Chronicle 03 17 2016

US$50M EC-EBD road link No. 104494

THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…Guyana, India sign contract for construction

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Gayle Force!

West Indies opener, Chris Gayle smashed a match-winning century to propel his team to a six wicket victory over England in the two countries’ first encounter at this year’s World T20 being played in India (See story on sport pages)

PM backs Body found revocation in Botanical …of radio licences granted illegally Gardens 2

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APNU drops accused child molester candidate 9 P.

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PM backs revocation GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

…of radio licences granted illegally …urges rebalancing of airwaves through new licences

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo said he supported the revocation of radio licences that were granted illegally under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, but at the same time is urging the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) to speed up the process of granting new licences to “rebalance the airwaves.”

Nagamootoo’s comments come against the background of media reports which he said have misrepresented views he expressed at the commissioning of the National Communications Network Uplink Teleport Facility last Friday. The PM has been criticised by some persons for allegedly saying that he does not favour the revocation of licences - something which the Office of the Prime Minister has disputed and has also released a verbatim transcript of the relevant section of the PM’s speech.

“Where licences had been given out to those who never held a camera in their hands; where licences were given out to broadcast to

those who had no track record in broadcasting and where we have not love and unity, but the putrid air and scent of hate and division and rancour, we can correct that, not by shutting down those who have been wrongly given licences, but opening the airwaves and allowing the window of fresh air to touch our broadcasting in Guyana.

Not that we may not shut down or we should not. I am not saying that. It is not my job. That is for the broadcasting authority to do, but I am just saying that I would rather see more stations come on board, more people who have the wherewithal, should have the opportunity to do so via community stations or national reach, providing they pay the fees according to the zone in which they belong.”

The OPM explained that the point the Prime Minister sought to underscore was that there are several applications for broadcast licences, which were ignored and bypassed during the tenure of the previous government and that this ought to be corrected post haste. “It

is for this reason that Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in a meeting with the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, urged the authority to speed up the process of issuing broadcast licences. Specifically, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said, “[not that we may not shut down or we should not [shut down]. I am not saying that. It is not my job. That is for the broadcasting authority to do…”OPM said in its statement.

According to the OPM, the Broadcasting Act of 2011 does not vest powers of revocation of licences with the Minister of Information (as the Prime Minister holds portfolio for). “The Prime Minister was and remains more concerned about how to contain and correct what he described as “the putrid air” and “scent of hate and division and rancour” on pro-opposition radio and television channels. This, the Prime Minister said, could be achieved, in the short-term, by “opening the airwaves” and “allowing the windows of fresh air to touch our broadcasting” in Guyana.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

“In other words, the Prime Minister was emphasising the need to rebalance the airwaves until such time as the GNBA acts (with regard to licences previously granted) as it deems fit and proper based on legal advice and other relevant considerations. Prime Minister

Nagamootoo has not deviated from the position of the APNU+AFC coalition during the election campaign. The Prime Minister is clear and consistent, that he favours the re-examination and reversal of all licences illegally granted but reiterates that such powers are not vested in the minister but rather with the GNBA.” Additionally, the OPM said had the Prime Minister directed that the licences be revoked, he would have been, in all likelihood, attacked for “political interference” in the GNBA, a situation which the PM “was acutely aware of at the time of speaking,” OPM said. “That was the reason he stated that “[it is not my job.

That is for the broadcasting authority to do. It therefore appears that what the Prime Minister did in fact say, with clarity and precision, is being distorted or misrepresented and the Office of the Prime Minister is concerned about same and implores for a cessation of same with immediate effect.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

US$50M EC-EBD road link …Guyana, India sign contract for construction

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan (left) hands over a signed copy of the US$50M concessional loan agreement with the Government of India to the resident representative of Export-Import Bank of India T.D. Sivakumar (Right) in the presence of Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam (Center)

By Ariana Gordon GUYANA on Wednesday signed a US$50M concessional loan agreement with the Government of India for the construction of a major road that will link the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

Financing will be received from the Export-Import Bank of India and will result in a four-lane road being built with two of those lanes being paved during the first phase of the project.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson told reporters following the signing of the contract, that after all other documentation is completed along with a road design, construction is likely to begin by year end.

He anticipates that the project will conclude some 18 to 24 months after. The Public Infrastructure Minister noted that because funding is being received from the Government of India, the contract for the construction will be open to Indian Construction companies. However, Patterson was quick to state that local contractors will also be given an opportunity to be award-

ed sub-contracts. “The idea of linking the East Coast and East Bank, which is the initial step, has been around since the 70s and it is something which when completed the government will open up several opportunities - not only infrastructure-wise but in agriculture,” Patterson said, noting that the project will provide relief to the strained roadways in the city.

“This will offer us an opportunity to divert some traffic from the city of Georgetown.

The city roads in Georgetown are under pressure because of the volume of cars but we do hope that after the completion of this project we will be able to not only take off the traffic but also to open new visitors for us.”

The Public Infrastructure Minister stressed that the signing of the agreement is just the first phase of the project, while adding that the design of the new stretch of roadway still has to be completed. “We would like to thank the Government of India for continuing with this project …the gestation started before our administration.

Thank you for continuing the project, thank you for having the trust and the faith in this

administration for carrying this project to a conclusion,” said Minister Patterson to the representatives of the Government of India and the Export-Import Bank of India.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who signed the contract, said India and Guyana have over the years shared strong bilateral relations, noting that the countries’ ties date back to independence. India, he said, has continued to be a reliable partner. “At a time when concessionary resources are dwindling and at a time when we have extreme demands for accelerating our development, India has continued to be a reliable partner in development, generously donating grants, technical assistance in various areas, health, education, transportation…a wide variety of sectors and for this we are eternally grateful,” Jordan stated.

The Finance Minister noted that the two countries will continue to share close ties given the fact that India is one of Guyana’s largest bilateral donors. Minister Jordan said while the physical construction of such roadwork is important it is

equally critical to examine the spin-off benefits that will accrue as a result. The construction of new roads, he said, will result in the development of new communities, the establishment of businesses and other activities that will lend to a favourable economic situation here.

The Finance Minister pointed to cases of non-use of all loans provided to the Government of Guyana in the past. “I hope that we, unlike the recent past, where unfortunately we have not made full use of the assistance that has been given, whether for reasons that we all know, as in the case of the Specialty Hospital or for other reasons, as in the case of the pumps which we haven’t used in full. I hope this will not happen in this

loan …US$50M is a good start, but as you know it will not build the road right to Timehri.”He said he is eager for a consultant to be identified and designs to be made so that the government can make “maximum use of the loan.”

INDIA SATISFIED Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam said India is satisfied with its role in the project and noted that the signing of the agreement paves the way for the other aspects of the project to start.

“We have been waiting for a long time to have this MOU signed with Guyana and I am happy that we are here today to sign this MOU, but what is more important is what is to continue after this MOU… finding the consultant is the first step and then starting the bidding process, awarding the contract and finally the execution of the contract,” The Indian High Commissioner stated.

He spoke to the design, contract award and the beginning of the road construction. “I am assuring the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure that we will go all the way to cooperate with the Government of Guyana in executing the project”, said High Commissioner Mahalingam.

“As soon as we finalise the Indian Consultant…he will work out the technical parameters,” the High Commissioner added. Under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) a feasibility study on the project was completed

but a review of the study will be done. With the ever increasing housing communities along both the East Coast and East Bank, the Minister of Public Infrastructure has guaranteed that there will be no disruption of work or progress already ongoing. According to Minister Patterson, the construction of the road will be of significant benefit to the existing projects along the stretch of road.

Meanwhile, an alternative agreement was signed between the GoG and the Government of India to alter the initial line of credit valued at US$4M to be used to acquire 14 pumps for the purpose of drainage and irrigation. According to Minister Jordan only US$3M of the allotted US$4M was used so the parties to the agreement had to re-sign the pact with an amendment to state that fact.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Not guilty for allegedly killing stepfather

INDERJEET Sewdhad, accused of killing his stepfather, ran out of the Berbice Assizes on Wednesday morning, a free man, after Justice Franklyn Holder upheld a no-case submission and instructed a 12-member jury panel to return a verdict of not guilty in his favour.

Sewdhad, 22 had pleaded not guilty to the indictment of murder which alleged that he murdered Deochan Singh on August 13, 2014, at Free Yard, Port Mourant, Corentyne. The decision by the judge was as a result of him throwing out the caution statement attributed to the accused.

The caution statement was the body and soul of the prosecution’s case which was presented by State Prosecutrix Ms. Natasha Backer.

Earlier, a four day voir dire

[a trial within a trial] was held to determine whether the Judge’s Rules were breached with respect to the taking of the statement by Detective Corporal, Dinesh Baichu.

The plainclothes policeman had told the Judge and jury, that he had gone to Free Yard , Port Mourant, where he saw the accused standing under the house while the lifeless remains of Deochan Singh was lying next to a fence. As a result of what he saw he put the allegation and subsequently cautioned the accused who related a story. Following an objection from Defense C o u n s e l Ta n i a Wa r r e n Clement, a smaller trial was triggered after which the judge ruled that he was not satisfied with the circumstances as to how the caution statement was obtained

Vagrants take over newly-erected Bourda stall

By Navendra Seoraj

and deemed the document inadmissible. As a result Warren-Clement advanced a no case submission in the presence of the jury, which was upheld by the court.

Meanwhile, this newspaper had reported on August 13, 2014 a family feud ended tragically after the patriarch had sustained multiple stab wounds to his neck, before being tossed into a pool at his residence at Free Yard, Port Mourant. Prior to his death Deochand Singh, also known as Michael Singh and Mike, then aged 48 years, was a car driver and an alleged con artist. The gruesome attack took place just after 0:30h moments after Singh had returned home from a wake house a short distance from his home. The dead man’s wife Mandrani, had told reporters that he had left home at 17:30 hrs to attend a wake in the neighbourhood, and moments before she had telephone him, urging him to return home as he had stayed out late the previous night. The then suspect had allegedly planned the fatal assault on his stepfather with whom he had a grievance for over five years.

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DESPITE the efforts of local authorities to rid the city streets of vagrants, areas are still plagued by what many irritated locals see as the “unpleasant ofasthe Picsite save fred unhealthy and unkempt Caption: Inderjeet Sewdhad bunch.”

Recently, a building was erected at the corner of Regent Street and Orange Walk, Bourda, Georgetown. However, due to the displacement of vagrants from their regular A view of the vagrants occupying base, they have taken over the new stall the area, which is yet to be utilised by the legally autho- ported last month that the reunions with their families Guyana Post Office Corpo- and communities and use their rised persons.

Therefore, persons within ration (GPOC) had installed newly-acquired skills to gain the area are calling on the au- sprinklers around the perime- employment. thorities to do what they must ter of the building specifically Meanwhile, many citizens in order to rid the area of these to rouse sleeping vagrants and to force them to move from have expressed concern over vagrants. the need for the Social ProtecVagrants have been a per- the area.

And, condemning the wet- tion Ministry to get cracking petual problem for not just the authorities, but also the ting of the vagrants, Minister on this issue in view of the regular citizens who traverse of Social Protection Volda expected influx of visitors Lawrence had announced in for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee the streets on a daily basis.

Strewing the roadside and the House that a Georgetown celebrations in about 70 days.

Currently there are a pavement with garbage and Resuscitation Committee had other unwanted items, va- crafted plans to have many of number of faith-based orgrants create a great deal of the homeless persons taken ganisations and Non-Governmental Organisations discomfort for the average off the streets.

Once these persons are that cater for the homeless individual, even becoming targets for inhuman treatment. screened, many will be sent by providing accommoWhile the factors influ- to the Hugo Chavez Home for dation, meals and other encing their personal plight Reintegration and Rehabil- daily necessities but the may not be obvious, their itation on the West Coast of issue, according to some presence in public places Berbice. There, she said, gov- social workers, must be pose a number of difficulties ernment will ensure that they dealt with in a cohesive are rehabilitated and receive multi-sectoral and comprefor the society.

Meanwhile, it was re- life skills training to foster hensive manner.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Rousseff names ‘Lula’ chief-of-staff

BRAZIL’S former president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will become the new chief of staff for President Dilma Rousseff.

The move shields Lula from possible prosecution by a federal judge investigating a massive corruption scandal named Operation Car Wash.

But Ms Rousseff said that was not the motivation for the appointment.

“Lula’s arrival in my government strengthens it, and there are people who don’t want it to be stronger.”

Under Brazilian law, cabinet members can only be tried by the Supreme Court.

Lula was questioned two weeks ago over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash.

He says the allegations are aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2018.

He is a “skilful political negotiator” and experienced

leader who will help kick off economic recovery, said Ms Rousseff.

During his time in office, the Brazilian economy experienced unprecedented economic growth and wealth redistribution.

“I believe [former] President Lula, who was in charge of the country for eight years, cannot have his reputation destroyed in this manner,” added Ms Rousseff.

FIGHT AGAINST IMPEACHMENT Lula flew to the capital, Brasilia, on Tuesday for talks with President Rousseff.

After a four-hour meeting, they agreed to reconvene yesterday.

Lawmaker, Jose Guimaraes of the governing Workers’ Party, to which both Lula and President Rousseff belong, tweeted (in Portuguese) that current chief of staff, Jaques Wagner had “shown

President Rousseff (Centre) shows her support for Lula shortly after he was questioned by police greatness and selflessness on sworn in next week, Brazil- to hide a growing deficit. the day of his birthday”, and ian media reported.

Analysts say President ceded his post to Lula.

As chief-of-staff, Lula Rousseff is hoping that Lula The former leader’s ap- is expected to lead the fight will use his political nous and pointment was confirmed against moves in Congress to influence with members of later in a statement issued by impeach President Rousseff Congress to block impeachMs Rousseff. over allegations she manipu- ment proceedings.

He is expected to be lated Brazil’s account books The two politicians have

been close for decades. Lula was Ms Rousseff’s political mentor, and she is his handpicked successor.

On March 4, Lula was briefly detained and questioned over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash, a massive investigation into corruption at the State oil giant, Petrobras.

Prosecutors have since filed fraud and money laundering charges against him.

However, the charges have yet to be accepted by a judge.

The case has been transferred to federal judge, Sergio Moro, who is in charge of Operation Car Wash.

But if Lula is confirmed as a cabinet member, Judge Moro will not be able to investigate or try him.

Lula has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and alleges the allegations are politically motivated.

(BBC)

Pupils put principal in hospital

School principal, Warren Garraway

TWO pupils of the Rio Claro East Secondary School were detained by police on Tuesday after they allegedly beat the school’s principal with a dustbin cover.

The attack happened on the school’s compound, and the suspects, two boys aged 16, were detained at the Rio Claro Police Station until late evening.

At around 14:00hrs, the school’s principal, Warren Garraway allegedly found two Form Four pupils gambling in

a classroom.

When Garraway intervened, the two pupils allegedly began to struggle with him.

One of them allegedly took the cover of a dustbin and began to beat the school principal in the face and on

his elbows.

