly claimed that he stayed under the house

piling their evidence to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. In the mean time, Police are hunting the other two suspects. Dismembered body found at

He reportedly handed over a laptop and other personal items belonging to the dead woman and collected a quantity of drugs. He was arrested almost one week after the gruesome murder. Worried family members

WPO awards outstanding women in Region 2

The Women Progressive Organisation (WPO), an arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), on Saturday honoured several outstanding women in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) who continue to contribute to the development of region.

According to WPO General Secretary Sheila Veerasammy, the women were selected based on the support given to the organisation, their membership and contribution in protecting the rights of women in their communities.

Addressing scores of residents at the Cheddi Jagan Children’s Park in Anna Regina, Veerasammy said women in Guyana now have equal rights as men, noting that today they continue to dominate the “work place and the political arena.”

She added that the award serves to recognise the involvement of women in society and the struggle they continue to endure to protect other women.

WPO was formed in 1953 by the late Janet Jagan with the aim of protecting the

rights of women.

Region Two health worker, Allison Brown; Region Two Education Officer, Baramdai Seepersaud; Administrator of Suddie Public Hospital, Shelly Amarose; Region Two Principal Officer, Bibi Rameeza Mula; Toshao and health worker of Tampakuma; Doreen Jacobis; Pastor Kaisheena Dyal; Businesswomen Bhaiwantie Ramkisson; Maharanie Ramnauth; Sattie Ramnaith; Chrandrawattie Sookdeo and Nanlinie Dindyal were among the awardees.

Arifa Baksh, Narifa Baksh, Akala Khan, Eva

Persaud, Juliet Coonjah, Nadia

Shanta Springer and Lalita Baksh were also awarded. They were given bouquets of roses along with certificates.

The tokens of appreciation were presented by Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh.

One of the recipients, Doreen Jacobis expressed her gratitude to the organisation, noting that most of her time is spent volunteering. In addition to being a community nurse, Jacobis renders assistance to young people through counselling.

Businesswoman killed during Linden robbery

– 23-year-old son hospitalised after being shot

A45-year-old businesswoman was shot and killed in Linden during an armed robbery while her son is nursing a gunshot wound.

According to a Police report, the incident occurred at about 19:30h on Saturday. The Police said the businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and her husband Elon Gordon, 48, were confronted by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. At the time, the couple was entering their yard, however, while Elon was driving in with his vehicle, Shevon was outside the car.

In launching their attack, the men demanded that Shevon hand over the

bag of cash which she had in her possession but she resisted. It was then she was shot to her body. The men then took the bag away and fled the scene on foot. According to the Police, Elon and his son Devon Gordon, 23, gave chase and it was Devon who managed to catch up with the perpetrators but a scuffle ensued resulting in him being shot to his left thigh. The men then escaped with the bag of money.

Shevon and Devon were both rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex but the businesswoman was pronounced dead on arrival. Her son, however, has been admitted to the hospital for medical treatment. Investigations are in progress.

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

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

April 5 – 17:00h-18:30h and Monday, April 6 – 05:15h-06:45h

WEATHER TODAY FERRY SCHEDULE

Berbice ballot box killings: Soldiers performed "splendidly" against "gangsters" – Granger

By Michael younge

Presidential Candidate for the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, David Granger is maintaining that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers performed their role “splendidly” back in 1973 when they were sent in to remove ballot boxes from polling stations around the country, the army had been ordered to remove ballot boxes from polling stations around the country and take them to army headquarters at Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.

Granger’s party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has been facing trenchant criticisms from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over the last few weeks for its role in elections rigging, election related violence and the politicisation of the security forces during its tenure in office.

His party has been accused of also covering up the role played by the Army in causing the deaths of 45-year-old Bholanauth Parmanand and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar who were shot dead by members of the GDF on the evening of the general elections on July 16, 1973 outside of the polling station at Number 63 Village.

Recently, Presidential Candidate of the ruling party Donald Ramotar, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee called on Granger to face his own track record as an ex-GDF commander and his party’s track record while in office.

Rohee in particular, during an interview with this newspaper, had made refer-

ence to comments made in Granger’s book New Road in which he praised the Army for its role in the 1973 elections even though two men literally lost their life while trying to stop the Army from removing the ballot boxes from the place of poll to take them to an undisclosed location.

Rohee had called the men martyrs and hailed their sacrifice as he strongly condemned the Opposition for its undemocratic tendencies which he alleged were continuing today as he urged Guyanese to take a closer look at Granger and what he stands for.

But Granger, speaking during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Thursday at his campaign office in Queenstown, said he was not worried over the concerns raised by the PPP/C as he made the statement in his book based on the findings of a Commission of Inquiry conducted 42 years ago by Justice Dhanessar Jhappan.

He said that the PPP/C and its late leader, former President Cheddi Jagan were responsible for the behaviour of their supporters back in 1973 if a closer analysis is done of the speeches they gave at political rallies.

Standing with GDF against villagers

He again glorified the GDF while stating that he stands by the findings of the Defence Force.

“Well it is not my job to have a new Commission of Inquiry [CoI] into what Justice Jandapan did over 40 years ago. I simply quoted in my book or I put a phrase in my book referring to what Dr Justice Jhappan said. I’m not going to decide now whether they behaved in one manner or the other. All I’m saying is that I felt that in accordance

with the mission that had been set then they behaved splendidly. They were given a mission to protect the ballot boxes and there was a danger that the ballot boxes would be taken away from them and heaven knows what would have happened. It would have spoiled the election so they performed their mission splendidly and I stand by those words”, he said.

David Granger wrote his book "New Road" in which he described the soldiers behaviour as "splendid" in 1976, by which time it had been meticulously documented by international agencies that the two-thirds majority the PNC received after the Ballot Boxes were released from Camp Ayanganna three days later had been massively rigged. None of this is remarked in Granger's book.

Asked whether it was the role of the Army to remove ballot boxes at that time in 1973, Granger avoided giving a direct answer but said “the role that was given to Lieutenant Henry was to protect the ballot boxes, to remove them from the polling stations and to ensure the safe delivery to the place of count”.

Asked further who would have given Henry and the GDF such as a role, Granger responded “the Guyana Defence Force Board”. He ar-

gued that it was clear that the PPP/C had a plan to disrupt the elections and the “gang” at Number 63 Village was merely following the instructions of their party leaders and were bent on breaking the law.

Granger was challenged by the PPP/C to address the issue surrounding the 1973 elections when he went to campaign in Whim – which is not too far away from where the men died – last weekend but did not.

Asked why he did not,

Granger said that he does not take instructions from the PPP/C.

Rohee fires back Rohee, lashing back, said that neither Granger nor the PNC can escape responsibility for the violence and rigging of elections that took place back in 1973. He said “the evil that men will follow them and will even live after them” before again restating his position that the APNU is an attempt to whitewash the image of the PNC to fool Guyanese into voting for the PNC which is a party that lacks any plan for Guyana’s development.

turn to page 10

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

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

Obama in Caricom

US President Barack Obama will be meeting CariCom leaders on Thursday in Jamaica before heading down to Panama for the Summit of the Americas conclave. Since the Caricom heads would also be participating in the Summit, local analysts are working overtime to decipher the reasons behind the sudden “pivot” to CariCom.

The US, after all, has been notorious for its short attention span when it comes to the Caricom and whenever its Olympian gaze was directed here, it invariably foreshadowed some major US initiative affecting the region directly.

The last US President to visit Jamaica in 1982, for instance, was Ronald Reagan - and this was to tie down Jamaica’s Prime Minister Seaga’s support for the US invasion of Grenada, a member of Caricom, later that year.

After a flurry of activities for a year that saw the launch of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), it was status quo ante. The CBI was suppose to fulfil the promise of the free enterprise, liberalisation premises of the Washington Consensus that would see US corporations investing in the region to catapult us into the “developed nations” bracket.

That the promise was never fulfilled has nothing to do with the economic meltdown that only occurred 25 years later, and everything to do with the insignificance of the region in the grand scheme of the US strategy.

So why is Caricom getting this special attention right now? The US has said the meeting concerns “energy and security” and is to pursue issues raised when several Caricom leaders met Vice President Biden in Washington for a “Caribbean Energy Security Summit” in late January.

When it comes to “energy”, the most significant changes in the Caribbean has been firstly Trinidad’s displacement as the “largest supplier of Liquified Petroleum Gas” (LPG) to the US due to the upsurge in shale oil drilling in that country.

It is not envisaged that there will be any changes in this area, since the Saudis are determined to crush the shale oil challenge and Trinidad’s further competition will not be facilitated.

The second “energy security” issue for the Caribbean has been the PertroCaribe Initiative, launched by President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to supply petroleum at concessionary terms to the region. A percentage of the bill has to be paid up front while the balance is paid over 20 years at rates of interest based on a sliding scale depending on price.

The offer was snapped up by 10 of the 15 members of Caricom, as well as Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The move created a huge amount of goodwill towards Venezuela as was pointed out by the outgoing Chairman of Caricom two months ago.

It would be perverse not to enquire as to whether the US move to deal with the region’s “energy security” might not be related to their relations with Venezuela. The US accepted funding groups that staged a 2002 coup against the leftist regime of Chavez’ and still supports the Venezuelan Opposition to be returned to power.

Chavez’ successor Maduro has continued the trenchant criticism of US foreign policy, not to mention ousting US oil companies from the largest oil reserves in the world. Last December the US enacted special legislation to deem Venezuela a “security threat” and imposed sanctions of seven Venezuelan officials to bring pressure of the Venezuelan Government.

The sanctions were uniformly denounced by “The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States” (CELAC), “Union of South American Nations” (UNASUR), “G-77 and China” and “Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America” (ALBA). There are six members of Caricom in the last grouping and maybe the Jamaican meeting is intended to swing their support ahead of Panama.

The Dominican Republic’s $4 billion PetroCaribe debt was bought out and refinanced by a US Investment Bank and after the Washington Summit it was suggested that Jamaica might also go that route.

Incentives anyone?

Questions for a sleeping Ramjattan

Dear Editor,

In his address at the Whim rally, Mr Ramjattan said, “I want to tell you that the propaganda you are hearing that the APNU+AFC coalition is going to grind the rice and sugar industries to the dirt is all lies.”

Perhaps Mr Ramjattan is sleep walking most of his speeches and policy positions and is disinterested in various pronouncements and actions by the Opposition in the National Assembly.

As it relates to lies, misconception, deceptions and hypocrisy, Mr Ramjattan and the AFC stand in a most lonely corner. I wish to urge Mr Ramjattan to answer the following questions so that the Guyanese population would be able to determine how truthful he is and whether he can be trusted.

Did Mr Ramjattan promise the Guyanese that the

AFC will never coalesce with APNU? Did Mr Ramjattan say to the Guyanese that no such coalition would happen with him as the leader of the AFC? What happened, Mr Ramjattan? Are these lies also?

Didn’t a senior candidate of the AFC ask the Government to get out of rice? Is this a lie also? Wasn’t this said, Mr Ramjattan?

Didn’t the APNU, which is part of the APNU+AFC coalition, vote against the provision of subsidies for the sugar industry in the National Assembly? Is this a lie also, Mr Ramjattan? Or do you want me to remind you of how the MPs voted?

If you wish to be so reminded, I would request that the Clerk of the National Assembly issue a statement on how the MPs voted on this issue so that you would be more in tune with what occurred.

Didn’t Mr Greenidge say in the National Assembly that putting money into the sugar sector is like pouring money down a dark hole? Didn’t Mr Greenidge say in the National Assembly that the sugar industry and the sugar workers are the PPP/C Government problem? Didn’t Mr Nagamootoo shout in the National Assembly that the subsidy to the sugar industry is a “bail out”, Mr Ramjattan?

Mr Ramjattan, you seem to have a very short memory or are disinterested in the truth. These are not lies. These are the facts. This is what you and your coalition have done. You cannot run, hide, or duck from it.

You have to face the consequences of your misguided policy positions and not be interested only in short term political spins and promises, which you have no intention of fulfilling.

Your promises to the sugar industry in your 2011

elections campaign were merely political gimmick and the entire nation saw how much of a gimmick it was when it became time to address the real issues facing the sugar industry both inside and outside of the National Assembly. As it relates to rice, I must say that now that the sugar workers have undressed you and the AFC for who you truly are, you are targeting another group to seek support. Can you remember what your original position on the PetroCaribe deal was, Mr Ramjattan? Or do you wish to be reminded of this also? I am sure that you are well aware of what your position was. So, Mr Ramjattan, stop hiding in the dark corners of lies and come clear because we know you for who you are and the Guyanese population has found you out for who you are.

Annalisa Ally

Military political alliance and military establishment

Dear Editor,

Since 2011, when Granger accepted the leadership role of both the parliamentary Opposition APNU and the PNC, there has been increasing evidence of the militarisation of the Opposition’s leadership.

Legally, actively serving members of the Disciplined Forces are prohibited from active politics. Thus, retired officers dominate the polit-

ical leadership, including Collins, Harmon and Felix.

The 2015 elections campaign has seen an unprecedented increase in the presence of actively involved retired military personnel, many residing abroad, mostly in USA. The impact on the serving military is as expected.

Granger had been warned of the implications of the militarisation of his campaign. The history of

the military’s role in the perpetuation of the illegal undemocratic Burnhamite PNC regime is recent still and painful. It is a blot on the military tradition in Guyana. One that Guyanese should try hard to forget.

The spectre of the PNC and the military becoming political bedfellows again must be disturbing to most Guyanese.

A political machinery run by the military is

no longer fiction: Granger made it happen. Guyanese can only think of implications of the military political alliance to succeeding in the coming election.

The candidate list of APNU/AFC will confirm our worst fears. Then Guyana will have to think of the payback.

Dr Roger Luncheon Head, Presidential Secretariat

The Opposition biasness

Dear Editor,

The Opposition has been making a lot of unfounded references regarding the appointment of the new Commissioner of Police. I wonder if this is because of the impending election.

Allow me please to highlight the biasness of the Opposition and their narrow political gimmickry.

Firstly, when the former Commissioner and now APNU MP Winston Felix’s controversial conversation with another APNU MP Basil Williams came to light, there was utter silence, and there was no call for his resignation. He was allowed to continue into retirement with full benefits.

Secondly, when another former Commissioner Henry Green was accused of rape, the Opposition again was mute, and there were no calls for his resignation.

Thirdly, former Commissioner Leroy Brummell acted for an ex-

tended period and was subsequently sworn in as Commissioner of Police in the absence of a Police Service Commission (PSC). David Granger gave no objection to this appointment and did not see any breach of the Constitution.

The Constitution states that the President shall appoint a Commissioner of Police based on the recommendation of the PSC and meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

Granger objected to the appointment of Seelall Persaud as Commissioner on the basis that two ranks who were charged with torture were promoted during Persaud’s tenure as acting Commissioner.

However, a predecessor of another race was a sitting Commissioner when these officers were re-instated –the case having been dismissed in the court – and the opposition was silent.

It appears therefore that it is acceptable for them to be members of the Force, but not so for promotion.

These promotions was made by the PSC, which the Commissioner has no control over, and in which the Opposition has representation. There were no objections and as such the Opposition’s representation endorsed the promotions.

Now, if Granger is so peeved with the appointment, why did he ask this very Commissioner for protection? Notwithstanding, the biasness of Granger and the Opposition is glaring, and a direct racial attack on the Commissioner.

It is time, that Granger and his Opposition comrades stop playing the race game and stop disparaging a professional Guyanese character.

Jalim Mohamed Concerned Guyanese

Journalism ethics: truth versus lie

Dear Editor,

With all honesty, I am confident that even Guyanese with very little formal schooling will agree that the present media houses in Guyana, especially the Stabroek and Kaieteur News, for many years have taken the western media thrash culture to ensure readership/sales.

The daily printing of lies, half-truths, accusations without factual evidences/proofs and not following the fundamentals of journalism have contributed to the bullying, disrespect, spousal abuses, overall high crime, bribery and non-compliance to the laws/Constitution.

The much touted hospitable nature of the people of Guyana must examine this

blessing as it is gradually being eroded.

Please do not misunderstand me, as I have visited our beloved Guyana 21 times over 11 years, and as a person of humble beginnings, it is my duty to bring this discussion to the attention of all Guyanese citizens.

I accept and agree that there will be changes in life – this is from our Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher and Forgiver, yet many of us will go to lengths to cross that sacred line, to commit sinful acts, and cover up and sell their wickedness.

I appeal to the Guyanese voters to continue the needed developments by giving the present Government the majority and mandate to legis-

Opposition objected to funds for Babu Jaan public convenience

Dear Editor,

An important piece of information was edited out of my piece in another media regarding the necessity of having proper public toilet convenience at Babu Jaan.

