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STILL INTACT No. 104465

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

… Guyana slams Venezuela’s attempt to change Geneva Agreement

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Race to prep Durban Park for Feb 23 Page 2

Contractors were on Tuesday busy trying to complete the many bleachers at the Durban Park arena in time for Guyana’s Republic Anniversary celebrations (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Attempted Sean Hinds, fraud? PPP

Crum-Ewing hit

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activist held

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…AG alleges scam in $16M vehicle purchase

Minibus strike takes toll on Mabaruma Page 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Race on to ‘prep’ Durban Park for Feb 23 By Shauna Jemmott

CORPORATE Guyana has come out in their numbers to help government complete the first phase of the construction of a stadium at Durban Park, the former ‘race-course’, here in Georgetown. The venue is earmarked for the hosting of a grand military parade, and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead come next Tuesday to commemorate Guyana’s achieving yet another milestone, the 46th to date, as a Republic. With Republic Day just six days away, Public Relations Consultant for the Guyana 50th anniversary committee, Alex Graham, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the business community is pitching in with materials, equipment and labour so that the first phase of the multi-million-dollar project, located just behind the Square of the Revolution, will be finshed in time for the celebrations. “What we’re doing now,” he said, “is putting in a set of temporary arrangements to allow us to use the site for the celebrations on the 23rd. And after the 23rd is done, we’d continue doing some work, so that we could get it ready

for the celebrations connected to the 50th anniversary of Independence on May 26.” ON TOUR At the time, the 50th Anniversary Commemmoration Committee and various stakeholders were on a tour of the site to see how preparations were coming along. Among those in the entourage were Head of the Committee, Larry London, Bobby Vieira, Mayor Hamilton Green and officials from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and ‘Mash’ Coordinator, Lennox Canterbury. Graham said one of the reasons the team was there was so as to ensure that everything is just right for the military parade. He said that with spectators projected to number around 50,0000, a few bleachers are being constructed to accommodate them. “The activities of the 23rd will be centered around the military parade and the hoisting of the flag,” Graham said, adding: “The parade will probably involve about 400 persons from the GDF.” FLAGRAISING The flagraising event will be held around 17:00 hours on February 23.

Officials of the 50th Anniversary Committee at the Durban Park construction site yesterday (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson) An architectural presentation of the stadium design for Durban Park is to be hosted at the Square of the Revolution, and Graham said the second phase of the project will continue just after the Republic celebrations, while the third will be done after the May 26

Independence celebrations. The public will be be kept abreast of the long-term developments for the area. According to Graham, the committee responsible for the site construction has been working on a tight budget, but contributions from the private sector have been

streaming in. Said he: “A lot of this is not budgetary expenditure; a lot of this is private sector and well-wishers who have been donating materials and time and manpower. A lot of the activities we see here are activities that have been donated by the private

sector. “Some people provided materials; some people have provided effort. Some have offered to level the place, and to do various things; and they have not provided us with the cost of providing their material and services.” He said a lot of donors are actually people in the construction business, and send machines and manpower from as far off as Berbice. Up to yesterday morning, he said, about ten heavy-duty machines were lined up for work on the site, and were all donated for services on the site construction by construction companies. “They haven’t donated cash; but they send machines to work for a day or two; they send some truckloads of sand… We can quantify what things have been provided; we’re trying to get all of the donors and contractors to cost all of their provisions, so we have a final number,” Graham told the Guyana Chronicle.

Crum-Ewing hit

Sean Hinds, PPP activist held FORMER policeman and self-professed former death squad member Sean Hinds was yesterday arrested in connection with an ongoing murder probe. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Hinds is being grilled by ranks of the Major Crimes Unit in connection with the murder of rights activist Courtney Crum-Ewing which took place last year in the lead up to the May 11 general elections. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday to this publication that Hinds is again in police custody. The Senior Superintendent also disclosed that this latest arrest is in connection with a murder investigation. However, Blanhum declined to confirm whether the murder took place this year or last year or if indeed the probe is in connection with the execution style killing of former Guyana Defence Force Lieutenant and Queen’s College student Courtney Crum-Ewing. Sources close to Hinds have since indicated to the Guyana Chronicle that Hinds is indeed being grilled over the murder of Crum-Ewing. He was picked up from his North Ruimveldt home yesterday morning by the police and taken to the Criminal Investigation Headquarters. Hinds last year in an explosive interview with a television journalist, which was aired in parts, confirmed that he was an active member of the notorious ‘Phantom Squad’. Meanwhile, also in police custody is former Office of the President staffer and PPP activist, Jason Abdulla who now works at Freedom House, Headquarters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Abdulla, according to information, is also being held by the police in connection with a murder probe but again the Crime Chief would not confirm the specific case. There have been reports that Abdulla is also being questioned along with Hinds for the murder of Crum-Ewing. (Leroy Smith)

Attempted fraud?

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

…AG alleges scam in $16M vehicle purchase

By Svetlana Marshall

INQUIRIES into the $16.5M budgeted in 2015 for the purchase of a vehicle for Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil William ignited a heated exchange in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Tuesday, with the subject Minister crying ‘fraud’. His predecessor, Anil Nandlall had raised an alarm at the level of the Committee of Supply on hearing that a further $6.5M was allocated in this year’s budget for the purchase of yet another vehicle for him. But as Minister Williams painstakingly explained, the $16.5M transaction had to be cancelled because it was fraught with inaccuracies. Said he, “Mr. Chairman, that transaction that the Honourable Member refers to was a transaction designed to defraud the State of its revenues; and if it weren’t for the vigilance of the current Attorney-General, Sir, our revenues would have been depleted.” Wi l l i a m s s a i d t h a t during the initial stages of the transaction, he was under the impression that

Former Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, querying the $16.5M budgeted last year the vehicle being purchased must have been Williams was new. who was trying to pull a fast But on closer inspection one, as when he signed the of the vehicle, while it was draft 2015 budget, it did not still at the wharf, he and his include money for a vehicle. staff soon came to realise At this, Minister Wilthat what they were look- liams immediately took ing at was a reconditioned to his feet, “on a point vehicle and not a ‘brand of order,” saying: “As a new baby’. green Minister, I had no A s s u c h , h e i s n o w idea whatsoever about promaintaining that that trans- cedures for procurement action had been hatched and the like; and I can’t long before he took office. say that for the former AtBut Nandlall, pulling a torney-General, and I am classic ‘Shaggy’, is saying saying…arrangements were it wasn’t he; that rather it already in place when I

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams explaining the attempted acts of fraud against the State became Minister of Legal have been reflected in the Affairs to perpetrate this act budget estimates under the upon the State.” Ministry of Legal Affairs. He said that it was be- According to the 2016 Escause of this apparent at- timates, the $16.5M was tempt to defraud the State spent. that he took the decision to Minister Williams, in reretrieve the $8.2M that had ply, said it was not until after already been paid to the the budget had been preimporter and transferred it sented that the ‘fraud’ was to the Ministry of Finance. uncovered. “At the time that B u t a s B i s h o p J u a n this budget was prepared,” Edghill, who rose to de- he said, “the vehicle still had fend his colleague, argued, not been delivered; but they since the $16.5M was no had actually received half of longer used to purchase the purchase price already, the vehicle, then it should which I had to retrieve, of

course.” But, try as he might, there was no convincing Nandlall and Edghill, as they still proceeded to badger him with a long list of questions. In the end, Minister Williams said, “All I can say, Sir, is that the Public Accounts and Auditor-General will deal with this issue.” With the $16.5M returned to the Finance Ministry, the $6.5M budgeted this year will be used to purchase another vehicle for the Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister. Earlier on in the debate, also, Nandlall had queried about the more than $40M allocated for the provision of roof and land. Minister Williams, in response, explained that the sum will be used to execute repairs to the Ministry’s roof, but most importantly, it will also be used to purchase two small plots of land in order to extend the building of the Ministry to increase capacity. Each plot will be acquired at $20M. In the end, $1.508B was budgeted for current expenditure, while $146.313M was set aside for capital expenditure – a total of $1.654B.

Linden power company gets $2.7B subvention …to aid in expanding housing schemes

LINDEN Electricity Company (LECI) will receive a $2.7B subvention – an increase of $140M or 5.32 per cent to facilitate the expanding housing schemes in Linden and neighbouring Bamia. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson made this disclosure yesterday in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply during the consideration of the 2016 budget estimates. HOUSING DRIVE It was explained that an increase in electricity consumption is anticipated in Bamia, Amelia’s Ward and Wiroc Phase 3 where the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing is expected to roll out an aggressive housing drive to

meet the needs of residents. Minister Patterson said Linden, with a consumer base of approximately 9, 000, consumes 280 kilowatt per month per household unit. Residential consumers there pay $5 per kWh while commercial consumers pay $12 per kWh. In addition to LECI, subventions for the supply of electricity have been budgeted for the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc., Kwakwani Utilities Inc., Lethem Power Company, Mahdia Power and Light Company, Moruca Power and Light Company, Matthews Ridge Power and Light Company and Port Kaituma Power and Light Company. This year the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. will receive a $43.2M sub-

vention while Kwakwani Utilities Inc. is set to receive $345.7M and Lethem Power Company $105M. Mahdia Power and Light Company will receive $25M, Moruca Power and Light Company $10M, Matthews Ridge Power and Light Company $15M and Port Kaituma Power and Light Company $25M. Residents in Kwakwani benefit from free electricity but the four main commercial companies there pay $60 per kWh. With the exception of Linden, communities across the country pay between $60 and $80 per KWh. The Minister also pointed out that residential consumers in Georgetown consume approximately 150 KW per household per month. In other communities the con-

sumption rate is less than 100 kw per household unit per month. The Berbice Bridge

Company ($150M), Guyana Energy Agency ($69.7M) and Transport and Harbours Department ($430M)

were among agencies also being subsidized by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

US-Cuba commercial flights to resume THE US and Cuba have signed an agreement to resume commercial air traffic for the first time in more than 50 years. Some charter flights currently fly between the countries, but the new agreement could see as many as 110 flights a day; more than five times the current number. The flights could begin in autumn this year. This is the latest stage in a thawing of the countries’ relationship. US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx said the commercial flights marked

“a critically important milestone in the US effort to engage with Cuba.” Cuban Minister of Transport, Adel Rodriguez called it “a new era”. The US imposed a trade embargo on the communist-run island in 1960. In late 2014, Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced that they would begin normalising their relationship. They met for the first time in April 2015 in Panama, and shook hands and held a private meeting at the UN General Assembly in September. (BBC)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and his Cuban counterpart, Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez shake hands after signing the deal yesterday during a ceremony at Havana’s Hotel Nacional

France’s Sarkozy under probe FRENCH ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under formal investigation in a probe into his campaign funding, prosecutors say. It relates to spending in his unsuccessful 2012 bid for re-election, when his campaign costs were more than twice the legal limit. Sarkozy, 61, was ques-

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tioned all day on Tuesday by magistrates before being informed he was under investigation. He has repeatedly denied knowledge of the overspending. He has said he was not involved in the details of his campaign finance. Judges are investigating claims that the party

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faked invoices worth 10m euros (£7.8m; $11.1m) during the 2012 presidential campaign to cover increasing costs. Sarkozy is the head of France’s centre-right Les Republicains political party (previously the UMP) and was the president of France from 2007 to 2012. (BBC)

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NICOLAS SARKOZY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

CARICOM salutes Guyana on potential oil discoveries

- exploitation should be done on Guyana’s terms

AS the world economy continues to grapple with the shocks from financial crises, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is welcoming Guyana’s potential oil discovery which should be exploited on the country’s terms. This was the view of newly-appointed Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Oliver Barrow, during his address Monday last at the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Though much of his address focused on the correspondent banking scenario, he weighed in generally on the economic climate which the region currently finds itself in. Characterized by slow growth, increasing difficulties with its public finances, and tremendous strain on its capacity to satisfy the life-improvement aspirations of its people, some Caribbean countries have failed to recover from global economic setbacks, Barrow said. This financial crisis began in the last part of the first decade of this new century. And while a few countries have shown substantial enough expansion, he noted that much of the net effect has been depreciated by population increases. TOURISM INDUSTRY But on the brighter side, he noted that there appears to be what the region hopes will be a sustained resurgence in its

Newly-appointed Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow “all-important tourism industry”. This, the Chairman said, would be a welcome offset to the continued volatility in the region’s commodities sector.

