Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-15-2018

15th July, 2018

No.105336 PAGE

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Mon Repos couple held in 19 massive cocaine bust PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

UG alumni associations for England, Toronto and Washington THE University of Guyana (UG) is actively and intentionally reaching to embrace its own who are in the diaspora with a series of strategic and structured events over this summer.

UG will first rejuvenate the Toronto Guild of Grad-

uates on July 19 and will launch an alumni association in London on August 3.

“Reignite” is the Canada event billed for Thursday, July 19, from 18:00hrs to 20:00hrs at the Tropicana Community Services Hall at 1385 Huntingwood Drive,

Scarborough, MIS 3J1, ON. The theme reignite is being used, since a UG Guild of Graduates has been working since the early 1970s under the leadership of Harry Hergash and a dedicated group in Canada.

That group will adopt the recently sanctioned constitution of The University of Guyana Alumni Association and will seek to increase its membership and infuse new blood into the association starting with the free

event next Thursday. “Reignite” is a collaboration between the University of Guyana office for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), The Guyana Consulate in Toronto, the Alexander Learmond Strategic Leadership Group and CGX Energy Inc. However, there has never been a University of Guyana Alumni Association in England. The second event “Reunite” in London, England, is an attempt to

bring together UG alumni and well-wishers in the UK. The event is set for the historic Marlborough House, home of the Commonwealth Foundation in London, England on Friday, August 3, from 18:00hrs to 21:00hrs.

UG, now in its 55th year of existence, is Guyana’s only national university. It was founded in 1963 by an act of Parliament. The April 2018 sitting of the new Council of the University of Guyana approved the first UG Alumni Association constitution which gave formal expression to the provisions of the 1963 Act to establish Guilds of Graduates, (now called Alumni Associations), in Guyana and internationally.

The goal of The UG Alumni Association is to connect graduates, past faculty, staff and supporters of The University in Guyana in a reciprocally beneficial relationship of investing, nurturing, fundraising, mentorship and development.

Among the objectives of the associations are to support the developmental efforts of The University of Guyana; to serve as supporters to fund-raising, talent acquisition, research, as well as recruitment of staff and faculty; to provide mechanisms and opportunities for connecting, fellowship and sharing, networking, and professional growth; and to lend guidance on matters pertaining to the general welfare of the university, or which may be of interest to the administration, Academ-

ic Board and Council.

Members of the alumni associations are fondly being called “THE PRIDE,” because of the association’s logo featuring a majestic lion astride Guyana’s globally significant Roraima mounting range.

The international launches were preceded in Guyana in June this year by the launch and installation of two interim executive committees of The Pride for Georgetown and Berbice.

The interim executive of UG Pride in Georgetown are Sara Bharat ( President), Desiree Edghill ( Vice-President), Dr. Nigel Gravesande ( Treasurer), Nelsonia Budhram (Secretary), Paulete Paul and Denis Chabrol (Media Relations); Michael Brotherson ( Chair, alumni outreach); Ms. Debra Bamfield and Dr. David Singh ( executive committee members). Interim executives in Berbice are President Somattie Sayrange; Vice-President, Imran Saccoor; Secretary, Treshan Budhram; Treasurer, Paula Nassy; Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, Nadine King; Communication officer, Lauristan Choy; and Chair of fund-raising, Kalyan Etwaroo.

Similar associations will be launched this year in Washington DC, in the USA and early in 2019 in the Caribbean. The University of Guyana has produced over 30, 000 graduates, many of whom are trail blazers, nationally and internationally.

On Guyana Chronicle Facebook Page

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

No need for evacuation

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Pensioner dies after son allegedly sets house on fire

– food supplies for flood-hit Kwakwani in coming days, says CDC AS the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) responds to the flooding at Kwakwani, efforts will be made in the coming days to provide food supplies to affected persons while the agency continues to assess the situation on the ground.

CDC Head, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig in an update on the situation told Guyana Chronicle on Saturday evening that reports from the region suggest that the water receded a little on Saturday.

He said as part of the response efforts, as early as Monday, water purification tablets will be distributed to affected persons even as efforts are being made to ensure the health authorities response to the situation is boosted.

Craig said he has advised the Ministry of Public Health to increase medical supplies in the area.

“There is no need for evacuation at the moment,” he said as he noted that the occurrence is seasonal with the rising of the tide in the nearby waterway as well as rainfall has contributed to the flooding.

As part of its Regional Disaster Risk Management Strategy, the CDC on Friday conducted an initial

The Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice home that was destroyed by fire

A section of the flooded area on Friday (DPI photo)

assessment of the flooded areas in Kwakwani and reported that it will be mobilising aid for the riverine community.

Led by Lt. Col. Kester Craig, the team included representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Hydrometeorological Service, and CDC volunteers. Craig explained that the multiagency approach is one that is designed to ascertain the overall needs of the affected residents.

He said the flooding is a regular occurrence which has resulted in the residents adapting to their environment. The residents have built secondary houses on high stilts which are just above the water height; pri-

mary houses are submerged.

However, he said, this does not take away from the fact that the affected residents will have needs that must be catered for such as health and food.

So far, approximately 300 households have been affected. These are located at Waterfront, Lamp Island, Aroima and Ginger Island. The CDC will deploy resources as soon as the official community report is completed.

RESIDENTS of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice are in a state of shock as a 73-year-old man perished in a fire believed to have been set by his son on Saturday.

The fire reportedly started around 11:30 hrs. According to reports, the dead man, James Latchmansingh, shared the two-storey wooden home with his son, a known drug-addict who would abuse him for money to satisfy his addiction.

Residents said they saw smoke emanating from the kitchen area in the upper flat of the house and soon after the entire building was engulfed in flames with Latchmansingh, who had lost most of his mobility, trapped inside.

Earlier, neighbours and other villagers made several brave attempts to enter the house to rescue the elderly

James Latchmansingh

man but were kept at bay by the intense heat from the blaze.

While this was happening, residents said the son,

who is believed to have set the house ablaze, watched from the road as the house was reduced to ashes with his father inside.

Eventually, when the firemen arrived, they were able to douse the flames but only to recover the body of the pensioner.

As the body was being removed, many villagers could not control their anger and became hostile towards the son who was taken into police custody.

Many described the elderly man as very quiet and mannerly and who would try his best to make his son happy. Latchmansingh leaves to mourn three children.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Berbice farmers introduced to e-agriculture FARMERS flocked the Nand Persaud and Company Limited Boardroom

at Number 36 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne on Saturday as Minister of Tele-

communications, Cathy Hughes, and team took the Caribbean

Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) Roadshow team to Berbice.

The CTU in collaboration with the Ministry of Telecommunications met with farmers and residents alike to enlighten them on how technology can be used in everyday activities, especially in the agriculture sector.

The CTU in their 24th road show edition since starting in 2009, aims to make the lives of farmers and residents easier while allowing them various opportunities to utilise technology to tap into new markets and maximise their profit margins.

Participants benefitted from presentations on the use of an app where commodities available are matched to farmers with buyers, use of drone in agriculture, the use of micro bits for soil moisture testing as well as how to make use of the Internet to access online marketplaces in need of agricultural produce.

The presentation on the use of the micro bit was demonstrated by students of Bygeval Secondary School.

The students are on the horizon of creating a sprinkler system.

Additionally, participants were introduced to Agriculture

Students of Bygeval Secondary School demonstrate the use of technology to test soil moisture content

Superhero Character “Agriman” who reaffirmed that farmers are some of the most affluent people in the world.

He noted that the use of ICT in advancing agriculture is more of balancing traditional knowledge with ICT and will take farmers and the agriculture sector into the new age.

CTU Secretary General, Bernadette Lewis, explained that ICT presents new opportunities for communications, engagement, discussions and idea sharing.

She impressed upon farmers that it is a powerful tool which transforms and presents opportunities to do things differently and gives access to not only our neighbours but

global partners as well.

“The possibilities available in ICT present that means by which you will change your world, so it gives you a certain control to influence your environment so you are not continuously having to deal with the consequence of other people impacting your environment,” Lewis said.

She also stressed the need to collaborate and educate the younger generation about ICT and urged that they use technology to transform Berbice.

“Development is not something that is conferred, nobody can do this for you.

Development is something we have to do for ourselves. We have to look at our Turn to page 5 ►

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Depositors Insurance Bill unanimously supported in National Assembly

The Deposit Insurance Bill was unanimously passed in the National Assembly during a late-night sitting on Friday, paving the way for the establishment of a Deposit Insurance Fund that will act as a source of finance to reimburse small depositors in the event that a financial institution collapses.

Though there were minor concerns, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament threw their support be-

hind the Government-sponsored bill, saying that it was a timely intervention.

In opening the debate, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said with more than two-thirds of member countries under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) having experienced the insolvency of at least one bank, it is only imperative that Guyana put the necessary systems in place to safeguard the hardearned financial resources of its people.

He took the National

Assembly back to January 2009 when Trinidad and Tobago’s largest conglomerate at the time, Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) collapsed, leaving thousands of Guyanese out in the cold. Had such a Deposit Insurance Fund been in place, the impact would not have been so devastating, the Finance Minister argued.

“Had the scheme been in place 14 years ago, almost all of the depositors of the globe trust would have been reim-

bursed by now. It is a failure of the system, but it is this government that is seeking to correct that in the event that such an unlikely event occurs down the road,” he said.

To date, over 50 per cent of the countries around the world have moved to set up Deposit Insurance Schemes, having considered instability banks face at times. Once the Deposit Insurance Bill is assented to by President David Granger, a Deposit Insurance Fund and Depos-

More contraband found at Lusignan Prison – marijuana, improvised weapons among items SEVERAL mobile phones and phone chargers were among illegal items discovered by police and prison officers during a search of the Lusignan

Prison on Saturday.

The search lasted for some three hours, a release said. It noted that among the items found were cellphone batteries (two) , scis-

sors ( four pairs ), hack saw blades (two), improvised weapons (13) , mirrors (two) , lighters (24) , phone chargers (27), Ziploc bags with marijuana (four) , cig-

Berbice farmers introduced ... From page 4 ► situation; we have to consider what are the challenges we have and we have look at ICT, then when we look at the challenge, we have to say-can I use these technology to overcome these challenges?

“We can use ICT to educate our citizens, preserve traditions and improve the quality of lives, enhance business, make business more efficient to be able to reach out and collaborate, create new business, and transform the

economy. It is possible and within our reach,” the CTU general-secretary said.

Minister Hughes was very pleased with the response to the event and said Government remains committed to making available resources to Berbicians to get more involved in e-agriculture.

“What we are saying is that things have changed, times have changed, agriculture has changed and what we really want to do is build and

take agriculture to a new level so more and more what we are committed to is coming more out to the Berbice area and showing them and training them how to use technology in agriculture,” the minister said.

She also called for the younger generation to be the bridge that helps their parents and older farmers become more involved in the use of technology to better their lives.

arettes and a quantity of wire and razor blades .

In recent months, a number of illegal items were found within the prison walls, while persons have been making bold attempts to ferry narcotics into the prison.

it Insurance Corporation will be established. The fund will allow depositors to receive a maximum of $2M in reimbursement within 30 days of a financial institutions’ insolvency.

PPP Member of Parliament, Joseph Hamilton, was the first among those sitting on the Opposition benches to endorse the bill.

“In my respective view, I feel that this piece of legislation is useful, it is necessary, it is timely and I believe that with this piece of legislation, the citizens who bank their hard- earn cash in banks will [for the first time] feel safe and can feel safe in the event there is some situation with a banking institution,” Hamilton told the House.

His colleagues, Nigel Dharamlall and Anil Nandlall also offered their party’s support for the legislation but expressed minor concerns.

Dharamlall questioned the motive behind the bill, and contended the mechanism is being put in place in light of worsening situations on the economic front. But Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, told the House

that the PPP has a history of over exaggerating situations to create hysteria among the masses. Minister Gaskin told the House that the Deposit Insurance Bill complements the Bank of Guyana Amendment Bill which was also passed in the House this week.