When I approached the Government officials to build proper facilities at the site, they claimed that the Oopposition accused it of committing and wasting funds behind a dead man.

The Opposition sees Jagan as a dead man, not as a hero of the nation. And when there is inadequate facility at Babu Jaan where some of Jagan’s ashes lie in a monument, the Opposition accuses the Government of neglecting the cemetery and Jagan’s memory.

As PPP/C officials told me, it was a case of damned if you do, or damned if you

don’t. They don’t want to give funds to honor Jagan, but yet at the same time they criticize Jagan’s party for not honouring him.

The Government said it wanted to commit funds to construct proper facilities at crematoriums and cemeteries. But the Opposition opposed almost everything that would benefit the people, especially in rural areas.

The Government should commit to serving the Babu Jaan site regardless of what opponents say. It is a health requirement to have proper toilets and the Government should make them available to those coming to pay tribute to Guyana’s national heroes and founding father and mother.

Vishnu Bisram

As a Berbician, "Naga Man" is a traitor

Dear Editor, I’m from Port Mourant, Corentyne. I currently reside in the USA. I read the Guyana Times, which I do enjoy.

It is the first public gay marriage that ever happened in Guyana – Granger and "Naga Man", and it was with two different races.

As a Berbician, Naga Man is a traitor for the people that

Dear Editor,

The political spinners are starting to cover the pitch with ‘couscous’ and cover the wicket with porous tarpaulin.

The 11-per-centers forged their way to the pavilion with ferocity, anticipating the Indian turnout to be record breaking. Moses Nagamootoo, the home coming boy, their star batsman, was expected to thrill his supporters, who were expected to be in the tens of thousands.

The weather cooperated perfectly and the belly full Moses was at his best, but the yellow shirt audience was pitiful.

late changes to the media and journalism laws, thus stopping this Satanic, un-ethical journalism disease.

If not stopped in its tracks, it will do grave harm to the younger generation and our nation’s image. Opposition to sound advice for the sake of opposing is like a person committing suicide.

Honest discussion is a gift and a blessing that will benefit all, providing it follows all the rules and regulations –religious or secular laws.

Finally be part of the movement to give our children the examples that will propel this developing nation that will be envied by other nation states.

Safdar Ally

His coach and confidant Ramjattan pretended to be preoccupied with his spectacles, but his disappointment was evident. He launched his drone to photograph the crowd, pointing the optical lenses in different directions to capture the crowd.

The drone’s video recording of the Indians in the mix was equally as disappointing, but that can be manipulated in the studio.

Ramjattan has since explained that the Indian turnout at the Whim meeting was more than he expected and the commentators are suffering from myopia.

Moses, however, is satisfied with the Guyanese turnout at Whim and welcomed the brothers and sisters who traveled from as far as Georgetown with church buses to pray for him. Amen to that my brother Moses.

It will, however, need divine intervention or the invisi-

struggled.The same Naga Man’s father’s house in Whim, opposite the Whim Police Station, in late 1970s early 80s, PNC thugs broke and entered the house, and he could not do anything about.

Today, he puts a mask over his face and has joined hands with the same thugs, and is telling the people it’s OK.

During his time with the

ble hand of the PNC to change the numbers.

The left out spinners in Georgetown were busy analyzing the attendance and formulating their theory as to why the expected turnout was a no-show. The Kaieteur News number one spinner was anxious to mouth his comment.

The sports model jackass Freddie (Blackish) Kissoon said that they do not stay out after dark and that was one of the reasons for their no-show at the meeting. His second reason is that they are docile, or as he asserted, with political acumen, they are introverts.

His third reason is that they are bare foot and the “Nagga” would have bitten their feet. His fourth reason is that they will come out on polling day to vote for Moses.

Kissoon, who is a star in one of the three-ring circus of PNC/WPA/AFC, is fitting nicely with the “chameleon” and the “Nagga” in the other two rings. The ring leader, David ‘Danger’, the ballot box changer, is in charge with flowers in one hand and a whip in the other. Giddy up!

The answers as to why the Indians stayed away from the Whim meeting are simple and need no more than common sense to figure out. But you know what they say about common sense – it’s not so common.

PPP/C,

If the Guyana Times permits me, I can go on and on about Naga Man.

Why is he talking about Elizabeth Harper when the people will like her as PM, rather than to have him for PM?

Harry

Firstly, they felt betrayed by the AFC for joining with the PNC/APNU, violating their primary reason for coming into existence, “the third force”. Secondly, they did not consult with their rank and file, violating a foundation principle of the AFC Constitution.

Thirdly, the negotiations were conducted the PNC way, in secrecy, and the rank and file had to find out from social media. Fourthly, the AFC accountability for funds disposal is non-existent. The facts were exposed by three former AFC leaders on social media. The Indians in the country go to bed early because they have to go to work early as teachers, construction workers, farmers, taxi drivers and GuySuCo workers, etc. They don’t need a so called political scientist sitting in a taxpayer funded AC office in GT with his hoof on a table to find reasons as to why they chose to stay home and help their children with their school work.

The Indians in the country are intelligent and will vote for President Donald Ramotar and the PPP/C party. Let the people put their hands around a warm and full cup and celebrate their freedom and good fortune.

Latchman Mohabir

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

Normally, because school used to be already closed for a two-week holiday, I’ve never really fully appreciated glorious wonder that is the fourday Easter weekend. The Americans, of course, have taken this four-day weekend civilizational innovation to new levels which alone justify their War of Independence against the Brits!

But since med-school is still in full swing for me now, the long weekend is a welcome reprieve from sitting in a lecture hall, keeping my eyelids open while listening to the droning of names, functions, origins and insertions of 100’s of muscles. You never miss the water till the well runs dry, eh??

I was lucky enough to pop home to Guyana last weekend. Over here in Trinidad, there was a holiday last Monday, Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day, so I took ad-

vantage of that long weekend and came home.

Maybe Guyana can follow suit and acknowledge the Rastafarian religion and also give them a holiday?? I have an exam later this week, so I couldn’t return home for the Easter weekend and last weekend was the next best thing.

While I was home, I heard a buzzing sound, and it took me a couple of minutes to register what I was hearing - kites! Normally, the incessant ‘singing’ of kites far in advance of Easter would eventually start grating on my nerves. Especially the ones that are designed with short "tails" to "dance" - careening madly up and down - while continuously varying the pitch of the annoying sound. But this time, it got me thinking about Easter when I was younger.

My dad used to make our kites from scratch. Half of the fun of Easter is assembling your kite and choosing the coolest colours of kite-paper

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” – Oscar Wilde

and adding stars and sparkles to make your kite look better than your brother’s!

I never got to experience the paste from "gamma cherries" that my dad used as a boy to stick on the kite paper to the frame - which he would also eat even though he'd been warned his "belly would stick together"!!

The other half of the fun was trying to add as much kite-paper as possible to the "frills" of the kite to make it the most colourful kite ever. As babies we were all always attracted to shiny or colourful objects and we clearly haven’t gotten over that as yet!

Then there would be the careful tying of the "bull" that sang and the "loop" that balanced the kite. The latter needed geometric precision!

My grandparents used to take me and my brother up to the seawall to fly our kites. We have pictures of the four of us, all packed up with snacks in picnic baskets and our kites, ready and raring to go. And it used to be

so much fun! The whole process of raising a kite, seeing it dancing in the wind, putting your ear to the thread to hear it sing, it’s all extremely exhilarating.

Like most childhood memories, my memories of Easter are bathed in that warm, golden nostalgic glow, so it’s nice to reminisce over those carefree childhood days.

(If you’re wondering about the childhood memories not bathed in nostalgia, those would be my memories of the hundreds of math problems we had to do in Sixth Grade. Maybe in time, when I’m in my hundreds, I’ll be able to look back on that homework fondly, but I highly doubt it.)

My dad advises that there are no "warm" memories unless there are "cold" ones. No "up" without "down" I guess.

But I hope everyone has enjoyed and is enjoying what’s left of the long weekend! It'll be an "up" memory!!

Have a Happy Easter everyone! And go fly a kite!!

Resurrection Sunday

aster or Resurrection

ESunday, is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred some three days after his crucifixion by the Romans. It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent; a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance.

The week before Easter is called Holy Week, and contains the days of the Easter Triduum, including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper and pass over meal and its preceding foot washing, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

In western Christianity, Eastertide, the Easter Season, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts seven weeks, ending with the coming of the fiftieth day, Pentecost Sunday.

In Orthodoxy, the season of Pascha begins and ends with the coming of the fortieth day, the Feast of the Ascension.

Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as its position in the calendar. In many languages, “Easter” and “Passover” are similar. Easter customs vary across the Christian world, and include sunrise services, exclaiming the Paschal greeting, clipping the church, and decorating Easter eggs, a symbol of the empty tomb.

The Easter Lily, a symbol of the resurrection, traditionally decorates the chancel area of churches on this day and for the rest of Eastertide.

Additional customs that have become associated with Easter and are observed by both Christians and some non-Christians include egg hunting, the Easter Bunny, and Easter parades. There are also various traditional Easter foods that vary regionally.

The New Testament states that the resurrection of Jesus, is a foundation of the Christian faith. The resurrection established Jesus as the powerful Son of God and is cited as proof that God will judge the world in righteousness. God has given Christians “a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. Christians, through faith in the working of God are spiritually resurrected with Jesus so that they may walk in a new way of life.

Easter is linked to the Passover and Exodus from Egypt recorded in the Old Testament through the Last Supper and crucifixion that preceded the resurrec-

tion. According to the New Testament, Jesus gave the Passover meal a new meaning, as he prepared himself and his disciples for his death in the upper room during the Last Supper.

He identified the matzah and cup of wine as his body soon to be sacrificed and his blood soon to be shed. Paul states “Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” this refers to the Passover requirement to have no yeast in the house and to the allegory of Jesus as the Paschal lamb.

One interpretation of the Gospel of John is that Jesus, as the Passover lamb, was crucified at roughly the same time as the Passover lambs were being slain in the temple, on the afternoon of Nisan 14.

This interpretation, however, is inconsistent with the chronology in the Synoptic Gospels. It assumes that text literally translated “the preparation of the passover” in John 19:14 refers to Nisan 14 (Preparation Day for the Passover) and not necessarily to Yom Shishi and that the priests’ desire to be ritually pure in order to “eat the passover” refers to eating the Passover lamb, not to the public offerings made during the days of Unleavened Bread.

The first Christians, Jewish and Gentile, were certainly aware of the Hebrew calendar. Jewish Christians, the first to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, timed the observance in relation to Passover.

Direct evidence for a more fully formed Christian festival of Pascha begins to appear in the mid-second century. The earliest extant primary source referencing Easter is a mid- second century Paschal homily attributed to Melito of Sardis, which characterises the celebration as a well-established one.

Evidence for another kind of annual Christian festival, the commemoration of martyrs, begins to appear at about the same time as evidence for the celebration of Easter.

The ecclesiastical historian Socrates Scholasticus attributes the observance of Easter by the church to the perpetuation of its custom, “just as many other customs have been established”, stating that neither Jesus nor his Apostles enjoined the keeping of this or any other festival. Although he describes the details of the Easter celebration as deriving from local custom, he insists the feast itself is universally observed.

Part 7

The racist dimension to National Service

Simona Vezzoli (International Migration Institute, University of London), in “The Effects of Independence, State Formation and Migration Policies on Guyanese Migration” (2014) writes:

“The National Service was established as a prominent State-led development strategy requiring a compulsory year of paramilitary service for all university students which usually place them on agricultural projects in the interior.

“This initiative generated different responses: while for some it was an empowering experience, for others is was deterrent to pursue tertiary education in Guyana. During the interviews it emerged that parents of Indo-Guyanese female students generally resisted sending their daughters to the interior unsupervised.”

Janet A Naidu, writing in the Guyana Journal, “Indian Women in Guyana: Reflections of their Existence, Survival and Representation”, writes more directly on this disturbing aspect of National Service:

“There are allegations by people who speak quietly that Indian girls were raped in National Service, but there have been no investigation or report of disclosure.”

On the question of the racist nature of National Service, Janet Jagan writes: “We cannot over-look the aspect of racial discrimination. The University of Guyana (UG) and the Government of Guyana have never answered charges of discrimination when 63 students were listed for compulsory induction into National Service last year.

“Of the 63 listed, 53 were Indo-Guyanese. And of the 25 women included in the 63 names, about 90 per cent were also Indo-Guyanese. Some have left their studies to avoid induction and others were dismissed from the University for refusing to attend National Service.”

However, it was Freddie Kissoon, a fierce anti-PPP critic, who wrote of the explicit use of National Service as an “instrument of race rule”. Kissoon wrote in June 18, 2006 in Kaieteur News

with the poignant headline: “Mahadai Das told me she was raped”.

He writes of the “first batch of UG students who were compelled to travel to the interior to do National Service. Here is the entire list with the full names of those that had to serve. I am providing the full names so it can shock readers, show how discriminatory was the Administration of Forbes Burnham and [David] Granger and others.

“My name (Freddie Kissoon) headed the list – I rejected National Service and almost lost my life. The names on the list are:

Mahatam Jailall, Chandralakh Ishmael, Shabeer Khan, Mahadeo Bhagwatprasad, Chetram Kripaul, Bhagwandin Tulshi, Ramkumarie Sukhnandan, Tej Singh, Tota Mangar, Patrick Jairam, Boodwattie Doodnauth, Chandradai Jaikarran, Dennis Outar, Lloyd Conhys, Karan Chand, Aysha Deopersaud, Maywattie Dyal, Richard Juman, Jaddonauth Singh, Darshanand Mahadeo, Bhanraj Hetnarin, Cecil Singh, Lake Shivcharran, Moteelall Sankat, Maigh Persaud, Lilawatie Narine, Intiaz Rassaol, Umadai Ramanand, Bibi Rahman, Harry Persaud, Kheedmat, Tara Persaud, Chandramani Seelochan, Meeankumarie, Vidyawhattie Budhram, Deonarine Nandlall, Tillack Bhikam.”

I have deliberately listed these names from Kissoon’s article to give humanity to this first batch of students who had to undergo National Service as the compulsory requirement for the entrance into UG.

Kissoon further writes that “these were among the first batch of UG students to undergo compulsory National Service. All of the 38 students listed here were from the Faculty of Arts. As you can see, all the 38 students from the Faculties of Arts were East Indian. Not one was nonIndian. There were no African students… only East Indian students were ordered to do National Service”.

Kissoon’s article then details the ugly sides to National Service that were frighten-

3 remain in custody for $42M post office heist

Three men remain in Police custody for the $42 million heist committed on the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) on Thursday last, in the vicinity of the Bourda Post office, Regent Street, Bourda, Georgetown.

A senior Police source told Guyana Times that the driver of the GPOC vehicle, the Police rank who was reportedly abducted and another man who was arrested after the robbery are still being grilled by members of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

ing. He writes: “For example sexual molestation was rampant, clear complexion was an obsession among the young lads there who came from depressed areas from Georgetown.

“Many UG female students were constantly harassed for sex. One law student was begged for sex on a daily basis, when she refused she was given heavy tasks that were too onerous for her thin frame. She complained to me by letter, but what could I have done? Guyana was under a dictatorship.

“Mahadai Das, the deceased poet and one of the most beautiful young women this country produced had a rude awakening in the National Service. She told me she was raped by a top ranking officer.

“Even after that, he and his colleagues molested her for sex. She was eventually saved by a top officer, and Mahadai told me to get out she had to sleep with him. I swear that is the truth, she told me that. The case of undocumented rape of UG female students at National Service is one of the dark secrets of this country.”

Any examination of National Service would reflect its racist nature and its use as a mechanism for the subjugation and humiliation of the East Indian population of Guyana.

Cultural mores and tradition and respect were undermined and deliberately destroyed. An entire generation of East Indian females were effectively forced to forego opportunities for higher education, be it in the nursing or teaching professions, and also to pursue civil service careers.

It is not surprising that few continued their studies at the UG. And for those who were sexually exploited and suffered in this racist scheme, their lives were changed forever.

Today, in this free society, those who have the opportunity to attend UG should reflect for a moment on the pain and trauma the students of the 1970s had to endure. We should also pause for a moment in memory for those whose lives have been destroyed forever.

The rank explained that focus is being place on the driver of the vehicle since this is not the first time the man was hijacked and robbed by armed men. The officer recalled that back in December, the same man was in the driver’s seat when the Beterverwagting Post Office on the East Coast of Demerara was robbed.