PETROLEUM IN GUYANA Meanwhile, he suggested that the global oil price rout has, in particular, been a double-edged sword for a couple of countries in the region. And with this being the case, he noted that the regional bloc salutes the recent petroleum discoveries in Guyana and look forward to the country being able to exploit those resources on its own terms. “And we welcome the benefit to consumers that cheaper fuel has meant,” he said, adding that at the same time Belize regrets the effect that both the contraction of production and the precipitate price drop have had on the country. Further, he noted that the oil conundrum has severely constrained the flow of resources to countries that participate in the PetroCaribe arrangements. And this, he said, is in consequence of the “havoc” done to Venezuela, the source of the region’s erstwhile bounty. “To compound matters, it is clear that the oil price phenomenon is symptomatic of the more generalized weakening, to which I earlier alluded, in commodities markets. This worsens the crisis situation in public finances in certain parts of the Euro-zone, so that altogether there appears to be a distinct possibility of the world economy sliding back into recession. The consequences that would entail for our region are both obvious and frightening,” the Chairman said.

Shot during robbery ordeal Lindener remanded for robbery under arms EIGHTEEN-year-old Shawn DeSantos of South Ruimveldt was yesterday remanded by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her, charged with robbery. De Santos pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 31,2015 at North East La Penitence while in the company of another, armed with a gun robbed Nigel Marks of $500,000 cash and a cell phone valued $6,000. The facts of the matter was not stated, nevertheless, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers objected to bail on the seriousness of the charge and on the charge which stated that a gun was used and the virtual complaint was shot during the ordeal. The young man was remanded until March 12 for statements.

MAGISTRATE Clive Nurse on Tuesday further remanded Devon Stephens who is on trial for robbery under arms. It is alleged that Stephens, also called “Water Dog” of One-Mile, Wismar on October 3, 2015 along with others, was in possession of a loaded gun when he robbed Shawn Kishan of his Samsung cellular phone valued $22,000, $36,000 in cash, a Bedford truck valued $12M, and 16,500 liters of fuel valued $2M, property of Julius Ferreira. The total cost of the articles stolen is $15.3M. The incident is alleged to have occurred along the Mabura access road, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The unrepresented Scott will re-appear in court on March 26, 2016. Several other Lindeners have been arrested and brought before the courts in relation to the incident.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

CID operation in Mackenzie Dear Editor, I AM concerned about the standard of law enforcement being practised within the Mackenzie-Linden community by a senior CID officer, who has occupied a top-level position since the year 2012. Being a former detective, I swore to uphold the motto of “Service and Protection”. It is a working condition with which every police rank should comply when so ordered by anyone in authority. Members of the public are not faced with the reality of corruption or criminality embedded within the Force. Corruption in society can take any form.

It is my duty to declare to society that, having worked at Mackenzie CID, the same officer was compelling ranks to participate in countless activities which have led to perverting the course of justice, and also suspects being tortured. At that time, being young and wanting opportunities to elevate myself, I saw it conflicting with the motto I once swore to uphold. However, I have resigned from the GPF and have moved on to ‘greener pastures.’ I was recently approached by one of the younger detectives at Mackenzie CID. To my surprise, the rank said that similar corrupt practices and methods of torture are still being executed by the

said officer, who had been doing same during my stint at Mackenzie CID. As a word of advice, I implore that the rank be more careful and report same to the hierarchy of the Force. It is my view that the hierarchy of the Force should conduct a thorough investigation of this errant officer. Moreso, the complaint of ranks and members of the public should be taken seriously. This will prevent further corrupt practices and restore public trust.

I COULD not believe my eyes when I opened the newspapers recently, only to see the headline boldly stating ‘Sitting Councillor pitted against contractor, carpenter in Constituency Three’. I was indeed appalled at the audacity of this sitting City Councillor, who has been doing just that: sitting and not performing, for the last fourteen years around the horseshoe table; and now that councillor is seeking to return to waste another three years under Georgetown Constituency Three at the March 18 local government elections. The information that all politicians must provide to their constituencies is what is contained in their track record. What have they done to better their communities? How have they bettered the lives of the citizenry? I do not think that Mr Garrett can point to one project in the Bel Air Gardens, Bel Air Springs, Prashad Nagar, North East and North West Campbellville wards that he has advocated for

or implemented in the last thirty years that he has lived in the Campbellville Housing Scheme. I cannot believe that Garrett really thinks that his experience as a Councillor in a Council that has done absolutely nothing for the citizens of Georgetown would help him to be elected once again. At least his political party seems to have had the respectability not to put him on its list for the proportional representation (PR) component of the LGE, apparently leaving him to fight for himself. I just hope that that party has instead placed a young, bright, progressive person there instead. This Councillor’s track record as acting Finance Chairman appears to have been a dismal one, with the Council facing all sorts of financial difficulties; not paying workers on time; owing many institutions, such as the Guyana Power & Light, etc. More than that, Garrett was apparently removed from the Chairman’s position by his own party members through a no-confidence vote in the lat-

ter part of 2014. Why would the citizens elect him again? He speaks as though, if re-elected, he would automatically be back in the Finance Committee, suggesting that he would improve the City’s finances, something he apparently could not do for the last fourteen years. He gives the impression that he would be a one-man show, looking into staff welfare. His ridiculous campaign pitch continues with him assuring the electorate that, within a week of being elected, he would start looking after the drains, parapets and alleyways. My question is this: He has four more weeks on the present Council, why does he not do it now? Why wait? I think this is all just thrash talk and pie-in-the-sky promises being made by an old Councillor who needs to make way for a younger person.

Yours respectfully, CONCERNED CITIZEN

The Geneva It is time to change old city councillors Agreement at 50

TODAY marks the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement. As with any anniversary, this one must become a moment for sober reflection and a time to take decisions about the future. By any stretch of the imagination, Guyana -- a small state in the international system – has, in an exemplary manner, discharged its obligations under this Agreement. Guyana has not violated the various clauses of this Agreement, nor has it engaged in acts of aggression against its western neighbour, even in the face of the most glaring provocation. And this could only be because Guyana, from the advent of Independence, has declared that it seeks peaceful and productive relations with all states, and has refused to engage in policies which are likely to undermine the peaceful development and security of the region in which it finds itself. But the nation now finds itself in a situation in which, with the exhaustion of the Good Officer process, Guyana must press on with ensuring that its morally and legally sound case is submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for juridical settlement. Both our President and Foreign Minister have recognised that the Good Officer process allows Venezuela to prolong the border controversy while engaging in frequent acts of aggression. The President, in particular, in addressing the issue on the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Agreement, is quoted in the press as saying that he is “fed up with Venezuelan aggression and harassment.” This mindset is understandable, considering that Venezuelan aggression has been ongoing from the time of our independence. The Government must think hard about what it must do in the future to counter Venezuelan aggression and constant propaganda against this country. An information and public relations plan must be devised and effectively executed. We urge our Government to do so on the basis of national unity. We urge again that we do so as a nation that is fully informed on this issue and its implications for our future development. An extended period of education, modelled on what transpired in the seventies and eighties, might be in order. And we must not fail to prepare for the consequences of decisions taken in Caracas, especially as Venezuela prepares to accede to the Chairmanship of the Security Council. One lesson this nation has learnt over the years is that a united, informed and prepared nation is more than a match for an aggressive Venezuela. A diplomacy founded on these factors is most likely to be successful. Even though Venezuela has claimed to be an adherent of the philosophy of the great Simon Bolivar, and has signed the Geneva Agreement, its various administrations have engaged in naked aggression against Guyana, in violation of international norms and peaceful practices. It has seized Guyana’s territory even while the Mixed Commission established by the Geneva Agreement was meeting. Caracas has been the architect of several incidents of provocation on our border. And it has engaged in the exercise of economic aggression against a small

Regards, JAMES MC ONNELL

In pursuit of Social Cohesion Dear Editor, HIS Excellency, the President of Guyana, David Granger, seems to be finding himself in some very precarious positions as he seeks to unite this divided country. Looking on from the outside, it appears that many of those close to President Granger, and those who are friends of those close to him, are not on the same page with him. There has not been an event that I have attended where the President did not deliberately, or via segue, touch on the topic of social cohesion.

Both when he speaks publically and when he is met privately, his constant refrain is that of the need and the benefits of social cohesion. The mantra of the magnanimity of a social contract in Guyana rolls off the tongue of the President as Adel’s “Hello” from the lips of a repentant lover. But that same deliberate desire for national cooperation seems to be lost on some of those close to the President. From the unnecessarily prolonged defence of the coalition’s right to splash their colours all over the country to

state with the express purpose of frustrating and stymieing its development. Only recently, in an act which is unprecedented in this region, the President of Venezuela issued a decree claiming sovereignty over Guyana’s territorial waters. It is ironic that these acts of aggression are based on a perverse interpretation of the Geneva Agreement, which says that it is not an instrument for proving the Venezuelan contention of nullity of the 1899 Arbitration Tribunal Award; yet Venezuela has embraced the opportunity to seize Guyana’s land and territorial waters. This is a perversion of international law. And it must be added here that Venezuela is not only deliberately misinterpreting the Geneva Agreement, but has also declared war on it, if the recent statement by its

GINA’s reluctance to cover the Opposition’s views, to the whimsical disdain for anything PPP, it all speaks of a failure of the coalition to catch the President’s message of inclusion. The work of social cohesion is not going to be easy. We have been a broken nation for some 50 years, and any profound change will not come easily. In addition, there are those who, for their own personal and political survival, would do everything they See page 7

Foreign Minister is anything to go by. Ultimately, the Guyana Government and the Guyanese people have no quarrel with the people of Venezuela. This is the twenty-first century, in which there is no place for nineteenth century notions of grabbing the land and territorial waters of a small neighbouring country. Georgetown and Caracas have, over the years, cooperated successfully in many important areas, among them medicine and trade. If Caracas can find it possible to abandon outmoded notions of power, an era of cooperation can be opened up between our two countries. The Geneva Agreement makes provision for such a peaceful and enlightened development.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Stakeholders brainstorm ways to keep elderly In pursuit ... persons healthy From page 6

can to keep this country divided. Whether that divide is economical, racial or ideological, there are those whose only relevance comes from fuelling a national divide, and they will never relent. Relenting will mean their political death, and maybe their financial and social demise. And because of their public positions, they are pushing the redmeat kind of divisive politics. Those persons, from either side of the divide, need to be ignored, and their policies of divisiveness shunned. Good will triumph over evil, and those of us who are responsible for crafting national policies need to pledge our allegiance to the work and realization of national unity. Those strategically placed in the leadership of the current administration need to quickly buy into the President’s stated objective on this issue. Government, through the Ministry of Social Cohesion, might need to convene some formal workshops among its leaders and governmental officials in the art of developing the social contract of which the President speaks. The administration needs to mandate that care be taken in execution of its tasks, with the objective of social cohesion being the default practice. The Government and its affiliates should do nothing to have any of the supporters of the Opposition feel like they are being ostracised. And if at any time they are accused of bias, the administration must be able to objectively and candidly justify their position. Maybe I am utopic in my views, but I think that nothing ventured means nothing gained. As a pastor, my default behaviour is one of forgiveness and inclusivity. The Gospel is a message of social cohesion. It talks about turning the other cheek, of going the extra mile, and of giving your cloak when your coat is taken. The President’s commitment to national unity suggests that he is not only being guided by his patriotic compass, but, indeed, by his religious persuasion. It therefore behooves those within his administration – at all levels – to read the tea leaves and find some religious, nationalistic or moral reason to put the petty political pandering aside and join the President in this national agenda. Regards, WENDELL JEFFREY, Pastor

AS THE Ministry of Public Health strives to ensure that the quality of public health offered in all areas of the health sector is of the best quality, a stakeholders meeting was convened on Tuesday at Grand Coastal Hotel Conference Room, to discuss a strategic way forward in offering quality health care to the elderly in Guyana. This stakeholders meeting allowed the Ministry to garner pertinent views from a number of stakeholder organisations on the most efficient and effective ways to provide excellent, accessible, yet caring health services to the elderly in Guyana, the ministry said in a release. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, underscored the commitment of the Ministry of Public Health in providing holistic health care to all Guyanese including the elderly. Noting that the elderly population in Guyana has grown over the years and will continue to grow, Dr. Persaud mentioned the need to plan strategically to ensure that adequate provisions are made for the equitable delivery of health care to the elderly. PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Jean Semefils Alexandre alluded to the rising elderly population globally, and stated that it is important that Guyana puts measures in place to adequately cater to the heath care needs of the

elderly. “It is absolutely imperative that all agencies and organizations plan and develop effective programmes to deal with the rapidly expanding aging population. Part of the PAHO/WHO work plan includes activities aimed at achieving maximum health for the elderly population. We are pleased to observe that the Ministry of Public Health has established a focal unit to deal specifically with elderly health care. PAHO/ WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Public Health in its strategies for the elderly population in Guyana,” Dr. Alexandre said. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings emphasised the goal of the Ministry in providing the best quality health care possible in Guyana to all Guyanese. She noted that the elderly, like any other group, are being provided for in the strategic plans of the Ministry of Public Health as it continues to reform and enhance its healthcare delivery services. The minister pointed out that in order to deliver tangible best quality health care to the elderly, there must be

