Chronicle 05 02 2016

NO WAVERING No. 104539

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016

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‒ acting President says Gov’t will honour promises to workers

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It was a historic day on Sunday as workers from the various trade union movements braved the rains to rally together in the National Park (Samuel Maughn photo)

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‒ Vansluytman tells trade union leaders

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Jags Aviation offering direct flights to Bartica FLIGHTS to Bartica have now been made easier through Jags Aviation

service. Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Nageshwari Kamal Persaud, has said the

initiative is most welcome since it would make access to Bartica more efficient,

The Cessna Caravan that will be taking passengers is parked on BK Quarries airstrip

because it takes only 20 minutes to travel from the Ogle International Airport on the East Coast of Demerara to Bartica in Region 7.

The Bartica airstrip is located on the premises of the BK Quarries, and travellers would benefit tremendously from the operation of this new service as Barticians prepare for township celebrations this month. “Persons from all parts of Guyana can access Bartica more easily now,� the Deputy Mayor said.

Inaugural township celebrations will be held on May 7. The airstrip will be maintained by BK Quarries, in collaboration with Jags Aviation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

NO WAVERING

‒ acting President says Gov’t will honour promises to workers

By Ariana Gordon ACTING President Moses Nagamootoo appealed to public servants and their respective trade unions, gathered on Sunday at the National Park following a historic united march by the trade union movements in Guyana, to be patient as Government awaits the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service.

He assured that Government will fulfill its promise of salary increases this year, but must await the report of the CoI. Nagamootoo then announced that $43.8 billion have been set aside for the current wages and salaries for 2016, while another $6.6 billion have been allocated for benefits and allowances for public servants.

“I will not discredit the Commission that is called the ‘[Harold] Lutchman Commission’ -- that is trying to complete the stratification and adjustment to the Public Service with regards to wages… All I can say is this: After that report is received, we will -- in fact we shall -- be dealing with the labour unions,” he told the expectant public service workers.

The acting President said an increase in wages and salaries is but one aspect of the plan Government has for public servants. He noted that “man shall not live by bread alone”.

The APNU-AFC Administration had promised public servants an increase in salaries, and has even made specific reference to the need for members of the disciplined services to have an increase in salaries.

President David Granger has said on more than one occasion that members of the disciplined forces ought to be properly compensated to prevent incidents of bribery, which hamper their respective roles.

COMMITTED “This Government is committed to pay salary increase for 2016 this year, after the submission of that report,” the Acting President stressed, noting that instead of a one-off payment, Government is looking towards having a “long-range arrangement that goes beyond wages and salaries”.

He said the long-term arrangement should involve land, housing, health and

Acting President Moses Nagamootoo (second right) marched with Ministers of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence (second left), and Keith Scott (right), on Sunday in observance of Labour Day 2016

that it is not only wages and salaries that ought to be hammered, but those concessions that must be given

to working people to make life more comfortable,” he stressed.

CONTROL FREAKISM The Acting President noted that the former administration, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), had exercised what he termed “control freakism” while in office, and had offered public servants only “five per cent, five per cent, five percent”.

“Five per cent was the answer for the destruction of collective bargaining,” he contended, while informing the gathering that the APNU-AFC coalition government will not undermine the collective bargaining process.

Nagamootoo also said that last year’s May Day Rally had seen President David Granger and himself marching with public servants, but that rally ended up at two separate venues.

“It was our version of labour apartheid. Today, there is apparent reconciliation, but there still remains two factions though we have one march,” Nagamootoo said.

Turn to page 8 ►

MPI working to clear blockages in city drainage Acting President Moses Nagamootoo making a point during his Labour Day Address to public servants on Sunday at the National Park

recreation.

“You need to be treated as human beings, and I feel that we should have an arrangement that does not only deal with salaries and wages, but we should return to merit awards,” he disclosed.

He called on all public servants to be professional in the execution of their duties, so that respect could be restored to the Public Service.

The acting President was quick to point out that, though not in office a full year yet, the Government has been able to make significant changes to the Public Service, which have brought benefits to public servants across the board.

“On top of a modest wage increase, there was a sincere attempt to give a top up of $5000; a sincere move from a Government that

had come in for only five months. It has attempted to address the immediate concerns of workers,” he said.

Nagamootoo pointed out that the minimum wage has been increased and the Income Tax threshold has also been increased from $600,000 to $660,000.

“68,000 workers didn’t have to pay tax, and that was important that you know

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) has said that excessive rainfall over the last 24 hours has resulted in flooding in some parts of the capital city and its outlying areas.

An MPI release has said the Ministry is pleased that several areas of Georgetown which previously suffered from constant flooding during rainy seasons are now being drained without hindrance. It was, however, noted that drainage in some areas remains of concern, notably parts of Queenstown and North and South Ruimveldt.

The MPI has said it is working assiduously, in collaboration with other agen-

cies, to ensure that all blockages to drainage are cleared as quickly as possible.

“The Ministry seeks the patience and cooperation of those citizens affected in the flooded areas. The Ministry today (Sunday) dispatched three teams to various locations in an effort to identify the precise sources of the blockages and to determine the necessary immediate and long-term interventions.

“The Ministry reminds the public that the existing drainage network for the

city can only accommodate rainfall of no more than 2.5 inches in a 24-hour period.

Should rainfall exceed this amount, there is expected to be minimal flooding, and the Ministry is seeking to ensure that the waters recede in the shortest possible period, tide permitting,” the release has said.

The MPI has thanked residents of Georgetown for their patience, understanding, and cooperation at this time of inconvenience.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Camp Street Avenue brightens up

The Guyana Revenue Authority is in Independence Anniversary spirit (Adrian Narine photo)

A resplendent Camp Street Avenue in Georgetown last evening

MINISTER of Telecommunications, with responsibility for Tourism, Cathy Hughes, last evening flipped the switch that lit up the trees on Camp Street Avenue in close proximity to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Georgetown. The GRA is in full jubilee mood

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Lewis, Chand rap Gov’t on collective bargaining process

By Ariana Gordon

VETERAN Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), was quick on the proverbial draw on Sunday, during the culmination of the 2016 Labour Day Parade at the National Park, to remind the Government that it owes its presence in the seat of governance to the trade union movement.

Lewis called on the Coalition Government to, as soon as possible, commence negotiating with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on the matter of increasing wages and salaries. He stressed that the work of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of affairs in the public sector has no bearing on those negotiations.

“There is nothing -- including a Commission -- that legally supersedes this law… it is time to bring it to an end.

It is time to bring an end to more than a decade [of] contempt for the law and workers’ rights by the Government,” the trade unionist advocated.

