Issuu

Porn lands senior cop in trouble

AFC urges calm ■ Page 8

No. 105077

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

– as PPP ups non-cooperation call to destabilise, sabotage gov’t

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Over $3M up for grabs – as Shell Guyana ‘gives back’ for Christmas

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Sol Guyana Inc. models with senior staffers and board members on Wednesday following the Christmas Promotion launch at the Shell Bel Air Park service station on Vlissengen Road (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Foreigners among Ram resigns from City braces for expected Christmas nine arrested all gov’t positions – in North West arms, ‘ganja’ bust rains Page 13

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– ostensibly in support of Joe Singh’s ‘heroic and exemplary’ stance ■ Page 7

– other challenges associated with the season

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Man-on-the-street agrees...

Salary increase a step in right direction – but rising cost of living still a killer PUBLIC servants across Guyana are in line to benefit from a $3.5B payout for 2017 as the government moves to increase their wages and salaries, adjusting the minimum wage from $55,000 to $60, 000. Under the present administration, public servants have over the past 18 months have received a 51 per cent increase on their wages and salaries. Back in 2016 when the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) went to the negotiating table, they demanded from the government a 40 per cent increase in salaries. It therefore means that to date, public servants have received 11 per cent more than that which the Union had lobbied for. With this in mind, the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday took to the streets to find out from the public what they thought about the proposed salary increases granted to public servants by the government. Over 20 persons were approached, but only a few, and of a certain age, were willing to speak. The following are their views.

DAVID CUMMINGS: “I think it is good, because I understand that the 8 per cent is for people who working for $55,000 to about $100, 000 a month, and people who working for more money will get a less per cent. “I think that is good; personally, I feel it is a good thing, because of the state this country in right now.”

SAMUEL HYTMIAH: “I believe that workers need their salaries to increase because there are so many demands. Especially if you are a family man, your salary cannot really suffice your living; not only you but your family. “Money is never enough, because you would find that when you have an increase in salaries, you find the cost of living goes up; food prices increase, utility increase. “And you find that when these things increase, your money devalue. So every year there should be an increase. We have to be conservative to try to get as much elasticity out of it, but I wouldn’t say it is workable.”

YVONNE O’DONOGHUE: “A little bit is better than nothing at all. And if this going to be like an annual affair, because as soon as you increase salary, foodstuff will go up, no problem. “But the other thing is that government must have some kind of control over the price increase of foodstuff, because if you get a 10 per cent increase, most times foodstuff go up like 20 per cent. “So, it ain’t really make a difference; you just seem to be marking time. But if there is a control, and if government can start with a couple of mega-farms, which will kind of compete with the ordinary market, then it can work.”

CLAVILLE THOMAS: “I would love that; I would love for the government to raise the public servants’ money because of what is going on right now in this country. “It’s good, but not good enough. Why couldn’t it have been a 10 per cent? “You have to look at parents who are single parents; some of them might be living in rented homes; they have children and they barely making it when the day come. “It’s really hard; it’s really tough. We need them to reach out more to the people; they need to do more for the people of this country.”

LLOYD CHRISTIAN: “The wages in this country is never enough when you look at the cost of living, so everybody need an increase. “According to how this crisis going, it is not workable; it’s not workable. I mean, this is an underdeveloped country; you can’t increase everybody salary one time, but as the country improves, people salary should increase. “But, we are hoping that with this oil find, when they start producing oil, everybody money will increase.

LEN pushes agriculture in Linden – through seedling distribution programme THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) on Wednesday hosted a grand seedling distribution exercise for farmers and regular residents of Linden in observance of Agriculture Month. The event was also used to help push agriculture in the township, and saw the free distribution of thousands of cash-crop seedlings, among them tomato, sweet pepper, boulanger and ochro. The exercise was done in collaboration with the Linden Chamber of Commerce and the Region 10 Seedling Coop group. According to LEN executive member, Mr. Orin Gordon, the initiative is geared towards encouraging planting in the communities, and he is hoping to see it bear fruit.

Said he: “By January, we want to see 2000 pounds of food, since January month is a hard month. So we want to make sure we have food produced in their backyards. Basically, it is a start, and we would like to see more of it in the communities.” The initiative is also part of a marketing exercise to showcase the seedling producers from whom the plants were bought. “This is to show you what can be produced in our community,” Gordon said. “This variety that you see here today is basically a lot more that can be produced,” he added. LEN acting CEO, Ms Tanniza Gasper informed the farmers that the organisation will be paying them regular visits in an effort to ensure that the seedlings are being

sowed. “We want to see you produce; we want to be able to see, if you take sweet pepper and boulanger, that by January you would have produced six pounds of sweet pepper and so forth,” Gasper said. Last year, LEN embarked on a similar initiative with the distribution of citrus seedlings. Gordon said that he wants the distribution to be more than just an annual initiative, preferably four to five times a year. The LEN officials also mentioned that it is a venture following the encouragement of President David Granger to push agriculture in Linden by starting to plant in one’s backyard so as to ease the town’s dependency on other regions for food.

Some of the seedlings that were distributed to farmers and residents on Wednesday

AFC urges calm 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

– as PPP ups non-cooperation call to destabilise, sabotage gov’t THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has amplified its call for the populace to join its non-cooperation campaign against the government, even as the Alliance For Change (AFC) condemns the appeal by the opposition party as reckless. Speaking at his weekly press conference at his Church Street, Georgetown office on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said as part of the non-cooperation strategy, President David Granger will be greeted by protesters whenever he visits the countryside. “Not for him to go there and give high moralistic speeches about the future of Guyana and a good life for all when his action is undermining social cohesion and democracy. We cannot tolerate the platitudes anymore,” Jagdeo told reporters. The action by the opposition leader comes in the wake of what he describes as the unconstitutional appointment of Justice (retired) James Patterson to the post of GECOM chair. President Granger has maintained that his decision is constitutionally sound. The PPP will also cease accompanying ministers of the government when they visit communities. “All of that ends,” Jagdeo said, noting that it will not participate in discussions where it will not have a voice.

While the Opposition awaits the commencement of its court challenge, it has already begun outreaches across the country and will be meeting with civil society for further consultation, Jagdeo said. He said the diaspora will also be engaged, representatives of the international community here in Guyana will be briefed and visits will be made to various nations to inform them of what he said is a threat to the country’s democracy. “We will put together a group that will look at all the ways that they could rig the elections and block them. We have already been doing some of this work in the PPP, but the cannon that has been fired has heightened awareness.” The opposition, in protest of President Granger’s decision to appoint the GECOM chairman has already removed itself from the border committee. SOLIDARITY STRONG Jagdeo said while the party has pulled itself, its solidarity to the issue at hand remains strong as it supports government in the bid to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity. “We in the PPP will defend the integrity of our State and our borders as vigorously as anyone as we have been doing.” Jagdeo also said that in

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

areas where the party has to perform statutory functions, being elected to a post by the people of Guyana or functions required by the Constitution or the laws, those functions will be carried out. “So where in the regions and NDC people are elected by their communities, they have to continue working, serving their communities. If they do not do that they will affect people’s ability to earn a living, etc. Those areas we will never contemplate any actions that would harm people,” he said. The party will also participate in all activities that will “expose the wrongdoing and corruption of the govern-

ment,” the former President said. “So we will go to Parliament in the open session, we may not participate in all of the committees, but in the plenary session we will be there to expose the wrongdoing,” he said. GECOM PRESENCE He also noted that the PPP will not exclude itself from participating in the functioning of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as it needs to protect its interest. “We are not going to disappear. We are not going to cringe up and go in a corner and lie there,” he said.

According to him, the party will participate in bodies where it will be able to advocate for benefits of people and defend their interest. “So people must not lose hope, if we do not stand together on this, this is not about who wins the next elections and we are not asking for international support for the PPP, we are asking for the values of democracy to be upheld.” Meanwhile, the AFC in a statement said prompt exposure of the unpatriotic decision by the PPP to pull out from the Border Commission has led to Jagdeo flip-flopping and opting instead to selectively participate in discussions regarding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. BACKLASH “Jagdeo also flip-flopped on his threat of non-cooperation and to pull PPP-controlled regional, municipal and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils from infrastructural and development tasks. After his reckless statements, Jagdeo was faced with a backlash from the Guyanese people, including those who voted for the PPP. He then sought to reformulate his non-cooperation to include refusal of regional officials to meet with government leaders and to picket the President when he visits the countryside,” the AFC said. The AFC also contends

that when Jagdeo professed love of Guyana, he declared that he was speaking “in coded language.” This, the AFC interprets to be an attempt to cover his reckless promise that he would cede a portion of Guyana’s territory to Venezuela if given the chance to do so. Jagdeo is aware that the Guyanese people would, as they have done, reject any activities to destabilise the society and to sabotage economic development, the AFC said, noting that as Jagdeo loses grip on the possibility of returning as President, he would not only become intemperate but desperate and vulgar. “As a former President and a hapless seeker of a third term, he descended into the pit of gutter politics when he used foul, reprehensible and uncouth language to label our party’s leaders who are duly elected Members of Parliament and government ministers. AFC again alerts the Guyanese people not to be fooled by the rhetoric of this failed President who seeks to sow fear and insecurity in our country. His hypocrisy and double speak are characteristic of this political hustler who sees the appointment of a new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission as an occasion to sow racial and political fear and to fracture the unity of our people,” the AFC said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Donald Trump notes Xi Jinping’s ‘extraordinary’ rise