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, addressing the meeting trained staff to be able to do so competently. “Health care of the elderly is integrated within the elements of primary health care in Guyana. However, I do believe we need to address strategically the provision of appropriate means and facilities of enhancing the training to health care workers operating in the health centers so that they can deal competently, efficiently, and compassionately with the elderly,” the Minister said. Minister Cummings also mentioned that as the Ministry of Public Health strives to bolster its elderly health care services, better efficiency will be derived in identifying health risks and detecting diseases earlier. “Timely intervention and prevention of

complications, in a multi-disciplinary approach under best quality primary care settings will be the result of establishing best practices in elderly health care services,” the Minister said. Representatives at the stakeholder meeting came from the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Indigenous People, Salvation Army, Dharm Shala, Palms, Archer’s Home, Anglican Diocese of Guyana, and Rastafarian Council, among others. The Ministry of Public Health through its Director of Women’s and Elderly Health Unit, Dr. Melissa DeHaarte, wishes to thank all those who participated in this stakeholder meeting, and anxiously looks forward to your continuous support.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Rape culture is… By Akola Thompson IN the past, I would hear of the phrase “rape culture” and wonder why it is termed "culture." I would see the term get swept under the rug as persons began talking of "sorority girl culture," and how girls should protect themselves from getting raped by not acting lewd or by being scantily clad. I would wonder what that had to do with anything, and why women were being made to feel as if their bodies were not their own. Questioning why men were given so many free passes merely because the woman they targeted was viewed as a "slut," or was out when she should have been home. It was later on that I learnt that the phrase "rape culture" describes how we collectively think of rape. It is how we excuse, tolerate and encourage sexual violence by trivialising, ignoring and normalising rape. The rape culture is the thing that not many want to talk about, because many are of the belief that it is non-existent and not thriving. Last week, due to the Port-of-Spain,Trinidad mayor’s statements on the death of Asami Nagakiya, I was once again reminded of the reach of "rape culture" and how far it has rooted itself into the very veins of different societies. Everywhere I go, I am bombarded with evidence of it. I have seen the way in which it has wormed its way into communities on not only one-on-one levels, but in institutionalised and structured ones. While we may not realise it, simple things such as "cat-calling" and the teaching of supposed gender roles perpetuate and further cement this dangerous idea that victims are to be blamed. Too many times when we hear of a rape we seek to tell other women what to do and how to behave, so as to avoid being the next headline in the newspapers. What we fail to do is hold our men accountable and we fail to teach our boys how to respect and treat women. These ideas are further perpetuated by those who are in a position to protect us. In recent years, senior members of

the police force such as Courtney Ramsay, Kevin Adonis and Clifton Hicken suggested that the occurrence of rape depends upon the way in which a woman acts, dresses and the activities in which she participates. While we hardly ever hear such comments now as feminists and other advocates would most likely ask for their heads, it does not mean it is not happening; and even if it is not said outwardly, it does not mean they do not believe it. This is seen in the way police officers often deal with rape cases, in that rape has unfortunately become a "buy-off crime." Rape victims are often deterred from filing reports because they know that the likelihood of the police taking their case seriously and the assailant being put away is extremely small. Even when they do muster the courage to report rape cases, they are asked supposedly meaningful questions relating to their sobriety, actions and amount of garments worn. These questions can often be more painful than the violent act itself, as victims are led to believe that they are responsible for what has happened to them. We have heard about some of these cases in our local media, but imagine the cases that are not being told. Imagine the cases in far- flung communities in which victims are blamed and ostracised for something beyond their control. Then of course, there is the irresponsibility of the media in reporting rape cases, which further perpetuates the normalisation of rape. Often whenever a rape is being covered they substitute the word sex for rape, as if the two are one and the same. This is particularly seen in newspapers such as Stabroek, Kaieteur, Chronicle and Guyana Times and many of the online media sites. Another disturbing factor particularly seen is the media’s tendency to refer to those guilty of statutory rape as being the person’s lover. It is here that I refer to one of Ryhaan Shah’s letter to the editor. While I do not agree with the ideology held by her, I do believe she was spot on when she wrote, “I would say that we have a rape culture in Guyana and it is not just errant or

CARICOM SG urges action against Zika

CRIME, unproved categorisation of the Region as a financial high-risk area and the potentially devastating effects of the Zika virus were the threats identified by CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in his urgent call for action to keep the Community’s well-earned reputation safe and secure. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque made this call to the official opening of the 27th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, in Placencia, Belize, Monday evening. “As we move to enshrine Security as the fourth pillar of integration in our Treaty, it is important that we demonstrate our resolve by formalising the regional legal framework and supporting institutional

infrastructure that would help us fight the menace of crime and threats to our security,” Ambassador LaRocque implored CARICOM Heads of Government. He said another existential and immediate threat arose from the withdrawal of correspondent banking services, due to the arbitrary and unsubstantiated categorisation of the Region as a financial high-risk area. CARICOM member states were faced with this categorisation, even though they are compliant with the institutional and regulatory standards established by the FATF, the Global Forum and other international bodies, he noted. “Yet, the global banks have reacted to the heightened regulatory emphasis in their own jurisdictions with de-risking strategies, which either result in the withdraw-

al of correspondent banking relationships or restrictions on those services. Our Region is inarguably one of those most adversely affected by these de-risking strategies and our people have already begun to feel the consequences of such arbitrary decisions. “This situation threatens the financial and economic stability of our Region. It is having an impact on the ability of our people to receive their remittances and transfer their funds for trade and investment transactions. This state of affairs demands that we act collectively to address this issue with the relevant regulatory authorities and the international community,” he added. Regarding the threat from Zika, Ambassador LaRocque said the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has been at the forefront,

working with member states and other institutions in dealing with this challenge, as it did with Chikungunya. The agency has been discharging its responsibility “purposefully and professionally,” providing laboratory testing services and sharing its expertise at both the national and regional levels, he added. Touching on the issue of efficiency and responsiveness, the Secretary-General stated, “The Community is working

misguided policemen who subscribe to it.” Too often, people view rape as just someone trying to taint the name of someone else. I understand where this comes from as there have been many such cases. However, when we start treating all cases as false and we make genuine victims feel further assaulted, we may likely be letting feelings of past wrongs cloud our judgment of what may be a legitimate case of rape. What I have come to believe is that we don’t really hate rapists, what we hate is the idea of them. We hate the monsters waiting to pounce from the alleyways, the demons that break into our homes and force themselves inside of us. Not often do we link these monsters to actual rapists. When I say actual rapists, I mean the persons who hide under guises of heroes, celebrities, politicians, friends, fathers and boyfriends. We don’t despise them, because we have successfully made rape into something that only happens to other people. We have made the perpetrators of rape into creatures outside our humanity, which causes us to protect the very same men who commit these acts. A high-profile example of this was seen in the case of Bill Cosby. Cosby was well known as a family man due to his popular TV show which was the first to break racial stereotypes. Because of this TV representation of Cosby, many went to his defence, claiming the alleged victims were opportunistic women seeking to destroy his reputation. It is unfortunate that so many people do not understand what is "rape culture" and believe that it seeks to brand all men as rapists. Too many do not realise the urgent need in tackling it, so we encourage it through our thoughts, actions and words. So what is "rape culture?" "Rape culture" is having your husband repeatedly force you into sex because he believes it is his right. "Rape culture" is school uniform policies and government and public facilities having dress codes so as to not distract males. Rape culture is staying quiet about your rape experience, because you are afraid of being called a liar because you’re not the "right kind of victim." Rape culture is asking a young girl why she got drunk instead of asking a man why he raped her. Rape culture is believing that there is no such thing as "rape culture." for us.” He noted, however, the need for improved efficiency and responsiveness, which he said were at the core of the Community’s reform process, which has begun in the Secretariat and is cascading out to the Community Institutions and Organs and Bodies. “This Reformation is not merely about cosmetic change where we tweak or adjust a few processes. It is transforming the way we do

business in the Community and will enhance the delivery of the benefits of integration to our people,” he told the meeting. CARICOM Heads began their first working session today, 16 February, and in addition to the above-referenced issues, heads will also deliberate on issues regarding financing for climate change. The meeting ends tomorrow, 17 February.

From (L-r) CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne and Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Life of Police Service Commission ends in 18 months

THE life of the Police Service Commission (PSC) headed by Omesh Santayana would end in eighteen months, according to instruments of commission the commissioners received back in 2014 from former President Donald Ramotar. The PSC was sworn-in in September 2014 after then Opposition Leader David Granger and former President Ramotar agreed in August that year on the names of the four commissioners and its chairman. In this case the PSC has at least one more major police promotion to pronounce on

if it maintains the tradition of promoting senior police officers at the end of the year. During an interview with persons close to the operations of the PSC, this publication was told that the commission was comfortable with the recently announced promotions of senior police officers. According to information received, those persons who were promoted recently were not on the approved promotion list of 2015. Sources also confirmed that the PSC is very optimistic that the President and Opposition Leader would soon engage

Benschop supporter assaulted - attacker charged

ALBERT Cromwell, who is an Independent Candidate for the Kitty constituency, contesting the Local Government Elections, was yesterday placed on bail after he was charged with unlawful wounding. The 45-year-old Cromwell was placed on $60,000 bail after he made his appearance before City Magistrate Dylon Bess, where he pleaded not Albert Cromwell guilty. The Court heard that on February 15, 2016 at Dowden Street, Cromwell unlawfully assaulted Iqbal Rahim, a resident of Kitty and a parttime supervisor for Team Benschop, who was mounting flags and posters on behalf of Benschop. The Court heard that Rahim was on a ladder placing the campaign flags on the power pole along the roadway, when Cromwell appeared and requested that he remove the flags. It is alleged that Rahim ignored Cromwell, who then pulled the ladder off the pole, causing Rahim to fall. The matter was adjourned until March 7, 2016.

Charged with larceny FIFTY-YEAR-old Mark Fordyce was yesterday placed on $20,000 bail after he made his appearance before City Magistrate Dylon Bess to answer to the charge of larceny from the person. The charge read that on February 14, he stole from the person of Lakeram Gangadi, $10,000 at the La Penitence Market. The Police Prosecutor stated that on the day in question, the victim was purchasing items from the market when he felt a hand in his back pocket. He turned around to investigate and saw the defendant running. He gave chase after he realized he was robbed, and caught the defendant. The police searched the defendant but nothing was found on him. Fordyce is expected to make his next appearance on March 1.

each other on the issue of Deputy Commissioners of Police once the recommendations are made by the Police Commissioner. According to the protocol of the process, the Police Commissioner would make a recommendation to the Minister of Public Security who would then forward that information to either the Cabinet or the Commander-in-Chief of the

Armed Forces.

CLEAN SLATES The President would then engage the PSC to ensure that those who are being recommended for promotion to Deputy Commissioners have clean slates and no pending disciplinary matters. After such a verification, in addition to the record of on-the-job performance, the President would then invite

the Leader of the Opposition for discussions on the way forward. Meanwhile, on the issue of retired Senior Superintendent of Police C o u r t n e y R a m s e y, t h e Guyana Chronicle was informed that the PSC feels insulted by his remarks carried in another section of the media earlier this week. It was noted that the former senior police officer

was not promoted during the 2015 end-of-year promotion because he was retiring in April this year, allowing a mere four months on the job after attaining the position of an Assistant Commissioner. The Guyana Chronicle understands that among those on the list of senior officers recommended for promotion in 2012, Senior Superintendent Ramsey was not listed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Cultural activist Ras Leon Saul and publisher Bhaskar Sharma

Video to celebrate jubilee anniversary

WELL-KNOWN publisher and producer, Bhaskar Sharma, is excited about undertaking the production “Guyana Now – The Renaissance,” for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Sharma is collaborating with popular personality Ras Leon Saul, Guyenterprise and Fly Jamaica to promote the video compilation that celebrates Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The publisher said articles on the production will also be featured in his newspaper Equality News. Equality News is Canada’s largest multi-cultural weekly newspaper. This year, the newspaper will celebrate its 35th anniversary. Sharma has done five productions on tourism for Guyana before. The new production will commence in the first week of March and conclude two weeks after. The package will be available through Equality Group and Fly Jamaica will be airing the videos on flights to promote the May 26 celebrations. According to Sharma, the video will be created around the new look of Guyana. It will be filmed by world-recognised production company Discover Your World. Tourism organisations which have an interest in being part of the package can make contact with Guyenterprise. Managing Editor for the Caribbean (Equality) Leon Saul, said Equality News has been a pioneer in promoting Guyana as a tourism destination, a journey which began in the 1980s. Saul is also a scriptwriter and has scripted several of Sharma’s tourism videos. He comes from a background of journalism, and several years ago, worked as a reporter at the Guyana Chronicle. Both Sharma and Saul are cultural activists. Sharma plays the harmonium and Saul the African Djembe drums.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Teen mom, ‘chopped’ baby recovering - abusive grandpa arrested

