Guyana Chronicle E Paper 22 05 2018

TUESDAY 22nd May, 2018

No.105282

Surinamese cops in Guyana – to discuss high seas massacre investigations with local counterparts

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Woman sets fire to abusive Linden man 11 PAGE

First Couple 12 in good health PAGE

…medical examinations covered under private insurance scheme

President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger at the Good Health Medical Centre in Trinidad and Tobago

Kowlessar put on bail

…as SOCU intensifies 04 probes into land fraud PAGE

Judge puts 09 on hold case against Singh, Brassington PAGE

Harmon 09 announces PNCR chairmanship bid PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Brutal Group Inc. to launch MAAD 97.5FM in July BRUTAL Group Incorporated is set to launch its multi-million-dollar state-

of-the-art radio station – MAAD 97.5FM, in July, 2018, the Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Christian Duncan disclosed when a high-level team from the

Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) visited the group’s headquarters on Monday.

Chairman of GNBA’s Board of Directors, Leslie Sobers and GNBA’s CEO, Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola formed part of the team that visited the newly refurbished building on Waterloo Street that is now the home of Brutal Group Inc. radio station.

In offering the GNBA officials a tour of the radio station that is approximately 80 percent complete, Duncan disclosed that the refurnished building comprises two studios and an administrative department.

“In terms of the studios, we have a multi-media TV studio which allows us to broadcast live on social platforms what is happening in our radio studio…And we have our main radio studio which is directed squarely for the business of FM broadcast and FM streaming,” he explained.

Brutal Group Inc. is in the process of employing the use of modern technology to reach key locations in the country using a single frequency.

“We are building a network; it will be the first synchronous FM network in Guyana. Our intended geo-

GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers and CEO, Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola listening attentively as Brutal Group Inc. CEO, Christian Duncan makes a point in one of the studios at the radio station (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

graphic coverage will extend from the Corentyne through Demerara to Charity and from Demerara--the Coast, all the way up to Linden, Bartica, Ituni and Kwakwani--that general geographic area,” Duncan explained while adding that the final phase would see the company expanding to Lethem.

Known for its production of local music and cultural programmes, it is Brutal Group’s intention to reach the widest geographic market while promoting Guyanese music and way of life.

“Our purpose for doing that is to bring local content, local creativity to Guyanese people and to use the Guyanese people as a platform [and] as a stage to package

and send our experience to North America and the first world countries via streaming,” Duncan explained.

Impressive was the word used by GNBA Chairman after completing the tour of the state-of-the-art facility.

Brutal Group Inc. was among six entities that were issued Radio Licences by GNBA in January. Both Sobers and Dr. Bhola said they were pleased with the progress made by the company in establishing its radio station.

While all of the new radio broadcasters committed to be in a state of readiness within months of receiving their licences, Sobers noted thus far only Brutal Group Inc. has offered a status report.

“All we know is that thus far, six new broadcasters were licensed to venture into radio broadcasting and we have not heard from them,” the GNBA Chairman told Guyana Chronicle.

In the coming weeks, Turn to page 3 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Surinamese cops in Guyana

– to discuss high seas massacre investigations with local counterparts

Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine (centre) flanked by senior members of the GPF and visiting KPS at Eve Leary

A VISITING team of four officers from the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS) on Monday engaged Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine on ongoing investigations by both forces into the piracy attacks of April 27 and May 3 on Guyanese fishermen and

boats in Suriname.

Four boats were attacked by a group of men who brutalised the occupants then threw them overboard. A few days later, another boat was attacked, and the captain was killed. The crew of that vessel is still missing.

Among the 16 fisher-

men reportedly missing and feared dead are: Ramesh Sanchara, Ganesh Persaud, Vickey Persaud, Glenroy Jones, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony, and Tiaknauth Mohabir.

In attendance at Monday’s joint meeting here at Eve Leary were Assistant

Commissioner `Law Enforcement` Paul Williams; Assistant Commissioner and Commander `B` Division, Lyndon Alves; and other selected senior GPF officers.

Members of the visiting team comprises Acting Head, Department of Major Crimes, Senior Superinten-

Low crime rates don’t mean a thing

–rather efficiency, efficacy is what matters, says Commander Cooper

By Rabindra Rooplall WHILE crime rates, number of arrests, and case clearance may seem a good way of measuring performance, keeping crime down does not necessarily mean efficiency and efficacy.

This is according to Commander of ‘C’ Division, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, who contends that rather than looking at crime rates, number of arrests and response time, evaluation should be based on whether the agency is effective in fulfilling its responsibility to the communities they serve.

Noting that the police should always consider what citizens want and expect of them, the commander said most citizens want to live in safe, orderly neighbourhoods.

“Reduction of fear is a very important measure; it sends a very clear message to the public that the Police are addressing their fear of crime and neighbourhood disorder,” he said.

When evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of the police departments, Cooper said, managers need to focus on their mission statement.

Citizens’ approval or disapproval of Police performance, he said, is generally reflected in their support for police programmes; letters of criticism or commendation; cooperation with investiga-

tions into crimes and incidents; letters to the editor; or public response to a single police-citizen incident.

Noting that the Police are considered effective when they lend to the perception that crime is under control, the Commander said one way of assessing this is through citizens’ surveys.

He explained that the police can receive positive feedback from communities and citizens by establishing various forms of communication.

CITIZENS’ SURVEYS Underscoring that the Police Force can conduct citizens’ surveys to find out whether or not they are efficiently and effectively utilising their human and other resources in the fight against crime and traffic lawlessness, Cooper said it has many university graduates among their ranks that can do it.

According to an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report released in 2017, Guyana and other Caribbean countries need to change their crime-fighting tactics, and to do so quickly if they are to arrest the runaway problem theyre now facing where crime is concerned.

In conclusion, the study, titled ‘Restoring Paradise in the Caribbean: Combating Violence with Numbers’, suggests that regional states redirect their anti-crime efforts in favour of more

Commander of ‘C’ Division, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper

interventions that are evidence-based and targeted at high-risk individuals and geographic areas, with improved monitoring of police and justice systems.

Again according to the IDB, compared to the rest of the world, the Caribbean has some of the largest police-to-population ratios, yet still their governments spend far more money on policing than Central American countries with similar or higher crime rates do.

An interesting point that came out of the study is that crime is not spread evenly across all places; that people, or times, and police efforts should be directed to where crime is concentrated.

The evidence, it says, shows that standard-model policing, including random patrols, increasing the num-

ber of officers, and general reactive strategies have no effect on crime.

What does, the study says, is identifying problems within the community and developing thoughtful, tailored responses to address the underlying causes of the problems, and devising meaningful and effective solutions.

The study also underscores that to be successful, initiatives must be a part of a wider internal culture and structural shift that values professionalism, accountability, and transparency.

The communities that law enforcement serves, it says, should be valued as co-producers of security.

Currently, the 2017 report notes, prevention programmes tend to be understaffed and under-resourced, while law enforcement has expanded to levels above the international average, and among the highest in the Americas (an average of 560 officers per 100,000 population in the Caribbean, versus 360 officers internationally).

Law enforcement, it says, continues to dominate national budgets for public safety. Therefore, achieving a balance in the Caribbean effectively means politically, administratively, and financially bolstering prevention programmes and recognising them as a proven means to effectively reduce violence.

dent Roberto Prade; Chief Investigation Department, Superintendent Erwin Dort; Acting Chief International Affairs, Deputy Superintendent Bryan Isaacs, and Detective Sergeant Jayant Somai. Police in a press statement have noted that the visiting team arrived on

Sunday and is expected to leave today.

During their visit, the Surinamese team was expected to engaged with senior investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other intelligence-gathering officers.

Brutal Group Inc. to... From page 2 GNBA Licensing, Legal Matters and Fees Committee will be seeking updates from the other entities which are in receipt of radio broadcasting licences. It was noted that while a deadline was not given for the establishment of radio station, recipients would not be allowed to delay the process indefinitely.

“We have not confined our broadcasters to a particular time when they should start testing or when they should be on the air ready to launch, because it may all depend on how quickly they can source their equipment in keeping with their own cash flow or the content or concept of their broadcasting studio,” Sobers posited.

However, he stated that holders of radio licences will not be allowed to extensively delay the establishment of their radio stations as was the case in the past or hoard frequencies. This issue, he noted, is being discussed at the level of the board.

“It took persons a long time to get started; we will not condone that type of conduct because every broadcaster has to submit his business plan, and if you submit a business plan that in reality is not achievable, well, that is an indication that you really did not examine the industry properly,” the GNBA Chairman explained.

Pointing out that frequency is a scarce commodity on the basis that the electromagnetic spectrum could only accommodate a limited number of broadcasters, Sobers said

it is for entities to utilize the opportunity granted to them and “get down to business.”

“We will not condone broadcasters hoarding, for whatever reason, because they may be hoarding it to speculate. When all the others are gone then they may decide that they want to transfer to somebody else and that has happened already where persons had frequencies and they disposed of it to others,” he further explained.

While the transfer of frequency from one individual or entity to another is provided for under the law with permission of the broadcasting authority, Sobers said it is not a practice that GNBA will encourage.

As such, GNBA will be gauging the new holders of radio broadcasting licences.

“After three to five months, it would be considered reasonable for a broadcaster to start putting himself in order. It may not in every instance be reasonable for him to start because, again, that would depend on his own affordability; but after three to four months is reasonable time for us to say, well yes, positive steps are being made by this broadcaster. If we believe that any broadcaster is really entering into a hoarding scheme, we will have to review their licence,” he said.

Dr. Bhola, in offering brief remarks, congratulated Brutal Groups Inc. on the significant progress made.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Kowlessar put on bail …as SOCU intensifies probes into fraud allegations

By Zena Henry FORMER Finance Minister under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Sasenarine Kowlessar, has been placed on $200,000 bail after spending the entire Monday morning at the Special Organised Crime

Unit (SOCU) answering fraud related questions, pertaining to his tenure in office.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed, that SOCU was about to bring fraud charges against the former minister in like manner as former National Indus-

trial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer Winston Brassington and Finance Minister Ashni Singh, until the High Court blocked the lower court from hearing the case against the once senior officials.

It was during Kowlessar’s

interrogation that SOCU received word that High Court Judge Franklin Holder had granted a stay of proceedings, in respect of the criminal charges pending in the Magistrate’s Court against Singh and Brassington. The two men are charged for misconduct in public office, where

Former Finance Minister under the PPP Sasenarine Kowlessar, leaving SOCU after being placed on bail (Delano Williams photo)

they allegedly conducted numerous questionable business transactions on behalf of the state. This newspaper was told by SOCU officials that Kowlessar was Finance Minister before Ashni Singh, and he would have signed numerous orders similar to the transactions done by Singh.

The SOCU agent said, “It was thus our intention to charge him but because of the stay granted by the High Court we will have to wait on the Chief Justice.”

SOCU had requested Kowlessar’s presence at the office last week but he failed to show up. The agency said the request was made last Thursday, and on Friday the former minister was still a no show, forcing SOCU agents to engage him on Monday and ensuring his presence at their office. Kowlessar was said to have been at the SOCU’s office answering questions, in his lawyer’s presence, until he was allowed to leave the facility and return with his $200,000 bail sum.