He noted that the promises that Government made during its campaign must be fulfilled, as those represent a contract with the electorate.

“I come to remind them today that this time is workers’ time… In this 50th year of the nation’s Independence, the labour movement has a responsibility to protect the gains the workers acquired over the years… In whatever way we celebrate, it must be remembered that nothing was given to us. We have fought several battles, and the results are today seen,” he contended.

Noting that the Public Service is in disarray because workers are poorly paid, Lewis said Government officials gave themselves an increase amounting to 50 per cent, which allegedly serves to prevent incidents of bribery.

“As politicians pay themselves astronomical increases under the pretext that this will minimise corruption on their part, so, too, must our men and women in uniform be paid. Workers must demand that the same barometer used to determine salary increases for the politicians

Representatives of the various trade union bodies hold hands on Sunday to depict unity within the movement. Acting President Moses Nagamootoo (fourth right) is seen holding hands with trade unionists (Adrian Narine and Samuel Maughn) be used for them!” Lewis posited.

Fired up in his delivery, Lewis suggested that public servants be paid 50 per cent increase in salaries, just like the politicians.

“50 per cent, and we ain’t gon tek no more bribe!” the trade unionist stated. Noting that all players must be held to a “certain standard” of accountability, he urged the administration to ensure that public servants receive the treatment and respect they deserve.

HONOUR MANDATE He called on those elected to public office to fulfill their mandates in ensuring that the citizens who elected them are satisfied with their work.

“Let us understand that Independence and Republican status were realised because the politicians at that time embraced the workers’ programmes. Those who sit on the National Assembly and the Executive are reminded that they owe their presence here to this movement!” Lewis declared.

Lewis accused the Government of breaching the

laws of Guyana in respect to collective bargaining. He explained that the right to collective bargaining is protected in Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana, and must be respected by all.

“You don’t tell me I got to wait till next month to get my rights respected! The Constitution said I am entitled to my respect, give me now!” he demanded.

UNDERPAID Turning his attention to the allegations of corruption against members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Lewis said the root cause of the problems lies in officers being underpaid.

“Instead of seeking the root cause…officers are castigated and demonised. Yes, comrades, there are rogue officers…that should be dealt with… I can say without fear of contradiction that our military is underpaid and work under dangerous and hazardous conditions. Poor remuneration is a factor that contributes to our officers taking a top-up from the public,” Lewis contended.

But while most workers present at the May Day rally

cheered Lewis, others likened him to former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Guh suh Lewis! Come off the stage Bharrat!” public servants were heard saying as Lewis spoke.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), First Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Komal Chand, as Lewis did, called on Government to respect the collective bargaining process.

“On this Workers Day, we must again emphasise our displeasure at the disrespect shown to collective bargaining -- a revered trade union/ employer engagement which was denied to the GAWU last year (2015),” Chand contended.

Chand said that, a few weeks ago, the Guyana Sug-

ar Corporation (GuySuCo) “unilaterally and bluntly told the union that at no time would it offer an increase for 2015”.

He reminded the Government of its promise to honour collective bargaining with unions in the Public Service while noting that the promise has not yet been fulfilled after one year in office.

“Collective bargaining helps to establish healthy worker-employer relationships. From this trade union platform, we urge the authorities to ensure that this commitment for collective bargaining is honoured,” Chand declared.

He also noted the need for the National Minimum Wage to be adjusted to re-

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flect the rise in the cost of living and increased taxes, among other factors.

“Comrades, when the National Minimum Wage was implemented in 2013, we heartily welcomed it.

It meant that no worker in the private and the public sector would be paid less than $202 per hour,” he explained. Speaking specifically to the sugar industry, Chand said this year marks 40 years since the industry’s See page 9

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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

A new Independence covenant

WE HAVE entered the month of May — the month when, 50 years ago, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time.

That simple act brought to a symbolic end 132 years of colonial rule which had been imposed on the nation following the formal end of slavery in 1834. Our Independence had come three decades after the labour uprisings of the 1930s and 13 years after our first elections were held under adult suffrage.

Between those elections in 1953 and the departure of the colonisers in 1966, Guyana had endured the agony of ethnic fracture at the political level, and the pain of ethnic violence in the early years of the 1960s. Yet, there we were on May 26, 1966, joining other peoples with a similar history in ushering in a new day. In our Anglophone Caribbean family, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago had led the way in obtaining political independence in 1962, and Barbados would follow Guyana in 1966.

It was a great moment for a people who had endured centuries of domination at the hands of those who had been intent on accumulating wealth and dominating the world. Guyana, by 1966, had moved from a space peopled by the original inhabitants to an ethnically diverse society in which all of the groups could legitimately lay claim to ownership.

What did Independence really mean for Guyana and Guyanese? Logically, it had to mean freedom from servitude and freedom to determine what that independence could and should mean. But given the diversity of ethno-cultural heritage, there could not be a seamless uniformity of what that self-determination would look like. The government of the day, grounded in one section of that diverse society, moved our Independence in a direction that was not always supported by its main political rival.

It meant, therefore, that the content and direction of the Independence project was contested.

Therein lies the key to any honest reflection on our Independence journey. Not only was there contestation between the traditional rivals, but there developed, from an ideological standpoint, new currents of thought and advocacy about what needed to be done. All of this was happening against the background of a raging Cold War and the inevitable neocolonial backlash.

In the last analysis, Guyana was trapped in global and domestic politics that made it much more difficult to nav-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Some private hospitals exploiting the public Dear Editor,

AS A concerned Guyanese citizen and Reverend, I wish to share my concerns about most of these private hospitals, which charge our people exorbitant medical fees for very simple treatments and tests.

Some years ago, when I was living in Berbice, my father suffered a sudden stroke. I rushed him to a private doctor, but this arrogant doctor looked at my father and told me to wait in a line of over 200 patients. I refused. Then he told me to show him a huge amount of money before he would look after my father.

I challenged him, telling him that I could get his licence revoked; then he looked at my dad. The drugs he gave my dad were valued by NIS at $560, yet I paid more than $20,000 for his dead services.

My mother died as a result of her being given a wrong injection by a drunken doctor, yet he charged money to fill out the death certificate documents, even though he was paid when my mother had gone to visit him on the occasion when he gave her the wrong injection.

A few weeks ago, one of my church members was rushed to a private hospital in Georgetown. The man was kept there for only three hours, and was told he was having a first heart attack. They told the man’s wife and children that if they were to keep him at the hospital, he would need to make a payment of $2.2 million cash, which I found very interesting.

Then they sent the man to the GPHC, telling his family they have no heart specialist at their private hospital, but all

are at the GPHC. For the three hours the man was there, they charged $27,000 for just guessing it was a heart failure. If they had no heart specialist, why did they want $2.2 million?