By Shirley Thomas SEVENTEEN-year-old Maria Jones and her 10-month-old baby, Omar Jones, allegedly chopped by the baby’s grandfather last Saturday, remain warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but they are said to be recovering well. Baby Omar who was chopped on the head was yesterday sitting cheerfully in bed while his mother fed him a meal of beef stew and crushed potatoes. The mother who was chopped on her elbow also sustained multiple abrasions about her body, and a number of black-and-blue marks were visible. The assailant, whose name was given as ‘Jeewan’, allegedly inflicted chop wounds to the young mother and her baby shortly before 19:00 hrs last Saturday, following an altercation. The baby’s father is said to be still unaware of the incident since it is difficult to receive signals at his location in the Rupununi. Jeewan is the father of 21-year-old Vinod who is Maria Jones’ reputed husband, and father of her child Omar. Vinod who works in the Rupununi entered into

an agreement with his father to allow his reputed wife and young child to share his home at Independence Street, La Grange. However, the injured woman is reluctant to speak with the media. Her sister Camille agreed to, contending that “this battery and advantage must stop, since it has been going on a long time now.” MONTHS OF ABUSE Following the bloody encounter, Maria told Camille that she had overheard Jeewan telling someone that Omar was not his son’s child. Incensed at that, Maria immediately confronted Jeewan who then slapped her. She hit him back and a scuffle ensued. She was chopped on the arm in the region of her elbow, and beaten about the body. And while she cannot clearly recall how the baby was chopped, she figures that he was wounded while in her arms as his grandfather was attacking her. Neighbours, on hearing the commotion and seeing the injured woman coming out of the house with her bleeding child, called the police but Jeewan fled and hid in the canefields before the police arrived. However,

shortly after midnight he was arrested and remains in custody. ADVANCES BY GRANDAD The mother and baby were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and then to the GPHC. Maria also told her sister that Jeewan on the same night of the chopping incident had made advances to her, and she had resisted him. Neighbours substantiated this claim by saying that he had been ‘drinking’ earlier in the night and offered Maria a mug of beer but she refused. They related too that after the incident they went to the house and found the beer still in the mug untouched.

The Jones sisters hail from the Rupununi, and according to Camille, Maria was sent to the city by their parents to get a better education. She was a student of Friendship Secondary School, East Bank Demerara when Vinod started a relationship with her. After she became pregnant she had to discontinue her schooling and when the baby was born, she left her elder sister Vanessa’s home at Diamond and started living with Vinod at his father’s place.

Soon after she was allegedly physically abused by Jeewan and left his home but her husband soon returned from the Rupununi. He spent some time with her then left her and her baby with his father again. Neighbours expressed disgust at the way Vinod has been leaving his female partners with his father, knowing well that he has been physically and psychologically abusive to them. “You should see she legs, she arms under she sleeves and she back – even she ears. It cut

up all about,” they claimed. They also said that Jeewan would beat the hapless 17-year-old out of a hammock he had tied under the house in which they live. They are convinced that he has been threatening her and so she is afraid of him and remains mum. Maria has now made up her mind that she is not moving back into Jeewan’s house. And as for the landlord, it would be a breath of fresh air when he can have possession of his house once more, he said.

Neighbours said that Jeewan’s wife, from whom he had been estranged almost 20 years on account of his constant abuse, turned up at the house Sunday after hearing that he had been taken into custody. One neighbour, deeply agonized by the young woman’s ordeal, blurted out: “Is the same way he used to beat another woman his son had before he tek this girl here, and the young woman had to eventually cut out and run.”

Former UN head dies at 93 BOUTROS Boutros-Ghali, the former UN Secretary-General, has died aged 93, the UN Security Council has said. He died at a Cairo hospital on Tuesday, Egypt's State news agency said, after being admitted with a broken pelvis. He took office in 1992, at a time of growing influence for the UN following its decisive role in the Gulf War, serving one five-year term. However, he faced criticism for the UN's failure to stop the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Washington was angered by his opposition to NATO's bombing campaign in Bosnia. The 15-member Security Council observed a minute's silence after the announcement of Mr Boutros-Ghali's death, which was made at the start of a session on Yemen's humanitarian crisis. No further details on his death were immediately available. A former Egyptian foreign Boutros Boutros-Ghali (right) with former French minister, Boutros-Ghali had President, Jacques Chirac back in 1997 received a phone call from Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi last Thursday, after being admitted to hospital, Egyptian press reported. Born on 14 November 1922 into a Coptic Christian family in Cairo, Boutros-Ghali was educated at Cairo University and in Paris, where he established a lifelong connection with France. He went on to study international relations at Columbia University in New York, and became Egypt's foreign minister in 1977, under president Anwar al-Sadat. After leaving the UN, Boutros-Ghali served from 1998 to 2002 as secretary-general of La Francophonie, a grouping of French-speaking nations. In 2004, he was named the president of Egypt's new human rights council, a body created by then Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak amid US pressure on Arab nations for democratic reform.

The house Maria shared with her father-in-law, while her reputed husband lives in the Rupununi

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Minibus strike takes toll on Mabaruma By Alva Solomon THE public transportation system at Mabaruma was yesterday morning brought to a halt after mini-bus and hirecar drivers parked their vehicles, citing police harassment from a young traffic rank in the North-West District area. The motorists allege that the officer, who was transferred to the area some six-eight months ago, has charged several drivers, resulting in them paying fines ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 for various traffic violations. The bus operators and hire-car drivers parked their vehicles at the usual 07:00hrs-08:00hrs rush-hour period yesterday, leaving many persons without any means of transportation. The action of the motorists almost resulted in a total shutdown of the public transportation network at the interior location, which has become highly dependent on the vehicles to travel across the sub-region in recent years. Dexter King, a motorist who was vociferous on the issue, told the Guyana Chronicle that some 16 buses operate on the roadway between Mabaruma, Hosororo Hill and the remote

community of Wauna and other communities along the routes. The vehicles usually collect passengers at the business community of Kumaka, which is the sub-region’s main business hub. King alleged that the traffic rank had been making “ridiculous” charges, ranging from “illegal” stops to collect passengers as well as parking in the cramped Kumaka Waterfront area. One motorist reported that he was fined for having a piece of carbon fibre on his car’s bonnet. Another reported that he believed the drivers were “targeted” especially at 15:00hrs(3pm) on weekdays when they collect schoolchildren. King said Tuesday’s action by the motorists were taken out of frustration, since the drivers believed the rank was taking advantage of them. Reports are that on Monday, six to eight minibus drivers were charged and paid fines ranging from $7,500, to $45,000 for traffic offences. The situation resulted in many workers and schoolchildren being forced to walk several miles to and from work and school, including the North-West Secondary School students at Mabaruma.

Motorists reported that the regional authorities met with them and a police Inspector yesterday morning to avert a total shutdown of the transportation network in the area. Mabaruma and its neighbouring communities have experienced a significant climb in hire cars and mini-buses operating on the roadways in recent years, as many persons have discovered the venture can be lucrative, including on the busier days when the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) ferry docks at Kumaka. The minibus operations are not regularised, as no established routes have been named for the area. Meanwhile, persons at Mabaruma yesterday called on the authorities to re-open the certifying office at the police station there. The sub-region has been without a certifying officer for almost nine months and persons who wish to renew their vehicle fitness documents among others, are forced to do so in Georgetown. The motorists noted yesterday that the strike might continue for the rest of this week, if their concerns were not addressed, including the removal of the traffic rank, as well as the absence of a certifying officer.

Some of the mini-bus operators and their vehicles at Mabaruma yesterday morning

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Burnham Foundation hosts annual symposium

THE Burnham Foundation, in its usual tradition, began observing the birth anniversary of Guyana’s late Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Activities commenced with a church service last Sunday at the Kitty Methodist Church which the young Burnham had attended and at which his father preached. According to Clayton Hinds, Public Relations Officer of the Foundation, there will also be a ceremonial opening of the foundation’s annual conference on February 20, 2016 at the Critchlow Labour College, while on the same day a symposium will be held on the life and works of L.F.S. Burnham. A reputable speaker is expected to give the feature address. The annual cycle race will be staged on February 23, Hinds said. The first leg will be from New Amsterdam to Rose Hall Town and back; and the second leg from Linden to Belfield, ECD and back to the city. Concluding the activities will be a variety concert on

The late LFS Burnham

February 28 at the Theatre Guild. It will feature recognised top local performers. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was the First Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Founder-Leader of the People’s National Congress. He was born on February 20, 1923 and died on August 6, 1985. The Burnham Foundation, registered as a non-gov-

ernmental organisation in 2008, also launched a television programme, The State of The Nation, on July 31 on Channel 9, HBTV to usher in the week of observances to mark Burnham’s death anniversary. This programme was a monthly feature aired on the last Sunday of each month, and addressed current issues and the relevance of Burnham’s ideas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

$50M for restoration of Botanical Gardens

- New village to be added to Protected Areas THE BUDGET for the National Resources Ministry was approved in the Committee of Supply yesterday but not without a slew of questions from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarians. Subject Minister, Raphael Trotman was grilled on the 56 contracted employees at the Ministry and was asked by the Opposition to provide a list of their names and salaries, which he subsequently did during the course of the sitting. Meanwhile, during questioning on the monies budgeted under Capital Projects, the Minister revealed that $50M would be allocated for the Minister of Natural restoration of the Botanical Resources, Gardens, which will be chanRaphael Trotman neled through the National Parks Commission. According to Minister Trotman, the restoration will include the construction of a ‘Black Caiman Walkway’, rehabilitation of fencing structure, improvements to drainage and irrigation structures and the rehabilitation of the plant nursery. The Minister revealed that in order to alleviate flooding, government had to purchase an excavator at a cost of $19M. “We will be rehabilitating offices and raising the walkway. There is going to be a Black Caiman walkway built. We will rehabilitate the eastern fence, which is crumbling, because we discovered there is no foundation. We are investing $2.12M in the restoration of the plant nursery, and the koker will be rehabilitated,” Minister Trotman revealed. He noted that the government’s aim was to “restore the Botanical Gardens to its original intent…for botany.” NEW PROTECTED AREA Meanwhile, Minister Trotman also announced that the government was considering the establishment of a new Protected Area by adding the village of Konashen. He noted that his Ministry had already received a legal opinion on the issue, which has since been handed over to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the decision to include Konashen in the Protected Area dates back to March 2015. Konashen has an estimated one million acres of rainforest. The Wai Wais of Konashen District in the south of Guyana received title to the land in 2004 and partnered with Conservation International and the government of Guyana to have the entire area established as a protected area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Georgetown, Linden municipalities in worthwhile exchange

THE Georgetown and Linden municipalities recently facilitated an exchange visit among staff in a bid to learn and share ideas for good management and improvement of services to the citizenry. The visit was a follow-up, based on a request from Linden Town Clerk Jonellar Bowen, who sought the assistance of the Georgetown City Council. T h e o ff i c e r s o f t h e Georgetown municipality were required to work for two days at the Linden municipality, examining systems, policies and procedures in the various departments. Officers who were part of the exchange visit were required to provide a critical review of the operations of both municipalities. In the evaluation, the team from Georgetown was required to examine strengths, weaknesses and best practices in the various departments. They were also required to identify similarities and differences in operations be-

tween the two municipalities. Town Clerk Bowen said the Linden Town Council is faced with many challenges, but the two municipalities can work together to craft plausible solutions. Bowen said the challenges faced by the Linden municipality include having to deal with a narrow revenue base, high staff turnover and the inability of the Linden municipality to attract and retain qualified professionals. Head of the Region 10 Interim Management Committee, Orrin Gordon, welcomed the group from Georgetown and noted that the visit was a timely one. The Linden municipality, he said, is at the juncture of a political transition. Gordon also said that the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) and the Town Clerks Association would help the municipality in capacity-building and furtherance of good governance. GAM was the brainchild of the late Deputy Mayor

Robert Williams. It was established to build capacity of local government organisations. During the discussions, officers noted that expansion of revenue bases is vital for the municipalities to remain economically viable, and to provide sustained services to the citizenry. Municipalities would have to explore other areas to garner revenue to sustain their work, and if necessary, expand their operations. Also, for municipalities to remain relevant, their employees must be trained and retrained in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and other relevant areas. The officers expressed the view that it is imperative that municipalities restructure their operations in critical areas to meet the service needs of the population. City Hall Treasurer Ron Mc Almont was able to examine the accounting systems employed by the Linden municipality. Mc Almont shared

IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon in discussion with officers of the Georgetown municipality his knowledge and expertise on ways the systems can be improved. He also noted the need for tax information to be computerised. The Georgetown municipality tax system is computerised, but City Hall would be employing a more efficient system that would reduce the time ratepayers have to wait to honour their obligations to the Council.

