Chronicle 01 10 2016

BREAKTHROUGH No. 104427

SUNDAY JANUARY 10, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

-godbrother, other man held in search for missing Briton Page 3 -samples of decomposed body for DNA testing -Police round up several Kildonan villagers for questioning

Dominic Bernard

Aaron Hing

Staymon George, centre, with detectives shortly after he was arrested in Tucville yesterday. It is believed that George drove the car which picked up Dominic Bernard on October 14 last. (Photo credit: NCN)

Undertakers removing the decomposed body, believed to be that of missing Briton Dominic Bernard, from the Kildonan backdam yesterday

Four arrested in murder of Berbice couple

Controlling air traffic Page

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- The women who are breaking into a male-dominated profession

Pages Young Air Traffic Controllers Shurine 3 &Halley 13 (left) and Jennita Bhagwandin

- suspects confess -culprits ate chocolate, drank beer Page during act 2

High-speed Internet for Essequibo, mining areas this year Page

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Four arrested in murder of Berbice couple - suspects confess -culprits ate chocolate, drank beer during act

By Clifford Stanley POLICE arrested four men yesterday as they began investigating the deaths of 81-year-old Arthur Rajkumar, a Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice businessman; and his reputed wife, Dianne Chamanlall, 44, whose mutilated bodies were found lying in pools of blood in their home at Lot 93A Middle Dam Bush Lot, in what is believed to be a robbery/murder committed by men from the village. One of the men who was arrested confessed to the crimes and implicated two of

the other three men who were arrested. The bodies were found at approximately 03:00 hrs when police responded to telephone calls about loud screaming emanating from the house. The first screams were heard at about 02: 45 hrs. The quick police response resulted in the perpetrators being interrupted, and they jumped a fence at the back of the premises and fled the scene. Ranks discharged rounds in the air as they pursued them, but the perpetrators managed to escape. They had apparently

come to the house on foot, since there was no getaway vehicle in the vicinity. The victims had lived in the upper flat of the two-storey building. They died from multiple chop wounds about their bodies. Blood-spattered hall and bedroom walls, blood-soaked pillows, blood spattered furniture, and a blood-spattered telephone left off the hook served as grim reminders of the heinous ordeal the couple had endured. A half-eaten bar of chocolate, empty beer bottles scattered nearby, and empty sardine tins suggested that the perpetrators had splurged on the goods in the home before bludgeoning the couple to death. Chilling, too, were two spots where defecation was on the floor, leading investigators to surmise that the perpetrators may have been in the home long before the screams were heard. Bags of items were found in the home, suggesting to Police that the motive was indeed robbery. Rajkumar, also known as Uncle Arthur, was the owner of the School View Ice Cream Parlour located at the bottom flat of the two-storey building. He had returned from the US, where his four children live, just about two weeks ago. He had established a relationship with the younger Chamanlall for quite some time, and the two had lived alone at the property. The shop contained a pool table which was frequently

Dead: Arthur Rajkumar used by youths from the area. There were no obvious signs of forced entry into the building. People who knew the couple suggested that the perpetrators may have posed as customers and may have either secreted themselves in the business place until it had closed, or had forced the couple to close and then committed the dastardly act.

Dead: Dianne Chamanlall A reliable source has said that consumption of food in victims’ homes by the perpetrators is similar to the pattern of home invasions reported by victims of burglaries in West Coast Berbice in recent weeks. The most recent act of home invasion and murder on the West Coast of Berbice occurred last Sunday at Bath Settlement, about three miles

east of Bush Lot Village. Bandits entered the victims’ home by removing a grill at the back of the building, and then tortured Anita Baichan, 49, a cash crop farmer, and her son Moshin Khan, 23, for over two and a half hours, before gagging the hapless pair, binding them hand and foot with duct tape, and setting their home on fire whilst they fled the scene on a bicycle. Ms Baichan had tried to escape from the building, but ended up perishing therein. Her son had managed to escape by rolling down the stairs and getting help in freeing himself, but by the time he could return upstairs to rescue his mother, it was too late. A Post-Mortem done on Ms Baichan found that she had died from smoke inhalation. Police investigations into this home invasion, robbery and murder are ongoing, and have not yet resulted in any charges being laid against any suspect.

The home where the double-murder occurred

A ransacked room in the house where the couple lived

BREAKTHROUGH

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

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-godbrother, other man held in search for missing Briton -samples of decomposed body for DNA testing -Police round up several Kildonan villagers for questioning

TWO men suspected to be involved in the disappearance of British teenager Dominic Bernard, and for whom police have issued wanted bulletins, have been arrested. Twenty-two-year-old Aaron Hing, Bernard’s god-brother and the prime suspect in his disappearance, was arrested at a city hotel on Friday evening and has reportedly confessed to his involvement in Bernard’s disappearance; while Staymon George, 23, was arrested yesterday at a house in Tucville, Georgetown. Police had issued wanted bulletins for the duo after a badly decomposed body was found in a shallow grave in the Kildonan Backlands on Friday. The body was removed yesterday, and samples are expected to be sent overseas for DNA testing to confirm if indeed the body is that of the 18-year-old British national. The remains were discovered in a two-foot grave in a clump of bushes in an area called “eight rods” or “third reef”, approximately 80 metres from the Kildonan Primary School dam. The body was clad with a shirt and short pants, and from all indications, it appears to have been there for some time. When undertakers from the Ramoo’s Funeral Parlour removed the body and placed it in the hearse, there was no stench emanating from the body. The body is currently awaiting a post-mortem to determine cause of death. Detectives were, late yesterday afternoon, still at the crime scene carrying out their investigations. Alex Vallouza, called ‘Black Boy’, was taken by the police to the crime scene. He is still in custody assisting with investigations. Vallouza is Hing’s cousin. Several other villagers have been rounded up by the police as the investigations continue. Yesterday, police took some villagers to the site where the decomposed body was found. According to information received, the detectives were led to the scene after being tipped off. According to a source, who asked to remain anonymous, he had noticed suspicious activities in the area and was told that a body had been buried in the backdam late last year. He told a friend, who put the pieces together after seeing the news about the missing teen, and they decided to inform the police, leading them to the shallow grave. This source had reportedly seen the prime suspect along with another person in the area. George, who is said to be a close friend of Aaron Hing, is believed to be the driver who transported Hing to the airport to collect Bernard. Meanwhile, reports are that many persons had known of

a body being dumped in the Kildonan backlands, but were fearful to divulge information. Now that the story is out in the public domain, more persons are coming out with information but requesting anonymity. The question on villagers’ minds is what could have led to the gruesome murder. Some say the act was committed on the same night Bernard arrived in the country. According to an aunt of the prime suspect, Aaron Hing, she had not heard or seen her nephew since Christmas Day. She told reporters that her nephew had only told her he was going out and he never returned. She heard of what had happened only when he was arrested in Georgetown late Friday night. When she was shown a picture of Bernard, she said she has never seen him in Kildonan or in the company of her nephew. She said she does not live at the residence, but has only been staying there a few days with her sister Neshan Apanah, mother of Aaron Hing. Bernard disappeared after arriving in Guyana on October 14, 2015. He had been expected to return to London on November 5. During a press conference held at Cara Lodge, the missing teen’s father, Andrew Bernard, who arrived from London, had said: “My son flew on BW 903, leaving London’s Gatwick on 10/14 at 12:50 pm, arriving POS at 5.30 pm on the same day. He then boarded BW 483 from POS to GT at 8.40 pm, arriving at Timehri at 9.50 pm. “We know Dominic cleared customs, after that we have no information.” He described Dominic as 6 feet tall, medium build, with black hair, longer on top than on the sides, and he was wearing blue jeans, white sweatshirt with black jacket that had leather in the middle and the arms were fabric.

He was wearing white Nike sneakers. He had one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage, his father confirmed. The family had initially reached out to the Surrey Police in London, who began investigation in the UK.

The Kildonan house where Dominic Bernard was expected to stay during his sojourn in Guyana

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

High-speed Internet for Essequibo, mining areas this year - GTT CEO Justin Nedd By Ariana Gordon PROVISION of high-speed Internet for the Essequibo Coast and some interior locations are among the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) company’s plans for this year, Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd has revealed. “So, 2016 is…pushing more Internet (in) far-reaching areas and at greater speeds,” Nedd said in an interview. He added that GTT will be engaged in a “significant deployment of Internet in the hinterland areas for Troy Resources.” The provision of Internet for Troy Resources, a mining company, follows an agreement inked last year between the two companies that will see miners in surrounding areas benefitting from mobile services and high-speed

Internet. Asked to speak on the cost attached to such a venture, Nedd said, “Deploying Internet in rural areas is always quite expensive.” He disclosed that the company would have to pay more to the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) for spectrum. “But we do recognise the need for Internet in the rural areas, and we are actually looking for ways to work with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to put Internet in the rural areas,” Nedd said He also disclosed that the telecommunications company intends to provide highspeed Internet to the people of Essequibo. “That is our commitment to the people of Essequibo. We will be providing them with highspeed Internet this year,” he declared.

Nedd explained that the deployment of Internet in rural communities is seen as very important in many countries, and governments recognise the significance of such deployment to the growth of rural areas. In some countries, he said, the government provides support to Internet service providers (ISP) either in the form of tax rebates, tax credits, or concessions. “We haven’t had those discussions yet, but it is certainly something we are looking forward to,” Nedd disclosed. The CEO said it must be recognised that the role of the government is to provide services to the people despite their location. The role of businesses, on the other hand, is to provide returns to the shareholders, however far and wide they are in the country; and the role of business is really to provide a return to the shareholders and afford quality service to customers. “The roles are slightly different,” he said, “but there is some overlap. We want to come to the table and talk to the government about leveraging our desire to do good for the country,” he said impassionedly. Back in 2010, the company had commissioned its Suriname-Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS), a US$30M investment which was aimed at providing great opportunities for information technology locally.

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“GTT is the only company that landed a submarine cable at a significant cost --US$30M -- that really provided high-speed Internet to the country,” Nedd said. “We want to leverage that investment and put that Internet out there for the betterment of the country,” he declared. Nedd stressed that GTT wants to be known as “the company that fulfills its commitments to the people of Guyana”. “We want to be known -- and we will be known, and we will push very hard to be known -- as the company that really does what it says it will do; and we will go the extra mile for our customers,” Nedd assured. But while the company intends to meet the needs of its customer base, it faces the challenge of “an exclusivity arrangement”. “Although there is an

several options for Internet, and nobody does landline because it is so widely unprofitable,” Nedd revealed. Nedd hopes that, despite the limitations, which also includes rates attached to landline services that have been unchanged for a decade, government will this year grant spectrum so that customers could be freed from “the bondage of 2G network.” “Most people have a smart phone nowadays, but that’s all on a 2G network, and you really don’t realize the benefits of those phones on a 2G network. On 3G or 4G network, you are able to stream things right there and then, no buffering…and that’s what we are waiting on the government to actually grant spectrum for, to really liberate the customers,” Nedd revealed. Improving customer ser-

“…we do recognise the need for Internet in the rural areas, and we are actually looking for ways to work with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to put Internet in the rural areas,” GTT CEO Justin Nedd exclusivity arrangement on paper, we actually don’t realize the benefits, because what the exclusivity suggests is that GTT should be the sole provider of landlines and Internet. As you know, there are

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vice, extending reach, and ensuring customer satisfaction are critical to the success of GTT, Nedd said. He believes that, notwithstanding the challenges facing the GTT and the tele-

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communications sector as a whole, GTT customers must have optimum satisfaction with the service provided by the company he runs. “In 2016, we will invest heavily in making GTT a vibrant, powerful, and customer-driven customer-centric organization,” he disclosed. In the interview with this publication, Nedd said the GTT has many plans for 2016, and all have the customer as the primary beneficiary. He explained that the company operates on three Es:- Easy to do business with; Expeditiously get things right the first time; and Exceedingly meet expectations. “Our mandate is really to win for the customers. Everybody working at GTT is contributing to the growth of the company (and) to the happiness of the customers,” he said. With the customer in mind, the company hopes to increase its reach to many unserved rural communities. Nedd explained that, while a costly venture, it is important that customers across the country benefit from the services the company has to offer. As such, the newly appointed CEO said, the company will be “very aggressive” with its sales and in reaching customers, a process he said started on September 3 and 4 last year when the company was rebranded and opened several new mobile stores. “I think the customers have so far responded to that very, very well, certainly surpassing my expectations. But it just goes to show the pentup demand for great service. We want to make that something customers could come to expect of GTT,” Nedd told this publication. He explained that, in keeping with the company’s thrust of “doing more for the customer”, Internet speed increased while cost was slashed by 50 percent in several areas last year. “Five times the speed and 50 percent reduction -that’s a big win for the customers,” remarked Nedd, who committed to ensuring that more persons are able to receive Internet service.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

French national found dead on yacht identified -police awaiting PM

H AV I N G s e c u r e d t h e yacht on which a French national and his dog were found dead in Guyana’s waters, the police are now awaiting a post- mortem to determine the cause of death. According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the man who was identified as Michel Robert Louis Bozier was aboard the “Allegro” yacht, bearing a French flag, which was spotted offshore Guyana on Wednesday last. The dog, he said, also had a French passport and was identified as Louise Tifille. The year of birth of the dog was 2012.