Why did they charge $27,000 for doing nothing to the patient?

The man was rushed by ambulance to the GPHC, where he was admitted into the ICU for about six hours.

He came out and was talking to his family until 1AM in the night. His family went home, and received a call from the GPHC at 3AM to go to the hospital. Upon their arrival, they discovered their father was dead.

This ‘strong, healthy man’ I had known was just 46 years old, and the doctors said a second heart attack killed him. I was told there was not a proper system in place; for example, a machine that was supposed to monitor the man’s body was not working. Until now, no proper explanation has been given regarding this man’s sudden death.

The first hospital wanted $2.2 million from a poor family to save him. Some other private hospitals they called wanted more.

I know of a pastor who spent a few days at a private hospital before he died, yet the bill was $1.5 million. Another old lady told me she spent four days at a private hospital for tests and minor treatment, yet her family had to pay over $250,000; and her condition got worse, so she came to church for prayer.

I am of the opinion that the medical profession is a noble one, and doctors are bound by the Hippocratic Oath to save lives and not allow money to

igate the expectant freedom. As we look back over those 50 years, there is much to be thankful for, much to celebrate, and much to carry over into the next 50 years. As some would say, our very survival as a sovereign state and a holistic political community points to a resilience that has stood the test of time.

But our survival should not blind us to the stark realities of our existence. We continue to lag behind our peers in socio-economic developmental terms. Outward migration continues to hurt our ability to harness our human resources to effectively serve our collective needs. The historic ethnic problem still renders us helpless in the area of social cohesion.

Our politics, despite some moments of hope, are as contentious as they were 50 years ago. We are still broadsided by rampant poverty and crime and deviance that flow from them.

It is because of the above — the good and the not-so-good — that we need a second Independence Covenant, which learns from the breath of the experiences of our first 50 years.

take precedence over the oath they are bound by. I wish to quote the Hippocratic Oath: “I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant: I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

“I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of over treatment and therapeutic nihilism.

“I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

“I will not be ashamed to say ‘I know not,’ nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death.

If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God. “I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

“I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

“I will remember that I remain a member of society,

with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

“If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live, and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling, and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help”.

I believe this Oath should be on the walls of every hospital and in ever doctor’s office.

For simple illnesses cause people in this country to die because the poor and needy cannot afford the millions these private hospitals are calling for; so they have to go to Government hospitals, where they wait for hours and days, and eventually die.

There is great need for professional medical attention for our citizens. I believe our present administration should give these hospitals a price control chart to follow, and increase their taxes by a 1000 per cent if they fail to follow the price control chart, because they are an affront to the medical profession by just exploiting the public to get rich.

Even rich persons they overcharge because they know those persons are rich, so they inflate their bills. I have discovered that people in the academic world today can do anything without care to get money, even if it costs the life of a person. It’s about time that Government should close down those unscrupulous hospitals and invest in cheaper and professional health care.

Yours truly, REV. GIDEON CECIL

The ills of the past should be tackled and corrected, and the successes should be taken to a higher level.

Eradicating the scourge of poverty and want should be at the top of the agenda, for therein lies most of the agony and excesses we are forced to live with. The dignity of labour, education and struggle must be restored to a place of worth.

The new covenant must inspire rebirth, renewal and a general renaissance of our Guyana.

In this process, there is a major role for Government and politics, but there is a greater role for people in their communities. If our people are mobilized beyond party politics to reach for their own self-emancipation, then independence would take on a new meaning. If our people are afforded jobs with a living wage, then our independence would move closer to the promise of freedom.

This, our new calling, must be grasped with eager hands and hearts. We can overcome again.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Prison CoI expected to end next Monday

By Shauna Jemmott

A SOURCE close to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riot has told the Guyana Chronicle that May 9 is the new deadline for the enquiry to end.

President David Granger recently called for an early end to the proceedings, which according to him have been too drawn out.

The Head of State, in this week’s edition of the Public Interest, pointed out that the ongoing Georgetown Prison riot inquiry has been “going on (for) much too long”, and asked that it be brought to an end as early as possible.

More than 25 witnesses,

including prisoners, prison officers, members of the Guyana Fire Service and members of the Guyana Police Force, have testified before the Commission.

According to the rules of procedure of the CoI, published in the Extraordinary Gazette on March 8, 2016 highlighting the subsidiary legislation on the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances and resultant deaths at the Camp Street Prison, the inquiry must consider the views of various stakeholders. Some of those stakeholders include “staff of the prisons and their unions; members of the judiciary; prisoners accommodated within the Camp Street pris-

Retired Justice James Patterson, Chairman of the CoI ons; staff of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Protection; and

Casino robbery an inside job --security guard in custody

FOLLOWING last Friday morning’s daring attack on the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara, investigators have discovered that a security guard who had left work hours before the heist was involved in plotting the crime.

The gunman Wayne Griffith, who was captured at the scene, has provided police with the identities of the rest of the gang, and the security guard attached to the hotel was subsequently taken into custody.

Police, having searched the homes of the suspects, discovered various pieces of evidence that have confirmed their identities.

Investigators learned that the robbery had been planned weeks earlier, since there was a specific period when there was less security at the casino in the wee hours of the morning. The bandits used this information to formulate their strategy.

According to a police release, the attack began when four gunmen entered the casino and discharged several rounds into the air. After relieving a security guard of his shotgun and ammunition, the gunmen ordered patrons and staff to lie on the ground.

They then took the security guard to the cashier’s cage, where the cashier was also held at gunpoint and relieved of a still undisclosed sum of foreign and local currencies.

The men had arrived at the hotel in a white vehicle bearing a fake number plate, PRR 2545, and three of them managed to escape on foot.

Police were able to apprehend one of the suspects, who was left behind in the casino. Police have also impounded the car, which was left at the scene.

Injured in the robbery were the following persons: Orlando Knights, who was shot in the left hand; Udairan Sookraj, who sustained injuries to his right hand; Police Lance Corporal Andrew

Richardson, who was shot in the abdomen; Eon Garraway, who was shot in his left hand; and James Gregory, who sustained a gunshot wound to his left foot. The gunmen also assaulted staffers during the robbery.

Police have retrieved a shotgun that the bandits had taken from one of the guards, and another firearm that the gunmen disposed of after the robbery.

The security guard who was relieved of his shotgun has said that five persons walked up to him and told him not to move, before taking away his shotgun.

He said he did not put up much resistance since he was outnumbered. Another guard said he was attacked while he was at a guard hut.

any other stakeholders the inquiry deems appropriate.”

