Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-08-2018

8th July, 2018

PPP faces internal rebellion No.105329

– if Jagdeo tries to hand-pick presidential candidate, says PM Nagamootoo 03 PAGE

GPHC welcomes triplets!

Exxon takes local content ‘very seriously’ PAGE

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– and three sets of twins

Shequita Michael and Vincent Benjamin with their twins, Orion and Venus Benjamin (DPI photo)

– says hundreds of PAGE Guyanese employed 12 since operations began

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Son Chapman memorial passes quietly

By Vanessa Braithwaite

Chapman Massacre which occurred in the Demerara For decades, a memori- River on the same date in al was held on July 6th 1964. On Friday however, every year to remember this was not done, much to the 43 lives lost in the Son the surprise of many, since it was the first year after the passing of owner of the vessel, Norman Chapman.

While some preparations were made by the commemoration committee of the Regional Democratic Council, the planned memorial fell through, leaving surviving relatives of those that perished and relatives and children of Norman Chapman disappointed. The memorial is usually held at Hurudaia, where the tragedy occurred but this year, it was slated for the Christianburg site, where most of the remains were burA painted board with names of those ied.

Dr. Steven who perished in the massacre

Dr. Stephen Carryl

Carryl, son of Carmen Carryl who was pregnant at the time when the explosion occurred, said that for most of his life, he avoided the tragedy and it was the 2016 memorial observance he attended made him connect with the memories of his mother.

Though he lives oversees, he has a great appreciation for the memorial and is calling for more significance to be put into it. “Even though it was 50 years later, it was helpful for me, I was for most of my life avoiding the thing, prior to that it was just a story in the family,” he said. He was only two years old when she died and had to grow up with his father and other relatives.

With the way things turned out on Friday, Carryl said, “I believe that they should do it different or better for this event, if you look at

Newspaper clippings exhibited at the Son Chapman Massacre at Christianburg Linden

it as the population at that time and if you look at it as a percentage, if you lose that number of people in one accident, is a big tragedy.

Any tragedy has to be dealt with in context of its proportionality and size, this is a big tragedy in a small town,” Carryl posited.

His mother was one of the many hucksters who journeyed to Georgetown to purchase goods to sell when she died that day. The death of those many women, who were bread winners for their families, created a great loss to the Linden community, since many families were left un-provided for. “She was a part of the family, bringing money in. Most of these women actually were sellers, they use to go and buys stuff in Georgetown and sell, so when you eliminate them from the family and the church, it has a tremendous ripple effect,” Carryl said.

In the previous RDC statutory meeting, Chairman of the Regional Commemorative Committee Charles Sampson said he was disappointed with the way the memorial was being treated and has been calling for a monument to be erected at the memorial site at Hurudaia.

Calls were also made for more funding to be poured into commemoration. Dr. Carryl however believes that funding is the least of the issues relating to remembering a tragic incident and what matters is the conveying of what occurred in a simple way. This can be done, via a march or an address to the youths annually. The aim is to build momentum and this must be done with consistency to let the memories of those persons live on.

As the story goes, at approximately 16:00hrs, Monday July 6, 1964, the Son Chapman vessel had

just left the docks of Hurudaia, a timber grant settlement 16 miles up the Demerara River after letting off three passengers.

The vessel was owned by Norman Chapman but was captained by Herman Softleigh on that day. The persons on board inclusive of passengers and crew men were all enjoying the cool afternoon breeze and the surrounding scenery of the banks of the river.

Unfortunately, this solitude was abruptly interrupted, about 300 yards from Hurudaia, by a loud explosion which claimed the lives of 43 persons inclusive of two children and six Demba employees. Pandemonium broke loose as the 27 persons and six crew members who survived the explosion, swam to shore while others were rescued by passing vessels as they watched the “Son Chapman” sink.

President Hoyte chats with passengers on his way back from CARICOM Summit, Jamaica, 1990

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

PPP faces internal rebellion – if Jagdeo tries to hand-pick presidential candidate, says PM Nagamootoo PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo said though Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will manipulate the system to select a PPP presidential candidate of his choice, it will not be a walk in the park for the former President.

Writing in this week’s My Turn column, the prime minister, a former PPP executive, said a stiff challenge awaits any of Jagdeo’s underhand dealings.

“This time around, I was assured, it would not be a walk-over. Bossman (Jagdeo) would be met with a stiff “F” campaign – “Fight For Frank” (Dr. Frank Anthony),” Mr Nagamootoo said.

He noted that ahead of this campaign, anticipatory moves are afoot to dislodge the “Jaganite” Komal Chand from the leadership of GAWU (sugar workers) which, together with RPA (rice farmers), has an historical, built-in appeal at the ethnic and traditional support base of the party.

According to the prime minister, the only guarantee of a “fair” process would be a congress at which delegates vote openly for the presidential candidate and, preceding that, all contenders are allowed equal opportunities to address regional conferences.

But this, he said, is unlikely to happen.

Unless there is a single candidate, he said the party congress is the supreme authority, not the Executive (ExCo) or Central Committee (CC), to decide who runs for the presidency.

In 1990, though Dr. Cheddi Jagan was unopposed, congress had to decide on

accepting a non-party person, Samuel Hinds, as the prime ministerial candidate, and as a potential successor in the event that the President was unable to perform the functions of presidential office.

That congress also allocated a fixed percentage of parliamentary seats to the “Civic”.

Mr Nagamootoo noted that for the 1997 elections, when Janet Jagan had appeared hesitant, there was almost a contest when he nominated Dr. Roger Luncheon as presidential candidate and Ralph Ramkarran for the prime ministerial slot.

Consideration of his primary nominee by the Central Committee was quickly aborted with one member saying Dr Luncheon would be a hard sell to sugar workers. Dr. Luncheon, he said silently understood the message, stepped aside, and nominated Mrs Jagan. She became the single candidate.

“What she dramatically did after her endorsement by the Central Committee was to name a successor, which only the ‘matriarch’ could be allowed to do without recourse to either the Constitution of Guyana or the precedent of the 1990 Congress. However in 1998, much to her dislike, the PPP congress used the election of a new Central Committee as a referendum on the successor issue, which was not taken to the membership for ratification. The official results showed that I received the second highest number of votes (unofficially the highest), only after then President Janet Jagan. Those results showed that congress wanted a say on the successor issue, and the members had

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

spoken. It was an overwhelming rejection of her unilateral choice of Bharrat Jagdeo to replace her!” Mr Nagamootoo said.

BACKLASH This, he said, caused a backlash a week later. At the first meeting of the Central Committee, Mr Nagamootoo said he was not re-elected to the 15-member Central Committee -- the first time in 20 years and was co-opted to this body after he was stopped from walking out and possibly resigning from the PPP. The emasculation of congress by the dominant, Moscow-trained, Stalinist gang was to be repeated 10 years later, in 2008, he said.

“While the gang was still obsessed with my ‘ambition’, they went to sleep when Dr. Frank Anthony, like a fresh lamb, entered the power-house. Then the authentic youth leader, Dr. Frank Anthony, scored the third highest number of popular votes. I came in fifth. Yet, when the Central Committee met, it

ruthlessly devoured him. Both Frank and I, at the top five of popular support, were both excluded from the Executive Committee!

“Domination of the Executive Committee (inner Cabinet) was key to the control of the political processes and preservation [of] the axis of power by what Dr. Joey Jagan would identify as “the Gang of Eight”. In the selection of a presidential candidate, the ExCo arrogated to itself the role of “recommending” a slate of candidates, which I stoutly rejected for the 2011 elections,” the prime minister recalled.

For those elections, for the first time, there were multiple candidates – Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, Donald Ramotar and Moses Nagamootoo.

Nagamootoo had demanded an open, democratic and transparent process and suggested the preliminary selection of the suitable candidate at 10 regional conferences, and final approval at a Special Congress.

During the critical stages of the debate on what form the selection should take, President Jagdeo moved the Central Committee meeting to State House, the president’s official residence.

And according to Nagamootoo, some of Jagdeo’s ministers insisted that the Executive Committee should make a recommendation of a suitable candidate, and for the Central Committee to make the final decision.

The “Gang of Eight”, he said, was pressured to provide evidence to show that congress had delegated its authority to the Central Committee but what followed was a clumsy comedy.

He said the recording secretary later said that such an authority existed, but the Minutes Book had been destroyed when the Ministry of Health Building was gutted by fire.

“So, I withdrew myself from that rigged process and, after 50 years of devotion to my Leader and sacrifices for my party, I resigned from the PPP. I reinvested my trust in my people. The rest is now

history.

“The Gang of Eight has become bold and entrenched.

With the departure after me, one of the best known revolutionary intellectual Ralph Ramkarran, and the subsequent death of the uncompromising, foremost “Jaganite”, Navin Chanderpaul, the leadership was stacked with a new coterie of flatterers and hero worshippers.

“Taking the selection process for a party presidential candidate to the PPP Central Committee is, in my opinion and from experience, like putting a cat to watch milk!” he concluded.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

GPHC welcomes triplets!

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– first in six years THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday welcomed the first set of triplets born there since 2012. This is according to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brigadier Ret’d George Lewis.

Mandisa McKinnon, 26, gave birth to three boys. The babies Dejuan,

Demitri and Dekarri were all delivered via cesarean section. McKinnon told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that it was her first pregnancy.

The children’s father Delroy George was overjoyed at the fact that McKinnon gave birth to the trio.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, was among the

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

first group of visitors to the mother and babies and she shared her excitement with the family.

“Since I got the news, I was so excited and so happy, I couldn’t wait to get down here and meet these boys,” the public health minister said.

Minister Lawrence, along with elated GPHC staff and other well-wishers, delivered hampers to the family. She also assured the new parents that they will receive assistance not only from her ministry, but also from the Ministry of Social Protection.

Further, Minister Lawrence encouraged the family to apply for a house lot and assured the family that such would be easily accessed. This, she said, will form part of the government’s commitment to the well-being of the newborn babies.

One of the triplets was receiving special medical attention at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, while the other

Minister OF Public Health, Volda Lawrence, holds one of the triplets in the GPHC nursery (DPI photo)

two slept peacefully in the nursery.

Meanwhile, there were three sets of twins also resting at the GPHC. Shequita Michael gave birth to twins; a boy and

girl on June 29; Nandranie Sampran gave birth to twin girls; and Lashanna Murray also had twin girls on Saturday.

All deliveries were done via caesarean sec-

tion. Minister Lawrence took the opportunity while at the hospital to visit all other babies and their mothers at the post-natal unit of the GPHC. Minister Lawrence looks at a new-born baby while interacting with the child’s mother (DPI photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

The CCJ has proven its judicial competence

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AST Wednesday, another milestone was reached in the life of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), when the Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, serving as judge since 2005 in the Caribbean’s premier judicial institution, became its third President.

It was also historical, as Justice Saunders became the first law graduate from the Caribbean to ascend to such a distinguished judicial office.

The fact of this occurrence, as well as Justice Saunders becoming the third Judge from the Caribbean Community to succeed to this very high judicial responsibility, speaks of the deepening of the integration process, apart from the seminal recognition that the region’s law schools have been producing quality graduates that are on par with others from any other region of the world. In fact, many of the regional graduates have since distinguished themselves as judges and other very senior judicial officers in their respective nations. This stands as testimony to the distance along which the regional legal institutions have travelled as regards setting standards that are comparable.

It is against this background that we seek to understand Justice Saunders’ statement during his address to the recent gathering of the Community’s Heads of Government that reflected his disappointment about the perception of some members of the community of nations that the CCJ is not “effective and efficient”, and that “member states have no good reason to doubt the CCJ’s ability to grasp full responsibility for interpreting and applying the law...”

The recently-given decision on the Government of Guyana’s appeal (AG Vs Cedric Richardson) third-term case, is yet

another timely reminder of this court’s established capability and competence.

It is astonishing that an institution that has been fully operational since its inauguration in 2005, with a judicial decision-making track record that has been adding significantly to the building of Caribbean Jurisprudence, and with no backlog, has come to the junction where its newly installed president has to be still convincing those signatory island-states that have not yet acceded to the court’s membership as to its competence.

This is a most serious indictment as to the general Community’s claim to be politically independent sovereign states.

As a reminder, political independence for a people means the departure from all facets of colonial control, and the creation of the nation state where the right of selfdetermination is paramount. Further, it means being in charge of its own affairs, thereby determining the destiny of people and country.

Therefore, it is about the establishment of those well-known symbols of nationhood: A flag, and national anthem, as examples. But even more important is the creation of institutions that will fashion a course of political, social, economic and cultural independence. These newly-created platforms are what will define our independence and sovereignty as a people.

The Regional Integration Movement must be given credit for the fashioning of institutions that define its existence, and seek to advance the cause of regionalism with a common purpose and outlook that are the reasons for its existence. But what purpose does regional integration among Caribbean island states serve, when their respective island judicial systems do not finally decide matters? It has to be the

greatest contradiction of modern Caribbean political development and thought, that has even taken the quantum leap of agreeing to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), and there is still reluctance by most member states to accede to the very key Community institution of the CCJ. Sadly, it is now 13 years since the operationalising of the CCJ, but only four Community Member States are members.

Astonishing, to say the least, especially when one takes into account the many half-hearted statements that are a disguise and willful negativism against this institution. How must one interpret a recent public statement by a then regional head who accused the judicial institution of having judges who were “politicians in robes”?

Such a statement was derogative, to say the least, in that it questioned the Court’s independence, since the judges’ only fault was that they made a decision that went against the particular island state.

Even the convincing promise of one island state that it will only become a member of the regional judicial body when there is a representative judge has still not been met, although that judge has ever since been appointed. The absence has continued, and so has other islands, where there have been repeated plans to hold referenda to determine the acceptability of this court as their final court of appeal.

This is an indictment of the self-doubt mentality, and even belief that Caribbean jurisprudence is not competent in determining matters within the regional jurisdiction.

There is no doubt that this attitude permeates the general attitude of many Caribbean leaders, and, sad to say, some legal minds.

But, it is also a very grave insult to a collective that has produced some of the finest legal minds: The eminent brilliance of Sir

Hugh Wooding, Sir Herbert Duffus, Sir Isaac Hyatali; the great legal minds of the Luckhoos, especially Sir Lionel, who was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most successful, consecutive murder appeals lawyer; the great Telesford Georges; the scholarly Professor Aubrey Bishop; and, easily the greatest legal mind of his generation, JOF Haynes.

These very eminent gentlemen who have since been long departed, and others deceased, and also alive, have left their indelible print in the pages of Caribbean legal scholarship, and in the process laid the credible foundation for what is indeed a durable volume of regional jurisprudence.

How can the region still claim political independence when its final legal decisions are being made in the distant European capital of its former colonial master?

From as early as the 19th Century, a British law-lord suggested that it would be better for the Caribbean to have its final court of decision, because of its customs and habits peculiar to the region’s local experience. Since then, 200 years after and as recent as 2009, there have been similar views and suggestions from other British legal luminaries, even adding that it is time-consuming for the British Privy Council to adjudicate on matters from the Caribbean, as well as opining that it would be less expensive for litigants from the latter, should there be a regional judicial tribunal, as the CCJ is.

How embarrassing such admonishments are for a region to understand that it must invest confidence in its own judicial arm, that has more than proven its worth as the Region’s final legal adjudicator, and judicial ability in aiding the cause of especially the CSME component of the Regional Integration Movement.