The vessel was secured Saturday morning by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coastguard, and authorities were then summoned to the Coastguard Base at Ruimveldt, where they removed the bodies from the yacht. The crime chief noted that even though the man was a French national, as his passport and the vessel had indicated, a post-mortem could be done locally, but only after the body has been identified by a relative of his. According to Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, a tanker vessel which

was moving from Jamaica to Brazil observed the French-registered yacht drifting with the tides out at sea on Wednesday last. In the yacht, a dead man and a dog were spotted. It was revealed that the captain of the tanker sent a transmission which was picked up by the local coastguard, which in turn informed the relevant agencies. The captain of the tanker further informed the coastguard that they could not stop to render assistance. However, they assisted in providing information on the location where the discovery was made. Using

The yacht as it was being brought to Georgetown this information, the GDF Skyvan conducted a flyover survey to confirm the location and a team from MARAD, GDF and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) then journeyed to the location. (Ravin Singh)

Ram & McRae says unaware of $82M deposit

THE accounting and auditing firm Ram & McRae says it is unaware that a deposit of $82M had been made into the account of the now defunct Precision Woodworking Limited (PWL) by any account holder of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited; or that Precision Woodworking Limited had made this deposit into its account. The firm, through its managing partner Christopher Ram, stated in a release that it was never provided with any proof of a deposit. The release was in response to coverage of the operations of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) by the Kaieteur News, including a recent article headlined “SARU probes local bank accused of money laundering”. According to Ram, the principals of PWL, Rustum Bulkan and Ronald Bulkan (now Minister of Communi-

ties), requested a meeting with him some time ago, although a more formal relationship between the two entities had ended. Ram said the directors informed him of an issue regarding PWL and Republic Bank, of which the former was at the time an account holder. The company sought his representation, which he could not offer since Ram & McRae is not permitted to engage in communication with customers of its clients. Ram noted that his firm did not inform PWL at the time that checks had revealed that there had been in the company’s account no deposit of the sum in question. He said that despite refusal to engage PWL, the latter maintained written contact with the accounting firm, and it was suggested that the company should engage the bank’s management. He said that another correspondence was sent to Ram

and McRae by PWL regarding the $82M deposit which the former furniture company claimed was “not deposited by them”. This correspondence appeared in the Kaieteur News, Ram said, as an open letter in June 2014. Ram & McRae subsequently wrote to the Editor of that newspaper and the court, rejecting a statement made by the company that the letter was released to that newspaper incorrectly and implausibly by Ram & McRae. Ram said he received another letter, dated December 21, 2015, which was signed by the Bulkans and addressed to head of SARU, Dr Clive Thomas, relating to, among other things, the $82M deposit made by an individual. He said the letter sought the intervention of the SARU, and he added that it was copied to 11 persons. He said that the more

recent article did not name anyone from PWL, however the $82M was identical to the sum which the company claimed had been deposited into its account. He says that Ram & McRae is aware of court proceedings between the bank and PWL, concerning receivership of the latter. In addition, he said that in the court pleadings, which are public records, Republic Bank specifically denied the existence of the sum in question. “Ram& McRae wishes to make it very clear that the firm was never provided with any proof of any deposit of $82,068,617 to any account holder of Republic Bank Limited, including Precision Woodworking Limited,” Ram said.

The yacht, in forefront, which was secured Saturday morning by the Coastguard (Delano Williams photo)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Diversity and National Unity AS WE begin the New Year and prepare to celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary, it is a good time to reflect on our condition as a diverse society. As uncomfortable as it is to discuss ethnicity and race, our ethnic diversity compels us to keep that discourse open. Our ethnic diversity is a function of our evolution as a society from the first encounters between the Europeans and the Amerindians. The Africans would later be brought against their will to bear the burdens of the most anti-human system in the history of humanity -- slavery. The dynamics of that slave system would continue to have an overpowering effect on the shaping of our collective identity. By the time our East Indian, Chinese and Portuguese ‘brethren and sistren’ arrived in the mid-nineteenth century, the nation had begun to take shape. Emancipation brought freedom from plantation slavery, but it also marked the beginning of a new form of servitude, called colonialism. It is into this state of affairs that the indentured labourers were brought. Their experiences were, in many respects, not much different from what slaves experienced in their social relations on the plantations. In fact, colonialism continued the dehumanization of enslavement without the formal architecture of slavery. During colonial rule, our various ethnic groups were forced to seek and find common ground in their quest to combat the consequences of being subjects. This movement for unity, however, was not a seamless exercise. It was constantly interrupted by the direct and indirect divide-and-rule interventions of the colonizers. But in the end, it was the inter-ethnic solidarity of our various groups that brought us to self-rule in the 1950s. But before we could attain independence, the movement split again; this time with disastrous consequences. It is to our credit, however, that 50 years into our independence, we are still together as a single nation. This represents a victory for the unity impulse, first forged during the anti-colonial struggle. It has not been an easy road, for the forces of division are constantly at work. The biggest obstacle to a more comprehensive unity has been our party politics, which has not been able to accommodate the dictates of the politically united system. From 1961 to the present, we have articulated the need for a government of national unity, but have not been able to effectively translate that to anything concrete. Yet, we must continue to work towards that reality in both word and deed. The last year coming to power of a coalition has understandably raised hopes that we are closer to such a government. The merging of six political entities in the coalition presents a model to the nation. In a real sense, the working people of the country would want a system of governance that guarantees security for all groups. They understand the relationship between polarization and poverty; that our economic development as a nation is tied to our united purpose. It is for this reason that we must, this year, put the realization of a united government at the top of the independence agenda. We are lucky to have a president who is prepared to walk the walk on this matter. We obviously need constitutional change in order to enshrine the unity principle in our rules and laws. But those would mean little if our people do not demonstrate without a doubt that they are on board. The ball is in the court of our leaders, and they must step up to the plate and put their partisan prejudices aside in the interest of the nation. But we, the people, must pressure our leaders to bow to the inevitable and release our nation into the community of diverse countries that dare to confront their internal divisions.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Need for a holistic, concerted, sustained and multi-pronged approach to suicide THE Caribbean Voice absolutely commends the initiative of President David Granger in convening a high-level cabinet meeting to craft a viable response to suicide, which seems to be sprinting towards a runaway crisis. However, we humbly and sincerely hope that this meeting catalyses a holistic, concerted, sustained and multi-pronged approach, as anything less could end up being an exercise in futility. And while we are certain that the level of expertise and abilities at that meeting, would have considered every possibility, we seize this opportunity to reiterate the following, almost all of which have been in the public domain for some time now: 1. Convene a meeting of selected NGOs and other stakeholders as a next step in the process, with the aim of setting up a national coordinating committee and, perhaps down the road, regional coordinating committees. This would ensure that duplication is avoided, scaffolding takes place, resources are maximised, follow up is sustained and the work of NGOs and activists is coordinated, monitored and supported.

Incidentally, a call for such a committee was mooted at the National Stakeholders Conference on Suicide and Related Issues, organised by The Caribbean Voice and its partners in August 2015, at Cara Hotel. 2. Focus on collaboration, rather than an insular and individualistic approach, to maximise impact as widely as possible, and foster piggybacking, so that suicide-prevention awareness can take place regardless of the forum and so that the greatest possible amount of persons can be involved in promoting prevention. 3. Take steps to extend the suicide hotline nationally and engage in an aggressive promotion campaign that can involve all the media, the private sector, the education and health sectors and celebrities, VIPs and high- profile spokespersons. 4. Reach out to suicide survivors (those who had attempted suicide as well as loved ones of those who committed suicide) and engage them in sharing, as their experiences can have a defining impact as well as create emotive connections with their audiences. This can be one facet of an intense education

programme that addresses myths and misinformation about suicide, dispels the taboos that surround it and enable the average person to be more understanding and more sensitive about suicide and its connotations. 5. Bring back the Gatekeepers’ Programme and use it as a mechanism to train first responders in every community. These are the persons who can be the eyes and ears of the community to proactively identify warning signs and put in train a process to help those in need. It must be noted that such persons may also be able to build trust much easier that ‘strangers’ and provide comforting/safe scope for those in need to open up. No one can doubt that a large part of the problem is that so many who commit suicide kept things bottled up and thus family and friends invariably exclaimed that they never saw/knew that anything was wrong. After all, they are not trained to identify the warning signs and to engage in empathetic communication, as first responders would be. 6. To the current terms of reference for the Poison Control Centres, integrate measures that would ensure the safest

possible use and storage of agro-chemicals, the safest possible disposal of containers and a process that would not only ensure that bona fide farmers are the only ones allowed to purchase such chemicals, but that they are monitored to ensure the highest degree of responsibility in handling and usage. We have already, many times, referenced the Sri Lankan Model of Hazard Reduction as an exemplar in this respect. Social Activist, Sherlina Nageer, recently expressed online, her frustration in trying to get embracing help for a woman who seemed suicidal. It was clear that had there being a coordinating committee fostering a holistic approach, the person in question would have gotten all the help needed, rather than piecemeal and uncoordinated assistance that was provided and that did nothing to get her out of the suicidal mindset. In fact, this experience makes it clear, why so many fall through the cracks and why so many more never want to seek help. THE CARIBBEAN VOICE

Surveillance operation was clumsy, unprofessional and tactically, if not legally, flawed Dear Editor, I HAVE been following closely, news reports surrounding the deaths of three persons in a vehicular accident, two of whom were in one vehicle giving chase to the neighbour of “on leave” chief executive of NICIL, Winston Brassington. Initially, I supported the reported view of President David Granger that this chain of events did not warrant any full- scale probe. However, having read the statement of the young lady who is the wife of a sitting opposition parliamentarian, I am now in favour of a full- scale probe and would recommend that one be carried out sooner rather than later. While this surveillance operation pales into insignificance in comparison to

the operations of the phantom squad and its hundreds of alleged murders under the previous administration, about which there has been no independent probe, the raison d’être for my support for an independent probe of this recent operation, is that this new government has promised change. From reading Ms. Rambarran’s account of what took place that fateful night, there could be no other conclusion that this surveillance operation was clumsy, unprofessional and tactically, if not legally, flawed. It must be investigated so as to avoid any recurrence of such unprofessionalism. I have a few questions: first of all, why would there be surveillance of Brassington’s home? If there is reasonable belief that documents are at his home, then why

not get a search warrant and conduct a search? It is well known that Brassington and his family have left Guyana legally, reportedly on vacation and the authorities had to have known that. How could intelligence sleuths not be armed with accurate information about the exact location of Brassington’s home? If they suspect a link between Brassington and parliamentarian Ramson, who was himself abroad at the time of the operation, why was a search warrant not sought for Ramson’s home? Now this was supposed to be a surveillance operation. My understanding of surveillance operations is that the operatives observe and report without approaching their targets. Why were the two targets approached by these operatives, while

failing to show any identification that they were lawenforcement officers? Why were they asked to wait until “the boss” turned up?” Was the boss bringing an arrest warrant? Why were they chased? If on official duty, why was the GDF intelligence operative’s wife in the car? He was not going to a cocktail party, was he? Many things aren’t right about this operation. My sympathy to the relatives of all those who lost their lives. These lives should never have been lost. This is recklessness of the highest order. Who gave the instructions for this surveillance operation? This person should be held accountable. REGARDS, WESLEY KIRTON

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Bar Association wants CoI into death of soldier, two others THE Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has called for a Commission of Inquiry into the death of Army Intelligence Officer Sergeant Robert Pyle, his wife and a truck driver. The three died in accident while Pyle was involved in an intelligence operation connected to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). “The deaths and their surrounding circumstances are cause for the gravest concern among citizens,” the GBA said in a statement. The Association noted that it has now been confirmed that at the time of the officer’s death, he was engaged in a surveillance operation which is now known to have been directed at a public servant who is on leave. “The Bar Association believes that an explanation is required for the use of GDF officers to engage in such activities, and the legality thereof.”

The Association said that operational control of the Guyana Defence Force vests solely in the Chief of Staff, but is subject to the general or specific direction of the President. “The Defence Force is charged with the defence and maintenance of order in Guyana, and with such other duties (as are) defined by the Defence Board. “The President is the Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of the Defence Board, which includes the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs, now Public Security.” In announcing the anti-crime Operation Dragnet, the Association noted, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had disclosed that it involved the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service, all of which operate under separate Acts of Parliament and exercise

different functions. “The Guyana Bar Association believes that the State has a duty to explain and justify the role of the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service in the operation. “Insofar as the use of the Guyana Defence Force in civilian activities is concerned, where there is a situation involving violent crime beyond the capacity of the police, the Commissioner may request the Commander in Chief to deploy the Military in support of specific missions and within specific Police Divisions,” the Bar Association stated. The body noted that the Chief of Staff, as Chairman of the Joint Services Coordinating Committee, makes his own assessment, known to the Commander in Chief, in order to justify the deployment of specific elements of the GDF. “It is against this background that the Guyana Bar

Association considers it necessary to call upon the Government to mount an inquiry into the event or series of events of December 30, 2015 that led to the death of three persons,” the Associated stated. It said that the series of events raise serious questions that go to the foundational principle of the rule of law, including the importance of citizens being able to go about their lives and business peaceably; the duty of the State to act in conformity with the law, and to protect its citizens; the role and function of the Guyana Defence Force, a body established under the Defence Act to carry out its responsibilities set out in the Constitution; the role, duties and functions of the Guyana Police Force and the Commissioner of Police in these circumstances; the establishment and operation of SOCU, its legal underpinning, staffing and reporting

lines; wrongful death, criminal liability, civil liability, immunity and appropriate redress; the scope, operational procedures, reporting lines, and accountability of Operation Dragnet, which was announced not by the Commissioner of Police, but following a meeting of the Cabinet. The Bar Association noted that while the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force has announced that the events of December 30, 2015 were part of a legitimate operation, the nation waits to hear from the Commissioner of Police, who is the statutory authority to initiate the call for assistance from the Defence Force. Similarly, since Operation Dragnet was described as a response to concerns about public security, the Bar Association considers it incumbent on the Minister of Public Security to address the nation on the matter. President Granger has

announced that he does not consider a full probe necessary because a member of the Guyana Defence Force was on an “official mission”. “With due respect to the President, the Bar Association fundamentally disagrees with such a position. “At the very least, the law requires a Coroner’s Inquest into the death of the three citizens, while the ten issues identified above are so serious and fundamental to the normal functioning of a democratic state that they require a proper, independent Commission of Inquiry. “The President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Defence Board. He would wish to avoid any perception of any conflict of interest, undue influence, or political interference in the operations of the Disciplined Services, or of an operation that went horribly wrong,” the Bar Association stated.