The Police rank, he added, is being monitored while the third man who has since denied his involvement in the robbery is holding out that he is innocent.

Guyana Times understands that the Police would have conducted several raids in the East La Penitence area for the perpetrators but were unsuccessful.

Initially, the Police would have stated that five bandits escaped with close to $90 million but the GPOC later clarified that it was $42 mil-

lion instead.

It was reported that at about 08:15h, five heavily armed bandits hijacked a vehicle belonging to the entity, which was transporting the money slated for pension payments to the Bourda Post Office, sticking up the driver and a Police Officer.

The vehicle and the two men were later found at Cemetery Road, East La Penitence, where the bandits abandoned it before making good their escape

driver to drive away with the 17 bags of money. Guyana Times understands that the van had started its run to deliver monies to at least 17 post offices around the city and would have made its first stop at Bourda.

Quick response by the Police resulted in one of the suspects being arrested in the vicinity of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

In a release issued by the post office, it stated that

with the money.

According to reports received, the bandits who were in the queue in the Post Office, ran out to the van just as it had parked, and held the clerk and a Police rank who was in the vehicle, along with the driver, at gunpoint. It was at this time that the gunmen relieved the Police rank of his G3 Rifle.

They then jumped into the vehicle and forced the

this robbery took place despite the presence of fully contracted security personnel, GPOC staff and a menu of infrastructural and external security reinforcements complementing the Corporation’s internal agents. These measures, which were implemented earlier this year, come at a considerable cost to the Corporation, the GPOC release added.

Selman fears PNC-led APNU+AFC planning attack

– says she's been receiving threats

By Svetlana MarShall

Former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Africo Selman, who has now joined forces with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) following a long history of abuse at the hands of the Opposition, said she has been receiving indirect threats.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, Selman disclosed that she has received stern warnings from some close friends in APNU against appearing on any PPP/C platform in South Georgetown or she would be stoned down.

“My close friends in APNU have been telling me that some APNU members have been telling their supporters in the South Georgetown area to pelt me off of the stage anytime I appear at a PPP/C meeting to address them.”

Selman said given the “violent track record” of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which now forms a major part of the APNU, she will not be appearing in the danger zone. “I wouldn’t want to go into such territory, knowing that they were told not to entertain me.”

“I know what they are capable of doing, I have seen what they have done in Linden and Victoria, and I know what their supporters are capable of doing. I wouldn’t want to venture into communities within the South Georgetown area,” she

added.

In supporting her argument, Selman turned back the pages of history when an APNU crowd violently disrupted a PPP/C meeting in Victoria in November, 2011. One of the PPP/C activists was doused in kerosene and was about to be set alight.

But while Selman would not be appearing in South Georgetown on behalf of the PPP/C during this election period, she has already suffered at the hands of aggressive APNU members and supporters during public forums.

“I was at this PPP/C meeting in Soesdyke a few nights ago when an APNU East Bank district member came and started verbally abusing me. After a while she had to be removed by some PPP/C members because she was so loud,” said Selman.

Questioned about a recent statement issued by the APNU+AFC [Alliance

for Change] in which the coalition forthrightly condemned all acts of intimidation and aggression at all political meetings, following an incident involving APNU Member of Parliament, Vanessa Kissoon, Selman said the statement was nothing but a sham.

In that statement, the coalition appealed to all its supporters and activists of all political parties to conduct themselves honourably and respectfully at all times when at political meetings or campaigning otherwise.

“APNU+AFC reiterates once again that it is fully committed to a clean campaign. APNU+AFC wishes to advise that it has internally addressed reports which have been brought to its attention relating to unfortunate actions of an official,” the coalition had said.

But Selman maintained that the statement was just a front, noting that the APNU in particular is known for saying one thing publicly and behind closed doors doing the opposite. “I know how the leadership of the APNU operates.”

She again referenced to the 2012 Linden unrest, laying the blame at the feet of the leadership of the APNU. According to Selman, “it is a known fact that the Leader of the Opposition David Granger had agreed with the Government to increase electricity tariffs in Linden but later reneged on his decision.”

She said Lindeners were

subsequently encouraged to protest against the proposed increase, a protest which ended with the death of three protesters due to bad leadership.

“Granger says he is against violence but the truth is, he does nothing to stop it,” Selman added. She further explained that while being a member of the coalition, its Chief Whip Amna Ally verbally abused her behind closed doors and even in public, but although several com-

plaints were filed, Selman said Granger did nothing to stop it.

“His silence on the matter suggested to me that he was in full support of the abused I received… So I have no confidence in David Granger, his leadership in terms of giving directions because of my own experiences.”

Taxi driver remanded for robbery under arms

Ataxi driver appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday facing charges of armed robbery. Jose King pleaded not

guilty to the charges which stated that on March 15, while being armed with a knife, he relieved the Virtual Complainant (VC) Isaac Da Silva of a cellphone worth $100,000.

According to Police

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question, the VC was walking along Barrack Street, Kingston when the defendant robbed him while being armed with a knife.

The defendant then

made good his escape, driving off in a car bearing licence plate HB 6116.

The Prosecutor objected to bail and the matter will return to court on April 24 for statements.

Eyew tness

“Playing the fool”...

...by Vincent Alexander

Vincent Alexander’s an example of why we’ll never get out of our political quagmire. Alexander was kicked out of the PNC after he dared to challenge Robert Corbin for leadership of the party.

He poured his (political) energy into “the Burnham Foundation” so you’d assume he’d just stick to rehabilitating the dictator’s sullied reputation. Which ain’t just countering “PPP/C propaganda” since all progressive Pan Africanists denounced Burnham when South Africa broached honouring him!

But conceding he’s the paid PNC’s GECOM Commissioner, he felt compelled to try to rebut some commentary of Prem Misir. This Eyewitness hasn’t seen the commentary and Misir can defend any distortions introduced by Alexander.

He’ll confine his remarks to Alexander’s traducing the historical record to justify the present PNC’s (disguised as APNU) meretricious attempt to pass off their liaison with Moses Nagamootoo as being the same as Cheddi Jagan’s past attempts at “national unity”.

The first dishonesty that Alexander commits is to not mention Jagan’s undisputed credentials to promise about “national” unity. Even a partisan like Alexander can’t deny that Jagan commanded the loyalty of AT LEAST 45 PER CENT of the Guyanese electorate.

What can Nagamootoo bring to the PNC table?? He’s convinced Granger that he can muster 11 per cent Indian Guyanese to the PNC’s 40 per cent African Guyanese. So even if we concede that...by Nagamootoo’s own calculations, when does 51 per cent equal “national unity”?

Aren’t we returning to 1964 when the UF brought its 12 per cent to the PNC’s 40 per cent?? Can Alexander honestly say that this country had “national unity” after 1964?? So why did his hero Burnham have to rig elections in 1968, 1973 and 1980?? Not to mention the infamous “Referendum” of 1978??

Jagan’s attempt at unity were also fuelled by his consistent attempts to prevent imperialistic recolonisation of Guyana. This was launched in 1964, which Alexander attempts to excuse as “pragmatism” rather than the crass opportunism of Burnham.

If Burnham had refused the British and US bribe, which other leader could’ve beaten them?? Would the British have ruled in perpetuity?? They’d already told the US that “Jagan’s bark was worse than his bite.”

But we return to Nagamootoo’s promise and Granger buying a “pig in a poke” as was demonstrated at Whim. The question for partisans of Burnham and the PNC like Alexander is to clarify whether Nagamootoo and the AFC gets 12 seats and three Vice Presidencies, regardless. If that’s so then it’s the PNC, not Nagamootoo, that’ll get “Larwah”.

...on

PNC’s strategy of violence

We raise Alexander’s contention “The British did not impose PR on British Guiana (BG)” in 1964 but Jagan gave the British permission to do so - not for the historical twisting but for the PNC continued use of the reason for Jagan’s giving in.

The PNC had precipitated unprecedented racial/ ethnic violence on the nation so when Jagan went up to the Constitutional talks, as he wrote in his book, unless he gave in to the British - it was more violence on Guyanese.

Rather than taking this route he gave in to PR which Burnham had demanded since 1961. This would put him in power since - contrary to his protestations - he was always prepared to coalesce with D’Aguiar to seize power. Like Granger and Nagamootoo today. Since then, the PNC knows that the PPP/C’s more concerned with the national good than it’s own occupancy of office.

Hoyte proved this in 1998 when the PNC’s violence precipitated the Herdmanston Accord - cutting the PPP/ C’s term by two years.

Only Jagdeo willingness to protect the state “by any means necessary” between 2002-2008 saved the PPP/C from being ousted once again.

Expect the violent route if the PNC loses with Nagamootoo. Dirty list??

...on incentives

Those who believe Dr Jagan wanted his party leaders to live in poverty should remember the maxim - “Only three things will work for no money: a tool, a fool, or a mule.”

Guyanese Ambassador assaulted by Surinamese Police

Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George, was allegedly assaulted by two Surinamese Police Officers who breached international diplomatic agreements concerning the jurisdiction of Police on the territory of embassies as they attempted to arrest the Ambassador’s chauffeur.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana has since expressed its deepest concerns regarding the assault and the violation of the Vienna Convention.

According to reports, a man had parked his vehicle in front of a “no parking” sign by the gate of the Guyana Embassy. When security indicated his error and requested he remove his vehicle, as it was blocking the entrance to the Embassy, the man

then behaved in an aggressive and disorderly manner.

Instead of complying, he reportedly exited his vehicle and then assaulted the security guard on duty.

The Ambassador’s chauffeur then intervened to stop the skirmish, but later became the subject of verbal abuse from the driver of the vehicle.

After refusing to remove his vehicle and continuing to verbally attack the authorities, the Guyana Ambassador instructed his staff to call the local Police.

Two Police ranks arrived and as per the provisions of the Vienna Convention, the Ambassador invited them onto the premises and explained the situation to them.

The officers then proceeded beyond the Embassy’s gate and engaged in a conversation with the driver of the vehicle.

The Policemen then reentered the premises and announced that they had to arrest the Ambassador’s chauffeur as he was a suspect in relation to injuries suffered by the driver who behaved disorderly.

But, as per the Vienna Convention, the Ambassador informed the ranks that they could not effect an arrest on the premises of an embas-

sy and any issue must be addressed through the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

However, the Police Officers disregarded the Ambassador, declaring it was Surinamese territory and that the Ambassador

was obstructing their work.

They then proceeded to effect the arrest, and in the process, grabbed on the Ambassador’s clothing ripping his shirt.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana has not taken this incident lightly and has since demanded an explanation from Surinamese officials.

The Ministry expects that necessary measures

be taken to ensure there is no recurrence of the violations of international laws and that the proper action be taken by the Government of Suriname against those who violated the principles set out by the Vienna Convention.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Lackin will ensure a diplomatic spat is avoidable between the two countries.

It was reported that the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Suriname and other senior officials of the Surinamese Government have contacted and met with Ambassador George about the incident.

However, the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana is still awaiting a report from the Surinamese Police concerning the course of action they have taken or plan to take against the man who behaved disorderly, the two Police Officers who violated international law and the Policemen’s interest in arresting the Ambassador’s Chauffeur.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana disclosed that the Director General (ag) will be travelling to Paramaribo to meet with the staff who have been traumatised by the actions of the two members of the Suriname Police.

GECOM must

ensure

equal access to State media – Dr Luncheon

In light of calls by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for equitable access to state media by all parties contesting the General and Regional Elections, Dr Roger Luncheon indicated that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is responsible for addressing those concerns.

According to him, there should be a law bestowing the responsibility upon GECOM to assign and enforce access to both state and private media, particularly during an election season.

“In the context of elections, there is, and as far as I know it has never been revoked, a GECOM statutory responsibility of assigning and enforcing equal access,” Luncheon said.

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud, had recently written to the President Donald Ramotar, urging him to address the issue of equitable access to state media by Opposition parties.

In a statement to media operatives, the PSC shared its conviction that all political parties contesting the upcoming elections on May 11 should be allowed fair and equitable access to all media entities for paid political advertisements and party elections broadcasts.

In that regard, the Commission called for transparency by the media entities of the spots and spaces that will be made available for political advertisements and for transparency in the pricing of such allocations.

Ramp up fight against substance abuse – CIOG

By Devina Samaroo

Due to the array of problems which result from substance abuse, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is raising an alarm over the fact that certain politicians are pushing for the legalisation of marijuana.

CIOG President Fazil Feroze during an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday said he realised that many problems already exist due to the fact that alcohol is legal; therefore, making another harmful drug legal on the basis that ‘alcohol is more dangerous yet it is legal’ demonstrates the immaturity and irresponsible nature of certain politicians.

“Instead of, you know, pushing to legalise marijuana, they should advocate for the elimination of substance abuse…,” Feroze suggested.

He admitted that much more needs to be done on the part of the Government agencies and the various nonprofit and religious organisations to educate and advocate on the dangers of heavy alcohol consumption and other forms of sub-

stance abuse.

“There needs to be a joint plan of action, we need people who care about people, who care about the young people because it affects everyone, those who are addicted, families, children, the effect is tremendous…,” Feroze lamented.

For starters, the CIOG President noted that law enforcement agencies need to strengthen their strategies because alcohol is too easily accessible in Guyana.

He noted with regret, the fact that parents can send children to buy alcohol at various shops and the vendors comply without suspicion. He added that teenag-

ers can simply go into bars to purchase alcoholic beverages without raising any concerns to onlookers.

“This is the society we are living in, then we have, as a result of alcohol, problems like domestic violence, women are being abused, children are being abused… and then you will go and push for marijuana to become legal… it’s going to damage society…,” Feroze indicated.

The religious leader acknowledged that because of his faith, people often attack him when he speaks up about these issues.

He explained that cer-

tain sections of society usually denounce him for “interfering” and blast him for trying to make everyone else follow in his religious footsteps.

However, Feroze highlighted that this is not the case. He maintained that, as a religious leader in society, it is his duty to ensure activities are being done to rid the many existing scourges.

Alcoholics Anonymous

The CIOG President admitted that, on his behalf, not enough is being done to address these issues in Guyana.

He reflected on when

the Government had initially embarked on campaigns against substance abuse, highlighting that the messages were rampant; and the ads and posters were seen everywhere, but now, the effort has faded.

turn to page 11

The Jhaat’s burning dilemma

Satiricus’ heart went out to Rum Jhaat. As a member of the PPCEE, the Jhaat had always figured old man Jagun was too “soft”. Look how the Jhaat and Nagga Man were always drinking and carrying on in rum shopsbut Jagun never kicked them out of the party.

Imagine Hyte saw Nortun drinking some beers one time at a street corner - and threw him out of the party!! The General Secretary!! Hyte said Nortun was his “creature”.

Ramjattan liked Hyte and BurntHam. Their motto was, “Tek first lick...but don’t tek last lick!!” And so when Jagdesh had made a fuss about Rum Jhaat carrying news to the US Embassy, the Jhaat claimed he was imitating BurntHam. Going with the tide.

And when he was kicked out, he swore he would get “last lick” on the PPP/C and Jagdesh. He was prepared to do anything.

First he would get the TrotMan out of the KFC. If they rotated and gyrated like they’d promised, it would’ve been TrotMan’s turn to be the Presidential Candidate. But he’d gotten him out...no??

And he cancelled the “rotating and gyrating” rule - so his buddy Nagga Man could fill the spot. The Jhaat figured this was his master stroke. If he’d pushed himself, people like NoGel, whose turn it was, would’ve said he was screwing them.

But the Jhaat was now facing a burning dilemma. He’d arranged for Nagga Man to get married to GrainJa in Berbice, figuring that this would bring in the Berbice votes. He’d even slept between the two of them on the first night - as the “luck knee”.

And because of Berbice custom he had to tek the “larwah” before Nagga Man. It wasn’t easy....He was still sore all over. His throat was sore because of his screaming...

But he was terrified as what was to happen now that it was clear he and Nagga Man wasn’t able to bring out the 11 per cent Berbicians as they’d promised. Not only would he be able to jail Jagdesh, like he’d dreamt. GrainJa had told him clearly if they didn’t bring in the votes, it was more larwah for him.

The Jhaat would have to tek last lick...again and again!! Ouch!!

Granger says soldiers performed splendidly...

“I do not think he could say anything otherwise or he will look foolish. He was part of it. I cannot expect anything different”, Rohee remarked.

He admitted that there was no law that said that the Army must collect ballot boxes from polling stations and the people had a right to protest back in 1973 given the widespread rigging that was planned by the PNC.

He said that the Army had no right to shoot the demonstrators as they were unarmed and posed no threat.

Taking another jab, Rohee argued that Granger and his party is known for making convenient arguments to suit their positions.