Police officers of the Rio Claro Police Station were called in, and arrested the two suspects.

Garraway sought medical treatment at the Rio Claro District Health Facility for cuts and abrasions. He was treated and

discharged.

Police officers are expected to interview a teacher who witnessed the incident.

Officers of the Rio Claro Community Police were also expected to return to the school yesterday to counsel staff and pupils.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Our natural resources

THE natural resources of a country belong to the people, and must be protected and shared among the citizens, current and future.

These resources do not belong to any specific group; as such, it requires national policies and programmes to preserve and protect both our forestry and mining sectors.

In countries such as ours, at times our lapses are not caused by the absence of policies and laws, but by the disrespect of those policies and laws.

The destruction of the environment has scientifically shown that it has contributed to changes in weather and oceanic patterns. This has impacted on agriculture, as in the case of our rice industry presently reeling from the effects of El Niño.

Aqua life, which includes fishing and re-populating, is being destroyed and this makes life and economic welfare difficult for seafood users and suppliers.

Man and the forests have an intertwined and interdependent relationship, not only through economic pursuits, soil protection and resources for shelter, but also in the air needed for our existence, wherein the plant, as it gives off oxygen, Man intakes, and Man, as he gives off carbon dioxide, the plant intakes.

Today, Guyana finds itself at a critical juncture, whereby the preservation of the physical environment is seen as an important element in development within the international community, and which, quite rightly, the nation has bought into.

As such, it requires a new way of thinking and doing business in the forestry and mining sectors.

In the area of mining, for a number of years mining companies operating even in this Region, as close as in Jamaica, are expected to refill and return areas dug out to its original elevation, and more so to replant vegetation.

In Guyana, the exercise continues as mining companies, domestic and foreign, destroy the forests, leave logs to rot, dig major holes in acquiring the minerals they are in search of, and move to other locations without returning the respective areas to conditions that would ensure they are habitable.

In whatever is being done, acceptable universal practices and values must be respected; at no time should this nation countenance any imposition to the contrary by any group, domestic or foreign, given that the country has embraced the “Green Economy,” which constitutes sustainable development, environmental protection, labour policies and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Labour Standards. In ensuring good practices in the forestry sector, the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in place ought not to be lost sight of, given that it speaks to sustainable management of our forests. Applying the LCDS can help in making our forests and its products available for the benefit of generations to come. Noteworthy in Guyana is that the several major foreign companies exploiting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Remove Winston Harding immediately Dear Editor, HELP & Shelter calls on the APNU+AFC coalition to immediately remove Winston Harding as their candidate for the first- pastthe-post seat in Constituency 13 (East and West Ruimveldt) in view of the fact that he has been repeatedly charged with child sexual abuse as reported in Stabroek News of 16 March, 2016.

Even though Mr. Harding has not been convicted, the fact that he was charged twice must give everyone genuinely committed to eliminating child sexual abuse deep cause for concern, particularly as

the matter was brought to the attention of the leadership of APNU+AFC and the Minister of Social Protection and yet his name remains on the list.

For the past 20 years, Help & Shelter has actively advocated for the prevention, protection and prosecution of all forms of child abuse, including child sexual abuse.

We are on record as having called for ministers in the previous government to be charged and prosecuted for sexual assault and verbal abuse of a sexual nature against women; and we are deeply disappointed and shocked at the failure by Guyana’s present government to stand up for the rights of

Guyana’s children to live lives free from all forms of violence and to avoid association with, and promotion of persons who have been tainted by repeated allegations of child sexual abuse.

What we know of paedophiles is that for the most part they are serial sexual predators and leave in their wake many psychologically and physically damaged children. We ask the ruling coalition to reflect on the message that it is sending to citizens when it puts an alleged sexual abuser of children on the ballot for Local Government Elections and, when this matter is brought to its attention, it chooses party politics over justice

and the rights of children.

This is not the type of social protection we want.

We further call for the immediate convening of the sexual offences task force and for the establishment of genuine partnerships with NGOs who have established track records of working for the prevention, protection and prosecution of child abuse and in , child sexual abuse.

Yours faithfully, Danuta Radzik Josephine Whitehead Denise Dias Colin Marks Gaitrie Shivsankar For Help & Shelter

Merundoi debates were well organised Dear Sir,

THE Merundoi local government debates which were organised in collaboration with NCN and other sponsors without a doubt proved to be enlightening, especially for the electorate in the George-

town municipality. Ten constituencies fielded their FirstPast-The-Post candidates for public scrutiny. The public had an insight of their intellectual perspicacity, vision and proposals for dealing with the myriad of problems that the citizens of Georgetown

face daily. The candidates were given the opportunity to justify why they deserved to be nominated as representatives of their communities and if they qualify to be councillors in the Georgetown municipality. I congratulate the organisers and thank them for

a job well done. The moderator, Mr. Durwin Humphrey, was exemplary in executing his mandate.

Faithfully, Dr. Bertrand R. Stuart Independent Candidate of Constituency # 14

City Hall moving from day care to night care Dear Editor,

I WAS recently told by someone who has a child at one of the Municipal Day Care Centres in Georgetown that City Hall is planning to introduce a Night Care Service in order to augment the current Day Care Service it offers. One can only hope that this is some sort of All Fool’s Day Joke being made early by someone at City Hall.

It should be noted that the Municipality Day Care Services are a financial burden to the citizenry, since it has to be subsidised by the City Council each month. The same would have to be done for the

Night Care Service,thereby adding more fiscal strain to the supposedly cash-strapped Council.

Some of the questions I would like to ask include the following: does the Council have suitable persons to provide night-care services, or will this be an opportunity for them to hire more friends and relatives? Is the physical environment suitable for night care? Are the premises safe, secure and suitable for this purpose, or will the occasion be taken to increase the contract with the private guard service for a few more millions? Does the Council have the requisite equipment? Beds and other

our forests all have their genesis in Asia, where there exists a practice of destruction of the forests to the peril of the people and environment.

As a nation, there is need to learn from history. For, right around the corner, the forests in Haiti were destroyed, not merely by Haitians, but by foreign investors. While a people ought not to harbour any anti-foreign investment idea or position, sight ought not to be lost that the citizens today are the custodians of the properties for future generations.

It is for this reason, regardless of which government was involved in the distribution of forestry concessions, major mining leases and granted permission to companies to operate without due regard for modern environmental practices, the time has come for the revisiting of all leases in every sec-

furniture, equipment and toys would need to be provided, which are appropriate for this purpose in order to create an accessible and stimulating environment.

Why is City Hall trying to bite off more than it can chew ? Are these diversionary tactics to take the eyes of the citizens off of the real problems the city faces and which the Council should be addressing? What we need at this stage are the pot-holed roads fixed; the missing and defective street lights fixed or replaced; the stray animals removed from our city streets; a modern abattoir to slaughter our animals; a well-trained

City Police Department to tackle crime; more efficient refuse removal and disposal; better mosquito and vector control to alleviate the Zika, dengue and the chikungunya viruses; a new cemetery, as the old one is filled up; a properly landscaped city, and so much more. I do believe that this is just another ploy to hire or rehire a friend or relative of a Councillor or senior officer, and another occasion to squander the taxpayers’ dollars. The new Council must put an end to this squandermania Sincerely SEAN MONIZ

tor. This should be done with the prime objective of ensuring the development and enforcement of modern policies and laws to protect the environment, taking into consideration that a nation’s natural resources belong to the people of the country, and must be seen as the patrimony of the people.

Every programme, in every sector, has to be developed within the confines of immediate, mid-term and long-term plans. It is to this nation’s and its people’s well-being that investments be conducted in a manner which is respectful of sustainable development, wherein extraction will be accompanied by the refilling and re-vegetating of the land and extracting in a manner, where the forests are not destroyed or the land mined-out in a period of time that denies coming generations opportunities to benefit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Camp St Prison CoI

Inmate unaware of plan to burn prison down

By Shauna Jemmott

MICHAEL Lewis, a survivor of the recent prison riots, continued his testimony yesterday before the Commission of Inquiry into the occurrence at the Georgetown prison.

Under cross-examination

by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, Lewis said he had no prior knowledge of any plot by any inmate to burn the prison down, nor of any plan of the coming together of any prisoners to start a fire.

Todd was accepted to be part of the inquiry, as the Attorney-at-Law representing prison riot survivor Marcellus Verbeke, and the family of the deceased Delroy Williams, who was one of the 17 casualties of the uprising.

Verbeke, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown is on remand for the murder of Troy Skeete at said ‘C’ Field, Sophia, on June 9, 2015. He suffered severe burns during the fire.

The late Williams, on the other hand, was charged on October 2014 with the murder of 17-year-old miner, Azaad Potter, at Konawaruk, in the Potaro.

RELIVING THE EVENT Lewis gave as the reason he participated in the riot on March 2, his dissatisfaction with the long wait for trial, and the way the judicial system in this country works. He also said that it was only after he was awakened by droplets of water that he became aware that an insurrection was in progress.

He said he did not see when the fire was started on March 3, but recalled being in the burning dormitory for over an hour before being rescued.

He also swore that he was unaware of any prison officer trying to get to him to take him to safety, or of any of his colleague inmates trying to prevent prison officers from entering the burning building.

Lewis testified that as he lay there, face down on the ground, head turned towards the door for air, the only person he could recall coming to his rescue was fellow inmate, Steve Bacchus.

As Bacchus approached, Lewis said, the first thing out of his mouth was, “Who alive?” He must have also called out to him, as Lewis said when he did, he answered.

With that, he said, Bacchus left and returned, within minutes, with one Prison Of-

ficer Crawford and a fireman.

To Prison Officer Crawford’s credit, Lewis said he tried opening a side door, using a bunch of keys he had with him, but was unsuccessful.

On seeing that, Lewis said, Crawford, the fireman and Bacchus they all left, but the latter would subsequently return, saying that the prison officers had opened the front door and that those who’d survived the fire should make a run for it.

He said that though there was a riot the night before (March 2), there was none on the morning of March 3, as the Division had by then returned to normalcy. It was only Capital A, he said, that had not been fed as per usual.

Lewis testified that after he was rescued from the burning building, he sat on the tarmac and watched as prisoners from the “old capital” and those who worked in the yard rescued other survivors from the damaged building.

As this was going on, he said, prison officers “were just standing off, watching the whole proceedings.”

RE-EXAMINATION Under re-examination by the commission’s Attorney Excellence Dazzell, Lewis said prison officers had carried out a search on ‘Capital A’ on March 2, but had been unable to complete a second one the following day.

Earlier into the inquiry, Lewis had told Dazzell that he did not see what his fellow inmates had used to create a hole in the wall separating the dormitories of Capitals A and B, but could only surmise that it was metal from the beds in the housing.

But under cross-examination by Attorney-at-Law Selwyn Pieters, Lewis said the hole in the wall was “punched” by prisoners in Capital B to facilitate communication among prisoners on the two blocks, but that he could not say who lit the fire in the wall on March 3.

Lewis said all he could recall seeing was prison officers trying to douse the fire with an extinguisher. He said that while they did get the fire to die down a little, they were unable to put it out completely.

He also recalled seeing inmates from Capital B leaving the building, and rather suspects they were being helped by prison officers, since it is only they who are authorised to do so.

He said he stopped pay-

Prison fire survivor Michael Lewis responding to questions by Commission’s Counsel Excellence Dazzell at the CoI yesterday (Photo by Adrian Narine) (Photo saved as graphics, march 17, Adrian narine, COI flder as ‘DSC 0935’) and concrete broken outside the prisoner strongly, suging attention to what was he said.

But as Lewis said in re- the door, but never noticed gesting that his leadership happening around him, when two cans of tear gas were sponse, he did not see anyone that at any time after he was role as the ‘Muslim mentor’ in the Georgetown Prison he thrown into his dormitory, put a cork or any item to the rescued from the room. front door to prevent it from While the lawyer chal- was responsible for teaching Capital A. lenged the alleged ‘illiteracy’ Islam and taking prisoners He said that not only opening.

He said while he was on of the witness, Lewis held through prayers, Lewis put did he see when the cannisters fell into the ‘dorm’, the floor on March 3, he cried out that he cannot proper- up a defense.

The prisoner said while but he also heard the hissing out along with other prisoners ly read and write. He had sound the tear gas made as trapped in the burning Capital on Tuesday revealed to the he was responsible for gathit spewed out of the cans, A, but did not hear any sawing Commission that though he ering the Muslim prisoners and even saw the gas as it of a door lock by prison officials. had signed his own incom- from the various locations After being shown two plete statement, another pris- together for prayers on began to take over the room, by which time he could feel photographs comparing the oner had written it, because time, “other learned brothdoor, one of which was taken he himself cannot read and ers” would do the reading it burning his eyes and face. on Tuesday during the CoI write properly. and writing. “It ain’t get no prison visit by a photographer While the lawyer, being officer that could say that ALREADY EXITED He also testified that the employed by the prison, Lew- guided by Georgetown Prison they see me writing on the 65 prisoners who had already is said he noticed in the pho- representative, Prison Officer board, sir,” Lewis said in exited Capital A were evacu- tograph that a lock was sawn Wayne Wickham, challenged his defence. ated earlier through the front door to facilitate a search on the block, but that he’d heard no further command from either Prison Officer Samuels, or Pilgrim to Capital A THE body of an unidentiprisoners to move over to Capital B through the broken fied man was Wednesday afternoon found in the wall.

He said that though he Botanical Gardens just had seen a fire blazing at the around. The man, who hole in the wall, he did not appears to be middle-aged, see if it was a mattress or any was spotted by patrons other object that was lit. enjoying the afternoon atLewis said too that mosphere at the gardens. though he had earlier obHe was wearing a red T served prison officers using shirt and a pair of dark blue a extinguisher to put out the fire, he could not say what jeans. A pair of black Nike sneakers and a purple cap The man believed to be the CID official (left) was in it.

Pieters put it to the wit- was found by his head. The and a police guarding the body yesterday in ness that the powdery sub- police, up to press time could the Botanical Gardens stance which came out of not identify him. Speculathe extinguisher, when com- tions of suicide were pubbined with the flames from licly expressed by onlookers the mattress on fire, is what who noticed a plastic cup may have caused the prison- tucked under his arm. ers’ eyes and skin to burn.

Concerns mounted afHe said he recalled hearter the cup, which some ing prisoners say that in believe could aid in the times past when mattresses were used to start a fire, the investigation, was blown prison officers would use a not too far from the body dry powder-like chemical and a man, believed to be to extinguish it. “The ex- a CID official resorted to tinguisher was used before, kicking it back to where it Investigators at the scene of the discovery of the body and we never get a burning,” was first found

Body of man found in Botanical Gardens

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

US, IDB back cyber-crime bill …legislation seen as key weapon in fighting transnational crime

By Svetlana Marshall THE UNITED States (US) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have pledged their support to Guyana as the administration moves to enact cyber-crime legislation here.

Saying that the proposed legislation was a key weapon in the fight against transnational crimes, US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt told a public consultation on the draft bill at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday that cyber-crime was undoubtedly one of the greatest threats facing the civilised world, due to the fact that people all over the world were increasingly dependent on computer technology for their daily operations.

