Guyana Chronicle E-paper 4 /18/2018

WEDNESDAY 18th April, 2018

No.105248

PPP opened 300 bank accounts

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‌gov't says in response to signing bonus court challenge

‌Consolidated Fund includes public monies in other banks as directed by Minister of Finance President David Granger and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, pose with Patricia Scotland QC, Commonwealth Secretary-General PAGE during a meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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Young rapist gets 52 years PAGE

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Gunmen

charged with series of offences 08 PAGE

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Guyana updates UK, Commonwealth on border case

Guyana updates UK, 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Commonwealth on border case SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Commonwealth, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC, and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were on Tuesday updated on the status of the Guyana/Venezuela border case which is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Head of State, David Granger, during bilateral discussions.

The President along with his delegation, comprising

Hamley Case; met with the officials on the sidelines of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being hosted in London, United Kingdom.

Providing an update following the meetings which were held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Greenidge said Guyana expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth for articulating their position in support of the country as it relates to the border controversy on the international

President David Granger and his delegation in talks with Britain Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson

President David Granger makes a point to Britain Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson during their meeting

Second Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell; and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Frederick

scene. “What is unfolding now, what the ICJ is likely to do in terms of the future steps,” he added.

Back in February in a statement the Commonwealth had welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General of

the United Nations, Antonio Gutteres, to refer the long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Secretary-General recalled that at the September 2017 meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, Ministers noted Guyana’s concerns that this longstanding controversy has impacted on the country’s economic development. The Secretary-General further recalled that at the

last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2015, the leaders noted that “the Geneva Agreement of 1966 between the Parties provides a range of mechanisms for an expeditious solution to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention of invalidity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The Heads expressed their full support for the United Nations Secretary-General to choose a means of settlement in keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement 1966, to bring the controversy to a definitive end.”

Meanwhile, the work of the Commonwealth and new areas of focus, particularly the development of toolkits to assist in the implementation of key policies in member states, which is an initiative

of Secretary-General Scotland, were also discussed during the meeting, Minister Greenidge revealed. Guyana’s Iwokrama Rainforest and environment protection initiatives were also explored.

The bilateral engagement was described as fruitful as the President and Foreign Secretary Johnson committed to strengthening the cooperation between Guyana and the UK on all fronts.

The Head of State discussed issues of common interest with the British Foreign Secretary and according to Minister Greenidge, “issues ranging from BREXIT to the challenges the UK faces to environmental issues and so forth, cooperation that is ongoing in terms of the security initiative and other areas” were addressed. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that these meetings precede pre-

vious engagements, including one held by UK Prime Minister Theresa May with Caribbean countries in relation to bilateral cooperation.

As part of the CHOGM events, President Granger is expected to meet with Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi and attend the Commonwealth’s Malaria Summit and Welcome Dinner, which is to be hosted

by Prime Minister May, tomorrow.

Leaders at this year’s CHOGM are expected to consider a Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean governance, a Commonwealth connectivity agenda for trade and investment, a declaration on cybercrime and revised Commonwealth guidelines on election observation in member countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

PPP opened 300 bank accounts …gov’t says in response to signing bonus court challenge …Consolidated Fund includes public monies in at any other banks as directed by Minister of Finance THE Government said the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has miscomprehended the meaning of Consolidated Fund in the context of the fiscal management and accountability of public monies and revealed that the party when in government had opened over 300 bank accounts, similar to the one that is holding the US $18M signing bonus which they are now challenging.

In fact, the Government disclosed that one such account was the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) loan from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) of US $15M. This loan was never deposited in the official Consolidated Fund account by the Finance Minister prior to 2015, but rather in an official foreign- currency bank account in the Bank of Guyana (BoG) in almost the exact manner and terms like the signature bonus.

The Government’s comments are contained in its affidavit in response to the PPP-sponsored court action challenging the administration’s decision to place the US $18M signing bonus received from ExxonMobil into a special account. The affidavit was prepared by the Attorney General Chambers. Last week, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that the US $18M signing bonus received from ExxonMobil in 2016 remains in the Bank of Guyana (BoG) but has been invested in the US treasury bills and Canadian bonds where it is accumulating interest. Jordan told reporters on Friday that while the money has not been used, it has already accumulated US $36,169 in interest.

The affidavit in the name of State Solicitor, Ayana Mc Calman was filed on March 21 by Ms. Kim Kyte, Solicitor General and Oneka ArcherCaulder, Principal Legal Adviser for the State. In the affidavit the government said that there is a complete misconception and miscomprehension by the applicant Anil Nandlall, as regards the Consolidated Fund and what is the purport and meaning of Article 216 of the Constitution in the context of fiscal management and the accountability of public monies and the law and practice thereof.

“The Consolidated Fund, as provided by Section 51 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003, includes public monies which are kept in the Official

Consolidated Fund Account and include deposits of public monies held at any other bank as the Minister of Finance may direct,” the Government contends.

“The Consolidated Fund is therefore an amalgam of Funds and official bank accounts from a variety of sources which contain revenues or public monies. The Consolidated Fund is not the sole, singular place for public monies to be deposited but also includes other Funds or official bank accounts as so contemplated expressly by sections 44, 45 and 51 of the Act of 2003,” the State argued in its response.

The Government explained that Sections 73 (1) and 73 (2) (d) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003 authorise the opening of other accounts approved by the Minister, and specifically provide for the accountability by the Minister of Finance for such accounts in accordance with accounting standards and formats set out in the Regulations.

According to the affidavit, Section 73 (1) and Section 73 (2) (d) provide as follows: “73.

(1) The Minister shall, as soon as is practicable after the end of each fiscal year, prepare consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year just completed in accordance with accounting standards and formats set out in the regulations.

(2) The consolidated financial statements shall consist of- in respect of any other accounts approved by the Minister, the financial reports required by the Minister.”

OVER 300 ACCOUNTS Meanwhile, the government disclosed that examination of the books of accounts and records held at the Bank of Guyana, show that the previous Government prior to May 2015, followed the practice of opening official and other bank accounts for Government business which is an established lawful practice in accordance with Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003 and the Constitution of Guyana.

“The records show further that prior to 2015 there were in excess of 300 such accounts opened at, and in the custody of the Bank of Guyana,” McCalman said in the affidavit, which exhibited an extract of official accounts held at the Bank of Guyana.

The administration asserted that in accordance with

lion Dollars received as a signature bonus was paid by the Contractor Exxon Mobil under the Petroleum Agreement of June 2016 and was paid into one such official bank account at the Bank of Guyana and that the Second Named Respondent did so as the Minister responsible for finance and in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned Act of 2003 and in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana,” the government said.

The administration assertSolicitor General Kim Kyte

Attorney General Basil Williams

good fiscal accountability practice, separate official bank accounts, in fact, have been created regularly pre- and post- Independence Guyana for a variety of State business undertakings, trusts and for loan accounts.

“Apart from the numerous examples shown in (extract of accounts), the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme loan from the Inter- American Development Bank of USD$15 Million is an example of one such, which was never deposited in the Official Consolidated Fund Account by the Finance Minister prior to 2015 when the Applicant was Principal Legal Advisor to the Government of Guyana and a Member of Parliament whose duty ought to ensure compliance with the laws.”

Additionally, the government argued instead, this amount of public monies was deposited in an official foreign- currency bank account in the Bank of Guyana in almost the exact manner and terms like the USD$18 Million Signature Bonus which is the bone of contention in this case.

“I am further advised and verily believe that experience has shown that there is wisdom in crediting such revenues or public monies into an official foreign currency bank account.

Thereafter, disbursements therefrom have to follow the appropriation procedures as provided for in article 217 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Act of 2003,” Mc Calman said in her affidavit.

The Government contends that the USD $28 Million is received monies which are yet to be sent into the Consolidated Fund because the funds are in an “official” account as authorised by Sections 44 and 45 of the aforementioned Act of 2003. “…the USD$18 Mil-

PPP, MP Anil Nandlall

ed that it made an official decision for USD $3 Million of the fund to be used to develop and train technicians with critical

job ready skills to be utilised in the petroleum sector. The remaining USD $15 Million is to be set aside for legal fees and expenses related to the resolution of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, especially since the matter was referred to the International Court of Justice for judicial determination.

The Government said too, that it has stated publicly that when the time comes for Guyana to retain and pay the lawyers for these services in the ICJ, these monies will properly be appropriated, that is, drawn from the Treasury with Parliamentary authorisation

and approval in accordance with Article 217 of the Constitution. “Article 217 of the Constitution prescribes that the Government cannot spend public monies unless the Expenditure has been authorised

by Parliament through the necessary appropriation process,” the government stated.

The administration further stated that in keeping with Article 217 of the Constitution the said sum will be transferred into the Consolidated Fund to effect the appropriation for the purpose of paying the fees for those providing the legal services. Further, Mc Calman’s affidavit affirmed that President David Granger has since publicly stated that the said signing bonus will shortly be paid over to the Consolidated Fund to accommodate the payment of lawyers’ fees. “I am advised and verily believe that in the circumstances the application herein is wholly misconceived. I am further advised by my Attorney- atlaw, and do verily believe that the action herein is an abuse of the process of the Court, is speculative, vexatious, without merit and ought to be dismissed with costs,” Mc Calman stated.

Linden man dies after bike slams into car ‘E’ Division (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) has recorded its second fatality for 2018, after a motorcycle slammed into a hire car on Tuesday.

Dead is 37-year-old Florenda Benjamin of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden. He was at the time riding his motorcycle CJ 1644 and proceeding south along the eastern side of Sir David Rose Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden.

Reports indicate that around 16:30hrs, motor car HC 6299 was proceeding north along the same road when it overtook another car and collided with Benjamin. Benjamin’s battered body was flung some distance away from the motorcycle. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex

(LHC) where he was pronounced dead.

Driver of the motor car, 31- year- old Michael Stewart of Cinderilla City, Linden, and passengers Leinana Ally, Emily Ally and Mary Fraser of Cinderilla City, Linden, were all rushed to the LHC where they were seen and examined by a doctor and were subsequently sent home.

Investigations are ongoing.

Eyewitnesses said that the accident occurred quickly and it is hard to determine who is wrong. “You remember that turn is a deep turn at Pitman corner and apparently the man overtake and this bike man was pacing coming through and they crash into each oth-

er,” the eye witness said.

While the motorbike was totally mangled, the car was only damaged to its front bonnet. Eyewitnesses related that only last week a motorcycle collided with a Tundra truck at the same location, however, no one had died. In the past, several accidents occurred at the same location, given the depth of the turn.

Lindener, Florenda Benjamin died in the accident

Police and residents at the accident scene

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Starbucks to shut over 8,000 US cafes for race training

Wednesday April 18th, 05:00 Thursday April 19th, 05:00 Friday April 20th, 05:00

COFFEE chain Starbucks is to close more than 8,000 company-owned branches in the US for an afternoon next month to carry out “racial bias” training.

The aim is to prevent discrimination in Starbucks stores. The move comes after the firm had to apologise over last week’s arrest of two black men who were waiting for a friend in a Starbucks in Philadelphia.

Following the incident, protesters converged on the store and there were calls for a boycott of Starbucks.

Starbucks’ boss said he had been “learning what we did wrong and the steps we need to take to fix it”. Chief executive Kevin Johnson said he had spent the last few days in Philadelphia. On Monday he met the two men

who were arrested. “While this is not limited to Starbucks, we’re committed to being a part of the solution.

Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities,” he said. All Starbucks company-owned branches and corporate offices will be closed in the afternoon of Tuesday 29 May. Nearly 175,000 staff will receive the training, as will all future recruits.

The training will “address implicit bias, promote conscious inclusion, prevent discrimination and ensure everyone inside a Starbucks store feels safe and welcome”, the company said in a statement.

Following the incident in Philadelphia last Thursday, amateur video showed police placing the two men, who were accused by shop staff of trespassing, in handcuffs. The footage was widely shared after it was posted on Twitter and led to accusations of racial profiling. Mr Johnson said the video was “hard to watch” and that the actions taken were “wrong”.

In an interview on Monday, Mr Johnson said the Philadelphia branch manager who called police on the two men last week has now left the company.

‘RACE TOGETHER’ In 2015 a Starbucks public relations campaign to encourage customers to discuss issues of race back-

fired, when the company’s big roll-out was widely mocked.

Launching the “Race Together” campaign, Starbucks had said it wanted to engage customers in a conversation about race after ongoing protests about police treatment of minority communities and race-related social movements online.

It involved baristas scribbling the words “Race Together” on cups and attempting to “engage customers in conversation through Race Together stickers available in select stores”, Starbucks said.

But instead the hashtag #racetogether was hijacked on social media and the campaign became the subject of widespread criticism. (BBC)

Frenchman gets ‘third face’ in new transplant THE first person in the world to receive two facial transplants says he is feeling well, three months after his latest groundbreaking operation.

Jérôme Hamon had his first transplanted face removed last year after signs of rejection following a treatment with an incompatible antibiotic during a cold. The 43 year old remained in a hospital in Paris without a face for two months while a compat-

ible donor was sought.

He said: “The first [face] I accepted immediately. This time it’s the same.” Mr Hamon suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic condition that caused severe disfiguring tumours on his face. His first transplant, in 2010, was a success, but he caught a common cold in 2015 and was given antibiotics. The drug was incompatible with the immunosuppressive treatment he was having to prevent a rejection of the transplanted material.

The first signs of rejection came in 2016 and last November, the face, suffering from necrosis, had to be removed. Mr Hamon lived without a face in a room at Georges-Pompidou hospital in Paris without being able to see, speak or hear until January, when a face donor was found and the second transplant carried out. To avoid further rejection, Mr Hamon - dubbed “the man with three faces” by French media - had special treatment to clean the blood prior to the transplant.