The explanatory memorandum of the bill notes that Deposit Insurance Bill is one of the components of the financial sector safety net, alongside supervision and emergency liquidity assistance. It said that the Bill seeks to address the “inherent instability of maturity transformation in the banking sector, that is, the financing of long-term assets through the issuance of demand or short-dated deposits, which makes banks vulnerable to depositor runs and to contagion from less-sound institutions. The advent of deposit insurance has proven to prevent major banking crises the world over and plays a central role in maintaining financial stability”.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

ICT transforming Guyana THERE is no country in what is now definitely a global village that can ever hope to advance in its growth and development without it embracing fully, the wonders of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Even in those countries that still have restrictions on communication and information flow, because of particular political/ideological restrictions are gradually lifting restrictions on internet access. For not to do so can only be to the total disadvantage of the particular state, since ICT is about using technology for the betterment of lives.

It would be the understatement of the century, if it is denied how much the world has changed, in the process of becoming revolutionised by the wonders of ICT. With its advent, and evolution in so many different forms of communication, whether by Tweeting, Facebook, WhatsApp or Message – the entire world has since become smaller, in fact being able to share space in our living rooms, as we surf the fastpaced world, facilitated by ICT. At the press of a key, we are now able to communicate with family and friends, and even make

new acquaintances, from any corner of the world; acquire information and knowledge on any historical or contemporary event that had ever occurred, while tracking current events of any kind, as they unfold. Just about anything and everything that pertains to humanity, nature, and its existence is available on the Internet, made possible because of the wonderful innovation of the Highway Technology, compliments of ICT. Since ascending to government, in 2015, the coalition A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change, has recognised the urgent necessity of the need to ensure that Guyana is not excluded from the fast-moving pace of Information and Communication Technology.

Therefore, cognisant of the urgent need to expand its use by way of educating citizens, and proliferate its use throughout the country’s regions for such a process, and moreover, making this technological vital the engine that will influence the country’s socio-economic development, Guyana’s own ICT revolution has been quickened.

Led by the e-government process, an elaborate mechanism of ICT HUBS has been introduced to

many our coastal areas, geared to arm citizens with the knowledge of the internet through the acquisition of ICT knowledge and skills for use of the former. As far as the hinterland regions, there are now ICT HUBS, which is part of a wider hinterland ICT project of establishing in excess of 200 such stations over the next five years. Many schools within this geographic area now have WIFI services for easier internet access. This is both a boon and a blessing to students in this particular locale, as it will enable for proper scholastic research for timely submission of assignments; and for the general citizenry, communicating for social purposes.

Also, because of e-government, citizens in those areas and even along the coastland, many public services can now be accessed. This has removed the need for what used to be the traditional journey to the city of Georgetown.

The visiting Caribbean Telecommunication Union(CTU), ICT Roadshow was as timely, as it was also vital for the seminal knowledge and advance information that has surely benefited all those who have attended its many informative workshops in the city, as well as

at its two out-of-town workshops at Annai and Berbice. Its varied components that included ICT processes for the disabled; the entrepreneurial, business, and financial sectors; and the key economic activity of agriculture, would have imparted to all those present that there are benefits to be derived by applying the transformative use of ICT to their particular sphere of activity.

We are certain that the Roadshow’s visit to the predominantly agricultural area of East Berbice –Corentyne, would have resulted in transformative information to farmers, on how to make their farms and produce more productive, and to the needs of the market.

It is certain that e-agriculture, will now become an increased activity as farmers seek to apply the necessary ICT applications for increased productivity. As an example, farmers must have been amazed as to what the use of drones can do for their crops.

There is a growing reality – accepted -- that ICT and its acquired skills-based knowledge are an absolute for living in our modern world of the 21st century; and that it is incumbent on every Guyanese

Get your facts right, Nowrang – no toll rate set for proposed Demerara Harbour Bridge Dear Editor, PERMIT me to disprove the fallacious and mischievous letter which appeared in the letter column of the July 13, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News, titled "Why not nationalise the Berbice Bridge?" and authored by Nowrang Persaud.

The writer deliberately ignored the facts on the proposed increases by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated, and instead lay the burdensome bridge tolls at feet of the Coalition Government when he stated, "Our national government seems comfortable with building,

maintaining and subsidising the operation of a new Demerara River Bridge (reportedly, in addition to the existing Demerara River Bridge); commuters pay the paltry sum of $200 for a car to use the bridge while the same commuter, who pays the same taxes to the government, has to pay virtually twenty times more to cross the Berbice River Bridge."

Mr. Editor, it seems that Mr Persaud would intentionally omit or discard the immediate response issued

by Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure on this matter.

The following is the full statement. It reads:

“The Ministry of Public Infrastructure notes comments by the Berbice Bridge Company officials at a press conference today, Tuesday, July 10, and wishes to assure all Berbicians and users of the Berbice Bridge that government is not contemplating any increases to the Berbice Bridge toll.

“Government stands by its decision to reduce tolls in fulfilling a campaign commitment, and will continue to work with the Berbice Bridge Company in ensuring that the Bridge is sufficiently maintained and safe for vehicular and marine use.

“Further, government notes that

to become acquainted with its use for everyday living, if we intend to still remain in modern life. It has already begun to touch all of our lives, in ways not thought of, at least 10 years ago.

And we are reminded as to the revolution that is ICT, as underlined by President David Arthur Granger, during his feature address to the opening of the roadshow at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, when he said: “ICT must drive the establishment of paperless agencies, departments and ministries. It must promote greater use of non-cash financial instruments.

E-Government must make public services more accessible; e-business must facilitate commerce, investment and trade.”

This is a reminder as to the galloping pace of ICT that will be quickening Guyana’s socio-economic development, and how far-reaching are its implications for citizens to become au fait with its skills. The CTU ICT Roadshow would have taken Guyana further along this exciting highway with its transformative information and knowledge.

the Bridge Agreement places obligations on all parties, which include scheduled maintenance and associated upgrades. Any request for toll increases must take into consideration a wide array of factors and cannot solely be on the basis of recouping operational costs and profits on dividend.

“The Berbice Bridge provides a critical service to the public and tolls must remain reasonable and cannot be arbitrarily hiked to oppressive and onerous levels. Government will continue to take practical decisions in the interest of the people of Guyana and the provision of quality services.”

In light of this, it's note-

worthy to remind Mr. Persaud that the initial oppressive Berbice Bridge tolls were placed on the backs of Berbicians by the then PPP administration. The Coalition Government, after assuming office in 2015, reduced these toll rates, which brought needed relief to commuters, in keeping with its campaign promise.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to inform Mr. Persaud that to the best of my knowledge, there has been no decision taken with regard to toll rates for the proposed new Demerara River Bridge.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Good try, Mr Sanasie!

–but you need to come better than that Dear Editor I THANK Mr. Anand Sanasie of the Guyana Cricket Board for taking the time to respond to my charge that racism has become part and parcel of the official management of cricket in Guyana.

Unfortunately, Mr. Sanasie did not address the substantive issues that I raised.

He instead sought to take the discussion to places that have little relevance to the discussion.

The issue at hand has little or nothing to do with whether Mr. Jagdeo is a friend of the GCB; or whether Mr. Jagdeo and David Hinds have enough knowledge of cricket; or whether David Hinds has a problem with Mr. Jagdeo; or whether funding for the GCB comes from the Guyana government.

Mr. Sanasie spent some time on the ethnic composition of national teams; he cites more ethnically balanced teams than the one I cited. He says the selection committees are ethnically balanced, even as I cited the case of ethnic imbalance in team selection, that is the consequence of the problem.

The real problem is the ethnic dominance of decision-making; those who determine who gets what, when, where and how. Mr. Sanasie awkwardly avoided that central issue. So, for the benefit of readers, let me put the issue

in context.

Here is the issue: Cricket is our national sport; it is part of our shared heritage. It is played by all ethnic groups in Guyana. It is one of the few areas of life that our competing ethnic groups have found some common purpose and joint nationalism.

It follows that its management should not be dominated by one ethnic group; the management institutions should not be monopolised by one ethnic group. Stakeholders, representative of the broad spectrum of the game’s participants, should not be systematically marginalised or excluded from management of the game.

This is what has happened to management of the sport in Guyana. It has had consequences for the fair distribution of resources; for who are encouraged to play the sport; for who gets selected to teams; for who enjoy the status that comes with the office and for the integrity of the sport in general.

This situation has taken root; it has become institutionalised; it has become normal. It is dangerous for the future of cricket, and race relations in Guyana.

I have observed that all the top decision makers of the GCB are Indo-Guyanese; from President, to Vice President, to Secretary, to Treasurer, to Assistant Secretary, to West Indies Cricket Board Directors and Representatives.

I am contending that five or nine Indo-Guyanese men, elected by Indo-Guyanese clubs and stakeholders cannot effectively represent the interests of Afro-Guyanese stakeholders and players and other ethnic groups. This cannot be the case in governance, or in politics, or in culture.

And it cannot and should not be the case in cricket.

Second, this ethnically one-sided GCB has been in office since 2009, because only individuals from three member-associations, which comprise mostly Indo-Guyanese clubs and are aligned to the top decision-makers, can occupy top offices in the GCB. So, what we have had for the last decade is a reproduction of ethnic control, with the same group of individuals rotating the top positions among themselves. In effect, the GCB has been holding elections without a quorum for the last decade.

Thirdly, four member-associations and boards, not aligned to the top decision makers, have been prevented from participating in open elections, and so are not represented on the GCB. These associations represent areas of the country where Afro-Guyanese players and clubs abound. They are not part of decision making in Guyanese cricket. They do not benefit from the funds and resources the GCB receives from the West Indies Cricket Board.

These are the issues I want Mr. Sanasie and those who support him to address: First, agree to fair and open elections in which all member-boards and associations participate. Second, agree to a neutral cricket ombudsman to mediate between the factions.

Third, relinquish the ethnic grip on cricket management, so that cricket can flourish again in Guyana.

Finally, Mr. Sanasie says that I belong to the stakeholder’s group, and as such I have a “horse in the race.”

Let me assure Mr. Sanasie that I have two horses in this race. The first one is Afro-Guyanese interests as far as the management of a sport in which they have contributed beyond the call of duty.

Afro-Guyanese contribution to global cricket has helped in no small way to humanise the sport, and transform it into a source of empowerment, pride and culture for all Guyanese and West Indians. They are therefore entitled to be part of decision-making in the sport. I want Afro-Guyanese boys and girls to once again aspire to be

president and secretary and treasurer of the GCB. My second horse is the ethno-racial integrity of the sport. Cricket in Guyana is better when it is a source

of ethno-racial harmony, rather than ethno-racial dominance.

Regards David Hinds

GANG OF EIGHT

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I WELCOME toshaos and village leaders who, from tomorrow, will be attending the 12th National Toshaos Council Conference in Georgetown, and I wish them all the best as they focus on matters to promote the continuing story of development and transformation in the communities of our indigenous or First Peoples.

I had wanted to write this week about the exciting buzz that was ignited recently amongst Amerindian students when the first-ever Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Road Show touched down at Annai in the Rupununi. Now, with expansion of solar power to remote villages, young people could benefit from info hubs which would bring them new knowledge of technologies to modernise food production and marketing, and create jobs.

GANG OF EIGHT But my attention was drawn to several requests from Facebook fans to say what is the “Gang of Eight”, to which I had referred in a previous column. As reluctant as I am to return to “party politics”, I decided to address those requests, especially after the parliamentary proceedings on Thursday and Friday last, which the opposition used as early public relations stunts to showcase the likely choice as the party’s presidential candidate for the next elections.

The “Gang of Eight” would eventually recommend that person who is being allowed media exposure and promoted as the premier parliamentary speaker on national issues in place of the opposition leader, who cannot now run. This is crude sponsorship that mocks at inner-party de-

mocracy, and shows that the “Gang of Eight” has taken an early jump.

As president, Bharrat Jagdeo had deployed this tactic, when he first pitch-forked Donald Ramotar to the top of a slate of potential candidates. I recall, sometime in late 2010, a protest by then senior party executive, Ralph Ramkarran, when the aspirant not only prematurely announced his candidacy, but was anointed as “Advisor

KFC brings family fun with new eating competition SEEKING to promote family activities and add a bit of fun in the mix, the local Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise has begun a ‘chicken eating’ competition where Guyanese can compete to finish a 15-piece bucket of chicken in 15 minutes.

The competition began on Saturday at KFC’s Regent Street location where four persons raced to eat the fast food. In the end, Jarrel Leander from Kingston emerged the winner after eating 10 of the 15 pieces. Next in line was Ayesha Khan who managed to clear six pieces.

According to Leander, the competition was “just a walk in the park” for him and he mentioned he would have

probably been able to eat more had he not been feeling a bit under the weather.

