Guyana Chronicle E Paper 27-05-2018

27th May, 2018

No.105287

Scanners for prisons – says Ramjattan after Mother’s Day fete in New Amsterdam Prison

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One dead in row 11 over bicycle PAGE

Ambika Ramraj crowned Miss World Guyana 2018 04 PAGE

Youth development a priority

– says Pakuri’s first female toshao

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Despite inclement weather, revellers took to the streets of Georgetown to participate in the Guyana Festival inaugural road parade on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Scanners for prisons – says Ramjattan after Mother’s Day fete in New Amsterdam Prison

THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Security, will be working assiduously to equip all local prisons with scanners in a bid to reduce contraband from entering them.

The minister’s comments Friday followed the Mother’s Day party held by prisoners stationed at the New Amsterdam penitentiary.

On Mother’s Day, photographs posted by an inmate of the prison, Abdul Andre Azimullah, a murder suspect, went viral on social media as that prisoner and fellow inmates posed with hard liquor, energy drinks

and were smoking what is believed to be marijuana cigarettes.

Investigations were launched by the hierarchy of the prison service to determine how the inmates were able to obtain the alcohol and contraband.

At a recent press conference held by the Alliance For Change (AFC), party leader Khemraj Ramjattan told reporters that while an investigation into the incident is ongoing, efforts are being made to beef up security at all prisons across the country.

He said there is a great need to professionalise the

prison service though hiring of new recruits. “I honestly believe that this is being done by some rogue elements in our prison system. The prison warders are doing this, colluding with them (prisoners). There is no doubt in my mind,” said the public security minister.

He noted too that some prison warders were in the past dismissed for engaging in such activities, while adding that it seems to be “an extremely profitable thing”.

“That is why it is better to remove them from the prison. This is another reason why people who are smoking marijuana should

be removed and not subjected to imprisonment and custodial penalty,” Ramjattan declared.

He told reporters that while on a recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona as part of the CariSecure work study tour, he was able to observe the prison and police system there. Ramjattan described the system as “extremely advanced” while pointing to the fact that many of the officers there are college graduates and are paid a minimum of US$6400 as opposed to local officers being paid a maximum of US$400.

“So you could understand that some of them feel

the norm is to go and carry the cocaine for all these big boys and their families will pay them,” Ramjattan added while stressing the need to professionalise the prison service.

“Honesty also comes from the individual knowing that when you do this, it could be a major security risk. Somebody could get high and then burn down the prison,” the minister stated while assuring that efforts are being made to have the scanners placed at the entrance to all prisons, including the maximum security prison located at Mazaruni, Region Seven.

“A security system that is based on scanners is very expensive,” said Ramjattan, who noted that he, along with Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes, have been interacting with persons who are inclined to help Guyana in this regard.

“Technology is expensive. I will try again this year to get the scanner for all these prisons. We understand too that we had a scanner for some place and the people just by pass the scanner; so we really have to professionalise our prison warders,” Ramjattan concluded.

Charges not politically-motivated – ‘corrupt’ officials of former administration must face the courts, says Ramjattan CHAIRMAN of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday dismissed claims by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that the coalition government is using its power and influence to charge former officers of its administration.

“I am aware that the prosecution of a predecessor who belongs to a competing political party is likely to be perceived as politically-motivated. No matter how justified or warranted the prosecution is… but political expediency should never and will never guide us as a government (APNU+AFC) to guide the application of justice,” Ramjattan said in reference to charges laid by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former NICIL

head, Winston Brassington.

The duo has been charged with misconduct in public office, contrary to the common law.

“Our nation cannot move forward in any meaningful way without coming to terms legally and morally with the abhorrent activities that were authorised and even given a false fake character of legality, committed by the men and women in the highest levels of the PPP government.”

Ramjattan, a former member of the PPP, said the coalition government unearthed evidence which warranted that same be handed over to the Guyana Police Force.

Dr Singh and Brassington in December 2009, by way of an agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, lands amounting

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

to 103.88 acres, property of the State for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (vat exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleged that the duo on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, by way of agreement of sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation, land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the State for the sum of $150,000,000 knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000

by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

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

SHOULD NOT CONTINUE Meanwhile, Ramjattan said if such discretions are allowed to continue, then members of government will feel the need to practice and advocate the selling of State properties at low prices “and without the lawful procedure and they can do so with impunity; we cannot allow that.”

He said it is for the same reason that since taking office in May 2015, his government embarked on forensic audits of various government agencies.

Those audits, Ramjattan said, disclosed information which pointed to gross misconduct by public officers. “…when the information was so bad we sent it to the police; there was some that was not so bad and some that was bad,” he said, making it clear that his government does not influence the Police Legal Advisor (PLA) or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

He said the entire process is transparent and pointed to hiring of Irish expert, Dr Sam Sittlington, to assist SOCU in its mandate.

“So all the pieces are there to ensure the warranting and justification of these prosecutions, but they are going to play that we are politically-motivated and so on.”

Ramjattan said if after 52 years as an Independent nation, Guyanese cannot come to terms with unauthorised activities of leading members, then the country cannot progress.

He accused the PPP officers of “contorting the law” to make dubious decisions.

“It is important to understand that to move forward after 52 years we need to come to terms with all these things. Because every other government will feel when they go in there that they could go and sell properties to their friends and family at cheap prices or with no valuations and then use the law to say we are not public officers,” he told reporters.

Lawyers for the accused have contended that they are not public officers in accordance with the Constitution. But Ramjattan, a lawyer by profession, has said “that public officer thing in the Constitution is for a different thing totally.”

“Otherwise a minister could thief and then say you can’t charge me because I am not a public officer. We got to understand that this thing is going to be politicised and it is going to get nowhere, because we are going to hold our course and of course there is the court system. If the courts release them then fine,” he concluded.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Jagdeo talked down marijuana – very opportunistic he is talking it up legalisation now, say Carrington, Ramjattan ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Carrington says every bit of support is needed to ensure the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act is amended to remove imprisonment for persons found guilty of being in possession of small amounts of marijuana.

According to the legislation, once summarily convicted of possession of any narcotic, a person is liable to be imprisoned – for at least three years and at most five.

There is also a fine attached to such conviction.

This week, the issue of the decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana resurfaced when 27-year-old Carl Mangal was sentenced to three years in prison for being in possession of 8.6 grams of marijuana.

Attorney Nigel Hughes has since filed an appeal against the three-year sentence imposed on Mangal.

The sentencing of the man has outraged the AFC, and has resulted in calls for swift action to remove custodial sentencing for persons found with small amounts of ganja.

On Friday, Carrington told reporters that he finds it strange that after serving in government for 23 years the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), through its Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo is seeking to

“jump on board”.

“There is a lot of confusion in the PPP camp,” Carrington told reporters Friday during a press conference held at his party’s headquarters. He said his party is working towards the reduction of sentencing for persons found with small amounts of marijuana.

“Since 1988, this Act was in place and the PPP spent all that time in government from 1992 to 2015 and they had done nothing whatsoever to deal with this particular matter,” said the AFC member who had tabled the bill in 2015.

He said after putting the proposed legislation to the House, it was recognised that the Advisory Council on Narcotics as well as the rehabilitation fund which falls under the Ministry of Public Health, was never established “To move the bill forward we need to have that fund established for eventuality because we don’t know what would take place. We hope we won’t have a situation with a lot of people smoking.

I know fully well from my observation across Guyana, jailing a person does not stop a person from smoking.

People still smoke, although many persons get jailed for five grams or 10 grams or whatever the case,” Carrington stated.

Jagdeo recently said he favours non-custodial sentences for persons found to

Michael Carrington

be in possession of small amounts of marijuana being removed from the law books while stating that he is not in favour of legalising the plant.

Rehabilitation and education are critical, Carrington told reporters while making it clear that he is not a smoker.

“At the same time I don’t want to see our people go to jail for just a joint, especially when it does not harm the person next to them.”

STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION He said the PPP’s indication that it will support the legislation is a step in the right direction but reminded that the steps being taken now should have been taken by the PPP when they were in power.

“I hope good sense prevails but in terms of trying to now bite in or trying to actually own it, I have a problem with that. I think they should

have done it a long time ago.

“I am glad for any support we could have whether the PPP or APNU in terms of sitting and dealing with this matter -- have an Advisory Council established, fund established and rehabilitation established,” Carrington stated.

The advancing of the draft legislation was stalled after the CARICOM Commission on Marijuana and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) indicated that two studies would be done to examine the entirety of narcotics possessions here as well as sentencing.

The CARICOM report is expected to be released soon.

As such, an evidence-based policy decision on marijuana is being explored.

Meanwhile, Carrington said the only persons to benefit from persons going to prison for small amounts of marijuana are lawyers.

“The lawyers make endless money from $100 000 to $500 000 – they benefit and the State loses because they (authorities) spend a lot of money to keep them inside the prison - the family has big loss,” he said.

Carrington, who has strong views against the jailing of persons found with 8 grams of marijuana, said it is pointless to imprison someone, who paid $1 600 for the small quantities of marijuana, and then spend $1M to take care of them for three years.

“I think we should have some system in place where the people could pay a fine and go home and the State take the fine and reinvest it in education to stop people from smoking,” he opined while noting that the legislation is addressing marijuana strictly and not possession of small amounts of cocaine.

CONSCIENCE VOTE Carrington told reporters that he is looking for “a conscience vote in parliament” from both sides. “Persons see smoking as a very bad thing; but people do drink and do all sort of other things, and a percentage of persons may do things that look bad, but we got to find a way in terms of shaping them back into reality that smoking basically is not good.”

Expressing confidence that the legislation will receive support from both sides of the House, when it returns, Carrington noted that “jailing a person for smoking is not good”. He said the health impacts created by the use of marijuana have been taken into consideration. Eventually, he said, issue of possession for small amounts of cocaine would be examined but the Advisory Council would have to be in place.

Meanwhile, Party Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan has described the opposition leader’s expression of support for the legislation at this belated stage as “supreme, naked,

flagrant opportunism”.

“We have now come to the realisation that indeed it is a bad thing for people with these small amounts; eight grams and so on to be jailed for it,” he said.

“We have an obligation as an Executive branch to reduce it,” Ramjattan added that national symposiums on the subject are on the cards.

Meanwhile, the AFC has also pointed to recommendations made in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Camp Street Prison Disturbances and Resultant Deaths on March 2 to 4, 2016 which called for the decriminalising of possession of minimum amounts of marijuana for personal use.

The Commission of Inquiry was headed by Justice (ret’d) James Patterson who said that non-violent drug offenders ought not to be placed on remand in the penitentiary but the State should employ non-custodial sentences in all cases of possession. Patterson in his report also pointed to the need for information and treatment.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, recently told reporters a number of studies illustrated the adverse effects of marijuana use. Such a matter needs to be the subject of a referendum relative to the decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

Ambika Ramraj takes the coveted crown

By Vishani Ragobeer

Ramraj looks a picture of elegance, strutting the stage Friday in her ‘ultra-violet’ evening gown (Photo by Delano Williams)

Sunday May 27th, - 03:30 –14:30 hrs Monday May 28th, - 04:00 –14:30 hrs Tuesday May 29th, - 04:30 –14:30 hrs

AFTER a very close competition on Friday night at the Pegasus Hotel, 19-year-old Ambika Ramraj took the Miss World Guyana 2018 title, making her eligible to represent her country at the global level in Sanya, China, in December.

Just a few moments after being crowned, Ambika said: “I think I feel elated.

I don’t know if that’s the right word to describe how I’m feeling right now, but I know I’m happy in this moment, and I’m so grateful that everything I put in paid off.”

Ambika bested Tracy Smith, who was adjudged first runner-up, and Joylyn Conway, the second runner-up to take the coveted title. Throughout the night, however, it was a close competition between the three, as they edged past the seven other finalists.

Conway won the talent segment, while Smith’s ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project was adjudged the best of the lot. Ramraj, however, was adjudged the top model, winner of the multimedia campaign, and best in performance evaluation.

She was crowned by her predecessor, Miss World Guyana 2017, Vena Mookram.

Filled with gratitude, Ambika said: “The next step for me, I think, is training really hard to rep-

–– to become Miss World Guyana 2018

resent Guyana extremely well on the international stage, and doing my country proud; representing Guyana as it should be represented.”

First runner-up Tracy Smith and second runner-up, Joylyn Conway, voiced similar sentiments of gratitude, and vowed to continue their ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ projects.