The ‘mis-placement’ of GPL poles –– in my community

Dear Editor, AS I write, a crew of men working on behalf of GPL are digging a hole in front of my house for a light pole. Sir, this pole is at the edge of the carriage-

way of the now degraded roadway.

I showed the fellows that earlier-placed poles are aligned about two feet away, but they persisted. I do not know who gave them the authority to place the hole there, but it definitely will

prove to be a hindrance whenever the BV/Triumph NDC decides to rebuild this apology for a road.

I did call the chair for the council to complain, hoping he would have been able to come around and have a word with the diggers. But he informed me that GPL had held a community meeting to apprise residents of the activity, as if that meant they have secured carte blanche to execute

their project in any which way they please.

Not getting the support of the district chair, I returned to the diggers and tried to dissuade them, but was told that there is no way they are going to consider another location for the post and I can do what I like.

Yours Truly Elton McRae

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

Something’s seriously wrong – with the chief constable

Dear Editor, I MUST state beforehand that I have nothing against the chief constable, but his recent ramblings have caused me to reply.

And now the latest embarrassing situation where a jewellery stall was broken into, and reading the report purportedly emanating from him has once again caused me to question his ability to properly manage the constabulary or the state of his mental health.

Editor, only recently this same chief constable was reportedly on the verge of tackling crimes which are prevalent outside of the market, especially at the bus parks. Now after the break-in at the Stabroek Market, he’s exploring the possibility of security cameras. To be fair, I believe that he’s in that position because of the confidence those responsible have placed in him, because they are of the view that he’s capable of being in that position he holds.

For me, that is not so.

Why is it only after the situation got out of hand that he’s getting ideas?

I am well aware that since in my small days growing up next to the La Penitence Market, constables working during the nights would be locked inside the market and they would routinely patrol the market and each row.

Now, based on that, and according to the consultants from whom the jewellers sought advice, it would take at least five hours to perform that break-in.

So, you expect me to believe that the constables slept all during that period, even until 9:30am in the morning when someone discovered the break-in?

During that period, there’s changing of shift.

Does it mean that the next batch of constables were sleepy too? When there’s a change of shift, the incoming constables would survey the place and make sure everything is okay.

Perhaps the chief con-

stable should tell the public if he’s changed that procedure, or if the constables changed it by themselves and he’s not aware.

Finally Editor, the explanation of the security firm responsible for monitoring the electronic alarm system is also laughable and questionable.

Indeed, everyone would know that given the valuables in the stall, security would not be taken lightly and the owners would go to the extreme to protect their valuables and indeed they did. Now, this is a security firm that is being paid a monthly fee for the monitoring of their electronic system placed by them at the stall. Again, based on the security firm’s press release, I would like to know what sort of arrangement they had with the owners and the city constabulary that you would be collecting a fee for a service that you provided in a secure area and have no access because it dosen’ t make sense for me to be paying for a service and in the case of an emergency, you don’t have access . Secondly, the alarm that is installed should have a siren and I am quite sure once the alarm is triggered by movements, the siren would activate and create a loud noise. Thirdly, once the alarm is triggered, it alarms for a while based on the timings set by the technicians and after the speculated time, it would cut off.

If it gets more movements,

it would activate again and continue like that every time it gets movements.

Now, in the estimated time frame of five hours, can someone tell me how many times the crook/crooks would make movement?

Now, if the alarm keep going off, I am quite sure that would tell you something is definitely wrong,but then again, seeing that they are so defensive, they might place the blame on rodents; now if it’s continuous, then that should be a scource of concern and I will explain next. Fourth, these sensors are triggered by movements, and more than one would be installed at any place. Now, when there is an alarm, the security would know exactly where the alarm is triggered from, so by my knowledge of security systems, I am quite sure the alarm would indicate exactly where the breach is taking place and for it to be kept activating over and over at the same locations that would definitely tell you something is wrong. Yes, the security firm would know where a particular sensor is, what area it covers and will be able to see where exactly the breach is.

These I know definitely the operational way so, indeed I am sorry for the kisses, but the system fails the owners who were paying for a service they are not receiving.

Sahadeo Bates

All Saints top three credit extra lessons for NGSA success THE top three students of the All Saints Primary School have credited extra lessons for their success at the National Grade Six Examinations.

On March 28 -29, last, 14,145 candidates took the yearly National Grade Six Assessment, which allowed them to be placed at various secondary schools according to their scores.

The perfect score was 529.

Top Student Quacy Isaiah Isaacs, noted that his extra lessons teacher Sis Rassack covered various topics and it was because he had knowledge of those topics which were not done in his classroom, he was able to respond to questions which came in the examinations.

The aspiring general medical practitioner of Nurseville, in New Amsterdam, believed strongly that extra lessons helped to improve pupils’ knowledge base.

However, another 12-year-old Frank Joseph Nathan Waddell, urged his peers who are preparing to write the upcoming national examinations not to be idle but, instead, study and stay focused.

Waddell, who like Quacy will be attending the prestigious Queens College in September, aspires to be Guyana’s President and also aims to pursue a career in Gynaecology, as he has an interest in women’s health, after being the lone boy amongst several sisters.

Meanwhile, 10-yearold Roziya Parisa Lakh-

ram, and her identical twin Rozalia Phylicia, commenced their primary school just after their fourth birthday.

Despite their early start, like their peers, Quacy and Frank, they have managed to maintain a Grade A average during the six-year period and have attributed their success to extra lessons given by Sir Razack, Sir Bassant and other lessons tutors.

While Roziya was listed amongst the top 10 in Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, having gained a placement at The Bishops High School , her younger sibling will be attending St Stanislaus College, both Georgetown-based schools.

Roziya aspires to become a forensic scientist, while Rozalia prefers to be an oncologist.

The highfliers collectively expressed gratitude to God, their parents and

teachers along with family and friends, who were supportive during their journey.

Meanwhile, Headmaster Bassant Jagdeo lauded the efforts of his pupils, while noting that the results were not suprising as Quacy Isaacs had topped the Region at the National Grade Four Examinations, while the other pupils had been dedicated and consistent in their performance. Teachers, he said, worked assiduously, while parents were supportive, which is vital for high performers.

While the school has been recognised over the years for producing students who have emerged on the one percent national list of high achievers, Jagdeo noted that there remain challenges with literacy and numeracy, which need to be addressed so as to assist the remaining pupils who are struggling behind.

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Political processes and power NOW that he has been legally scratched from the presidential race and is facing an avalanche of fresh interest for his replacement, the Opposition Leader was quick to blame “Nagamootoo’s ego”; “Nagamootoo’s ambition”; “Nagamootoo’s opportunism” for the political mudslide in which he finds himself.

While cunningly protecting his own pawns, he has started to taint would-be challengers with imagined character blemishes of the one man who has unmasked his phony political profile.

As the failed king-maker, he had manipulated inner-party processes to preserve not only power, but his perks, privileges and pension; for him, the quintessential symbols of the pseudo-PPP that he now heads.

PROCESS SUBVERTED The Opposition Leader has had his say; it is now My Turn to give context for his irrational outbursts.

When he subverted the process ahead of the 2011 elections by effectively hand-picking a presidential candidate, he and his cabal were too bombastic and arrogant to see the inevitable consequence of my resignation and subsequent strategic political re-alignment.

In 2011, after almost two decades of unbroken power, the PPP lost its parliamentary majority. The incumbent lame-duck regime could not survive for a full term, and surrendered political office in 2015.

The “Nagamootoo Nightmare” has come back to haunt him, so the Robb Street “Bossman” (That’s all he is now!) is promising a “fair” political process in the selection of the presidential candidate for the next national elections. It is not going to happen. For me, it’s déjà vu of the faked procedures and the rigged processes by which an iron-clad majority of sycophants would, again, rubber-stamp the diktat of the self-styled leader.

This time around, I was assured, it would not be a walk-over; “Bossman” would be met with a stiff “F” campaign: “Fight For Frank” (Dr. Frank Anthony). Ahead of this campaign, anticipatory moves are afoot to dislodge the “Jaganite” Komal Chand from the leadership of GAWU, (sugar workers) which, together with RPA (rice farmers) have an historical, built-in appeal at the ethnic and traditional support base of the party.

I will shortly provide a graphic example of the potency of this power-base.

ONLY GUARANTEE The only guarantee of a “fair” process would be a Congress at which delegates vote openly for the presidential candidate, and, preceding that, all contenders are allowed equal opportunities to address regional conferences.

This is unlikely to happen. Unless there is a single candidate, the Party Congress is the supreme authority, not the Executive (ExCo) or Central Committee (CC), to decide who runs for the presidency.

In 1990, though Dr. Cheddi Jagan was unopposed, Congress had to decide on accepting a non-party person, Samuel Hinds, as the Prime Ministerial candidate, and as a potential successor in the event that the president was unable to perform the functions of presidential office. That Congress also allocated a fixed percentage of parliamentary seats to the “Civic”.

For the 1997 elections, when Mrs. Janet Jagan had

appeared hesitant, there was almost a contest when I nominated Dr. Roger Luncheon as Presidential Candidate, and Mr. Ralph Ramkarran for the Prime Ministerial slot. Consideration of my primary nominee by the Central Committee was quickly aborted when the then head of the Rice Producers Association blurted out, “Abee na ready yet fu wan blackman”; and another leader added that he could not sell that candidate to sugar workers.

Dr. Luncheon silently understood the message from the ethnic power-base. He unemotionally stepped aside, and nominated Mrs Jagan.

She became the single candidate.

REFERENDUM ON SUCCESSOR What she dramatically did after her indorsement by the Central Committee was to name a successor, which only the “matriarch” could be allowed to do without recourse to either the Constitution of Guyana or the prec-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

edent of the 1990 Congress.

However, in 1998, much to her dislike, the PPP Congress used the election of a new Central Committee as a referendum on the successor issue, which was not taken to the membership for ratification. The official results showed that I received the second highest number of votes (unofficially the highest), only after then President Janet Jagan. Those results showed that Congress wanted a say on the successor issue, and the members had spoken. It was an overwhelming rejection of her unilateral choice of Bharrat Jagdeo to replace her!

Then came the back-lash a week later. At the first meeting of the Central Committee, I was not re-elected to the 15-member Central Committee; the first time in 20 years! I was co-opted to this body after I was stopped from walking out and possibly resigning from the PPP. The emasculation of Congress by the dominant, Moscow-trained Stalinist gang was to be repeated ten years later, in 2008. While the “Gang” was still obsessed with my “ambition”, they went to sleep when Dr. Frank Anthony, like a fresh lamb, entered the powerhouse. Then, the authentic youth leader, Dr. Frank Anthony, scored the third highest number of popular votes. I came in fifth. Yet, when the Central Committee met, it ruthlessly devoured him. Both Frank and I, at the Top Five of popular support, were excluded from the Executive Committee!

GANG OF EIGHT Domination of the Executive Committee (inner Cabinet) was key to the control of the political processes and preservation of the axis of power by what Dr. Joey Jagan would identify as “the Gang of Eight”. In the selection of a presidential candidate, the ExCo arrogated to itself the role of “recommending” a slate of candidates, which I stoutly rejected, for the 2011 elections.

For those elections, for the first time there were multiple candidates: Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee, Gail Teixiera, Donald Ramotar and myself. I adamantly demanded an open, democratic and transparent process, and suggested the preliminary selection of the suitable candidate at ten regional conferences, and final approval at a Special Congress.

During the critical stages of the debate on what form the selection should take, President Jagdeo removed the Central Committee meeting to State House, the president’s official residence.

Some of his ministers insisted that the Executive Committee should make a recommendation of a suitable candidate, and for the Central Committee to make the final decision.

CLUMSY COMEDY The Gang of Eight was pressured to provide evidence to show that Congress had delegated its authority to the Central Committee, but what followed was a clumsy comedy. The Recording Secretary later said that such an authority existed, but the Minutes Book had been destroyed when the Ministry of Health building was gutted by fire! So, I withdrew myself from that rigged process and, after 50 years of devotion to my Leader and sacrifices for my Party, I resigned from the PPP. I reinvested my trust in my people. The rest is now history.

The “Gang of Eight” has become bold and entrenched.

With the departure after me of the best known revolutionary intellectual, Ralph Ramkarran, and the subsequent death of the uncompromising, foremost “Jaganite”, Navin Chanderpaul, the leadership was stacked with a new coterie of flatterers and hero worshippers.

Taking the selection process for a party presidential candidate to the PPP Central Committee is, in my opinion and from experience, like putting a cat to watch milk!

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

CARICOM heads agree to examine marijuana classification HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have agreed that action should be taken at the national level to review marijuana’s current status with the view of reclassification, but at their own pace.

During their 39th Regular Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the CARICOM Heads of Government reviewed the Report of the Regional Commission on Marijuana and took note of its findings, conclusions and recommendations in particular with respect to human and religious rights; the social and developmental impacts of use among adolescents; the economic benefits to be derived and issues related to its classification. Among the recommendations was the call for the decriminalisation of marijuana but in regulated

amounts.

Addressing journalists at the close of the threeday summit at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Friday, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness said the regional leaders admitted that the current classification of marijuana as an illicit drug presents a challenge in the conduct of research to fully understand and ascertain the medicinal benefits of the cannabis.

He said it was on that note that the 15 Heads of Government agreed action is necessary at the national level by the relevant authorities to review the current status of marijuana with a view to reclassification.

“We also agreed that each member state, in accordance with its own circumstances, would determine its own

pathway to pursue the law reforms necessary as proposed by the Regional Marijuana Commission,” Prime Minister Holness disclosed.

The commission, led by Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, comprised of experts from a range of disciplines within region.

Already, Guyana has indicated its willingness to remove custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Though issue of the decriminalisation of marijuana has not been finally settled at the level of Cabinet, President David Granger hinted that amendments are likely to be made to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act to allow for the removal of jail time for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

“We are moving towards

Teen excretes cocaine pellets A NINETEEN-year- old female was on Friday evening busted by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit after they acted on intelligence received that she had swallowed a number of cocaine pellets.

At the time, the woman was preparing to board a flight from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to the John F. Kennedy International Airport on flight BW592.

According to what the Guyana Chronicle was told, the woman was approached by customs officers moments after exiting a taxi and taken into a room where she was questioned.

There she was asked a series of questions but when the same questions were put to her again she provided answers which conflicted her earlier responses.

That raised the suspicion of the ranks who decided to escort the woman to a private hospital where an X-ray was conducted and it was found that she had foreign bodies inside her.

A decision was taken to transfer her to another hospital where she was held under guard and up to

The cocaine pellets recovered by CANU ranks

mid-afternoon on Saturday she excreted a total of 44 pellets which were suspected to be cocaine.

CANU ranks did additional work and went to two locations on the East Coast of Demerara where they conducted searches. At one of the locations two persons were arrested and when they moved to the other location further up the East Coast they attempted to carry out an arrest on another suspect.

The suspect however, removed a number of louvre panes from the house and escaped from the enforcement officer who showed up there.

A search of the house was nevertheless conducted

and officers found a total of 200 pellets already wrapped and packed in a section of the house.

The ranks are of the view that the pellets were to be issued to other swallowers.

The taxi driver who was hired to carry the teen to the airport was also detained and his vehicle impounded but he was subsequently released.