Engaging citizens in the diaspora Dear Editor, I REFER to Pastor WP Jeffrey’s letter: “It is difficult for overseas Guyanese offering skills to break into the inner circle of bureaucracy.” Like Pastor Jeffery, I have had a similar experience, but with the previous administration. I am a skilled professional, and so when I heard that there were shortages of my skill sets, I immediately offered to volunteer at a certain ministry. The response I received was one of total dysfunction by senior government officials. This was unfortunate, considering that those needing help were ignored. My experience has made me realise that our governments are responsible for wrecking our country and driving us into turmoil. There is no question in my mind that this dynamic undoubtedly fuels the abnormally high suicide rate. Pastor Jeffery is absolute-

ly right that the APNU+AFC government is riding on the same dysfunctional trajectory as the previous administration. Also, it should not be ignored that the PNC (APNU) initially mapped out this trajectory and travelled it. The APNU+AFC government campaigned on a mantra of change, and so where is the change? It is no secret that our country desperately needs all kinds of skills to move it forward and to mitigate the pains of the poor. Sadly, however, our governments have been indifferent about engaging skilled professionals. So what is driving its indifference? Well, job opportunities are scarce, and so our governments are hoarding them for their comrades (supporters, friends and family of government) as political payback and incentives (political spoils). More often than not, their comrades lack the requisite credentials, which leads to

high levels of inefficiency and undoubtedly ravages our country. Editor, our entire nation is brimming with inefficiency. Government’s actions are deliberate. Government does not care. Government chastised the PPP/C for similar wrongdoings and this is a case of “the pot calling the kettle black.” Despite government heartlessly firing us and shutting us out of development, it is bald- faced enough to call for our return from abroad. Such calls are empty and are nothing less than prevarication to bolster its image and to camouflage its shady actions. Take, for example, just within recent weeks, President Granger was calling on our students studying abroad to return home after the conclusion of their studies against a backdrop of his government firing innocent citizens along racial lines. Who would respond to such impractical calls? Who

would want to return to a country where citizens with requisite credentials are unable to penetrate the work force? Who would want to return to a country, where government is hoarding jobs for comrades? Who would want to return to a country where comrades lack knowledge, and any prospects moving the country forward would wind up in a stalemate? Who would want to return to a country to idle and twiddle our thumbs? This will only drive us into alcoholism, or suicide, or both. Who would want to return to a country, where corruption nullifies our hard work? Youths here at home are unable to find jobs, then how will government find jobs for those returning from abroad? Who would want to return to a country where our lives are not safe? Government needs to be genuine. Government holds the trump card, and if it plays it fairly, it will unleash development. However, gov-

ernment is playing the game in its favour, and this will only anchor us deeper into poverty. Let us be frank: Our governments are more than happy to keep us at bay, so that they have the entire pie to themselves. Like it or not, we need to buckle up for an extended ride by the APNU+AFC government. Heartbreakingly, the poor are too fragile to endure this. We should not be oblivious to the fact that a rogue government is in power. It has bullied us on several fronts already by putting its needs above those of our country and its people. This government not only rejects our skills, but also has the gall to bully a mega-salary increase and skew an already racially lopsided work force in its favour, which amounts to discrimination. Government is unremorselessly trampling our human rights, throttling development, and destroying our country. This must end.

We, the people, have the ultimate power to muzzle government. To this end, I will level a lawsuit against government, so as to force it to diversify the work force, even if it means that I have to eat dhal and rice to foot the bill. I can assure government that it will see a lawsuit if it does not diversify. The world is way too civilised to tolerate government’s unethical actions. A victory will be monumental for social cohesion and for the development of our country. Our country desperately needs to move forward. Government needs its power stripped, and momentum is building in this regard. Make no mistake: Guyana desperately needs a radically different government in terms of its philosophy and ideology for us to realise meaningful change. SINCERELY, DR. CECIL DILIPKUMAR

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Improved maternity ward for Leonora Hospital - fully air-conditioned facility with specialist staff soon

By Michelle Outridge RESIDENTS of Region Three, West Coast Demerara, will, by the end of this month, benefit from an improved and fully functional Maternity Ward at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. This disclosure was made by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, who Friday led a team to the hospital to meet with regional officials, including Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran and acting Regional Health Officer Shawn Bancroft, among others. Minister Norton told the media that the defunct Maternity Ward will be refurbished and put into full use by this month-end. He said that once the design and tendering process is completed, authorities will act swiftly to have the maternity section fully equipped and staffed, to cater to the needs of residents on that corridor and other outlying areas. Dr Norton added that a Regional Health and Safety Committee has since been set up, and its members are working in tandem with the ministry’s contractor to have

the maternity section up and running as soon as possible. FULLY AIRCONDITIONED During yesterday’s tour, media operatives saw a seven-bed ward with a nurse’s station and a birthing room with beds and cots in place, but the intention is to have a fully air-conditioned Maternity Ward with an in-house specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN), besides midwives. Minister Norton said that, at present, deliveries cannot be done in the Maternity Ward for those mothers who are at a full stage for delivery. He disclosed that refurbishing the maternity ward is a priority for the Public Health Ministry, because on Christmas Day, when President David Granger visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Maternity Ward, he was not pleased at finding mothers having to double-up on beds, and he wanted both mothers and babies to be comfortable. Dr Norton told the media that an emergency meeting was then convened, and it is now of utmost importance

that the Maternity Ward of the Leonora Cottage Hospital be fully operational, with an enhanced facility. Minister Norton pointed out that another concern of utmost importance is easing overcrowding at the GPHC. He said that once the Maternity Ward is up and running, residents from as far as Region Seven can make maximum use of the facility, which will also be equipped with an operating theatre and staff if there is need for Caesarean-section operations to be done. INCUBATORS The Maternity Ward will also have incubators to cater for underweight babies, and a neo-natal clinic is to be established. Registered Midwife Savitri Chandribose told the media that, in the 1980s, babies were delivered in the then functioning Maternity Ward of the Leonora Cottage Hospital, and she is pleased that it will soon be re-opened. Chandribose has, since 1980, been a midwife, when the facility was a 20-bed unit which delivered numerous babies. Currently, there is a shortage of midwives.

Sunday

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, inspects a bed in the nonfunctioning Maternity Ward of the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Looking on is Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) The midwife said babies continue to be delivered there, but not on a wide scale, but if a mother arrives there and she is ready to deliver, they will assist then refer that patient to the GPHC. Dr Norton said President Granger wants a proactive approach to maternal healthcare, so there will be no maternal deaths this year. He observed that Linden has had half as many maternal deaths as what the GPHC has had, and at present Cuban doctors are seeking employment at the hospital. Once the legal aspect

Nostalgia A step forward: Mr Randolph Cheeks, Minister of Local Government, cuts the ribbon, and the new $4,600 tractor and trailer acquired by Lodge Village Council is set in motion. It was intended to be used to collect garbage in the village. (January 6, 1966)

is resolved, he said, the doctors will be placed where needed at health facilities to the benefit of Guyanese. PATERNITY LEAVE The Public Health Minister also disclosed that government is moving in the direction of extending maternity leave for mothers to enable them to be properly bonded with their newborns, and fathers will have paternity leave to enable both parents of a newborn to be on hand to spend time with their baby. He also said that fathers will be accommodated during the birthing process, so they

can witness the birth of their babies. Government Medical Officer Dr Stephen Foo said that the region is focusing on primary healthcare, whereby mothers could have safe deliveries to reduce the maternal mortality rate. He said also that the ministry is looking to enhance the human resource complement at the ministry. Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran said there are five active programmes for healthcare and their aim is to generally improve the facilities and services at public institutions.

Mr. M.I. Desai (left), manager of the Bank of Baroda, collects from Dr. Horst Bockelmann, Governor of the Bank of Guyana, licence for the Bank of Baroda to be officially opened. (January 6, 1966)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Happens more frequently than we think HUMAN Trafficking is one of those dreadful topics about which we read in the media. With alarming frequency, it happens here in Guyana, and it happens elsewhere in the world. Human trafficking takes various heinous forms, one of the most heinous being the buying and selling of girls into prostitution. Many countries have, with good reason, come down very hard on this scourge. The perpetrators are hunted down and given their justifiably severe punishment. Human traffickers are justifiably considered the modern slavers. Here at home, we witness that rapists are being punished with increasing severity. Good stuff! I have listened to too many facile conversations that focus simply on the number of years of incarceration. Some rapist of a five-year-old baby girl is given twenty-seven years, say. And our base reaction is something like this: "Bai! Dat magistrate is a BAD-MAN!" It is admiring, congratulatory. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but conversations tend to stop there and move on to some other trivia about what some politician said to some other politician somewhere, or about something else. We speak in intimate terms about the politicians, as if we know them very well. We know who "deh wid who", "how much money dem gat", "who bad, who good." We speak of Granger or Bharat as if they were our personal buddy pals. This is to be seen in various newspaper columns, articles, and letters as well. It is all so much hot air, really. As a nation, we seem to have lost the ability to think analytically. We think and speak in terms of gossip, cheap and derivative, drawn from poorly written and more poorly read newspaper stuff. With rape and incest and human trafficking,

we are even more dangerously shallow. No one with whom I have spoken -- nor has anything I have read –- ever ventured ways to help that raped child heal. That is, apart from platitudes like "counselling." Charitably, one could say that this is one way to pass it off, to not deal with it, to not think about the horror. Uncharitably, perhaps, we could say that we are no longer capable of basic thought. When I was Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, we gave hampers each month to the elderly, the needy, and the handicapped. At Christmas, we gave gifts to fiscally disadvantaged children. At one point, an eight-yearold child puffed out her flat chest and explained her lateness: "I was with my HUSBAND!" Your husband? She said she got married three years ago. It is rape! A few years later, there was a woman in her thirties who (exactly like the child), puffed up herself and said: "I am a MARRIED woman, you know!" There were others present, and I had picked up her glass by mistake. She, too, had been raped. She was ten when she was sold off to her now "husband". He had raped her, but the denial comes in the form of "Husbands can't rape wives! It is the husband's RIGHT!" Maybe it is also the husband's right to beat, maim and kill wives. But in the eyes of the blind, deaf and dumb, these are "respectable people." My goodness gracious! The most insidious form of human trafficking is the selling of our victimized females to new owners as if they were dumb beasts. We sell them off into a lifetime of horror in the name of something that amounts to sanctioned rape. It happens more often than we think.

Pray for Berbice IN THE last few days alone, Berbice county has seen the rapid occurrence of a number of unfortunate incidents, most of which have ended in death. People are starting to believe that prayers are needed. These events include alcohol-induced murders at the beginning of the year, the burning to death of a woman following the robbery of her home, the double-suicide of a young girl and her lover, several other robberies, and now the suspected murder of the missing British teen who had travelled to Guyana last November. The question on everyone’s mind is: What’s happening to Berbice? Some, mostly opposition-inclined persons, feel the answer lies in the change in government, a correlation that others find hard to agree with. In the words of one spirited woman, who was tired of the blame game being played in such situations: “It’s not about politics…. Whether it is APNU/AFC in government or PPP/C, it matters not to these killers.” I believe she hit the nail on the head! Some may seek to cast blame on the already burdened government because the time is convenient; but regardless, we need to be able to separate politics from situations that stem solely from the dark hearts of idle men (and women). I say we should pray for Berbice, but then again, the entire country needs prayer!

GRA to get ‘modern weapons’ in fight against smuggling Sattaur reigns

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is in process of acquiring “fresh and up-to-date firearms” for the workers of its Enforcement Division, Commissioner General (ag) Ingrid Griffith told the media on Friday during a media briefing. She said the safety and welfare of workers is of great importance to the organization, and explained that, over the years, the Enforcement Division had suffered greatly because of the lack of sufficient weaponry and, in most cases, modern weapons and protective gear to carry out their duties. The lives of many enforcement officers have been put at risk by the organisation’s inability to “match” the weapons of its rivals. Griffith has assured that the situation will not continue for much longer. In fact, she said GRA is currently working to ensure that staff members receive modern tools to be efficient and effective. “We have requested additional firearms that are up-to-date, so that they will have the same power than the smugglers have with their firearms, because their firearms are updated; and so we have to match their firepower. We have asked for those firearms, and the government is trying to give us that,” the acting Commissioner General said. Griffith said it is important that the organisation brings its enforcement staff members up to standard with the weapons used by those who break the law. She noted that employees of the organisation must be comfortable to function, and, once comfortable, must be able to carry out their mandates in a safe environment. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GRA, Mr Rawle

Lucas, has said that the Board has decided that, in an effort to ensure voluntary tax payers receive accurate and timely information, “staff must be knowledgeable, and must have access to technology that makes the delivery of the service efficient.” “We will be looking at staff training as a matter of priority. Focus would be (placed) on areas of customer service, tax analysis, tax planning and policy, human resource management, and legal services,” Lucas told the media. He said that, in order to make the tax payer experience better, the Board is working to ensure that the GRA has the right type of technology application that will help to increase voluntary compliance, while concurrently increasing the “flexibility and comfort” with which tax payers can conduct their business. “The GRA is currently pursuing the service capabilities similar to those which obtain internationally,” he said. “While we are aspiring to make that for use during this year’s tax season, we are mindful of the unforeseen risks which may delay that process,” he added. One initiative being undertaken by GRA is giving employers the ability to submit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) data of their staff electronically. Coupled with that initiative, the GRA will be implementing a performance management system for employees. “The implementation of the electronic PAYE system will yield important savings in time and cost within the organisation. Additionally, the performance management system will assist in strengthening staff capability through the evaluation process, and hence the quality of service delivered to tax payers,” the Chairman of the Board said.

Following the public’s outrage at the alleged raid carried out on Khurshid Sattaur’s home by the GRA, recent reports have revealed that the GRA boss was not raided at all, and that Sattaur had apparently agreed to have the items removed from his home. Of course, at the time of the initial report, all we had heard about was the return of his computer and gun, but now we’ve heard that Sattuar had in his possession six GRA vehicles -- including a golf cart –- and he also had a direct link from the GRA server to his home. Not only has that link been severed (with his consent), but of the lot, four vehicles were returned to the GRA. Not the golf cart though; after all, a man has to play his golf! So maybe the move was not as rough as the public suspected; after all, what such punishment could a man be under if they still allow him his leisure when they could have taken it away? Nevertheless, what we can walk away with is the fact that Sattaur certainly enjoyed lavish living prior to his 200-day leave. It’s a wonder that the Board has only now decided to “protect tax payers’ data”, as they claim. I mean, why was he even allowed a direct link from the GRA server to his home? And the story continues to unfold…

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

– Washington DC

Whatever happened to our ‘buy local’ campaign?

IN 1969, then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham started an aggressive campaign to persuade Guyanese to “buy locally produced products.” But even before that, the first national development plan coined in 1953 under Premier Cheddi Jagan also advocated strongly for this agenda. Both leaders, in their own time, appealed to the people’s patriotic pride to drive the local economy, rather than depend on unnecessary imports. Of course, after the split, a proactive PPP propaganda campaign did severe damage to this programme in the 1970s and 1980s. As things got hard in the 1980s, the persuasive forces moved from voluntary to mandatory (the famous ban), and this played right into the PPP propaganda machinery, and they (the PPP) milked this situation to their maximum benefit. So while people craved the low-grade yellow split peas and the tins of sardines from foreign lands, one has to recognize that importing those products was just pure ignorance. The wider world is very accustomed to even better and more nutritious kinds of “dhals”, lentils and beans, all of which can be grown in Guyana. Actually, those same black eye peas and pigeon peas that used to grow commercially in Guyana, which today we are importing, have scientifically been found to be even more nutritious than the low-grade yellow split peas. Thus one is left to wonder why the majority of people in Guyana rejected the buy local programme in the 1980s to the detriment of the economy. It looks like all politics to me. It is time Guyana reopens, in a big way, its “be local, buy local” campaign, which should be aimed at encouraging our people to use our land to maximize our wealth. The basis of this thesis is first to maximize the economic power of the village economy, but also to socially empower our people to “fish for themselves.”