Before being selected to enter the pageant, all three girls were required to make a presentation as to why they believe they should be chosen as the queen.

During her victory speech, Ambika reflected upon the conflicted feelings she’d had about entering

the pageant.

She, however, said that after signing up for the pageant, she embarked on “a journey of self discovery” and found her purpose.

And though, admittedly, she may have selfishly entered the pageant for herself, her journey to the crown, especially with her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project and being the regional ambassador for Region Four, has allowed her to amass an unimaginable amount of compassion for those around her.

Given what she’s experienced in her own personal life, and the connections she felt with those around her, she affirmed, “I will be

the voice for our people.”

Ambika’s ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project is titled “Healthy Wholly”, and focusses on using sports and fitness to reduce mental illness.

Aside from being crowned the queen, Ambika was most emphatic that the best part of the pageant for her was that moment she shared backstage with the nine other contestants, or sisters as she calls them, where they comforted her when she was not at her best.

This, she said, illustrated the sense of camaraderie and sisterhood the girls have developed over the past few weeks.

Miss World Guyana 2018, Ambika Ramraj (seated) is flanked by first runner-up, Tracy Smith (left), and second runner-up, Joylyn Conway (Photo by Delano Williams)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

No attack on private lawyers – AG says Bar Association must not condone acts that injures the State ATTORNEY General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams has rejected claims by the Guyana Bar Association that he launched an attack on private lawyers in recent days.

In a Stabroek News article headlined “Bar Council raps Attorney General over comments on private lawyers” on Thursday, May 24, 2018, the Bar Association said that comments reportedly made by the AG to the effect that “private lawyers who fail to hand over cases involving the State should be charged,” are unwarranted.

On Friday, while refuting the allegations levied against him, the Attorney General in a statement, said that as head of the Bar, he has and will continue to hold the Bar and its members in the highest regard. However, Minister Wil-

Attorney General Basil Williams

liams made it clear that as the country’s Chief Government Legal Advisor, he has an obligation to the President, the Government and the people of Guyana, to give the best

legal representation possible.

That, however, cannot be achieved when cases, outsourced to private attorneys by the former attorney general of the last administration, are kept in the bosom of those attorneys, unknown to the new attorney general, he reasoned.

“The issue at hand is not the outsourcing of cases but the failure to inform the Attorney General’s Chambers in a timely manner of outsourced cases in the possession of attorneys,” Minister Williams explained as he cleared the air on the issue.

In the Stabroek News article, the Bar Association created a perception that the attorney general has issues with cases involving the State being outsourced to private attorneys.

“It was stressed that the

reality is that lawyers at the private bar have always conducted litigation for the State in Guyana and throughout the Commonwealth, and continue to do so today. This practice is ‘entirely proper’ and is used where lawyers in private practice have such skills, experience or specialists knowledge of discrete areas of law to enable them to properly and successfully conduct litigation on behalf of the State, the association said,” the Stabroek News article read.

NO ISSUE WITH OUTSOURCING But the attorney general

made it clear that his chambers has no issue with the outsourcing of cases involving the State. It, however, has issues with private attorneys not updating the attorney general on cases they were awarded under the previous administration.

Minister Williams explained that under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration, a number of cases were outsourced to private attorneys.

“Those attorneys refused to hand over the cases and the Attorney General’s Chambers only became aware of those cases after judgment was passed in large amounts

e.g. the Dipcon case (2016), where a $400 million judgment was made against the Government was only told to the Attorney General three months after judgment was passed,” he further explained.

Stating that the Bar Association should not condone any behaviour that “injures” the State, the attorney general posited that any prudent lawyer would, upon a change of Government, see it fit to communicate to the Attorney General’s Chambers if they are in possession of any Government matter outsourced to them by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

The Red Cross Society RECENTLY, the Guyana Red Cross Society celebrated the 70th anniversary of its establishment in Guyana.

Up to a generation ago, Guyanese were well informed of the history of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and young people felt it an honour to be associated with the Red Cross and its work.

In the 19th century, Europe continued fighting its civil wars which became bloodier than previous centuries. Swords and bayonets were still more used than firearms and when the opposing armies had a lull in their fighting at nightfall, thousands of dead, dying and injured soldiers were left on the battlefield with little or no medical help.

In 1859, the Italians were involved in driving Austria, the colonial power out of Italy and France was lending its support.

Henri Dunant, a Swiss businessman whose business interests in Algeria were not doing very well, decided to visit Italy to meet French Empero, Napoleon III, to discuss his business interests.

On his arrival, the battle of Solferino was taking place and after 16 hours of fighting, the armies withdrew for the night, leaving 40,000 dead, dying and injured soldiers on the battlefield. Henri Dunant heard the groans and screams of the injured, and moved with great compassion, and with the help of the neighbouring villagers, he was able to save the lives of many soldiers.

Dunant returned to Switzerland, published his experiences of Solferino, and got together a small group who called themselves “The International Committee for the relief

of the wounded” who pledged themselves to help those wounded in battle irrespective of nationality, religion or country. Out of Dunant’s vision and initial work, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies grew.

The emblem used was the inverted flag of Switzerland (Dunant’s home country) and Turkey: the red background of both flags became white and the white cross and crescent in the respective flags became red.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent of the Society’s emblem should therefore not be mistaken for religious symbols.

After World War II, the numbers of national Red Cross Societies greatly multiplied with the emergence of new nations freed from colonialism. Today, all nations in the world have Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies and their work has moved away from dealing with the effects of war to civilian disasters and suffering of all kinds.

The Guyana Red Cross Society, from its establishment in 1948, caught the public’s imagination and goodwill from the number of its humanitarian activities and its fundamental principles which all societies share. These seven principles are: HUMANITY - in its national and international capacities, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found; IMPARTIALITY - in relieving suffering, it makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions; NEUTRALITY - the Movement does not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, religious, racial or ideological nature; INDEPENDENCE - the Societies

must always be able to maintain their autonomy so as to act according to the Principles of the Movement; VOLUNTARY SERVICE - a purely voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain; UNITY - there could be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country which must be open to all and must carry out its humanitarian work throughout its territory; UNIVERSALITY - all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other worldwide.

The Mission Statement of the Guyana Red Cross Society is “To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the Power of Humanity” and their various programmes and activities manifest their Mission in good measure: The First Aid training programmes and administering First Aid when there are crowds or large congregations of people is a core activity of the Society.

Over 1000 per year are trained in First Aid and more than 1000 casualties are treated. In addition, over 200 persons per year are trained in various aspects of Health Education.

The Meals on Wheels programme is highly appreciated. Over 9000 mid-day meals are distributed annually, some delivered directly to individuals and some are consumed on site.

From the time blood transfusion became a normal medical procedure in Guyana, The Red Cross pioneered voluntary blood donations. It works with other national bodies involved in blood donations

and its own Club 25 encourages voluntary donations from young people.

The Red Cross Youth (RCY) has been involved in taking gifts to children and it has two Senior Citizens groups who plan their own activities, including their Christmas Party.

The Society also runs a Children Convalescent Home with between 20 to 30 residents. In addition to taking in children who have been abandoned or victims of acute socio-economic constraints, it tries to reintegrate children in their families and helps in the fostering and adoption processes.

In his message to mark World Red Cross Day 2018 and the 70th Anniversary of the Guyana Red Cross Society, President David Granger was high in his praise for the Guyana Red Cross Society and its parent organization and acknowledged the selfless sacrifice of Red Cross workers: “It assures victims of conflict, disaster and epidemic disease that there are persons willing to risk their lives . . . the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and our own Guyana Red Cross Society could not have succeeded without the selfless service of volunteers and the generous support of individuals, organizations and corporations”.

Aurora Gold Mines supports local aviation Dear Editor CITING the diatribe directed at Aurora Gold Mines in the May 23, 2018 Kaieteur News titled, “Aurora Gold Mine aborts locals; hires Canadian airline to fly domestic trips,” we would like to debunk all the false claims made against AGM with this what can only be summed up to a logorrhoea filled and malicious attack for some individual’s political machinations.

Aurora Gold Mines has never abandoned the Guyanese people, whether it is through its daily operation or in its flight operations department. Instead, it strives to empower the local population with the skills that will en-

able them to fill the technical jobs within the developing resources sector. This article will highlight with traceable facts the massive transfer of skills and empowerment of Guyanese because of AGM’s flight operations.

Firstly, AGM did not hire a Canadian airline to provide service to its mine. AGM bought a Twin Otter DHC6300 aircraft and, as the owners of [the] said craft, contracted a Canadian management firm which has current international experience managing Twin Otters for several years.

The word current is applicable as [it] highlights that this company has personnel who have recent experience flying, maintaining and managing this aircraft type. Please

take note that the entry of this aircraft was made at the time when there was a myriad of aircraft accidents and incidents involving various local operators. As such, this decision was induced by the concern for the safety of our approximately 800 plus local and 30 expatriate workers.

Here are the facts by the numbers.

Internal Local Contributions The flight operations team for this aircraft is made up of 14 persons in total with 6 being Canadian and the remaining 8 Guyanese. The Canadians represent 42% of the total team. Our flight team consists of 4 Canadian pilots and 3 Guyanese Pilots.

The Guyanese pilots include defence force officers and aviation veterans. We have facilitated the acquisition of visas, licensing conversion documents and training to equip our local flight crew contingent with the necessary credentials to take command of our aviation asset.

Our aircraft engineering team consists of two (2) Canadian mechanics on rotation with one local mechanic who is currently in the final stages of his license conversion to better equip him to take on a leadership role within the aircraft maintenance department at AGM. The aircraft maintenance department has also engaged the local aviation engineering school (The Art William’s & Harry Wendt

Aeronautical Engineering School) employing the services of several of its students to work along with our aircraft mechanics on weekends, which adds to their technical experience as budding young Guyanese engineers. Our Georgetown flight operations team is comprised of a young Guyanese pilot and another AGM employee. AGM sought out persons within its own organisation and externally who had the necessary aptitude, then trained them to execute their daily flight operations. In doing so, skills that are transferrable across the aviation sector globally were imparted, giving these young people the opportunity to have professional careers, years beyond the lifespan of AGM across

the globe. In addition to this, other AGM Guyanese personnel were trained as operations officers at the mine site to assist in times of employee turnaround.

These mine workers who had no prior understanding of aviation, have benefited from transference of technical skills in aircraft ramp handling, aircraft security awareness, safety management systems and general flight operations. They now have genuine aspirations to become aviation professionals. How is it that AGM is being slandered of abandoning Guyanese?

Regards AGM employee

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

Private Sector benefits from AGM Twin Otter operations Dear Editor WINGS Aviation provides hangar parking, ground handling and office space to AGM. This relationship has enabled the owners or Wings to further develop the skills of its staff, introducing them to a different type of aircraft and more complexed flight operations. In addition, several Guyanese airlines which include Air Services Limited, Trans Guyana Airways, Wings Aviation and Hinterland Aviation also acts in a support flight capacity, conducting charter flights for AGM on an as needed basis. Recently, within the

week of May 20, 2018, AGM has utilised these companies via charters to support its growing air service requirements. Roraima airways also does flights periodically for the company. Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS) owned by the Correia group of companies, is the designated fuel service provider to AGM’s Twin Otter, accruing millions of dollars in fuel revenue. In addition, the Ogle Airport Inc organisation continually benefits from landing fees and passenger processing fees, which amounts to several million dollars monthly. All this revenue is transferred to the local economy and

Guyanese.

How is it, despite the plethora of engagement that AGM has made with the entrance of its aircraft, it is still being accused of abandoning the Guyanese people? No, this is untrue! In fact, AGM has made considerable contributions to Guyanese

through the introduction of its Twin Otter aircraft.

It has energised the aviation sector, allowing for young Guyanese working in and around the aircraft to develop technical skills. It provides an additional level of safety for our local and expat employees which we hold in

utmost importance. It remains a top contributor to the balance sheet of Guyanese airlines through charter services and it has brought goodwill to the public as Guyanese get to see an aircraft that serviced Guyana’s hinterland during the golden years of the national air-

line plying the airways once more.

AGM’s Twin Otter is a positive contributor to Guyana; run and maintained in partnership with Guyanese!

Regards AGM Aviation Employee

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WE YOUNG AND STRONG AS I reflect on the host of events during this year’s independence anniversary celebration, my mind raced back to my teenage years to a West Indian medley, “we young and strong, we ain’t ‘fraid no soul in town”.

