Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-10-2018

TUESDAY 10th July, 2018

No.105331

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President David Granger and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes at the opening of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Roadshow being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Harmon makes case for PNCR chair …says “it’s not about Joe but the quality of leadership needed

By Vanessa Braithwaite MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon believes that he is the best candidate running for chairmanship of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and has called on Lindeners to rally around him.

Harmon will challenge his other two colleagues, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and incumbent chairman, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams for the post. Harmon hosted a PNCR members meeting which was held at the New Silvercity Secondary School on Sunday afternoon in Linden. About 500 residents and officials were present at the meeting; while all were not PNCR members, Harmon took the opportunity to tell them about his reason for contesting the post.

Supporting his campaign strongly was Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Minsiter within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson and Mem-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing the audience

ber of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, who organised the meeting.

While not making public where her support lies, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valarie Patterson-Yearwood was also present along with other Region 10 PNCR officials such as Chairman Deron Adams.

Harmon in his speech reiterated that the PNCR is the most organised, systematic

and democratic party, which is followed by a constitution and in the constitution lies the need for a biannual democratic renewal. He said this was the vision of the founder of the party Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and that vision continues to be recognised by present leader President David Granger.

Harmon urged Lindeners to become members of the party since it allows them to have a say in who their leaders are. Lindeners, he said, would have stood by the party even in trying times and therefore Linden is known as the bedrock of the PNCR. The PNCR members in the audience began to chant:

“Harmon for Chairman,” even drowning Harmon’s voice at some points.

Harmon then spoke of how he would have served as campaign manager for the APNU in both the 2011 and 2015 elections. He would have taken the time to unify the regional party front, which at that time was divided. He believes that the APNU, in which the PNCR is the major party, would have won in 2011. “I believe we won that elections, I believe we get robbed,” he said. The very same qualities he would have portrayed during that time will be used in an even stronger force, if he is elected Chairman, he reasoned.

“I am offering myself to be the Chairman of the party, is not just about Joe Harmon, but it is about the quality of leadership that I believe we

have to get going forward,” he posited.

Harmon said that he will work along with and promote the visions of his leader President David Granger whom he believes is the best leader in Guyana. The vision he said, addresses the conditions of our women, youths and unification of our people.

“When elected I will work with whatever you the people decide will be on the central executive of the party, whomever you decide, I am prepared to work with, but more importantly, I am prepared to work with and promote the vision of our leader Brigadier Arthur Granger.” The Minister of State said that his running for Chairmanship came after being urged and motivated by various persons who would have commended him for his leadership skills and he would have therefore accepted. He believes he has

a strong chance of winning.

Also urging Lindeners to vote for Harmon was Minister Ferguson who reminded Linden of their importance to the party, while remaining confident that the residents will continue to not only throw their support at the upcoming congress but at the 2020 elections. Minister Broomes said that she is confident that Harmon is the best candidate for the position and is therefore supporting him. “I am here for party chairman business and I am going with the best candidate and the best candidate is Joseph Harmon…so make sure you get on board on the Harmon’s train today.”

Prior to Minister Harmon’s meeting, both Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister Basil Williams would have held meetings in Linden over the last two week in their campaigning for chairman ship.

A section of the audience at the PNCR members meeting held on Sunday in Linden

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Towards a digital state …President says Guyana on cusp of ICT transformation

By Lisa Hamilton PRESIDENT David Granger says that despite Guyana’s unique geographical challenges, government will not relinquish efforts to ensuring that every community receives equal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opportunities.

His comments were made at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean ICT Roadshow which kicked off for the first time in Guyana, on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The roadshow is being hosted from July 9-14 under the theme ‘Harnessing the Power of Innovation: the Engine for ICT-enabled Development’ and comes about through collaboration between the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Public Telecommunications Ministry.

In his address, President Granger said that Guyana, the largest Caribbean state with the second lowest population density, faces many geographical challenges when it comes to ICT. However, he told the gathering that every community, regardless of its location, can become connected and receive equal access to information and public services.

“Guyana, suffering from inequality along the lines of geography and infrastructural development, has peculiar challenges for ICT development. Many hinterland communities are isolated [due] to lack of adequate infrastructure. Residents of these communities have to travel long distances to access public services,” he said,

President David Granger addresses the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday (Samuel Maughn photo)

adding: “ICT development, therefore, must be responsive to the spatial dimension of geographical development.

Every village must have a centre where public services such as citizenship, public education, public health, public security and postal services can be accessed. ICT must bring these services to the people in the islands, in the hinterland and riverine and lower communities.”

The President continued by stating that many communities have become “silent zones”, cut off from communication with the rest of the country, but the establishment of the Regional Public Broadcasting Service (RPBS) is assisting in this regard.

He noted, too, that since taking up office, the Government has implemented over 100 ICT hubs in the coastland and hinterland regions, while providing remote access learning to over 175 primary

schools and over 105 secondary and tertiary education institutions. In addition, to increase its competitiveness in ICT, the education system is being reconfigured to place greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education. As such, he congratulated the CTU and the Ministry of Public Telecommunication for hosting the ICT Roadshow which he says will help to set the region firmly on the digital highway towards increased connectivity for the region.

The President said Guyana, like other Caribbean States, is moving towards becoming a digital state, which will reduce the need for citizens to travel outside of their regions to examine their academic and medical records, to acquire passports, access legal services, record births and deaths, to receive social security benefits, regis-

A sign language interpreter delivers the messages being spoken to the hearing impaired presently attending the Caribbean ICT Roadshow (Samuel Maughn photo)

ter businesses, renew drivers’ licences, submit income-tax returns and to embark on trade and investment enterprises.

“The digital state will revolutionise the delivery of education, including distance education, by introducing technology-based teaching into the public education system thereby improving educational attainment…

The digital state will trigger economic transformation. It will spawn knowledge-based industries while diversifying the economy away from primary production, moving manufacturing up the value chain and building greater economic resilience. It is about applying ICT to add value to primary production and to ensure greater access to external and internal markets,” President Granger said.

THINK OUT THE BOX Meanwhile, Public Telecommunication Minister Cathy Hughes challenged the attendees to think “out of the box” by putting aside traditional ways and transforming Guyana through ICT. She reminded that the Ministry is in the process of developing a policy framework for the full utilisation of ICTs in Guyana, which will facilitate sustained economic growth, transparency and equality to name a few.

However, to achieve this, she called on all stakeholders, including the public and private sector, civil society and academia, to play a role in awareness, knowledge sharing and discussions.

She also recognised the large turnout of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and noted that they, too, stand to

benefit significantly from the event. “I hope to see a private sector that begins to embrace, more, the use of technological systems. A public and private sector that thinks outside the box and strategically allocates a few of your jobs to persons that are visually or hearing impaired; that looks to hire our young Guyanese ICT entrepreneurs who are immensely talented and qualified…all of this must be the measure of our worth, of your worth and success as a company or an agency,” Hughes said.

During the ceremony, CTU Secretary General Bernadette Lewis stressed the need for all sectors to be involved in the evolution of technology which she said, if neglected, could result in their eventual irrelevance.

“Citizens who do not embrace the technology will find it increasingly difficult to participate in everyday activities in their countries.

Businesses that do not respond appropriately to the changing times, they become irrelevant and fade into oblivion. Governments that do not respond appropriately, they don’t go out of business, but instead, their ability to serve their citizens effectively diminishes over time, as they slowly morph into a state of gridlock,” Lewis cautioned.

At the same time, she reminded that even as this technological evolution takes place, persons ought to simultaneously safeguard themselves from becoming disconnected and losing their ability to communicate face to face.

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator, Lystra Fletcher-Paul, addressed the gathering on the importance of ICT in agriculture to not

only foster economic development but youth involvement.

“The lack of succession planning and an ageing population involved in the agriculture sector is a major issue which has to be addressed to ensure food and nutrition security in the future of the Caribbean. The use of ICT in agriculture provides an opportunity for engagement with youth in the sector…e-agriculture opens a whole new world for the use of innovative technologies to revitalise the sector and attract young people,” she said.

Several other Ministers of Government attended the opening ceremony including: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock ;Minister of Finance Winston Jordon and Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder.

Also present were Junior Minister of Finance Jaipaul Sharma; Junior Minister of Public Health Karen Cummings; Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes and Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson.

The week’s event will feature over 20 presenters from the CTU and other key organisations who will speak on the topics of e-agriculture, 21st Century Government, ICT for PWDs, digital financial services, cyber security and future casting.

Guyana is the first Caribbean country to host the updated version of the roadshow which previously visited 18 other Caribbean countries, raising awareness on the effectiveness of ICT to citizens and other stakeholders.

President David Granger (fourth left) and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (first from left) stand along with Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Secretary General Bernadette Lewis (fourth right); Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator, Lystra Fletcher-Paul (third right) and several government ministers and international representatives of the region. (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Liza Phase 2 to pose only ‘minor risks’ to environment - EIA With consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) ongoing, it has been concluded that the adoption of embedded controls, mitigation measures and management plans and the requirement for emergency response preparedness, the Liza Phase 2 development “is expected to pose only minor risks to the environmental and socio-economic resources of Guyana, while potentially offering significant economic benefits to the residents of Guyana.”

This was disclosed Monday at a public meeting on the EIA for the EEPGL’s Liza Phase 2 Project, held at the Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. An assessment of the cumulative impact assessment shows that the project’s contribution to cumulative impacts will be limited by its distance offshore, the distance between separate EEPGL activities and the small number of non-EEPGL projects or activities, either operating or currently planned to be operating off-

shore Guyana.

Other EEPGL development and exploration projects, the replacement of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana’s Mariculture project and external drivers, including natural hazards/ climate change and commercial fishing, were all considered in the assessment.

The proposed Liza Phase 2 development project is located approximately 183km offshore with up to 33 subsea development wells being dug. Oil transported by pipes from the said wells to a large ship-- a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO).

The FPSO will process, store and offload oil to oil tankers and those tankers will transport the oil to markets. Onshore facilities will be providing logistical support. The project will see approximately 600 workers at peak during each drilling and installation stages; about 140 offshore workers during production operations; and about 150 onshore workers providing shore-based and marine logistics support.

In examining the potential impacts, the consultants noted that there are negli-

Henson: Rod Henson, EEPGL’s Country Manager (Adrian Narine)

gible impacts on physical resources (air quality, marine geology and sediments, marine water quality), there would be no impact on coastal biological resources, minor impacts on some marine biological resources (special status fish and bird species), moderate impacts on marine mammals, minor impacts on some socio-economic resources and largely positive impacts on socio-economic conditions and employment.

On the question of unplanned events such as oil spills, Todd Hall of Environment Resources Management

Dr Janet Bulkan asks a question during Monday’s public meeting on the EIA for EEPGL’s Liza Phase 2 Project. (Adrian Narine photo)

(ERM), a consultant who worked on the EIA, said large oil spills are considered unlikely because of the extensive preventive measures employed by EEPGL. He explained that because of the well design, which includes the use of well control equipment, the use of FPSO with double hull protection, the use of support tugs to aid conventional tankers in maintaining station during approach, offloading and departure, along with the use of a class certified floating double carcass hose system with emergency disconnect controls, drilling fluids to control pressures within the well (s), load monitoring and leak detection

systems during the FPSO offloading and the training of personnel coupled with proficiency drills will ensure readiness for spill response and well control.

He estimates through studies that the only potential for coastal impacts associated with an unmitigated Tier 111 loss of well control, which he said is very rare, is during the ‘winter period’.

Some 5 to 7 per-cent probability of an unmitigated oil spill reaching Guyana’s coast, Todd added while noting via the report that the fastest time oil could reach Guyana’s coast would be 5-10 days.

During ‘summer time’, he noted that an unmitigated spill would not reach shore; it is expected to remain 100km off Guyana’s coast.

A member of the audience, Fitzgerald Yaw, asked whether any provision has been made for EEPGL to set aside a fund that can be regularly drawn down so that if there is an oil spill, funding will not be an issue.

Rod Henson, EEPGL’s Country Manager, noted that no fund has been established for such a purpose but noted that measures are in place to ensure that in the event there is an oil spill, action is taken readily. He reminded that there are laws and regulations which speak to such eventualities. It is expected

that should there be an oil spill, response would begin within hours. “We would be responding in a matter of hours, in an instant like that,” he told attendees of the public forum.