The consultation, spearheaded by the Legal Affairs Ministry, was also attended by the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams; Principal Parliamentary Counsel Vonetta Atwell Singh; in addition to representatives from the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and representatives of the legal fraternity.

According to the draft Bill, a person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification inputs, alters, deletes or suppresses computer data, resulting in inauthentic data, with the intent that it be considered or acted upon for legal purposes, as if it were authentic, regardless of whether or not the data is directly readable and intelligible, commits an offence.

The Cybercrime Bill 2016 was crafted with the primary objective of combating cybercrimes by creating offences; to provide for penalties, investigation and prosecution of the offences

and related matters.

The Chargé d’ Affaires, in pledging his country’s support, said the Government’s decision to put the Bill before the House was a step in the right direction.

For him, cybercrime was undoubtedly one of the greatest threats facing the civilised world, due to the fact that people all over the world are increasingly dependent on computer technology for their daily operations.

However, he said with this dependency, comes increasing concern about new and existing vulnerabilities that allow criminals lurking and phishing on the Internet to negatively affect entire populations through threats to cyber-enabled infrastructures.

“We must all work together to create incentives to enjoy the benefits of cyberspace so it can continue to be an engine for economic and social growth around the world. Prosperity, security, and our individual liberties depend on the commitment to securing cyberspace and maintaining an open, secure, and reliable Internet,” Hunt said.

He added: “Critical infrastructure continues to be at risk from threats in cyberspace, and our economy is harmed by the theft of our intellectual property.”

According to a recent survey, insufficient planning and lack of preparedness were among the most significant barriers to achieving a high level of cyber-resilience within an organisation. “Brazen hacks on organisations such as Sony Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and the United States Internal Revenue Service have shown, even large, well-funded organisations can easily fall victim to cybercriminals, whose attacks are growing more sophisticated as the security industry struggles

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and IDB Representative Sophie Makonnen discussing components of the Cybercrime Bill during the forum

to keep up,” he pointed out.

Nevertheless, he said countries such as Guyana and the US could work in a very collective and systematic manner to ensure that the internet remained an engine for economic growth and a platform for the free exchange of ideas.

Alluding to the legislation which will soon be placed before the National Assembly, Hunt posited that it addressed many of the greatest cybersecurity threats – identity theft, cyberbullying, and child pornography.

In his attempt to paint a vivid picture of the issue of cybercrime, he pointed out that in 2015 the United States Federal Trade Commission received over 490,000 consumer complaints about identity theft. This represented a 47 percent increase over the prior year. Additionally, the US Department of Justice estimates that 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014.

In the area of child pornography, the U.S.had almost eliminated it in the mid 1980s through the implementation of aggressive law-enforcement action. But Hunt said unfortunately, the child pornography market exploded in the 1990s with the advent of the internet and

advanced digital technology.

Now, he said the internet provides ground for nefarious individuals to create, access and share child sexual abuse images worldwide at the click of a button. “That is the world we live in today.

The legislation under review here this morning more clearly defines what child pornography is and takes aim at those people engaged in this despicable, unlawful behaviour,” Hunt stated.

While alluding to the IDB 2016 Cybersecurity Report for Latin America and the Caribbean “Cybersecurity: Are we ready in Latin America and the Caribbean,” IDB Representative in Guyana Sophie Makonnen pointed out that many countries were not yet prepared to counteract cybercrime.

SAFE HAVEN Meanwhile, the Attorney General in his address said it was critical for Guyana to put in place Cybercrime legislation. “Current lack of cybercrime legislation may result in Guyana becoming a safe haven for cybercrime offenders, as offenders may be motivated to commit crimes in other jurisdictions because there may be no fear of prosecution,” he posited.

Like Hunt, the Attorney

General pointed out that cybercrimes are often directed at government agencies, banks, ministries, education institutions and businesses. Guyana, he emphasised needed a legislation to combat and minimise the occurrence of cybercrime.

“We therefore need an effective legislation to criminalise these actions…and allow enforcement agencies to punish offenders,” he noted, while adding that a comprehensive approach was required to fight against cybercrime. Williams said the legislation was the first step in the country’s battle against the issue.

In 2016, he said, the Legal Affairs Ministry allocated funds towards the implementation of cybercrime legislation in an effort to train investigators, prosecutors, magistrates and judges on the nature of these emerging crimes. However, it was further pointed out that the budgetary allocation was made possible by the IDB. Minister Williams also offered his gratitude to Hunt, who continued to play an integral role in the local fight against cybercrime. $3M FINE Atwell, the Principal Parliamentary Counsel during her presentation give an overview of the drafted bill.

According to it, a person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification inputs, alters, deletes or suppresses computer data, resulting in inauthentic data, with the intent that it be considered or acted upon for legal purposes, as if it were authentic, regardless of whether or not the data is directly readable and intelligible, commits an offence.

In the circumstance such an individual is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $3M, and to be imprisoned for three years. On

conviction, such person/s is liable to a fine of $5M, with a five-year prison sentence.

In addition, persons who disseminate information after being convicted will be fined $20,000, and he/she will also be liable to a three-year prison term.

The Bill also outlines the penalties for computer fraud, in the sense that anyone who commits an offence deemed to be computer fraud will be dealt heavier penalties, with a summary conviction carrying a $5M fine, as well as a fiveyear prison term. In addition, if convicted, the penalties will be doubled.

Cyberbullying, which is bullying through the use of technology, is also deemed an offence, according to the Bill. It states that to cyberbully another person, intentionally or recklessly, is deemed to be committing an offence.

According to the Bill, “a cyberbully” is someone who uses a computer system to repeatedly or continuously convey information, which causes fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other harm to another person.

The actions of such persons become detrimental to another’s health, their emotional well-being, self-esteem or their reputation.

Child pornography, as an offence, is also clearly defined by the Bill. Anyone who intentionally produces child pornography for the purpose of its distribution through a computer system, or who offers or makes available child pornography through a computer system, is guilty of an offence.

In addition, anyone who distributes, transmits, procures or obtains child pornography through a computer is also guilty of an offence. If summarily convicted, such individuals are liable to pay a fine of $5M and serve a fiveyear prison term. If convicted, the penalty is doubled.

The government has been pushing to pass cyber-crime legislation.

Jordan cautions against big pay hike … says economy now emerging out of a slowdown

By Ariana Gordon GUYANA is currently not in a financial position to dole out significant salary increases to public servants, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said yesterday.

He was at the time host-

ing a press conference in the boardroom of his Ministry, after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had commended Guyana for its progress thus far, but warned the Government of Guyana (GoG) against allocating large amounts of money towards salary increases.

“I agree with the IMF on this particular point,” he told reporters after being questioned on the issue. “As an economist and Minister of Finance I could only say that from the time I came in (office) I have been advising caution as it relates to wage increases and meeting

exaggerative demands for wage increases. Even in good times, paying exaggerated salaries have serious short and long-term impacts.”

NO ‘EXAGGERATED SALARIES’ He said while he agrees with the IMF, it should be

known that public servants will receive an increase in salaries before year-end but warned against them expecting “exaggerated salaries.”

“We have to be careful when it comes to wages and expectations on wages because our economy is now coming out of the throes of a slowdown,” stated Jordan who explained that much more work needs to be done to beef up revenue

collection.

The Finance Minister said that currently Trinidad and Tobago is “feeling the effects” of paying salaries that may have appeared sustainable but with the dramatic fall in prices on the world market “you are left hanging.”

As a result, Jordan said countries would be left with Continued on page 9 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

APNU drops accused child molester candidate

A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) has withdrawn support for Winston Harding, one of the candidates contesting Constituency 13 (East and West Ruimveldt) in Friday’s Local Government Elections.

The coalition was under pressure to drop Harding, who had been accused and charged in the past on allegations of sexual molestation.

“APNU is firmly against all forms of abuse, especially the abuse of women, children and the elderly. The Partnership takes seriously all allegations of abuse that are made against its members and supporters. In our 2015 Manifesto, we clearly state and affirme that the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act must at all times be enforced without compromise or exception,” the coalition said in a statement. It added that recent media reports have shed light on allegations and charges that were filed against Harding, a candidate contesting a Constituency seat in the Georgetown municipality.

“The accusations of child molestation as reported in the media are a matter of grave concern.” In light of

APNU has withdrawn its support for Winston Harding

the alleged behaviour of Mr. Winston Harding and the pattern of accusations over the years, his candidature cannot be supported at this time. APNU is cognisant of the fact that Mr Harding has not been convicted of any offence, but the gravity and nature of the accusations cannot be ignored or condoned,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Help and Shelter had also called on the APNU+AFC coalition to immediately remove Harding as their candidate in view of the fact that he has been repeatedly charged with child sexual abuse. “Even though Mr Harding has not been convicted, the fact that he was charged twice must give everyone genuinely committed to eliminating child

sexual abuse deep cause for concern, particularly as the matter was brought to the attention of the leadership of APNU+AFC and the Minister of Social Protection and yet his name remains on the list,” the organisation said in a letter to this newspaper.

“For the past 20 years, Help & Shelter has actively advocated for the prevention, protection and prosecution of all forms of child abuse, including child sexual abuse. We are on record as having called for ministers in the previous government to be charged and prosecuted for sexual assault and verbal abuse of a sexual nature against women; and we are deeply disappointed and shocked at the failure by Guyana’s present government to stand up for

the rights of Guyana’s children to live lives free from all forms of violence and to avoid association with, and promotion of persons who have been tainted by repeated allegations of child sexual abuse.”

According to Help and Shelter, “What we know of paedophiles is that for the most part they are serial sexual predators and leave in their wake many psychologically and physically damaged children. We ask the ruling coalition to reflect on the message that it is sending to citizens when it puts an alleged sexual abuser of children on the ballot for Local Government Elections and, when this matter is brought to its attention, it chooses party politics over justice and the rights of children. This is not the type of social protection we want,” Help and Shelter stated. “We further call for the immediate convening of the sexual offences task force and for the establishment of genuine partnerships with NGOs who have established track records of working for the prevention, protection and prosecution of child abuse and in, child sexual abuse.”

Jordan cautions against...

From page 8

only two options, to cut salaries or cut employment.

“So to avoid that kind of scenario down the road one always has to be extremely careful when matters to do with wages and increases are being considered.”

4 PER CENT GROWTH Guyana’s economy grew by 3 per cent last year and is projected to grow by at least 4 per cent this year.

The Finance Minister was asked whether the current state of Guyana’s economy allows for negotiation for a decent salary increase for public servants and he replied, “I don’t know about room to negotiate…we will negotiate a salary increase this year that is sustainable and that we can meet with projected growth.” He said he has warned the trade union movements during consultations to be careful, given that the local economy is now coming out of the “throes of a slowdown.”

“We are growing, but at the same time our revenues… we cannot pay with the expectation that revenues will come,” said Minister Jordan.

In his budget presentation, Jordan announced

government’s decision to await the conclusion of discussions with the unions on salary increases before making public what the new increases will be.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING “The government understands the disappointment this will create among public servants, but wishes to assure them of our commitment to their welfare and advancement. We ask that they give the collective bargaining process an opportunity to work,” Jordan had said.

The decision by the APNU+AFC coalition government to await the conclusion of discussions with unions before announcing salary increases for public servants has been hailed

by General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis. Lewis described the move by the government as “the greatest victory” for unions in Guyana. Government had promised public servants a 20 per cent increase, particularly for those in the disciplined services during its campaign leading up to the May 11 elections, with the aim of reducing bribery.

Activists urge revamp of Disability Act …say basic info, services still elude differently-abled SOCIAL activists and the Guyana Commission on Disability have expressed disappointment at the way Guyana’s differently-abled population is being treated, and are calling for a revamp of the Disability Act 2010.

Representatives of several organisations are participating in a Parliamentary Gender Seminar series organised by the Women and Gender Equality Commission and University of Guyana Gender Studies Unit and hosted at Parliament Chambers. Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Beverly Pyle underscored that society and certain constitutional deliberations have placed disabilities on the physically disabled, with them becoming victims lacking access to information, services and participation.

She told the forum that she was particularly hurt when her organisation received a letter of invitation to participate in the national

seminar and it was mentioned in the said letter that individuals in wheelchairs cannot access the Parliament Chambers to participate in the forum.

“We really wanted someone who is in a wheelchair to come here today, but they couldn’t, because they couldn’t get up here in the chair. This is an important place; someone with a disability, using a wheelchair, couldn’t get here today.

That’s discrimination!” Pyle said, adding: “Other persons come here, and are comfortable.

Why can’t they?”

She told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview Monday that though wheelchair-bound individuals sometimes stop at the entrance of places, they have no access to get into the relevant offices to receive needed services.

“Certainly, they will have to get in, because it’s a public building… We need to think a little further; it’s not only entrance to the building, but

do they have access to the facilities?”

She pointed out that washrooms do not have enough space for a wheelchair to turn around so that the person can use washrooms at public buildings, privately. When the Family Court was being constructed, the NCD wrote a letter asking for considerations in infrastructure be given to the disabled, in particular those in wheelchairs, but in a response they were told that monies were not available to install such, Pyle complained.

However, Guyana Women Lawyers Association President, Sadie Amin, said she has noticed that the Family Court building has installed ramps, but because the law caters for new buildings only, none has been installed for access to the High Court.

Pyle told the Guyana Chronicle that persons attached to her organisation complained that they had critical matters to attend to in court and other public

buildings, but were unable to access services because of lack of ramps or lifts. She said at one time the NCD had to write a letter and the magistrate came downstairs to attend to the matter at hand. However, the problem persisted after with different individuals and different magistrates, resulting in persons with disabilities from accessing justice.

The deaf and hearing-impaired also lack access to public information, and Pyle has recommended that the services of sign language interpreters be used in the dissemination of information of national interest. “That is the missing link for all other special national programmes,” she told the Guyana Chronicle, and added, that instead, “they’re left out!”

She commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for making the relevant inclusion of signing, considering the needs of the deaf and hearing-impaired in all its commercials relating to the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE),

and is calling on other organisations to follow suit. The 46th Republic Anniversary Flag raising ceremony on February 23 at Durban Park did not employ anyone to do sign language, though the event was public in nature, and Pyle is hoping that for the remainder of the major ceremonies to commemorate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, signing will be included in communication so that the deaf too will benefit.

“Things were happening but nobody is signing for the deaf!” she stated. The deaf may not even know what was happening if the parliamentary gender seminar was being aired on television she pointed out. “We might say oh they can see so they will see what is happening … but their way of communication is sign language. If this particular seminar goes out to the television, would they be able to recognise what we were doing here today? This information we are getting here is of paramount importance, but how do they get it? We have to think about the way in

which we get these things out.

(They) do need sensitisation!”

Meanwhile, Red Thread Woman Activist Karen DeSouza has dismissed the Disability Act as insulting and one which needs revamping.

“It’s nice to have a disability act … I was really appalled when I looked at that act because it is full of (the phrase) “to the extent that the government is able to do”. In other words, they don’t have to do anything.”