Added to that, two sisters and a boyfriend of one of the females were also arrested in addition to the mule and her mother who had accompanied her to the airport. In addition to the man who fled from the officers, one other is also being sought.

the removal of custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

However, the Guyanese President made it clear that his Government will not be pushing for the industrialisation of marijuana production.

“We are not moving towards encouraging the industrialisation of marijuana production. I think that is a little premature in the context of Guyana, and we have vast landscape in comparison with some of the Caribbean Island states, we have challenges for enforcement and challenges for control of that land space, and it will be very difficult for Guyana to embark on that course at the present time. So we are moving towards the removal of the custodial sentences, we are not moving towards the encouragement of the

use of marijuana,” President Granger explained.

Over the years, several persons have been placed behind bars for having small amounts of marijuana in their possession– a move which has been frowned upon, given the overcrowding of the country’s prisons.

Once found in possession of more than five grams of cannabis, a person can be sentenced to three years in jail.

The President’s announcement on Thursday is consistent with calls made by the Alliance For Change (AFC). The party, which forms a major part of the coalition government, said it is time legislators move with alacrity to upgrade the laws of Guyana to ensure custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana are removed from the books in

their entirety.

“Custodial sentences serve, in large measure, to criminalise young people, particularly young men who have been caught with small quantities of marijuana – an offence which is a mere error in judgment and not representative of criminal behaviour,” the AFC said earlier this year.

AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, since 2015 had tabled a bill in the National Assembly for debate but it has since been languishing on the order paper, being deferred time and time again.

The Guyanese Rastafarian Council is also advocating for marijuana-related laws to be reformed, contending that the Rastafarian community uses the herb for religious and meditative purposes.

Haslington man killed in accident POLICE are investigating the death of a 48-year-old man who was struck down while he was attempting to cross the East Bank Demerara Public Road at McDoom on Friday afternoon.

Dead is Dexter Thomas of Lot 14 Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that a minibus bearing registration BWW 6110 was proceeding south in the direction of Timehri, on the eastern side of the western carriageway of Mc

Doom Public Road on Friday afternoon.

Surveillance video seen by this newspaper indicated that Thomas crossed the roadway from the Sol Gas Station at McDoom around 17:30hrs and as the minibus approached him, he suddenly ran across the road.

He was struck down while the minibus swerved and struck another which was proceeding in the opposite direction. The western carriageway is usually open

to traffic heading in opposite directions in the afternoons to ease the congestion which occurs during the rush hour.

Thomas was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was treated for head injuries and a broken right leg. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

Investigations are ongoing.

A screen grab showing the man moments before he was struck down

10

By Elson Low

WE know that Charles Ramson Jr. knows how to be good, but does he know how to be bad? The longstanding PPP/C golden son, with his announcement of an intended presidential run, has suddenly thrown himself out of the good graces of the dominant faction of that party.

A successful political rise, from outside the dominant group, as a “bad boy” of sorts, is a different animal altogether.

Guyanese now wait on tenterhooks to see how this struggle will play out, some eagerly, some with curiosity but disdain. For my part, I have seen this slow drama

playing out over the course of at least five years, perhaps beginning with Clinton Urling’s ascension. Another youthful face who put pressure on the establishment, first from civil society and then as a member of the PPP/C, he expressed his own disenchantment with former President Jagdeo’s leadership.

In the wake of the PPP/ C’s loss in 2015, this might have seemed to many the first sign that the knives were coming out for the former president. I thought it important then that Urling was from a different generation than Jagdeo; Ramson’s generation, and that this im-

plied a generational struggle. But, alas, Ramson did not come to Urling’s aid, and the latter was essentially booted out of the party.

The revolution was crushed; or so it seemed.

It seems now that Ramson was not against this youthful revolution in principle, but with the knowledge that Jagdeo’s future was far from clear, and his power not to be underestimated.

Now that the CCJ decision on presidential term limits has made the limitations on Jagdeo’s ambitions much more, shall we say “concrete”, this danger has been somewhat mitigated,

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Ramson: Bad Boy? which Ramson’s actions clearly acknowledge.

But is this enough to turn the momentum towards the younger generation? I think this turns on two important points, both of which are in Ramson’s favour, but fall on different timelines.

First, many Guyanese must certainly be familiar with the statistic that the majority of Guyanese voters are under the age of 35, but I imagine far fewer have ever looked at a population pyramid for Guyana, which is a graphical breakdown of the country’s population.

Most developing countries have an almost pyramid structure, with fewer older citizens and more younger citizens, in a relatively even declining fashion as age increases.

Guyana’s, however, has a glaring gap between the mass under 35 and the smaller clump between 45 and 65. These two groups

account for almost all of Guyana’s population, largely because of the mass migration we have experienced, draining a huge number of Guyanese and their then young children from our shores.

The political effect of this is that there is a pronounced gap between these groups, with few individuals to help bridge differences, and thus a heightened potential for conflicting opinions. I suspect Ramson may be able to exploit this now.

The second, perhaps more important factor, is the question of how different candidates address, or fail to address, the issue of corruption allegations.

Ramson’s primary advantage is that he has been far from allegations, perhaps because his role has been largely as an MP. Perhaps the PPP/C does not take this issue seriously, but it’s not hard to see the man Jagdeo

is most likely to nominate (in my view), Irfaan Ali, is especially vulnerable.

I hate to bring his girth up, but its prodigious size lends well to the image of a corrupt politician, never mind the many allegations surrounding his time as Minister of Housing.

What may end up being the effect of all this, however, is that Ramson loses his bid for PPP/C leadership and Irfaan Ali loses the election in 2020. If this is the case, Ramson needs only bide his time, and with the slightest of touches, the establishment’s head will come clean off, in political parlance.

Such an election defeat would of course underline the need for reform, and in the process definitively answer this question: Does Ramson need the PPP/C more than the PPP/C needs him, or is it the other way around?

Anger management Gym instructor ‘power now suffering training for NA prisoners slaps’ client –fromVictim hearing impairment

TWENTY four inmates having successfully completed a twelve-week training in Anger Management, were recipients of certificates, following a ceremony at the New Amsterdam Prison’s Club, on Penitentiary Walk, in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The inmates, including Devindra Samwaru, who was found guilty of dousing his son with a flammable liquid, and Andrew Hannibal, a pastor who raped an under aged girl, were amongst those who benefitted from the programme, aimed at teaching them how to better assess and cope with issues as they arise .

It is also expected that they learn how to contribute successfully, after they would have reintegrated into society upon their release for prison.

Officer in Charge of the New Amsterdam Prison, Superintendent Deodaj Gyandat, in his remarks, said that he was thrilled with the report received from the organisers Solutions Training Consultancy about the con-

duct of the participants.

Further, he noted that the Ministry of Social Protection is very committed towards the rehabilitation of inmates, and continues to accept and establish programmes of this nature which they believe will allow persons to become changed individuals.

Meanwhile, in her address to the gathering, Secretary of the Solutions Training Consultancy, Ms. S. McKenzie noted that over the past twelve weeks the agency has had several discussions with the participants, exposing them to cognitive behavioural approaches to emotion management.

McKenzie expressed thanks to the Guyana Prison Service for affording them the opportunity to commence and complete the sessions, whilst urging the penal institution to provide a peaceful environment, which will allow those graduates to make use of their skills and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Devindra Samwaru, while reflecting on his time spent in class, stated that he was privileged

to be amongst those graduating; saying that the various classes were exciting and interesting. Samwaru reminded other inmates “to accept the fact that your angry feeling is your reality.”

He admitted that prior to attending the anger management classes, he was easily pushed to anger; however, Samwaru commended the organisers, citing that the programme has changed his life meaningfully.

Additionally, Ms. Bristol, Officer in Charge of prisoners’ welfare, expressed her satisfaction to the Solutions Training Consultancy, for undertaking the training and has encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves and make full use of the knowledge gained.

“I know that you guys are inmates… you’ve been incarcerated and what I want to leave with you, is that going back out to society, keep in mind you cannot control the response you receive, but you can always control how you intend to react to that response.” Bristol stated.

BUSINESSMAN Safraz Matadial of Corentyne Berbice is contemplating legal action against his personal trainer Radley King, who on June 27, 2018 slapped him to the left ear and verbally abused him during a gym session at Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Safraz said that he showed up for gym practice on the day in question, where his personal trainer quizzed him in front of other students about his lax sit-ups which are not being done within the required timeframe in order to gain results.

Safraz said that he tried explaining to King, his trainer, that when he is at home he has challenges doing the specific type of exercise but he still tries. He also said that given his business which he operates at his home, there is hardly any time for him to sit for long so that he can focus on the regimen so he tries to double up whenever he arrives at gym.

The man said he has been

a member of the gym “Fit for a King” for the past two years. And during that period, while he did witness a few encounters between King and other gym members, he generally believes that the man is a nice person.

He spoke of King approaching him and apologising to him after the incident but according to Safraz, he still has to take legal action against King given his present discomfort with the ear and partial hearing loss.

In his interview with this publication in Berbice on Thursday, Safraz said that King slapped him and he slapped him back and a scuffle ensued and after that he made a report to the police station and then proceeded to seek medical attention.

“My personal trainer Mr. Radley King told me that I need to work on my sit ups and that four sit ups in two minutes was unacceptable, I tried to explain to him what my challenges were and then I turned away because he was not trying to understand what I was saying to him…

He then cursed me…then he

got up and slap me across the left ear and I immediately reacted by slapping him back and then a scuffle ensued” Safraz told this publication.

After that the matter was reported to the police station at Whim and the police took a brief report from Safraz and then issued him with a medical.

It was found that the man developed fluid around the inner part of his ear. He was advised to seek further medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital where it was determined that he had loss 85 percent of his hearing in the left ear.

Doctors there further advised the now partially deaf man to seek advanced medical treatment in Georgetown as he is required to undergo some tests and possibly an operation to see the extent of the damage done to the ear as a result of the slap.

Safraz said he is now in contact with his lawyer and they are going to be moving to the courts to pursue private legal proceedings against the gym instructor.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Political will key for regional integration – President David Granger

By Svetlana Marshall in Jamaica PRESIDENT David Granger said there is nothing wrong with the institutions established under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) but what is clearly needed, is the political will by the Heads of Government to better implement the decisions of the community.

“The decisions that we took are correct, the rules and procedures that we have established over the last 45 years are correct, particularly over the last 19 years or so that the CSME (was established)… (but) it is a question of bureaucratic will to implement those decisions,” President Granger told Guyana Chronicle at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Thursday shortly before attending the

1st Plenary Session of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government.

As he proceeded to the meeting which was expected to address largely the implementation deficit of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the President said a holistic approach is needed to tackle integration in the region.

President Granger, who is CARICOM’s lead person on Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security, though not speaking to Guyana’s inability to transship honey exports through Trinidad and Tobago, maintained that the problem lies with the lack of implementations in keeping with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

“I don’t believe that anything is wrong with those decisions, and I don’t

want to put particular commodities under the microscope whether it is honey or nutmeg or bananas but I am very disturbed that after such a long time the Caribbean is not producing much more of the food that it consumes on a daily basis, honey is one of them yes, but there are other products, one other country might be trying to export water, and we find that the water is blocked, another might be trying to export stock feed but there is no fault in the CARICOM structure, there is no fault in the rules, I think there is a fault in the implementation,” President Granger.

Trinidad has reportedly given CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) a commitment that it will enact the required legislation to facilitate the trade

of honey but for now that is still pending.

The situation, he said is further compounded by the region’s inability to effectively utilise its resources.

UNDER EXPLOITED “So in terms of agriculture, production and food security, in terms of environment, in terms of eco-tourism, in terms of marketing, I believe that the Caribbean has under exploited its resources,” he said while underscoring the need for the adoption of a fresh approach under the CSME in the area of agriculture – spanning from production to marketing to distribution.

The same, President Granger said, can be applied with respect to disaster management and resilience or in tackling any of the issues facing the region.

Granger, Mottley hold wide-ranging bilateral talks PRESIDENT David Granger and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley held bilateral talks on the margins of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Friday.

President Granger was accompanied to the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Ambassador Audrey Waddell.

Barbados’ support for Guyana’s territorial integrity was among areas covered.

“Well the President would have recalled that Barbados would have always been a strong supporter for Guyana’s territorial integrity. Guyana is our sister and we believe that the deep family relations between our two countries are worth not preserving but building upon for a modern relationship that benefits all of our people and therefore we discussed a range of matters: economic, social, cultural, environmental and

I trust and pray that it would be to the benefit of our various populations,” Prime Minister Mottley told the Guyana Chronicle after exiting the meeting.

Ahead of the meeting, President Granger told this

newspaper that Guyana and Barbados share a special relationship.

“From the time of the foundation of CARIFTA it was Guyana and Barbados first in 1965, in fact, the fact that we observe CARICOM Day as the 4th July, refers to the legend that Forbes Burnham and Primer Barrow met

on the 4th July 1965 even before we became independent. So the relationship between Guyana and Barbados is something that is well established in Caribbean history,” President Granger said.

The meeting was intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

President David Granger presenting Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley one of his booklets on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy shortly after they had concluded bilateral talks

“Many of these mechanisms exist in terms of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in terms of CXC in terms of crime but we don’t seem to be squeezing enough juice in terms of the assets which we have already deployed. CARICOM is 45 years old and the institutions are there but for some reason or the other there needs to be a greater will on the part of bureaucracies to make greater use of these assets,” the President said.

While there are predictions of gloom as the Heads of Government meet, President Granger said he remains optimistic that if the right decisions are made, and their strong commitments are made, greater progress can be achieved at the level of the CSME. During the opening ceremony of the 39th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister

of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and President of Haiti Jovenel Moise were among the regional leaders who called for the full implementation of the CSME. President Moise said the member states must redouble their efforts in addressing the stumbling blocks stalling the effective roll out of the Single Market and Economic “We are convinced that the implementation of this strategy will enable us to strengthen our integration into world trade and play a greater role in the international context. The increase in intra-CARICOM trade and the diversification of products exported by the region will have a positive impact on our trade balance and our capacity to ensure sustainable development in our countries,” he told his regional counterparts.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Exxon takes local content ‘very seriously’

– says hundreds of Guyanese employed since operations began

By Ariana Gordon EXXONMOBIL and its affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) have thus far directly employed 28 Guyanese of the 40 persons working with the company.

This was revealed by Rod Henson, Country Manager EEPGL on Friday during a briefing to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. There, Henson disclosed that between EEPGL and its shore base, there is a small footprint.

Nonetheless, he assured that his company takes local content “very seriously” not only in Guyana but in every territory it operates. Local content, he said is thought of in three areas: workforce development (individuals), supplier development (Guyanese companies) and strategic investments (capacity building).

During the first quarter of 2018, Henson said those directly employed with EEPGL and the shore base have provided 60,000 hours of training. He said too that of the 28 Guyanese employed directly with his company, two are serving in managerial posts.

However, he noted that beyond his office and the shore base, the number of Guyanese workers up to March 31, 2018 stood at 585 which represented 52 per cent of the workforce. There are 92 other CARICOM nationals working on the project representing eight per cent and 441 persons of other nationalities representing 40 per cent of the staff.

Henson said he is very happy and proud of the numbers of Guyanese employed directly and indirectly with his company, noting that in his 30 years of experience in the field, after living in five different countries, “this is very, very good progress, stellar progress of where we are today”.