Dr Janet Bulkan, who participated in Monday’s public forum, questioned whether after the expected 20 year lifespan of the Liza Phase 2 project, the responsibility of mobilisation and clean-up activities, if any untoward incident such as an oil spill were to happen, would be transferred to the state.

Henson, in response, sought to assure that his company places special emphasis on prevention and noted that at the end of the life of the field, the field would be properly decommissioned and wells abandoned. “Might we be liable as a country if Caribbean countries then sue us for potentially messing up their waters?” asked Bulkan. In response, the EEPGL Country Manager made it clear that if his company is found liable in any such circumstance, it would have to pay.

“At the end of the day, we would enact procedures we already have in place for spill management,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Khemraj Parsram, noted that trans-boundary liability, “Discussions are being held with regard to agreements and partnerships with countries like Trinidad…those discussions are ongoing and we are not ready to present the results of that.”

Several questions were asked in light of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad and Tobago, and according to Henson, Guyana is prepared to deal with any such eventuality.

Consultations on the EIA report submitted for EEPGL’s Liza Phase 2 Development Project will also be conducted in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Troy Resources gold production at 19,510 ozs for June TROY Resources Limited on Monday disclosed that its Karouni operation here, has achieved gold production of 19,510 ounces for the June 2018 quarter.

“The June quarter production is well in excess of

budget and was only slightly lower (10 per cent) than the record gold production of 21,703 ounces set in the March 2018 quarter, despite the June quarter being the wettest period of the year which makes operations more difficult. This also compares with 15,411 ounces produced in the June quarter 2017,” a statement from the company said.

Gold production for the full 2017/18 financial year

stood at 70,207 ounces representing record annual gold production for the Karouni operation.

“Despite an early start to what is the wettest period of the year, the operational team has put together an excellent quarter which is again well in excess of budget. This strong performance has also enabled the company to exceed the annual production guidance provided by the company,”

Ken Nilsson, Managing Director stated.

Annual gold production has also exceeded the forecast production range of 60,000 to 70,000 ounces as advised by the market earlier in the year and subsequently upgraded to 65,000 to 70,000 ounces following the March 2018 quarter, the statement said. The company will release its June 2018 Quarterly Report to the market in late July 2018.

Troy Resources Limited, according to its website, holds two main project areas in Guyana, both of which were obtained through the acquisition of Azimuth Resources completed in July 2013. The main focus of exploration to date has been the Karouni Block where Azimuth has outlined Inferred Resources of 1.6Moz at the Smarts Deposit and Hicks Deposits.

Fish consumption in Caribbean projected to increase 33% by 2030 The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is forecasting an important boost to Latin America and the Caribbean’s currently low fish consumption, a new report published today has indicated.

According to The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 (SOFIA), the region will see a considerable increase in total fish consumption: 33 per cent.

This is particularly important for the region, since it is currently a solid net fish exporter and producer of aquaculture, but has the lowest global per capita consumption: only 9.8 kilos per year. In 2015, the region only consumed 6.2 million tonnes of fish, lower than all other regions, except Oceania.

SOFIA forecasts that by 2030, the region will see a 24.2 per cent growth in fish production (fisheries and aquaculture) from 12.9 million tonnes to 16 million tonnes. While currently only four per cent of the global population engaged in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors live in Latin America and the Caribbean, in the Brazilian Amazon, for example, households obtain 30 per cent of household income from fishing. By 2030, aquaculture production is projected to continue to expand on all continents, with major increases expected in particular in Latin America, where it will grow by 49 per cent, from over 2.7 million tonnes to over four million tonnes.

In the region, 3.8 million people work in aquaculture, which is two per cent of the global total. Employment in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors is growing moderately, while aquaculture production has seen rather high sustained growth. Latin America and the Caribbean remains a solid net fish exporter. Latin American exports, comprising primarily shrimp, tuna, salmon and fishmeal from Ecuador, Chile and Peru, were boosted in 2016 and again in 2017 by higher production and an upturn in tuna prices. By 2030, projected fish exports from the region will increase by 29 per cent, from 3,9 million tonnes in 2016 up to 5,1 million tonnes. Imports will see an even bigger increase: 53 per cent, from 2.3 million tonnes in 2016 to 3.5 million tonnes in 2030. World total marine catch was 79.3 million tonnes in 2016, representing a decrease of almost two million tonnes from the 81.2 million tonnes in 2015. Freshwater ecosystems are important sources of food fish and have accounted for about 40 per cent of all fish destined for human consumption in recent years. In at least 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, 20 per cent or more of the people working in capture fisheries work in inland fisheries, although inland fisheries constitute only three per cent of catches in the region. (CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

The elimination of poverty IN 2015, the nations of the world, under the auspices of the United Nations pledged themselves to achieve 17 goals for Sustainable Development which would transform the world by 2030.

These 17 goals have now become part of the developmental policies and aspirations of all modern and progressive nations as well as most of the less developed.

The first of these Sustainable Goals is the elimination of poverty. This recognition of the scourge of poverty and the desire to eliminate it has been part of mankind’s heritage for thousands of years.

All ancient religious faiths uncompromisingly taught that the poor must be taken care of either by charity or by compassion, whereby one fully empathises with the lot of the poor and feels the pain of poverty and as such is willing to give one’s all. Today, efforts by the State and secular organisations to eliminate poverty are not regarded as charity but as justice.

Today, the entire corpus of human knowledge is being brought to bear on this goal

of the elimination of poverty, and a detailed analysis of the social, political and economic action which could be taken in achieving this transformation is constantly being worked out, and most world leaders and economists are confident that extreme poverty worldwide could be ended by 2030.

In this quest, the main causes of poverty have been identified and these include unemployment, social exclusion, a high vulnerability of certain populations to natural disasters and diseases, as well as other phenomena which prevent people from being productive. Having identified the causes of poverty, action could be systematically taken to engage or confront these causes and eventually minimise or eliminate them. The action of religious people, however, to deal with poverty by charity and compassion should never be discounted, since for thousands of years they have supplied first-aid to the poor and those in poverty by offering food, medical help, shelter and protection against harassment by stronger members of society and

still do so today.

Very often, large segments of society tend to feel that since they are socially and economically comfortable, the plight of the poor does not impinge on them and that they should not be bothered with other people’s economic woes.

Such an attitude is short-sighted and dangerous.

The first reason why such an attitude is short-sighted is that it fails to take into account that the wellbeing of all humans is linked. This idea is part of the core teaching of religion and is succinctly described by the 16th century English metaphysical poet, John Donne, who warned that when one hears the church bells tolling at a funeral, one should not ask “For whom the bells toll since it tolls for thee since no man is an island”.

Donne underlines that all men are connected to each other.

The very practical economic and political reason why all should be concerned about the elimination of poverty is that growing inequality is detrimental to economic growth and undermines social cohesion. This increases

social and political tensions which inevitably results in instability and conflicts, such as crime and violence in political and other spheres.

The practical action which must be taken to address poverty rests on the tripod of Government, the Private Sector and the Education and Scientific community: Government could provide the environment where productive employment could be generated and jobs are provided for the poor and marginalised. This would include the formulation of fiscal policies which could stimulate pro-poor growth and reduce poverty. The Private Sector is often called “the engine of growth” and if this idea is fully assimilated by governmental authorities and the public, timely support and help would be accorded the Private Sector so that it could contribute to poverty reduction. Economic opportunities could be promoted for the poor by focusing on those segments of the economy where the poor are most active, such as micro and small enterprises and those operating in the informal sector. Some of these

are already in place by this government, and initiatives like the small business financing and economic livelihood programmes in the hinterland have been expanded and given fresh impetus.

The Education and Scientific community could increase the awareness of the negative impacts of poverty on life and society. Such awareness would provide a platform on which successful social, economic and political action could operate. Scientific action could lead to the provision of safe drinking water for poorer communities and the elimination of water-borne diseases. It could also reduce the health risks by promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation.

So far we have been dealing with poverty elimination as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The action which has been prescribed, as expected, would be mainly the responsibility of the State but ordinary folk have also taken traditional action in dealing with their poverty. In Guyana, after Emancipation and during In-

dentureship, Guyanese folk had evolved their own ways of addressing poverty and these half-forgotten ways are worthy of resuscitation. For example, such would include the sensible and economic way they dealt with a necessity such as food. People concentrated on consuming good nutritious locally produced food which was not expensive.

Kitchen gardens were common and almost every family reared chickens and ducks which provided them with their fried or curried chicken and eggs. People did not buy junk food which is both unhealthy and expensive and they avoided imported, canned or boxed food since they always used the far less expensive local equivalents. For example, they would use the far less expensive corn flour porridge or conkey or cornon-the-cob instead of corn flakes. And the same pattern was employed in the use of clothes, home health care, the celebrations of rites of passage and so on.

These folk ways of dealing with poverty could well supplement the macro programmes of the Sustainable Development Goal of poverty elimination.

GECOM is not responsible GAWU says court action for creation of new NDCs for severance justified Dear Editor,

THE GUYANA Elections Commission (GECOM) has noted in some sections of the media that there are accusations that the Commission has demonstrated a “lack of concern at the creation of new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.”

That creative function does not fall within the remit of GECOM. That call falls within the mandate of the Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald Bulkan, and the statutory duty so to do is his and his alone.

Chapter 28:03, Section 38a of the Local Authorities Act states that “each Local Authority area shall be divided into constituencies for the purpose of electing members of the Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.”

In accordance with the Local Authorities Act, the Minister shall by order; identify the Local Authority area where the election shall be held and state for each Local Authority Area: i. the number of members for each local authority is provided and that such number is an even number; ii. the number of members to be elected by the proportional representation component shall be 50 per cent of the number so named;

iii. The number of members to be elected by the constituency component shall be 50 per cent of the number so named.

The role of GECOM is clear as prescribed

by Section 38a (5) of the Act. It states that “the Elections Commission may by order combine or subdivide one or more electoral divisions to form a constituency (a group of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body) for the purpose of electing members of that Local Authority.”

It is against this backdrop that GECOM would like to caution that it is not responsible for the creation of new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and its mandate is primarily the conduct of elections once it has been announced and the date has been set.

The Local Authorities Act is clear in the distinction of the role of the Minister and the role of GECOM. Identification of Local Authorities falls within the ambit of the Minister and GECOM determines the constituencies and conducts the elections.

Regards, Yolanda Ward Public Relations Officer Guyana Elections Commission

Dear Editor, SEVERAL sections of the media reported that Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced about the outstanding redundancy pay to the thousands of workers made jobless by the callous, heartless, decisions to close several sugar estates in recent times.

Minister Harmon is reported to have said that the Government already has identified the source of funding to meet the illegally withheld payments to the beleaguered workers. We expect soon that the Government will advise the workers when their payments would be available.

The State Minister, according to the press, was also seemingly critical of our moves to the Courts on the matter. But it seems that hadn’t we pursued such a course the Government wouldn’t have woken up from its seeming deep slumber, and finally decided to address the matter. Again it confirms that our decision to go to the Courts was the right decision.

While pleased to hear about this latest development, we indeed hope that

the Government’s support does not end there. With the GuySuCo Alternative Livelihood Programme and Sustainable Communities Programme from all indications suffering a still birth, there is a strong need for a realistic programme to support the workers and their families at what is possibly the hardest and toughest time in their lives. It is dismaying for us that onto this day, the Government has not seen it necessary to visit the hard pressed communities. It seems to us that the Government wants to wash its hands after the outstanding payments are made.

We sincerely hope this is not the case but the indications do not give us much hope.

The suffering workers can be assured of the GAWU’s commitment to press the Government to give focused attention to address, and ensure relief to the plight of the affected workers and their dependents.

Regards, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

It requires selfless commitment by everyone to establish a democratic system of governance Dear Editor, I NOTE an interesting Editorial in another newspaper captioned, OUR DEMOCRACY NOT WORKING THE WAY IT SHOULD, (KN, July 9), and wish to share a few thoughts on the subject.

Despite our knowledge that democratic governance is the most desirable form of governance to be invented, and practiced by humans to date, historical evidence supports the thesis that real, grassroots, bottom-up democracies are difficult to establish and maintain. I believe this to be true, and I believe that there may be a single major reason: the concept of democratic governance clashes directly with human tendencies and instincts; it is inconsistent with basic human nature.