She said sarcastically, “So the parliament buildings could stay just as it is, without wheelchair access from now till "neverwery" morning.

The native documents and laws and so forth accessible to people who are -impaired or deaf or blind or visually impaired, are not important, only 'to the extent that the government is able to’ or interested.”

The social activist said her interpretation of the Disability Act shows that “that is what the disability act stands for! It needs serious revamping. It is insulting! It’s disgraceful!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Specialty Hospital a sure thing ...Indian company praised for ‘doing pretty good job’ GOVERNMENT is working feverishly to complete contract negotiations with Indian firm Fedders-Lloyd for the construction of the Specialty Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Speaking with reporters at a press conference held at the Ministry of Finance, Main Street, on Wednesday Minster of Finance Winston Jordan said construction of the hospital will begin following the signing of a contract. He disclosed that Fedders-Lloyd has completed the design for the facility.

“The paper work and procedural things are moving

relative to where they were six months ago. I believe we are targeting by half year for everything to be in place in terms of contract signing and so on and mobilisation.”

Asked whether there would be a change in the cost of the project, the Finance Minister replied in the negative. “That is the money…today, tomorrow, next week that is the money we have… Exim Bank will not put a penny more because they have already given us the U$18M…and we said we don’t have the resources,” Jordan responded.

He said based on the MOU signed, Fedders-Lloyd

will have to complete the construction with the remaining US$13M that was provided by the Export-Import Bank of India. The Finance Minister explained that the Indian company has since altered the design for the hospital so as not to lose any of the money spent to drive piles done by Surendra Engineering the company that was once tasked with the construction of the hospital.

“We are at a stage where designs for the hospital have been completed. This was not done before. At the time when Surendra was terminated they were at 20 % for designs. Fedders-Lloyd have

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

now completed the designs, [and] have had several discussions with the Ministry of Health. There are proposals for some minor alterations,” he added.

The Finance Minister stressed that the government was working to “pull together a contract” so that work could commence on the Liliendaal location. The Ministry of Health, he said, had written to the Tender Board on the issue.

“The design that is being done had to be altered to take account of the work that was done by Surendra… The two designs were different.

Fedders-Llody’s design was different from Surendra. The

piles were for their [Surendra] design…so as not to lose the piles that have been driven and the amount of money spent, Fedders-Lloyd had to go there, look at the configuration, bring their two engineers from India, and go back to India and try to put a design that could use if not all, almost all of the piles that had been driven,” the Minister explained.

Jordan commended the Indian Company for doing a “pretty good job” in trying to work with what existed.

Last November, the Government signed an agreement with Fedders-Lloyd for the construction of the Specialty Hospital. Fedders-Lloyd, as part of the MOU with the GOG, was required to review the works already started on the Specialty Hospital; conclude a design of the Hospital that is acceptable to the GOG and commit to fully equip the facility on completion of its construction.

Work on the Specialty Hospital was halted after allegations of impropriety and fraud were leveled against the contractor, Surendra Engineering Company, who won the bid for its construction in 2012. The former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration had terminated the contract and moved to the court to seek remedies.

The former government was successful as the court ruled in its favour.

Since the signing of the MOU last year, the APNU-AFC coalition government came under fire for not going through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) but said it had reviewed the project upon taking office and concluded that there was no existing contract that could have been enforced and also decided that it would have been impractical to continue to keep the Line of Credit (LOC) in its existing form given that it attracted commitment fees.

Government recognizing the need to have the LOC for the Specialty Hospital re-examined requested that the EXIM Bank of India cancel the LOC for the Specialty Hospital and reallocate the balance of funds to a project aimed at modernizing three Primary Healthcare Facilities. The coalition government said it then went in search of a “willing partner” to complete the Specialty Hospital using the remainder of the LOC. Fedders-Lloyd expressed an interest to complete the Hospital with the available finances.

The Specialty Hospital is intended to cater for high risk surgeries and other health care demands.

While in opposition, the now administration had voted against the use of funds for the project. They had cited several concerns.

Charlestown Health Centre to get $3M in repairs THE residents of Albouystown and Charlestown would benefit from access to improved public health services as the Georgetown City Council commenced repairs to the decrepit building which houses the Albouystown Health Centre at the corner of Bel Air and James Street.

The Council anticipates that the building would be completed in another two months and the estimated cost to repair the structure is $3M. The building was in a state of disrepair with defective walls and roof. Council moved to close the facility to facilitate repairs so that health services would be provided in an environment that is safe and conducive to health for the residents and municipal staff in the Albouystown and Charlestown communities.

Town Clerk Royston

Workers in action on the Charlestown Health Centre

King said it is the Council’s project that all municipal buildings would be upgraded by the end December 2017.

The infant, antenatal, postnatal services, family planning, Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) clinics that were held in the building were temporarily relocated to the South Road Health Centre.

Once the facility is completed, it is anticipated that the center would become

more youth-friendly and emphasis would be placed on addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of youths in the communities.

Moreover, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) services would be included as part of the routine services provided.

The City Council provides healthcare services to approximately 1,700 residents in the two communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Plans afoot to cut prison overcrowding

(Right side of the table) Representatives of the Executive arm of Government, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Attorney General Basil Williams seated on the right engage senior members of the Judiciary on the left which includes, Chief Magistrate, Ann Mc Lennan, Chancellor Carl Singh, Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack as members of the media look on during a photo opportunity

Top officials of the executive and the judiciary met on Wednesday afternoon to craft a strategy to reduce the huge backlog of cases that have bogged down the court system here for years and created overcrowding in the prison system.

The meeting on Wednesday comes days after a deadly riot broke out at the Georgetown Prison resulting in deaths of 17 prisoners. Surviving inmates have mainly blamed the riot on poor conditions at the prison including delays in their trials and long periods of remand. While information was not forthcoming about the measures discussed by the representatives of both the executive and the judiciary, Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh told reporters after the approximately two hour meeting held at the Court of Appeal that several measures have been identified and are being considered for magistrates with respect to dealing with overcrowding in prisons.

“The meeting largely focused on the work of the courts and how it impacts on the situation in the prison.

What we did was to identify measures by which the judiciary’s work, particularly at the magistracy level can impact in a way that brings about some relief particularly the problem of overcrowding in the prisons,” Justice Singh stated.

The Chancellor said too

that over the next fortnight the plans will be “fleshed out”. “We are going to flesh out those plans in the next fortnight or so,” he said.

Asked to identify a few of the measures discussed the Chancellor would only say, “It is a bit precipitate.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who headed the team of representatives from the executive said the discussions were “successful” and noted that follow up meetings will be held with the relevant persons from the judiciary. “This meeting has shown a resolve to confront the issues affecting the prison system and the justice system and we will issue a full release on this meeting subsequently,” the Prime Minister stated.

He told reporters that ‘follow-up’ meetings will be held as information requested becomes available. “We are going to have follow ups after being able to provide [and] exchange information and an inventory on how many people are affected and how the judiciary can in fact help, the magistracy. There are some preliminary mechanisms that have to be put in place to allow us to move forward,” he said.

The judiciary the Prime Minster said is fully supportive of the initiative. “The judiciary is on board; the chancellor is very committed to helping and paving the way to dealing with some of the issues.” Without divulging

much details the Prime Minister said Wednesday’s meeting was set up to deal with the issue of overcrowding in the prisons and to be able to come to an agreement with the judiciary on a number of initiative that will be proposed by the judiciary aimed at easing the overcrowding.

The proposals will also address dealing with persons on remand while trying to accelerate trials. “It was a wide ranging discussion all aimed at trying to get trials speedily and trying to clear the congestion in the prison,” Nagamootoo stated.

President David Granger had instructed that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) be held into the death of the seventeen inmates of the Capital ‘A’ Division of the Camp Street jail. That Commission as part of its Terms of Reference is currently investigating, and examining the causes, circumstances and conditions that led to the disturbances at the Georgetown Prison on the morning of March 3 which resulted in the death of the 17 inmates along with the subsequent disturbances at the said location. The Commission is also tasked with inquiring into the nature of all injuries sustained by the prisoners during the disturbances; determine whether the conduct of the staff of the Guyana Prisons Service who were on duty at the time of the incidents was in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures of the Guyana

Prison Service; determine whether the deaths of the 17 prisoners was as a result of negligence, abandonment of duty, disregard of instructions, inaction of the Prison Officers who were on duty on the night of the March 2 and morning of March 3.

The Commission is expected to make “comprehensive recommendations” to ensure the safety of the prisons. This will include the examination of the physical infrastructure of the prison, the existing security arrangements in respect to custody, management and control of

prisoners, the appropriate treatment of prisoners in compliance with legal and other requirements and the prevention of a recurrence of such disturbances.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Representing the judiciary were Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Magistrate, Ann Mc Lennan and Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

My family is more financially secure ‒ says Rosemund Benn, producer of virgin coconut oil THOUGH a slump in the prices for rice and gold has dampened business in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), there is still a demand for virgin coconut oil in the region, even though production has been significantly scaled down.

Several persons in Pomeroon produce virgin coconut oil, mainly for personal consumption, but Rosemund Benn, who has been in the business for the past six years, is into commercial production. She supplies markets in St Vincent, Jamaica and Canada on a small scale.

Benn regularly supplies The Pomeroon Women’s Agro Processors Association with virgin coconut oil; but, she said, business in the past few months has not been as bright as it used to be. Nevertheless, she is optimistic that sooner rather than later, prices for rice and gold will become favourable again.

“The Pomeroon Women’s Agro Processors Association used to buy about 20 to 25 gallons of oil per month, but from January of this year to now, they have only bought nine gallons. Because of this, I had to reduce production from an average of 20 gallons per week to between five and 10 gallons. I am happy that the business is still there and is still going. I also supply residents and other markets on the Essequibo Coast, but I am hoping that things will pick up again and I will be in

Rosemund Benn behind gallons of her finished product

a position to produce more,” Benn disclosed.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she makes the oil all by herself, and the coconuts are supplied by her husband and son, both of whom have coconut farms. She buys the coconuts from the men and patiently invests her time in converting their contents into virgin coconut oil.

The process is largely done manually, with the aid of a wooden mill. The oil is extracted from the fresh coconut meat without the meat first passing through the drying process. The coconut

milk is then pressed out of the wet coconut meat, and the oil is separated from the water by boiling.

This coconut oil is excellent for cooking. Besides being a skin moisturizer, it reduces dandruff, helps in hair growth, eases constipation, and reduces cracks in the heel, among numerous other benefits. Benn has been making the oil since 2010, after a team from GO-Invest had explained to her how the product is made.

PROFITABLE BUSINESS She told this publication that producing the oil is a profitable business. Prior to getting into the oil business, the mother of two was a vegetable farmer who worked with her husband on his farm.

Because production of the oil is time consuming, Benn has given up on farming, and her husband and son are now fully in charge of that business.

The businesswoman said Turn to page 15 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

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Malaria cases down ‒ due to aggressive efforts of Region Two health officials

oon, told this publication that she loves her job and enjoys working at the Charity Hospital.

A former student of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, Trishana related that on completion of her schooling, she responded to an advertisement in the newspapers encouraging interested persons to apply to be trained as X-ray technicians.

With little knowledge about the job, she applied, and her application was successful. Trishana was trained in Georgetown for two years, after which she returned to the Essequibo Coast to serve as an X-ray technician. She has been working at the Charity Hospital for the past four years.

Trishana enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with her family, and playing Ludo.

She is advising young people to “Stay ahead, believe in yourself, and education is the key to success.”

Trishana Jugmohan

REGION Two (Pomerexplained; and because oon-Supenaam) health of the high number of officials have, through cases, the region is paydiligent work, been able ing priority attention to to significantly reduce addressing it. Admittedly, the number of malaria the Pomeroon community cases in the region from does not have a centre to 833 in 2014 to 540 last treat infection of the virus, year. so when someone gets inThe vast majority of fected there, they have to malaria cases in the Retravel to the Charity Hosgion are from the riverine pital to get treatment; but forested community of the doctors there treat every Pomeroon, and accordcase with due diligence. ing to Dr Shemeer Reid, The 27-year-old Dr who works at the Charity Reid has been stationed Dr Shemeer Reid Public Hospital, some of at the Charity Hospital those cases are almost for about a year, but has inevitable. been moving around, doing stints at several Pomeroon happens to be an ideal breed- locations, including in Lethem. ing ground for mosquitos, Dr Reid told the Guyana Chronicle, and regional health FEW NEW CASES authorities have long recognised the probDr Reid told this publication that, on lems the environment poses, and have been average, she treats about 10 malaria paregularly conducting fumigation exercises at tients per week, and most of the cases are villages in the Pomeroon. Treated mosquito recurring cases. Seldom, she said, are there nets are also distributed to villagers, he said. serious cases, and every month there are Regional health officials have also about three new cases. been conducting regular malaria education About 30 patients with the virus visit awareness outreaches in Pomeroon villages, the hospital every week, and the majority and flyers explaining how villagers should of them have mixed infections. protect themselves against the virus are According to the World Health Orgagiven to residents. nization (WHO), malaria is caused by the Malaria is a serious virus, Dr Reid protozoan parasite Plasmodium. Human malaria is caused by four difMEET the beautiful ferent species of Plasmodium: Trishana Jugmohan, an P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. X-ray technician at the ovale and P. vivax.

Charity Public Hospital.

The malaria parasite is This 23-year-old, who transmitted by the female grew up in the Pomer-

Anopheles mosquito, which bites mainly combination of vivax and falciparum mabetween dusk and dawn. laria, and patients are treated and advised The WHO noted that malaria is an acute how to protect themselves before being febrile illness with an incubation period of sent away. at least seven days. Thus a febrile illness The hospital has occasionally been afdeveloping less than one week after the first fected by a shortage of drugs; but, Dr Reid possible exposure is not malaria. told this publication, at no time has there The world’s health authority said the ever been a shortage of malaria drugs, as most severe form of malaria is caused by priority attention is given to combating the P. falciparum. Variable clinical features virus. include fever, chills, headache, muscular At the Charity Hospital, this publication aching and weakness, vommet 52-year-old Michael iting, cough, diarrhoea and Boyet, a resident of the abdominal pain.

Pomeroon who is sufferThe initial symptoms, ing from malaria infection which may be mild, may and has been admitted not be easy to recognise as for observation. Boyet, a being due to malaria, the miner, related that he beWHO pointed out. came infected a year ago, Dr Reid told the Guywhile working at a gold ana Chronicle that most mine in Region One. He persons infected are minwas initially treated at the ers, and before they visit Port Kaituma Hospital, but the interior, they purchase was referred to the Charity Artecom, a drug used to Hospital. treat the falciparum maThe father of six said laria, but most of them are he got infected because, infected with vivax. in his mining camp, there Vivax malaria is less was no treated net and the Michael Boyet at the Charity virulent than falciparum, environment was very unPublic Hospital but can lead to death due clean. Several other miners to pathological enlargeat his camp, he said, were ment of the spleen. infected by the virus. According to him, Most of the patients who visit the Chari- infection in mining areas can be kept to a ty Hospital, Dr Reid said, complain of fever minimum if regional health officials (RHOs) and headaches, and the Artecom drug does pay regular visits to mining camps. not work on persons infected with vivax.