This information would be made accessible online. Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe shared her knowledge of administration and records,and record-keeping management, as it relates to statutory agendas and minutes. The Georgetown municipality has agreed to provide training in several areas, which will include immedi-

ate training of Constabulary officers of Linden. The two municipalities have agreed to reintroduce the Inter-Municipal Games and Municipal Day of Sports. It is felt that this is necessary to build camaraderie among local government officers. The Georgetown municipality will also facilitate secondment of officers from the Linden municipality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

AFC Chairman decries attack on Team Benschop field officer

CHAIRMAN of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, has condemned the attack on a Team Benschop field supervisor who was posting Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign material in Georgetown on Monday. In a Facebook post, Mr Hughes described the assault as “brutal and barbaric.” The Guyana Chronicle understands that at approximately 17:00hrs, Iqbal Rahim was brutally assaulted by an independent candidate contesting Constituency No. 2, Kitty area, as he

Iqbal Rahim who was assaulted

was erecting flags on a utility pole. Rahim claimed that the independent candidate known as “Bulldog,” who is associated with one of the leading political groups in Guyana, stomped and kicked him about his body, causing him to seek medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital. “We have come too far as a country to even flirt with the return to the dark days of election violence…it was brought to my attention that Mr. Iqbal Rahim was viciously attacked while post-

ing campaign material for Team Benschop in Georgetown,” Hughes said. He further noted, “From all reports it would appear that Mr. Rahim suffered serious injuries. I unreservedly condemn this brutal and barbaric attack in the midst of the campaign for Local Government Elections. All candidates for Local Government Elections should be permitted to campaign unhindered, free from fear and intimidation in every square inch of Guyana.” Mark Benschop who is the leader of the LGE group, Team Benschop, also condemned what he says are a series of attacks on his candidates and members over the past

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes few days. He is calling on all political parties, groups, individuals, the Diplomatic Corps, GECOM

and others involved in the democratic electoral process to join this condemnation. Moreover, he noted that while campaigning in Tucville, Constituency 12, Team Benschop candidates Mark Benschop, Royston Alkins and volunteers were trailed by Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and several persons in her company. Benschop further explained that the Deputy Mayor had arrived at the exact spot Team Benschop was campaigning at right after they got to the neighbourhood as if they were summoned. “The persons did not make direct threats, but acted in a way we deem intimidating,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

GWI: Medical waste disposal ‘unacceptable’ GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) sanitation employees have expressed alarm at the amount of medical waste being found in the GWI sewage tanker, as well as in sewage chambers outside of some hospitals. As a follow-up, Chief Executive of GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles recently met with medical representatives regarding the wanton disposal of medical waste. Present were representatives of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Woodlands Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital and Balwant Singh’s Hospital. According to a GWI press release, Dr Van-West Charles said, “This situation is unacceptable. I am asking that every medical institution review their practices with regard to the disposal of medical waste and that there be some significant changes in adhering to all guidelines that relate to the proper disposal of medical waste.” The release further noted that Dr. Van-West Charles urged all the representatives present to examine if there are breaches in adhering to guidelines which stipulate how to correctly dispose of medical waste and take corrective action. The chief executive also indicated that he will be engaging the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on the matter and more discussions will be held to resolve the issue. “Our sanitation employees are alarmed by the amount of medical waste found in the GWI sewage tanker as well as sewage chambers outside of some hospitals,” the release stated. “The health and safety of our employees cannot be compromised in any way, hence the reason for the meeting with all the hospitals; we must find a swift solution to this problem and protect the health of GWI’s sanitation employees.” Dr. Van-West Charles explained that he recently met with all the employees of the Sanitation Department who described several alarming instances in which medical waste was discovered while cleaning sewage blockages or clearing overflows at various medical institutions within Georgetown. STEPPING ON USED NEEDLES Another instance included a sanitation employee stepping on used needles while attempting to clean the GWI sewerage tanker. The GWI chief executive further stated that he is prepared to take the conversation to a larger public forum in order to garner immediate action. “The management of GWI cannot accept that our sanitation workers are coming into contact with used needles on a regular basis. This issue is of paramount importance, since it directly affects the lives of our employees and their families,” stated Dr Van-West Charles.

GWI CEO Dr. Richard Van-West Charles speaking with representatives of hospitals in Georgetown

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Pointed out at second ID parade By George Barclay

CARNAL knowledge accused, Thorn Cam-

eron began his defence before a High Court judge and jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday.

The 30-year old accused, defended by Maxwell McKay, had pleaded not guilty. Justice Seunarine-Beharry is the presiding judge. The Police have accused Cameron of having carnal knowledge of a girl of West Coast, Demerara under the age of 14 years. The offence is contrary to Section 70 Act 8:01. In an unsworn statement from the dock, the accused, who maintained his innocence, also claimed that he had attended an Identification parade when the victim failed to identify anybody on parade, forcing the officer to say: “Everybody free to go.” I left the station and went home, he said. Cameron said that he was sitting on a bench at the Leonora Police station, when

a rank told him he ‘gon get charge for rape and that I rape some lil girl up at Vreed-en Hoop jetty.’ The accused said he was invited to attend a second ID parade and he told the officer that he had already attended one and was never pointed out. In the height of the matter the accused said that relatives of the girl pointed to him and said: “Dat is the boy, that is the boy.” He said following this accusation at the second ID parade the girl walked and came straight to him – without going to anybody else. The trial continues today when the defence is expected to call a witness. The offence is alleged to have been committed on Thusday, August 2, 2007.

STILL INTACT

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

…Guyana slams Venezuela’s attempt to change Geneva Agreement

ON the 50th Anniversary of the historic signing of the Geneva Agreement, the Guyana Government is accusing Venezuela of trying to change the pact and reminded that it remains what it always was, the means to bring closure to Caracas’ “baseless contentions.” In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign

intact. That is why the Geneva Agreement is worth commemorating. It is part of the founding instruments of Guyana’s freedom,” the statement read. According to the Ministry as part of the future, it specifically limited the nature of any ongoing discussion: Firstly, the only discussion thereafter under the Geneva Agreement

parties in the context of his powers under the Geneva Agreement. Guyana is cooperating fully with the Secretary General in the context outlined. What the Geneva Agreement offers Venezuela is the opportunity to establish that the 117 year old Award – accepted, demarcated and respected by Venezuela for

President David Granger

Ambassador Sir Shridath Ramphal

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

would be about Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award under the Treaty of Washington ‘was null and void’. Secondly, that the forum of discussion would be a 4-year Mixed Commission between Guyana and Venezuela and if that failed to find agreement, such other machinery as the Parties agreed upon; and thirdly, failing such agreement, Venezuela’s argument about the nullity of the 1899 Award, would be settled by a means chosen by the United Nations Secretary General from processes taken from Article 33 of the UN Charter, ending with judicial settlement. “That is where we are now. The Secretary General is seized of the matter. He is aware of Guyana’s position and has put forward proposals to both

over 60 years is a nullity,” the Ministry asserted. It added that not surprisingly, Venezuela has not been able to do so over the first 50 years of the Geneva Agreement’s life. “What they are doing now is to try to change the Geneva Agreement itself. But that is not possible. The Geneva Agreement remains what it always was, the means to bring closure to Venezuela’s baseless contentions.” Only last week renowned Guyanese Diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal asserted that the only available means towards resolution of the age-old controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Sir Shridath was at the time part of a panel discussion on the Geneva Agreement. That panel also comprised

Affairs, Government said that this year is the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence and it is not co-incidental that today is also the 50th Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement; for the Geneva Meeting represented the last failed effort from Caracas to prevent Guyana’s Independence. The Geneva Agreement was concluded between Britain and Venezuela. Guiana only became a full party on attaining Independence. “That is what the Agreement was all about – Guyana’s Independence. Until then, Venezuela had indulged in an argument with Britain to maintain the state of colonialism in British Guiana until the boundary with Venezuela was changed. The Geneva Agreement ended that un-Bolivarian argument. Guyana would be free with its borders

Ambassadors Cedric Joseph and Ronald Austin. The Guyanese diplomat, who was present upon the signing of the Agreement on February 17, 1966, said he would like to see a proper conclusion to the matter, and more specifically, he “would like to see the fulfillment of the Geneva Agreement”. “That article that calls on the [UN] Secretary General to act has come.

I would like to see that activated. We have begun the discussions with the Secretary General. I would like to see that taken to completion and the Secretary General hand the resolution of the issue over to the International Court of Justice,” said Sir Shridath Ramphal. He said that having closure to the controversy would mean a lot “for the world; for the rule of law;

for the sanctity of treaties, which is of importance to the whole world. It would mean everything for relations between Guyana and Venezuela.” Sir Shridath explained that the signing of the Geneva Agreement was in a sense an essential part of a “larger picture of Guyana’s Independence”, as it was See page 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

The Geneva Agreement No.8192 VENEZUELA and UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND Agreement to resolve the controversy over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana. Signed at Geneva, on 17 February 1966 Official texts: Spanish and English Registered by Venezuela on 5 May 1966 THE GENEVA AGREEMENT No.8192. Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of British Guiana, and the Government of Venezuela, Geneva, 17th February, 1966. The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of British Guiana, and the Government of Venezuela; Taking into account the forthcoming independence of British Guiana; Recognising that closer co-operation between British Guiana and Venezuela could bring benefit to both countries; Convinced that any outstanding controversy between the United Kingdom and British Guiana on the one hand and Venezuela on the other would prejudice the furtherance of such co-operation and should therefore be amicably resolved in a manner acceptable to both parties; In conformity with the agenda that was agreed for the governmental conversations concerning the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom over the frontier with British Guiana, in accordance with the joint communique of 7 November, 1963, having reached the following agreement to resolve the present controversy: ARTICLE I Forbes Burnham, A Mixed Commission shall be Prime Minister, British Guiana established with the task of seeking satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom which has arisen as the result of the Venezuela contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. ARTICLE II 1. Within two months of the entry into force of this Agreement, two representatives shall be appointed to the Mixed Commission by the Government of British Guiana and two by the Government of Venezuela. 2. The Government appointing a representative may at any time replace him, and shall do so immediately should one or both of its representatives be unable to act through illness or death or any other cause. 3. The Mixed Commission may by agreement between the representatives appoint experts to assist the Mixed Commission, either generally or in relation to any individual matter under consideration by the Mixed Commission. ARTICLE III The Mixed Commission shall present interim reports at intervals of six months from the date of its first meeting. ARTICLE IV If, within a period of four years from the date of this Agreement, the Mixed Commission should not have arrived at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy it shall, in its final report, refer to the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela any outstanding questions. Those Governments shall without delay choose one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. If, within three months of receiving the final report, the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela should not have reached agreement regarding the

choice of one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, they shall refer the decisions as to the means of the settlement to an appropriate international organ upon which they both agree or, failing agreement on this point, to the Secretaryâ€“General of the United Nations. If the means so chosen do not lead to a solution of the controversy, the said organ or, as the case may be, the Secretaryâ€“General of the United Nations shall choose another of means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved or until all the means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted. ARTICLE V In order to facilitate the greatest possible measure of co-operation and mutual understanding, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be interpreted as a renunciation or diminution by the United Kingdom, British Guiana or Venezuela of any basis of claim to territorial sovereignty in the territories of Venezuela or British Guiana, or of any previously asserted rights of or claims to such territorial sovereignty, or as prejudicing their position as regards their recognition or non-recognition of a right of, claim or basis of claim by any of them to such territorial sovereignty. No acts or activities taking place Michael Stewart, Secretary of while this Agreement is in force State for Foreign Affairs, UK shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in territories of Venezuela or British Guiana or create any rights of sovereignty in those territories, except in so far as such acts or activities result from any agreement reached by the Mixed Commission and accepted in writing by the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela. No new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim, to territorial sovereignty in those territories shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being. ARTICLE VI The Mixed Commission shall hold its first meeting at a date and place to be agreed between the Governments of British Guiana and Venezuela. This meeting shall take place as soon as possible after its members have been appointed. Thereafter the Mixed Commission shall meet as and when agreed between the representatives. ARTICLE VII This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signature. ARTICLE VIII Upon the attainment of independence by British Guiana, the Government of Guyana shall thereafter be a party to this Agreement, in addition to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Venezuela. In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement. Done in duplicate at Geneva this 17th day of February, 1966, in the English and Spanish Languages, both texts being equally authoritative. For the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: MICHAEL STEWART Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs L.F.S BURNHAM Prime Minister of British Guiana For the Government of Venezuela: IGANCIO IRIBARREN BORGES Minister of Foreign Affairs