U S P re s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump has congratulated Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on his “extraordinary elevation” after he consolidated his power at the Communist Party congress. Xi cemented his hold on China for the next five years when he was re-elected leader with no clear successor. His name and doctrine have been written into the constitution. The two leaders are due to hold talks at a state visit to China next month, having

met at the G20 summit in July. The pair also discussed North Korea and trade, President Trump said in a tweet. In their phone call, Xi expressed a desire to work with Trump to “jointly blueprint future development of China-US ties”, Chinese state media report. China has the world’s second-largest economy after the US, its biggest trading partner. Relations have been strained by Beijing’s territorial disputes in the South

China Sea and East China Sea with Washington’s allies in East Asia.

term in office at the close of the Communist Party congress in Beijing. He is now on a par with the founder of the state, Mao Zedong, and questions have been raised over whether the 64-year-old intends to rule beyond 2022. Five new appointments were made to the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, China’s most powerful body.

appointees are all in their 60s, and likely to retire at the end of this five-year term, fuels speculation about Xi’s long-term intentions. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram in which he said the re-election showed Xi’s “political authority” and the “broad support” his policy to develop China and strengthen its international position enjoyed. South Korean President

BEYOND 2022? On Wednesday, Xi was formally handed a second

The two presidents met in Hamburg this summer

There had been speculation Xi would elevate his protégé Chen Miner and Guangdong party secretary Hu Chunhua, both of whom are in their 50s and young enough to be credible successors. But the fact that the new

DATE: Wednesday, October 25, 2017

04 08 12 14 19 27 01

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Moon Jae-in congratulated Xi on his re-election in a letter, writing that he looked forward to creating a “practical strategic partnership”. FOREIGN PRESS BARRED Xi has assumed an un-

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

precedented number of positions since coming to power in 2012, including the title of “core” leader of China. His first term has been marked by significant development, a push for modernisation and increasing assertiveness on the world stage. It has also seen growing authoritarianism, censorship and a crackdown on human rights. He has spearheaded a sweeping anti-corruption campaign which has seen more than a million officials disciplined. It has been seen by some as a massive internal purge of opponents. Major Western news organisations were barred from Wednesday’s ceremony to reveal the new Politburo Standing Committee. Officially no reason was given for barring the BBC, Financial Times, Economist, New York Times and Guardian, but unofficially journalists were told that their reporting was to blame another sign of Xi’s determination to control the message at home and abroad. (BBC)

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Brazil’s Tamer unwell as key votes near Brazil’s President Michel Temer has gone to hospital for tests, as Congress is due to consider whether he should face a corruption trial. Temer ’s doctor diagnosed a urinary obstruction causing pain and advised the examination, the presidency said. Prosecutors accuse Temer of obstructing justice and racketeering, which he denies. He is expected to secure enough support in the lower chamber to survive the vote which is expected shortly. Last week, the congressional justice committee rejected the charges. The charges stem from a corruption case involving the world’s largest meat-packing firm, JBS. Temer survived a similar con-

gressional vote in Auguston bribery charges. Temer can only face trial with the approval of twothirds of the lower house of Congress.

spondents say. Temer became president last year following the impeachment of his predecessor, Dilma Rousseff. She was found guilty

Thousands of ethnic Mapuche marched in the Chilean capital, Santiago in October in support of their nation’s resistance against the state

President Michel Temer denies any wrong doing

He is currently facing the worst approval ratings in Brazilian history, but lawmakers seem prepared to protect him again, corre-

of tampering with the government accounts in order to hide a growing deficit ahead of her re-election in 2014. (BBC)

Venezuela opposition leader quits as coalition rift widens Venezuela’s opposition has taken a hit after one of its leading members announced he was leaving the coalition. Henrique Capriles, an ex-presidential candidate, said the move was in protest at the decision by four newly elected opposition governors to pledge allegiance to the constituent assembly. The Roundtable for Democracy (MUD) regards the assembly as illegitimate. The MUD governors were elected in regional polls this month in which the government won 18 out of 23 states. The outcome of the 15 October elections, which it said were fraudulent - and President Nicolas Maduro’s insistence that all new governors bow to the constituent assembly - has caused a rift among members of the opposition coalition. Capriles said on Tuesday that he “would not be part” of the opposition MUD “because it is not unity as a concept or a vision”. “It is just some people that grab the bones that are thrown to them,” he said. Five MUD governors who won seats opted to boycott a previous event in which 18 newly elected socialist governors were sworn in to the constituent assembly. However, four of them - the governors for Táchira, Mérida, Nuevo Esparta and Anzoátegui - later changed their stance and pledged allegiance, defying their coalition’s official position.

Chile Mapuche cleared of deadly Araucania arson attack

Maduro, who has described the election result as a victory, said governors who refused to be sworn in by the constituent assembly would not be allowed to take up office.

The MUD have published what they say is evidence of fraud in the state of Bolívar, where the government candidate was declared the winner after a two-day delay. (BBC)

A court in Chile has absolved 11 members of the Mapuche indigenous community accused of an arson attack that killed a landowner and his wife in 2013 in the southern Araucania region. The judges said there was insufficient evidence. The landowner, Bernard Luchsinger and his wife, Vivianne McKay had been involved in a land dispute with the Mapuche. Tensions between the Mapuche and the state have increased in recent years. Armed groups have been burning houses, churches, trucks and forest plantations with increasing frequency. Eyewitnesses had said that a group of masked men attacked the house of Luchsinger and his wife.

Their charred bodies were later identified by relatives. Last month eight Mapuche appeared in court in the southern city of Temucho after they were arrested on suspicion of taking part in arson attacks. Police say they were involved in the burning of more than 50 trucks in two separate attacks on local companies in August. A radical Mapuche

group claimed responsibility and called for the release from jail of Mapuche prisoners who are being held under a controversial terrorism law. About 600,000 Mapuche live in Chile. Relations have been hostile since the Chilean army invaded their disputed homeland in a brutal campaign in the 1800s. (BBC)

Editorial

There was a period when any patriotic Guyanese was ashamed at the diminution of this country’s image. It was a time when this nation’s morality was stripped of its decency. Certainly, love for country, for Guyana, did not prevent criticisms against the executive criminality that had become interwoven into the national fabric. After all, we all watched as the nation was plundered by a collective of executive thieves, friends and cronies. The thieves brazenly waxed fat. The twenty-three years of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has been unlike any in Guyana’s modern history. Not even in the realm of the CARICOM fraternity, has such an instance been known. It can be likened unto the rule of the locust, during which every facet of the nation’s moral decency was stripped from its structure: beginning with the executive that treated the nation with gross contempt; when the nation’s laws were trampled on; when one section of the nation was willfully discriminated against, and marginalised; when policemen were targeted and shot dead on our streets; when crime caused many a police station’s door to be closed before dark; when organized crime, in the form of the narcotics trade, gun running, and money laundering became the order of the day and the route to riches; when people-trafficking became a fact, despite ugly denials to the contrary; when Guyana became known as a narco trans-shipment point; when billion- dollar drug

shipments were intercepted; when a notorious narco lord, currently cooling his heels in a United States prison, claimed to be assisting the then government in combatting crime, but had instead been killing perceived drug rivals etcetera; when hundreds of young black men were killed; when teenage crime began its ascent to the pinnacle of the national crime ratings; when the nation’s treasury had been made the personal account and personal ATMs of especially many senior and middle ranking personnel; when state assets in all forms were systematically transferred to one section of the nation; and when the business sector received billions in tax waivers and concessions. Many of this clique, instead, used the waivers for even bigger profits, and were found not to even be paying their fair share of taxes. They were tax dodgers, many of these so-called captains of industries! It was a period also that marked the rise in arrogance of a government that took every criticism--many constructive and well meaning-as offence, and would often proceed to use the then state media, as configured, to cuss out those persons and institutions. The highlight, of course, being the disrespectful and notorious verbal assault on the person of a former United States ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Brendt Hart. This must rank as the lowest point in our bilateral relations during that shameful period. No state, with these criminal attributes is respected domestically, much less internationally. There was an image of Guyana, in

some CARICOM quarters, that it was good for business and making millions, but not for paying taxes. Not now, for the Commissioner General and staff have been plugging the loopholes; tens of millions are being recovered. How could such a poor country have afforded such criminality? Only under the then PPP/C government. There was the stateowned media that offered no real time to the then political opposition. It was also used by what was then described as “ghost writers”, on behalf of the PPP/C government, that penned scurrilous articles mounting personal attacks against critics of the government. That this category has been described as “ghosts’’, is because they penned under pseudo-names, often those that are of African-Guyanese origin, to attack the African-led PNC/R opposition! And the list is infinite in chronicling the numerous indignities that were heaped on this nation. As the nation sank deeper into the abyss of immorality, there was a defined air of despair. We were in politico-socio-economic crisis, as the latter began to reflect the known vulgarities of such a condition. Guyana lost its international respect. We were not fit to be among the respected nations of the world. We must have been tolerated. Internationally, Guyana became known as a nation of drug syndicates, as evidenced by the daily numbers of persons caught at the CJIA, attempting to smuggle cocaine/marijuana. The period 2002-2005, can easily be described as

the worst in our history in comparison with the 1980s. Since the dawn of a new dispensation, with a new administration, Guyana’s respect internationally has been gradually restored to the level of decency. First of all, our country is governed by a Head-ofState/Government that epitomizes integrity, personal decency, respect for the family, above all for women and children. The President clearly understands the history of this nation, with specific reference to the race problems that do exist. It explains his immediate invitation to the political opposition for discussions on national unity; since then promoting the idea of social cohesion. There is even a cabinet portfolio for this important concept. Secondly, President Granger, since his ascension to the presidency, has spoken at many international fora; not only highlighting the threat to Guyana’s sovereignty, but also representing Guyana’s interests and policies on critical issues such as climate change, security of small states, the sustainable development goals, economic and business opportunities that are available in Guyana, and the need for CARICOM states to promote the well-being of the Caribbean. Just to reiterate on the “economic and business opportunities available here’’; it can be recalled the President’s London visit which attracted scores of British business interests, seeking information on investment opportunities here. Thirdly, co-leading this new vision is the distinguished, qualified Foreign