Those left to testify will be drawn from the Ministry of Public Health, including Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh; members of the judiciary, including Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh; and representatives of the Ministry

of Social Protection, including a Probation Officer.

With the withdrawal of the Guyana Bar Association through its President Christopher Ram, it is unsure if anyone from that body will be called to testify this week.

The CoI will resume tomorrow and the last witness is expected to testify on Friday.

Retired Justice James Patterson, (Chairman), human rights activist Merle Mendonca, and former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine are the commissioners.

The CoI aims “to enquire into all the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 18 prisoners from the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown on the morning of Thursday, March 3, 2016; to report the findings and conclusions to the Minister of Public Security; and (to) make recommendations on any action that should be taken to avoid a recurrence.”

After concluding on May

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9, the Commission is required to “make comprehensive recommendations to ensure the safety of the prisons; examine and make findings and recommendations to improve the physical infrastructure of the prisons; the existing security arrangements in respect of the custody, management and control of prisoners; and the appropriate treatment of prisoners in compliance with legal and other requirements (in order) to prevent a recurrence of any such disturbances”.

Initially, the Commission was given a March 28 deadline, which was extended because more time was required to hear from various witnesses and gather adequate information.

President Granger has said he is quite sure that some of the problems the Government faces can be resolved if the responsible officers implement recommendations made by the inquiry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Don’t be hypocritical with women ‒ Vansluytman tells trade union leaders

By Svetlana Marshall IT IS time that women’s ability to lead be recognized. So said Karen Vansluytman, a member of the Guyana Trades Union Congress’s (GTUC) Women’s Advisory Committee, as she addressed the plethora of issues affecting women.

Vansluytman, like some others, delivered a rousi ng speech before hundreds of working class Guyanese during the Labour Day Rally at the National Park on Sunday.

Although unions are powered by women, Vansluytman said, they ever so often are recognised only when there is a need to execute insignificant activities.

“They only recognise us…when they want to mobilise, and to organize, and to plan a social and a Bar-B-Q and a take-away lunch. That is when they recognise us,” she told the cheering crowd.

Vansluytman said that when the time comes for women to take up real leadership roles, they are often discredited and deemed ungrateful.

“They say we are ungrateful and we want to take away their positions; and they just want a little more time because they have institutional memory…,” the trade unionist posited while emphasising that women have institutional memory as well.

A GAWU member embracing the call for Unity

GTUC’s Women’s Advisory Committee member Karen Vansluytman

Without fear of any reprisal from members of the union which she represents, Vansluytman lashed out at those trade unionists who speak of democracy and the rights of workers, but fail miserably in their attempt to lead by example.

“They forget that they have overtime that needs to be paid…that some (workers) have to be paid for the leave that they earned, and that (workers) should be given their days off…,” she declared.

She said that trade unionists ever so often call on the Government to respect the rights of workers, but when members of the unions to

which they work highlight the issues affecting them, they are fined or banished from their unions.

Alluding to this year’s theme, “Unity of the Working Class”, Vansluytman questioned whether some trade union leaders believe it is the sole responsibility of workers to achieve this unity.

Despite their perception, she charged, they should take up the mantle and collaborate with other stakeholders to tackle the many social ills affecting women workers.

“We want them to know that is time for them to change, especially some of those veteran trade unionists who still seem to think that

NO WAVERING He called on the trade union movement to begin the healing process, and stressed that in a quest for power, persons should not campaign to mobilise one ethnic group in the country.

“No more must we divide our working people in accordance with ethnicity, because of the craving for power,” the Acting President admonished.

He assured the gathering that they “have friends in the Government”.

“You are our allies and partners,” said Nagamootoo, as he informed them that labour forms an important part in Government’s model of industrial, trade union, and

participatory democracy, as is instructed by the Constitution.”

WALES Addressing the concerns raised by the unions about the closure of the Wales Estate Factory, Nagamootoo said that while much has been said about the sugar industry and Government’s approach to it, “not a single advocate and lover of the sugar workers” had, in the past, objected to that which transpired under the PPP Administration. GuySuCo was put in $82 billion debt, he reminded the public servants.

“Where is the love for the sugar workers if you cripple

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the industry on which they depend for their livelihood and, over the years, (you) pump taxpayers’ money, your money -- $47 billion -- into an estate at Skeldon that has turned into a white elephant?” he asked the gathering.

The acting President, moreover, said Government has spent $17 billion to bail out the sugar industry: to pay wages to sugar workers, because “we love the sugar workers!”

“We didn’t want to see them perish because of the incompetence and the inefficiency of those who ran the industry down before we came into Government.”

He accepted that the way

the only way of resolving issues is to be antagonistic and confrontational,” she declared while underscoring the need to unite.

STOP THE IMMATURE BEHAVIOUR “The same issues that will affect the members of the Guyana Trades Union Congress will be the same issues that will affect the members of FITUG. The same problems that will affect the GPSU women workers will be the same that affect GAWU women workers; so it is therefore necessary for some of them to put away their immature and selfish behaviour,” Vansluytman said.

She added that the interest of the working class must be put first and foremost, and hastened to address the issues surrounding the Public

Service Commission (PSC).

“Last year, I spoke about those public servants who are being denied promotion by the Public Service Commission, the majority being women workers. This situation remains the same, because there are elements on the Public Service Commission who feel that the public servants belong to them, so they can hire and fire and promote…. We are saying that must be changed now!” she demanded.

She said there are also commissioners on the PSC who sit in a position of conflict of interest, “because they are working among public servants over whom they have to adjudicate to appoint or promote…we are saying that should not happen!” she charged.

The trade unionist also highlighted other issues af-

fecting working women.

She said that while the Social Protection Ministry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ought to be applauded for their efforts in tackling domestic and intimate-partner violence, these issues have risen to an alarming rate.

“Almost on a daily basis we read of some woman being killed. There is another phenomenon that is raising its ugly head -- where sons, who have chosen to destroy their lives by allowing substance abuse to take control of them, are now killing their mothers…. Please! They need help; we need help!

This is a situation that must be changed now!” Vansluytman appealed.

She suggested that a national consultation be held to address these issues in a holistic manner.

in which the announcement about the closure of the Wales Estate Factory was done was a “public relations (PR) disaster”; but he noted that if he had intervened prior, he would have been accused of politically interfering in the operations of GuySuCo. “…our commitment to make the sugar industry viable is sincere, because we recognise the role of sugar,” he added.

Turning to President David Granger’s initiative of ensuring that every child gets a chance to be educated and the provision of transportation for same, the acting President said, “It was in the interest of the children of the working people…. It doesn’t matter if the buses were green and yellow…. When your house is

infested with rats, do you look at the colour of the cat? Those who try to use the colour of these buses to spite our children, they themselves need to decide if they are hunting with the cats or running with the rats”.