The country manager made it clear that while it is early yet in the project, the data provided tells a good story. “It is not where we want to be and not where we want to get but I am very proud of those numbers,” Henson told the Parliamentary Committee.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, he warned that expectations must be

Country Manager EEPGL, Rod Henson points to his presentation on Friday. Also in photo is Deedra Moe, the company’s Senior Director for Public and Government Affairs (Adrian Narine photo)

tempered while reminding that the oil and gas industry is a deep water industry that is very technical and demanding.

“They are not labour force demanding so what we don’t envision there will be thousands and thousands of jobs.

It is really going to be in the hundreds to low thousands type of jobs,” he stated.

In the case of suppliers, Henson who assumed the role of country manager last year said there are 227 Guyanese companies currently supplying goods and services to his company.

There are 42 foreign-owned companies operating here with 27 coming from within the Caribbean Community. Thus far, some US$21M has been injected into the economy during the first quarter alone. He said in the case of the Guyanese companies, some are large while others are small companies.

In the area of workforce development, the company has since hired three facilities engineers, two who graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) and the other, a Guyanese who graduated from the University of the West Indies.

The trio is currently on a two-year training programme and is currently in the Gulf of Mexico preparing themselves for first oil come 2020. Henson spoke too of the Noble Corporation which when it was awarded its contract for drilling started operations here had 18 Guyanese. Currently, the Noble Corporation has close to 60 Guyanese working for them. Those workers, he said work 28 days on and 28 days off the ship.

Reference was made of the Guyana Shore Base Inc., a majority Guyanese-owned company which has been playing a key role in the area of local content. For the first quarter, some 79 Guyanese employees, two CARICOM and six expats have been employed. Guyanese make up some 90 per cent of the local content there.

FANTASTIC “For just starting up this year and they are at 90 per cent local content is really fantastic,” said Henson who stressed that “this is working the way it should work”.

Additionally, in the area of strategic community investments, the EEPGL country manager pointed to the Centre for Local Business Development which educates Guyanese companies, small and medium sized on how to compete in the industry as well as in business development. They have thus far offered free courses to 1700 interested companies and individuals.

But while the half hour presentation by Henson was described by all as “clear” members of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources questioned whether ExxonMobil or its affiliates were guided on the expectations as it relates to what local content should be.

“Yes, we have been provided on numerous occasions with expectations—we also have our own interests—this is something we do everywhere in the world—good business,” Henson said in response to Chairman of the Committee Odinga Lumum-

ba. Lumumba then questioned whether the U.S. oil giant had reached out to members of the government or vice versa to attain a better understanding of local content.

“I think there is opportunity for better understanding of all elements of the oil and gas industry,” the EEPGL country manager stated while seated next to several of his senior staff members on Friday.

Committee member, Needkumar then remarked that the release of the list of contractors working on the oil and gas project was “horrifying to the nation” but Henson was quick to state that his company did not release the list of those contracted by the company.

“We did not release a list, nonetheless, the list has 227 names and the definition of local content is Guyanese owned companies. Some of those companies on that list are Guyanese – that is just one piece of the whole story -- those are Guyanese stories,” he said in reply to Needkumar.

But the committee member did not stop there, he asked, “Did the company discuss with the government how they would develop local content in Guyana? Did the government play a part in this?”

CONSULTED WITH GOV’T Henson made it clear that his company has been in communication with the government on the issue of local content and noted that along with the Liza Phase one documents, a local content document which outlined his company’s plans were

submitted.

“We welcome continued efforts to try to improve those effects--- we welcome more involvement-- our procurement processes are quite transparent,” the country manager said while reminded that “sometimes there is a misalignment of expectations”.

Committee member Jermaine Figueira chimed in on the discourse questioning whether local companies are qualified to be primary contractors. He asked Henson to state how many primary contractors and sub-contractors are on the list.

Figueira believes that the oil company’s local content should be heavily influenced by the government. “It should be of an indigenous nature to the Guyanese,” he declared as Henson noted that prime contractors are larger, very long tenure oil and gas companies.”

The manager of the oil company told the committee that he was not in a position to provide a list of the said companies at the time, as he had not walked with same.

He made it clear however, that all Guyanese contracted are beneficiaries while pointed specifically to Guyana Shore Base Inc. It was then that Lumumba called on Henson to provide to the committee a list of contractors, their nationalities and the services provided.

“I am asking you…for the list of all sub-contractors… this is important because the Guyanese government has to repay this debt. And we have to make sure that the companies that are working their prices are competitive, so we need to know what sub-contractors you are using, where they are from and what services they are providing. It doesn’t make sense you bring a country from the moon to provide X when it can be done in Guyana at X minus one or two. That’s why we are asking these questions,” said the chair of the Committee.

In response, Henson said from his understanding Lumumba was speaking of areas that would be covered in the local content policy framework. “I think what we need to do is try to balance the local development with a stable business environment.”

Figueira then explained that the objective of his questions speak to the benefit

that will be derived in the economy.

“We accept the reality that most of our local companies cannot be primary contractors at this point in time however, the sub-contracting of those contracts for example cooking; stationery… those funds by having the sub-contracted contract will remain here primarily. With all the monies spent by ExxonMobil we want to know how much of that has been sub-contracted to locals and that money remains in Guyana?” said Figueira.

Henson agreed that the interest should be which local companies are benefitting. “Local companies want work… you want local companies to get work and you want that investment to be spent locally. It is 227 companies and US$21M.” But Lumumba returned to the provision of a list of the contractors and sub-contractors. He noted that Guyanese have an issue with the list while noting that “there are several names of companies and activities on the list which, to many of us, we don’t see that as part of local content.”

“I am sure you would not take your garbage to Houston [Texas, USA]; you obviously have to take it to the dumpsite in Guyana but I noticed it was down as local content,” said Lumumba.

Meanwhile, committee member Pauline Sukhai questioned whether ExxonMobil is funding the training of laid-off sugar workers.

Several sugar workers have been trained by TOTALTEC Academy, an investor in the Guyana Shore Base Inc. “No, we are not funding that, at least directly,” replied Henson. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan quickly called on committee members to stay focused in the discussion. He noted that inference made by some committee members that the coalition government placed persons on the breadline after the closure of estates was uncalled for.

“This administration has a responsibility of management of the enterprises owned by the government.

It is unfair for us to come here and speak without context—about putting people on the breadline,” said Bulkan.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

CARICOM heads sign historic agreement – spouses and dependants of skilled can now travel freely in the Region

(L-R) CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; Chairman of CARICOM, and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris; and Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastenet speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the 39th Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica

By Svetlana Marshall IN a historic move, a Protocol on Contingent Rights was signed by seven member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Friday, paving the way for spouses and dependants of persons with approved skills certificates to move freely within the community and benefit from critical services in areas such as health and education.

The protocol was signed by chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastenet; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell; President of Suriname, Desire Bouterse; Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; and Foreign Minister of Haiti, Antonio Rodriguez as the curtain came down on the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

In the closing press conference, subsequent to the

signing of the protocol, Prime Minister Holness said the 39th Conference of the Heads of Government has made good on its promise to the people of the Region.

“We promised our people free movement, and this conference has recommitted to the free movement of skills, and has agreed that all states by December 31, 2018, would have put in place the necessary legislative framework to facilitate all 10 approved categories of skills. We promised that we would ensure family unification through the granting of important rights to spouses and the dependents [sic] of citizens that move across the Region to work, provide their services and establish companies,” the chairman of CARICOM said with a sense of accomplishment.

Under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the 15 CARICOM member states are expected to facilitate movement of 10 categories of skilled persons – artisans with CVQ, artistes, associate degree holders, domestic helpers/housekeepers

with CVQ, media persons, musicians, nurses, sportspersons, teachers and university graduates.

HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL With the commitments given by the heads of government, it is expected that by 2019 persons with approved skilled certificates should be allowed to travel freely within the community hassle-free, to work and live with their families.

Prime Minister Holness said the signing of the Protocol on Contingent Rights is critical in addressing the implementation deficits with the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Heads of Government also adopted the Procedures on the Refusal of Entry of Community nationals, thereby agreeing to have the procedures in effect by August 1, 2018. Additionally, they have been provided with a harmonised form to be used by immigration when refusing entry.

“These procedures, which all members must have in place no later than the Au-

gust 1, 2018, will guide border officials on how they should treat nationals who are refused entry. This will safeguard the rights of all community nationals moving across the Region,” the chairman of CARICOM explained.

Cognisant of the need to keep focus on the CSME, the heads have agreed to hold a Special Meeting of the Conference on the matter in November 2018 in Trinidad and Tobago. They also agreed that the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME will meet on a quarterly basis to guide and invigorate the implementation process. The first such meeting will be in September 2018.

“We have also placed a great focus on advancing those areas which would help to create enabling support measures for a competitive single market. These include an investment policy, an investment code, an incentive regime, an integrated capital market, and securities legislation,” Prime Minister Holness added.

The heads of government have mandated the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP) to finalise these instruments and have them completed by July, 2019.

On the matter, the Report of the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM frameworks, the regional leaders during the three-day conference agreed that it would be taken into account in the work of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME and at a Special Meeting of the Conference in November 2018.

NO QUICK FIX The CARICOM Chairman made it clear that there is no quick fix to addressing the challenges of the Single Market and Economy regime, noting that the integration progress cannot be rushed beyond what member states would allow.

Prime Minister Mottley, who is the lead Head of Government on the CSME, said the Protocol on Contingent Rights had been on the agenda for approximately 10

years, and for it to be signed at the 39th Conference is a remarkable achievement.

“For this protocol to have been signed today is the most significant event in the history of Caribbean affairs since the single market signed here in Jamaica, and came into effect here in Jamaica in 2006. This is where it matters, this is where it makes a difference to the lives and decisions of people,” she told journalists.

The Barbados prime minister, in her quest to prove that the tide was changing, alluded to the fact that the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP) met on Wednesday last after a period of five years.

Weighing in on the issue, St. Lucia’s prime minister said member states are better together, and there continue to be challenges in the implementation of aspects of the CSME; those challenges, and other extra-regional challenges and problems are better addressed as a collective.

“There is no example of any sector in which we are going to be stronger by ourselves, there are only great examples to show that we are going to be stronger by being united,” he posited.

The 39th Conference, which was attended by 15 heads of government and four of the five Associate Member States was considered to be a very successful summit.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris and CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque were also present at the press conference.

Police Force observes 179th anniversary POLICE officers from various departments on Saturday briskly marched through the streets of Georgetown in observance of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) 179th anniversary.

The march commenced at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, then proceeded through several main streets in downtown Georgetown before heading into Brickdam. There, the marchers rendered the salute to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan in front of the Ministry of Public Security.

The parade then headed to Young Street for the Commissioner’s Salute in front of Police Headquarters before ending at the Police Headquarters compound.

Delivering the feature ad-

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force march through city streets Saturday to mark the 179th anniversary of the force

dress, Commissioner of Police (ag), David Ramnarine urged the officers to remain steadfast and to remember the oath they took to serve and protect the citizens of Guyana. He noted that they must serve the people with the highest quality in mind.

According to Ramnarine, the GPF has faced numerous challenges and will continue to face such tests as they continue to strive for excellence.

“What matters is how we deal with those challenges -whether we lie down, get up

Members of the Police Traffic Division ride uniformly along the march route Saturday morning

and keep moving forward for the benefit of the people and the country, as a whole….we are better than that,” the Acting Commissioner added, noting that the force has a long way to go towards effectively and efficiently serving the people of

Guyana.

The winners of the road march were based on basic foot drills, turns and uniforms, among others.

The Presidential Guard and Tactical Services Unit No. 1, tied for the title of Overall

Best Unit with 292 points each.

In the Best-Dressed Uniform category, the Immigration Unit’s female division won with 289 and Criminal Investigations Department took the Best-Dressed Civilian Unit with 282 points.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Understanding Energy IX...

Capacity building EVERYONE knows the old saying: “Give a man

a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to

fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”.

As Guyana embarks on a new era of economic devel-

opment, kicked off by the discovery and development of offshore oil resources, the lesson embedded in this phrase is incredibly important.

At the heart of this lesson is capacity building. If you can teach a person key skills, then they can thrive and depend on themselves, rather than the charity of others. In light of that, two recent announcements about funding for capacity building in Guyana will be critical to our success now and in the future.

The first was the news that the World Bank has given Guyana a US$35M grant to increase the development of the financial sector, and increase Guyana’s capacity for fiscal management. The grant will focus on supporting banking reforms like insuring deposits, implementing new insurance laws and helping banks prevent money laundering.

All this effort is aimed towards teaching public servants what has worked in other more established banking systems, and building capacity among Guyanese government agencies to manage oil revenues in a transparent and healthy way when they start flowing.

The second recent announcement came from the ExxonMobil Foundation, a nonprofit organisation created by Exxon with corporate funds, which has pledged to donate a further US$10M to create a new partnership between Conservation International and the University of Guyana. The company’s press release stated that this money is to “to train Guyanese for sustainable job opportunities, and to expand community-supported conservation.”

It’s important to note that since this money is from the ExxonMobil Foundation instead of Exxon the company or its Guyana subsidiary, it isn’t part of Guyana’s oil revenues, and won’t be cost-recoverable for the company.

What it will hopefully be is a strong step towards building a diverse set of skills in Guyana, including in the environmental space.

Capacity-building initiatives like this are one of the areas where non-profit and

corporate interests intersect, which is why Conservation International often partners with large companies. Both corporate and non-profit entities want local people to have greater training; in this case, training on mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing practices and more.

For organisations like Conservation International, training local citizens to protect and preserve sensitive natural areas and getting them invested in sustainable practices is more effective in the long-term than just giving money or coming into communities and dictating what should be done.

Local communities can add new training on to the extensive knowledge they already have of their local environments, and guide conservation in a way that makes sense for the unique conditions of that area.

Conservation training can also help economically, and could build on Guyana’s recent success in attracting ecotourism.

A great example of this kind of practice is Conservation International’s work in South Africa, where it partners with local cattle herders, giving them incentives to protect sensitive ecological areas like wetlands, helping them deal with predators like lions without killing the rare animals, and training people to raise the animals sustainably, and restore wilderness areas.

Oil-and-gas development can pave the way for more of this type of skill-building opportunity for the Guyanese people, through more donations and eventually through oil revenues. Investing those revenues in education and jobs training will help Guyanese take advantage of new opportunities in the fossil fuel industry, and in a diverse array of other areas where Guyana could thrive; from conservation biology to financial management.

Through this kind of investment in capacity building, we can use oil wealth to diversify the economy and make Guyana economically competitive across a wide number of industries in a sustainable way.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

Electricity cost to come down significantly –– after completion of hydro-power station at Hosororo

WITH the construction of a 20-kilowatt hydro-power station at Hosororo in the North West District (NWD) slated to begin in August, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) on Saturday announced that electricity will soon be produced at US$0.21 per kilowatt hour (KWH).

According to the GEA, at US$0.21 per KWH, it will be US$0.29 cheaper to produce electricity from hydropower than diesel.

In a statement to the media, the GEA said the resuscitated hydropower project will feature a new design that was conceptualised by its engineers, and will entail the construction of a 20kW run-of-theriver-type micro-hydropower plant, inclusive of weir/intake and penstocks, but will use the existing powerhouse after it has undergone repairs. The construction is expected to come to an end in eight months.

Back in 2015, the German Government, through its German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) initiative, committed to assisting the GEA with developing the project. The US$165,175 project received US$91,108 in financing from the Government of Guyana and US$74,067 in financing from GIZ/REETA. According to GEA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mahender Sharma, much work was done over the past three years to ensure that the project came to fruition.

