24 10 2017

Sex & the City scandal...

King denies interviewing juvenile Page 9

TUESDAY OCTOBER 24, 2017

No. 105075

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President stands his ground – says not constitutionally required to give reason for rejecting GECOM nominees

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President commits to good governance, local democracy

– with historic swearing-in of Local Gov’t Commissioners

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HISTORIC MOMENT: President David Granger, centre, and the newly sworn-in Local Government Commissioners on Monday. They are, from left: Mr Norman Whittaker; Mr Andrew Garnett; Mr Clement Corlette; Ms Joan Ann Ramascindo; Ms Carol Sooba; Mr Mortimer Mingo; Mr Clinton Collymore; and Mr Marlon Williams (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Gov’t ready to do battle over GECOM chair

Nandlall caught lying Page 2

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– as Opposition moves to high court

– Justice Singh calls him out over ‘utterly outrageous’ falsehoods

Do the math first Page 16

– petroleum expert advises

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

President commits to good governance, – with historic swearing-in of local democracy Local Gov’t Commissioners

By Svetlana Marshall IN a historic move on Monday, President David Granger swore in the eight members of the Local Government Commission (LGC), thereby paving the way for the long-awaited Commission to be activated.

In accordance with the requirements of Section (1) (A), (B), (C) and (D) of the Local Government Commission Act 2013, Mortimer Mingo, Clement Corlette, Marlon Williams, Joan Ann Ramascindo, Andrew Garnett, Carol Sooba, Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore were appointed members of the Commission for a period of three years.

This historic step is an indication of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration’s commitment to good governance, local democracy and by extension, respect for the Constitution, President David Granger said as he addressed the newly-appointed Commissioners at State House on Monday.

“This ceremony signifies this administration’s commitment also to the recognition and re-establishment of the institutions that are essential to protecting the constitutional rights of Guyanese citizens,” the President further

Former Region 10 Chairman, Mr Mortimer Mingo receiving his Instrument of Appointment from President David Granger

stated, while adding that it is also a reaffirmation that the Republic remains firmly on the path of constitutionalism.

According to the Constitution, “Parliament shall establish a Local Government Commission, the composition and rules of which empower the commission to deal with as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation and staffing of local government organs and with dispute resolution within and between local government organs.”

Over the past 20 months, the Administration has been taking crucial steps to operationalise key constitutional offices. The Ombudsman,

the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, the Public Procurement Commission, the Judicial Service Commission and most recently, the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have all been re-instated under the current Administration as mandated by the Constitution.

“These appointments testify to our commitment to good governance,” the President posited while pledging to uphold the Constitution.

VITAL TO DEMOCRACY Zooming in on the Local Government, President Granger emphasised that it is a vital aspect of democ-

Nandlall caught lying – Justice Singh calls him out over ‘utterly outrageous’ falsehoods JUSTICE Claudette Singh has slammed as utterly outrageous a claim

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) executive member Anil Nandlall that the newly-appointed Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is being paid $800,000 monthly as an advisor to the Attorney-General.

Justice Singh was making reference to an article published in the October 23 edition of the Stabroek News under the headline, “By President’s own cri-

teria, Patterson unfit for Gecom chairmanship – Nandlall.”

In the article at reference, Nandall seeks to discredit the new GECOM Chairman by questioning the information stated on his Curriculum Vitae (CV).

According to the article, Justice James Patterson, who is on the advisory committee to the Attorney-General, receives a salary of $800,000, a lie Justice Singh said she condemns in the strongest possible terms.

“The evidence available

links him intricately to this government and to the People’s National Congress. He has been appointed as Adviser to the Attorney-General, a post for which he is paid a salary of $800,000 per month, so he is an employee of the Government,” Nandlall is quoted as saying in the article.

Justice Singh clarified that as a sitting member of the committee, she is paid a stipend of $15,000, while Justice Patterson, as chairman, is paid $20,000.

“It is an outright lie that is trying to besmirch the good name of the persons on the committee,” Justice Singh said on Monday.

at the swearing-in ceremony, said that Monday was a “Landmark Day for Guyana”, pointing out that the Local Government Commission was long in the making.

He recalled that the process that led to the swearing-in of the members of the commission dates back to the 7th Parliament.

Minister Bulkan said the Commission is made up of a very distinguished, experienced core of people.

“Among them we have two former Local Government Ministers, namely, Mr. Collymore, and Mr. Norman Whittaker. It contains as well, the former Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown, Ms. Sooba. Among the mem-

Boardroom of the Ministry of Communities. We will also provide staffing and secretariat support,” Minister Bulkan added.

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS The first order of business for the commission will be to elect from among themselves a chairman and deputy chairman. Additionally, the commission will also appoint a secretary and other needed staff.

Resources have been provided in the 2017 budget to allow for the functioning of the commission.

Mingo, who is among the Commissioners, said it is a privilege to serve on the first

Former Minister of Local Government, Mr Norman Whittaker taking his Oath of Office before President David Granger (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

racy which allows for the inclusion of all citizens in the management and development of the communities in which they live in.

“The principle objectives of Local Government are to involve as many persons as possible in the management and development of the communities and neighbourhoods in which they live, and to promote the economic, environmental, cultural and social wellbeing of citizens.

“The establishment of the Local Government Commission and the oversight of which it will provide over the Local Government System will safeguard, will strengthen and will promote these objectives,” President Granger explained.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who was among ministers present

bers are also two former regional chairpersons, namely Mr. Mortimer Mingo and Clement Corlette. It includes Joan Ann Ramascindo who is an experienced practitioner in Local Government matters having served for terms, over ten years as a Regional Democratic Councillor, and finally, Mr. Marlon Williams who is a business executive, as well as a seasoned politician,” the Communities Minister detailed.

He noted that the Local Government Commission will be housed in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Communities. “The Ministry stands ready to support in every practical way the smooth functioning of the commission…Office facilities will be provided by the Ministry at the level of the

Local Government Commission, even as he pledge to fulfill the mandate of the constitutional body. “Given my experience as Chairman for Region 10 for 10 years and in Local Government, I expect that whatever issues that will be brought before the Commission that same will be dealt with and addressed in accordance with the applicable laws.”

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing Valerie Adams-Yearwood, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities Emil McGarrell, and Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall were among the officials present at the swearing in ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

President stands his ground – says not constitutionally required to give reason for rejecting GECOM nominees

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT Granger is holding fast to his position, that constitutionally, he is not mandated to justify his decision to reject the Opposition Leader’s nominees for the Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Last Thursday, he appointed retired high court judge, Justice James Patterson Chairman of GECOM after informing Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that his third list, like the first two, was unacceptable.

The President’s decision has attracted much criticism, with the Guyana Bar Association calling for him to give reason for the rejection of the 18 names submitted to him by the Opposition Leader.

But President Granger is maintaining that he is not constitutionally required to give reason. “I do not know that that requirement is enshrined in the Constitution,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the swearing-in of the eight members of the Local Government Commission at State House on Monday.

“Guyana is a small country, and we have to be very careful about these judgments about persons’ character and their capabilities. I have to be advised,” he said.

Acknowledging that the Chief Justice, Ms Roxanne George-Wiltshire has ruled on the matter, the President said he has no intention of acting in the contrary.

“I know the Chief Justice has made certain statements, and I intend not to contradict the Chief Justice,” he said, “but I have not been advised that is a requirement which is enforceable. I don’t know if

Retired Justice James Patterson receiving his instrument of appointment from President David Granger at his swearing-in as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at State House on Thursday night (Photo by Adrian Narine)

that is enforceable.”

In the matter of Marcel Gaskin vs the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, in her ruling, has advised that there is no legal requirement for the President to state reasons for rejecting a list, though it is her belief that in the furtherance of democracy and good governance, he should, since Article 161 (2) speaks to the need for dialogue and compromise.

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is among organisations that have also expressed concern about what they deem the arbitrary selection of Justice Patterson.

GHRA, in a statement on Saturday, went one step further in that they are questioning Justice Patterson’s suitability for the post.

“He attracted public notice

for his involvement in the politically controversial Maurice Bishop murder trial in Grenada, and his record of public service, senior management or promotion of democratic standards and practices is unknown,” the organisation said, adding: “This calls into question whether he is indeed a more ‘fit and proper person’ than many of those on the three lists submitted by the leader of the opposition.”

Article 121 (2) of the Constitution states that, “Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 4, the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds, or who has held, office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and

President David Granger responding to reporters on issues relating to his appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

In is defense, the President sought to remind his detractors that Justice Patterson was a High Court Judge. “He was a judge of the high court in Guyana,” he said, adding: “The information I have is that he was Chief Justice of Grenada.

His curriculum vitae is not a secret; you can examine it for yourself. He was a judge in Guyana, that’s important.

“I was asked by the Leader of the Opposition to suggest certain criteria which were not necessarily incorporated in the Constitution, and I proposed certain criteria.”

While significant attention is being placed on the end result of the negotiation between he and the Opposition Leader, President Granger urged that the matter be analysed holistically.

“Do not judge what occurred in the actual conclusion of the negotiations with the Leader of the Opposition as the totality.” He said.

“This process started a year ago when the People’s Progressive Party started to hound Dr. Surujbally out of office. They protested, picketed, and they drove him out of office. “This process has been dragged on for an entire year, and the people of this country demand; the people of this country deserve; the people of this country need to have a functioning Elections Commission.”

He reiterated that at all material times, he has acted within the Constitution.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Transition to be agreed with Brexit trade deal – May LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May signalled on Monday that any Brexit transition deal would be put together as part of a wider trade agreement - potentially stripping companies of the time they need to prepare to leave the European Union.

International businesses have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks over fears that Britain could crash out of the world’s biggest

trading bloc without a deal, sending shockwaves through global markets and fracturing intricate supply chains.

May has promised to retain full access to the EU’s single market for two years after Brexit to limit the disruption for companies. But she told parliament on Monday the full terms of any transition, or implementation period, would be agreed at the same time as the country agrees a new trade deal.

That needs to be complet-

ed this time next year, just six months before Britain is due to leave the EU in March 2019.

May’s spokesman said the government position was as set out in the prime minister’s speech in Florence, responding during a daily briefing session to repeated questions about when companies would see a final transition deal.

“We’re looking to finalise a deal all in one go,” her spokesman said.

Several opposition lawmakers also asked the prime minister to clarify what the stance would mean for businesses.

Concern over Britain’s future trading relationship has been growing for weeks. The country’s five leading business organisations warned on Monday that companies would start moving jobs and investment out of the country if they do not get a transition deal soon.

Nicaragua will join Paris climate pact, leaving U.S., Syria isolated

REUTERS – Nicaragua is set to join the Paris climate agreement, according to an official statement and comments from Vice President Rosario Murillo on Monday, in a move that leaves the United States and Syria as the only nations outside the global pact.

Nicaragua has already presented the relevant documents at the United Nations, Murillo, who is also first lady, said on local radio on Monday.

years ago, seeks to limit planetary warming by curbing global emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that scientists believe drive global warming.

The administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama had pledged deep emissions cuts as part of the deal, but his successor, Trump, has said the accord would cost America trillions of dollars, kill jobs, and hinder the oil, gas, coal and manufacturing industries.

North Korea threat is ‘critical, imminent,’ Japan tells U.S., South Korea

REUTERS - Korea has grown to a “critical and imminent level” and the United States, Japan and South Korea must address the matter, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told his U.S. and South Korean counterparts in talks on Monday.

Onodera’s remarks underscored the deep concern in Tokyo after North Korean weapons tests, including test firing missiles over Japan, as Pyongyang seeks to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the United States.

His comments broke from more measured language on Monday by U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-Moo, as the three men met on the sidelines of a gathering of Asian defense chiefs in the Philippines.

South Korea’s Song also acknowledged that “North Korea’s provocative behavior is becoming worse and worse,” in public remarks before reporters were escorted out of the meeting room.

Mattis renewed sharp criticism of North Korea’s

tests, saying they “threaten regional and global security.”

Mattis, who kicked off a week-long trip to the region on Monday, has been eager to emphasize diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully as escalating tension between Washington and Pyongyang stoked fears of ‘armed confrontation.’

Asked about his conversation with Onodera after the two met earlier in the day, before joining South Korea’s Song, Mattis said they discussed “maintaining stability and peace in support of the diplomats.”

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said he is willing to travel to North Korea on behalf of the Trump administration to help diffuse the situation, the New York Times reported.

Mattis has been more cautious in his public remarks than U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been locked in a war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, threatening to destroy North Korea if necessary to defend the United States and its allies.

Kim has blasted Trump as “mentally deranged.”