STILL INTACT

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

From page 19

premised around the outrageous claims by Venezuela to more than half of Guyana. President David Granger also noted

during a meeting with Sir Shridath that even as Venezuela continues to claim Guyana’s territory, it has also launched a “propaganda offensive,” purporting that the

Geneva Agreement invalidated the 1899 Tribunal Agreement. “There is nothing in the Geneva Agreement, which suggests an invalidation of an international agreement, by which borders have been drawn 116 years ago… Nothing in this agreement deprives Guyana of any territory and this is the message we are sending, but in addition to that we are looking to the United Nations Secretary-General to perform the functions, which have been given to him under the Geneva Agreement and bring this matter to a swift and successful conclusion. We are quite fed-up of the Venezuelan aggression and harassment,” President Granger said. The Geneva Agreement allows for the UN SG to choose, as one of his options, a juridical settlement to the dispute. Guyana has indicated that it prefers such a settlement. “Venezuela has not agreed to the line that Guyana has taken, that is, to proceed to juridical settlement and Venezuela is attempting

to use the observance of the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement to falsely convey the notion that the Geneva Agreement somehow or the other invalidates the 1899 Accord,” President Granger said. The Head of State noted that despite the Secretary General’s intervention at a meeting held on the side-lines of the United Nations General Council last year, Venezuela is still to Accredit Guyana’s Ambassador to that country. He added that Venezuela’s continued claims to Guyana’s territory have limited national development. “A lot of the actions that the Venezuelans have taken over the past years have driven investors out. This must be the last year that Guyana has to suffer the indignities and aggressions of Venezuela. We look forward to having a juridical settlement so that we can pursue the development of our natural resources,” President Granger said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Gilhuys placed on bail for obstruction of justice ATTORNEY at Law and former Magistrate, Gordon Gilhuys was on Tuesday morning arrested by Inspector Chubinaught Singh at the Mackenzie Police Station and later placed on $10,000 station bail on a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. It was alleged that Gilhuys attempted to pervert the course of justice by approaching a female officer attached to the Mackenzie Police Station in an effort to persuade her to accept another statement from a victim involved in a rape matter. Attorney Gilhuys, whose client is the defendant in

and Gilhuys had allegedly attempted to have the rank accept another statement, positing that they wished to settle the matter with the defendant outside of the law.

Gordon Gilguys the matter, was charged for raping a 16-year-old girl. According to Eâ€™ Division Commander Calvin Brutus, the victim and her mother had already given a statement

Wednesday February 17th, 2016 - 13:00 hrs Thursday February 18th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Friday February 19th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

It was reported that Gilhuys allegedly had a verbal confrontation with the rank in question, which led to his arrest. The commander said this tactic is used to lay a founda-

tion of complaint in the court of law and has described the situation as very unhealthy for a legal practitioner. The file will be compiled and sent the office

of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where recommendations for charges will be instituted. Gilhuys is a former police officer and a magistrate.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

New health procurement system a boon to small companies By Svetlana Marshall

SMALL companies stand to benefit significantly from the new procurement system being implemented by the Public Health Ministry, subject Minister Dr. George Nor-

ton said yesterday. The system now being used for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies ultimately breaks the monopolistic arrangement which existed under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) admin-

istration, Dr Norton said. As he explained, the new bidding document is designed in such a way that it allows companies of all sizes to participate in an open and competitive process. “We made some chang-

es where, in the bidding document, it was stated that you had to bid for 100% of the lot; changes are being made with respect to that,” he posited. It was further explained that medical supplies and pharmaceuticals will be placed into lots, thereby allowing companies to bid for particular lots, if they so desire. “We are definitely moving away from brand names, and going for generic names,” Dr Norton said. MINOR CHANGES Already, 35 of the new

bidding documents have been sold, even though there are still a few minor changes to be made. But according to Dr. Norton, once confirmed, the changes will be made available to those persons or companies that would have already purchased the document. “So, we will have to set back the dates when we will open the bids. But, in the meantime, we have a system in place, through PAHO/WHO, UNICEF or UNFPA to support us in getting medication,” he said.

But, new system aside, the procurement of drugs and medical supplies still remains substantially a centralised process, with the exception of minor purchases, such as medical gases, snake-bite kits and small emergency supplies. The Health Minister explained that allocations have been distributed across the regions as a first step at improving the programme budgeting of health costs at a regional level, even as work is advancing on a costing exer-

Please see page 25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

New health procurement system ... From page 24

cise to determine the total costs of drugs expended in each region. But procedurally, the monies will be warranted back to the Ministry of Public Health from the regions to facilitate centralised procurement and the benefits of economies of scale and requisite quality controls. Put in layman’s language, Dr Norton said,

“This means that the REOs will send the agreed sum to the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Public Health will pool all these monies and purchase drugs and medical supplies for the facilities across the regions.” THE BENEFITS Asked about the benefits to be derived from this new process, the Health Minister said regions will budget for that which is required.

“In 2014, we had to destroy $280M worth of expired medication; and this is what we are hoping that we would get rid of. That $280M could have gone into the purchasing of equipment, or even building a health centre,” he posited. Last week in the National Assembly, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, said that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alli-

ance For Change (APNU+AFC) government inherited an “albatross” in the New GPC, the only supplier of drugs to the Health Sector. “Mr Speaker, that the previous government would sell 90 per cent of its shares in an entity it owned and controlled, only to turn back and buy drugs from the same entity, which has become a

private enterprise, is imprudent, as much as it is appalling,” she told the House. “Now, the health sector is burdened with buying drugs from a single source, because the procedure of prequalification was decidedly skewed in favour of that particular company,” Dr. Cummings added. She, however, hastened

to assure the House that the procurement process within the Public Health Sector is being comprehensively reformed, with emphasis being placed on more transparent procedures. As such, the Public Health Ministry will be shifting gear, moving away from sole-sourcing to open competitive bidding.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Police empowering Linden youths IN a bid to keep Linden youths meaningfully occupied, ‘E’ Division Commander Calvin Brutus is working with members of the community and social workers on several youth-empowerment projects. The senior superintendent told this newspaper that the programmes target youths between the ages of eight to 18 in Christianburg, Blueberry Hill, Vic-

tory Valley, Silvertown/ Green Valley, One Mile/½ Mile, Canvas City, Block 22, Wisroc, West Watooka and Mabura. There are also groups established at Amelia’s Ward, Bamia, Silver Hill, Kairuni, Ituni and Kwakwani. Each group consists of at least 30 members. The groups hold classes in cookery, sports and computer training on Saturdays and holidays in

these communities with support from social workers. They are hoping to team up with youths from ‘F’ Division for the Under-15 and Under-17 games and to tour places of interest. Brutus said the division has been involved in several social activities in order to foster better relations with members of the community. The division

Commander ‘E’ Division, Calvin Brutus

recently constructed the fence around the Mabura Primary School. And with assistance from members of the community, they have also rehabilitated the Community Centre at Victory Valley, re-paved the ground and erected a chain-link fence at the football area and renovated St Mary’s Primary School auditorium. The senior police officer also pointed out that in all the youth groups, craft classes are held, while staffers at the Linden Hospital Complex do First Aid training. Apart from these social

programmes, Brutus said ‘E’ division also donated sports gear to the youths in the various communities and are looking to partner with the Ministry of Education to get sponsors for youths to enrol at the Linden Technical Institute. The division is hoping to organise a Day of Sports at the Kwakwani Community Centre for youths in the riverain communities. There is a Chaplin service and officers counsel victims and relatives affected by serious crimes and engage youths in public speaking and lectures.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Winners declared in Guyoil ‘Bling my Ride’ promo

GUYANA Oil Company’s (Guyoil) ‘Bling my Ride’ promotion is in full swing and heading to service stations all across Guyana. According to a release issued on Tuesday, approximately 52 persons won prizes when the State-owned fuel company held drawing ceremonies at four distribution outlets. “Customers who purchased more than $5,000 worth of fuel from any Guyoil Service Station were entitled to fill out a coupon for prizes that include one flat screen television, one tablet computer, one beach umbrella and a complete vehicle makeover,” the release stated. Thus far, 40 persons have won beach umbrellas but the top prize winners from the Palmyra Service Station draw, which was held in February, were identified as Ronel Hinchey of Nurney Village, Corentyne, Berbice, T. Persaud of Black Bush Polder and Ameer Azees of 64 Village, Corentyne. Hinchey won a tablet, while Persaud won a flat screen television, and Azees a car makeover. Victoria Service Station, on February 5, saw Prem Rampersaud winning a tablet, Shiek Omar winning the television set, and Tulchan Persaud having his vehicle completely made over. Kitty’s ‘Bling my ride’ draw saw Arlon McKenzie of 118 Sideline Dam East Coast Demerara winning a tablet, Dexter Anderson of Aubrey Backer Road South Ruimveldt winning a flat screen television and Ogle’s Desmond Chan winning the car makeover. Chitradevi Seemangal, a Mon Repos East Coast Demerara resident won the tablet at the Sheriff Street draw held on February 12, while Suresh Singh of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara won the flat screen television and Byron Gordon of Liliendaal/Sophia will have his vehicle completely made over. The ‘Bling my ride’ promotion commenced in December, 2015 with the aim of solidifying the company’s strong relations with the public. Retail Sales Manager Jacqueline James expressed gratitude at the positive reception the initiative has been receiving. She told customers, “That their support and contributions to this agency is a direct benefit to all citizens.” James urged persons to remain significant contributors to the growth and development of the locally-owned company. Fifty-two prizes are to be won, and four more Service Stations to be visited. ‘Pink Beast’ race car driver, Sherima ‘Speed Queen’ Khan and the sexy ‘Bling my Ride’ models are also on board. Not only is the “Speed Queen” Guyoil’s ‘Bling my Ride’ Ambassador, but she is the lone female representing in the male- dominated racing arena. Khan commended Guyoil on their promotion and expressed gratitude for the agency enabling her to promote herself. “This is a good opportunity for customers, and for me personally, it’s helping me to fulfill my dreams.” “Bling my Ride” goes to Providence Service Station today February 16. Diamond Service Station will be visited on February 18, while draws will be held in Anna Regina, Essequibo on February 20, and Regent Street February 26.

Guyoil ‘Bling my Ride’ winners

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Too much soca... From back page Janine Francois, Mollon, Karyn Forbes and Cordner. With Barbadian referee Gillian Martindale sounding her whistle to signal the start of the game, Trinidad and Tobago immediately went into attack mode and Mollon, using her wealth of experience, terrorised Guyana’s defence down the right wing. It didn’t take long before the 30-year-old Forward (Mollon) worked her magic on the Lady Jags, as she broke down the right wing and squared the ball in nicely to Cordner, to bag her first of two goals and ultimately the lead in their eventual win. Mollon again, three minutes working down the right wing and this time found Shade who was just inside the ‘18’ and her (Shade) shot was hit too hard and well-placed for Sandiford to stop, making it 2-0 Trinidad. Seven minutes later, defender Justine Rodrigues, in her attempt to clear the ball after a Cunningham attempt, mistakenly scored her ‘own goal’ and placed Trinidad up 3-0. Mollon, after playing a role in each of the goals scored by Trinidad, netted one of her own but Williams pulled one back for Guyana just when it seems as though the Lady Jags will head into the locker room with a heavy deficit. Kimika Forbes was caught off her line after clearing the ball which landed in the path of Williams, who floated her shot nicely over the Trinidadian’s glove to put the score 4-1. In the second half, Guyana were by far the more aggressive, pressing especially since seeing their Olympic dream being shattered in-front their eyes. On an attack, Mariam El-Masri, the Lady Jags’ leading goalscorer who came in as a first-half substitute for Savona, flicked the ball towards goal but it was timed perfectly by Forbes to deny Guyana a second goal. El-Masri continued to get her way with the Trinidadian defence but was roughed up a little in the 18-yard area and a loud call for “penalty” was made. However, the ‘Bajan’ referee said play-on. El-Masri continued her terror on the Trinidadian defence, but Cordner, the usual trouble-maker for her country, put the icing on the cake with her beautiful strike that left Sandiford stunned in goal. The Lady Jags received a standing ovation as they exited the ‘tear-flooded’ pitch, and would now shift their attention to playing at home in Guyana for the country’s 50th Anniversary celebration in May.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Towcester 09:20 hrs William H Bonney 09:50 hrs Go West Young Man 10:25 hrs Cassie 11:00 hrs Bebinn 11:35 hrs Timon’s Tara 12:10 hrs Parting Way 12:45 hrs Laser Light LINGFIELD 09:30 hrs Inaa m 10:00 hrs Ventura Falcon 10:35 hrs Buying Trouble 11:10 hrs Frivolous Lady 11:45 hrs Arch Villian 12:20 hrs New Rich 12:55 hrs Viserion MUSSELBURGH 09:40 hrs Proud Gamble 10:15 hrs Emperor’s Sakhee 10:50 hrs Oscar Lateen 11:25 hrs No Ceiling 12:00 hrs Serenity Now 12:35 hrs Fredo 13:05 hrs Dubai Shen

IRISH RACING TIPS Punchestown 10:05 hrs Indian Court 10:40 hrs Robin Thyme 11:15 hrs Coole Craft 11:50 hrs Jodies Miss 12:25 hrs Luckyinmilan SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 09:10 hrs Free Agent 09:50 hrs Let’s Go Get It 10:30 hrs Tiger Tops AMERICAN RACING TIPS Gulfstream Race 1 Skippy Is Back Race 2 Tale Stone Race 3 Liberty Road Race 4 Wind Warning Race 5 Flashing Light Race 6 Fuhrious Warrior Race 7 April Rose Race 8 Natural Order

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Aussies rebuild on track, must build on win - Lehmann WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) Australia coach Darren Lehmann had little to complain about after his team wrapped up the first Test against New Zealand inside four days but he says the challenge

for his young squad will be to build on that victory in the second match later this week. A superb bowling effort on the first day, and a double century from Adam Voges that drove them to a mammoth first innings of 562, helped the visitors to an innings and 52-run

victory on Monday at the Basin Reserve. While Australia can take top spot from India in the Test world rankings if they avoid defeat in the second match, Lehmann knows the hosts will be fired up for the game in Christchurch starting on February 20.