He called on the trade unions to work collectively to achieve the common goal of a stronger and united Public Service.

Nagamootoo’s address followed a saucy address delivered by General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis, at what can be described as a historic Labour Day Rally, as, on this occasion, all the unions marched together.

The trade union movement has, for years, been divided. For more than a de-

cade, the various trade union umbrella bodies have been marching separately on Labour Day because of differences in opinion and political persuasion. Sunday’s act has, however, indicated the resurgence of unity among the various bodies.

Lewis, in his address, called on the Government to begin negotiations with the unions for salary increases for public servants. He noted that public servants should also benefit from a 50 per cent increase, as did Government officials last year.

“The Government is called on to commence negotiations for wages and salaries…. This has nothing to do with the Commission of Inquiry,” a fiery Lewis opined.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Stabroek Market Square cleared amid protest A PRIME stretch of pavement on the western corridor of Demico House that was overrun by the vending of a variety of commercial items, including X-rated DVDs, ‘three-card’ tricksters, and suspected drug-pushers is now clear.

The drive by the new Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) is aimed at implementing the ‘Greater Georgetown Development Plan’ (GGDP) charted by Professor Akhtar Khan.

The vendors are among those requested by the M&CC to remove to a new location as the council moves to restore Georgetown as the Garden City of the Caribbean.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that the new council is working on moving Georgetown forward, and “tough decisions have to be made.”

“If Georgetown is to be competitive as a modern, international city, changes have to be made, striking the right balance between the rights of our vendors, the expectations of the residents of Georgetown and the national interest,” he said.

While some vendors have become emotional, complaining about the move, one vendor told the Guyana Chronicle that she is pleased with the decision of the council to relocate them temporarily in order to clear the area.

The vendors said the council promised to relocate them for three months to the compound opposite the

Linden bus park, which once housed Royal Castle.

The woman, Alexis Hope, said, “Everybody had to remove… they ain’t had no stall breaking down.

Everybody had to remove their stalls for them to do the cleaning. Everybody cooperate, we all join as a team and we move and clean the area.”

The vendor explained that they were informed of the move during a meeting with the council two Thursdays ago, and vendors even cooperated with the council in its clean-up campaign from the head of Regent Street to Stabroek Market.

“Here so need the space, so they locate the hat vendors and these to a location.

Majority of the people wha does sell here, have a stand already. Deh giving we a spot. I am happy about the whole situation because, at least I don’t have to run.”

She pointed out too that though they are required to move, the new council operates “far different.”

REASONABLE “We get a better arrangement, a better system. We is single parents. They is not fighting we. They putting we from a location, to another location. Nah fuh seh we ain’t get place fuh sell, we geh place fuh sell!” the woman said.

The vendors said though they were told that selling begins Tuesday at the new location, Town Clerk Royston King said vending will not be allowed on Tuesday anymore.

Fruit vendor Monifa

Cleared! Bins replaced vending shops just outside Demico House, after the area was cleared by the M&CC on Sunday

McPherson was sad. She said: “They want to remove us from there. They want to put us where the old Royal Castle bun down, behind Parliament. The place ain’t clean. Deh gone and throw sand down there to seh we gon sell, we cyan sell on sand.”

She said though she is not protesting being moved, the council could have operated in a more organised manner.

“At least they gah build a place, find stands and then place we. People ain’t gon leave the market to go till down there to buy from we -- pass the wholesale place, pass the market, pass the bus park. You nah find people going there to buy from us.

Business gon stink!”

Mobile phone top-up vendor Ashanti Bishop said the Town Clerk has accused vendors of encouraging school-children to loiter in the area and harbouring criminals.

“When you telling the schoolchildren go home

Give sugar industry the support it needs ‒ unions urge

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have moved a motion calling for the Government of Guyana and by extension the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to invest in the ailing sugar industry.

NAACIE General-Secretary Kenneth Joseph put the motion to the working-class folk during the May Day rally at the National Park.

Joseph, in reading the motion, pointed out that the nation’s sugar industry remains a significant employ-

er, foreign-exchange earner and provides social stability in many communities.

Though acknowledging the challenging times the industry continues to face, GAWU and NAACIE via the motion condemned what they deem a “hasty decision” to close the Wales sugar factory.

According to Joseph, such a decision will affect the employment of about 1,700 persons and puts at risk the livelihoods of some 800 cane farmers. The unions also criticised the imminent closure of the LBI Estate.

Under the leadership of a “competent management” and with financial backing from the Government, Jo-

seph said the sugar industry would be able to overcome its challenges.

As such, the unions passed the motion, calling on the Government of Guyana and GuySuCo to abandon their decision to close the Wales Estate factory and the LBI operations. They also called on the Government to desist from privatising part or all of the sugar industry, and to provide adequate financial support to enable the industry to overcome the challenges at this time.

The unions also called on the administration to erect a monument in the city to honour veteran trade unionist JH Pollydore.

they asking yuh ‘You is we motha?’”

Meanwhile, fruit vendor Vanessa Samuels said vendors cannot do anything about thieves.

“Now if a man pass and snatch this lady chain, wha we could do about tha. How we gon harbour them?”

THIEF MAN ZONE She said the relocation spot is “the thief man zone” and being located just behind Parliament buildings, “When parliament keeping, yuh can’t sell.”

“When thief man snatch anything in deh, they could

just run through Leopold Street. We get children fuh mind. Nuff ah we women here is single parents. How me gon send them to school.

When you don’t send them to school the welfare coming on yuh back. Yuh trying a honest living,” the woman tearfully related.

Meanwhile, when Duncan was contacted by this publication, he said he is unaware of illicit drugs and pornographic materials being sold at the location.

“I think what everyone can agree on is that there is some amount of criminal activity which is fostered in the

area in its present condition.

Many residents of Georgetown know not to wear your jewellery in that area or use your expensive cell phone in the area as well,” Duncan told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said the present reorganisation of the Stabroek Market square is the single largest undertaking in that vicinity since the market was constructed in 1881, with the rehabilitation of the square being just part of the plan to restore the market and stelling located behind it, modernising the area while preserving its colonial heritage.

Lewis, Chand rap... nationalization, and those in authority must reflect on the importance of the industry to the country.

“With this in mind, we feel peeved that the industry’s workers are nowadays being treated in a disdainful manner,” he charged.

He said that, for the “first time in over three decades, thousands of workers did not obtain a wage adjustment”; and he noted that GuySuCo has refused to discuss increase in wages for 2015.