Kowlessar told the Guyana Chronicle that SOCU requested his presence at their office and confirmed that he was placed on $200,000 bail. When asked about his business at the SOCU headquarters, he said it was similar to matters that Ashni Singh and Brassington were involved in. Refusing to go deep, Kowlessar said that his issue was in relation to, “… general matters because I was minister at the time.”

The last time Kowlessar had appeared in the media, it was alleged that he benefitted from a portion of land on the East Bank of Demerara

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 10:30hrs.

just months before former President Bharrat Jagdeo had demitted office in 2011. An agreement was reportedly signed between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the CARICOM General Insurance Company, where Kowlessar was named. The former government official was said to have breached the CHPA land agreement after he failed to develop the property and perform infrastructural work, but instead went ahead and sold the house lot.

SOCU officials have however described the recent High Court stay as a “challenge” since it would have an impact on the continuance of their investigation. Further action against Kowlessar has been put on hold. The NICIL CEO and former Finance Minister are being held responsible for selling state property way below the market value and causing the country to lose large sums of money. The three plots of land in question were said to be valued at over $900M. Kowlessar is said to have signed off on similar transactions indicating a common modus operandi within that former government. The question was then asked whether charges would have to be brought against all ministers or senior officials who were found to be selling state property below cost. The SOCU agent said, “Whether it was a culture or a habit of a minister, ministers, or officials to operate in this manner, it does not mean it is correct. It is still against the law.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

PM, Russian envoy hold talks

Alexander Kurmaz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Acting President, Moses Nagamootoo.

ALEXANDER Kurmaz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation on Monday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo where they discussed a wide range of issues.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo who is performing the duties of President, told Ambassador Kurmaz that Guyana remains eager to building strong relations with the Russian Federation.

He agreed to look at the

possibility of broadcasting Russian programmes locally and exchanging parliamentary delegations to promote ties between the two democracies.

The Prime Minister also asked the ambassador to convey his congratulations to President Vladimir Putin on his re-election for a fourth term. He reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. A token of appreciation was given to the Ambassador by the Prime

Minister.

Ambassador Kurmaz was accredited by President David Granger on March 28, 2018 at State House. The Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Russian Federation have enjoyed cordial relations and collaborated in the areas of culture, education, economics, investment, politics, security and science. The two countries established formal diplomatic ties on December 17, 1970.

MPI disburses more than 500 Dynamic Int’l Airways refunds so far MORE than 500 disbursements have been made to passengers who were affected when Dynamic International Airways shut down its operations here late last year.

In a press statement on Monday, the Public Infrastructure Ministry disclosed that the process of issuing refunds is progressing smoothly and will conclude this Friday May 25, 2018.

According to Principal Assistant Secretary (General) Jason Duport, more than 500 disbursements have been made to date. Duport said that while there were few hiccups, the overall process was laudable.

“We were particularly pleased with the conduct of members of the public…Persons were respectful and followed procedure and we’d like to thank the members of the public for their patience,” he was quoted as saying.

Persons who are yet to uplift their refunds are urged to do so by Friday. Refunds are being issued Mondays to Thursdays from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs and Fridays from 09:00hrs to 14:00hrs at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Accounts Department, Fort Street, Kingston.

Passengers are required to have their Identification Cards (IDs) or Passports,

in addition to proof of ticket purchase. In cases where an individual is appearing on another’s behalf, the Ministry said an authorisation letter, with two signed witnesses from passenger whose name appears on the list, is required, along with identification document of the person uplifting the refund.

The refunds are being issued months after the Ministry initiated the process to access a bond for the sum of US$200,000.

The US$200,000 or GUY$40M was lodged by Dynamic International Airways, LLC, in collaboration with their local handling agent, Roraima Airways Inc. Some 609 passengers are eligible for the refund.

The refund for the 609 passengers is expected to amount to just over US$189,000.

In July, 2017, the carrier had announced that it had filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court. It was the carrier’s intention to continue its operations here but its principals restructured plans did not work out as planned. The airline noted that its decision to file for bankruptcy protection followed upon litigation matters, resulting from Hajj flights the airline operated in 2014 for Air India.

Dynamic International Airways closed its operation here last October.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Heeding the lessons of diversity LAST Saturday, in the six centuries-old St George’s Chapel, at the British royalty landmark Windsor Castle, not only were centuries of tradition overturned, but history was created with the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, an American actress of mixed race (a descendant of African and European ethnicity). The latter, now officially Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, becomes the first non-European to be officially part of the British Royal family, by way of marriage.

Such an event has to be the story of the fairy tale wedding. But be it as it is, it was groundbreaking, for the other historic occurrences which took place before a congregation of 800 special invitees; another 2500 in the outer grounds of the chapel; the over 1.4B global audience, and the over 100,000

well-wishers who lined the narrow streets of Windsor, to cheer the happy couple as they were carriage-driven.

Beginning with the fact that the Duchess, is a divorcee, a category once debarred as marriage partners for any single British Royal, there were others of historical significance which created firsts for a royal nuptial: such as an African-American choir that sang the Ben E. King hit, “Stand by me”, which is quite unusual for the well-known solemn, staid ritual of the Church of England wedding ceremonies; the singing of harmonious strains of the ever popular negro spirituals, “Amen’’ and ‘’This little light of mine’’. There was even the beautifully delivered sermon on the redemptive power of love, delivered by an African American Bishop which was appropriate and timely, especially given the occasion that reflected the love of the two

very special people of that joyful moment. There was even an African lead cellist, sitting strategically in the Chapel, as he serenaded the congregation, along with his other musician colleague.

For a country that has become the home of so many different nationalities, cultures, and diversities over the last 60 years, from around the globe owing to its colonial history, it has always been debated as to the absence of a non-white person within the apex of the British society – the Royal family. It was opined that even though the country is known for its deeply drawn lines of class and privilege, and of course-discrimination on the basis of colour, that such bastions of impediments have been gradually whittling away by the presence of members of parliament, cabinet ministers, and even the House of Lords, that reflects Britain’s

socio-ethnic diversity.

Thus, for the first time ever, Britain has witnessed an official acceptance and display of multiculturalism and rich diversity, that not only enlivened but added a touch of refreshing springtime to what was a wonderful occasion for a couple who are obviously in love.

There are those who will say that it was a one off, tailored for that moment; however, the larger picture emanating from such a single event, is one that has sent a message that change from once held, seemingly fixed socio-cultural positions is quite possible and can be achieved, once the will to do so is there.

For us here in Guyana, and we are sure that since it was a weekend morning, there would have been a nation-wide television audience to the televised proceedings, such should have some les-

sons for us all.

First, that even though we are a country of many races and cultures and that each race is entitled by right to its particular cultural moorings, customs etcetera, that such do not have to engender isolationist tendencies, intolerance, and hatred.

Second, that although as a people we are differentiated because of race and cultural differences, that the latter must not be a barrier for appreciating and enjoying diversity. Instead, multiculturalism should be seen as adding an entirely new flavour and taste to an otherwise routine way of life; for, it is about discovering those other untapped wonders that can make our collective lives much happier and

more peaceful. One has only to look at the fusion of national dance cultures, and other artistic displays, portrayed for national occasions by the Guyana School of Dance, and other cultural and artistic organisations; to understand what a wonderful world it is, when cultures combine for social entertainment.

Third, that since multiculturalism is about diversity, it should also be about acceptance of our differences, which can lead to a fusion of ideas for a progressive understanding of the world in which we live. Guyana will be a better country for all of us and our generations to come, should we begin to heed the lessons from the royal wedding.

City Hall takes aim at rat poison vendors Dear Editor, THE Georgetown City Council has recognised that there has been an increase in the open sale of pesticides in the municipal markets and on the city’s streets.

Therefore, the council and the Pesticide Control Board (PCB) would be conduct-

ing a joint exercise to rid the markets and streets of illegal pesticides that are offered for sale.

During the course of last week the Pesticide Control Board provided training for staff of the City Public Health Department and the City Constabulary Department.

The training was facilitat-

ed by the Pesticide Deputy Director Mr. Suresh Amichand, and an officer Dietmar Chichester.

The purpose of this training is to educate staff on the legal and illegal pesticides that are sold at the municipal market, correct storage, the usage and disposal methods of pesticides, also, the im-

portance of using protective clothing while handling pesticides.

Town Clerk Royston King said that the training in this regards is critical since employees of the council would have to use pesticides during their tour of duties, especially the employees of the Vector and Rodent

Control Department; who are engaged in the removal of actual and potential breeding places of mosquitoes and bating of rodents.

The council has an inherent responsibility to preserve the general health and well-being of the citizens of Georgetown. The council wants to make it pellucid

that it has no agenda to put people out of business but, it is important that citizens conduct their business activities within the confines the Laws.

Regards Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

M&CC needs to decide on its priorities Dear Editor,

THE world is likely to face a food crisis by 2050 unless agricultural production increases. Guyana’s abundance of land and freshwater supplies for agricultural purposes places it in an enviable position to take advantage of the increased demand for food globally.

The President of Guyana has stated emphatically,

that while Guyana is on the brink of self-sufficiency, the country must, as a matter of priority, achieve total food security. His Excellency the President stated, that what food security means is the availability of food for all, the accessibility of food to all and acceptability of food for everyone in the country, from babies to young adults to the elderly.

And, farmers from all

over the country have responded positively to the call, and householders from Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara have begun to plant kitchen gardens. But it seems as though the folks at the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown did not get the President’s memo.

When farmers and wholesalers from the three counties travel to the Bourda Market to wholesale their

produce, particularly on Fridays, they are prevented from carrying on their business by city constables and revenue collectors from the council. This situation has come about after a decision by the town clerk and the market clerk, to give the wholesale vendors outside of the market a mere three hours each daily to ply their trade.

The question is why is

the Georgetown City Council being allowed to sabotage Guyana’s Grow More Food Campaign which contributes significantly to the agricultural diversification strategy, and which is meant to expand production and marketing opportunities so as to increase and diversify incomes of resource-poor producers?

The Georgetown City Council seems to have an

agenda that is completely different to the national agenda. Indeed vendors with produce around the Stabroek Market are being prevented from operating this Friday and Saturday in deference to a carnival activity. The council needs to decide on its priorities, and possibly number them.

Regards Amber Valentine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Chaos on the road on Mother’s Day Dear Editor, MY family and dozens of other residents of Atlantic Gardens were thoroughly harassed when they were caught up in a total traffic chaos on the East Coast Demerara highway on Mother’s Day at about 9:30hrs, simply because the persons responsible for road works do not give two hoots about commuters’ safety and convenience.

On Mother’s Day, my family had to travel from our Atlantic Gardens residence to attend a function at the Church of the Unification in Georgetown. They left in reasonable time to be punctual, but when they arrived at the turnoff into the highway, they were stunned to see unrestrained confusion and havoc in the traffic at the intersection.

They found out that the brilliant Chinese builders and Guyanese engineers had decided that Mother’s Day morning was the best possible time for them to do a major excavation, right in the middle of one of the most heavily traversed highways in Guyana, on one of the biggest observances in the year.

