Chronicle 03 18 2016

LGE TODAY No. 104495

FRIDAY MARCH 18, 2016

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From left: Finance Minsiter Winston Jordan, Third Vice President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Massy Country Manager Deo Persaud and Senior Vice President and Executive Chairman Thomas Pantin, Retail Line of Business (Massy) yesterday viewing some of the locally grown provisions on display at the opening of Guyana's largest supermarket at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara

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Rose Hall sugar Surveillance 8 ‘Father of Local down tools video submitted at ‒workers Government’ GuySuCo urges GAWU remembered 9 CoI into prison deaths to stop the instigation 2 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

Rose Hall sugar workers down tools ‒ GuySuCo urges GAWU to stop the instigation SOME 500 CANE harvesters from the Rose Hall Estate on Thursday took industrial action, condemning a decision by the estate’s management to not offer them work last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The workers made their dissatisfaction known by staging a protest outside the estate’s Administrative Office.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a statement said the other estates provided work for the workers during the days they were not offered work.

The union went on to accuse the management of Rose Hall Estate of causing the strike action by refusing to meet with a delegation of elected workers' representatives on Wednesday.

“During the workers’ protest, armed police were summoned to the scene, though at no time was the protest disorderly, even for the brief moment the workers occupied the entrance leading to the estate’s office.

“They sought to have a meeting between the Management and their elected representatives. The workers’ request was ignored. It

was reported that one or two senior managers vacated their offices at the time to ensure that no meeting could have taken place,” GAWU’s statement noted.

During the protest, the Estate’s Human Resources Manager informed the disgruntled workers that the Estate Manager would meet with five workers.

“He insisted that the elected representatives would not be facilitated at the meeting. This communication incensed the workers and the police had to escort the estate’s personnel to his office.”

According to GAWU, cane harvesters from the other gangs, having heard about the refusal of management to engage the workers’ representatives decided to strike and protest on Thursday.

The workers maintain their demand that the Estate Manager meet with their representatives to address matters of adequate work being provided them.

“GAWU considers that the workers at Rose Hall Estate stand on good grounds and looks forward to the manager and the representatives having a meeting without delay rather than to

allow the strike to escalate.”

GuySuCo’s response Meanwhile, GuySuCo in a statement explained that the reason the workers were not offered any work was due to the fact that on Mondays, the Rose Hall factory undergoes statutory maintenance.

“It is important to note, that sugar production is a rigorous, continuous process; therefore, if one shift strikes, it affects the entire production process.”

The statement further noted that since the beginning of the crop, GAWU President Komal Chand has been on record as stating that the Union’s General Council has sanctioned a strike every Tuesday within the industry.

“Notwithstanding, in an effort to minimise the deterioration of canes burnt and to reduce possible losses resulting from these strikes, the corporation has been taking relevant precautionary measures.”

The sugar company noted that the strike action has been led by GAWU’s central and local officers and continues to deplete production targets, denying workers the opportunity to achieve the weekly production incentive that they would normally earn.

GuySuCo claimed that GAWU’s central and local officers breached the normal Industrial Relations Protocol and Practices by escalating the protest action and taking it into the estate’s compound.

“A few workers, behaving in an unruly manner, proceeded to enter the administrative building accompanied by their union representa-

Some of the sugar workers during the strike on Thursday

tives and carried out actions which were inappropriate and of great cause for concern. This breach of the Industrial Relations Protocols and Practices has raised the question of what are the real motives of GAWU, since the higher the productivity of the workforce, the greater the benefits for all stakeholders, including GAWU.” The sugar company is

of the view that workers at Rose Hall Estate are being severely misled.

“The corporation is once again imploring its employees to think of their families and the communities which are depending on the viability of the industry and to allow good sense to prevail by encouraging GAWU to make smarter decisions on matters relating to their livelihood.”

GuySuCo has since written GAWU expressing its disappointment on the conduct of its officers who led the group of striking workers to invade the estate’s compound and administrative offices.

The estate management has since agreed to meet with a union delegation today, providing there is full resumption.

PM’s salary not tax-free THE OFFICE of the Prime Minister (OPM) is refuting claims made by the Guyana Times that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo “enjoys” a tax-free salary.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office noted that the erroneous report was contained in an article captioned “Jordan supports salary top-up for President, other officials” that appeared in the March 17 edition of the newspaper.

The OPM explained that the Prime Minister’s salary

is taxable and amounts to a take–home pay that is far less than the tax-free package which the former Attorney General had received.

According to the statement, the opinions expressed by the Finance Minister are directed at tax-free salaries for the President, the Chancellor, the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General to effect equity before the law as regards the existing requirement that all salary earners ought to pay income tax.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

LGE TODAY 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

By Ravin Singh

TODAY Guyanese will head to the polls to exercise their franchise at the local democratic level after having been starved of this opportunity for over two decades.

According to GECOM – Guyana’s election regulatory body – 507,633 electors are registered on the Official Voters’ List and a total of 1,562 Polling Stations will facilitate the voting process.

With the ballots for outlying areas transported via aircraft yesterday, GECOM has advised that polling stations across the country will open promptly at 6:00 am.

The ballots for Georgetown and locations near the capital were expected to be transported at 3:00am this morning. Security measures have been put in place and the support in this regard will be rendered by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Touted as a monumental move by the 10-month old APNU+AFC coalition Government, these elections represent the restoration of democracy at the community level. Upon its assumption of office last year, the Government quickly, but proficiently pushed through the delayed legislation, and moved towards making good on its promise to host the elections.

And although the opposition had vigorously argued that the elections could not be held since the GECOM did not have the necessary infrastructure and machinery in place, the elections regulatory body had contended that it was ready. Government, through the Minister of Local Government then announced in November of last year that the elections would be held on March 18, 2016.

The total number of groups, political parties and individual candidates con-

testing these elections, as was stated by GECOM is 83.

These include three political parties, 17 voluntary groups and 63 individual candidates.

But concerns had been raised about political parties contesting these elections, given the fact that they control and dominate the General Elections. And while there are no provisions barring political parties from contesting Local Government Elections (LGEs), President David Granger had justified the move stating that what is important is that residents have a choice to directly elect their representatives.

And while these calls for the political parties to exclude themselves from the elections fell on deaf ears, the assurance of a victory by any of these parties was threatened by the emergence of voluntary groups contesting these overdue elections.

In Georgetown for instance, Team Benschop for

Mayor, led by political activist Mark Benschop, is challenging strongly given his long record of engagement at the grassroots level. Additionally, two new groups, Team Legacy and Youths for Local Government, have further intensified the political atmosphere by primarily targeting youths,the majority of whom will for the first time vote at LGEs. Independent candidates too, though not exposed to the public as much as the popular figures and groups, have confidently backed themselves, fancying their chances based on community involvement over the years.

But given the dynamics of these elections and it not being as highly polarised at General Elections, it has been difficult, even for analysts to predict how the voting will swing today.

Attracting a favourable amount of attention from the public however, is constit-

uency 14 (South Ruimveldt Park/Ruimveldt Industrial Estate) which is speculated to be the area which is likely to produce the mayor. This perception is widely held for two reasons.

First, Benschop, who is competing as a candidate in this constituency, has identified himself to be voted as mayor should his team control the composition of the council. Second, APNU+AFC candidate Sherod Duncan has been the frontrunner in the coalition’s campaign, garnering much support after the first Georgetown debate which he dominated. Complementing this is the fact that Duncan has been actively involved in the country’s clean-up campaign and several environmental projects which were widely reported on in the press.

However, the debates did not only provide a platform for other candidates to promote themselves, but for

them to provide glimpses of what they have to offer their constituencies should they be elected to serve as councillors.

The level of enthusiasm among the electorate too was described by many as having been dull and incomparable to that of General Elections.

The contention was held that GECOM had not done a very good job in its public voter education drive. And while this might be true, it must be appreciated that the infrequency of LGEs over the decades, has resulted in the population not being socialised to acknowledge the importance of these elections.

And despite this, what is certain is that a faction of the country is in a heightened state of anxiety and appreciation for the opportunity to take back control of their communities after having them reduced to, and referred to as sections of a garbage city.

Conflicting views emerge during CoI into prison deaths

By Ariana Gordon AS testimonies into the Georgetown prison riots that resulted in the death of 17 inmates and injury of several others continue, it became evident that there were conflicting views as they relate to what transpired in the Camp Street facility on March 3.

Prisoner Desmond James told the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) yesterday that his fellow inmates were not angered when their prohibited items were seized by prison authorities on March 2.

James noted that the prison authority would on an almost monthly basis conduct searches in the Capital ‘A’ Division of the prison. It was a regular feature at the penitentiary and as such seizures were expected.

“I NEVER SEE NO CELL PHONES, ICE PICKS…” Noting that he did not own a mobile phone, did not borrow phones belonging to other inmates nor did he see marijuana in the Camp Street jail, the murder accused who has been in the facility for 19 months made it clear that he doesn’t know of the illegal items that were seized.

“I never see no cell phones, ice picks… Sir, I never see anything,” he said in response to questions posed by Attorney Dexter Todd who during cross-examination asked the inmate

whether he had ever seen sharpened toothbrushes and marijuana as well. He said while he has never seen marijuana in the area to which he was confined, he did smell it.

“I smell but I never see it,” he stated. Previous inmates testified that prisoners would use marijuana and their mobile phones as a means of “comfort” but James held firm that he had not seen the illegal items.

‘COCHORE’ Todd urged the witness to speak up and not be fearful as he would be protected. “You don’t want to be seen as a rat or a ‘cochore’ (informant)?” the attorney asked but received no response.

James described Capital ‘A’ as generally “very peaceful”, noting that there was no fighting there. Recounting what transpired on March 3 before the start of the fire, the prisoner said he was awakened by a fellow inmate who told him they were instructed to pack their things and leave the premises five by five. According to James, he complied but by the time he arrived to the main entrance, he heard a prison officer identified as “Samuels” say “lock the door”.

At that point the man said the door was locked and he placed his belongings down by the door and returned to his dwelling area.

At no time, the prisoner said, were the prisoners being

abusive to the prison officers. “…after I gone to the back, I hear shouting in the yard…they been saying the officers beating prisoners,” he recalled.

Shortly after, he said, inmates began to break the wall that separates Capital ‘A’ from Capital ‘B’ due to the start of a fire. Asked why the wall was broken James said “because dem din (not) opening the door.”

He said the fire that was lit was not huge and it was located in the vicinity of the hole. The prisoner could not state who lit the fire. “I went at the back part of the building…it was not a big fire…they spray some fire extinguisher from Capital ‘B’ through the wall… the fire calm down, then I see sheer smoke. The smoke came from the same direction (of the fire).”

James, like other prisoners, was advised to lay down to avoid the smoke getting into their eyes. He told the Commission that he lay down for approximately one hour.

“Is one big heavy smoke…It come from the corner and go up to the ceiling and come back down…I never see such smoke like what I see there sir…Mattress smoke don’t burn your eyes and skin like that sir,” added James.

Meanwhile, while being cross-examined by attorney for the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Ser-

Murder accused Desmond James

vice, Selwyn Pieters, it was suggested that James was not being truthful about where he was located at the time of the fire.

“I am suggesting to you that if you were in the area that you are suggesting you were, you would have been severely injured or killed,” said Pieters. The attorney’s suggestion to James did not amount to a change in his (James) story as he maintained that he was to the back of the premises receiving fresh air through a vent.

Asked whether he or any of his inmates at any point had suicidal thoughts by Attorney Todd, James said no.

“Did you ever witness any plan by the other inmates to kill anybody in Capital ‘A’?

You are not aware of any plan by any of the inmates to light themselves afire? Do you have knowledge of any plan to burn Capital ‘A’ by the inmates?” asked Todd.

James responded, “No sir.”

The inmate told Todd that Capital ‘A’ has two doors but only one was used. He said while he was at the crease to the back door trying to get air, prisoners were shouting for help, “but nobody didn’t come.”

“When rescue come is when most of the prisoners din (were) already dead,” James recounted. He noted however than another inmate known as Steve Bacchus attempted to rescue the prisoners and had taken a prison officer to the back door. That prison officer James recalled attempted to open the door.

He fumbled with several keys but was unsuccessful.

“He had some keys in his hand but he didn’t have the right keys…he tried it…then he left,” the prisoner stated.

He noted too that when he first saw the fire he went to a nearby sink to get water but unfortunately there was no running water.

During cross-examination, Pieters asked, “You had an opportunity to escape and you didn’t! Why didn’t you go through the hole to ‘B’ Division? You could have taken steps to defend that fire and you did not? I am going to suggest to you that you contributed to the events that took place in the Georgetown Prison Capital ‘A’ on March 3?”

“Sir me en understand wha yuh said,” the prisoner responded. Pieters changed

his line of questioning and asked, “you and your fellow inmates block the door with cork?”