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Affairs Minister and first vice-president, the Honourable Carl Greenidge, formerly Secretary General of the African Caribbean Pacific States. He is leading an entirely new corps of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, whose diplomatic thrust is to promote economic diplomacy, as mandated by President Granger. Minister Greenidge has brought a life time career of international expertise to his portfolio. Listening to him outline and analyze the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, is a lesson for any young Guyanese seeking to acquaint him/herself on the subject. Nationally, President Granger has been at the forefront, promoting the instrument of local government as indispensable for the furtherance of citizens’ participation in the socio-economic affairs of their respective communities. He has coupled this, with the concept of capital towns as a means of driving socio-economic development of the respective regions. Continuing on his mission of wanting a good life for Guyanese, President Granger has emphasized the importance of education as a key component in the growth and development fabric of Guyana. He has lamented the high rate of school drop-outs, and has introduced the innovative initiative of the Five Bs – Boats, books, bicycles, buses, and breakfast. According to President Granger, poverty of parents should

not be a reason for children not attending school. And, there has been a better attendance level, especially in the Hinterland, where many children had to travel long distances at prohibitive costs to their parents. In all this, the President is supported by the eloquent Prime Minister, the Honourable Moses Nagamootoo, who has among his portfolio, responsibilities for the all – important task of constitutional reform. As leader of government business in the House, the Prime Minister, an attorney, has been articulating many of government’s policies, particularly on the emerging oil and gas industry, and social cohesion. He has been bringing to bear, over 50 years of political activism that reflects a deep understanding of Guyana’s socio-political and ethnic issues It is a truism that a state’s socio- political-economical image is vital in terms of its perception and treatment internationally. In this regard, the coalition government has had its work cut out, so to speak, in its incredibly difficult task in repairing Guyana’s desultory image. Of course, there are many challenges, such as the audit reports and their attraction of police investigations of many high profile, former state officials. Many of them are now facing prosecutorial action. Improving Guyana’s image internationally is an ongoing task that has been taking place domestically. It can only get better.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Ram resigns from all gov’t positions --in support of Joe Singh’s ‘heroic and exemplary’ stance

MERE days after Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh resigned from his positions in the government, Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram followed suit on Wednesday.

membership of the planning committee and de facto leader of the Guyana negotiating team for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School. The way he tells it, it appears that his leaving is the

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram

Ram, by way of a statement to the effect, said that he has apprised Attorney-General, Basil Williams of his decision to withdraw from

Attorney-General’s loss. “If the truth be told,” Ram said, “Mr. Williams has been so impressed with my contribution that he asked for my

CV to recommend me for a National Award. I declined, saying my service was for country, for neither award nor reward.” His decision to call it a day, he said, was not made lightly; that rather it was one that was grounded on principle in support of the “heroic and exemplary” stance taken by Mr Singh. But, principled stand aside, Ram, who is also a chartered accountant by profession, said he is still committed to serving his country. As a lawyer, he was employed by the government of the day as an adviser to the Attorney-General on the setting up of a law school here. He’s also done substantial work for the AG Chambers in the recently concluded Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) case involving the Guyana

Farmers now assured of a ready turmeric market Dear Editor, I WANT to compliment the government on making a real impact at the grassroot level in Region One. The recent commissioning of the Turmeric factory at Hosororo Hill, Mabaruma in Barima-Waini will provide immediate economic empowerment to the region through job opportunities among other benefits by empowering the people and creating jobs in these communities. More than 50 farmers from turmeric- producing communities of Region One, namely Arukamai, Barima River, Aruka River, Hotoquai, Port Kaituma, Morawhanna, Hobodia, Yarakita, Aruau, Koberimo, St. Anslym, Kachi Kamo, Black Water, Kamwatta, Wauna and White Water have benefited from planting materials, technical advice and training through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) The farmers are now assured of a ready market at the turmeric-processing factory which can process one ton every three days in terms of processing and

drying. Through this factory, fresh turmeric will also readily be available for export to neighbouring districts and regions, thus creating more markets. The turmeric factory is just one of the many projects being rolled out in Barima-Waini (Region One), towards sustained economic progress and empowerment in these communities. Another project is the Buses, Boats, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (Five Bs) programme in keeping with the national ‘Every Child in School’ policy. The Five Bs programme which aims to improve access, attendance and achievement for students in the hinterland and across Guyana must be commended since it takes the financial burden off the parents and creates immediate employment for drivers, mechanics, wash bay services among other social benefits, such as children no longer dropping out of school, but will be supported by the government to ensure that the communities are educated. The rehabilitated Lady Northcote ferry which transports passengers and cargo to the North West

District (Barima- Waini) have adopted a new level of reliability in the transportation of North West District (NWD) passengers and their cargo to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, A new ferry has also been procured. The economic prospects of the turmeric factory, the Five Bs programme, the reliable ferry service, a new standby generator (a new one has been procured), improved and new potable water supply, several health facilities received outboard engines and boats from the Ministry of Public Health to assist in transporting patients to referral hospitals within the region, are just some of the many tangible examples of social and economic development at the grassroot level taking place in Region One. I am excited at the prospect of the largescale solar farm when it becomes operational, supplying 400-kilowatt of power leading to the electricity grid being operational 24/7 providing power to the 3,000 residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities . Sincerely yours SHAUNA WILLIAMS

Government and Trinidadian beverage firm, SM Jaleel and Company Limited, usually reliable sources have confirmed. Ram recently railed against President David Granger’s decision to appoint retired high court judge, Justice James Patterson as chair-

man of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on the grounds that, among other things, he was in the employ of the government as an adviser to the Attorney-General. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said: “Well, Mr Ram has forgotten he is an adviser to the

AG as well, and he allowed his name to be submitted on one of the lists to be considered as chairman.” Said source also told the Guyana Chronicle that Ram had pocketed huge sums of money for his advisory role in the SM Jaleel matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Ranks to be charged Guyanese miner killed in for prisoner’s escape Venezuela FOUR ranks, three police constables and one prison officer, are to be charged soon under the Criminal Law Offences (Act) Chapter 8:01 in relation to the escape of a prisoner from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara on October 4. On the said date, Dellon Blake, who is on remand for a rape charge, escaped from the facility reportedly in clear sight of the ranks. A detective superintendent of police was

deputed to conduct the investigation which has since been completed and the report was submitted for legal advice. Blake, 35, reportedly used his bed sheet and wooden pallets to help himself over the fence on the north- western side in full view of police ranks performing duties in the guard hut tower. The tower overlooks the new holding facility at the Lusignan Prison and the area was well illuminated.

Brazilian killed by peacemaker A BRAZILIAN man was on Tuesday shot dead at Dukwarie, a mining community located in the Cuyuni, Region Seven, after a peacemaker attempted to part an argument the Brazilian had with his wife, police said Wednesday. The shooting took place at about 10:00hrs and according to initial information, the man and his wife operated a shop in the community.

The duo had an argument and in a bid to be a peacemaker, a member of a private security service who was armed with a shotgun intervened. The Brazilian man who was also armed, but with a cutlass, rebuffed the man. It was during that time that the firearm was discharged resulting in the Brazilian’s death. The security officer is in custody assisting the police with the investigation.

A GUYANESE miner, who was reportedly threatened by Venezuelan “sindicatos,” was shot execution style at a mining site in the neighouring country on Tuesday. Dead is 25-year-old Davin Saywack, who lived in the North West District prior

to his death. He was killed in an area called “Mondo backdam” in Venezuela. Reports are that the man was threatened by Spanish-speaking gunmen who are said to be in control of mining lands in Venezuela’s border region close to Guyana. Following the threats, the gunmen executed the miner late on Tuesday af-

ternoon. Relatives and friends were in disbelief as news of the man’s death reached these shores. In recent months, a number of Guyanese miners have been attacked and robbed on both sides of the border by suspected Venezuelan gunmen. Several persons have lost their lives to the bandits.

Foreigners among nine arrested – in North West arms, ‘ganja’ bust NINE males have been arrested by the police after they were found on Tuesday with two rifles, with one magazine each and a total of 19 live rounds of ammunition in the North West District. According to a statement from the police, one of the rifles is an AR-15 and the other an AK-47. The men were also found with 1.5 kilograms of can-

nabis; one bulletproof vest; two boats, one powered by a 250hp engine and the other by a lighter 48hp engine. The police say that based on information received, the gang of armed men were in the Churches Landing mining community and were seen to be acting suspiciously and appeared to be a mix of foreign nationals and Guyanese. Of the three foreign nationals who have been ar-

rested, one is Cuban, one Jamaican and the other Venezuelan. Said the police in its statement, “This arrest is very significant, as several weeks ago there were reports of piracy in the Waini River area, several miles from the Police Floating Base MV Tamakay.” The suspects are reportedly being brought to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, for further investigations.

Porn lands senior cop in trouble AN Assistant Superintendent of Police from ‘G’ Division is currently being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) following the release of a pornographic video. According to a statement issued by the Guyana Police Force, the pornographic video went viral on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Legal advice is being sought on the matter.