Therefore, to establish and sustain such a system, citizens must commit to actions which are inherently difficult.

The basic, major tenets of the republican democratic governance include empowerment of the people to choose their representatives, maximal empowerment of all representatives at every tier of government, periodic and regular change of the people’s representatives, respect for the rule of law, and reverence for checks and balances such as a free press and opposing political forces. Those basic requirements, clearly, stand in diametrical opposition to human nature. Guyanese are well aware of the lengths to which persons will go to hold on to political power, even at the expense of democratic governance. Guyanese know too, that some politicians more often than not, clash with a free press.

Frederick Douglass famously wrote that, ‘Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.’ Editor, tru-

er words have never been written. It takes hard work to build a democratic state from a non-democratic one.

It requires real and selfless commitment by everyone, to establish a democratic system of governance, and continuous effort to maintain it.

Editor, democracy is a fragile thing; what takes years to build can be lost in a moment if a person with dictatorial ambitions gets his hand on the levers of power. An obvious example of this phenomenon exists right now.

Editor, from where I sit, it appears that President Granger, fortunately, has perceived the need for the establishment and entrenchment of democracy in Guyana; his actions–aimed at decentralising the government, and devolving power to regional representatives – are a new, welcome, and refreshing approach. In the context of Frederick Douglass’ observation, it appears that His Excellency has astutely perceived the demand for a decentralised democracy as a precondition for development. Guyanese may be uniquely fortunate, I believe.

I have little doubt that the President will succeed in his endeavour, as he appears determined to do it, and I have no doubt that he will face major obstacles and challenges. In any case, the administration can only do so much; the people, the press, non-governmental organisations, and other members of civil society have a major part to play in ensuring that current and future elected representatives continue along the democratic trajectory, that a new democratic culture is cultivated, and that we never lose the gains that we make.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Lawrence ready to show track record …says answers will be given within party structure MINISTER of Public Health and Vice Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNRC), Volda Lawrence has said that she will be prepared to answer any questions during meetings with members and even supporters of the party.

Lawrence made the comment in response to Attorney General, Basil Williams who called for contenders for the post of chairman of the party to show their track record.

Williams who is the current chairman of PNCR had said contenders for his post should lay bare their body of work on behalf of the party, even as he called for an internal debate by candidates before the membership.

“Once you are a member of the PNCR you will have the opportunity to have an encounter with me; within the structure the answers will be given,” said Lawrence in an invited comment.

During a recent interview

with reporters Williams said: “What I would want is for the members of [the] PNC to be afforded an opportunity to hear a debate from all of the candidates. People must come and tell the membership why they want people to vote for them.” He said his track record is well known and as such, anybody “who wants to challenge me must show their track record.”

“That is all I am saying,” he stated emphatically. Williams noted that the members of his party are intelligent people and as such would judge on the basis of track records.

The PNC chairman made it clear that his legal victories are well known and as such, there is no surprise when it comes to his service to Guyana. He pointed out his many pro bono undertakings as an attorney for the party. “I have always had victories; y’all know me. I am known you know. You know my work. I work two years without pay in the Walter Rodney Com-

mission of Inquiry (CoI), without pay in the Linden CoI, Globe Trust customers’ case; I worked for Benschop [treason accused Mark Benschop] for five years. As I keep saying, the PNC people, PNC members are very sensible people, they have proven that over the years,” said Williams, who is a Senior Counsel.

He reminded that neither his party nor its members are in the habit of discussing party affairs in the public domain, something he respects. Nevertheless, the PNC chairman posited that it was the existing executive of the party that was in place when the May 2015 general and regional elections were won by the APNU+AFC coalition. The chairman does not believe that there needs to be a change in the existing executive three years into the new government.

“This current executive took us into office and if he were good to take us into

government, why after three years when we are ready to look at the last two years, would you want to change the team. You don’t want to change your winning team.

You learn that in cricket and as the Americans would say ‘if it isn’t broken why fix it’.”

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Lawrence, are challenging Williams for the post of party chairman.

She said Williams’ comment had not been raised during the internal discourse of the party but when or if it does she said it will be discussed.

Lawrence will be competing against Williams, SC and Harmon when the PNCR Biennial Delegates’ Congress is held in August.

An accountant by profession, Lawrence acquired her Degree in Accounting from the University of Guyana and a Master’s Degree from Gloucester University, England. She is also a Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA Level II). In the party, she is a member of the Central Executive Committee

Vice Chairman of the PNCR, Volda Lawrence

(CEC), and heads the Human Services and Welfare Department of the PNCR. Prior to her post as Minister of Public Health, she was the Minister of Social Protection under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

Meanwhile, current Vice Chairman Dr. George Norton, who back in 2012 had challenged Williams for the Chairmanship on Monday said he has no interest in the position. On the sidelines of an EU-City Hall event at the

Pegasus Hotel, Norton told reporters that he is comfortable with his current post, and hopes to be re-elected to the position. In PNCR’s 2016 National Congress Dr. Norton, and Lawrence the sitting Health Minister were elected Vice-Chairpersons for the party. “I am quite happy where I am,” Dr. Norton told reporters. He said it was his decision to run for the post. “I think the persons who are doing so (contesting) are capable.”

Harmon, a party executive, announced his candidacy on May 21 via a press release and a short video. Lawrence declared her candidacy the last weekend in June. During Congress scheduled to be held from August 17 to 19, party groups will choose their top leaders from a list provided by the party’s secretariat. In the electoral process, persons are placed on the list after nomination and acceptance of such.

On the day of Congress, all party members in good financial standing will cast their vote for the candidate of their choice.

High Court trial for ‘Birdman’ THE preliminary inquiry against Sedley Liverpool called ‘Birdman’, who is charged for the murder of Terrence Lanferman, who was gunned down at his Mocha, East Bank Demerara home concluded on Monday before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Liverpool, a pork knocker was charged for killing 23-year- old Terrence Lanferman on June 01, 2015 at his Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara home. Liverpool will go on trial before a judge and jury at the High Court.

In 2017, Kenkassie Lynch, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, the cousin of Liverpool was committed to the High Court for the same

Sedley Liverpool called ‘Birdman’

offence.

According to reports the shooting was part of a feud between ‘Birdman’ and Lanferman but Lynch reportedly admitted that he alone carried out the shooting.

On the day in question, Lynch allegedly returned to

Mocha and met his cousin, Liverpool after which he visited Nelson Street, located in the same community, to conduct surveillance on Lanferman’s house, which is located in the bottom flat of a two-storey building.

Lynch then returned to Liverpool’s house, and at around 19.00 hours, the cousin allegedly gave him a handgun. The two headed back to Nelson Street on a CG motorcycle.

While Liverpool waited in a nearby street, Lynch allegedly went to Lanferman’s residence and knocked on the front door.

Lanferman opened his front door to greet his visitor, only to be confronted by the gunman.

Jury empanelled for ‘Roachie’ murder trial A TWELVE-member jury was on Monday empanelled to sit in on the murder trial of Delon Abrams called “Roachie” who stands indicted for the January 6, 2014 death of former cop Seburn Elias in the county

of Demerara.

The trial will commence on Wednesday before Justice Sandil Kissoon in which the state is expected to present 25 witnesses.

Upon the presentation of the indictment the accused

Delon Abrams pleaded not guilty and was represented by defence attorney Lyndon Amsterdam who was holding for Maxwell McKay. The state is being represented by Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Cabinet to decide on new ganja policy PRESIDENT David Granger has said that Cabinet is yet to make a final pronouncement on the guidelines surrounding the possible legal use of marijuana in Guyana in the future, but says too, that this usage might only apply to “personal use”.

Coming out of the opening ceremony of a regional Information Communications Technology (ICT) Roadshow being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the President spoke on the matter, saying: “I don’t want to get ahead of my Cabinet. The matter has not been settled

by Cabinet but the feeling is

that we should not put people in jail for the possession of cannabis for personal use. That is not yet policy. “[The] minister of state, in due course, will announce what Cabinet’s policy is, but the idea is not to encourage the use of marijuana but to prevent the sentencing of persons for being in possession of marijuana for personal use.

Not trafficking, not cultivation, marijuana for personal use,” he said.

These considerations have emerged following recommendations from the Report of the Regional Commission on Marijuana for the decriminalisation of marijuana across the 15 Ca-

President David Granger speaks on the marijuana topic (Samuel Maughn photo)

ribbean Community (CARICOM) member states.

This took place during the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, hosted at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica from July 4-6.

Since then, the President had told this newspaper: “We are moving towards the removal of custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana... [but] we are not moving towards encouraging the industrialisation of marijuana production.”

Giving justification for this decision, the President had said that, at this point in time, Guyana’s vast landscape would present challenges when it comes

to the control of marijuana cultivation.

Nonetheless, the Rastafarian community has since expressed its elation for such a call from CARICOM, and now urges the government to move briskly ahead to debate the matter in the National Assembly.

Executive member of the Guyana Rastafarian Council, Ras Leon Saul, had also indicated that community’s readiness to abide by the “protocols, bylaws [and] regulations” that must be put in place.

Guyana’s current laws can see persons in possession of over five grammes of cannabis sentenced to

three years in jail, which over the years, have contributed to overcrowding in the prisons and some public dissent.

Meanwhile, speaking at the CARICOM meeting, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness had reminded that the eventual pronouncement on the matter is up to each CARICOM member state to decide individually.

“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,” he said.

Guard allegedly points gun at Broomes …police release suspect on self-bail TWO security guards have been released on self-bail after one of them allegedly pointed a shotgun at Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes while she and her driver were parked at Massey Parking Lot Providence, East Bank Demerara Sunday evening.

Police said the minister was aggressive to the guard.

The Massey building houses a supermarket and the New Thriving restaurant. Reports indicate that the minister was also threatened by the 53-year-old security guard who was armed with a shotgun.

Security sources revealed that Minister Broomes alleges that she and her driver went to New Thriving to purchase food when the driver parked the vehicle and the two security guards went up to them and became abusive.

Broomes at this point identified herself to them but they continued and that is when the guard cocked his shotgun and pointed it at her.

Police were summoned and the two security guards were arrested and the shotgun seized and placed in custody. Police are investigating the confrontation as CCTV footage at Massey Parking is

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

The armed security guard identified as Robert Goodluck during the confrontation on Sunday night

to be reviewed. The security guards were later released on their own recognisance and police confirmed that initial enquiries revealed that both parties seemed to have been very aggressive.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Guyana Chron-

icle Minister Broomes related that on Sunday at around 20:00h she was in the company of her driver and another staff, when they attempted to park in Massey’s compound.

They were there to utilise the services of a restaurant in the same area, when they were

approached by two guards, one of whom had a gun.

According to the minister, the men were very abusive, and though she introduced herself as a minister of government, the armed guard not only continued to use expletives but cocked his gun in her presence. She called the police, and they turned up some time after. “At this time the matter is with the police. I was going to visit a restaurant, it’s a parking area, so there was nothing that I was doing that was of any threat. I would want to wait for the police…I want to wait on the completion of the police investigation. It is really really unfortunate and regrettable, and in this case, I am not seeing this matter as a Minister of Government or a person of the State, I am

saying that as a citizen of Guyana, somebody come for parking, going into a restaurant, I don’t know who the persons were, I was not going to a supermarket, it was after 8pm.”

Broomes said she had visited the restaurant before and used the said parking lot. “So it is not the first time that is why I was surprised. I got into the restaurant and I asked the staff if that was a new system, and they themselves don’t know who were the persons because the men were not connected to the restaurant,” Broomes related.

She said one of the staff of the restaurant also apologised to her.

“I was not abusive…

Since I took office I really continue to humble myself to serve the people of this country. I have seen how because of the Government our posture is different.” “I want to say to the Guyanese public that I was no threat

or anything at all, it is just regrettable. I am really saddened and taken aback by it.

It was uncalled for.”

Asked about the police statement which said that both parties were aggressive, Broomes said the Guyana Police Force did not solicit a comment from her on what really happened. She said based on reliable information received the Divisional Commander does not know who issued orders for the two guards to be released. She said too that she was reliably informed that when the gun, which was cocked in her presence, was checked at the police station it had a bullet in the breach. “I believe that I am being targeted,” she said while noting that prior to last night’s incident she received death threats in recent times. “I feel disrespected as a woman, as a citizen of Guyana, and I feel targeted,” she added.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Several testify in Patricia Senassie murder trial AS the 2015 murder trial of Patricia Senassie began in the Georgetown High Court on Monday before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a 12-member jury, several witnesses testified.