But such a programme will never be successful until and unless the Ministry of Agriculture throws its full weight behind the venture. It is time for us to have an agrarian revolution, to distribute lands to the landless. We can start by offering lands to those same extension officers in the Ministry of Agriculture with the caveat that their land will become farmers’ field schools and demonstration plots. With real skin in the game and real rewards for them, there will be enough incentives to make this a huge success. What is so wrong if each certified extension officer in the regions, the NAREI field staff, and all final year agriculture students at UG and GSA are given, to cultivate, two (2) acres of land as close as possible to their homes, and they use the latest kinds of technology and their knowledge as a showcase of how it can be done using science? This should be called the “agriculture science in action” project. This will do two things. One: it will force farmers who were previously reluctant to use science to now observe how science can cut their cost of production compared to their original systems that are based on customs and traditions. The business of agriculture will be taught in these farmers’ field schools. Secondly: it will serve as a source of additional legitimate income for these government officers. But what is more important is that these informed minds will be able to add value to their raw produce -- be it better marketing, better packaging, even small scale agro-processing, all integrated into their base plot to lift all the “agricultural boats (farms)” of Guyana with science and knowledge. “Buy local” is not only a feel-good process, but can be a serious generator of economic growth at the local level. What researchers have found in locations such as the State of Utah in the United States is that there is a profound

positive economic impact in keeping one’s money in one’s local towns. Why not use this process to create across Guyana a renaissance of the village economy, which can then be scaled up to tap into the CARICOM markets? The New Economic Foundation, based in London, found that twice the money stays locally when people buy local rather than import products. In basic economics, that means twice the money is flowing in the local economy, working its way to create additional local wealth as the economic wheels turn. When national institutions like the Guyana Police Force choose to feed the President imported grapes and apples at their Christmas breakfast, rather than those delicious oranges from Hog Island and most tasty bananas from Aliki on the Essequibo River, one can see we are in financial trouble. One commentator said money is like blood; it needs to move constantly at the local level to be able to add value to the local economy. When we create the economic conditions that make it cheaper to import pigeon peas in tins, then we have sealed our own future. In exchange for every container of food shipped into a food-secure nation like Guyana, we are shipping out “wads and wads” of US dollars. If one were to look at the state of the International Reserves, one would be told a sad story indeed. Today, for the first time in 5 years, the reserves have fallen below US$600 million, and they are still diving! Every time we buy imported food, we have to recognize that it is another local farmer who is “biting the dust” in good old Guyana. The Ministry of Agriculture has the power to change all of this and make a difference, but it requires relevant and appropriate public policies. It requires greater activism and greater leadership around this issue. What are we waiting for?

Natural Resources Ministry in strategic review THE Ministry of Natural Resources last Friday held a Strategic Sector Review aimed at identifying problems facing the various sectors and challenging managers to improve their performance to achieve maximum outputs. The review, which saw the active participation of Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, had received presentations from the various agencies which fall under the ministry. The forum was also aimed at streamlining ways to effectively deliver services and enforce relevant regulations which guide operations of the various sectors. At the end of the forum, the ministry’s management team compiled the final documents from which excerpts were presented by Minister Trotman during a special Cabinet meeting held on Saturday. At the forum, the heads of the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), which fall under Natural Resources management made presentations on their respective

agencies. Similarly, under the environmental management division, the Environmental Protection Agency, Protected Areas Commission and the Guyana Wildlife Division delivered presentations. Minister Trotman, during his presentation, encouraged the sharing of resources, facilities and workload among the various agencies to maximise output. He stressed that there is need to “move beyond talking,” while adding that the time has come for more young people to be trained in the sectors so as to get the “young generation involved.” Both Ministers Trotman and Broomes were particularly interested in the public perception of the gold and forestry sectors, which for some time now have been dogged by allegations of corruption. Minister Trotman pointed out that the government is very keen on improving the gold-mining sector and he said the notion of “managing as best as we can” needs to be removed and better needs to be done. There is a perception, the minister added, that there is some degree of corruption within the

industry “and these are some of the things that concern the government.” “It is not good enough,” the minister commented, adding that changes have to take place, but admitted that “it will take time.” Speaking on the issue of occupational, health and safety hazards, Minister Broomes emphasised the major concern in the extractive industry, and urged that mechanisms be put in place to deal with these issues. The minister was also concerned about the manner in which workers are treated in the mining sector and she stated that this is an issue that must be addressed by the GGMC. Another area of concern to Minister Broomes was the manner in which some small miners are treated and the manner in which claims are verified by the commission, which at times is disadvantageous to the small miner. The ministers pledged their commitment in ensuring that all of the agencies falling under their purview are improved, since it is the mandate of the administration that all sectors move forward in creating a good life for all Guyanese.

HINDS’SIGHT

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Dr David Hinds

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Chris Gayle, his remarks and our Caribbean self

NOT FOR the first time has West Indies’ master batsman Christopher Gayle found himself in hot water for making inappropriate on-air comments to a female journalist. When he did it the first time, the reaction was relatively mild. In a world that is generally sympathetic to the excesses of superstars, Gayle obviously feels very comfortable repeating what he refers to as jokes without fear of intense reprimand. But this time around, something in the popular consciousness snapped, discharging a plethora of responses that ranged from outright condemnation to fierce defence of Gayle against what is seen as an orchestrated attack on his dignity. Those who have condemned his remarks have, for the most part, confined their condemnation to the sexist nature of the offending remarks. There is no doubt that the world has become much more literate about, and alert to, women’s equal dignity. What is refreshing is that many males were loud in their condemnation. This is an interesting development, for Gayle represents the height of manhood. His brutal stroke-play on the field, his imposing physical appearance, his rude-boy persona and embrace of the bling culture combine to feed the image of “the man.” Gayle’s defenders have predictably reached for his identity as ‘a black man from the Caribbean’ as the overriding cause for the incessant condemnation. They argue that, had he been a white Australian, the outcry would have been quite muted. There is the suggestion that what are at play are the old prejudices against those who come from the social bottom and are bold enough to poke their fingers in the eyes of the privileged class. Understandably, the calls for Gayle’s banishment from the Australian Big Bash competition fuel these pro-Gayle sentiments. I recognize the sentiments on both sides of the divide. I add my voice to the condemnation of the obvious sexism embedded in Gayle’s remarks. Whether he was joking or serious, such remarks have no place in the public arena. Portraying the journalist as a sex symbol while she is doing her job exposes a mindset that is steeped in the worst forms of male chauvinism. That kind of behaviour should not be tolerated. Period! Those who try to pass it off as light boy/girl banter are obviously oblivious to the historic struggles for gender equality and respect which have been waged mostly by women in recent decades.

I am sympathetic to the argument of double-standards on the part of some of the Australian elites. This is an ongoing pattern that needs to be called out every time it occurs. However, I wish to caution that condemnation of double-standards should not result in us giving Gayle a pass. The stereotype of the black man as a predator cannot be confronted by parading our maleness in front of the world like that. If by now we do not know that they are always waiting for the Gayle moments to pounce on our collective dignity, then we have learned nothing about racism and domination. The irony here is that Gayle’s generation of cricketers, with few exceptions, care very little about, and have slight consciousness of, their Black identity. But that’s another matter for another day. There is something larger at play in Gayle’s behaviour that should cause us Caribbean people to reflect on our own condition, our own civilization. Chris Gayle is not an ordinary citizen; he is perhaps the most visible West Indian cricketer of his generation. The game that he plays is an integral part of our Caribbean identity. It is a game that we have used to fight against empire and the domination and degradation that come with it. It is through cricket we got the world to pay attention to our collective quest for respect. It is the West Indian that transformed cricket into an arena of struggle for a just world. Gary Sobers’s unparalleled skills in all aspects of the craft, Rohan Kanhai’s audacity and daring invention; Viv Richards’s revolutionary aggression, Michael Holding’s artistry in motion, Carl Hooper’s musical feet in full flight, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s tenacity have combined to give essence and righteous meaning to our Caribbean Independence. That, I argue, is ultimately what this debate over Gayle’s remarks should be about. Does Gayle represent that tradition, or even care about it? There is something un-West Indian and sobering when our premier cricketer, after conquering the ball on the field of play, can only confine himself to hitting on a woman. I continue to believe that any poor West Indian rising from the bottom and scaling forbidden heights, when given a microphone, must always have something uplifting to tell the world and our people. Failure to do so suggests that something is going wrong with our Caribbean Independence. Chris Gayle comes from our Caribbean, he is our product; but one cannot help but feel that his generation of cricketers does not have sufficient understanding of its ori-

gins, its place in our freedom journey, and its responsibility to the collective. Everybody talks out of turn, and Gayle must be granted that; but one cannot help noting the ease with which his insensitive remarks have, over a period of time, betrayed a misplaced understanding of his own importance. Ultimately, we all have to take responsibility for Gayle’s embarrassing behaviour. Beating up on him and simplistically defending him are not enough. This is not simply about Gayle, the person; it is about the West Indian civilization. Our cricket has drifted and ultimately plunged in the last 20 years. Recently, we, or most of us, have found a whipping boy — the WICB. In some respects, they asked for it; but we West Indians are good at ducking the real issue until it’s too late. Our collective inability or reluctance to confront the dangerous individualism and hyper-materialism that have been visited upon us by an uncaring global system has left us condoning and justifying the worst public indiscretions. “Leh de man do he ting and meck e money” we say with scant concern for the consequences. For all the faults of the WICB, it is not they who are responsible for our top cricketers choosing to play festival cricket for money, rather than representing the nation. The responsibility lies in our collective surrender to the opposite of our independence promise — individualism. It is in this context that I think we can better come to grips with the uprising against Chris Gayle’s remarks. Gayle thinks he is representing himself, he made it on his own; he has no clue of his responsibility to the rest of us, the nation. I end with this: The young black South African batsman Temba Bavuma, upon becoming the first black South African batsman to hit a century, was given a microphone to speak to the world; and this is what he said: “When I walk on the field, it’s not just me walking on the field. I understand the significance. It’s about being a role model and an inspiration to kids, especially black African kids.” We West Indians may want to rekindle that spirit in our young cricketers. Perhaps therein lies the key to our rise from cricket’s bottom. More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

Sex workers charged for robbing American TWO female sex workers were each placed on $15,000 bail when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of aggravated robbery. The act was allegedly committed on an American citizen. Jenelle Trotman, a mother of five, who hails from 128 Friendship Street, East Coast Demerara, and Yvonne Watts, a 22-year-old mother of three, of Pike Street Dam, Kitty, both denied the allegation which was put to them in Court One by the magistrate. The charge read that on the evening of Tuesday, January 5, at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, they robbed Harold Stiffle

of a Samsung Galaxy S5 valued $80,000 and a wristwatch valued $15,000, a total value of $95,000. Both ladies were represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat, who requested that the women be released on reasonable bail since they worked as “night butterflies” to earn a living. According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the VC is an American citizen who works as the Manager of Aqua Incorporated at Kingston, Georgetown. It was related that on the evening in question, he was on the eastern side of Hadfield Street when he was approached by the women who offered their services

to him. He reportedly declined and in response the women assaulted him, relieved him of the articles and made good their escape. A report was made and they were arrested shortly after. The prosecutor disclosed that, under caution, the women claimed that the man used their services but refused to pay, and so they took the articles to cover their fees. The items have not been recovered, according to the prosecutor. The women were placed on $15,000 bail each as well as on a bond to be of good behaviour by Chief Magistrate McLennan. They are expected to return to court on January 22.

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The necessity for waste processing plant and compliance with the Cartagena Convention OUR physical environment requires more than just being thought about. It is for this reason that using development premised on technological advancement, making money, and considering the Gross Domestic Product as the yardstick upon which a country is assessed to be poor, developing or developed is now seen as outmoded. The world has entered a phase wherein development requires sustainability, which is largely hinged on a relationship between man and the planet. In respecting the planet -- which is a component of Sustainable Development that falls within the Green Economy -- the Georgetown City Council, in collaboration with Central Government, commenced a programme called “Clean and Green”, which has seen the removal of massive amounts

of garbage and derelict vehicles from around the city. The development taking place on the Merriman Mall, the reserve along Mandela Avenue within the vicinity of East Ruimveldt, and in Durban Park are encouraging signs that activities are not centred only on garbage removal, but also cater to improving the aesthetics of the city by planting trees, which also contribute to reduction in the destruction of the ozone layer. Having examined the thrust of what is taking place, and being conscious that there has been established a National Task Force Commission (NTFC) headed by Major General (Retd) Joe Singh which has responsibility for the project Restore Guyana, one needs to examine same. This task force has within its remit the responsibility to achieve six goals, namely:

Drainage; Traffic management; Solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal; Rebranding of Guyana through the restoration of ethical, attitudinal and responsible social and environmental behaviour by all citizens; Sustainable urban, rural and hinterland physical structure renewal; and Welfare management of the homeless, addicted and mentally challenged. It is interesting to note the wide spectrum for which the NTFC has been given responsibility. If given the resources and allowed to operate within the confines of the laws and conventions, this project can significantly transform Guyana into a country that would be a model for the Green Economy. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, published on 31st August 2015, Joe Singh succinctly explained the problems of

flooding on the East Coast, and put in context the role the Hope Canal will play and the reason for the problems at Buxton whenever it rains. Singh went on to explain the role of the NTFC as it relates to river and road transport, among other things. For a more intimate understanding of the vision, scope and responsibility of the NTFC, citizens are encouraged to read the article. “Gov’t rolls out Project Restore Guyana –to transform social, infrastructural development by 2020 – Major General Joseph Singh appointed Chairman of Task Force Commission.” Georgetown, an old city, is required to bring its environmental standards in line with the Cartagena Convention (adopted 1983), which deals with environment in the context of waste management. It fosters the establishment of sewage plants,

bringing to an end construction of septic tanks and the disposal of human waste in the waterways, such as the Atlantic. There are several benefits man and planet can derive from compliance with the convention, some of which are highlighted: * Reduction of diseases through the removal of harmful pathogenic organisms that would otherwise end up in the ground waterways if remained untreated; * Treated waste can be converted into manure/liquid fertilizer; * The international tourist community would be comfortable in making Guyana a major destination, given compliance with the convention; and * Creation of new employment (green jobs) and other economic opportunities.