There is no doubt that the spotlight was on young people who were involved in or were at the Flag Raising ceremony in Georgetown or in the Regions; or were partying at one of the several concerts and mini-carnivals.

For the first time, both the State and private sector partnered to allow young people to freely occupy their space. The State’s “no objection” resulted in the suspension of some of the “law and order” restrictions.

All weekend (and it ain’t over yet), I could hear the sounds and feel the vibrations in my studies and sitting room at the Residence until the wee hours of the morning. From Marriott through Palm Court to Stabroek Market square; from the Kitty Roundabout through D’urban Park to the Providence Stadium, it seemed that the entire Capital was literally vibrating, shaking, partying! And the ring of the old tune in my head continued: “we young and strong…”

CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZAS Guyana has at last woken

to the pent-up, social spirit of our young people, the blast of whose energies was released at the various cultural extravaganzas, the socalled cultural explosions, one segment questionably titled “stink and dutty”.

The bacchanal aside, I hope that the exposure of our youths to soca artiste such as Machel Montano and our Commonwealth Games Medalist, Troy Doris, would help to boost positive cultural and sports awareness.

There were other events that were less jazzy, such as the Rights of the Child Commission Workshop and the Business Youth Summit, as part of Youth Week observances. As regards the latter, I wish to extend congratulations to the young entrepreneurs who have each benefitted from between $500,000 and $1 million grants to improve their business undertakings.

I encourage others to access the $70 million Youth Innovation Project of Guyana Fund from which $2 million could be available for each project that is using science, technology, engineering, agriculture, anthropology, archaeology, arts, mathematics and spirituality.

DECENT WORK Any of the above would constitute decent work for which our Constitution provides as an inalienable or fundamental right. The surge

No attack on...

MATTER OF COURTESY According to Minister Williams, it is simply a matter of honesty and courtesy.

“More so, communication is important as the lack thereof has resulted in substantial loss of money to the Government and, by extension, the people of Guyana. The Attorney General’s Chambers cannot be prepared to defend cases on behalf of the Government if the Chambers is unaware of those cases. That is asking the chambers to achieve an ‘act of God’,” he emphasised.

The attorney general said retention of cases after a public announcement was made to relinquish same

demonstrates an intention to injure the State.

Subsequent to the Dipcon case, the AG’s Chambers wrote nine attorneys – Roysdale Forde; Ashton Chase, SC; Bernard De Santos, SC; Manoj Naryan; Neil Boston, SC; Ralph Ramkarran, SC; Robin Stoby, SC; Sase Gunraj and Nigel Hughes – on March 1, 2016, requesting that they provide the Chambers with a list of matters and copies of the files if they were retained by the former AG. Only Ralph Ramkarran, SC; Nigel Hughes and Neil Boston, SC have responded to the letter to date.

“None of the abovementioned lawyers responded that they had Toolsie

into self-employment by young people must be encouraged as enjoyment of their right not only to work, but to the free choice of employment.

I applauded the Summit, the first of its kind in Guyana, for focussing on empowerment and education in business. As I told the youthful gathering, one cannot become an engineer, a teacher, a business person or entrepreneur without the requisite guidance, training, knowledge and exposure.

It is the embracing of opportunities for education, networking, skills-enhancement and overall empowerment that will allow youths in particular to fully realize the fundamental human right to the enjoyment of work.

The preamble of our Constitution states that “the future of Guyana belongs to its young people”. Elsewhere, they say that the present belongs to youths, who aspire to live in a safe society that listens to their voices, protects their rights and provides opportunities

From page 5

Persaud Limited-v-AG, which the court awarded a judgment of $1.7 billion dollars against the State,” Minister Williams pointed out. He also lashed out at the former attorney general. “…any leader worth their salt would appreciate a smooth transition of office,” the attorney general said while positing that Nandlall, upon leaving office, should have informed his successor of the status of all matters in the chambers and if any matters had been outsourced, who they were outsourced to. “That would have been the right thing to do. That would have been the honourable thing to do,” he said.

for them to work and be productive citizens.

NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY Not long after our Coalition came to office in May 2015, our Government completed the drafting of a National Youth Policy, which was the final result after several years of research studies.

The Policy defines youths as persons between the ages of 14 and 35, who make up some 68% of our population. However, there were no statistics on how many of our youth population had no jobs, or couldn’t get support to start their own businesses. But the Caribbean Development Bank in 2015 issued a report under the title “Youths are our future” that placed unemployment in the Region amongst youth at around 40%, which was probably also the level for Guyana.

About the same period, Caricom governments commissioned an analysis of opportunities and challenges facing youths in the Region. It’s report, Eye on the Future, highlighted rising youth crimes, unemployment and drugs use. It launched a Caribbean Community Youth Development Action

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Plan, which placed emphasis on encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

YOUTH LIFE MATTERS Our youths must be brought into the social, cultural, economic and political processes of the State. Our young people cannot be left outside or left behind. Their views, their condition, their life matter in everything!

They cannot be exploited as victims for media headlines on drugs, crime and violence, and jail. Our youths are more beautiful than those headlines, if given a chance to seize opportunities for self-development and to pursue the ambition that drives them to be better, productive citizens.

Guyana boasts a consistently high percentage of its state budgets for education.

The door to education in Guyana allows, according to President Granger, Access, Attendance and Achievements – the Triple A Policy.

When the new government started to work, President Granger rolled out what I describe as the 4 Bs Policy under which boats, buses, bicycles and boots were provided to students as a pilot venture. Today, our young people can transition to the 5 Cs Policy – of entering

Commerce, accessing Cash as grant, Credits, business Counselling and learning the rudimentary of Contracts.

START SMALL; GROW BIG When the music subsides and the gyrating stops, our young people have to return to the drawing board of their life, to plan and map out what are the next steps in their studies or their pursuit of productive enterprises.

They can take an example from the youths in the Indigenous settlement of Karasabai, in Rupununi West.

A Karasabai youth leader recently announced: “We have peanut farming. We have cassava processing into farine and cassava bread, and also cassareep and we also have cattle rearing…

These projects will generate revenue for the people and create employment opportunities for youths.”

Today, I ask our youths to remember Karasabai.

Whether in the interior or on the coast, business ventures, like roots in the ground, always start with an idea, a stem or a seed. It is important that you learn to appreciate all types of business. None is too low or undignified. Start small.

Grow big!

Goring distances self from leasing of Farnum Ground COUNCILLOR Carlyle Goring has said he wants the public to know that he was out of the jurisdiction when the Farnum Playground was leased to Mae’s School, and hence, is in no way connected to the arrangement.

He sought to clarify that the owner of the school made a donation of $100,000 towards the up-

grading of the ground.

Goring further told Guyana Chronicle on Saturday that businessman, Rudy Ramlingum of New Trends Auto and Transmission, spent a sum of money to upgrade the said ground, but that none of the money went to him (Goring).

Instead, the businessman handled all financial matters with the contractor,

Chung’s Global.

The councillor said he had noted in the press back in December 2017, under his accomplishments, that the $100,000 was received from Mae’s.

Goring said he has made it clear that he is not in support of any private individual controlling the playground to the exclusion of residents.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Understanding Energy LAST week, we quantified Guyana’s developing energy industry by looking at estimated production figures in terms of barrels of oil produced per day.

Putting those barrels into dollar figures helps to give a sense of the value of the new oil project.

As we discussed, much of that value will be dependent on multiple factors, such as the production timeline, global oil prices, technical limitations and actual daily production rates.

However, what most Guyanese want to know is simply how will all the revenue to be used, and how much will Guyana receive.

To explore these questions we must discuss cost oil and profit oil.

Discovering, extracting and bringing oil to market is a massive and expensive process. Our oil is located in “ultra-deep water” mak-

ing this process even more costly. Therefore, much of the early revenue produced from selling the oil goes directly towards paying for that process. The early revenue that goes to pay for project development costs is call “cost oil”.

Some examples of project costs include rental rates on the drillship Noble Bob Douglas, installing sub-sea gathering lines, bringing the oil up to the floating production storage and offloading (FSPO) vessel and transporting the oil to markets where it can be sold.

Each of these steps requires infrastructure, employees, vehicles, pipelines, chemicals – the list goes on.

Due to the size and scope of the process of bringing oil to market, many groups have to be involved. No one can do it all on its own. And each of the parties involved must get paid – it is busi-

ness, not charity, after all.

In future columns we will discuss the different parts of the value chain, including looking at the oil field services industry involved in Guyana and how revenue is being shared here.

After all the costs are paid then we get to the question of how the profit oil is shared. Obviously, most of us are aware of the big contract with ExxonMobil, which gives Guyana and Exxon a 50/50 split of the profit oil. In addition, we are set to receive a 2% royalty rate and revenue from withholding tax. These aspects of the contract, which we’ll dive into in coming weeks, determine the total revenue Guyana will receive.

It’s difficult to determine the exact percentage of the total profit that will go to Guyana this far, from first oil, but international con-

By Elson Low

THE conversation around the legalisation of marijuana seems to have reached a fever pitch these past few weeks, and hopefully this will lead to a thorough, level-headed examination of the subject.

Of course we have heard politicians promise to push for legalisation before, but the rate of change sadly remains much slower than dripping molasses. Might there be a better way to altogether think about this issue?

We have now heard prominent politicians like Prime Minister Nagamootoo and leader of the opposition Bharat Jagdeo endorse limited legalisation but I wonder

whether their positions quite address the key disconnect between the pro- and anti-weed camps. This disconnect has long seemed to me to be housed in the dispute between health and law enforcement officials and young people over the relative costs versus benefits of marijuana usage, both to the individual and the society.

On the one hand, there are medical questions about marijuana’s effect on the brain, addictive properties and association with other illicit drugs that bear much more serious health effects. This is compounded by law enforcement arguments that marijuana is a gateway drug which serves

to enable users to seek more powerful narcotics.

An increase in marijuana use would then be strongly correlated with an increase in the use of these drugs, swelling the policing burden in the war on such dangerous substances.

The other camp often counters with arguments about the drug’s health benefits and the creative boost it provides. Importantly, the New York Times writes that marijuana is much less addictive than tobacco, with about 9% of people showing some level of addiction as opposed to 15% for the very much legal tobacco plant.

Even further, the argu-

sultancies have given some idea of the baseline figures that can be expected.

Rystad Energy, a Norwegian research company, estimated that the government’s take will be approximately 60 percent of the profit.

UK-based Wood Mackenzie put that number at over 50 percent.

So what will end up in Guyana’s pocket? Estimates from Exxon and the International Monetary Fund say Guyana’s take from Liza Phase 1 in the first few years will be about US$300M per year at a modest oil price of US$50 per barrel. But, remember that current projections for oil prices in 2020 are closer to $65 per barrel which would mean a larger take for Guyana.

By 2025, government revenue is projected to increase to more than US$1B annually from Liza Phase 1.

This would approximately

double the government’s budget from what it is now, and those numbers only reflect Liza Phase 1. If a second or third Phase is installed, meaning a second or third FSPO, start producing – as most expect will happen – that number could increase massively.

Think about that – potentially more than double the current budget with two or even three boats producing offshore oil. Even that initial US$300M per year is a huge opportunity for us. We all know there’s no shortage of areas that need that type of investment in Guyana – what do we need? What do we want?

Guyana will finally have a chance to invest in Guyana and the Guyanese people new hospitals and schools; more money for education and school resources. We could finally pave the road to Brazil or build a world-

scale deep-water port or fix up Georgetown by repairing drainage systems. All this and more will be possible.

Needing to decide which priorities to fund is a great problem to have. But we need to start thinking and planning for it right now.

There is a chance to transform this country for the better, but responsible policies must be put in place now. Guyana has had major resource developments in the past and people have questioned why it did not change things for the better, but this time the contract and the government’s revenue numbers are all out in the open and we can all have a say about where this money should go.

In upcoming columns we will explore what other resources rich nations have done with their wealth and any lessons these examples may hold for Guyana.

ment regarding marijuana’s health risks pales when compared to tobacco’s, which can cause cancer of the lungs and mouth as well as a myriad of serious health problems both for users and those in their environment.

This leaves the law enforcement argument as the standing one, and rather than attempt to discredit it I think we need to completely rethink our potential solutions to this vexing impasse. I want to suggest a compromise that answers well most law enforcement concerns, even potentially improving the state of law enforcement locally.