“The project is also serving as a capacitybuilding exercise for the GEA, as it allows the Hydro-Power Support En-

gineers of the Agency to gain knowledge and experience of hydro-power development,” Dr Sharma said, adding that the hydropower project was the most economically feasible when compared to solar and diesel.

“While it would cost US$0.50 to produce a kilowatt-per-hour from diesel, and US$0.36 to produce a kilowatt-per-hour from solar, hydropower would cost US$0.31 to produce a kilowatt-hour of energy,” he said. “[But] thanks to grant financing for the project, this cost would reduce to US$0.21/kWh,” he stated at a recently concluded public consultation held in Mabaruma.

Though the Hosororo hydropower plant will only contribute eight per cent of Mabaruma’s energy demand (approximately 64MWh a year), Dr. Sharma said the supply “would help the township diversify its energy mix, provide energy security, and reduce the use of fossil fuel.”

He said, too, that the project is one of very low environmental impact, since structures such as a powerhouse were already in place from the project’s first attempt back in the 80s.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Meanwhile, residents of Mabaruma queried possible job opportunities, access to the site for recreational purposes and the sustainability of the project. In response to those queries, Dr Sharma made it clear that several jobs would be available for residents

GEA’s Dr. Mahender Sharma making a presentation during a visit to Region one recently (Photos courtesy GEA) during and after construction.

Sharma pointed to jobs in the areas of surveying, driving, masonry, supervisors, electricians, and accounts. He also explained that residents would not be barred from using the area for recreational purposes, and pledged that the project will not become defunct.

He said that apart from residents themselves, other beneficiaries of the project will be the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI); and the Mabaruma Power Company.

There are currently approximately 700 customers, both residential and commercial, who are connected to the grid.

Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley thanked the GEA and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for ensuring that the project was resuscitated.

“Initiatives like these will aid the transformative process of the region,” he said.

“I am happy that this See page 19

Mabaruma residents and stakeholders at the recently concluded public consultations on the Hosororo Hydropower project

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

Tourism to be boosted with ‘Rum Route’ forum –– to help advance community-based tourism, cultural heritage development

IN developing one of the regional patrimonies, tourism products, sites and attractions, the Guyana “Rum Route” Forum was Thursday launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

In attendance were stakeholders from the Department of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, GUYSUCO, the National Trust, distillery staff and factory representatives, students and researchers, among others.

Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Hugh Riley, said the regional scope and objectives of the “Rum Route” is to support national development agendas related to diversification of the tourism experience and expansion of the benefits of tourism to rural communities.

He explained that rum is a regional indigenous item, which stemmed from a colonial past and there is need to develop and strengthen niche-market segments related to culinary, agro-tourism and community-based tour-

ism linked to cultural heritage development.

Riley said the idea is to promote the Region’s rum and related products to generate opportunities for increased business for local communities.

In order to enhance tourism into and around the Caribbean, the secretary-general said there is need to showcase the history of rum and sugar-making, while highlighting the cultural and historical significance to promote “Rum Route” tours and packages, regionally and internationally.

Underscoring the pillars of Rum Tourism in Guyana, he underscored that the country is known for its award-winning rums and spirits; diversity of culinary and cultural experiences; ethnic and social diversity; the opportunity to expand rural tourism and opportunity to expand community-based tourism.

Meanwhile, recently elected President of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mitra Ramkumar, said every

sector of Guyana benefits from tourism and its potential needs to be seen, while investments and expansion programmes are nurtured.

“Tourism makes everyone of us ambassadors of our country and we must be proud of what we do,” he said.

He said that Guyana’s small population does not have the consumer’s capacity needed to drive businesses exponentially, but with tourism and the in transit population, this can drive consumers’ capacity in the country.

Ramkumar said that all businesses will benefit, especially manufacturing, agriculture and culinary outlets. He said foreigners are looking for the experience which only the Caribbean and Guyana can offer.

“We are a land of six peoples and each of us if we preserve our culture, be proud of it and celebrate it, it will be a market of great value,” the THAG president said.

In brief remarks, Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin, who declared the

Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Hugh Riley receives a taste of Banks DIH best XM rum from the company’s representative. forum open said the “Rum Route” is a part of Guyana’s heritage with its exceptional standards and fascinating stories about rum and sugar is like no other.

“We need cooperation if we want to develop the “Rum Route” and the tourism industry can make a significant contribution to Guyana’s development,” he said

(Front row) Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Brian Mullis, Secretary-General of the CTO, Hugh Riley, Minister Dominic Gaskin, Director-General of Department of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar with stakeholders at the Guyana Rum Route Forum. (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

When questioned on the sideline about the reason molasses is being imported to fulfil the distilleries demands, Minister Gaskin explained that the situation is unfortunate due to GuySuCo’s decline over the years.

As such, he said it has affected the production of molasses and the amount that is required for this year to produce rum which is not locally available.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s a temporary situation, which hopefully won’t have to be repeated next year,” Minister Gaskin said.

He said currently the assets of GuySuCo have to be valued and proposals have to be evaluated as government took the decision to consolidate the sugar company into three estates in order to make it viable.

“Sometimes to go forward you have to take a step backward, we have seen a decline in production and that didn’t start this year, it has been happening for some time now, and that is why the decision was taken,” he said.

The flagship “Rum Route” initiative by the CTO was launched in 2017 to integrate various activities and interactions related to rum within the Caribbean tourism experience.

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There is still hope for dairy industry

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

– as gov’t moves towards re-establishment of milk plant

FOR years the local dairy industry has been underproductive, moving from a lucrative value-added industry decades ago to a bottom-house business controlled by local cattle farmers, mainly in rural areas.

close to the produce; we are looking to put the plant where the market is,” said Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday.

About 25 years ago, the Livestock Development

of locally produced fresh milk and re-constituted milk from imported skimmed milk powder and butter fat.

The advent of technology has and will allow the government to establish a more modern plant which is expected to produce far

Cattle-rearing would increase once the processing plant is established In an effort to revitalise the industry, the Ministry of Agriculture will soon establish a milk pasteurising plant which is expected to produce cheese, butter, milk and other dairy products.

“We are looking to establish the processing plant, but unlike the other industries where the processing plant is

Company (LiDCo) closed its door and its flagship enterprise at Moblissa -- the 4,000-acre dairy farm which was complemented by 25 private satellite farms.

Prior to the closure of the company, the Georgetown Milk Pasteurisation Plant, for the most part, produced composite products: blends

more products than it did back then.

Holder said: “The idea is that if we get a new plant, we will get assistance from an international body with experts in plant management and so forth.”

After the initial stages of the re-introduction of a plant, the government will

encourage farmers or business people to buy shares and own the plant.

In that way, the agriculture minister believes that farmers will benefit more from the project, because they will not only get profits from the sale of milk, but also dividends.

Without a processing plant, the ministry said there is no dairy industry, so the government is hoping to establish it before 2020.

In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture disclosed that Minister Noel Holder had met with a team from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to discuss possible funding of agricultural projects. Among the projects indicated was revitalisation of the local dairy industry.

The minister, in his 2017 budget speech, had said that milk production in 2016 declined by 19 percent. He attributed this decline in local production to reduced demand.

But although the demand was reduced, there were businessmen and farmers who continued to rear cattle and

produce milk.

It was reported in the Guyana Chronicle that prominent Essequibo Coast businessman, Samad Baksh, believes that on the Essequibo Coast alone, there is an industry worth $18B annually that is waiting to be tapped.

“The consumption of local milk is very small. On the Essequibo Coast, it is probably less than five percent. There are about 50,000 people on the Essequibo Coast, and let us say on average they would need at least a pint of milk per day, which can be sold at $100 per pint, that’s $18B a year.

At present, the Essequibo Coast does not have the capacity to serve that volume of milk, but it has land and the ability to develop capacity,” said Baksh, who operates a supermarket, a rice mill, a poultry farm, and a chowmein factory; and with a staff of 250, is among the largest employers on the Essequibo Coast.

On several occasions, it was reported that the productivity challenges in the dairy industry revolved around

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder (Adrian Narine photo) the complex interactions of animal genetics and environmental factors.

Also as a consequence of changes in government policies, such trade liberalisation from the dawn of the 1990s, a flood of cheap imports, including milk powder and milk products, became available to local consumers.

Green Generation Project catching on

THE Ministry of Communities’ Green Generation Guyana (#3G) Project is making strides as students from several primary schools in and around Georgetown have been sensitised about their environment.

Through the project, students from 10 primary schools engaged in interactive sessions on the importance of waste separation, composting, developing waste into energy and zero waste-zero hunger initiatives.

St. Agnes, St. Ambrose, St. Pius, St. Winifred’s, South Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Tucville, Enterprise and F.E.Pollard Primary were the schools that benefitted from the sessions.

The ministry said the remaining 18 primary schools in the region will be reached in the new school term while the Diamond Secondary School

Students of the St. Ambrose Primary School listening attentively during a presentation from Public Relations Officer Danielle Campbell-Lowe

The nine-year-old who won an Apple watch at the Aliann Pompey Invitational receives her prize and the Araipaima Primary School in Lethem are next in line.

During the outreaches, fifth and sixth grade classrooms received waste

separation bins and several responded to questions and asked many of their own.

In addition, following a Recycler’s Pageant hosted by the ministry, three

students from the Graham’s Hall Primary School walked away with trophies while the school was provided with waste bins.

Other activities at the pageant included a creative wear segment where the contestants were allowed to design outfits from biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials found in the environment such as paper, plastics and metals.

Also, at the recently concluded Aliann Pompey Invitational event at the Leonora Synthetic Track of which the Ministry’s 3G Project was a sponsor, a nine-yearold student and a teenager were awarded brand new Apple watches after correctly answering questions on the Green Generation Guyana Project.

Throughout the outreaches, the students were

informed about the ministry’s upcoming Regional 3G Camp to be held in August which will see participants learning how to reuse discarded materials to create items of marketable value.

The 3G project falls under the Ministry’s flagship ‘Green Generation Guyana’ and was launched at the Yarrowkabra Primary School on March 21, 2018.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

Electricity cost to come down ...

From page 15

is going to become a reality,� he added while indicating that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) fully supports the project.

Like the residents present at the public consultation, Ashley called for the GEA to ensure the project is sustained.

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith also welcomed the project and said that it will lend to the significant development of the township.

The GEA intends to use the knowledge and experience gained from the project to continue its efforts towards the development of hydropower across the country in keeping with its vision to provide reliable energy in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable framework.

Supervision of the project during the construction phase will be done by GEA’s engineers, along with their counterparts from the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI), and the Mabaruma Power and Light Company (MPLC).

Additionally, regular updates will be provided to the mayor and councillors of the Region, and residents, on the project through meetings and site visits. Residents will be encouraged to monitor the project.

The Hosororo Hydropower Project is one of 67 sites identified in 1976 as having hydropower potential. Situated at the Hosororo Creek, about 4.6 km bees flight to the south-west of Mabaruma, the initial plant was built in the late 1980s to supply electricity to an agricultural produce processing facility that was built nearby. The project was abandoned some years after its inauguration.

The team of officials visited Region One (Barima-Waini) from June 18 to 20, and included Hydropower Support Engineers Dolwin Khan and Winston Setal, along with Technician, Christopher Nelson.

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Wanted man nabbed at Barnwell North

RANKS at Mocha Police Outpost early Saturday morning swooped down on a make-shift shack at Mocha Barnwell North and arrested Collis Beckles, 27, a man wanted by police.

Beckles was recently charged, tried and convicted for trafficking narcotics and was sentenced in abstentia by Berbice Senior Magistrate Alex Moore to two years in jail and fined $2M which is in accordance with the amount of cocaine found on him.

The police from the Mocha area acted on intelli-

gence they received. The ranks, along with members of the Community Policing Group had posted posters of Beckles, an ex-Guyana Defence Force rank in the community which resulted in his capture.

At the shack where Beckles was found, clothing said to be the property of the Guyana Defense Force was in his possession as well as a haversack.

It is unclear when he was discharged from the Guyana Defence Force and what procedures if any were adopted to ensure he returned his kit.

Nabbed: Collis Beckles

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 8, 2018

Brexit: May’s EU plan faces backlash from Brexiteers

(BBC) THERESA May faces a backlash from Brexiteers over the plan agreed by her cabinet for a customs relationship with the EU. The prime minister said her plan would ensure that Brexit is delivered.

But critics - including business leaders and MPs - say the plan would be “unworkable” and could cost the Conservatives the next election.

Meanwhile, Mrs May has said the EU needs “to get serious” about the negotiations.

The prime minister and her cabinet met at Chequers on Friday where they agreed to support her favoured option.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is understood to have backed the plans despite saying it would leave the UK as a “vassal state” and be a “serious inhibitor of free trade”, according to BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley.

The Observer reports that more than 100 entrepreneurs and business leaders regard Mrs May’s plan as “unworkable” and “costly and bureaucratic”.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said the “time has come for a new leader” which he believes should be Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg.

‘SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES’ Mr Bridgen called Mrs May’s Brexit pledges “a pretence and charade intended to dupe the electorate”.

Mr Rees-Mogg warned

Theresa May (Daily Express) that “a very soft Brexit means that we haven’t left, we are simply a rule-taker”.

A briefing being circulated to the European Research Group (ERG) - a group of Eurosceptic Conservative backbench MPs, which Mr Rees-Mogg leads - says the prime minister’s plan “would lead directly to a worst-of-allworlds black hole Brexit”.

The 18-page document expresses concern the UK would have to follow EU laws and European Court of Justice rulings and would not be able to develop an “effective international trade policy”.

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told the Sunday Telegraph said if the public perceive Mrs May’s plan as “continued membership” of the customs union and single market for goods, the government “will suffer the consequences at the next election”.

But Mrs May told the Sunday Times: “The only challenge that needs to be made now is to the European

Union to get serious about this, to come round the table and discuss it with us.”

She said her plan was a “serious, workable proposal” and when people voted to leave the EU, “they wanted to take control of our money, our laws and our borders and that’s exactly what we will do”.

The main details from the Chequers statement: The UK would accept continuing “harmonisation” with EU rules on the trade in goods, covering only those necessary to ensure frictionless trade Parliament would have the final say over how these rules are incorporated into UK law, retaining the right to refuse to do so There will be different arrangements for trade in services, including financial products, with greater “regulatory flexibility” and “strong reciprocal arrangements” Freedom of movement as it stands will come to an end but a “mobility framework” will ensure UK and EU citizens can continue to travel to each other’s territories and apply for study and work A new customs arrangement will be phased in, with the goal of “a combined customs territory” The UK will be able to control its own tariffs and develop an independent trade policy The jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will end but the UK will pay regard to its decisions in areas where common rules are in force.