If we, as a nation, are serious in upholding our social responsibility in the international community, the Cartegena Convention, which was due for implementation since 1986, requires strident measures to bring us up to speed with other nations. The fact is that Guyana has been woefully lacking in upholding this convention. Compliance will not only elevate this society, but would also mean that citizens would be exposed to a healthier environment and an improved quality of life, and the planet would get a boost in sustainable development. In directing attention to this convention, I have been advised that Cevons Waste Management (CWM) is currently establishing a Processing Plant on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. This is commendable from many standpoints. What is striking, as I reached out to Morse Archer, CEO of CWM, is that he is enthusiastic about his vision/project and the premium he has placed in the benefits the country can derive from the plant. Here is a citizen who has taken the initiative to put Guyana on the path of compliance with international standards. The realisation of this initiative requires support of stakeholders, principal among whom are the citizens, local government/city council, central government, Guyana Water Incorporated, and the NTFC headed by Joe Singh. Such collaboration is required since the people and their agencies play pivotal roles in the realisation of the Green Economy, of which projects of this nature are a strategic component. Archer’s ideas are brilliant, and I am confident that when others are educated on the convention and Green Economy, this project will be given the opportunity to come to realisation.

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Guyana leads in pushing for equality - Guyanese scholar By Ravin Singh HAVING demanded the international spotlight over the last few decades, the agenda of feminist movements has evidently positively impacted the social, political and cultural orientation of societies in the Caribbean, particularly Guyanese society, says US-based Guyanese scholar Dr. Leon Wilson. Dr. Wilson has directly been involved, over the last few decades, in work related to the construct and orientation of societies. This background speaks to both his academic achievements and his working life. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle recently, the scholar, who was featured as one of the guest speakers at the recently held National Association of the Adventist Men’s Ministry 2015 Men’s Conference, related that while Guyana still has a long way to go in terms of educating the populace on equal rights and opportunities for both genders, the country has been making active strides in this direction. Moreover, he opined that this country is one of the leading states in the Caribbean to adopt an equality push geared towards promoting equal rights of both genders in all spheres of society. “Guyana, like other Caribbean countries, is moving in the right direction. Even though the traditional roles of women have changed, perception of the role of men has not kept pace with change. “If you look at the labour statistics, you’ll recognize an increase in women in the labour force,” he said. And although there is a need to expand the involvement of women in the non-traditional sectors, Dr. Wilson, who has done extensive research on social behaviours and domestic welfare, posits that Guyana remains one of the leading Caribbean countries that have actively been pushing a women’s rights agenda. Acknowledging the abuse of women as “rampant,” as is evident through research and daily reports, he also suggested that the value placed on the achievement of women is currently below par when examined holistically. There is a tendency to push males more than females, he said, and this stereotype needs to be broken. He added: “Women are equally capable.” While these new developments can be lauded, given the demand for integration of women into the national economy, Dr. Wilson is of the belief that the involvement of men, based on previous studies, is relatively higher. And while this, too, can be applauded, there is still a desirable need for men to fully assume their responsibilities in all divisions of life -- social, cultural, religious, and political. “It is important for men to understand that they need to share in total responsibility for caring for and developing of households. That’s where most of the conflict arises when it comes to the role of women in terms of financing and decision-making,” he pointed out. To arrest these challenges, the scholar recommended that educational institutions play a more vital role in seeking to promote equality. But not limited to these institutions, he suggested that “if sufficient of us say the same thing [about equality], we will be much more effective.” But Dr. Wilson, the current provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alabama State University in the United States, has not forgotten his roots, as he seeks to aid in Guyana’s development through sociological approaches to developing robust societies. Just last month, he was featured as a distinguished guest speaker at the National Association of the Adventist Men’s Ministry 2015 Men’s Conference, where he seized the opportunity to enlighten more than 1000 men on how to build strong families, communities and a stronger nation. Emerging from his presentation were deliberations on challenges facing men in today’s society; the pragmatics of

Dr. Leon Wilson is seen with President David Granger at the recently held National Association of the Adventist Men’s Ministry 2015 Men’s Conference the male species; what it is to be a man; and issues of authority -- more specifically, what it means to be in authority. “One of the highlights of the discussion was ‘men in relationships’, because most of what we are defined as relates to our relationships with our spouses, children, workmates and families,” he said, adding that he also sought to highlight what the concept of “male headship” means. “We also spoke about power relationships within households and the importance of men understanding that headship does not mean dominance, but playing a leadership role in helping to define the delicate relationships that exist within families,” Dr. Wilson said. Important, too, is the responsibility of men to children who do not have the benefit of a biological father. “It is very tough when kids, who are not responsible for their births, are labelled. Unfortunately, even the church people label them, rather than reach out to them,” he said, noting that religious organisations must realise that they have a responsibility to help children, regardless of their birth. He emphasized that if the religious bodies fail in executing this responsibilities, then they are failing in their primary mission. “If a relationship with a spouse is healthy, it will spill off positively on relationships with children. If relationship with the family is healthy, that’s critical because that is the unit which can affect what happens in society. And in that context,

men need to understand that their role is not to be a boss, but to understand that they ought to be catalyst for positive relationships within families,” he said. Having successfully completed his secondary level education at Victoria High School in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Dr. Wilson pursued the then O Level certification subsequent to becoming a teacher for a short while. He then migrated to Trinidad, where he read for his first degree, and returned to Guyana, where he worked for 18 months. He was then awarded a scholarship for his first masters at Andrew’s University in the US. He returned to Guyana in 1976 after completing his studies, and spent six years working as a district pastor for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He then served as a Youth Director and Executive Secretary of the body from 1980-83. In 1983, he travelled to the USA, having been awarded another scholarship, and completed his second Master’s Degree and PhD at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both his Master’s Degrees and PhD are in Sociological Studies. His area of concentration is in social psychology and special training in social statistics. Dr. Wilson also assumed a position at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he served for 19 years as professor, and for the last 7 years as Chair of the Department of Sociology. The scholar also taught Advanced Statistics and trained 92 graduate students before his departure. But not limited to studying and teaching, he also spent time publishing and conducting research on families in the Caribbean. He has, so far, completed three major research projects in Guyana, namely Family Patterns and Family Interactions; Media Influences on Adolescent Development; and Risk and Protective Factors among Adolescents. He also led a major project on health for the University of Michigan while in Guyana a few years ago, and he continues to contribute to Guyana by recruiting children of Guyanese heritage for advanced training. “I proudly support students who look for higher education,” Dr Wilson says.

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104-year-old man wants visit from President “In those days, I would say I was a show-boy; I had a Sunday girl and a weekday girl.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016 By Shauna Jemmott ONE of Gladstone Mack’s greatest desires, as one of the longest living citizens of Guyana, is to receive a visit from President David Granger “at any one time”. He is thankful for his extended years and ten children, who have multiplied his generation to over 100 people, all of whom he has lived to behold. Mr. Gladstone Mack turned 104 years old last October 30. During the transition from the year 2015 to 2016, he was lying on his bed

Sunday January 10, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Monday January 11, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday January 12, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

praying and giving thanks to God that he was among those to behold the year 2016. At his daughter’s home in Sophia, Georgetown, where he now lives, Mack quietly spoke of participating in the last national general elections in 2015. He said he had voted in all previous elections, but was very excited to participate in making a change in his country’s governance, even though he is not as active anymore. He voted by proxy, and plans to vote again in local government elections (LGE) in March this year. Asked if he has ever previously been visited by any government official, Mack said that although he has never previously been so visited, it is his wish to meet President Granger, a man in whom he has placed much confidence. Mack’s daughter, Violet Crawford, said that while she has visited the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (now Ministry of Social Protection) on more than three occasions in the past five years, inviting past government ministers to visit her father as he celebrated his birthdays from the time he turned 100, none has acted on their promise to attend. She became discouraged, and ceased visiting in 2015 even though the government had already been changed. Living through a century with almost a lifetime of excellent health, being hospitalized only once, is a story which has hardly ever been told; but the Essequibian master, who is aiming to add another half-decade to his life, does

Please see page 15

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104-year-old man ... From page 14 appear a little more youthful in age -– as if he is still in his 80s or early 90s. Boasting of his fruitfulness, Mack says he is thankful for his ten children -- who have given him 34 grandchildren, some 80 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren, the youngest being less than a month old. Crawford said her father is a very quiet man, and seems happy almost all the time. He has taught his family to live with integrity. She is number eight of ten children, and is 60 years old. Mack, meanwhile, said he is happy with “many many things”, including living to see nine of his ten children grow, and his family increase. He lives with two daughters and four great grandsons. His brother, Victor Mack, and sister, Agatha Mack, both of whom live in the USA, are both over 90 years old; while two other siblings died long ago. Mack has, since last year, been experiencing a pain and weakness in his knees, which has caused him to quit walking, and is having blood circulation problems which result in swelling in both his feet. He now has regular head swings whenever he does much talking, and has high blood pressure. But he understands that “old age” is responsible for his condition, as doctors have explained this to him. He has urged youths to “always look to Jesus for your help. All things are possible with Jesus, and He promised not to leave us one moment alone,” Mach admonishes. While thanking the new coalition government for raising the old age pension grant, he has advised that they also “look to the old people and fulfil their health”. Sitting on his bed with a pleasant appearance, Mack explained that his mother died while he was still a baby, and he grew up in Aurora, Essequibo, with his father and step-mother. His father died when Mack was in his late teen years and was attending the Aurora Scot School. He said he migrated to live with his aunt in Georgetown, and developed the hobby of taking walks in the Botanical Gardens and on the Georgetown Seawall with his “girlfriends”. He then had a Sunday girlfriend and a weekday girlfriend. “In those days, I would say I was a show-boy. I had a Sunday girl and a weekday girl,” he said, laughing. He

“Uncle Mack” holding his great-great grandson, Yohan Clementson (Delano Williams photo)

was then also employed as a storekeeper at Garnet Store in Georgetown. After flirting for a few years with the girls in the city, he returned to Essequibo and found real love in his immediate neighbor, with whom he tied the proverbial knot. A provision farmer by profession, he was diligent in providing for his family, and was a dedicated steward at the Aurora Methodist Church for over 25 years, preaching among other tasks. Cricket was his favourite game, and although he was never part of major games, he enjoyed the memorable catches in the street games he played most. Mack is a lover of Church’s chicken, but credits “the provision I used to eat” for his long life. “I grow on plantain, eddoes and cassava,” he said, and added, “I must say thanks to God to spare my life to see 104 not out. I ask God to (let me) see many, many more years.”

104 not out! Gladstone Mack

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Controlling air traffic - The women who are breaking into a male-dominated profession

By Alva Solomon THEY can be referred to as the “female rulers of the skies.” They determine how one must or must not operate in the atmosphere above your home. In this male-dominated profession, there are some females who can be equally stern in this highly specialised career. For years, Air Traffic Control (ATC) was handled by men in key roles and administrative positions in this part of the world. However, times are changing, and with equality being a feature emerging globally, the women are quickly developing their skills in the field of aviation, including ATC. ATC in Guyana is still in the evolutionary phase. At the moment, there are thirty (30) licensed air traffic controllers manning the skies above Guyana. Of the lot, eight (8) are women, and they carry out important roles at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the umbrella body for aviation here. But who is an air traffic controller? In layman terms, the air traffic controller is someone who is trained to separate aircraft from each other when they are on the ground and when they are in flight. That person does so via two-way radio communication. He/she does so to maintain a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of the traffic. It’s a systematic operation that is globally connected, and in an era of technological advances, it requires highly specialised knowledge, skills, and abilities. So who are the women involved in this demanding profession? For Peola Da Silva, the job is more challenging for females than it is for males. She has moved up through the ranks of ATC faster than most. She joined the GCAA in 2009, and is today already a senior, having passed successive training courses along the way. Peola said there can be assumptions that the females are not capable, but she gains inspiration from other females who rose to the top of the profession. She said that the initial training, which leads to one being an Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Officer, lasts some 7-8 months, and in some cases a

year, depending on the ability of the individual to pass the initial assessments. She considers herself a hard worker, and this is what she credits for her movement through the ranks of ATC. “Now, with more women coming into the system, I do believe they [the males] are getting used to us,” she asserted. One afternoon recently, Jennita Bhagwandin and Shurine Halley, two of the younger women on the job, were busy handing over their shifts when this newspaper visited the Ogle Tower. The young women were brisk and watchful -- traits of the profession -- in their handing over of the shift; and after completing their checks, they sat down to chat about their experiences in ATC. Halley, a former student of the St Stanislaus College, joined the GCAA in 2009. She said ATC is a very dynamic profession, with much emphasis being placed on decision- making. “It’s all about safety and efficiency; these are the primary areas which we are masters of,” she explained. Being a safety-critical environment, she said, it requires a lot of hard work from training until being confirmed to the position and carrying out the duties of an air traffic controller. She believes self-confidence and being mentally strong play key roles in one assuming the post. “You have to be confident in yourself, and very strong in terms of being mentally fit,” she said. She said she has no regret about her career choice, adding that the training requires one to have a background in science, geography, and of course mathematics and English. As regards the most challenging aspect of the job, Halley believes that being strong enough to accept criticism and to follow instructions was one of the bigger hurdles in the field. “It comes back to safety and following instructions, which are very important,” she noted. As a female, she said, she does not see herself as being different from the males in administering ATC. “I don’t really find a discomfort in working in the environment dominated by males,” she added. For her, if one is grounded in the basics of

life, one can function in any environment. Her batchmate, Bhagwandin, at 23 years, is said to be the youngest female air traffic controller currently at the GCAA. She believes that ATC is not any other job, but a life-long profession, and she used the word “dynamism” to describe the profession. In her opinion, it is the voice which does the work. “Being a female controller in this organisation simply means that you are a voice on the radio, doing your job”, she posited. “You have no colour, race, gender, religion or political affiliation.” She noted that she is equal to the males, and “highly recommends” ATC to any young woman who may love challenges, but she noted that one must be prepared mentally, since it can be “mental gymnastics.” She said the controller makes life-and-death decisions minute by minute all year long. “Few occupations carry the unique sort of psy-

Air Traffic Controllers Yolanda Hunte, Lolita Fernandes and Peola Da Silva enjoy a light moment while on training overseas

Female air traffic controllers share a light moment with trainer Adrian Bassier during their classroom days

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016 chological assault that ATC does,” she noted. Trading ATC for any other profession would be a mistake on her part, she stated. Yolanda Hunte told this newspaper that, in 2003, she responded to all the vacancies which were advertised in the newspapers one day, with GCAA’s being one of them. At the time she had no clue what ATC was. A mother of four (4), Hunte said she called a friend for clarity, since she had thought that the job entailed checking-in passengers or being on the ground at the airport. She was successful at the interview, and while on the job, she fell in love with her duties. In her eyes, the job is not routine. “It can become complex or complicated. The traffic situation can change so often that you find yourself in a situation where you have to think quickly,” Hunte noted. She said she loves the job because of the excitement it brings. “When I can separate two planes expeditiously, I actu-

ally feel good about myself; and when I delay a plane, I actually feel bad, and that’s

function in front of the consoles as she ages. The dynamics of aviation

you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.” As a child, she had

the individual’s ability to function in a simultaneous capacity is asserted. Safina

Controller Jennita Bhagwandin at the console at the Air Traffic Controller Shurine Halley at the controls Ogle Control Tower recently of the Ogle Tower the truth,” Hunte said in lower tones. She is currently at the highest level of training one can reach in ATC here, having qualified and advanced in the profession. She sees a long road ahead, and believes she would continue to master the job once she is able to

make ATC an interesting subject for Francesca Koenta–Wilson. She believes that the separation of aircraft, especially on a busy day, gives her an “adrenaline rush”; and while it can be stressful, “the fact that you are able to contribute to the safety of aircraft operations everyday gives

thought of a pilot as being the standout subject of aviation. However, she later discovered that there is more to the field. She then adjusted her career goals and applied for air traffic control training. On entry to ATC, the controller is trained to become an ATC assistant. At this level,

Lutchman, who is at that stage, told this newspaper that the job has its rewards and opportunities for upward mobility via training and promotion. She said that being one of the few females in the system, “I wear a badge of honour on my chest, and I do consider myself a pioneer.”