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FILE PHOTO: Rosario Murillo, Nicaragua's Vice President, greets supporters during President Daniel Ortega's swearing-in ceremony at Revolution Square in Managua, Nicaragua January 10, 2017. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas

“It is the only instrument we have in the world that allows the unity of intentions and efforts to face up to climate change and natural disasters,” Murillo said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in June he would withdraw the United States from the accord, and Nicaragua’s decision to enter the pact means only two countries will now be outside it - the world’s No. 1 economy and war-torn Syria.

Nicaragua, a poor Central American nation that is often threatened by hurricanes, was the only nation to reject the agreement in 2015, and has argued for far more drastic action to limit rising temperatures.

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Island nation Fiji will host the next round of U.N. climate talks from Nov. 6-17 in Bonn, Germany, where environment ministers from around the world will work on a set of international guidelines for the Paris accord.

The latest round of negotiations take place after a string of powerful hurricanes ravaged Caribbean island nations and caused billions of dollars in damage along the Texas and Florida coastlines.

Climate scientists have said warmer air and water resulting from climate change may have contributed to the severity of the storms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has disputed such claims as an attempt to “politicise” natural disasters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Antigua’s Tourism Minister, Despite controversy, Asot Michael arrested in UK Venezuelan opposition … Cabinet appointment revoked governors sworn in ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC. – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has advised the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, to revoke immediately the appointment from the Cabinet, of Tourism and Investment Minister, Asot Michael, pending the outcome of his arrest on Monday morning by the Metropolitan Police in London.

In a statement on Monday, Browne, who is presently in Jordan , said he received news from Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Karen-Mae Hill, that Michael was arrested on his arrival in England early on Monday.

“While I have no firm details of the reasons for Mr. Michael’s

Antigua’s Tourism and Investment Minister, Asot Michael who was arrested. (Yahoo photo)

New flood fears

TRINIDAD EXPRESS - Six days after it began, the rains continue to pound parts of south Trinidad on Monday.

And a forecast issued by the Met Office at 10am stated that heavy showers or thundershowers were expected to continue into the afternoon.

There were also reports of a tropical wave approaching the Lesser Antilles, increasing moisture, instability and chances for showers and thunderstorms through today (Tuesday).

The relentless rainfall is hampering flood relief workers delivering foodstuff to affected residents in Barrackpore, Debe, Penal, Woodland and Mayaro.

Chairman of the Penal/Debe

Regional Corporation, Dr Allen Sammy, said that there were pockets in the Woodland area where families were still trapped in their home.

arrest, the arrest itself is sufficient for me to revoke immediately, his appointment as a Cabinet member and to relieve him of all ministerial portfolios until this matter is resolved,” PM Browne said.

“I have repeatedly stated that I expect every member of my government to comply with the highest possible standards required of public office, and while Mr. Michael might establish his innocence in time, the fact that he has been arrested, obliges me to relieve him of all government duties,” he added.

“I undertake to release other information regarding Mr. Michael’s arrest as it is brought to my attention,” the Prime Minister said.

...as rain pounds south Trinidad

He said the regional corporation was working with the T&T Regiment to deliver hampers and assist affected residents.

“It is still very bad in parts

The rainfall drenching parts of Barrackpore on Monday morning (Trevor Watson/Trinidad Express photo)

of Woodland, Barrackpore and Debe. The rains are coming again and people are fearful.

We still have some problems in Woodland to get to some families. But we are out now and working on assessing the damages,” he said.

On Sunday evening, almost 300 persons in Woodland were cut off and efforts were being made to assist them.

Chairman of the Siparia Regional Corporation, Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, said families were without clean water and needed warm meals.

There were also reports of traffic gridlock in Debe and along Mosquito Creek, South Oropouche, on Monday.

Enthused by Wi-Fi hotspots, Cubans clamour for more Internet access

HAVANA (Reuters) - At dusk, when the worst of the Caribbean heat has subsided, parks around Cuba fill with families video chatting with loved ones abroad or scrolling through social media, their animated faces lit by telephone and tablet screens.

The introduction of Wi-Fi hotspots in Cuban public spaces two years ago has transformed the Communist-run island that had been mostly offline. Nearly half the population of 11 million connected at least once last year.

That has whet Cubans’ appetite for better and cheaper access to the internet.

“A lot has changed,” said Maribel Sosa, 54, after standing for an hour with her daughter at the corner of a park in Havana, video chatting with her family in the United States, laughing and gesticulating at her phone’s screen.

She recalled how she used to queue all night to use a public telephone to speak with her brother for a few minutes after he emigrated to Florida in the 1980s.

Given the relative expense

of connecting to the internet, Cubans use it mostly to stay in touch with relatives and friends.

Although prices have dropped, the $1.50 hourly tariff represents 5 percent of the average monthly state salary of $30.

“A lot more could change still,” said Sosa. “Why shouldn’t we be able to have internet at home?”

A tiny share of homes has had broadband access until now, subject to government permission granted to some professionals such as academics and journalists.

The state telecoms monopoly has vowed to hook up the whole island and connected several hundred Havana homes late last year as a pilot project. In September, it said it would roll that service out nationwide by the end of 2017.

Cubans say previous promises for such access have not been fulfilled, so their expectations are not high. They also say the cost is prohibitive, with the cheapest monthly subscription priced at $15.

Havana says it has been slow to develop network infrastructure

because of high costs, attributed partly to the U.S. trade embargo.

Critics say the government fears losing control.

Cubans who can afford it flock to Internet cafes and 432 outdoor hotspots where they brave ants, mosquitoes and the elements.

Here they laugh, cry, shout, and whisper. Black market vendors weave in and out among them, trying to hawk pre-paid scratchcards allowing Wi-Fi access. The ping of incoming messages and ring of calls fill the air.

“There’s absolutely no privacy here,” said Daniel Hernandez, 26, a tourist guide, after video chatting with his girlfriend in Britain.

“When I have sensitive things to talk about, I try shutting myself into my car and talking quietly.”

The quality of connections is often good only at specific spots, he said, and when fewer users are connected. Otherwise, the screen tends to freeze mid-chat.

Hernandez said he also uses the internet to search for news. In Cuba, the state has the monopoly

on print and broadcast media.

A few meters further on, Rene Almeida, 62, sat in his taxi checking email. He said he felt lucky that his two children had moved to the United States where communications are better than ever. It was only in 2008 that the government first allowed Cubans to own cell phones.

He, too, complained of the lack of privacy and the expense.

“It’s better than nothing,” he said. “But it should improve.

It will.”

Reporting by Alexandre Meneghini and Sarah Marsh, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien.

CARACAS (Reuters) - Four of five Venezuelan opposition governors broke with their coalition’s official position on Monday to swear themselves in before a pro-government legislative superbody, authorities said.

The Democratic Unity coalition previously said none of its five winning candidates, in a regional election earlier this month where the ruling socialists won a majority, would “kneel” before the Constituent Assembly body.

Macri’s coalition sweeps Argentina’s mid-term vote BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Candidates allied with Argentine President Mauricio Macri enjoyed sweeping victories in Sunday’s midterm election, strengthening his position in Congress while dimming prospects for a political comeback by his predecessor Cristina Fernandez.

A free-spending populist who nearly bankrupted the country during her 20072015 rule, Fernandez came in a distant second in her race for the Senate representing Buenos Aires, Argentina’s most populous province.

With 98 percent of ballots counted by the interior ministry, Macri’s former Education Minister, Esteban Bullrich, had 41.34 percent versus 37.27 percent for Fernandez in the province that is home to nearly 40 percent of Argentine voters.

Macri’s “Cambiemos” or “Let’s Change” coalition won the top five population centers of Buenos Aires City,

and Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Santa Fe and Mendoza provinces. No single party had won all five in a mid-term “Today the change elected in 2015 has been consolidated,” Vice President Gabriela Michetti told voters.

The election results, largely in line with pre-vote opinion polls, robbed the opposition of the two-thirds majority needed to block presidential vetoes, said Ignacio Labaqui, a local analyst with New York-based consultancy Medley Global Advisors.

“This is a significant boost for the Macri administration, particularly because of the defeat of Cristina in Buenos Aires province,” Labaqui said.

Fernandez’s second-place showing still grants her one of the province’s three Senate seats under Argentina’s list system.

One third of the Senate and half of the house were elected, and Macri’s coalition will not have a majority.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Political hypocrisy of the highest order THESE ARE interesting times; but very revealing for the hypocrisy, political opportunism, and unbridled deceit now being aired publicly, following President Granger’s appointment of the Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM).

First, it must be clearly emphasised that the Chairmanship of GECOM is crucial in the preparation and staging of Local Government and National Elections that are free and fair and which must be able to withstand scrutiny.

Therefore, the person to be elected has to satisfy criteria that synchronises with elections that are expected to be transparent.

It is against this background, we conclude, that the President has acted in his deliberate judgement, selecting a retired High Court Judge

who embodies the quality of impartiality, integrity, honesty, faithfulness and diligence, apart from being “qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters.”

Notwithstanding the fact that the Leader of the Opposition is an integral part of the selection process, it should be borne in mind that there is a constitutional responsibility that rests with the president in ensuring that the process proceeds as constitutionally required. And this begins with the submission of a list of nominees.

It is the right of the President to carefully scrutinize and consider the names of nominees. Therefore, given those which were submitted especially in the first and second lists, no president who understands and takes his constitutional duties seriously, would have arrived at a decision,

other than what was made – rejection of the list and names.

In essence, those lists were politically loaded, provocative in every respect, designed not to give the president much space for consideration. This is a fact that he had emphasised.

Those lists were filled with persons who were known financiers, sympathisers, and campaigners for a political party – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). This was totally dishonest and intended to deceive the nation.

In the main, it was disrespectful to the President to have the Leader of the Opposition submit such lists, a fact of which Bharat Jagdeo had been well aware. Why then, would he have expected President Granger to legitimise such a deceit?

What is being deliberately misrepresented is that Article 182(01) of the Constitution

“empowers the President to act in his own deliberate judgement’’. In fact, the learned Chief Justice Roxanne George in the Marcel Gaskin case, spells out the fact that, “The submission of the list does not mean that the President is obliged to accept the lists or the persons named in it. The judgement goes on to state that if there is deficiency in the list, “either in totality or in the names that have been included”, he can deem the entire list “unacceptable.”

This is where the President had good cause to resort to Article 161(2). He has selected retired Justice James Patterson, who in his judgement embodies the residual qualities required for Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

Since the qualities as spelt out, have to do with personal integrity, we ask

what does it have to do with age. Certainly, it is not a constitutional requirement.

Then, why is it being made an issue in the instance of the newly-elected chairman?

This is political hypocrisy of the highest order, particularly by Jagdeo and his party, and moreover, by many of the critics of the President’s decision. Is it not a fact that at least two members of the first list, Professor James Rose and Retired Major General Norman Mc Lean, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, are also octogenarians? Would there have been a hue and cry, had either of these two persons

been selected, even if by mutual agreement?

To further say in a writ, filed by PPP/C Executive Secretary, Zufilkar Mustpha, against the President’s selection, that Justice Patterson is a pastor, and was a pall-bearer at the late President Hoyte’s funeral, is as asinine, as it is balderdash.

Is not Onesi La Fleur, one of the names on the third list, a man of the cloth?

But this is the nature of politics: Hypocrisy and unbridled opportunism. These are on national display at the moment with the newly-righteous suddenly finding their voices.

Wrong premise, little credence to Hinds’ conclusions Mr. Editor,

I am writing this letter with the hope that it would enlighten Past President and Past Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds, who in his letter to the Editor: We African-Guyanese must free and empower ourselves (Sunday Stabroek, October 8, 2017), demonstrates why he could not have contributed to that process, even as he occupied high office that could have been used to contribute to enabling African-Guyanese freedom and empowerment.

In the second paragraph of his letter, Mr. Hinds stated that: "It is firstly we Afro-Guyanese who must free and empower ourselves, making ourselves as useful and contributing as others." I can hardly disagree with him that any group, and in this instance Afro-Guyanese, have to free and empower themselves.

But to suggest that Afro-Guyanese “have to make themselves as useful and contributing as others” borders on racism.

Racism is defined as: "The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so

as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races(https://en..oxforddictionaries.com>racism). Wittingly or unwittingly Mr. Hinds describes Afro-Guyanese "individually and all together" as being “less useful and not contributing as others.”

He is clearly making a comparison among the race/ethnic groups that comprise the Guyanese society and specifically attributing inferiority to the Afro-Guyanese. Mr. Hinds demonstrates complete disregard and disrespect for Afro-Guyanese who have toiled and continue to toil in the various sectors of the economy, to wit the educators, health care providers, miners, civil servants and many others.