“Such refusal to engage in collective bargaining speaks volumes, and of course is a violation of laws, international conventions, and our agreements. Not only sugar workers, but indeed, all workers should express indignation over this development. Let us halt it before it spreads,” he invited.

Chand also pointed to the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, noting that the decision to close the estate is a step in the wrong direction, given that no “impact assessment” was done.

“Our union urges the relevant authorities to act wisely and not proceed to close Wales. We say put the well-being of our working people foremost in your consideration. GAWU also urges that a similar assessment be

done with respect to the present operations at LBI Estate, where the consequences of closure for the workers are also great,” Chand said.

He continued that despite the challenges facing the sugar industry, “sugar’s success will redound to the benefit of our economy and assure the employment of thousands of Guyanese”.

Chand said, too, that crime is another factor bothering his union; and he noted that the frequency with which criminal activities are occurring is cause for concern.

“We of FITUG believe the situation is very serious.

We need assuring results, and the relevant authorities need to regularly review their tactics to contain, reduce, and eventually stamp out this menace from our midst,” he posited.

He described Sunday as an important “red-letter day”, noting that the joining of the unions represents an “important milestone in our history”.

“Hopefully, it is a new beginning to bring about enduring unity at the trade union level, based on a fair, just, and democratic foundation,” he declared.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, who represented Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, came in for

From page 5

strong disapproval from public servants when he criticised the Government for what he deemed to be its inability to properly manage the economy.

“Any working person and single persons have fallen on hard times,” Rohee said amidst boos from the public servants, who were clearly angered by his utterances.

The booing at one point overpowered Rohee’s presentation and caused chairperson of the proceedings, Norris Witter, to warn the gathering against such unbecoming behaviour.

According to Rohee, “Guyanese are embarrassed and outraged” by the state of affairs in Guyana. He noted that the human and fundamental rights of citizens have been trampled upon, and called on the administration to reintroduce the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 voucher; electricity and water subsidies for the elderly; and to end “discrimination and favouritism” in the awarding of contracts.

Rohee believes that the actions of the APNU-AFC Coalition Government have resulted in workers being “held back.”

“Workers must never be held back…workers’ rights must be defended at all times,” Rohee insisted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Scenes from the Labour Day march

Teachers were among the vocal marchers on Sunday

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence stride towards the National Park

Rain or shine, onward to the National Park

The speakers occasionally “revved up� the gathering at the National Park tarmac

It was a full house at the National Park tarmac on Sunday

Women were an integral part of the united march

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Scenes from the Labour Day march

This worker came out with a message on Sunday

‘We are all for Guyana’ is what these marchers seem to be saying

Workers under the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union on their way to the National Park

It is time to cool down. This young man takes a drink en route to the National Park

GAWU President Komal Chand (right), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Dharamkumar Seeraj and others flash a pose for the Guyana Chronicle

The messages at Sunday’s rally were many and diverse

Photos by Adrian Narine and Samuel Maughn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Eureka commissions solar-powered building ‒ President says Gov’t aims to create pattern for medical facilities countrywide

By Rabindra Rooplall RENEWABLE energy sources are an integral part of Guyana’s drive towards achieving a green economy and the country can satisfy all its needs this way, President Granger said during the commissioning of Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc’s (EML) new all solar-powered building Saturday evening.

“A green economy is a good economy, and a good economy is the pathway to a good life, it’s a clean economy. It will reduce environmental pollution and allow us to use our own renewable energy sources. The transition to a more renewable source of energy will yield considerable savings in foreign exchange for Guyana, because it will mean less use of fossil fuels,” President Granger declared.

The lab was commissioned by the President and First Lady Sandra Granger at Eureka’s Thomas Street, Georgetown location. In attendance were members of Cabinet and special invitees.

Reflecting on the Paris Agreement that he signed on climate change last week at the United Nations, New York, the President said

Guyana has an obligation which includes achieving 100 per cent energy needs from renewable sources.

FINANCING GREEN TECHNOLOGIES EML is leading the way in how it sources its energy for operations, he added, but Guyana needs financing to capitalise on green energy and green technologies.

“I will be attending the United States Caribbean Central American Energy Summit in Washington, DC ,where I hope to advance discussions with officials and private sector parties on securing the necessary financing and technologies to help Guyana tap into the unquestionable renewable energy sources,” President Granger said In congratulating the founders of EML, Dr Karen Boyle and her husband, microbiologist Andrew Boyle, the President said a green economy must be driven by green technologies and the drive is not confined to Government.

PRIVATE SECTOR ROLE “The private sector has an important role to play in introducing green technol-

ogies to our country. EML has shown that it is possible to fully power its laboratories from solar power, and this is a directive I have given to all of our ministries, particularly the ones with hospitals across the country, the technology was imported and local expertise resides locally,” he said.

In encouraging more businesses to follow the example, the Head of State said more ministries, enterprises, schools and all buildings should go green. He said this technology represent a lucrative business opportunity for Guyana’s commercial sector, as the country transitions into greater use of renewable energy in homes and businesses.

CEO of Eureka Labs, Andrew Boyle said EML was established in March 5, 1995 by himself and wife Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle.

The business has since blossomed into one of Guyana’s premier medical institutions, securing a sizable laboratory market share.

He said EML’s competitive advantage can be attributed to strict adherence to quality-control measures, having qualified, competent staff, state-of-the-art equipment and great customer

President Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger with the founders of EML, Dr Karen Boyle and her husband, microbiologist Andrew Boyle, after unveiling the plaque at the commissioning of Eureka’s new solar-powered building Saturday evening

service.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED “EML has partnered with laboratories in North America to ensure all Guyanese have access to almost any test they may desire. EML is certified and is Guyana’s first internationally accredited medical laboratory having met the ISO 15189 quality standard,” Boyle said.

He announced that he has submitted a proposal to the present administration to help promote laboratory science as

a tool in the country’s healthcare services by offering timely, relevant and quality laboratory results.

“This new form of energy is expected to increase our savings and protect our sensitive electrical equipment and it is expected that with the addition of these new facilities, we will be better able to deliver a higher standard of service.”

Representing the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr David Singh said that the country would be unable to achieve its renewable energy

targets without the support of the private sector.

“I believe that here today we are witnessing one of the wonderful examples of how the private sector can respond and do so effectively…. We need responsible citizens and good corporate partners to be able to meet our own goals for a green economy.”

Dr Karen Boyle thanked all those who participated in the event and those who assisted with the development of the business in reaching an international standard.

Little Rock expands “BERBICE is a sleeping giant that is now waking up,” said Minister of Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, Cathy Hughes, as she declared open on Friday, Eclipse and 10th Street, a multi-purpose hall in New Amsterdam.