He said at one time RHOs used to visit mining camps, but they suddenly stopped.

COMBINATION He is urging the region to restart the medMost of the cases, she said, present a ical health outreaches to mining areas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Meltdown in gold, rice prices ‒ dampens business in Region Two THE Pomeroon Wom en’s Agro-Processors Association has, over the years, been growing from strength to strength, and continues to be a source of economic empowerment for women farmers in that riverine community.

Situated at Lot L, Charity-Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Association was established in 2001 to create employment for women and to improve their livelihoods. The women’s group is involved in producing and packaging pepper sauces, fruit mixes, achars and seasonings, and has more recently added Virgin coconut oil to their range of products.

Operations began as a basic bottom house facility, but, through funding, the group has been able to renovate an abandoned factory and its members have been able to organise themselves for production, packaging, labelling and marketing.

Initially, members voluntarily provided a substantial amount of labour utilised in the factory, with few individuals hired occasionally when production peaked.

However, as operations grew to the production of seven products, the Association retained 10 members to man its operations, and is now looking to expand production to capture overseas markets and increase supplies locally.

A meltdown in gold and

rice prices has thrown the proverbial spanner in the wheel of the women’s ambition even as it affected practically every aspect of business on the Essequibo Coast.

Hafeeza Rasheed, a 36-year-old mother of four and employee of the Association, told the Guyana Chronicle that a fall in demand for the Association’s products has significantly downsized its operations.

“Right now business is slow and total output of the Association has been cut by half. We are begging people to buy right now, and are praying for business to improve,” Rasheed said as she took this newspaper on a tour of the modest factory.

The women’s group buys fruits and vegetables from farmers residing mainly in the Pomeroon, and converts these to processed and packaged products which are sold mainly in the Pomeroon, on the Essequibo Coast and in Georgetown.

to expand supply beyond these shores.

Rasheed performs multiple tasks at the processing house, which also houses the office of the Association.

She helps in making some of the products, bottling, labelling, selling and distributing them. She also cleans the processing area, and does

GO-INVEST Rasheed said that on a number of occasions in the past, officials from GO-Invest visited the Association and discussed its supplying overseas markets, but there was never any meaningful follow-up on those discussions.

She remains optimistic that with help from the premier investment agency, the women’s group will be able

some bit of marketing.

“I love my job, though it can be tiresome at times,” she said. “It has helped me to support my family and the education of my children. I have three daughters; two have finished school and one wants to become a doctor.

She is retaking Math and English, and my job helps me to pay her lesson fees.

“I want all my children to be successful in life,”

Hafeeza Rasheed holds up one of the products sold by The Pomeroon Women’s Agro-Processors Association

Drums used to store pepper, Virgin coconut oil and other fruits and vegetables

Stocks in the bond of the women’s group

the young mother said with pride.

Rasheed’s husband is a

hire car operator who works on the Essequibo Coast.

Like all fathers, he wants

the best for his family, and is hoping that the downturn in gold and paddy prices does not worsen, according to the woman.

Business is not always smooth sailing, and if things do not improve, she said, the Association would be forced to lay off workers. At this time, she said, she can ill-afford to be on the breadline.

The mother of four has nevertheless been looking ahead. She said she joined the women’s group in 2007, and has since learnt about food processing, packaging and labelling of products; a little about marketing; and has represented the group at several local agriculture expositions.

With the knowledge acquired, she is hoping to establish an agro-processing business, but from the look of things, it does not appear likely that this will happen anytime soon.

Current commitments to her family have caused her not to have the finances needed to pursue her dream, but she said it is a plan she will not put down.

My family is... that since her operation is small-scale, she does not bottle and label her product, but sells it by the bucket to The Pomeroon Women’s Agro Processors Association, which in turn bottles, labels, and markets the oil as Virgin Coconut Oil to a number of local buyers for a profit.

MORE FINANCIALLY SECURE Benn related that the business has kept her occupied, and has provided her with the means to better support her family.

“I got enough money to support my son financially at the University of Guyana. I was able to pay for a course in cosmetology which my daughter did. I was able to buy her some tools to practise her trade. This business has made

me more financially independent; I feel empowered, as I am in a position to contribute more to my family and to generally enjoy a better life,” she said.

She, however, believes that the Government, through GO-Invest, can do a little more to help her business. The last time she received an order for an overseas market was last September, when she supplied 50 gallons of oil to a buyer in Antigua. And the linkage was not made through GO-Invest, but through the Women’s Agro-processors Development Network (WADN).

Aside from GO-Invest, Benn has received technical support from WADN, which is registered as a friendly society whose objectives include developing market linkages locally and overseas, building

From page 12

capacity of member groups, and providing support to the communities in which member groups are located.

Sitting very relaxed in a wooden chair under the shed where she makes the oil, just outside her Marlborough Wide Garden home in the Lower Pomeroon, the businesswoman told this publication she is hopeful that GO-Invest will locate markets outside of Guyana for her product.

“I can make about 20 gallons of oil per day, and I know that they (GO-Invest) have been working to find overseas markets for local suppliers. I am hoping that they can locate a market that realistically I can supply,” Benn said, even as she remains hopeful that the prices for rice and gold will soon improve.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Pomeroon River The

By Mohamed Khan

SITUATED between the Orinoco and Essequibo rivers in an area long inhabited by Arawak Indians, the Pomeroon River is one of the seven great rivers of Guyana, in South America.

Unique in its history, splendour and location, the Pomeroon is not only Guyana’s deepest river; not only does it possess no sand bank or island; but unlike the Barima Waini, Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice or Corentyne rivers, which discharge their waters into the Atlantic Ocean in a north-easterly direction, the 200-odd mile Pomeroon River discharges its waters into the Atlantic in Guyana’s North-West Region in a westerly direction.

This river was first inhabited by the Cariwanna tribes about 3000 years ago, and they have left many historical landmarks in attestation, one of which is the largest shell mound in Guyana.

The archaeological record located in the Upper Pomeroon at Siriki indicates that an original Dutch plantation now known as Charity is now the main transit point for the North West District, Venezuela and Trinidad.

Charity is also the point where the river i s traditionally described as Lower and Upper Pomeroon.

At Charity, the river leads up to the Cuyuni Ridge, but changes course beginning from a north-easterly direction.

The traditional fresh water black river whale, electric eel and silver scale piranha are all part of the Pomeroon’s interesting marine fauna. Unlike the Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice rivers, the tide height in the Pomeroon River is about five feet.

While there are many special facilities -- schools, health centres, churches, shops or sports grounds – located in the Pomeroon, the

Agro-processor expanding operations ‒ urges beleaguered rice farmers to diversify business

NETERAM Ramnanan has been in the establish a niche in the local market. business of bottling juices for more than 22 Over the years, he has received training years, and is now looking to secure markets in agro-processing and management through overseas. a number of programmes hosted by Partners The seasoned businessman told the Guyana of Americas, the Guyana Manufacturing and Chronicle that he has what it takes to become Services Association, and the New Guyana successful, and is asking the Ministry of Busi- Marketing Corporation. ness and the Guyana Office for Investment From producing less than 500 bottles of (GO-Invest) to support his cause. juices weekly in 1992, Ramanand now proRamnanan sells orange, passion fruit, cher- duces 5,000 in that time. For him, business is ry, cane and other juices, as well as coconut bright, and will be brighter if he can tap into water, all made, packaged, labelled and dis- an overseas market, tributed at his factory at Lot He contends 3 Grant Brathrum, Upper that he has the caPomeroon, Region Two. pacity to deliver.

This publication obThis year, Ramserved, on a visit to the nanan is poised factory, that the area where to invest close to the juices are made is scru$65M on expandpulously clean and the ing his manufacpackaged products all look turing operations. attractive. At first glance, Ramnanan is it appeared as though the also appealing bottled juices were made at to frustrated rice Juices manufactured at Ramnanan’s one of the well-established factory at Lot 3 Grant Brathrum, Upper farmers to strongfactories in the Caribbean or Pomeroon, Region Two ly think about North America. diversifying into Ramnanan told this publication that he fish farming or some other such venture, since believes there are markets in North America the benefits are immense and are guaranteed. especially for his coconut water, but he needs “So, rice and cane farmers,” he said, “you some assistance from GO-Invest to tap into have nothing to lose if you plant fruits; the those markets. market is there.”

Through his juice business, Ramnanan One reason he is interested in seeing a shift has been able to climb out of poverty, and in trends, Ramnanan said, especially among better provide for his family while providing rice farmers, is because of the great demand employment for more than a dozen residents for raw materials and by-products. As he obon the Essequibo Coast. served, “We are still not making economic use He began his juice business in 1985, mak- of our fruits; and tons of rice husk and straw ing cane juice from an old, manually-operated still go waste… We must therefore intensify mill; and as the years went by, he was able to our efforts to increase the links between indussave enough money and expand into making try and our resources.” other juices. By 1992, Ramanand was packRamnanan is of the firm belief that the aging and bottling his juices at his factory in Government is in a stronger position to the Pomeroon, and he has since managed to convince rice farmers to diversify.

only means of transportation is by boat. At an early age, parents would teach their children practical lessons relative to paddling their way to school, and to crossing the river.

The Upper Pomeroon has deposits of bauxite, colombite and tantalite and gold. The five pork-knockers who found traces of gold in 1944 were James Tilsbury, Joseph Scadd, M Sankar, Edron Gouveia and Manson Melville. The legendary village is still occupied

by tribes belonging to its original occupants.

The Pomeroon River is the supply reservoir for the five-mile-wide Tapakuma Lake which irrigates 35,000 acres of rice land during the long dry weather.

One magnificent piece of engineering was done in 1960 when a huge pump station was built in the middle of the Tapakuma Lake. That structure is the Dawa Pumping Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Obama’s visit to Cuba augurs well for region – GCSM President U.S. PRESIDENT Barack Obama will be welcomed by the government of Cuba and its people this Sunday with the hospitality, consideration and respect befitting a head of state, as Cuba reaffirms its will to advance relations with the United States, according to President of the Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan.

The U.S. President will make an official visit to Cuba from March 20-22.

On the basis of respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and the principles of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, Khan said President Obama will have an opportunity to directly observe a nation immersed in its economic and social development, and in improving its citizens’ wellbeing.

“The people enjoy rights and can exhibit achievements which are only dreams for many of the world’s countries, despite the limitations derived from their condition as an underdeveloped, blockaded country - which has earned us international recognition and respect,” the GCSM official explained.

“This will be the first time a President of the United States visits Cuba in full possession of her sovereignty and with a Revolution in power, headed by its historic leadership.”

This event is part of the process initiated on December 17, 2014, when the President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Barack Obama simultaneously announced the decision to re-establish diplomatic relations, broken by the United States almost 54 years ago.

It is part of the complex process of normalization of bilateral ties, which has barely begun, and has advanced on the only grounds that are possible and just: respect, equality, reciprocity and the recognition of our government’s legitimacy.

He emphasized that this point has been reached, in the very first place as a result of the Cuban people’s heroic resistance and loyalty to principles, the defense of national independence and sovereignty. Such values, which have not been negotiable for 50 years, led the United States government to admit the severe damage the blockade has

caused the population, and recognize the failure of the openly hostile policy toward the Revolution.

Underscoring that since the announcements of December 2014, Cuba and the United States have taken steps toward improving the bilateral context, Khan said on July 20, 2015 diplomatic relations were officially re-established, along with the commitment to develop them on the basis of respect, co-operation, and observance of the principles of international law.

The GCSM President noted that President Obama will find himself in a country which actively contributes to regional and world peace and stability, and which shares with other peoples not what was left over, but the modest resources possessed, making solidarity an essential element of identity and humanity’s wellbeing.

He will also have the opportunity to meet a noble, friendly, dignified people with an elevated sense of patriotism and national unity, who have always struggled for a better future, despite the adversities they have been obliged to face.

However, he said a long, difficult road lies ahead to reach normalization, which will require the solution of key issues which have accumulated over more than five decades, and entrenched the confrontational character of relations between the two countries.

Such problems are not resolved overnight or with a Presidential visit. “To normalize relations with the United States, it is imperative that the economic, commercial, financial blockade - which causes the Cuban people hardship and is the principal obstacle to the country’s development - be lifted,” he added. “Other issues which are damaging Cuban sovereignty must also be resolved in order to achieve normal relations between the two countries. Territory occupied by the U.S. Naval base in Guantánamo, against the will of the government and people, must be returned to Cuba, to respect the unanimous wish of Cubans, expressed for more than 100 years.”

Cuba has assumed the construction of a new relationship with the United States, fully exercising its sovereignty and committed to its ideals of social justice and solidarity, Khan added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Social workers’ roles intensify in March UNDER the theme, “promoting dignity and worth of people”, the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) says there needs to be an inclusionary approach towards the alleviation of social ills.

The month of March has been designated Social Work Month, while March 15 is celebrated as World Social Work Day around the world.

According to acting President of Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), Akilah Deorris, during the month their roles as social workers are intensified, as workers join forces and plan activities that demonstrate their actual role in society.

Regardless of individuals’ challenges and struggles, she said that GAPSW’s daily work, apart from this day and month, is to take a “whole of life” approach towards helping those individuals, families and groups cope with life’s stresses, to respond to challenges and advocate for gender equality among other things.

As such, in keeping with the international theme of the International Federation of Social Workers, they will demonstrate their commitment in doing what really matters, when it comes to combating social problems, such as suicide, depression, abuse, sexual exploitation, and other ills that pose a threat to society.

She further said GAPSW has planned a number of motivational sessions, aimed at schools within Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica).

They also intend to reach out to third and final year University of Guyana Sociology students, in an effort to recruit and en-

President of GAPSW acting Akilah Deorris

lighten them about the operations of the GAPSW, and also the upcoming events and activities.

She reiterated the need for an inclusionary approach towards the alleviation of social ills, highlighting the fact that their mandate is not just to work single-handedly, but also to work with other advocates and agencies.

Partnership, she said is also needed because of the limitations and scarcity of resources. Therefore, “we must not compete but co-operate, because we want organisations to know about our skill-set in order to work along with us.

“We extend our hand in collaboration with the government and civil society because we want them to help us continue the good work and create a future partnership, so that we can make the world a better place,” said the President (ag) of GAPSW. GAPSW is a professional non-governmental organisation with a rich and successful history of over 42 years in the area of professional development of its members; creating positive social change in the lives of the disadvantaged and vulnerable; and enhancing the general welfare and well-being of our local communities and our country as a whole.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

GNBC aims to create safe, sm

By Ravin Singh

THE Guyana Nation Building Corps - one of the groups contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) has designed its plans to ensure that communities in and around Georgetown are safe, smart and sustainable should its candi-

dates be elected to serve as councilors.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle recently, Louis Nestor, the First-Pastthe-Post candidate competing for Constituency four, noted that this area has been plagued with social ills due to the inaction by the last council and central government. Constituency

four comprises communities within the parameters of Lamaha Canal to Lamaha Street and Vlissengen Road to the eastern highway.