The aviation sector in Guyana considers several persons as being the early pioneers of the field on these shores. They include former GCAA Director of Air Safety, Paula McAdam, who was the first female to qualify as an air traffic controller here. A stalwart in the field, McAdam spent more than 40 years at the GCAA, and although she is retired, she is still involved in aviation. Another female, Sandra Persaud, was also in the generation of controllers as McAdam. Both women were honoured in 2014 for their contributions to the field. Presently, Chitrani Heeralall is acting in the position of Director-General of the GCAA, a post which she assumed last year when Zulficar Mohammed entered retirement. According to the female controllers, it is these experienced women who have and continue to inspire them to practise the profession each day, to ensure persons arrive safely whenever they travel by air.

Drones to monitor mangrove, hinterland reforestation THE Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas, will now be using unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to measure the amount of carbon being stored in mangroves and simultaneously determine the rate at which reforestation occurs within the hinterland. This initiative forms part of a Land Change Dynamics and Implications for Biodiversity, Forest Cover and Climate project, which commenced in 2015 subsequent to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Agriculture Ministry and the university last September. On Friday, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Dr. Cummings, handed over one of two drones that will be used by NAREI for the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project and the Hydromet Division. The drones are valued at approximately US$1,200 each. Witnessing the event were Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Director of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth; and Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, George Jervis. Just before handing over the drones, Dr. Cummings explained that a camera attached to a drone will help NAREI to have a greater understanding of the rate at which mangroves grow along the coast, and the amount of carbon stored over a given time. “It will be taking pictures from primarily two different perspectives from the same area, and with that we will develop models to determine exactly how fast the plants are growing. We are also going to look for correlation to see how much carbon the plants will store,” he further explained. This aspect of the project is now being implemented at Greenfield on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Similarly, the assistant professor said, by mid-February, the Hydromet Division will use a drone to assess the rate at which reforestation occurs within Amerindian communities, and the amount of carbon stored over a specified period, as part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy. The project will first take root in Annai, North Rupununi, after extensive training is conducted. The Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, in delivering brief remarks, said the drones will assist the authorities in making a determination on the impact “shifting cultivation” has on the environment. Additionally, Allicock said, the project would allow the indigenous peoples to be part of a major movement. He noted that indigenous peoples are often left behind. “Here is a good opportunity, with a tool like this, to be

able to be part of the research, part of giving information and working with the programme, and to be part of a bigger operation,” he said. MONITORING MANGROVE GROWTH Similarly, Dr. Homenauth explained that the drones will help NAREI to more effectively monitor the growth of mangrove. “One of the things that we do constantly is monitoring -- and that involves a number of THINGS - - you actually have to go on the sites where you have natural regrowth to measure the growth of the plants, the planting density. And that is a very tedious and time-consuming process. With the use of this piece of equipment, it is going to make life much easier; in fact, we can do it more regularly,” he explained. The NAREI Director said it is important to know how much carbon is being sequestered on an annual basis; hence, the project will assist greatly in this regard. “Once we get familiar with the technology, we can do a lot of monitoring.

The Land Change Dynamics and Implications for Biodiversity, Forest Cover and Climate Project is a five-year initiative which was proposed jointly by the Hydromet Division and The University of Texas at Dallas. The project seeks to study the various aspects of land use and land-cover change in Guyana and its implications for biodiversity, precipitation and climate. SATELLITE SYSTEMS This project will be driven by data obtained from satellite and airborne systems, including the Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission (TRMM), Landsat series of satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle platforms, and data collected through field campaigns. Remote-sensed data will be used to quantify land use and land-cover change and establish implications for precipitation, freshwater quality and quantity, the distribution of food sources of wildlife and indeed predator species and both natural and anthropogenic drives

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and third Vice-President Sydney Allicock, inspects the drone in the presence of the NAREI Director Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Agriculture Ministry PS George Jervis and Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Dr. Anthony Cummings. We could monitor rice fields if we want to, monitor paddy bug infestation. It can be used in the conservancy if we want to monitor the water level. And even with fisheries,” he said, as he underscored the need for funding.

of impacts for these trophic interactions. As such, this research has the ultimate goal of developing a sound understanding of the impacts of human activities in Guyana on the climate and anthropogenic system.

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SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Yesterday’s Result

Yesterday’s Result

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English Racing Tips Southwell 08:40 hrs Lucky Mark 09:10 hrs Aguerooo 09:40 hrs Play Nicely 10:10 hrs Age Of Innocence 10:40 hrs Zaeem 11:10 hrs Abi Scarlet 11:40 hrs Charlie Lad Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:50 HRS Tocororo 09:20 hrs Billy Billy 09:50 hrs Shannak 10:20 hrs Clarcam 10:50 hrs Mc Kinley 11:20 hrs Toushan Tramore 08:30 hrs Indien Rouge 09:00 hrs Lake Field 09:30 hrs De Plotting Shed 10:00 hrs Mr Jaggers 10:30 hrs Roi Du Mee 11:00 hrs Some Drama 11:30 hrs Adams Wood South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:25 hrs Roman Society 09:00 hrs Prince George 09:35 hrs Queen’s Advance 10:15 hrs Highway Explorer 10:50 hrs Ho’ Oponoppono 11:25 hrs Royal Honeymoon

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Rohit and Manish fifties buoy Indians The Indians needed a pair of half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey to patch up an underwhelming batting performance, but their bowlers had little trouble defending 249 against Western Australia XI in the warm-up one-dayer at the WACA. This was India's final practice match before facing Australia in the first ODI on Tuesday and everyone in their squad was given a go, except fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who was benched as a precaution owing to a cut on his finger. (Scores: Indians 249 (Rohit 67, Pandey 58, Porter 5-37) beat Western Australia XI 185 (Morgan 50, Carder 45, R Dhawan 2-28, Ashwin 2-32) by 64 runs) "He's perfectly alright," insisted bowling coach B Arun. "Just before the game, he was bowling on the ground, he's been bowling 25-30 balls on the ground. It's an opportunity for us to try other boys and with Shami being injured it becomes even more important for us to check who we are going to play in the next game" So Barinder Sran (7-122-0) and Rishi Dhawan (71-28-2) were given the new ball and there were good signs - only three fours were hit off their bowling in the first 10 overs. "He's a bowler with a lot of potential," Arun said of Sran.

Rohit Sharma top-scored for the Indians with 67

"He's been pretty impressive in these two games that he's played. Being a left-armer too, gives us an added advantage and we have a bowler we can groom in the future for us." The ones India will likely bank on in the present R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - were able to further the squeeze in the middle overs. Western Australia XI was bowled out for 185 in 49.2 overs, which meant that they faced one ball more than the Indians did. Having opted to bat, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were dismissed inside six overs. Both men had shown excellent form in the warmup T20 on Friday, but that did offer the rest of the line-up some match practice. Rohit, who had run himself out in the last game,

played steadily to reach his half-century off 64 balls, with five fours and two sixes. He would strike one of each kind of boundary before he was caught spectacularly by D'Arcy Short at slip. For most of his innings, Rohit had the company of Ajinkya Rahane and their 88run stand for the third wicket came at a healthy 5.33 per over. Rahane managed three fours in his 53-ball 41 before chopping legspinner James Muirhead onto his stumps. Then the Indians decided to test some of their lower-middle order options. A flatfooted Gurkeerat Singh received a lovely outswinger and nicked off for 6 off 13 balls. Drew Porter was the wicket-taker and he finished with 5 for 37 from 9.1 overs. The 30-year old fast

bowler was the main reason for the Indians finding themselves at 171 for 6 with MS Dhoni back in the pavilion for 15 off 35 balls. But Manish Pandey was able to progress fluently at No. 6. He struck only three fours, but was able to maintain a strike rate near 100. His 58 off 59 was vital to India crossing 200. Jadeja chipped in with 26 off 25 balls, but his greater contribution was working in tandem with Ashwin in the second innings. The two spinners got through their 20 overs for only 70 runs and picked up four wickets. Axar Patel provided a couple of breakthroughs as well and maintained an economy rate of 3.62. "The idea of playing practice games, and the fact that we are playing on the same ground [as the first ODI] also gives us the advantage," Arun said. "Though we have played a lot of cricket in Australia recently, but then again coming back after playing a lot of cricket in the subcontinent, we are getting used to the ground on which we are playing." There were only two Western Australia XI batsmen who managed a strikerate of 80. Opener Jake Carder (45) and No. 7 Jaron Morgan (50) were the only sources of concerted resistance. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Shami out of Australia tour with leg injury MUMBAI, (Reuters)-``Mohammed Shami will have to wait a little longer for his return to international cricket after the fast bowler was sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old played through pain the last time India toured Australia and finished as his team's second-highest wicket taker at the 2015 World Cup, claiming 17 victims.

He underwent surgery after returning from Australia in March and was out of action until he returned to domestic cricket last month. The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) named paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Shami's replacement for the tour, where India will play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches. "The BCCI medical team confirms that Mo-

hammed Shami has been ruled out of India's tour of Australia due to injury," the board said in a statement. "He sustained a Grade II injury to his left hamstring, which will restrict him from playing active cricket for about four-to-six weeks." As hosts, India will hope to have the rightarm bowler back to full fitness for the World Twenty20 starting on March 8.

Mohammed Shami

Djokovic crushes Nadal to start year with title

(Reuters)-Novak Djokovic moved ahead for the first time in his long-running rivalry with Rafael Nadal when the world number one thrashed the Spaniard to win the Qatar Open in Doha yesterday. The Serb, appearing in his 16th consecutive final, won 6-1 6-2 in little more than an hour and now has 24 career victories over Nadal, compared to 23 for the former world number one. Djokovic dominated 2015, winning three of the year's four grand slams, and already looks in the groove in the build-up to this month's Australian Open. He and Nadal boast the most prolific rivalry, in terms of meetings, in the professional era of men's tennis but the latest only emphasised how dominant Djokovic has become. The Serb has now won nine of his last 10 clashes with Nadal. Yesterday’s one-sided affair saw Djokovic claim a 60th career ATP title, one of only 10 players to achieve

such a feat. The 28-year-old suffered one of his few blips last year in Doha when he was surprisingly beaten by Ivo Karlovic, failing to reach a tournament final for the only time in 2015. But he made up for that with an immaculate week alongside the Arabian Gulf. Nadal was powerless to stop Djokovic as he watched 16 winners fly past him in the opening set. World number five Nadal, competing in his 99th final, fared little better thereafter and has now lost 11 consecutive sets against Djokovic since the 2014 French Open final. "I played pretty much perfect tennis today. From the very beginning I managed to get every shot the way I wanted," said Djokovic. "The way I played today gives me great satisfaction." Djokovic will aim to retain the Australian Open crown in Melbourne where he has won half of his 10 major titles.

Gym set... in thought for over five years and yesterday’s event marks his first investment off the field. On the note of quality, Sarwan said, “The people would have to judge that, I don’t want to judge it myself, but I think you can tell it’s more of a modern kind of gym and we’ve really put a good team together to try and get it up to this standard and hopefully we will be able maintain it and sustain it.” He contended that the response has been great with persons already showing their interest in getting signed up, adding that he is generally surprised. The cricketer continued, “I think it’s something that I’ve worked very hard to accomplish for the past year, year and a half and I wanted to put it together to offer something to the public, so that they will enjoy and of course try and help them

From back page

with their health and that’s our focus. “I’ve already spoken to the trainers and friend of mine who is in Trinidad, who is qualified and has worked with the Amazon Warriors over the past couple of years, and we will invite him to have a course with us probably within the next month and a half to two months when he gets time, so we’ve had a couple things planned to enhance our trainers,” continued the right-handed batsman. Located between the Ramada Hotel and the National Stadium, Providence, the facility, which is expected to open on Tuesday will see patrons being charged $6000 for registration and a monthly fee of $5,500 and will open from 05:30 hrs to 22:00 hrs daily.Tuesday’s opening will be preceded by a cocktail reception and official ceremony on Monday evening.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

FA Cup

Rooney spares United blushes, agony for Eastleigh By Martyn Herman

LONDON, (Reuters)-It was not a day for FA Cup romantics as Manchester United scrambled past Sheffield United and minor league Eastleigh came within a whisker of causing the third round's only genuine shock yesterday. Old Trafford fans endured more than 90 minutes of insipid stalemate before Wayne Rooney's stoppage-time penalty gave 11-times winners Manchester United a 1-0 win against a third-tier side 48 places below them in the football pyramid. None of the 25 matches played yesterday will enter the folklore of the historic competition but tiny Eastleigh did their best against four-times winners Bolton Wanderers, a club steeped in FA Cup tradition. On a gluepot of a pitch at their 5,000-capacity Ten Acres ground, the part-timers who are nicknamed the Spitfires after the World War II plane that first flew from

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring their first goal with a penaltyAction Images via Reuters / Jason CairnduffLivepic)

the local airfield, led through Dorian Dervite's own goal. However, they had their wings clipped when debt-ridden second tier strugglers Bolton levelled three minutes from time. Holders Arsenal, bidding to become the first club to win the trophy three times in succession since Blackburn Rovers in the 19th century, came from a goal down to beat Sunderland 3-1. Manchester City and