‘It’s good’ His new face remains smooth and motionless, and his skull, skin and features are yet to be fully aligned. But he is positive about his recovery. “If I hadn’t accepted this new face it would have been terrible. It’s a question of identity... But here we are, it’s good, it’s me,” he told AFP news agency from the hospital, where he is still recovering. “I’m 43 and the donor was 22 so I’m 22 again,” he told French TV. The hours-long operation was led

by Prof Laurent Lantieri, a specialist in hand and face transplants who carried out Mr Hamon’s initial surgery eight years ago.

“Today, we know that a double transplant is feasible, it’s no longer in the field of research,” he told Le Parisien newspaper (in French). Anaesthetist Bernard Cholley said: “Anyone who loses their face and then has to wait for a hypothetical transplant for an unknown length of time - that’s something that no-one has ever had to go through here. “I’m amazed by the courage of a patient who has been able to get through such an ordeal.” The first face transplant was carried out in 2005 in northern France.

Since then, some 40 operations have been performed around the world. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Windrush generation: UK apologises to Caribbean leaders PRIME Minister Theresa May has apologised to Caribbean leaders over the Windrush generation controversy, at a Downing Street meeting.

She said she was “genuinely sorry” about the anxiety caused by the Home Office threatening the children of Commonwealth citizens with deportation. The UK government “valued” the contribution they had made, she said, and they had a right to stay in the UK. It comes amid reports some are still facing deportation. The deportation of one man, which had been due to take place on Wednesday, has been halted following an intervention by Labour MP David Lammy. The Tottenham MP said the mother of 35-year-old Mozi Haynes got in touch saying her son was due to be removed from the country after two failed applications to stay.

Mr Lammy later tweeted that he had been contacted

by Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes, who had said that Mr Haynes would not now be deported on Wednesday and his case was “being reviewed”. The Tottenham MP, who has called the controversy a “national disgrace,” urged the children of the Windrush generation facing deportation to contact him, promising “justice will be done”.

Mr Lammy said that of 12,056 deportations in 2015, 901 were over 50 years of age. and 303 were to Jamaica. He is calling on the Home Office to review all such cases since 2014 to “ensure no wrongful detentions have taken place”. The Home Office said it was making efforts to speak to Mr Haynes to advise him that there is no requirement for him to leave the UK. Officials say it is not a Windrush case and was never an “enforced removal”.

The department said it was looking at 49 cases relating to Windrush mi-

grants as a result of calls received on Tuesday.

LANDING CARDS A former Home Office employee has, meanwhile, told The Guardian that thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants’ arrival dates in the UK were destroyed in 2010 during an office move.

The former worker, who is not named by the newspaper, said managers were warned by staff that destroying the cards would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing difficulties proving their right to remain in the UK. The government said the decision to “dispose of” the cards had been an “operational” one, taken by officials at the UK Border Agency, rather than the then Home Secretary Theresa May. A Home Office spokesman said: “Registration slips provided details of an individual’s date of entry, they did not provide any reliable evidence relating to ongoing residence in the UK or their immigration status.

“So it would be misleading and inaccurate to suggest that registration slips would therefore have a bearing on immigration cases whereby Commonwealth citizens are proving residency in the UK.” The prime minister’s spokesman said things like school records, exam certificates, employment records and bills were seen by the Home Office as “more reliable evidence of ongoing residence”. In her apology to Caribbean leaders, Theresa May said she wanted to “dispel any impression that my government is in some sense clamping down on Commonwealth citizens, particularly those from the Caribbean who have built a life here”. She said the current controversy had arisen

because of new rules, introduced by her as home secretary, designed to make sure only those with the right to remain in the UK could access the welfare system and the NHS. “This has resulted in some people, through no fault of their own, now needing to be able to evidence their immigration status,” she told the foreign ministers and leaders of 12 Caribbean nations in Downing Street.

“And the overwhelming majority of the Windrush generation do have the documents that they need, but we are working hard to help those who do not.”

The PM added: “Those who arrived from the Caribbean before 1973 and lived here permanently without significant periods of time away in the last 30 years have the right to remain in the UK. “As do the vast majority of long-term residents who arrived later, and I don’t want anybody to be in any doubt about their right to remain here in the United Kingdom.”

A new taskforce and helpline has been established for those people who arrived from the Commonwealth decades ago as children but were now being incorrectly identified as illegal immigrants. Mrs May said people involved in the process of establishing their status should not be “left out of pocket” as a result and would not have to pay for documentation. Cases have emerged - such as these in the Guardian - of people who have lost their jobs, rights to health and benefits and faced deportation despite being able to show they have paid tax and National Insurance for decades.

Guyana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Hamley Case (fourth from left) along with other Caricom leaders and representatives at the meeting with UK, Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May (Reuters photo) Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he had accepted Theresa May’s apology, adding: “I believe that the right thing is being done at this time.” He said he did not know how many people had been affected by the controversy, but it was “at least” in the hundreds.

Asked if Mrs May was to blame for the situation, he said: “I can’t answer that question. The truth is that she has said there has been a policy change, that this was an unintended consequence.

“As Caribbean leaders we have to accept that in good faith.” He added that Mrs May had not been able to say “definitively” that nobody had been deported as a result of issues with paperwork.

Timothy Harris, prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis,

said: “We see this basically as the start of the dialogue, as evidence is uncovered which requires correction.”

He said he hoped the British government would “make good any injustice” suffered by individuals, including by offering compensation. Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, also backed compensation for those affected and told BBC News there should be “reprisals for those who dropped the ball” in the UK government. Thousands of people arrived in the UK as children in the first wave of Commonwealth immigration 70 years ago, often on their parents’ passports.

They are known as the Windrush generation - a reference to the ship, the

Empire Windrush, that brought workers from the West Indies to Britain in 1948.

Under the 1971 Immigration Act, all Commonwealth citizens already living in the UK were given indefinite leave to remain.

However, the Home Office did not keep a record of those granted leave to remain or issue any paperwork confirming it, meaning it is difficult for the individuals to now prove they are in the UK legally.

Changes to immigration law in 2012, which require people to have documentation to work, rent a property or access benefits, including healthcare, have highlighted the issue and left people fearful about their status. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The journey must continue

ANY country where problems of ethnicity and race are a part of its socio-political landscape will continuously be saddled with challenges of how to surmount such a beast.

Herein, it is so described, because of its dangerous ability to threaten the peace, thereby unleashing its animalistic instincts that will wreak havoc in all its destructive forms.

And since as Guyanese we have experienced such periods of threatening tension at different times of our modern political history, then it can be appreciated that as a people and nation, it is incumbent on all to continue to evolve strategies that will mitigate the possibilities of such extremes being given latitude in our country.

It must not be allowed.

Since 2015, the term social cohesion has become an important part of our national conversation on race. It is about an initiative, in many forms, having conversations among ourselves, wherever we are, in a bid to have a better understanding of ourselves as a people, and removing the fears and suspicion despite our diversities; but about nurturing the common attributes as Guyanese that unite us, rather than

those that divide. Where it is hoped during our various dialogues and encounters, we will all appreciate what it is to be Guyanese, and why we are all here as a people and nation.

The coalition government, through its designated Ministry of Social Cohesion, has been spearheading this important national initiative, seen as vital to the future peace and prosperity of this nation.

Although there has been several appeals to the political opposition party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C), to join in this important patriotic endeavour of seeking to unify our people, these have either been rebuffed, or refused outright, on grounds that are clearly of a kind that had led to the perpetuation of racial dominance, marginalisation, division, and racial fears, that have been our sad experience for so long.

Any Guyanese familiar with our political tapestry, would know that such anti-national ideologies have not been to the boon or benefit of this nation, except to those who have used this distorted form of governance for their own selfish advancement.

In 2017, and as recent as this month,

the first and second Harmony Village festivals were held in the beautiful downtown environment of the Main Street Avenue. These have been beautiful manifestations of our cultural diversities, fused in one space that solicited ready appreciation from all who visited, and spend time to enjoy the national beauty woven from the different strands of cultural expression, and how much these get-togethers lend to a recognition that coexistence in a peaceful society is indeed present, but needs to be continuously built upon by such national engagements.

It was wonderful to watch the subject minister along with the different representations of cultural drummers, fused for a pulsating beat, as they did a walk-through.

Surely, that was an example of Guyanese talent combining for the rhythmic enjoyment of all those present. If such can be achieved, it can be replicated in the broader national tapestry of the quest for national unity.

Let us understand this fact about the problems of ethnicity: that it requires sustained efforts to defeat its threat of disunity. This can only occur by leadership, beginning with the government of the day,

and all other political leaders, partnering with all responsible socio-cultural organisations, inclusive of all religious bodies.

Since the latter bodies have from time immemorial greatly influenced communities and their citizens, then their role must be seen as critical in the furtherance of the efforts of social cohesion. This is therefore a national effort, where all must participate.

It must also be reminded that social cohesion is about a process that aims to bring about oneness among our people; therefore, we are its central focus. And since the concept on its own is just an abstract, it means that we will have to be its engine, giving it a defined meaning and ultimately, life.

We should then use the momentum to continue the journey towards the ultimate goal and destination of national unity.

For this is what we must bequeath to our succeeding generation.

It was suggested that next year’s Harmony Village be taken to another region.

We believe that this is a very good suggestion, as this will be seen as taking the message of unity through diversity to the other parts of our country.

My learning journey in the media–harsh and awakening

MY first media engagement was in 1981 at GNNL, with a graphic story named ‘THE SHROUDED LEGACY’.

I had written it and illustrated it, driven by the confident eagerness of youth, but it was horribly done by industry standards; yet, Frank Campbell the then editor thought it good enough to give me a chance, I took a lot of punches from my peers and wanted that artwork out of the papers so badly. I however survived, and spared no effort to rise to the challenge.

I became involved in a more profound way as a freelance commercial artist in 1984; this was the real newspaper baptism for me. The characters that shaped my on-the-job training were confident professionals, that weren’t afraid to guide and share their knowledge of the ages. Frank Pilgrim, Claudette Earle, Godfrey Wray, Courtney Gibson, Adam Harris, Raschid Osman. This atmosphere urged me

by 1987-88 into feature writing and comic strip development; I was before that rooted into serious graphic, historical and folklore storytelling, which my understanding and training in research supported. After elections in 1992, I experienced the downside of a new dismal, politicised era in newspaper practices.

The ‘Shadow of the Jaguar’ was dropped because it was said to be a ‘Black super hero.’

My column was dropped because according to Sharief Khan, my subject matter that consisted of culture, history and coverage of reggae shows and local urban roots industry was- “We ent interested in them things.” I was not the only one to be dropped. A legal friend then outlined the perilous status of the freelance media contributor, whose fate lay in the priorities of the editor and whom he consulted with, his actions could be relevant or off, but in the end it wouldn’t matter. In late 2015, the current editor invited me to submit articles for

the Sunday GNNL edition. Neil Marks was the Sunday Editor. It wasn’t working out; I would submit 10 articles and three would get published, except for one occasion when I agreed the article was not composed as I should have done it. I was ready to drop the column when the editor shifted it to Friday, and I have held that corner since then. The recent issue with David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis raised curious questions as to the contention of media practices against the custom of practice and how it became a national issue of sorts, taking into the knowledge base that contributors are dropped from media houses all the time, thus, there is need to upgrade the relationship with contributor and media house, which also points to what I have observed at GNNL. This is not the GNNL I had worked in before: departmental fragmentation, the collaborations necessary between sections are not there, there’s no common language. What

could have been easily proposed in the late 80s is not collectively understood now. We were constructing a children’s edition pre1992, that included Claudette Earle, the then general manager and a few external minds.

This can’t be discussed now. Crucial expertise is missing across our media; what needs to be done are guidelines of engagement on contributions of media workers, templates that can place value where expertise is not available to make knowledgeable evaluations on let’s say reporters as against journalists, opinion pieces, cartoons, editorials and other feature articles, illustrated series, medical items, etc, based on the credibility and research value of contributions, as against plagiarism and guess work.

When I started offering illustrated storytelling on fiction and non-fiction, the local academic in an international institution See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Testimonies to the good life

Dear Editor,

OVER the past few weeks, I have heard things coming from the mouths of people that shocked me or can hardly believe. Why I say that?

The things I heard are from mostly Indo-Guyanese, whom I assumed are strong PPP supporters. Two Saturdays ago, I joined a taxi from Ogle Airport heading to Georgetown; the driver was an Indian guy who said he is living in Grove, East Bank Demerara. Anyway, as I sat in the front passenger seat the driver drove off and he said to me, “Bai, you watch wha this government doing”.

I quickly grabbed my phone and assuming that I was trying to make a call, the driver stopped talking at that point.

Around my left wrist was a bright yellow band with carvings in green marked APNU+AFC. After hearing that I quickly moved my hand to the left ears and used

my right-hand ease by ease to turn over the band to the wrong side. Inside of me, I felt it was the wrong taxi.

The driver of the taxi didn’t see me doing that, so I then put the phone down.

The driver went on to say, “you watch the news last night”?, I said yes, knowingly I didn’t, he didn’t know I am from Berbice. He asked me a question that shocked me.

“Why under the PPP this wasn’t happening?” I said I don’t know. He said to me, “Look at the number of criminals, guns, drug dealers and illegal businesses that the police catching these days, wha PPP was doing”?.

He told me it was because they know what was happening and they were part and parcel of such. He went on to say, “Look as to wha happen to the big boys them that used to fly high, them days done because all the big drugs deal getting tek”. I kept listening. He said “Bro, people need to

open their eyes and see for themselves that there is development happening although things slow”. He mentioned some of the infrastructural works being done in this area and surroundings. He was very proud of what he has been seeing. Anyway, I kept silent not knowing if he realised that I had an APNU+AFC band. He kept praising the security and public infrastructure ministries mainly.

I was shocked. I then turned to him and said, are you an APNU+AFC supporter bro?. He quickly said “no” and went on to say people need to understand what’s happening in Guyana.