Are they any less useful and making a lesser contribution to the Guyanese society? His pronouncement is no different from the more subtle contention of the late Dr. Jagan that the service providers, to whom I referred, are a parasitic class in relation to the farmers, the real producers of wealth.

In the Guyana context, this adds up to a description of race relations, with the Afro-Guyanese being at the bottom of the ladder. No wonder the People's

Progressive Party pursued the politics that they did, such as not finding a single Afro-Guyanese suitable for diplomatic posting at the ambassadorial level, for which Mr. Hinds has become a defender and apologist.

While Mr. Hinds might be correct in inferentially distinguishing between Afro-Guyanese and the others, what he fails or refuses to take into consideration is that the different circumstances of their arrivals and the differential treatment meted out to the various groups, post-emancipation, have forged distinctive psyches and ethnic profiles. As a consequence, a level playing field in the Guyanese context has to be an equitable environment that responds to our different realities.

Hinds’s attempted justification of Afro-Guyanese being misled and used, whether true or false, in no way negates my earlier contention nor does it substantiate his contention that the Afro-Guyanese problem is founded in them not moving on from slavery. Slavery is not a mere moment in history, it has helped to fashion the Afro-Guyanese personality, thus its impact has to be determined and confronted as Afro-Guyanese

seek to overcome its negative impact.

Imagine, Mr. Hinds also seeks to rubbish African enslavement as just another instance of a universal phenomenon. He stated that "slavery has been one of the most common institutions amongst humans; we Afro-Guyanese grew up on the story of Joseph being sold into slavery into Egypt."

This is one of the most uneducated or miseducated excursions that has been mouthed in contemporary times about chattel slavery. There is no comparison between chattel slavery and the forms of slavery that predated it. Chattel slavery was justified on the grounds of racism and inferiority that saw the enslaved Africans being described as less than human commodities.

It was a dehumanising and genocidal undertaking perpetrated by one race against another. If Mr. Hinds does not understand that, he will never understand his own state of mind and that of the Afro-Guyanese about whom he wishes to pontificate. With his wrong premise, there is little credence that can be attributed to his

conclusions.

He concluded that 'AfroGuyanese were not "structurally and purposefully excluded from the Guyanese economy." However, he provides no evidence to show how they, to whom, according to him, "the damage had already been done," were to be structurally and purposefully included. On the contrary, he argued that the act of exclusion of Indians during the PNC era led to them creating niches, but attributes African successes, during the PPP's 23 years at the helm, to the PPP's policies rather than to their own ingenuity.

Therein again he implies Afro-Guyanese inferiority, since Indo-Guyanese were capable of prospering in difficult circumstances, without state assistance, in fact, in the face of hostility, while the few Afro-Guyanese who made it under the PPP did so due to the policies of the PPP without which they would have remained useless. Of note is the absence of any articulation of those supposedly beneficial policies.

History has shown the resilience of the Afro-Guyanese in the face of an hostile environ-

ment. History has shown that the occupations, of apparent choice, of Afro-Guyanese have been determined by the environment in which they were made to pursue their livelihoods.

What did the PNC do to make the bauxite workers predominantly Afro-Guyanese? Yet Hinds maintains the fable that the occupational preferences of Afro-Guyanese were due to the discriminatory employment policies/practices of the PNC. If so,why hadn't the employment landscape changed after 23 years of PPP rule and their clear attempts to reconfigure the ethnic demographics of the Public Service by by-passing the constitutional mechanism of the Public Service Commission in preference for executive contractual appointments.

Mr. Hinds’s letter is another example of historical revisionism and distortions.

Until all of Guyana wakes up to its historical reality and commits to moving forward based on a common understanding and commitment, Guyana is destined to be the victim of its own folly.

Your sincerely, VINCENT ALEXANDER

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

President upheld the Constitution --when he appointed GECOM chairman, AG says

PRESIDENT David Granger upheld the Constitution when he consulted with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on the appointment of a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

In fact, during the months of consultation, the President provided the Opposition Leader with an opportunity to submit a third list of nominees for the post after the first two were found to be unacceptable.

However, in all three cases the lists were found to be unacceptable.

In light of the hue and cry following the appointment late Thursday of retired High Court judge, Justice James Patterson to the post, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams on Monday issued a statement saying that the president acted in keeping with the Constitution and a ruling made by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in her consideration of the case of Marcel Gaskin Vs. the Attorney General.

The following is the full text of the Attorney-General’s statement: “His Excellency the President, Brigadier David Arthur Granger, MSS, considered the provisions of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, which gives him the discretion to appoint a Chairman of The Guyana Elections Commission (GGECOM) from the final list submitted by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo “of six persons not unacceptable to President,” and the proviso thereto.

“Also that Article 182(1) of the Constitution empowers him to act in his own deliberate judgement when exercising such discretion.

“His Excellency further considered the case of Marcel Gaskin V AG et

al in which Learned Chief Justice the Hon. Roxane George-Wiltshire gave the following answers to the Applicant’s questions inter alia: “The submission of the list does not mean that the President is obliged to accept the list or the persons named in it. If the President is of the view that the list is deficient, either in totality or in the names that have been included, he can exercise his discretion to deem the entire list unacceptable.

See page 30 of the Marcel Gaskin’s case.

“If the President considers that one or more persons on the list is not a fit and proper person and therefore unacceptable, then he may decide to reject the entire list as being incomplete or restrictive, or He may decide to choose one of the persons if they qualify even though every other name on the list is not acceptable.

Therefore the whole list need not be rejected. (P.26) “Having considered the foregoing, His Excellency found this final list to be unacceptable.

“His Excellency further examined the Learned Chief Justice’s answers in relation to his giving reasons for his rejection of a list namely: “The Leader of the Opposition, and others for that matter, may not agree with the reasons given, but they must be given so that the parameters for the submission of another list, if required would be set.” (P.29) “His Excellency understands this to mean that only where he agrees to more than one list, reasons must be given.

“His Excellency, after rejecting the first list, did give the Leader of the Opposition, on his request, a list of criteria or characteristics that would make listed persons acceptable to him, to wit:

“A: That person is deemed to have wide electoral knowledge, capable of handling electoral matters because he or she is qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters; “B: He or she will discharge their functions without fear or favour, that is, they will not allow any person or organisation to bulldoze or influence them to compromise their neutrality; “C: This person will discharge their functions neutrally between the two (2) opposing parties as they would have done in Court between two (2) opposing litigants; “D: The person will not be an activist in any form (gender, racial, theological, religious etc.); “E: They should not have any political affiliation or belong to any political party in any form, apparent or hidden; and “F: They should have a general character of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, diligence and fear of God in the discharge of their duty as Chairman.

“The names of the listed persons in the final list have not conformed to these criteria.

Having rejected the final list reliance was placed on the Learned Chief Justice’s ruling that the President in the exercise of his judgement to reject the final list could have: “Resort to the proviso to Article 161(2) which permits the President to act independently to appoint a person of the Judicial category to be the Chairman of GECOM, that is a person who is presumptively fit and proper.” (P.30).

“It is in the light of these premises that His Excellency appointed the Hon. Justice Patterson as a fit and proper person to the office of GECOM Chairman.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

GRDB fraud case...

GBTI directors, CEO charged --released on self-bail for contempt of court

EIGHT directors of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) were on Mondy hauled before the court for failing to comply with a production order issued by acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Their being placed before the courts is as a result of an ongoing Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation into the US$500M fraud at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

On Monday, GBTI directors Edward A. Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, Richard Isava, Carlton James and Basil Mahadeo; its chairman, Robin Stoby; and acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaleeza Shaw were all jointly charged and placed before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Eytle-McLean was charged in absentia, as she is currently out of the country on vacation.

The charge against the directors says that on or before August 29 at Georgetown, they failed to comply with a production order issued by the acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and served by a marshal of the High Court to produce certain named documents, within seven days, to SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James.

Some of the GBTI officials after their court appearance

It is alleged that they contravened the order without reasonable cause.

The officers all denied the charge, and their attorney, Nigel Hughes, made a lengthy bail application for their release.

According to Hughes, the matter is currently before the High Court and the bank was given an extension date to hand over the documents.

With no objection raised by the SOCU prosecutor, Patrice Henry, the bank officials were released on self-bail and the matter was adjourned to November 20.

SOCU as part of its

probe into the US$500M GRDB fraud case, had moved to the court to obtain an order instructing the GBTI to produce all the required documents to aid in the investigation.

Recently, the Bank made an application before the Acting Chief Justice to be relieved from the production of the documents that were referred to in August 29, on the grounds that they have either been destroyed by the applicant after the applicant’s retention period had expired, or they have been lost and cannot be found despite diligent efforts to find them. The bank failed in its bid to be

relieved from producing the documents.

The bank is said to have an internal policy with regard to the retention of documents for its customers, however, the Anti- Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation provides for banks and or financial institutions to maintain records for their customers up to a period of 10 years.

As a result, the Attorney General’s Chambers contends that the bank’s internal policy cannot supersede that of the law.

The bank’s applica tion spoke specifically to documents which the bank thought have been destroyed after the retention period, as well as those which have been lost, likely to misfiling, and requested an extension or stay of three weeks from the date of the Production Order, to enable it to find and produce the documents which the production refers.

That matter is adjourned until November 10.

Under tough anti-money laundering laws, once court orders are granted, financial institutions are reportedly bound to provide information. In this case, the monies are not from private accounts, but rather from the US dollar and other accounts of GRDB, a state entity.

Gold miner remanded for drug possession A 30-YEAR-OLD gold miner was on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for trafficking cannabis.

Christopher Marks of Chester Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), denied that on October 21 at Water Front, Port Kaituma, he had 304 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Marks’ attorney, Patrice Henry, told the court that his client’s luggage was searched at the Kingston Wharf before the boat had left for Pork Kaituma.

However, Police Prose-

cutor, Arwin Moore told the court that the suspected drug was found in a bucket the defendant was carrying when he was searched by the police at Port Kaituma.

Moore in his objection to the defendant being granted bail, cited the seriousness of the charge and also that when he was arrested he had confessed to the police that the drugs belonged to him.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Marks and transferred the matter to the Mathews Ridge Magistrate’s Court where it will be called again on November 8.

Buxton armed-robbery accused remanded A 21-YEAR-OLD Buxton resident was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery.

Shaquille Wilburg, of Public Road Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on October 13 at Buxton Public Road, while being in the company of others and

armed with guns, robbed Linden Wilson of $3M cash along with two cellphones valued $300,000.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, objected to Wilburg being released on bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge and the penalty attached.

The Magistrate ruled in the prosecution favour and remanded Wilburg until November 6.

Cane Grove brawl...

Accused charged with manslaughter Alleged arsonist remanded to prison --released on $500,000 bail

A 45-YEAR-OLD man was on Monday charged and remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for torching his reputed wife’s home.

Kerwin Jarvis was charged for unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to the home of June McAlmont while she was inside on October 17 at Lot 182 Da Silva Street, Georgetown.

The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until November 13.

According to the police prosecutor Shawn

Kerwin Jarvis

Gonsalves, on the day in question McAlmont came home from work

and met her husband in the house. He locked himself in the bedroom

and a few minutes later he emerged with a quantity of clothing, threw a flammable substance on them and set fire to the items.

The prosecutor added that Jarvis began to choke his wife and told her they were both going to die in the fire. The woman managed to escape by jumping through a window while the defendant broke the door and escaped.

Gonsalves told the court that Jarvis was expected to be charged for a similar offence in relation to another house which was burnt in the fire.

A 44-YEAR-OLD man accused of killing another during a confrontation at Cane Grove, Mahaica, was on Monday charged for manslaughter and released on $500,000 bail by Magistrate Wanda Fortune, at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

Ramesh Persaud of Sawah Street, Cane Grove, Mahaica, was not allowed to plead to the charge which read that on October 15, at Cane Grove, he unlawfully killed Harrynarine Ramnawaj.

Persaud’s attorney, Bernard Da Silva, told the court that his client was attacked by the deceased and his father and that he (Persaud) is also the virtual complaint (VC) in another matter where the deceased father wounded him.

Nevertheless, Persaud was released on $500,000

bail and ordered to return to court on December 1.

According to the facts of the matter, on the day in question about 11:45 hrs, the deceased Harrynarine Ramnawaj called “Khrishna” and “Pusha”, 32, and his father Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, 59, went to their farm at an area called `Long Dam’ where they observed a man stealing their plantains from a wooden structure which they had erected. The accused who was in the wooden structure at the time and the deceased got into an argument and the accused dealt the deceased and his father several chops about their bodies.