According to the state, it is alleged that on January 12, 2015 at Atlantic Gardens, Patricia Senassie was murdered by the accused Richard Stanton.

As the indictment was presented on Monday the accused pleaded not guilty and his interest is being represented by defence attorney Mark Waldron.

In presenting the state’s case, Tiffini Lyken told the court that at about 06:45hrs on January 12, 2015 tragedy

struck Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara, in front of the home of the victim, Patricia Senassie.

As she exited her car to open her gate with her daughter inside the said vehicle, a car came up and Senassie was shot five times by the accused who walked to her then back to the car he came in which sped off.

The mortally injured woman was taken to GPHC where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

State prosecutor, Tiffini Lyken told the court that on January 14, 2015 Dr. Nehaul Singh performed a post mortem and gave the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.

She related that the police conducted an investigation and the accused was charged for the offence.

The state called its first witness, Detective Corporal Kester Cosbert to take the stand.

He testified that in 2015 he was stationed at CID HQ and on April 24, 2015 at about 17:45 hrs acting on information received he went to Dynasty Nightclub where he contacted the accused Richard Stanton.

Cosbert added that he told the accused that he was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Patricia Senassie and he remained silent.

The cop stated that he

however, arrested the accused and took him to Golden Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara where he was placed in custody.

Cosbert told the court that on April 25, 2015 at about 08:30hrs he and a party of cops uplifted the accused from Golden Grove lockups and escorted him to CID HQ. The police witness however, identified the accused who was seated in the box.

Under cross examination, defence attorney Mark Waldron asked the police witness in 2015 which unit he was attached to and he said Major Crimes Investigations Unit (MCIU) and his superior officer was Assistant Superintendent Mitchell Caesar.

Cosbert agreed to defence attorney that he made

the arrest more than three months after the incident and was not in possession of a crime file but acted in response to direct instructions to make the arrest.

The cop admitted that when he arrested the accused nothing was found on his person.

The second witness, Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo said he is presently stationed at Brickdam Police Station CID and during April 2015 he was attached to MCIU. Sarrabo told the court on April 25, 2015 he was present and witnessed the identification parade at CID HQ in which daughter of the deceased Romona Senassie pointed out the accused as the man who shot and killed her mother on the night in

question.

The accused was among eight men of similar description and were holding numbers from one to eight.

Sarrabo added that he then cautioned the accused after the sole witness pointed him out in the identification parade line-up and he replied: “I is not a murder man.”

The police witness said the accused was not under duress and after such the witness Romona Senassie appeared as though she was having problems breathing because three times she said she was feeling unwell and requested she get some “fresh air”.

The matter continues on Tuesday morning in Court 7.

Third person held in ‘Stabroek Market’ killing A THIRD suspect is a misunderstanding currently in police after Timothy reportcustody for the muredly assaulted Noel’s der of 22-year-old sister.

Richmond Noel, who It is alleged that was stabbed and on the day in question killed near Stabroek around 13:30 hrs in Market last month, the vicinity of Cornand is assisting with hill Street, Stabroek, investigations. This the two men had a was revealed on heated confrontation Monday. during which, TimTimothy McKenothy armed with a zie, 21 and his father, knife, approached the 55-year-old James victim and reportedly McKenzie, who were dealt him a single stab also charged for the to the left side of his murder of Noel made James McKenzie followed by his son Timothy chest. their second court Timothy, it is ed a third person in connecappearance. claimed, was given The McKenzies were tion to the murder and re- the knife to confront Noel. charged with killing Noel on quested a short adjournment The victim collapsed to June 4 at the Stabroek Market date. the ground and was taken The Chief Magistrate ad- to the Georgetown Pubarea.

When the matter was journed the matter until July lic Hospital Corporation recalled on Monday before 18.

(GPHC) in an unconscious According to police re- state where he was examChief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Police Prosecutor ports, Richmond and Tim- ined by a doctor. Noel died Neville Jeffers told the court othy were known to each while undergoing treatthat investigators had arrest- other. However they had ment for the wound.

Submission expected from Shariff’s lawyer Magistrate Fabayo Azore. report every other Monday tomorrow At the last hearing, Spe- to the Special Organised COME July 11, defence attorney for former Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff, and his reputed wife, Savatri Hardio, will give his submission to the court for his client who is on trial for failing to comply with a production order contrary to Section 26 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The submission will be made by attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin before City

cial Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor Patrice Henry had closed his case.

The couple was charged on January 23, 2017 after they failed to comply with the production order issued by then Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, after a summons was served by the High Court to produce certain named documents to Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James within seven days.

They pleaded not guilty.

The duo was ordered to

Crime Unit (SOCU). Omar Shariff was fired from the post of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency. The ministry said his services had been terminated with effect December 31, 2016.

Shariff, the subject of a probe into alleged financial crimes by SOCU, has denied such allegations but conceded that he has unsettled tax matters with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in relation to the sale of phone credit.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Teen killed during wedding house brawl FOUR days before his birthday, 15-year-old Ricardo Singh was killed on Sunday night at a wedding house on the Soesdyke East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road.

Singh of Lot 63, Block 1 Diamond, Housing Scheme, EBD had left his home around midday on Sunday.

Two persons are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

According to an eyewitness, he was at a nearby shop making a purchase when he noticed several persons fighting at the wedding house. He then saw a 27-year-old welder and a 32-year-old taxi driver, both of Soesdyke,being attacked by several unknown men who were armed with bottles and knives.

The eyewitness said a police patrol arrived after the scuffle and picked up two persons and placed them in the pick-up tray. Upon closer inspection, he saw a man lying on the roadway with stab

Dead: Ricardo Singh

wounds to his abdomen and later learnt that the person died when he was taken to Diamond Public Hospital.

One resident in the area said that there are cameras attached to the building where the wedding was held and it would be able to give police a clearer picture of what occurred on the night. “During the fight many of them held

onto the boy, dragged and stabbed him up after about 11:30 that night, they burst his throat and slashed his gut, and it was six of them that attacked him, when the police came they placed him in the vehicle tray until one in the morning and he bled to death,” the Soesdyke resident said.

In an interview with this publication, Elaine Singh said that her son who attends Diamond Secondary School left home at midday on Sunday and was out with a friend who lives in the same street. The mother of four explained that when she noticed a certain time in the night had passed and her son had not returned home she immediately began calling his cell phone.

Noting that she did not sleep all night, Mrs. Singh said that his phone kept ringing out all night and she later learned that his friend returned home without relating that her son was severely injured or had been killed. “One

Complication of burns caused mechanic’s death - autopsy A POST-mortem examination on the 35-yearold Lethem mechanic, who sustained third degree burns to his body while discharging fuel from a fuel tank along the Linden-Lethem trail two weeks ago, gave the cause of death as complications of burns.

Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh found that he received 60-65 percent burns to his body.

The 35-year-old mechanic, Shawhinshaw Ally, called “Imty” of Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, Rupununi around June 23 left the

Dead: Shawhinshaw Ally

coastland for the Rupununi.

It was while travelling the

fuel truck which he was operating careened on its side on the slushy roadway.

Reports are that Ally decided to discharge the fuel from the truck to another truck and while doing so using a generator to power the process, fuel spilled on him and he caught afire. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports from the GPHC suggest that the man sustained burns to most of his upper body.

He passed away Friday last at the GPHC.

East Ruimveldt man remanded on two charges MARLON Dominic was on Monday slapped with three charges when he appeared before a city magistrate.

The charges alleged that on July 6, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, Marlon Dominic discharged a loaded firearm towards Youhan Downsey with intent to disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.

It was also alleged that on the same day at West Ruimveldt, Dominic unlawfully

and maliciously wounded Samantha Riley It was further alleged that on the same day at West Ruimveldt, Dominic had in his possession a 1.9mm spent shell without being a licensed firearm holder at the time.

The 47-year-old man who resides at 261 East Ruimveldt denied all the charges that were read out to him in court by the magistrate.

The police prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offenses and the fact that the defendant was a flight risk.

Magistrate Judy Latchman granted the accused bail in the sum of $30,000 for the possession of ammunition charge and remanded him to prison on the two other charges. The matters were adjourned to July 30, 2018.

of his friends come home here minutes to eight and told me he heard Ricardo get jook up and he don’t know if he dead, and that was it,” she said in tears.

She continued: “Then the boy he went with to the wedding visited and said how they were going to get rob of his chain and some money and some fight start and he ran and left him behind and he didn’t know what happened.”

Further, the mother said

that her husband visited the Timehri Police Station and she advised him to let the police visit their son’s friend for him to give a report since he was at the scene of the altercation that led to her son’s demise.

“His story was inconsistent, and I had to ask him how can he pass me and head home knowing that my son is dead without telling me anything,” Elaine Singh said.

She explained that her son was not dressed for a wedding

since he was wearing a pair of three quarter pants and tee-shirt. “He didn’t dress for a wedding, he even had on a pair of slippers and he didn’t tell me he was going there,” she said with tears. “He and his friends who are older than him usually hang out together, but I don’t know what to say about this and how this really happened.”

The body of Ricardo Singh is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem examination.

12

Magistrate admonishes man not to steal ...50 months jail for larceny A FATHER of three was sentenced on Monday to 50 months imprisonment by Magistrate Judy Latchman after he pleaded guilty to a simple larceny charge.

The charge alleged that on July 06, 2018 at Brickdam, Georgetown, while being in the company of others Kevin Persaud robbed Ryan Dari of one cellphone valued $5,000, one silver chain valued $1,000 and $ 500 cash.

The 29-year-old construction worker pleaded guilty to the charge as it was read out to him in the court by the Magistrate.

According to facts that were given in court by the police prosecutor, the virtual complainant was on his way home seated in the front seat of a #42 minibus when he was approached by the accused and others. He was told not to move and as such he didn’t because he was fearful for his life. As a result the accused and his accomplices robbed him of his valuables and made their escape.

A report was made to the police and an investigation was carried out. The accused was arrested with one of the items in his possession and he was positively identified.

Before the sentence was handed down, Persaud told the court he did it because he was frustrated that he wasn’t getting any work and he had to feed his children. He explained that times were hard and no one knew what he had to go through. After listening to him Magistrate Latchman took into consideration that he had entered an early

Kevin Persaud

guilty plea and that he was also convicted of a similar offence two years ago for which he was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Also the sentence was to serve as a deterrent prohibiting others from doing as he had done.

After the sentence was handed down, she told him: “Thou shall not steal. People work hard for their things.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Victim found man sleeping in her bedroom with mother’s boots on TWO men appeared on Monday before a city magistrate on a simple larceny charge. One was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty and the other granted bail in the sum of $70,000.

The court heard that between July 06 and July 8, 2018 at Ketley Street, Charlestown, Paul Narine and Iswan Singh broke and entered into the dwelling house of Onika Stanford and stole two gas cylinders worth $20,000, one radio valued $ $6,000, one electric kettle valued$6,000, one fan valued $11,000 and one DVD player valued $12,000 all totaling $ 55,000.

Forty-year-old Narine pleaded guilty to the charge while 42-year old Singh who resides in Albouystown denied the charge.

According to the facts related in court by the police prosecutor, on July 6, 2018 the victim secured her premises and left the mentioned articles intact and went out.

After returning home she discovered her lock broken

Paul Narine, left and Iswan Singh, right

and when she entered into the house she discovered Narine sleeping in her bed with her mother’s pair of boots on his feet. The matter was reported to the police station, an investigation was carried out and the two men

were charged.

Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced Narine to 24 months imprisonment and bail was granted to Singh in the sum of $70,000. His matter was adjourned to July 30, 2018.

26M school dormitory to be constructed at Waramadong THE approximately five hundred students attending the D.C. Caesar-Fox Secondary Complex, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), will benefit from the construction of a brand-new dormitory.

The $26.327 Million residence will replace the current building which is in need of immediate repairs.

This announcement was made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during his

weekly post-Cabinet press briefing last week.

The contract has been awarded to J’s General Store and Construction Company. The dorm’s construction forms part of the Regional Administration’s 2018 capital projects. In the 2018 National Budget, the government allocated approximately $99.2Million to the Region Seven administration for the delivery of education. Twen-

ty-Nine-Million-dollars of the total amount will be spent for a modern primary school at Kamarang.