On the issue of the GDF performing splendidly, Rohee said, “I am surprised hearing that from Granger. He and Felix usually talks about the use of non-lethal force when dealing with crowds and similar situations but the rules of engagement have sudden-

from page 3

ly changed to suit a different tune”.

He pointed to the incidents at Linden and Agricola which were orchestrated by the Opposition and pointed to their criticisms of the Police Force and juxtaposed that against the position articulated by Granger on the role of the Army back in 1973.

He rubbished Granger’s assertion that he was standing by the COI report while explaining that the PPP has never accepted the findings in that report.

He is shielding himself from criticisms. “Granger cannot change the course of history…irrespective of how much he tries to whitewash himself”.

Ambassador Ishmael’s take Contrary to Granger’s assertions, Ambassador Odeen Ishmael has also accused the Army and PNC Government of electoral violence and rigging of elections.

“Seeing the sudden

movements of GDF vehicles at the polling centres, large numbers of people gathered near the polling centres in the areas of PPP strength and looked on in dismay as the GDF soldiers commandeered the ballot boxes”, Ishmael said.

He related that “in anger, they protested noisily the action of the solders and immediately expressed fears that the votes would be rigged. At Number 63 Village on the Corentyne, the soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing 45-yearold Parmanand Bholanauth and wounding several others. Jagan Ramessar, a 17-year old youth was seriously wounded during the shooting, but instead of taking him to hospital, the Police and GDF soldier transported him to the Number 51 Police Station where they refused to provide him with medical attention. He died there after he was further physically brutalised by the Police and soldiers”.

Carl Singh explains disciplinary action against Magistrates

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh said to allow Magistrates who conduct themselves inappropriately to remain on the bench will be a serious indictment on the part of the judicial administration. He noted that this act would mean that the judiciary has abandoned the people and public’s interest.

“We have a responsibility to produce an environment which is conducive for hard work. Magistrates in Guyana are servants of the people. It is important that Magistrates and Judges give of their best… so… when we find that Magistrates are involved in grave wrongdoing, then we will have to protect the public’s interest,” the Chancellor said.

At the time, he was speaking during the com-

missioning ceremony of the new Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court in Berbice on Thursday.

Recently, two Magistrates were fired

by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Reports indicate that Senior Magistrate Chandra Sohan was issued with a dismissal letter on February 20. His dismissal followed that of Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond, who was also fired by the JSC over missing minutes.

Speaking of the JSC, the Chancellor said the Commission has a constitutional mandate for the appointment of judicial officers and Magistrates. Singh noted that under the Constitution of Guyana, the JSC is also given disciplinary powers.

“When the Judicial Service Commission, which is chaired by me, has the Chief Justice as a member, has two former judges as members, as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission as a member,

when it sits, it takes into consideration, and are concerned only with, the facts and matters that are in issue before it in relation to any particular disciplinary action,” Singh noted.

He said as Chairman of the JSC, the Commission does not and will never take political considerations, race, colour or any other extraneous consideration in making a determination as to what is the fair and just, question to be determined for the outcome for the matter.

“In relation to any disciplinary decision, it will take a twisted mind to say that it was arrived at as a result of some extraneous political consideration to show favour to any person. I assured you that cannot happen, it never happened and will never happen,” the Chancellor posited.

230 cases listed for April Criminal Assizes in Demerara – 11 disposed

The April Criminal Assizes in Demerara will commence on Tuesday, with a total of 230 cases listed to be heard during the two-month session.

High Court judges Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Brassington Reynolds, will be presiding over this session at the Supreme Court in Georgetown.

The January session of the Criminal Assizes ended

last week, with 11 matters disposed from a list of 213.

Justice Singh along with Justice Franklin Holder and Justice James BovellDrakes presided over the three-month session. Of the 11 cases, there were five convictions and five acquittals, while the decision is still pending in the other case.

Justice Singh completed four matters, three of which were murder cases and one for the offence of rape, assault and forcible abduction of a fe-

in January session

male for carnal knowledge.

Two accused persons were freed after their respective jury panels returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty. One accused was indicted for murder while the other had three indictments; rape, assault and forcible abduction of female for carnal knowledge. The latter accused was acquitted on all three counts.

Justice Singh imposed hefty sentences onto a duo after they were found guilty

by the jury of killing 16-yearold Neesa Gopaul in 2010. The teenager’s mother and the woman’s ex-lover were sentenced to 106 and 96 years imprisonment respectively. However, their attorneys have since appealed the sentencing. Another pair of murder accused was found guilty by the jury and jailed for 75 years each. Meanwhile, Justice Drakes completed two murder cases. In the first matter there were two accused, both

of whom were freed. The judge upheld a no case submission for one and the jury found the other not guilty. The accused in the other case was also acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. However, another murder case is in progress before Justice Drakes.

In another courtroom, Justice Franklin Holder completed four matters, two for murder and one each for the offences of rape and rape of a child under the age of 16 years. The accused in the first matter was sentenced to 43 years imprisonment after the jury found him guilty of killing his reputed wife at the K&VC Hotel on South Road, Georgetown. The accused in the other matter pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.

In the matter for rape, Justice Holder directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty after the victim testified that she did not want to give evidence. The accused was acquitted. Subsequently, the accused in the matter for rape of a child under the age of 16 years, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

Berbice session

During this same time, Justice Reynolds sat at the Berbice Criminal Assizes continuing the October 2014 Criminal Assizes in January until February 2, then opening the February Session the following day with 61 cases listed to be heard. Some 14 cases received attention during the three-month period. Of these, nine were dis-

GECOM must ensure...

The PSC also said it is concern at reports of harassment, intimidation and threats to media operatives while covering political events, and therefore, calls upon all political parties and their supporters to accord due respect to all members of the media and to ensure the safety of such operatives at all times.

“The Commission also calls for all accredited members of the media to be accorded free and unimpeded access to all public rallies and other political events. The PSC is also deeply concerned about the current rhetoric being uttered by political campaigners from their platforms and strongly condemns all language equivalent to incitement and breeding of hate among the citizens of our country. In this

regard, the Commission also calls upon all political parties to facilitate early adoption of the political parties Code of Conduct and comply with its tenets and intended philosophy,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties have over the years complained about being unable to access the state broadcaster, National Communications Network to aid paid programmes and advertisements and took a decision in previous budgets to cut allocations for both NCN and the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Guyana Times was told that the matter was recently raised by several international organisations and will be coming up for discussion at other forums soon.

Ramp up fight...

Feroze also highlighted that the religious organisations, including the CIOG, have minimised their efforts against substance abuse.

Nonetheless, he pointed out that Government, NGOs and faith-based organisations alike need to come together to develop a strategic plan aimed at educating people about substance abuse and to help those who are already suffering from the addiction.

posed of by Justice Reynolds while five matters were nolle prosequi (cancelled) by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In one matter for the offence of murder, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty for the two accused.

turn to page 14

In light of the prevalence of alcohol consumption in the country, Feroze indicated that Guyana needs to have more Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) clubs.

He said many persons are addicted to alcohol, and therefore, effectively addressing the issue cannot solely depend on widespread education.

In addition, he noted that the alcoholics are not the only victims of substance abuse. Feroze pointed out that those who are closely affiliated with the alcoholics suffer immensely because of the addiction.

“You have wives getting abused, children getting abused, children witnessing abuse, children witnessing an alcoholic thinking its normal, people turning to alcohol to ease the stress that they go through from dealing with an alcoholic…” he explained.

In conclusion, Feroze explained that it would be extremely detrimental to Guyana’s vulnerable society if marijuana becomes legal.

“With alcohol legal and we have all of these problems, what’s going to happen when marijuana becomes legal?”

Govt temporarily barred from spending IDB loan monies

... “action unnecessary” – Dr Luncheon

By Vahnu Manichand

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon has stated that the litigation proceeding filed by the Opposition party to block Government from spending the US$32.16 million loan that was recently granted by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) is unnecessary.

Speaking at last week’s post Cabinet briefing, Dr Luncheon outlined that even in the absence of a sitting Parliament, public expenditure management remains a controversial matter. He noted that this recent litigation by the Opposition following the policy-based loan for the environmental sector that was recently signed by the IDB Board of Directors and the Government of Guyana is wholly unnecessary.

The HPS explained that Cabinet is of the view that the litigation is aimed at conveying to the public, and at this time the electorate, more negativities about Government’s spending. He pointed out that Government is quite well aware that the proceeds from any policy-based loans are deposited in the Consolidated Fund and remain there until such time when there is an

Appropriation Act in place for it to be disbursed.

“In essence, the move to litigation was, in Cabinet’s view, a smoke screen; just another opportunity to harp, to continue bringing to the public’s attention this issue of Minister, Dr Ashni Singh’s spending and issues surrounding public expenditure management and this litigation Cabinet contends is totally unnecessary,” he stated.

The Cabinet Secretary continued highlighting that in the absence of the Appropriation Act, all funds in

the Consolidated Fund are unavailable with the exception of the 1/12 rule, which makes provisions for the expenditure to fund Government’s business in such a situation. He said that matters like vaccination and payment of salaries

cannot be withheld as such the Constitution allows for such provisions. This is calculated by taking 1/12 of the aggregated Capital and Current Expenditures of a specific budget agency from the previous year.

Dr Luncheon went on to scrutinise the court challenge stating that it was an unnecessary foray into the court because the policy-based loan proceeds went straight into the Consolidated Fund and there is ample evidence to show that no withdrawals were made from the Consolidated Fund as no Appropriation Act was in place. He pointed out that the litigation is therefore challenging an event that did not take place (the withdrawal) and also a challenging an event that did take place (the deposition of the fund in the Consolidated Fund).

The HPS further stated that Cabinet believes the litigation was not intended for a court hearing but intended for the electorate public, and to keep before it, the spectre of Dr Singh and his “alleged unconstitutional spending of public funds”.

In February, two sets of loan agreements were signed, targeting Police and prison initiatives along with the environmental management sectors. Some US$15

million will be plugged into the Citizen Security Strengthening Project and the other US$17.16 million is to support the policy reforms in the sector.

The legal proceedings were filed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge. On Wednesday last, the matter was called up again before Chief Justice Ian Chang, who handed down a temporary order barring Government from spending any of the US$32.16 million.

Greenidge is arguing in the legal proceedings that without Parliament in session, Government cannot legally spend any of the monies without the approval of the National Assembly.

Alleged fraudster on $250,000 bail

Aman appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday facing five charges of fraudulent conversion.

Wickham Sancho, 27, of 215 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that between April1 and April 30, 2014, at Pike Street, Kitty, he obtained a sum of $605,000 from the Virtual Complainant (VC) Felisha Manos for the purpose of purchasing a flat screen television which he was to return to the said individual. However, he converted the money to his own personal use.

A second charge read that between May 1 and August 30, 2014, he received $80,000 for the purpose of purchasing a Samsung Galaxy cellphone which he was to deliver to Manos; however he failed to do so, converting the money to his own personal use.

The third charge read that between October 23 and November 30, 2014, at Pike Street, he obtained $400,000 from the VC for the purpose of purchasing four flat screen televisions for the VC, but converted the money to his own use.

The final charge read that between May 1 and August 30, 2014, he was entrusted with three Nokia cellphones by the said VC for the purpose of unlocking which he converted to his own personal use.

The defence Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat refuted these charges stating that it was just a ploy by the VC to extort money from the defendant in vengeance. According to Fung-A-Fat, the VC and the defendant shared a relationship for one year during which the defendant provided for the financial needs of Manos.

He stated that the defendant provided the furnishing for the VC’s house and she is in the process of repaying him for this. The defence requested reasonable bail on this basis.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru did not object to bail on the condition that Sancho report to the Kitty Police Station every Friday at 08:00hrs. Bail was set at $250,000 and the matter will return to court on April 24.

The fourth charge stated that between May 1 and August 30, 2014, he received $323,000 for the purpose of purchasing four flat screen televisions and an air conditioning unit for the VC which he converted to his own use.

Baby sitter remanded for alleged cannabis possession

Awoman appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Shevon Herbert, a babysitter, of 246 Grove Housing Scheme pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stated that she was found in possession of 472 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the pros-

ecution, acting on information received, ranks of the Guyana Police Force conducted a search on the woman’s premises.

It was stated that the woman was reluctant to give the ranks access to the property, but after being cautioned she allowed them to enter. The substance was found concealed in a Karibee Rice bag, which was hidden in a heap of sand in the southern side of the yard.

Speaking in her own defense, Herbert said that

the yard is accessible to multiple persons, and that on the day in question, she was not aware that the men were ranks of the Police Force.

She requested bail stating that she is a caregiver for three minors. The prosecution objected to bail on the premise that the woman is not likely to return to court.

She was remanded and the matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court, East Bank Demerara for April 7.

Missing 9-year-old’s body found floating in Canal

13-month-old toddler dies after reportedly being sexually molested

Days after nineyear-old Shaquan Gittens of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, went missing; his semi nude body was found in a canal aback Cane View Drive, South Ruimveldt on Saturday.

The lad went missing on April 1 after he was last seen flying a kite in the area. At the time of his discovery, he was found wearing no pants and underwear and his jersey was pulled to his chest leaving investigators to believe that he was sexually assaulted and strangled to death. According to information received, the Police would have received an anonymous call from someone informing them that the child was electrocuted and was seen floating in the canal.

Upon their arrival at the area, Police Officers had to walk close to two miles before reaching where the body was spotted and there

was no evidence of electric wires in the area.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the child’s body had already been placed in a hearse and whisked away to the funeral home.

Soon after, crime scene experts were seen combing the area where the lad’s body was found. His mother and an aunt were inconsolable and were heard begging the undertakers to view his body as they placed in into the hearse. The discovery has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with residents calling for justice to be served.

The area where the lad was found is a restricted area which is under guard by several persons. This fact has left residents in a state of shock.

At the home of the dead lad, his brother was in the yard and from all indications, he was not told about the discovery of his brother’s body. Attempts to get a comment from the child’s mother at the time proved futile.

On the day Shaquan disappeared, he was reportedly left in the care of his 15-year-old brother while his mother was at work. He was reportedly in the area in the morning hours flying his kite. At about 12:00h, he returned home to have lunch and left again to join his friends. That was the last time his brother saw him alive.

His mother, Doysha Gittens returned home and upon enquiring about the whereabouts of the child, a

Minimal fees to be charged for use of parks on Easter Monday

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s Protected Areas Commission says a nominal fee will be charged by the National Parks Commission for vendors and vehicles entering the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown and the Northern side of the Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara on Easter Monday, April 6. A release from the Ministry indicated that these fees will be used for maintenance and to offset the expenses incurred in cleaning the Gardens and Parks following Easter Monday activities.

The Botanical Gardens and Zoo from the Vlissengen Road Gates, Georgetown will be opened to vehicular traffic from 07:00h until 17:30h.

The Vlissingen Road

Gates will be closed at 17:30h and all vehicles must exit the Gardens via the Mandela Avenue Gates by 18:30h. Vehicles will not be allowed to use the Mandela Avenue Gates for entrance into the gardens nor will vehicles be allowed on or in front of the Zoo access road.

Meanwhile, at the Joe Vieira Park, gates will be open to vehicular traffic from 07:30h.

In an effort to deter patrons from littering, additional trash receptacles and bags will be made available at these locations and, patrons are asked to dispose of their waste in these receptacles. Volunteers will be present to answer questions and provide garbage bags where available, the release added.

proper answer was not given. She frantically looked everywhere but there were no signs of the boy.

She made a report to the South Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a search party was established to look for the child but they came up empty handed.

The child’s body was discovered at about 15:00h on Saturday. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the Gittens on Wednesday.

Ayoung mother is now in Police custody facing a possible murder charge following the death of her 13-month-old baby on Friday evening.

The child’s name has been given as Kady Calli, also called “Kia”. According to information received, the child’s mother who resides at Lot 9 Public Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, reportedly took the toddler to the Guyana Defence Force medical centre at Camp Stephenson to receive medical attention but due to the condition of the child, the matter was referred to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Upon arriving at the medical facility and upon examination, it was discovered that the child was dead. A source told Guyana Times that the child might have been dead even before she was taken to the GDF base.

As a result, the Police was called in and upon closer in-

spection on the female toddler, it was discovered that she had lacerations to her anus which are consistent with sexual molestation.

The mother was reportedly questioned by Police ranks and based on reports, she gave several conflicting stories. She admitted that a 17-year-old nephew resides with her in Timehri but said he was never around the infant.

A source told Guyana Times that initially, the woman told the Police that the child had a cyst which was recently removed but doctors at the medical facility thought otherwise.