Furthermore, they did not think it was necessary to give the residents of Atlantic Gardens due notice in advance, and did not even see the need to put up a sign to let people know what they were doing. They casually went about their business while traffic built up all around with frustrated commuters clueless about where to pass. Remember, it was Mother’s Day. Anyone with a brain between their ears knows that Guyanese get out of their homes and do a lot on this day. There are countless activities and functions on Mothers’ Day. Furthermore, many people go to church and mandir on Sundays. Sundays are big market days in some areas.

So you can imagine the chaos that occurred because of the road works that caught everyone by surprise on the East Coast highway that day. Traffic was backed up left, right and centre with frustrated commuters not knowing how or when they would get out of the mess. I have nothing personal against the Chinese

contractors, but would they do such a thing on a day of heightened activity in China?

Our Guyanese engineers should know better because they know what the traffic situation is like on Mother’s Day and on Sundays.

Why didn’t they advise the Chinese contractors that no major road works should be done on a main highway on that day?

Why didn’t they put up a sign or signs to alert people to the fact that they would have restricted entry to their communities because of excavation works?

Why didn’t they inform the public of the time frame in which these works would take place? Someone could have also distributed fliers to that effect as people were entering Atlantic Gardens.

I have a video of an old lady walking with a cane, crossing the road works by balancing precariously on a piece of wood, looking like she could fall at any moment.

She had the persona of an old retired teacher, an intelligent, educated Afro-Guyanese. As she was balancing on this wood to cross, she was complaining that the engineers could have given notice so that people could plan appropriately.

My family was able to get out by crossing the muddy plank with their dress shoes. They were able to be on their way because someone on the road lent them a car to get to the event and they arrived a bit late. I am very disappointed with this short-sighted approach by persons overseeing road works. This is slackness; it reflects contempt for the public.

Let me point out to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Government of Guyana and the NDCs and REO and whoever else has a stake in road works, that when such work is being done, especially when it will disrupt a major thoroughfare or a bridge, entrance, or exit to a highly populated area they have to put up signs to alert the public.

Mother’s Day is supposed to be a day of joy and celebration. The last thing people need as they venerate their mothers is to be

embroiled in traffic-chaos and be plunged into confusion and frustration. After such an experience, how can they be in the right frame of mind to honour their mothers? A few days after, my wife had to visit the Grand Coastal Hotel for an appointment. Coming out from the exit area, her car got stuck right by the highway. She heard a sound and couldn’t move forward or backward. Another driver approached and started blowing the car horn frantically. Eventually, that person reversed and went along their way. Another gentleman came along to see what was going on.

They discovered that the Chinese and Guyanese doing road works on that entrance were using steel rods but they failed to secure the rods properly and several inches protruded. It ripped out her bumper and damaged the car, causing it to be immobilised. This damage is what caused the car to stop unexpectedly, which not only put my wife to be in danger of an accident but also inflicted on us the expense of repairing the car.

Do these Chinese contractors and the Guyanese engineers working with them really know what they are doing? I am not against Chinese contractors but it seems that their Guyanese counterparts should be sensitive to our culture, and should be watching out for the safety and security of our people. Who in their right mind would do road works and leave steel rod ends exposed to endanger and inconvenience road users?

This is not good enough.

Road works, or for that matter any other public infrastructure works must be done with utmost regard for the public’s convenience and safety. In many countries, except for grave emergencies, major public infrastructure works are never done during peak traffic hours, especially on national holidays with heavier traffic than usual.

This is not rocket science; it is commonsense. I recall the days when the Canadians were building the Berbice highway in the early 70s, and we never had a single incident like this because

they were always very careful and concerned about people’s welfare.

The people who are in charge of our road works have to get their act together or there will be hell to pay. My intention is not to knock the Min-

istry or the Government.

I am annoyed at the Chinese contracting supervisors and our Guyanese engineers. However, my advice to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is to create a protocol of guidance for the opening

of bridges in areas where large numbers of people live, to prevent annoyance and complications when the works being done can become a major hindrance to traffic.

Roshan Khan Sr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

GMSA lobbies gov’t for Escapee gets 18 months – to face other charges low-cost technologies to push agro-processing

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and his other colleague ministers; Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture; Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities; Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, joined President of the GMSA Shyam Nokta and other executives at the meeting

THE second Inter–Ministerial Round Table with the Guyana Manufacturing Services and Association (GMSA) was held last Wednesday at the Ministry of Finance with the body requesting government’s help in the securing of lowcost technologies for primary processing, in remote areas and the setting up of a modular agro-processing facility to process crops.

The GMSA said a facility of this nature would help to create a stable and guaranteed market for farmers, push increased productivity and lower cost of production, and could be a step towards servicing export markets.

The meeting also agreed that among the immediate solutions, would be to have a greater share of public procurement to be sourced from local agro-processors once available and of suitable quality and competitive price, according to a press release. Closely linked to this would be the implementation of the Small Business Act requirement of 20 per cent small business sourcing by the government.

It was further agreed that a joint technical team will be established between the GMSA and the Ministry of

Finance to address the issues raised and the ministerial committee will meet again in June 2018, to evaluate the progress made. The Inter-Ministerial Roundtable is an initiative between the GMSA and the Minister of Finance which was started in June 2017 and through which three roundtables have been identified, with the first one focused on the Forestry and Wood Processing sector.

The discussions with the focus on Agro-processing was chaired by the Minister of Finance Mr. Winston Jordan and included Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, Minister of Local Government Ronald Bulkan, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Godfrey Statia, Head of Projects of the Ministry of FinanceTarachand Balgobin, and Director of Budget, Ms. Sonya Roopnauth.

The GMSA delegation led by its President Shyam Nokta, included First Vice-President Ramsay Alli, Second Vice-President Ramesh Dookhoo, Chair of the GMSA Agro-Processing

Sub-sector Carlos Mendonca, and Executive Raymond Ramsaroop.

The GMSA said that it provided an overview of the agro-processing sector in Guyana identifying the national importance of the sector as recognised by several keynote strategic documents – the LCDS and now the GSDS Framework; the economic contribution of the sector; and the potential of agro-processing to meet domestic as well as regional and international food demands.

A comprehensive presentation was made on challenges facing the agro-processing sector, and among the key areas identified were the policy framework for agriculture and agro-processing; legislation; access to raw materials; standards; financing especially for small and medium scale operators; reliable, stable and affordable energy; incentives; packaging and labelling; market access and trade barriers.

For each of these areas, the GMSA outlined a menu of interventions for government’s consideration along with the possible impact it would have, as well as, the organisation’s own contributions towards addressing the issues.

Narcotics found in salt bags; man remanded A 45-year-old man was remanded to prison for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

It is alleged that on May 18, 2018 at Kitty, Georgetown, Paul Smith had 4kg, 924 grams of marijuana. The resident of Thomas Street,

Kitty denied the charge. He was represented by attorney George Thomas, who told the court that the substance was found in the yard of his client’s neighbour where his client had never been.

According to the prosecutor, CID ranks went to the

home of the defendant and carried out a search. As a result, the narcotics were found in two salt bags.

Smith was refused bail and remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The matter was adjourned for June 11, 2018.

A MINER who pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody was Monday sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Twenty-nine-year -old David Alexander who resides at Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The allegation against Alexander stated that on May 19, 2018 at Hinck Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, he robbed Junior Azim of $5,000 cash.

It was also alleged that on

the same day at Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic while being in the company of others, he robbed John Lohan of a cell phone worth $20,000 .

Alexander pleaded not guilty to both charges.

It was further alleged that on May 19, 2018 at North Road, Georgetown, while being in the custody of Constable Munroe, he escaped.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, explaining to the court that he was beaten by the police officers and he was afraid for his life.

According to the prose-

cutor, on May 19, 2018, the defendant was arrested on the robbery charges and while he was being taken to the police van, he pushed the cop and made his escape. An alarm was raised and based on information, the defendant was captured in a Route 42 mini bus. He was then taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

Alexander, in his explanation, told the court: “I didn’t chuck any police. All of them out the vehicle and left me on my own ites.”

Alexander was sentenced to 18 months for escaping lawful custody and was remanded until June 4, 2018, on the two robbery charges.

No sympathy for drug man A MOTHER and ‘child-mother’ Monday broke down in tears after a three-year sentence was passed on Carl Mangal by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

It was alleged that on May 18, 2018, at Princes Street, Georgetown, Mangal had in his possession 8.6 grams of marijuana.

The 27-year- old man pleaded guilty to the charge read to him in the court.

According to the facts presented by the prosecutor, on May 18, ranks, acting on information, went to lot 2 Princes Street, Georgetown and a search was carried out in the defendant’s home. As a result, two zip lock bags were discovered with stems

and leaves which were suspected to be narcotics.

Mangal told the police the marijuana belonged to him. He was arrested and taken to the Brickdam station.

After sentence was passed in court, his family members broke down in tears, begging the magistrate to be sympathetic.

Wholesale, retail Bourda vendors get new vending times THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has met with business owners, as well as wholesale and retail vendors around the Bourda area to fix new times for vending.

At a recent meeting at City Hall, it was announced that the wholesale vendors who ply their trade along Robb Street, between Alexander and Bourda Streets, will now have between 07:30hrs and 12:00hrs to do business.

The retail vendors now have between 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs daily, while the businesses located in the vicinity of North Road, Robb Street, Orange Walk and Alexander Street will have an opportunity to do business between noon and 17:00hrs.

“The wholesalers wanted to go until 16:00hrs but we have to cater for everyone,” City Hall Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis said.

“With the area clear of vendors for some hours during the day, the legitimate businesses would get a chance also,” she added.

After noon, wholesalers who would like to continue doing business, Lewis said, can relocate to Merriman Mall, between Orange Walk

Robb Street wholesale and retail vendors turned up at City Hall recently in an effort to discuss the new vending times

and Cummings Street to do so.

A sub-committee was formed with representatives of wholesalers, retailers and businesses, which will be able to communicate the concerns of the vendors to the City Council.

Just last week, the City Council swooped down to remove vendors along Alexander Street, between Regent and Robb Streets. Some vendors were immediately granted permission to sell on Robb Street, thus joining the host of other wholesale vendors there.

Some 30 vendors along Alexander Street whose stalls were found to be impeding traffic and causing congestion were removed.

The vendors were also blocking business entrances.

“Everyone must make a daily

bread and not excluding the store owners. We cannot act in the interest of only one set of people,” Lewis had said.

The rules dictate that wholesale vending should only be done out of a vehicle, and vendors are required to have no more than two pieces (basin, bag or basket) on the ground in front of their vehicles.

“We spoke to them over and over again and they refused to stop the practice,” Lewis said, adding: “The Council, with the help of its hydraulic machines, removed their tables and pallets.”

Lewis said the City Council workers cleared out the drains as they removed the structures. The drains were full of sand, filth and garbage, she disclosed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Judge puts on hold case against Singh, Brassington HIGH Court Judge Franklin Holder has granted a stay application preventing the magistrate’s court from proceeding with criminal charges levied against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington for alleged misconduct in public office.

The charges against the duo who worked under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration, were filed by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Justice Holder handed down his decision on Monday in the High Court, pending the outcome of the Fixed Date Application slated to be heard on May 25, 2018

by Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire.