This solution will drive huge amounts of revenue for the state, create hundreds of high-paying jobs for those lacking qualifications and facilitate increased tourism and businesses investment. I

want to propose weed zones.

Weed zones would simply be four square block areas in which it is legal to buy, sell, consume and carry marijuana. Outside of these areas farming and carrying large quantities of weed would only be allowed under licence by the government.

Even further, these zones should specifically be located in economically depressed areas, like Sophia, Tiger Bay and Albouystown.

This will completely flip the dynamic, turning them into economic hotspots where those potentially engaged in illegal activity due to a lack of job opportunities will suddenly find themselves in a position to make substantial, sustained profits.

I’ll go further, and say that instead of requiring policing, neighbourhoods like Tiger Bay will become the

safest places in Georgetown if the law is amended to allow these zones. The residents of the area who sell weed will themselves police their environment, because they will want to attract numerous customers, and that can only be done in a safe environment.

And those few who engage in criminal activity will also wonder why even take those risks when there are easy profits to be made.

Additionally, because marijuana would be subject to taxation and licensing fees this should drive taxes up sharply. After all, those businesses selling this product must not only pay VAT but all other business taxes and fees. To even obtain a licence to trade in weed would certainly attract a substantial fee, which the state can mandate be renewed every few

Weed Zones

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(Minister within the Ministry of Public Health)

Protect yourself against mosquitoes THE most dangerous animal in the world is the mosquito. Mosquitoes kill an average of about 725,000 people annually. Mosquitoes are extremely dangerous because they carry a plethora of devastating diseases that can be life-threatening or severely fatal to humans.

Diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, zika, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and West Nile virus are all spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism on earth. Therefore, it is imperative that we protect ourselves from the debilitating effects of mosquitoes, by ensuring that we do not inadvertently provide breeding grounds for these pesky insects to thrive and multiply.

The species of mosquitoes that carry dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses are the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The Aedes aegypti mosquito also transmits yellow fever. Malaria is carried by the Anopheles mosquitoes.

MOSQUITOES SCIENTIFICALLY REFERRED TO AS VECTORS Vector control is the key to controlling mosquitoes. That more than half of the world’s population live in areas where the aforementioned mosquito species are present means that sustained vector control efforts are essential to prevent outbreaks from mosquito-borne diseases.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 (GVCR) provides a revised strategic approach to strengthen vector control worldwide through increased capacity, improved surveillance, better coordination and integrated action across sectors and diseases. It is important to note that Guyana’s vector control strategy is in line with the said global strategy for vector control.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)

recognises that a coordinated approach to vector control is an important component within its disease control and prevention programme.

Furthermore, it is the cornerstone of every effective campaign to control vector-borne diseases in Guyana. Vector control remains the only way to protect our population from these diseases.

Over the years, and with the help of some of our international partners like PAHO/ WHO and Global Fund, Guyana has made great strides in addressing the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. However, much work still needs to be done in order to eradicate these diseases in Guyana and prevent their cross-border spread.

There are four basic approaches to vector control. They are: (1) environmental control, (2) personal protection measures, (3) biological control, and (4) chemical control. Through the utilisation of these approaches, the MoPH is able to protect the public’s health by surveying for diseases carried by vectors within given geographic areas.

Reducing people’s exposure to vectors through the employment of national vector control activities like fogging, oiling and facilitating public requests for vector inspections are also strategic interventions being undertaken by the ministry. However, the greatest emphasis is being placed on educating the public about the dangers of mosquitoes to help residents effectively protect themselves from the diseases that these insects carry.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES? The rainy season is here, and the possibly of the accumulation of water on and around our environs poses a direct threat to us since this accumulated water provides fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is very important to note that the Aedes aegypti, the Aedes

Weed Zones From page 9

months.

Weed farmers and transporters would also face stiff taxation given the scale of their operations. Downstream weed products, like brownies or drinks may also be subject to taxation, as deemed feasible by authorities. And all this is readily enforceable because we would know exactly where this commerce was taking place.

Of course, it is now all too easy to see that this new revenue should go toward

fighting the truly harmful drugs in our society, giving the police a vital lift in resources available to them.

How can law enforcement professionals now argue against weed zones? Won’t this benefit the broader society so much more than our current anachronistic approach? And if it all turns out not to be what we expect, how easy it would be to close the zones, limiting the experiments impact.

Really, the purpose of this solution is to move weed from the underground economy to

the legitimate economy and in so doing turn a plague into a harvest for all involved. Zones allow us to control and monitor this process, so that widespread legalisation doesn’t lead to the chaos many fear.

Finally, spare a thought for those serving lengthy sentences for these crimes, for their children, for their entire communities. A compromise like weed zones might not be perfect, but it makes so much sense I strongly believe the question isn’t why weed zones, but why not?

albopictus, and the Anopheles mosquitoes breed in stagnant but ‘clean’ water. Therefore, it is extremely important that you take every precautionary measure to ensure you do not have open receptacles with stagnant water in and around your home and workplaces.

Different species of mosquitoes prefer different types of stagnant water in which to lay their eggs. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish and dragonfly nymphs in drains, trenches, and creeks help keep these bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae.

However, portions of swamps, clogged drains and temporary pools and puddles are all prolific mosquito-breeding sites. Other sites in which some species lay their eggs include tree holes, old tyres, buckets, toys, potted plant trays and saucers, vases with live flowers in water, plastic covers or tarpaulins, and even places as small as bottle caps.

Most of you may know from personal experience that mosquitoes are nearly impossible to avoid, but there are several tried and true ways that individuals can use to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

CLEAN-UP The most important action is to remove mosquito-breeding habitats. Most yards contain hundreds of mosquito-breeding sites; many of which are well-hidden. Get rid of, or empty water-filled natural and artificial containers that may provide mosquito egg-laying habitats. Eliminate stagnant water in rain gutters, old tyres, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.

Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats. Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.

USE STRUCTURAL BARRIERS Ensure you cover all gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering. If you have windows and door screens, make sure they are in good working order. Completely cover baby carriers and beds with mosquito netting, more so, treated mosquito netting.

USE APPROPRIATE REPELLENTS The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of repellents containing one of three active ingredients: DEET or diethyltoluamide, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. The use of a repellent that contains one of these active ingredients should provide at least 90 minutes of protection with a single application.

TRY TO AVOID GETTING BITTEN Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.

The MoPH, through its Vector Control Programme, will continue to intensify national efforts to combat vectors and the spread of vector-borne diseases. However, each and every one of us must do our part in protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of mosquitoes. Keeping our environment clean and removing all stagnant water from around our homes and workplaces can play a major role in reducing the spread of mosquitoes in our respective communities.

Remember, mosquitoes account for close to a million deaths every year worldwide. Despite their size, mosquitoes are extremely dangerous. Protect you and your family so that you do not become a statistic.

Demerara Bank celebrates ninth anniversary – of doing business in the Cinderella County MAY 25 happens to be a special date on the calendar of Demerara Bank Ltd as it is on that day back in 2009 that it opened a branch at Anna Regina, on the Essequibo Coast.

Today, some nine years on, the branch still prides itself in providing the same quality and superior banking services to individuals and corporate businesses in the County, but more particularly in supporting the development of its various sectors, rice inclusive, by offering a wide range of credit facilities, personalised banking

services, and value-added products.

Reputedly the leading source of financing for renewable energy in Guyana, Demerara Bank encourages both energy efficiency and energy conservation to ensure energy sustainability for the future.

According to a press release to mark this auspicious occasion, the Bank says it continues to promote its ‘Green Initiative’ by reducing its carbon print and operating the majority of its locations on renewable energy.

“We also remain non-dis-

criminatory in our policies, and continue to strive to offer the best of service to our customers, irrespective of ethnicity, cultural background, or belief,” it says, adding: “We further pledge to support the development of the society though meaningful community engagement.”

In closing, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Demerara Bank Ltd took the opportunity to thank all the customers of its Anna Regina Branch for their “incredible support and loyalty over the years”.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

One dead in row over bicycle

By Michel Outridge A 24-year-old Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was fatally stabbed on Saturday morning in neighbouring Beterverwagting during what was described as a heated argument between two men, known to each other, over a bicycle.

Dead is Edward Beveney, of Ogle Street, Triumph, while the suspect has been identified as 35-yearold Rawle Munrio of Ann’s Grove, further up the East Coast.

The incident reportedly occurred about 08:00hrs near a shop on Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, when a confrontation developed into a full-blown fight after Munrio, who is now hospitalised and under police guard, went to the shop with a bicycle to make a purchase.

He had apparently left the bicycle outside the shop, and when he finished running his errand and went to retrieve it, he was told that the deceased had taken it.

Reports are that the two

dealt Beveney several stabs about the body.

According to eyewitnesses, the now mortally wounded Beveney jumped into a nearby trench and had to be pulled out when the police arrived on the scene. The murder weapon, this being the ice pick, was reportedly recovered from the crime scene and handed over to the police.

Dead: Edward Beveney

men had worked in the interior as miners together, and had an old beef. And apparently, Beveney wasn’t about to let it go, as even though he had just gone to the shop, he was armed with a cutlass and a knife.

According to reports, he drew first blood when he fired a chop at Munrio.

The latter, though wounded on the left hand with which he deflected the blow, retaliated by pulling an ice pick which was concealed on his person and

Meanwhile, over at Beveney’s house, his aunt, Debbie, told the Guyana Chronicle that she learnt of the incident around 08:00hrs when she received a telephone call telling her about it.

She said she’s not sure what really transpired, but on arriving on the scene and seeing her nephew stagger and fall, she quickly got a

vehicle and took him to the hospital, but he was already dead.

“While on the way to the hospital,” she said, “I felt Edward going. And then I realised he had died in my arms, even though he was not bleeding. He had a wound on the left side abdomen, and a cut over the eye.”

The woman related that Beveney had only returned

home last Christmas from the hinterland where he worked. And though he was not known to be a troublemaker, she readily admitted that he had a temper.

Other than that, he was a very nice person, and very helpful around the house where he lived with his extended family.

He was unmarried, she said, and had no children.

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Harmon warns Region 3 residents against race-baiters

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon has called on residents of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) to be cognisant of those attempting to sow racial and political discord amongst people in Guyana.

The minister’s remarks were delivered at the 52nd Independence Anniversary and flag-raising ceremony organised by the Regional Administration of Region Three.

Also in attendance were Region Three Chairman Julius Faber, REO Dennis Jaikarran, leaders of the business community, Toshaos of Indigenous communities and special invitees.

Minister Harmon said “President David Granger and our coalition government have

recommitted to the task of uniting our people to build a strong prosperous Guyana for all.”

Further, he said that the establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion and the forging of the idea to develop regional economic development plans, are all part of the government’s commitment to remove inequalities and to create employment and economic prosperity.

Adding that the vision has created a renewed environment of patriotism, Harmon said that national pride amongst Guyanese at home and in the diaspora resulted in many innovative initiatives to provide the “Good Life” for all.

The Minister of State urged the population of Region Three to celebrate Guy-

ana’s achievements over the 52 years and recommit to working together to join the resurgence of developmental efforts. “Region Three has much to celebrate, because developments are happening all around us, indeed all our regions have cause to celebrate, we are no longer viewed by the international community as a narco-state or a safe haven for money laundering , our citizens are once again treated with the utmost respect when they travel abroad,” Harmon said.

Noting that development can be seen all around Region Three, Harmon said that the West Coast Demerara highway with state of the art features is now the best road in Guyana. In addition, he spoke of national and regional programmes

to construct and rehabilitate secondary and tertiary roads in villages, as well as all-weather roads and dams that enable access to the backlands.

“We are about development for all of our people… our sea and river defence construction and rehabilitation programme in Region Three are being vigorously pursued, as we are mindful of the effects of climate change on sea levels and the threats to our coastland,” he said.

Underscoring that there have also been developments in the ICT sector in the region, Minister Harmon said 22 community ICT hubs have been established and 12 secondary schools and 27 primary schools as well as four government

agencies have been provide with internet service.

Such programmes, he said will continue until government agencies and all schools are connected to the internet. Further, he said projects such as the reconstruction of the Vreed-enHoop Ferry Stelling facility; the rehabilitation of the Parika and Leguan Ferry Stellings and the construction of the Parika to Goshen road will greatly benefit all in the region.