“No sir,” replied James who was then told, “you took no steps to prevent the fire?”

He responded, “If I can’t help myself how I helping others?”

Meanwhile, James had also testified that inmates had burned mattresses before in the prison and the smoke from the mattress was far different from the smoke that emanated on March 3.

OBJECTIONS UPHELD Pieters repeatedly questioned James on the burning of mattresses in the past but young attorney Darren Wade opposed Pieters’s line of questioning and stated that the witness was being asked one set of questions repeatedly, while noting that answers were previously provided. Those objections were upheld by Justice Patterson.

Like some of the other prisoners who appeared before him, James said another inmate had prepared his statement. That statement was, however, not read to him but he affixed his signature.

“He didn’t read it to me…he come back the next day and tell me fuh sign it and I sign,” said James.

The Commission resumes today and will hear testimony from Owen Belfield.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Largest supermarket in Guyana opens MASSY Stores opens its first supermarket in Guyana at Amazonia Mall, Providence - aims to work with local producers and suppliers.

MASSY STORES yesterday opened its supermarket doors in Guyana with 16,000 square feet of retail space, making it the largest supermarket in the country. The new location will include features such as high quality fresh produce, chilled and frozen meat, prepared foods and a wide variety of local and foreign foods and general merchandising items.

Additionally, the supermarket will offer a number of convenient, value-added services, including a deli and bakery, butchery and fresh fish counters, an instore pharmacy, ATM Machines, MoneyGram and SurePay points of service.

The store’s international design, which incorporates wide aisles to comfortably accommodate shoppers, and automated in-store price checkers, is also comple-

mented by extensive parking facilities to enhance the overall shopping experience.

As the supermarket tycoons continue their sweep across the Caribbean the event marked their 46th retail locations in the Caribbean, with plans to open another location on the East Coast of Demerara within the next 18 months.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Thursday was Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin who praised the Massy Company for its support and interest in Guyana.

The minster commended the company for its involvement in Guyana’s economy since it employed a workforce of 1,300 persons since its five decade of service.

Mr. Gaskin also praised the Massy Company for its involvement in sports and other industries.

He said the Government was expecting a 3.8% growth in the Guyanese economy with such supermarket chains in Guyana, and he promised that the Government planned to have “serious conversations” with such private

investors for an economic boost.

“Guyana’s retail sector is becoming more and more competitive, with shoppers having more options, both in terms of stores and in terms of products. Our economy has responded well to these new developments and has demonstrated that Guyana has not just the physical space but the economic space to accommodate an expanded retail sector,” he stated.

“A Special thanks to the Massy Supermarket for integrating the use of fresh produce by local famers to get their products on the selves, which sets standards for other markets.” the minister said.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Massy Country Manager, Deo Persaud, who also added that “Massy has been operating in Guyana for the past 48 years and the model has been primarily business to business, as we have been operating in the industrial and LPG gases, automotive and industrial equipment, distribution, se-

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The Amazonia Mall which houses Massy Supermarket curity services and IT industries locally.

“Now we are really moving into a new space, operating in retail and serving a wider customer base, which is a new and exciting business for us. We also have the opportunity to work closely with local suppliers and local producers so that our consumers can find a wide variety of high-quality, local

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items in one location.”

“We have continued to incorporate best practices in the construction of our second store, already in progress, at the East Coast MovieTowne complex, which is scheduled to open in 2017,” he added.

The Senior Vice President & Executive Chairman, Retail Line of Business, Massy Mr. Thomas Pantin

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said that “Massy Stores is truly excited about opening our doors in the Guyana market. We are a Caribbean chain and we believe that being in the Guyana market gives us an opportunity to be more authentically Caribbean, as we bring on board 120 Guyanese associates to create something new for this market. This is about bringing a new shopping experience to Guyanese consumers and sharing our best practices and best models across Caribbean territories,” Massy Stores Guyana will be open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m at Amazonia Mall, Providence East Bank, Demerara.

The supermarket has already employed over 120 persons and is expected to hire more for another supermarket, which will be located at the East Coast MovieTowne Complex.

The company has already started construction of this supermarket which is scheduled to open its doors in 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Lawrence bats for LGBT Community

By Ravin Singh

IN a country which is yet to decriminalise same sex relations, the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender community has faced numerous social issues, which need sustainable solutions, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence has said.

The view was expressed by the Minister at a Women’s Empowerment cocktail reception held last week to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2016.

The event was hosted by the British High Commission in collaboration with Red Thread, Guyanese Women Roundtable (GWR), Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).

Over the last few years, the push for gender equality has intensified with numerous grassroot organisations pushing for women empowerment.

And relative to Guyana, the Minister noted that gender inequality continues to rear its “ugly head” in different forms. She referenced the fact that women are often discriminated against in terms of accessing employment and equal remuneration, while groups such as the LGBT community are stigmatised and ostracised, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The rights of these persons, according to her, are denied in working environments and their ability to access educational pursuits.

“In this era of global progress, we can’t afford to

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence addressing the Women’s Empowerment cocktail reception hosted by the British High Commission critical for sustainable solu- and gender identity,” the remain caught in the traps of tions to be found to address Minister told the attendees.

And this can be achieved traditional mind-sets, shun- this.

And while the onus is not by spreading awareness in ning and deeming LGBT persons as outcasts in our only on the Government to the working environments, society. We have to wake up ensure that a culture of toler- she said, adding that “we to the realisation that these ance is fostered, the minister have to rally for a change in are human beings whose noted that all Guyanese must attitude.”

The message of tolerhuman, political and social commit to changing the perrights are being violated,” ception of these individuals. ance too, and the removal Simultaneously, the Gov- of gender bias is needed for Minister Lawrence said.

Admittedly, she opined ernment will continue in its transforming thoughts and that Guyana has failed as a strides to promote acceptance words into positive actions, society, to take the neces- of these individuals since the minister noted. To this sary steps to make the shift one cannot pretend that this end, she committed on behalf of the Government, to priortowards acceptance of these group is non-existent. itising gender equality and individuals. And although INCLUSION women’s empowerment, and there is a shortcoming in “In our workplaces, in supporting all organisations respecting the rights of these persons, she posited that it is our institutions, we have to that are involved in the strugembrace these individuals gle for gender parity. and use their potential and And while the Governskills for the benefit of eco- ment will support groups nomic, social and political pushing for gender parity, progress. We must accord (ag) British High Commisthem the same process of sioner Ron Rimmer issued a inclusion, recognition and call to action for accelerating AN AMBASSADOR TAXI Service dispatcher was on upward mobility, irrespective this process, which he said Thursday released on bail for allegedly breaking into a of their sexual orientation the United Kingdom is fully Queenstown shop.

Jan Clarke of Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown denied the allegation and was granted $75,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The Police say that between March 4 and 5, he broke into the shop of Hardial Harripersaud and stole one monitor, seven Pioneer DVD decks, $200,000 cash, a Compact laptop among other items to the value of $960,000, all property of Harripersaud.

Clarke’s attorney pleaded with the court for reasonable bail for his client who is the father of a minor. The lawyer pointed out that Clarke had been kept in custody beyond 72 hours.

The matter was adjourned until April 11, 2016 for statements after Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones made no objection to bail.

Dispatcher granted $75,000 bail

committed to supporting.

Further, he urged the gathering to ensure that the rights of females of all ages are realised. “Each of us can assist within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender equality; pledge to take concrete steps to help achieve gender equality more quickly; take action to collectively help women advance equal to their numbers and realise the limitless potential they can offer,” he said.

And according to him, this can be done by helping women and girls achieve their ambitions, calling for gender-balanced leadership, respecting and valuing difference, developing more inclusive and flexible cultures and rooting out workplace bias.

GENDER BIAS Featured as a guest speaker at the event was Attorney-at-Law Patricia Bacchus who chronicled her experience as a young woman working in the male-dominated corporate sphere and the many occurrences of gender bias she was faced with.

Many of these, she said, were manifested through curious glances, unwarranted comments about her appearance

and belittling her intelligence.

“Oddly, the preconceptions on gender roles were also manifested by women – many of whom would ask me when I would take a break or slow things down to find a good husband and make some babies,” she revealed.

And while she was equipped mentally to ignore these remarks, Bacchus noted that the times are changing and she believes that the opportunity must be taken to correct these episodes of gender bias.

She offered too that some of the specific initiatives she thought Guyana should focus on as a country working towards gender equality include ensuring equal opportunity employment policies in both the private and public sectors; adhering to policies regarding equal pay for equal work; revisiting the industry opportunities for women, and ensure access to opportunities outside of the conventional realms of teaching, nursing, security services, garment assembly and domestic work; and written policies by both private and public sector employers, regarding equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

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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

Voting is a sacred duty, exercise it THE right to vote was fought for through blood, sweat and tears. It is a right that ought not to be taken for granted or ignored. It is a right that allows every eligible citizen the opportunity to vest privilege into a person and group he/she thinks can best represent and articulate his/her interest. It is a right that carries tremendous power, through which the voter can hire a representative, fire that representative and exercise the responsibility in ensuring that representative accounts for the management of citizens’ affairs and the nation’s resources. Voting therefore is a sacred duty and must be cherished.

To cherish the vote is to turn out and vote and thereafter remain vigilant in the political processes to ensure that promises made are kept, involvement in the management and decision-making on matters that impact the well-being of self and community is guaranteed and respected. To not vote is to deny oneself the opportunity to influence the course of direction impacting one’s life and community.

Man lives in a political association. By this it means decisions affecting one’s life have political implications from the womb to the tomb. It was a political decision that informs laws and policies with regard to the right to life and where death occurs, the right for one’s earthly remains to be disposed of consistent with specific standards. Where death has occurred under questionable circumstances, the deceased is entitled through the Coroner’s Act to an inquest.

During one’s lifetime, political decisions will inform the making of laws, conceptualisation and execution of policies and programmes, which will impact on quality of life, inclusive of whether there is respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. These include the right to freedom of association, freedom of speech and sharing of ideas and information, healthcare, education, ownership of property, the right to a safe and secure environment, work (jobs/economic opportunities), and protection from discrimination. Political decisions inform quality and equitable infrastructural development and resource management, inclusive of the environment.

Where government in our country is representational when a citizen exercises the right to vote by casting a ballot, it becomes a corresponding right to question and propose ideas to elected officials since they are acting on your behalf. This is one of the basic elements in the thrust towards realising good governance. Good governance re-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Que sera sera Dear Editor MOST of you reading this letter who live in Guyana are probably still undecided as to who you should vote for in the Local Government Elections (LGEs).

And if perchance you have made up your mind it is more so because you think it your civic responsibility to vote, rather than the fact that you are convinced of whom to vote for.

Many of you might have even decided to do like Bruno Mars and “Lay in my bed.”

Editor, these 10 months have not been very kind to the Guyanese electorate. The young government is still sputtering trying to find their footing. The opposition doesn’t know if they are going or coming and so have taken the position of opposing everything; even the beautification of Guyana. And the independent groups and candidates have failed to sufficiently capture the imagination of those looking for alternatives.

There is a feeling of both frustration and mistrust from the electorate and this has resulted in electoral apathy. The irony of the matter is that this perfect storm of disillusionment and electoral lethargy could not have come at a worse time for this fledgling country. The central government will not and cannot hire all the help they need; nonetheless, the country has to move forward. Yet, just when we are experiencing the worse political dearth in our history, the electorate have thrown their hands in the air, turned their backs on the political process, and are saying “que sera sera.”

In a country that has for years been dominated by a two-party, racially divided kind of electioneering, it is difficult to get the troops to march without issuing direct marching orders. The PPP/C, as a party, does not have the money to rally their troops, additionally, their main cheerleader has been sidelined due to the death of his sister. And the coalition cannot use much of its money to rally their troops – for Mr. Rohee has one eye on them and one on his job - so

the masses of both parties are left stagnant or are rambling about like headless chickens.

The PPP/C has been having their get-out-the-vote rallies in their strongholds and the APNU+AFC coalition has followed suit. But neither could really tell their listeners what to do. There is a sense of distrust and disenchantment among the PPP/C supporters, while the coalition finds itself in an ethical dilemma of appearing to want to run both the local and the central governments.

It has turned out that the very fear the PPP/C had for not wanting to call LGEs, is the same fear the new government has. So much so that both the President and the Prime Minister took a pause from governing centrally and directly interjected themselves into the local race. That risky move, however, might have been too much too late. If there are any bright spots about the whole LGEs saga, it is that the spirit of community looms large.

As I walked my district and spoke with folks, they talked of their desires and dreams of a safer, cleaner, more unified and financially sound community. Many have said to me that they are not voting, but it is not because they are not concerned with the development of their local communities. Rather, it is because they feel a sense of political disillusionment. And while some of us on the scene have never been tried, or indeed, are not politicians, we are all being made to feel the wrath of a politically indifferent citizenry.

I entered the race not knowing what to expect. I was blindsided!