Marketing Manager Livasti Bhooplall explaining the competition to the Guyana Chronicle said, “I tried to do something different for KFC… something that was fun and interactive, but for the family.”

She highlighted that the KFC bucket is more of a family meal and it provided leeway for a family competition.

Participants entered the competition by posting a photo of themselves or with others and a bucket of chicken on Facebook and the photos with the most reactions won persons a chance to participate in the competition.

The competition contin-

Champion eater Jarrel Leander

ues this week where another batch of participants will be selected and the winner of that round will face Leander in the finals, for the grand prize of a year’s supply of KFC.

The competition in full swing with Jarrel Leander showing his confidence that he is the champion eater

to the President”. He was placed on the Guysuco board and was taken on presidential luxury rides to Kuwait, China, India and elsewhere.

MAJORITARIAN CONCEPT The “Gang of Eight” could have been a majoritarian political concept, but in the absence of a strong leader, it became a weapon of manipulation and control. In the post-Jagan period, there was an obsession with manipulating political processes. Some leaders were not allowed access to lower party bodies, and were vilified by Moscow-trained “Marxist-Leninists” as liberals and social democrats. The fight for a place on the 35-member Central Committee degenerated into character assassinations.

The party’s structure is that the congress of delegates would elect 35 persons to sit on the Central Committee.

Those 35 members, in turn, usually a week after congress, would meet to elect a 15-member Executive Committee. In my case, having emerged at the Top Two with the highest numbers of votes at the 1998 congress, a simple majority of 18 members voted against me. I was removed from the Executive Committee, after being continuously a member for 20 years. I had openly denounced my exclusion as “Stalinist”, reminiscent of the purges that took place under the Russian communist dictator.

The idea is to sanitise the Executive Committee, by making sure that a simple majority of eight out of the 15 members would support the “maximum leader”. The built-in majority would be decisive in a situation where the Executive Committee had to “recommend” a person or persons to be a presidential candidate.

In short, the “Gang of Eight” is a political concept that represents group loyalty and bloc support for a leader, or for preferred political decisions from time to time.

The “Gang of Eight” numerically represents a majority where the decision-making body comprises 15 persons.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

The persons are not fixed, and could rotate from time to time, depending on whether or not he/she is seen as loyal.

The “gang” is like a revolving door.

IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES Historically, leaders were thrown out from the party’s inner core, mainly due to tactical/strategic shifts and ideological differences, but the persons who were purged were invariably branded “opportunists”. From the early years of the PPP, there was expulsion of “ultra-left deviationists” like Martin Carter, Rory Westmaas and Sydney King (later Eusi Kwayana).

That was followed by expulsion of “right opportunists” like L.F.S. Burnham and Jai Narine Singh, even though what has been described as a “split” emanated from more complex factors than just differences between hard-lined communists and moderate socialists.

In the 60s, the right-wing/ leftwing contradictions became manifest in the contest between the fire-brand Communist Brindley Benn and Balramsingh Rai, the rightwing “Rajput”. It was then that Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye, famously consoled Rai, by observing that “the party works in devious ways”.

But there have also been “lefty-left” fallouts. Benn, who had declared that “it is easier to stop tomorrow than to stop communism”, and was perhaps, together with Boysie Ramkarran, loyal Jaganites, was to leave the PPP. He was deemed a “Moaist”, and he later formed the Working People’s Vanguard Party (WPVP). Another known “leftist”, Moses Bhagwan, was expelled and formed the Indian People’s Revolutionary Associates (IPRA).

FOUNDER-LEADER Another of the great progressives, Ashton Chase, departed sometime after 1969 when the PPP formally joined the Moscow-controlled International Communist Movement. I may never know all the reasons why Ashton Chase left, but he remains

respected and revered, and he stands tall above the political fray that has consumed so many worthwhile patriots and leaders. Having shared my first public meeting with him in 1964, at Liverpool on the Corentyne Coast, for me, he remains affectionately “the Founder-Leader”.

Today, I hear similar description of Jaganites as ”Old guards” and “spent”, well ahead of another anticipated purge.

The biggest upset was caused not by “left-right” deviations, but as a result of advocacy by some of us for PPP-PNC talks. I was a strong advocate for talks and rapprochement between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, which resulted in a rearguard rump inside the party crudely rigging the PYO elections in 1976 in an effort to oust Halim Majeed, his brother Zaheer, Odeen Ishmael and myself. Cheddi Jagan ordered that the ballots be taken to his house, and we were reinstated in the leadership.

BIGGEST EXODUS It was then that the biggest exodus of leftwingers took place from the PPP, led by the pro-Moscow, Marxist-Leninist ideologue Ranji Chandisingh and included, later, pro-Cuban Marxists Vincent Teekah and Lallbahadur Lalbachan. Almost the entire corps of Moscow-trained communists defected to Burnham’s PNC. The fallouts occurred mainly as a result of failure of the inner-party political processes to handle political/ideological and sometimes personality differences.

That was the reason I was foremost in my advocacy to broaden the shoulders of the party to avoid one-man dictatorship and to cleanse the party of reliance on unacceptable practices to entrench a “Gang of Eight”.

But the quest for personal power had become insatiable, and it would continue to devour some of the finest intellectuals and progressive leaders this country has produced. In the post-Jagan PPP, political life could be cruel, brutal and short!

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Argentina sees great destiny for Guyana

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger toast to Argentina’s independence with Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro (second from left) and wife Magdalena Mandiola de Gardella (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

By Vishani Ragobeer DEEMING Guyana as an emerging leader of the South American and Caribbean regions, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro Gardella has expressed Argentina’s willingness to work with Guyana to aid its transformation.

He offered the good gesture at the commemoration of the 202nd Independence anniversary of Argentina, during a recent reception held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

And while celebrating the South American state’s independence, the ambassador spoke about bilateral relations between his country and Guyana. “[During] communication with Argentine diplomats and other foreign colleagues who really know the Caribbean, it has been revealed to me that I’m not far from the truth in considering that the country [Guyana] is emerging, that we will soon see leading the Region,” said Gardella, who assumed his current post one month ago.

Sharing his first impression of Guyana, the ambassador posited, “I have a sense of feeling that I am in the right place, in the right time.”

He added: “I have the privilege of being a witness of this dawn of great Guyana and it is my desire that through cooperation with Argentina, support can be provided to contribute to the manifestation of Guyana’s great destiny.”

This great destiny, he said, does not only stem from the recent discovery of massive oil finds offshore Guyana, but also from the cultural wealth of the country and its stellar Green State Agenda.

He spoke to the noteworthy cultural, religious and

racial diversity in the country, where there is evident “peaceful coexistence” and “tolerance in diversity”.

Pledging Argentina’s willingness to work with Guyana, the ambassador shared that a new health project, in collaboration with the Pan-American Health organisation will be developed.

Argentina will assist in the installation of laboratories for the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Surveillance of AMR, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tracks changes in microbial populations, permits the early detection of resistant strains of public health importance, and supports the prompt notification and investigation of outbreaks.

These findings are needed to inform clinical therapy decisions, to guide policy recommendations, and to assess the impact of resistance-containment interventions.

Gardella also shared generally that the two countries have come a far way in diplomatic relations, with Guyana traditionally supporting Argentina’s sovereignty of the Malvinas (Falklands) Islands and the surrounding maritime area. And on relations involving Guyana and the Caribbean, Gardella reflected on the humanitarian assistance provided last year through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management agency and The White Helmets Commission

President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro and wife Magdalena Mandiola de Gardella share a light moment (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

of Argentina.

To this end, he affirmed, “In this context Argentina is ready to plan and work jointly with nations of the Caribbean on further issues.”

While extending congratulations to the President, government and people, President Granger hailed relations between the two countries. He also said that notwithstanding the differences between the two countries, in terms of size and distance, diplomatic relations, established 46 years ago in 1972, remain fruitful, particularly in the areas of culture, health, defence cooperation and sport.

And as Guyana looks to deepen relations between

Argentina and other South American countries, President Granger noted, “Infrastructural integration with the continent will allow Guyana to more actively pursue its continental destiny.”

Importantly, however, Granger highlighted the role of the two countries in helping other nations to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

“Guyana and Argentina, like states all around the world, are subjected to the adverse effects of climate change [and] in particular the small island developing and low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean are most vulnerable to the threats of

droughts, flooding, hurricanes and rising sea-levels,” the President said.

He, however, mentioned that Guyana looks forward to cooperating with the fellow South American nation to boost the capacity of these at-risk states in disaster management and climate adaptation.

He said the two countries have been collaborating under a number of regional and international bodies to advance their common interests in promoting human rights, poverty alleviation, sustainable development and promoting the continent of South America as a Zone of Peace.

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Linden girls empowered

By Vanessa Braithwaite OVER 120 girls were on Saturday educated and empowered at a ‘Girl Power’ conference hosted by the NGO, For the Children Sake Foundation, under the theme, “Educate, Inspire and Encourage.”

The programme was aimed at equipping girls with the needed information to make informed decisions in their social lives.

For the Children Sake Foundation Director Tisha Campbell, said the initiative was birthed after realisation of the increase in teenage pregnancy, suicide and STIs in Linden. Given the upsurge in social challenges, the programme targets the teen population.

“This event serves as an outset on our journey to ensure our girls are well equipped to overcome the challenges that await them in our society,” she said in her opening remarks.

Giving the feature address was Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, who charged the participants to take control of all

their faculties needed to make informed and positive decisions that can impact their future.

She revealed that the youth and adolescent population make up about 33 per cent of the total population and she is aware of the plethora of issues young people face. “I want to say to you that [you] are not in a hopeless situation, you can fashion your life in a powerful and positive way, by embracing programmes such as this… knowledge is power, when you know, you can decide whether you want to do it right, or whether you want to do it wrong,” Lawrence posited.

She told the participants that it is necessary to keep their environment clean and make prudent lifestyle choices. “Gain facts about your body,” she said. “Just as you take care of your outward, you must take care of your inner being and most of all you must take care of your mind, you

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Exhibits produced by the girls who attended the informative forum

have to be in control of your mind… you have the right and you have the power to make the right choices.”

The girls were also urged to educate themselves to prevent adolescent pregnancy, since Guyana has the highest rate in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The girls were reminded that they are beautiful and powerful and should never think of themselves as beneath anyone.

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell congratulated the foundation for coordinating the forum and encouraged the participants to

use the knowledge gained as a means of up-building each other.

“Through these events we want to see women and

girls building each other, let us band together as girls and let us look out to each other, strengthen and lift each

other and stand with our women,” Arindell urged.

The girls were also given a very informative presentation on sports by Deputy Director of Sport Mellissa Richardson. The presentation focused on how sport can build their interpersonal skills and their ability to work as a team. Former parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon also delivered a motivational speech.

“Girl Power” was launched in May as a means of empowering girls and young women between the ages of 10 to 24, since at these age groups most are affected by societal ills.

For the Children Sake Foundation will also seek to conduct entrepreneurship programmes to empower young women to become financially independent.

Bandits rob gynaecologist, friend TWO bandits robbed a gynaecologist and her friend of their valuables when they entered her car in the vicinity of Woolford Avenue, Georgetown on Friday night.

The victims had earlier attended the St Joseph Sec-

ondary School reunion.

Reports indicate that the gynaecologist, identified as 33 year-old Judy HungKem, attended the event and parked her car on Woolford Avenue in the vicinity of the Stella Maris Primary School and after the event a friend escorted her to her vehicle.

After entering her vehicle, two armed men ap-

proached her car and opened the door while she was sitting in the driver’s seat with her friend in the passenger’s side and one of the men pointed a gun at the duo and demanded their valuables.

After the woman and her friend complied with the demand, the bandits escaped on foot and the police were contacted as investigations continue.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Rose Hall Town man found dead – three arrested

THREE persons are in police custody following the death of a 43-year-old man at Swamp Section, Rose Hall Town in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Dead is Wayne Sundarsingh called ‘Wino’ of Lot 316 Fifth Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice.

He was reportedly imbibing at a friend’s home in Bulletwood Street, a short distance away from his home when he was found by relatives in an unconscious state.

According to the man’s mother Morti Sundarsingh, she was told that her son was at his friend’s home since 14:00hrs on Friday ‘drinking’ when he suffered an epileptic attack and fell in front of the friend’s yard and became unresponsive.