Now that we are on Main Street, I felt comfortable. I told him to drop me off at the City Hall area. When I was about to meet my destination, I looked at him and said ‘well not all of us are seeing the way you are, some are blinded by the PPP hate towards progress”. The man

shook my hands and then I turned over my band and showed him. He said to me, “Bro I thought you are a PPP supporter because you are Indian”. He further said, “You made the right choice and people need to give this government another term, so we can see more of what’s happening”.

I was so impressed by the openness of this driver.

He was very much following the things that are happening in Guyana and mostly he was being truthful as to what he has seen happening since 2015. On this very day I visited a good friend of mine living in Parkia backdam, Region Three and the vibes and talks about development there were the same.

People were in praise for the development that they are witnessing. Everyone had something good to say, be it from the new road, the bridge, the school, etc. I was so happy. About a month ago I joined a taxi, this time

heading to East Bank Berbice where Minister Khemraj Ramjattan MP and Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, MP, would be speaking at a public meeting. About five minutes after I got into the car, the driver started to talk about the works that are being done in Region Six. He said, “For decades the roads\ streets in Canje were not accessible, but today under this government it is more than accessible”. He said, “that for 23 long years the Number 19 Highway was without road lights, today it is possible”.

The driver said to me that he is also a rice farmer and the government is doing all that it could for the rice industry, but yet for all some farmers are playing politics. He went on to say “that as long as a rice farmer is planting a small number of acres he cannot make large profits, unlike those that are planting hundreds of acres”.

He talked about the roads that are in the making in New Amsterdam and praised the government and MoPI for such undertakings. He spoke of the East Bank road and that “he sees for himself what caring means and this government is about caring”. He said, “all his life (68 years) he never saw so many works being done, especially in all the villages no matter race or politics”. After telling the taxi driver my destination, he asks me, why I was going to Glasgow community centre, and I told him. The driver took me there and without any haste, parked his taxi and stayed for the duration of the meeting.

This is what has been happening in Guyana since this government took office, positive vibes. But it’s hard for the PPP to believe what they are seeing -- DEVELOPMENT. Regards Abel Seetaram

GuySuCo: Viability depends on quantity, quality of cane Dear Editor, THE Minister of Finance Winston Jordan at his recent press conference signalled that GuySuCo’s performance in 2018 will be worse than in 2017.

In essence, the minister has alerted the nation very early that it should not be surprised at the end of 2018 when GuySuCo delivers possibly the lowest sugar production since Guyana’s in-

dependence in 1966. Editor, poor performances in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date are a direct result of the policy direction from the Hanoman leadership of the GuySuCo. The net result is embarrassment to government through the mass termination of workers and the low economic growth rate in 2017.

Editor, every sugarcane industry professional knows that viability of the sugarcane business rests on its ability to

grow lots of sugar cane with very high sugar content at a minimal cost.

This means that tonnes of cane grown and harvested per area of land and percentage of sugar in cane plants are core subject matters that must engage management at every given moment. From performance figures over the last 2 ½ years, it is evident that GuySuCo’s past leadership squandered $32B of taxpayers’ finances and

“managed” to drive cane yields and sugar content in the opposite direction, striking record-low levels. This grouping took cane production from 2,815,365t in 2015 to 2,366,798t in 2016 then to 1,859,037t in 2017. That is, a reduction by 956,328t cane or 34% from 2015 to 2017.

Sugar content in cane also plummeted from 10.19% in 2015 to 9.80% in 2016, then to 9.46% in 2017. That is, a 7.2% reduction from 2015

to2017. The reduction in cane quantity and sugar content alone from 2015 levels account for approximately 68,855tonnes of sugar not arriving at factories. Isn’t this significant to engage someone’s attention? As a toiling taxpayer, I trust that the new board and management of GuySuCo will focus on strategies to improve cane yields and sugar content in cane. The industry’s viability rests on reversal of current

trends now that the departed leadership had refused, from all appearances, to address this problem from June 2015 to date, maybe because of their personal conviction that Guyana must exit the sugar business.

This entire grouping must be exiled from the industry to allow for fresh and innovative minds.

Regards Sookram Persaud

My learning journey Sugar is indeed too big to fail in the media ...

From page 6

halted my work because of the cost. I urged this lady to take a few days and research ‘cheaper costs.’ After a few days, her immediate foreign boss called me and instructed me to continue the project.

What I had done was source US costs and valued mine at a quarter of what they were charging overseas, even that was too much for this local professional.

I was also surprised that in-house issues were discussed in social media, Board vs. Editor.

The entire media in Guyana need to have a new look at self, [some are ahead of others] and the talents that contribute to its nature, as well as the responsibility of its organs to the functional health of its being. I started at GNNL and talking to media talents across the landscape, there’s much to be done to cultivate the awareness of current print media cultural practices, accountability and responsibility to readers.

Either do media or supermarket tabloid, either way awareness of the dollar value of what contributors bring to the table, to collaborate with its editor must be second nature, we’re in the 21st century, we got fuh dig deeper.

Regards Barrington Braithwaite

Dear Editor,

MINISTER of Finance Winston Jordan during his press conference on (Friday) April 13, 2018, announced that the economy expanded by only 2.1 per cent, the lowest growth rate in recent times.

The minister, among other things, charged that sugar production of 137,307 tonnes in 2017 was responsible for the poor economic showing. The GAWU will not rehash the reasons for the poor production which we shared publicly on more than one occasion.

Though the minister seeks to use sugar as one of his punching bags in seeking to explain what is clearly a worrying situation, at the same time, the admission by Minister Jordan serves to demonstrate the importance of the sugar industry to the wider economy.

As GAWU has been saying consistently, the sugar industry cannot be seen solely and only from the financial/ profitability argument the government, like a horse with blinkers, is focused on. Important as that is, the GAWU strongly believes, and must reiterate, that sugar has to be seen from its wider economic impact in terms of direct and indirect employment, taxes – whether they be income or consumption – and foreign exchange receipts, among other things.

The four (4) closed estates aggregately paid its workers $11.9B in 2014, using data available from the Sugar CoI report. To illustrate the significance of what the economy has really lost, we contrasted what obtains in the private sector. Using most recently available data concerning em-

ployment costs at Banks DIH Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited – four (4) publicly listed companies in Guyana and among the country’s largest enterprises – we learnt they spent aggregately G$9.6B. Also, it is estimated that the now jobless workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales, conservatively, utilised about 85 per cent of their earnings on the purchase of goods and services. In other words, directly, shopkeepers, market vendors, fisherfolk, transportation providers, etc, have lost $10.15B. Indirectly, using the income multiplier formula, a further $70B has been removed from the economy. This is a massive and

substantial hit and one from which many, especially in rural Guyana, may not be able to recover. With now four closed estates, some resuming operations in a minimalistic way at this time, it would be interesting to know what the 2018 figures would reveal.

Clearly, from all appearances, the wiser economic decision would have been to keep the industry going, while working to make it profitable and viable as the SPU is now seeking to do at Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt.

What is clear, as Minister Jordan is reported in the April 14, 2018 Kaieteur News to have said, “sugar is too big to fail.”

Regards Seepaul Narine General-Secretary GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Six gunmen charged with series of offences One confesses – jailed for 8 years and fined $800,000 UNDER heavy police security, the six alleged gunmen who were nabbed last week at a police roadblock at the Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in a stolen motor car with arms and ammunition were on Tuesday charged with a series of criminal offences.

About 11:30 hrs, the men, Steve Hercules, 30, of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara; Nabidigi Gobin, 33 of Charlotte Street, Bourda; Reynard Khan, 31, of Cooper Street, Albouystown; Mark Prince, 39, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara; Edward Skeete, 30 of Independence Boulevard; and Marvin Blackman, 27, of South Ruimveldt made their appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

According to reports, on April 10, the men attempt-

ed to rob the residence of a Chinese man at Supply, EBD. However, the man’s son who was at home at the time heard a suspicious sound coming from outside and made checks. The men were attempting to break into the property and when an alarm was sounded, they ran from the area. They were subsequently stopped at the roadblock.

The six men, were jointly charged with having two 9 MM Glock pistols along with 22 live rounds, one Beretta pistol with 11 live rounds, and a .32 Taurus pistol with six live rounds in their possession on April 10 at the Grove Public Road, without being holders of firearm licenses.

Hercules confessed to the charges while the other defendants denied the allegations.

A joint charge was read

From left, Mark Prince, Reynard Khan, Steve Hercules, Nabidigi Gobin, Marvin Blackman and Edward Skeete with their faces covered to avoid the media

against Prince, Khan, Gobin, Skeete and Blackman for conspiring with Hercules to

change the license plate of motor car, PVV 6204, to HC 4543. They denied the charge.

Hercules was charged separately for using a fake number plate of HC 4543 on registered motor vehicle, PVV 6204. He also confessed that he was paid $50,000 to transport the bag with the firearms to Georgetown.

Hercules further told the court that he picked up the other defendants, whom he had never met before, along his journey to not raise suspicion to police since he wanted the car to look like a regular taxi.

Prince, Khan, Gobin, Skeete and Blackman were remanded to prison until April 20 where more charges are expected to be laid. Hercules was sentenced to eight years in jail along with a $800,000 fine.

When the men were stopped last Tuesday night by the police, the items were found on the floor of the car and upon examination, the cops observed that the registration number, PVV 6204, was engraved on the windscreen and lights of the car.

The motor car was reportedly hijacked on March 25, 2018 at Princes Street in the city while its owner was working it as a taxi.

Reynard Khan was then taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and charged in connection with a $28M armed robbery committed on a Chinese man.

Khan denied that on May 20, 2017 at Craig, East Bank Demerara, while being armed with a handgun, he robbed Dai Zhung of a minibus valued $2.3M, a quantity of fish glue valued $25M, three cell phones and $500,000 cashall totalling $28,780,000. He was remanded to prison until

April 24.

Last August, Blackman was charged with the same offences and is currently on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The six men are no strangers to investigators, since they had been charged with offences similar in nature and two of the men were recently freed of murder by the High Court.

Skeete, called ‘Pretty Boy’ and Nabadinghi Gobin, called ‘Dangles’, were freed last February at the High Court for the murder of Mocha, EBD resident, Ryan Clementson, who died at the GPHC, after being attacked in the vicinity of the Turning Point in Tucville, Georgetown, on July 14, 2015.

Blackman’s rap sheet for charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court dates back to 2009. He is currently before the court for the $1.5M armed robbery committed on the Wild Caught Fresh Fish Depot at Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, in 2016.

In August 2017, he was charged for possession of a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and eight live rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was also charged with a series of armed robberies committed around Georgetown. Additionally, in 2011, he was charged with the $5.4M heist from the office of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Prince called ‘Fine Man’ and Khan were jointly charged earlier this year for robbing a 66-year-old pastor of $1.8M, as he left a city bank.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Remittance market being reformed

By Lisa Hamilton

GUYANESE are looking forward to the reformation and integration of the local remittance market which should see them receiving money sent by relatives and friends in a much faster, efficient and safer way.

Pooling efforts to make this a reality are the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Guyana (BoG), the latter of which has been tasked with executing the recently launched National Payment System (NPS) development plan.

The plan will see the upgrading of laws, regulations and infrastructure to improve monetary transactions locally and will be implemented in a number of stages towards a forecasted 2030 completion.

A key part of the development plan is to facilitate Guyana’s transition from cash and paper-based instruments to electronic means of transactions, through which recipients of remittances will

greatly benefit.

The BoG had reported that in 2015 remittances accounted for 9.3 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it still today the second largest source of foreign exchange in the country.

However, factors such as the high cost of sending remittances, physical access to remittance services, limited competition on the market and the absence of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the industry continue to hinder the type of service Guyanese receive.

According to the World Bank in 2016, the average cost of an in-bound remittance from the US to Guyana was 8.7 per cent, which rests above the global and Latin America average of 7.6 per cent and 6.0 per cent respectively.

In addition to cost, the developmental plan states that it takes an average of 20 minutes for remittance customers to reach an agent

Dexter

Shaneza Sadick

location for transactions, which is longer than it takes the average resident to reach an ATM or bill collection office.

This indicates that despite the importance of remittances to the country’s economy, there are still very few agent locations.

Meanwhile, contributing to the aforementioned factors of cost and limited access

is believed to be a lack of competition whereby two remittance companies, Massy Group and Grace Kennedy, dominate the local market.

Through the Bank of Guyana, the government intends to ensure that remittances can be distributed rapidly and conveniently by introducing electronic means for locals to send and receive money.

The use of cards and e-money-based remittances as well as the integration of the remittance market with the broader retail payment industry are some of which the government hopes to achieve with completion of the plan.

Taking to the streets of Georgetown, the Guyana Chronicle interacted with several public citizens who all expressed their anticipation for such a change over.

According to one man by the name of Dexter, utilising electronic means to receive remittances will help persons to save time.

“I feel it will be beneficial to them, especially the ones that are doing business.

Sometimes you might need the money and you might not meet [to an agent] in time because of a situation you get caught up in… so having it come on your credit card, I feel it’s something good,” he said.

While stating that the plan is a good one, a woman, Shaneza Sadick recom-

mended that the authorities pay special attention to the elderly who may not be as tech savvy as the younger generation.

“It will be easier for you, but then you got to look at the old people who don’t really know about the computer systems. How will they get the money if their children send money for them? The government needs to include something for the older folks, teaching them how to use online business,” she said.

With assistance from government, the BoG has plans to conduct training programmes which will build consumer confidence and awareness about electronic transactions as the plan moves ahead.

As a part of ensuring that Guyanese receive improved services in the future, the BoG has also indicated that it will seek to ensure that local remittance services comply with international, general principles.

Ministry restates commitment to safety of GGMC staff THE Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has reiterated its commitment toward ensuring the safety and protection of the staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) who were recently exposed to mercury.