People complained to me and addressed me as if I were one of the persons for whom they had previously voted. One lady on Leopold Street said that she is not voting for me because GPL cut off her lights, “for a measly $2,000 when there are big companies owing them millions.”

I was reminded of the fact that politicians make all kinds of promises and then when they get into office, “you can’t find them.” Some Rasta brethren on Durban Street said that

quires that citizens stay engaged throughout the process and elected officials responding to the desires of the community within the confines of the law.

Recognising the presence of representative democracy, good governance necessitates servant-driven leadership, which entails constant and sustained response to the needs of citizens. When a voter gives up the right to vote, it is tantamount to relinquishing an important act in determining who ought to be the leaders in the community. More so, the refusal to discharge this sacred duty bears the consequences of having to live under conditions and in circumstances not befitting of your desire. A vote also places persons of choice in leadership positions to make and administer laws that can bring about economic opportunities, bring about equality, improve infrastructure, security and the environment, and manage your towns and neighbourhoods free of corruption.

Electing local representatives takes two forms. One is Proportional Representation (PR), which requires the voter

they would vote for me if I promise to legalise marijuana. Then there was this young pregnant girl who said, “If I vote for you, will you help me with baby clothes?”

As I walked my district I saw folks living in squalor. So as to cheer myself up, I sang as I walked. I saw overflowing sewer systems with raw sewage flowing into yards and homes; I saw broken water pipes left running; I saw stagnant drains and mosquito- ridden gutters; I saw young men, unemployed, gambling and smoking to pass the time; I saw abandoned homes with weed-infested yards; I saw dogs looking hungry; I saw very poor looking young girls, pregnant; as I walked my district of the Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust area, I saw people who need these Local Government Elections. Yet, because of the prevailing sense of political dissatisfaction, these very folks will boycott the LGEs in droves.

Editor, this letter brings me to the end of my commentary on the LGEs. In my campaign I have been out spent and out manoeuvred by groups and individuals who could have afforded more than me, but I fought valiantly. I therefore would like to thank my constituents, first for nominating me and then for allowing me to interact with them at such a personal level. When the dust is settled, one of the six contestants in my district will win; no matter how many folks turn out to vote. I promise that I will work with whoever wins, because I was doing what I do long before I had the opportunity to run for councillor. I pray only, however, that the winner does not squander the trust of the residents in this constituency, for whether or not they turn out to vote, God knows, they need a good councillor to represent their cause.

Faithfully yours, WENDELL JEFFREY, PASTOR Independent Candidate Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust/ Stabroek District #8

voting for a party or group of choice. And two, First-PastThe-Post (FPTP), whereby a vote is cast for a candidate of choice. Every voter needs to examine the ballot paper and make sure an X is marked for the group/party (PR) of choice and the person (FPTP) of choice.

This is the first time in almost 20 years Guyanese will be allowed to vote for their local representatives through Local Government Elections (LGEs). The last elections were in 1994 and in accordance with the Guyana Constitution which prescribes LGEs be held every three years, the next elections were due in 1997. When 55 percent of the military voted last week in the LGEs, this is an unfortunate response to a right that has been denied for far too long. To vote is to have a voice and the right to demand thereafter that the voice be heard and elected leaders act in accordance with the laws of the community and the desires of the people. Voting is a sacred duty and all eligible voters are called on to exercise it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Greenidge addresses CARIFORUM meeting

Guyana comforted by EU’s Mayorship is assurance of dialogue no ceremonial position

Dear Editor, I THANK Mr Clinton Urling for contributing to the discourse on local government by penning a letter published under the caption, “Clinton Urling says Vincent Alexander is wrong,”(KN, March 14). I acknowledge too, his commendation of the administration for holding local government elections within one year of coming into office, proof of our sincerity towards local democracy I note though, that Mr. Urling had made statements in his letter that may not be entirely factual and I take this opportunity to offer some clarification. Mr. Urling erroneously asserts that the mayorship is “a ceremonial position” and the “system resides executive and administrative functions to the Town Clerk.” However, according to Section 8A (a) of the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act 2013, which amends the principal legislation i.e. Chapter 28:01, “The general duties of the City Councillors shall be to – consider the interest of the municipality as a whole and bring to the attention of the council anything which would promote such welfare or interest; (b) develop and evaluate policies and programmes for the municipality. Clearly, The council, headed by the mayor – not the Town Clerk – is responsible for the welfare of the municipality.

Significantly, Section 8A (g) of the Act states that, “The general duties of City Councillors shall be to – ensure that the municipality is managed in a professional and competent manner by a qualified Town Clerk.” This section contradicts Mr. Urling’s assertion that the elected council cannot hire or fire the Town Clerk. Obviously, in order to give effect to this provision of the Act, the councillors must be so empowered. Mr. Urling’s position that the mayor and councillors are ceremonial and weak is incorrect; the Act evidently puts that question to rest. The Town Clerk is, in fact, a servant, not a master of the council.

Opportunity is taken to reaffirm the fact that this government, unlike past administrations, intends to respect the autonomy that local government organs enjoy under the Constitution. There is no equivocation on the part of the administration on the role of local democratic organs. We recognise that they are an indispensable part of the democratic organisation of the State. President Granger has repeatedly emphasised the government’s strategic direction. Speaking at Anna Regina on Friday March 11 2016, His Excellency said, “Win, lose or draw, we will respect the authority of councils elected next week.” The ministry looks forward to partnering and co-operating with the new councils. There will no longer be domination by central government. The ministry will work hand in hand with local government organs to transform all of our communities as is being done in Georgetown, where one can see and smell the renewal and revival of our capital city.

I hope that this letter serves to inform Mr. Urling of what actually obtains, and provide the public with some clarity regarding the role of councils.

Yours Sincerely, RONALD BULKAN Minister of Communities

GUYANA’S Third Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge said the European Union’s implementation of its External Strategy for Effective Taxation was of major concern.

“We are very concerned at the European Union implementation of its External Strategy for Effective Tax-

CARIFORUM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque ation as Part of its Anti-Tax Avoidance Package,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

He was at the time addressing the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday in the presence of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Chief of Cabinet of the President of Haiti Jean Max Bellerive.

The Anti-Tax Avoidance Package forms part of the Commission’s ambitious agenda to foster fairer, simpler and more effective corporate taxation in the EU. The Package contains concrete measures to prevent aggressive tax planning, boost tax transparency and create a level playing field for all businesses in the EU. H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Greenidge told the Council of Ministers that though Guyana was concerned, it was comforted by the EU’s assurance of dialogue and consultation, maintaining that the country stands ready to maintain the region’s high standards and commitment in this process.

Pointing out that the EU is a valued development partner of the Caribbean, Minister Greenidge explained that the Caribbean-EU Joint Partnership Strategy, which concluded in 2014, seeks to deepen CARIFORUM-EU Dialogue and structure the bi-regional

cooperation to respond to the existing and developing challenges and opportunities.

The guiding principles of the strategy, he said, were joint ownership, mutual accountability, solidarity, co-management and co-responsibility in the areas of Regional Integration and Cooperation; Reconstruction of Haiti,; Climate Change and Natural Disasters; Crime and Security; and Joint Action in Bi-regional and Multi-lateral Fora and on Global Issues.

“Implementation of the strategy is a shared responsibility between CARIFORM and the EU. In fact, the strategy was the basis for CARIFORUM proposals for the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP) which was signed last June,” Minister Greenidge further explained.

He said the 11th EDF CRIP was valued at €346M of development financing resources for the period 20152020, during which emphasis will be placed on Haiti.

man rights and governance practices.

“The political environment continues to be characterized by free and fair elections, peaceful retention or changes in government and recourse to the judicial system to resolve related problems,” he explained.

However, he posited that the implementation of development initiatives in CARIFORUM was often challenged by the region’s vulnerabilities and exposure to external factors such as climate change; financial, economic and other measures taken by developed countries; and insecurity occasioned by transnational crime, trade in illicit drugs and small arms.

But he said: “CARIFORUM States have resorted to a number of political, economic and social initiatives.

The prospects for the future include continued observance of democratic traditions, deepening of regional political level cooperation, and deepening of involvement in hemispheric arrangements.”

sador LaRocque said as he further implored the Council.

The Meeting also focused on the implementation and programming of the 10th and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP), the implementation of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Future of the ACP — including the Eighth ACP Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, scheduled for May 31 June1, 2016 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — and future ACP-EU Relations in the post-Cotonou period.

The meeting focused on recent EU developments on financial services and received reports from the two CARIFORUM institutions, the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Regional Information and Translation Institute.

CARIFORUM refers to the Caribbean Forum of ACP Group of States which are signatories of the Georgetown Agreement. This Agreement

Guyana’s Third Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Chief of Cabinet of the President of Haiti Jean Max Bellerive in discussion during the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of CARIFORUM. The agreement makes financial provisions for Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration (€102.0M); Climate Change, Disaster Management, Environment and Sustainable Energy (€61.5M); Crime and Security (€44.0M); Caribbean Investment Facility (€135.0M); and Technical Cooperation Facility (€3.5M).

Zooming in on CARIFORUM’s current political status, the Foreign Affairs Minister told the Council of Ministers that Member States continue to pursue inclusive human, social and economic development in an environment characterized by the region’s tradition of sound democracies, stable political environments and solid hu-

In alluding to the €346M, which is being provided under the 11th EDF CRIP, the CARIFORUM Secretary General said it helps to foster economic growth and sustainable development even as it simultaneously addresses regional economic integration cooperation, climate change, disaster management and sustainable energy and crime and security.

Programmes and Projects designed must have a positive impact on the ground in Member States, he implored the Council of Ministers.

“Take stock of where we are with respect to the implementation of the CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement,” Ambas-

was signed in 1975, and it created the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) which is made up of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

All Participating States in CARIFORUM, with the exception of Cuba, are signatories to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement or “Cotonou Agreement” and the EPA, respectively.

The CARIFORUM Members are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

Surveillance video submitted at CoI into prison deaths

By Ariana Gordon

VIDEO evidence of what transpired on March 3 at the Georgetown Prison and resulted in the death of seventeen prisoners has been submitted to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) headed by retired Justice James Patterson.

Attorney Selwyn Pieters, who appears as counsel for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), disclosed that video surveillance gathered from CCTV cameras, along with footage captured by a prison officer on duty at the time of the prison unrest is currently being examined by the three-man Commission.

“The surveillance evidence was already submitted to the Commission… at the appropriate time the video surveillance will be played and explained to the tribunal with the media present and you will get to see a playby-play objective version of what took place.”

Pieters posited that the prison officers on duty on March 3 did all within their capacity to save the prisoners. His position, he said, can be supported by the video surveillance.

“ALL NEED COUNSELLING” “You’d be able to see the valiant efforts of the prison officers and I have to tell you this, not only the inmates of the Georgetown Prison have suffered, the entire Georgetown Prison is in mourning…some of those officers are at home on sick leave…they all need counselling from post-traumatic stress disorder.”

President of the Guyana Bar Association Christopher Ram

The attorney said the March 3rd fire at the Camp Street penitentiary was a major crisis that the prison officials had never experienced before. “It was a critical incident…we are not trying to blame the victims, we are very sorry for what took place at the Camp Street Jail, but those inmates had they followed the directions of the officers no lives would have been lost.”

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE According to Pieters, force was used on some of the prisoners to get them out of the Capital ‘A’ Division of the facility and he attributed that use of force to being part of the standard operating procedure.

“In any situation where you have a riot, it is standard operating procedure where you extract everyone and you remove the ring leaders and so as the inmates were removed the task force would rush to the ring leaders and remove them from

the area. Obviously, if an inmate offers resistance the officer has the use of force continuum and (would) escalate force as necessary.”

Extraction in and of itself within the confines of a prison is force, Pieters added, noting that, “You are pushing the inmate and removing the inmate from that area.”

Pieters noted that his submission to the Commission is going to be that the prison authorities “did everything” within the standards of care and due diligence that they needed to exercise as prudent officials.

UNTRUE “They did everything within their mandates to ensure that no lives were lost,” he added, noting that the prison officers “went even beyond that by risking their lives” to ensure that the inmates were rescued.

On that note the attorney argued that the testimonies by the prisoners who were in Capital ‘A’ at the time of the fire that prison officials did nothing to save them is untrue.

“The evidence will show that the inmates refused to come out of the Division and barricaded the door with a cork and forced prison officers to go through a life and death situation to free them.”

LEGAL REPRESENTATION Meanwhile, during yesterday’s session of the CoI President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) Christopher Ram demanded that all prisoners of the Camp Street penitentiary appearing before the COI be given legal representation while giving evidence at the CoI.

Attorney for the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Prison Service Selwyn Pieters

The demand by Ram came following an apparent commitment on behalf of the GBA to have its members provide pro bono representation to persons appearing before the CoI. He had said on March 11 before Justice James Patterson, Chairman, and Commissioners Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca that correspondence was sent out to the body’s membership on the subject of pro bono services. He noted, however, that notwithstanding the fact that he awaits a response from the membership of the Association, any appearance by its members on the CoI would be pro bono or free of charge.