The amount also caters for rehabilitation of dormitory at Bartica and enclosure of the Karrau Creek Primary School.

Additionally, some 400 students of Paruima will benefit from a newly constructed primary school which was built at a cost of $20Million.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

US$4.3M needed to restore City Hall …EU urges buy-in from all stakeholders as it delivers restoration plan

By Svetlana Marshall IT would take some US$4.3M to restore the iconic City Hall Building from its ruins, and while a Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan has been completed with funding from the European Union, the financing is now needed to execute the ambitious plan to save the building.

Located at the corner of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, stands City Hall – one of the Caribbean’s finest timber buildings erected in 1889 but with every passing day, the three –storey rectangular building that imitates the Classical (Gothic) Revival architectural style, continues to deteriorate. On Monday at the Pegasus Hotel, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, Jernej Videtič formally handed over copies of the Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan to the Government of Guyana and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

The document, which was compiled by Alanet Global and Euronet in collaboration with their local counterparts, not only gives a clear picture of the deteriorating state of City Hall but outlines a timeline, that once followed, can result in the building being restored by 2020.

Ambassador Videtič, while making a pitch for all to buy into the initiative, said City Hall should not be left to decay, deteriorate or be destroyed by nature’s will. “Ladies and gentlemen the sustainable management and restoration plan is now ready. The next step for its implementation now rests in your hands. This plan must be executed. As a document I would hate to think that it will be left on the shelves to gather dust. I have been advised by the technical personnel that it is imperative that restoration works commence as early as possible,” the EU Ambassador told the government and private sector representatives present.

He is convinced that once restored and managed effectively, the 129-yearold building can return to its heyday at a time when the country is experiencing an increase in tourists.

“I am told that the building in its prime was used for weddings, balls and concerts. Surely this can

An artist impression of sections of City Hall highlighting critical areas that must be repaired (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, Jernej Videtič presenting Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton with a copy of the Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan

happen again. The city hall in a restored form can become self-sufficient. This is a building that can become one of Guyana’s major tourist attractions. Statistics show that the number of tourist arrivals is increasing yearly to Guyana so as an example imagine if 100,000 tourists a year visited City Hall and paid a nominal fee of just 200 GYD? It may seem a small figure but in a scheme of sustainable management it can translate into much more,” Ambassador Videti? reasoned.

The EU Ambassador handed over copies of the comprehensive plan to Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; and the City’s Town Clerk, Royston King. The handing over took place at a time when Europeans continue to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage across Europe for 2018.

Minister Norton, who told Guyana Chronicle that

he will lobby the Government to offer final assistance, said City Hall’s intricacies have always been a beauty to behold but today it stands in despair. “To see it crumble with each passing day is heartbreaking,” he told those present.

As he offered his gratitude to the EU for funding the development of the comprehensive plan, Minister Norton, like Ambassador Videti? expressed the hope that the needed resources can be pooled together for the restoration of the iconic building while expressing regret over the planned demolition of the St. Rose’s High School building.

“I hope that in time to come when City Hall is restored to its breathtaking glory that we never allow any of our heritage buildings or sites to deteriorate in such a manner, ever again,” he said.

According to the Town Clerk, the physical condition of the historic building presents both a need and an

opportunity to the city, explaining that there is a need because the Georgetown Mayor and Town Council does not have the wherewithal to manage the restoration process due to the many constrains it faces.

“I also believe that it presents an opportunity to the city, an opportunity for us to work together, to restore a building that has great historical significance, an opportunity that allows the council, members of the private sector, the Government and all stakeholders to share in a project that would allow us to sustainably pre-

serve part of our cultural heritage,” he added.

King pointed out that in 2015 when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government took office; it pumped a significant amount of resources to restore the Georgetown to its former glory. City Hall, he said, since then continues to demonstrate willingness to aid in the process by restoring some of the city’s most pride buildings.

“We started with the engineers’ building that was in a completely ruinous condition, and we repaired that, we restored that. We continued with a constabulary building within the same compound, we restored that, and then we ventured out to the Kitty Market, and with our limited resources we saved a building that allowed for community pride, development and interaction, between and among the various fractions living in Kitty...,” King said.

Though the City Council ran short on financial resources to complete the Kitty Market, he said the Government stepped in with $25M to continue the work. Another tranche was also given to complete the project.

King said the Municipality is thankful for the assistance offered by the EU as he reiterated the need for

Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown Royston King

stakeholders to pool their resources together to implement the plan. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Trust of Guyana, Nirvana Persaud echoed similar sentiments. The National Trust is an important partner in the project.

Director of Cardno International Development, Andrew McLoughlin, in giving an insight into the plan, explained that while City Hall remains in a condition fully capable of restoration, it is rapidly deteriorating and as such the plan should be implemented with alacrity. Its porous roof and walls, termite infestation and decay of the woods are among contributing factors. In that document, it was proposed that the future management of the site be placed under a steering committee.

Region Four tenants not paying their rents - PACH hears THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in an effort to recover outstanding rent for several of its buildings, will be seeking the assistance of the Attorney General Chambers.

There are 300 buildings controlled by the regional administration of which 132 are being occupied by various persons including individuals from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DLL) and TOPCO. With respect to the 132 buildings, officers are only paying rent for twenty-six.

However from the records presented for audit examination in 2016, it could not be determined whether those persons who were not paying rent were entitled to rent-free quarters.

“Only officers who come here from other regions to work, pay rent for their living quarters and the rent is 10 per cent of their salary,” said

REO of Region Four, Pauline Lucas gesticulates during her response to questions from the PAC (Adrian Narine photo)

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Monday.

The officers, who usually occupy the regional living quarters, include engineers, education officers and so forth. According Lucas, the regional administration was unsure about the occupants who owe rent, so the matter gained the attention of the State Asset Recovery Agency

(SARA) which is working with the relevant authorities to properly identify the occupants of those buildings.

Chairman of the PAC, Irfaan Ali and Auditor General advised the regional administration to also seek the assistance of the AG. The REO was also advised to gather the transport and documents for the buildings so that the process could be easier.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Port Kaituma to benefit from multiple water sources

Dr. Van-West Charles and Executive Director PIPB, Mr. Ramchand Jailal meet with the Matarkai NDC

GWI officials near the Kaituma River where mercury was discovered

THOUGH surface water is the main source of water supply for the residents of Port Kaituma, Region One, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)has committed to making alternative sources available.

This assurance was given in the wake of test results, which have revealed mercury levels higher than the concentration acceptable to the World Health Organisation (WHO) present in the Kaituma River, thus making it unsafe for use.

According to GWI, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and a team of officials met with the chairperson and councillors

to identify a suitable site to commence drilling of a new well immediately. He explained that this is urgent and therefore the decision was taken to secure the services of a contractor who recently drilled a well in the neighbouring community of Oronoque. His equipment will be relocated so that works can begin shortly. Dr. Van- West Charles added that “When the tests return we will share with the Region and GWI will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to take a strong stance on mining activities here. We will also test other sources such

of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council in Port Kaituma last Saturday to discuss with them, the company’s challenges and plans.

Dependency on surface water is common throughout interior regions, however, as part of GWI’s mandate to ensure water is safe, regular tests are carried out. Samples were taken from the Kaituma River and sent to the Kaizen Environmental Services Laboratory in Trinidad, where it tested positive for mercury.

Mercury is a heavy metal in liquid form used during mining activities. The discovery of the substance was made in May 2018 and GWI took the decision to cease pumping

the water to residents. Another test is being conducted from different sections of the source.

There are two wells in the community which GWI intends to activate. One is situated at Turn Basin and another at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma. Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Mr. Ramchand Jailal noted however, that when operational, they will still be insufficient to serve all the residents at the same time as the production is low.

In this regard, the managing director informed the NDC Councillors that GWI wants to work with them

as creeks and springs.”

Mr. Jailal added that 200ft from the current turn basin well would be an ideal location to drill the new well. The well is expected to be completed within two to three weeks and the water will be gravity-fed to homes from an existing storage tank.

He also cautioned residents to be mindful of consuming water from the river. Mrs. Margaret Lambert, Chairperson of the Matarkai NDC, committed to working with the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, so as to agree on a suitable location for drilling to commence.

She also raised issues regarding the lack of water during

the dry season.

In an effort to provide relief and an improved service to the community, Dr. VanWest Charles also committed to: ensuring the Oronoque well is completed within two weeks, complete a new well at Arakaka, install a C2 Lifesaver filter tank at the Port Kaituma hospital, ensure a sufficient water supply for the new school term and explore additional water sources at Four Mile to supply the Pittsburgh and One & a Half Mile areas. Additionally, the managing director requested the region to assist in identifying areas without access to potable water so that GWI can make interventions.

NAREI inks $23.4M contract Miner, 68, calls for to improve sea defence ‘legalising the herbs’

Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Ms. Keshir Gajraj, representative of the contracting company. The company is expected to commence works on July 16 and is scheduled to conclude by November 16, 2018.

Dr. Homenauth during a brief discussion with the contractor at his Mon Repos office emphasised the importance of providing quality work within the contract duration. He pointed out that similar structures constructed in the Region have been able to withstand the harsh enMs. Keshiri Gajraj, representative of S&K Construction & vironmental conditions thus Consultancy Services & General Supplies far. For instance, in 2017, A SEVEN-hundred-metres S&K Construction & Con- the Institute constructed dam will be installed along sultancy Services & General two structures at Land of the foreshore between Co- Supplies. It is part of NA- Plenty/ Three Friends and lumbia and Aberdeen, Es- REI’s mangrove restoration Reliance. While in 2015, sequbio Coast, Region Two. project. extension works were done The $23.4M contract for The contract was on to the Bamboo Brushwood the project was awarded to Monday signed between the Dam at Walton Hall.

A SIXTY-eight-year-old miner who was allegedly busted with over three pounds of cannabis in his haversack at Port Kaituma, was on Monday charged before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for drug trafficking.

John Lovell of Providence, East Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on July 6 at Water Front, Port Kaituma in the North West District he had 1,361 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question ranks acting on information received intercepted Lovell at Water Front, Port Kaituma.

He was searched by the police and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were

John Lovell

found in his haversack.

In court Lovell told the Magistrate: “It’s the 21st century where they need to legalise the herbs.”

The chief magistrate remanded Lovell to prison and transferred the matter to the Mathews Ridge Court for August 7.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Government receives LEDs; first phase of installation in weeks of five years, the LED Lamps can last for up to 20 years and will save the Government some 65 percent in energy costs as well as savings in maintenance costs.

In addition, the new lamps are water resistant; burn less energy; operate on very low voltages; work well in a wide range of operating temperatures; are environmentally safe; reveal the actual colour of objects; will

Secretary of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department Thandi Fortune (centre) displays one of the new LED Lamps in the presence of Electrical Engineers Lallram Seeram (left) and Andre Lindore (Samuel Maughn Photo)

THE main roadways of several regions in Guyana will be outfitted with new energy-saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps in just a week’s time following the Government’s acquisition of over 10,000 of the lamps from the Japanese Government.

What will be the first phase of the project will see some 1,500 of the LED lamps being mounted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 replacing the current High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps across the country.

The project comes through collaboration between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japan Non-Project Grant of US$1,330,000.

It will see the Government receiving total of 10,930 LED lamps and, thus far, two shipments amounting to 6,214 have already been received while the final shipment of the remaining 4,716 is expected by August 24, 2018.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Head of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department at MOPI, Terrence O’Brien provided a detailed report of all the areas to benefit in the coming weeks.

I n R e g i o n Tw o n e w lamps will be placed from Supenaam to Jib, in Anna Regina while in Region Three lamps will be installed on the Wakenaam roadway and from Vreed-en-Hoop to Nouvelle Flanders and from Meer-Zorgen to Plantain Walk on the West Bank of Demerara.

Meanwhile, in Region Four there will be lamps along Homestretch Avenue, the Bourda Market Square, Aubrey Barker Road, University of Guyana (UG) Ac-

cess Road, from Vlissengen Road at the Seawall to the Square of the Revolution, Camp Street, Regent Street, Main Street; from Bel Air Railway to Ogle Railway and from Conversation Tree to Vlissengen Road totaling 350.