The ministry’s comments are in response to what it described as a “disappointing” Stabroek News editorial that seemed to suggest a lax attitude on the part of the government. The ministry said that following the recent discovery of mercury affected staffers, it has not been taken the situation lightly. “This Administration, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, acted immediately to determine the health status of the staff of GGMC and GGB and continues to look at ways to ensure a safe environment,” the release insisted.

It said that while affected staff members are being monitored and continue to receive treatment, further testing to ensure the safety

of the environment will be done by an overseas company. The ministry related that Kaizen Environmental Services (Guyana) Ltd. was commissioned to conduct air quality tests, monitoring of the GGB laboratory, the compound and the environment. Testing of 10 locations at the GGMC by Kaizen, found that mercury levels at all 10 locations were within the United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s eight-hour permissible exposure limit.

The release continued that a local company, Activation Laboratory, was also consulted to assist with monitoring. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been invited in to monitor the situation and is statutorily authorised to take any action deemed warranted.

The NRM noted therefore, that suggestions by the newspaper of political indifference on the part of this administration as contained in their Editorial of April 17, 2018: “Mercury emissions at the Guyana Gold Board”, are “misplaced and disappointing.” The MNR said given

the nature of the operations, employees may be exposed to various risk and every effort is made to minimise and guard against these.

“These are not the actions of an indifferent Administration, but rather, the actions of a Government committed to the safety and well-being of its people,” the statement declared.

The NRM and GGMC had related that about 130 staff members were affected by mercury contamination. GGMC‘s Commissioner Newell Dennison had said that almost 200 persons were sent for mercury contamination tests when it was realised that the number of affected staffers were increasing.

These persons were tested and continues to be treated, while some were given as much a month off to recuperate. The NRM has reminded that the Guyana Gold Board, which is housed in the GGMC compound, does not use mercury in its operations but that gold brought to the GGB for sale and processing may contain mercury which is

emitted during smelting.

The NRM has called on stakeholders to sup-

port the efforts of the government and their agencies for the eradica-

tion of mercury as per the Minimata Convention on Mercury.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Lethem undergoes infrastructural transformation

ONGOING works to the industrial site at Lethem as well as road works and construction of a multi-purpose sports ground are several projects which Rupununi residents can expect coming into fruition in the months ahead.

Lethem was officially declared a town in 2017, and

to date, a number of projects have been undertaken to match the name with nature.

Lethem’s former mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit to the town that the council has increased its revenue-collection base since the body was set up following the 2017 Local Government

Elections.

He said prior to the formation of the municipality, the town earned approximately $25,000-$30,000 monthly.

Currently, the council rakes in about $3M monthly.

The sum accounts for ventures such as garbage collection, royalty on sand and gravel mining, as well

Works being undertaken at the industrial zone in Lethem

as through the transportation service the town provides to children who travel between Lethem and nearby St Ignatius.

The fee per child is $1000 per week. This has given the council the spending power to initiate several projects within the area.

A walk around Lethem would lead to several open spaces which are currently being fenced and upgraded.

Most of the ground works at the parks were completed last year, while some are ongoing. These include works to the Mayflower Park at Culvert city, where the municipality has fenced the area and built sanitary facilities, a benab, as well as a tarmac for children and others to play.

In addition, the municipality last year embarked on a major project in which the Lethem Sports Complex ground called the “Complex Ground� is being made into a multi-purpose facility.

A few weeks ago, prior to handing over the post of

mayor, Beckles had told the Guyana Chronicle that the ground will be the premier sports facility in the developing town.

A concrete fence has been erected around the ground, and according to Beckles, the business community will be invited to purchase advertising space on the fence. In addition, the ground will be equipped with 36,000 watts of flood lights, and the former mayor noted that the lamps have been procured for the project.

In addition, tenders will be placed in the public soon for the construction of a pavilion to house spectators and officials.

An internal fence to protect spectators is also in the process of being set up at the ground, while a small complex has been built and is expected to be used for functions such as weddings.

Beckles said a Brazilian firm will be undertaking soil-testing on the sward at the complex before grass is

Former Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles planted at the facility.

Lethem residents are currently witnessing a much-anticipated road project in which Brazilian firm COEM and JR Ranch are carrying out road works on some 2.1 kilometres of road within See page 11

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Lethem undergoes ...

From page 10

the commercial district of the town.

The works commenced recently with the pipelines being laid for drainage. Beckles said that the project is expected to be completed

by September, weather permitting.

Lethem’s current mayor, Kerry Jarvis and councillors recently made a visit to the site alongside the road where drainage works are being undertaken.

The town council said it will continue to play an integral role in the town’s development and will hold regular consultations with residents and conduct more visits to selected sites in the municipality. Projects will also be carefully monitored and decisions will be made in a timely manner, the council noted.

Other projects ongoing at the town are the installation of street lamps at unlit areas, while the council recently procured a new garbage truck which was sourced from the United Kingdom. The town council is also

undertaking projects at Tabatinga, where it has fenced a sports ground. A nursery school is also under construction there.

Lethem’s development will also be boosted by completion of the industrial site which, according to the Ministry of Business, is on schedule. Once completed the facilities at the zone will be a stimulus for many of the entrepreneurs within Lethem and the wider Region Nine area.

Minister Dominic Gaskin visited the area earlier this month and pointed out that a business incubator is being established to give small businesses an outlet where they can cultivate and acquire enough skills in an enabling environment with the necessary support mechanism.

The industrial site is expected to be a source of employment for residents of the town.

The new garbage truck which the council procured to boost its community services (Delano Williams photos)

A section of the Lethem Sports Complex ground

Lethem Mayor Kerry Jarvis and councillors during a recent site tour where works are being undertaken on the roadway to the town (Lethem Town Council photo)

The Mayflower Park at Culvert city which the municipality renovated

A facility at the Lethem Sports Complex ground, which is expected to be used by the municipality for income-generation means

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Total of 52 years jail for young rapist ‌two sentences to be served concurrently

The accused Colvin Norton being led away to jail on Tuesday afternoon

COLVIN Norton was on Tuesday afternoon found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under age 16 years old and was sentenced to 52 years imprisonment before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court of the Georgetown High Court.

In handing down her sentence, Justice Barlow told the court that at the time of the incidents the accused was only 19 years old, but that was no excuse for the act since he knew the child having grown up in the same house with her.

She said he violated his position of trust and took advantage of a child whose mother was not at home the first time and the second time she caught him in the

act.

The judge added that the child was silenced by the accused,who had threatened to kill her and her mother if she spoke about what he had done.

On the first count the accused was sentenced to 24 years, considering his role in silencing the child and on the second count, he was sentenced to 28 years for his disregard for others, since adults were at home at the time of the incident, and other aggravating circumstances.

Justice Barlow said the sentences would run concurrently and the accused, who is 24 years old, was urged to utilise the training in prison for sexual offenders rehabilitation pro-

gramme and to undergo literacy training, which would enable him to be re-integrated into society upon his release, since he could not read very well.

When asked if he had anything to say to the court, the accused Norton declined, stating he was not sure what he could say at that point before the sentence was handed down.

He told the court that he was an apprentice in diesel engines back then.

The forewoman after hours of deliberation delivered both guilty verdicts.

According to the state’s case, on August 1, 2013, the accused was charged for rape of a child under age 16 years’ old and on August 6, 2013 the accused engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age 16.

A statement which was read on behalf of the virtual complainant was done

by Child Link Counsellor Celestine Mullin.

She told the court that she wrote the statement as was requested by the child who said at first after the incident she felt sad and ashamed and that affected her a lot in school and she knew she had to talk about what happened to her.

She related that her grades began to drop and she wanted her life back as such she was motivated to speak out, noting that the accused must be punished for what he did to her.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

‘Big Foot’ guilty of manslaughter …to know fate on May 2 for death of South Central Hotel owner

Joseph Jagdeo

AS the “South Central Hotel” murder trial came to an end in the Georgetown High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury, the accused, Brian Leitch called “Big Foot”, was on Tuesday found guilty of manslaughter for the 2013 killing of hotelier, Joseph Jagdeo.

After several hours of deliberations a mixed jury returned with a not guilty verdict for murder but a unanimous guilty verdict for the lesser count of manslaughter.

However, the defence attorney made an applica-

The accused Brian Leitch, on his way to jail on Tuesday afternoon

tion before the trial judge for a probation report to be prepared in favour of the accused. As such, sentencing was deferred to May 2, 2018 at 09:00hrs.

Following the announcement, the 24-year-old accused of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was led away in shackles and handcuffs, crying along with his relatives.

According to the State’s case, between November 13 and 14, 2013 the accused Brian Leitch called “Big Foot” murdered hotelier Joseph Jagdeo called “Joey”, at the latter’s place of business - South Central Hotel

located on South Road.

In his opening address, state prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that between November 13 and 14, 2013 the accused murdered the deceased and stuffed his body under a bed.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh testified last week and gave the cause of death as haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head, compounded by suffocation and compression to the neck.

The State was represented by Mandel Moore and Lisa Cave, while the defence attorneys were Lawrence Harris and Hewley Griffith.

‘Narco in food’ smuggler busted A WOMAN was on Tuesday busted as she attempted to smuggle a quantity of marijuana into the Camp Street jail where her reputed husband, a murder accused, is on remand.

Nichola Clark, 60, of Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, was detained by prison officers after the illegal substance was found in two food boxes in her possession.

The food was intended for murder suspect Orpheus Johnson, and was placed in a white `Thank You’ plastic bag.

Reports indicate that one

The food items which the woman attempted to smuggle into the prison

box contained plain rice and curry with a neat parcel of marijuana, while the other had cook-up rice and another parcel of marijuana.

When the items were dis-

covered, the woman was promptly arrested and handed over to the police. She was taken to the Alberttown Police Station and up to press time was being questioned.

Clark is expected to make a court appearance this week.

Her reputed husband was charged for the murder of Travis Rudder who was killed at the home of his girlfriend in Nandy Park in 2015.

In that attack, the man’s young child and his girlfriend were also injured and hospitalised for a prolonged period.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Carnegie launches nutrition programme THE Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) on Tuesday launched a nutrition for dietary assistants programme as part of the school’s 85th anniversary celebrations.

According to Principal (ag) Myrna Lee, the initiative to offer the programme at Carnegie was the brainchild of outgoing Principal Penelope Harris.

Harris gave an overview of the programme at the launch in the compound of the school, in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, board members, lecturers and students.

According to Harris, the programme is aimed at creating a skilled labour force that will meet the local demand for dietary assistants. It is of two year’s duration and students will be tutored in the areas of food safety and hygiene, basic nutrition, meal management and catering, nutrition in life cycle, food service management and general education, among other courses.

She said at the end of the

From right: Outgoing Principal of CSHE Penelope Harris; Director (ag) of CTVET Jerry Simpson; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; and Coordinator of the USC Mignon Maynard-Sancho

programme, graduates will obtain a diploma that will allow them to further their studies to the degree level at a university.

In addition, the diploma will qualify the graduated students to work in the kitchens of hospitals, hospices, colleges and universities.

“Dietary assistants are employed at local hospitals to oversee the preparation of meals for patients in accordance with the direction of a qualified dietician or nutritionist. They are also involved in educating clients on their nutritional requirements,”

Harris said.

The entry level requirements for the programme are four Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects with Grades One to Four, inclusive of Mathematics, English, Food and Nutrition and one Science subject; persons over 25 years with experience working in the fields; successful completion of the one-year household management course; or CVQ (Caribbean Vocational Qualification) Level One in Commercial Food Preparation.

The next batch of students for the programme will com-

mence training in September 2019.

CANNOT BE IGNORED Meanwhile, in her feature address, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a healthy diet prevents against malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. She said that among the top 10 non-communicable diseases that affect Guyanese are diabetes, hypertension and heart failure.

Minister Cummings explained that the prevalence

of these diseases is partially related to nutrition. She said the CSHE has recognised the lack of dietary professionals and highlighted that graduates of the programme will be able to work along with registered dieticians.

Further, she said that her ministry acknowledges that good nutrition is important for healthy lifestyle. Minister Cummings added that healthy people are more productive and are important to the further development of Guyana.

Also hailing the initiative was Director (ag) of the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) Jerry Simpson. He said that CTVET is responsible for programmes that are offered in post-secondary institutions.

Simpson said he hopes the programme will be tabled shortly to be awarded a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). Simpson committed CTVET’s willingness to obtain the services of an external verifier to assess the new programme and congratulated the CSHE on making such a bold step.

Outside of launching this dynamic new programme, the CSHE also launched the “Water Day-Wednesday”.

This was done with the hope of creating a new healthy trend among Guyanese by encouraging them to choose water as their preferred beverage every Wednesday.

Gillian Trim from the Food Policy Division within the Ministry of Public Health encouraged those in attendance to take up the challenge by highlighting several benefits of drinking water.

These include weight loss, flushing of toxins, headache remedy and improved physical performance. The importance of water in one’s diet was further emphasised by a skit performed by students of the CSHE and Radha Singh.

Among other presentations was a promotional talk from Mignon Maynard-Sancho, Coordinator of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC).

She said the USC remains committed to being a partner of the CSHE in terms of offering higher qualification programmes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Facebook, WhatsApp,Twitter: Social media is ground zero for political movements

By Ronald Austin Jr. ON April 4th 2018, the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg, admitted that up to 87 million users of Facebook may have been affected by a data breach spearheaded by a British political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica (CA), initiated

by Cambridge Professor Aleksandr Kogan.

Professor Kogan procured the data of 300,000 by placing a Facebook-linked app, ‘thisisyourdigitallife’, on this social media platform. Professor Kogan was able to access personal information of the ‘friends’ of the 300,000 users whose data he captured without their permission. Through this app, Facebook users were paid to participate in a personality test under the pretext of academic research. This information was taken and stored by Professor Kogan.