“We sent an email to the Bar Association that the Association is encouraging all attorneys to participate… the appearance by any member on behalf of the Bar Association is entirely pro bono,” said the head of the GBA. Ram said yesterday that in the interest of fairness, all prisoners should be made aware of their rights to an

attorney and be given an opportunity to choose if they want one or not. The Bar Association, Ram said, is not in a position to represent every person appearing before the Commission.

“They are human beings and are not denuded of their fundamental rights… I am therefore appealing that we ensure that everyone at least knows his or her rights and let them make that decision,” Ram insisted to the Commission.

He called on the Commission to appeal to Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan for the prisoners to be granted legal representation through the State.

“These persons died or were injured while in the custody of the State. The State has an obligation to every one of these persons.

The State has resources and I believe the State should be invited to provide counsel for every person who needs representation or at least to provide the resources,” Ram stressed.

In response to Ram, Justice Patterson made it clear that it is not within the ambit of the Commission to “go looking for lawyers.”

Justice Patterson asked Ram to give the Commission his recommendations on the matter. Ram who had suggested that both the Attorney General and Minister of Public Infrastructure provide State resources to the cause noted that the Commission has to be “impartial and free to everyone.”

Meanwhile, Pieters in agreeing with Ram’s position said his support would be with Ram if an appli-

cation is taken before the Commission in writing.

“I agree with Mr Ram… counsel should be provided for everyone who appears here and the State should fund same… Mr Ram could have brought a written application, properly serve it on Counsel for the Police and Prison Service, Attorney General etc. and they would have had representations here to make submissions to you.”

But Justice Patterson remained adamant that insisting that the State provides legal representation to those affected and appearing before the Commission is not his responsibility.

“I wish I had right now as I speak the enablement to order immediately legal services to the witnesses…I can’t; I don’t think I can…

Mr Ram’s association promised to provide, if possible pro bono services, if applicable. Is there anyone willing to represent this gentleman?” he asked, referring to yesterday’s witness, Desmond James, who when asked

by Ram if he required an attorney responded in the affirmative.

Ram made it clear that it was not the Bar Association’s intention to delay the work of the Commission but all prisoners should have their right to an attorney granted. “I cannot sit here to commit anyone to provide legal services.”

Justice Patterson in denying Ram’s oral application for counsel called on the Bar Association and all stakeholders to trust the Commission. “You have to trust us…we are doing the best to maintain the scales of justice.”

Freed of one murder, back in jail for another

By George Barclay CALVIN Bailey was yesterday freed on one murder charge but he was immediately taken back to the Georgetown prison on another such charge.

He was discharged by Justice Suenaraine-Beharry, before whom he appeared on a child-murder charge.

Like the two other jury trials Bailey faced for the murder of infant Shaquan Nathaniel Nero, at which the jury disagreed on a verdict, the jury before Justice Beharry yesterday turned out to also

be a hung-jury.

And since it has been the practice by the authorities not to subject any person to more than three ‘Hung- jury’ trials Judge Beharry discharged the prisoner and told him he was free to leave.

But the police immediately broke the news that the discharged accused would be taken back to prison in relation to another charge of murder.

He was taken by the police from the dock to the lockups downstairs of the court, where he began weeping uncontrollably.

Calvin Thomas called Calvin Bailey was charged with having between April 4 and 5, 2007 in the county of Demerara murdered Shaquan Nathaniel Nero 18 months’ old.

The prosecution headed

by Miss Orienthia Schmidt and Mr. Michael Sharoud led witnesses to prove that the baby was in the arms of the mother at a time when there was an argument between the couple when according to the mother the accused attacked her with a cutlass thereby injuring the child in the process. The child died.

And the accused was later charged with murder.

An alleged eye-witness who did not see any weapon in the accused’s hand declared that he saw him thrusting away at the woman.

On the other hand the accused who had pleaded not guilty claimed that the woman was the person who was armed with a knife that had cut the baby accidentally.

One eye witness, Alfred Carrington, testified that he had seen the accused firing thrusting blows in the direction of the mother but he could not tell whether the

accused had anything in his hand. But he later saw blood on the child.

Yesterday morning the judge summed up the evidence in two hours.

After deliberating for more than two hours without delivering a verdict, the jury sent a list to the judge concerning things that worried them.

The judge invited the jury to the court room where she answered the questions.

After receiving the answers to their questions the jury left to continue their deliberations.

Fifteen minutes later they returned claiming that there was a disagreement.

At this stage the judge noted that there were three disagreements of trials which according to practice, the accused would be entitled to a discharge and declared that he (the accused) was free to go.

It was then that the court was told about the new murder charge.

The discharged man was later taken away to the Georgetown prisons where arrangements will be made for him to face the other murder trial.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

‘Father of Local Government’ remembered The James McFarlane Corry Monument.

[Sandra Prince photo]

President David Granger lays a wreath at the James McFarlane Corry Monument. [Sandra Prince photo]

A MONUMENT honouring James McFarlane Corry has been refurbished in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara after years of neglect, something which President David Granger promised would not occur in the future.

At a remembrance ceremony yesterday in the community, the President vowed that he will do everything in his power to ensure that the site becomes part of Guyana’s national heritage.

“I say that because I have been confident in the last five years that James McFarlane Corry’s service has been little recognised and little valued over the years,” President Granger told a large gathering.

Corry has been described by many as the ‘Father of Local Government’ given the fact that he was elected as the third Village Chairman of Den Amstel in 1895 and served until 1922.

Corry was born in 1850 and died at the age of 74 in 1924 and, according to the

President, he is remembered for his sedulous work in Den Amstel and in the villages of Guyana along with his visionary leadership in the establishment of a chain of Co-operative Credit Banks.

He was a village leader and founder of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) branch in Den Amstel in 1888 and remained as president for 27 years. The Association was credited, at that time, with providing for the moral and intellectual improvement of the villagers, among other things.

According to President Granger, Corry was a professional man who became a Magistrate’s Clerk in 1881 and was subsequently appointed as a Stipendiary Magistrate in 1911. He also served as a Justice of the Peace in the district.

Residents were informed that while serving as Chairman of Den Amstel, Corry was inaugurated at the countrywide Village Chairmen’s Conference of which he was elected its first Chair-

man in 1904 and served for two decades until his death in 1924. The Village Chairman’s Conference was aimed at improving village life and strengthening local democracy.

Corry became aware of the functioning of ‘Raiffeisen’ banks in Austria, which provided small loans at low rates for designated purposes to worthy members of the German agrarian population.

He thought this was a good idea for local farmers and took the idea to the notice of the Conference in August 1904, admitting, at the same time, that he knew nothing of how such banks actually functioned.

The Conference decided to obtain help and as a result certain representatives of the Conference were invited to a meeting of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society (RACS) where a paper was presented on the subject.

It was noted that certain members of Victoria Village

President David Granger during his address to the gathering at Den Amstel. [Sandra Prince photo]

modified the suggested plan to suit their local conditions and in August 1905 started the first local Co-operative Credit Bank.

According to President Granger, “The Co-operative Credit Bank did much good work in saving the small farmers from loan sharks and assorted money-lenders.

It assisted them to overcome

the vagaries and the inevitable difficult periods which afflict peasant farming on the coastland.”

As such, Corry was recognised as the individual “who had brought forward the movement.”

CORRY, THE LEADER The President described Cory as a leader, who gave

the Village Chairmen’s Conference its initial direction and the benefit of leadership.

“It was similar to the leadership that had appeared in the Agricultural Improvement Societies. The Conference and the Societies worked towards similar objectives - the improvement of the lives of proprietors with house lots and farmlands and the improvement of village conditions in general.”

According to the President, Corry bequeathed a rich legacy of leadership in rural communities, Christian stewardship, organisational ability, communication skills, visionary planning and public service.

“Corry was a great guide and a worthy helmsman during a difficult stage in the evolution of rural Guyana.”

The President said, “James Mc Farlane Corry will always have a place in the history of our country and the memory of people who live in villages such as Den Amstel.”

Greenidge on Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy

Gov’t awaiting ‘critical decision’ GOVERNMENT is optimistic that Venezuela’s challenge to Guyana’s internationally accepted territory will soon be resolved by the United Nations, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He said that except for the normal conduit of com-

munication via the embassies on routine matters, dialogue is taking place, “via the Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations.”

The minister said that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is speaking to Government with a view to, “choosing finally the options for the resolution of the disagreement between the two sides.”

According to

Greenidge, a UN delegation was in Guyana last weekend for discussions on the issue. The team then travelled to Venezuela for discussions with that country’s government.

“They should be back in Washington, USA, shortly and one would expect to hear from the SG as to what he is going to do and when he is likely to make a decision.” Greenidge said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

According to the foreign minister, the government is now awaiting what he described as a very critical decision.

“That is what the dialogue is all about at this time…It has implications for Guyana’s economic status and we hope that the SG will see his way with choosing a path that helps us to move forward, and remove Venezuela from

blocking our path to economic development.” he told GINA. Venezuela has repeatedly made claims to parts of Guyana’s territory, in violation of internationally accepted treaties.

These claims have always been rebuffed by Guyana, which holds that the issue of the border was settled by the arbitral award of 1899. [GINA]

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

More bicycles and shoes for St. Ignatius FIRST LADY, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally on Wednesday presented 30 more bicycles and over 200 pairs of shoes to the students of the St. Ignatius Primary and Secondary Schools, in fulfilment of a promise made to them to provide these items to help facilitate their regular attendance at school.

“We were in this region and we distributed 52 bicycles and when we were here, we had promised the primary school and some of the students of the secondary school that they [would] benefit from shoes. Today we are here to keep that promise.

This present Government is a government, which delivers on promises. As soon as we received the shoes First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger said that we had promised you and we must return to fulfil that promise,” Minister Ally said in her address to the students

From left: Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Olato Sam; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally and other officials stand with the beneficiaries who proudly display their bikes at the St. Ignatius Primary School

at the school, located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region.

The ‘Shoes that Grow’ project was started by Mrs. Granger in collaboration with Mr. Ernie Ross, Guyana’s Consul General in Trinidad and Tobago, under the Rethink – Kind Soles Project.

Mr. Ross was spurred into action after he saw children going to school bare feet in the

hinterland areas. The ‘shoes that grow’ can be expanded as children’s feet grow and are expected to last each child approximately five years.

In her address, Mrs. Granger commended the partnership with Mr. Ross and Caribbean Airlines, which has seen the project come to fruition. Caribbean Airlines brings the shoes to Guyana free of cost. Meanwhile, Chief Edu-

cation Officer in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Olato Sam heaped praise on the initiative, noting that it bodes well for fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate to educate the nation.

He also commended President David Granger’s addition of breakfast to the now expanded ‘Five Bs’ programme, which aims to ensure that every child attends school.

“Well, the entire initiative certainly has deep significance for the entire education system. These are the elements that collectively help to maintain and complete the picture.

When our children can make it to school because they have [a] bicycle their attendance Minister Amna Ally distributes shoes to the students on Wednesday

can certainly improve,” he said, adding that the donation of shoes will also boost children’s self-esteem and see them coming to school “in a better frame of mind because they now have shoes and they don’t have to walk barefooted and now that we are expanding the school feeding programme, it will definitely help them.”

Mr. Sam noted too that the Ministry would now be putting a system in place to monitor the attendance and performance of the beneficiaries of the shoes and bicycles, since it is meant to be a sustainable project and not just a one-off hand out. In addition,

Ms. Yvette Archer, Headmistress of St. Ignatius Secondary School remarked that the gifts would motivate children to attend school.

“This initiative will certainly help those students who previously did not have shoes or a bicycle to get to school,” she said. So far, more than 3,000 pairs of shoes have been distributed by the First Lady and Minister Ally to various regions across the country.

The aim is to ensure that approximately 30,000 students in the hinterland regions are able to benefit from the programme. (Ministry of Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

Norway’s largest consultancy firm to review Amaila Falls project

NORWEGIAN company, Norconsult, has been selected to conduct a financial model review of the high-profile Amaila Falls Project in Guyana, which has been the subject of much debate in both countries.

A statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment noted that the decision was recently made to utilize Norway’s largest consultancy firm for this review.

“With over 50 years of international experience in power generation and energy supply engineering, the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet considered it the best option for an objective re-assessment. This decision follows up on one taken by the country in Paris, France, in December 2015 to conduct a review of the project’s cur-

rent financial model, which the government believes could shackle many generations of Guyanese to debt,” the statement noted.

According to the Ministry, while this process develops, the governments of Guyana and Norway are preparing for a visit in April 2016 by a Norwegian delegation comprising members from the Ministry of Climate and Environment and Norway’s Development Agency (NORAD).