As a result, she was taken to the Timehri Police Station where she is being questioned further in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of the toddler. Hospital officials later confirmed that the child had no complications during or after child birth and was healthy.

Wakili Totem Pole commissioned in National Park

Government has partnered with the Private Sector to promote an “Art in the Park” concept in Urban Green Space areas.

“The Wakili Totem Pole” was commissioned in the National Park on Thursday. According to a release from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the totem pole was carved by Lokono Artist Oswald Hussein (Ozzie) and tells the ancient story of man’s abiding respect of the forest and all it provides.

The delicate balance which exists between man and nature is expertly captured in the hand chiselled characters, animals and spirit guardians depicted on the 20-foot tall Purpleheart pole. This totem

pole is the first installation in the “Art in the Park” initiative, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Damian Fernandes, stated.

He explained that “Art in the Park” was essentially encouraging an artistic renaissance in the parks; essentially utilising Guyana’s urban green spaces such as the Zoological Park, the National Park, Joe Vieira Park and the Botanical Gardens to serve as a blank canvas as it were to the artistic community. “Art in all its forms, whether theatre, painting, sculpture, poetry, photography etc; could be brought into the park for the enjoyment of all visitors,” Fernandes said.

The initiative is part

230 cases listed...

In another murder case, the committals and joint indictment against two co-accused were quashed after the defence submitted to the court that the Magistrate did not comply with Section 71 Chapter 10:01 of the Law Procedure Act. On advice of the DPP, the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) has to be done de novo (star afresh) by a Magistrate.

Additionally, another pair of murder accused was acquitted after the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. Then, in three other separate murder trials, the accused persons all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. Two accused were sentenced to 13 years and 12 years imprisonment respectively. The other accused will be sentence on April 13.

In a matter for the offence of incest, the accused was discharged after the victim testified that she no longer wished to proceed with the trial. There were two matters for the offence of sexual activity with a child family member. One of the accused changed his plea from not guilty to guilty and was sentenced to 10

of a larger effort to rehabilitate and modernise the Zoological Park under the Three Parks Initiative which was launched by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud.

At the launch, Minister Persaud made several commitments which have seen lights being installed along the full cycle track, walkways upgraded, playfields raised, internal drainage canals restored, security enhanced and other major infrastructural developments in the National Park, Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park.

Several organisations including WWF-Guianas have

es such as Jetoo’s Lumber Yard, Rambarrans, AH&L Kissoons, and Kingdom Apiaries.

In the meanwhile, the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry’s Protected Areas Commission is reminding members of the public as customary on Easter Monday, a nominal fee will be charged by the National Parks Commission for vendors and vehicles such as buses, cars, SUVs, motor-cycles into areas such as the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown and the northern side of Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara. Similarly, fees will be charged at the National Park by the duly au-

expressed interest in partnering with the PAC and local artists to produce installations; both permanent and temporary; within the parks. The Wakili Totem Pole was sponsored by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, with support from several other local business-

years imprisonment. The other accused was found guilty by a majority verdict of 11 guilty to one not guilty. This accused will also return to court next week for sentencing. Furthermore, the five matters nolle prosequi by the DPP were manslaughter – 2; causing grievous bodily harm with intent – 1; falsification of accounts, embezzlement by public officer and larceny of judicial document – 1; and one for carnal knowledge of girl between the ages of 12 and 13 years.

In one of the manslaughter cases, the accused is deceased and in the other, neither the accused nor the witnesses could be located. This matter happened 25 years ago. In two other separate matters, one for the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and the other for the offence of carnal knowledge of girl between the ages of 12 and 13 years, the Virtual Complainants (VC’s) indicated in writing that they did not wish to proceed with their matters.

As it relates to the matters of falsification of accounts, embezzlement by public officer and larceny of judicial document, the accused could

not be located and only three of the nine witnesses were found.

Essequibo session

On the other hand, the Essequibo Criminal Assizes continued in January until February before Justice Sandra Kurtzious. She then commenced the Essequibo

February Criminal Assizes on February 17, with 20 cases listed to be heard. Of this, four matters were disposed of during January, February and March. Justice Kurtzious presided over two of these cases while another two matters were nolle prosequi by the

Younge’s Take

Let your ballot speak!

Guyanese must turn out in their numbers to be part of the electoral process on May 11 and must utilize their ballots to create history when the country goes to the poll to either elect a new Government or to renew the mandate of the existing one.

They must understand the importance of the ballot paper which in itself is symbolic of the struggles that thousands of Guyanese endured in the name of democracy and for equality.

Instead of entering into puerile and sometimes petty debates about politics in the letter columns and on social media, Guyanese should quietly resort to the use of their ballot papers with the aim of sounding their voices as to whether they believe “it is time” for change or time to “embrace progress and continuity” in Guyana.

They must once and for all kill the ambitions of politicians who seem to have nothing to offer Guyana, but empty campaign promises and an all too-sweet picture about life after the May 11 elections.

They must use their ballots to reject opportunists and those who are hungry as well as thirsty for executive power or to hold onto it.

Guyanese must use their ballots to send a stern message about the kind of future that they want for their children and the kind of life that they aspire to enjoy in this great land.

thorised franchise holder. These fees will be used for maintenance and to offset the expenses incurred in cleaning the gardens and parks of the usual garbage and debris left in the aftermath of kite flying and picnicking at these venues.

from page 11

DPP.

The two matters presented in court were for the offences of attempt to commit murder, alternatively, for the offences of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding. In the first matter for attempt to commit murder and wounding with intent, the jury acquitted the accused on the first count but found the accused guilty of wounding with intent. The accused was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.

The accused in the other matter for the offence of attempt to commit murder and unlawful wounding was acquitted on both counts after the jury returned a not guilty verdict. The two matters nolle prosequi by the DPP were for the offences of rape of a child under 16 years and rape. In both matters, the VCs also indicated by way of statements that they did not wish to proceed with their matters. The February session will continue until May.

The next Essequibo session will commence on May 19, before Justice James BovellDrakes while the next Berbice Assizes will start on June 16.

Of course, by way of the ballot, they will elect a Government of their choice to run the affairs of this country with policies and plans that are transformative and realistic in nature.

But if Guyanese want to ensure that their voices are heard loudly and is recorded with the highest level of accuracy, they must press GECOM to do all that is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the process on May 11.

They must secure the integrity of their ballots by calling on politicians from now to respect their rights and to sign a peace agreement that would see calm in the post elections environment.

Guyanese must leave no stone unturned to monitor the process and to serve as watchmen and women to ensure that no illegality or unscrupulous activities takes place before, during and after the casting of their ballots.

Of course, Guyanese must insist that there is no unnecessary military or Police interference in the process and they must guard against raising any false alarms that could lead to violence.

It is almost pivotal that GECOM does all that is necessary to improve its unimpressive and slothful Voter Education Programme, as there are thousands of Guyanese especially youth who will be exercising their franchise for the first time.

It is also not surprising that the “Vote like A Boss” campaign, which was marred by controversy, has done little or nothing to educate young people about their voting rights even though the drivers of the campaign are being fattened and are benefiting from the largesse of the USAID monies.

The drivers of this campaign and GECOM must do more to assist Guyanese in understanding the power of the ballot.

Additionally, come May, Guyanese must use their ballots to also reject all of those political parties that are bent on playing the race card and promoting what former President Bharrat Jagdeo deemed the whisper campaign.

The ballot must also be used to send an even stronger message to the cyber bullies and Guyanese that continue to spew hate and negative rhetoric abroad about their homeland.

It must be used to start a process of healing and reconciliation in this country and to take Guyana forward as too many years have already been lost procrastinating on various aspects of our socio-economic development. On May 11, be calm, be cold, come out and vote and instead of speaking, let your ballot speak!

3 in custody after robbery spree in Berbice

Three men have been taken into Police custody as the Guyana Police Force continues to investigate a series of robberies committed on Thursday night in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

After launching five attacks in the East Berbice domain, the armed bandits reportedly made off with more than $7 million in cash and other valuables.

According to a Police release, at about 20:30h on Thursday, three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm and the others with cutlasses, entered the home of Chandrajeet Persaud, 51,

of Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice. The bandits demanded Persaud’s valuables but he resisted resulting in him being shot in the back.

After their attack on Persaud, the armed men proceeded to another house in the area where they confronted Stanley Mc Kenzie as he was parking his car. The bandits relieved McKenzie of his car and a cellphone before making good their escape.

The Police are also of the opinion that the perpetrators then went to a home in Number Two Village, Canje, where they held up a fami-

ly before relieving them of a quantity of jewellery and a sum of cash. It is believed that they then proceeded to the nearby Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant where they robbed the bartender of $20,000 and a cellphone. The men then went to Canefield, Canje, where they entered the home of Emaan Singh and family, and held them up, before making off with a quantity of jewellery, cash, and cellphones.

The stolen motor vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Cumberland, Canje.

Meanwhile, speaking from his hospital bed, the injured man told Guyana Times that his correct name is SundarJeet Seepersaud and not Chandrajeet Persaud as was reported by the Police.

Recounting the incident, Seepersaud said he had just finished dinner when two men entered his home and told him not to make a move. The third bandit subsequently entered the house closing the door behind him.

Though they were armed, Seepersaud said he confronted one of the men resulting in a scuffle. In an effort to get to safety, he picked up an insecticide (Baygon) tin and pelted it at them. It was while he was attempting to escape, that he was shot in the back.

As the men were making their escape on foot, Stanley McKenzie Jr; a videographer, was in the process

Essequibians celebrate Hanuman Jayanti

Thousands of Hindus, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), celebrated the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday.

Temples, across the Essequibo Coast, were filled as worshippers observed the birth of Hanuman, a servant of Lord Rama. The day is celebrated on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha during the month of Chaitra (fullmoon).

Devotees flocked the temple to offer prasadam, roat, flowers and smear “red sindoor” to Hanuman ji.

Persons spent the day at the temples, listening to discourse on different stories being read by the pandit in charge, singing songs that described the life of Hanuman ji. They were also involved in the singing of Hanuman Chalisa. Most of the devotees fast on the day from sunrise to sunset. It is said that Hanuman is present where the stories of Lord Rama is recited. Therefore, the Ramayana is read on the day. Both men and women fast on the day.

of parking his car when he came under attack. Before moving onto another victim, the bandits relieved McKenzie of his cellphone and his $3.2 million car.

Seven miles away, the bandits struck again at a house at Number Two Village, Canje, Berbice.

Pastor Karmand Ramesh, who is also a school teacher, had just returned home from church when he was

given money and jewellery, but they were not satisfied. They reportedly threatened to shoot his grandson if they were not given more valuables.

Pastor Ramesh said his wife directed them to the upper flat where more money was handed over. With even more threats being made, Ramesh’s wife pleaded with the bandits to leave, saying that she had nothing else to

attacked.

The visually impaired man told Guyana Times that the robbery occurred at around 20:45h.

“Suddenly three men came through the door, two with cutlasses and one with a shot gun. As soon as they came in, they told us not to move and demanded money and gold,” the man recalled.

The Pastor, who was at the time still observing the significance of Good Friday, said the men were

offer. They subsequently left in a waiting car.

A few minutes later, a popular dinner was robbed. Reports are that the men entered unmasked and committed the robbery. It is believed that they were aware that cameras were in use because for most of the time during the robbery they kept their heads down.

At about 21:25h, they entered another home, this time at Lot 1027 New Area, Canefield, East Canje which

is about two miles away from the diner.

According to Shemezia Singh, her husband had just reached home when their house came under attack. It was while they were dinning that three men walked through the opened gate and door and entered the house. “They just appear in the house and say lie down on the floor, and one of them walk straight up to my husband and slapped him,” she recalled.

According to her, each of the men carried a gun and a cutlass, noting that she was kicked and gun butted as the men carried out the robbery, two being masked and one unmasked.

An iPhone 6 cellphone valued $240,000, a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued $160,000, one Samsung tablet valued $240,000, more than $300,000 in jewellery and $120,000 in cash were among the valuables taken. Apart from that, they also took US$100. Singh said that the robbers were not satisfied and gun butted her demanding more before finally leaving.

According to Singh the men were seen passing the house in a car moments after they ran out. She said her husband gave chase but was met with a hail of bullets.

After receiving reports of the robberies, the Police patrolled the affected areas where the car was first found abandoned. Using that as a guide, the two men were later arrested and a third man was also taken into custody.

Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to that god. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival Garuda in swiftness of flight. He is worshipped in folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.

coalition bussed in support – Basil Williams

... as Robert Badal addresses indifferent Essequibians

Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

coalition Basil Williams has admitted that a majority of the crowd that formed part of the coalition’s rally was bused in

Nagamootoo said he is confident that the APNU+AFC coalition will get majority vote and commended Essequibians in advance for their support.

“Promises”

He told the audience that it is a time for change

opment of the country’s economy.

It was along this line that the Presidential Candidate urged the crowd that they must undo what they had done in 2011 at the polls and give not the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) their votes but rather the APNU+AFC

from Georgetown and other regions to Essequibo.

Williams, speaking with Guyana Times before the rally commenced said that he was disappointed with the turnout from the region.

“All these people you see sitting in front of me are people that we bussed in but we are still waiting to see the supporters”, he said to a Guyana Times reporter covering the event.

But as time went by the crowd grew with more buses and vehicles turning up to the rally. The party managed to attract over 3000 persons to the Unity rally.

The coalition’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo called on residents of the region to vote solidly for his party, explaining that they just did not want to win but to win by a majority at the upcoming election.

“PPP must go, it’s a time for a change in Government”, he said while speaking at the rally on Saturday at Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Nagamootoo said that the votes from Essequibo will ensure that the marriage between APNU and AFC is strengthened. The rally was held just in front of the PPP/C’s Freedom Office in the community of Anna Regina under the theme “It is Time” and commenced around 18:00h due to lack of quorum.

Party supporters armed with posters and placards and clad in yellow and green jerseys, danced and waved flags to the songs of Bob Marley.

and for persons to live in unison.

He outlined that the PNC-led APNU-AFC has a plan for the nation which will be unveiled in its manifesto. Nagamootoo said that should the APNUAFC receive majority vote on May 11, there will be a strategy to fight crime, wide spread corruption, increase wages for public servants, increase old age

coalition.

“We need you Essequibo believe in strong regions... we want strong municipalities. We have come here to tell you about the future… of what Essequibo can become... don’t give us 5000 votes and give the PPP 12,000 like you did at the last elections or don’t give us 3000 and give PPP 5000... Give us the votes and we will give

ensure that the number of road accidents and accident-related deaths are reduced; the level of crime brought down and will see to it that the Police Force is far more equipped, trained and paid better to perform their mandates.

“You need to be safe... you don’t need crime... You will never be safe under the PPP. You have to think about the safety of our women and children. We need a world class Police Force, a Police Force that cares about women and children and you will get that under the APNU+AFC.

We will give them whatever they need to tackle crime... that will not happen under the PPP”, Granger lamented.

He told the region that they had the potential to develop and to become one of the richest regions but this can only be achieved if they utilise they voting rights and put the coalition into Government.

“... give us the chance to develop you and to make you richer than Trinidad... you have the potential,” the Opposition Leader noted.

Businessman and owner of Imam Bacchus and Sons, Sam Baksh, called on his fellow Essequibians to vote for the coalition. He shared his experiences under the PPP Government and claimed the relationship between the two was

pension, money for single parents and taxpayers’ money will be used to benefit the nation.

Votes for a better life

Meanwhile, the coalition’s Presidential Candidate David Granger has called on the Essequibo Coast to offer its votes to the coalition come May 11 if they wish to have a better life.

Granger told the crowd that the coalition was the way to go for a better life, more opportunities and further growth and devel-

you a better life... bring a Government that cares about you...” Granger told the people.

Meanwhile, in trying to win the votes of the Essequibo Coast, Granger promised the Cinderella County that should his party accede to Government, he will ensure security reform, educational reform and the advancement of technology, including better Internet access and telephone service.

On the issue of security reform, Granger said that his Government will

Badal finally mounts PNC-led APNU/ AFC platform

– receives poor welcome from crowd

By Gomatie GanGadin

Robert Badal, the proprietor of Pegasus Guyana, has finally come out in public, signalling his support of the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) as his choice of Government after the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Badal made his first public appearance at the APNU+AFC’s Unity Rally which was held at Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo on Saturday evening, but was given a poor welcome by the crowd.

Seemingly nervous, distracted and unsure of what he wanted to say, Badal soon took the opportunity to lash out at the current Administration and its office bearers.

He told the crowd that he was “tired” of the current Administration and their abuse of the high offices while pronouncing upon them, that they too must be tired.