It was then sold to Cambridge Analytica for US $800,000. Cambridge Analytica used this information to create a software platform for influencing the US presidential election and sold it to the Donald Trump campaign. This software platform targeted voters with ‘micro targeted ads’ based on voting patterns, location and political preferences. The Cambridge Analytica/Facebook imbroglio is another stark reminder that social media is undoubtedly ground zero for modern political movements.

These social media platforms are used for various purposes outside of politics; this column has no intention of denying this fact. The positive aspects of social media include: social networking, saving lives during times of disasters, an excellent tool for small businesses, bringing the world closer together as one digital community and a great source of information. This fact is worthy of mention, but it is not the focus of this column.

Most people in the world of modern technology walk with their heads buried in their little mobile devices in zombie-like fashion. It is estimated that 2 billion monthly active users are on Facebook -- this is 33% of the world’s population.

This teems with potential to have unparalleled reach for anybody with a specific political purpose or movement, whether honourable or dishonourable. In its 14

years of existence, Facebook knows your events, your location, what you are doing at what time, where you are heading, who you are interacting with and what your preferences are.

Of course, you can adjust your privacy settings, but can you reasonably expect privacy on this most public forum? Facebook utilises this information for marketing purposes, but when market-driven purposes are hijacked for political purposes, these platforms are a treasure trove for any political movement, whether state or non-state actors. For example, any fable, rumour or myth can take the form of ‘news’ and appear on these platforms and the stories can be adopted as fact by those whose computer screens or mobile devices they reach The WhatsApp messaging service requires a phone number and internet connectivity, information from this source comes directly to your phone. It is more efficacious and direct. The world is replete with examples of how this social media platform demonstrates admirably that social media is indeed ground zero for political movements.

Dark forces, shadows moving through the issues use WhatsApp to great and sometimes, regrettable effect. Non-state actors such as terrorist organisations and a plethora of extremists gravitate towards this information source, due to the fact that messages are encrypted, they cannot be accessed unless WhatsApp decides to hand over the information. This was evident in the British Home Office fight with WhatsApp over the London bombings 2017. The Home Secretary Amber Rudd, stated ‘It was completely unacceptable that WhatsApp was enabling terrorists to communicate in secret, knowing the police and security services will not be able to read their encrypted communications’.

Again, the efficacy of this conduit for communication provides fertile ground for political movements, in this case, regrettably, a political movement that embraces death and destruction.

Twitter is less pronounced in Guyana. This platform is less pictorial razzle and dazzle and you are allowed only 280 characters. Twitter is the thing of choice for most world leaders. For example, Prime Minister of India,

Mr. Narendra Modi is followed by 37 million people on Twitter. The Indian prime minister uses this medium to get his message to the people. In this case, we see an example of social media being used by a state actor for a specific political purpose. Another great exemplar of this scenario in the usage of this social media tool, is the case of President Donald Trump. He is followed by 30 million users. He has effectively usurped this mode of messaging both as can-

didate Trump and as President Trump, to promote his ‘Make America Great Again’ political movement to great effect.

The digital sphere is one big frontier where anyone can start a fire once you have internet connectivity. Even though digital companies have mechanisms in place to guard against extremism, this is very difficult to control to a large extent. Having recognised that social media is critical to mass political mobilisation, governments

in closed societies have devised ways to censor the internet access in their countries. Iran, Yemen, China North Korea, Syria, Turkey and many other nations now censor internet domestically. Once the entire internet is stateowned, it is easy to block websites from citizens. In the case of private ownership, the Internet Service Providers are mandated to block certain websites; this is tied to the conditions of their licences to provide internet service. A report

from ‘Freedom House’ in 2016, revealed that internet access by citizens of the world declined for its sixth consecutive year. Governments continue to crack down on social media and messaging apps based on the clear indication, that this is ground zero for political movements.

It would be remiss of any political movement-both state and non-state actors -- to ignore the power of social media -- this is ground zero for political movements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

AG attending major financial crimes confab CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), Attorney General Basil Williams, has left Guyana to attend a major conference in Miami, Florida, which will brainstorm ways to strengthen the fight against money laundering.

Williams will be making a presentation on FinTech effects on the changing role of the Compliance Officer. The conference is the fourth ComplianceAid: Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crimes Conference and the second AMLFC Institute Conference. It will

run from April 18-20.

The ComplianceAid Conference is an annual event which focuses on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Financial Crimes Prevention. The conference targets regulated entities of the Americas.

Attorney General Basil Williams

Over the past three years, the annual ComplianceAid Conference has grown to be the premier gathering of directors and professionals in the AML space, across the Region and beyond, the AG’s Chamber said in a release. With over twenty (20) general sessions, the ComplianceAid conference provides high-quality exposure to a captive audience of arguably the most influential leaders and professionals in the sector.

This two-day event is designed to provide practical knowledge of AML/ CFT and will address the peculiarities of operating a business in the Americas.

Additionally, the AG Chambers said the conference will equip all participants with useful knowledge which they may implement within

their organisations. To this end a group of high profile regulators and compliance experts will discuss challenges faced by regulated businesses. Unlike any other, this conference will address the issues from a non-U.S. point of view.

According to the release, beyond complying with the AML/CFT annual training requirements, this conference will provide participants a unique opportunity to personally engage with regulators and other experts.

This personal contact will allow for a better understanding of the approach to enforcement in their respective jurisdictions. Williams over the past two years has been on a warpath to ensure that Guyana remains compliant with the global anti-money laundering regime. Only last week, he implored supervisory bodies here to intensify their efforts on a collaborative front to bring money launderers to justice, lest the country be left out in the cold during the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluations.

Last Friday during an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Coordination Committee Seminar at the Bank of Guyana, Minister Williams reminded representatives of supervisory agencies present, that major emphasis is placed on ‘Technical Compliance’ and ‘Effectiveness’

during the 4TH Round of Mutual Evaluations. Williams said although Guyana has the requisite AML/CFT legislation in place, it has not recorded a single prosecution or conviction to date, noting that such a scenario does not augur well for the country. “We have to tighten up, otherwise we drown in a pool,” he said frankly.

Singling out the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the attorney general made it clear that there is no way Guyana could graduate out of the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluations without having convictions.

Failure to show signs of effectiveness, when the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation is held in 2021, the new deadline set from the previous 2022, he further warned that such could result in FATF issuing a public statement calling on countries to adopt counter measures, which include the option to cut ties with the default country or enhanced due diligence.

FATF conducts 4th Round of Mutual Evaluations for its members based on its 2012 Recommendations and the Methodology for Assessing Compliance with the FATF recommendations and the Effectiveness of AML/CFT Systems (2013), which is periodically amended.

Quick thinking truck driver avoids deadly accident THE lives of sides of the road several pasto be reduced to sengers of a snail’s pace as onminibus were lookers slowed to spared when get a glimpse of a truck drivthe accident. er managed to Traffic ranks avoid his ladfrom the ECD en rice hauler visited the scene slamming into soon after the accia minibus. dent and sought to The scene of the accident on Tuesday The Guyana regulate the traffic Chronicle was flow, as the drivof the truck pulled to the informed that the driver of the left shoulder of the road and ers involved in the accident truck was forced to take eva- avoided slamming into pe- were escorted to the police sive measures and slammed destrians and persons selling station for questioning. into a building, damaging two on the opposite side.

Persons said the minibusvehicles in the process after es u-turning at the particular Despite taking evasive the minibus driver attempted action, he still grazed the location endangers the life of a U-turn on a busy public minibus but caused extensive persons traversing the roadroad. damage to a parked motorcar way.

According to persons on before slamming into the The destruction of a secthe scene, the truck was head- administrative building of tion of the GuyOil building ing west when the minibus the state-owned GuyOil Gas resulted in the management made the U-turn despite the Station at Victoria, East Coast having to temporary close flow of traffic from both sides Demerara. operation, until the area of the road.

The development caused was clear and safe for the As a result, the driver the flow of traffic on both recommencement of work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Region 10 brings schools up to par

Riverine schools now on equal footing – as those in Linden THE Region 10 Department of Education is on a mission to provide improved services in the Kwakwani-Upper Berbice River District (Sub District 2) for the benefit of both students and teachers.

With this in mind, several measures have been put in place in an effort to make sure the children of that district receive the same quality of education as the children in Linden.

This is in accordance with President David Granger’s motto of equality for all children in the education sector, whether they reside on the

coast or the hinterland.

Regional Education Officer, Marcia Paddy Andrews, in an exclusive interview with this newspaper said that one of the main strides is having a resident District Education Officer (DEO) in the likes of Miss Keane Adams.

She is based in Kwakwani, but would frequent the Berbice River in an effort to improve supervision at those village schools, something that was lacking for years and was a major concern for the chairman and councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Adams will now be able to

see that the children of these villages get the quality of education they deserve. Schools to have so benefitted are those in De Veldt, Sandhills, Maria Henrietta, Kimbia, Calcuni, St. Lust, Gaetroy, Ebini and Wairuni.

The Department would have also held a three-day workshop for headteachers in Sub District 2 last week.

“We did capacity building; we trained them in terms of completion of records, and we had some work done in terms of literacy and numeracy,” Paddy-Andrews told the Guyana Chronicle.

To alleviate the issue of teachers from Linden flunking the system so as not to be placed at these outlying areas

upon completion of training at Cyril Potter College of Education, Paddy said the department is sourcing teachers from these areas so they can return to their own communities and serve.

“Last year we had three teachers going back; we tried it and it worked. And so we have seven now; and they are going back. So these teachers are teachers from the river, so there is no issue about accommodation for them wanting to be transferred out after serving the two years,” Paddy-Andrews related.

In this way, the teacher shortage in that district is being addressed effectively. This issue was a major concern for a recently held Commission of

Marcia Paddy

Inquiry m(CoI) into the state of education, which alleged the existence of “ghost teachers” purporting to be in the system and collecting money under false pretence in the Upper Berbice River.

Paddy had refuted these claims, stating that the teachers were registered at schools in the Berbice River but we based in Linden for several unfortunate reasons.

Meanwhile, the teachers’ hostel at Kwakwani is currently undergoing major repairs to facilitate the teachers based there but who are originally from Linden.

The RDC had expressed concern and urged that the repairs be done expeditiously since the teachers were dwelling in discomfort. Teachers and students continue to benefit from a David Granger 5 B’s boat that was donated in 2016 to take them to school in the Kimbia area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Agri research station, reservoir to be constructed at Pirara A STAKEHOLDER’S consultation was held over the weekend, in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on the way forward for the Hinterland Sustainable Agriculture Development programme, which will see a component of the project being implemented in the region.

Present at the meeting were the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Head of the Project Cycle Management Division, Minis-

try of Finance, Tarachand Balgobin; Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock and a representative from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Ministry of Agriculture and toshaos from the various communities.

A total of $265M was allocated in the 2018 National Budget for the design and construction of a research station in Region Nine. The research station will consist of demonstration plots, herds of cattle, poultry rearing, fish ponds, orchards

and seed stock. It will also boast a huge reservoir that will provide irrigation yearround, thereby addressing the extended dry seasons which result in drought-like conditions and an abattoir.

At the meeting, the toshaos, who raised concerns about the proposed Pirara location for the project, asked that it be put on hold until the Nappi Village land extension is completed.

They also contended that the process of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) was not done prior to the

project’s consideration.

At the meeting, Raymond Latchman, a civil engineer attached to the Agriculture Sector Development Unit, explained that initially three locations were identified for the project, Cashew Lake in the Pirara area; Foot Hill, which is on the western side where the Nappi River meet the Pirara River and upstream of the Nappi River.

Latchman further explained that Cashew Lake is the smallest of the three locations identified, which is way below what was required. As such, he said that wells will have to be considered. Responding to the issue raised on the land extension, Head of the Project Cycle Management Division, Ministry of Finance, Tarachand Balgobin explained that land tenure is a drawn-out process that takes time.

“Even if you wait for that, the project cannot wait for it, the project has a timeline, the availability of the money has a timeline, but that timeline is not the same time as the extension. If we cannot come to an agreement, we cannot advance the

project; we are here today to resolve it.” Balgobin further explained that a number of factors had to be considered in the conceptualisation stages of the project; these include soil type and climatic conditions, among others. This is to ensure that the research being done at the facility would represent what an arid environment would look like, so that the research would be adaptable.

On the issue of FPIC, Balgobin noted that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which is funding the programme, classified that project as ‘B’, hence the FPIC was not a substantive consideration from the inception.

The IDB classifies projects it funds in four graduated categories—A, B, C, and Uncategorised —according to the scale of the project, location, sensitivity and potential impact.

After a day-long deliberation, the parties decided that the Pirara location is best suited for the project.

Minister Sydney Allicock commended the parties for reaching a consensus on the location, which will

see the project moving forward. The minister spoke of the importance of the presence of an agriculture station in the Rupununi.

“Governments past and present have expended millions of dollars in these communities, but are we seeing the results? Is there better management? Since I’m there, we have spent funding to do cattle and other forms of agricul ture…But we are not getting the returns because we don’t have the technical persons in place. And that is why this new agriculture station is important to do the research, so that in the year plan you can get that support to help you to be economically strong.”

The project is part of a US$15M loan with the long-term objective being increased productivity in the agriculture sector, while maintaining sustainable and climate-resilient use of Guyana’s natural resources. The loan agreement, which was signed between the Government of Guyana and the IDB, will be implemented over a six-year period.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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The Pagoda incident was a ‘set-up’ – chief meat and food inspector THE Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, which came under scrutiny by the public after two teeth were allegedly found in a box of their food, had to have been a result of a “set up,” according to Chief Meat and Food Inspector Onica Alleyne-Blackman.

Alleyne-Blackman told reporters recently at City Hall that there is no evidence to support that the teeth were cooked in the food, but more to suggest that they were placed in the box by the customers of the D’Urban Street restaurant.

“That restaurant -- we can say for sure -- that that’s one restaurant where food is cooked on a daily basis, nothing is leftover. They cook until everything is sold

out; fresh food every day.