The visit is expected to deepen the partnership and collaboration to complete outstanding deliverables of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the new government inherited.

“The Guyana team is actively preparing for this eagerly anticipated visit and all stakeholders will be engaged throughout this process,” the

statement added.

CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES The Guyana Chronicle had reported last year that Norway is keeping US$80 million of funding from its forest-saving deal with Guyana for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, but the funds could be diverted to other clean energy initiatives if the project is deemed impractical, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said.

The two parties also face a tough deadline to determine the use of the funds and if a decision is not made by June this year the funds would go back to Norway, Jordan admitted.

The governments of Guyana and Norway have agreed that a “once and for all” study should be done to determine the feasibility of the Amaila Falls Hydro

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project

Project.

In August 2013, the developer of the project, Sithe Global, pulled out saying its development funds hinged on support from all political forces. The current coalition government then made up of APNU and AFC as separate opposition parties, refused to support the project in the form it was presented,

saying it would put the country under a severe debt burden and that there was no guarantee that power from Amaila would have been cheaper for Guyanese.

In addition to equity financing, Amaila’s cost, which kept increasing, would have come from loans from the Inter-American Development Bank

and the China Development Bank.

The Amaila Falls Hydro Project was designed as a 165-megawatt facility, which would have delivered its power to consumers via power lines running through the jungle and onto various distribution points along the coast and other areas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 18, 2016

Cop says Dataram claimed drugs THE CUSTOMS Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer Anthony Yarde who led the search of Barry Dataram’s Diamond Housing Scheme property, where authorities say 129.230 kilogrammes of cocaine (equivalent to 284 pounds) were found, on Wednesday continued his testimony.

Dataram, his common-law wife Anjanie Boodnarine, Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia, are currently on trial for possession of the cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Officer Anthony Yarde, who is now stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, resumed his testimony on Wednesday before city magistrate Judy Latchman.

In his presentation to the court, Yarde stated that Officer Roy Murray searched the upper flat of the building and in the washroom area he found a red and white bag in a cupboard.

After examining the contents, he noticed six pieces of brick-like, wrapped objects in the bag. He asked the four defendants what was in the bag and none of them answered.

Officer Murray took the six packs and when he cut one open he noticed a whitish powdery substance, which he suspected to be cocaine.

Murray then told them of the offence and cautioned each of the defendants.

Dataram blurted out “Is me thing, none a dem people ain’t know bout this.”

Officer Murray them placed the objects into the red and white bag.

They continued to search the cupboard and in a black garbage bag, he found 11

more packs in different colours.

In the dining area on the lower flat of the building, Officer Yarde said he saw a blue baby tub next to the dining table containing a white bag, which contained transparent plastic bags which had a white substance in them.

Dataram then blurted out: “Boy do your work I done know what going on there.”

During the exercise Yarde instructed Officer Kurt Patterson to take photos of what was going on. Officer Yarde, who was in charge of the operation, then instructed other ranks to search other parts of the kitchen.

In the storage room on the lower flat officer Dandram Samroo found a quantity of ammo in the said room.

The search then continued in the yard of the property, and under a shed there was one white freezer and other items.

Yarde said he proceeded to search the freezer, where he found several parcels of what appeared to be shrimp.

When he checked the parcels he noticed a whitish substance which he suspected to be cocaine. He showed the four defendants the parcel and reminded them that they were still under caution.

Dataram is said to have blurted out to Yarde: “Is me thing. Is I pack it myself and put it in there.”

The contents from the freezer were emptied and counted in the presence of the defendants and it amounted to 428 parcels of a whitish substance.

The ranks then completed the search and returned to the CANU head office.

The trial continues April 7, 2016.

Youth shot, jewellery snatched in Tucville

A 22-YEAR-OLD man is now hospitalised with gunshot wounds to his left foot and buttock after he was robbed of his jewellery in Tucville on Wednesday night.

A police statement confirmed that at about 21:30hrs, Ruben Hopkinson of Festival City, Georgetown, was cycling along Eden Street, Tucville, when he was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The perpetrators demanded his jewellery and Hopkinson put up a resistance and was shot to his left foot and buttocks. The men took away his jewellery valued at $240,000 and escaped.

No one has been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

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Tuning up ‘Bread and

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By Shirley Thomas

THE GUYANA National Bureau of Standards is currently developing a National Standard for Bed and Breakfast facilities in Guyana.

To this end, the bureau, in collaboration with the

Guyana Tourism Authority, Thursday held a Public Consultation to discuss the Draft Guyana Standard Requirements for ‘Bed and Breakfast Facilities.’

This move is in anticipation of an influx of tourists and overseas-based Guyanese coming into the

country for the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary observances in the month of May, 2016.

The forum, held at the Ballet Room, Cara Lodge, attracted a large gathering of owners and potential owners of such facilities, as well as interested members of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

public. They were briefed and familiarised with the Draft Standard and invited to make comments and inputs before the standard is finalised as a National Standard. The objective of that session was to garner inputs, comments and feedback regarding the standards and to

suggest changes or generally improve the standard.

“That is the whole objective of this public consultation here today, because we want consensus. We don’t want it to be done in isolation. When people feel that they are a part of something, they will want to use it. The end result is that it will be implemented and not just stay on the shelves of the National Bureau of Standards,” said Lloyd David, Public Re-

lations Officer of the GNBS. David said a Standard was initially drafted and approved in 2010 as Guyana prepared for World Cup Cricket. But this Draft Guyana Standard was revised by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards through the Technical Committee – Tourism. It is, in effect, a revision of the GCP 28: 2010 Code of Practice for Bed and Breakfast facilities, David said.

The present initiative

d Breakfast’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

sionate and nostalgic about home-grown experiences, Ms Butters-Grant said it’s amazing how many people would avidly seek the Bed and Breakfast service being promoted, even in preference to the traditional hotel setting which abounds in Guyana. The choice is theirs.

Ms. Allison Butters-Grant addresses the gathering at Cara Lodge. seeks to build on that document, while aiming at producing a tourism product that makes “living in Guyana a homely experience” for persons residing abroad, who would prefer to shy away from the formalities of the regular hotel setting.

Having been exposed to the document, and having perused it, the stakeholders present at the forum, unanimously agreed that the Draft Standard was well written and serves to raise standards.

It poignantly addresses crucial issues as would serve to make guests comfortable and secure in a homely and friendly environment, where service is delivered and professionalism remains at the helm.

Mr. Roshan Khan, Chairman of Universal Peace Federation in Guyana and Mr Rupert Foster, proprietor of ‘The Bungalow’ located at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, were especially pleased and appreciative of the Final Draft Standard.

The Standard addresses, among other things: Minimum requirements for rooms; Cleanliness; Fire Protection; Bathrooms; rooms; Electrical installation; pest control; waste management; water management; the exterior of the facility; parking and general maintenance.

David said that the Bureau of Standards wants to ensure that the vetting and compilation of the Final Draft is completed before the Jubilee Celebrations.

The deadline for the submission of comments by all

and sundry is April 8, 2016.

And immediately following that, the committee will meet again to review the comments - including those that were made at Thursday’s consultation, online, by way of letters or whatever. The changes having been made, the document will be finalised and passed by the National Standards Council and that document will then become a national standard.

At this stage, the stakeholders can begin enforcing what is contained in the document and improving their facilities. Stakeholders can be rated either in the ‘A’ category or ‘B’ category and this will be an nounced on the Tourism website. Through this means, overseas-based persons seeking such services can be apprised of where and on what terms accommodation can be accessed, well in advance of travelling to Guyana.

Ms. Kemie Williams of the Guyana Tourism Authority spoke on the Role of the Ministry of Telecommunication and Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority in the Implementation of the ‘Requirements for Bed and Breakfast’ facilities.

Meanwhile, Ms. Allison Butters-Grant, Chairperson of the National Standards Council, also pronounced on Requirements for Bed and Breakfast facilities, while offering user-friendly guidance and observations.

Noting that there will be Guyanese who are pas-

A section of the gathering at the GNBS Public Consultation held at Cara Lodge yesterday.

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Mr. Lloyd David of the GNBS addresses stakeholders at the Public Consultation on the Draft Standards on Requirements for ‘Bed and Breakfast’ facilities.

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Mrs Nagamootoo ushers in Easter for special needs children

EASTER came early for children of the Harold B. Davis Special School of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC), when Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo distributed kites to them.

The children went kite-flying at the Everest Cricket Ground with Mrs Nagamootoo. Mrs Nagamootoo, who donated the kites and meals for the children, explained that the collaboration is not new, as she had the privilege of being with the children on two previous occasions. She praised their capabilities, especially with handicraft and food arrangements, pointing out that there are many things they can achieve. She said society can help to ensure that no child is truly left behind.

“Guyana still has a lot

more to do when it comes to integrating the differently-abled person into society, and based on my experiences, persons, especially parents are often ashamed of this fact. My advice to them is, do not feel that it is something bad or see it as a trial, but see it as your role to make the world better and to help that individual to become someone in society.”

Mrs Nagamootoo urged.

The Harold B Davis Special School which is within the PRRC accommodates 62 students, resident and non-resident, seven teachers and two aides. The school offers the four core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies), as well as Information Technology, Arts & Craft, Agricultural Science and Music and Movement. The delivery of the subjects is tailored to

Mrs Sita Nagamootoo distributing kites to children of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre

meet the special needs of the students.

Extra-curricular activities such as hydrother-

apy (swimming), horseback-riding, tours, among other outdoor activities and games are also in-

cluded. Last Monday, Mrs Nagamootoo visited the Rockstone Community in Region 10, where she had

the opportunity to tour the community, engage the children and share gifts.

(OPM)

Accused of stealing gold chain CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday released a 31-year-old man after he was accused of breaking into a home and stealing a gold chain.

Joel DeBeazer, who told the court that he was a businessman denied that on March 4 in Georgetown he broke into the dwelling home of Calvin Ramotar and stole a $240,000 gold chain.

DeBeazer claimed that

the complainant was in the habit of threatening and abusing him and that the property was co-owned by him.

The accused pointed out that Ramotar would often trail him in his car and hurl insults at him.

After hearing DeBeazer’s claims, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter for statements on April 11.

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Georgetown from above

By Jasmaine Payne

OF all the things we take for granted, it is perhaps those within closest reach that we overlook the most.

Studies have shown that world travellers believe that you should tour your own country before travelling abroad.

In Guyana, this should include more than just touching the furthest ends of our borders, since, at the tips of our fingers rests our very own Garden City in all her renewed glory.

And while a drive around the city gives you an eyeful of all the historic landmarks and recently cleaned streets, an aerial tour could provide a bird’s eye view so picturesque, it is actually worth forgetting any possible fear of heights or tiny planes.

FROM ALL ANGLES As Guyana heads steadily toward her 50th Anniversary of Independence, Guyanese should ensure that they take in every local experience from all angles, all in the name of celebrating our country in the fullest.

As such, in their considerations of things to do, Marketing Executive of

Roraima Airways, Dellon Murray believes that taking an aerial tour of Georgetown would be a worthwhile addition to any tourist’s ‘to do’ list.

“We are ensuring that persons living here, as well as persons visiting, will be able to get that aerial view of our capital city, especially at this time, where we are bringing back our glory days of a cleaner Georgetown,” Murray said.

And so, resting on the words of Dellon, I set off with a handful of other professionals in the company’s Britten-Norman Trislander into the face of the setting sun to experience Georgetown from above.

First timers, be warned!

There’s always that initial feeling of complete dread as you climb thousands of feet into the sky!

What’s more, it’s a tiny plane; one bound to test the nerves of any claustrophobe! But the fear eventually subsides, and is taken over by a sense of awe, as the buildings that moments ago towered over you become like tiny tokens on a board game.

The first sight that greets you is the rooftops of the buildings: A dappled ar-

A view of central Georgetown

The Roraima Airways Britten-Norman Trislander

ray of oranges, reds, pinks and greens; a scene often marvelled at by tourists as something unique to our country.

CALM RUSSET WATERS The tour first takes you west towards Kingston, before turning to head south along the Demerara River, above boats tearing neatly through the calm russet waters, and vessels docked snugly by the wharves.

The craft then flies quickly over the Demerara Harbour Bridge, before turning to head back north over central Georgetown.

On the way back, one gets a clear view of the Prov-

idence Stadium, before heading towards the historic downtown landmarks like the Stabroek Market and the St. George’s Cathedral.

It is up here that one gains a sturdy sense of respect for the unknown architects as you take in the tight formation of hundreds of thousands of buildings sitting along rigid streets and roads.

The plane then turns back to head south over the Giftland Mall and the Arthur Chung Convention Centre before skimming over the humble homes in Sophia among hundreds of coconut trees and sandy pathways.

This is the last scene

on the tour, before the plane veers back down to the landing strip of the Ogle Airport, bringing the 20-minute ride to an end.