Badal, continuing his tirade against the Government, told the gathering that it was a shame on the current Government that after 23 years of being in power, Guyanese families were still dependent on remittances from relatives, could not afford to feel safe in their own homes while the healthcare system in the country was one of the worst in the Caribbean while the country continues to battle high migration rates and unemployment.

Declaring that this was not about the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nor the APNU+AFC, Moses Nagamootoo, David Granger nor President

Guinean

Robert Badal

Ramotar, Badal went on to state that Guyanese must make their choices based on the track record of the Government.

On this point, he told the residents that the matter at hand was about finding credible, honest leaders to have a better life, to have leaders who have better policies to stimulate growth in the country and who will stop excessive spending and restore confidence in the Guyanese society. To this, he made attributions to Nagamootoo and Granger as the ideal leaders to ensure this.

Since the Marriott project was announced by the Government, Badal has consistently attacked the project since it is his belief that it will break his hold on the hospitality industry here.

Many believe that his endorsement of the APNU+AFC coalition is his way of attacking the Government for embarking on the Marriott project and making it a reality.

The ruling PPP/C had also accused APNU and AFC of pof seeking to undermine the Marriot project because Badal was one of their main financiers.

President applauds Cuba in its role in fighting Ebola

marred by broken promises.

Baksh also criticised the National Insurance Scheme saying that Government was trying to “milk a cow” which was no longer fertile.

Also at the rally was Alesie Rice Mill Proprietor Turhane Doerga.

Doerga was in the region for almost a week and was part of several television shows which were dedicated to undermining the work of the Government in the rice industry and region.

2 de abril de 2015, 12:29President of the Republic of Guinea, Alpha Conde said he is pleased with the level of cooperation given by Cuban physicians in the fight against the Ebola virus in Guinea.

Conde said besides the participation of health professionals from other countries, more than 2000 members of the Cuban brigade stretched out much more on the ground.

“We gave much importance to the work made by Cuban physicians in Coyah. I know it’s hard, because fighting Ebola virus is very difficult, but we want Cuba to continue here. There are

sometimes problems with the population in Coyah. That is very stressful for a physician and we are so grateful, because despite those difficult working conditions, they continue,” Conde said.

About 38 Cuban physicians and nurses arrived in Guinea, responding to an international call from the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, and the Government of that country to fight the Ebola epidemic that has also affected Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The Cuban Centre to treat the Ebola virus in Coyah, in northern Guinea, has already saved more that 150 people.

Kite making through the eyes of a vendor

By Vahnu Manichand

With the Easter weekend being celebrated around the world, one thing that Guyanese, especially the children, look forward to is kite flying but before they can experience the joy of a kite float up in the sky, pulling and tugging the person holding the rope or twine or the disappointment of one’s kite getting hit and sailing down to the ground, there is another joy – the joy that one gets from putting together that masterpiece.

Guyana Times spoke to kite vendor, Trevor Smith, who explained that making a kite is not just about putting together a few sticks and covering it with the colourful paper but it’s an art that not only requires the skill but intellect as well.

For over 36 years, 52-year-old Smith has been a kite vendor; starting the business as young as 16 years old. He recalled that it was the normal boyhood obsession that led him to this career path. Smith said that he finds immense joy in his colourful presentation that he eagerly awaits every year to show off to the Guyanese

Essequibo

public in hope that it brings as much joy to those who purchase the kites, as it does to him. He sells his collage

create angles and whats not so it’s kind of deep for me when I make kites,” he outlined.

The veteran kite-maker gave some tips to the other kite makers out there and demonstrated how he puts together one of his masterpieces. He advises that the best wood to use for the frame is Simarupa.

“There are many different materials you can use but Simarupa gives you what is best for kite flying,” he outlined. After putting the frame together, he completed it by threading the perimeter of the frame. He

of kites on Camp and Regent Streets, opposite the City Mall.

With eyes gleaming as he spoke, Smith remarked that making a kite is a very significant task. “For me preparing a kite has a lot of significance because I can see a lot of complex and knowledgeable things in a kite other than just preparing the kite. I can see a star, a pyramid and so on. Kite making for me consists of things like Geometry, Mathematics because you have to divide,

then began pasting the kitepaper, using colourful ones as the designs before adding on a base of white papers.

Smith continued, adding bits and pieces to the object such as the tongue and frills at the end, finishing off his masterpiece. As families step out today on Easter Sunday and on Monday also, Smith is cautioning that parents take extra care of the children and heed to the regular warnings.

“We would like to have a tragic-free Easter,” he stated.

businessman reportedly forcing workers to support APNU-AFC

Employees of the Imam Bacchus and Sons store, a popular company in Affiance, on the Essequibo Coast, have collectively raised an alarm against their employer, Samad Baksh, whom they accuse of forcing them to support the newly formed People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Allaince for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

According to letters to the editor received by this publication, one of the workers, who spoke under anonymity for fear of discrimination, said the company has been forcing its employees to attend APNU-AFC rallies and to wear the coalition’s T-shirts.

Additionally, employees are paid extra if they abide.

Another employee disclosed that the employer often intimidates his employees and tries to influence them into voting for the PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition.

Meanwhile, a regular

customer also wrote to the media, attesting to the situation. In her letter, she explained that she noticed a significant change in the mood of the workers and that the atmosphere is now very tense among them.

“I was concerned over this so I inquired and so frighteningly told that their boss man Samad Baksh is forcing them to vote to APNU-AFC,” she related.

Even though it is against their will, the workers pointed out that they will attend the rallies just to please their employer for the sake of their jobs, but they will never vote for the coalition.

“I want Mr Samad to know that he can force us to attend the PNC-led APNUAFC rally but he cannot force us to vote for them,” one employee noted.

Another employee, who described himself as a “staunch” supporter of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said he is aware of the dismal past of the People’s National Congress era and would not

MPW completes 7 roads in Regions 3, 4

The Public Works Ministry (MPW) continues to upgrade and repair miscellaneous roads with seven roads completed in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) within the last month.

The project falls under the Miscellaneous Roads Programme, and allows the Works Services Group (WSG) – an agency within MPW – to construct and maintain roads in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.

In Region Three, residents of Factory Road, La Grange, now have an asphaltic concrete road, which was previously a mud dam. The newly resurfaced road will also benefit farmers who ply the road to transport their produce.

SYMS General Construction Inc executed the project at a cost of $6,792,417.

Meanwhile, R&B Investment used asphaltic concrete to upgrade Orinduik Street located in Section

C, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Prior to the upgrade, the double bituminous surface treatment (DBST) thoroughfare was riddled with potholes. The Contractor resurfaced 427 meters of the road to the tune of $23,909,620.

Further, Prince William Street in Plaisance, ECD [southern section] was re-surfaced with asphaltic concrete by Associated Construction for $11.8 million. An addition-

al $4.4 million was allocated to rehabilitate sections of the southern road. Other roads upgraded were School Street, Enterprise; Middle Walk Friendship; Enmore Factory Road and Second Street, Happy Acres for an overall cost of $36.8 million. All contracts were awarded on December 31, 2014. Works commenced in January and all were completed by February month-end.

BBCI makes monetary donation to Comforting Hearts

The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has donated $100,000 to Comforting Hearts to aid in its various programmes. On March 19, BBCI’s Administrative Assistant Bibi F Alli handed over the cheque to the organisation.

According to a release from the BBCI, Comforting Hearts had approached the company requesting a donation for its Afterschool, Health and Family Life Education Programmes, which is a comprehensive life and skills programme chosen as the vehicle for HIV and AIDS prevention and includes both knowledge and skill acquisition.

want those days to return.

He also pointed out that his employer’s business had prospered under the PPP/C regime and therefore, he does not comprehend why Baksh would want to force his employees to vote for the APNU+AFC coalition.

But the customer, in her letter, asserted that it is completely unethical for an employer to use his power to force and intimidate his workers and threaten their job for political purposes.

“I think this is very bad of the businessman to force his worker to do something they don’t want to… persons should vote for whoever they want,” she maintained.

BCCI stated that under these programmes, the Comforting Hearts serves approximately 200 orphans and other vulnerable children, providing them with

free access to counselling, after-school tutoring, mentoring and recreational programmes

“The Berbice Bridge Company Inc was please to be able to make a donation towards the above mentioned initiative since the Comforting Hearts provides a plethora of services to members of the communities across Regions Five and Six who are living with HIV/ AIDS and their affected and or infected children,” the release mentioned.

BBCI said that it not only plays the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the Retractor opening and under the High Span but also, discharges its corporate responsibilities and more importantly played an integral part in the development of education, sport,

supported national events. It also makes donations to charitable and non-charitable organisations in close proximity of the Bridge or in Regions Five and Six. The company had also sponsored events in other counties and as far as the hinterland.

In the past, the company has sponsored many events that benefited the communities both on the eastern and western sides of the Berbice River Bridge. Now, for the year 2015, the company has so far received 45 public relation requests and managed to approve 41 of these requests comprising of sponsorships of Mashramani 2015 events, donations of trophies to various non-profit and educational institutions, facilitated tours of various schools and waivered toll charges for tour buses, sponsored cricket tournaments, together with others too numerous to mention.

West Dem man remanded for suspected theft

Aman appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday facing charges related to theft.

Jason Chesney pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on March 23, he stole $1 million, property of Reaz Rohaman.

The facts read by Police

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that on the day in question, Rohaman uplifted the money from a cambio at Lamaha Street, Georgetown and placed it under the seat of his car.

He then drove to Grove and parked his car in front of A Ali and Sons General Store to conduct some business. When he returned to the car, he discovered that the money was missing and lodged a report.

Checks of the footage from the security cameras in front of the store revealed Chesney breaking into the car and unlawfully retrieving the money. He was remanded and the matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for April 24.

Man shot at Arau during argument

Aminer is nursing a gunshot injury to his neck following an argument with another man at Arau Landing, Essequibo River.

The injured man has been identified as Romel

Mendonca, 32, of Arau Landing, Wenamu River.

According to information received, Mendonca was in the company of a few friends imbibing when an argument broke out among them. The argument turned

into a scuffle during which the suspect pulled out a gun and discharged a round in Mendonca’s direction.

Mendonca was shot to his neck and the suspect fled the scene. Theinjured man was rushed to the health

centre in the area where he was treated and arrangements are being made for him to be transferred to the Suddie Hospital.

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident.

Murray to face Djokovic in Miami Open final today

Andy Murray hopes to end a six-match losing streak against world number one Novak Djokovic when the pair meet in the Miami Open final on Sunday.

The Briton, seeded third, will try to win his third Miami title, while Djokovic is going for his fifth.

Djokovic has dominated their rivalry recently, with six straight wins since Murray’s Wimbledon victory in 2013.

“Novak has played great tennis this year, in Australia and last week [in Indian Wells] as well,” said Murray.

“He’s come through some tough matches here. He was down a set and a break against [Alexandr] Dolgopolov and [David] Ferrer was a tricky match as well but he’s found ways to come through.

“It will be a tricky match.”

Murray hopes to end on a high note in Miami be-

fore heading back to the UK to marry fiancee Kim Sears next Saturday.

“I definitely feel I’m playing better here than I was in Indian Wells,” said the 27-year-old Scot, who has a home in Miami.

“I prefer the conditions here. Over the course of my career I’ve played much better tennis here.

“It’s been a good few weeks for me and it will be a nice way to finish if off in the final on Sunday before the wedding.”

Djokovic has beaten Murray twice this year, in the Australian Open final and Indian Wells semi-finals, and is trying to win the Indian Wells-Miami double for the third time in his career.

The Serb, 27, has also won his last nine matches against Murray on hard courts stretching back to the 2012 US Open final.

“That gives me confidence, and maybe a slight mental advantage,” said Djokovic.

“But we’re talking about small margins. That’s always the case when we play against each other.

“Andy has been playing so well this year, especially here in Miami over the years.

“He lives here, spends a lot of time practising on these courts, so he’s familiar with the conditions.” (BBC Sport)

Ali hasn’t made MayweatherPacquaio pick

Muhammad Ali wants to set the record straight: He has not picked Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, who are scheduled to meet in one of the biggest fights in boxing history on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“It was reported that Muhammad Ali picked a favorite in the upcoming Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on May 2. Muhammad Ali would like to wish both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao well in their upcoming fight,” Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said in a statement given to ESPN.com on Thursday.

“Muhammad never offered to anyone his prediction, and information that was published earlier this week and picked up by other media is either a misquote or someone else’s personal opinion. The stories saying that Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

has chosen a favorite in the fight are false.”

Earlier this week, TMZ quoted Rasheda Ali, one of the heavyweight great’s daughters, as saying, “My dad is Team Pacquiao all the way!”

The quote was picked up by various media outlets and reported as being a quote from Ali, not his daughter, who claimed to

have been misquoted.

“Muhammad has the utmost respect for both fighters, who will undoubtedly give boxing fans an incredible match,” Gunnell said.

“He believes the significance of this fight will rival other historic matches. Muhammad Ali will join the rest of the world on May 2 to watch this matchup.” (ESPN)

England arrive for 3-Test tour of West Indies

England’s cricketers arrived in the Caribbean late on Thursday for their threeTest tour of the West Indies.

The visitors, captained by Alastair Cook, have two warm-up matches in St Kitts before the first Test starts in Antigua on April 13.

Their departure from London was overshadowed by debate over the possibility of Kevin Pietersen’s return to the side which suffered a five-nil white wash in Australia last year.

Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves had hinted at a recall for Pietersen but coach Peter Moores refused to be distracted by the issue before the squad flew out for the tour of West Indies.

“Kevin is not on this trip so I don’t need to focus on Kevin at all. I understand Kevin’s a huge subject but I

don’t think we can be drawn into that,” he told a news conference on Thursday

“My focus is to support Alastair (Cook). I always support the captain and work with those 16 players to try and make sure we put the best 11 out”.

Top-order batsman Jonathan Trott returns for England for the first time since November 2013 when he left the Ashes tour due to an anxiety problem.

“The frustration for me is that people whose dreams are being made by going on this tour aren’t being mentioned,” Moores said.

“They are not getting any air time and it’s frustrating. We’ve got some very, very good players. That’s very exciting”.

Under new one-day skipper Eoin Morgan, England were woeful in the recent 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and were knocked out in the first round.

“We need to get back to winning ways,” said Cook.

“In terms of a brand of cricket it’s about trying to win this series and that’s all these 16 guys and the support staff can focus on.Everything else, the ECB, the hierarchy, have to deal with that”.

Their first warm-up comes against a St Kitts & Nevis Invitations XI at Warner Park in Basseterre on April 6 and 7 with the second on April 8 and 9.

The opening Test against the hosts West Indies is set for the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound less than a week later.

The second match of the series is scheduled for National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, starting on April 21, and the third is set for Kensington Oval in Barbados, beginning on May 1. (CMC)

Chelsea’s win put them 7 points clear in Premier League

Charlie Adam scored from inside his own half but could not prevent Stoke from losing, as Chelsea went seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Adam hit a sensational equaliser for Stoke, spotting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois off his line and smashing in from around 65 yards out.

Earlier, Eden Hazard had stroked home a penalty for the hosts after Cesc Fabregas was tripped in the box.

Loic Remy scored Chelsea’s winner after an error from keeper Asmir Begovic.

The only sour note for the home side was an injury to striker Diego Costa, who came on at half-time, but lasted only 11 minutes before he went off holding his hamstring.

With champions Manchester City not playing until Monday when they face Crystal Palace, Jose Mourinho’s men capitalised by extending their advantage over second-placed Arsenalwho thrashed Liverpool earlier in the day - at the summit.

The Blues are the only side in English football’s top four divisions with an unbeaten home record and despite still having to face Manchester United, Arsenal

and Liverpool in their remaining eight fixtures, they will hope to collect enough points to reclaim the crown for the first time since 2010.

Chelsea showed true signs of being champions by edging another victory, following a 3-2 win over Hull in their last game, and Remy was the match winner again, tapping into an open net after Begovic had given the ball away.

Mark Hughes’s Stoke, though, have lost their way

to keep the scoreline respectable as Chelsea threatened to run away with the match in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard kept up his 100% record from the penalty spot after Fabregas was brought down by defender Philipp Wollscheid and Oscar should have added a second.

But to everyone’s surprise, they went in level after a moment of genius.

Adam’s wonder goal came

recently, losing their last three matches, and stay 10th in the table as they look to better last season’s ninthplace finish.

But they were overrun by a side who looked intent on adding another trophy to the League Cup they have already won this season.

Begovic was kept busy - by Frenchman Remy in particular - making numerous saves

out of nothing, picking the ball up inside his own half, before unleashing a strike that flew over Courtois’s head and into the net.