“Let us as a region and across our country resolve to work to ensure our young people take advantage of all the educational opportunities to develop themselves as productive citizens…” Harmon continued: “Let us also work with each other to ensure

By Margaret Burke

PILLARS

Mr Morrison said there are five pillars to the work that is being done in Guyana - understand, convene, transform, invest and impact.

He explained that for the ‘Understand’ the ITC/

The training sessions are on a range of topics and according to Mr. Morrison, “We are working with a number of local institutions, which include Ministry of Agriculture, with NAREI through their extension service, IPED, the Guyana School of Agriculture

TRAINING

COCONUT Industry Development for the Caribbean (CIDC) has been spread out across eleven countries across the Caribbean and Guyana is one of them.

The project started since 2015 and it is now in its final year for the first phase. It spans marketing, production and productivity, advisory, mitigation and other services.

The project is being financed by the European Union (EU) and the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States (ACP). The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the chief administrator for the project across the Caribbean, with its implementing partner being CARDI. In addressing a media conference at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom on Thursday the ITC Executive, Mr Ben Morrison told the gathering that the project is a regional one, which includes 11 countries across the Caribbean. Three of the focus countries for implementation are Guyana, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

In Guyana, Mr Morrison said, “We are working through what we call Alliances for Action – these are sustainable value-chain partnerships, among others across the supply chain; so the farmers, processors, researchers, the ministries, the buyers, the processors – everybody working in an alliance together for the development of the industry.”

This sort of research, combined with the global value-chain analysis for coconut and coconut products, as well as market profitability studies, Mr. Morrison stated, allows the decision-makers to adapt and support, accordingly, as institutions to the farmers

Minister of State Joseph Harmon that the Green State Development Strategy being implemented by our government brings maximum benefits to region three and a truly inclusionary democracy.”

Coconut industry to benefit from EU/ACP support

From left: Dr. Cyril Roberts, CARDI Country Representative, Mr. Ben Morrison, ITC Regional Representative and Mr. Raymond Trotz, Country Representative for the CIDC CARDI team has conducted several studies so far; one being the farmers’ characterisation study, which was conducted across four different regions: Regions Two, Four, Five and 10.

The farmers’ characterisation study is very key to the implementation of the project because it uncovers the needs and requirements at the small-holder farmers’ level in terms of coconut producers. The sample size for the study was about 120 to 130 farmers across those regions.

and their groups.

It also allows the processors and the other actors across the sector to have an organised and efficient value-chain that is profitable for all involved.

LEAD FARMERS He explained that as the organisers continue their work in the four pilot regions (Two, Four, Five and 10), they have selected 10 lead farmers, who have a group of 15 to 20 farmers, and these farmers also attend the training.

(GSA), and we are working the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), along with the ITC and CARDI as the implementing partners,” he said.

Mr. Morrison said that each of the local institutions provides a different service and expertise, but the role of ICT and CARDI is to facilitate the interaction with farmers, which may not currently be accessing those services.

CAPACITY-BUILDING

“For the next six months, to the end of the year we will be working on the capacity-building training at the lead farmer level.

This would include demonstration nursery – small-scale nurseries for the lead farmers, of which the lead farmers, as well as the ‘second bring’ farmers would benefit,” Mr. Morrison told the press briefing.

He went on to say that training will ensure good agricultural practices in the establishment and management of those demonstration nurseries; also training in capacity-building in value addition, as to what other products can be generated out of coconut.

There will be training on food safety which will look to reduce the impact of contamination; which will also ensure that Guyana can diversify the export base in terms of the number of countries to which Guyana exports.

Marketing is another area in which training will be delivered, as it is very closely linked to the value-addition component; good agricultural practices as a way of improving the productivity of the coconut trees, will all be areas where training will be concentrated during the next months, Mr. Morrison said.

He said that at the same time the team will be looking at different measures to attract investment into the coconut sector and into the coun-

try, with the focus being on investors within the Caribbean region and also internationally, especially who have expressed an interest to invest in Guyana’s coconut industry.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY CARDI, as a partner in implementing this project, has been looking at certain aspects such as planting material and integrated pest management to allow for the more increased productivity of plants, farmer plantations or farms, Dr. Cyril Roberts said.

“We do not always supply our support by direct local intervention; if we need to bring other Caribbean experts from overseas, this is done. If we need to source skills that we are aware are available locally, this is also done. The intention is to strive towards making a practically useful technology available to the farmers so that they can be more productive in what they do,” he assured.

According to the implementing team a project to provide planting materials has also commenced so as to ensure the effective management of farms.

At this level farmers are also trained and encouraged in the management of pests, keeping farms clean and well irrigated, and the use of fertiliser in a strategic manner so the plants are more resilient to various forms of attacks and larger productivity.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

The Journey to the good life continues –– Minister Yearwood preaches unity at Linden’s flag-raising ceremony

By Vanessa Braithwaite MERE minutes before midnight on Friday, Lindeners were reminded by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood that the journey to the good life, as promised by the Coalition Government, continues and urged Lindeners to travel that journey together by embracing and supporting the Coalition Government.

Lindeners ushered in Guyana’s 52nd Independence anniversary with lots of culture as iridescent national colours worn by the dozens of children who sang, danced and dramatised various elements of culture to the packed audience. The golden arrowhead flew high and the feeling of patriotism was displayed in every applause and scream from onlookers. Attending the flag-raising ceremony in Linden were also Minister within the Ministry of Natural resources, Simona Broomes; Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Mayor

of Linden Waneka Arindell, and several other regional and municipal officials.

In the feature address, Minister Yearwood preached the importance of unification for the materialisation of the good life before listing several achievements of the three-year-old government.

As Lindeners voted solidly in 2015, Yearwood urged all to continue embracing and cooperating with their elected representatives who are working overtime for the realisation of a better life.

“Unless we embrace, unless we cooperate, we cannot win… as long as we travel together, we will make our journey a beautiful one.

Linden, there is a beautiful journey ahead of us; Region 10, there is a beautiful journey ahead of us, but we have to learn to travel together,” Yearwood urged.

She said the good life was promised but it was not promised to be achieved in the first-term, but with the speed the coalition is going, this will definitely be realised, even though she

warned that the journey will not be an easy one.

“I can say as a Minister of this Government, I am happy to say that we have achieved much… a good life is about removing inequalities and providing opportunities for every citizen to be the best he or she can be; this is what our government has set out to achieve.”

ACHIEVEMENTS The minister then pronounced on the plethora of achievements within the last three years, not only for Linden but the entire country.

In the area of education, all of the teachers in Linden are trained. This is part of the countrywide 1000 teachers who were trained over the last three years. The government has also set out to improve literacy with the establishment of several literacy hubs. Several Region 10 schools are benefiting from the government’s hot meal programme which has been extended from 110 to 172 schools benefiting 23,392 students. Laptop computers were

Minister Simona Broomes inspecting the guard of honour also distributed to teachers tremendous increases while forward. and according to the min- VAT has decreased. Linden“Having journeyed ister, all secondary schools ers will also see the imminent together, having making across Guyana are equipped development of the Macken- that progress together, we with computer laboratories. zie and Wismar waterfront must decide that we must Patterson also touched on and the community of Bamia not go back,” she said. the empowerment of Linden- will also see the construction Lindeners then witnessed ers through entrepreneurship of a new primary and second- the hoisting of the Golden with the establishment of the ary schools.

Arrowhead while Minister Linden Enterprise Network.

With all of these achieve- Simona Broomes inspected Within the three years, min- ments highlighted, Year- the guard of honour and imum wage, threshold and wood said Lindeners should road parade by the Joint Old Age Pension have seen solidly decide on only a way Services.

Guyana Carnival parade delivers!

–– above and beyond all expectations

By Vishani Ragobeer EVEN though the inclement weather prevented them from starting on schedule, the inaugural Guyana Carnival Road Parade was so phantasmagoric, it rocked the streets of Georgetown.

The four main ‘party’ trucks left the Kitty Roundabout area about 14:00hrs and travelled to the D’Urban Park before heading to the National Park at about 18:30hrs.

The massive costumes showcasing a kaleidoscope of colours were on full display, giving those who came out in support of the event a real taste of carnival.

Patrons lined the roads to witness the spectacle, but they, too, were spectacular in their own way, as some were ‘dressed to kill’.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to a few eager patrons, and they were high in praise for the event.

As Kenisha Hamer observed, “I would always look forward to Mashramani because of what it represents, but then, of course, the car-

A reveller feeling the ‘vibe’ nival came in very well, because it’s now a tourism attraction.”

She didn’t even mind the

late start, because it gave her more time to prepare herself.

So she did not miss out on any of the action, and would

gladly do it again. “I would look forward to this again next year.”

Learie Bain is now home after being away for a long time, and was surprised by the parade. “I only came in yesterday,” he said, “and I didnt realise that they were having a carnival. I wish I had come earlier.”

For him, the energy reminded him of Mashramani, and helped him feel right at home. And even though he feels that the event is still in the teething stage, he says it can only get better with time.

The parade was tied in to a whole host of activities initiated through the inaugural ‘Guyana Carnival’.

“The whole idea for carnival actually came out of Independence, to be quite exact,” Kerwin Bollers told the Guyana Chronicle. “What happened was that when Guyana hosted the 50th Anniversary celebrations [in 2016], we hosted a lot of events; and we found that it was well supported by

locals and members of the Diaspora.”

Bollers is one of the organisers of the event, and a well-known personality in Guyana for his tireless pursuit of pushing the frontiers of entertainment, and his most recent endeavour, the Guyana Carnival, is no different.

Bollers reflected that he and the team of people who conceptualised the event and worked to bring it to fruition began thinking about creating an event; make that a string of events, around the same period as the Jubilee Celebrations, since they found that it was a very convenient period for members of the Diaspora to return home.

It soon became a tourism-driven event that sought to provide maximum benefits for Guyanese at home. And the concept of ‘carnival’ was drawn after the team wanted to create a globally recognised event that would undoubtedly drive tourism

in Guyana by attracting visitors and members of the Diaspora alike.

Said Kerwin: “We thought of Carnival being a globally recognised word, and it’s done in over 50 countries.”

The intention was never to take away from the authentic Guyanese cultural celebration of Mashramani, which is generally thought of as the equivalent of the popular carnival, but to create an event that more people are familiar with, and is more entertainment-oriented.

Directing focus again on the Jubilee Celebrations, Kerwin reminded the Guyana Chronicle that Mashramani celebrations that year were held during the month of May rather than in February as was customary.

As such, he said, it was felt that using that as the platform was feasible, which is another reason why the carnival was initiated around this time of year.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

Guyana Carnival will get –visitors better with time

FOREIGNERS, particularly persons who travelled from Trinidad and Tobago to be part of the Guyana Carnival, said the parade and events were good but there is room for improvement.

“When you in Trinidad is fete but here it is a bit softer; but I believe as time goes by it will only get better,” said James Nieuvler, a Guyanese who lived most of his life in Trinidad.

The first ever Guyana Carnival started on May 18, 2018, but all the events were a lead-up to the mega parade on Saturday.

Nieuvler said based on what he saw, Trinidad is way ahead but Guyana has the potential to get better.

“I am glad that there is a start, it is ok and there is room for improvement; a lot of my friends came in and I could tell you, they had a hell of a time at the events,” he said.

He believes that it was not as big as Trinidad’s carnival because Guyanese are a bit more economical and would not spend as much as Trinidadians would on a party.

Hundreds turned out to fete at the Guyana Carnival parade on Saturday American, Natalie Pilgrim shared similar sentiments as Nieuvler, noting that she expected more but it was still fun and exciting.

Pilgrim said she will be coming every year because it will only get better, since the organisers and Guyanese will learn how to “fete”.

According to the organisers, Guyana Carnival is a privately owned festival which will take place from May 18 – 27.

“It’s an amalgamation of influential entertainment bodies, the Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders to create a new

James Nieuvler and his family getting set to enjoy Guyana Carnival (Delano Williams photos)

exciting product to boost tourism, entertainment, and nightlife in our emerging city,” the official website read.

This idea was birthed out of Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration when the country recorded thousands of arrivals of visitors

to Guyana. The Minister of Tourism at that time, Cathy Hughes, had said that Guyana should capitalise on celebrating this event on a grand scale annually.

Guyana Carnival is expected to provide a major economic boost to several industries, from taxi driv-

ers to hairdressers, clothing stores to hotels and airlines to restaurants, all of whom are expected to see an increase in business.