In filing the Fixed Date Application, the applicants are seeking to secure an Order or Writ of Certiorari to be issued quashing the case brought against them in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court by SOCU. The application was made on the grounds that it is “an abuse of the process, arbitrary, capricious, whimsical, malicious, biased, [and] without any proper evidential basis, made in bad faith, influenced by irrelevant and improper considerations and motives, unreasonable, discriminatory, unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

Outside of the courtroom, attorney Anil Nandlall, who is among a battery of lawyers representing the interest of Dr. Singh and Brassington,

Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas informing reporters that stay of proceedings has been granted pending the hearing at determination of the Fixed Date Application later this month (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

said he was pleased with Justice Holder’s decision.

“I am pleased to announce that the Judge in a very long, written decision, granted a stay of proceedings in respect of the criminal charges pending before the Honourable Chief Magistrate in relation to Brassington and Ashni Singh until the hearing and determination of the challenge which we have filed which is pending before the Chief Justice,” Nandlall told reporters.

It was noted that the Judge, in handing down his decision, stated that the application was approved in an effort to protect the integrity of the legal process. “The rationale, obviously, is that you can’t have an inferior court proceeding to hear and determine charges when their validity have been challenged in a High Court and those proceedings are pend-

ing before the Chief Justice,” Nandlall further explained.

Nandlall claimed that Justice Holder indicated that issues raised in their application were substantial. But Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas, who is representing the interest of the state in the matter, while conceding that Justice Holder has granted the stay of proceedings pending the outcome of the Fixed Date Application, made it clear that Monday’s decision does not speak to the validity of application now pending.

“All he has done is stayed the magistrate’s court hearing until the Fixed Date Application, which comes up before Justice George on May 25, 2018, is determined. He has said that he wants to protect the judicial process, meaning that he doesn’t want the magistrate matter to be ongoing while Justice George is deter-

mining the Fixed Date Application,” the Solicitor-General explained.

Ahead of a determination by the Chief Justice, Kyte-Thomas told reporters that the State’s position in the matter remains the same. “It is our position that the Fixed Date Application has no realistic prospect of success, it doesn’t. The DDP was in her power to institute the charge.

They have not and they cannot establish any Mala Fides that she acted in bad faith, or any exceptional circumstances or that the charges are bad in law,” she said.

The Solicitor General noted that the state has argued extensively that the charges are very good in law.

“It is common law charge.

It is provided for under the Laws of Guyana. We have, as far as we are concerned, we have established that we are relying on that, and we will rely on that to the Fixed Date Application,” Kyte-Thomas emphasised.

She further reiterated that Justice Holder, in handing down his decision, did not address the validity of the Fixed Date Application.

“The judge’s only consideration at this stage is that he doesn’t want the magistrate’s court matter to be ongoing while the Chief Justice is dealing with this matter, that is all. It doesn’t say anything about the merits of their application or anything of that sort,’ the Social-General stated.

The Solicitor-General and her team, comprising Principal Legal Advisers, Judy Stuart-Adonis and On-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall speaking with reporters shortly after exiting the courtroom at the High Court on Monday

ika Archer of the Attorney General’s Chambers, will soon file their Affidavit and present their arguments. “We are very confident about our arguments,” said an optimistic Kyte-Thomas.

On May 8, 2018, Dr. Singh and Brassington were charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to the public law when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The first charge alleged that on Monday, December 28, 2009, by way of an agreement of sale and purchase, they “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, lands amounting to 103.88 acres, property of the state for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (Vat exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleges that the duo on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, by way of agreement of

sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation, land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the state for the sum of $150,000,000, knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

The final charge alleges that the former finance minister and the former NICIL CEO on Saturday, May 14, 2011, by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc. 10, 002 acres of land located at Turkeyen, ECD, property of the state for the sum of $185, 037,000 without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The men were not required to plead to the charges as SOCU’s Special Prosecutor, Trenton Lake, explained to the court that additional investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Harmon announces PNCR chairmanship bid No Guyanese among EXECUTIVE member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Joseph Harmon, has signaled his interest to be the chairman of the party by announcing his candidature for the position.

“I bring years of experience as a member of the party and I am also someone with experience of managing large organisations,” said Harmon, during an interview with this publication on Monday.

If elected at the PNCR Biennial Delegates’ Congress, he intends to work closely with and support the vision of the leader of the party. The chairman is constitutionally a person who chairs the party’s congress, general council and other meetings. He or she also carries out the functions assigned to them by the leader

of the party, he said.

“What the chairman and all other executive members do is to work with the vision of the leader and I am proud to work with President David Granger who is the leader of the party; I am happy to work with him and I continue to pledge support for him as leader,” said Harmon, who is also Minister of State.

The PNCR executive member asserted that the party is democratic, so members are allowed to offer themselves up as candidates for certain positions in the central executive of the party at the congress.

“It is my interest in putting myself up as a candidate for the chairmanship of the party; every member can aspire to the highest office in our party,” he said.

Aside from Harmon,

Attorney General, Basil Williams, who is the current chairman of the PNCR, will be looking for reelection at the congress. Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman has supported Harmon’s decision to run for chairman of the PNCR. In his personal view, Trotman said he believes that Harmon would make a good chairman because he has a “leader’s heart”. “Although I have my view, the delegates of the party will elect who they wish to be chairman but I believe he means well,” he said.

Trotman was however confident that Harmon would use his years of experience as a lawyer, military officer and recent experience as senior minister to serve the PNCR well.

asylum-seekers rescued off Brazil

PNCR Executive Member Joseph Harmon

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted reports which indicate that Guyanese nationals were among a group of immigrants rescued on a boat off the coast of Brazil on Sunday.

“On this matter, the Embassy of Guyana in Brasilia has checked with the Federal Police in the State of Maranhão where the persons were brought ashore, and was advised that no Guyanese were picked up among the lot,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement.

It said that the nationals on board the vessel were reported to be from the countries of Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde. Major media

outlets in Brazil corroborated this understanding, the ministry said.

News network Telesur reported that fishermen found the vessel drifting off the Brazilian coastal town of Sao Jose de Ribamar, south of the Amazon River.

An attempt by authorities to locate the migrant boat from the air failed, so the fishermen towed it to port, while also feeding the stranded voyagers, the Brazilian navy said. Once ashore, they were “given medical attention and food,” before being taken for processing by the Brazilian federal police, the Maranhao human rights department said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Entrepreneurship confab to stimulate business ecosystem – ‘No talk shop’ says Vice Chancellor THE University of Guyana (UG)’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) intends to start the process of creating a business ecosystem with its inaugural threeday Entrepreneurship and Innovation conference.

SEBI, which is a fairly new component of the university, intends on using the conference as a catalyst for future growth and development of small and large businesses in Guyana, said

Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, during the opening ceremony of the conference at the Ramada Hotel on Monday.

The conference has three broad objectives, which include examining issues related to developing an ecosystem in which entrepreneurship and innovation can thrive; showcasing local businesses and communities that are engaged in value-added activities; and discuss issues that are partic-

ularly relevant to entrepreneurship, the redevelopment of village economies and the strengthening of Indigenous communities.

Griffith said the speakers will also be reflecting on unique ways of fostering future economic development and the role of youths and future entrepreneurs in making that a possibility.

“It is not a talk shop for academics; it provides conversation space for practitioners and policymakers, with a view to creating initiatives afterwards,” he said.

He expects that the conference will initiate many private and public partnerships that are geared at enhancing the economic outlook of Guyana.

Dean of SEBI, Professor Leyland Lucas echoed the sentiments of the vice chancellor, noting that their intent was to gather academics, students, policymakers and existing and prospective entrepreneurs to have a conversation about the advancement of entrepreneurship and innovation in Guyana. Since it is the first of its kind, he believes that it will begin the process of taking theories and making them reality. “I am glad that policymakers who are taking an active role are here…we wanted to bring them to have a cohesive brand and process towards advancing entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of

Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes said her ministry is examining the further development of an animation industry in Guyana. Minister Hughes told the gathering that the development of an animation industry will provide further investment opportunities for the country, and will also foster new entrepreneurs and employment opportunities. She said the government will be networking with relevant stakeholders to build synergy for the development of the industry since the animation industry has increased significantly across the Caribbean.

“We are looking at opportunities to ensure budding entrepreneurs are given opportunities to develop ourselves in the animation market … the opportunities to garner international business is real and possible and we think here, our labour

cost makes an advantage for us to be able to compete in a worldwide market compared to those in the industry.”

According to the minister, there is currently a small privately-owned animation studio called Animax which began in 2013 providing 15 to 16 seats for showings. The ministry has already funded three persons involved in local animation network for training in Suriname.

Hughes said the conference will address the right topics, especially economic transformation through entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Those are the things we keep trying to push at the ministry…the technology is there but we have to be innovative and we have to get into the business side,” she posited, adding that the content of the conference would be extremely useful to all stakeholders.

‘Cross Eye’ charged with murder of ex-lover’s reputed husband CORWYN Arthur called ‘Cross Eye’ appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with the murder of Claude DeJonge on May, 10, 2018.

The 32 year-old unemployed man of 1088 Cinderella City Amelia’s Ward, Linden, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was not required to plead and was remanded to prison until June 21. The charge is that he allegedly stabbed his ex-lover’s reputed husband to death at Amelia’s Ward,

Linden. Following the incident Arthur escaped, but he was arrested on Thursday last in a house at Bennett Dam, Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice.

DeJonge, a taxi driver of Lot 915 South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, was reportedly murdered

by Arthur at midnight on May 10, after the taxi driver asked him to leave his premises subsequent to an argument and the intervention of the police.

According to reports,

the suspect subsequently left the home but texted the taxi driver telling him that he would make his life “a living hell” for calling the police. Later, as DeJonge was sleeping with his reputed wife, the suspect armed with a knife gained entry through an open bedroom window and is said to have dealt DeJonge three stab wounds.

Tanya Samuels witnessed the horrific ordeal and alerted neighbours with her screams.

Young robbery accused handed tough sentences TWO men Monday were sentenced to four years and six months each on two robbery charges.

It was alleged that on May 15, 2018, at Hadfield Street the two men, being together, robbed Osafo Hale of a quantity of articles valued $56,000.

Eighteen-year-old Anthony Prince and 21-year-old Donavon Richardson pleaded guilty to the charge.

Richardson explained to the court that two men were fighting and someone stole the virtual complainant’s phone. He took away the phone and put it in his pocket.

According to the police prosecutor, on the day in

Anthony Prince & Donavon Richardson

question, the virtual complainant was walking on Hadfield Street when the defendants approached him. One dealt him a cuff to his face and the other snatched a bag from off his shoulders. As a result,

the VC raised an alarm and the police responded quickly. The two suspects were arrested and the articles were discovered in their possession. They were positively identified by the virtual complainant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Jaikarran blames resignation on King’s – but mayor says attendance non-cooperation record speaks for itself GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has said that Alliance for Change (AFC) Councillor Lionel Jaikarran, has failed to assist in any positive developments of the city.

Chase-Green was speaking in the context of Jaikarran’s recent resignation as Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Committee.

While Jaikarran cites non-cooperation from the city’s administration, Chase-

Green said the former chairman’s record of attendance to committee meetings is proof of his willingness to serve on the committee.

While Jaikarran was tasked with coming up with a policy for vending for more than two years now, ChaseGreen recalled that she personally did a draft policy and gave it to him. “He did nothing with it; neither add nor subtract on it. Instead of doing so, he thought the best

thing was to resign.He has not been able to assist in the development of the city in any positive way,” she said.