Despite the equaliser, the pattern for the second period did not change, with Chelsea missing opportunities for a more comfortable result, yet securing all three points to edge closer to the title.

Guptill recalled to Kiwis Test squad

New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill, who last played a Test in May 2013, has been recalled to the Test squad for the side’s forthcoming tour to England. Fast bowler Matt Henry has received a Test call-up, while uncapped allrounder Mitchell Santner has been added to New Zealand’s ODI and T20 squad.

Guptill played the last of his 31 Tests during New Zealand’s tour of England in 2013, featuring in only one match of the two-game series. He scored 1 and 3 in New Zealand’s 247run defeat to England at Headingley and was subsequently excluded from the Test side, including home series against West Indies, India and Sri Lanka.

Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, said Guptill had been picked for his ability to cover several batting positions and would have a chance to further his claims during the two warm-up games ahead of the first Test

at Lord’s on May 21.

“This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders,” Hesson said. “Martin’s a classically styled batsman and there’s really no reason why he can’t be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short.”

James Neesham’s injury was one of the factors that prompted Henry’s selection and Hesson said the bowler was ready for the challenges of the longer format.

“It’s another step up for Matt but we’ve been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he’s already shown in the ODI format,” Hesson said.

Fast bowler Adam Milne, who had been ruled out of the World Cup due to a heel injury, has been picked in the limited-overs side. Milne was ruled out two days before the semi-final against South Africa and Henry was picked as a substitute for the bowler.

Santner, meanwhile, has been picked following a good

run in this season’s Ford Trophy. The left-handed batsman was one of the leading run-scorers for Northern Districts in the tournament - 326 runs in nine innings at 36.22 - and also picked up 11 wickets with his left-arm spin at an average of 36.09 and an economy rate of 4.98.

With a few New Zealand players set to miss the warmup matches due to IPL commitments, BJ Watling will captain the side in the fourday games against Somerset and Worcestershire, which start from May 8 and May 14 respectively. The New Zealand selectors have included pacers Jacob Duffy and Ben Wheeler, and Santner for the warm-up matches.

The first Test against England will be played at Lord’s from May 21, while Headingley will host the second Test from May 29. The five-match ODI series will begin on June 9 and the only Twenty20 international of the tour will be played at Old Trafford on June 23.

(Cricinfo)

tevez leads Juventus to 14-point lead

Carlos Tevez scored one goal and created another to restore Juventus’s 14-point lead at the top of Serie A as they edged to victory over Empoli.

The Argentine striker fired in from eight yards just before half-time from Arturo Vidal’s indirect free-kick.

Roberto Pereyra made sure of the win in the final seconds after keeper Luigi Sepe had beaten out a Tevez shot.

But there was concern for Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri as midfielder Vidal limped off in the second half.

With Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio all absent with long-term injuries, Allegri can hardly afford to lose another midfielder ahead of his side’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Monaco on 14 April.

Juventus’s lead had been cut earlier on Saturday by

second-placed Roma, who beat Napoli 1-0. They needed a bit of luck to go in front against midtable Empoli, benefiting from a debatable decision by referee Piero Giacomelli.

Keeper Sepe conceded a free-kick for handling a backpass from defender Daniele Rugani that was ruled, harshly, to have been deliberate.

Vidal played the ball

Pacquiao locking the gym to sharpen focus

To better focus on the biggest fight of his career and the richest fight in boxing history, Manny Pacquiao is shutting out the media.

To better focus on the biggest fight of his career and the richest bout in boxing history, Manny Pacquiao is shutting out the media.

Starting on Saturday, the doors to Pacquiao’s gym will be closed and locked before and after working hours and the FIlipino fighter will not conduct workout interviews with reporters until his April 15 media day, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“Since the red carpet [March 11] until now, we’ve done so much press — triple any other fight — he’s a little tired of it,” Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said. “I told him I’ll pick up the slack if needed. I can be tired. He can’t.”

It is hard to imagine Pacquiao not being tired after a Thursday workout that included 1,300 sit-ups in the morning, 10 rounds of sparing, 10 rounds of shadow boxing and drill work, ac-

cording to The Times.

Now after those grueling workouts, Pacquiao will not field questions about his May 2 bout with undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“You have to focus without interruption after your activities of jogging, training … I don’t want to focus on anything other than boxing,” Pacquiao said after his workout on Thursday.

“I’m not complaining about interviews. They help us promote the fight and

help the people know what’s happening in the camps. This is just the first time I’m asking for time to focus. There’s something I need to achieve in this camp, especially mentally.”

“Everyone knows how important this fight is, and for me it’s really, really, really important because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime fight. It’s a big responsibility for me to win,” Pacquiao added. “My plan is to focus on the fight.” (Digicel SportsMAx)

Rio mayor says olympic work on time despite worker layoffs

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Paes has dismissed reports that layoffs of construction workers at one of the main 2016 Olympic sites could result in potentially damaging delays.

At a hastily called news conference at Deodoro, where 11 Olympic sports will be staged, Paes said on Thursday the layoffs by construction company Queiroz Galvao were part of an illadvised strategy to strongarm the city council into making quicker payments for the $205 million project.

Dozens of workers at Deodoro, where about 1,000 workers are employed, had been fired and hundreds of others warned they could soon be let go if funds owed by the city were not received soon, the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported.

Queiroz Galval refused to confirm the layoffs, but workers leaving the site on Thursday showed The Associated Press their pink slips.

“Lies. What they want is to use the press to pressure City Hall into paying before the deadline,” Paes said on a precipice overlooking the vast scar of raw earth where Deodoro’s Olympic venues are going up. “This pressure is not going to work.”

short for Tevez to strike into the roof of the net.

Manuel Pucciarelli was twice denied a second-half equaliser by Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Empoli’s hopes of a point, though, were ended in stoppage time, as the industrious Tevez surged 30 yards to fire a shot that Sepe parried straight into the path of substitute Pereyra. (BBC Sport)

Paes added that reports of looming layoffs were part of a worn “little strategy” commonly used by Brazilian construction companies to jack up the price of work already underway.

He reiterated his pledge that Olympic venues would be on time and on budget. Unlike for last year’s World Cup, when many of the 12 stadiums built or remodeled were hit so hard by cost

overruns that final prices were two or more times the original estimate.

Paes acknowledged that some workers may actually have been laid off but suggested they were likely on temporary contracts, or the firm just wanted to get rid of them.

Joedson de Lima Santos, a 33-year-old carpenter

and father of one, said he was among those fired this week.

“The mayor, the government, it’s all their fault, and it’s we, the workers, who are paying for their errors,” said Santos, who showed journalists his pink slip as he left the construction site. “If they’d paid their bill none of this would have happened.”

Paes acknowledged the multi-layered process for making government payments, which is aimed at preventing fraud and graft, can sometimes means long waits, but denied reports that payments due to Queiroz Galvao were four months late. He said $35 million has already been paid.

Queiroz Galvao is one of

more than a dozen Brazilian construction firms implicated in a massive corruption scheme at state-run oil giant Petrobras. The firms are accused of bribing former Petrobras officials and politicians in exchange for overvalued contracts. Money was allegedly funneled back to the campaign coffers of the ruling Workers’ Party and its allies.

The scandal, as well as falling commodities prices, has contributed to Brazil’s stalled economy, with many city governments around the country forced to make budget cuts, hitting basic public services.

Paes pointed to the scandal at Petrobras as evidence that the sluggish system of controls on public funds is sorely needed in Brazil.

Work at Deodoro got off to a late start. Olympic officials expressed alarm about the construction delays, but during a recent visit said they were satisfied with the pace of progress.

Thursday was the first time the news media has had access to the site, a vast grassy area sliced by muddy dirt roads plied by bulldozers and other heavy equipment. In a vast oval of flattened red earth, workers labored away on the future canoe slalom rapids. A test event is slated for November.

In a brief statement emailed after the mayor’s news conference, Queiroz Galvao and the other firm involved in building Deodoro said the site was “rigorously within the timeframe,” adding they guaranteed it would be delivered on time as long as the city made its payments. (ESPN)

Williams leads Nets to vital win

Deron Williams scored a season-high 31 points, Thaddeus Young made the tiebreaking basket with 22 seconds left, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 114109 on Friday night for their season-high sixth straight victory.

Brook Lopez added 30 points and 17 rebounds for the Nets, who have surged into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Young, acquired from Minnesota for Kevin Garnett in February, tied his season high with 29 points.

Young broke a 109all tie when he swooped in for the rebound after Williams missed in the

losing Tiago Splitter to a right calf injury during a strong start.

Kawhi Leonard had 20 points and Aron Baynes added 18 points in 19 minutes for San Antonio, which has won six straight. The Spurs (5026) extended their league record of consecutive 50win seasons to 16 straight.

Danilo Galinari scored 20 points to lead Denver, which trailed by as many as 37 points despite shooting 47 percent from the field.

Wizards 101, Knicks 87

Marcin Gortat scored 19 points, Bradley Beal added 18, and Washington defeated New York.

Otto Porter, starting

lane and Lopez kept it alive.

DeMar DeRozan finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Raptors, who came in tied with Chicago for third place in the East.

Grizzlies 100, Thunder 92

Jeff Green scored 22 points and Marc Gasol added 19 as Memphis defeated Oklahoma City.

Green and Gasol were among six Grizzlies finishing in double figures as Memphis won its second straight and moved into a tie with Houston for the second seed in the Western Conference and top spot in the Southwest Division.

Enes Kanter led the Thunder with 24 points and 17 rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored 18, but only six after the first quarter while connecting on only five of his 20 shots.

Spurs 123, Nuggets 93

Danny Green scored 21 points, including 6-for6 shooting on 3-pointers, and San Antonio Spurs cruised past Denver after

his second straight game for the Wizards, scored 17.

John Wall was held to six points on 3-of-13 shooting, but had a career-high 18 assists for Washington, which has won three of four.

Reserve Ricky Ledo scored a career-high 21 points for the Knicks, who have dropped nine straight.

With a game at Memphis on Saturday, the Wizards rested Paul Pierce (for the second straight game) and Nene. Drew Gooden started in place of Nene and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Bulls 88, Pistons 82

Pau Gasol had 26 points and 10 rebounds for his 50th double-double of the season, helping Chicago beat Detroit.

Jimmy Butler scored 18 points and Joakim Noah added nine rebounds and 10 assists as the Bulls won for the fourth time in five games. Chicago pulled ahead of Toronto for third place in the Eastern Conference after the Raptors’ loss to

Brooklyn.

Reggie Jackson had 22 points and nine assists for Detroit, while Andre Drummond had 14 points, 22 rebounds and six blocks. The Pistons had won five of seven.

Pacers 93, Hornets 74

Rodney Stuckey scored 15 points off the bench to lead Indiana past Charlotte.

C.J. Watson had 13 points and four steals, and C.J. Miles added 12 points and six rebounds for the Pacers, who had lost two in a row.

Gerald Henderson had 12 points and seven rebounds, and Marvin Williams, Bismack Biyombo, and Lance Stephenson each finished with 10 points for the Hornets, who have lost five of their last seven.

Bucks 110, Celtics 101 Ersan Ilyasova led Milwaukee’s third-quarter surge from a halftime deficit with 11 points and the Bucks hurt the Boston Celtics’ playoff chances with a 110-101 win Friday night.

Boston dropped a halfgame behind idle Miami in the competition for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with six games left.

O.J. Mayo led Milwaukee with 24 points. Boston was led by Isaiah Thomas with 23 and Avery Bradley with 17.

Pelicans 101, Kings 95

Eric Gordon scored 21 points, Tyreke Evans nearly had a triple-double and the New Orleans Pelicans gained ground in the playoff race by outlasting the short-handed Sacramento Kings 101-95 on Friday night.

Evans finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists against his former team to power the Pelicans to their fourth straight win. New Orleans led by 18 points in the third quarter and withstood a furious rally from DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings for a huge road victory.

The Pelicans (41-34) pulled within a half-game of Oklahoma City (42-34) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Thunder lost at Memphis earlier Friday night.

Sacramento dropped its fourth game in a row despite Cousins’ second consecutive triple-double. The All-Star center had 24 points, 20 rebounds and a career-high 13 assists. He also blocked four shots. (The Ledger)

Bolt voted among 20 best in last 20 years

Usain Bolt, the sixtime Olympic gold medalist has been ranked as the 16th greatest athlete in the past 20 years in a list compiled by ESPN. com to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Retired NBA great Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Tom Brady and Roger Federer are the top five on the list.

Bolt, the fastest man that ever lived and an eight-time World Championship gold medallist was also placed behind such luminaries as Serena Williams, Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O’ Neal and Lionel Messi, who is ranked 12th.

Lance Armstrong is ranked at 13th despite being exposed as a cheat, who had his seven Tour de France titles stripped after he was found to have doped his way to his goals and earnings of over US$100 million.

Williams wins 8th Miami Open

Williams pose with her trophy

World number one Serena Williams thrashed Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro to win her eighth Miami Open title.

The 33-year-old raced to a 6-2 6-0 victory in 56 minutes to secure her third straight title at Crandon Park.

Williams won the final 10 games as she outclassed Suarez Navarro, who will make her top-10 debut next week.

The American becomes only the fourth woman after Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Chris Evert to win the same WTA tournament at least eight times.

Suarez Navarro, 26, went into the biggest final of her career having won just 10 games in four previous meetings with the younger Williams sister, and the 12th seed could add only two more.

The Spaniard began well, even threatening a break of serve at 2-2, 30-30, but Williams slammed the door shut with successive aces and was soon 4-2 in front.

A thumping forehand winner brought up a third set point for Williams after little over half an hour and Suarez Navarro could only fire long.

Williams had hit 16 winners to just two from her opponent and, faced with a break point for the first time at the start of the second set, she produced three unreturnable serves. It heralded a passage of utter dominance as Williams reeled off 23 out of 25 points. Suarez Navarro, who will enter the world’s top 10 for the first time next week, asked for advice from coach Xavi Budo at a changeover but she was being overwhelmed. She at least avoided a repeat of her 6-0 6-0 defeat against Williams at the US Open two years ago, but the American brought a swift end to the contest before the hour mark.

Williams will now head to Europe for the clay-court season unbeaten in 2015 on a 21-match winning streak. (BBC Sport)

Woods confirms he will play at Augusta

Four-time winner Tiger Woods has confirmed he will play in the Masters at Augusta, which starts on Thursday. Woods, a former world number one, has not played in a tournament since 5 February.

The world number 104, withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open after just 11 holes with a back injury.

“I’m playing in the Masters,” said Woods, 39. “It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there.”

Woods played a practice round at Augusta before making the announcement on his website.

He added: “I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate

everyone’s support.”

Woods, a 14-time major winner, has missed the cut in the only two tournaments he has played this season.

He posted the worst score of his professional career earlier this year, with an 11-over-par 82 at the Phoenix Open.

After withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open he announced he would be taking an indefinite break from golf, saying his game was “unacceptable for tournament play”.

Woods last won a green jacket in 2005 and last played at the Masters in 2013, finishing fourth. He pulled out of the 2014 tournament after having surgery on a pinched nerve in his back.

He has continued to struggle with back injuries and has not won a major in seven years, since the US Open in 2008. (BBC Sport)

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WICB announces new rule for PCL

Anew rule mandating franchises to select at least two players outside of their territories will come into effect when the draft for the second edition of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) takes place later this year.

President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron says decision on the new rule was reached during a recent meeting of the WICB.

The WICB has expressed disappointment with last October’s draft for the inaugural PCL with only one team selecting a player outside its territory.

“As a board we were disappointed. So this is what we have done. Coming out of them meeting we have agreed that you must select at least two players from outside of your territory, going forward,” Cameron said on the regional television sports programme Big Bang.

“And remember the PCL is new, our view …let’s get it on the road and let’s tweak it as we go along

Initially, only two players - former Guyana and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and Barbados Allrounder Raymon Reifer-were selected by franchises outside of their territories during the first PCL draft.

However, Ramnaresh subsequently withdrew from the Trinidad and Tobago squad citing personal rea-

sons while Reifer was a star performer for the Guyana Jaguars who ran away with the title.

“So the first rule is that come later this year when we have the draft you must select at least two players from outside of your region and that’s a minimum. So in the case of leeward etc. could be much more than that as we strengthen that franchise to make sure that they can compete next year,” said Cameron in his first television interview since being reelected for another two year term.

“So we are mindful. Should we just jump down the road and make it free agency? I am sure that will come at some point. But it’s going to take some talking to”.

Meantime the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA), which will have an option to select at least three players, has welcomed the new rule for the PCL draft.