The weapons and other items that were uncovered in the North West bust

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Lethem man granted bail – for causing soldier’s death A CENTRAL Lethem resident was on Wednesday released on $1M bail for causing the death of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal, Devon Fraser. The young soldier was killed during a motorcycle accident along the Lethem Public Road last week. Helroy Pedro, 39, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on October 18 at the Lethem Public Road, Central Rupununi, he drove his motorcycle in a dangerous manner which caused the death of Fraser. Attorney Priana Sookraj, during her application for bail, told the court that Pedro was beaten by GDF ranks at

the scene of the accident and is seriously injured. With no objection raised by police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the defendant was released on $1M bail, and the matter has been adjourned until November 6. According to reports, at about 02:30 hrs on October 18, the deceased was walking along the corner of the roadway in the vicinity of Camp Kanuku, the GDF Base in Lethem, when a speeding CG motorcycle [number unknown] hit him from behind. As a result of the impact, Fraser and the cyclist both received injuries about their bodies. Both were taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital where Fraser was pronounced dead on arrival and the motorcyclist was admitted a patient.

Helroy Pedro

When tested, the motorcyclist was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. The now dead soldier was in Lethem as a member of the military band which provided musical accompaniment for the just-concluded activities there in celebration of Lethem becoming a town.

‘Panta’ freed of cocaine-in-fish charges ON Wednesday at the Leonora Magistrates Court, Magistrate Rushell Liverpool dismissed the case against fish trader, Mohamed Alli, called “Panta”, who was charged for being in possession of nine kilos of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Alli, 51, of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara was accused of being in possession of 9.044 kilograms of cocaine on June 7, 2016 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, for the purpose of trafficking. Magistrate Liverpool ruled in favour of attorney Bernard DaSilva’s no-case submission on the grounds that the prosecution had

failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the elements of possession. Alli’s two children, Shafaur, 27, and Lazeena Imrazi, 22, were freed in relation to the said charge in June by City Magistrate Leron Daly in relation to the drugs which were found in June 2016 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Upon arrival at the airport, they declared 33 boxes of fish to be exported. But when Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officials searched the boxes, they found the illegal substance in the fish. CANU ranks were able to arrest Mohammed Ali after a wanted bulletin was

issued for his arrest in July 2016 for his connection to the drug bust at the airport.

Canadian businessman – for trying to fleece granted bail local miner of raw gold A 54-year-old Canadian businessman accused of stealing $1.3M worth of raw gold from a mining company was on Wednesday charged and released on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and ordered lodge his passport at the court. It is alleged that Elson Bettencourt on October 13 at Mousie Backdam, Potaro River, demanded from Royston Gilbert five ounces and 15 pennyweights of raw gold valued at $1.3M with intent to steal the items from Steven Chung. He denied that charge. According to police prosecutor Arvin Moore, Gilbert is the owner of a gold-mining operation, and Chung is employed as his general manager. On the day in question, Bettencourt appeared at the mining camp and demanded that Chung hand over six ounces of gold. Moore pointed out that when Chung refused, the defendant pulled out a rope and threatened to tie him to his car and drag him through the camp trail. As a result, Chung became afraid and handed him all the takings for that day. Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith told the court that Bettencourt had an arrangement with Chung that he would lend him his excavator in return for half of the gold profit, a deal that the latter failed to honour. With no objection being raised by the prosecution for the granting of bail, Bettencourt was released on $100,000 bail and had his matter adjourned until November 8.

Elson Bettencourt

Thursday, October 26, 2017 - 08:30 hrs Friday, October 27, 2017 - 09:30 hrs Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 08:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Dr. Norton lauds progress in Region Nine communities MINISTER of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, has said that he is impressed with development initiatives in some Indigenous communities during his visit last weekend to six villag-

es in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine). Dr Norton headed a team from his ministry to the communities of Hiawa, Nappi, Parishara, Kumu, Quarrie and Lethem to educate them about his new roles and the role of his ministry.

The minister said he was impressed with the progress made in the village of Parishara, which has its own food-processing and packaging house. He told the villagers to continue to contribute in the development of their villages and to Guyana as a

whole. “I would like to see more of this development, more plans being executed that would make your villages self-sufficient. There is more that can be done, but you are on the right track… continue to develop your villages,” the minister told villagers of Hiawa, Nappi, Kuma and Quarrie. The minister was also pleased that some of the young people who had participated in a Social Cohesion Inter-Village Exchange Forum in August, have begun to execute their projects based on what they learnt during the exercise. In Parishara, the youths have identified land to start a peanut farm. Dr. Norton met Alice Mc Donald, one of the youths from whom the idea was birthed. The 18-yearold told the minister that the peanut farm will benefit the entire community but it is for her and the women of the Parishara Women’s Group. McDonald told the minister that the nuts will be supplied to the Parishara Processing Plant where she

also works. The teen was one of 162 youths who benefited from the ministry’s Inter Village Social Cohesion’s empowerment, entrepreneurship forum. Minister Norton urged other communities to follow the example of Parishara to ensure the development of their villages. Moreover, the minister also charged the residents of the villages to work towards becoming more cohesive communities, so they can work together for the betterment of the country. Additionally, Minister Norton urged residents of the villages to preserve their culture, traditions and languages. “This is what is important for the Ministry of Social Cohesion. We must push our cultures, we must promote it…,” he said, while stressing that his ministry is prepared to offer each village the same opportunities for development that is available on the coast. Meanwhile, Coordinator at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Sharon Patter-

son, explained the critical role of the ministry, which is to work towards a more united country by nurturing individual and community relationships. Patterson said since the ministry’s portfolio has been expanded to include Culture, Youth and Sport, its mandate now is to use those areas as tools to deepen social cohesion across the country. The coordinator also told the villagers that the Ministry of Social Cohesion will be working with other ministries, especially the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, to better serve them. Footballs and volleyballs were distributed to the various sports clubs of the villages visited by the team. Also present at the outreaches were Regional Chairman of Region Nine Brian Allicock; Social Cohesion Technical Officer Shabir Ali; Deputy Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, Sherwyn Wellington and Regional Executive Officer, Kerwin Ward. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Bourda Street repairs to commence November 1 REPAIRS to Bourda Street in Georgetown will commence on November 1 and run until November 15, says Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Public Relations Officer, Ms Debra Lewis. Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle that 40 vendors from the said street went into City Hall on Tuesday to sign an agreement with Town Clerk Royston King that they will relocate during the period, but return as soon as the repairs are completed. And while some of the vendors will be allowed to sell on Robb Street in the meantime, Lewis said that more places will have to be provided to accommodate others. The M&CC had said in the past that they were moving to construct stalls in Bourda Street similar to those outside the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), but Lewis has disclosed that the municipality is no longer pursuing this option at the moment. The Bourda Street ven-

dors were, however, urged to upgrade their stalls so that they can appear more pleasing to the eyes, as opposed to the terrible state that some of them are in currently. The M&CC had earlier said that it would allow these vendors a temporary space in front of the Bourda Market until the works have been completed, but Lewis said 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 Public Infrastructure, in collaboration with the M&CC, can complete the road. 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 would no longer be allowed to do business there, because the Council was ready to go ahead with plans to demolish 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 to 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

Half of UK women sexually harassed at work HALF of British women and a fifth of men have been sexually harassed at work or a place of study, a BBC survey says. Of the women who said they had been harassed, 63 per cent said they didn’t report it to anyone, and 79 per cent of the male victims kept it to themselves. The ComRes poll for BBC Radio 5 live spoke to more than 2,000 people. The survey was commissioned after sexual assault claims against Harvey Weinstein resulted in widespread sharing of sexual harassment stories. Women and men who have been sexually harassed have been revealing their experiences on social media using the hashtag “me too” to show the magnitude of the problem worldwide.

Of those who had been harassed, 5 live’s survey suggests one in 10 women had been sexually assaulted. More women than men were targeted by a boss or senior manager – 30 per cent compared with 12 per cent - and one in 10 women who had experienced harassment said it led to them leaving their job or place of study.

‘DIRTY AND UNCOMFORTABLE’ One man, who did not want to be identified, said he had been harassed by his female boss. He said: “She made constant comments about my appearance and how I dressed - comments asking about my hairy chest and what I liked in a woman. “[It was] all laughed off

‘PARALYSED BY FEAR’ Jess Phillips and Mary Creagh were among the MPs to reveal their accounts as they wanted to encourage victims of abuse to speak out. Labour’s Ms Phillips told the London Evening Standard how she had been left “paralysed by fear” when she woke up at a party to find her boss undoing her belt and trying to get into her trousers. Fellow Labour MP Ms Creagh said she was just seven when she was sexually assaulted by about 12 boys during a school playground game of kiss-chase. The results of the BBC survey follow research published last year by the TUC which also suggested more than half of women say they have been sexually harassed at work - and most had not reported it.

That followed allegations, including rape and sexual assault, against Mr Weinstein from more than two dozen women - among them actresses Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan. The Hollywood producer insists sexual relations he had were consensual. The Radio 5 live survey, of 2,031 British adults, found that 37 per cent of all those asked – 53 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men - said they had experienced sexual harassment, ranging from inappropriate comments to actual sexual assaults, at work or a place of study. More than a quarter of people surveyed had suffered harassment in the form of inappropriate jokes or “banter” and nearly one in seven had suffered inappropriate touching.

by other mainly female office staff, but it left me feeling dirty and uncomfortable. “I ended up with depression and confidence issues and had time off with anxiety as a result.” Sarah Killcoyne, from Cambridge, told BBC News she was sexually assaulted when she was still in education by two different men - a school teacher when she was a teenager and later by a college professor. She said: “I would very much like to see the people around the predators - we know there’s only a few of them - to stop enabling them.” Since the allegations about Mr Weinstein surfaced, many high profile names have used social media to highlight the problem of sexual assault, some also detailing the harassment they have endured.