Everton advanced, Manuel Pellegrini's men winning 3-0 at Norwich City in one of four all top-flight clashes while Roberto Martinez's team ended the hopes of fourth-tier Dagenham and Redbridge with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. Wycombe Wanderers will be in the hat for the fourth round, along with fourth-tier rivals Exeter City, after a 1-1 draw at home to the Premier League's bottom

club Aston Villa who have now gone 16 matches without a win. Watford beat Premier League rivals Newcastle United 1-0, Crystal Palace overcame Southampton 2-1 and West Ham United edged past second tier Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Upton Park. BOGGY PITCH Manchester United enjoyed 71 percent of the ball

against Sheffield United but managed only two shots on target as they ran out of ideas against hard-working opposition. Rooney finally broke the deadlock, clinically converting his spot kick after Memphis Depay tumbled theatrically in the area. "Everybody should give applause to Sheffield United. They were very organised but it is much more difficult to attack than to defend," said Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Staff at Eastleigh, who play in the fifth-tier National League, worked overtime to make their boggy pitch playable. Their efforts looked like being rewarded as the hosts took the lead after 51 minutes when Dervite nudged a low cross into his own goal. With Eastleigh fans counting down the remaining minutes, Bolton's Darren Pratley levelled to deny the minor leaguers a place in the fourth round for the first time in their 70-year history. "We deserved to win," Eastleigh manager Chris Todd said. "We're the National League team, they are the Championship side, three

divisions above us, but I heard shouts from their bench saying 'get it in the corner'." Bolton are bottom of the Championship with crippling debts although their late escape showed they still have a "beating heart", according to manager Neil Lennon. Premier League leaders Arsenal notched a 13th consecutive FA Cup win with goals from Joel Campbell, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud after Jeremain Lens put Sunderland ahead. Sergio Aguero scored a superb individual goal and set one up for Kelechi Iheanacho as Manchester City eased past Norwich. Arouna Kone and Kevin Mirallas earned Everton victory over Dagenham who are 79 places lower. No Premier League clubs suffered defeats by lower league opponents but West Bromwich Albion needed James Morrison's late goal to steal a 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City. Today, Leicester City visit Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea host Scunthorpe United and Swansea City hope to avoid embarrassment at fourth tier Oxford United.

Pietersen, Stonis lead Melbourne Stars to victory Marcus Stoinis took 3-11 and Kevin Pietersen made 67 in an emphatic eight-wicket derby win for Melbourne Stars over Melbourne Renegades, where Chris Gayle, in his first at bat since an incident with Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin made global headlines, scored just 21. The Stars beat their city rivals at the MCG last Saturday and secured an emphatic eight-wicket win with two overs to spare at the Etihad Stadium a week later to enhance their chances of securing a home semi-final. Dwayne Bravo top scored with 59 not out, but Stoin-

is took 3-11 to ensure the Renegades were restricted to 155-6 after being put in to bat in front of a crowd of 43,176. Pietersen then smashed 67 not out off only 43 balls to ensure the Stars claimed a sixth successive triumph over their neighbours - who have it all to do in order to reach the last four. The Stars were without Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Scott Boland due to Australia commitments, but Ben Hilfenhaus got them off to a great start by dismissing Tom Cooper with his first ball. Chris Gayle (21) looked set to hit the headlines for the

right reasons after being fined for inappropriate comments to reporter Mel McLaughlin as he launched two big sixes before being caught in the deep off the bowling of Stoinis. All-rounder Stoinis had Cameron White caught behind for 29 from the next delivery and the Renegades were 77-4 when Peter Nevill was bizarrely run out after a Bravo drive hit his bat and struck bowler Adam Zampa on the nose before hitting the stumps. Bravo hit three sixes and a further four boundaries in an entertaining 37-ball knock, but once Luke Wright got the in-form Stars off to a flying

start there was only ever going to be one outcome. Wright (37 from 26) made a scintillating century when the two sides met last week and hit two boundaries off the first over from Xavier Doherty to set the tone after smoke from fireworks had delayed the Stars' reply. The impressive Wright hit seven boundaries before he fell in the eighth over, then Pietersen again proved he is still the man for the big stage by smashing three sixes in an unbroken 94-runstand with Peter Handscomb (39no off 30) to get the Stars home at a canter. (Sportsmax.COM)

Kevin Pietersen scored his second fifty in this edition of the BBL

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

T&T Red Force dent Barbados Pride

Mayor’s 81st Birth Anniversary football seven-a-side champion team to be decided today ..Jamaica Scorpions crush ICC Americas By BRIJ PARASNATH Trinidad and Tobago Red Force maintained their winning ways after overpowering Barbados Pride by nine wickets in their NAGICO Super50 Group A match at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. Having crushed Jamaica Scorpions by 84 runs in their opening encounter on Thursday last, the Red Force put on a much more clinical performance to register a comprehensive victory to stay atop the standings. The Barbados Pride batted first and deposed captain Reyad Emrit removed dangerman Dwayne Smith for four while first match hero Marlon Richards prised out skipper Kevin Stoute (c wktkpr Katwaroo) for a similar score. Barbados was 14 for 2 after 5.3 overs. There was no recovery and lost wickets at regular interval and were soon tottering at 66 for 6 after 25.4 overs. Rolston Chase and Jus-

Red Force batsman Kjorn Ottley was named man-of-the-match for his unbeaten 80

tin Greaves halted the slide and featured in 60-run seventh wicket partnership that made the total a bit more respectable for the 2014 champion. Chase made 50 (84b, 3x4s) while Greaves finished with 31 as the Barbadians were eventually skittled out skittled out for 161 in 49.3 overs.

Emrit (10-0-47-2), Jon Russ Jaggessar (8.3-1-243), Yannick Ottley (10-131-2), Richards (7-3-10-1) and Akeal Hosein (8-1-261) shared the wickets. In reply, the Red Force suffered an early setback in the first over with the dismissal of Evin Lewis (0), played-on off the third ball of the innings from Greaves. However, there was no further hiccups for the defending champion outfit as franchise player Kyle Hope (70 not out, 100b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Kjorn Ottley (80 not out, 112b, 11x4s) featured in an unbroken 163-run second wicket partnership that allowed the Red Force team to celebrate a most convincing victory. T&T Red Force finished with 163 for 1 off 35.5 overs while Kjorn Ottley collected the “Man of Match” award for his unbeaten 80. Meanwhile, Jamaica Scorpions inflicted a crushing 184-run win over the ICC Americas team in the

other Group A match played at the UWI St Augustine campus ground. Andre McCarthy registered the first century of the 2016 series as he led Jamaica Scorpions 260 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. He slammed 118 (119b, 11x4s, 4x6s) and was named “Man of Match”. The ICC Americas team made a big impression against the Barbados Pride in their opening match but were completely outplayed by the Scorpions with leg-spinner Damion Jacobs being the main destroyer with five wickets for 22. ICC Americas were bundled out for a paltry 76 in 26.4 overs and remain winless at the bottom of the standings. Nitish Kumar topscored with 42. With their two consecutive victories, the T&T Red Force heads Group A with 10 points while Jamaica Scorpions got an extra bonus point to leapfrog the Barbados Pride for the second spot on five points.

THE winning team of the Mayor’s 81st Birth Anniversary Seven-a-Side football tournament will be decided today when round of eight concludes at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara, beginning at 14:00 hrs. In the eight-team finals, Kitty will face Lima Dam in the opening game; Uitvlugt will come up against Haslington in game two; Victoria will face Pouderoyen in the third game and host Den Amstel tackles Mahaica in the final round-of-eight match. The winner of game one will then meet the winners of game three and the winners of the second game will match skills with the winner of game four. The finals will bring together the winners of games five and six, while the two losing teams will do battle for the third and fourth places.

The winning team of the final will receive $200,000 and a trophy, compliments of John Fernandes limited, while the runner-up team will draw down $100,000 and a trophy, compliments of the Department of Sports. The player scoring the most goals in the competition will receive a three-piece suit, compliments of AH&L Kissoon and to date Trayon Bobb of Uitvlugt leads the field with six goals to his credit. Quincy Moore of Mahaica follows with three goals, while Marvin Josiah (Pouderoyen), Keon Moore (Victoria), Kevaughn Ward (Den Amstel) and Anthony Sancho (Kitty) all have two goals each to date. The third-place team will earn $70,000 and a trophy from China Trading and $30,000 and a trophy from the Business School, respectively.

FIFA panel tells Blatter, Platini why YWCC launches Mash Cup 2016 they were banned THE Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, recently launched its annual fundraiser Mash Cup 2016. This event will form part of Guyana’s 50 Independence Anniversary, with proceeds going towards further improvements to the club's facilities and day-to-day affairs. In addition, funds will be allocated to three schools in the No. 19 to Gangaram area. The tournament will be played on Tuesday, February 23, a national holiday, and will involve 10 second-division teams from the area. The one-day tournament will be a five-overs- a-side affair. No first-division cricketer will be allowed to participate. Incentives with the value of over $100,000 will be up for grabs with lots of gate prizes. The 2015 edition was a huge success and the club

Executives and cricketers of Young Warriors Cricket Club pose with the trophies up for grab for the tournament

would like to thank the following persons and businesses for their support, as it looks forward to their continued support for the 2016 edition: Ansa McAl, Attorney-at-Law Mursalene Bacchus, Prakash Mahadeo of No. 19, Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales, Vickram Jewellery, Terminator Pest Control, Waqar Sahid of A Ally and Sons,

The New Building Society Limited, Mortimer George, Jim Bacchus Travel Service, Martin Singh of Associated Business Services, Magistrate Chandra Sohan, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Memorex Enterprise, Danzie’s Clothing, Footwear and Auto Sales, Lilboy Rice Complex, Extreme Trucking Service, Price is Right, Sharple’s Furniture

Establishment, Kris Jagdeo, General Contractor, Ahmad Mundal Satar, A Mahabir and Sons, Massy Distribution, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Sukhpaul Business Enterprise, J’S Printery, Sham Beer, Roshan Satar Supermarket, Anil Deonarine, Rafeek Kassim, Imran Saccoor and Suresh Persaud Auto Sales.

ZURICH, (Reuters)-FIFA's ethics panel said yesterday it had formally given outgoing President Sepp Blatter and European soccer head Michel Platini the reasons for their eight-year bans from the game, information both men could use in an appeal. The move came too late for Platini who said this week he had abandoned plans to appeal against the ban in time to rejoin the race for the FIFA presidency and withdrew his candidacy. Blatter and Platini were banned last month amid the worst corruption scandal in the history of world soccer's governing body. "After receiving the grounds for the decisions, both officials may lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee," the adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee said in a state-

ment, without giving details on the information it sent. The sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States, where 41 soccer officials and sports entities have been indicted on corruption charges. Blatter and Platini were both banned over a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (1.4 million pounds) made to the Frenchman by FIFA with Blatter's approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier. The committee said the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest, though both men denied wrongdoing. Platini, the head of European soccer body UEFA, had initially been seen as the favourite to replace Blatter in the Feb. 26 election.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Ridiculous!-Sarwan says of C.A.’s handling of Gayle saga

By Stephan Sookram

FORMER Guyana and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has weighed in on the recent issue surrounding former team mate and Jamaican batsman Chris Gayle and his comments to female journalist Mel McLaughlin during a televised interview during the Australian Big Bash League. During an interview, “Ronnie,” as he is commonly known, slammed those who were making issue of the comments, dubbing it ridiculous. “I think it’s ridiculous, if you really know the guy then you would know that he is joking and he didn’t mean anything and to take it

out of the context that they are taking it or to blow it to the proportion that the whole wide world is blowing it, to make CNN news, I just think it’s ridiculous,” said Sarwan. The right-handed batsman continued, “It was just a casual comment or a joke, if you shared a dressing room with him or you are around him, it’s just a normal thing for him, he doesn’t mean any harm. The fact that he did it on television meant that he was joking about it.” He went on to add that those making a big fuss on social media need to understand that he was in no way trying to disrespect Mel McLaughlin. He also took to task comments by Australian cricket great Ian Chappell, who

Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle hold the Champions Trophy, England v West Indies, Champions Trophy final, The Oval, September 25, 2004 (Getty images)

called for the `big’ Jamaican to be banned worldwide following those comments. “I think we as West In-

dians should respond to that, especially we the guys who have played with him. I don’t think that we should

take that very easily to have someone calling for one of our players to be banned around the world,” said the 35 year old. He continued, “Obviously Chris would have the support of me and many other players and I think that he has been getting many good responses on Facebook and social media. He’s a big guy, he is strong enough and I’m sure he has experienced worse things before and he will rise from it.” Gayle has been the subject of much criticism following an interview with McLaughlin after responding to one of her questions with, "Hopefully, we can win this game and we can have a drink after," Gayle told the reporter, before

quickly adding, "don't blush, baby." McLaughlin, who appeared momentarily taken aback by the comment, replied: "I'm not blushing." During the same interview, the batsman had also apologised to the journalist, concluding the interview by saying sorry, followed by a pat on the shoulder. He had been fined 10,000 dollars for the comment and his club, the Melbourne Renegades, has formally apologised to McLaughlin. Gayle himself was quoted as saying, "There wasn't anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel and if she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that.” She subsequently accepted the apology.

Stokes to dominate English Bale gives Zidane flying cricket for years - Botham start, Messi lifts Barca BEN Stokes will be the dominant player in the England cricket team for years to come, according to former captain Ian Botham. Stokes hit the second fastest double-century in Test history in the second encounter between England and South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday, reaching the total off just 163 deliveries – 10 short of Nathan Astle's record – and surpassing Botham's 220-ball national record. The 24-year-old went on to reach 258 before being run out, and although the Test ended in a draw with England holding onto a 1-0 lead in the series, Botham believes the display will assure his position as one of the group's top talents for years to come. "Ben will feel untouchable at the moment. His confidence will be oozing and that will be good for the team as they will all pick up on that," said Botham. "It's a little bit like being in the jungle – he is now the dominant male lion: the rest will feed off him. That's how he'll be. He'll be the dominant male in that side for a few years to come.

By Iain Rogers

Ben Stokes hit the second fastest double century in Test history in the second Test in Cape Town.