“The West Indies Cricket Board is going to be insisting that two players must be (selected) from outside of the territories as part of the draft selections,” said LICA President Auckland Hector.

“In the case of the Leeward Islands who are at the bottom of this year’s tournament, we would be allowed a minimum of three players outside of our territory, and we are going to have the first option of the draft”. (CMC)

Former ICC President holds back on spilling the beans

MusTafa Kamal, the ICC president from Bangladesh, resigned last week. In doing so, however, he failed to keep a promise.

Kamal had promised to spill the beans about the ICC when, after criticising what he saw as a poor umpiring decision in a World Cup match, after he was asked to apologise for his outburst, and after refusing to do so, he was, as president of the ICC and the one who was supposed to do so, barred from presenting the trophy to champions Australia, or from even taking part in the presentation.

At the time, an irate Kamal had said, “After I go back home I will let the whole world know what’s happening in the ICC. I will tell the whole world about those guys who are doing these mischievous things.”

And on his arrival at his home airport a few days afterwards, he said: “Everyone saw what happened during the Bangladesh/India match - India has influenced the outcome of the match using its position (in the ICC).”

Nothing

Apart from that, he said nothing, and he did nothing, except to say that he could not prove anything, that he had nothing against anybody, and that he has tendered his resignation as president of the ICC.

It may have been sour

grapes, but it would have been interesting to hear what the man who is known as the former financier of Bangladeshi cricket and the man who is currently defence minister in the Bangladeshi government, knows about what is happening in the ICC.

Kamal had promised to reveal information from within the ICC, the body which he called, not the International Cricket Council, but the “Indian Cricket Council”.

Early last year, Bangladesh became one of the last countries to agree to the takeover of the ICC by a triumvirate headed by India and including Australia and England, and that, after the promise that they would remain a Test-playing country.

The West Indies was one of the first to agree to the take-over, and Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka were the last to do so, saying, despite their many fears, that they had too much to lose if they did not fall in line.

According to the revamp exercise, India, Australia, and England control the ICC, especially its revenue, and with India, Australia, and England cutting the cake and sharing it up, the plan is to give the other countries what they consider is their fair share. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Annual Powerade road race set for today

Banks DIH Limited, through its Powerade energy drink brand, has committed to sponsoring today’s 50-mile cycle road race on the West Demerara roadways for the fourth year in succession.

National coach and chief organiser of the race, Hassan Mohamed, confirmed the company’s sponsorship of the event, which will commence at 08:00h.

The race will start in front of the Wales Police Station and proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before

returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

Last year’s race was won by Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds of Linden. Hinds clocked one hour, 56 minutes, 55 seconds. Michael Anthony topped the Junior category, while Talim Shaw and Ozia McUally were winners of the Veteran and Mountain Bike races respectively.

Rain ruins Budhan’s Memorial Turf Club horse race meet

– rescheduled for April 12

Organisers of the Budhan’s Memorial Turf Club were forced to push back the grand one-day horse race meet due to persistent heavy rainfall, which swept most part of Corentyne Coast in Berbice early last Sunday morning.

The six-race event was scheduled to be held at the club’s Number 66 Village track, but persistent rainfall left the venue in a saturated state, leaving the

organisers with no other choice but to postpone the event.

According to chief coordinator, Neville Budhan the race meet will now be held on April 12 at the same venue.

He also noted that there will be no changes to the original programme, with the feature race is for animals classified J1 and Lower for a winning prize of $130,000.

GRFU hosts final practice game for national ruggers

The Guyana rugby squad held their final practice game on Saturday at the National Park rugby field as the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) aims to select their final squad to compete in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) zone qualifier on April 11 against Trinidad and Tobago in the Twin Island Republic.

Guyana demolished Barbados 48-22 in their first game of the NACRA south zone championships at the national park while Trinidad and Tobago hammered Barbados 44-7 at the garrison savannah in Barbados.

ing

Ajmal back in Pakistan squad

Saeed Ajmal has been picked by Pakistan for all three formats for the tour of Bangladesh, after his remodelled action was cleared by the ICC in February. Umar Akmal, who had a poor World Cup, was dropped from the three formats, while opener Ahmed Shehzad was left out of the ODI and Test squads, but found a place in the T20 side. Allrounder Fawad Alam, who was not picked for the World Cup, made a comeback for the ODIs as Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi’s retirements vacated two spots.

Younis Khan’s name was missing from the ODI squad, but the PCB said he was “rested.” Fast bowler Junaid Khan returned to the Test and T20 squads after he missed the World Cup with a thigh injury, while Mohammad Hafeez was picked for all three formats. A calf injury had kept Hafeez out of the World Cup too, and he is yet to clear the ICC test, scheduled for April 9, with his reworked action after he was suspended last year. Wahab Riaz and Sohail Khan were rewarded for their performances in the World Cup - they were Pakistan’s top two wicket-

takers - by being picked for all three formats.

“We carried out an indepth discussion about Pakistan’s World Cup performance, our future strategy and how we can take the team forward,” newly-appointed chief selector Haroon Rasheed said in a press conference in Lahore. “The Test ranking is good but the area of concern is the one-day team as our ranking is quite low, around seventh position. We need stability and the upcoming Bangladesh tour is very important and we have to give continuity to the team.”

The selection panel made a whole host of changes for the Bangladesh tour. They named two new faces for the ODIs - wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and left-handed opening batsman Sami Aslam, the Under-19 captain from the 2014 World Cup.

They left out an out-ofform Nasir Jamshed after he played three matches in the World Cup, making scores of 4, 1 and 0. He last scored an ODI fifty in July 2013. The selectors went for Asad Shafiq instead, who last played in the ODIs against New Zealand in the UAE in December. Shafiq

Arsenal trash Liverpool to go second in Premier League

Arsenal tightened their grip on a place in the Premier League’s top four while inflicting damage on Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations with a convincing victory at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners set the platform for a vital three points with a devastating burst of three goals in the last eight minutes of the first half from Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Raheem Sterling - starting up front for Liverpool after the midweek interview with the BBC that cast further doubt on his long-term Anfield future - battled hard and won a late penalty from which Jordan Henderson pulled a goal back.

In reality, however, this was little other than an afternoon of unrelenting misery for an abject Liverpool, who had Emre Can sent off for two bookable offences before Olivier Giroud delivered the final blow with a spectacular fourth for Arsenal in the closing seconds.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will feel a place in next season’s Champions League is now within his grasp but Liverpool’s hopes are fading as they followed up the 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United by being convincingly outplayed.

The win puts Arsenal nine points ahead of Liverpool with seven games left, while manager Brendan Rodgers’ side also trail Manchester

United by five points before Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Sterling was a man in the

and while he fought as hard as any Liverpool player to fashion something in a losing cause, he was powerless

has scored three fifties and a hundred this year in domestic one-dayers in Pakistan.

Shehzad and Akmal were the two main players to be dropped from the squads as both had underwhelming performances in the World Cup. Shehzad, whose best scores came against UAE and Ireland, made 227 runs at an average of 32.42 in his seven innings while Akmal could manage just 164 at 27.33. It is understood that apart from their performances, both players had discipline issues throughout the World Cup and their axing was mainly centred around their “attitude.” The tour report from one of the key officials in the team management described both as “not into cricket.”

Rasheed did not divulge the report on both players but dished out a strict message for them regarding discipline. “If you want to play for Pakistan, you have to fulfil the requirement of discipline and country should come first,” Rasheed said. “Just not the off-field discipline but the cricketing discipline. Your job is to contribute towards Pakistan’s victory. You have to keep your individu-

Martin Skrtel, who were serving three-match suspensions for stamping in last month’s match against Manchester United.

The decision to draft veteran Kolo Toure into defence, while he was certainly not

spotlight after his outspoken explanation of his contract impasse at Anfield -

to influence events.

Liverpool were without captain Steven Gerrard and

solely to blame, contributed to a calamitous first 45 minutes at the back for the visi-

ality aside. We will support all the players, but we expect thorough professionalism. For that, if we have to take some strict measures we will take it. It’s a normal decorum; we have sent a message that cricketing discipline is more important to us. Performance must be for the benefit of the team and not the individuals.

“We have seen the World Cup performances. We are not against anyone’s career, they are still available but they have to perform according to the merits and according to the team management’s thinking and strategy. It’s a combination of everything. The selection committee is taking independent decisions and there’s no pressure. We will keep aside all the pressures and will try to select the best team. We will see where Pakistan team stands now, after one year and after three years.”

Pakistan’s tour to Bangladesh is yet to be announced officially and has been delayed due to public holidays in Bangladesh. Pakistan are likely to arrive in Dhaka on April 13 to start the three-ODI series from April 17 in Mirpur. (Cricinfo)

tors. Toure was rescued by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet when he was caught in possession as Arsenal swarmed all over Liverpool in the early moments - but once they settled down it was suddenly the Gunners who looked under pressure.

Indeed, it was Liverpool who should have gone ahead after 18 minutes when Philippe Coutinho sent Lazar Markovic through on goal but he mysteriously passed on responsibility to Sterling, matters made worse by the failure to find his intended target.

There was little indication of the mayhem to come as the game moved towards the interval - but Arsenal delivered three heavy hits to Liverpool in the final eight minutes of the half.

Baldeo to skipper Berbice U-19 team

– BCB to provide travelling/playing shirts

Exciting opener

Balchand Baldeo will lead a strong Berbice 14-man squad for this year Inter-County Under-19 tournament, slated to commence on April 8.

Baldeo was appointed captain in the absence of West Indies Under-19 and Guyana Senior Opener, Shimron Hetmyer, who was named in a 16-member West Indies Under-19 squad, which will participate in a two-week training camp at the West Indies High Performance Centre at Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. The camp will run from March 29 to April 11.

Meanwhile, President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Anil Beharry, told the players at a simple ceremony where they were provided with travelling/ playing shirts that they are ambassadors of their home, community, school,

Berbice and most importantly, themselves.

Beharry urged the players to be committed and discipline at all times and play the game in the right spirit.

The BCB President also thanked former national wicketkeeper/batsman, Sheik Mohamed, of Tiger Sports for providing the jerseys at a significantly low price.

The 14-man squad reads: Balchand Baldeo (Captain), Leon Andrews, Ritesh Omrao (Wicket-keeper), Samuel Kistasammy, Brandon Persaud, Kassim Khan, Daniel Lewis, Joel Seetaram, Ameer Khan, Omar Weatherspoon, Grisean Grant, Parmanand Ramdhan, Clifton Lindie and Zachary Persaud.

The standby players are: Jason Anderson, Joshua Harrichand, Kevindra Persaud, Randy Wade and Shimron Hetmyer. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Sanjay’s Jewelry Classic Golf tournament on today

The cream of the Country’s top golfers will be in action today in the Sanjay’s Jewellery sponsored golf competition at the Lusignan Golf Course.

This Classic Golf Tournament offers to provide some very competitive play as the prizes are always enterprising.

This year’s competition is the simple MedalPlay system. Prizes will be awarded to 1st to 3rd, Best Net, the Best Gross and Nearest to the Pin (NTP).

According to Club President David Mohamad, “We at the Lusignan Golf Club are very appreciative for the

support that Sanjay’s Jewellery is giving to the LGC and golfing in Guyana. Mohamad noting that the LGC ground is in great shape, and golfers

will find the outfield well cut.

Sanjay’s Jewellery, which has over 1000 jewellery pieces on display to choose from, offers also a wide variety of watches, colognes and perfumes for men, women and children.

In the jewellery section, Sanjay’s has religious jewellery, wedding bands, rings, chains, necklaces, earrings, bangles and bracelets in 12, 14, 18 and 22 carat gold as well as a variety of diamonds.

Alternatively, a customer can simply order their own design and Sanjay’s will make it in 24 hours and with a motto that says ‘creating

Big money...

Meanwhile, chief coordinator, Nazrudeen Mohammed Jnr. told this publication on Saturday that the weather on the Corentyne is “excellent.”

He stated that the meet will be of a high standard, especially since the majority of the country’s top horses will be participating.

The organisers have changed the feature race from D1 and Lower to A1 and Lower. The race will run over 1800 metres for a whopping $1.2 million and trophy.

An impressive line-up of animals, including Score’s Even, C.P Got Even, the record breaking Diplomatic Cat, Curfew Tower, Jack In My Style, Run Nana Run, Lady Budapest, Spit Fire, Tiz a Holiday, Just Call

Me Boss, Unsettled, Swing Easy and Big Man Boss, are among the animals entered to participate.

The programme shows that the organisers are also moving in line to implement a number of new initiatives taken recently by those in the horse racing fraternity with the ratings and classes of the animals being taken into consideration.

The D1 and Lower event will now be classified D3 and Lower over 1600 metres for a winning take of $800,000 and trophy.

The F1 and Lower 1200 metres event will also feature animals classified Three-year-old West Indies and Guyana bred, colts, fillies, mares and up for a total prize of $940,000 and trophy.

There is an event for West Indies and Guyana bred Three-year-old animals including colts and fillies also for a total prize of $940,000 and trophy over 1500 metres.

The event for Guyana bred Three-year-old colts, mares and fillies has now been restructured to cater for those I and Lower horses for a total prize package of $560,000 and trophy over 1200 metres.

The I Class event has been dropped. The final race will be for animals classified J2 and Lower and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a total purse of $375,000 over 1200 metres. Admission is $1500 for adults, while children will be admitted free.

memories, one piece at a time’.

He expects that many of the winners from last October’s tournament will again com -

pete this year. Included in the winners row last October were Mahendra Bhagwandin (1st Best Net), David Mohamad (2nd Best Net), Rishi

Sukhram, Deosarran

Epic final showdown set for 25th edition of K&S Tournament

B y T reis T on J oseph

The giants of football in Guyana will clash in a heavyweight encounter when Alpha United takes on Slingerz Football Club tonight at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

At a press conference held on Saturday at the 704 Sports Bar, Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Kashif Muhammad dubbed the final “the biggest in the tournament’s history”.

Muhammad noted that it was because of the “financial backing” of the two teams as well as both clubs superiors work ethic that has made the anticipation of the final so great.

“As promoter when you can bring together the Mayweather and Pacquiao of football in Guyana together in one final it’s great for football.

“Both teams have raised the level of football in Guyana and in that is great for football in Guyana,” Muhammad stated.

Alpha United who have never lost to Slingerz in their past three encounters look to keep the streak alive according to Coach of the team Wayne Dover.

“Alpha United takes every game seriously whether it be against smaller teams of bigger ones…in the past we have gotten the better of them form a tactical stand point and

once we go out and execute we will give ourselves a chance of winning,” Dover noted.

However, Captain of the Slingerz FC, Vurlon Mills who believes that his team is under less pressure to win noted that his unit has one objective.

“I think this time around we have a bunch of disciplined guys, we don’t have big expectations we just want to go out there and get the job done, all of the guys are ready for this final tomorrow and we are not feeling pressured,” Mills stated.

The final will start at 21:00h while the third place game between Riddim Squad and Pele FC will kick off from 19:00h.

Big money at stake in today’s Guyana Cup Fever

Even among top horses in feature race

By raJiv BisnauTh

Over $10 million dollars will be at stake today when the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) in collaboration with Jumbo

Jet Auto Sales stages the Guyana Cup Fever horse race meet.

The meet is slated for the club’s Port Mourant, Corentyne, headquarters from 12:30 hours.

The day’s activities will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to organisers, those rules would be rigidly enforced.

CPL Easter discount starts today

Organisers of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 are offering a 15 per cent Easter discount to cricket fans who purchase their tickets this weekend.

In a release yesterday, the CPL organisers said online ticket sales start Easter Sunday, and earlybird fans can get an Easter Special discount, available for the first 72 hours.

Tickets for home games involving the Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, St Lucia Zouks and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will be available at discounted prices through the Caribbean Premier League website, www.cplt20.com.

Loyal fans can also ensure they don’t miss out on any of the pulsating action by getting their hands on a four-game package, which

includes tickets for every home game, available at a 15% discount until May 1.

Next generation

The CPL, in its release, said it will also continue its commitment to opening up the game to the next generation of fans, with family packages. Fans will be able to get two free kids tickets when they buy two adult tickets.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, said: “We expect that fans will be eager to book their place at the Biggest Party in Sport, and the message is simple: get online fast to avoid disappointment and snap up tickets at a great discounted price!

Anticipation for the 2015 Caribbean Premier League is ramping up, with the tournament

schedule revealed earlier this week. Global superstars, including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi, will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, and exciting up-and-coming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere of it.

The CPL T20 bowls off on June 20 with the final set for July 26 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago. Four matches will be played in Jamaica on July 7, 9, 11 and 12. (Jamaica Gleaner)