Activist Tarana Burke is the founder of the original Me Too campaign - launched 10 years ago in the United States to provide “empowerment through empathy” to survivors of sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, and harassment in underprivileged communities. She told 5 Live she feels there is now momentum behind a genuine change in the way sexual harassment is handled. “From what I’m seeing and hearing, and from the groundswell of support for this, it doesn’t feel like it’s stopping,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to make sure this is not just a moment, that this is a movement, and we will continue to raise our voices, we will continue to disrupt, we will continue to tell our stories until we are heard and until we move the needle.” (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

EIC accepts Guyana as fit, proper --to manage its extractive resources

GUYANA’S application to become a candidate country of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has been accepted, a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources said Wednesday. Guyana became the 53rd candidate country following deliberations at the 38th Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Board meeting which is being held in Manila, Philippines from October 25 to 26, 2017. “This is a signal achievement for all Guyana as it strengthens the good governance framework that the APNU+AFC coalition government has committed to establishing for the extractive industries sector and beyond,” the ministry stated. The EITI is a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. Guyana through subject Minister Raphael Trotman and National Coordinator of the Guyana EITI Secretariat, Dr Rudy Jadoopat, were invited to the meeting as observers. However, Minister Trotman chose to have a representative from civil society attend in his place. In that regard, Co-Chair of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) representing civil society, Curtis Bernard, accompanied Dr Jadoopat to the meeting. “I am elated that Guyana’s candidature application has been accepted. I see this as the fruit of an inclusive and committed process of

shared governance… a process in which government, industry and civil society have worked together to deliver a nationally beneficial result. I congratulate all stakeholders who worked assiduously to ensure a timely submission of the application that met the EITI Secretariat’s standards and expectations,” said the Minister of Natural Resources.

the extractive sector. That report will be prepared by an independent administrator. “Once a country becomes a member of EITI, it must be assessed against the EITI Standard in a process called validation, which reviews the country’s progress against the EITI requirements, evaluates the impact, and makes recommendations for strengthening the

and validation is required to commence within two and a half years of becoming an EITI candidate country. The secretariat is imploring all citizens, government officials and companies to visit the Guyana EITI website at gyeiti.org, where they will find Guyana’s work plan, Guyana’s candidature application and a list of members of Guyana’s

EITI International Board Chairman Fredrik Reinfeldt (right), congratulating Dr Rudy Jadoopat (left) and welcoming Guyana into the EITI family Wednesday October 25, 2017. Curtis Bernard is behind Reinfeldt

Now that Guyana’s application has been accepted, the country has 18 months from the date of candidature to publish its first EITI report with information relevant to

process and improving the governance of the natural resources sector. The country is re-assessed anywhere between three months and three years, depending on

Over $3M up for grabs

SHELL (SOL) Guya n a I n c . o n We d n e s day launched its annual Christmas promotion, offering customers a chance to win more than $3M in cash and prizes after gassing up with the purchase of $3000 at its 10 service stations countrywide. According to Sales Executive Renee Armstrong-Joseph, Christmas has always been an ideal time for the company to give back, and a grand prize of $200,000 will certainly go a long way in ensuring that a deserving customer enjoys a very merry Christmas.

the outcome of its validation. This encourages continuous improvement and safeguards the integrity of the EITI,” the statement said. Through the EITI Secretariat, the EITI board oversees the validation process and if warranted, ascribes the country as having made satisfactory progress, meaningful progress, inadequate progress or no progress.

There will also be weekly prizes totalling $150,000 in cash, in addition to prizes of Shell FuelSave and LPG. “Our Shell stations welcome all drivers this season, and we look forward to rewarding our customers with generous cash prizes that really put big smiles on their faces,” Armstrong-Joseph said. The promotion will run for eight weeks, with the last drawing being at the height of the season on December 20. Customers spending $3000 on any Shell fuel, whether FuelSave, V-Power or diesel, will be eligible for

the big grand prize or for any of the weekly prizes. Additionally, customers who purchase $5000 worth of Shell fuel will have a chance to win up to $100,000 from the cash machine during the happy-hour period. The promotion was launched at the Shell Bel Air Park service station on Vlissengen Road just next door to the Guyana Chronicle, and saw trivia winners from the Sol Guyana Inc. Facebook page being rewarded prizes and three media operatives winning cash from the Cash Machine.

An implementing country’s first EITI Report must be published within 18 months from the date that the country was accepted as an EITI candidate country

Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), among other details. They can also visit the international EITI website at eiti.org. The Government of

Guyana made a commitment towards EITI on May 4, 2010 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EITI on May 15, 2012. In October 2015, a draft report of a scoping study was presented and in 2016, the government reiterated its commitment to EITI and an EITI Champion was appointed in the person of Minister Trotman. In December 2016, the Guyana EITI National Secretariat was established while in February 1, 2017, a national coordinator was appointed. On February 15, 2017, the Multi-Stakeholder Group was officially launched with representatives from government, industry and civil society and on August 18, 2017, the government formally submitted its application to become a candidate country of the EITI following the completion of several sign-up steps, which include government announcing its unequivocal commitment to implement EITI, committing to work with and engage the private sector, to work with and engage civil society. The government also committed to establishing a Multi-Stakeholder Group in an open and transparent process in accordance with EITI requirements and with assistance from external consultants (World Bank, Carter Centre) and an EITI work plan was agreed to.

--as Shell Guyana ‘gives back’ for Christmas

Sol Guyana’s Renee Armstrong-Joseph spelling out the rules of the game at Wednesday’s launch of the Christmas Promotion (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

City braces for expected Christmas rains --other challenges associated with the season

SECURITY, garbage disposal, and plans to deal with anticipated rains around the Christmas season are hot items on the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)’s agenda for the next few weeks. As such, Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine; Chief Constable Andrew Foo; and City Engineer Colvern Venture have each been tasked with preparing a report for Town Clerk Royston King on how they plan to cope

during the season. King announced at the most recent statutory meeting that the officers were about to “finalise” plans for the festive season. Venture usually has to cope with an increased number of applications from residents; Narine has to plan how he will deal with the increased generation of garbage; and Foo will have to put systems in place to monitor increased criminal activities around the time.

Venture told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the Riverview pump and the one at “Forestry” in Kingston are down at the moment, but that his team is working feverishly to have them up and running in time for the anticipated rains. He explained how the tripartite team, consisting of the M&CC and the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Communities, was able to get a lot of drainage works done with

Remorseful ‘Short Man’ gets 60 years --to spend 23 behind bars for killing fireman

ERROL Williams, called ‘Short Man,’ was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment before Justice James Bovell-Drakes in the Georgetown High Court on Wednesday for the September 15, 2009 manslaughter of fireman Patrick Daly. Justice Bovell-Drakes started at a base of 60 years, but deducted 30 years for the age of the accused when he committed the crime and seven years for time served in jail. As such, Williams will spend 23 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

The deceased: Fireman, Patrick Daly

When asked what he had to say, a remorseful Williams told Justice BovellDrakes while clutching a Bible that he was very sorry for what had happened, and asked for a reduced sentence since he has a threeyear-old daughter he would like to see grow to become

Kokerite Landing murder trial ends --Accused sentenced to 40 years, but will only serve 22

MORRIS Fredericks, 24, of the Essequibo Coast was on Wednesday sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for manslaughter before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Georgetown High Court.

The accused: Errol Williams being led away to jail after his sentencing on Wednesday

a woman. Meanwhile, Probation and Social Services Officer Ariana Gibson told the court that Williams, 33, was born and raised in New Amsterdam, and had had a good upbringing. His parents were cashcrop farmers, she said, and that he and his siblings were adequately provided for, had a sheltered childhood, and lived as a close-knit family. She related that the family troubles started after his parents took to alcohol and separated and he was left with his father. He was just 16 at the time, and was forced into adulthood at an early age. She told the court that Williams did whatever jobs he could find, and once worked with GuySuCo.

Gibson related that Williams did not display aggressive behaviour and has shown remorse, and said at the time of the incident, he was defending a so-called friend and he has acknowledged his errors. She told the court that the accused has realised the pain and suffering he has caused the family of the deceased, and he apologised and at the same time appealed to the court for mercy. Defence Attorney Maxwell McKay said in his plea of mitigation that his client has shown genuine remorse and has accepted responsibility for the loss of a life. He added that Williams did not waste the court’s time by offering a guilty plea, and has expressed empathy to the family and

relatives of the deceased. According to the State’s case, on September 15, 2009, at about 05:30hrs at Lot 99 Land of Canaan, the deceased Patrick Daly was in the outdoor toilet in his yard when the accused and two other persons armed themselves with cutlasses and went after him. When they were finished exacting their revenge on the deceased, they all fled the scene. The accused was arrested six years after the incident and charged for murder. A post-mortem report said Patrick Daly’s body bore seven incised wounds caused by a sharp instrument and gave as the cause of death haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds.

the $150M that Cabinet had approved for such projects. The money was focused on areas that are prone to flooding, and as such, Venture said it is expected that water will recede quickly from those areas in the event of heavy rainfall. A lot depends, though, on how residents treat with their communities, he noted, as many continue to block the waterways by dumping garbage, among other things, in them.

through his attorney, Maxwell McKay. The state was represented by Seeta Bishundial, Narissa Leander and Abigail Gibbs. When he first appeared before Justice Morris-Ramlall, Fredericks had pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. At the time of the incident, the accused, who hails from Anna Regina, was just 18. He reportedly murdered Creighton while the two were at the Kokerite Water Front in the North West District. It is alleged that Fredricks chopped Creighton on the neck, killing him instantly.