“A boy come and said ‘Wino’ been a drink since afternoon and he fall down in front he house and let we

go move him because he nah want police story. When them gal go them see he face swell up and he bleeding from his ears and head,” the mother said.

She said from what she was told, based on the injuries Wayne suffered, it appears that he was beaten.

He was picked up and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital but was immediately transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

At the New Amsterdam Hospital, relatives were told that Wayne suffered internal injuries.

A decision was made to take him to the Georgetown Public Hospital but he died on the way.

Wayne’s relatives are calling on the police to investigate the incident as a homicide since they are adamant that since his body bore marks of violence which are not consistent with a fall.

Commander of B Di-

Wayne Sundarsingh

vision Lyndon Alves confirmed that three persons have been arrested but the matter is being treated as an incident, until a post mortem examination is conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

According to information, Wayne, an epileptic, reportedly frequently imbibes. Relatives are contending that he suffered similar attacks in the past where he fell and was found in unconscious but never had multiple injuries.

Skeletal remains found at Puruni THE skeletal remains, suspected to The remains that were found be those of a woman, were unearthed on “Thomas Island”, Puruni River, Region 7, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, after a security guard of a mining company stumbled upon them recently.

The skeleton was found with a brassiere The police dispatched a over the chest region by the team in the area after a report security guard who was head- was made and based on inforing to make a phone call at an mation, it appeared that the internet café in the area. remains were there for several

weeks as wildlife had already picked at the body.

Reports indicate that no one was reported missing in the area.

The police are continuing their investigations.

When contacted, police confirmed that the remains were found and noted that if possible, a post-mortem would still be arranged to determine the cause of death.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo mourns Cadogan’s passing PRIME Minister and Leader of the Government’s Business in the National Assembly Moses Nagamootoo, has extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues as well as the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly on the passing of Debra Cadogan.

Cadogan served as Head of the Committees Division of the House.

“It is with sadness that I learned about the death of Ms. Cadogan, late Head of

the Committees Division of the House. Her death is a great loss to the Parliament Office where she has worked since 1999.

“I extend my deepest sympathies on behalf of the Government of Guyana, all Guyanese and my family to her family, her colleagues as well as to the Honourable Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland and Clerk of the National Assembly Mr. Sherlock Isaacs,” the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Understanding Energy...

Key takeaways from Rystad Energy presentation MUCH has been made in the media of a report on Guyana’s oil future from prominent Norwegian energy research firm, Rystad Energy. On Tuesday, Guyanese got to hear first-hand just what this report means from one of its authors.

London-based Rystad analyst, Sonya Boodoo gave a presentation at the Duke Lodge, hosted by the Private Sector Commission to an audience including

PSC members, the business community, journalists and members of the public.

She presented the findings of Rystad’s Guyana Outlook report, including forecasts for government oil revenues in the billions for most of the 2020s and 2030s.

The report looked at a variety of oil price scenarios, including US$90 per barrel, $70, and $50. In these price scenarios, the amount of estimated total revenue

over the next two to three decades ranged from $51 to US$160B. These estimates were based on not just the Liza Phase 1 project, which will start producing in 2020, but also the planned Liza Phase 2 and assumed production from all other discoveries to date.

Ms. Boodoo elaborated that these production levels would likely place Guyana in the top 30 offshore oil-producing countries globally by the 2020s. To

achieve this level of production, Ms. Boodoo estimated that ExxonMobil and its partners would need at least three floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

The oil company already has plans for one FPSO to service the Liza Phase 1 development, and envisions a second to service Liza Phase 2. Additional development phases have not yet been planned, so Rystad made projections and assumptions about the future development of more oil-rich areas in the Stabroek block.

Significantly, Rystad also estimated that Guyana’s offshore resources would require major participation by oil field services companies with large expenditures needed for engineering, subsea installation, and maintenance and operations. These opportunities are expected to attract even more international service companies to come to Guyana.

As reported extensively in the Guyanese and international media, the Rystad report also found that, as per the contract with ExxonMobil, the Guyanese government will receive

approximately 59 per cent of total oil revenues from the project; including a 2 per cent royalty on total revenues, and 50 per cent of the profits after costs.

According to Rystad, this revenue split is in line with other “frontier” areas.

These places—like Israel, the Falkland Islands, and Mozambique – did not have a history of producing oil and gas, or significant proven reserves when signing deals.

That was the situation Guyana found itself in when signing our original contract; meaning that companies assumed high risks to drill here with no assurances of finding enough oil to recover costs. Those risks worked out well in Guyana, but in other places like the Falklands, those bets were proven wrong, and oil exploration companies suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses when they discovered little.

The Falkland Islands and Israel signed contracts in which these governments receive approximately 47 per cent and 58 per cent of total revenues, while Mozambique is getting around

64 per cent, placing Guyana neatly in the middle.

Ms. Boodoo and Rystad did illustrate a point that the International Monetary Fund emphasised in their own report as well: That the contract was well designed to entice companies to explore a new and unproven region by offering favourable terms, with Ms. Boodoo calling it “quite fair” in her presentation.

These findings agree with a previous report from another prominent voice in oil and gas industry research: Wood Mackenzie, which found that Guyana’s contract was “middle of the road.”

Once production begins and exploration occurs in other blocks offshore Guyana, we may soon have a status as a low-risk proven oil producer. If that is the case, then future oil contracts for new blocks could mean even higher government revenues.

As Ms. Boodoo and Rystad pointed out, Guyana could soon have the distinction of producing more barrels of oil per inhabitant than any other country.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Berbician does country, family proud – while on gov’t scholarship in China

By Jeune VanKeric SHENELLE Benjamin made good on her promise to her family and the Government of Guyana when she graduated earlier this month with a Master’s Degree in the disciplines of agriculture, economics and management from one of China’s top universities.

The 36-year-old, who is an assistant lecturer at the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana, was afforded a joint two-year scholarship by the Governments of China and Guyana in September 2016, and graduated with honours on schedule.

The only Guyanese to have been offered such a scholarship at the time, she was registered at the Hebei Agriculture University in Baoding City, in China’s Hebei Province.

Born Shenelle Onikia Benjamin, the young professional began her quest for academic excellence at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School in Berbice, before proceeding to the Guyana School of Agriculture, and later the University of Guy-

Shenelle Benjamin

ana, where she graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 2004.

In 2006, she succeeded in landing a job with the

Guyana Sugar Corporation and rose to the position of senior manager at the now defunct Rose Hall Sugar Estate, before resigning eight

Free and fair elections are like‘Siamese twins’

– GECOM chair GUYANA Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman (ret’d) Justice James Patterson said the commission is an important part of democracy, since politicians come and go at the will of the electorate.

As such, he said the elections have to be free and fair, noting that like Siamese twins “You can’t have one without the other.”

Patterson made the re-

marks on Saturday at the commencement of a twoday training programme for elections staffers at the Cyril Potter College of Education.

He told the gathering to develop and understand the organisational structure that will facilitate the efficient conduct of local government.

The chairman also urged persons to acquaint themselves with a variety of teaching methods for delivering content pertaining to local government elections.

Chairman Justice (ret’d) James Patterson

A facilitator during the training session

years later.

In an interview in New York, where she is making a brief stop on her way home, the young professional told the Guyana Chronicle that her desire is to lend her expertise to the planned restructuring and diversification of the Rose Hall Estate, as the topics were part of her course-work while in China.

She further disclosed that she made the diversification of the Rose Hall Estate the main topic in her final thesis,

which she named: “The Diversification Strategy of the Rose Hall Estate in Guyana.”

That thesis, she said, was published in the International Journal for Scientific Research, based in India, and is available online.

Shenelle, who boasts a strong christian background, is a member of the Grace Temple Assembly of God Church in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and credits her achievements to her faith in God, and the support of her

father, Mr George Benjamin, and her late mom, Mrs Barbara Benjamin.

An entrepreneur as well, Ms. Benjamin is the co-founder of Gifted Hands, which specialises in events decor.

Beaming with pride at her accomplishment, the New Amsterdamer was keen to advise other women, “Put God first and resist any attempt by society to redefine you or determine your destiny.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

First Lady urges girls to become ‘economically empowered’

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger said that young girls must seek knowledge and pursue their ambitions fearlessly so that they may be “economically empowered” in the modern age.

Speaking at a girls’ empowerment session held at the School of the Nations, the First Lady said, “It is no

secret that empowered girls and women are crucial to the development of their families, their communities, their country and the world.”

She however related that in the modern age of technology and changing culture, many jobs will become obsolete, particularly those done by women. It is for this

reason she urged the young girls to take up unconventional jobs particularly in the area of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“So ladies,” she said, “We have to position ourselves to seize the opportunities that will help us in becoming economically em-

powered… education is key.”

And to this end, she acknowledged that traditional thinking on the part of some in society will be a hindrance to girls pursuing these fields, but that should not deter the girls.

The First Lady posited, “Prejudice is still existent there, but that must not stop

First Lady Sandra Granger addressing the gathering

First Lady Sandra Granger and Miss Guyana World Ambika Ramraj

you from choosing your own career and fulfilling your dream.”

She also noted that while the Constitution of Guyana provides for the basic and fundamental rights of all people, females are faced with a myriad of Turn to page 20 ►

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Farm to Table

A FEW events the past several weeks paint an illuminating, if nuanced picture of the current state of the marijuana legalisation debate both locally and internationally. They serve, I think, to reinforce my previous articles emphasis on finding the right fit for Guyana. It is so vital that we work toward the right solutions for our country, rather than merely accepting international advice or bowing to local pressures.

I’ll start with the positive news first, if you’re in the pro-legalisation camp, that is. Canada followed its young, progressive President, legalising the recreational use of marijuana, spurring applause worldwide. This was followed by a CARICOM commission recommendation that marijuana be decriminalised.

Another victory for the legalisation camp, this added credence to the local calls for the decriminalisation of small amounts of weed, presumably for recreational use.

Interestingly, however, Guyana’s own President was less enthusiastic, expressing some degree of support for decriminalisation, or at least doing away with custodial sentences, while drawing a clear, key difference between most Caribbean countries and Guyana. Unlike the small islands that make up the majority of CARICOM, Guyana is a vast country, with limitless potential for illegal marijuana farming to take place. In his mind this presents a serious barrier to controlling any weed industry.

Further complicating this narrative is the untimely, rumoured return of a certain infamous “drug lord,” tied to Guyana’s sad spate of extra-judicial killings. I say this not to imply that he’ll be back to his old tricks, but rather as a reminder that, in short, Guyana isn’t Canada. Organised crime was once a gargantuan problem closely linked to the illicit drug industry, and last time I checked there weren’t extra-judicial killings happening in notoriously tame Canada. Caution, lest legalisation bolster local “drug lords,” is therefore paramount.

Perhaps it’s a confirmation bias, but the moment I heard the President respond to CARICOM recommendations with cautionary words about controlling any local industry I immediately thought about weed zones.

This really reinforces the need for a compromise position which takes into consideration senior officials’ genuine concerns. Weed Zones (in which it is legal to buy, sell, carry and consume) provide an easy answer to what the President is rightly bringing up.

If we specify where weed can be purchased, as in a zone, we can easily monitor where weed is farmed, how it’s transported and how it’s sold. Just as alcohol should bear the GRA marker on the lid to certify tax has been paid, weed containers can be weighed and similarly certified and marked. No uncertified weed should of course be found in weed zones and this is easy to control be-

cause zones are small, only 4 square blocks or so. This brings a whole new twist to the “farm to table” concept.

I want to close by answering the dirty secret of decriminalisation with the weed zone concept. It’s one thing to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of marijuana, by itself a problematic solution to be sure, but this begs the question where all this weed is even coming from. Someone, somewhere, must be selling and not only is the state not getting tax revenue from those sales, we don’t know to whom they are willing to sell. A friend of mine brought up the simple but insightful point that decriminalisation of small amounts doesn’t answer dangerous underage use. Weed Zones, because sales therein can be readily regulated and monitored, are an obvious solution.

My core belief is that young people need to take charge of the process and back responsible solutions to the marijuana question.

Our President will simply not be around when it is our turn to run the government, so we need to think long term, and ask ourselves what kind of country we really want to live in.

Are we going to be like Trudeau’s Canada? Or maybe Lee Kwan Yew’s Singapore? My thoughts are ever that we’ll be somewhere in the middle, because that’s closer to the truth. Maybe that will mean Weed Zones, maybe not. In the end, it’s up to us to decide.