Town Clerk Royston King had in the past lamented the fact that while the committee failed to come forward with the policy and with suggestions for relocating vendors to facilitate certain projects, the administration was being severely criticised each time it took a decision.

Linden man set on fire after abusing woman A LINDEN man is now nursing second degree burns after he was reportedly doused with gasoline and set on fire by his reputed wife, Alice Vyphuis, on Sunday.

Forty- three-year-old Deon Marks, a vendor of Lot 206 Fourth Street Silvertown, Linden, has been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), to seek further medical attention. He suffered burns to 45 per cent of his body. This newspaper understands that at around 11:00h on Sunday, at Lot 31 Nothinghamshore Mines, the 52-year-old Vyphuis called “Valdo” was relaxing at home when Marks visited her and an argument ensued, after he accused her of stealing his money.

Marks reportedly then

armed himself with a spade and broke the locks to Vyphuis’ door and entered the woman’s house. She had a gallon of gasoline which she allegedly used to douse him, before throwing a cigarette which she was smoking at the time, on him. With his body on fire, Marks is said to have rushed to the front gate and tried to put out the fire in a nearby gutter. He then sought the assistance of a taxi driver who took him to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was admitted and later transferred.

Vyphuis subsequently turned herself in at the Mackenzie Police Station and was arrested and is assisting with the investigations. According to the police, investigations so far have revealed that Marks is

Alice Vyphuis

in the habit of threatening and hitting Vyphuis, but that she never reported the incidents during their two-year-old relationship.

This is the second domestic burning case that Linden has seen within weeks.

“It is not easy at all to do a policy document,” Jaikarran said at a recent statutory meeting. He said instead that it was the lack of cooperation from the town clerk that was holding up the process of relocating vendors, so that the Stabroek Market wharf can be repaired.

But King pointed out that the street vending policy was not to be confused with the repairs of the Stabroek wharf.

Jaikarran said the town clerk should cooperate some more with the committee to identify available spots for the relocation.

But the mayor shot right back: “We shouldn’t shift

our responsibilities; it is the duty and responsibility of the committee to walk through the streets and identify such spots. It is not fair to throw it on the administration.”

She noted that if councillors continue to depend on the administration, then they will not be acting independently.

King said there are several activities which hinge on the creation of the street vending policy, and that while there has been no vending at the Stabroek Market Square, there has been a ‘slow but steady’ increase of vendors on the perimeters of the 1763 Monument, popularly known as the Cuffy

Former Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Committee, Lionel Jaikarran

Monument.

Councillor Welton Clarke had suggested that the committee should be more effective and equipped with people who have the ability, the capacity and a willingness to work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Exxon employs 585 Guyanese GUYANESE represent 52 percent of ExxonMobil’s local workforce while 227 Guyanese companies supplied its oil and gas operations in 2018.

Exxon’s Government and Public Affairs Director Kimberly Brasington, provided data to the Department of Public Information (DPI) which indicated that 585 Guyanese were employed on the drill rigs,

shore bases and affiliate office at the end of March.

These workers were drawn from Exxon’s sub-contracted companies. JSL International, a registered Guyanese company is one such establishment that is providing Guyanese staff for the Nobel Drilling.

The Noble Bob Douglas has been contracted to drill the production wells for ‘First Oil’ in 2020. The

drillship currently has 160 personnel on board of which 23 are Guyanese, in the positions of catering, roustabouts, clerks, logistics and as a doctor.

Exxon also provided 61,000 training hours for workers and hired three facilities engineer graduates, two from the University of Guyana and one from the University of the West Indies, in March. Exxon

is also providing training to Guyanese to fulfil key responsibilities including, to serve as a primary subsea engineering maintenance team, coordinate equipment strategy and operational issues, and be a part of the company’s emergency response team.

The data also shows that 48 per cent of the workforce includes non-Guyanese and CARICOM (Caribbean Community) workers during the first quarter of 2018.

“We take building local content seriously and have demonstrated that through action and capacity building,” Brasington said. This also applies to the suppliers Exxon uses in its operations.

BUILDING SUPPLIER CAPACITY Exxon spent US $14Million with 227 Guyanese suppliers, who are non-duplicate Guyanese-owned companies, by the first quarter of this year, Brasington explained. Exxon also worked with 35 foreign-owned companies or CARICOM companies, who had locally registered businesses. At the end of 2017, Exxon had used 309 Guyanese-owned companies

Exxon’s Government and Public Affairs Director, Kimberly Brasington

along the supply chain or the ‘knock-on effect’ of the industry, Brasington pointed out.

“The direct opportunities with ExxonMobil are relatively small in number, compared to the larger scale when you look at the entire picture of contractors working to support ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana,” Brasington explained.

Exxon is also building supplier capacity through its Centre for Local Business Development. Since its establishment eight months ago, 1,730 persons, includ-

ing businesses, have been trained in four courses on energy literacy.

Meanwhile, the centre has registered 1,163 companies on its Supplier Registration Portal (SRP) of which 855 are Guyanese companies. Promoting local content use in the oil and gas industry is a primary focus for the government, as it puts in place the regulatory framework for the industry.

Last week Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman said, the second draft of the Local Content Policy Framework has been posted to its ministry’s website after input from stakeholder consultations.

Another round of consultations is scheduled for the second draft later this year. Minister Trotman said the Ministry of Business will take the lead on the Local Content Policy Framework. He acknowledged that the government is pained by the disaffection over local content use in the industry, but he cautioned, “We can’t just move from zero to legislation because you’ve got to have the institutional capacity to enforce that legislation.”

First Couple in good health …medical examinations covered under private insurance scheme

PRESIDENT David Granger and First Lady Ms. Sandra Granger on Monday completed their first round of medical examinations at the Good Health Medical Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, under a Caribbean medical insurance scheme, and those results indicate a clean bill of health thus far.

Mrs. Granger first joined the scheme 28 years ago as a staff member at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, and the President, as her spouse, was eligible to participate, the Ministry of the Presidency stated in a release. This will no doubt put to rest talks of

the first couple using state resources to finance their medical examinations.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, the first couple has been travelling to Trinidad and Tobago for annual medical examinations for over 12 years, long before the President’s entrance into politics. They will both undergo two more days of physical examinations and medical tests as part of their annual medical check-up, which is usually done in August each year.

However, President Granger opted to do those tests in May this year, so that he would be in Guyana for the lead up to Local Government

Elections (LGE), due this year. President Granger and the First Lady departed for Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday morning and will return to Guyana on Thursday.

In an initial statement the President’s office had said that “These checks are a regular part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and both the President and the First Lady remain in good health.” The Ministry of the Presidency had also urged all Guyanese to implement measures aimed at ensuring their good health, which should include regular health checks, exercise and healthy eating habits,” the statement read.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

GBTI celebrates 182nd Anniversary

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) last week celebrated its 182nd Anniversary and marked the occasion by awarding several of its customers with special tokens of appreciation.

In addition to the tokens, customers who visited the Water Street branch partook in an anniversary cake and provided feedback on the level of service received from the bank over the years, the bank said in a release. The bank quoted one customer as saying: “I have been doing business with GBTI for about 20 years. The bank staff has been doing a good job, [they] extend courtesy and a helping hand to you.”

Another client by the name of Mr. Amsterdam said that although he is pleased with the services provided, there is still room for improvement. “…especially in the area of the non-cash services which can be a challenge. I think an assessment should be done

Staff of the Water Street Branch make the shape of the GBTI logo

to improve the length of time people take to complete those transactions...otherwise, I have received loans from the bank, I’ve been an account holder and I am happy with the services,” he said.

At the same setting, another long-standing customer, Shemaine Pilgrim, remarked: “I have been an early saver from birth because that was a special gift my father would have given to me - a savings account. The service here has been pretty good, I haven’t changed since … it’s been 33 years of very good service and my children have started using the services as well.”

These sentiments were shared by another, Synola Khan, who said: “I always get good service when I come here and that’s why I’ve stayed so long.”

According to the bank, other customers rated as ‘excellent’, its customer service, provision of financial advice and efficiency. On May 15, 1832, GBTI commenced operations as the first commercial bank in the country and today boasts a network of 12 branches countrywide.

Pakuri elects first female Toshao

First female Toshao of Pakuri Village, Beverley Clenkian

HISTORY was created on Sunday at the village of Pakuri, formerly St Cuthbert’s Mission on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, when Beverley Clenkian was elected the Toshao.

Clenkian, the first female to be elected to head the popular village, gained 122 votes and she was followed by Neil

Henry (108) and Laurena Shuman (90).

The primary school teacher replaces the village’s popular former leader Lenox Shuman, who did not seek re-election. Elections at Indigenous communities are ongoing this month. Each village will be voting to elect leaders between May 15 and June 15.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Being blind not the end of the world ‒ but opportunity’s the problem, says society’s Ganesh Singh and because of this negative view, people still would not give us an equal playing field.

“They feel we should not be in certain areas; should not be doing certain things and people would still discriminate when you go certain places because you are blind.”

The society’s current location at High Street is anoth-

Executive member of the society, Ganesh Singh

By Telesha Ramnarine EACH year, the month of May is observed as Blindness Awareness Month across the Caribbean, and for 2018 the Guyana Society for the Blind is using the opportunity to let the public know that persons who are blind, or visually impaired, can still contribute meaningfully to society.

This year’s theme is, “The empowerment of persons who are blind and visually impaired through technologically-driven initiatives”, and the observance started with a church service on May 6.

In an interview at the High Street headquarters, executive member Ganesh Singh disclosed that a number of school visits are planned throughout the month, to sensitise school children on the abilities of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

The ‘Society’ also wants to spread the word about the care of the eyes, the use of the ‘white cane’, the technology used by persons who are blind and visually impaired, and the issues affecting those persons.

A domino competition is planned among the members of the society, and a fun-day at one of the resorts.

“It’s really to highlight blind persons, and let the public know that blind persons can do so much; that they can work and have an education because we have about 11 persons who are blind or visually impaired going to the university,”

Singh said.

He added: “They write CXC, they are teachers, they are journalists, rehabilitation assistants. So we just want people to know that blind persons can live normal lives.

Because of the way society marginalises us,we are unable to do so. Opportunities are very much limited.”

The society has 150 members across Guyana, but currently it has about 70 active members who visit the facility during the month.

Singh cited a lack of resources as one of the major challenges facing the society. “The Society receives a very small subvention from government which is not even enough to cover basic utilities and cleaning, so we really cannot implement programmes on a sustainable basis because it is dependent on donor funding, and donor funding is not always reliable,” he said.

According to Singh, the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) programme, supported by the Ministry of Education, is the only sustained programme.

BIGGER SUBVENTION “So we need a lot more resources and a bigger subvention,” he said. “We do receive good support from corporate Guyana, because without their support, we would not even be functioning.

“Members of the society still feel that once you’re blind, you can’t really contribute in a meaningful way,

er challenge. “Nothing can be done about the location because this is our property,” Singh said. “To move would be a herculean task, because there are many organisations which are fighting to have a location and we’re fortunate to have one; but it’s just the location.”

The society at the moment has no security, and is hoping that someone from

the private sector would think about providing one to them free of cost.