“The challenge for a young group is how they play away from home and I’m pleased with the way we have started this tour,” Lehmann told reporters. “The challenge is to back that up next week in Christchurch. “New Zealand will come back at us hard and we need to prepare for a side that play very well at home and need to back up that performance again.” Lehmann’s team is in the midst of a rebuild following the retirements of batsmen Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, all-rounder Shane Watson and pace bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris in the last year. Captain Steve Smith felt the team was ‘gelling well’ after successive series wins at home against New Zealand and West Indies, and said players

such as Usman Khawaja were making the most of their opportunities.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann Khawaja, who has scored four Test centuries since his return against New Zealand in Brisbane last November, said his confidence had been

helped with the knowledge he would get the chance to prove himself because the team was rebuilding. With quality waiting in the wings, Lehmann said the players still needed to perform if they wanted to cement their place. “With the retirements it gave people a little bit of a run at it for a couple of series,” he added. “You can go speak to them and confidently say ‘you’re going to get a good run without chopping and changing’”. “We’re happy with our top six. We are leaving a bloke out who made 182 in his last Test match and that is tough on Shaun Marsh, so you have to keep making runs when you have blokes sitting on the sideline, there’s no doubt about that. “Everyone needs to do his job day in and day out.”

Australia’s Watson confident of fitness for World T20

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia all-rounder Shane Watson is confident he will be fit for the World Twenty20 in India despite an abdominal strain cutting short his campaign in the Pakistan Super League. The 34-year-old suffered the injury bowling for Islamabad in the T20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates and immediately withdrew to fly home to Sydney for scans and an assessment. “It’s going to take me a couple of weeks to get back into batting and bowling,” Watson told The Australian newspaper, adding that the injury was “not major”. “We got it before it did too much damage. “I’m very confident I’ll be right for the World Cup. That’s still three or four weeks away ... It’s not like a side strain or anything like that. If everything goes to plan, I’ll be right.” Watson’s fitness has been under the microscope throughout his 14-year international career, with a succession of soft tissue injuries robbing him of

time in the middle in recent seasons. Watson put his latest injury down to a vigorous delivery and playing three matches in successive days in the Pakistan Super League’s compressed three-

SHANE WATSON week schedule. “I tried to bowl a slower ball but put too many revs on it and it twinged a bit,” said Watson, who drew the highest bid of 95 million rupees ($1.39 million) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) player auctions earlier this month. Injury aside, Watson’s selection in the World T20

squad seemed improbable only a few weeks ago. Having retired from Test cricket after being dropped following the Ashes series-opener in England, Watson was overlooked for the one-day international series against India last month and had a poor start in the domestic Big Bash T20 tournament for Sydney Thunder. However, he found form at the right time to be picked for the home T20 series against India and blasted a century in defeat when leading the side in place of injured former skipper Aaron Finch during the third and final match in Sydney. He was subsequently picked in Steve Smith’s squad for the World T20 and brings vital experience of conditions in the subcontinent as an enthusiastic IPL veteran. “The T20 selection felt like the added bonus on top of what had happened for the previous six weeks,” said Watson. The World T20 starts on March 8.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Chris Lewis talks about prison time to educate youngsters CHRIS Lewis, the former England all-rounder, has worked in cricket for the first time since his release from prison in June last year, having served six years of a 13year sentence for smuggling liquid cocaine in the UK. Lewis, who played his last professional match in 2008 after a brief comeback for Surrey at the age of 40, was jailed in May 2009, having been arrested at Gatwick Airport on December 2008 with liquid cocaine valued at more than £140 000 hidden in fruit tins in his cricket bag. He is now using his experiences to educate young players of the importance of planning for life after the cricket by working with the Professional Cricketers’ Association. He attended this year’s Rookie Camp - a day organised by the PCA for young county players. “It has been a long time since I have been around cricket, a lot has happened since I last walked out of the door of a cricket ground so I suppose I wasn’t sure about the reaction I would get,” Lewis said. “There was a little bit of apprehension about talking about the subject matter which is quite emotive for a lot of people. But I feel good about today. I hope the young guys got a little bit from it. I

have spoken to one or two of them and it seems to be something that will perhaps stick in their memory. “It’s not the kind of story that you forget very easily,” he added. “If it

Former England all-rounder Chris Lewis helps the young players here to think they need to plan otherwise they will end up like Chris Lewis then it’s job done.” Talking after his release from prison last year, Lewis said he had not given serious thought to

what he would do once his cricket career ended. “You try different things to try to generate cash. You are not talking about the same level of cash as when you played. You are talking about a level of cash that, now you are living a normal life - to sort that out. Coming back to play T20 for Surrey, that didn’t work and at the same time the old hips played up. “I had spent a bit of money. I had been away to Australia to train to try to get fit to come back to do the Twenty20 so money had been spent and nothing had been earned. I became afraid of what the future held and at that point the thinking actually went awry. “I made choices that I shouldn’t have made and that were the wrong choices and that, in the end. I should say sorry for because they were the wrong choices, and I do say sorry for.” Lewis was appearing alongside Mervyn Westfield, the former Essex bowler, who was jailed for his role in spot-fixing and has worked regularly with the PCA since his release from prison, while former England paceman Simon Jones also spoke about his experiences during and after his playing career. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Brazil court blocks Neymar from using assets worth almost $50 million By Andrew Downie SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - A federal court in Sao Paulo has blocked Barcelona striker Neymar from using almost $50 million worth of assets -- including a yacht, a jet and properties, officials told Reuters yesterday. The move was taken as the 24-year-old Brazilian is accused of tax evasion between 2011 and 2013. The court froze 188.8 million reais ($46.7 million) in assets last September but Neymar had been free to use those assets until now. Officials also corrected the amount to 192 million reais ($47.5 million). “Official documents were sent to several entities such as port authorities, offices that register properties, and civil aviation authorities (so that Neymar no

longer has use of these assets),” the judge said in a statement sent to Reuters. An appeal to block the footballer’s future earnings was, however, rejected, officials said. Among the assets frozen are three companies of which he and his father are the principal owners. Prosecutors accuse Neymar of setting up companies as fronts in order to pay a lower rate of tax. Neymar is accused of not paying 63.3 million reais ($15.7 million) in taxes between 2011 and 2013. The judge froze three times that amount for security reasons and to cover potential interest and fines, according to a judicial order explaining the seizure. Neymar’s total assets were Barcelona’s Neymar leaves the High Court after testifying before given as 244.2 million reais ($60.4 million). Neymar has a judge in Madrid, Spain. denied any wrongdoing.

West Indies Full Schedule for T20 World Cup WITH the player payment controversy behind, West Indies have settled on the final squad which will represent the region in India for the 2016 World T20. The full schedule is now available for the Caribbean team. Warm up matches will be played against India and Australia. The official 2016 campaign will commence against England on March 16th. Full Schedule for West Indies: Warm-Ups March 10th – vs India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata March 13th – vs Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Official WT20 March 16th – vs England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai March 20th – vs Sri Lanka at Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru March 25th – vs South Africa at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur March 27th – vs Qualifier at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur March 30th – Semi-Final 1 at Kotla, Delhi March 31st – Semi-Final 2 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai April 3rd – Final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

FIFA hears Blatter appeal against eight-year ban ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter was at the headquarters of football’s governing body yesterday for a hearing to appeal against his eight-year suspension from the sport. Blatter, 79, was banned in December along with European football boss Michel Platini over a payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2 million) made to the Frenchman in 2011 by FIFA with Blatter’s approval for work done a decade earlier. FIFA’s ethics committee, which imposed the bans on Blatter and Platini, said the payment, made at a time when the former was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest. Both men SEPP BLATTER denied wrongdoing. The case is now being heard by FIFA’s Appeal Committee. Sources close to FIFA said that Blatter had arrived at 07:30hrs local time, evading cameramen and photographers who had expected him to arrive later. Blatter’s adviser Thomas Renggli told Reuters he expected to get the verdict later this week. Football’s world ruling body is engulfed by a graft scandal that has led to the indictment of several dozen leading football officials in the United States. Platini’s appeal was heard on Monday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Preparations key to Under-19s success - WICB

ST JOHN’S, Antigua The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reporting that from as far back as the last Under-19 Cricket World Cup, a strategic management panel was put in place. Director of Cricket Richard Pybus says, “It was the long- range planning of the panel and the hard work of the high performance programme staff that contributed significantly to the success of the Under-19 team.” The cricketing world is still celebrating with the Caribbean side which had an emphatic five-wicket win over India in a nail-biting final in the ICC Cricket Under-19 Cricket World Cup final which ended on Sunday in Bangladesh. Pybus thinks it is important to highlight all the work that has been put into preparing this squad and “what can be achieved when there is an investment in human and financial resources”. The preparation was a mixture of camps, competition and high performance (life skills) programmes which started from as far back as August 2014 when a core of young men was chosen following the regional Under-19 championship. Guyana won the title in 2014 and successfully defended their title in 2015. Here is how it all unfolded

The West Indies are elated after getting their hands on the trophy, India v West Indies, Under-19 World Cup 2016, final last Sunday. August 2014: A group of 20 players selected January 2015: Pre-camp in Trinidad and Tobago January – February 2105: The squad participated in the NAGICO Super50: – They played three games in the preliminary round before they were knocked out Game 1 – 97/7 Game 2 – 183/9 Game 3 – 137 all out Easter 2015 Camp in Barbados July 2015 Under-19 Regional Tournament in Jamaica August 2015 - Camp in Jamaica December 2015 - Camp in Grenada January 2016 - Two-week camp in Bangladesh January - February 2016 - ICC Championship in Bangladesh The camps were all fo-

cused on every aspect of preparation - life skills, physical, mental and playing preparation, game strategy and media. These areas were covered by a wide cross-section of technical and administrative staff who provided a range of expertise. The team included coaches Graeme West and Vasbert Drakes. Corey Collymore joined in later as assistant coach with support from physiotherapist Khevyn Williams and strength and conditioning coach, Neval Gazette. Dwain Gill started out as the team analyst, but was promoted to manager and Dinesh Mahabir became the team analyst. Staff from the Secretariat who provided support were Sport Performance and Psychology Coach and Player Relations Officer

Ayanna Cooper and Project Officer Rawl Lewis. Courtney Browne, who is now a senior selector, oversaw the selection of the squad and assisted in planning as team manager, before he stepped aside to other selection duties. Pybus stressed the collective efforts of the “team, which pooled all available resources to make this programme successful. We are pleased the team was able to execute and come away with the win.” Like in 2015, Pybus indicated that “an Under-19 team is scheduled to compete in the Super50 tournament in 2017 and a comprehensive programme will be rolled out soon.” T h e n e x t U n d e r- 1 9 World Cup is scheduled for January 2018 in New Zealand.

NOTABLE DATES IT was exactly 15 years ago today that Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis created history by becoming the first Guyanese to win a world title. Lewis was in line to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title in August of 2000 but opponent James Page never showed up for the fight. However, the hard-hitting and talented Lewis finally caught up with Page on February 17, 2001. The venue was the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Guyanese southpaw was 30 years old at the time and undefeated in 20 fights (18 KOs). He never missed a beat as Page was walloped from the opening round. So dominating was `The Albouystown Cyclone’ that midway into the first round television announcer and fight analyst Emmanuel Steward predicted that the Lewis would win by stoppage. The punching power and speed forced referee Kenny Bayless to wave off the fight at one minute 13 seconds of the seventh round which allowed Lewis to lift the vacant WBA welterweight crown.