That was a set-up. Even when you look at the teeth, the two teeth that were in there, they’re clean. If they were cooked up in that food, you would’ve seen the seasoning, the celery, something between the teeth.

There’s nothing there that indicates they were cooked in the food. They were placed there,” Alleyne-Blackman expressed.

Public Relations Officer at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Debra Lewis, who also sat in the interview, said the approximately 30 Chinese restaurants present in the city will have to all be rounded up and told again what is expected of them.

She reasoned that these restaurants should by no

Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis

means be exempt from the rest of food outlets that are regularly checked and monitored.

There have been numer-

Chief Meat and Food Inspector Onica Alleyne-Blackman

ous complaints, especially on social media, of a popular restaurant on Main Street which has been in

severe breach of sanitation laws. But Alleyne-Blackman has said none of the reports

have made it to her office.

“No one referred those complaints to our office. We did some inspection [there] as recent as last month and got them to do a lot of cleaning. But nobody came to say anything,” she offered.

Regarding allegations of corruption where officers accept bribes for allowing unfit restaurants to remain open, Lewis said: “I don’t know about that,” with Alleyne-Blackman adding: “There’s nothing for me to say about that, because as far as I know, myself nor my officers have ever engaged in such practices.”

She said though, that the Chinese especially work with the City Council when they are told how what changes need to be made. (By Telesha Ramnarine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Students give Turkeyen Campus facelift SEVERAL areas around the University of Guyana (UG) campus received a facelift on Sunday with the help of 10 students on a mission to enhance their environment, while highlighting the importance of local government.

The enhancement works by the second-year students are part of their Diploma in Public Management Programme and was assigned to them by their Professor Donna McKinnon.

As part of the works

completed, the students painted bridges, re-painted pedestrian crossings and speed humps, labelled school lecture rooms, planted plants and painted the upcycled tyres placed around them.

One of the students, Rawle Jadunath, said the upgrade will promote safety among vehicle and road users, while the labelling will help students to easily identify classrooms.

In addition, he said the act of planting is a means

for the group to keep abreast with the country’s ‘green’ initiative and encouraged other Guyanese to do the same.

On the topic of local government, Jadunath said the body plays a major role in communities and can be depended upon to address many issues while encouraging societal interactions.

“Local government is everyone’s business, because in the long run it benefits you, the individual, and also the community in The students enhanced the looks of a number of bridges on the university campus (Rawle Jadunath photo)

which one lives…by having street lights, maintaining roads, keeping drains clean, [creating] playgrounds and youth clubs,” he said.

The money being used to complete the projects

Speed humps being made more visible by the students (Rawle Jadunath photo)

comes from the pockets of the students, who wanted to prove that such acts can be undertaken without a massive fund-raising activity.

This coming weekend, the group will continue

their beautification efforts after which they intend to hand out flyers and create sensitisation videos on the need for more to be involved in local government.

The university environment is beautified with new plants (Rawle Jadunath photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Major revamp of education delivery in Region One THE days of Region One lagging in the education-delivery process will soon be an issue of the past, following collaboration between the communities in that area and the Ministry of Education.

On Monday, a team of Ministry of Education officials led by Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mr Marcel Hutson, engaged members of the Whitewater community in Region One (Barima-Waini) with a view to hearing and

addressing their concerns.

The meeting that was held at the Whitewater Community Centre yielded much information that will inform decisions at the ministry and regional levels.

In a release, the ministry said during the interface, CEO Hutson encouraged a more collaborative approach to addressing matters towards an improvement of education delivery in the community.

“There is the need for a more hands-on approach to the Education and regional officials of Region One

Parents and teaching staff of schools in Whitewater Village

supervision and management of the Whitewater Primary School,” Hutson pointed out.

A directive was given that a technical expert should as a matter of priority visit the Whitewater School to speedily address issues regarding electricity to enable students to benefit from the computers that are available. “Very soon, efforts will be afoot to have the annex gazetted and be made into an official school with a headteacher.”

Further, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical) Mr Patrick Onwuzirike, informed the gathering that plans are in train to introduce the Secondary Competency Certificate Programmes (SCCP) at the Wauna Primary top school. This is part of efforts to have the children leave the school with a technical certificate that affords them the opportunity for meaningful employment in Guyana or anywhere in the Caribbean and to also pursue further education. “We want to encourage parents to consider the fact that while you might not have major qualifications, your commu-

nity must make sure that as parents you should demand a certain level of excellence from the school system and do your part as a key stakeholder,” CEO Hutson told those gathered.

Further, he said, “We all have the same brains and we all need to empower each other to build the community and safeguard the resources and facilities. The idea of us coming here was to not just see problems, but to fashion workable solutions.

The engagement was also to assure residents that education could be delivered in the best possible way.” “ I must applaud the government for taking the bold step to have an entire team here… it is historical. This move shows that the Government of Guyana (GoG) has the best interest of all the peoples of Guyana -- including us in the hinterland -- at heart…to me this is proof that Guyana is moving forward,” said Mr Errol Lucian, one participant of the town hall meeting held in the Whitewater Multi-Purpose Hall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Major revamp of education...

Football argument results in stabbing

A 35-year-old man has appeared before a city magistrate on an attempted murder charge.

It is alleged that on April 11, 2018 at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, Julian Knox unlawfully wounded Keith Darton with intent to harm or murder him.

According to the prosecution’s facts given in court, the two men are known to each other. They play football together and on the day in question, they had an argument. The de-

fendant armed himself with a broken bottle and gave Darton several stabs about the body, causing him to be hospitalised for three days.

The prosecutor didn’t object to bail, but asked that the defendant surrender his passport and report to the nearest police station every Friday.

Bail was granted by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the sum of $250,000 and the matter was adjourned to April 30, 2018.

While noting the need for textbooks, participants posited that the biggest problem is the need for parents to work with the teachers to move the nation forward through education. The importance of parents working with the teachers was underscored as well. Further, the CEO noted that the Regional Education Officer Mr Nigel Richards has been mandated to prepare a list of the needed textbooks, so that these shortages can be addressed in two weeks time. To rousing applause, CEO Hutson promised that as long as they are available the necessary textbooks will soon be delivered to the community for the school.

Plans are afoot for the Parent

Teachers Association Coordinator Nadia Hollingsworth and other education officials to conduct town hall meetings to engage with parents. The issues include limited textbooks, addressing the fixing of the solar power panel to get electricity for full use of the computers. Other findings and recommendations with timelines are to be compiled for necessary action.

A feedback meeting was also held with teachers of Whitewater Primary School and a request from a parent

was for the establishment of a community library for which Ms Jennifer Cumberbatch, the Director of NCERD, promised some assistance through a donation of books by month-end.

The high-level team of MoE officials currently visiting the hinterland community is being led by CEO Mr Marcel Hutson and comprises three Assistant Chief Education Officers, Mr Owen Pollard, Ms Carol Benn and Mr Patrick Onwuzirike from the primary, second-

From page 22

ary and technical divisions of the MoE. Also on the team is Senior Welfare Officer Mr Vickram Mohabir, along with Parent Teachers Association Coordinator Ms Nadia Hollingsworth. There is also a representative from the Monitoring, Evaluation Technical Support Unit Mr Nasrullah Khan, Civil Engineer Shaunette Braithwaite of the MoE Buildings Unit and two Technical Facilitators of the CEO, Ms Franseca Vieira and Ms Simone Wills.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Bradford urges Region Seven citizens to join People’s Militia

EXECUTING a mandate set out by President David Granger, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) has embarked on expanding training in the Guyana People’s Militia(GPM).

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford has even taken the opportunity to invite

councillors of both the RDC and the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) to “lead by example” and join the reserve programme. The chairman’s request came during a visit to Bartica by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on Friday last.

“That is critical, that is important. God forbid if our frontline forces would have

to be posted along the border to offer us protection, then we will need protection at home. That is the importance of the People’s Militia, to be the home guard,” Bradford told the councillors last Friday during a joint consultation of the Local Democratic Organs (LDO) in Bartica. The regional chairman said the People’s Militia

can assist in protection on the ground, especially when the country’s security forces are away or are not at full capacity at any one time.

Back in August 2017, President Granger had said that every capital town and administrative region across Guyana will have a unit of the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM), which will allow young people to benefit from skills training, to become equipped to provide support in the event of natural disasters, and to be in a state of readiness as part of

government’s total National Defence Policy.

The president said that the training offers tremendous benefits to soldiers and civilians, particularly young people, keeping them physically fit and giving them valuable life skills that they will be able to put into practice in an operational setting.

“In becoming an army of the people, in becoming a national army, in becoming part of this process of total national defence, I just want to emphasise the importance of the environment… We

believe in the strategy of total national defence, that is to say, that we bring together all of the elements that our country could mobilise to protect our environment and our territoriality,” President Granger had said at a training camp at Makouria in the Essequibo River.

The president had explained that in addition to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) also has a role in ensuring that the civil power is supported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Energy stakeholders to begin drafting TAPSEC operational plan WORK on drafting an operational plan for the Technical Assistance Programme for Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean (TAPSEC) gets underway later this month.

National governments, key regional institutions and development agencies will meet for the first planning workshop of the TAPSEC from 24-26 April, in The

Dominican Republic. The workshop will be hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of The Dominican Republic. In a release, the CARICOM Secretariat said the aim of the workshop is to provide a forum for strategic and implementing partners to discuss and reach consensus on drafting the operational plan to guide the TAPSEC programme. The draft oper-

ational plan will be used as a basis for discussion to set goals and planning activities for the first 20 months of the programme implementation

by December 2019.

Emphasis will also be placed on the identification of country priorities, as efforts will be made to identify activities and initiatives for further technical support through the TAPSEC

Programme. TAPSEC is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), under the 11th European Development Fund. The overall objective of TAPSEC is to support the implementation of the CARICOM Energy Policy and the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Road Map and Strategy

(C-SERMS), as well as the National Energy Policy of The Dominican Republic. It is being jointly implemented by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Ministry of Energy and Mines in The Dominican Republic and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

TAPSEC is expected to focus on Climate Change, the Environment and Sustainable Energy, in addition to addressing sustainable development needs of the countries. The main

results that are expected from the four-year programme are: •the implementation of regulatory frameworks that enable renewable energy and energy-efficiency deployment; •improvement in the Region’s energy statistics and information management framework; •the establishment of financing mechanisms for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects and improvements in technical capacity within the key institutions and stakeholder groups.

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Rohit, Lewis get Mumbai Indians off the mark

VIRAT Kohli's efforts were in vain as Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a 46-run defeat to Mumbai Indians, who claimed their first win of the Indian Premier League season.

The defending champions had lost all three of their matches in 2018 - all from either the final or penultimate delivery - but got off the mark in comfortable fashion at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday.

It looked as though they would be set for more disappointment as they made a desperate start, losing wickets to the first two balls of the game, but Rohit Sharma and Evin Lewis countered brilliantly and propelled the hosts to a massive 213-6.

Skipper Rohit thrashed 94 from only 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes but fell at the end as he chased triple figures, Lewis having departed earlier for a 42-ball 65.

Without Brendon McCullum, Kohli opted to open and it was a decision that paid off as he made 92 not out to become the IPL's all-time leading run-scorer, but he did not receive the requisite support as RCB finished 167-8 and fell to a third defeat in four.

ROHIT, LEWIS REBUILD AFTER SHOCKING START Umesh Yadav picked up three wickets in an over against Kings XI last week, and he got off to a remarkable start in this encounter – clean-bowling Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan with the first two deliveries.

Both batsmen were cleaned up through the gate as they attempted booming drives through the off side, before Rohit successfully negotiated the hat-trick ball.

He and Lewis instantly set about swinging the clash in their favour, and Mumbai had progressed to a more than respectable 60-2 at the end of the powerplay, thanks in part to one Washington Sundar over that yielded 19.

Lewis eventually perished, having crashed six fours and five sixes, but Rohit maintained the momentum and was joined by Hardik Pandya in the penultimate over.

Chris Woakes had dismissed Kieron Pollard and thought he had two in two as Pandya was given out caught behind first ball.

He immediately reviewed and although the snickometer showed the smallest of tremors as ball passed bat, the decision was overturned.

To rub salt into the wound for Woakes and a furious Kohli, Pandya dispatched the next two deliveries over the ropes.

NASTY BLOW FOR KISHAN, KOHLI'S FIREWORKS NOT ENOUGH There were concerning scenes as Mumbai wicketkeeper Kishan was struck in the face by a throw that bounced up awkwardly off the turf and substitute Aditya Tare had to take over with the gloves.

That stoppage did little to affect Kohli's concentration, as the captain continued his one-man assault on the Mumbai attack.

His seven fours and four sixes were a lone beacon of hope for RCB, however, as Krunal Pandya (3-28) built on the earlier good work of Mitchell McClenaghan, who had removed dangermen Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers in the space of four balls. (Omnisport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday April 18, 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) 3 times (2013/2015/2017) (2) 2 times (2010/2011)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which team has played in three IPL finals to date and has lost each time?

(2) How many games were scheduled in the inaugural IPL?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

57 Days to go …

England's World Cup 2018 squad ranked: Who's on the plane to Russia ?

THE build-up to England's attempts to end 52 years of hurt in Russia this summer is well and truly on.

Gareth Southgate's men will walk out in Volgograd to face Tunisia in their opening game at the 2018 World Cup on June 18 with the hopes and expectations of a nation weighing heavy on their shoulders.

30. Adam Lallana – May not play again this season, but Southgate will give him as long as possible to recover from the hamstring injury that has side-lined him. If fit, he is crucial to England, but it's a big 'if'.

29. Michael Keane – Keane's England chances have actually slimmed since his £30M summer move to Everton, who have leaked goals freely all season. His omission from the latest squad could be telling.

28. Jake Livermore – So reliable and getting more game time of late. A player Southgate trusts, but he will never set the world alight.