“We would really like to have the relevant authorities improve the security; we don’t have security at the moment, so perhaps someone can give us a security guard.

“So, any private firm out there that wants to give us a free security guard, we would appreciate it, at least

in the nights. We don’t have neighbours here so we are vulnerable.”

Just recently, armed bandits stormed the society, traumatising and robbing several members. Nothing has since come of the matter, and no arrests have been made.

The society can be reached on telephone numbers: 226-4496 and 2317976.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Cadet Officer discharged in ‘Russian ...$2M compensation roulette’ shooting paid to victim BASED upon advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Police Cadet Officer Franz Paul was discharged for allegedly shooting a 16-year-old in his mouth during a game of Russian roulette in 2014.

Paul, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the past four years.

He was on trial for discharging a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith on April 30, 2014 in Georgetown, with the intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The State, for which evidence was being led by Police Prosecutor Dominic

Bess, had already closed its case while seeking an adjournment on the last court hearing.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Paul compensated Griffith $2M for his injuries.

Griffith accepted the compensation and dropped the matter against Paul.

With the parties both reaching an agreement, the DPP advised that Paul be discharged from the matter since the virtual compliant would not be offering any evidence against him.

In 2014 also, Paul was charged alongside Corporal Bachan Singh for conspiring with each other to pervert the course of justice. This matter was dismissed in 2017 by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan due to the lack of evidence.

According to reports on April 30, 2014 Paul’s sister

was robbed and he subsequently took her to the police station to make a report.

After the report was made, Griffith was arrested by a party of policemen among them being Cadet Officer Paul.

Paul allegedly placed a firearm in Griffith’s mouth and fired a shot. Griffith received injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient.

A report was subsequently made to the police and an investigation was

Police Cadet Officer Franz Paul

launched, during which Paul was held under close arrest.

‘Groper’ changes guilty plea after hearing of 5-yr sentence A MINIBUS conductor who is accused of groping a female Chinese national, found himself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with sexual assault.

Roy Nedd, 39, of Norton Street is charged with touch-

ing the 21-year-old woman in a sexual way without her consent on May 12 at Regent and Camp Streets, Georgetown. The matter was held in camera.

The man had initially entered a guilty plea but quickly changed his plea when the Chief Magistrate explained to him that the

charge attracted a five-year jail sentence.

He was released on $30,000 bail and the matter is adjourned until May 29.

According to reports, the victim was walking along Regent and Camp Streets when it is alleged that the defendant groped the woman and ran away.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 22, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

From back page

De Souza, El-Masri ... that made them successful, especially now that they are playing at home for the first time since 2010.

“There’s always going to be some pressure,” DeSouza said, adding “especially since we’re playing at home and people will want to see us win like we’ve been doing over the years in these tournaments, but like I said, we have a good bunch and we will need the support in the stands and

we’ll pull it off.”

Guyana’s female national team happens to be the GFF’s most successful senior team, having qualified for two major CONCACAF events while the men’s team are yet to achieve even a Gold Cup berth.

In 2010, the Lady Jags competed at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifier where they went down 7-2 to eventual runners-up and hosts, Mexico; 8-0 to tournament winners, Canada; and 4-1 to Trinidad and Tobago.

It was their first taste of competition from some of CONCACAF’s biggest names. Kayla De Souza and El-Masri (two goals) were the only two players to find the back of the net at the tournament.

The women’s programme went dormant after their showing in Cancun, Mexico, but were given a revival under the GFF’s Normalisation Committee in 2015 when they qualified for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament.

At the tournament hosted in Texas, USA at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Guyana won their first and only game at the CONCACAF level--a 2-1 victory over Guatemala, thanks to a beautiful strike from Alison Heydorn in the 76th minute. El-Masri had scored the equaliser in the 71st minute.

However, Guyana did not advance, since they went down 5-0 to tournament runners-up Canada in their first game, and 5-1 to Trinidad and Tobago in their final showing.

Meanwhile, yesterday, some members of the team visited the corporate office of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) where they were welcomed

by Marketing Consultant, Samantha Gooden.

While there, they were given a tour of the facility

by Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker, including a walkthrough of the Call Centre. The team mingled with staff and had photo opportunities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

22 Days to go…

USA versus Iran, the most politically charged game in World Cup History “THE mother of all games,” the president of the US Soccer Federation labelled USA’s 1998 World Cup showdown with Iran after the two sides were drawn together in Group F, all the while the political regime in Tehran drowned in anxiety.

Despite almost four decades having passed since an Iranian revolution ousted the last pro-American Shah in 1979, relationships between the two countries remains hostile. France, more so Lyon, would become the centre of a political frenzy; a hotbed of issues to which responsibility fell on the shoulders of one man more so than any other - FIFA media officer

B and the USA were team A,”he said. “According to FIFA regulations, team B should walk towards team A for the pre-match handshakes, but Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei gave express orders that the Iranian team must not walk towards the Americans.”

Although seeming somewhat trivial on any other day, the Iranian regime could not be seen to be offering conformity to the USA nor seem the weaker of the two parties, although the governing body’s rulings would have provided a suitable excuse. And ‘team B’ eventually got their wish, with a compromise made by Masoudi that the Americans

Gerland’s security’s best efforts, many of the protestors successfully smuggled in portions of banners, which were fastened together inside the stadium using Velcro.

Iran’s Mehdi Mahdavikia (2) in action vs USA at the FIFA World Cup in France and Iranian-born Mehrdad Masoudi.

“One of the first problems was that Iran were team

would advance, but that was the least of their worries.

Despite FIFA and Stade

However, with the camera operatives pre-warned about such an eventuality, looking on from television,

it would appear a peacefully observed environment surrounding events unfolding on the pitch; everything FIFA and the Iranian Football Federation could have wished for.

as well as give his country the lead for the first time in the World Cup--a moment that was met with elation never before experienced for Iran.

However, that sense of

regime was quite scared by this.”

And still to this day, the 51-year-old is adored by his fellow countrymen, stating several years after heading the opener: “People from

“The president of the Iranian Federation wanted to use the match to show his country in the best possible light,” Masoudi retorted.

“He asked the kit man to buy a bunch of flowers for every player to take onto the pitch.

They were white roses, a symbol of peace in Iran.

A collective pre-match photo, one that would symbolise the unity of two nations under the banner of football, would be taken.

Although as Swiss referee Urs Meier’s opening whistle sounded, the contest proved to be anything but a competitive, full-blooded clash; the perfect scenario for the Iranians was played out on an afternoon when not just political history would grab the headlines.

Five minutes before half time, Hamid Estili latched onto a Javad Zarincheh cross and looped his header over the outstretched arm of Kasey Keller to give the underdogs an unlikely lead,

exuberance was only to increase for ‘team B’ as Mehdi Mahdavikia doubled his side’s advantage in the 84th minute after sprinting over 50 yards to reach Ali Daei’s through ball before lashing home; confining Brian McBride’s 87th-minute goal to little more than a consolation for the United States.

“When Iran qualified for the World Cup after overcoming Australia in Melbourne, the whole of Iran celebrated,” Masoudi stated.

“People were dancing in the streets of Tehran, openly drinking alcohol and the women took off their headscarves. The Revolutionary Guard didn’t do anything about it because they were also so happy. They were football fans first and Revolutionary Guards second.

Victory against the USA at France 98 brought back all these emotions and celebrations. The Iranian

five to even 95 admire me for that goal. Many Iranians who are living abroad now proudly confess that they’re Iranian. That victory unified all Iranians.”

However, the contest which ended USA’s run in the 1998 World Cup, seemed to do more than unite a country, but it also significantly reduced tensions between the two conflicting nations, with US defender Jeff Agoos stating at the time: “We did more in 90 minutes than the politicians did in 20 years.”

Eighteen months later, improved relations led to the two teams meeting again in a friendly in Pasadena, California.

What was initially billed as the most politically charged game in World Cup and potentially even footballing history, turned out to be Iran’s finest hour in the sport; 90 minutes that will never be forgotten.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

Curry leads Warriors’ onslaught over Rockets for 2-1 lead

(REUTERS)-Stephen Curry hit seven straight shots, including a pair of 3-pointers, in a third-quarter flurry Sunday night that broke open a competitive game and sent the Golden State Warriors to a 126-85 blowout win over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals in Oakland, Calif.

Curry, who had been held to a total of 34 points in the first two games of the series, exploded for 35 points in 34 minutes, propelling the Warriors into a 2-1 lead over the top-seeded Rockets in the best-of-seven series.

“That’s what I expected to do, but just like my approach after every game is you don’t get too high after highs, don’t get too low after lows.” Curry said in an on-court interview after the game. “Obviously thankful to hit some shots tonight, eventually.”

Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night, also in Oakland.

Kevin Durant had 25

points, while teammate Draymond Green had a game-high 17 rebounds to complement 10 points, as the Warriors rebounded from a 127-105 shellacking Wednesday in Game 2 in Houston.

The Warriors have lost three games in their three series this postseason, and have rebounded to win the next contest by a combined 65 points.

“Tonight was all about defense and taking care of the ball,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “That’s it.

When we defend at that level and take care of the ball, we’re usually in pretty good shape.”

James Harden had 20 points and a game-high nine assists to lead the Rockets, who had won three of their previous four road games in the postseason. Houston had the best road record in the NBA during the regular season at 31-10.

“As a team, we played a lot better defense today, which I think got everybody more involved,” Curry said.

The 41-point margin of defeat was the largest in the Rockets’ postseason history.

“It was not a very good game, and we’re going to have to play a lot better Tuesday,” Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni said. “We have short memories. Have to.”

The Rockets led by as many as four points in the first quarter and trailed just 54-43 at halftime before Curry almost single-handedly left them in the dust in the third period.

Curry, just 1-for-7 on 3-pointers in the first half after going just 2-for-13 in the first two games of the series, connected from 28 and 25 feet during a 14-0 burst midway through the third period that turned a 70-56 game into an 84-56 demolition.

“He’s good, and sooner or later he’s going to erupt,” D’Antoni said. “You can analyze him all you want, but at the end of the day, he’s still a pretty good basketball player.”

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) and guard Eric Gordon (10) during the first half in game three of the Western conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena.. ( Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Curry made four of his five 3-point attempts in the second half to finish 5-for-12.

He hit 13 of 23 shots overall.

Asked what the Warriors had to do to keep rolling in Game 4, Curry answered, “Just do everything we didn’t do in Game 2 and we should be in good shape.”

Klay Thompson (13),

ECB supports ICC’s proposal to scrap toss in Test cricket

Every match since the beginning of Test cricket in 1877 has started with the pre-match coin toss

PLANS to remove the coin toss in Test cricket have been backed by the England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the idea later this month as it considers ways to reduce home advantage.

It could introduce the change for the new World Test Championship, which starts with next summer’s Ashes series between England and Australia.

The ECB scrapped the mandatory toss in the County

Championship from 2016.

In domestic four-day matches, the visiting captain is given the option of bowling first or having the toss as normal to decide which side bats first.

The ICC could adopt that approach, with the other option being to give the visiting captain the outright choice of batting or bowling first.

The ECB brought in the change to encourage better pitches, whereas the ICC proposal is thought to be about diminishing home advantage.