The two wounded men were rushed to a city hospital but the son was pronounced dead on arrival, while the father suffered the loss of two fingers as a result of the the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Gov’t ready to do battle over GECOM chair – as Opposition moves to high court

By Alexis Rodney MINSTER of State, Mr Joseph Harmon said government is not bothered by the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s move to the high court.

The Opposition’s move to the High Court is to counter the President’s appointment of Justice James Patterson, the new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and according to Minister Harmon, the administration is more than ready to defend its decision.

PPP executive member, Mr Anil Nandlall on Monday announced that the opposition has filed a “constitutional challenge”, declaring that the presidential appointment of Justice Patterson is unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect. The challenge also declares that Justice Patterson is unqualified to be appointed chairman of GECOM in accordance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution.

“We are seeking an order rescinding, revoking or quashing the appointment of Patterson as Chairman,” he said.

PPP executive member, Mr Anil Nandlall outside the High Court on Monday

Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon

“We are seeking an order removing him from office, and we are seeking an order directing the president to choose a person from the 18 names submitted to him by the opposition leader, or for the court to make any appropriate order as the court sees fit,” he told media operatives gathered on the corridor of the High Court moments after filing the challenge.

The application was filed

by PPP’s executive secretary,

Zulficar Mustapha.

Nandlall, who is hoping that an early date is fixed for the hearing, said he also intends to write the Chancellor of the Judiciary asking that the matter be heard expeditiously.

Contending that the matter at hand has no indisputable facts, Nandlall said: “A lot of the legal questions here have already been answered by the Chief Justice in the Gaskin matter.

Once the issues are identified, we can proceed.”

Immediately following President David Granger’s appointment of the retired judge last Thursday, Opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo said that his party would move to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), if need be, to reverse the appointment, which he is claiming is in breach of the Constitution of Guyana.

Minister Harmon is holding out that the President acted within the confines of the Constitution, and said that if the situation reaches the stage where it has to go to the ICJ, then so be it.

“The President has the constitutional right to do what he did, and if the opposition wants to go to court, we have the attorney gener-

al’s chambers that will deal with that,” he told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

President Granger had, back in March of this year, pointed out that Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “Subject to the provisions of Paragraph (4), the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person…”

Local businessman, Mr Marcel Gaskin had, however,

approached the High Court for an interpretation of the Article, which resulted in the acting chief justice confirming that the President was within his rights to do so; that acting on his own deliberate judgment, it is he who must determine whether a person is ‘fit and proper’.

Justice George-Wiltshire, in her ruling, had advised that there was no legal requirement for the President to state reasons for rejecting a list.

Last Thursday evening, President Granger appointed Justice Patterson at State House following a meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. At that meeting, the President reportedly informed Mr Jagdeo that he’d disapproved of the third list of nominees which was submitted some weeks ago.

President Granger said he found the third list of nominees, which he received from the Opposition Leader on August 25, to be unacceptable, within the meaning of the Constitution.

He said he’d also paid careful attention to the ruling of Justice George-Wiltshire in the case, Marcel Gaskin vs the Attorney-General.

Sex & the City scandal...

King denies interviewing juvenile – refuses to provide statement to legal affairs committee

By Telesha Ramnarine CHAIRMAN of the Legal Affairs Committee (LAC), Councillor Sherod Duncan on Monday pointed out that although the matter involving the 15-year-old boy and Constabulary officers occurred between August 22 and 23, the committee was only informed of the matter on September 13.

Duncan’s disclosure was in response to Town Clerk Royston King’s allegation that the committee was ‘slothful’ in investigating the matter, when in fact he did not forward it to the committee until about three weeks after the incident.

“Matters are not coming to the committee in a timely manner, and then we are being accused of being slothful,” Duncan remarked at City Hall’s statutory meeting

on Monday.

He said, too, that while the juvenile was questioned

by King, no report has been forthcoming from him to date as to what transpired during the meeting in his office.

“There were at least five persons who were supposed to be on duty, because they had signed the timesheet or whatever,” Duncan said, adding: “And we asked for them to submit reports to the committee; we have not seen them yet. The committee is not going to be taking any blame for what is transpiring at the level of the Town Clerk.

“Any legislation that is suggested and tabled should at least have a first reading, a first hearing, in the Legal Affairs Committee. I have noted that some matters come before the committee, and some do not.”

According to him, the

committee had already taken various reports, conducted several interviews with officers from the Constabulary, and was in the process of wrapping up its investigations “when the Town Clerk blindsided us by his actions.”

KING REFUTES But King, in response, denied that he interviewed or interrogated the child, and as such there was no need for him to provide any statement.

“The juvenile was sent to my office for me to see the individual. I asked him his name and I asked him his age,” King said.

“We were having a meeting when the young man was sent to my office. The Town Clerk couldn’t give a statement; the Town Clerk is not investigating this matter,” he added.

Mayor Patricia Chase-

Green has noted that even at the level of the investigation, there were many lapses.

“That’s why I say the whole entire downstairs must be reshuffled,” she said.

Chase-Green said the committee has been granted permission to continue its work, and is expected to bring its recommendation to the Council.

Meanwhile, other councillors agreed with Duncan that King should provide a statement to the committee, since he had contact with the juvenile.

Just last week, King sacked two city constabulary officers whose names were called in the sex scandal involving the juvenile.

The decision to fire the officers, Lance Corporal Clifton Pellew and Quacy Baveghems, came one day after the Mayor called on the Legal

Affairs Committee to do a thorough investigation and to obtain the additional statements it needed and were not taken earlier.

Chase-Green had even refused to entertain a discussion on the matter last week Monday, citing that there had been lots of lapses in the entire matter so far, and that the full council would only be allowed to deliberate on the issue when the Legal Affairs Committee comes forward with its decision.

Public Relations Officer at the City Council, Debra Lewis, had also told the Guyana Chronicle that new information had surfaced.

“I am blindsided, utterly surprised, shocked and disgusted that as a Councillor and Chairman of the Legal Affairs and Security Committee that a matter which was submitted to the committee, and which the committee is still looking at, is being

dealt with now unilaterally,” Duncan had shared on social media.

“Why now? The Town Clerk interviewed the alleged victim in his office and submitted no report to the committee on what transpired.

Should he be sent home as well? Justice has fallen,” Duncan, who also posted the dismissal letters of Pellew and Baveghems, said.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the juvenile was allegedly approached by the officer in the wee hours of the morning and made to engage in the act.

The chief constable told this newspaper last week that although he was aware that the lance corporal at reference faced a similar matter in 2016, everyone is deemed innocent until they are proven guilty.

Pellew’s 2016 matter was reportedly dropped, because the victim did not pursue it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Study finds...

Public policies must target Indigenous population – that ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach can’t work

By Navendra Seoraj ONE of the main bottlenecks at a national level is the lack of complementary policies for the Indigenous population and deficiencies in the implementation of the current policies, a recent study finds.

The study, which was done by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA), found that although the MIPA has some policies, other ministries and agencies do not have anything specific for the indigenous population of Guyana.

Nine villages from the 10 administrative regions were studied by researchers, who did a comprehensive, qualitative analysis of the lives

of Indigenous women and children who populate those villages.

According to the study, public policies in all possible sectors must be a target for the MIPA to ensure that other ministries in Guyana plan and implement their policies.

At the current stage, it is not possible to have Indigenous boys, girls and women catching up with the other ethnicities in the country without proper policies targeting them.

“One reason why public policies in different sectors have to target the Indigenous community is due to their need to be culturally adapted,” the study found.

It states also that the idea of “one-size-fits-all” is not possible to be implemented in Guyana, since the country has at least three different ethnic groups in the same territory.

In addition, it was also discovered that budgetary resources are short for all sectors in Guyana, thereby increasing the necessity of boosting the efficiency of the public policies and the allocation of resources.

The study notes that villages have to do an annual plan, and guarantee their resources to implement it.

The annual plans analysed were basic and did not give

an idea of solid public policy at the local level.

While some more villages are trying to invest in tourism as a sustainable form of income, other communities struggle deeply to sustain themselves.

Governance in the villages still needs improvement, and that is directly related to management and coordination of public policies for local development WEAK LOCAL MANAGEMENT The problem also identified in the report was that despite all the willingness and goodwill of the Toshaos and villages councils, the quality of local-level management is weak.

“In none of the villages visited, those interviewed would admit being trained in

local management, finances or any type of tool to help them better plan to the village,” the report reads.

Decentralisation was also mentioned as an important strategy to bringing public policies near to those who need it. The idea of having a process bottom-up is supposed to help local development to empower the communities and to make sure that the policies reflect the local needs.

Decentralisation in Guyana is still limited to decisions on health, education and security because they are still decided at a national level in combination with Regional demands. The report states also that villages have a good degree of autonomy to develop their own public policies, including policies that can benefit women and

children.

The autonomy of the villages has to be seen beyond the current policies such as the Presidential Grant, Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) and the Community Development Plan, among others, which all seem very appropriate but in the villages that were visited they did not have intersecting points and could basically be considered as isolated initiatives.

In reality, it seems that much of the efficiency of those programmes is associated with the commitment of the Chief Development Officer (CDO) towards the villages. It was recommended that if the CDO is committed and is trained in management and planning, then good projects could be established.

CANU asked to secure more convictions – ranks urged to be professional,not fall prey to drugs THE need for transformational change and maintaining professionalism is the main focus of a weeklong capacity building narcotics training workshop, which commenced on Monday at the Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue and Camp Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

At the opening of the exercise for Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers, as part of the unit’s

annual staff training, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, in calling on the officers to secure more convictions, reminded them of their role in the fight against drug trafficking.

He told the officers that their “record must be improved as it regards convictions and convictions. More or less it is the epitome, the very top. When you get a conviction as a unit, that is

but the pride, that is but the big success that you would all want, and so we have to do better in relation to convictions.”

In noting that the inability to secure sentences or convictions is not a reflection of innocence, the minister reminded, however, that the court has a high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt or “beyond the shadow of a doubt” and as such it requires every piece

of evidence in order for that person to be convicted.

He encouraged the ranks to use the workshop as a stepping stone and not be discouraged, as narcotics smuggling must be viewed as injurious to the democracy and economy. He described the act as an “extremely evil thing” adding, that while it has garnered billions of dollars for a small number of people, at the same time it has de-

stroyed the lives of many families.

Minister Ramjattan in imploring of the officers to be professional and not to fall prey to the lucrative lifestyle the smuggling of narcotics may portray, reminded that it is only through ethics and professionalism that they will become distinguished officers.

“Though you may be unit officers, the money that goes with it, you would want to say well why not give it a try, one blink and that is it.

I can be successful, no you must not. It is an extraordi-

narily dangerous undertaking, to the extent that even if you are successful, in that little fling, you are going to destroy the lives of so many people” the Minister stated.

The workshop which concludes on Friday aims to provide the techniques to better equip the officers in addressing the 21st Century crimes; particularly as it relates to narcotics smuggling. It was highlighted that persons are seeking more ingenious ways to smuggle narcotics, therefore officers must be prepared for such tactics.

Teen bandit shot in botched robbery

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan addressing the gathering (Samuel Maughn Photo)

A 17 YEAR-OLD resident of ‘D’ Field Sophia, was reportedly shot by a businessman whom he attempted to rob on Sunday night.

According to information reaching this newspaper, the shooter, Bishnarine ‘Sanjay’ Persaud, owner of Sanjay’s Jewellery World, and a licensed firearm holder, had stopped on the Turkeyen Public Road, East Coast Demerara, at round 21:30 hrs after his vehicle developed mechanical problems when he was pounced upon by a robber.

In his failed attempt to rob the businessman, the teen robber received a gunshot wound to the left thigh and was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for receiving medical attention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Local businessmen heading to Cuba – for Havana International Fair A DELEGATION of over a dozen private sector companies will be heading to Cuba to participate in that country’s 35th staging of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) 2017, from October 30 - November 3.

And, according to President of the Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Haleem Khan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the

Cuban Chamber of Commerce, at a scheduled meeting of the two bodies during the Havana event. He said the delegations will use the event to expand the horizons of their businesses while seeking exposure for what Guyana has to offer to not just Cuba, but the rest of the world.

Khan noted that Guyana and Cuba maintain a dynamic relation in the economic sector, and over the past year representatives of many Guyanese private sec-

tor companies have visited Cuba to explore commercial opportunities.

He added that other Guyanese businesses are interested in investing in joint -venture production enterprises, specifically in furniture production and IT hardware and software manufacture.

Khan, who is also the Vice-President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said the international fair is the largest annual multi-sector trade fair in Cuba.

He said that last year, the international fair welcomed over 1000 companies from 70 countries and that 58 Canadian companies exhibited in the Canadian pavilion.