He explained that the constituency which has five wards is comprised primarily of working class residents who have been affected negatively by the lack of regular cleaning in

the area. This, coupled with the lack of street lighting which has resulted in petty crimes has contributed to the devaluing of property in the area. As it relates to recreational facilities, he expressed the view that there is an absence of community centres and playgrounds in the constituency and those which are within the area

have been used as dumpsites while some people have used these lands to build private property.

And having discussed the issue of recreational facilities with residents his intention is to develop new community grounds and improve those which have been neglected. “We want them to be for everyone” he said, adding that community centres should be multipurpose in nature.

Nestor also highlighted that some other major issues include overgrown bushes; the erection of bridges over canals without dredging; people are rendering walkways inaccessible; concrete slabs being built to prevent flooding; and the non-compliance with zoning codes.

Should he be elected to office, the Nation Building Corps representative committed to ensuring that these issues are examined immediately.

But the need for recreational facilities is not limited to constituency four, Feubia Jarvis-Montfort – running candidate for Constituency 13 interjected.

Representing the Guyana Nation Building Corps also,

she noted that there is need for at least community centres in her area. And these should be designed to offer technical classes for youths who are not academically inclined, she added.

“As a resident, I would like the residents to know that we cannot depend on the city council for everything. We have to plans to generate funds in the community” she said. Regarding health, Jarvis-Montfort related that “junkies” in the neighbourhoods are perhaps the biggest contributing factor to an unhealthy environment. This is because they often dispose of garbage at illegal dumpsites and in waterways, which contributes to flooding and breeding of mosquitoes.

And because of the constituency being “festered with squatters”, she revealed that this has led to the absence of a market in the area. Further, she noted that crime has been high in these “depressed communities” in the constituency due to the easy accessibility of alcohol and drugs. “These ought to be regulated and barriers need to be put in place to disallow children from ac-

LGE candidates ((L-R) Martin Gaul, Feubia Jarv Stewart of the Guyana Nation Building Corps)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

mart, sustainable communities cessing these substances which contribute negatively to their young lives. And once elected, I will ensure this happy through proper enforcement of the laws” she told this publication.

A reoccurring feature, security deficiencies was again raised by Dr Dawn Cynthia Stewart who is running for constituency eight (Wortmanville, Newburg Stabroek Werk-en-Rust).

She expressed the view that the responsibility of security should not be limited to the police force but needs collaboration with residents who play a pivotal role in this regard. “We have to form home owners groups and we can police these very communities” she opined.

And after-school activities are just as important, she said, adding that this is where the need for community centres comes in. But these wouldn’t serve to benefit only children an youths.

She offered that the elderly are often “shut in” and not able to be actively involved in life process when they are at a certain age, and so a space must be created for them to be integrated.

To support the idea of a healthy lifestyle, she further noted that the recreational facilities must be complemented with health centres.

These, she stated, should target preventative measures and regularly engage citizens on health issues.

Constituency nine’s candidate, Martin Gaul did not highlight health as a major concern in his area, but noted that improper social and environmental practices have led to the deterioration of his constituency.

First was the issue of drainage which has tremendously affected his area.

Gaul noted that due to the build-up of silt in drains, and concrete bottoms being erected, water has not been able to flow freely. And this has resulted in increased mosquitoes which have contributed to the spread of diseases. “Lodge was even once nicknamed mosquito paradise by the people in that area” he said.

And while there is an urgent need to address this, he touched on the lack of street lighting which is also in urgent need to implementation. The streets too, where the lights are

vis-Monfort, Louis Nestor and Dr Dawn Cynthia

to be installed needs paving, he said, adding that if he is elected to office, he will ensure that there is an access road from Meadowbrook to Tucville.

Apart from the rhetoric of enhancing communities physically, Gaul disclosed

that his aim is also to empower people in the communities so there would also be human resource capacity to tackle some of these very issues. This must be supported by job and wealth creation, from support by the business

community, he said. “Businesses have a social obligation they (businesses) are aware and will be happy to help develop community since they benefit from these development” Gaul said.

Attempt will also be

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made by him, should he be elected to office, to eradicate the use of drugs in this area. Energies will then be directed towards involving the community to mold youths since this is the culture that local government creates.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Three new service companies launched

AllHealth CEO Paul Gibson speaking in the presence of his business partners – (From L-R) Torque-EPCM CEO Barry Mayers, Blue Waters Inc. Global Manufacturing Officer Dave Sahadath, Rhema Cooling CEO Sean Carter and Alfred Granger, who formed part of the coordinating team the intention of compet- ambit of Blue Waters ConBy Svetlana Marshall ing with local companies sulting Incorporated, were but rather to enhance ser- launched at the Pegasus ALLHEALTH Incorporated, vices provided in areas of Hotel on Wednesday before Rhema Cooling Incorpo- health, green technology a wide cross-section of reprated and Torque-EPCM and engineering. resentatives from both the were Wednesday launched The three companies, public and private sectors. in Guyana, but not with which operate under the Blue Waters Inc. Global

Manufacturing Officer Dave Sahadath said the group of companies was established with the distinct purpose to supply the Caribbean Region with the most advanced technologies whether in the area of engineering, pharmaceuticals, or construction.

“We are not interested in terms of coming to compete with local construction companies but instead we want to be able to enhance what they do by providing service and support,” Sahadath explained.

AllHealth, a supplier of high-end pharmaceuticals has been doing business in Guy-

their conditions.

“If a Government or a hospital or an individual require airlift out of their country across the Caribbean into either Latin America or Miami we provide that facility as well,” the CEO explained. In 2015 the company transported five patients who were required to have medical procedures outside of their countries.

Additionally, the company provides products and services in the areas of asthma, hypertension, diabetes, anti-depressants, antibiotics, antivirals, HIV medication and products for anesthesia.

savings by reducing energy consumption by as much as 17%.

“With the introduction of our solar technology, our solar conditioners, we say money saved is as good as money earned, and that is what we are looking to do for the businesses and the Government of Guyana.”

To start off its operation here in Guyana, Rhema Cooling Inc. donated a 12000BTY solar power air conditioning unit to the Queen’s College Information Technology Department.

Queen’s College Principal Jackie Benn minutes

Rhema Cooling CEO Sean Carter presenting the gift certificate to Queen’s College Principal Jackie Benn in the presence of AllHealth CEO Paul Gibson (Left) and Blue Waters Inc. Global Manufacturing Officer Dave Sahadath (Right) ana for the last year. However, Rhema, which specializes in solar air-conditioning units and Torque- EPCM – a company specialized in engineering will now take a leap into the local market.

The Chief Executive Officer of AllHealth Inc. Paul Gibson, during his address, pointed out that the company had 70 years of collective experience in the areas of marketing, management and healthcare.

“Based on the perpetual challenges being seen in the healthcare landscape where there are constantly out of stocks of key products, the rising prices and the manipulation of supplies available internationally, AllHealth Inc. seeks to take away the stress experienced by persons in the health industry,” Gibson said.

According to him, the company, in keeping with its mandate to provide quality healthcare, was here to deliver affordable medical equipment and supplies.

It was pointed out that the healthcare company was also equipped to provide airlift for patients who are required to conduct medical procedures abroad due to the severity of

Meanwhile, Rhema Cooling Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sean Carter, in his presentation, said his company was established in 2004 with the clear vision of becoming the premier provider of energy efficient residential and commercial air conditioning solutions in the Caribbean and Latin America.

According to him, the air conditioning units produced

by Rhema Cooling not only reduce operational cost but it reduces persons’ risk of developing respiratory disorders.

“With our units, the hotter it gets the better it works,” Carter posited while pointing out that traditional air conditioners tend to consume more energy when the atmospheric air became hotter.

He said a high percentage of companies and individuals in Guyana and across the Caribbean were now utilizing the air conditioning units but are often faced with the high price of the electricity which is linked to the price of oil.

However, he said the good news was – the solar conditioners produced by Rhema Cooling Inc. optimize energy

after receiving the gift certificate for the unit offered her gratitude to the company for investing in the school. She posited that students would now be able to conduct their studies in a conducive environment and as such urged companies to follow suit.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Torque-EPCM Barry Mayers, in his presentation, said since 2013 his company had been providing innovative solutions in the engineering arena to countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The company provides pipeline and tank integrity inspections and management; plant and facilities design and maintenance; corrosion management; turnkey design and construction; project finance; health, safety and environmental management; and sustainable and green infrastructure development.

In addition to Torque-EPCM, Rhema Cooling and AllHealth, Blue Waters manages five other companies.

Blue Waters, which has created a name for itself across the Caribbean and Latin America is based in Barbados.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2016

Caribbean needs to strengthen cybersecurity ‒ Region highly vulnerable to potentially devastating cyber-attacks LEADERS of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS) Tuesday called on countries of the Caribbean and Latin America to step up their efforts on cybersecurity following the release of a new study carried out by the two institutions with the support of Oxford University. The report shows that the Region is highly vulnerable to potentially devastating cyber-attacks.

The 2016 Cybersecurity Report, “Are we ready in Latin America and the Caribbean?” says that four out of every five countries in the Region do not have a cybersecurity strategy or plans for protecting critical infrastructure. Two out of three countries do not have a command and control centre for cybersecurity. And a large majority of prosecutors lack the capacity to punish cybercrimes.

The report analyses the state of preparedness of 32 countries based on 49 indicators. It is the first sig-

nificant examination of the level of preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean against the growing threat of cybercrime.

Uruguay, Brazil, México, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago have achieved an intermediate level of preparedness, but lag behind advanced countries such as the United States, Israel, Estonia and the Republic of Korea.

“This report is a call to action to protect our citizens and our critical infrastructure for the 21st Century,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. “Our Region arrived late to the Industrial Revolution. We cannot miss the

opportunity provided by the Digital Revolution. Because of this, cybersecurity must be a priority.”

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro emphasised that cyberspace is increasingly becoming an integral part of the daily life of people in the Americas, and is indispensable to their total development. “That is why we have to regard cybersecurity like any other kind of security: an issue of the highest priority for our people, without which we expose ourselves to potentially catastrophic losses,” he said.

“In this context, our motto of ‘more rights for more people’ signals our commit-

ment to continue working to strengthen the capacity of our countries to protect our people, our economies and the critical infrastructure of our Region.”

The risks of abuse increase as Latin America and the Caribbean join the digital revolution. The Region is the fourth largest mobile market in the world. Half its population uses the Internet. There are countries in Latin America that process 100 percent of their government purchases electronically. And the risks will multiply with the advent of “The Internet of Things,” where not only computers will be interconnected, but a universe of smart devices and sensors will monitor and control virtually everything we use every day.

This evaluation of the readiness of cybersecurity policies in the Region consists of 49 indicators in five areas: policy and strategy, education, culture and society, legal framework, and technology. The report includes technical data on each country.

February smashes global temperature records HOT on the heels of record-breaking temperatures in January, global temperatures in February smashed previous monthly records by an unprecedented amount, according to NASA data, sparking warnings of a climate emergency.

February was the third consecutive month to break the record, which is calculated by setting the temperature for a particular month against the average temperature from that month between 1951 and 1980.

Last month was 2.43F (1.35C) above the norm, easily surpassing the 2.3F (1.14C) margin from January of this year, which also had set a record. The margin was considerably wider in the Northern Hemisphere (2.76C) and the Arctic, with the latter clocking a massive 5.36C increase.

“TRUE SHOCKER” The result was “a true shocker, and yet another reminder of the incessant, long-term rise in global temperature resulting from human-produced greenhouse gases,” according to Jeff Masters and Bob Henson, writing in a blog on the Weather Underground, which analysed the recently released data.

It confirms preliminary analysis from earlier in March, indicating the re-

cord-breaking temperatures.

Although the temperatures have been spurred on by a very large El Nino in the Pacific Ocean, values smashed records set during the last large El Nino from 1998, which was at least as strong as the current one.

Monthly global temperature findings date back to 1880, but never before have three consecutive months so far outpaced historical averages.

Illustrating the significance of the February hike, Gavin Schmidt, a climate scientist who directs the Goddard Institute for Space Stud-

ies at NASA, wrote on Twitter that he rarely comments on individual findings, but felt the need this month because it was a “special” case.

The unprecedented temperatures have led to unprecedented consequences, particularly in the Arctic where sea ice levels this winter have hit record lows.

“We are in a kind of climate emergency now,” Stefan Rahmstorf, from Germany’s Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research and a visiting professorial fellow at the University of New South Wales, told Fairfax Media.

“This is really quite stunning . . . it’s completely unprecedented,” he said.

February did not break the record for the hottest month, since that is likely to happen only during a northern hemisphere summer, when most of the world’s land mass heats up.

Sixteen countries in the Region have no coordinated capacity to respond to incidents. Only four rank above the intermediate level of maturity in this respect;and just six have structured programmes of education in cybersecurity, which includes budgetary stability, as well as mechanisms for

research and the transfer of knowledge.

The report also received the collaboration of the Center for Strategic International Studies, the Getulio Vargas Foundation, the FIRST organisation, the European Council, the Potomac Institute and the World Economic Forum.

Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 12:30 hrs Friday, March 18, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Saturday, March 19, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

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Former UK Athletics coach handed lifetime ban LONDON, England (Reuters) - Former UK Athletics coach George Skafidas has been handed a lifetime ban from sport for doping offences relating to sprinter Bernice Wilson, Britain’s anti-doping agency said yesterday.

Wilson was banned for four years in 2011 after she tested positive for testosterone and clenbuterol.

UKAD said in a statement that the Greek coach had admitted to nine rule violations, committed in 2011 and in January and February 2015 before Wilson’s return to the sport.

Wi l s o n t e s t e d p o s i tive for clomiphene in an out-of-competition test in February last year but her sanction was reduced to 10 months due to “the substantial assistance” she gave UKAD. The agency said Skafidas had concealed a Notice of Charge sent to Wilson

by UKAD and “knowingly provided a false account to UKAD during his interview in Greece on 10 June 2015.”

A profile of Skafidas on the British Athletics Power of 10 website says the Greek was “credited from many in his country for the golden era of sports such as athletics, weightlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, football basketball, volleyball etc in 1990s–2000s.”

Skafidas moved to England after the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“Here is a coach who set up and ran a training group for young and talented athletes; athletes like Bernice who had a bright and promising future in the sport,” said UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead.

“He was put into a position of trust; he abused that trust and as a result categorically destroyed a career.”

Gayle unleashes to ...

From back page

ets in a brief period of concern for West Indies

but England captain Eoin Morgan could do little to stop the 36-year-old Gayle take apart his attack.

“He certainly did what he does,” Morgan told reporters. “He was outstanding today in conditions that probably favoured the bat more than the ball.”

Earlier, a sparkling 48 from Joe Root helped England to 182-6 after West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl on a green-tinged wicket.