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RACING TIPS English Racing Tips Ayr 09:00 hrs Corton Lad 09:30 hrs Natajack 10:05 hrs Foxy Rebel 11:05 hrs Ventura Knight 11:40 hrs Logi 12:10 hrs Perfect Words Market Rasen 09:15 hrs Mille Nautique 09:45 hrs Yensir 10:20 hrs Agentleman 10:50 hrs Dr Moloney 11:20 hrs Whoshotwho 11:55 hrs Brave Eagle 12:25 hrs Leapt Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:50 hrs Vallambrosa 09:25 hrs Focus Of Attention 09:55 hrs Lady Godiva 10:30 hrs Could It Be Love 11:00 hrs Nation Glory 11:30 hrs Baba Boom 12:05 hrs High Kicker Limerick 09:05 hrs Storm Rising 09:35 hrs St Lawerence Gap 10:10 hrs Mill Quest 10:40 hrs Draycott Place 11:10 hrs Konig Hall 11:45 hrs Miss Sassie 12;15 hrs Lady Loretto South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:55 hrs River Ayre 09:35 hrs Comme-Ci-Comme-Ca 10:15 hrs Elangeni 10:45 hrs Jackman

Sweden’s manager tips England to win World Cup SWEDEN manager Janne Andersson has tipped England to win the World Cup after watching his side lose 2-0 in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

After a slightly nervous start in Samara England took the lead against Sweden when Harry Maguire headed home Ashley Young’s corner-kick.

Dele Alli then doubled England’s advantage, while Jordan Pickford made a series of superb saves as the Three Lions reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.

And after the match, Sweden coach Andersson said he believes England have what it takes to go on and win the tournament.

“Yes, I definitely believe England are good enough to win it,” he said.

“They are forceful, well-organised. I’d like to pay tribute to the team and coach.

“They are a good footballing side. I think they would be perfectly able to go all the way.”(Independent)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Hand-in-Hand supports Croatia end Russia’s Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors World Cup dream boxing Championship 10 countries expected to participate

THE Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors championship, the brainchild of the Steve Ninvalle-led Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), recently received a boost from the Hand-in-Hand insurance company for the staging of the third annual event.

Set for the National Gymnasium, August 17 – 19, ten countries are expected to invade Guyana to participate in the only tournament of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

According to GBA president Steve Ninvalle, Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, Grenada and St Lucia, have already registered,

while the other countries are expected to do so before the deadline.

At a simple, but significant presentation, Ninvalle thanked Hand-in-Hand for the support, while telling the gathering of reporters that “with this type of support, we can take boxing to exactly where it should be.”

Ninvalle pointed out that the tournament showcases Guyana and the Caribbean’s nursery in the sport of boxing, which he added “provides the necessary support which will lead into our seniors, so I’m happy that Hand-in-Hand came on board and it will go a long way in helping us in growing the

sport.”

Howard Cox, the Insurance Company’s manager, spoke profoundly of his love and admiration for the sport of boxing, which he said made it easy for Hand-inHand to support.

“It is important to support any amateur tournament because it’s really the nursery of professional boxing.

Hopefully, we [Guyana] establish ourselves once again as the Caribbean number one boxing nation. We’ve had some success with Colin Lewis and Keevin Allicock and tournament like these will help to produce more fighters,” Cox said.

Cox further noted: “I

think this is a vital tournament not only for Guyana, but the Caribbean, because boxers from this part of the region need as much exposure as possible. We need this kind of tournaments and we are very happy to contribute and I would like to encourage everyone to support this venture, support this event.”

Meanwhile, Ninvalle pointed out that Guyana had started its preparation for the tournament since June 9, when the GBA launched their Pepsi Mike Paris Invitational, which will run until August 4, and is being used to select Guyana’s representatives at the up-coming championship.

‘Forty’ McKay strikes gold at 8th annual Malta Supreme Cycling Programme WARREN ‘Forty’ McKay extended his rich vein of form on asphalt by copping a first place finish in the eighth Annual Malta Supreme 11-Race Cycling Programme at the inner circuit of the National Park yesterday.

Despite the pouring rain, McKay defied the elements and his much younger com-

petitors to finish strongly and clinch victory in the Feature 35-Lap Schoolboys and Invitational race in a time of one hour, 13 minutes and 12 seconds.

Meanwhile, coming in second was Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith with Romello Crawford clinching third place.

The latter’s Trojan PSL

teammate and National Road Race champion, Curtis Dey had to settle for fourth place while Deeraj Garbarran, Paul DeNobrega and GDF’s Alanzo Ambrose rounded out the top seven in that order.

Brand Manager, Clayton Mckenzie and other representatives of Banks DIH were on hand to witness the event and hand over prizes.

Meanwhile, today’s Dr. Chase 40-Mile road race has been postponed until further notice. Race organiser and National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed expressed his regret about the rescheduling of the event and apologises for any inconvenience caused.

42nd ‘Teach them Young’ programme pedals off on July 9 FOR the 42nd consecutive year, the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the tutelage of National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed will roll out the ‘Teach them young’ cycling programme from July 9 to September 1 in the National Park, Thomas Lands.

The yearly programme, which is featured during the summer vacation, targets school children but is not limited to them as, Mohammed pointed out, the event is open to anyone interested in the sport.

To be a part of the action

is simple, all you need is protective gears, especially a helmet as well as a bicycle in working order.

Coach Mohamed explained that the programme is absolutely free and all that is required is to be registered.

Persons desirous of registering can do so at the National Park or at the National Sports Commission.

The programme has groomed 95 percent of the cyclists that have represented Guyana, including current Secretary General of the Guyana Olympic Association, Hector Edwards, who

was part of the inaugural run of the programme in 1976.

As the years rolled by, the likes of Marcus and Noel Fiedtkou, Byron and Bertram James, Godfrey Pollydore, Dwayne Gibbs, Linden Dowridge, Robin Persaud, Eric Sankar, Tyrone Hamilton, troy Humphrey, Alex and Reginald Mendez, Junior Niles, Geron Williams, Warren McKay, Raynauth Jeffrey, Michael Anthony, Hamza Eastman, Raphael Leung and Jamaul John emerged.

The programmed will run on a Monday to Fri-

National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed

day basis from 09:00hrs to 11:00hrs.

on penalties

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Croatia finally ended Russia’s unlikely World Cup dream when they won 4-3 on penalties to eliminate the gallant hosts in a dramatic quarter-final which ended 2-2 after extra time on Saturday.

Ivan Rakitic stroked home the winning penalty to send Croatia into a semi-final against England after Mario Fernandes dramatically equalised for Russia with five minutes of extra time remaining, only to miss a crucial kick in the shootout.

Both teams had also won on penalties in their second round matches, with Russia beating Spain, but the hosts’ marksmanship let them down this time.

Fyodor Smolov saw Russia’s first penalty saved by Danijel Subasic and, although Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved a Mateo Kovacic kick, the hosts’ fate was sealed when Fernandes, turning from hero to villain, fired completely wide from their third attempt.

In the previous 120 minutes, Denis Cheryshev rifled Russia in front with a long-range thunderbolt, his fourth goal of the tournament, in the 31st minute before Andrej Kramaric headed Croatia level six minutes before halftime.

Croatia then went ahead with a soft Domagoj Vida header in the eleventh minute of extra time but Russia still managed to bounce back through Fernandes.

Russia, who many feared could go out at the group stage after a dismal run over the previous two years, had already surpassed expectations by reaching the last eight, ousting Spain on the way.

“I’m very pleased at

how the team played the whole World Cup, how it showed it character and worked to the maximum,” said Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov.

After a lively opening, the game dropped off, with sessions of head tennis in midfield, but it was Russia’s more rustic approach which paid off first as they went ahead out of the blue.

Cheryshev collected the ball near the halfway line, exchanged passes with Artem Dzyuba and curled a 25-metre shot past Subasic.

But slack defending allowed Croatia to level eight minutes later.

Mario Mandzukic ran unchallenged into the penalty area and chipped a low ball back into the centre where unmarked Kramaric scored with a glancing header.

Croatia were agonisingly close to scoring on the hour when Russia’s defence failed to clear the ball and Ivan Perisic’s shot hit the inside of the post but rebounded harmlessly across the face of the goal.

Croatia, a shadow of the team which cruised through their group with maximum points, went ahead when Vida met a corner with a weak downward header which found its way through two sets of legs and rolled into the net.

To their eternal credit, Russia hit back again when Alan Dzagoev floated a free kick into the area and Fernandes powered home a header.

“I don’t have any emotions left at all,” said Russia midfielder Roman Zobnin. “We left everything on the field. But unfortunately it didn’t happen for us today.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

England beat Sweden to reach first World Cup semi-final since 1990

By Toby Davis SAMARA, Russia (Reuters) - England defied almost three decades of disappointment to move confidently into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990 as headers from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli downed a dogged but toothless Sweden 2-0 on Saturday.

Far more fancied England sides had failed to reach the last four in the past but Gareth Southgate’s young squad powered on as they continued to make a mockery of dampened pre-tournament expectations with another impressive display in Russia.

They were set on their way when Maguire rose imperiously to head home from a corner and Alli added the killer blow after the break as England showed they are not entirely dependent on the tournament’s leading scorer Harry Kane for goals.

If anything, England’s hero on the day was to be found at the other end of the pitch as keeper Jordan Pickford produced three superb saves to shut out the workmanlike Swedes.

“We had to withstand a lot of physical pressure,” said England coach Gareth Southgate. “The resilience of the team and togetherness of the team today was crucial.

Today our spirit was as good as theirs and our quality a little bit better.”

The fans who serenaded their side at the Samara Arena stayed long after fulltime to herald the achievement, knowing that with so many of the favourites having departed, England have arguably their best chance of global glory in more than half a century.

Hosts Russia or Croatia, who meet later on Saturday and are lower ranked than Southgate’s side, are all that stands between England and a first World Cup final since they won the tournament on home soil in 1966.

Yet while England’s victory, only their third quarter-final success in nine attempts, was largely a one-sided affair it was certainly not straightforward Sweden had reached the quarter-finals by making life hard for supposedly superior opposition and it was easy to see why after a dour open-

ing when England looked incapable of stringing passes together against their hardworking opponents.

It was predictable in many ways, therefore, that the deadlock was broken from a set piece.

BULLET HEADER England had laboured without reward before Ashley Young lined up a corner on the left and his curled effort was met by Maguire charging forward with conviction and barging Emil Forsberg out of his way to power a header down into the net.

That was England’s eighth set-piece goal at this World Cup, but, while they are lethal from dead balls, apart from Kane they are not blessed with too many other sharp shooters.

Forward Raheem Sterling has faced some criticism over his struggles to score for England and just before halftime his doubters were handed ammunition when he was twice left alone to bear down on Sweden keeper Robin Olsen.

His blushes were saved by the linesman’s flag as he

England’s Dele Alli scores their second goal. REUTERS/David Gray

fluffed the first chance, but moments later he ran through again, this time trying to round the keeper, only to be denied once more.

England were almost made to pay straight after the interval and would have been pegged back if Pickford had not produced a top-drawer save to keep out a Marcus Berg header.

The importance of the keeper’s contribution was

swiftly underlined with England doubling their lead in the 59th minute as Jesse Lingard’s teasing cross into the box was met by Alli unmarked at the far post to head powerfully past Olsen.

England had not kept a clean sheet in their four previous matches and had Pickford to thank for ensuring they did not concede this time.

He saved superbly from

Viktor Claesson before tipping a shot from Berg over the bar and that was enough to ensure Swedish hopes of reaching their first semi-final since 1994 were dashed.

“I wasn’t born the last time England reached a World Cup semi-final,” said Pickford. “We have always said we would take one game at a time and we can go on and create our own history.”

Top seed Halep loses to Hsieh Su-wei in third round

Simona Halep

TOP seed Simona Halep went out of Wimbledon in the third round after losing an epic three-set battle against Hsieh Su-wei.

The Taiwanese world number 48’s serve was broken seven times and she saved a match point before winning 3-6 6-4 7-5 in two hours and 20 minutes.

It means Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova is the only top-10 player remaining

in the women’s singles draw.

It is the first time Hsieh, 32, has reached the last 16 of the singles.

The 2013 doubles champion will now play Dominika Cibulkova after the Slovak beat 15th seed Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-2 6-2.

It was a match of ups and downs from both Romanian Halep and Hsieh, who were dealing with intense heat on Court One.

It took five games to see the first hold of serve - which went to the world number one - and there were 13 breaks overall.

After losing the first set, Hsieh, who last played in the third round of Wimbledon in 2012, put Halep under pressure in the second and broke twice before serving to love to take it 6-4.

With fatigue setting in, Hsieh found herself 5-2 down in the decider and it looked like Halep’s strength was going to see her through to the last 16 for the fourth time.

But the Taiwanese clawed her way back into it with a single break, and after fending off match point, she broke again and held her nerve to see out the match - much to the delight of the crowd.

“This is the first time I have beaten the world number one, it is amazing,” said Hsieh.(BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Tour de France

Froome crashes as Colombian Gaviria wins stage one BRITAIN’s Chris Froome crashed during the opening stage of the Tour de France as his quest to win a record-equalling fifth title began with a scare.

The defending champion careered off the road on a left-hand bend in the closing stages but was quickly back racing.

Froome is 61 seconds behind stage winner Fernando Gaviria and 51 seconds behind several rivals for the title but alongside fellow Briton Adam Yates.

“I’ve not been checked by the team doctor but I feel fine,” said Froome.

“I’m OK, we saw a lot of crashes out there but we knew the first few days were going to be tricky.

“We were at the front of the peloton so there was not much more the guys could’ve done - it was just chaotic with the sprinters up there.

“I’m just grateful I’m not injured in any way and there is plenty of racing left to Paris.”

A chaotic finish to a benign stage Stage one had been going to script with three riders breaking clear as soon as the 201km race started in Noirmoutier-en-L’Ile, allowing the peloton to ease into the three-week race.

Jerome Cousin, Kevin Ledanois and Yoann Offredo built up a lead of around four minutes before they were gradually reeled back as the teams of the sprinters gathered at the front of the peloton, each knowing that whoever won the stage would claim the yellow jersey.

But that is where the script was ripped up.

A crash with just over 10km remaining splintered the peloton, with French hope for the stage win, Arnaud Demare, among those delayed.

Two of Froome’s rivals for the overall win, Richie Porte and Yates, were also caught up and looked set to lose time on the Team Sky rider.

But a couple of kilome-

tres later Froome had nowhere to go but off the road as the peloton negotiated a left-hand bend.

Many spectators at the finish line, watching on a big screen, cheered when they saw the crash.

Froome had an anti-doping case, hanging over him after an adverse analytical finding from his use of legal asthma drug salbutamol, dropped by governing body the UCI last Monday; he

Thursday.

He rejoined the race within seconds, a scuff mark on the right shoulder of his jersey and eventually crossed the finish line, with Yates and Porte among others, 51 seconds behind Gaviria, who also picked up 10 bonus seconds.

Gaviria’s fellow Colombian Nairo Quintana, another general classification rival of Froome’s, avoided the crashes but had a puncture

Gaviria is the first Colombian to win a sprint finish at the Tour de France.`

had also been jeered at a team presentation event on

with 3.5km remaining that saw him lose 24 seconds to

Team Sky rider Chris Froome of Britain carries his bicycle after his crash. Jeff Pachoud/Pool via Reuters

the Briton.

Froome’s team-mate Geraint Thomas finished in the main bunch alongside Romain Bardet, Tom Dumoulin, Mikel Landa, Vincenzo Nibali and Rigoberto Uran as the overall contenders who take an early advantage over the four-time winner.

Gaviria makes stellar debut While carnage unfolded behind them, Quick-Step Floors controlled the front of the race masterfully to put Gaviria in a strong position entering the home straight.

The 23-year-old kicked

with just over 250m to go, holding off world champion Peter Sagan and 14-time Tour de France stage winner Marcel Kittel.