FIHAV, the GCSM president pointed out, is a multi-sector trade fair with raw materials, foodstuffs, textiles, consumer goods, machinery and equipment, technology and services as its main areas.

“The absence of American competition from many sectors is not expected to last much longer, and other countries from South America, Europe, and Asia are aggressively pursuing unique market opportunities. Participation to FIHAV allows organisations to get their foot in the door and start developing key relationships with Cuban buyers,” he said.

FIHAV is a well-estab-

lished fair that takes place annually since 1983. This year it will have a special meaning since it will be taking place during the period in which the Republic of Cuba holds the pro tempore presidency of the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean, a fact that will be recalled in several ways in its schedule of activities, conferences and seminars.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

GTU calls for review of new MoU – is against teachers supervising break periods THE Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has accused the Ministry of Education of being unreasonable by demanding that teachers now supervise students during the break periods, and has called for a complete retraction or a review of the new rule.

The issue was brought to the fore late last week, when the GTU met with members

of the media and raised several issues of concern, including the lack of consultations on salary increases and the debunchment of payments.

GTU President, Mark Lyte said a recent memo signed by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Crawford, advises that teachers supervise students during the break periods. What is even more outrageous, Lyte

argued, is the demand for teachers to do so during lunch break, something that the GTU cannot support.

“Because this is now incorporated in the memo, schools are asking teachers to supervise students via a rotation system,” Lyte said, while adding that the new demand is in direct contravention of the International labour laws which states that all teachers

and all workers in general are required to have breaks. The break can either be coffee, tea or lunch in particular, and are there to allow the teachers to recuperate from the mental and physical stress that they go through during class sessions.

“If this is taken away, we believe that it will have a serious impact on the mental

state of our teachers,” he reasoned.

Having taken all of this into consideration, Lyte said the GTU is therefore calling for the CEO to completely retract the memo or amend it to exclude lunch breaks as part of the supervision requirement.

Alluding to an aspect of the memo which mentioned

the amount of children one teacher should be allotted to overlook at any one time, Lyte pointed out that teachers are required to have at least 20 children under supervision, but he reminded that some teachers are burdened with sometimes close to 70 children. This, according to him, cannot be tolerated.

Sophia squatters given until January to move SOME 266 notices were on Monday served to persons squatting on government’s reserve in Sophia by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

The notifications specify that they have until January 30, 2018 to remove their structures from the reserves.

During a press briefing on Monday, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams Patterson-Yearwood explained that since the demolition exercise in Section A and B Pattensen (Sophia) on October 12, a number of persons have been engaging the CH&PA, asking for extra time to move.

Minister Patterson-Yearwood explained that prior to the demolition exercise, the squatters were given adequate notice to remove from the reserves. Several billboards had also been installed along Dennis Street, urging persons to desist from squatting.

The Minister said that persons are continuing to come forward to indicate their willingness to move, hence the decisaion to award them an extension. Patterson-Yearwood said that the

Janary deadline is sufficient time for them to relocate, since many of squatters already have house lots.

She further explained that the CH&PA is in the process of implementing a plan that will offer house lots to those persons who can afford to build.

For those unable to do so, the government is seeking funding to build core homes for them. The Industry community has been identified as the area where those core homes will be constructed.

“We don’t just want to give them a house lot, because we know if they can’t afford to build, they are going to put a shack,” Minister Patterson-Yearwood said, adding: “So all we are doing is moving one shanty town from one area to another.

That is not what we want. As we relocate, we are going to upgrade.”

She, however, warned that the exercise will be a costly one, and as such is asking persons to be patient.

She also warned that any building seen being erected on the reserves will be demolished; that the CH&PA will also continue to dis-

mantle those unoccupied structures.

She is also pleading with Sophia residents to discourage squatting, since it is an illegal act and the government will not permit to occur any longer.

The CH&PA is also encouraging those persons who have not yet applied for land to do so at the earliest time.

On October 12, the CH&PA in collaboration with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Police Force, commenced the regularisation process in Section A and B Pattensen. This saw the homes of several persons squatting on the government reserves, being demolished.

The dwellings targeted were unoccupied buildings, buildings under construction and persons who were allocated house lots.

The exercise was subsequently aborted temporarily, following outcries by the residents.

The exercise will also be rolled out in other areas, including Liliendaal and Turkeyen and Cummings Lodge. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Kitty Market repairs…

City Hall to get help from Communities Ministry TOWN Clerk Royston King on Monday disclosed that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in discussion with the Ministry of Communities for help to complete major works on the Kitty Market, which has constantly been put on pause due to a lack of funds.

At the Council’s fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall, King reported that the municipality is awaiting word from the Ministry on a proposal that was sent to it under the ‘Green Initiative Project.’

King had announced last year that the market would have had a November 2016 opening, but People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Councillor Khame Sharma, yesterday indicated that he was unsure November of which year King was speaking about.

The City Council had set countless deadlines for the re-opening of the market; before the end of this year’s first quarter being the last such. date The renovation of the market, which is also a historical site, was often put on hold due to the financial con-

The new-look Kitty Market

straints of the City Council.

M&CC Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis had said that the market could not be completed for 2016 because the municipality was cash-strapped.

“We are working as the finances come to the municipality and we are not getting a grant to do

this project; it is merely the rates collected that are being used.”

King had confidently said last year that the market would have had a November 1 opening, just in time for the Christmas season. At that time, only 65 per cent of the works had been completed.

The M&CC has re-

ceived more than 170 applications from citizens who wish to occupy the new stalls in the market, the ground floor of which is costing the Council roughly $35M. The market, which has great historical significance and bears much pride for the Kitty community, is to feature a traditional health

centre, an office for the payment of rates and taxes, and space for the community’s councillors.

“We are also contemplating putting some space for the councillors’ office at the market; and this is not only at Kitty, but wherever we have municipal buildings, we intend to make space available for

councillors working with their local communities,” the town clerk had said.

According to him, there will be a decentralisation of the Council’s work, as the market will take into account the needs of communities between Cummings Lodge and Kitty. The upper flat of the market is being re-modelled to include a rates and taxes office, as well as a municipal clinic.

“People from Cummings Lodge to Kitty don’t have to come all the way to City Hall to pay their rates and taxes. We are aiming to re-introduce the system that was in place many years ago,” Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had told the Chronicle.

The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market had come into being. Like Bourda Market, the Kitty Market is timber-framed. The 19th Century structure had suffered massive deterioration over the years prior to its renovation, causing vendors operating in its environs to lodge numerous complaints with the City Council.

US-based ex-policemen chip in

--help keep president’s ‘5 Bs’ project going

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally receives the donation from President of the Guyana Ex Police Association of America, Leroy Charles, in the presence of other members of the Association.

THE Guyana Ex-Police Association of America has donated US$2,100 and G$15,000 to Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, as part of their contribution to the government’s ‘5 Bs’ project.

Minister Ally received the donations from members of the association in her office at Lamaha and East Streets.

According to Ally, the do-

nation will go a far way in helping to add to the existing set of buses, boats and bicycles.

“We are happy that you have recognised the importance of this project, and will play a part in helping us keep it alive.

Thank you,” said the Minister.

President of the Association, Leroy Charles said because they were coming to Guyana to pay tribute to the deceased

Guyana-born New York Police Department (NYPD) Detective, Randolph Holder, they found it prudent to make another contribution.

In echoing the sentiments of the minister, Charles said he is sure that the contribution will go a far way in making a difference for the children who benefit from the Five B’s project.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Five homeless following fire at Rose Hall Town

A ROADSIDE vendor is pleading for help after a fire of unknown origin destroyed his home in Rose Hall Town, East Berbice, Corentyne on Monday.

The fire, which started at around 17:00 hrs, has left Lloyd Moore, 56, homeless along with his two sons and two grandchildren. He earned a living selling coconuts, clothes and herbal bush on the Public Road.

According to Moore he was taking an afternoon nap when he awoke to the scent of smoke and upon investigating he saw the back of the wooden two bedroom home on fire.

“I did sleeping and I smell smoke so when I jump up I see under de house on fire so I hurry and wake up me two grandchildren who did sleeping too and carry them out the house. By the time I reach the street the whole place catch up on fire” He continued that the fire quickly engulfed the place and he was unable to save

The fire as it raged

anything, including cash that he was saving to purchase his own home.

“The place is not we own.

Is a family let we stay and we did saving to buy we own place so I had close to a million dollars and two

generators that supposed to go in the bush to start some work fuh one a meh sons to help we buy we own place, but all a duh gone.Them people had to hold me back cause I did jumping in the place to get them out. All a me livestock them dead. I had

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Homeowner, Mr Lloyd Moore

about 16 turkeys and some chickens, all a dem burn up…

I feel sorry for them.” he said with tears in his eyes.

An official from the Guyana Fire Service has explained that they respond-

ed to the fire at around 17:00hrs and realised that given the location of the house the fire would quickly spread to the neighbouring houses and businesses and a second fire tender

was deployed immediately, while they doused and contained the fire. Two crews battled the blaze including two female ranks as the fire spread to the fence and engulfed several trees.

Bourda Street vendors to shut shop for three weeks --to facilitate road repairs THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has asked vendors on Bourda Street, between Regent Street and North Road, to find alternative vending spots for three weeks to facilitate road repairs there.

The M&CC had earlier said that it would allow these vendors a temporary space in front of the Bourda Market until the works are completed, but Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle recently that the municipality will no longer pursue that option.

According to her, the vendors have since complied, and have willingly expressed their desire to cooperate so that the Ministry of Infrastructure, in collaboration with the M&CC, can complete the road.

Lewis could not say from when the vendors would be relocated, but she did offer that the municipality is aiming to have everything completed in time for Christmas,

and that the vendors will be given back their original spots.

Apart from the road, the M&CC had previously said that they wanted to remove the vendors so that stalls, the likes of those outside of the Guyana Post Office (GPOC) can be constructed on Bourda Street as well.

The new stalls on Bourda Street will be constructed by the M&CC in collaboration with a private partner, Lewis had told the Guyana Chronicle, and that hence the stalls will be owned by the City Council.

In an arrangement like this, vendors would be required to pay an increased rent, and will also have to secure electricity on their own.

Vendors on Bourda Street, between Robb and Regent Streets, were displaced approximately two years ago when the M&CC decided that no vending could take place there because of the dangers posed by the old Bedford

Town Clerk Royston King (right, foreground) speaking with Bourda Street vendors on a visit there recently

School building.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen recently said the government is ready to lend a helping hand to the project, but the M&CC is holding back the works.

She noted, too, that since the Council has been waiting on the Engineer’s Department to come up with a pattern for the stalls for quite some time now, the M&CC should move forward with this idea that she is proposing.

Town Clerk, Royston

King had responded that City Engineer, Colvern Venture did submit the drawings, but that the committee dealing with the matter is looking at other options.

Back in July 2015, King and senior M&CC officials had met with some 20 vendors who plied their trade on Bourda Street. The purpose of that meeting was to inform the vendors that they will no longer be allowed to do business there because the Council was ready to go ahead with plans to demolish

Bourda Street vendors listen keenly to what the Town Clerk has to say

the Bedford School.

The news was not welcomed by the vendors, but King explained that the situation was no longer tenable as the derelict building posed a threat to their very existence as well as passers-by.

“The Bedford building has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years. The Council had issued a call for persons who have derelict structures to remove them, since they serve as a haven for criminal elements and persons of unsound mind. Also, these

structures are an eyesore and pose a threat to the lives of the passers-by and occupiers of neighbouring buildings,” King had said.

“We cannot allow you to operate in an environment that will compromise your safety and health,” he said, adding that while the Council is cognisant of the socio-economic factors affecting citizens, vendors need to cooperate with the administration so that the relocation process can be a smooth one.

Do the math first

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

--petroleum expert advises, to know what obtains as oil sector evolves

AS the sector evolves, Theophilus Ahwireng, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Petroleum Commission is suggesting that a diagnostic study be undertaken on the Guyanese economy as the sector develops.

Ahwireng was at the time delivering a lecture titled, “The National Petroleum Commission, resource management, governance and sustainable development of Oil and Gas: The Ghanian experience”, at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday evening.

The forum, which was organised by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA), was well-attended and saw several government officials in attendance, among them including Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.

Ahwireng said that a very thorough examination of the structure of the economy, in terms of “what you have now” are among key factors which should be considered going ahead.

As an example, he said that Norway developed 90% of its pow-

Ghanian geophysicist, Theophilus Ahwireng addressing the oil forum last night at the Pegasus Hotel

er from water since it was in abundance even though it had petroleum discoveries. “So I believe that a way of dealing with it is to go through that effort,” he told the gathering, noting that he is aware that some moves are afoot in that regard.