"It's an innings that will change his life. I don't think it will affect Ben that much himself though because he is a pretty uncomplicated character who just likes to go toe-to-toe with the opposition. "That is certainly what motivated me and I am sure it's what motivates him." South Africa's bowling attack for the second Test was hampered by the loss of Dale Steyn to a shoulder injury, but Botham does not think his return in Johannesburg on Thursday will turn the series in the Proteas' favour. "Even if Steyn comes back, and there has got to

be a massive doubt, he will be bowling within himself because he'll be worried that if he breaks down again, he'll be letting the side down," he added. "He's been around long enough to make the right decision but it is something that will be bothering the South African camp at the moment. "And even though they will be a lot happier now than they were after losing the first Test in Durban, when you look at the two sides man-for-man and mark them out of 10 then England win by quite a distance."(Omnisport).

MADRID, (Reuters)-Zinedine Zidane got off to a flying start as Real Madrid coach when Gareth Bale hit a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna yesterday after a Lionel Messi treble had fired Barcelona to the top of La Liga. Zidane, a former Real and France midfielder who took over from the sacked Rafa Benitez on Monday, was given a hero’s welcome by his adoring fans at the Bernabeu and the team responded with a dominant performance, with Karim Benzema scoring twice, against ninth-placed Deportivo. A sparkling Messi had earlier inspired Barca to a 4-0 success at home to struggling Granada that lifted the Spanish and European champions above Atletico Madrid into top spot at the halfway stage of the campaign. Barca, who have a game in hand over their main rivals, lead on 42 points, with Atletico a point behind in second ahead of their game at fifthplaced Celta Vigo (31 points) on Sunday.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale jump to head the ball with Deportivo Coruna's Sidnei Rechel da Silva Junior and Alejandro... (Reuters/Susana Vera)

Real have 40 points in third spot, four ahead of fourth-placed Villarreal (36) who host Sporting Gijon today. Sevilla (29) moved up to sixth after French forward Kevin Gameiro's double secured a 2-0 victory against seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao (28) at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Sevilla's stuttering local rivals Real Betis fell 1-0 at Getafe, piling pressure on under-fire coach Pepe Mel.

The Real faithful gave Zidane a rousing reception before kickoff, in marked contrast to their recent treatment of the unpopular Benitez, who was abruptly discarded after less than half a season in charge. Zidane had in-form compatriot Benzema to thank for opening the scoring in the 15th minute when he cleverly backheeled a Sergio Ramos effort past Deportivo goalkeeper German Lux.

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Sammy, Russell cut from WICB contracts list West Indies' Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy has not been contracted by the WICB for 2015-2016, along with allrounder Andre Russell and spinner Sulieman Benn. Chris Gayle, who had previously turned down West Indies contracts more than once, including last year, is not on the list of centrally contracted players which was increased from 12 to 15. Sunil Narine, who had also turned down a contract last year and is currently suspended from bowling in internationals due to an illegal action, also does not feature on the list. The other two to miss out from the list issued for 201415 are Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the out-of-favour Dwayne Bravo. The contracts, issued for the period from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, include several batsmen who have debuted for West Indies in Test cricket over the past year and a half, including Jermaine Blackwood, Leon Johnson, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope and Rajendra Chandrika. Legspinner Devendra Bishoo was also added, as well as fast bowlers

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

YWCC wins Appiah Memorial T20 title

West Indies' T20 captain Darren Sammy does not feature on their list of centrally-contracted players for 2015-16

Shannon Gabriel and Sheldon Cottrell. Sammy had turned out for West Indies in the T20s against Sri Lanka as recently as November last year, though he was left out for the preceding ODI series on that tour. Globetrotting T20 specialist Russell had played both the ODIs and T20s on that tour. Left-arm spinner Benn last represented West Indies during their home Test series against England in April 2015. The WICB's contracted players for 2015-16 Jason Holder, Kraigg

Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Devendra Bishoo, Shannon Gabriel, Jermaine Blackwood, Jerome Taylor, Sheldon Cottrell, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach In: Devendra Bishoo, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Jermaine Blackwood, Rajendra Chandrika, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Leon Johnson Out: Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Hubern Evans (left), captain of YWCC, collects the winner’s trophy from Mukesh Appiah, son of Ramnarine Appiah, in whose memory the competition was played. Other family members, relatives and cricketers also shared the moment.

THE Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice defeated Canje Pathfinders to be crowned the 2015 Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 champions. The game was played last Sunday at the Cumberland Cricket ground. Canje Pathfinders batting first after winning the toss, made a disappointing 115 all

Identities of cyclists tested positive for drugs yet to be disclosed THE identities and nationalities of three cyclists who tested positive for drugs at the conclusion of the annual `Tour of Guyana’ five-stage cycle road race are yet to be released. But according to information received by Chronicle Sport from a very reliable source, a Guyanese cyclist is among the trio. However, Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) Treasurer Garfield Wiltshire, who was a chaperon during the tests conducted by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) after the five-stage event was completed on November 1, told Chronicle Sport he is not in a position

to say who the three cyclists are and what their nationalities are. Wiltshire explained that a release was sent to local media houses by the Executive Director of RADO, Tessa Chaderton-Shaw, which stated that RADO or her, never stated the nationalities of the cyclists who tested positive and she (Shaw) will not do so now. This according to the release will be made known when lawyers for the three cyclists implicated have concluded their deliberations. According to another section of the media,Guyana’s Dr. Karen Pilgrim, who is a vice-president of

the Guyana Olympic Association ((GOA) and a Doping Control Officer (DCO) is quoted as saying if any of the cyclists are indeed Guyanese, their `Result Management’will be handled by the Caribbean RADO and no details will be available until that process is complete. The 10 cyclists who were randomly selected for testing were Guyana’s Raynauth Jeffrey, Hamzah Eastman, Raul Leal, Alonzo Greaves and Geron Williams. The others were Jamol Eastman and Darren Matthews of Barbados, Marloe Rodman (Jamaica) and Colombian Jaime Ramirez. Another Colombian,

Carlos Ospina, refused to take the test, claiming that the facility at which the tests were being conducted was unsanitary. The urine tests were sent to a World Anti-Doping Association recognised lab and the results of the cyclists ‘A’ samples were subsequently returned to RADO a few weeks ago. Those tested positive were reportedly informed of the results and will be given a chance to, if they wish, have their ‘B’ Samples sent to be tested. If they still are not pleased with the results if positive, they can then seek justice in the courts. (Michael DaSilva)

out in 19.5 overs. Kishan Gangaram top scored with 25, while Videsh Singh and Imran Harrinandan contributed 24 and 19 respectively in a disastrous batting display. Veteran former national senior cricketer Hubern Evans spun a web of mystery around the Pathfinders batsmen, ending with 4-15 off 3.5 overs. West Indies youth player Kevin Sinclair supported with 2-32 off 4 overs. In reply, Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland reached 116-3 in 17.3 overs. Seasoned umpire and all-rounder Zaheer Moakhan and Balram Samaroo put together an unbeaten 51 for the fourth wicket, with Samaroo and Moakhan finishing on unbeaten knocks of 43 and 31 respectively. Alex Algoo 14 and Kevin Sinclair 24 were the other two batsmen to contribute to the winning total.

Meanwhile, Betsy Ground Triple Stars was too good for Kendalls Union A in the thirdplace playoff. Young Warriors Cricket Club pocketed $40,000 and the winner’s trophy, Canje Pathfinders collected $30,000 and a trophy for their effort. Betsy Ground Triple Star collected $15,000 and a trophy while Kendalls Union A went away with $10,000. Hubern Evans and Balram Samaroo were the best bowler and batsman for the final respectively, while Krishan Sobhai copped the man-ofthe-match prize in the thirdplace playoff. At the post-match ceremony, Miss Appiah, granddaughter of the late Ramnarine Appiah in whose honour the tournament was played, spoke on behalf of the family and thanked the board for a well-organised tournament.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 8 Tests (2) WI vs AUST, Barbados, 1955 (219 & 5/56)

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times the Chappell brothers Ian and Greg played together in Tests? (2) Which Australian bowler took a hattrick on Test debut? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 10, 2016

Reflections on the “Beautiful Game” in 2015 ...major Highs and Lows By Ras: Wadada THE year 2015 for the “Beautiful Game” in Guyana can be best described, in one word, as the incumbent President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde characterised the first month in office of the new Executive Committee – Eventful. The most impacting blow to have been dealt to the most popular sport in the world during last year would be the inevitable revelation of the magnitude of corruption that pervaded the corridors of the world-governing body. While investigations continue, top officials have been extradited and indicted by the FBI and heavy suspensions are being meted out by the Ethics Committee of FIFA. Here in Guyana, for the

first time the governance of the game was in the hands of a FIFA- installed Normalisation Committee (NC) for all but the last month and a half of the year; and from all reports, their 14-month stint at the helm is more than commendable. In fact, they must be credited for creating and setting the platform for much-needed change and the new, positive dispensation that rescued the “Beautiful Game” from getting ugly. There is no denying that there were low points in their tenure, with the chief among them being failure of the management of the senior national team to get the necessary paperwork completed for several overseas-born players to represent Guyana in a World Cup Preliminary fixture against St. Vincent and the

GFF president Wayne Forde

Grenadines. One of these said players had played in a friendly against Grenada in Guyana prior to the World Cup engagement and the Federation was subsequently fined $4,000 Swiss Francs (approx. $879,000GYD) and the victory reversed to give Grenada the match they lost 1-3. In the end, the NC made the just decision to fire the management team.

Chanderpaul (81) leads Guyana Jaguars to victory AFTER suffering a heart-breaking one-run loss to the Windward Islands Vulcanoes in their opening match of this year’s NAGICO Super50 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) limited overs tournament, via the Duckworth Lewis system, Guyana Jaguars bounced back to inflict a crushing 72-run win over the hapless Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park, St Kitts yesterday. Led by a resolute 81 from veteran middle-order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and an quickfire 30 towards the end by Veerasammy Permaul, Guyana Jaguars reached 219 for nine in their allotted 50 overs after being inserted by Leewards skipper Jamhar Hamilton. The Jaguars lost four early wickets for 82 runs before Chanderpaul kept the middle-order intact with his vast experience. Quinton Boatswain finished with four for 54.

Former Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling

The deficiency in management at the national teams’ level was again exposed when an over-aged player was taken to Antigua for the Olympics qualifiers. The much-followed eight-team Elite League was brought to a halt when one team refused to take to the field over the eligibility of one of their players and for the only time in the competition a game was not played. The six points taken away from the team and the fine imposed by the GFF did not deter them from capturing the League and Play-offs as they proved superior to all the other teams. The continuous low for football in the country for the longest time is a well structured schools league

programme geared towards meaningful development. This bug bear must be tackled with immediacy to create an avenue of opportunities for young boys and girls football talents and minds, so as to broaden our talent pool. The two main mandates of the Clinton Urling-led NC were to revise the constitutions of the GFF and its members, as well as to conduct elections for a new executive committee of the GFF. Both were successfully achieved with full participation and for the first time some clubs were admitted to the GFF as members. The eight clubs that were granted FIFA club licences were also a first in the history of the sport in Guyana. The kickstart of the eight-team Elite League came like a breath of fresh air to the “Beautiful Game,” as it brought increased crowds and improved quality of play; and if one is to judge from the first phase, then expect a second phase with more to shout about. At the moment, the transfer window is open for the month of January, but reports from the Federation’s office indicate little activity is happening with regard to ‘request for

transfer.’ On the international scene, the Lady Jags took the spotlight when they qualified for the final round of the CONCACAF Rio Olympics competition. The Mark Rodrigues-assembled and coached side came from a goal down to defeat the Jamaica Reggae Girls 2-1 and earned a spot among the eight top CONCACAF women teams who will be vying for the two places in Brazil this year when they contest the final round in Houston next month. The highest point in 2015 for the “Beautiful Game” in Guyana must however be the acquisition of close to nine acres of land at Providence to build a home for football under the FIFA GOAL PROECT. The endorsement of the GFF and visits by FIFA officials and potential overseas contractors are moving apace; and with an estimated four-year time frame for completion, this present executive committee has the opportunity to leave a lasting and indelible legacy. ‘For the good of the game,’ here in Guyana, it appears that the “Beautiful Game” is heading in a new positive direction, but one is tempted to say: “Let there be Fair Play, please.’

Cuba fail to add to Caribbean sides at Centenario Shivnarine Chanderpaul cuts for a boundary during the Group “B” match between Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Guyana Jaguars in the NAGICO Super50 Tournament, yesterday at Warner Park. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

The Leewards Islands Hurricanes were never in the hunt as they were dismissed for 147 in 45.5 overs with Odelmo Peters hitting a topscore of 35 while Chesney Hughes scored 29. There wickets were shared among Raymon Reif-

er, Permaul, Royston Crandon, Gudakesh Motie and Paul Wintz with one each. Guyana Jaguars will oppose the Combined Campuses & Colleges in their next encounter at the St Paul’s ground, St Kitts, tomorrow.

Goals from four different scorers left Cuba without a place in the Copa America Centenario, with Panama now filling the final CONCACAF spot in the historic competition. The 100th staging of the Copa America, being held in the United States, will include Caribbean champions Jamaica, Haiti, who beat Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff game yesterday as well, the United States, Mexi-

co, and Central American champions, Costa Rica. It took just four minutes for Gabriel Gomez to put Cuba on the backfoot, and by the 18th minute things looked worse when Luis Tejada hit the back of the net with his penalty. There was to be no further drama in the first half, but in the second, Panama were back at it again, Armando Cooper getting onto the scoresheet in the 52nd minute. With the game almost

complete, and Cuba resigned to defeat, Panama’s Blas Perez hit home an 89th minute goal to announce their arrival at the Copa America Centenario. Panama were dominant in all areas of the park, holding 63 per cent of the possession and taking 15 shots to Cuba’s 10. If there were any demerits for the Panamanians, it would have been that they were not clinical, with just five shots on target from the 15 they took. Cuba though, had just two.(Sportsmax.com)

Chanderpaul (81) leads Guyana Jaguars to victory 31 P.

Sarwan’s ‘Fitness 53’ Gym set to open on Tuesday

Sarwan watches on as two of the trainers demonstrate bench-pressing. (Delano Williams Photo)

IN a society where people are becoming more and more conscious of their health and well-being, a former West Indies captain has channelled his energies to ensuring that residents of the East Bank have their chance at accessing a healthy lifestyle. Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan is ready to open the doors to Fitness 53, his first off-field investment in the form of a gym and fitness centre. The 35 year old gave the media a walkthrough of his Providence-based facility which features sections for weights, cardio, aerobics as well as a sauna and a fitness bar for persons serious about their training. During a media walkthrough yesterday, Sarwan confirmed that he had the facility, officially called `Fitness 53’ Turn to page 26 ► after his West Indies ODI number,

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A section of the gym features work-out bicycles, treadmills and other machines (Delano Williams Photo)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016