Department of Public Information

INFOHUB RECAP - July 5 - July 11

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RECAP

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Guyana/ US relations of great import President Granger

Total govt oil take could hit US$100B

President David Granger said that Guyana attaches great importance to the relationship it shares with the United States of America, which have led to bilateral cooperation in economic development, education, entrepreneurship, justice-improvement, and defence and security cooperation since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties on August 15, 1966. The President was at the time speaking at a ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel Guyana to celebrate the 242nd Independence anniversary of the United States, which was observed on July 4. The President noted that Guyana and the United States enjoy cooperation under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. He also iterated the country’s acknowledgement and appreciation of the United States’ leadership in disaster preparedness and emergency response assistance. 

If only the eight discoveries by ExxonMobil are sanctioned, Guyana’s total take from oil production could reach as much as US$100Billion which is equivalent to GYD$20,821,000,000,000.00.

This was one of many very large numbers included in a presentation at Duke Lodge by Sonya Boodhoo, Senior Analyst of Rystad Energy, hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana. Boodhoo observed that the contract with ExxonMobil was in line with others signed by what is deemed frontier countries (without proven reserves and some amount of other risks) which average 45-70 percent in government take.

In the case of Guyana, the ExxonMobil Profit Sharing Agreement has a government take of 59 percent, said Boodhoo. 

July 05th - 11th

@dpiguyana

$27B available under Norway Forest Agreement

Three-fold increase in state pension announced Following a decision of the Cabinet, state pension has been increased almost three-fold to $360, 000 annually up from the previous $120, 000.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who made the announcement said this followed the approval of a submission by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan for an increase in the maximum annual rate of the state. Persons eligible for state pension will now receive $30,000 monthly as opposed to $10,000. He also announced that Professor Noel Menezes, a well-known Guyanese historian, will now be paid a State pension. 

Guyana has made a major breakthrough in the Norway Agreement. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon recently led a ministerial team to Oslo, Norway where negotiations led to the release of over $27BILLION which had been held up for years. The delegation included Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. The Norwegians were impressed with three main things: President David Granger’s championing of sustainable development; An impressive presentation by the Guyana delegation which outlined a solar solution to provide for some of Guyana’s energy needs as part of an ‘energy-mix proposal’; and Guyana’s extremely low deforestation rate of 0.05%. Minister Harmon, “The Norwegians indicated that they were prepared to immediately release sums of money that were held up, including G$8.3BILLION that Guyana had earned as carbon credits.” He noted that the amount of G$16.

7BILLION which was placed in the IDB account and linked to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, has also been unlocked. 

Illegal mining affects Mahdia’s potable water supply The authorities responsible for surveillance against illegal mining in hinterland communities are being called upon to exercise stringent enforcement of the law. This follows a new report of a breach in the main water supply to Mahdia in Region Eight due to unlawful mining in the area. At a brief media conference highlighting the extent of damage GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said this recent break took place in the Water Dog area. GWI is now calling for stricter monitoring and surveillance throughout the region by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and police. 

Guyana, Chile signs energy pact

Guyana and Chile signed a “Statement of Intent for Cooperation in Mining and Energy” as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase collaboration in the area of language.

The Statement of Intent for Cooperation in Mining and Energy Cooperation Agreement, and the MOU between the “Andrés Bello” Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chile) and the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Guyana), were at the Montego Bay Convention Centre by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Chile’s Ambassador and Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alfonso Silva Navarro. It took place at the conclusion of bilateral talks with President David Granger and Chile’s President Sebastián Piñera.The Statement of Intent provides a framework for the deepening of collaboration between Guyana and Chile by promoting the exchange of experiences and cooperation in the energy and mining sectors 

Reference stations to assist land surveys

ExxonMobil appears before Natural Resources Sectoral Committee

Local stakeholders are closer to benefiting from a new ordnance system that uses Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) to assist in land and other surveys. A $93Million contract was signed with Peter Headland of Ordnance Survey and Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Commissioner, Trevor Benn that will see the realization of eight re-established stations becoming functional at the Eclipse Falls – Region One, Supenaam – Region Two, Georgetown – Region Four, New Amsterdam – Region Six, Olive Creek – Region Seven, Lethem – Region Nine, and Linden – Region 10. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said the establishment of the CORS network in Guyana is an important development as it would enable the GLSC to fulfil one of the main aspects of its mandate which is the execution of geodetic, topographic, hydrographic and cadastral surveys in relation to the land and water resources of Guyana 

ExxonMobil has made stellar progress in building local capacity in oil and gas, Country Manager Rod Henson, told the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee (PAC) on Natural Resources. Henson updated the committee on the developments made to date in the industry, especially the Liza Field. A significant portion of the discussion focused on local content. Henson noted more than 50 percent of the company’s workforce is Guyanese. He added the company has invested a total of US$21Million in 227 local companies for the first quarter of the year. Henson repeatedly assured the committee that the company remains apolitical in its business dealings. 

INFOHUB RECAP - July 5 - July 11

Department of Public Information

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Sugar workers to get final severance soon Government is committed to fulfilling its promise during the second part of this year as more than 2,000 redundant sugar workers are soon to receive the final portion of their severance pay. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon disclosed that “Cabinet discussed payment of the second tranche of severance to sugar workers and iterated its commitment to honouring the agreement to make the remaining severance payment within the time it promised.” According to Minister Harmon, the funds to meet this payment will come from amounts accumulated from budgetary cuts to several ministries and departments of state in keeping with a previous directive by Cabinet. 

Guyana, Barbados strengthen bilateral relations

Guyana and Barbados have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, following a meeting held between President David Granger and Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, on the margins of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The talks between the two leaders focused on energy, economic, environmental and regional security as well as investment opportunities in both countries. A number of practical steps were discussed as a means of strengthening bilateral relations. 

Baby Bonanza at Georgetown Public Hospital!

Within the past week, the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) has welcomed the safe arrival of nine babies. Twenty-six-year-old Mandisa McKinnon is now the proud mother of three boys, all born on Friday, July 6. Dejuan, Demitri and Dekarri were all delivered via cesarean section in the early hours of Friday morning. This is the first set of triplets born at the GPHC since 2012, according to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier Ret’d George Lewis. Meanwhile, there were three sets of twins also resting at the GPHC. Shequita Michael gave birth to twins; a boy and girl on June 29, Nandranie Sampran gave birth to twin girls and Lashanna Murray also had twin girls on July 7, 2018. All deliveries were done via cesarean section. 

MPs sensitised on anti-corruption principles

Guyana has made progress in advancing anti-bribery, corruption, fraud and money laundering measures, Advisor to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Dr. Sam Sittlington said. Dr. Sittlington made a presentation to Members of Parliament in the Chambers of the National Assembly on the importance of Guyana’s efforts to combat corruption. The advisor noted that progress has been which is important to Guyana’s international image. He added good governance is an effective way of tempering business exploitation while reflecting good management. Dr. Sittlington’s presentation was centred around five of the principles under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCNAC). Guyana ratified the UNCAC in 2008. 

First Lady urges youths to embrace technology

$ 9.7B WCD Road Project Commissioned!

The $9.7Billion West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project was commissioned at the De Willem Tarmac West Coast Demerara. The project was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Guyana.

Delivering the feature address was the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson who noted that the project is evidence of the government’s pledge to the development of Guyana’s public infrastructure. The features along the 30.7 km rehabilitated West Coast road include upgraded bridges and culverts, new ‘shared-use’ lanes for cyclists and pedestrians at key junctions, the installation of high visibility traffic signs and road markers, the installation of pedestrian footpath bridges, the construction of concrete drains at critical locations and the construction of parking lanes along identified sections of the road. 

Guyana/Jamaica joint commission to be reactivated

After being dormant for some time, President David Granger said the Guyana-Jamaica Joint Commission will be reactivated and will form the platform for areas of cooperation between the two countries. The Head of State made the comments on the sideline of the 39th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Jamaica. He was commenting on his meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

According to President Granger, the fruitful meeting with Jamaica has opened avenues for development between Guyana, Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. The meeting also discussed Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector and the economic prospects it will have on the Caribbean. 

‘Strike a blow against corruption’ -AG tells Region Seven

Minister Harmon visits flood-hit Region Nine First Lady, Sandra Granger, attended the Second Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Robotics Exhibition hosted by STEM Guyana in collaboration with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company. The event was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue. The First Lady, in her remarks at the opening ceremony, emphasised the importance of STEM and expressed the hope of having robotic teams from every region in Guyana participating at this event next year. She also took the opportunity to congratulate the STEM Guyana Team for their hard work and on their tremendous success and said that she is confident that Guyana`s participation in the Global Robotics Championship, which is slated for Mexico in August 2018, will see even greater success than last year. 

@dpiguyana

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, visited the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) where he charged the Regional Administration to work collectively with every stakeholder and to utilise every available State resource at its disposal to ensure that they serve the residents affected by flooding, even as the waters continue to recede after rising as much as five feet in some areas. Minister Harmon, who first stopped at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom to meet with officials of the Regional Administration, Ministries and Government agencies, said that the Government is committed to bringing relief to the residents. As such, he told the officials that every effort must be made to reach every resident who has been affected by the flood, which resulted from the overtopping of several rivers, particularly the Takutu River, due to heavy rainfall in the region and over in neighbouring Brazil. 

Efforts to combat anti-corruption are advancing through the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs’ Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Seminars. The series of discussions continued at the conference room of the Palm Springs Hotel in Region Seven (Potaro Siparuni).

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams SC in his opening remarks said the issue of corruption continues to impact development as funds could instead be directed towards developmental projects. "We must be able to strike a blow against corruption. If you believe that our efforts in this area are going unnoticed by the international community that is not so. Since we started the anti-corruption programme other countries are following suit," he explained. The issue of anti-corruption is receiving more attention and is now tied with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism Finance initiatives.

Williams noted that efforts to combat anti-corruption will be accelerated as international funding is provided for such work. 

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

New Amsterdam Rotary installs new board UPKEEP of strong family culture, water projects, medical outreaches, renewed efforts to rid the world of polio and other humanitarian projects are

just a few of the plans the newly- inducted President of the New Amsterdam Rotary club Rafeek Kassim intends to execute.

Kassim, a civil engineer

President of the New Amsterdam Rotary Club Rafeek Kassim (right) along with members of the board for the 2018-2019 fiscal year

Assistant Governor Luana Falconer extends congratulations to the new President Rafeek Kassim as other board members look on

and contractor by profession will serve for the period 2018-2019. The Rotary Club is one of the world’s oldest non-government/non-profit organisations.

Kassim became the 32nd president of the New Amsterdam Chapter and was installed two Saturdays ago at Number 2 village, East Canje Berbice.

The ceremony also saw

the installation of a new board that will take up the mantle from the past President Ramroop ‘Danzie’ Rajnauth and his board as the club seeks to continue the efforts of their 1.2 million members worldwide to make the world a better place by effecting sustainable change one village at a time.

The club which was established in New Amsterdam since 1987 received the Rotary International’s Presidential citation this year for their exemplary efforts, including their Public Schools Pure Water Initiative.

During his address, Kas-

sim, the youngest president of the club, committed to continue from where his predecessor has left off and pledges to infuse youth mixed with experience to ensure that the club continues to grow.

He spoke at length about the family values the club promotes which is a fast declining quality in today’s society and assured his fellow Rotarians that he intends to execute projects aimed at promoting strong family culture.

In addition, the club which boasts several water projects will seek to execute

another major sustainable one in collaboration with the Corriverton Chapter.

However, the signature project that Kassim and his board intend to execute is the extension of the Cumberland Health Centre’s waiting area.

“The health centre was constructed since 1940 and catered for only a few persons but the population in the community has grown as the centre continues to service their needs and the area is now inadequate. So we will extend the waiting area to accommodate the increase,” he stated.

Turn to page 20 ►

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Mon Repos couple held in massive drug bust

The cocaine and cannabis which were seized by CANU

Bags of narcotics which CANU seized on Saturday

A GOOD Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man and his wife are in custody of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) following a large drug find at the Mon Repos foreshore Saturday morning.

According to a release from CANU, ranks of the unit conducted an operation on East Coast Demerara where several locations used for docking of fishing vessels along the sea wall were reconnoitered.