Further, it is believed that Guyana Carnival will also bring about much-needed exposure to local musicians and DJs.

Got to capture this moment! Revellers on the streets of Georgetown at Saturday’s carnival (Delana Williams photo)

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Youth development a priority

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

–– says Pakuri’s first female toshao

SENIOR Mistress of the Pakuri Primary School, Beverly Clenkian was elected the mission’s first female Toshao recently.

In a race which saw her getting a landslide 122 votes, the mother of two boys and one girl was elected as the

new Toshao.

According to a press statement from the regional administration of Region Four, the results read: Neil Henry 108, Maurena Shuman 90, Foster Simon 44, Paul Andrews 34, Luke Simon 64, Denise Periera 9 and Julian

Kactow 22 votes.

At the first official sitting of the council, Anderson Clenkian (no relation to the Toshao) was elected as the Deputy.

Beverly said that she was approached and urged by fellow villagers to get involved

Regional Chairperson Ms Genevieve Allen; newly elected St. Cuthbert’s Mission Toshao, Ms. Beverly Clenkian; Regional Executive Officer, (REO) Ms. Pauline Lucas; and Regional Education Officer, Ms Tiffany Favourite-Harvey and assist with ridding the village of its enormous and significant challenges.

“I have already decided that I will put my final year at the University of Guyana on hold so that I can effectively serve the people. They elected me and I am prepared to serve them faithfully, honestly and with a sense of purpose,” she said.

Beverly said she was privileged to have served three previous Toshaos as a councillor prior to being elected.

“My experience would have been enhanced and moulded by three previous Toshaos. I didn’t serve under the last outgoing Toshao as I was in the USA at the time of the last election three years ago.

“In the last council, there were a number of complains and concerns being raised as many of the residents felt that only the family of the Toshao was being looked after and it was because of this feeling that caused them to appeal to me to come forward and run, and I told them that if this is how all of them feel then I will contest,” an evidently pleased Toshao said.

Toshao Clenkian declared that her primary focus is to create more opportunities for the youth within her mission. She also intends to open the mission to tourism.

“I am going to ensure that the residents here can be able to showcase their handy craft more, thus generating tourism related interest in what they are doing while at the same time I am going to create opportunities for

the youth through training and other exposure,” she promised.

Regional Chairperson of Region Four, Genevieve Allen, in congratulating the new Toshao, said this augurs well for the region, noting that it helps in setting the platform for more women to take up leadership roles.

She said yet another woman has taken up a task that was dominated mostly by males.

“This is certainly an indication that our women are taking up leadership roles and I would like to urge other women to emulate these achievements being made by Toshao Clenkian and others.

Today we have a female REO, a female REDO and now a female Toshao which shows that more women are demonstrating that they can lead,” Allen said.

LGE She urged more women to take an example and contest the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

“I remain confident that our women can lead and lead responsibly and effectively.

So let the election of the first female Toshao be a motivating factor for you women out there that you can do if you so choose to.

Women are on a rise and we here in Region Four are prepared to continue paving the way for more women to assume leadership roles and responsibilities and I am reiterating that I would like to see more women getting involved,” she urged.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 27, 2018

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First lady visits Palms, treats female residents

First Lady, Sandra Granger and Minister Amna Ally flanked by the seniors at the Palms (MOTP photo)

First Lady Sandra Granger (left) interacts with one of the seniors at the Palms (MOTP photo) FIRST LADY, Sandra Granger, paid a special visit to The Palms Geriatric Home as part of an initiative to treat the female residents in honour of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The activity was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Protection, the Women Across Differences (WAD) group and the Luminous Women group on Wednesday.

The women received gifts of personal care

and beauty items from the First Lady and also from Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

Additionally, the senior citizens were also treated to a ‘glam’ session done by the teenage mothers from WAD’s ‘Comprehensive Empowerment Move for Adolescent Mothers’ programme.

The teenage mothers were also graduates of First Lady’s ‘Care for the Elderly’ programme.

The First Lady promised to return later in the year to treat the men at the home.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Sri Lanka to work with ICC after pitch-doctoring reports (REUTERS) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched an investigation into corruption allegations in the sport made in a documentary to be aired by news organisation Al Jazeera today.

The documentary allegedly uncovers a groundsman agreeing to doctor pitches for Test matches involving some of the world’s top teams.

“The ICC is aware of an investigation into corruption in cricket by a news organisation and as you would expect

we will take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make very seriously,” the governing body said in a statement on its website.

“We have already launched an investigation working with anti-corruption colleagues from Member countries, based on the limited information we have received.

“We have made repeated requests that all evidence and supporting materials relating to corruption in cricket is released immediately to enable us to undertake a full and comprehensive investigation.”

The Australian newspaper reported yesterday the documentary will allege spot-fixers bribed the groundsman at Galle to doctor the pitch used for the 2016 second Test between hosts Sri Lanka and Australia.

The touring side were bowled out for 106 and 183 in the match and lost by 229 runs in less than three days.

Last year’s Test between Sri Lanka and India at Galle was also under suspicion, while match-fixers have also targeted England’s Test at the same venue in November, according to The Australian.

Sri Lanka Cricket later said in a statement that it would fully cooperate with the world governing body as they probe the allegations and that their CEO Ashley De Silva was in contact with ICC’s anti-corruption unit and CEO David Richardson.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to state that it has zero tolerance towards corruption and will take immediate action against any person involved in the alleged incident, if found guilty,” the statement added.

Match-fixing has become a major concern for the sport in recent years with a

Super Bale sinks ...

Liverpool never looked as much of a threat once Egyptian international Salah went down under a challenge from Real captain Sergio Ramos.

It was a night which confirmed Real’s ability to superbly manage the biggest of games and highlighted Liverpool’s continued problems with the goalkeeping position.

Bale, who has not been first-choice at Real this season after injury and whose future has been the subject of much speculation, was named man-of-the-match while 24-year-old Karius ended the night in tears looking utterly distraught.

Real become the first side since Bayern Munich

in 1976 to win Europe’s elite club trophy three years in a row and Zinedine Zidane the first coach to win three back-to-back titles.

DESERVED TRIUMPH The Spanish club’s fourth Champions League triumph in five years - 13th European Cup success in total - was fully deserved despite Liverpool, the competition’s top scorers this season, making an aggressive start to the game.

The English side attacked with intent and Trent Alexander-Arnold tested Navas with a low drive but Real looked in charge following the departure, in tears, of Salah.

Real had their own in-

English Racing Tips

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high-profile incident involving Pakistan on a previous tour to England forming one of cricket’s low points.

Pakistani trio Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir who is back playing for the national team, were part of a gambling-inspired plot to bowl no-balls at pre-arranged times during a Test match against England at Lord’s in August 2010.

All three players served time in prison and were handed multi-year bans from the game after an ICC tribunal found them guilty of spot-fixing.

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jury blow with right-back Dani Carvajal having to go off, replaced by Nacho in the 37th and ended the half with Benzema’s effort being disallowed for offside after Cristiano Ronaldo’s header was saved by Karius.

France striker Benzema was to get compensation though when he was alert to Karius’s ill-advised attempt to throw the ball out quickly, although Real’s lead lasted for just four minutes.

Liverpool’s Senegal forward Mane was sharp to react when Lovren rose to head the ball goalwards and their travelling fans sensed the Anfield side’s spirit could turn the game around.

But then came Bale, leaping to produce a

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jaw-dropping left-foot overhead volley from Marcelo’s cross, before trying his luck with a speculative longrange shot that defied Karius’s ham-fisted attempt to keep it out and put the result beyond doubt.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who now has five Champions League winners medals, could have added a fourth goal for Real near the end but the Portugal forward was distracted as he burst goalwards when a fan ran onto the pitch before being stopped by security.

This time it was Bale who had grabbed all the headlines as Real and Zidane continued their continental dominance.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27 2018

Chandinal eyes consistency as Lankans leave for the Caribbean COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal believes consistency will be the key as his side chase their first series win in the Caribbean.

The Asian side left here Friday for their three-Test rubber against West Indies, hoping to change the narrative of three previous tours which have seen them win a single Test in six attempts.

“We are all looking forward to the challenge.

West Indies will be playing in their home conditions and we need to stick to our strengths and game plans,” Chandimal said before the squad’s departure.

“We have made lot of sacrifices in the last couple of months. We have trained hard and now we need to be consistent. We will take it match by match and I am sure if we live up to expectations, we can win this series.”

For Chandimal, it will be his first tour of the Caribbean, having not yet played international cricket the last time Sri Lanka toured the region.

He made his debut three years later and has since become one of the side’s leading batsmen, averaging 43 from 46 Tests. Last year, alone he plundered over 1 000 runs and is looking forward to extending his healthy run.

“Last year was a very good one for me and I had worked extremely hard,”

he said. “I hope to be consistent. This is the first time I will be playing a Test series in West Indies,” he explained.

“Although they have been using Kookaburra balls, now they seem to have converted to Dukes brand.

As batsmen, it is another challenge for us as Dukes balls help the seamers a lot more. We are well prepared for these challenges.”

Sri Lanka have had inconsistent results in their last 11 Tests over the last 11 months, winning four, losing four and drawing three matches.

Of note, however, was their impressive showing against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last October when they swept the hosts 2-0.

“It was a big achievement to end Pakistan’s unbeaten run in UAE last year,” said Chandimal.

“It was a very competitive series. Every individual in the team has contributed for the success and we need to maintain that.

“Overall we have struggled a bit, but our Test cricket is in a good shape at the moment.”

Sri Lanka open their Caribbean tour with a three-day warm-up match against a West Indies President’s XI on May 30 before facing the Windies in the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval on June 6.

Miller-Uibo cruises, McLeod battles to win

EUGENE, Oregon, (CMC) – Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas crushed her opposition to convincingly win the 400 metres at the Prefontaine Classic here Saturday.

In the third meeting of the IAAF Diamond League at Hayward Field, the 24-yearold cruised to a time of 49.52 seconds after dominating the last 200 metres of the event.

Running out of lane four, Miller-Uibo made progress down the backstretch as American Phyllis Francis and Shakima Wimbley showed early.

Miller-Uibo came off the turn level with Francis (50.81) but pulled away to leave the field in her wake and cross the line without a challenger.

“I feel like I’ve gotten really strong this year and the race just felt really great,” said Miller-Uibo, who won the 200 metres in Shanghai two weeks ago.

“There are some things to

work on going forward but for this early in the season I will take that.”

There was also a second win for Jamaican Omar McLeod who took the 110 metres hurdles in a time of 13.01 seconds.

The Olympic champion was pushed all the way to the line by second placed Sergey Shubenkov (13.08), American Devon Allen who was second in 13.13 and Spain’s Orlando Ortega who was fourth.

Another Jamaican, Janieve Russell, produced a late burst to snatch the women’s 400m hurdles in a time of 54.06 seconds.

Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammmad (54.09) appeared set for the win coming off the last hurdle with Russell in third before the latter surged to the line first.

American Georganne Moline finished third in 54.33.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

18 Days to go…

Can Lionel Messi follow in Diego Maradona’s 1986 footsteps?

JULY 13, 2014 proved to be a chastening day for Lionel Messi, as Mario Gotze’s goal seven minutes from the end of extra time prolonged his wait for a World Cup that has eluded him throughout his career.

For all of his accomplishments, for which there have been many, critics of Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer point to not only the absence of a World Cup winners medal, but also a performance at football’s biggest tournament befitting of the tag ‘World’s Greatest Player’, something his predecessor managed during 1986 in Mexico.

Diego Maradona has become synonymous with the World Cup after he guided Argentina to glory in 1986,

leading by example with a number of stunning displays that have now become engraved into the history of the competition.

The question is: Can Messi follow in Maradona’s footsteps in Russia this summer?

Prior to the second World Cup to be held in Mexico, qualifying for the competition had been less-than convincing for La Albiceleste, with Jorge Valdano summing up the state of the team upon arrival in Mexico, stating: It was to be El Pibe de Oro’s second taste of a World Cup for his country, having scored twice in 1982 as Argentina could only reach the second group stage. With expectations low this time around, this

perhaps gave Carlos Bilardo’s players the freedom to express themselves in Mexico, with no one accepting the invitation more so than Maradona.