A BRIEF TRIP It’s a brief trip that takes away a short amount of time, but adds a large amount of value to your experience of Guyana.

What is more, the tour is also cost-effective at just G$4,000 per seat.

As such, people who have never left Guyana or even boarded a plane can easily get a taste of flying while taking in the splendour of their very own home. “You get to see the mesmerizing

Ships moored in Port Georgetown

beauty of Georgetown,” Murray said, “Some persons living here may not have travelled outside of Georgetown, but it is historic, and has colonial history. And because of that, the wooden architecture and even the colour of the rooftops make it picturesque.”

The company also offers aerial tours to schools and corporate entities, he said, adding that it ensures the utmost safety of its passengers at all times.

“Roraima is known for our accident-free history, so we are able to say proudly that we do not fly single-engine aircraft. We have double engines, and we have just introduced our triple engine trislander.

It’s safe, and we also have very strict criteria on the qualifications of our pilots and engineers,” Murray said.

With all that in mind, I left thinking of how, within a mere 20 minutes, I was able to cross yet another unique experience off my Guyana ‘To-Do’ List.

It is always good to know that as Guyanese, wherever we end up in this world, we take the richest experiences of

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A childhood classic comes to life!

By Daniel Haynes

FOR every child born in the 90s and early 2000s, Walt Disney movies and shows were the highlight of our lives.

From the heartfelt tale of The Lion King to the timeless classic of Cinderella, there is hardly a Disney production that is not enjoyed by its young viewers.

The story of Aladdin is no different, and the students of the Georgetown International Academy (GIA) brought one of Walt Disney’s animated classics to the Cultural Centre stage on Saturday, March 12.

THE STORY OF ALADDIN Everyone knows the story of Aladdin, whether they are young or old. It is the story of a street urchin who finds a magic lamp and is granted three wishes by the genie who lives inside it. Set in the fictional Arabian city if Agrabah, it is also a story of love, as the young hero, Aladdin, falls for the Sultan’s daughter, Princess Jasmine.

However, their love is not without its challenges, since the evil Jafar and his pet parrot, Iago, scheme to take control of the Sultan’s throne by marrying the Princess. And since the law of the land holds that a Princess must only marry a Prince, Aladdin’s chances become dire.

GIA’S PERFORMANCE It’s against this backdrop that the GIA brings the classic to life. From the first scene, the audience members knew they were in for a treat.

Aladdin is played by the talented Daniel Razick, whose charisma and uncanny professionalism gives life to the famous character. Audience members are first introduced to Daniel’s Aladdin when he interacts with Princess Jasmine, played by Bibi Mohamed.

In an instant, the chemistry between the two gives substance to the relationship that is acted out before our eyes.

As the play moves on, audience members are then introduced to Jafar, played by Isaiah Tijero, who puts on a chilling performance as the villain in all his evil glory. The next major character of the play was Genie. Genie is perhaps the most iconic character from the Aladdin series, and was voiced by the late Robin Williams in the original movies and spin-off shows.

The pressure on anyone tasked with this role would be nerve-racking. But Ninth Gradeer, Rachel Mekdeci took on the role with great skill, bringing with her performance the same wit and comedy fans associate Genie with.

The Play also incorporated all the musical performances of the original movie, and the GIA’s renditions of every song were spot on. Numbers like “Prince Ali” and “A Whole New World” took audience members back to the moments when they first heard these favourites.

Aladdin holding Jasmine

The entire performance was full of class, and the play included memorable performances with Kayla Beharry’s Iago and Samara Bacchus’ Magic Carpet. In a role as Jafar’s evil minion, Kayla provided the same wit and comic relief of the original Iago, which contrasted Jafar’s cold, calculated persona.

As the show reached its end, the audience was left with

an appreciation for the efforts of these students, who, while not professional, gave it their all. They entertained the audience, held our attention, and left us waiting to see their next performance.

The Georgetown International Academy is surely on the ball with providing a well rounded curriculum by giving students access to the theatre arts.

Behind the turntable --with ‘Zaud de God’

IN Guyana, we typically think of an artiste or musician as someone who sings, raps or plays an instrument.

However, many times we find that artistes emerge, using unique talents that were otherwise ignored.

In the rising world of Electric Dance Music (EDM) in Guyana, DJ Zaud Jamal Inniss is one such person who brings refreshing change to the limitations of an artiste.

Jamal was born the March 22, 1992 in Georgetown and is an ‘only-child’. The South Ruimveldt resident attended School of the Nations then moved on to study Computer Science at the University of Guyana.

The 23-year-old admits to being into music all his life. He first started with a keen interest in hip-hop, but found that it wasn’t connecting to who he really was. “I am a person that appreciates an art form where you can paint the picture you want without it being dictated,”

Jamal said.

That statement summed up the reason he eventually gravitated to EDM. According to Jamal, the music always gave him goose bumps whenever he heard it, and he felt that the genre allowed him to paint his own story. “EDM music is all about purity, love and respect for your fellow man, and having crazy fun with your friends and family,” he said.

Though Jamal has been performing as an EDM DJ for only four months, he has been turning heads wherever he plays. His most memorable performance came playing for a grand audience at Club Latino on December 18, 2015. He thought it was amazing to see the way persons appreciated his style, and quickly got hooked to playing the sweet bangers he himself liked. “My music and arrangements all come straight from the heart, and I only play music that I like and the crowd likes,” he said.

Within a few short months, Jamal has grown in popularity. This popularity and steady success he owes to the EDM Guyana family.

‘Zaud the God’

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The many passions of ‘Vanilla’

THOUGH it may seem as if three-time road march queen and performer, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts has been off the scene these days, the Soca aficionado confirms that she is very much still active, with several upcoming projects on the horizon.

Melissa hints that it is not that she has been inactive, but that the work of local artistes is not given enough attention on the airwaves, though many continue to produce current material.

While this remains a significant problem, however, the 30-year-old singer continues to focus on her passions, both in the singing and filmmaking industries.

This includes work on her upcoming 14-track album, “Who I am”, which she hopes to release later this year.

Melissa says that the songs will seek to portray what she calls a ‘root sound’ in an aim to reflect her African heritage.

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts

“That’s why even though I sing Soca, my music sounds different to Trinidadian Soca because I really try to get that root sound aspect of my music through drums; I am deeply rooted in drums. I also like unique sounds, like the Amerindian flute and the Indian tabla drum,” she said.

In addition to a unique sound, the album will also touch on personal experiences as a means of opening up to her listeners; a task she admits is not an easy one. “I think the biggest problem that I have is opening up myself,” she said.

“I like to be in control at all times, and when you open up yourself, people get to see inside of you. And I like people to see just what is there. But there will be some deep things on the album though; personal stories...”

She is also working on a music video for one of the songs on the album called ‘First hangover’, which speaks

about drinking responsibly.

Upon completion, the artiste says that she will also looking at promoting her music in international markets through her record label, Kross Kolor Records which has affiliations in Germany and the UK. Melissa noted, however, that one of the most important means of spreading music is to ensure that it is first popular in one’s home country, adding that this causes the ripple effect of having locals themselves wanting to share that music wherever they go.

“It’s important that we at home get the concept of loving our own stuff,” she said. “And Guyanese do love their own music, but the biggest problem is that the general populace has not been exposed enough to Guyanese music as of recent.”

She stated that a few years ago, Guyanese music had large play on the radio and television, but today, it is less so. “I really don’t feel that Guyanese

have a problem with their own music, especially since the standards have improved greatly over the years. Even though, economically, it hasn’t been beneficial for artistes, producers etc, people are still investing in themselves to make better stuff,” she said.

FILMDOM When she’s not in the studio, the talented artiste is also very active in the filmmaking industry. Having always felt connected to television and the behind-the-scenes workings of music videos she has been a part of in the past, Melissa took up studying Motion Picture Arts in Barbados at the University of the West Indies.

After realising that she not only had a talent for production, but also writing, she left UWI, having penned three feature films and five short films.

‘A BITTER LIME’ Melissa then returned to

Guyana, after turning down offers to stay in Barbados, and then in 2012 was put in contact with an Australian director looking to begin filming for a movie in Guyana. And thus her work as production manager on the motion picture, “A Bitter Lime” began.

The film features a couple from Los Angeles, who, tired of the metropolis, decides to move to a new country to start life all over again.

Shooting for the movie took place in both LA and Guyana, but the film takes place primarily in the latter, and also utilises mostly Guyanese actors.

Melissa says that the film has completed shooting, and is currently in post-production phase. “We are hoping to get it released in May, because it would be good to have a feature film on Guyana released at that time,” she said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

‘Village Week’ to bring back recreation to Victoria

IT’S been a while in the making, but at long last, the historic East Coast village of Victoria is ready to play host to a week of activities in the hope of seeing a return of the spirit of camaraderie and conviviality to the community.

‘Victoria Village Week’, as the event is called, is being coordinated by the villagers themselves, and will feature a list of activities targeted at bridging the generation gap in the village, and offering residents clean and enjoyable entertainment.

The week-long activity kicked off on Wednesday with an Appreciation Day event which honoured several top performing students, as well as influential elderly residents in the community.

Today, the community will host a Church Service at the Wilberforce Congregational Church, while tomorrow, the festivities will continue with a Football Tournament which will run until Sunday, with the finals being held on March 22.

On March 23, special invitees and residents will meet at the East Coast Demerara Bus Park in Georgetown to be taken on a Bus Tour back to the village to the ‘Victoria Ground’, where a Reggae Concert will be held.

The concert will feature Jamaican entertainers, including Anthony Cruz and Baba Dee, as well as an array of local artistes.

On March 26, the festivities will close with a Street Jam which will be a daytime event for families.

Dean McRae, who was born and raised in Victoria Village and who is spearheading the initiative, said that the idea came after several members of the village approached him requesting his help in reintroducing family-oriented entertainment to the community.

McRae agreed that the community would do well to be treated with some entertainment, and after seeking sponsorship from other stakeholders and companies, he began to develop the project.

“The first thing we had to do was look at the monuments within the village, because a lot of them needed reconstruction. So we had to ensure that the place gets a facelift before we hosted these activities,” McRae said.

The monuments which received attention include the Emancipation Hut and the Board of Stakeholders, which is a plaque erected in honour of key contributors to the village’s history.

McRae expects that the week of events will help to reinvigorate the village, and allow residents of all areas to fellowship together, regardless of their age.

He hopes, too, that ‘V.V Week’ will, from now on, be an annual initiative, with more sponsors and an even more packed list of events in the coming years.

Shanice McAlmont...

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Beauty with a Purpose IN a world where beautiful young women are most often not associated with having their head on, it is refreshing to find someone who challenges the norm.

Beauty with a purpose may sound like the name of a pageant segment, but it is something that is sought after in our society.

At 19, Shanice Nikita McAlmont is beautiful and has purpose.

Shanice Nikita McAlmont was born December 2, 1996 in the mining town of Linden.

At the age of ten, she moved to Georgetown to live with her mom, who then raised her as a single parent.

Upon moving to the city, she attended the North Georgetown Primary Cchool. However, after graduating from North Georgetown, she returned to Linden to attend the Mackenzie High School for three years.

It was not long before she returned to Georgetown to attend St. Joseph’s High for her fourth and fifth-form years.

Showing the moving around didn’t cause any dis-

Shanice Mcalmont ruptions, she achieved 13 passes at the CXC CSEC examinations.

She is currently working at the National Insurance Scheme, and has been working there since October 2014.

Unlike many young people who work just to earn money, Shanice’s reason was different: She started so she could pay for her studies and not put the pressure on her mother.

An aspiring paediatrician, Shanice plans to start the nursing course in the latter part of

the year. She attributes her love for children to being around her younger cousins and taking care of them. However, her interests are not limited to the field of the paediatrics; she is also a parttime model at TMM, and, like many of her generation, is interested in fashion and designing.

She recounted the tales of sitting down at her aunt’s house and making little dresses from the pieces of cloth that she found left around. “I always wanted to be a fashion designer but everyone said that in Guyana you’d never make it.” That didn’t deter her since she still plans to pursue that passion in a later field of life.

She is also a singer who used to sing in church. She has a love for travelling and plans to continue travelling throughout her life.

It’s hard to find a girl who cares as much for children at such a young age and feels her calling is related to caring for children. Shanice is a complete young lady, having both brains, beauty, and an awareness of a higher purpose. She really is a beauty with a purpose.

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Sri Lanka see off Afghanistan challenge DEFENDING champions Sri Lanka produced a strong batting display to see off a spirited Afghanistan side and claim victory in their World Twenty20 opener.

Captain Asghar Stanikzai’s 62 from 47 balls had fired the underdogs to 153-7, having been 51-4 with nine overs left.

But Tillakaratne Dilshan hit 83 after a solid opening with Dinesh Chandimal, while some poor fielding helped Sri Lanka reach their target in Kolkata.