27. Alfie Mawson – England are wellstocked in central defence, but Mawson's reputation is growing with every passing week. He is comfortable on the ball and boasts an exceptional passing range, but still remains an outsider for the squad.

26. Gary Cahill – Is playing for Chelsea again after a spell out of the team but in an underperforming team. Cahill will need a run of games where he plays well to get back into the England squad.

25. Joe Gomez – An exciting youngster who can play anywhere across the backline.

Gomez suffered an unfortunate injury during the last international break. If he makes a swift recovery, as is currently predicted, he has a decent chance of making the squad.

24. Nick Pope – Pope has had an outstanding season, but the fact he didn't get a minute on the pitch in either of England's recent friendlies after his first call-up may tell us a lot about his chances. Southgate has his two favoured goalkeepers and Pope has nothing on Joe Hart's experience.

23. Joe Hart – Bags of experience, but he has been way off his best this season and Southgate was there to see yet another mistake as he handed Peter Crouch a goal in the 1-1 draw against Stoke. The manager will value his experience, though, and that could tip the balance in his favour over Pope.

22. Danny Welbeck – Is back in the Arsenal team again and playing something like his best football. If he stays injury-free he might just slip into the squad as a versatile attacking option who can pop up with a crucial goal.

21. Ashley Young – Has played at leftback in the main this season but England have plenty of options there, so Young could be included as one of few wingers available to Southgate.

20. Fabian Delph – Has improved markedly under the Premier League's best manager and provides a good option at both left-back and in central midfield.

19. Harry Maguire – A man mountain of a defender who is comfortable on the ball and whom Southgate likes. Maguire is still improving but as things stand he is making the cut.

18. Phil Jones – Injuries are once again the main concern for Jones. If he is fit, he will go

to the World Cup. 17. Jack Wilshere – Has done brilliantly to work his way back to fitness and play consistently for the best part of a season, but all that game time seems to be catching up on him now. He has lost form, but does, just about, have enough time to rediscover his best ahead of the summer.

16. Danny Rose – Just can't displace Ben Davies as Spurs' left-back and every time he does play he looks off the pace. It doesn't bode well for this summer, but given how well we know he can play, he will still make the squad, and could even start for England.

15. Ryan Bertrand – Missed the last two friendlies through injury but should still make the squad. He has been the most consistent English left-back over the past season.

14. John Stones – Stones will hope for a bit more game time for City in the lead-up to the World Cup, having not played for his club since early March. Now, with the league wrapped up and nothing left to play for, he will hope to play enough to retain his place in the England team.

13. Marcus Rashford - Every time it seems like Rashford is going to get a run in the United side, Mourinho drops him again, and it now looks too late for him to get back into the team. That could seriously hinder his World Cup hopes, though he remains a great option from the bench.

12. Kieran Trippier - The main potential beneficiary of Southgate's decision to

play Kyle Walker on the right side of a three-man defence, Trippier could be in the starting line-up in Volgograd. Few would have predicted that 12 months ago.

11. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - Oxlade has really come into his own in the last few weeks and is showing at Liverpool why he has always remained so adamant that he should play in central midfield. Could start there for England this summer.

10. Jesse Lingard - He gets a lot of criticism but it is largely unwarranted, and he showed his worth - and booked his seat on the plane - in the recent friendly win in Holland; could even sneak into the starting line-up.

9. Jack Butland - In a duel with Pickford for the No 1 jersey. Both will certainly be on the plane to Russia.

8. Jordan Pickford 7. Jordan Henderson - Not an inspiring selection but a model professional that managers consistently love. Another leader and potentially England captain next summer, so it will take something drastic for Henderson not to make the squad.

6. Jamie Vardy - England don't have too many options up front and Vardy, who frequently scores in big games, will be an important player - if only from the bench - in Russia.

5. Dele Alli - His stock fell a little during a little lull in his form, but he is at his best when criticised and he showed that in Tottenham's win at Chelsea. Lingard is push-

ing him for a starting spot, but his place on the plane isn't in doubt.

4. Eric Dier - His versatility means the position he will play at the World Cup is still up in the air. He will definitely be on the plane.

3. Kyle Walker - Even better at City than he was at Spurs, Walker actually looks like something resembling a £50M player. The only question is whether he plays as a wingback or in the new right-sided central defender role Southgate played him in recently.

2. Raheem Sterling - During a difficult time for Manchester City, Sterling was one of the few positives. Still needs to add goals to his game but he is a senior member of the squad these days and there's no reason he couldn't play a key role in England's attack.

1. Harry Kane - Something pretty major would have to happen for Kane not to be in Russia this summer. His claim for that goal at Stoke has turned much of the public against him, but this would be his chance to redeem himself.

The final 23-man squad: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Joe Hart. Defenders: Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, John Stones, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire. Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard, Fabian Delph, Ashley Young Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Amateur Kawauchi takes alternative route to Boston glory

By Jack Tarrant

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Yuki Kawauchi’s improbable victory at the Boston Marathon on Monday was the crowning glory in the career of an amateur Japanese runner who has defied every convention in modern athletics.

The 31-year-old from

Saitama, the first Japanese man to win the Boston Marathon since Toshihiko Seko in 1987, holds down a full-time job at a local school and trains without the aid of a coach or sponsorship.

He has competed in more than 80 marathons.

After splashing across the finish line through wind and rain ahead of defending cham-

pion Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya on Monday, Kawauchi knew he had surprised a few people.

“I don’t think there was a single person in Boston who thought I would win this today,” he said with a smile.

Many of Kawauchi’s marathon wins have come in poor weather.

I think the conditions were instrumental in being able to

Yuki Kawauchi of Japan celebrates after winning the men's division. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder) win,” he said. “In the marathon you never know what could happen. I think the conditions were instrumental in being able to win.”

Kawauchi has won his last five marathons, including four in 2018, and ran 12 last year.

Kenya’s Olympic champion Eluid Kipchoge ran only two in 2017.

“I love to run races,” Kawauchi said. “Races give me the opportunity to travel and in a more practical sense, because I train by myself if I didn’t put in a lot of races I wouldn’t be able to put in the same quality.”

MAJOR EVENTS Kawauchi has not fared

well at major events, however, finishing 18th at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships and ninth in London last year. He has never been selected for the Japanese Olympic team.

Kawauchi’s personal best of 2:08:14, recorded in 2013, would have been enough to win gold at a rainy Rio Games but it is more than five minutes outside the world record.

He has only once run under 2:10:00 since July, 2016.

Kawauchi, who holds the record for the most sub-2.20 marathons, said last year that being able to fit in only one training session a day had helped him.

“When you consider that

runners belonging to teams are doing 12km a day on average in their morning runs, my monthly mileage is going to be at least 360km less since I don’t do them,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure the human body has a mileage limit.”

Kawauchi was born in 1987, the same year Seko won the Boston Marathon, and Seko hopes Monday’s victory proves to be a turning-point for Japanese marathon running.

“I want Kawauchi’s resolve to be followed by other athletes,” Seko said in a statement released by the JAAF, where he now leads the organisation’s high-performance marathon team. “(Yuta) Shirata broke the Japanese record and Kawauchi won the Boston marathon for the first time in 31 years.”

“Now it is a new era of (Japanese) marathon running.”

Japan last won Olympic marathon gold through Mizuki Nogushi in Athens in 2004 and the country’s women have won two gold among four medals at the Games.

However, the only Japanese man to win Olympic gold was Sohn Kee-chung in 1936, a Korean athlete competing for Japan because his country was under the rule of the Japanese at the time.

The last time a Japanese man won an Olympic marathon medal was in Barcelona in 1992.

Sparwin crush Reliance Masters in South Essequibo T20 tournament ANOTHER round of exciting T20 matches were played at various venues on the Essequibo Coast last Sunday in the South Essequibo-sponsored T20 Invitational tournament.

At the Reliance ground, hosts Reliance Masters were crushed by Sparwin. by 43 runs. Blistering half-centuries by Manoj Persaud 72 (5x4, 6x6) and Darmendra Singh 66 (7x4, 4x6) piloted Sparwin to 161-6 in 15 overs after they were asked to bat first.

Due to a late start the overs were reduced, but it did not distract Sparwin from opening up their wings with an aggressive batting display. Persaud and Singh came together after Eshwar Lall laid the early foundation with a cameo 22 (3x4, 1x6) to completely dominate proceedings.

Their dominant performances thrilled the fair-sized crowd as they launched the attack on the Reliance Masters’ hapless bowlers. A last over hat-trick from Preamlall Persaud who grabbed 3-3 from his lone over was the only bright spot in an otherwise erratic bowling performance by the hosts.

In reply, early wickets pegged the Masters run-chase as they attempted the challenging total. In the end they were restricted to 116-8 from 15 overs with solid contributions from Ganesh Boodram 42 (2x4, 4x6) and Latchmikhant Narine 28 (5x4) as the Masters were unable to clip the wings of the rampaging Sparwin.

At the same venue, Reliance Hustlers got a walkover from Zorg Over-40 team. At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Bacchus XI once again had another convincing win, defeating Top Shattas by 60 runs. Batting first, Bacchus XI posted 175-6 in 17 overs then shot out Top Shattas for 115 in 16 overs.

In the second game at the same venue, Bacchus ‘B’ had the better of Bush Lot Trend Setters.

After winning the toss and batting, Bacchus ‘B’ reached 132-7 in 17 overs then reduced Bush Lot Trend Setters to 109-8 in their allotted 17 overs to claim victory by 23 runs.

Over at the Northern end, hosts Devonshire Castle dimmed the light of Rising Star to win by 6 wickets.

After being inserted to bat first, Rising Star posted 115-8 in 15 overs and it was easily overhauled by Devonshire Castle who replied with 116-4 in 12 overs for a comfortable victory. Meanwhile the other game between Pomeroon Oil Mill and Walton Hall which was scheduled for the Charity ground was abandoned due to a water-logged outfield.

The third round of matches in the 24team tournament will be contested this weekend. Three teams each from the 4 zones will qualify for the playoffs as they battle for supremacy and prize money in excess of $150 000 and other incentives.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Gizmos & Gadgets renews RHTY&SC sponsorship for 10th successive year LOCAL Electronics company, Gizmos and Gadgets, has signed on to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, for a 10th consecutive year.

Last Tuesday at a simple ceremony at the Gizmos & Gadgets office in Wellington Street, Georgetown, the company renewed its cricket sponsorship of the RHTY&SC Under-21 and First Division teams for the tenth successive year.

The sponsorship for the two teams is worth $300 000 for the year and would cover the cost of transportation, snacks, balls for practice and gear. Additionally, Gizmos & Gadgets would also provide special gifts for outstanding players who represented both teams in 2017.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the remarkable relationship between the two organisations and stated that it has been successful and progressive. The RHTY&SC in 2009, 2010 and 2016 also received the Guyana Cricket Board Clubof-the-Year Award under the sponsorship.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO stated that Gizmos & Gadgets had provided the RHTY&SC with comfort to play Under-21 and First Division cricket without

worrying about the financial cost and this has played a major role in the success story on the cricket field.

Special thanks to CEO Ravi Mangar for his continued confidence in the club and the two teams, which over the years have successfully completed over 500 personal development programmes under the Sub-headings of Sport, Culture, Charity, Education, Youth Development, Social, Religious, Anti-Crime, Anti-Alcohol among others.

Mangar, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to have his business brand associated with the RHTY&SC, MS, and that the Club has represented the brand well over the years. Gizmos & Gadgets would continue to support the club, which was a pacesetter and role model for others to emulate.

Despite the slowdown in business, the sponsorship with the RHTY&SC is top priority for Gizmos & Gadgets and Mangar expressed confidence that the relationship would be strengthened in the future.

The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 team in 2018 would be led by Kevin Sinclair while Shawn Pereira would lead the first division team.

Gizmos & Gadgets’ Ravi Mangar hands over sponsorship cheque to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

The RHTY&SC debuted at the first division cricket level in 1992, just two years after its formation in September

SCUA recognises successful umpires at 2018 AGM

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Only two positions were up for grabs when the Scarborough Cricket Umpires Association (SCUA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Number 43 Police Division, Scarborough here on Sunday and both incumbents, Mathew Francis and Nazaam Ally were returned unopposed as treasurer and assistant

secretary respectively.

Based on the constitution of the SCUA, the other posts, those of president, vice-president and secretary were not contested, ensuring that Albert Ramcharran, Bisham Singh and Azad Khan remained in their corresponding posts.

The SCUA executives also agreed to the formation of a disciplinary committee which is headed by vice-president Singh and

comprises senior umpire Ashook Brijcoomar, Richard Thompson and Frederick Halley.

The SCUA also took the opportunity to hand out certificates and extend congratulations to several of its members who were successful at various levels of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) and Canadian Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) examinations over the past year.

SCUA executive members: From left are assistant secretary Nazaam Ally, treasurer Mathew Francis, president Albert Ramcharran, vice-president Bisham Singh and secretary Azad Khan.

Among those receiving certificates were Vish Jadunauth and Mathew Francis, who excelled at the WICUA examinations and are now fully qualified First Class umpires. The two were unavoidably absent from the WICUA 2017 Convention when the certificates were handed out.

Both Jadunauth and Francis are highly recognised umpires in Toronto and according to CCUA and SCUA secretary Khan, the WICUA members were extremely impressed with the performances of umpires emerging from the CCUA. Apart from being umpires, both Jadunauth and Francis are also long-standing executive members of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) while the former is a founder member of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL).

Other successful umpires receiving their certificates on Sunday were Ramnarine Prashad, Nazaam Ally and Ishrat Ansari (Level Three).

The SCUA is currently gearing for the commencement of the 2018 season which is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, May 12 with matches in the

1990, and today is widely considered one of Guyana’s leading cricket clubs at all levels.

Vish Jadunauth (right) receives his WICUA certificate from SCUA president Ramcharran.

Scarborough Cricket Association while the Ontario Softball Cricket League season starts on Saturday, May 26.