The building is an extension of the Little Rock Suites and a welcome addition to the Little Rock family business. Visitors throughout Guyana can now enjoy a location in New Amsterdam that offers top-notch delicacies and entertainment.

According to attorney and entrepreneur Naomi Christie, the idea of the hall is to give Berbicians and visitors to Berbice a place where they can enjoy quality time with family and friends.

The building can be used as a club, banquet hall to host parties, weddings etcetera and is equipped with the most modern lighting and air- conditioning systems,

Minister of Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, Cathy Hughes

among other amenities.

The bottom flat of the building hosts 10th Street, a fast- food joint and icecream parlour . It also houses NEC Collections, a souvenir and gift shop for visitors to the town, as well as the law office of Naomi Christie.

Minster Hughes thanked the investors for their com-

mitment and confidence in Guyana.

“I can tell you what you have done with this place is a contribution and commitment to Berbice that you have every intention of developing Berbice and that you have confidence in Guyana’s tourism product.”

Minister Hughes noted that the investment is a very important part of the tourism nucleus for Berbice, pointing out that 35 tour operators in neighbouring Suriname will be bringing a lot of visitors to these shores and will need a place to overnight and enjoy top-class entertainment before moving on to Georgetown and going to the interior regions.

“I want to bring to you my personal commitment as we plan and develop our tourism product all across Guyana, that I would ensure that New Amsterdam and Berbice are not left out as we look at bringing visitors Continued on page 13 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Lover held for Parika businessman’s murder

By Rabindra Rooplall

POLICE are investigating multiple motives for the murder of 52-yearold Parika businessman Seeram Singh, which occurred on Saturday night.

According to an eyewitness, the businessman, a father of five and of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, had arrived home at about 21:30hrs and parked his vehicle inside his yard when he received a cellphone call 10 minutes later, which prompted him to open his gate and venture outside.

It is understood that he had walked a stone’s throw from his residence when he came under attack from multiple persons who stabbed him about the body. He allegedly put up a fight, but was shot multiple times.

The gunman then reportedly placed his feet on the businessman’s chest and shot him in the head, before ripping two gold chains from his neck and pulling a gold ring from his hand.

The assailants then fled the scene.

Singh was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A .32 live round and a bullet casing of similar calibre were found at the scene.

That same night, detectives arrested a neighbour, identified as Sharon Persaud, with whom the businessman had had an intimate

relationship. Another person from the area was arrested on Sunday, pending investigations.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Singh’s daughter Shavita Singh said that at time of his death, her father had owned a cargo boat which operates in the Mazaruni area selling fuel.

“The last time I saw my father was at the hospital at about 10 the same night he died. He was a popular businessman in the area and a friendly person. When I saw him at the hospital, they told me he was shot three times, and I saw he had some stabs on his back,” she explained.

Reflecting on the dreadful night, she said neighbours heard the gunshots but were scared to venture outside, fearing that they also would have been shot.

She disclosed that her father’s phone records indicate that he had been speaking to his spurned lover, who lives in an apartment building adjacent to their home.

“Recently, my father was threatened by this woman because he had a relationship with her for almost two years and he bust if off because she had another man,” the daughter asserted.

Singh’s daughter said the spurned lover was very abusive and disrespectful to the family, although the soured relationship had ended months ago.

“She does cuss he out about he children dem. She

her off.

“She even had another man and still wanted to threaten my father and deal with him. She even had another man with my father, and this man was throwing talks at he,” the daughter noted.

She opined that her father had to have known his killer, since he fought with his attackers; and to ensure that their identity was con-

Dead: Seeram Singh

even pick problems with my aunty. My father was never a man to say much when this woman threaten him, because he knows we would react to it. She get two children, and one of them cuss out on the phone and said my father won’t have a next day,” she lamented.

“One of them had called my sister’s phone and told her that he will get a murder charge for Seeram,” the daughter expanded.

She further explained that, after 30 years of marriage, her mother had died almost three years ago, thus her father had decided to have a relationship with the woman who is now in police custody.

However, she noted that the woman often imbibed alcoholic beverages and would become abusive, and her father decided to have other relationships and cut

Grieving relatives at the businessman’s residence after the shocking news spread along the East Bank Essequibo

Little Rock... to Guyana and I want you to know that Berbice and New Amsterdam are very important stopping points in that trek across Guyana.”

The minister also spoke about the expansion of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, which she noted the Little Rock Brand can utilise to expand its products and services.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who also spoke at the opening, lauded the Little Rock Family for

being among the pioneers of development in New Amsterdam.

“Today, we are here to experience the opening of another business venture by the Christie family…. They came from very humble beginnings and are today one of the wealthiest families in New Amsterdam.

Their story is one that a lot of young people should look to emulate and serve as motivation, so that they too can begin from humble beginnings and be among

From page 12

the wealthiest in the town.”

The Christie family (little Rock Brand) currently employs 65 persons across Guyana and now with the multi-purpose hall, they will employ 35 more.

They started their business with the Little Rock Hotel at Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, and from there, it has grown to include the Little Rock Television Station, 88.5 Rock FM and Little Rock Suites, among others.

cealed, they made sure he was shot to the head after the scuffle.

Residents and members of the grieving family have decried the tardy police response after the shooting.

It was noted that the Parika Police Station was called umpteen times after the incident, but hours passed before any police visited the scene.

Residents of Parika have

noted that the area attracts criminal elements, who gamble on the street and surrounding areas. It was specifically noted that persons from Albouystown would visit the Parika Outfall area, where they would gamble and become involved in all sorts of nefarious activities.

“I won’t be surprised if one of them take pay to kill the man,” one man declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Jagdeo notes value of ACP-EU partnership OPPOSITION Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently addressed influential leaders and eminent decision-makers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Union (EU) on the legacy and future prospects of the ACP-EU partnership.

Under the theme: ‘From Lomé to Cotonou Post-2020: a changing perspective in the ACP-EU relationship,’ the high-level event aimed for fruitful exchanges of views to evaluate past experiences and debate options for ACPEU relations beyond 2020, when the current Cotonou Partnership Agreement is due to end.

According to a release, Jagdeo, a former President of Guyana and a member of the ACP Eminent Persons Group, was part of a panel debate which featured a number of influential figures.

He addressed the valuable nature of the partnership between the EU and the ACP, as underpinned by the Lomé Convention and the

Cotonou Agreement.

The Lomé Convention is a trade and aid agreement between the European Economic Community (EEC) and 71 African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, first signed in February 1975 in Lomé, Togo.

The Cotonou Agreement is a treaty between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (“ACP countries”).

It was signed in June 2000 in Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, by 78 ACP countries (Cuba did not sign) and the then 15 EU member states.