As regards the quality of life to expect post-discovery, Ahwireng told the gathering that the oil sector contributes to just 10% of his

country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “It’s not like in other countries where it is high,” he said, noting that many questions have been raised in that regard over last few years.

One such question, he said, has to do with the magnitude of the contribution of oil to the country’s national economy. He said in Ghana, there is legislation with prescriptions for the monies to be spread along sectors of the country’s economy. “Therefore that is the first step in how it is used,” he said, noting that that in a number of ways, the impact of the finances are made transparent.

Ahwireng said directly and indirectly there are spin offs and revenue generated from the country’s oils sector and he added that it has created a number of jobs.

In terms of corruption, he said that there is a drive afoot to publish contracts publicly and he noted a public committee has responsibility for auditing the country’s oil revenues; these are published in the newspapers there he added.

The geophysicist also noted that negotiations for new oil blocs under the country’s new act are

being undertaken by competitive bidding, a process which displays transparency.

Guyana is making prepa-

rations for first oil in 2020. Ever since US oil giant ExxonMobil struck oil in May 2015, moves have been afoot to strengthen

those preparations, even as the oil company has made several subsequent oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

GOGA executive member, Nigel Hughes (centre) introduces Ghanian petroleum expert Theophilus Ahwireng (left) to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman at last night’s event

A section of the gathering at the event (Photos by Adrian Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Aries You could go out on a limb today by sharing your feelings before you have a context in which to process them. Your emotional response to someone’s behaviour can be immediate, but its unwise to jump to conclusions prior to turning your logic loose on the situation. Keep in mind that your gut reaction contains information that’s crucial to your understanding of the present circumstances. Nevertheless, it’s not helpful to indiscriminately open your heart before you engage your head. Author Joyce Meyer wrote, “Discipline enables you to think first and act second.”

Taurus People seem to say all the right words today, as if they were composing love sonnets on the spot. But everything that glitters is not gold, nor is all beautiful declarations truthful. It’s not that anyone is intentionally trying to mislead you; in fact, it’s probably your own imagination running wild. Take off your rose-coloured glasses so you can see the world as it is now, and not as you imagine it. Tim McGraw sang, “Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again.”

Gemini Unfortunately, you won’t find the straightest path to success by logically analysing all the variables and eliminating the least effective routes. You will progress further and faster today if you bypass rational thought and trust your intuition. Quicksilver Mercury’s superconductive trine to surreal Neptune offers a direct connection to your destination, magically bending the fabric of space and time. Anything can be created in the realms of the imagination.

Reality begins in your dreams Cancer Your wishes seem to be within your grasp today; the only limits are the limits you place upon yourself. Your perceptions are incisive now, but you could easily draw the wrong conclusions if you think you know the answer prior to asking the question. Taking a shortcut won’t work to your advantage unless you fully prepare by putting all the details in order before you start. If you do your absolute best every day, realizing your fullest potential will soon be a piece of cake Leo You may be uncomfortable with someone’s noncommittal attitude today. You are so excited about your mission that you don’t understand why anyone would drag their feet when presented with your plan. Unfortunately, you won’t win others over so easily now. You need to return to basics by revealing your logic because your emotional appeal alone won’t likely close the deal. Author Aldous Huxley wrote, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

Virgo The only person who can pull the wool over your eyes today is you. Although clever Mercury harmonizes with illusory Neptune in your 7th House of Partners, reality is not what it appears to be now. It seems as if you are looking out into the world around you, but you’re actually staring into a metaphysical mirror. Remember, you can transform your relationships in a heartbeat by shifting your frame of reference. The brightest stars are those that shine for the benefit of others Libra The harder you try to zone in on reality today, the more elusive it becomes.

However, all you want to create is a manageable balance between the world as it is and the world as you imagine it to be. Ideally, you should be able to drift back and forth between the world of substance and the realms of dreams because they are simply reflections of one another. Rod Serling said, “Fantasy is the impossible made probable.”

Scorpio Your perceptions are accurate and your reasoning is shrewd. Nevertheless, you may tumble down a rabbit hole of doubt if you mix up facts and fantasies today. There’s nothing wrong with meandering along a stream of consciousness if you know when to step back onto dry land. Fortunately, your daydreams widen your vistas of possible futures. Exploring many alternative realities increases your chances for success as long as you can keep your eyes on your destination.

Sagittarius Your dreams are lit up today, leaving you with vivid impressions of your fantasies. But you’re unlikely to share these messages from your subconscious because there’s something oddly intimate about them. Its as if opening a doorway to your inner world could make you feel so vulnerable that you might want to run and hide. Nevertheless, the potential for growth is significant enough to convince you to take a risk. Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie wrote, “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

Capricorn Your friends may look to you for inspiration today and you won’t let them down. It’s as if you’re operating with a direct communication channel open to your future, empowering you to see the outcome of current behaviours before they manifest. But don’t try to uncover the source of your knowledge now, since intellectually analysing your gift might actually close down your penetrating perceptions. However, there’s no need to push an idea to conclusion. It’s more important to maintain an open mind so you don’t miss an opportunity when it knocks at your door.

Aquarius You are quite persuasive today, especially when trying to convince others that your plan to achieve extraordinary goals is within your scope of ability.

However, you grow even more motivated to explain your cause when you encounter someone who can’t seem to grasp your message. Speaking with absolute certainty can be a remedy for being seen as possibly unreliable, but you will still need to come through with the goods. Albert Einstein said, “To punish me for my contempt of authority, fate made me an authority myself.”

Pisces You need to know that your hopeful dreams can positively influence your life today. You may be fantasizing about business travel, strategizing about a new direction to take at work, or just feeling inspired by someone who opens your mind. In any case, there are ways of engaging with associates and potential clients that go beyond traditional methods. Employing social media to increase connectivity can change the rules of the game. However, you must continue moving forward. Ann Landers wrote, “Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead that is where your future lies.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 24, 2017

Santos beat Pele 2-0 to occupy second spot in points standing SANTOS currently occupies the second spot in the points’ standing of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag Premier League after brushing aside Pele 2-0 in a second round fixture on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club, ground.

Playing the feature match of a triple-header card, Ryan October and William Eurpoe found their target in the 41st and 55th minutes respectively to steer Santos to a comprehensive victory.

The win for Santos earned

them three points to add to the three points they secured in their 3-0 win against Northern Rangers two weeks ago, which gives them a plus-five goal difference.

Europe’s goal on Sunday was his third from two matches, having recorded a double against Northern rangers.

Police are the current points leader with six points also, but the team has a plus six goal difference, having defeated Riddim Squad 4-1 two weeks ago and Flamingo 3-0 on Friday last.

Camptown is third with six points from two victories; a 2-1 win against Pele and a similar margin of victory over Northern rangers on Friday.

In other results from Sunday, GFC and Black Pearl played to a 1-1 stalemate with Devon Henry scoring in the 13th minute for Black Pearl and Curtez Kellman registering the equalizer five minutes later.

The Bourda team is currently 4th in the league with five points from a walk-over win (three points) over Flamingo and two points from

Sunday’s drawn game.

Black Pearl secured two points from the results of the game also.

The second match on Sunday evening saw Riddim Squad edging Beacons 1-0, through a Wendell Joseph19th minute goal.

The tournament will continue on Friday at the same venue with a double-header. In the first game from 18:00hrs, Flamingo will face Santos and from 20:00hrs, GFC will host Camptown.

Persaud lone new face in Guyana Jaguars squad

By Rajiv Bisnauth

PROMISING West Demerara all-rounder Akshaya Persaud is the lone new face included in the Guyana Jaguars 13-man squad to face the Jamaica Scorpions when the 2017/2018 Professional Cricket League bowls off on Thursday.

Guyana will open their title defence at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Persaud was rewarded for his outstanding performance in the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Franchise League three-day tournament during which he scored the most runs in the

League (523).

While Guyana will be aiming for a fourth straight title, acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Fizul Bacchus is of the opinion that the just concluded Franchise League three-day tournament was the ideal preparation for the reigning champions ahead of the title defence.

“Definitely I feel our preparation is spot on. It has been ideal preparation, and I am confident we can defend the title,” Bacchus said during an exclusive interview yesterday.

The Jaguars has dominated the regional four-day championship for the past three years, a reflection of the strength of Guyana’s cricket

programme, which, according to Bacchus, allowed for self-expression of players.

Bacchus, who is also the President of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) added “The key element of Guyana’s success in recent seasons is due to the implementation of the Franchise League. The quality of the game has seen massive improvement under this professional franchise set-up”.

The League, which replaced the traditional Inter-county competition, and comprises eight Franchise teams countrywide, gives the national selectors a wider scope in selecting senior squads, where more players are given the opportunity to represent Guyana at the

senior level.

The remainder of the squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Bashkar Yadram, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd and Anthony Bramble.

Meanwhile, according to a release from the GCB, Vishaul Singh, Keon Joseph and Shivnarine Chanderpaul will join the squad.

Singh and Joseph are currently with the West Indies ‘A’ team in Jamaica while Chanderpaul is unavailable for the first round due to personal commitments.

Dunbar awarded with 8th Dan Black Belt

SENSEI Compton Winston Dunbar, Chief Instructor of the Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association has been awarded with the 8th Dan Black Belt by the Caribbean Karate Federation (CKF) for his distinguished service to karate in the region.

He was also appointed President/Chief Instructor of the 29-nation regional federation.

Sensei James Holder, London-based Head Coach of the CKF, who is on a short visit to Guyana, made the presentation to Sensei Dunbar on behalf of the federation. It is the highest

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award in the Caribbean for the Wado Ryu style.

Sensei Dunbar, who celebrated 50 years as a martial arts practitioner last year, was also honoured in 2000 when he was appointed Technical Adviser by Grand Master of the World Union of Karate-do Federations.

“I am honoured to be presented with this award and I will continue to serve diligently to promote the development of the sport in Guyana and the Caribbean, “the Chief Instructor said.

He also thanked Banks DIH Limited for assisting the development of the sport

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locally by providing the Sports Club at Thirst Park as the main dojo of the local association for the past 28 years.

Meanwhile, Holder said his visit to Guyana coincides with preparation for the hosting of the inaugural Caribbean Karate-Do championships slated for October 27-28, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Affiliates of the CKF will participate in the championships to be hosted for the first time in the Caribbean and sanctioned by the World Union of Karate-Do Federations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 24, 2017

Usman Khan destroys Sri Lanka as Pakistan secure whitewash USMAN Khan took five wickets in 21 balls as Pakistan secured a whitewashed series win over Sri Lanka with a fittingly dominant nine-wicket win in Sharjah.

Making just his second one-day international appearance, Usman played a starring role, taking the third-quickest five-for since 2001.

Three batsmen fell to Usman without scoring as Sri Lanka crumbled to 20-5 as their hopes of salvaging pride from a wretched tour dissipated swiftly.

Sri Lankan 50-over cricket looks in dire straits, the team suffering a 12thstraight defeat and falling to their third 5-0 series defeat this year, but Champions Trophy winners Pakistan have the top-ranked bowler in Hasan Ali and will take a nine-game winning se-

quence to New Zealand in the new year.

This contest was over almost as soon as it had begun.

Usman bowled openers Upul Tharanga (8) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (0), had Dinesh Chandimal (0) caught behind, trapped Niroshan Dickwella (0) lbw and had Milinda Siriwardana (6) caught at cover point - all in the space of three and a half overs.

Shadab Khan (2-24) and Hasan (2-19) took up the mantle after Usman's destructive spell, only Dushmantha Chameera (11) and Vishwa Fernando (seven not out) putting on 18 for the last wicket to prevent Sri Lanka from falling all out below 100 for a fifth time at this ground.

In a totally pressure-free chase, Pakistan's openers Imam-ul-Haq (45 no) and Fakhar Zaman got

Left-arm seamer Usman took five wickets in his first 21 balls to leave Sri Lanka tottering

the job mostly done, the latter nicking Jeffrey Vandersay behind two short of

Persaud’s century steers Everest Masters to easy win over Guyana Foundation A magnificent unbeaten century by former Essequibo batsman, Basil Persaud, led Everest Masters to a convincing nine wicket victory over the visiting Guyana Foundation XI from the United Kingdom.

Played at the Everest ground last Sunday, the Guyana Foundation (UK) won the toss and batted first in the 30 overs affair. They were led by an accomplished 82 (8x4s+3x6s) from Navindra Sing, along with a fluent innings of 38 (5x4) from Navin Persaud and Patrick Khan 22 with 3x4, as they posted 189-8 from their allotted overs.