For Region Five there will be 157 lamps altogether with areas including Ithaca; Bath to Number 12 and D’Edward to Rosignol. In Region Six, 188 lamps will run from Palmyra to New Amsterdam and at the Palmyra T-Junction.

Region 10 will also receive 100 lamps total on the McKenzie and Wismar shore bringing the total of lamps to be installed within the first phase to 1,500.

O’Brien said that, apart from the Linden Highway which will be addressed with future resources, the aim is to replace the old lamps at every highway in the country which amount to just over 7,000.

Under the Ministry of Communities’ Community Infrastructure Improvement Project, in the coming phases both small and large communities will receive LED Lamps, even in those where there were previously no street lights.

As such, lamps will be placed in internal streets in: Anna Regina – 60 lamps; Bartica – 248 lamps; New Amsterdam – 956 lamps; Rose Hall – 30 lamps; Corriverton – 17 lamps; Lethem – 132 lamps; Linden – 360 lamps while Mabaruma and Mahdia will each received 167 and 30 lamps respectively for the first time.

O’Brien says that the first phase should take approximately two and a half weeks while the projected completion date of the installation of the over 10,000 lamps is October 2018.

Compared to the HPS lamps, which have a life span

improve the visuals on highways and help to discourage criminal activities common in the nights.

O’Brien said that plans are already in motion for the HPS lamps being replaced to be either sold or upcycled creating additional LED lamps through modification.

The MOPI will utilise in-house workers as well as hired contractors to install the lamps while a small portion

will be reserved for emergency cases such as damaged lamps due to road accidents or any other unfortunate occurrence.

The LED lamps form a part of the Government’s vision of a green economy and President David Granger’s aim to ensure that the country is built on environmental sustainability balanced with economic development.

Head of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department at MOPI Terrence O’Brien (Samuel Maughn Photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Ghanaian oil investors exploring opportunities in Guyana MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon on Monday received top officials from a Ghanaian-based oil company who are here to explore investment opportunities.

Mr. J. Kofi Bucknor, Ms. Richelle Case, Mr. Emman Samson, and Mr. Sudeep Mondal of J.K.B. Oil Ventures Limited, an investment company based in Ghana paid a courtesy call to Harmon at his Ministry of the Presidency office. The delegation was accompanied

by Mr. Mark B. Duncan of EnerMech Mechanical Services Incorporated, the oil company’s consultant.

During the discussions, Minister Harmon said that the Government is on the verge of improving the quality of life for citizens in Guyana and informed the visiting delegation of President David Granger’s vision to ensure that Guyana’s oil wealth benefit not only Guyanese, but the wider Caribbean region as well.

“Guyana is a land of great potential… but that potential [was] never realised. Now we are on the cusp of realising that potential… to provide a good quality of life to our people,” he said.

Mr. Bucknor said that “there are two areas that

MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon

are of our interest; services for the oil and gas companies buttressed by robust training initiatives and also the infrastructure that needs to be developed around the oil and gas sector. We believe that it is very important to… spearhead an initiative to build a port facility on shore to service the industry on shore, so that we can capture a lot of the revenues and a lot of the training opportunities in country,” he said. Since the oil find in Guyana, the country has become a hotspot for foreign investors. (Ministry of the Presidency)

A brick costs him $80,000 RANDY Benjamin, a 19year- old construction worker appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday after being charged with wounding.

It was alleged that Benjamin on April 1, 2018 at East Rumveldt inflicted grievous bodily harm to Owen Hercules. Benjamin pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris told the court that on

April 1, 2018 the defendant and the virtual complainant were at a shop drinking.

They got into an argument and the accused picked up a brick and threw it at the virtual complainant, hitting him. The victim suffered injuries to his head and right ear.

Magistrate Judy Latchman placed Benjamin on $80,000 bail and the matter was adjourned.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Five firemen injured in De Kinderen accident FIVE firemen were injured on Monday afternoon when a fire truck bearing number plate PRR 1635 crashed into a daycare centre that is under construction at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara.

Acting Fire Chief Jacqueline Green told the Guyana Chronicle that the five members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for treatment. She said that an officer was on the scene assessing the situation.

According to a police report, about 14:30hrs, the fire tender was returning to

the Leonora Fire Station after responding to a fire earlier in the day at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, when it veered off the road and crashed into the unfinished facility.

The vehicle has been extensively damaged and the occupants, who were admitted to the hospital with injuries about their bodies, are said to be in a stable condition.

The injured firemen are section leader and driver, Troy Gravesande, 45; and firemen Adrian Benjamin, 24; Quinton Damon, 36; Errol Hyman, 42; and Bryant Bobb, 20.

STEM Guyana taking technology into schools LOCAL tech organisation, STEM Guyana, is seeking to expand youth exposure to technology by initiating STEM clubs in schools through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Though the organisation has attempted to foster the creation of the clubs in schools, there has been only little progress. According to founder of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams, “We are trying to get traction on a STEM afterschool programme through the Ministry of Education (MoE).”

Abrams explained to the Guyana Chronicle that since the introduction of robotics to Guyanese youth during the summer of 2016, youth across the country have become more and more exposed to technology and have shown a keen interest in the field.

Cognisant of this, the organisation would have attempted to introduce clubs in various schools. “[Regarding] the STEM clubs in schools, we haven’t made much traction on it,” the founder acknowledged. She added that the existing clubs are those which participated in the 2016 Robotics summer camp like The Bishop’s and St. Roses High Schools.

Additionally, clubs have been formed in communities like the Lusignan- Good Hope STEM group and the Belladrum STEM team. Some of these groups have been receiving tremendous support from the local community and members in the diaspora, due

to the great impact technology has made on the youth.

Speaking at the recent robotics exhibition, First Lady, Sandra Granger commented on the support the Belladrum team received from members of the community, where the team members received 10 robotics kits from villagers.

Alongside this, Abrams related that the organisation is streamlining a more formal programme in schools.

The founder said that the Department of Youth will be approached directly if the collaboration with the MoE does not bear fruit.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Justin Nedd posited that the corporate body is wholeheartedly supporting the introduction of technology in schools across Guyana.

He shared his belief that technology will be irreplaceable in every part of life by 2030, where tasks being done manually by humans will become near obsolete and commended Karen and STEM Guyana for preparing Guyana for the future.

“Behind any vision you need execution,” Nedd shared at the exhibition and affirmed, “GTT believes in the children of Guyana, that is why we will continue working with the MoE and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to ensure that we put internet in schools so that we can accelerate learning.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

Police warn England World Cup revellers after weekend’s ‘shocking behaviour’ LONDON (Reuters) - Police warned England soccer fans on Monday not to repeat the “shocking behaviour” that followed Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final win over Sweden.

A minority of celebrations caused significant disorder, leading to criminal damage, blocked roads and anti-social behaviour, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said in a statement.

Its 44 forces across England and Wales recorded 387 incidents and made more than 70 arrests over the weekend for mostly alcohol-related disorder.

“Numerous roads across the country were blocked, stopping emergency vehicles getting to

people in need and an ambulance is now off the road while being repaired,” said Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the NPCC Lead for Football Policing.

He said shops were damaged and people abused and assaulted, while other fans climbed on buses and cars, causing damage to the vehicles and in some cases themselves.

“This is in stark contrast to the (England) fans out in Russia, whose behaviour, apart from a couple of minor incidents, has been great.”

The NPCC has recorded 1,086 football-related incidents since the tournament began on June 14, including 226 of domestic abuse, and 230 arrests.

In advance of England’s semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday, the national team’s biggest match for 28 years, Roberts appealed for revellers to behave.

“We want people to celebrate ...but not at the expense of law-abiding fans and emergency services’ resources,” he said.

CPL ticket prices likely to see an increase locally

By Rajiv Bisnauth FANS interested in watching matches at the National Stadium, Providence, during the sixth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), may need to pay a little more for tickets, this is according to a reliable source close to the local ticketing office.

While it will not be an exorbitant increase, the CPL website indicated that online tickets cost US$15 – US$30. However, according to the source, based on that figure and because the Guyana currency is so closely tied to the US dollar - hovering around $210 for the last few months, ticket prices will definitely be much higher than the previous years, the source

revealed.

A check yesterday at the Bank of Guyana revealed that US$1 has an exchange rate of GYD$210.45.

Guyana will host seven games this season, as the Guyana Amazon Warriors will play five home games during the preliminary phase of the competition.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play their five preliminary matches at Providence on August 9 against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots; St Lucia Stars (August 11); Barbados Tridents (August 12); Jamaica Tallawahs (September 8) and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders on September 9. The two playoff matches are billed for September 11 and 12.

Tickets for the Guyana leg is expected to go on sale shortly at the CPL Guyana Office located at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, and other venues countrywide.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be fighting it out to win their first CPL title. With big names like Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Sohail Tanvir and Luke Ronchi, the Guyana Amazon Warriors cannot be taken lightly.

The league will enter its sixth year and the Amazon Warriors have played in three of the five finals to date but are yet to lift the title.

An encampment period for the Guyana Amazon Warriors unit is billed for August 2-7.

Call for Bassarath, TTCB executive to step down after audit CALLS for the resignation of Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath and his entire executive following the findings of a recent financial audit.

According to reports the audit dated March 15, 2017, was conducted by the international audit department of the National Gas Company (NGC). The audit showed that 24 per cent of the NGC’s to the TTCB was not spent on agreed guidelines and that between 2014 and 2016 $2,983,000 was spent by the TTCB

without approval and going against the memorandum of understanding between the parties.

“As a matter of ethics, integrity, accountability and good governance, it is my strong view that the entire executive (should) resign immediately,” Kiswah Chaitoo, a National League Club representative said in a letter to media last week.

The TTCB is yet to officially comment on the issue or offer any further insight into what the next course of action is likely to be.(SportsMax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

Belgium and France face off in mouth-watering semi-final tournament for the first time.

France came through their quarter-final unscathed, and Deschamps has his entire squad to choose from,

France’s players during training. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

By Simon Jennings ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - Roberto Martinez’s swashbuckling Belgium side head into Tuesday’s semi-final with familiar foes France as the World Cup’s leading scorers, but their old rivals have evolved as the tournament has progressed and will also be full of confidence.

Belgium have scored 14 goals in five matches and were hugely impressive in their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Brazil, with Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne combining to devastating effect to oust the five-times world champions.

In contrast, France sleepwalked through the group stages, eking out wins over Australia and Peru before a stultifying 0-0 draw with Denmark.

Their early struggles had ‘Les Bleus’ being written off in some quarters, but all that changed when they faced Argentina in the last 16 in what must be a leading contender for the most exciting match of the tournament.

Didier Deschamps tweaked his formation, effectively freeing up Kylian Mbappe on the right to run at the Argentine defence, and what followed was a wonderful display of attacking football that France won 4-3.

The victory boosted France’s morale, and they followed it up with a workman-like 2-0 win over Uruguay that was impressive because of how well they

managed to control the game against tricky opponents.

Belgium faced a heart-stopping moment of uncertainty in the first knockout round against Japan, when Martinez’s decision to rest players in their final

The strategy worked, and De Bruyne scored his first goal in Russia.

Tuesday’s clash in St Petersburg has all the makings of a classic, with fans and viewers likely to be treated to the sight of two wonder-

Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi during training REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

group match against England almost backfired spectacularly.

Belgium’s returning first team players made a sluggish start against the Samurai Blue and suddenly found themselves trailing by two goals with time ebbing away.

Stung into action, Martinez sent on Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli in the 65th minute, and both were heavily involved as Belgium pulled off a late comeback, with Chadli securing victory with practically the last kick of the game.

Against Brazil in the quarters, Martinez showed tactical adventure, as he pushed target man Lukaku to the wing to allow De Bruyne to operate as a ‘false nine’.

fully attacking teams going toe-to-toe.

“It’s a super exciting game with great players on both sides,” France defender Benjamin Pavard said. “It’s going to be a man’s match and we will have to step up.”

France, world champions in 1998, are slight favourites to go through according to most bookmakers, but Belgium tend to step up their game against these particular European rivals, if history is anything to go by.

Of the 73 meetings between the teams, Belgium have won 30 and France 24, with 19 draws between them, although if Belgium are to reach their first World Cup final they will have to do so by beating France at the

while Belgium are only slightly worse off.