CANU said sometime after 04:00 hours Saturday, a suspected fishing vessel approached a docking location at the Mon Repos Channel and was eventually

interdicted.

The agency said ranks found 82 parcels of cocaine which weighed 91.132 kg (201.32lbs) as well as 98 parcels of cannabis which weighed 56.008 Kg (123.47lbs) on the vessel.

The boat’s captain, known by the alias ‘Dive’ and ‘Shoot’ escaped and is at large while another man, one Azim Baksh called ‘Bato’ of Lot 123 Phase 1, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara was arrested.

Baksh’s wife was arrested by anti-narcotics authorities while several persons of interest, including several Venezuelans, are wanted in connection with the bust.

Haiti’s prime minister quits amid backlash over fuel price protests Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned on Saturday as he faced a non-confidence vote after a move to lower fuel subsidies prompted days of violent protests in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

In a speech to the Lower Chamber that was broadcast live on television, Lafontant defended his tenure but said that Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise had accepted his resignation.

“As I told you, I am at

service to the Republic,” Lafontant said. Earlier this month, the Haitian government announced a reduction of fuel subsidies as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The move translated to a 38 per cent rise in gasoline prices and 47 per cent hike for diesel, triggering protests during which demonstrators barricaded roads, looted stores and set cars ablaze in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The unrest caused em-

Turn to page 20 ►

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Haiti’s prime minister quits amid...

From page 19

bassies to close and airlines to suspend flights to Haiti for days.

Lafontant announced a temporary reversal of the policy in a bid to quell the demonstrations, but the protests continued. A no-confidence vote in his leadership had been scheduled for Saturday, according to the Miami Herald.

The IMF said on Thurs-

day that it expects Haiti to create a revised reform plan that will include a gradual lowering of fuel subsidies.

A medical doctor and political novice, Lafontant became prime minister in March 2017 with ambitious plans to boost agricultural production, improve infrastructure and expand access to clean water. (Reuters)

First Lady urges girls...

From page 14

challenges from domestic violence to teenage pregnancy and even cyber bullying.

Pointedly she said, “It is not okay for a woman or child to be physically or verbally abused by anyone; it is not okay for the dreams of our girl children to be limited to perceptions of what is so called women’s work and [what] some old fashioned people believe is a woman’s place in society.”

According to her, marriage, family and career choices should ultimately be up to the individual.

And she acknowledged that mass media portrays a certain standard that females need to adhere.

“Girls are also asked to focus on their physical appearance and follow the latest fashion and makeup trend and this they say, will make

you wildly popular and more sought after among your peers,” she highlighted and affirmed, “This is not true, we come in all shapes and sizes with a range of skills and talents.”

The empowerment session was organised by the sixth form students of the institution as a fundraiser for the students’ endeavours to engage in an exchange programme in Canada. Young girls were treated to a day of activities that sought to build kinship, empower each other and generally strengthen the cadre of young upcoming female professionals. Additional speakers included reigning Miss Guyana World, Ambika Ramraj and local media personality, Wanita Huburn.

New Amsterdam Rotary...

From page 18

Earlier, Assistant Governor Luana Falconer charged the new president and his board to “Be the Inspiration” in keeping with Rotary International’s theme for the New Year.

“To President Rafeek and his incoming board, you will have the responsibility to build on the work of those who have gone before you to build on the solid foundation that has been set for the club and strengthen it for the work yet to come; to the wider membership, support your board so that together you can be the inspiration, change the lives of as many people as possible and in the most significant and lasting ways; ensure that rotary continues to provide the best possible experience to its members, ensure that your club continues to grow and be useful to the world and never cease believing in the goodness of the world and in Rotary to help goodness shine through,” she said.

The Assistant Governor also charged the Rotarians to inspire and motivate their members to reach their full potential.

The Rotary Club of New Amsterdam will continue in its efforts to promote peace, fight to help eradicate polio, provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene and support education and community development.

The Board of Directors for 2018-2019 are Immediate Past President Ramroop Rajnauth, President-elect Nolan France, Vice President David Armogan, Secretary Rohan Marray, Treasurer Jerry Outar, Director (Club Administration) Kester Persaud, Director (Service Projects) Roger Greenidge, Director (Membership) Nolan France, Director (Foundation) Tajpaul Adjodhea, Director (New Generation Services) Chris Hicks and Public Relations Officer Chandra Sohan.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Hero Holder!

West Indies record home series win against Bangladesh (CMC) – THE exceptional Jason Holder destroyed Bangladesh with his maiden 10-wicket haul in Tests and the best figures by a West Indies captain on Caribbean soil, as the hosts marched to an emphatic 166-run victory inside three days in the second Test, to record their first home series win in four years here yesterday.

Despite being rolled over for their lowest-ever total against Bangladesh when they were dismissed for 129 in their second innings, West Indies quickly hit back with vengeance, crushing the tourists for a meagre 168 to complete a 2-0 series win and climb back above their opponents to eighth in the ICC Test rankings.

The 26-year-old Holder was at the forefront of the Windies success, claiming six for 59 – his third five-wicket haul in the last six innings – to finish with career-best match figures of 11 for 103 and 16 wickets in the series.

For his superb efforts, Holder picked up the Manof-the-Match and Man-ofthe-Series awards, to leave his stamp on the series. “(For me it’s) just heart, just fight,” Holder said afterwards in reference to his performance.

“I always ask the guys for one last push, I always ask the guys to give everything and I just feel as if I do it from the front, the guys would be able to follow.

“That’s my mantra basically, to go out there and just

put everything in. I expect tough days in cricket and tough days in life so it’s just about coping with it and getting through.”

Set an improbable 335 for victory, Bangladesh never came to grips with the Windies attack as Shakib top-scored with 54, opener Liton Das struck a run-aball 33 while former skipper Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with 31.

They stumbled at the start of their run chase when experienced opener Tamim Iqbal fell without scoring in the third over with the score on two, lbw to Holder defending.

Liton Das played positively, however, cracking six fours in a 38-run, second-wicket stand with Mominul Haque (15).

Ten minutes before tea, however, Das sliced a tentative drive at debutant pacer Keemo Paul and was caught at gully by Shai Hope, and with the last ball before the interval, Mominul missed a forward defensive prod at one from off-spinner Roston Chase (2-20) which went on with the arm, and perished lbw.

Wobbling on 52 for three at tea, Bangladesh lost their fourth wicket 20 minutes after the resumption, Mahmudullah (4) playing an atrocious heave at Chase and gifting his wicket to a catch at mid-wicket.

Shakib, however, found an ally in Mushfiqur and together they put on 54 for the fifth wicket, to temporarily avert danger for Bangladesh.

The left-handed Shakib stroked 10 fours in a flowing 81-ball knock in nearly 2-1/4 hours hours while Mushfiqur lasted 36 balls and struck six fours.

Holder returned to gain the breakthrough, bowling Mushfiqur off the inside edge, 45 minutes before the scheduled close then hitting Nurul Hasan in front off the next ball.

Speedster Shannon Gabriel had Mehidy Hasan (10) caught at second slip by Devon Smith at 138 for seven before Holder claimed the prized wicket of Shakib, beating a defensive push and up-rooting the left-hander’s leg stump.

Holder wasted little time in wrapping up the innings as he claimed the last two wickets in his next over.

Earlier, Windies had been anything but stellar as their batting flopped spectacularly, undermined by the superb Shakib who claimed six for 33 with his quality left-arm spin.

Chase top-scored with 32 but was the only one to pass 20 as the Windies lost their last nine wickets for 110 runs after resuming the morning on 19 for one.

Shakib struck in the fourth over of the morning when he drew opener Smith from his crease, for Nurul to complete a well-timed stumping, and send the lefthander on his way for 16 with the score on 28.

Nightwatchman Paul scored 13 but was bowled

by Shakib attempting a second successive six and left-

ExxonMobil U-14 Football tournament

Mutli boys, Charlestown girls secure final spots … Second semis set for Tuesday NORTH Ruimveldt (Multi) boys and Charlestown Girls are into the finals of this year’s ExxonMobil U-14 Boys and Girls schools football tournament, following matches yesterday.

Played at the Ministry of Education ground, the Multi boys did just enough to beat of St John’s College 1-0 thanks to Shaquan Favourite who scored in the 23rd minure.

They await the winners

of the second semi-final between Chase Academy and Buxton on Tuesday at 16:00hrs.

Meanwhile in the 5-8 playoff, Vergenoegen beat Dolphin 4-3 on penalties after their game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

For the ladies, it was Charlestown who won over New Campbellville 4-3 on penalties after their game was scoreless in regulation time.

They await the winner of the South Ruimveldt vs East Ruimveldt game at 15:00hrs on Tuesday.

In the 5-8 playoff, Uitvlugt won via walkover from Tucville after the former had insufficient players while Dolphin trampled Vergenoegen 4-1.

The tournament finals are set for Saturday and are sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health and Demerara Distillers Limited.

hander Kieran Powell once again played freely for his 18 which included a four and a six before falling on the stroke of the hour, trapped lbw on the crease by the same bowler.

Hope, still searching for form and confidence, played down the wrong line in the next over to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and perished lbw for four, leaving the Windies on 64 for five.

Chase then settled the innings down in a 33-run stand with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer who again looked in fine touch in his 18 from 31 balls.

But with lunch beckoning, Hetmyer played back to seamer Abu Jayed and was adjudged lbw, as the hosts stumbled to 108 for six at the interval.

Chase could only add a further nine to his lunch time 23 before he was bowled round his legs by off-spinner Mehidy Hasan, missing a sweep, in the fourth over after the resumption.

His dismissal triggered the slide which saw the last four wickets tumble for a mere 21 runs, with off-spinner Mehidy Hasan chipping in with two for 45.

English Racing Tips

Irish Racing Tips

Perth

Killarney

09:00 hrs Montanna

08:50 hrs Anthony Van Dyck

09:30 hrs Jassas

09:25 hrs Singing Off

10:05 hrs Dotties Dilema

10:00 hrs Kaitymann

10:35 hrs Honourable Gent

10:30 hrs Ship Of Dreams

11:10 hrs Grageelagh Girl

11:05 hrs Active Approach

11:40 hrs Talkonthestreet 12:15 hrs Sense Of Urgency Southwell 09:20 hrs Larkhall 09:50 hrs El Terremoto 10:25 hrs Inessa 10:55 hrs Robin Des Mana 11:30 hrs Angel Of Harlem

11:35 hrs Singing’N’Dancing 12:10 hrs Dawn Hoofer Sligo 09:05 hrs Cool Colonnade 09:35 hrs Cheap AND Cheerful 10:10 hrs Tree Of Knowledge 10:40 hrs Pleasure Dome

12:00 hrs Ring Eye

11:15 hrs Muroor

12:35 hrs Jessica Rabbit

11:45 hrs Hugo ‘N Taz

Srtatford

12:20 hrs Queens Boulevard

09:10 hrs Parmenter

South Africa Racing Tips

10:15 hrs Hatcher

Scottsville

10:45 hrs Drumhart

08:15 hrs Rock Of Africa

11;20 hrs Melody Of Scotland

08:50 hrs Kinsky’s Crusade

11:50 hrs Opechee

10:00 hrs Barinois

12:25 hrs Tidal Watch

10:35 hrs Stand By Me

09:25 hrs King’s Music

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 15, 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)

Kemar Roach & Devendra Bishoo

(2)

Keemo Paul & Shimron Hetmyer

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which Bangladeshi player made his Test debut in the recent WI/BANG first Test?

(2) How many ‘ducks’ were recorded in the recent WI/BANG first Test?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

England crush India in second ODI (REUTERS) - JOE Root struck a fluent 113 as England crushed India by 86 runs in the second one-day international at Lord’s yesterday to level the threematch series at 1-1.

Chasing a stiff victory target of 323, the touring side struggled after getting off to a decent start in sunny conditions and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

India’s top three batsmen, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, failed to go on to big scores after laying solid platforms, putting pressure on the middle order.

A brief glimmer of hope came as Kohli and Suresh Raina shared an 80-run part-

nership for the fourth wicket but England spinner Moeen Ali trapped captain Kohli lbw to dash Indian hopes.

Former skipper MS Dhoni then played a curious innings, making 37 off 59 balls as the run rate required soared and India’s chase became increasingly hopeless.

Electing to bat first, England made a quick start with Jason Roy (40) and Jonny Bairstow (38) sharing a busy opening stand of 69 in under 11 overs.