Despite only scoring once in the group stage against Italy during their 1-1 draw, Maradona provided four assists against South Korea and Bulgaria in the other two group games. Argentina qualified from Group A as winners, giving an early indication as to the form that he had brought heading into the knockout stages of the competition, in comparison with Messi -a seemingly inevitable prospect when discussing the pair, Barcelona’s current number ten has amassed five goals at all three World Cups in which he has appeared.

Staggeringly, however, all his goals have come in the group stages, leaving Messi open to criticism regarding his performances in the crux of the competition - a critique that could not be labelled at Maradona in ‘86.

Following a narrow 1-0 win against Uruguay in the last 16, Maradona’s Argentina were tasked with facing England in the quarterfinals.

In what turned out to be one of the most famous games in World Cup history, the-then number 10 left his indelible mark on an occasion befitting of his genius, craft and talent.

Fans in attendance at the Aztec Arena were treated to the beauty and the beast of Maradona all in the space of four minutes. The latter came in the 51st minute, as the ‘Hand of God’ contentiously handed Argentina the lead in the blazing heat of Mexico City, although it’s not a moment you would endorse Messi replicating this summer.

For how controversial his first goal was, the second, scored by Maradona in the 54th minute, was equally as memorable, but for all the right reasons. Voted for by

FIFA as ‘Goal of the Century’, the diminutive forward glided past the likes of Peter Beardsley and Reid, Terry Butcher and Fenwick, before rounding Peter Shilton and doubling Argentina’s lead with arguably the greatest goal in the history of the competition, with Gary Lineker’s late goal acting as a mere consolation.

Two more goals followed for Maradona in their 2-0 win against Belgium in the semi-final win, which set up the showpiece final against West Germany. In what was a pulsating final at the Aztec Arena (a stadium that Maradona seemed at home in), Argentina’s initial two-goal lead had been clawed back by their European counterparts. Seven minutes before the end, however, Maradona had his say on the game and in a big way.

Argentina captain provided the vital assist for their third and decisive goal. Playing an exquisite pass through to Jorge Burrechanga, he duly raced away from a German defence, before slotting past the imposing figure of Harald Schumacher to seal the country’s second World Cup, with the award of the Golden Ball and Silver Shoe the perfect additions to the immortalisation of Maradona’s legacy in the competition.

Quite the act for Messi to follow, yet for a player so talented and distinguished in the modern era, the World Cup has represented an insurmountable hurdle he is yet to conquer. Consecutive World Cup quarter-final exits at the hands of Germany in 2006 and 2010, where even the pairing of Messi with Maradona at the helm could not guide the South American’s to glory.

The most recent tournament in Brazil is the closest Messi has come to winning the trophy that many be-

lieve he is deserving of. In what was his best return at the competition with four goals, he, like Maradona, led Argentina to the final against the same opponents as in 1986. Gotze’s goal proved enough on the day, with the award of the Golden Ball to Messi nothing more than scant consolation.

In what will be his fourth World Cup, time is beginning to run out for Messi if he is to realise his dream. Entering the tournament aged 30, Messi has hinted this could be his final chance in Russia, stating it’s “now or never” to realise his own personal dream, insisting he wants to “get rid of the bad taste and win the World Cup.”.

Should Argentina’s alltime leading goalscorer fail to capture the World Cup this summer, he certainly isn’t the first and will not be the last great in which a World Cup winners’ medal eludes them.

The likes of Johan Cruyff and Eusabio are two greats of the game who never won a World Cup they probably deserved while Messi’s contemporary Cristiano Ronaldo is another whose career could end without his lifting the famous trophy.

Expected to captain Jorge Sampaoli’s side this summer, Messi will lead Argentina into Russia this summer with an air of ‘86 still lingering. Struggling to qualify for this World Cup as they did 32 years ago, Argentina aren’t perhaps a team many expect to even reach the final, never mind win it, although it would be foolish to write off a team with a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Argentina’s talisman and leader to the World Cup in 1986 came in the shape of a left-footed number ten.

Who’s to say history won’t repeat itself this time around.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27 2018

LeBron scores 46 against Celtics as Cavs force Game 7 in Boston (REUTERS) - LeBron James’ 46 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists Friday night carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 109-99 win over the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, tying the Eastern Conference finals at 3-3.

Game 7 of the series is tonight in Boston, with the winner meeting either Hous-

ton or Golden State in the NBA Finals. The Rockets took a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 of the Western Conference finals in Oakland last night.

“Feels good just to be able to play for another game,” James said after the game. “I’ve always said Game 7 is the best two hours in sports, so let’s go have fun with it.”

George Hill enjoyed his best game of the series for the Cavaliers with 20 points, while reserve Jeff Green chipped in 14 and Larry Nance Jr hit for 10 points.

They helped make up for the loss of forward Kevin Love, who lasted five minutes before leaving with a possible concussion after a collision with Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum. Love’s status for

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics forward Al Horford (42) during the fourth quarter in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)

Game 7 is uncertain.

Terry Rozier pumped in six 3-pointers and led Boston with 28 points while Jaylen Brown gunned in 27. Tatum finished with 15 but was largely a non-entity during the first half. Reserves Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart scored 10 points each.

“This troupe’s resilient,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters postgame.

“We’ll be ready to go on Sunday (today).”

Cleveland led for most of the last 2-1/2 quarters, although the Celtics made things interesting in the fourth quarter when they cut the deficit to seven on multiple occasions. But James drilled back-to-back 3-pointers in a 43-second span to up the lead to 107-96 and quash remaining suspense.

“Does that ever come into our minds? Yeah, like every time we’re out there,” Stevens said of James’ great-

ness. “Best player in the game, special night tonight. I can’t say enough good things about him.”

The Cavaliers also dominated the glass and reaped the benefits at the foul line.

Cleveland finished with a 4431 advantage in rebounding, including 15-5 on the offensive boards, and went 18-of22 at the stripe. Boston was a poor 11-of-20 at the line.

The Celtics actually got off to a good start, unlike one-sided Game 3 and 4 losses in Cleveland. Brown lit it up with 15 first-quarter points, converting a pullup jumper with 8.3 seconds remaining that put Boston ahead 25-20.

Things turned for good in the second quarter, when the Celtics could only manage 18 points. James’ floater with 21.8 seconds remaining wrapped up a 25-point half and helped usher the Cavaliers into the locker room with a 54-43 advantage.

“Been fortunate enough to play some good basketball through my career,” James said. “Hopefully, I’ll get myself in a position to play great once again on Sunday (today).

N/A Canje teams make good start in Unity Cup THE Unity Cup, organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL), continued with several teams recording wins across the country.

In N/A Canje area at the Scott School ground, Edinburgh XI crushed Angoy Avenue’s Young Achievers by 40 runs.

Edinburgh batted first and recorded a match-winning 157-3 in 10 overs with Rameez Khan top-scoring with 45 (4x6; 3x4) in an entertaining knock. In reply, Young Achievers limped to 117-9 in their 10 overs.

Khan returned to grab 2-12.

Flying Stars defeated Rotterdam XI by 17 runs.

Flying Stars batted first and made 149-5 in 10 overs with Jason McCalmont top-scoring with 50 (5x6, 2x4) in 19 balls.

In reply, Rotterdam got off to a good start, as Julian Bennett led the way with 69 off 24 balls (3x6, 5x4) but it was in vain as the bowlers kept their cool and scythed through the middle order with five wickets.

They ended on 132-8 in their 10 overs.

N/A Rising Stars got a

walkover from West Canje Sports Club.

Meanwhile, scores in the Lower East Coast are: At the Enterprise ground, Enterprise Youths shocked Success Enforcers by 9 wickets.

Success Enforcers batted first and rattled up a challenging 100-3 in 10 overs.

Zakier Baksh top-scored with 47 (2x6, 2x4) off 15 balls. Chris Sookram also contributed 30 (4x4) off 12 balls. Gavin Andrew took 2-2 off his two overs.

In reply, Enterprise Youths knocked off the runs by scoring 102-1 in 8.3 overs with Vincent Beepat hitting an unbeaten 40 (1x6, 6x4) to take his team to victory.

Farm defeated Success Youths by 29 runs. Farm batted first and made 99-8 in their 10 overs with Lynel Alphonso clobbering 46 (5x6; 1x4).

Vishal Geewan took 3-14 off 2 overs. In reply, Success Youths struggled from the outset and could muster only 90. Riaz Ramchand claimed 3-9; Ameer Khan 2-7 and Sheldon Adam 2-3 were the bowlers what

did the damage.

Better Hope defeated El Dorado by four wickets in a close contest.

Better Hope batted first and made 80-8 in 10 overs, Sunil Seeraj top-scoring with 16 (1x4).

In reply, El Dorado lost wickets on a regular basis and eventually ended on 78-9 in their 10 overs.

Success Youths crushed El Dorado by nine wickets.

El Dorado, playing their second game for the day, made it two losses in a row after making 96-9 in their 10 overs. Khemraj Parmanand top-scored with 21 (2x4).

Rajin Budhu took 2-17.

In reply, Success Youths raced to 97-1 in 5 overs Rajin Budhu returning to clobber 51 (6x6, 1x4) off just 16 balls.

Over at the Leonora Primary School ground, Omesh XI defeated Superbet by 15 runs but lost to Crossbreed in a nail-biter by one run.

Meanwhile, eleven oneball matches were concluded in N/A Canje zone. The Under-15 cricket matches will be played during this week on Wednesday and Friday.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Buttler and Bess give England hope at Lord’s

By Ed Osmond LONDON, England (Reuters) - Jos Buttler and Dom Bess shared a spirited century-stand to save England from a humiliating innings defeat by Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s yesterday.

The pair came together with the hosts reeling at 110 for six, 69 runs behind the touring side and heading for their first loss in a May Test at the home of cricket inside three days.

Buttler, recalled to the side, and debutant Bess calmly added 125 in the evening sunshine to take England to 235 for six and a narrow lead of 56 runs.

“We wanted to scrap hard and try and get ourselves back in the game,” Buttler said.

“With Dom Bess, it was like Joe Root walked back out, with his back foot punches and cover drives. He’s got a great character and he really showed that.”

Pakistan, however, should still complete a deserved victory today.

They added 13 runs to their overnight 350 for eight to extend their lead to 179 and quickly started running through England’s brittle batting line-up.

Dom Bess and Jos Buttler revive England’s innings. (Getty Images)

Alastair Cook, who topscored with 70 in the first innings, was trapped lbw by Mohammad Abbas for one and Mark Stoneman, under severe pressure for his place in the team, made a scratchy nine before he was bowled by leg-spinner Shadab Khan before England limped to lunch at 37 for two.

Captain Joe Root batted patiently, content to defend and take advantage of the rare loose balls served up by a disciplined Pakistan attack.

He reached his 50 before Mohammad Amir took centre stage with two wickets in one over.

BRILLIANT DELIVERY Pakistan’s left-arm seamer found the edge of

Dawid Malan’s bat to dismiss him for 12 and two balls later Amir produced a brilliant in-swinging delivery to bowl Jonny Bairstow and leave England in deep trouble at 91 for four.

Ben Stokes clipped his first ball through square leg for four and followed up with another crisp boundary but, on nine, he tried to hit Shadab through the leg-side and was well caught at short mid-wicket.

The packed crowd was stunned into silence as Buttler walked out to the middle and Root was next to go, snared lbw by Abbas for 68 and failing to get the decision overturned on review.

It was the 10th time in a row that Root has failed to

convert a Test fifty into a century and his dismissal ended England’s realistic hopes of winning the match.

Buttler and Bess clung on until tea, however, and played sensibly in the final session.

Buttler struck five fours in reaching his half-century and 20-year-old off-spinner Bess, who failed to take a wicket, showed great maturity in a supporting role.

He played some polished attacking strokes and his fifty was greeted by warm applause from the packed crowd as he raised his bat to all corners of the ground.

It was probably too little too late for England, who were desperate to make a strong start to the two-Test , following their heavy Ashes defeat in Australia and a rare loss to New Zealand.