Full back Thomas Meunier is suspended after picking up a second

yellow card of the tournament against Brazil, with Martinez likely to bring in Yannick Carrasco in his place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

After Russia’s glorious World Cup run, fans ask - ‘Where was Putin?’

Tom Balmforth MOSCOW (Reuters) - As Russia’s World Cup dream ended with defeat to Croatia, some soccer fans noted the absence from the stadium of President Vladimir Putin, who attended only one match in Russia’s best World Cup run since the Soviet collapse in 1991.

Putin was at Russia’s opening game against Saudi Arabia but skipped the following four - despite the national side, the tournament’s lowest-ranking, defying expectations and reaching the quarter-finals.

“Where has the president got to?” asked Nezygar, a popular news channel on messaging service Telegram.

“Tell Putin our guys

would have won if he’d come to the game!” fan Pavel Gondarev wrote on social media to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who attended the shootout defeat.

Online news site Znak. com wrote that Russians on social media are “tying themselves up in knots trying to guess where Vladimir Putin might have got to”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Reuters on Monday Putin had only ever been scheduled to attend the opening and closing games of the tournament. He was minimising attendance because matches “happen when he is at the height of his working day”.

“He doesn’t play soccer himself, but naturally like the overwhelming majority

of Russians he is a fan. Of course he isn’t obsessive — he can’t be an obsessive fan because he can’t permit himself this — but he likes interesting football,” Peskov said.

While Putin sat out the Russia-Croatia quarter-final, his Croatian counterpart, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, was in the stadium, wearing the red and white of the Croatian flag. French President Emmanuel Macron will fly in for the semi-final between France and Belgium, which Putin has no plans to attend.

Competing theories in Moscow swirled as to why Putin appeared to have stayed away. Putin, a black belt in judo, is an avid ice hockey fan and The Bell, a Russian media outlet, cited

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the World Cup Football Park to take part in the opening of an exhibition soccer match in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia June 28, 2018. Sputnik/Alexei Nikolsky/Kremlin via REUTERS

a high-ranking official as saying the reason for Putin’s absence was a simple lack of interest in soccer.

One Moscow-based political analyst speculated the real explanation was the wish not to be associated with a Russian defeat, the prospect of which loomed larger as the side faced higher-calibre opponents in the knockout

Federer cruises into Wimbledon last eight

Caption: Roger Federer

By Pritha Sarkar LONDON (Reuters) - Over the past week none of Roger Federer’s opponents needed to play on a court with a retractable roof as Wimbledon has been roasting in 30 degrees Celsius temperatures.

What they would probably have preferred is to play on a Centre Court with a retractable grass surface - one that can open up and swallow them whole and spare them from receiving any further punishment from the most elegant executioner in tennis.

Just too bad that option

was not available to Adrian Mannarino on Monday as he was tortured and tormented during a jaw-dropping opening set when he won only one point on his own serve.

Mercifully the set flashed by in 16 breathtaking minutes as Federer whizzed into the quarter-finals with a 6-0 7-5 6-4 win.

Had the Swiss not squandered four break points in the opening game of the second set, which lasted almost as long as the entire opener, Federer would probably have not needed an hour and 45 minutes to get back into the

locker room.

Did he feel sorry for Mannarino?

“Not really. I’m telling myself why didn’t I break the first game of the second,” a grinning Federer said as he stood three wins away from lifting the men’s trophy for a record ninth time.

“I was also surprised it was that fast, that first set, especially 16 minutes. That was too fast. Shouldn’t really happen but thankfully they do for me.

I probably won’t have another 6-0 set this week, so I’ll enjoy this one.”

Perhaps blinded by the male fan who sat in the corner decked in gold lame to resemble the pineapple-topped Challenge Cup, the 36-year-old Swiss fluffed his lines despite being 0-40 up on Mannarino’s serve in that first game of the second.

That reprieve, followed by further break point letoffs in the Frenchman’s next two service games, allowed Mannarino to make more of a match of it.

The first set horror-show and an apparent groin injury did not stop the world number 26 from becoming the

first man to earn break points against Federer at the All England Club this year.

Converting any of them, however, was mission impossible as Federer saved all four to take his streak of winning successive service games at Wimbledon to 81, dating back to last year’s semi-finals.

Federer has also won 32 consecutive sets at the grasscourt major, dating back to his semi-final defeat in 2016.

Even the top seed was surprised at how easily everything appears to be falling into place as he chases a 21st Grand Slam title.

“After all these years, it is surprising to be the No. 1 seed, in the top two rankings at 36.

I didn’t think that was ever going to happen, to be honest,” Federer said after setting up a last eight meeting with another Frenchman, Gael Monfils, or South African eighth seed Kevin Anderson.

“That has been the surprise for me, that sometimes there is a set like this. I was just very happy that I was able to protect my serve, find a way to break, create opportunities. I think I can be very pleased.”

stages.

“Vladimir Putin likes to be associated with victories and triumphs, but doesn’t like to be associated with defeats and losses. He’s always had this trait and it has grown with time,” political analyst Valery Solovey said.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attended Russia’s two elimination matches —

its win over Spain, which prompted wild partying in the capital, and the quarter-final loss to Croatia.

Peskov said Putin had watched the games remotely. Following the loss, Putin invited the Russian players and coach to discuss the World Cup with him and called them heroes, Peskov said.

Easy for Serena as she rolls into quarter-finals

Serena Williams

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Seven-times champion Serena Williams prevailed in a Centre Court mothers’ meeting on Monday, roaring past Russian qualifier Evgeniya Rodina into the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

The 36-year-old American was untroubled in a 6-2 6-2 victory — her 90th singles match win at the All England Club.

Rodina, who like Williams combines a tennis career with motherhood, looked overawed at first as she went 3-0 down.

She steadied herself, though, and even had a break point when Williams served at 4-2, but her chances were few and far between as her opponent continued to charge through a draw blown wide open by an exodus of seeds.

Rodina left the court for a few minutes at the end of the first set but when she returned Williams continued her domination with an early break in the second.

With her easy power Williams looked serene as she cruised to victory to set up a clash with Italy’s unseeded Camila Giorgi who beat Ekaterina Makarova.

“I’m a perfectionist, I always find something,” the 36-year-old responded when asked about her near-flawless display.

“Today was tougher than the scoreline suggested.”

Williams, who missed last year’s Wimbledon because of pregnancy, has not lost here since 2014 and has now won 18 consecutive matches on the London lawns.

She is yet to drop a set this year.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

Invaders Masters, Zorg S.C and Unknown 7 capture titles In Simon’s Memorial Day of Sports

By Elroy Stephney

AMIDST favourable weather conditions, a large gathering of spectators, including family members, enjoyed an absorbing day of exciting sporting activities at the Zorg ground on the Essequibo Coast last Sunday.

THE second annual memorial event was hosted by the Simons’ family in tribute to the late Daniel and Lucille Simon, Leyland Simon, Elvis Simon, Carlton Simon and Stephon Simon; all of whom were ardent sports enthusiast.

They were also recognized as role models and community leaders within the village of Zorg where they had resided.

The activities commenced with the female cricketers competing in a three-team eight overs per side competition. Capoey Seniors then got the better of Reliance Hustlers in the first match.

After being inserted to bat, Reliance Hustlers were hurriedly bundled out for 36 in 4.3 overs to which Capoey

Seniors replied with 38-4 in 5 overs to record a 6-wicket victory. They then competed against Zorg S.C who drew a bye to the finals.

Winning the toss and batting, Zorg S.C amassed 99-6 from their 8 overs with former national playe, Kumarie Persaud striking 38 (2x4 and 3x6). Melissa DeYonge took 2-23 from 2 overs of leg-spin. In reply, Capoey Seniors buckled under pressure and were restricted to 87-7 when their overs expired to give Zorg S.C victory by 12 runs. Persaud proved her ability with the ball by capturing 3-14 from 2 overs.

The attention was then turned to the male cricketers who also featured in an 8-overs competition involving 4 teams. Invaders Masters then invaded early by defeating Cotton Field S.C by 6 wickets.

Batting first, Cotton Field S.C were all out for 76 in 7.4 overs and then saw Invaders Masters reached 78-4 in 6.2 overs to comfortably secure victory. In the second

match, Reliance Hustlers defeated Zorg S.C by 6 wickets in a high-scoring encounter.

Batting first, Zorg S.C posted an imposing 134 without loss in their 8 overs with James Taylor fashioning an explosive unbeaten 110, laced with 15x6s.

Despite the onslaught, Reliance Hustlers were not daunted and batted solidly to overhaul the target. They were led by timely knocks from Keron Boodram 45 (5x6) and Vishnu Persaud 38 (3x6) as they reached 135-4 in 7.2 overs. The final was then contested between Reliance Hustlers and Invaders Masters who won the toss and fielded.

That decision proved decisive as Reliance Hustlers tallied 114-6 from their 8 overs with Trevis Simon striking 55 (6x6). Rondy Lall claimed 2-12 from 2 overs. Invaders Masters then exhibited their experience and calmly strolled to victory, reaching 1152 with former Essequibo under-19 batsman, Raj Parbattie fashioning an

BCB presents stipends for U-17 cricketers

Players and BCB executives Rabindranauth Saywack, Ameer Rahaman and Angela Haniff.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently handed over stipends to the four Berbicians selected to represent Guyana in the 2018 Cricket West Indies Under-17 tournament.

President Hilbert Foster handed over the cash to Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Leon Swammy and Gevon Shultz.

The President was accompanied by BCB executives Rabindranauth Saywack, Ameer Raha-

man and Angela Haniff.

Foster urged the players to be disciplined on and off the field and most importantly, to represent Guyana with pride and passion.

They were reminded that they were following in the footsteps of legends like Rohan Kanhai, John Trim, Basil Butcher, Alvin Kallicharran and Roy Fredericks.

The BCB, he stated, would continue to invest heavily in their future and would also put their interest

above any other.

The outspoken club president also expressed disappointment and regret that only three Berbicians were deemed good enough to represent Guyana, based on performances at the Guyana Cricket Board Under-17 Inter-county tournament, since Swammy was selected based on performances at the Under-19 level.

Foster also expressed shock that only six Berbicians were selected at the Under-19 level despite Berbice totally dominating both tournaments this year.

Meanwhile, the BCB to date has shared out $320,000 in stipends to National Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 females and senior female players.

The players all expressed gratitude to the board for the stipends and pledged to perform at the highest level.

The Invaders Masters celebrating their victory

impressive unbeaten 75, including 9x6 to lead the Masters triumph.

As the sunlight began to dim, the artificial lights were switched on for the footballers to strike. In the 7 teams competition, it was Unknown 7 who captured the title, defeating El Cappo in a penalty shoot-out after both teams went scoreless in the 20 minutes battle. Earlier,

Unknown 7 had victories against Hustlers and Spanish Town while El Cappo got past Golden Fleece and Barca 7 en route to the final.

The presentation was conducted by Trevis Simon who thanked the participating teams and the huge crowd, including Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Essequibo senior cricket Coach Forbes Daniels, while deem-

ing the event a great success.

Prizes, inclusive of monetary incentives and trophies were presented to the various categories of winners as well as for outstanding individual performances. A brush-cutter was also donated by Mr. David Simon on behalf of the family to the community of Zorg.

Reliance Masters and Bush Lot Trend Setters secure wins AN impressive half century by Parvindra Persaud engineered a massive win against Reliance Sports Club in the South Essequibo Invitational T20 tournament played on Sunday at the Reliance ground.

The quarter-final encounter saw Reliance Hustlers posting a formidable 168-8 after they were inserted to bat in the reduced affair of 15 overs per innings. Persaud’s commanding innings of 58 contained 5 massive sixes and four exquisite boundaries as he took centre stage.

He received admirable support from former national under 17 batsman, Rovendra Parasram 26 (2x4 and 1x6) and Anthony Ifill 23 (2x4 and 1x6) to

bolster the innings.

Off-Spinner Dhaniram claimed 3-31 from 3 overs while Dhainram Persaud took 2-27 from his 3 overs of medium pace. In reply, Reliance Sports Club never was in the chase and eventually reached 77-9 when their overs expired.

Former senior Essequibo inter-county all-rounder, Elroy Stephney (18) and Kishan Persaud with an unbeaten 17 were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Accurate seam bowling by Jeremiah Fraser 2-10 along with penetrative spin from Parvindra Persaud 2-14 and Jageshwar Latchman 2-16 ensured Reliance Hustlers are through to the next round with an emphatic 91 run victory.