In 150 Tests since the start of 2015, the away side has won

only 45 matches, with 80 defeats and 25 draws (when taking the United Arab Emirates as the home venue for Pakistan).

The world governing body’s cricket committee is set to discuss scrapping the toss and other issues at a meeting in Mumbai at the end of May. A start date for any new rule about the toss is still up for discussion but a logical time to introduce it would be with the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.

The 2019 Ashes, in which England will attempt to regain

the urn after a 4-0 defeat last winter, is the first event of the new competition in which nine teams will play six series of Test matches over a twoyear period - three at home and three away.

There will be a minimum of two matches in each series all of which will be scheduled to last five days - but can be expanded to five for series such as the Ashes.

The two teams with the most points will contest the final in England in June 2021.

The competition is designed to increase interest in the longer form of the game and avoid one-sided affairs.

Removing the toss in the County Championship increased the number of games lasting until the fourth day, with 85% going the distance in 2016 compared to 74% in 2015.

However, it has not led to a rise in away wins. In 2015, before the toss was scrapped, the away side won 45 matches, compared to 33 in 2016 and 36 in 2017.(BBC Sport)

Quinn Cook (11) and Andre Iguodala (10) also scored in double figures for the Warriors, who have won 26 of their last 30 playoff games.

Harden’s 20 points came on 7-for-16 shooting for the Rockets, who shot just 39.5 percent overall in the game and 32.4 percent (11-for-34) on 3-pointers.

Clint Capela added 13 points, while Chris Paul logged a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Rockets.

Eric Gordon (11), P.J. Tucker (six) and Trevor Ariza (six), who combined for 68 points in the Game 2 win, combined for just 23 points in Game 3.

Azhar shines in Pakistan final warm-up before first Test

Azhar Ali has played in 63 Tests for Pakistan, scoring at an average of 45.84

AZHAR Ali top-scored as Pakistan drew with Leicestershire in their final game before this summer’s twomatch Test series in England.

Azhar hit 73 while opening partner Fakhar Zaman scored 71 as Pakistan made a dominant start to the two-day game.

Usman Salahuddin added an unbeaten 69 before the tourists declared on their overnight total of 321-9.

A young Leicestershire batting line-up then made 226-6 on Sunday, with Ateeq Javid hitting 54 before he retired out.

Azhar and Zaman began the match in commanding

form, making 121 for the first wicket before Zaman was dismissed by Tom Wells, who finished with figures of 2-45.

Dieter Klein (2-44) took the next two wickets with Javid (2-42) and Aadil Ali (2-28) Leicestershire’s other wicket-takers.

Pakistan’s bowlers were then unable to dismiss an inexperienced Leicestershire line-up, despite two quick wickets leaving the hosts on 52-2.

Captain Lewis Hill (33), Javid and Aadil Ali (41) helped Leicestershire recover to 165-4 and frustrate the tourists, who play England in the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

(SCORES: Pakistan 321-9 dec (89.5 overs): Azhar 73, Zaman 71, Salahuddin 69* Leicestershire 226-6 (75.0 overs): Javid 54 (retd out). (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

IPL Qualifier 1...

CSK, SRH out to avoid Kolkata detour

IT might be the battle between the top two teams of Indian Premier League 2018, but Qualifier 1 from Mumbai has a weird little twist.

Both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings(CSK) are playing far from how title contenders should.

Sunrisers, who finished at the top of the table, with a slight advantage in Net Run Rate over Chennai Super Kings, have lost three games in a row.

The only other time they had such a string of losses

in a season was when they lost four on the trot in 2014.

Back then, they finished outside the top four. What’s worse for Kane Williamson’s team is that they’re up against an opponent that has defeated them twice already this IPL. Things do not look rosy for Chennai Super Kings either. Since April 25, the team in yellow has blown hot and cold, following each win with a defeat. If the trend were to continue, it would mean there is a loss shadowing their win over Kings XI Punjab on Sunday.

However, both teams will know that the playoff game at the Wankhede is a different beast altogether.

Having secured their progress a while ago, the teams will now be confronted with a high-pressure situation . Form has deserted SRH, while CSK need to get rid of a strange habit that has been stuck to them for nearly a month.

It could just result in both teams going all out and giving the fans a game to die for. It could also mean a game of who blinks first.

(Cricbuzz).

Both teams led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) and Kane Wiliamson need to shrug their late league lethargy and bring on their A game in the first qualifier © BCCI

Players’ union asks Forty-five Berbice potential to allow Guerrero cricket coaches in BCB’s training FIFA to play in the World Cup

Participants who attended day one of the two-day coaching programme.

WITH the aim of strengthening the reservoir of coaches in Berbice, 45 potential cricket coaches in the Ancient County have commenced a two-day programme, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

The training programme, which will also help individuals ahead of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level I Coaching Programme, was opened on Saturday last at the Albion Cricket Ground.

The programme is being facilitated by Level III cricket

coach, Winston Smith, who is assisted by Guyana/West Indies female all-rounder, Tremayne Smartt, along with Balram Samaroo and former Guyana all-rounderand current coach of the National Women’s team, Andre Percival.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster hailed the Brian Ramphal Developmental Programme as a major investment.

Foster pleaded with the coaches to dedicate themselves to the development of every youth, since one of the

main objective of the BCB is to make sure that every youth in Berbice fulfils his/her full potential on the cricket field.

He disclosed that too many players are representing Berbice with technical problems and this must be corrected in the future.

Smith hailed the investment of the board and urged the potential coaches to dedicate themselves during the clinic.

Sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese, Brian Ramphal, the two-day programme culminates on

Saturday, May 26.

Upon conclusion of the clinic, participants will receive Certificates of Participation.

A pool of Berbice junior cricketers is involved in the programme as part of their personal development. The players include Zeymul and Abdul Ramsammy, Kevin Sinclair, Javed Rahim, Marvin Prashad, Alex Algoo, Steve Deonarine, Christopher Harry and Kevin Umroa.

ZURICH (Reuters) - The world players’ union FIFPro said it had written to FIFA to request that Peru captain Paolo Guerrero, banned from the World Cup over cocaine contained in a cup of tea, be allowed to participate in the tournament.

FIFPro said on Twitter that it was “hoping for a breakthrough in the next 2448 hours”.

Guerrero had just completed a six-month ban after testing positive for cocaine, contained in a tea he drank, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) increased it to 14 months on Monday.

The extended ban, imposed after an appeal to CAS by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), means the

34-year-old will miss next month’s World Cup where Peru have qualified for the first time in 36 years.

CAS increased the ban despite accepting that Peru’s all-time leading scorer did not intend to enhance performance and that he had not knowingly ingested the substance.

FIFPro has already criticized the ban as being disproportionate and said that the WADA code had been imposed on football without properly consulting the players.

Tea infused with coca leaves, which are used as the raw ingredient in cocaine, is popular in Andean countries and a traditional treatment for altitude sickness.

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero,

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

Whelan family agrees deal to sell Wigan to Hong Kong’s IEC (REUTERS) - A Hong Kong-based consortium are poised to complete a takeover of Wigan Athletic after the club’s owners, the Whelan family, agreed a deal in principle, the League One (third tier) champions said on Monday.

Wigan chairman David Sharpe said the agreement to sell the club’s majority stake to International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) is now subject to approval from the English Football League and the Hong Kong stock exchange.

EC confirmed in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Monday that the 22 million pounds deal includes a majority shareholding in Wigan’s DW Stadium and

the training grounds.

“It is important to confirm that this process, which has taken longer than expected, has now reached the next stage,” Sharpe said in a statement.

“Whilst we await formal approval and consent by the aforementioned parties, which may take some time, the Whelan family will do whatever it can to support the business operations and IEC during this transition.”

The Whelan family have been the majority shareholders of Wigan since 1995, overseeing their rise to the Premier League and their FA Cup triumph in 2013, the season they were relegated from the top flight.

Wigan Athletic players celebrate with the trophy after winning League One Action Images/John Clifton

Kohli slams middle-order failure after RCB crash out

RCB captain Virat Kohli

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday May 22, 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)

Tom Murtagh (6/100)

(2)

1 (Fakeem Ashraf-PAK)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which are the four teams that have made it to the IPL 2018 play-offs?

(2) Who has made most runs in the preliminary stages of the IPL 2018?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

VIRAT Kohli criticised his middle-order batsmen for a meltdown that resulted in defeat to Rajasthan Royals and RCB’s exit from IPL 2018.

Chasing 165 to strengthen their playoff chances, RCB were dismissed for 134 in Jaipur, finishing the season with six wins and eight defeats.

“Too much batting stress on just AB de Villiers,” Kohli told Star Sports after the game. “I thought we were in a great position at one stage. We were 75 for 1, the way we were bundled out after that wasn’t ideal.

“A guy like AB, who has the ability to hit fours and sixes, was knocking it around. We needed more smart decision-making there and guys were just not up to the mark and that is disappointing to see. It’s not something that should be repeated by five, six guys in a row. One or two guys is okay, but the others should have applied themselves and that wasn’t the case tonight.”

RCB were cruising at 75 for 1 in the ninth over, with de Villiers batting fluently.

Then the middle order imploded against legspinner Shreyas Gopal, trying to play expansive strokes even though the asking rate was not out of control.

Over the years, RCB have relied heavily on their top three batsmen. Without Chris Gayle this season, Kohli and de Villiers shouldered the run-making responsibility and scored 530 and

480 respectively. The next best among the middle-order batsmen was Mandeep Singh with 252 runs. Sarfaraz Khan made only 51 in six innings.

“We wanted to strengthen the middle order that hasn’t been our strength for the last few years,” Kohli said. “It’s something we need to look forward to in the next season.

We need to be more smart about how we compose our team, I guess.

“The bulk of the scoring responsibility and stress can’t always be on a guy like AB all the time in the middle order. Guys need to step up at the right times. We certainly want to take up the responsibility but there have to be contributions at important stages. One occasion was tonight where AB scored runs, apart from him others didn’t show enough composure.”

Most of the positives Kohli picked out were in the bowling department, which Umesh Yadav led by taking 20 wickets.

“Quite a few new players came in and performed well,” Kohli said. “Umesh was outstanding, Chahal was good with the ball as well, Siraj took his opportunities. Moeen contributed and gave us the balance.

We have a few positives that we can take forward to the next season, but it feels disappointing to not finish this game off.”(ESPN Cricinfo).

NSC Awards ceremony on tonight THE National Sports Commission (NSC) will host its Annual Awards ceremony this evening from 06:45hrs at the Savannah Suite of the Le Meridien Pegasus hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

This event will see over 57 individuals, including sportsmen and sportswomen, as well as sports administrators and journalists, being awarded for their outstanding performances in 2017, be it locally, regionally or internationally.

A release from the NSC listed the various nominees for awards. They are Senior Sportswoman of the Year-Marazana Fiedtkou and Taylor Fernandes; Junior Sportswoman of the Year--Chantoba Bright and Natrena Hooper; Senior Sportsman of the Year--Calvin Ming and Winston George; Junior Sportsman of the Year-Keevin Allicock, Compton Caesar, Daniel Williams, Baskhar Yadram, Raymond Perez and Leon Seaton Jnr. Association of the Year--Athletics Association of Guyana, and the Hockey Federation; Most Improved Sports Association/Federation of the Year--Hockey Federation, Guyana Boxing Association, Demerara Volleyball Association, The Guyana Cricket Board, The Guyana Football Federation; Female Sports Personality--Natisha Mokutnauth, Elizabeth Sunich, Lavern Fraser-Thomas, Allian Pompey; Male Sports Personality: Norman ‘Juice man’ Welch.