Root, who hit three fours and two sixes in his 36-ball knock, and Alex Hales (28) added 55 for the second wicket.

Opener Jason Ray (15) and Hales broke the shackles in the third over as they scored 18 runs off fast bowler Jerome Taylor after West Indies, the 2012 champions, had restricted them to five runs in the first two overs.

Jos Buttler (30) and Morgan (27 not out) provided the late flourish with the 2010 champions, taking another 18 runs from the last over by Bravo.

A l l - ro u n d e r A n d re Russell, who dismissed Roy and Root, and Bravo picked up two wickets each for West Indies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Chase maul South Ruimveldt to reach Milo final

By Rawle Toney

DEFENDING champions Chase Academy and Lodge Secondary will collide in the final of this year’s Petra Organisation/Milo Schools Football tournament, following the results of yesterday’s semi-finals.

Chase Academy mauled South Ruimveldt Secondary 6-0 while Lodge Secondary

squeezed past Queen’s College 1-0 to set up Saturday’s final at the Ministry of Education ground.

Searching for their second title in the four-yearold tournament, Chase Academy got off to a perfect start, thanks to Keith Caines who put his school in the lead just three minutes into the one-sided contest.

It was Caines’ fifth goal of the tournament. Ryan Hackett made it 2-0 with his 34-minute goal while six minutes later, Kelsey Benjamin hammered in a powerful left-footed shot that pushed the score to 3-0.

Just before halftime, Josiah Charles further tightened Chase’s grip on the game when he made it 4-0.

In the second half, with

... Lodge Secondary needle Queen’s College

the game already out of reach, it was safe to say that South Ruimveldt were in dire straits as Chase continued to pound on South Ruimveldt’s hapless defence.

Ralph Parris added the finishing touches with his double in the 60th and 63rd minutes.

In the opening game, Lodge Secondary put an end to Queen’s College fairytale run in the tournament this year, all thanks to Shamar Smith.

The two teams played to a goalless first half but it was Lodge, former holders of the title, who always had the upper hand as Smith, in

the 60th minute separated the two teams.

The result yesterday means that Chase Academy and Lodge Secondary will play at 18:00hrs, while the curtain-raiser on Saturday brings together Queen’s College and South Ruimveldt from 16:00hrs.

against an Indian team famed for their proficiency against spin bowling.

The gamble paid off, and handsomely.

Mitchell Santner, Nathan McCullum and Ish Sodhi ran through the hosts, claiming nine of the 10 wickets to fall on a track offering prodigious turn as India were dismissed for just 79 runs in pursuit of 127.

This was only the third occasion in the short history of Twenty20 Internationals that spinners have claimed nine wickets and it came against opponents who have never lost more than five to the slow bowlers.

The 47-run defeat not only dented skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team’s title credentials but also raised questions about their ability to play spin.

“This has been an exhibition on how not to play spin by the so-called best players of spin in the world,” former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted.

Like many, Vaughan had not seen any real weakness in the current Indian side but went on to add: “Forgot to say ... only weakness is preparing a pitch like yesterday.”

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar sensed “over-confidence” in the Indian team and felt they had been beaten in their own game by a clever New Zealand side.

“If spinning tracks are the medicine that India are

going to use in World Twenty20, they must be ready to tackle it themselves,” Gavaskar told NDTV referring to India’s demise in 18.1 overs.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was more scathing in his assessment of the Nagpur track.

“The astro turf pitch with cigarette burns on a length at my old school was better than that wicket,” he tweeted.

India will be quickly looking to make amends for the shock loss when they take on fierce rivals Pakistan in their next Super10 contest at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday.

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Nagpur pitch leaves India in a spin after heavy defeat

By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI, India – India have built a reputation as excellent players of spin thanks to their nimble footwork and supple wrists but a gamble taken by New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was all that was needed to puncture that aura in their World Twenty20 opener.

Nagpur’s VCA Stadium pitch had been rated as ‘poor’ in December after spinners claimed 33 of the 40 wickets to fall inside three days when India beat South Africa by 124 runs in a Test match between the sides.

On Tuesday, the same strip promised enough turn to convince Williamson to sacrifice speed and arm his attack with three specialist spinners for New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner celebrates the Super10 stage contest taking the wicket of India’s Hardik Pandya.

Match-winner Gayle motivated by request from Benn CHRIS Gayle revealed a request to entertain from Sulieman Benn served as the motivation for his extraordinary 47-ball hundred as West Indies eased to a six-wicket win over England in the World Twenty20.

Having been set 183 to win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Gayle produced another masterful batting display, smashing 11 sixes en route to the fastest hundred in World T20 history.

Gayle’s effort saw him surpass Brendon McCullum’s record of 91 sixes in T20 internationals by

taking his tally to 98 as the Windies wrapped up the victory with 11 balls to spare.

“The preparation has been really good, and this was a good wicket to bat on, chasing a decent total,” Gayle said.

“It was a fantastic innings and I’m really happy to have finished the game, I didn’t leave it for anyone.

“Sulieman Benn said to me I had to go out and entertain him, that gave me that spark as well - I need to entertain my team-mate and he’s my drinking partner as well.

“It was always good to bat second. A target of 183 we always had a chance of chasing that down. We didn’t panic.

Now we’re on to the next one, Sri Lanka in Bangalore, my home town [in the Indian Premier League], I’m looking forward to that.”

Explaining his exuberant celebration upon reaching three figures, Gayle added: “The celebration is all about DJ [Dwayne] Bravo’s song ‘Champion’.

“That is going to be our anthem at the World Cup, we have to keep pressing that.

We built the song together, we got to dance together as well.”

Captain Darren Sammy was quick to laud Gayle’s stunning showing, telling Sky Sports: “It’s always a joy to watch Chris Gayle - the universe boss, as he renamed himself from world boss.

He’s an incredible player, it was great to watch in the dugout.

“I thought England batted well but we were happy to chase down 182.

We thought at one time we would be chasing 220, but they never really accelerated.”(Omnisport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

RHTYSC to benefit from Memorex U-17 cricket bowls all-weather concrete practice pitch off this weekend in Berbice REPUBLIC Bank Limited has agreed to assist in the construction of an all-weather concrete practice pitch for Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC).

The facility is expected to be constructed on the outer part of the Area ‘H’ Ground, and will be outfitted with practice nets in order to allow the club’s coaches to conduct one-on-one coaching with junior players.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the project, hailed the contribution of Republic Bank as a timely initiative.

The financial institution is contributing $150 000 towards the project.

Foster explained that since cricket membership at the

RHTYSC Assistant Organising Secretary Ravin Kissoonlall receives the sponsorship cheque from Republic Bank RHT Manager Harry Dass Ghaness in the presence of other staff members.

RHTYSC at the Under-13, U-15, U-17, U-19 and female levels continues to expand on a daily basis, the concrete pitch will be used on a daily basis by the female cricketers and the

Under-17 age group.

Foster also noted that the U-19 and senior players will use the pitch.

The concrete pitch will be constructed by members

of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and RHT Pepsi U-19 cricket teams along with the Management and Staff of the Republic Bank Rose Hall Town Branch.

THE Memorex Under-17, two-innings cricket competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will commence this weekend with first- and second-round matches.

Twenty-three teams from Weldaad on the West Coast Berbice to No. 72 Cut and Load in the Upper Corentyne area are participating in this year’s competition.

Based on the number of teams, the preliminaries will be played in five geographical zones in order to ease travelling costs for the teams.

Performances in this competition will be taken into consideration by the BCB selectors for the selection of the Berbice squad for the Under-17 Inter-county competition which is reportedly fixed for early next month.

Players born on or after September 1, 1999 are eligible to participate.

Saturday’s first round fixtures are as follows: Zone A (West Berbice) Blairmont Community Centre A vs Achievers at Blairmont Bush Lot New Generation vs Weldaad at Bush Lot Bush Lot United vs Blairmont Community Centre B at Lovely Lass Zone B (East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje) East Bank vs Tucber Park at Edinburgh Sisters vs Young Warriors at Sisters Zone C (Lower Corentyne) Albion Community Centre vs Chesney/United Warrior at Albion Rose Hall Town Bakewell B vs Toopoo Rising Star at Area “H” Rose Hall Town Bakewell A vs Tamarind Root at Hampshire Zone D (Lower/Central Corentyne) Port Mourant vs Rose Hall Town Metro Females at Port Mourant Whim National vs Mibicuri Strikers at Whim Big Star - Bye Sunday’s second round fixtures: Zone A (West Berbice) Achievers vs Weldaad at Lovely Lass Bush Lot New Generation vs Blairmont Community Centre B at Bush Lot Blairmont Community Centre A vs Bush Lot United at Blairmont Zone C Albion Community Centre vs Rose Hall Town Bakewell B at Albion Rose Hall Town Bakewell A vs Chesney/United Warriors at Area “H” Toopoo Rising Star vs Tamarind Root at Toopoo Zone D Mibicuri Strikers vs Big Star at Mibicuri Port Mourant vs Whim National at Port Mourant Rose Hall Town Metro Female - Bye. The Upper Corentyne Zone (Zone E) is scheduled to start next week. All matches are scheduled to start at 10:30hrs each day.

PMCC, Toronto team clash in 40-over game today

THE Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) Under-19 team will match skills against their touring Canadian counterparts in a 40 overs-a-side game today, at the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) ground. The aim to develop their skills and provide the necessary exposure at an early age, The Qarsa Tranzac Cricket Academy (QTCA) from Toronto is on a tour to Guyana, and according to president of the PMCC, Vickram Seubarran, the club is excited to host the visitors, since the game gives the club players an opportunity to showcase their talents.

The game is scheduled to start at 09:30hrs.

The Port Mourant cricket team reads: Veramootoo Senwasane, Emmanuel Seecharran, Daniel Samaroo, Kameshwar Chaterpaul, Kevin Latif, Vivekanand Jagjit, Sarwan Chatterpaul, Ezekiel Kempadoo, Antonio Kempadoo, Mahindra Nandu, Cheddi Budhoo, Sudesh Ghamandi, Vickash Ramayya, and Nickolas Seenarine.

Coach is Delbert Hicks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Pakistan crush Bangladesh by 55 runs in World T20 KOLKATA, India - Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi led by example as his team put a tumultuous buildup behind them to launch their bid for a second World Twenty20 title with a 55-run victory against qualifiers Bangladesh yesterday.

It took a lot of cajoling from the organisers to convince Pakistan to shed their security apprehensions and once they landed for the tournament, Afridi’s comments about getting more love in India than in Pakistan riled up fans back home.

None of it, however, seemed to affect the team who posted a strong 201-5 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens

Shahid Afridi is pumped up after taking a wicket against Bangladesh in Kolkata, yesterday. after opting to bat first and Afridi blasted a 19-ball restricted their opponents to 49 and returned to take 2-27 146-6 in a lopsided Super10 in a personally satisfying Group Two contest. outing for the flamboyant

36-year-old all-rounder.

“My performance always plays a key role (for the team) and I was very hungry to perform,” the all-rounder said after collecting his manof-the-match award.

Afridi had been worried about Pakistan’s batting inconsistency and mentioned it at the toss but the all-rounder had no reasons to complain yesterday as the top order fired in unison.

They lost opener Sharjeel Khan (18) cheaply but Mohammad Hafeez (64) and Ahmed Shehzad (52) added 95 runs in 11.2 overs to lay the foundation for the team’s only second 200-plus total in this format.

After Shehzad’s dismissal, Afridi promoted himself in the batting order and clobbered four sixes in a typically entertaining knock.

“It’s a big event and I thought I should take responsibility as a captain, as a senior player. I have to set an example for them,” Afridi said.

“I love to give chance to my batsmen but sometimes you need some extra efforts (from captain) in these type of events.”

Hafeez fell to a stunning catch by Soumya Sarkar in the deep, the overbalancing fielder throwing the ball up before crossing the rope and hopping back in time to complete the catch.

Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, who was reported for a suspect bowling action earlier in the tournament, claimed 2-34 but it was otherwise a forgettable outing for their bowling attack.

Bangladesh needed a strong start to chase down such a big target but Mohammad Amir (2-27) sent Sarkar’s off-stump cartwheeling in the first over before Afridi’s double strikes reduced the qualifiers to 58-3 in eight overs.

D o w n t h e o r d e r, Shakib Al Hasan remained not out on 50 but the target proved too much for Bangladesh’s limited batting resources.

Mohammed strikes seal narrow win for WI Women in World T20 opener A THREE-WICKET haul from off-spinner Anisa Mohammed guided West Indies Women to a narrow fourrun victory against Pakistan Women yesterday in their Women’s World Twenty20 opener in Chennai.

(Scores: West Indies Women 103 for 8 (Taylor 40; Amin 4-16) beat Pakistan Women 99 for 5 (Maroof 22; Mohammed 3-25) by four runs) Chasing a seemingly small target of 104, Pakistan were dealt a serious blow early in their innings when the opener Javeria Khan was struck below her ear in the first over off a bouncer from Shamilia Connell. Javeria was immediately stretchered off the field and taken to a nearby hospital. Javeria underwent a CT scan, and is understood to now be conscious.

Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof steadied the innings with a patient 40-run stand, but three quick blows from Mohammed swung the contest decisively West Indies way.

First, Mohammed removed Ameed in the ninth over before proceeding to dismiss both Aliya Riyaz and Maroof in

NOTABLE DATES

TWENTY-ONE-year-old Patrick Ford defeated Roy Smith for the second time on March 17, 1977. Ford won the six-round fight via point decision. The two Guyanese met for the first time in April 1976 when the featherweight Ford was making his debut.

Smith lost that four-round fight by decision. Ford turned out to be a fearless warrior whose exploits in the ring allowed for the Golden Arrowhead to be waved proudly.

During a professional career that lasted 11 years he earned the distinction of being the first Guyanese to fight for a world title.

Coming from a family of elite boxers Ford proved that he had power in both hands. The lanky boxer hinted that he was ready for the world stage when he railroaded Panamanian Diego Alcala in September 1978.

A world-rated fighter at that time, Alcala was knocked out in the ninth round.

In December 1979 Ford knocked out Cecil Hernandez in the 10th round. Hernandez would later die of injuries sustained in the fight that was held in Guyana.

Ford had been crowned World Boxing Association FECARBOX champion in his previous fight. He later became the first Guyanese to challenge for a world title but lost a controversial 15-round decision to WBC Salvador Sanchez in September 1980.

Ford died in the USA on November 13, 2011 at age 55.

Three quick blows from off-spinner Anisa Mohammed swings the match West Indies way.

the 11th. It left Pakistan needing 60 off the last 56 balls, but the momentum was in West Indies’ hands.

Muneeba Ali (15), Sana Mir (18) and Asmavia Iqbal (19) all chipped in with handy knocks to keep Pakistan in sight of the target, but their slow run-rate left the team needing 12 off the final over, bowled by Deandra Dottin.

Dottin conceded three off the first ball, but Pakistan failed to find the boundaries - the team managed just five in their entire innings - as West Indies hung on to open their account.

Mohammed ended with figures of 4-1-25-3.