But at least Buttler, who finished on 66 not out, and Bess (55 not out) justified their selections and gave their team a bit of confidence ahead of a potentially even more difficult five-Test series against topranked India.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND first innings 184 PAKISTAN 1st innings Azhar Ali lbw James Anderson 50 Imam ul-Haq lbw Stuart Broad 4 Haris Sohail c Jonny Bairstow b Mark Wood 39 Asad Shafiq c Dawid Malan b Ben Stokes 59 Babar Azam retired hurt 68 Sarfraz Ahmed c Mark Wood b Ben Stokes 9 Shadab Khan c Jonny Bairstow b Ben Stokes 52 Faheem Ashraf b James Anderson 37 Mohammad Amir not out 24 Hasan Ali c Jos Buttler b James Anderson 0 Mohammad Abbas c Jonny Bairstow b Mark Wood 5 Extras: (lb-14, nb-1, w-1) 16 Total: (all out, 114.3 overs) 363 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-87, 3-119, 4-203, 5-227, 6-318, 7-332, 8-337, 9-363.

Bowling: James Anderson 26-6-82-3, Stuart Broad 25- 9-61-1 (nb-1), Mark Wood 24.3-6-74-2 (w-1), Ben Stokes 22-5-73-3, Dom Bess 17-0-59-0.

ENGLAND 2nd innings Alastair Cook lbw Mohammad Abbas 1 Mark Stoneman b Shadab Khan 9 Joe Root lbw Mohammad Abbas 68 Dawid Malan c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 12 Jonny Bairstow b Mohammad Amir 0 Ben Stokes c (sub.) b Shadab Khan 9 Jos Buttler not out 66 Dom Bess not out 55 Extras: (b-4, lb-9, w-2) 15 Total: (six wkts, 78.0 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-31, 3-91, 4-91, 5-104, 6-110. Bowling: Mohammad Amir 17-3-35-2, Mohammad Abbas 15-3-36-2, Faheem Ashraf 92-31-0, Hasan Ali 18-3-57-0 (w-2), Shadab Khan 19-2-63-2.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27 2018

Region Two holds secondary school table tennis competition ers, and head teachers of all the participating schools as well as Regional Education Officer, Ms Nicola Matthews and Director of Sport Mr Christopher Jones for making the training programme and competition a success.

Meanwhile, Inter-Dormitory circle tennis training was held on May 23 and 24 at the Anna Regina Multilateral

playfield and was facilitated by former Essequibo circle tennis captain Mr Ewart Moore.

Participating in the tennis training were dormitory students from Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary and Aurora Secondary.

Below are names of winners of the competitions.

Winners of the competitions along with organisers

IN observance of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion - Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission through its Regional Sports Organiser - held an In-

ter-dormitory circle tennis training and an Inter-Secondary School table tennis knockout competition in Region Two. The tournament was held on the 25th of May in the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary covered area, un-

der the supervision of the Essequibo Table Tennis Association sub-members.

Students from Anna Regina Multilateral, Abram’s Zuil Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary and Aurora Secondary participated in the three categories of the

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL

Bowlers give Aurora easy win

AURORA Secondary School bowlers produced a disciplined bowling effort to defeat Cotton Field Secondary School by 40 runs in the

latest game in the 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday May 27, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mandeep Singh-252 runs; HS: 47* (RCB) (2) Umesh Yadav-20 wickets; BB: 3/23 (RCB) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck most sixes in the preliminary round of IPL 2018?

(2) Who took most catches (non-wicketkeeper) in the preliminary round?

National Secondary Schools Cricket League.

Played at Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast, Aurora Secondary won the toss and elected to bat.

However, they found Cotton Field’s bowling a bit difficult to negotiate, and throttled to 76-4 off their allotted overs. Fosto Campbell notched 21, while Jerrold Stoll, Orin Gibson and Mahendra Basdeo scored 17, 11 and 10 respectively.

Bowling for Cotton Field, Cesus Charles grabbed 3-15.

Cotton Field then appeared very tardy in their reply, as several batsmen lacked planning and coordinated tactics. They eventually reached 36-8.

Aurora’s leading bowler, Tackoor Sankar capitalised on Cotton Field’s inept batting approach, to end with brilliant figures of 5-4.

The other wicket-takers for Aurora, were Fosto Campbell and Mahendra Basdeo, with one wicket each.

competition in both male and female divisions.

Essequibo Table Tennis Association – sub-resident Gary Williams encouraged participants to continue training. Regional Sports Organiser Ms Daniels also thanked the students, teach-

Senior female team to undergo encampment THE national female cricket team will undergo an encampment period from today, prior to their departure for Cricket West Indies Women’s Regional T20 and 50-over tournaments, which are scheduled to take place in Jamaica from Thursday June 7 to 25.

The encampment will be held at the GCB’s hostel at LBI, and will definitely serve as ideal preparation, as the team aim for adequate success during the tournaments.

Fourteen players have been selected, along with six

reserves. The team manager is Carol Nurse, and the coach is Bharat Mangru.

The 14 players are: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Sheneta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru, Shabika Gajnabi, Lashuna Toussaint, Melanie Henry, Tremayne Smartt, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Erva Giddings, Kaysia Shultz, Subrina Munroe, Akaze Thompson, Plaffiana Millington and Katana Mentore.

The reserve players are: Heema Singh, Shenika Campbelle, Latoya Smith, Dian Prahalad, Althea Newark and Casey Charles.

Shemaine Campbell

The above players are asked to report to the hostel at 16:00hrs today.

Egypt’s Salah a doubt for World Cup, says Liverpool’s Klopp

By Matthias Williams KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) Liverpool’s Egypt forward Mohamed Salah could miss next month’s World Cup in Russia after suffering a suspected shoulder injury in yesterday’s 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid, his club manager Juergen Klopp has said.

Salah, who scored 44 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, left the field in tears in the 31st

minute after falling heavily under a challenge by Real captain Sergio Ramos.

The Egyptian tried to continue after receiving treatment on the pitch but was forced to leave the game.

“It’s a serious injury, a really serious injury,” Klopp told a post-match news conference. “He is in the hospital for an X-ray. It’s either the collarbone or the shoulder itself. It doesn’t look good, that’s it,” he said.

“We lost a very important

player, like probably Egypt lost for the World Cup a very important player.. I still hope it’s not like this,” he said.

Salah’s performances at Liverpool, following his pre-season move from AS Roma, have made him the club’s number one performer and a national hero in his homeland.

Egypt will play in the World Cup for the first time since 1990 and face hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group A.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, May 27, 2018

Legends Month: The best of Viv

IN Wisden’s Top 100 ODI Innings, a list released back in 2002, the unbeaten 189 scored by Viv Richards against England in 1984 earned top billing.

And even by his own lofty standards, Richards’ performance on that day was something special - a knock that solidified the Caribbean king’s reputation as the most damaging batsman on the planet.

Of course, by May 31, 1984 Viv had already strutted his stuff on the international stage for years in both Tests and ODIs. Of the top 10 scores in ODI history at the time, he had three – though his name wasn’t top of the tree.

Clearly the great West Indian saw the need to change that. And on one special day at Old Trafford, he did exactly that.

In the first of a threematch series against England, West Indies captain Clive Lloyd won the toss and elected to bat.

His all-conquering team fell apart over the next 26 overs, slipping to 7-102 as the entire top eight – exclud-

ing Richards – was dismissed without reaching double figures.

From that point, the Antiguan took it upon himself to push his team toward a defendable total, taking on an attack boasting legends Bob Willis and Ian Botham in the process.

Ultimately, he pushed the Windies towards a total that was well beyond ‘defendable’.

Eldine Baptiste provided moderate support, contributing 26 in a 59-run stand for the eighth wicket. However, when Botham accounted for him and Joel Garner fell shortly afterwards, Richards’ only company was No.11 Michael Holding.

The score at that point was 9-166, with 14 overs left in the innings.

Richards clearly felt the need for speed.

He picked up a Botham offering and dispatched it over mid-wicket for six and followed it up with a tracer bullet over long off for six more.

Another over the head of the man on the deep backward square fence yielded the

same result.

And on it went.

Twenty-one fours, five sixes and a blur of destruction and pure power-hitting!

In all, the pair added an unbeaten 106 for the final wicket (a world record that stands today), of which Holding made 12.

Richards finished unbeaten on 189, and in his wake came the West Indies, all the way to 9-272.

His 69.48 per cent contribution to the team innings is another ODI record that is still to be surpassed, while his record score took almost 13 years to be toppled.

West Indies won the match in a canter; Garner, Holding and Malcolm Marshall reduced the England top order to rubble and the home side eventually folded for 168.

Ironically, that total might have been enough if not for Viv; it was two runs more than the Windies had been when Richards was joined by Holding, and the back half of perhaps the greatest ODI knock of them all was played out. (Cricket. com.au)

Seeraj plunders unbeaten 93 as HACC continue winning ways TORONTO, Canada Former Canadian wicketkeeper batsman Surendra Seeraj rolled back the years with a blistering unbeaten 93 as Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) made it two wins in as many starts in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Elite League tournament which entered its second week here last weekend.

Playing at the SCA’s premier venue, Ashtonbee Number One, Seeraj was in subline form, slamming nine fours and six sixes as HACC galloped to 149 for one, chasing the modest 145 all out made by Superstars/Islanders in 39.3 overs in the 50-over affair.

Trinidadian-born Seeraj who last represented Canada in 2006 shared an opening stand of 32 with former Guyana youth player,

Azib Ali Hanif (left) hands over trophy to veteran player Ryiad ‘Legend’ Sattaur.

Harrinarine Chattergoon, whose breezy 23 included two sixes and a four.

Seeraj then dominated a brilliant 117-run unfinished second-wicket partnership with Azhad Amidon whose contribution was 29 (three fours) as HACC cruised to a nine-wicket victory in 21.3 overs.

Earlier, the HACC

bowlers held a stranglehold over the youthful Superstars/Islanders side with former Guyana and West Indies One-day player Royston Crandon grabbing three for 31 in eight overs, leg-spinner Vinood Persaud three for 37 from his allotted 10 and Iqbal Rahaman two for 11 from 4.3 overs. Deepak Sharma hit a top score of 32 for the opponents.

HACC also took the opportunity to honour its players who were runners-up in last year’s Elite final, officials and loyal supporters. Several of the trophies were handed out by skipper Azib Ali Hanif, a former Guyana wicketkeeper batsman.

HACC will be in action again today when they take in Armor at Ashtonbee Number Two. (Frederick Halley)

Viv Richards celebrates one of the best ODI innings ever. (Getty Images)

CAS ruling on Carter, stripped Bolt gold medal expected this week THE fate of Jamaican sprinter Nesta Carter and a gold medal previously belonging to world’s fastest man Usain Bolt will be decided next when the Court of Arbitration (CAS) for Sports makes a ruling on the case currently before it, reports claim.

Carter tested positive for the banned stimulant Methylhexaneamine after a re-test of the sprinter’s 2008 Olympic Games samples. The runner was a part of the Jamaica 4x100m men’s team, which had also included recently retired sprint legend Bolt.

As a result of the positive test, the medal and result was stripped from the team who originally clocked 37.10 to win the event. The other members of the quartet were Asafa Powell and Michael Frater.

Jamaican sprinter Nesta Carter

Carter and his legal team with support from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, however, appealed the ruling earlier this year, making the case to the CAS that they believed it was unfair. The substance was not

listed on the list of prohibited substances in 2008.

Carter presented his appeal to CAS last November during a seven-hour hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland.(SportsMax).

Champions League final

Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row

By Simon Evans KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - A sensational overhead goal from Real Madrid substitute Gareth Bale and two calamitous errors by Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius gave the Spanish side a third straight Champions League crown with a 3-1 win in an incident-packed final yesterday.

Welshman Bale came on just past the hour with the score at 1-1 and after three minutes produced an astonishing bicycle-kick finish and then netted with a speculative long-range effort that somehow went through the hands of the unfortunate Karius.

The German keeper had earlier handed Real a 51st minute lead when he threw the ball straight at striker Karim Benzema and the ball rolled into the unguarded net off the Frenchman’s leg.

Liverpool, who crucially lost their leading scorer Mohamed Salah to a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 31st minute, had equalised in the 55th minute when Sadio Mane followed in to knock the ball home after getting on the end of a Dejan Lovren header.

In truth though, despite their efforts Turn to page 25 ►

Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid lifted the Champions League trophy for the third year in a row. (Credit Lluis Gene/Agence France-Presse - Getty Images)

Sri Lanka to work with ICC after pitch-doctoring reports 25 PAGE

Egypt’s Salah a doubt for World Cup, says Liverpool’s Klopp

PAGE

30 Liverpool’s Sadio Mane consoles teammate Mohamed Salah as he is substituted off due to injury. (REUTERS/Andrew Boyers)

Chandinal eyes consistency as Lankans leave for the Caribbean

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Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2018