Male Coach of the Year--Es-

uan Crandon, Johnny Gravesande, Carl Ince, Phillip Fernandes; Female Coach of the Year-- Candacy McKenzie and Sherry Abrams; Male Sports Official--Phillip Fernandes, Devin Hooper and Garfield Wiltshire; Female Sports Official--Dion Cush-Barnwell, Lavern Fraser-Thomas, Nzinga Maxwell.

Sportsman of the Year (Person with Disability)--Ganesh Singh, Calvin Thomas, Walter Grant-Stuart and Leroy Phillips; Sportswoman (Person with disability)--Faith King , Malika Crawford, Shontel Munroe, Cassie Gill; Sports Team of the Year--National U-19 cricket team, National Senior female football team, and the Green Machine(National Rugby Team).

Print Journalists-- Rajiv Bisnauth (Guyana Chronicle), Akeem Greene (Guyana Times) and Calvin Chapman (Kaieteur News); Online Journalist--Treiston Joseph (Newsroom), Avenash Ramzan (Newsroom), Royston Alkins (The Xercise ); Television Journalist--Treiston Joseph (Newsroom), Akeem Greene (TVG) and Colwyn Abrams (HGPTV); Photographers-- Keno George (Stabroek News), Delano Williams (Guyana Chronicle) and Adrian Narine (Guyana Chronicle).

Meanwhile, Troy Doris, Guyana’s 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who arrived here last evening, will be a special guest at tonight’s ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 22, 2018

Bishoo wins Cricketer of the Year prize as BCB hosts Awards ceremony THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosted its 2018 Awards ceremony on Sunday last at the Albion Community Centre to reward players, coaches and officials. The event, after a three-year hiatus, was well received by the gathering as the BCB honoured several individuals for their sterling performances during 2017.

Headlining the list of awardees was West Indies player, Devendra Bishoo, who was adjudged International Male Cricketer of the year. However, Bishoo was not on hand to receive his prize as he is presently in Antigua at a West Indies training camp. Bishoo has so far been a stand-out performer in Test matches for West Indies, taking 102 wickets with 8 for 49 being his best figures.

Meanwhile, Veersammy Permaul won the Regional 4-Day Cricketer of the year award.

Guest Speaker of the event, Attorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gossai deliv-

ered the feature presentation.

Gossai shared that he played cricket in his youth days at the club level in Berbice, and then commended the current BCB executives for reviving the annual awards ceremony.

Gossai urged the BCB to use cricket as a unifying force to keep us together and fight against any force that may try to divide us. He further emphasised the need for working together regardless of differences in clubs, for the benefit of cricket.

In addition, President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster in his remarks, gave a thorough description of the progress of cricket in Berbice since taking over the helm. Foster stressed, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to inform you that in just 3 months we have raised a total of $ 5, 274,000.00 in sponsorship for Berbice cricket”. Foster shared some upcoming projects that the board promises to fulfil: The Annual Berbice Cricket Board Magazine, sponsored

by Brian Ramphal; the An-

BCB selector, Shabeer Baksh, presents Veerasammy Permaul his trophy for being the Regional 4-day cricketer of the year.

Guest Speaker of the BCB Award Ceremony, Attorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gossai, presents the Internationl Cricketer of the year award to Gudakesh Motie who received the award on behalf of Devendra Bishoo who is on West indies duties.

nual Cricket Academy in July, sponsored by Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh at a cost of $370 000.00 in which some 70 youths will be involved; a countrywide coaching programme; father of the year award, just to list a few.

Berbice for 2018 has won the Male Under-15 title, the Male Under-19 fifty-overs and three-day title and the Female 50-over title.

The 2018 list of Awardees are: Berbice under-15 Player, Marvin Prashad Berbice under 17 Player, Kevlon Anderson Berbice under-19 Player--Kevin Sinclair Berbice under-19 Female Player--Shabika Gajnabi Most improved Youth Cricketer – Karran Arjpaul Most improved Senior

CWI ask Bangladesh, Sri Lanka to share tour costs JOHNNY Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI) has rubbished reports that suggest that one of the three Tests Windies are scheduled to play against Sri Lanka could be scrapped in favour of One Day Internationals because of a downturn in the board’s financial fortunes.

The Windies host backto-back tours against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and according to Grave, CWI stands to lose in the region of U$6 million for those tours, but scrapping a Test against Sri Lanka is not on the table, arguing that the cost to host a Test and two ODI’s are basically the same.

“What we have done is that we have reached out to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to see if there is any way in which they can help us effectively with covering the costs of the tour.

These two tours, in particular, attract very little revenue from a broadcast point of view therefore with the significant investment

by Cricket West Indies to make it happen, we just asked both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka if they can cover any of the cost of the tour with us paying them

CWI has requested that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka share the costs of their visits to the Caribbean this summer

back next year,” Grave explained to SportsMax. TV on Wednesday.

He said the cost of the tour other than the teams getting to the Caribbean is all costs undertaken by CWI, which is why under the current financial circumstances, CWI is asking the visiting teams to cover their share, which is 50 percent of the costs. Some of those costs include line items like accommodation and airline charters.

“I think they fully appreciate the situation we’re in because they find themselves in a very similar situations more often than not because of the size of their economic markets, so they are very sympathetic to the challenges we face and also

support our wider concerns which is the financial model for cricket,” Grave said.

“So Bangladesh have suggested that their board has approved helping us out so we are just working through the details. Sri Lanka Cricket is considering our request.”

Grave explained that even though CWI had realized a profit for three years running, for a number of reasons they always knew that 2018 was going to be a challenging year.

“We took over US$10 million in surpluses into this year and because we have run without any overdraft facility for three years it is taking us longer than anticipated to get the financing in place for this year. Rev-

enues can change year on year depending on who is touring. Next year our revenues will more than treble with England and India coming,” he said.

“For CWI to have made surpluses in the past three years is a great achievement by the board and clearly taking big surpluses into this year was good but clearly it was never going to be enough and it coincided with 2018 being a difficult year for the ICC because there is no major global event.

Since the Champions Trophy last year there have only been loss-making events in the Women’s World Cup and the Under 19 World Cup and they have got no global events this year outside the world cup qualifiers which again would have been a big loss making event.

“So 2018 will be a bad year for CWI and it will also be a bad year for the ICC, so we have always known we had to get financing in place but it is taking a bit longer than we would have hoped and we have asked Sri Lanka and Bangladesh if they can help us.”

Cricketer – Romario Shepherd Female Cricketer of the Year--Sabrina Munroe Youth Coach of the Year-Julian Moore Senior Coach of the year-Esaun Crandon Female Coach of the year--Tremayne Smartt School of the Year-Lower Corentyne Secondary School Most Improved club-Blairmont Cricket Club Club of the Year--Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Umpires of the year--Im-

ran Moakan --Moses Ramphal Regional 4-Day Cricketer--Veerasammy Permaul Regional 50-Overs--Romario Shepherd International Cricketer of the year--Devendra Bishoo Additionally, Special Awards went to Joseph Simon for his contribution in umpiring; Patrick Gray for being a long-standing official in club cricket, while recognitions were given to Julian Moore and Winston Smith for attaining level 3 coaching certificates.

Mathews eyeing historic series victory against Windies COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Former captain Angelo Mathews had not even made his international debut the last time Sri Lanka toured the Caribbean 10 years ago.

In the interim, however, the the talented all-rounder has emerged as one of the world’s finest players and is now helping to be at the forefront as Sri Lanka break their jinx of never having won a series in the Caribbean.

“Winning a series in West Indies will be another box to tick,” said Mathews as he wrapped up preparations here for the upcoming tour.

“West Indies have been a force in world cricket and it will be great to win over there. That’s something that we have not done in the past so we are looking forward to the challenge. It will be a good achievement for us.”

Sri Lanka suffered a 1-0 defeat in their first tour of the Caribbean 21 years ago, losing by six wickets in Antigua and drawing the second Test in St Vincent.

A similar series result obtained on the 2003 tour before the Sri Lankans finally won a Test in 2007, in a series that was drawn 1-1.

Mathews, who made his

international debut the following year, has since become one of the side’s marquee players.

He averages 44 from 72 Tests which have yielded nearly 5 000 runs, and in fact needs only 86 more to become the ninth Sri Lankan to achieve the feat.

Mathews also bowls medium pace and has taken 33 wickets, but will not be asked to bowl on the upcoming tour as Sri Lanka Cricket manages his workload.

The 30-year-old said, however, the prospect of playing Test cricket in the Caribbean was an enticing one.

“I am excited and I am looking forward to the trip. I have played in West Indies before, but that was in the shorter formats of the game,” he said. “[I am] really excited to play a Test match in the Caribbean.

It’s a great place to play Test cricket with a rich culture. The people in the West Indies are so very friendly and enjoy their cricket. It is great to go back to West Indies.”

Sri Lanka are scheduled to leave on Friday for the Caribbean where they play three Tests from June 6-27.

De Souza, El-Masri optimistic of successful CONCACAF Group ‘E’ Caribbean Qualifier campaign

Mariam El-Masri (left) and Briana DeSouza (Delano Williams photos)

…encouraging fans to support the Lady Jags

By Rawle Toney MARIAM El-Masri and Briana De Souza, two of the most prominent members of the ‘Lady Jags’, Guyana’s senior women’s National Team, are optimistic of a successful campaign as they prepare to play host to Barbados, Bermuda and Suriname in Group E of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Caribbean Qualifying tournament at the Leonora Track and Field Centre (May 23 – 27).

Both El-Masri, a forward and De Souza, who play in the defence, have been part of the team that played in the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Cancun, Mexico, as well as the 2016 CONCACAF Olym-

pic Qualifier tournament in Houston, Texas.

Guyana will open their campaign on Wednesday (May 23) against Bermuda, followed by a clash against rivals, Suriname on May 25, before wrapping up their group E contest against Barbados on May 27. All of Guyana’s games will be played at 19:30 hrs.

“We’re looking good right now. We’ve been preparing well for this tournament and I think we’ll do well,” said the usually soft spoken El-Masri who holds the distinction of scoring Guyana’s first goal at a CONCACAF tournament when she scored one of the two goals in the Lady Jags’ 2--7 loss to Mexico in 2010.

Kayla DeSouza (Briana’s older sister) was the other goalscorer for Guyana.

DeSouza referenced the depth in the squad this time

GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samantha Gooden, flanked by some members of the Lady Jags during their visit to the company on Monday.

around as compared to the other Lady Jags teams over the years, stating “the squad now has a lot of depth and we have much more local players in the team who are all pretty good as well.”

Pressure?

Having played at two CONCACAF tournaments (2010 Gold Cup and 2016 Olympic Qualifiers), El-Masri and

DeSouza told Chronicle Sport that they do feel compelled to replicate the performances Turn to page 22►

NSC Awards ceremony on tonight PAGE

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Troy Doris 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

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018