The accused: Morris Fredericks

However, Justice Morris-Ramlall deducted 13 years for the guilty plea and five years for time served in jail. This means that Fredericks will only serve 22 years in jail and will be eligible for parole after 15 years. According to a probation report, Fredericks never met his biological father, and grew up with his mother and stepfather. He began working at 14 as a chainsaw operator, but soon gravitated to bad company and alcohol. The State said the accused and the deceased, Alistair Creighton, 33, a miner of Lower Kara Kara, Linden had a heated exchange of words, during which the accused picked up a cutlass and dealt him a fatal wound on November 29, 2011 at Kokerite Landing, Barima River. Fredericks stood up on Wednesday and told the court that he was very sorry for his actions which led to the death of Creighton on the day in question. He also asked for leniency

The deceased: Alistair Creighton

Reports are that on the day of the incident, the deceased was with a friend when the teen came up to them and threatened them before moving off. The men did not take the threat seriously and remained where they were. Shortly thereafter, the suspect reportedly sneaked up on the men and chopped Creighton on the neck, severing the jugular vein. The victim died shortly after. Reports are that the attacker was beaten, tied up and later handed over to ranks of the Moruca Police Station where he was detained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 26, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 26, 2017

From page 24

Jaguars ‘well prepared’... and ready,” the 38-yearold said. He added “The just concluded Franchise League definitely gave us some excellent preparation. I think the guys need to play some cricket, and as long you

played the game you can only learn, so I am confident of a successful title defence”. The squad is somewhat inexperienced, taking into consideration the unavailability of a number of key players. However, Griffith, who represented the country in 22 first-classl matches, is of the opinion that the composition of the squad is a good one. “The squad is dominated more by the younger players, and I believed they will do well in this tournament,” Griffith pointed out. Left-hander Akshaya Persaud is the lone new face in an otherwise predictable squad. However, Griffith is of the view that Persaud’s recent form justified his selection. “He (Persaud) has been excellent, and as a selector these are things we are looking at. I think if you can be consistent…that is what we want. I think it’s a good

chance for him, so let’s see how he handles himself as the tournament goes along,” Griffith expressed. Persaud had a prolific run in the just-concluded Guyana Cricket Board three-day Franchise league where he emerged as the leading run scorer with 523 runs and two centuries with a highest score of 151. On the other hand, the Scorpions Head Coach, Robert Samuels in an invited comment yesterday, pointed out that while his unit is a relatively young one, he is confident of a competitive game. “Playing Guyana is usually a big challenge, they are a good unit…they are the defending champions, but I am confident of a competitive game. My team is fairly young, a young unit, and as such I can’t tell you where our strength lies, but we are prepared,” Samuels said.

The former Jamaica and West Indies opening batsman indicated that while Guyana has the home advantage, he expects a high-quality and high-class game from both teams. He added, “The pressure is on Guyana (Jaguars) to perform since they are the defending champions and the pressure is on us to go out and put on a good show”. The game starts at 09:30hrs, and admission into the venue is free. Other first round matches will see Barbados Pride hosting Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Kensington Oval, while Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes clash at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. The tournament will again be contested under a round-robin format, featuring 10 rounds of matches,

comprising five home and five away fixtures apiece, for each of the six franchises. The team to accumulate the most points will be declared the Champions. Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Bashkar Yadram, Keemo Paul, Anthony Bramble, Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Akshaya Persaud and Anthony Adams. Jamaica Scorpions squad reads: Paul Palmer (Captain), Trevon Griffith, Assad Fudadin, Brandon King, Garth Garvey, Fabian Allen, Romaine Morris (wicketkeeper), Derval Green, Damani Sewell, Dennis Bulli, Paul Harrison, Keno Wallace and Jason Dawes.

Hat-trick Brewster fires England into U17 World Cup final RHIAN Brewster scored a hat-trick to send England Under-17s into the U17 World Cup football final with a 3-1 victory over Brazil in Kolkata on Wednesday. Liverpool’s Brewster took his tally to seven goals for the tournament as he scored twice in the first half and then again in the 76th minute. Wesley had levelled for Brazil in the 21st minute but

England responded well to secure their place in a second major final of the year, where they will face Spain after they beat Mali 3-1 in the other other semi-final. Revenge will be on the cards on Saturday as well as Spain beat England in the final of the European Championship earlier this year. But Steve Cooper’s side should go into the match full of confidence after an impressive performance in hot

and humid conditions against Brazil, who had not previously conceded a goal from open play at the tournament. Brazil started the game on the front foot but fell behind in the 10th minute as Callum Hudson-Odoi chipped over the defence for Brewster to fire in at the second attempt. The lead did not last long as, after both Lincoln and Vitao missed from close range, Wesley finished into the corner after Curtis Anderson

could only palm a shot out into the box. Both teams missed good chances to score next - Joel Latibeaudiere heading wide for England from a corner and Brenner failing to hit the target from a one-on-one opportunity. But it was England who struck before half-time as Steven Sessegnon made an overlapping run and crossed for Brewster to finish.(Sky Sports)

RACING TIPS

10:00 hrs Darebin

09:50 hrs Western Jo

12:30 hrs Boot Camp

South Africa Racing Tips

10:35 hrs Drinks Interval

10:20 hrs Happy Diva

American Racing Tips

Vaal

11:05 hrs Bally Lagan

10:55 hrs Barrys Jack

Belmont

08:35 hrs Spring Steel

11:35 hrs Banditry

Race 1 City Traveler

09:10 hrs Flag Of France

Southwell

11:25 hrs Bigirononhiship 11:55 hrs Towering

Race 2 Pink Sands

09:45 hrs Play The Night

09:05 hrs Firmount Gent

Irish Racing Tips

Race 3 Silver Shaker

10:20 hrs Cashel Palace

09:40 hrs Ringmoylan

Thurles

Race 4 Hardly Mate

10:55 hrs Rouge Allure

10:10 hrs Ballyknock Cloud

09:20 hrs Magic Of Light

Race 5 Miss ot Stones

11:30 hrs Power Of Love

10:45 hrs Undefined Beauty

09:55 hrs Close Shave

English Racing Tips

Race 6 Performance Bonus

Ludlow

11:15 hrs Le Dauphin

08:35 hrs Cresswell Legend

11:45 hrs Hidden Glen

11:00 hrs Fairymount Boy

Carlisle

11:30 hrs Monksland

Race 8 Classic Convey

09:30 hrs Fly Home Harry

09:15 hrs Dark Sunset

12:00 hrs Mick The Jiver

Race 9 The Cake Is a Lie

10:25 hrs Glens Harmony

Race 7 Summer Revolution

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 26, 2017

Karthik, Dhawan fifties set up India-New Zealand decider

INDIA and New Zealand's ODI series will go to a decider after Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan's fifties inspired a six-wicket win. DINESHh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan struck half-centuries as India defeated New Zealand by six wickets to set up a decider in their one-day international series. A rare defeat in Sunday's opener had India under a degree of pressure coming into this meeting in Pune, but they showed their champion quality to level the threematch rubber at 1-1 ahead of the weekend's finale in Kanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (345) was the pick of the India bowlers as New Zealand were reduced to 58-4 before recovering to 230-9 thanks largely to Henry Nicholls' patient 42 and Colin de Grandhomme's more aggressive 41-ball 40. It never looked likely to be enough, though, and the target was swiftly put into perspective by Dhawan (68 from 84) and Karthik (64 not out) as India cruised home with four overs to spare. The Black Caps were always behind the eight-ball after losing four wickets inside 16 overs. Bhuvneshwar accounted for openers Martin Guptill (11) and Colin Munro (10), while Jasprit Bumrah (2-38) claimed the scalp of Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson lbw for just three, and Hardik Pandya enticed Ross Taylor (21) to glove behind. Centurion and match-winner in the first ODI, Tom Latham steadied the ship somewhat with 38

from 62 before the middle and lower order boosted New Zealand to some semblance of respectability. Nicholls' resistance ended when he became Bhuvneshwar's third victim, and De Grandhomme struck five fours and a six before he and Adam Milne fell to successive deliveries from Yuzvendra Chahal (2-36). Mitchell Santner (29) and Tim Southee (25 not out) carried the tourists beyond 200 and the latter made the breakthrough early in the reply as Rohit Sharma chipped tamely to midwicket for seven. The same bowler saw a review for caught behind denied when Dhawan was

25, and the Pune crowd was silenced when captain Virat Kohli edged De Grandhomme to wicketkeeper Latham to fall for 29. Dhawan and Karthik were unruffled, however, the left-hander successfully overturning the on-field decision after being given out caught behind, but their 66run stand was ended when the opener lofted Milne to cover. Pandya struck 30 from 31 balls to ensure India kept well ahead of the rate, and it was left to Karthik and MS Dhoni (18 not out) to get their side over the line and keep the series alive ahead of Sunday's showdown.(Omnisport).