Former national opener Rohan Sarjoo this time took the ball and returned impressive figures of 3-22 from 5 overs while veteran off-spinner, Johnny Azeez supported with 2-31, while Rakesh Gangaram took 2-17.

In reply host Everest Masters made light work with the total as Basil Persaud’s commanding 101 not out laced with 13x4 and 2x6 and former national youth batsman, Hemraj Garbarran with an unbeaten 57, including 7x4 and 2x6, dominated

Man-of-the-Match, Basil Persaud, receiving his medal from Krish Nath, UK Coordinator of tour

proceedings.

The pair added an unbroken 145 run partnership as Everest Masters reached 192-1 in 27 overs to win by nine wickets.

At the presentation, Basil Persaud was adjudged Man-of-the-Match and was presented with a Medal.

Guyana Foundation (UK) also presented the Everest Cricket Club with a plaque in honour of former life

member of the club, David Seloochan.

Everest also returned the honours by also presenting a plaque to the visitors in recognition and appreciation of their visit to Guyana and for engaging the club in the well organized match. The plaque on behalf of the Everest Masters was compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.(Elroy Stephney)

a fifty the only blot on an otherwise flawless Pakistan copybook.(Omnisport)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA Innings Upul Tharanga b U. khan 8 Sadeera Samarawickrama b U. khan 0 Dinesh Chandimal c S. Ahmed b U. khan 0 Lahiru Thirimanne c S. Ahmed b H. Ali 19 Niroshan Dickwella lbw b U. khan 0 Milinda Siriwardana c Zaman b U. khan 6 Seekkuge Prasanna run out (S. Khan) 16 Thisara Perera c Ashraf b S. Khan 25 Jeffrey Vandersay lbw b S. Khan 2 Dushmantha Chameera b H. Ali 11 Vishwa Fernando not out 7 Extras (lb-1 w-8) 9 Total (all out, 26.2 overs) 103 Fall of wickets: 1-1 S. Samarawickrama,2-1 D. Chandimal,3-8 U. Tharanga,4-8 N. Dickwella,5-20 M. Siriwardana,6-49 L. Thirimanne,7-63 S. Prasanna,8-85 T. Perera,9-85 J. Vandersay,10-103 D. Chameera Bowling: Usman Khan 7 - 0 - 34 - 5(w-5), Faheem Ashraf 4 - 0 - 12 - 0(w-1), Imad Wasim 4 - 1 - 12 0(w-2), Hasan Ali 5.2 - 0 - 19 – 2, Shadab Khan 5 - 1 - 24 – 2, Mohammad Hafeez 1 - 0 - 1 – 0.

PAKISTAN Innings Imam-ul-Haq not out 45 Fakhar Zaman c Dickwella b Vandersay 48 Faheem Ashraf not out 5 Extras (lb-2 w-5) 7 Total (for 1 wickets, 20.2 overs) 105 Fall of wickets: 1-84 F. Zaman Did not bat: B. Azam, M. Hafeez, S. Malik, S. Ahmed, I. Wasim, S. Khan, H. Ali, U. Khan Bowling: Dushmantha Chameera 4 - 1 - 13 – 0,Vishwa Fernando 4 - 1 - 21 – 0, Jeffrey Vandersay 6.2 - 0 - 30 - 1(w-1),Thisara Perera 2 - 0 - 18 - 0 Seekkuge Prasanna4 - 0 - 21 - 0(w-4).

Stunning Dottin century hands Windies clean sweep ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Mercurial righthander Deandra Dottin belted an astonishing hundred as West Indies Women trounced Sri Lanka Women by 31 runs to sweep the three-match Twenty20 International series here Sunday night.

Playing at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the 26-yearold carved out 112 off 67 deliveries as the hosts chalked up 159 for six off their 20 overs, after choosing to bat first.

Dottin smashed nine fours and five sixes en route to becoming the first women player to score two T20I hundreds in a career, following her maiden one seven years ago during the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The Barbadian’s hundred was also her second of the year, coming on the heels of her unbeaten 104 against Pakistan in the Women’s 50-overs World Cup in England last July.

Dottin, voted Playerof-the-Match, got support from Hayley Matthews who chipped in with 34 from 40 balls at the top of the order.

In reply, Sri Lanka Women were held to 128 for five off their 20 overs despite half-centuries from wicketkeeper Rebeca Vandort (50) and Shahikala Siriwardene

Deandra Dottin

(50).

Matthews returned with her off-spin to claim four for 18 from her four overs.

The win ensured West Indies swept the entire series after their 3-0 whitewash in the ICC Women’s Championship ODIs in Trinidad a fortnight ago.

Windies Women had a less than impressive start when they lost captain Stafanie Taylor cheaply for five with the score on nine in the third over, bowled by seamer Sripali Weerakkodi.

Entering at number three, Dottin quickly took charge of the innings in a stunning display of hitting as she added a frenetic 121 for the second wicket with Matthews who counted two fours in her knock.

When Matthews was eventually run out in the 18th over at 130 for two, Dottin was nine runs short of three figures and she reached her landmark off the last ball of the penltimate over with a couple off left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera.

She was out to the fourth ball of the final over, lbw to pacer Ama Kanchana – one of four wickets to fall off the last six balls.

West Indies were then quickly on top when Matthews struck twice in the fourth over to remove Yasoda Mendis (9) and Chamari Atapattu (0) – both stumped by Merissa Aguilleira – with the score on 14.

And when off-spinner Taylor had Nipuni Hansika also stumped for 12 in the ninth over, Sri Lanka Women were stuttering on 42 for three.

But Vandort and Siriwardene combined to produce a last ditch effort, adding 84 for the fourth wicket to inject some purpose and pride into the innings.

Vandort faced 39 deliveries and counted four boundaries while Siriwardene struck six fours in a 44-ball knock.

They were both dismissed in the final over, bowled by Matthews, with the result already a foregone conclusion.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 24, 2017

Registration for Guyana Open closes on October 30 Tournament billed for November 4-5 Registration for the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) premier golf tournament--The Guyana Open--is set to close on October 30.

The two-day event is billed for November 4-5 at the country’s lone golf course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

According to information received, the LGC is hoping to attract close to 100 golfers from The USA, Canada, Suriname, Colombia, Argentina, FiJi and the Caribbean.

The LGC is using the tournament to once again aid in the sport’s tourism drive, as the event will draw a wide cross-section of golfers and supporters from various countries.

The club in a media release stated “We are thrilled to see that participation of

overseas golfers is at an all-time high and we remain committed to the creation of new and exciting programs focused on allowing new golfers to participate in such an exciting event. We are also proud to have our golfers wear a pink ribbon on the final day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and we will make a donation to the Guyana Cancer Institute.”

The Guyana Open 2017 will feature 7-time Guyana Open Champion, Avinash Persaud, and 2-time Guyana Open Women’s Champion, Joaan Deo, defending their respective titles against stiff competition.

Giving an update to this publication regarding plans for the event, acting Public Relations Officer of the LGC, Guy Griffith,

Avinash Persaud and Joaan Deo are the defending male and female champions.

said preparations are moving apace.

This year’s activities will also include special participa-

tion in an inaugural Guyana Open Putting Contest which will see Queen’s College, Bishops’ High and St. Roses

Regal SCC, Regal Sports on board Prime Minister’s T20 cup WITH action in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL INC)-organised Inaugural Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup set to bowl off on Friday at various venues in Georgetown, softball pioneer, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports have thrown their support behind the threeday tournament.

The sponsorship was confirmed on Saturday last when Bibi Samaroo presented a cheque to GSCL Inc secretary, Telesha Ousman, at the business entity located at 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville.

Samaroo in brief remarks said the company is

Bibi Samaroo of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports presents the cheque to GSCL Inc secretary, Telesha Ousman.

always willing to support the development of softball cricket.

On the other hand, Ousman indicated that the sponsorship will provide some

form of assistance towards the three-day event.

The tournament will be played in two categories: the Masters and All Stars.

Everest Cricket Ground

will host the finals on October 29, when $600 000 will be up for grabs in the Open category, while the Masters will vie for the winners’ purse of $500 000. Both categories will have a runners-up prize of $100 000 as well as trophies.

The tournament, which is being played in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, will feature the Open and Masters Categories with teams from New York, Florida and Canada, as well as the three counties of Guyana.

Lighted bails will be used in the competition and added entertainment will be provided by the Crossover band and cheerleaders during the finals.

High competing for the title.

The LGC is anticipating a large turnout of competitors on the nine-hole course, with keen rivalry in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap), B Flight (10-18), C Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight.

The ground-keeping team has been hard at work and the course is expected to be in excellent condition for the event.

Tee-off time is 16:00hrs each day. Admission is free, and ‘early-bird’ fans will receive a free raffle ticket to win one of several gate prizes, compliments of the sponsors. To be eligible, fans must be in before 14:00hrs each day.

Another initiative taken by the LGC, will see the Guyana Motor Racing Club displaying several race cars

for fans to inspect and take close-up photographs.

The LGC expresses gratitude to the following: Abdool & Abdool, American Home & Beauty Supplies, Ansa McAl Trading, AR Printery, Aracari Resort, Assuria General Insurance, Banks DIH, Beepats, Brewsters, Cevons Waste Management, Continental Group of Companies, Crown Mining, Escape Therapy, Fab Cakes & Cupcakes, Grand Coastal Hotel, Massy Group Guyana, Mobile Outfitters, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Peppy’s, Nand Persaud, Nesha’s Flowerland, NexGen Global Marketing Services, Oasis Café, Pritipaul Singh Investments, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Southland International, and the Chilean Embassy.

Hamilton Green K.O. Football tournament

Soesdyke, Milerock and Police through to semi-final WHEN action in the Hamilton Green Cup Knock-Out football tournament continued over the past weekend at the Victoria ground, East Coast Demerara, Soesdyke Falcons, Milerock and Police secured victories to book their places in the semi-final round of the tournament.

Soesdyke Falcons registered a 5-2 win over Ann’s Grove while Milerock scored a penalty-kick-shootout win over Uitvlugt after the two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation and extra time had expired.

Police on the other hand secured a walk-over win from Silver Shattas.

Playing in front a sizeable crowd at the East Coast venue, Tyrell Khan registered three second-half goals for Soesdyke Falcons, while his teammates, Kelly Batson and Colin McLean scored the other two

goals.

Responding for Ann’s Grove were Tyreek Cummings and Nikena Prince.

Khan’s hat-trick of goals was registered within an 11-minute period.

He (Khan) found the back of Ann’s Grove’s net in the 60th, 70th and 71st minutes, while Boston found his target in the 67th minute and McLean was on target in the 40th minute.

For Ann’s Grove, Prince scored in the 28th minute and Cummings in the 69th minute.

The winning team will earn $500,000 and the Minister of State trophy, while the runners-up will receive $250,000 and the Busta trophy.

The third place finisher will receive $125,000 and the John Fernandes trophy and the team finishing fourth will take home $100,000 and the Cummings Electrical trophy.

Brusches Basketball Foundation countrywide clinics begin today in New Amsterdam AS part of their schedule of giving back to the sport of basketball, the Brusches Basketball Foundation will today begin a series of countrywide clinics for Primary and Secondary School players, starting with one in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

These clinics have become part of the developmental

programme initiated by United States-based former national captain James Brusche, along with his brothers, former national coach Mike and Cloyde, in collaboration with another United States -based former national captain, Hewley Harry, who will be here from Thursday.

The sessions today will be

Mike Brusche

from 13.30hrs to 15:00hrs and assisting the team also would be another United Statesbased former national player from Berbice, Shawn Semple who will be at the sessions in Berbice.

The clinics will continue on Thursday when two clinics will be conducted: one on the East Coast from 10.30hrs to

12.00hrs and at Burnham court in Georgetown for the Citybased Primary school players from 13.00hrs to 15.00hrs..

Next Monday, sessions will be conducted for Primary Schools in Linden at the Mackenzie Sports Club hardcourt from 9.30hrs to 11.00hrs and then for Secondary School players from

14.00hrs to 15.30hrs, also at the Mackenzie Sports Club hardcourt.

The following Tuesday 31st October, the team will be in Kwakwani and clinics will be from 10.00hrs to 12.00 hrs for Primary school players and from 13.00hrs to 14.30 hrs for Secondary School players.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Guyana All-Stars thrash Caribbean All-Stars by five wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Guyana All-Stars completed a five-wicket win over the Caribbean All-Stars in the Hurricane Relief Twenty20 game Sunday evening.

Given the strength of both teams, the result was of academic interest, since the encounter played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, was aimed at garnering funds to support relief efforts for last month’s Hurricane victims in the Caribbean.