The 2014 winners have struggled of late but won with seven balls to spare.

STANIKZAI SHINES FOR UNDERDOGS Afghanistan, coached by former Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, reached the Super10 with three wins out of three in the first round, including a 59-run victory over closest competitors Zimbabwe.

The Central Asian side only began playing Twenty20 internationals against ICC members in 2010, and are ranked ninth in the world, one behind Sri Lanka.

One of their most impressive performers in qualification was Mohammad Shahzad, but here the opening batsman was out cheap-

ly, top-edging an Angelo Mathews delivery to Dushmantha Chameera having made eight runs from 12 balls.

From there it looked as though Sri Lanka would go on to force a critical advantage, with Rangana Herath claiming two wickets as three batsmen fell for just 15 runs and Afghanistan slumped to 51-4.

But then step forward Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari, who scored five sixes between them to move Afghanistan forward at an impressive rate in a vital partnership of 61.

Even with Shenwari out

for 31 from 14 balls, Stanikzai continued to bat superbly. The highlight of his highest T20 international total was a soaring six off Thisara Perera as Afghanistan scored 106 off their last 10 overs.

CHAMPIONS RE-GAINING THEIR FORM? Sri Lanka were crowned champions in Bangladesh in 2014 but have since had to rebuild their Twenty20 squad following the retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

They won just one of four matches at the Asia Cup in the build-up to the tour-

nament - against the United Arab Emirates - but remain the best-performing team at the World Twenty20 since its inception in 2007, now with 22 wins from 32 matches.

Here they were also missing Lasith Malinga, the fourth most prolific wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals, who was not fit to play, and their best performances came with the bat.

Openers Dilshan and Chandimal steamed ahead with a partnership of 41, the former delighting the crowd with his trademark scoop shot before the latter was out cheaply, caught at mid-wicket.

After Thirimanne fell to

17-year-old Rashid Khan the second youngest player to appear at a World T20 after Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir - Thisara was moved up the order and made 12 before being run-out at 85-3.

At that stage the Afghans might well have believed they were still in with a fighting chance, but Dilshan continued to score and several errors in the field allowed boundaries to seep through and relieve any pressure.

And fittingly it was 39-year-old Dilshan who secured the win with a boundary to square leg, the final flourish in his third highest international Twenty20 total.

England must forget loss to Windies

GuyOil supports GMR&SC, racers

JOS Buttler has urged England to focus all their energies on a crucial World T20 meeting with South Africa and the dangerous AB de Villiers.

England knows they cannot afford to dwell on a tournament-opening defeat to West Indies as they prepare to face South Africa at the World Twenty20.

A spectacular unbeaten hundred from Chris Gayle ensured the Windies eased to a target of 183 in Nagpur on Wednesday.

As a result, Eoin Morgan’s side already have a stiff task on their hands to progress from the Super10 phase, with only two semi-final places available in each five-team group.

However, England were beaten in their opening match at the 2010 World T20 – a tournament they went on to win – and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler is eager to remain positive ahead of today’s meeting with the Proteas in Mumbai.

“If we lose one game and win five in a row and win the World Cup, we’d be happy with that,” said Buttler.

“We just have to park that game (against

THE Guyana Oil Company GuyOil yesterday delivered on its promise to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) as well as individual racers by

West Indies). We know it’s gone now. To advance in this tournament we need to focus all our energy on the next game.”

South Africa will be playing their first match at the tournament and can take confidence from winning each of the two home T20s they played against England in February.

DE VILLIERS THE DANGERMAN After suffering at the hands of one batting superstar in Gayle, England would appear to have reason to fear AB de Villiers this time around.

In addition to thrashing 71 from 29 balls as the Proteas hammered England in Johannesburg last month, de Villiers has produced sensational innings in his last two visits to the Wankhede Stadium.

Having struck 133 not out from just 59 deliveries for Royal Challengers Bangalore in an Indian Premier League fixture in May 2015, de Villiers made a 61-ball 119 to help South Africa post 438-4 in an October one-day international against India in Mumbai.

By Stephan Sookram

Street head office, the company, through acting General Manager Reggie Bhagwandin, expressed its commitment to the sport as well as the drivers, calling on them to represent the brand with pride, adding “may the best team win”.

GuyOil managers and representatives stand with the drivers for a photo opportunity. (Adrian Narine photo) handing over sponsorship cheques.

The company handed over an undisclosed sum to the GMR&SC for race sponsorship during this weekend’s first national Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit and also presented funding to the five group one racers - Daniel Deokie, Paul Jiwanram, Azzad Hassan, Troy Muir and Sharima Khan.

During a brief ceremony at its Camp

The cheques were presented by Castrol Brand Manager Seon Daniels as well as Marketing Assistant Sharvin Robertson in the presence of other managers.

Apart from GuyOil, GTT and Fly Jamaica are also on board for this weekend’s races.

Admission has been set at $500 per child and $1 000 per adult. Race time is 09:30hrs.

GCB engages Minister of Tourism on Tri-series and other partnerships

A GUYANA Cricket Board (GCB) delegation consisting of president Drubahadur, secretary Anand Sanasie, Marketing manager Rajendra Singh and TDO Colin Stuart held discussions with the Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, regarding the June 2016 ODI Tri-series featuring Australia, South Africa and West Indies, among other partnerships.

A release from the GCB yesterday stated that the team met with Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, and

Minister Hughes.

The gathering examined possible undertakings that would boost Guyana’s Tourism industry and complement the GCB’s activities during these cricket events on the calendar for 2016 and beyond.

Minster Hughes was particularly excited about the ODI Tri-series in early June since it would be an opportunity for Guyana to further showcase its Tourism packages as it follows very shortly after Guyana’s 50th independence celebration.

She explained that the short time span would allow for easy airline and hotel accommodation and possibly encourage visitors already in Guyana to remain for the matches.

Matches are scheduled for June 3, June 5 and June 7. This series would be the first where Guyana would be hosting more than two international teams at the same time since the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. “Further, the first leg of the series would be played in Guyana, giving us a significant amount of days to host

visitors - a distinct advantage for our Tourism industry” the GCB release said.

Strategies and ideas were discussed between the delegations and how best to promote and market these events on a joint basis. It is expected that the WICB would be having their next Board of Directors meeting in Guyana during that Tri Series tournament.

The minister was also enlightened on the GCB-organised cricket festival, April 29 and 30, in observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations.

The festival is a T20 one and would feature teams from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Minister Hughes said she was willing to work along with the GCB for the promotion of the event.

The GCB officials sought other partnerships between the GCB and the Tourism Ministry. Minister Hughes was optimistic that these ventures can be realised; noting that they were definitely stimulating ideas which were indeed positive and exciting that her Ministry can embrace.

The Secretary of the GCB also took the opportunity to present a copy of the recent Economic Impact Assessment study that was conducted by an independent firm on the tour of England to the Caribbean in 2015.

The minister shared some statistics regarding the value and importance of tourism to the economy of several states and acknowledged the growing importance of sports tourism to our country and the need for diversification from our traditional products.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

LGE Candidate calls on Government to build multi-purpose sports facility in Linden

SPORTS Journalist and Local Government Elections (LGE) Candidate Carwyn Holland is calling for a multi-purpose sports facility to be constructed in Linden.

Holland made the call last Saturday while chairing the Linden Youth Empowerment Forum with Hon. Minister Nicolette Henry and Hon. Minister Valarie Patterson in attendance.

Holland noted that youth motivation is at an all-time low, provoked by years of marginalisation and two factors that are going to bolster their enthusiasm are jobs and proper recreational and sports facilities since Lindeners are a sports-loving people.

CARWYN HOLLAND “The wider call would be an all-weather, multipurpose stadium but I understand that will take some time and a lot of financial resources so my call is for a smaller facility which could house a large number of disciplines,” Holland said.

He stressed: “Give them jobs and a place to go and participate in healthy activities and I believe we will have a healthier youth population in Linden.”

The Mackenzie Sports Club which belongs to the community, Holland said, is not easily accessible and that too must be addressed in the interest of youths.

Holland also called on the Government of Guyana to fast-track the National Sports Policy and he believes that the absence of a sports policy is a setback for the development of sports in Guyana.

In an invited comment, Holland cited the need for the return of active and progressive youth clubs in Linden. He credited his participation in the Police Youth Club and the Mackenzie Sports Club as a youth in Linden for having a major and positive impact on his life.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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:

Kumar Sangakkara Bangladesh

Today’s Quiz:

Who top-scored in the last ICC T20 World Cup final?

How many matches were scheduled in the last ICC T20 World Cup?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GTTA to begin national training THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will soon implement a structured programme for members of its national team.

The programme was made possible after the executives of the association met recently and ratified the implementation of the schedule which would see respective categories train on the same day at the National Gymnasium or Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The training is scheduled to commence tomorrow. On Fridays, Cadets and Juniors will be in action from 16:00hrs to 19:00hrs.

Seniors will work from 21:00hrs

to 23:00hrs. On Saturdays Cadets and Juniors will train from 14:00hrs to 16:00hrs and the Seniors from 15:00hrs to 17:00hrs while on Sundays, Cadets and Juniors play from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs and Seniors from 17:00hrs to 19:00hrs.

A GTTA release stated that the central aim and objective of the initiative is to; enhance training by having all top players in respective categories work together under a structured programme so as to benefit from the synergies of playing and training together.

The initiative aims also to ensure

continuity and to improve players and Guyana’s performances internationally, as well as to assess and evaluate elite players for future selection.

The release added that players are expected to participate in a minimum of 60% of the sessions. Those experiencing difficulty in meeting this benchmark should engage the executive.

Meanwhile, a meeting is scheduled for Monday (March 21) with senior players and parents of shortlisted junior and cadet players at the National Gymnasium commencing at 17:30hrs.

GTTA endorses newly-elected Linden steering committee THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has endorsed the newly-formulated Linden Table Tennis Steering Committee as an affiliated zonal member of its family.

The executive committee of the GTTA has been actively engaging, supporting and providing direction to the plans, work, activities and members of this committee, as part of its plans for the decentralisation of the sport.

Howard James, an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF level one coach) has been elected Chairman while Victor Wright has been elected to Vice-chairman.

Other members include Shavin Greene as General Secretary, Maurice Cummings as the treasurer and Paul Jones as the Assistant secre-

tary/treasurer Last Monday the GTTA president Godfrey Munroe visited Linden to listen to the plans and ideas of the LTTC and to outline the plans, projects and mandates of the GTTA. The committee has set out some key initiatives as part of its plans/mandate to develop the sport in Linden which includes the hosting of a Novices (school teams) and Individual table tennis championships scheduled for March 16 at the Mackenzie High School Auditorium.

The central aim of the tournament is to stimulate students/players interest and commence a system to actively engage players in Linden and Region 10. The categories to be contested Novices Team Championships, Novices Individual Championships Meanwhile as part of the long-

term projection the committee has identified the Mackenzie High School auditorium as a central area where six tables can be accommodated.

The committee has also set its sights on hosting regional and national tournaments as well as the hosting of a skills challenge, identification of new areas across the length and breadth of Linden, among other key initiatives, so as to have the sport played on a larger scale.

It has engaged the Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones for support and assistance in the form of competition tables, racquets and nets. Jones has already contributed 4 trophies for the School Novices Championships under the 50 Shades of Games banner.

NOTABLE DATES ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Jebel Ali 08:30 hrs Dairam 09:00 hrs Spin Cycle SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 12:00 hrs Dance City Queen 12:35 hrs Cat In Command 13:10 hrs Roy’s Gale 13:40 hrs Live On The Moon 14:10 hrs Serissa 14:40 hrs Peter Piper 15:15 hrs La Gitano 15:45 hrs Bee My Honey ENGLISH RACING TIPS Lingfield 09:15 hrs Ballista 09:45 hrs Music Man 10:25 hrs Abareeq 11:05 hrs Esteemable 11:45 hrs Mossy’s Lodge 12:25 hrs North Creek 13:05 hrs Templier CHELTENHAM 09:30 hrs Zubayr 10:10 hrs Starchitect 10:50 hrs Shantou Village 11:30 hrs Djakadam 12:10 hrs Paint The Clouds

12:50 hrs Squouateur 13;30 hrs Dandridge FAKENHAM 09:55 hrs Kiama Bay 10:35 hrs Bon Chic 11:15 hrs Persian Breeze 11:55 hrs Boss Des Mottes 12:35 hrs Emerald Rose 13:10 hrs Vent Nivernais IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 14:00 hrs Charlies Missile 14:30 hrs Tom Dooley 15:00 hrs Ishebayorgrey 15:30 hrs Bridle Path 16:00 hrs Ineffable 16:30 hrs Rummaging 17:00 hrs Sea Of Blue AMERICAN RACING TIPS Gulfstream Park Race 1 Town Policy Race 2 On Your Mach Race 3 Cafetiere Race 4 Biamonte Race 5 Drop Shot Race 6 Tonedaddy Race 7 Sweet Butterfly Race 8 Strong Composition Race 9 Tenango Race10 Like a Charm

RAWLE Frank easily took care of Venezuelan Orlando Orozco in Miami, Florida, on March 18, 1995.