Towards this end, there are ongoing weekend seminars being conducted by secretary Khan who is urging members and those aspiring to be umpires to attend.

Meanwhile, a specially arranged training session will be held on Sunday, May 6

next at the Number 43 Police Division to discuss playing conditions for the upcoming season and all captains and umpires are asked to make a special effort to attend. The meeting is scheduled to run from noon to 17:00hrs.

Among the resource personnel are umpires Azad Khan, Bisham Singh, Vish Jadunauth and OSCL vice-president Terry Mathura.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Mohamed’s Enterprise, Japarts join in for KoTS 2 … Trinidad cars arrive

LOCAL companies, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Japarts, have chipped in with support for the King of the Strip (KoTS) 2, set for Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit.

The premier drag race event, organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), will now see support from the two entities as the club gets ready to shift into high gear GMR&SC vice-president Hansraj Singh contended that the two companies are always willing to support motor-sports locally.

“Mohamed’s Enterprise and Japarts are two companies that are always ready to rally behind racing. They usually help in whatever way they can and this time around, it’s a big effort from both of them.”

“Their support will go directly into plans for Sunday’s event, some of which

will feature enhanced track preparation for the faster cars that are coming.”

He noted too that the Trinidadian cars arrived here yesterday and should be cleared for action by tomorrow.

“There were a lot of persons asking if we were actually going to bring a rail car here and I’m happy to say that the container, with that and a few other cars, is actually on the wharf. It arrived sometime between Monday and Sunday.”

“We should have them cleared off by tomorrow so drivers can begin their preparatory work ahead of Saturday’s dial in and Sunday’s actual meet.”

Five cars and two bikes have been shipped from the twin island republic for this weekend’s meet which will feature a host of competitors from neighbouring Suriname.

Admission to the event is $1 000 for adults and $500 per child.

The Nissan Laurel ‘Tweety Too’ of Jeremy Rooks will be a part of the King of the Strip 2. (TriniTuner.com photo)

Edwards celebrates county cap to help Hampshire crush Worcestershire SOUTHAMPTON, England (CMC) – Ex-West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards celebrated receiving his county cap by grabbing three wickets on Monday’s final day as he helped propel Hampshire to a 196run crushing of Worcestershire, in their opening County Championship fixture.

Resuming on 59 for three chasing 324 at the Rose Bowl, Worcestershire collapsed for a meagre 127 all out, with the right-armer Edwards finishing with three for 33.

New-ball bowler South African Kyle Abbott finished with four for 55 to finish with an eight-wicket haul in the match.

The 36-year-old Edwards grabbed two wickets in the first innings to end with a five-wicket match haul.

Travis Head top-scored with an

unbeaten 45 from 61 deliveries while opener Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 35 but they were only two of three in double figures.

Twenty-year-old nightwatchman Josh Tongue, yet to score on the resumption, made just four before becoming the first victim in the day’s fourth over.

Wickets then fell steadily as Worcestershire lost their last seven wickets for just 68 runs.

Edwards contributed to the swift decline, snatching two wickets in successive deliveries as Ed Barnard (4) was lbw and captain Joe Leach was caught at the wicket without scoring, leaving Worcestershire on 101 for nine.

Edwards, who played 55 Tests for the Windies, was presented with his county cap before the start of play for his contributions to the club.

THE semi-finals of this year’s 10th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden Under-18 Secondary Schools football championship will be played at the Wisburg Secondary School (WSS) ground today.

The unbeaten Mackenzie High School (MHS) will take on New Silvercity Secondary School (NSSS) in the first semifinal at 14:45hrs while the second match is at 16:15hrs when WSS face the defending champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS).

To reach the semifinals MHS had an unblemished record as they handed the defending champions CWSS their only loss in a 2-1 result.

They scored a similar victory against Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and registered a 3-1 against Harmony Secondary. MHS leading scorer has been Kemuel Batson with three goals.

Their opponents NSSS, led by the tournament’s top goalscorers Emmanuel Atkins who has six goals and Ojai Whittington with four, opened their campaign with a 10-0 thrashing of the Private Schools Combined and won 6-1 over Linden Foundation Secondary

Newmarket

Greyville

08:50 hrs Ekhtiyaar

08:35 hrs Panza

09:25 hrs Hey Jonsey

09:10 hrs Majestic Glory

10:00 hrs Robin Of Navan

09:50 hrs Vine Street Star

10:35 hrs Threading

10:25 hrs Coys

11:10 hrs Hard Forest

11:00 hrs Cipher

11:45 hrs Award Winning

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

12:20 hrs Sea Of Class

AQUEDUCT

12:55 hrs Old Persian

Race 1 Disclude

Ex-West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards

'Screw' Richmond Linden Schools U-18 semi-finals billed for today

By Joe Chapman

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

(LFS) but suffered a 2-1 loss to the CWSS. Wisburg Secondary, who will face the reigning champions CWSS, defeated NSSS 2-1, lost to LFS 4-0 but moved past the Private Schools Combined with a walkover win. Their best scorer so far is Joel Isaacs with two goals.

Reigning champions CWSS, with Mickel Adams as their leading scorer with two goals, took care of Harmony Secondary 3-1 and gained a walkover win against LTI but lost to MHS 2-1.

The final is set for Friday at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

Race 2 Big Auk

Cheltenham

Race 3 So Hi Society

09:05 hrs Captain Cattistock

Race 4 Forward Motion

09:40 hrs Art Of Payroll

Race 5 Seeking The Blue

10:15 hrs Stick To The Plan

Race 6 Princess Akris

10:50 hrs Winter Lion

Race 7 Cerro

11:25 hrs Steely Addition

Race 8 American Guru

12:00 hrs Lovely Job

Race 9 Baseline

12:30 hrs Going Gold

IRISH RACING TIPS

KEMPTON

Dundalk

12:45 hrs Jungle Inthebundle

13:00 hrs New Story

13:15 hrs Duba Plains

13:30 hrs El Greco

13:45 hrs Huddersfilly Town

14:00 hrs Schoolboy Error

14:15 hrs Tahreek

15:00 hrs Turn On The Tears

14:45 hrs Wufud

15:30 hrs Seanie

15:15 hrs Warsaw Road

16:00 hrs Highly Approved

15:45 hrs Uber Cool

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

16:15 hrs Inshaa

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Brathwaite to captain Windies against World XI

Carlos Brathwaite is to captain the Windies against the ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord's on May 31.

CARLOS Brathwaite has been returned as captain for the Windies for the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge against the ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, on Thursday, May 31.

This charity match is being staged with the support of the MCC, ECB and ICC to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major cricket venues at the heart of Caribbean communities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St Maarten were all damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Brathwaite had declined the invitation to captain the Windies team to the recent three-match T20 tour of Pakistan earlier this month.

Match-winning, all-rounder Andre Russell had also been included in the Windies T20 squad following his return to cricket during the Super50 Cup and the

IPL. Explosive openers Evin Lewis and ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle are also in following the Pakistan Series along with spinner Ashley Nurse.

“We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan Series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white ball cricket,” said Chairman of Selectors Courtney Browne.

“Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level.”

Meanwhile, fast bowler Odean Smith, who made his debut in the recent series, has kept his place despite a couple of ordinary performances but Jason Mohammed, who led the squad in Karachi in Brathwaite’s absence, has been dropped along with Andre McCarthy, Chadwick Walton and Veerasammy Permaul.

CWI’s CEO, Johnny Grave, expressed his gratitude to the players who have made themselves available for the match.

“On behalf of CWI, I’d like to thank the players for their commitment to and support of this vital cause,” he said.

Keemo Paul “We’re hoping to raise a significant sum from the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge and are very grateful to the MCC, ECB and ICC, without whom this match would not be taking place.”

The full squad is: Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, and Kesrick Williams.

Ganesh Parts on board with Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival GANESH Parts and General Store became the latest sponsor of the Boyce & Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day yesterday, when the company handed over a sponsorship cheque to the organisation, ahead of the event scheduled for Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Sales Manager Suresh Rampersaud handed over the cheque and indicated that the company is pleased to be associated with an organisation that has been contributing to the development of sports and youth in Guyana for the last decade.

Ganesh Parts, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tyres in Guyana, is a firsttime sponsor of the event. Other sponsors include flagship brands, STAG Beer and Heineken, I Cool Water, National Sports Commission, K&B Mining, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, Romano Builders, Starr Party Rentals and Jude Cycle Shop.

Here is a summary of what will happen at the Eve Leary ground on Sunday.

Relays: 4x100 Females, 4x100 Males, 4x400 Females, 4x400 Males, 4x200 Mixed Relay, 4x400 Mixed Relay.

Sprint Medley Females (100m, 100m, 200m, 400m). Sprint Medley Males (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m).

Distance Medley Females (2400 metres) (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m). Distance Medley Males (2800 metres) (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m); Distance 4x800 Male and Female Relay.

Sales Manager at Ganesh Parts, Suresh Rampersaud, (left) hands over the sponsorship to Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce yesterday outside the Robb Street store.

Cash Prizes of $25 000, $20 000 and $15 featuring eight teams. Cash prizes: $50 000 000 will be awarded to teams who finish first (winner), $25 000 (second place) + champion to third. Total prize money of $780,\ 000 will and runner-up trophies. be handed out in the Relay events.

Cricket: Male: Trophy Stall Masters vs Football: Five-a-side small goal football Foreign Service Association; Female: Trophy

Stall Angels vs Mike’s Wellwoman.

Cash prizes: Females $50 000 (winner) and $25 000 (second place) + champion and runner-up trophies.

Cycling: Devil Takes the Hindmost (Male) and 2000m Sprint (Female) as well as two other races.

Cash prizes of $25 000; $15 000 and $10 000 will be awarded to cyclists who finish first to third. A total of $200 000; trophies will accompany incentives.

Dominoes: In excess of 20 teams vie for $250 000, $150 000 and $50 000 for first to third, MVP $10 000. Total prize money of $460 000 will be handed out in the dominoes competition.

Total cash prizes from all events: $1 600 000.

Two Novelty events will be named for participating patrons. Kids Zone will feature bouncy castles, trampolines, face-painting and many more attractions.

Four lucky patrons will go home with four impressive prizes including a microwave, $20 000 cash and the largest family will win a household hamper including Ariel soap powder, Swinger matches, Rage insecticide, Hefty garbage bags, Trin Chloro Bleach and Sqezy, compliments of Ansa McAl. Entertainment: Stereo Sonic, Selector Face and DJ Winston (Linden), Guest Boys, Stitchie One Man Band Entrance Fee: Adults $500, Children $200

St Lucia Government ponders reward for history-making Spencer CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC – Sports Minister Fortuna Belrose says government is mulling over an appropriate reward for jumper Levern Spencer, who won the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia last weekend.

Belrose said Spencer’s achievement had been a significant one for the country, communicating to the next generation of athletes the values that were necessary for international success.

She told reporters here Monday that government would decide on a reward for Spencer shortly.

“For young people in this country, that’s the message we want to communicate; it takes time but if you work at it, if you stick to it, you can achieve the goals,” Belrose said.

“And sport is really a great tool to demonstrate to young people how best they can stay focused on their goals and realise them.”

Spencer cleared a season-best 1.95 metres to win the

St Lucian high jumper Levern Spencer celebrates her country’s first Commonwealth Games gold.

Rohit, Lewis get Mumbai Indians off the mark

see story on page 34

Rohit Sharma (left) and Evin Lewis add 108 for the third wicket at nearly 10 runs an over. (BCCI)

women’s high jump and end the country’s 56-year wait for a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

With her performance, she forced England’s Morgan Lake (1.93) and Australian Nicola McDermott (1.91) into the runners-up positions.

Spencer also won gold at the Pan American Games three years ago in Toronto.

Belrose said such was the nature of the achievement that the entire country needed to show its appreciation when Spencer returned.

“To be honest with you when she won that medal I didn’t sleep for 24 hours,” Belrose revealed.

“For our country, she’s made us tremendously proud, significantly proud, and I think it’s something that everybody should celebrate and when she arrives here, we all should actually go out and meet her.”

Spencer had reached the podium in the two previous Commonwealth Games, claiming bronze in Delhi 2010 and again in Glasgow four years later.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Inter-county U-19 tournament

Demerara crumble for paltry 50 to hand Berbice stunning victory

KELVIN Umroa was the architect of Berbice crushing 8-wicket victory on the third and final day of their second round encounter against defending champions Demerara.

When round two of the 2018 GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance Under-19 Inter-county tournament concluded yesterday at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, a smattering of spectators witnessed Demerara’s defeat.

After Demerara, in their first innings mustered a modest 148 all out, Berbice also faltered in their reply, managing 120 all out in 37.2 overs.

Demerara then set out to bat in their second innings yesterday after Monday’s washout and crumbled embarrassingly, to be all out for just 50 runs off 22.4 overs.

Captain Bhaskar Yadram was the only Demerara batsman to reach double figures, top scoring with 22 runs.

Umroa was the pick of the Berbician bowlers destroying the Demerara batting line-up with seven wickets for just 16 runs. He gained valuable support from Karan Arjpaul with 2 for 20 and Kevlon Anderson who picked up one wicket.

Berbice, in reply, raced to a quick 81 for 2 comfortably in just nine overs. Opening batsmen Alex Algoo and Junior Sinclair defended their wickets scoring 38 and 31 off 24 and 23 balls respectively. Javid Karim and Kevin Sinclair were not out on one and eight runs respectively. Ashmead Nedd and Sagar Hathiramani took one wicket apiece to give Berbice victory by 8 wickets..

The third and final round of the 3-Day format of this competition starts today and stretches to Friday with Essequibo facing Demerara at the Tuschen ground while Berbice take on the GCB Select Under-17 at the Everest ground.

Play begins at 10:00hrs.

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Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company representative Jesse Rahamatullah (left) presents the man-of-thematch prize to the Berbice destroyer Kelvin Umroa for his seven wickets for 16 runs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018