It was a remarkably assured performance on his Tour debut, suggesting Gaviria will be tough to beat in bunch sprints this year.

He becomes just the second Colombian to wear the yellow jersey after Victor Hugo Pena in 2003 and, with two flat stages and a team time trial over the next three days, could hold on to it before the punchy climbs of stage five. (BBC Sport

‘Maxi’ rewrites record books with five-wicket blitz

Nadal advances to keep top ranking RAFAEL Nadal has ensured he will keep hold of the world number one ranking by beating Alex de Minaur to reach the Wimbledon fourth round.

The Spaniard comfortably overcame the Australian teenager 6-1 6-2 6-4 on Centre Court.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion needed to reach the last 16 here to stay on top when the next rankings are released on 16 July.

He will next play 24-year-old Czech Jiri Vesely on Monday.

World number 93 Vesely beat 19th-seeded Italian Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-3 6-2.

Nadal, seeded second behind eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, was in command

from the start against 19-year-old debutant De Minaur, the youngest player left in the draw.

The two-time champion rattled through the first set with breaks in the fourth and sixth games and then did not drop any points on his serve in the second set until the final game, when he saved two break points before holding to go two sets up.

De Minaur pushed him harder in the third and made him wait until his third match point before finally succumbing to a Nadal volley at the net.

The Spaniard had faced more of a challenge in the previous round from the powerful forehand of Mikhail Kukushkin, but De Minaur offered little resistance.(BBC Sport)

THE Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) failed to win any of their two matches in the New York Softball Cricket League annual Independence tournament, played over the last weekend in the “Big Apple.”

However, an astonishing performance from bowler Aftab Shamsudeen will certainly go down in the annals of the tournament, featuring teams from the hosts, Guyana, Canada and Florida.

Playing against Regals in the Open Category of the tournament on Friday, Shamsudeen had the amazing figures of four overs, two maidens, two runs, five wickets and according to officials of the NYSCL, this phenomenal feat has never been achieved before in the history of the tournament.

Popularly known as “Maxi” in the softball arena in Toronto, Shamsudeen also represented Canada in a solitary one-day international and several first-class

matches.

Prior to leaving Guyana at the tender age of 14 in the early 90s, Shamsudeen played a few matches for Rose Hall Estate and looked set to represent Berbice at the youth level.

Shamsudeen’s love for the sunshine game never waned despite migration and he was soon representing Malton Sports Club in the Toronto and District Cricket Association Premier Division competition. He has also been a prominent fixture for Dant Cricket Club in the softball arena for several years.

In an interview a few years ago, Shamsudeen disclosed that one of the highlights of his cricketing career for Canada was playing against his all-time favourite cricketer Brian Lara in the West Indies Cricket Board regional oneday tournament held in Jamaica. (Frederick Halley)

Aftab Shamsudeen poses with his award at the presentation ceremony

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Once a rice field, Reliance ground now undergoing transformation

By Elroy Stephney THE Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast is currently undergoing infrastructural transformation after being left abandoned for a number of years.

With the suggestion from former Essequibo Under-19 inter-county player, Ravendra Mandolall, a management committee was established in 2017 and elected Trevis Simon as Chairman. The body has since been working assiduously to gradually return the once popular ground to its former glory.

The work of the Committee, through fund-raising ventures and corporate support, has seen the ground being upgraded and filled with additional dirt and sand, along with the relaying of the pitch and the construction of new pavilions to the Northern and Southern ends.

There will also be the installation of a washroom, the building of sightscreens and a scoreboard. Plans are also on stream to install lighting facilities.

The village of Reliance is the home to a number of popular cricketers, including West Indies one-day fast bowler, Ransford Beaton, former national youth play-

Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast being transformed from once being a rice field.

ers, Ravendra Mandolall, Mahendra Boodram, the late Shivnandan Mandolall, Balchand Shivambar, Lawrence Farnum, Clain Williams who represented the USA, as well as former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman and coach, Alfred Maycock.

Sports Journalist Ravendra Mandolall, who is now based overseas, is also from the small community.

Interestingly, during the early 2000s, the ground, after much debate, was then transformed into a rice field as members felt at the time that it was an innovative way of securing financial gains;

though it is still not known who granted permission for such an act.

The ground falls under the jurisdiction of the Anna Regina Town Council. Notwithstanding, the surface is now regaining solidity and it is reaping the yields, not from rice grains; instead, from many delightful innings and daunting spells which are being produced with regularity.

The Reliance ground is now one of a few refined and hospitable grounds on the Essequibo Coast and in time to come should improve into becoming a first- class facility that can host inter-county

matches. Meanwhile, it was also disclosed that one of the new stands will be named in honour of the late Shivnandan Mandolall who became the first resident Essequibian to captain a national team at any level when he led the President’s XI in the Under-19 youth championship when Guyana hosted the tournament in 2000.

Other stakeholders are also seizing the opportunity to foster a cordial and working relationship with the Committee in ensuring that the Reliance ground remains uniquely transformative.

Blackwood helps Windies A battle to a draw against India A

BECKENHAM, England, (CMC) – Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood struck a typically breezy half-century to help West Indies A battle to a draw against India A on the final day of their four-day “Test” here Saturday.

Asked to chase an improbable 360 for victory after India A carried their second innings to a mammoth 609 for six declared, West Indies ended on 245 for seven at the Kent County Ground.

The Caribbean side found themselves in early trouble at 28 for two but Blackwood hammered a top score of 61 while opener John Campbell carved out 44 and Sunil Ambris, 42, to turn the innings around.

All-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall got his first meaningful score on tour with 40 while wicketkeeper Devon Smith chipped in with 22.

Seamer Navdeep Saini (2-41), left-arm slow Jayant Yadav (2-73) and off-spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (2-81) all ended with two wickets each.

Windies A lost Chanderpaul Hemraj to the seventh delivery of the innings before a run had been scored, bowled

by Saini and when captain Shamarh Brooks also had his stumps rattled by Yadav for nine with the score on 28, the innings was tottering further.

But Blackwood came to his side’s rescue, adding 49 for the third wicket with Campbell before putting on a further 66 for

Jermaine Blackwood … top-scored with 61

the fourth wicket with Ambris.

The left-handed Campbell was positive in approach, striking nine fours in a 68-ball knock while Blackwood faced 95 balls and counted nine fours in nearly an hour-and-a-half at the crease.

Test batsman Ambris, who

notched five fours and a six off 76 deliveries, put on an invaluable 45 with Thomas for the fifth wicket before going bowled by Yadav.

When Thomas fell in the very next over to leave the score on 188 for six, there would have been nerves in

Quarter-final clashes on today in South Essequibo T20 tournament KEEN rivalry is expected when the South Essequibo Invitational T20 competition resumes today at various venues. Thirty-two teams entered the competition from across the Essequibo Coast and it is now down to ten teams vying for the top prize.

Defending champions Imam Bacchus XI is already through to the quarter-finals along with Rising Star, New Opportunity Corps and Walton Hall. The remaining qualifiers will see Reliance Hustlers vs. Reliance Masters at Reliance ground, Bush Lot Trend Setters taking on Sparwin and Young Achievers battling against Jaguars; both matches slated for the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

A number of ex-

citing players will be on display as Reliance Hustlers will heavily depend on Anthony Ifill and Rovendra Parasram, while their counterparts will have in their lineup Latchmikhant Narine and Basil Persaud.

Spearheading Bush Lot Trend Setters will be Nathan Persaud with support from Keith Blackman, while Sparwin will be boosted with the inclusion of Surendra Singh and Avinash Persaud. Tameshwar Dhanpaul and Chevraj Boodram will spearhead Young Achievers challenge against Jaguars who is expected to roar with Jermain Jones and Hemraj Singh.

Cash incentives and trophies are at stake with Essequibo Cricket Board executive, Ramnarine Ragoobar being the coordinator. (Elroy Stephney).

Scoreboard INDIA A 1st Innings 133 West Indies A 1st Innings 383 India A 2nd Innings (overnight 536 for four) P Shaw c Hemraj b Lewis 188 M Agarwal c Brooks b Lewis 68 R Samarth c wkp Thomas b Holder 137 *K Nair c Warrican b Lewis 93 H Vihari c Warrican b Thomas 10 V Shankar c Cornwall b Lewis 13 S Bharat not out 33 J Yadav not out 10 Extras (b22, lb2, w14, nb19) 57 TOTAL (6 wkts decl., 111 overs) 609 Fall of wickets: 1-181, 2-339, 3-305, 4-521, 5-564, 6-566.

Bowling: Holder 31-2-148-1, Lewis 24-1-130-4, Reifer 18-1-92-0, Cornwall 11-0-66-0, Warrican 130-89-0, Thomas 14-1-60-1.

the Windies A camp but Cornwall crunched six fours and a six in a 60-ball knock – adding 48 with Reifer – to steady the innings.

The left-handed Reifer’s role was crucial even though he made only 11 not out, as he tied up one end for 1-3/4 hours.

WEST INDIES A 2nd Innings (target: 360 runs) J Campbell c Vihari b Rajpoot 44 C Hemraj b Saini 0 *S Brooks b Yadav 9 J Blackwood c wkp Bharat b Nadeem 61 S Ambris b Yadav 42 +D Thomas c Shaw b Saini 22 R Reifer not out 11 R Cornwall lbw b Nadeem 40 J Warrican not out 4 Extras (b1, lb10, nb1) 12 TOTAL (7 wkts, 76 overs)

245

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-28, 3-77, 4-143, 5-188, 6-188, 7-236.

Bowling: Rajpoot 11-5-21-1, Saini 14-4-41-2, Nadeem 26-6-81-2, Yadav 21-4-73-2, Shankar 4-0-18-0.

Earlier, captain Karun Nair missed out on a hundred after resuming on 77 when he was dismissed for 93 as India A batted on from their overnight 536 for four.

Seamer Sherman Lewis grabbed both wickets to fall to end with four for 130.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Royal Canadian Masters create history …first Canadian team to capture softball title

By Frederick Halley THE Royal Canadian Masters (RCM) became the first team from the land of the Maple Leaf to capture a softball title in or out of Canada when they roared to a convincing six-wicket victory over the New York President’s XI in the final of the Pro Cup (Over-50) tournament, played last Sunday at the Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York.

Backed by a contingent of supporters from across the border, who braved the sweltering heat, and playing a brand of cricket that belies their age, the triumph was more rewarding as it came on the day the nation was celebrating its 151st Independence anniversary.

Even more significant was the fact it was only RCM’s second participation in a tournament of this magnitude, having reached the semi-finals in the Orlando version, played in that city in March this year.

Despite being a magnificent team effort, it was also personal gratification for Ganesh Ramraj who smashed a masterful unbeaten 67, at the end of which the heat took its toll on him as he trudged slowly off the field, nevertheless a satisfied individual.

Needing to reach a challenging 149 for victory, after New York President’s XI had reached 148 for four in their allotted 20 overs, RCM achieved the target in 19.3 overs, losing four wickets in the process, with Ramraj slamming four fours and three sixes in his brilliant knock.

Opener Augustus Gordon had earlier set the stage with a quick-fire 31 (three fours), dominating a 37-run opening stand with Roy Brittania.

Earlier, Assad Razack and T. Mohamed had given the President’s X1 an excellent start of 64 in the first 10 overs with the former going on to hit a fine 63 (five fours) while Mohamed contributed 27.

Dennis Mangru shored up the

middle-order with 35 (four fours and one six) as Narpaul Singh ended with two for 20 and Brittania one for 20.

MVP Narpal Singh collects his award from a NYSCL official

RCM players and supporters celebrate their victory.

Meanwhile, Gordon, with a top score of 86, was the hero in a high-scoring semi-final as RCM chased down 204 made by their Canadian counterparts, Ontario Masters Softball International (OMSI), featuring the likes of Shivnauth Seeram, Jaimini Singh and Terry Mathura.

Natalie Sciver stars as England Women thrash N­Z 142 runs NATALIE Sciver starred with bat and ball as England Women thrashed New Z ­ ealand by 142 runs in the first one-day international at Headingley.

The all-rounder took three for 18 ­after adding a quick-fire 37 in an impressive team batting display, in which Sarah Taylor’s 26 was the lowest score made by a batsman in the top seven.

Scores of 63 from opener Amy Jones and captain Heather Knight helped England to 290 for five. After Knight had won the toss and decided to bat first, Jones and the in-form Tammy Beaumont, who made 40, put on 111 for the first wicket in 22 overs to set ­England on their way. Knight’s 63 off 58 balls was followed by Sciver’s 37 off 36 and Katherine Brunt’s 30 off 31. It left New Zealand needing to mount their highest successful chase in ODIs. They started well enough, with ­S uzie Bates and Sophie Devine putting on 70 for the first wicket and, going along at five runs an over, build a ­useful-looking platform. Devine ­survived a

chance when Sciver dropped a straightforward ­o ffering at midwicket, but just when

was never in doubt. The Headingley pitch provided plenty of spin and Laura

Natalie Sciver took three for 18 a ­ fter adding a quick-fire 37 against New Zealand - Getty Images Europe

England needed a breakthrough, Devine tried to loft Georgia Elwiss over the top and found only Sophie Ecclestone.

That opened the door to England and they swiftly piled through. Sciver took the key wicket of Kiwi captain Bates, who was caught by debutant ­K atie George and Katey Martin, caught by Jones, in the next over. And when Amy Satterthwaite was leg before to E ­ lwiss for two, New Zealand had gone from 70 for none to 75 for four From there, the result

At the presentation ceremony, RCM’s Narpaul Singh was voted the Pro Cup’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for

Marsh was too good for the New Zealand lower order, taking three for 24.

With impeccable timing, after the f­inal whistle had been blown in ­E ngland’s World Cup q u a r t e r - f i n a l ­v i c t o r y against Sweden in Samara, the Leeds crowd returned from the bars where they had been watching the football to see England’s Women take the first step to winning this three-match ODI series. The sides meet again at Derby on Tuesday.

(Telegraph Sport)

his tally of 137 runs and seven wickets; Ramraj earned the man-of-the-match award while Gordon took the prize for the highest individual score.

Other awards went to President’s XI players, Rafeek Mohamed for scoring the most runs (209) and Mukesh Mohamed for taking the most

wickets (nine) while Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) Dharam Persaud had the best bowling figures in a match (five for seven versus Williamsburg Legends).

An elated Shanta Persaud, RCM’s president, was “over the moon” with the performance of her charges, pointing out that “we had an incredibly talented roster, who played with passion, dedication, great strength, perseverance, character, and love. We are proud to share and celebrate the championship with Canadian and New York families.

What an exuberant feeling it is for Royal Canadian Masters Cricket Club, to be the first Canadian cricket team ever to win a championship.”

Persaud was also loud in

praise for the sponsorship received from Nigel Bijulisingh of Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge. “On behalf of RCM, I thank you for your generous sponsorship, advice and contribution to our team.

“To each and every member of the Royal Canadian Masters Cricket Club, I thank you all for taking up the challenge to compete despite all the odds.

We have proven that we are truly a tough team to beat when we brought home the Eagle of success! I personally believe passion drives achievement.

“To our newest RCM superstars, Gus Gordon (Most Runs) and Narpaul Singh (Man of the Series), thank you both for giving of your time, efforts, outstanding skills and tremendous performances.”

Semis beckon but Croatia nothing like iconic ‘98 team “GOD willing we would like to lift the World Cup trophy. That’s what we’re here for.”