In the second match at the same venue, Bush Lot Trend Setters set the tone early for a narrow win against Sparwin. The match was reduced to a 10-overs affair due to the first match ending late and with limited time remaining.

Batting first, Bush Lot Trend Setters reached 78-6 from 10 overs then reduced Sparwin to 62-8 from their 10 overs to record a 16-run win. Meanwhile, Reliance Hustlers and Bush Lot Trend Setters will now join defending champions, Imam Bacchus XI, Rising Star, Walton Hall and New Opportunity Corps in the play-offs scheduled for Sunday, July 15th at various venues on the Essequibo Coast.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

Irrepressible Nadal marches past Vesely into last eight

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - The bar was set absurdly high by the time Rafael Nadal walked onto Centre Court on Monday but the Spaniard responded with a sensational 6-3 6-3 6-4 defeat of Jiri Vesely to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

His great rival and eighttimes champion Roger Federer had already maintained his regal progress, claiming the first set of his match against Adrian Mannarino in 16 minutes.

Then came Serena Williams who posted another thumping win to continue her ominous progress towards an eighth-title.

So Nadal, whose 17 Grand Slam titles are eclipsed

by Federer’s 20 and the 23 owned by Williams, had a lot

to live up to in the warm late afternoon sunshine.

He did not disappoint — dissecting fellow left-hander Vesely with a typically rumbustious display.

Like Federer, Nadal has yet to drop a set here on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2011 — since when his record at the All England Club has been mediocre.

So far this year, though, it has been like watching him on a Parisian claycourt rather than a London lawn, such has been the ferocity in his brutal groundstrokes and his boundless energy.

After claiming an 11th French Open title Nadal raised doubts about whether he would even play at Wimbledon.

However, not only did he arrive with his batteries

charged after some Mallorcan sunshine, the 32-year-old has looked like the one who beat Federer in their epic final in 2008.

Nadal has suffered some bad losses since reaching the 2011 showpiece, falling to four players with three-digit rankings.

But burly Czech Vesely, more dangerous than his 93rd ranking suggest, never got close to causing an upset.

NADAL’S CHANCE Nadal said it was the first time in seven years he had arrived with a chance of winning the title.

“It’s always the same. If I am playing worse, the opponents play better. When I am playing better, the opponents normally play worse,” was his succinct take on matters.

“It’s true that opponents

Rafael Nada

probably played some good matches, but what happened is that I was not playing the right way. We can find reasons, knees, everything.

But it was more about (the fact that) I was not able to compete at the best level.”

Second seed Nadal was made to work just hard enough by Veseley Czech

without ever looking in any danger.

The Czech gifted Nadal the one break he needed to win the first set with a double-fault, but the Spaniard took matters into his own hands in the second, clubbing two forehand winners to grab one break and winning the set on Vesely’s serve

with a sliced winner as his opponent lumbered forward.

There was a brief hiccup in the third set when Vesely broke for a 3-2 lead when a rare Nadal forehand error drew gasps of surprise from the crowd.

The Spaniard hit back immediately though and sealed victory on his third match point when Vesely served at 4-5.

World number one Nadal has now reached the last eight in four consecutive Grand Slams for the first time since 2011 but he will not want to stop there.

His next obstacle in his quest for a third Wimbledon title will be either Argentina’s fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro or Frenchman Gilles Simon on Wednesday.

Guyana begin quest for regional U-17 tile today

The 14-man squad, along with the coach and manager, departed Guyana on Sunday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday July 10, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shannon Gabriel-13/121 (St. Lucia) (2) Lahiru Kumara-7/135 (Trinidad) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich effected in the recent WI/SL Test series?

(2)How many dismissals wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella effected in the recent WI/SL Test series?

GUYANA’s quest for a regional Under-17 title begins today when they come up against the Windward Islands at the National Cricket Centre in Trinidad and Tobago.

This championship title is the only one that has eluded Guyana at the age group level.

The closest the Guyanese have come to winning the Under-17 title was in 2016 when Guyana placed second after their final game against the host nation, Trinidad and Tobago, was rained out.

After today’s game, the Guyanese will then play Leeward Islands on July 12 at the Brian Lara Stadium; defending champions T&T

on July 14 at Gilbert Park; Jamaica on July 17 at Gilbert Park; and Barbados on July 17 at the National Cricket Centre.

The team is led by former West Indies Under-15 captain, Sachin Singh, and comprises Andre Seepersaud (vice-captain), Seon Glasgow, Navendra Persaud, Yeudistir Persaud (wicket-keeper), Hrithik Singh, Niron Bissu, Nigel Deodat, Gevon Shultz, Badesh Parsotam, Sheldon Charles, Sylvian Williams, Leon Swamy and Dwayane Dick. The manager and coach are Nazeer Mohamed and Orin Bailey, respectively.

Australia sweat over injury to key Test batsman Marsh

(REUTERS) - Depleted Australia have concerns over another possible injury to one of their test players with long-serving batsman Shaun Marsh sustaining a shoulder problem while playing in a Twenty20 match for Glamorgan in Cardiff on Sunday.

The 35-year-old was helped off the field after landing awkwardly while trying to stop a boundary in the Welsh county’s defeat to Sussex in the Vitality Blast encounter.

Cricket Australia (CA)

said they would wait until they received a report from Glamorgan to decide on a course of action for Marsh’s recovery.

“Shaun’s a tough guy, so it’s certainly not a bruise the way he walked off holding his shoulder,” Glamorgan coach Robert Croft said.

“We’ll have to wait and see.

“We hope the scan will be favourable.”

Marsh scored two centuries for Australia in their Ashes victory over England and another two in a one-day international

Shaun Marsh

series defeat against the same opponents earlier this year.

Australia will be hoping Marsh can recover in time for the Test tour against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, expected to take place in October, especially in the absence of banned batting trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Frontline pacemen Pat Cummins (back), Josh Hazlewood (back) and Mitchell Starc (leg) are also racing against time to be fit for the Pakistan series.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday July 10, 2018

West Under-17 cricket championships bowl off today ..T&T looking for hat-trick of titles PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago will be looking for a third successive title when the West Indies Under-17 championships bowl off today.

The two-time defending champions which is being led

by Antonio Gomez, will begin their title defense against last year’s runner-ups Barbados at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, South Trinidad.

Trinidad captured the title last year after finishing the round-robin competition on 19.8 points, comfortably ahead of Barbados who ended second on 16 points.

The Windward Islands finished third on 14.7 points,

fourth was the Leeward Islands on 13.4 points, Guyana finished fifth on 13.3 points and Jamaica last on 1.3 points.

In other matches, Guyana will battle the Windward Islands at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain and the Leewards will face off against Jamaica at Gilbert Park.

All matches begin at 9:30 hrs.

Squads: TRINIDAD – Antonio Gomez (capt), Ryan Bandoo, Leonardo Julien, Rivaldo Ramlogan, Darren Samlal, Anderson Mahase, Nicholas Ali, Leon Basanoo, Sameer Ali, Tariq Mohammed, Isaiah Gomez, Aaron Bankay,

Grant-Stuart finishes 14th at UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup GUYANA’s lone para-cyclist, 33-year-old Walter Grant Stuart finished 14th in the Individual Road Race at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Para-cycling Road World Cup just last Friday.

Racing along the roadways of the Netherlands, Grant-Stuart, a former fireman, rode well to finish 14th out of a field of 24 of the world’s top para-cyclists.

Eventual winner, 20-year-old Frenchman Dorian Foulon won the race in two hours five minutes 33 seconds, ahead of Netherland’s Martin Van De Pol (second), Andrea Tarlow (Italy), Dmaien Severi (France), Zsombor Wermeser (Hungary), and Daniel Abraham Gebru (Netherlands) who took the other top six spots in that order.

Grant Stuart took part in another road race on Sunday but, up to press time, the results from that race was yet to be revealed. They will be published in a subsequent report.

Jayden Seales, Vanir Maharaj, Surujdath Mahabir manager, Gregory Davis coach.

BARBADOS – Rashawn Antonio Worrell, Seth Leage Ackeevu Agard, Nicholas Aaron Austin, Rivaldo Aldrian Clarke, Giovonte Tarqe Depeiza, Matthew Walter Forde, Shamar Jabari Forde, Amari Alexandre Goodridge, Jayden Orlando Hoyte, Jaden Jamal R Leacock, Antonio Ricardo D Morris, Ramon Romario Simmonds, D’Angelo Ronaldo Springer, Rondre Amari Yearwood.

GUYANA – Sachin Singh, Seon Glasgow, Navindra Persaud, Yeudister Persaud, Andre Seepersaud Hrithik Singh, Niran Bis-

Trinidad and Tobago celebrating after capturing the Under-17 title last year

su, Nigel Deodat, Gevon Schultz, Bhadesh Parsotam, Sheldon Charles, Silvan Williams, Leon Swamy, Dwain Dick.

JAMAICA – Daniel Beckford, Brandon English, Oneil Roberts, Nicholas Lewin, Lenox Simpson, Razaq Williams, Romaine Bennett, Joseph Simpson, Chevonnie Grant, Andel

Gordon, Jemario Wint, Akeel Hanchard, Romaine Jacob, Rajiv Redhi.

LEEWARDS – Rasheem Henry, Demari Benta, Clinton Reece, Jahiem Africa, Kenny Sutton, Hilroy Andrew, Jaylen Francis, Antonio Fernandes, Taeiem Tonge, Aidan Livan, Kelvin Pitman, Tariq Newman, Essan Warner, Solomon

Gokrran.

WINDWARDS – Teddy Bishop, Tiron Charles, Jamie Buddy, Jahiel Walters, Ethan Doctrove, Jedd Joseph, Mickel Riviere, Keygan Arnold, Lee Solomon, Garvin Serieux, Dominic Auguste, Tyran Theodore, Simeon Gerson, Ackeem Auguste.

EBFA / Juicy Juice U-13 League

Timehri in pole position on goal difference after first weekend of action

Timehri Panthers Sports Club goal scorers from right: Joshua Clenkian , Keipron Williams, Jadin Ceres and Antoine Dey.

TIMEHRI Panthers are atop the points table following the first weekend of rivalry in the Juicy Juice-sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 League.

The Timehri boys have kept an unblemished record after two matches, the same as Swan FC, Samatta Point/ Kaneville and Diamond Upsetters Football Clubs.

Following up on their first day triumph over first timers, Hararuni Eagles, via a 1-0 margin, home team, Timehri

trounced Kuru Kururu Warriors 6-0 on Sunday, led by a double each from Joshua Clenkian (17 & 59) and Antoine Denny (23 & 57) with one each off the boot of Jadon Ceres (58) and Keyron Williams in the 60th minute.

The other match played Sunday saw Diamond Upsetters defeating Hararuni Eagles, 3-1. The winners were led by Shaquan Gilkes with a brace in the 24th and 54th minutes. Mohamed Amin in the 26th minute accounted for the other goal. Cebasio Peters pulled one back for Hararuni in the 49th

Diamond Upsetters goal scorers from right: Shaquan Gilkes and Mohamed Amin.

cons, whilst there was a similar result in favour of Samatta Point/Kaneville over Grove Hi Tech.

minute of play.

Swan raked in three points as a result of a walkover from Soesdyke Fal-

Points Table Team P Timehri Panthers SC 2 Swan FC 2 SPKV FC 2 Diamond Upsetters 2 Diamond United 1 Hararuni Eagless 2 Herstelling Raiders 1 KK Warriors 2 Soesdyke Falcons 1 Grove Hi Tech 2 0 Agricola 2

W 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 2

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GF 7 5 4 5 7 1 1 0 0 4 0

GA 0 0 0 1 1 4 7 9 2 0 2

GD Points +7 6 +5 6 +4 6 +4 6 +6 3 -3 0 -6 0 -9 0 0 0 0 0 0

Police warn England World Cup revellers after weekend’s 22 ‘shocking behaviour’ PAGE

CPL ticket prices likely to see an increase locally PAGE

22

Guyanese fans could see an increase in cost for CPL tickets.

Call for Bassarath, TTCB executive to step down after audit PAGE

22 England World Cup revellers warned by police after weekend’s “shocking behaviour”(ESPN)

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TTCB president Azim Bassarath

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2018