The introduction of Kuldeep Yadav, who bamboozled England with six wickets in the first one-dayer, brought the departure of both openers in quick succession playing the same sweep

stroke against the slow leftarm Chinaman bowler.

But Root, returning to form after a lean run in white-ball cricket, and Eoin Morgan (53) joined forces to steady the ship in a century-partnership for the third wicket.

The India slow bowlers chipped away at the middle order, Yadav leading the charge with three wickets, but big hitting by David Willey, who scored an unbeaten 50 off 31 balls, pushed England past the 300 mark.

The sides meet in the third and final one-day match in Leeds on Tuesday before a five-Test series starts on August 1.

Sri Lanka mop up South Africa inside three days

Faf du Plessis is caught at slip, Sri Lanka v South Africa, 1st Test, Galle, 3rd day, yesterday. (Associated Press)

(REUTERS) - SRI Lanka off-spinner Dilruwan Perera took six wickets in the second innings for a match-haul of 10, as the hosts registered a thumping 278-run win over South Africa inside three days of the opening Test yesterday.

South Africa were all out for 73 in their second innings, the worst for them

in Sri Lanka. They were bundled out for 126 in the first innings on Friday, their previous lowest total in the island nation.

Perera followed up his first-innings figures of 4-46 with six for 32 in the second, his best bowling figures in Tests, with veteran leftarm spinner Rangana Herath picking up three.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were all out for 190 in their second innings, leaving South Africa a target of 352 on a surface providing a lot of turn for the spinners.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took 4-58 for the touring side. (Reporting

by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Belgium secure third place (REUTERS) - BELGIUM beat England 2-0 in the World Cup third-place playoff yesterday to secure their best-ever finish at a World Cup and send Gareth Southgate’s side home with a second straight loss.

A fourth-minute goal from Thomas Meunier and an 82nd-minute Eden Hazard strike earned Belgium the victory and third place, which improved on their previous best performance of fourth in 1986.

“It’s all about that achievement. I think these players deserve that,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said.

“What we have seen in this World Cup is that the players did not want to rely on talent anymore, they wanted to rely on working as a team, becoming a group of players that would do anything to achieve results.”

England were on top for most of the second half but with captain Harry Kane

looking tired, Belgium’s greater sharpness in the final third proved decisive.

“This game showed there is still room for improvement,” said Kane.

“We’re not the finished article; we’re still improving and will only get better. We don’t want to wait another 20 years to get into the semi-finals and the big matches. We need to improve, we need to get better but that will come,” he said.

Two tired and disappointed teams playing in heat with the crowd dominated by neutral Russian fans was never going to be a recipe for a thriller but Belgium made a flying start.

They scored when Romelu Lukaku swung the ball out left to Nacer Chadli who burst down the wing and slipped the ball across the face of the goal and Meunier confidently slotted past Jordan Pickford.

Meunier was Belgium’s 10th different goalscorer at

GFF names Boys U-14, ...

Ronette Grant, Affia Hartman, Samantha Banfield, Mariah Johnson, Anastasia Salvadore, Sukhayiah Willie, Jenea Knight, Alanna Clarke, Alleia Alleyne, Wendy Holden, Shenika Atkinson, Euriane Mentore, Shauna Edwards, Jalade Trim, Nakasi St Jules, Shamaya Daniels and Kersti Thomas.

Boys’ U-15 shortlisted

squad: Ian Gomes, Dellon Jones, Kimoni Milne, Shoran James, Kevon Scott, Dwayne Bess, Devon Padmore, Neron Barrow, Mark Morgan, Tyrice Dennis, Makhayah Jarvis, Colin Henriques, Samuel Garnett, Tyquan Brummel, Joshua Holder, Kevin Mullin, Atwaun Vincente, Aar-

this World Cup - equalling the record set by France in 1982 and Italy in 2006.

While England manager Gareth Southgate made five changes to the side who lost to Croatia, Martinez made just two switches.

Meunier returned from suspension and Youri Tielemans got a start ahead of Marouane Fellaini in midfield with the Belgians fielding their strong front three of Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard. de Bruyne should have made it 2-0 when the ball found him at the back post after a slip-up from John Stones, but his poorly struck shot was easily dealt with by Pickford.

Kane, the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, had an opportunity when set up by Raheem Sterling but was off-balance as he screwed his shot wide.

From page 30 ► on Austin, Daniel Lowe, Brandon Solomon, Seon Sue, Jaleei Alcindor, Alexander Davidson, Ofancy Winter, Shavid Hernandez, Lincoln James, Matrim Martin, Daniel Hopkinson, Marcus Tudor, Gerald Wittington, Zidana Ramdeholl, Keishawn Smith, Kwesi Gill, Romel Medas and Oswin Archer.

Thomas Meunier of Belgium scores his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match against England at Saint Petersburg Stadium yesterday in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

West Indies B to face Vancouver Knights (CMC) – WEST Indies-B coach, Roddy Estwick, believes his side’s “fearless mind-set” has been crucial to their success in the inaugural Global T20 Canada.

The Caribbean side, comprising young development players, were the least fancied when they entered the tournament two weeks ago, but have since emerged as favourites for today’s final against Vancouver Knights after pulling off a number of surprises to reach the championship match.

Up against several far more experienced players, Windies-B have played an attractive brand of attacking and entertaining cricket, with several outstanding performances and superb collective displays.

“They have been fearless.

They have been street-wise and clever,” Estwick told CMC Sports from the team hotel in Toronto.

“They have performed like they belong – they have demonstrated to the cricket world that they have immense talent, but also importantly, they also have the desire to win and they know how to win.”

He added: “We came here with nothing to lose and everything to gain. I urged them to go out and enjoy the tournament and make the most of this golden opportunity. We agreed ‘let’s make the impossible possible’.

They have been brilliant in every match.”

The highlight of the tournament so far was a

breath-taking century from teenager Sherfane Rutherford in the opening play-off against Chris Gayle’s Vancouver Knights on Thursday at the Maple Leaf NorthWest Ground.

The 19-year-old Guyanese scorched 134 not out off 66 balls with 11 fours and 10 sixes as the Windies chased down 216 for victory, to win by six wickets off the last ball.

Rutherford added 130 for the third wicket with fellow left-hander Nicholas Pooran, who made 44 off 28 balls.

Earlier in the match, Rutherford took two wickets with his right-arm medium pace - an all-round performance which guaranteed him the Man-of-the-Match award.

“He’s a brave young man.

Nicholas Pooran - one of the stars of the Windies-B campaign.

He has a big heart and he is very determined,” Estwick pointed out.

“When the tournament started we were looking for openers and we identified

Rutherford as one of the best options at the top of the order. He opened in the first five matches and did well.

“On Thursday, we made a tactical adjustment to com-

bat their leg-spinners. We felt that if we had two lefthanders at numbers four and five, we could handle the spin.

Estwick added: “… so we moved Rutherford to four and Pooran to five and that worked wonders. He (Rutherford) played a wonderful innings and Pooran showed the value of his experience for know-how.

“For such a young man to play so freely from a score of 17 for three, chasing over 200 at a rate of more than 10 runs per over and win the game, was world-class.

“This tournament has been a great showcase for talent in the West Indies and it shows we have what it takes to compete with the best in the world.”

John returns to cop 18th Annual P&P Insurance Brokers cycling meet

By Michelangelo Jacobus A MORNING of thrilling cycling action came to an end in the sweltering midday heat of the inner circuit of the National Park, with Team Coco’s cyclist Jamual John doing just enough to hold off Evolution’s Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith to claim the 35-Lap Schoolboys and Invitational race.

Racing in the feature event of the 18th Annual P&P Insurance Brokers 11race cycling meet, John, along with Griffith, Deeraj Garbarran, Paul Cho Wee Nam, Curtis Dey and Walter Grant-Stuart, led the race almost from the outset and stuck together in the peloton trading the lead at intervals.

With four laps to go Gar-

barran attempted a breakaway but was quickly hauled back by the pack. In the final lap John surged to front but used his tactical nous to conserve energy for the final sprint.

The finish line was about 80 metres away when the final sprint began with John holding his form to beat out a resurgent Griffith for first place.

John’s winning time was one hour 16 minutes 51.97 seconds; coming third was Paul Cho Wee Nam while Walter Grant-Stuart, Marcus Keiler and Deeraj Garbarran rounded out the other top six spots in that order.

The eight sprint prizes were shared by John (1), Warren McKay (1), Griffith (3), Garbarran (2) and Keiler one.

Meanwhile over in the Veterans Over-50 5-lap race, Ian Jackson took top honours ahead of Kennard Lovell (second) and Linden Blackman (third).

Mario King triumphed in the Mountain Bike category winning the 5-lap race ahead of second-placed Jude Bentley and Samuel Campbell.

Briton John continued his top form in the Juveniles/ Juniors 10-lap race copping both sprint prizes and winning the race in a blistering time of 25 minutes 36 seconds ahead of Dezil Huntley (second) and Adealie Hodge (third).

Following the completion of the races, officials from the P&P Insurance Brokers company were on hand to present the trophies.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

FIFA World Cup Final:

What our local fans predict

By Gabriella Hicks and Vishani Ragobeer THE 2018 FIFA World Cup comes to an end today when France take on Croatia in the final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia.

1998 champions France and debutant finalists, Croatia will take centre stage from 11:00hrs and fans around Guyana had their say as to who will emerge with the cup.

Rohindra Mahase

Sue Ann Kalladeen

“Well, really and truly, I would have liked to say Germany because that’s my team but we all know how that went.

I’ve decided to support most of the underdog teams so my pick for the cup is Croatia. France are playing well but they have Mbappe and Mbappe is Neymar’s friend and well I don’t like Neymar so ….”

Croatia for the win!

They are good at getting and keeping the ball, their consistency is exceptional.

They have been playing good football and I would like them to win.

Michelangelo Jacobus Michelangelo Jacobus stated: “While I like the brand of football that France are playing and the fact that they have arguably the best offensive players in the world at the moment, I can’t shake the feeling that this final will be one to remember for a lifetime.

Croatia have proven themselves time and time again thus far in this world cup and have shown so much heart that it is almost impossible not to root for them, they being the proverbial underdogs. My prediction is that Croatia will provide an entertaining upset and take home the most coveted trophy in world football back to the Balkans.”

Jai Ramanan Croatia for the win! They’ve made it this far because of the magnificent efforts and never-say-die attitude of Modric, Rakitic & Mandzukic and the support from the others. Their display of stamina and control is excellent and relentless.

Nicholas Brathwaite Nicholas Brathwaite thinks Croatia will win. “I think they are gonna win because as they said they are the underdogs and I think they want it more.

France have been there three times, but it’s all about who want it more. Yes, France will bring a good defence to the good game, but as long as you want it more, you’re gonna do everything possible, everybody is gonna participate. Well this World Cup is hard to give predictions to because sometimes when you think the game will be 0-0, it’s gonna be a 4-1 or a 5-1 something like that, but I’m thinking it’s gonna go maybe like 2-1. I don’t see it going to penalties, maybe extra time.”

Anna Smith Anna Smith predicted, “I don’t have any team.” She says that whichever team her accomplice supports, she will support. From the beginning of the tournament Anna has been supporting Brazil.

Anna stated that she was “vex” when Brazil was eliminated.

Gelli Jardine Well for me it would be France to take home the cup for its mixture of youthful talent and measured allround performance. I believe that the magic moment will go to Giroud winning it with his first goal of the tournament. Nevertheless Croatia have shown a never-say-die determination and with Luka Modric looking to add to his trophy case, anything is possible.

Rona Isrudeen Croatia wouldn't be in the final without the creativity of Modric and energetic attacking drive of Mandzukic, allied with Rakitic.

Troy David Troy David stated, “France. I don’t like Croatia fuh nothing.” He stated that he supported Brazil from the beginning of the tournament and then “they lost”.

Dane Hicks Dane Hicks predicted, “Well for me, the better team is France. But Croatia have performed well. I would like a team who never won the World Cup to win again and this is Croatia - first ever World Cup finals.” He also concluded that he prefers Croatia.

(No photo provided)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

V-Net Communication on board with Green Economy Tournament … Bakewell, Minister Harmon also on board THE Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, (RHTY&SC) has received the blessing of President David Granger to host the 2nd Edition of the Patron’s Green Economy Trophy and Patron’s Fund in honour of his 73rd Birthday.