Earlier, Anam Amin picked up 4 for 16 to wreck West Indies’ top and middle order and keep the team to 103 for 8. West Indies’ captain Stafanie Taylor top-scored with 40, while Hayley Matthews and Merissa Aguilleira provided 15 runs each.

Taylor stoked five boundaries during her 49-ball knock; the rest of the team combined managed just one.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Barca’s dynamic trio down Arsenal

By Amadeu Garcia BARCELONA, (Reuters)-Barcelona’s dynamic attacking trio of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were all on target in a 3-1 victory over Arsenal yesterday that sent the Spanish side into the Champions League quarter-finals 5-1 on aggregate.

Neymar opened the scoring in the first half before Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny curled in an excellent finish to level the scores.

Suarez, however, launched himself into the air to meet a Dani Alves cross and send a superb volley into the top corner after 65 minutes to suppress a second-half revival

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez by the English side, who have now exited in the last 16 for six successive seasons.

Messi rounded off the scoring with a trademark chipped finish two minutes from time as the hosts extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches in all competitions.

The defeat will increase

the pressure on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side are 11 points adrift of leaders Leicester City in the Premier League and exited the FA Cup last weekend.

Barcelona served notice of their intent when Arsenal keeper David Ospina was forced into a superb save to

deny Messi, but the reprieve lasted just two minutes as the hosts took the lead through Neymar’s side-footed finish.

Arsenal had lost the ball playing out from the back, before Suarez fed Neymar to slide the ball past Ospina.

Alexis Sanchez fluffed the visitors’ best chance before the break when he headed wide, but Arsenal continued to press and levelled six minutes into the second half when Elneny bent a sweet finish into the top corner from 20 metres.

Just when it looked like Arsenal might spring a surprise, however, Suarez’s acrobatics finished the tie before Messi burst into the box and lifted the ball calmly into the net.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

FIFA to sue Blazer, Warner, Webb, corrupt officials

… Give us back our money

By Brian Homewood and David Ingram ZURICH/NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Global football body FIFA has applied to United States authorities for tens of millions of dollars compensation from ex-officials who are indicted there and recognised that executive committee members had in the past sold their votes in World Cup-hosting contests.

FIFA announced yesterday it was also seeking repayment of salaries and a full audit of a former top official it says has continued to live an “extravagant lifestyle” while on bail from a New York Court.

The Swiss-based body, its global administration shaken by graft charges and tales of lavish spending that toppled its former head, said its U.S. lawyers had filed a restitution request on Tuesday with federal prosecutors in New York.

In the document and an accompanying letter published by FIFA, it demanded return of salaries and payment of compensation for damage to its brand, business interests and reputation.

“The defendants grossly abused their positions of trust to enrich themselves ... (and have) deeply tarnished the FIFA brand and impaired FIFA’s ability to use its resources for positive actions throughout the world,” the document said.

It listed several cases of alleged wrongdoing, including the race to host the 2010 World Cup, won by South Africa, which had already been detailed by U.S. authorities in December.

It said that former executive committee members Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner, plus other individuals, engineered a $10 million (£7.1 million) payoff in exchange for executive committee votes.

Warner, who is fighting extradition from Trinidad and Tobago after being indicted in the U.S., had previously accepted a bribe to vote for Morocco in the 1998 World Cup hosting race, won by France, the report said.

“It is now apparent that multiple members of FIFA’s Executive Committee abused their positions and sold their votes on multiple occasions,” the report said.

However, it did not mention the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively - a decision which has sparked a criminal investigation by Swiss authorities.

Ex-officials who have pleaded guilty have already agreed to pay more than $190 million in forfeiture, according to U.S. authorities.

“These funds should be used to compensate the victims of the defendants’ crimes, particularly FIFA and its member associations and confederations,” FIFA said.

The very future of FIFA has been put in question by the scandal, with some demanding its abolition and replacement. The move for recompense casts FIFA for the first time, under its new president, prominently as plaintiff and victim.

FIFA is also asking U.S. officials for an audit of the assets of Jeffrey Webb, a former president of CONCACAF, which governs

Jack Warner

Chuck Blazer

Jeffrey Webb

football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

since his release on bond.

A lawyer for Webb declined to comment on the party, which was the subject of a report last month by the Cayman News Service.

Webb is from the Cayman Islands.

“FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it

takes,” said FIFA’s recently-elected president Gianni Infantino in a statement.

“These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewellery and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives.”

FIFA THE VICTIM FIFA lawyers wrote in a letter to U.S. prosecutors that Webb, who is charged in alleged bribery schemes, was living an “extravagant lifestyle” that included an expensive, casino-themed birthday party for his wife

In all, 42 sports officials, executives and corporate entities have been charged in the United States under U.S. bribery and money-laundering laws. The defendants include former members of FIFA’s all-powerful executive committee and former heads of national and continental governing bodies.

FIFA’s ethics committee banned Blatter for six years, and last month FIFA elected Infantino and enacted changes to its governance structure in an attempt to stamp out corruption.

FIFA also said it had incurred substantial legal costs and was entitled to restitution for its attorney fees and similar costs that directly flowed from the investigations.

Strength and Conditioning set for training launched … Workshop April 1-3 COACHES, trainers, instructors and Physical Education teachers are being invited to a three-day workshop aimed specifically at the strength and conditioning of youth as well as senior national athletes.

The Strength and Conditioning training workshop, a collaborative effort of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) 50 Shades of Games Initiative, Guyana Olympics Association, B.E. Fitness & Tower Hotel Suites Gym, Banks DIH and Extra Energy, was officially launched on Wednesday morning.

The workshop, set for April 1-3, will feature Unit-

ed States-based Dr. Kyle Pierce from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at One University Place in Jackson, as the lead facilitator.

With registration set to close on Monday, March 21, president of the Guyana Amateur Weight-lifting Association, Seon Erskine, has urged those interested to get on board.

During the launch at B.E. Fitness & Tower Hotel Suites Gym, Erskine outlined the plans for the three-day workshop.

“This is not weightlifting specific but strength and conditioning is for every single trainer out

there who is working with Guyanese athletes to benefit from contemporary principles that relate to biomechanics, physics anatomy therapy and even in first aid,” contended the president.

He added that there will be specific focus on Anti-doping and its rules as well as injury rehabilitation, among other things, with a view to making the event an annual one under its own body with its own accreditation.

Meanwhile, Fitness & Tower Hotel Suites Gym representative Tyson English expressed his company’s

sentiments at being on board for the weekend programme, adding, “We also believe that our coaches, trainers and instructors should be qualified, certified and exposed to a certain level of training and materials.”

GOA representative Dion Nurse extended the GOA’s sentiments about educating coaches, instructors and physical education teachers, while saying that they are in support of programmes of this nature.

The programme is open to all physical education teachers, gym instructors, personal trainers and coaches.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 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: (1) Stuart Broad-26 matches (2) South Africa & West Indies Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Match at the last ICC T20 World Cup final?

(2) Where was the last ICC T20 World Cup held?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

From (L-R), Gym representative Mr Tyson English, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, GAWA president Seon Erskine and GOA’s Dion Nurse during the launch of the Strength and Conditioning workshop

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 17, 2016

Shabazz names Guyana’s CFU Caribbean Cup squad

By Rawle Toney

JAMAAL Shabazz, head coach of Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Football team, yesterday released the names of his 25-man squad who will participate in the 2016/17 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Scotiabank Caribbean Cup tournament.

Guyana will kick off their campaign against Anguilla at the Guyana National Stadium on Tuesday March 22, having been drawn in Group 5 that also features Puerto Rico.

Shabazz called eight overseas-based players - Akel Clarke (Trinidad and Tobago), Neil Danns (England), Samuel Cox (England), Walter Moore (Finland), Brandon Beresford (USA), Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico), Marcel Barrington (England)

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shbazz and Anthony Whyte (Canada).

Alex Murray (Alpha United FC), King Austin (Alpha United FC), Joshua Browne (Alpha United FC), Kester Jacobs (Slingerz FC), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors FC), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Gregory Richardson (Pele FC), Devon Millington (Slingerz

FC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United FC), Dwight Peters (Alpha United FC), Quincy Adams (Slingerz FC), Clive Nobrega (Slingerz FC), Les Charles Critchlow (Slingerz FC), Tichard Joseph (Slingerz FC) Trayon Bobb (Slingerz FC), Konata Manning (Pele FC), and Delon Lanferman (Alpha United FC) are the other players, all based locally.

Anguilla players, according to a release from the GFF, are expected to arrive on Sunday March 20. Guyana will then travel to Puerto Rico for their March 29 match.

Tickets are being sold at $1500, VIP tickets at $5000 and booths are being sold at $80 000. Booths cost include the ability to have a maximum of 20 persons, 6 car

passes and food and drinks being brought to the ground.

The competition, which is scheduled to take place during officially-sanctioned FIFA international match periods giving Member Associations the opportunity to select their best possible teams, will kick off in March (21-29) with all of the countries, except Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago, who are all still participating in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Golden Jaguars were drawn alongside Puerto Rico and Anguilla, in the 26-team Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament which is being sponsored by Scotiabank.

Round two of the Championship is scheduled for May

and Round three in October.

The 5th Place playoff will take place in November and the final in May 2017. The top four teams will qualify for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Since their 2018 World Cup qualifier against the ‘Vincy Heat’ (St Vincent and the Grenadines), the Golden Jaguars were dormant and now head coach Jamaal Shabazz will reassemble his troops to better their 2007 showing at the tournament, where Guyana narrowly missed out on a spot in the semi-final and ultimately the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 2007 edition of the tournament which started in 1989, was said to be Guyana’s best showing, with the Charles Pollard-captained side playing undefeated in Group I with wins over An-

tigua and Barbuda (6-0), Dominican Republic (2-0) and Guadeloupe (3-2) in French Island of Martinique.

In the final group stage which would have determined the CFU’s representatives at the 2007 Gold Cup, Guyana were placed alongside Cuba, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Guadeloupe.

However, Shabazz’s men fell 2-0 to the Vincentians, defeated Guadeloupe 4-3 but in a game where they needed to win, Guyana played to a goalless draw against the Cubans, missing out on the Gold Cup on goal average.

Nigel ‘Powers’ Codrington was the 2007 CFU Caribbean Cup’s highest goalscorer with 11.

Codrington is Guyana’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting 18 goals.

Stanley Boyce Trophy for Guyana Road Race in August THE steering committee of the Guyana Cycling Association of North America (GCANA) last Saturday witnessed the symbolic handing-over of a trophy for the Stanley Boyce Road Race in Guyana.

The Utica Printing House of Brooklyn New York has donated the trophy which will be awarded to the winner of the race that will be held during August 2016 in the

memory of Stanley during the GCANA’s sixth annual fundraiser at the Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn.

Among those present were Guyana Cycling Federation president Horace Burrowes, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Winfield Braithwaite, Olympians Bertram James and Aubrey Gordon, former World Masters champion Delroy Walters and GCANA president Nev-

ille Hunte.

Present and former cyclists, along with their families and friends, supported and graced the occasion as well.

During the proceedings, Hugh Pickering read a special tribute in honour of one of the founding members saying, “The Guyana Cycling Association of North America would like at this time to pay tribute to Stanley

Boyce. Boyce was a member from the inception. He was an integral component of this organisation.”

Pickering, continued, “He represented Guyana successfully not only as a cyclist but also in later years as a manager of several teams that competed in various meets throughout the West Indies. For many years, he was always present as a greeter, as he stood side by

Vieira confident ahead of Sunday’s GMR&SC Race of Champions meet

By Stephan Sookram

AS RACING fans count down the days to this weekend’s National Race of Champions First Round, one rider is confident of producing a good showing for fans.

Matthew Vieira, who dominated the local class of bikes last November, has backed himself to once again come out on top of the competition.

According to the young Vieira, “Things are looking great. Though I didn’t get to practise much, I’m feeling great. I’m basically all set right now, as the bike ran well last November so I am not in favour of troubling the settings.”

He noted that his confi-

Flashback! Matthew Vieira waves the chequered flag following a win last year. dence for this meet comes as a result of the last outing on the track where he produced some dominant performances, adding, “I hope to give my fans what they

deserve to see a great race and hopefully performing at my best.”

Looking ahead, the rider singled out cousin and former Caribbean and

Guyana Champion Stephen Vieira as one person he will be keeping his eye on.

“Stephen is definitely a man to look at. He was the champion for many years, he is an amazing rider. I learned a lot from racing with him and no doubt he has a lot more experience but nevertheless I’ll ride at my very best and I know that’s good enough.”

His Triumph Daytona is sponsored by Game Express, Mohamed’s Enterprises and Truck Masters.

GTT and Fly Jamaica are the main sponsors of the Championship to date and admission has been set at $500 per child and $1 000 per adult Race time is 09:30hrs.

The Stanley Boyce trophy that will be up for grabs bean Shipping, Caribbean side with Neville Hunte as Cargo DC, Toto’s Restauthey welcomed untold num- rant, Woodbine Ballroom, bers of patriotic Guyanese and Utica Printing House who supported the GCANA for their continued support in our endeavour to Fundraisers.”

The GCANA would like promote the sport we love to thank Williams Carib- in our native land Guyana

Match-winner Gayle motivated by request from Benn See story on page 35

Chase maul South Ruimveldt to reach Milo final

Chase Academy’s strike squad! (L-R) Josiah Charles, Ralph Parris, Keith Caines, Ryan Hackett and Kelsey Benjamin. (See Story on Page 35)

Gayle unleashes to destroy England in Mumbai

… Windies opener powers to unbeaten 100 off 48 balls

M

West Indies opener Chris Gayle brings up his century in 48 balls, his blistering knock including five fours and 11 sixes.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

By Sudipto Ganguly

UMBAI, India (Reuters) - Chris Gayle smashed the first hundred of the sixth World Twenty20, to underline his reputation as cricket’s most destructive batsman and power West Indies to a six-wicket win over England in their Super10 match yesterday.

The tall left-handed opener made a mockery of a steep 183-run target in the Group One match, carrying West Indies to victory with 11 balls to spare on a hot and humid evening at the Wankhede Stadium.

Gayle’s century was his second in the format and he remained unbeaten on 100 off 48 balls after hitting 11 sixes and five fours.

Marlon Samuels (37) took the early initiative while Gayle took his time to settle down and the pair added 55 for the second wicket to lay down the foundation for a West Indies victory.

It was the sparse crowd at the stadium overlooking the Arabian Sea who were at risk once Gayle decided to open his shoulders and swat everything in his zone over the boundary.

England spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, hampered more by the dew making the ball difficult to grip, were at the receiving end of Gayle’s blitzkrieg with the latter suffering the ignominy of being hit for three consecutive sixes in an over in which he gave away 22 runs.

“It’s as simple as he makes it look out there,” West Indies coach Phil Simmons said of Gayle’s knock.

“He practises hard, hits a lot of balls in the nets but he works it out just as he did it today.”

Denesh Ramdin and Dwayne Bravo threw away their wick- See page 34 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016