With the absence of a number of advertised players, the no show of the local artistes and the cheerleaders, the crowd support was the biggest disappointment.

However, moments after both teams were met by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Director of Sport Christopher Jones, play eventually got underway an hour later than the scheduled 17:00hrs start.

Sent in, the Caribbean All-Stars piled up an imposing 174-5 off their 20

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, greet the Guyanese players before the start of the game.

overs.

The total was bolstered by a 97-run opening partnership between Andre Fletcher and Kjorn Ottley. Fletcher, who was bowled off a free-hit when on 29, made a 57-ball 77, with six sixes and a four.

Both batsmen unleashed a barrage of boundaries to race out of the blocks to score 44 at end of the first six overs.

The duo kept the hosts

under pressure with confident batting and with a healthy run rate at the halfway point of the innings.

However, spinner Ramaal Lewis provided the Guyanese with the first breakthrough when he bowled Ottley for 38 off 32 balls; his innings included four fours and two sixes. One run later, Guyanese Shemroy Barrington (1), was caught in the midwicket region off of Ricardo Adams.

Ryan Crawford Memorial horserace meet set for Nov. 5 THE Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club of Alness, Corentyne, Berbice will come alive on November 5 when the #20 Bush Lot in Action group of Kildonan , Corentyne stages a one day six-race horse race meet, with the proceeds from

the event going towards charity.

The feature event is opened to horses classified `H’ and Lower over seven furlongs and the winner will receive $250,000.

The other events listed for the day are: a six-fur-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)Jack Noriega-9/95 (WI vs IND, QPO, 1971) (2)Paul Strang-8/109 (ZIM vs NZ, Bulawayo, 2000) Today’s Quiz: (1)Who is the WI first Test captain?

(2)Who is ZIM first Test captain?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

long race for `I’ and Lower animals with the winner earning 170,000. `K’ and Lower horses will contest a five-furlong event with the winner pocketing $120,000.

Horses classified ‘3’ and Lower will do battle over five furlongs also, and the winner will take home $100,000, while `I’ 2 and Lower animals will battle over five furlongs for the first prize worth $80,000.

The unclassified animals will contest a specially organized race for a hefty prize money over a distance that is still to be determined.

Entries are expected to be closed on Saturday.

Interested owners/trainers can contact Eon Blackman on telephone number 664-5922 or Kenyon on 690-4276

Sherfane Rutherford cuts for one of his eight boundaries square of the wicket.

Those two quick wickets had no effect on Fletcher, who continued the assault, along with Nicolas Pooran, who took 19 runs off the 15th over bowled by Veerasammy Permaul.

Pooran made a breezy 33 off 15 balls, with three

sixes and two fours. Lendl Simmons made a first-ball duck before Fletcher fell in the penultimate over.

Romario Shepherd ended with 2 – 39 while Adams and Lewis took a wicket apiece.

The hosts faced a few anxious moments in their

run chase after losing opener Robin Bacchus (4) early, but fellow opener Sherfane Rutherford stood firm, and carved out a number of sweetly timed boundaries.

He ensured there were no more hiccups until the halfway stage of the innings, when skipper Leon Johnson (15), was removed.

Anthony Bramble (9) and Rutherford fell in quick succession. Rutherford’s innings of 51 lasted for 41 ball, and included eight fours.

However, late cameos from Christopher Barnwell, who made 25 off 11 balls, with three fours and a six, Jonathan Foo (23 off 15 balls), and Gajanand Singh (16 not out) completed the victory in 18.5 overs.

Kellon Carmichael who grabbed 2 –24 from three overs, was the best bowler for the Caribbean All-Stars.

The game was organised by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)in partnership with Ansa McAl’s Carib Beer and Keem’s Foundation, a charitable organisation.

Turbo knock-out football continues with double- header tonight FOOTBALL action resumes this weekend in the Turbo knock out football tournament with a double-header at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

In the first of the games, The Georgetown Football Club (GFC) must do battle with Linden’s Silver Shattas, with the winning team advancing.

The GFC side are obvious favorites, coming off their recent run in the Corona Invitational Football festival which saw them in the finals.

Still, one cannot overestimate the threat that the Linden-based side brings to the game, especially with their physicality.

In the second game of the night, Santos FC will have to do battle with Grove Hi-Tech in an all-out war.

Both sides have had their ups and downs so far, so it will

Two more teams will advance this evening as the Turbo Knock-Out football tournament continues this evening.

be anyone’s game when the whistle goes.

Matches commence from 18:30.hrs

Already, Pele FC have moved into the next round following wins last Wednesday evening.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 24, 2017

Windies carve out 429 lead after Brathwaite,Chase half-centuries BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – Roston Chase was within touching distance of a fourth Test hundred as West Indies carved out a lead in excess of 400 runs to increase their stranglehold on the opening Test against Zimbabwe, on the third day at Queens Sports Club here Monday.

The right-hander was unbeaten on 91 at the close, leading a resilient batting display from the Caribbean side that saw them to 369 for eight – a lead of already 429 runs heading into Tuesday’s penultimate day.

Opener Kraigg Brathwaite buttressed the Windies effort by fashioning his 14th Test half-century with a battling 86 while the classy Shai Hope and tail-ender Devendra Bishoo both scored 44 and Kyle Hope, 43.

Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer once again led the attack with three for 111 while seamer Kyle Jarvis (2-66)

and Sean Williams (2-90) both ended with two wickets apiece.

Resuming the day on 88 for one, West Indies lost Kyle Hope inside the first hour when he played across a full length one from Jarvis and perished lbw, after adding just 11 to his overnight score.

Brathwaite and Shai Hope then combined in a 67-run third wicket stand which pushed the Windies to 155 for two at lunch, and kept Zimbabwe at bay for a nearly an hour afterwards.

On 38 at the start, Brathwaite raised his fifty on the stroke of the hour with a couple to mid-wicket off Williams and then survived a chance on 60 to Hamilton Masakadza at slip off Cremer, to be unbeaten on 70 at lunch, partnered by Shai Hope on 24.

He was was eyeing three figures when he played around one from off-spinner Sikander Raza and was lbw just before the next drinks break at 174

for three, after facing 229 deliveries and striking four fours and a six.

Shai Hope, who faced 106 balls and counted five fours, put on a further 37 for the fourth wicket with Chase but the introduction of the second new ball put an end to the threatening stand, when Hope was hit in front by Jarvis.

His demise triggered a slide that saw three wickets

tumble for 33 runs, to leave West Indies on 244 for six at the tea interval.

Jermaine Blackwood was drawn from his crease and stumped for the second time in the match, this time off Williams for three, while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich fell to the final delivery before the break, caught by Masakadza at slip for 12 off Williams.

Unbeaten on 38 at tea,

Ravens eliminate Guardians, Jets stop Bulls to reach semi-final playoffs FORMER champions Ravens secured a semi-final berth with a 74-65 victory over Plaisance Guardians, while Amelia’s Ward Jets inflicted a 80-54 whipping of Half Mile Bulls, to also qualify for the final four showdown after day two of the 6th Brusches Classic Invitational basketball championships on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hardcourt.

Playing in the first game, Ravens returned to competitive basketball with an impressive display as they held a 18-17 first quarter edge, and while they shared a 1414 second quarter exchange, they remained slightly ahead 32-31 at half time.

Ryan Stephney stepped up his game in the second half and engineered his team’s somewhat surprise win after Guardians had reached the recent Open final in Georgetown.

In the third quarter, the Ravens took away the game from their opponents with a 28-9 run and they were able to stave off the final surge by the Guardians who rebound-

ed with a 25-9 run but were unable to catch their opponents who now face Colts in the first semifinals on Friday night.

Raven’s captain Ryan Stephney had a game high 26 points, while good support was received from Jermain Slater who netted 13 points while Tyrone Hamid and Ryan Gullen each contributed nine for the winners.

Nikkoli Smith was the best player for Guardians with 25 points as N. Yisrael added 11 and T. Woolford 10.

In the other game, Jets made light work of Half Mile Bulls with a flying start as they ended the first quarter leading 24-8 and while Bulls were able to outscore the Jets 16-15, the first half ended with Jets in the lead 39-24.

They then made a move to take the game out of the Bulls sight with a 25-16 run to head into the last quarter ahead 64-40 which proved too much for the Bulls and when the final whistle came, it was smooth sailing 80-54.

Akeem Kanhai was the floor leader for the Jets as Adrian Webster played well inside to top score with 14

WEST INDIES 1st Innings 219 Zimbabwe 1st Innings 159 West IndiesS 2nd Innings (overnight 88 for one) K Brathwaite lbw b Sikandar Raza 86 K Powell b Cremer 17 K Hope lbw b Jarvis 43 S Hope lbw b Jarvis 44 R Chase not out 91 J Blackwood st Chakabva b Williams 3 S Dowrich c Masakadza b Williams 12 J Holder c Mpofu b Cremer 24 D Bishoo c Williams b Cremer 44 Extras (b3, lb2) 5 TOTAL (8 wkts, 122.3 overs) 369 Fall of wicket: 1-25, 2-107, 3-174, 4-211, 5-224, 6-244, 7-277, 8-369 Bowling: Jarvis 24-1-66-2; Mpofu 10-3-30-0; Williams 33-7-90-2; Cremer 32.3-5-111-3; Sikandar Raza 19-453-1; Mire 2-0-5-0; Waller 2-0-9-0 Position: West Indies lead by 429 with two second innings wickets standing

Zimabawe wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva checks out Roston Chase’s punch during his unbeaten 91 in Bulawayo. (Getty Images)

Brusches Classic basketball

BY Joe Chapman

SCOREBOARD

Chase took control of the innings to ensure West Indies dominated the final session, first posting 33 for the seventh wicket with captain Jason Holder (24) and then an invaluable 92 for the eighth wicket with Bishoo.

All told, he faced 127 balls and struck eight fours and a six to put himself on course for his third hundred this year.

He gathered his fifty about 40 minutes following the resump-

tion and after losing Holder, caught at point off Cremer, joined forces with the plucky Bishoo to ram home the Windies advantage.

He drove Jarvis to the extra cover boundary and then flicked him square for four in one over to move into the 80s, and Bishoo was no less enterprising, lashing four fours and a six – a slog over long-on off Cremer – in his 71-ball knock.

Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to win FIFA best male player award

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo and boss Zinedine Zidane with their awards.

Ravens captain Ryan Stephney had a game high 26 points

points with Kanhai notching up 13 while Joel Webster and Donnel Benjamin added 10 apiece.

For the Bulls, who missed the inside presence of Travin Dryden, Michael Turner led them with 15 points with Terron Welch getting 13 and Vibert Benjamin 12 points.

Semi-finals are set for Friday when Ravens face Colts and Royals take on Jets.

`CRISTIANO Ronaldo was named the world’s best male player at the 2017 Best FIFA Football Awards in London.The Real Madrid and Portugal forward beat Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Paris St-Germain’s Neymar to the honour.

Ronaldo, 32, helped Real to a Champions League-La Liga double in 2016-17.

Lieke Martens of Barcelona and the Netherlands won best female player, Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane was named best men’s coach and Netherlands’ Sarina Wiegman the best female coach.

Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud received the Puskas award for the best goal of 2017 for his ‘scorpion kick’ against Crystal Palace in January.

Celtic won the fan award after

they honoured the club’s 1967 ‘Lisbon Lions’ with a stunning 360-degree card display on the 50th anniversary of their historic European Cup win.

It has been another hugely impressive year for Ronaldo, who won the inaugural Best FIFA Football Awards gong on the back of leading Portugal to victory at Euro 2016.

This year he scored two goals in Real’s 4-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final and also found the net 25 times in 29 appearances as his club won La Liga for the first time in five years.

“We are in England for the first time, and I win it for the second consecutive time. This is a great moment for me,” Ronaldo told the ceremony audience at the London Palladium.(BBC Sport)`

Windies carve out 429 lead after Brathwaite, Chase half-centuries Page 27

GFA/Stag Premier League tournament

Santos beat Pele 2-0 to occupy second spot in points standing

Page 23

Persaud lone new face in Guyana Jaguars squad -Franchise League, great preparation for Jaguars title defence, says acting GCB President Page 23

All-rounder Akshaya Persaud is the lone new face in the Guyana Jaguars squad to face Jamaica Scorpions on Thursday.

Part of the action from Sunday’s GFA/Stag Premier League competition between Pele and Santos (Samuel Maughn photo)

Dunbar awarded with 8th Dan Black

Belt

Page 23

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Sensei Winston Dunbar (at Left) receives his award from London-based Head Coach of the CKF, Sensei James Holder TUESDAY, OCTOBER, 24, 2017