The Green Economy Tournament would be played under the banner of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) while the RHTY&SC MS would organise the Patron’s Fund.

The organisers would be using the Cricket Tournament to promote President Granger’s Green Economy Message across the Ancient County under the Patron’s Fund. Less fortunate youths would benefit from donations of bicycles, exercise books, school bags and cricket bats.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster along with Vice-president Mark Papannah, Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall and Assistant Secretary

V-Net CEO Safraz Sherrifudeen presents donation to Hilbert Foster while Robby Kissoonlall of RHTYSC looks on.

Simon Naidu are spearheading the organising of the events to honour the Club’s Patron on his birthday.

Last year, the Club organised a very successful first edition of the tournament while millions of dollars in cricket balls, schoolbags, bicycles and exercise books were shared to thousands of youths and several cricket clubs in the Ancient County.

Eleven First Division teams including West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Albion, Rose Hall Canje, RHTY&SC, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Upper Corentyne would participate.

Prizes would be announced shortly while play would start as soon as the weather improves.

Last Wednesday the first sets of donations were re-

ceived for the tournament and the Patron’s Fund. Minister of State Joseph Harmon handed over a personal donation of $125 000.

Bakewell donated $150 000 while CEO of V-Net Communication Safraz Sherrifudeen handed funds to purchase 10 cycles that would be donated to less fortunate students. The Ministry of the Presidency has also committed itself to provide trophies and stand the cost of umpiring for the entire tournament.

Sherrifudeen stated that his company was delighted to assist the RHTY&SC and more importantly to make sure that President Granger has a special 73rd Birthday present.

The cycles, he stated, would assist less fortunate students to attend school and obtain an education.

General Manager of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga, expressed his pleasure at being able to be part of the Green Economy Tournament.

GFF names Boys U-14, Girls U-15 provisional squads – Preparations begin for CFU and CONCACAF youth tournaments

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced yesterday that it has begun preparations for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Trophy and CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship, which are both set for August, following the encampment of the two squads.

The CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Trophy is scheduled for August 2-12 in Curacao, while the CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship is fixed for the IMG Academy, Florida, USA from August 6 to 13.

The national encampment started on July 8 and will conclude on July 16, at the Guyana Fire Service Training Facility, Leonora and features a provisional squad of 35 boys and 35 girls, with Bryan Joseph and Akilah Castello as the assigned head coaches of respective squads.

Among the 34-member female squad named are 10

Some of the players shortlisted for the National U-15 Girls encamped for CONCACAF U-15 Girls Championship

international-based players from Canada and the USA selected by the GFF International Women’s Coordinator Paul Beresford, 23 from the GFF Academy Training Centre (ATC), and one player from Region One. Members from the Boys’ squad are all national players from the ATC. Guyana are one of five teams placed in Group C of the CFU Boys U-14 Challenge Trophy along with Curacao, Bonaire, Trinidad and Tobago and Aruba while the U-15 Girls

have been placed in Group E with The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and St Lucia.

Guyana are scheduled to play their first match in the U-15 Championship against St. Lucia on August 6 at 11:00hrs, followed by Cayman Islands on August 7 at 09:00hrs and The Bahamas on August 9 at 11:00hrs. The playoff will begin on August 10, following the group qualifiers, with the finals set for August 13 at 11:00hrs.

A shortlist of the squad will be done at the conclusion of the

Guyana shock T&T in CWI Regional Under-17

By Brij Parasnath GUYANA shocked defending champions Trinidad and Tobago to register a thrilling three-wicket victory in their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-17 50-overs third round clash at Gilbert Park, California yesterday.

On a pitch that offered two-pace bounce, Guyana’s Sheldon Charles, Dwain Dick and Nigel Deodat combined to restrict the favoured Trinidad and Tobago outfit for a meagre 65 runs in 26.3 overs in the low-scoring match.

Charles claimed three wickets for 21 runs from six overs and was well-supported by Dick who finished with three wickets for 16 runs from 3.3 overs and Deodat who took two wickets for seven runs from four overs. Niran Bissu was equally impressive and got the other wicket for seven runs from seven overs of which there were three maidens.

Among the Trinidadians, only opener Tariq Mohammed 14 (35 balls), Leonardo Julien 13 (1x4 off 12 balls) and Rivaldo Ramlogan 14 (1x4, 1x6 off 20 balls) were able to get to double figures.

Julien, who top-scored with 83 against Leewards last Thursday, was terribly disappointed when he was run-out, when he seemed set for another big score.

His dismissal affected the other batsmen who offered little resistance and the homesters folded meekly to the sustained pressure current camp. Two additional encampment periods are set for July 22-26 and July 29-August 1 respectively.

Girls’ U-15 shortlisted squad: Sidney Facey, Ludesha Reynolds, Veyansa Hope, Akeela Hodge, Jaida Brooks,

applied by the Guyanese team.

In reply, Guyana captain Sachin Singh once again made his intentions felt with two huge sixes and two fours off 18 deliveries before he was dismissed by Ramlogan, who knocked back his stumps and triggered a massive slide with five more wickets to fall for an addition of only 17 runs and caused anxiety within the Guyanese camp.

Yeudister Persad (2), Andre Seepersaud (7), Dwain Dick (0), Seon Glasgow (4) and Leon Swamy (2) were back in the pavilion and Guyana were 50 for 7.

But there was no further hiccups as bowling heroes Nigel Deodat, 8 not out (21 balls) and Sheldon Charles, 9 not out (1x4 off 20 balls) batted sensibly and combined to ease the pressure and spark jubilant celebrations when they featured in an unbroken 16-run eighth-wicket partnership that rallied Guyana home to an exciting victory in the 21st over.

T&T’s left-arm spinner Nicholas Ali took three wickets for 30 runs while leg-spinner Sameer Ali finished with three for 15 (4.4 overs) and once again emerged as their main wicket-takers.

Charles was voted Player-of-the-Match for his solid all-round performance.

Guyana had lost their opening round encounter against Windwards but rebounded to defeat Leewards in the second round at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy last Thursday.

Anaya Willabus, Ashaya Doobay, Sara Matthias, Ayana Walker, Melissa Torres, Nikiita Wayne, Aliea Moses, Samara Rodrigues, Latesha Sutherland, Amanda Mc Kenzie, Leah Perreira, Hasha Holder, Turn to page 27 ►

Some of the shortlisted players for the National U-14 Boys encamped for CFU U-14 Challenge Trophy

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 15, 2018

Bartica Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Defending champs River View launch staunch title defence DEFENDING champions of the Bartica Zone, Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition, River View, launched their title defence with a thorough 5-1 win over Mighty Ruler.

The winners of last year’s inaugural tournament in Region 7, after going behind early in the game, River View had goals courtesy of Shaquille Hopkinson who opened the scoring in the 13th minute, Andel Norton (15th), Romario Lake (17th) and Godfrey Norton with a Guinness Goal in the 20th.

Together they ensured that Mighty Ruler were never a threat.

The lone scorer for

Mighty Ruler was Devon Elias in the 11th minute.

Meanwhile in the opening game of the night, Street Kings needled Hard Tackles with the lone goal coming off the boot of Seon Ferrier in the sixth minute.

Almanac Kings then dispatched SML 2-0 with Ricardo Perreira netting a brace in the second and 14th minutes respectively.

The game between Potaro Strikers and Agatash proved to be a 3-2 thriller with the eventual winners Potaro coming from two goals down.

Agatash got proceedings underway with Andrew Simons netting two quick goals

in the third and sixth minutes respectively. However, Kurt Spencer hauled one back for Potaro in the seventh minute before Ron Smith struck a double in the 10th and 13th minutes to break Agatash hearts.

Goal Raiders then took on Impact and breezed to a 3-0 win with a Sherwin DaSilva strike in the fifth minute while Brian Browne netted a Guinness Goal in the 19th minute.

In the final game of the night, BLB Squad beat Arcade Lotto 2-0 with Sheldon Kyte and Tevy Stoll scoring a goal apiece in the seventh and 15th minutes respectively.

Defending champions River View warming up

GPF ‘Night of Fights’ Two decades later, still holding strong, hailed a success Rehman Majeed is a France superfan

By Stephan Sookram

Constable West collects his trophy for his winning performance.

THE Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) ‘Night of Fights’ held on Friday evening, saw a number of thrilling clashes of boxing and kickboxing.

The event was held at the Tactical Services Unit’s drill square, Eve Leary, as part of the GPF’s celebration of their 179th anniversary.

The bout of the night featured Constables West and Andrews in the junior welterweight division that saw both fighters come out with fists blazing.

The fight lasted the entire three rounds but in the end, West won the match by a split decision.

The junior welterweight fight between Constables Williams and Assanah ended just two minutes into the first round. Shortly after the

bell rang to begin the bout, Williams surrendered after taking a number of blows from Assanah .

Constable Thompson in the lightweight bout outclassed Constable Azeeze with a flurry of punches which brought the fight to an end in one minute one second of the second round.

Other fights saw Constable Grant beat Constable Charles in the bantamweight bout while R.C Jonathan abandoned his featherweight contest against Constable Gilbert in the final round after becoming breathless.

Constable Corbin defeated Constable Fraser in their welterweight match while Constable Fung got the better of Constable Lewis in their kickboxing match.

THE ‘bandwagon’ mentality that comes with major sporting events and matches was rife over the past weeks as the FIFA World Cup took place in Russia.

Many persons who had no clue about players had suddenly become pundits overnight and quite frankly, I haven’t a problem with ‘bandwagoning’ a team, I do it when it comes to basketball.

Today is the final, a France vs Croatia game. It was not what a lot of people had predicted on day one (including myself), but those pundits will say it’s everything they expected.

However, one man has held on to his team. Not one month before the tournament, not one year from the tournament; but for two decades - win, lose or draw.

His name is Rehman Majeed, the General Manager at Starr Computers and he supports France; long before their 1998 triumph.

I caught up with Majeed yesterday after someone showed me a photo of him celebrating France’s 1998 World Cup win against Brazil.

“Strange enough, 20 years have come around very quickly. I actually went down there (Palm Court), Brazil were playing France and a lot of Brazilian fans were at the venue but I was backing France whole-heartedly,” he said.

“It felt very odd because everyone was backing Brazil and we were celebrating France goals. It was 3-0 and it was good be different around everybody. I’ve been a French fan since they days of (Michel) Platini.”

Majeed had no clue that he was go-

ing to be a star the following day.

“It was a shocker. As a matter of fact we were celebrating the games and the goals and so and the next morning I picked up the paper, I’m like holy smoke! It was shocking to see myself. “ From then to now, he has held firm in his support for Les Blues, continuing to be a football fan. He told me, “Something fantastic is taking place. From 1980s to now, one thing that is very exciting is the new teams that are now coming up to stream.”

Teams like Japan, Croatia and Belgium he noted are some of those units that are walking the walk.

Rehman Majeed dons a France shirt for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Flashback! In this Winston Oudkerk photo, Rehman Majeed (first from left standing in the back) cheers at Palm Court during the 1998 World Cup final when France beat Brazil 3-0.

And for today, it’s France all the way. “Mbappe is my player and will be one of the best stars going forward. And the reason why at 19 years old he is going to be one of the best is because of the speed. I think he can be very destructive.

France generally is a good team.”

He said their coach, Didier Deschamps has World Cup winning pedigree being the captain when the side won in 1998 and also the coach when they made it to the Euro 2016 final but lost to Portugal.

Whoever the winner though, one thing is sure, Rehman Majeed will remain a French supporter. (ssookram@guyanachronicle.com)

Hero Holder!

West Indies record home series win against Bangladesh 25 PAGE

Shakib-Al-Hasan is bowled on the third day of the second iPay Test powered by Minister co-sponsored by Marcel between Windies and Bangladesh yesterday, at Sabina Park. (CWI Media/ Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

ExxonMobil U-14 Football tournament John returns to cop 18th Mutli boys, Charlestown Annual P&P Insurance Brokers cycling meet 28 girls secure final spots PAGE

… Second semis set for Tuesday

Team Coco’s Jamual John celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Christopher Griffith to cop the feature event of the 18th Annual P&P Insurance Brokers cycling meet. (Adrian Narine photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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Girl Power! In this Adrian Narine photo, a Dolphin student scores one of her team’s 4 goals in yesterday’s ExxonMobil U-14 football tournament.

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018