Leal wins R&R-sponsored 25-mile road race

TEAM Gillette Evolution continued their dominance of local cycle road races on Sunday, as Raul Leal prevailed in a bunch sprint to win the 25th Annual R&R International Limited-sponsored 25-mile race in the West Demerara area. The event was organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed. Leal, who also won one of the six prime prizes that were up for grabs, stopped the clock at one hour two minutes 17.50 seconds in winning the event. The other top five places in the overall category were occupied by Raphael Leung, Javon Crawford, Alonzo Ambrose, Andrew Hicks and Romelo Crawford respectively. By virtue of placing second overall, Leung was adjudged RAUL LEAL the first junior to complete the course which was originally set for 40 miles but was reduced to 25 miles due to the rehabilitation works being conducted on the West Coast Demerara carriageway. Hicks was second in the junior category and Javon Crawford third. Robin Persaud won the veterans category ahead of Andrew Spencer and Warren McKay respectively, while Ozia McAulley was the winner of the mountain bike category. Second in this category was Keon Thomas while Shane Bourne placed third. The female category was won by United Kingdom-based Guyanese Clair Fraser-Green. Paul DeNobrega and Ambrose won two prime prizes each, while the other went to Javon Crawford. From the start of the race, which began at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, West Bank Demerara and proceeded to Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, the starters were tightly grouped in a high-paced situation all the way to the turnback point. However, on turning back, almost half the pack went on a break and opened a sizeable lead until the sprint to the finish line which Leal won.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday February 17, 2016) 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:

FLASHBACK: Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, after winning the WBA World Welterweight Championship against James Page, on February 17, 2001.

(1) Andy Sandham (ENG) (2) Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

Then-President Bharrat Jagdeo, who watched the Fight in Lewis’ hometown of Albouystown, immediately declared the next day a holiday. Lewis returned later in the year to a hero’s welcome.

(1) Which Englishman was in both teams when Brian Lara made 375 and 400 not out in Tests? (2) How many ODIs Sir Gary Sobers played?

Today’s Quiz:

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 17, 2016

Permaul is Albion Cricketer-of-the-Year GUYANA and West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was presented with the Cricketer-of-theYear Award at the recently held Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) annual awards ceremony over the weekend. The ceremony, which was held at the club’s headquarters at the Albion Sports Complex, saw Permaul edge the other half of the club’s and Guyana’s ‘spin twin’ Devendra Bishoo for the cricketer-of-the-year award. Permaul received the award for his exemplary performance in the recent regional tournament as well as his recall to West Indies. Devendra Bishoo was given the Bowler-of-theYear award and Jonathan Foo received the award for Batsman-of-the-Year.

ACCCC rising star Gudakesh Motie copped several awards. Those included the Most Improved Cricketer-ofthe-Year, Most Disciplined Cricketer-of-the-Year and for representing Guyana at the senior level. Foo and Adrian Sukhwa were also awarded 1st Division and 2nd Division Cricketer-of-the-Year respectively while the Most Promising Cricketer-of-theYear award was given to David Latchana. The U-19 Cricketerof-the-Year was B. Baldeo while at the U-17 level Sukhwa was given the nod and Kevin Omroe was handed the U-15 title. Other awards were presented to Narsingh Deonarine, Permaul and Devendra Bishoo for representing the West Indies while Anthony Baramble was presented with

Cricketer-of-the-Year, Veerasammy Permaul receives his award from Gervy Harry, Administrative Officer NSC. an award for representing Guyana at the senior level.

Special awards were given to Mr Lloyd Kanden, Mr

Deonarine Balram and Mr Ajit Mootoo. The Albion Cricket Club is one of Guyana’s oldest cricket clubs and has produced several Guyana and West Indies players over the years. The Club was also the awardee of the Club-ofthe-Year award for the third consecutive year. Speaking at the presentation ceremony Mr Gervy Harry, Administrative Officer of the National Sports Commission stressed the importance of education and sports as they can both go hand in hand. He applauded the club for its success over the years and charged the cricketers to ensure they get a proper education to fall back on after retirement from the sport. Harry told the awardees to continue to strive for success, reminding them that

the achievement should be a stepping stone for other goals. “You are worthy of this award, you have made yourself proud. You have made the officials, fans, friends and family and all of Albion proud. You have worked hard for this success. However, you must each thrive for repeated and consistent achievement of goals. Having achieved one goal, that must be the starting point for other goals. There must be sustained commitment to development of yourself and cricket. It is important for cricketers to thrive to have goals.” Harry also expressed appreciation to the Albion for their contribution to the development of cricket in Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

GBBC ‘Hostile Territory’ card amended, Jamaica to participate in Dharry now takes on Venezuelan Schoolboys and Juniors tourney JAMAICA has become the second country to signal its participation at the region’s first International Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament. President of the Jamaica Boxing Association, Stephen Jones, on Monday confirmed that the Land of Wood and Water would be sending a team to the event which is scheduled to be held in Guyana from April 29 to 30. Jamaica now joins St Lucia which pledged support for the tournament last week. The St Lucian Amateur Boxing Association’s (SLABA) confirmation was received via an email. The GABA is now awaiting responses from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The Schoolboys and Juniors Tournament is being held at a time when GABA and other CARICOM countries have pledged to put more focus on the nursery of the sport. The April affair would mark the second time within five months that the local association will host an international event. It comes on the heels of the Caribbean Development Tournament held last November. That competition saw 13 countries from the Caribbean and South America participate. Meanwhile, GABA has named Sebert Blake

as the coach of a 40-man squad shortlisted to prepare for April. The squad has three females in Akea Lamazone, Rianna Rogers and Rondessa Bagot all of whom hail from the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym in Linden.

President of the Jamaica Boxing Association, Stephen Jones Eleven members of the shortlisted squad are from the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown, while 10 fighters will represent the Essequibo Gym, run by Clifton Moore. Essequibo was crowned Champion Gym at the last DDL Under-16 competition and leading its charge would be the talented Shaquancy Wright, a member of Team Guyana at last year’s Caribbean Development Tourna-

ment. The International Schoolboys and Juniors competition is scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and it is said to be the first of its kind in the Region. The shortlisted boxers are: Forgotten Youth Foundation: Seon Griffith, Stephon Smith, Orin Bancroft, Jamie Kellman, Dwayne Baptiste, Sean Graham, Travis Inverary, Shakiem Jones, Brian Harris, Orin Harris and Shamar Bumbury. Essequibo: Shaquincy Wright, Delroy Elcock, Deron Williams, Quancy Wright, Junior Hyman, Deshon Elcock, Shaquille Wright, Christopher Moore, Shaka Moore and Akiel Mounter. Harpy Eagles: Akeem Ali, Deandre Linton, Joseph Semple, Kevon Mulling, Kevin Allicock and Travis Hubbard. Pocket Rocket: Akea Lamazone, Rianna Rogers and Rondessa Bagot, Herman White, Joel Allicock and Duel Augustine. Guyana Defence Force: Quincy Boyce and Kevin Walton. Carryl Boxing Gym: Joshua Corbin and Mohammad Bacchus Rose Hall Jammers: Jamal Eastman. New Opportunity Corps: Kevin Griffith and Nicko Jodha

THE Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) `Hostile Territory’ card, set for February 27 at the Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara, has seen changes with one more professional fight added and another being changed in terms of the opponents. According to GBBC’s match-maker Eion Jardine, the feature bout which was to have been between United States-based Guyanese and Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) bantamweight champion Elton `The Coolie Bully’ Dharry and Panamanian Israel Hidrogo in a 10-round contest, will now see the Guyanese fight Venezuela’s Felix Machado, a former International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion over 10 rounds. Additionally, Cassius Matthews will face old rival Keshon Simon in a six-round welterweight rematch. The last time the two faced each other Matthews secured a split decision. That was on Boxing Night in 2013. The main supporting bout brings together Guyana’s Dexter Marques and Venezuela’s Freddy Beleno in a flyweight fight over 10 rounds. The opening fight on the night’s card will be a four-round ladies bantamweight contest between Mandessa Moses and Ansilla Norville. Imran Khan who made his debut as a professional last year will match gloves with Quincy Gomes in a six-round lightweight contest and Guyana’s Revlon Lake will face Barbados’ Miguel Antoine in a six-round welterweight contest. Speaking at the contract-signing ceremony a few weeks ago, GBBC’s president Peter Abdool said he is extremely happy to be associated with the Giftland Mall in staging the card, citing that the venue has made a tremendous difference for the staging of

ELTON DHARRY

professional cards. He informed that Giftland Mall wants to make the venue a home to professional boxing. Abdool said while this card was in the making, the Commonwealth Board has made it mandatory for Elton `The Coolie Bully’ Dharry to fight for its bantamweight title right here in Guyana on May 21. Abdool also informed that on that card (May 21), recently crowned FECABOX junior welterweight champion Dexter Gonsalves will also be taking a shot at the Commonwealth junior welterweight title. These fights, along with a few others, will be aired on Sky Sports. Admission to the venue on fight night is $5 000 for ringside and $2 000 for outer ringside.

Too much soca for the Lady Jags!

Guyana’s lone goalscorer Bria Williams celebrates after finding the net in the 44th minute in her country’s 5-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago last evening at the BBVA Compass Stadium.

… Trinidad and Tobago sink Guyana 5-1 By Rawle Toney in Houston, Texas

Leah Ramalho being chased by Trinidad’s Jo Marie Lewis.

THE Lady Jags’ journey to Rio Brazil came to a crashing end after going down 5-1 to Trinidad and Tobago last evening at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas in the final Group B match of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament. Kenny Cordner notched a double (7th and 61st minutes), while Mariah Shade (10th), Ahkeela Mollon (21st) and an own goal by Guyana’s Justine Rodrigues (17th), were enough to send the Twin Island Republic through to the Semi-Final, where a matchup with Olympic and World Cup Champions the USA awaits. The win for Trinidad also holds some historic significance, since it’s the first time the Soca Princesses are advancing past the Group Stage after failing to do so in their two previous showings at the CONCACAF tournament, used to determine the Confederation’s two representatives in Brazil later this year. Debutant Bria Williams scored Guyana’s lone goal of the game in the 44th minute as coach Mark

Rodrigues and his troops said ‘goodbye’ to the tournament in Houston Texas. Guyana entered the game holding a one-goal advantage over Trinidad and Tobago, and only needing a draw to advance further in the tournament on début. The team put forward by head coach Mark Rodrigues suggested that Guyana would have been playing it safe with the Lady Jags starting XI being more defensive-oriented. Coach Rodrigues started with Chante Sandiford in goal, Alison Heydorn, Briana De Souza, Leah Ramalho, Justine Rodrigues, Ashlee Savona, Ashley Rodrigues (captain), Otesha Charles, Kailey Leila, Dana Bally and Bria Williams. Richard Hood opted to present a more attacking line-up against the Guyanese women, going with goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, Jenelle Cunningham, Shade, Arin King, Khadidra Debesette, Maylee Attin-Johnson (captain), Tasha St-Louis, See page 35

Heineken launches UEFA finals promotion By Stephan Sookram HEINEKEN, under the Ansa McAl Brand, yesterday officially launched its Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League finals promotion with a bang at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. The beverage company has been a sponsor of the tournament for some years now and the local chapter kick-started its celebrations in fine style at the Savannah Suite with sponsors, media and fans all being a part of the celebration. Heineken brand manager Robert Hiscock contended that this year the company wanted to ring in the season with a bang, adding, “It was the biggest launch we’ve had ever; so far.” “We got in touch with some of the big corporate companies across Guyana, invited some of their staff,

Brand Manager Robert Hiscock (second from left) stands with some of the Heineken Girls. (Samuel Maughn photo) unknowing to the staff, down The Heineken brand man- led out of the room and when The Ansa McAl represento a seminar about corporate ager continued exuberantly, they came back, there was a tative added, “Well I hope this wellness, meditation, finan- “They sat in that for an hour full party going on, a Heinek- is going to help us achieve cial wellness and all sorts of and a half getting bored and en party; confetti, lights and it what we want to achieve. This random stuff,” said Hiscock. then all of a sudden they were was massive.” year we have so much happen-

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

ing for champions league; we have a massive champion’s league party on May 28, right in the middle of our 50th anniversary celebrations so people will have another outlet to celebrate.” The final of the tournament will be broadcast live from the San Siro in Milan Italy with the local chapter planning a major shindig for fans at a venue expected to be named in the coming days. Hiscock, himself an English football fan of Manchester United said that even though his side is out of the running this year, Spanish giants Barcelona are the clear choice of his to hoist the trophy, come May 28. Fans and invitees were treated to the live broadcast of the Paris St German game which saw them beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg while simultaneously Benfica managed a 1-0 win at home to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016