Dejan Lovren followed a similar theme to Domagoj Vida when he said: “We have a chance to outdo the 1998 generation with luck and hard work.”

Talk of winning the World Cup and outdoing the famed 1998 generation dominated the pre-match build-up of Saturday’s quarter-final against Russia as confidence oozed through the Croatia camp.

Two decades ago, Croatia announced themselves on the international stage with a third-place finish in France.

And quite rightly, this group were considered a dark horse to get their hands on the trophy after years of promise and close calls.

Croatia reached Euro 2008 quarter-finals and the last 16 of Euro 2016. And with Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic in the team, what else should be expected?

For a side boasting so many stars, it was another underwhelming performance – a regular occurrence aside from the win over an out-of-

sorts Argentina in the group stage – against a spirited and energetic Russia in Sochi.

There were flashes of brilliance – Ante Rebic leading the way in that department – but Croatia lacked the bite to really hurt the hosts, though the post did deny Perisic and the Balkan nation from taking a second-half lead.

Croatia were not helped by the positioning of Modric and Rakitic, who were sitting so deep. Two key midfielders and playmakers were almost operating as sweepers alongside Lovren and Vida – starving Croatia and their forwards of creativity.

Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia were vulnerable defensively too. Right-back Ivan Strinic targeted by Russia during a chaotic opening half, though it took a stunning long-range effort from Denis Cheryshev to spark pandemonium in the stands.

Croatia eventually settled and responded within eight minutes approaching half-time as Mario Mandzukic and Andrej Kramaric combined.

On the back foot for much of the first 45 minutes, the second panned out as expected, with Croatia

controlling possession, just like Spain did against Russia before their penalty shootout exit.

Compact and resolute, Croatia – for all their keys – were unable to unlock Russia. That was until extra-time, only for Russia to respond again.

After Mario Fernandes dramatically cancelled out Vida’s go-ahead goal in extra-time, back-to-back shootouts were needed for Croatia and a slice of fortune went their way.

Igor Akinfeev – the hero against Spain – got a hand to Modric’s penalty but the ball remarkably still managed to find the net, halting Russia’s momentum before Rakitic sealed the country’s passage.

It was not pretty, just like it was not against Nigeria, Iceland and Denmark. It was also physically and mentally exhausting.

England now stand in the way of Croatia and a place in the final.

However, this generation is nothing like the greats of Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban. Serious improvement is needed if the present is to outdo the past.(Yahoo Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

Southgate’s England show maturity Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel FC win on Elite League resumption and smartness in confident win

By Simon Evans (REUTERS) - No drama, no panic, no traumatic moment where it all went wrong — this really is a new England team and they showed it again in their 2-0 win over Sweden which sent them into the semi-finals.

In place of any such strife, this was a professional, solid and disciplined performance that German or Italian World Cup sides of the past would have been proud of.

After the anguish, tension and ultimately wild joy of England’s last 16 win over Colombia, this was as close to a routine win as is possible in the last eight of the World Cup. And it was surely the kind of game that manager Gareth Southgate had in mind when he opted not to go all out to top the group in the final group stage defeat

by Belgium.

That loss meant England got a workmanlike Scandinavian opponent rather than Brazil in the quarter-finals and, while it was not a game that set neutrals’ pulses racing, they again showed the calmness their manager has instilled in them.

The England manager has avoided the mistakes of his predecessors in his selection choices and his decision to go with young Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford over the more experienced but inconsistent Joe Hart has been validated.

While England were solid defensively, they needed their 24-year-old keeper, the shootout hero against

Colombia, to come up with three high-quality saves to frustrate the Swedes.

England’s Dele Alli celebrates scoring their secon Pickford was not even born the last time England reached the last four and he exudes the confidence and self-belief that transmits itself to his defence.

Previous England managers might also have been wary of the inexperience at international level of Harry Maguire but once again the Leicester City centre-half was outstanding and his magnificent header from a corner opened the scoring.

Eight of England’s 11 goals so far at the tournament in Russia have come from set-pieces, which is again credit to the work that has been put in by Southgate and his staff on the training ground on such a crucial aspect of the game.

SMART ENGLAND But what stands out more than anything in this England team is their smartness in decision-making on the field.

That was most evident when full back Kieran Trippier, in a classic position to whip the ball in from the right, spotted the Swedish defence were ready for such a delivery and had covered his usual target Harry Kane.

Trippier quickly changed tack, playing the ball back and inside to Jesse Lingard who, with a different angle for the cross, found the unmarked Dele Alli to head in the second goal.

Captain Kane often drifted deeper than England might normally prefer, but

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England manager Gareth Southgate salutes their fans after the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

that forced the Sweden defence to break up their lines and created pockets of space for the likes of Lingard and Raheem Sterling to operate in.

“It was a very mature performance in such a high pressure game. We knew we would have lots of possession but I thought we controlled it well and we moved it quickly,” said Kane.

In the past England have struggled against opponents who have been content to sit behind the ball and defend, but this team have the patience, technique and what Southgate called the “mental resilience” to keep probing without over-committing.

European teams who have won the World Cup in recent editions have all had those qualities — whether it

be Germany in 2014, Spain in 2010 or Italy in 2006.

They had their moments of spectacular football but when they needed to they ground out wins against well-organised teams.

“We played an opponent who have a clear identity and their collectiveness has been too much at times. After having to give everything emotionally this week, today was a real test,” said Southgate.

“It was a sign of the maturity of this team who are maturing in front of our eyes,” he said.

They are indeed and Southgate, who so often appears more of a supportive teacher than an authoritarian manager, deserves the plaudits he is receiving for nurturing that growth.

FRUTA Conquerors defeated Victoria Kings 5 – 0, while defending champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) went down 3 - 0 to Den Amstel when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League resumed on Friday evening at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

After a scoreless first half between Den Amstel and the GDF, Gideon Payne scored upon the resumption of the second half to push the ‘West Side’ team in the lead (1 – 0), then Kevaugn Warde (82nd) and Delon Lanferman (83rd) scored back-to-back goals which secured the win.

The victory, Den Amstel’s sixth in the league (six wins, two losses and two draws), saw them climbing to 20 points to sit in the third position behind league leaders, Fruta Conquerors,

and second placed Western Tigers.

Meanwhile, the Tucvillebased Fruta Conquerors chalked up win number seven in the 10-team league, thanks to a double from Eon Alleyne (21st and 40th minute) and Ryan Hackett (8th and 45th minute), while Dennis Edwards (3rd) slotted in the other goal.

Fruta Conquerors, after 10 games played, is now on 23 points (seven wins, two draws and one loss).

The GF Elite League will continue today with a triple-header at Leonora, starting at 16:00 hours with Ann’s Grove facing Buxton United, followed by Cougars playing Den Amstel FC at 18:00hrs. Today’s final game brings together Linden’s Milerock FC and front-runners, Western Tigers FC at 20:00hrs.

GTT on board with Malteenoes Cricket Academy National coaches to be assisted by NSC coaches

ON Friday at its Head office in Georgetown under the ‘More Love’ promotion, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) joined the list of corporations supporting this year’s twoweek Malteenoes Cricket Academy.

The Academy starts on July 23 and caters for students between the ages of 6-18 who will be divided into two groups.

The Academy runs from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs with Lunch provided from 12:00hrs to 13:00hrs each day. Registration fee is $3,000 and forms can be uplifted at the Club. Deadline for registration is July 20.

According to a release from the organisers,

the Academy will include classroom and field work which will provide the tools to become cricketers, um-

pires, scorers, journalists and broadcasters.

Facilitators will talk on Education, Social Skills,

GTT’s Marketing Executive, Tashandra Inniss (right) hands over the water bottles to Deborah McNicol.

Health and Hygiene, Etiquette, Child Protection, Law and History of Cricket, Umpiring and Scoring while Director of Sports, Christopher Jones will provide two National Sports Commission (NSC) coaches in addition to those who will conduct sessions at the Academy.

National youth coach, Orin Bailey, is full time coach while sessions will be conducted by national head coach, Esuan Crandon, while fast bowling sessions will be conducted by former Malteenoes, Guyana and West Indies Test pacer, Colin Stuart. Spin bowling sessions will be done by former Guyana and West Indies Test off-spinner, Clyde Butts, while several other coaches will also be involved.

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 8, 2018

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football Tournament semi-finalists set after intense play

By Stephan Sookram ST Johns College, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Chase Academy and Buxton are into the semi-finals of the inaugural ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament following yesterday’s matches at the Ministry of Education Ground.

In the first of the quarterfinals for males, It was all St Johns College as they beat Marian Academy 2-0 with Dequan Bovell leading the charge in the 6th. Shem Jovis in the 35th sealed the deal for the St Johns side as they moved to the next round.

In the second game, North Ruimveldt were made to work for their win against Tucville. Yannick Norton in the 23rd opened the scoring for the eventual winners, but

it was not easy sailing.

Odoyo Harris’ 30th minute strike was enough to draw the game level and set up a mouth-watering remainder of the game. It would take Orlando Sickie’s 46th minute strike to send the North side through.

Game three was a highscoring fixture where Chase Academy beat Vergenoegen 5-3. While it was Vergenoe-

gen that opened the scoring in the first minute through Timothy Duggin, Chase took a while before the response came.

When it did come, it was Brandon Solomon in the 33rd that brought things level before Jaheel Alcindor gifted Chase the lead for the first time in the 44th. Clinton Jones would bring the West Demerara side level in

the 50th and a minute later, Nashawn Livan would put Vergenoegen in the lead again. Seon Cato would level it up for Chase in the 53rd before Kevin Mullin restored Chase’s lead in the 60th and Cato completed his hat-trick and the team’s fifth in the 62nd.

Buxton also featured in a high-scoring result against Dolphin, winning 6-1. A

South Ruimveldt were winners 3-2 over Dolphin as round robin action continued (Adrian Narine Photo)

Chase Academy (Green) tracks back to defend against Vergenogen in their Quarter Final match in the ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament

`Diamond Utd. beat Herstelling 7-1 in EBFA/Hucy Juice U-13 League … Swan, Timehri, Dia. Upsetters & Samatta Point KV take full points THE inaugural East Bank Football Association / Juicey Juice-sponsored Under-13 League kicked off yesterday at the Timehri Red Ground, East Bank Demerara with Diamond United recording the biggest win of the day, 7-1 over Herstelling Raiders.

During intermittent rain along with sunshine, the action got underway with Timehri panthers needling new comers Hararuni Eagles after which Swan took care of business against Kuru Kururu Warriors 3-0 before Diamond United took over proceedings.

This Diamond United team that finished last in the just concluded GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra-Association League, scoring just a brace of goals in their 12 matches and conceding a huge 79, is out to prove that they are fighters and focussed on development, according to head coach, Orein Angoy.

Featuring many players from that U-15 team, Diamond United went about their task in a businesslike fashion,

scoring in the 1st minute of play and eventually winning the match comfortably.

Notching up points via the walk-over route were Diamond Upsetters and Samatta Point/Kaneville, due to the no-shows of Grove Hi Tech and Agricola Red Triangle.

Shaquan Braithwaite netted the fastest goal of the competition so far with his first minute strike for Diamond United against Herstelling Raiders. However, it was Joel Ross who fired in the first hat-trick of the league and who led his side which seemed to be enjoying every moment of the action.

Ross was on target in the 5th, 19th and 42nd minute with teammate Ronaldo Adams netting a double (14th & 35th) while the other goal came off the boot of Shakeem Welcome in the 18th minute.

Malcolm Hendricks scored Herstelling Raiders’ consolation goal in the 38th minute.

Kuru Kururu Warriors, which had edged Sawn FC-their Linden Soesdyke Highway neighbours--for the 2nd place in the U-15 tournament,

hat-trick from Tyrice Dennis (12th, 18th and 40th) was the dominant force for Buxton with Olashi Primo (23rd), Samuel Garnett (31st) and Akiem Gaime (48th) also supporting. Dolphin had Jaquan Cole (45th) on target for them.

In the ladies round-robin, Dolphin lost 2-3 to South Ruimveldt after Latesha Sutherland’s double (10th and 44th) and Amanda McKenzie (19th) lead the way.

Dolphin had Kezia Parkinson (30th) and Niomi Williams (35th) scoring.

New Campbellville needled Tucville 1-0 as Alicia Maynard was the decid-

er in the 28th while East Ruimveldt got the better of Tucville 2-0, thanks to Gilana King (28th) and Tamara Mendonca (35th).

Charlestown registered the biggest win in the female category with a 4-0 drubbing of Uitvlught. Tynesha Thorne (10th), Donna Lowe (19th), Annera Alim (24th) and Akilah Koster (39th) each scored once.

The tournament, which is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health and Demerara Distillers Limited through its Pepsi Brand, will continue next weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground. (ssookram@guyanachronicle.com)

National karate championships set for today Diamond goal scorers from right: Shakeem Welcome, Shaquan Braithwaite, Ronaldo Adams and Josel Ross.

were hoping to avenge their 1-0 loss in that league but were not able to do so as Swan, in their second competition with the association, romped to a convincing 3-0 win.

Merphus Andrews led the way with a double, scoring in the 25th and 40th minute; Merwin Lonke had earlier opened proceedings in the 5th minute.

Hararuni Eagles looked a good unit competing in their first competitive match in the EBFA; the team included six females in the side, the most for any team in the association. An Omar Joseph-goal in

the 15th minute for Timehri was the lone strike of the match.

The matches are being officiated by new EBFA officials who were part of a recently conducted GFF Referees Programme which was the first in a proposed series of similar initiatives through the nation aimed at increasing the referees pool.

The new officials were supervised by National Female Referee, Diane Angoy who is also a product of the East Bank. Matches will continue today at the same venue form 10:00hrs.

THE Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) will be holding its National Junior Karate Championships today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The event was fully funded by the government under the late executive president, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

This karate championship showcases karate youths with seventy (70) competitors vying for top places.

20 - MALE & FEMALE 6 YEARS TO 8 YEARS OLD (4 EVENTS) 19 - MALE & FEMALE 9 YEARS TO 11 YEARS OLD (5 EVENTS) 16 - MALE & FEMALE 12 YEARS TO 14 YEARS OLD (5 EVENTS) 15 - MALE & FEMALE 15 YEARS TO 17 YEARS OLD (5 EVENTS) Seventy (70) youthful competitors in nineteen (19) events (Kata & Kumite) will be working hard for a first, second and third place awards.

Come and be a part of this event and support our youths. Elimination starts at 9.00hrs. Finals and opening starts at 13.00hrs.

Hand-in-Hand supports Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors boxing Championship 25 PAGE

10 countries expected to participate

Director of Hand-in-Hand Insurance and Manager of Fire, Howard Cox (second from right) makes a presentation to GBA president Steve Ninvalle.

Also in photo (L-R) Savita Singh, Business Development Officer and Zaida Joaquin, Human Resource Manager.

‘Forty’ McKay strikes gold at 8th annual Malta Supreme Cycling Programme PAGE

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Croatia end Russia's World Cup dream on penalties

PAGE

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Croatia's Ivan Rakitic celebrates with Danijel ...(Reuters photo)

Sweden’s manager tips 24 England to win World Cup PAGE

Warren ‘Forty’ McKay rode a brilliant race to cop the Eighth Annual Malta Supreme 11-Race Cycling Programme. (Adrian Narine photo)

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SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2018