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND Innings M. Guptill c Dhoni b B. Kumar 11 C. Munro b B. Kumar 10 K. Williamson lbw b Bumrah 3 R. Taylor c Dhoni b H. Pandya 21 T. Latham b A. Patel 38 H. Nicholls b B. Kumar 42 C. de Grandhomme c Bumrah b Chahal 41 M. Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 29 A. Milne lbw b Chahal 0 T. Southee not out 25 T. Boult not out 2 Extras (lb-3 w-5) 8 Total (for 9 wickets, 50 overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-20 M. Guptill,2-25 K. Williamson,3-27 C. Munro,4-58 R. Taylor,5-118 T. Latham,6-165 H. Nicholls,7-188 C. de Grandhomme,8-188 A. Milne,9-220 M. Santner Bowling: B. Kumar 10 - 0 - 45 - 3(w-1),J. Bumrah 10 - 2 - 38 – 2, K. Jadhav 8 - 0 - 31 - 0(w-1),H. Pandya 4 - 0 - 23 - 1(w-2), A. Patel 10 - 1 - 54 - 1(w-1),Y. Chahal 8 - 1 - 36 – 2. INDIA Innings Ro. Sharma c Munro b Southee 7 S. Dhawan c Taylor b Milne 68 V. Kohli c Latham b de Grandhomme 29 D. Karthik not out 64 H. Pandya c Milne b Santner 30 M. Dhoni not out 18 Extras (lb-7 w-9) 16 Total (for 4 wickets, 46 overs) 232 Fall of wickets: 1-22 Ro. Sharma,2-79 V. Kohli,3-145 S. Dhawan,4-204 H. Pandya Did not bat: K. Jadhav, A. Patel, B. Kumar, J. Bumrah, Y. Chahal Bowling: T. Southee 9 - 1 - 60 – 1,T. Boult 10 - 0 - 54 - 0(w-3), A. Milne 8 - 1 - 21 - 1(w-1), M. Santner 10 - 0 - 38 – 1, C. de Grandhomme 7 - 0 - 40 - 1(w-1), C. Munro 2 - 0 - 12 - 0(w-2)

Wins for Bacchus Sports Complex and Young Achievers ROUND Seven of the North Essequibo-sponsored T20 competition was played on Sunday last at the Imam Bacchus Sports Complex with the host and Young Achievers achieving comfortable victories. In the first match, Imam Bacchus Sports Club, winning the toss and batting first against Devonshire Castle S.C, accumulated 156-8 from their 20 overs. Former national youth player Nathan Persaud continued his rich form with another valuable innings of 44, including 3x4 and 2x6, while opener Navindra Persaud supported with 42 with 4x4. Medium pacer Devendra Chattergoon took 3-30 from 4 overs, while fast bowler Ajay

Jailall claimed 2-27 from 3 overs. In reply, Devonshire Castle struggled to gain momentum and was eventually all-out for 90 in 17 overs with Basil Persaud 16 and Ajay Jailall 10 being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Off spinner Kulraj Persaud with miserly figures of 3-13 from 4 overs and medium pacer Punraj Singh 2-24 from 4 overs ensured that Imam Bacchus S.C won by a comfortable margin of 66 runs. In the second game at the same venue, Young Achievers clipped the wings of Sparwin to win by 34 runs. The match was reduced to 17 overs following the intervention of rain. Winning the toss and batting first, Young Achiev-

ers posted 135-5 in their 17 overs with Carlos Yapp top scoring with an aggressive 45 containing 2x4 and 4x6 while Mervin Blackman and Shamesh Bridgemohan made 24 each. Leg-Spinner Anil Persaud took 2-47 from 3 overs to be his side’s best bowler. In response, Sparwin were reduced to 101-5 when their overs expired. Opening batsman Rajendra Doodnauth 34 (3x4) and Shane Paul 20 (2x4) briefly threatened the target. Carlos Yapp and Mervin Blackman took one wicket each for the victorious Young Achievers. The competition continues this weekend at various venues, including at Walton Hall and Charity grounds. (Elroy Stephney.)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 26, 2017

Venues changed for Hurricanes’ home matches ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies advised on Wednesday that it has approved a change in venues for two of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ home matches in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship. The change will impact on the third and fifth round matches against the Guyana Jaguars and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force respectively. Hurricanes will now face Jaguars and Red Force at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts, which is now set to stage all of the home matches of the Leewards’ franchise. The change has occurred, due to the unavailability of the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, which is being used to shelter Barbudan residents evacuated to Antigua, following the passage of Hurricane Irma in September. A revised schedule of matches is below.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES

(Scheduled daily start time 10 am, except where indicated in brackets) Round 1 – October 26 to 29 Jaguars vs Scorpions – Guyana National Stadium, Guyana (9:30 am) Pride vs Red Force – Kensington Oval, Barbados (3 pm) Volcanoes vs Hurricanes – National Cricket Stadium, Grenada Round 2 – November 2 to 5 Red Force vs Scorpions – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Volcanoes vs Jaguars – Daren Sammy National Cricket Ground, St. Lucia Round 2 – November 1, 2, 4, 5 Pride vs Hurricanes – Kensington Oval Round 3 – November 9 to 12 Scorpions vs Pride – Sabina Park, Jamaica (3 pm) Hurricanes vs Jaguars – Warner Park, St. Kitts Red Force vs Volcanoes – Queen’s Park Oval Round 4 – November 16 to 19 Hurricanes vs Scorpions – Warner Park Red Force vs Jaguars – Brian Lara Cricket Academy (3 pm) Volcanoes vs Pride – Arnos Vale Sports Complex, St. Vincent Round 5 – November 30 to December 3 Scorpions vs Volcanoes – Sabina Park Hurricanes vs Red Force – Warner Park Jaguars vs Pride – Guyana National Stadium (9:30 am) Round 6 – December 7 to 10 Scorpions vs Red Force – Sabina Park Hurricanes vs Pride – Warner Park Jaguars vs Volcanoes – Guyana National Stadium (9:30 am) Round 7 – December 14 to 17 Jaguars vs Hurricanes – Guyana National Stadium (3 pm) Red Force vs Pride – Brian Lara Cricket Academy Volcanoes vs Scorpions – Darren Sammy National Cricket Ground (3 pm) Round 8 – January 4 to 7 Red Force vs Hurricanes – Queen’s Park Oval Scorpions vs Jaguars – Sabina Park Pride vs Volcanoes – Kensington Oval Round 9 – January 11 to 14 Scorpions vs Hurricanes – Sabina Park Pride vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval Volcanoes vs Red Force – National Cricket Stadium, Grenada Round 10 – January 18 to 21 Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Jaguars vs Red Force – Guyana National Stadium (9:30 am) Hurricanes vs Volcanoes – Warner Park (3 pm)

Magnum Tonic Wine sponsors Basketball League in Linden ANSA McAl Trading Limited, under its Magnum Tonic Wine Brand, yesterday handed over the Championship trophies that will be up for grabs in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Division I League that bounces off next week. President of the LABA, Lawrence Simon said that he was happy to receive the contribution that will keep the sport being played in the Mining Town for a long time. He said that the company offered sponsorship at a time when the Linden From page 23

GFA/Stag Premier League... minute-conversion. For tomorrow’s opening game, Santos is expected to make light work of Flamingo who is yet to find their target after two matches. They first surrendered their opening game of the tournament by giving GFC a walk-over victory on the opening day of the tournament, then suffered a 0-3 loss to points’ leaders Police. Santos for their part will be hoping that William Europe’s appetite for scoring goals will continue tomorrow evening. To date, after two matches, Europe has registered three goals; a double against Northern Rangers on the opening night of the League and another in Santos’ 2-1 win against Pele last Sunday. Europe is expected to get valuable support from Ryan October and Orin Yarde who both have one goal each to their names in the League. The tournament will continue on Sunday with a triple-header at the same venue beginning at 16:00hrs. The feature game will see Pele engaging Riddim Squad from 20:00hrs, while Beacons will face Northern Rangers from 18:00hrs and Police faces Black Pearl in the curtain raiser.

sub-association was not sure where the resources was coming from for the competition. Brand Coordinator for Magnum Tonic Wine at the Distribution Company, Edison Jefford indicated that the contribution again highlights Ansa McAl’s commitment to the development of sports and youth all across Guyana. Jefford stated that the company was happy to assist the LABA to get its League up and literally bouncing.

Brand Coordinator for Magnum Tonic Wine, Edison Jefford (left) hands over one of the trophies to LABA President, Lawrence Simon for their Division I Basketball League.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 26, 2017

Silver Shattas dump GFC out of Turbo Football ….Grove stun Santos By Stephan Sookram TUESDAY evening’s matches in the Turbo Knockout football tournament featured a number of upsets as major Georgetown teams were dumped from the tournament. The first to go was Georgetown Football Club (GFC), who went down 5-2 to Linden’s Silver Shattas under drizzles at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. The Georgetown-based side took the lead from the

8th minute with Jermain Padmore’s strike and then doubled it up through Curtis Kellman in the 27th as they looked in top form. However, Robin Adams of Silver Shattas was not going to let those two goals go unanswered, as he slotted home his first goal of the tournament in the 43rd. After the break, a renewed Silver Shattas took to the field and their style of play was more forward. They were rewarded with an equaliser through Dexter Garraway in the 58th

A Silver Shattas player is flanked by two GFC Players as he tries to head the ball in Tuesday evening’s Turbo Knock Out football at the Ministry of Education ground (Adrian Narine Photo)

and then finally took the lead through the same scorer in the 67th. The Linden-based side then capitalised on GFC’s hunt for an equalising goal to score two more; both from Damion Williams in the 78th and 85th. In the second game, Grove Hi-Tech disposed of Santos FC 5-3. Two quick fire goals inside the first 10 minutes from the East Bank-based side through Joel Dick (7th) and Lloyd Matthews, ensured that their Georgetown opponents were immediately on the back foot. Dick returned in the 11th to score a third in a fire-

cracker of a start for the Grove side with Santos finally responding in the 21st through Orin Yard. Santos seemed on the path of a comeback when a second goal was scored through Keith Caines (31st) before Domini Garnett slotted home Grove’s fourth in the 40th minute. On the return from half time, Lionel Holder would become Santos third scorer in the 74th as they again tried the comeback route but Garnett again spoiled their show in the 90th. Matches continue today with Uitvlugt vs Kuru Kuru and Riddim Squad playing Pouderoyen.

Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup bowls off tomorrow - tournament to be a huge hit, says John

By Rajiv Bisnauth IN what is sure to be a battle of softball talent, the first ever Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup is set to bowls off tomorrow at several grounds in Georgetown. Sixteen teams, in two categories are lined up to battle it out for top honours over the next three days, as cricket enthusiasts will definitely see softball in a new dispensation. Regal, one of the country’s leading softball teams, is being placed in Group A with Farm, De Hoop and Speedboat XI for the Open Category. In Group B, Success, Hill Foot Warriors and Spartans will collide, while Group C will see Mafia XI, Boots XI and SVC Enforcers. In the Masters Category,

(Flashback) President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) Ian John (seated extreme left) listens attentively as Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, delivers brief remarks when the tournament was officially launched on September 10th last

Amazon Masters, Regal Masters and New York Hustlers will form Group A, while Group B will have HS Masters, Tropical Springs and Enterprise Masters.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment yesterday, President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) Ian John, said that a competitive three days of

cricket is in the making, adding that all logistics are in place for a successful tournament. “This will definitely be an exciting and challenging

Pune groundsman sacked after TV sting

A groundsman has been sacked after video emerged of him allegedly agreeing to tamper with the wicket before Wednesday’s one-day international between India and New Zealand in Pune. A sting operation by India Today TV captured Pandurang Salgaoncar on camera allegedly stating he

Groundsman Pandurang Salgaoncar

would prepare the pitch to suit two unnamed bowlers. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked for a detailed report. It added it had “zero tolerance towards any such activity”. Salgaoncar was dis missed by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and replaced by curator Ramesh Mhamunkar. The

second ODI, at the MCA Stadium, went ahead on schedule after the pitch had been inspected by match referee Chris Broad, BCCI said. The India Today footage of Salgaoncar talking to a reporter, who was posing as a bookmaker, was broadcast a few hours before the match.(BBC Sport)

competition. Softball cricket has become so popular and competitive over the years;

so definitely this will be an exciting tournament,” John expressed. Everest Cricket Club 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. Lighted bails will be used in the competition and added entertainment will be provided by the Crossover band and cheerleaders during the finals. The tournament is being played in collaboration with the National Sports Commission.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 26, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Karl Nunes (vs ENG, Lord’s, 1928) (2) Andy Flower (vs IND, Harare, 1992) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is WI first centurion in Tests? (2) Who is ZIM first centurion in Tests? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 26, 2017

Guyoil signs on to International Race of Champions

The Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) is the latest sponsor of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club International Race of Champions. The fuel giants yesterday handed over sponsorship through Marketing Manager, Eric Whaul, to GMR&SC’s Surica Singh, at their Camp Street office. In handing over the sponsorship, Whaul stated that the company is a long-time sponsor of sports and this is their way of fulfilling their corporate social responsibility. He contended that a lot of their products are also geared toward a large base of the racing family; hence

the company being on board. The twenty-seven race programme is billed for November 11 and 12 at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. The event will see competition from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, the United States and Canada. In addition to the local races, the club has also included two sets of new events. The much-talked about Radical SR3 will make their debut here during that event as part of what the club deems ‘giving back to the fans.’ There are also three professional drift cars that are expected for the event so that

Surica Singh of GMR&SC collects Guyoil’s sponsorship for the International Race of Champions from Marketing Manager, Eric Whaul.

persons can be introduced to, and excited by the different forms of entertainment on both days. Saturday will be treated as just a race day, with adults being charged 1000 per entry and children 500. On Sunday, Adults will be charged $2000 and children $1000. Qualification will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00hrs, with races beginning from 14:00hrs. Scrutineering will take place on Thursday and Friday and before qualification on Saturday. Meanwhile, the club is organising weekend passes for those patrons desirous of viewing both days of action as well as VIP passes.

GFA/Stag Premier League double- header slated for tomorrow at GFC ground The GFA/Stag Premier League continues tomorrow at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), ground, Bourda with a double-header beginning at 18:00hrs. The feature match which is scheduled for a 20:00hrs-

start, brings together Camptown and GFC while the curtain raiser will see Santos locking horns with Flamingo. Camptown currently has six points from two 2-1 wins; one versus Pele and the other against Northern rangers. The Campbellville based

unit has a goal difference of plus two. GFC on the other hand has five points; three from a walk-over win against Flamingo (three points and two goals) and another two points from a 1-1 drawn game against Black Pearl last Sunday.

Camptown will be looking to Richie Richards who netted a brace in his team’s 2-1 win against Pele on the opening day of the League, as well as Shane Jones and Oriel Small, who both scored in the team’s second round match against Northern

Rangers, to take the attack to homesters GFC, whose striker Curtez Kellman scored an 18th minute-equaliser against Black Pearl last Sunday after Devon Henry had sent Black Pearl into the lead with a 13th Turn to page 21

‘Golden Jaguars’ could play more games in the AFC, says GFF president ..to face Indonesia on November 25

The Indonesia National Football Team

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’s senior Men’s national football team, popularly known as the ‘Golden Jaguars’, will make an historic maiden voyage to the continent of Asia, where they will face Indonesia on Saturday November 25. The game against Indone-

sia will be only the second time Guyana will be facing a team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), having faced India twice – 1984 and 2011. However, Wayne Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), said that while the trip to the predominantly Muslim country is their first, it will not be their last.

In fact, Forde said that the GFF will also be announcing another engagement against the team from the AFC shortly. “What you’re seeing is a strategic rolling out of our plan for our senior national programme” Forde told reporters, adding that his administration had spent a considerable amount of time

in office building capacity and putting in place, plans for continued development at the youth level; both male and female with the setting up and rolling out of the Academy Training Centres (ATC) across the country. “The thing is, we will also, very soon, be announcing engagements as far as Africa and with the resumption of the Elite League, it will bring added incentives for our senior players” said Forde. Both Guyana and Indonesia are ranked at 165 in the world by the sport’s global governing body (FIFA) and Forde said that the GFF will continue to target countries around similar rankings, and, eventually, will face the more prominently ranked teams in other confederations. Meanwhile, Technical Director of the GFF, Ian Greenwood stated that the engagement against Indonesia “will be a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience a different type of play and a different type of opposition.”

“The GFF Technical Department has been pushing our players to have adaptable skills and to function effectively in any environment, as we are looking to build in 2018 which will be a competitive year,” Greenwood added. Prior to their journey to Indonesia, Guyana will face Caribbean football powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago on November 14, an official FIFA date, at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Guyana’s head coach Wayne Dover pointed out that “these games are very important as they will allow for assessment of our team’s calibre and serve as platforms to expose our local talent.” Dover added, “Should we get a positive result, it will augur well for sponsorship, attract more local players to the fraternity and improve our Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranking. All this will serve to create a firm national team that can truly reflect a strong Guyana National Team.”

CWI appoints Englishman to top commercial post ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies(CWI have appointed Englishman Dominic Warne as director of Commercial, Marketing and Communications.

Englishman Dominic Warne

The appointment, which took effect October 1, will see the executive taking responsibility for CWI’s commercial operations and revenue generation, along with marketing and communications initiatives. “I’m really excited to join CWI’s new leadership team and strengthen the iconic Windies brand,” Warne said. “The flamboyant cricket, colour and atmosphere that so defines Caribbean cricket is unique. We have a great opportunity to connect with fans and excite commercial sponsors, so I’m looking forward to growing partnerships with the territorial boards and sponsors to make the cricketing heartbeat of the region beat stronger.” According to CWI, Warne brings over two decades of marketing and sponsorship strategy to the new post. Warne, who will be based at the CWI headquarters here, joins another Englishman Johnny Grave, who was appointed CEO last February.

Guyoil signs on to International Race of Champions

Page 23

Jaguars ‘well prepared’ for title defence, says Griffith Face Jamaica Scorpions from today at Providence Stadium

By Rajiv Bisnauth THREE-times Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day champions, Guyana Jaguars will commence their title defence today when they square off against the Jamaica Scorpions in round one of the region’s leading first-class tournament at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. While the Guyanese will be aiming for a fourth straight title, Manager/As-

sistant Coach of the Jaguars unit, Rayon Griffith, believes the side is much better equipped, and is confident of a successful title defence of the six-team tournament. Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday prior to the squad’s training session, Griffith, the former Guyana fast bowler, is optimistic that the team can bank on its preparation to kick start their campaign on a winning note. “We are prepared Turn to page 19

Romario Shepherd (in front) is expected to lead the Jaguars fast bowling unit. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Jamaica Scorpions Head Coach, Robert Samuels

Akshaya Persaud, who is the lone new face in the Jaguars 13-man squad, during the training session. (Samuel Maughn photo)

The Guyana Jaguars squad and other potential players during yesterday’s training session at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. (Samuel Maughn photo)

WADA figures show ‘noteworthy’ rise in positive results

Hat-trick Brewster fires England into U17 World Cup final Rhian Brewster (No 9 shirt) celebrates the opening goal

Page 19

(REUTERS) - There was a “noteworthy” rise in the number of positive results from worldwide drugs tests last year, the World Anti-Doping Agency said in a report released on Wednesday. WADA’s report showed banned substances were found in 4,822 samples from 300,565 tests (1.6 percent) carried out globally last year -- up from 1.26 percent in 2015, when there were 3,809 adverse analytical findings from 303,369 samples.

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WADA’s 2016 Testing Figures Report marks the second set of global testing data since the revised World Anti-Doping Code came into effect at the start of 2015. The figures, which summarise the results of all 2016 samples analysed by WADA-accredited laboratories, also showed there was a relative increase in the number of blood samples collected, to 7.75 percent in 2016 from 6.98 percent in 2015. THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 26, 2017