The 26-year-old welterweight Frank won by technical knockout (TKO) in the sixth round over an opponent 12 years his senior.

It was the 14th victory for the orthodox Guyanese boxer in 18 fights. Later in his career Frank twice challenged the now deceased Vernon Forrest for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight title.

The first contest was staged in August 2000 and ended in a No-Contest while Forrest easily won the next by a unanimous decision the following year.

After taking up permanent residence in the USA, Frank returned to Guyana in 1992 for two memorable encounters with Michael Benjamin, who was then the most-talked-about fighter in the country.

Benjamin won both on points. Frank claimed the vacant USBA welterweight title in October 1997 with a split decision victory over Purcell Miller then moved on to win the USBA and IBF Latino super welterweight t titles.

His last fight was on home soil in November 2010 when he gained a unanimous decision over `Deadly’ Denny Dalton at the Princess Hotel and Casino. He ended his career with 29 victories (14 KOs), five defeats and three draws.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Mitchell’s hat-trick sinks GFC, Fruta Conquerors too strong for Pele THE Georgetown Football Club’s (GFC) miserable run in the STAG Elite League Finale continued last Wednesday, as they fell 4–1 to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the Tucville Community Centre ground.

On the same night, the home team, Fruta Conquerors strolled to an impressive 2–0 win over arch rivals Pele FC. Having lost four of their five games so far, GFC sit at the bottom of the eight-team table winless with just one point.

Facing a GDF team, determined to finish in the league’s top four clubs - something they failed to do in League’s Genesis, GFC were put before the Amry’s firing squad, with Olvis Mitchell being the primary marksman.

Mitchell finished the night scoring three of GDF’s four goals, with his first coming in the 12th minute and another in the 15th minute.

The GDF led 2-0 at the end of the first half but the one-sided affair continued upon resumption of the second stanza, as Mitchell finished his hat-trick in the 55th minute – four minutes after Lennox Cort had scored, to bring GFC back into the game.

Sherwin Green scored the GDF’s other goal (78th minute) as coach Denzil Thompson’s side now move to third place in the standings behind Fruta Conquerors.

Fruta Conquerors with goals from Jahall Greaves (11th minute) and Jermine Junor (66th minute) ensured that the Tucville-based squad remained in second place as Pele slumped further down the table.

The league continued last night at the Leonora Stadium with Alpha United playing Buxton United and Slingerz FC facing Monedderlust.

DIGICEL/Kraft Toucan Industries Western Tigers roar to 3-1 GSAJunior Skills level tournament win over Northern Rangers Melville, Mekdeci, Wilshire

… Santos maintain unbeaten record

SANTOS played to 2-2 draw with Police to ensure that their unbeaten record remained intact, while Western Tigers roared to 3-1 win over Northern Rangers in the latest results from the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) STAG Premier League.

At the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground last evening, Santos, fielding one of the youngest teams in the League, scored both of their goals in the first half, with the first coming off the boot of Dellon David in the 30th minute while Dwayne McLennon scored the other in the 34th minute.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) team had taken an early lead in the match, scoring just six minutes into the contest through Keron Boston but ter-

rible defending, coupled with Santos’ aggressiveness, resulted in the lawmen tailing 2-1 at the end of the first half.

The score remained the same until Lerone Charles’ effort in the 90th+2 minute pulled one back for Police as they held on for the draw.

Meanwhile, Shane Morris (20th), Phillip Rowley (51st) and Dellon Kelly (87th) ensured that Western Tigers remained on top of the league when they helped the West Ruimveldt team to another win.

Northern Rangers’ lone goal came from Nigel Denny in the 13th minute.

Despite their unblemished record, Santos are still second behind Western Tigers (five wins, one loss) on the points table with four wins and two draws to tally 14 points.

continue to impress

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) DIGICEL/Kraft Toucan Industries Junior Skills level tournament continued last evening at the Georgetown Club Courts, with Alec Melville, Benjamin Mekdeci and Larissa Wiltshire among the night’s winners.

This is the GSA’s first Junior tournament for 2016, and in Category ‘A’ Taylor Fernandes continued to show that she has improved tremendously as she dominated Alec Melville to take the first game 11/3 but could not keep up with the sustained attack and lost the next three games 9-11, 9-11, 6-11.

Top-seeded Benjamin Mekdeci easily disposed of Shomari Wiltshire in straight games 113, 11-3, 13-11 while Larissa Wiltshire dropped the second game against Alex Cheeks before winning 11-2, 9-11, 11-6, 1-/6..

In Category ‘C’ which is expected to be highly competitive, Michael Alphonso triumphed over Dominic Collins in four games winning 3-11, 12-10, 11-2, 13-11. In the match of the night Ethan Jonas finally overcame the spirited challenge of Demetrius De Abreu in five hard-fought games.

Demetrius won the first game 12-10 but Ethan bounced back to win the next two games 11-5, 11-9 and at 10-9 match ball in the fourth, it seemed all over for Demetrius but he won the next three points to take the match into a fifth and final game.

At 10-7 match ball for Demetrius it seemed as if he had secured a remarkable come-frombehind victory but then Ethan reeled off five points in a row, thereby winning the game and match 12-10.

Results of all the night’s matches were as follows.

Category A Benjamin Mekdeci defeated. Shomari Wiltshire 11-3, 11-3, 13-11.

Alec Melville beat. Taylor Fernandes 3-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6.

Larissa Wiltshire overcame Alex Cheeks 11-2, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6.

Category C Ethan Jonas bettered Demetrius De Abreu 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10.

Michael Alphonso got the better of Dominic Collins 3-11, 12-10, 11-2, 13-11 Gianni Carpenter trounced Lucas Jonas 11-6, 11-6, 11-3.

Category D Kirsten Gomes smashed Aliyah Persaud 11-0, 11-5, 11-5.

Abosaide Cadogan defeated Jason Gomes 11-5, 11-2, 12-10.

Category E Nechemiyah Levans won against Georgiana Fernandes 11-8, 10-12, 11-9.

Haley Carpenter beat Nathan Rahaman 11-9, 11-4 James Mekdeci thrashed Mohyryan Baksh 11-2, 11-5 Category F Liam Carpenter got the better of. Mashal Allicock 7-11, 11-4, 11-5 Mikhail Persaud thrashed Damian Braam 11-4, 11-6 Category H Lajuan Munroe triumphed over Rayden Persaud 11-6, 11-6 Louis Da Silva defeated Shilol Asregado 14-12, 11-4 Category I Christiana Fernandes edged Noah Rahaman 11-9, 12-10

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 18, 2016

Guyana Jaguars face must-win situation

By Rajiv Bisnauth

ADMITTING the Guyana Jaguars are in a “must-win situation”, coach Esaun Crandon said his players are aware of the importance of today’s start of the final round of the WICB/Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day Tournament against Jamaica Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Guyana Jaguars do not have the luxury of experimenting and have no option but to win the game.

They remained at the top of the standings with 130 points, but had their advantage narrowed to only seven points by second-placed Barbados Pride.

The Leon Johnson-led Guyana Jaguars have showed that they can go the distance, winning seven of the nine games so far.

Crandon, the former Guyana cricketer, acknowl-

edged that the Guyana Jaguars will need to play hard and smart cricket over the next four days.

“Definitely we must win this game. A win will give us a good chance of retaining the title, but having said that we have no control over the Barbados game. Once we take care of our business and win this game we will definitely be in with a good chance,” Crandon pointed out.

The Jamaica Scorpions are currently in third-place ahead of Trinidad and Tobago with 82 points, but Crandon acknowledged that the visitors could provide a sterner challenge.

“They have been playing good cricket though they might not be getting the (desired) results. If you look at the last game they played, they came out on top, so they have provided tough games and they have some very good players,” he said, moments before a practice

… ‘We need to be at our best,’ says Crandon

session at the Guyana National Stadium.

SHIMRON HETMYER The Guyana Jaguars have made two changes to their 13-man squad. Winning West Indies Under-19

World Cup captain Shimron Hetmyer and off-spinner Steven Jacobs, have replaced injured Shivnarine Chanderpaul and fast bowler Ronsford Beaton.

Meanwhile, according to the Jamaica Observer newspaper, the Jamaica Scorpions will be without champion left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.

A news release from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) said the 33-yearold has returned home for “medical reasons”. He is being replaced by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) back-of-the-hand left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli.

Miller, among the most successful bowlers in regional first-class cricket, is currently leading the tournament’s bowling chart with 65 wickets. He picked up a matchhaul of 7-160 a few days

ago as Jamaica completed a nine-wicket away win over the Windward Islands to end a sequence of defeats.

Miller also passed 400 wickets in that game, with 403 first-class wickets at a miserly 16.87 each.

Bulli, a former Jamaica Under-19 representative, is yet to play first-class cricket.

The game starts at 10:00hrs daily and admission to the venue is free.

In the other two games, Barbados Pride will play Leeward Islands Hurricanes, while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force come against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh (v-captain), Shimron Het-

myer, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Christopher

ESAUN CRANDON Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph and Steven Jacobs.

NSC delivers on promise Rescheduled annual Diamond THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has delivered on its promises of sponsorship and medals to several sporting associations and organisations, handing over approximately $3.6M. The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Guyana Boxing Board of

He noted that some of the requests came over seven months ago but were held up due to budget debates.

“The NSC would have received several requests and in keeping with our mandate in terms of providing assistance to those organisations and associations, a small committee that forms

Sport Director Christopher Jones stands with NSC commissioner Edison Jefford and the receiving parties. (Stephan Sookram photo) Control (GBBC), the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), Guyana Baseball League (GBL), Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Help and Shelter, Mayor’s Cup football tournament and New Amsterdam Multilateral School were the recipients of cash donations while the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) received medals for their upcoming 50th Anniversary meet.

During a simple yet significant ceremony today, Sport Director Christopher Jones stated that the body is pleased to assist associations whenever possible.

part of the NSC sat and deliberated on those requests that were submitted by the various associations and from that, we would have allocated financial resources,” said Jones.

The Sport Director encouraged more groups to apply for grants adding that he wants to ensure that the far-flung regions of Guyana benefit from the NSC. Speaking on behalf of the associations, Badminton Association president Gokarn Ramdhani commended the NSC for disbursing funds that will ultimately assist the organisations and reminded them that great things are expected. (Stephan Sookram)

Mineral Water 11-race programme set for tomorrow

THE 11th Annual Diamond Mineral Water 11-race cycle programme which was originally scheduled for last Saturday, will now be held tomorrow (Saturday) around the inner circuit of the National Park beginning at 09:00hrs.

The event, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, will see defending champion of the School Boys and Novices’ feature 35-lap event, Jebon Crawford, battle to make a successful defence of his title.

According to Mohamed, the event had to be rescheduled because of works that were ongoing on the circuit at the National Park over the past two weeks.

At last year’s event, Crawford, a member of the Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice, returned one hour 17 minutes 10 seconds in winning the race, but this time around, he will have to be wary of Team Evolution’s trio of Orville Hinds, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams and Raul Leal, who are all in form at the moment.

Only two Sundays ago, Williams won the first stage of the 19th Memorial Anniversary of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan in Berbice. Stage two was not staged for reasons unknown and stage three which was originally set for Sunday on the Essequibo Coast is also in doubt.

Team Evolution has been firing on all cylinders since the 2016 season got underway in January and it seems that with the absence of Team Coco’s from competitive riding since last November, the formative Team Evolution will continue to dominate.

In the juvenile 10-lap race tomorrow, Jamal John, who has been in good nick since the 2016 season started, should be able to make a successful defence of his title which he won in

a time of 23 minutes 08.05 seconds.

Junior Niles won the five-lap race for veterans Under-50 in a time of 12 minutes 14.90 seconds and will be looking to make a suc-

Marlon `Fishy’ Williams cessful defence of that title but will have to be wary of Kennard Lovell and Warren McKay. Brighton John won the Boys and Girls 12-14 years age group three-lap race in a time of seven minutes 20.15 seconds and will be hoping to repeat that feat this year.

Shawn Boodhram is the defending champion of the five-lap race for mountain bikers.

Marketing representative of Demerara Distillers Limited, Larry Milles, is expected to witness the day’s activity as well as to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

NSC delivers on promise See story on page 35

Guyana Jaguars face must-win situation

See story on page 35

… ‘We need to be at our best,’ says Crandon

Guyana in the nets at Providence

Sri Lanka Mitchell’s hat-trick sinks GFC, see off Afghanistan Fruta Conquerors challenge too strong for Pele

See story story on on page page 32 32 See

Man-of-the-match Dilshan makes his third highest international T20 score.

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

See story on page 34

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016