Jagdeo pointed out that for many ACP countries, the EU had been the largest source of development funding. However, he stressed that many elements of that partnership did not work because they were asymmetrically determined by the EU without a full understanding of the realities of many member states of the ACP, particularly the island states.

At the meeting, the Opposition Leader also explored the evolving chal-

lenges to any future partnership beyond 2020 when the Cotonou agreement ends.

He outlined too the key elements of the work of the Eminent Persons Group of which he is the vice-chairman.

Jagdeo stressed the necessity of the heads of state and Governments examining the report in their upcoming meeting in Papua New Guinea to approve the key framework to guide the negotiations with the EU for the post-2020 relationship.

The long-standing partnership brings together 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the 28 member states of the EU under a comprehensive cooperation agreement, covering trade, political dialogue and development cooperation.

The event was co-organised by the ACP Secretariat and the EU. It represents a first opportunity to jointly discuss the ACP-EU relationship at this level, since internal processes for reflection on the topic were launched by both sides.

Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo with former President of Nigeria, Abasanjo, and President of Senegal, Macky Sall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

GNBA owed $121

By Ravin Singh

THE Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is currently owed $121million and will soon be making moves against defaulters, even as they plan to offer an amnesty for the outstanding fees.

This was according to GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig, who spoke at the board’s maiden press con-

ference which was held at its Kingston office on Friday.

Although he did not provide a list of the defaulters, Craig was keen to note that the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) did not form part of the list.

As it relates to the decisions made to improve the broadcasting landscape in Guyana, he related that these were done within the context

of freedom of expression and freedom of the press; two critical elements that the board acknowledges and respects.

“The philosophy of the new board lies in regulating all broadcasting in the public interest, and within the context of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Most importantly, the board wishes to protect the morals of our younger generation

and is restricting broadcasting of certain television ratings in keeping with good practices and international standards,” Craig said.

The first change to be initiated, relates to broadcasting fees. Additionally, a new commercial zoning system was recommended, namely primary, secondary and tertiary zones with a special category for community stations.

GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig

These include; Primary Zone (Region Four – Georgetown and environs) $1.2 million per annum; Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica, and Essequibo) $600,000; Tertiary Zone (Linden, Lethem, Mabaruma) $300,000; and Community TV stations $150,000.

For radio licence fees, the following recommendations were made: Primary Zone (Georgetown and environs)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

1M

‒ will soon move against defaulters

$2.5 million per annum as per the current rate; Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica, and Essequibo) $1.25 million; Tertiary Zone (Linden) $625,000; and community radio stations $312,500.

It must be noted that the fee for each zone is 50 per cent less than the preceding zone. However, the policy of 3.5 per cent of gross income, whichever is greater, will still stand. Additionally, Craig

noted that all operators who desire their signals extended to more than one region will, on approval of the Authority, be allowed to extend to additional zones, but will be required to pay the annual fee applicable to the additional zones.

TELEVISION RATINGS He continued that the board has also recommended the introduction of a system

of television ratings, based on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) TV ratings system, aimed primarily at protecting children and young people.

As such, only programmes rated TV-G and TV-PG will be allowed to be aired during the day. TVPG-13 rated materials will be allowed only after 20:00 hrs and TV PG-17 after 22:00 hrs. TV-M, TV-R and TV-X

will not be allowed for broadcasting.

COMMERCIALS With regard to on-air commercials, the chairman noted that broadcasters will be cautioned not to air more than 15 minutes of advertising per hour, as such practices will incur sanctions. In addition, the Authority will be closely

monitoring the practice of interrupting canned programmes in an attempt to place local advertisements, as this often affects the smooth continuity of these programmes, much to the annoyance of viewers. Â LOCAL PROGRAMMING Further, Craig revealed that stations will now be

required to reach a target of 20 per cent local programming within the first year of broadcast, in an effort to encourage local content and the development of quality local programming.

These would include newscasts, public service announcements, local music, local drama and documentaries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Harmon calls on Guyanese in the diaspora MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, has called on Guyanese in the diaspora to return home and help in the building of Guyana.

Speaking on Saturday to a large gathering of his countrymen at the ‘Signature Grand’ in Fort Lauderdale,

Florida during ‘Guyana 50th Independence Gala’, Minister Harmon urged them to participate in the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The ‘Guyana 50th Independence Gala’ was hosted by the South Florida Guya-

nese Association Inc, in collaboration with Joy Agness Events and Guyana Sports Development Association Inc. A number of prominent Guyanese who have significantly contributed to development on the local scene

were honoured at the Gala.

These include Fashion Designer Sonia Noel, Captain Gerald Gouveia and Larry London.

Joy Agness, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joy Agness Events, said she is excited to be a part of Guyana’s celebrations. “A Golden Jubilee is a momentous occasion.

I am filled with immense pride to see the intense enthusiasm of Guyanese in

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, with a guest at ‘Signature Grand’, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

the diaspora in celebrating our 50th Independence, not only in Florida, but the entire USA and Canada,” she said.

Minister Harmon was impressed with the work of the organisers, and said he recognises that Guyana is still very close to their hearts.

The Minister of State is scheduled to return to office tomorrow.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Guyana to participate in tropical forest monitoring programme CABINET has approved six staff members of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) travelling to Belem do Para in Brazil for the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation’s 2016 training programme in tropical forest monitoring under the “Monitoring Forest cover in the Amazon Region” programme, which will run from May 30 to June 10, 2016.

The Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (PS/ACTO) has been executing the Project “Monitoring Deforestation, Land Use and Land Use Change in the Pan Amazonian Forest”, in various stages since 2011. The 2016 training programme in tropical forest monitoring is being held in this context, and is oriented towards supporting ACTO member countries developing real-time information about the extent of forest cover in the Amazon.

The main objective of the 2016 training is to gather information through map-

ping of land use and cover in already deforested areas.

This information will contribute to public policies and actions in the areas of management and control, in order to mitigate different impacts. It also aims to communicate information about the ‘Burned Areas Project’ with the goal of mapping burned areas through the identification of burn scars, and to present the structure of the database management system, thus making is possible for participants to start activities and commands via database.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consulted with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Ministry of the Presidency, and it is recommended that Guyana be represented by Mr. Yannick Edwards, Forest Resource Information Officer, Guyana Forestry Commission; Ms. Colleen Griffith, GIS Technician, Guyana Forestry Commission; Mr. Haimwant Persaud, Manager, Geographic Information

Monday, May 2, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

Management Unit (GIMU), Ministry of Natural Resources; Ms. Reshana Thomas, Ms. Bibi Nafeeza Amin and Ms. Basantie Sukhu, GIS Remote Sensing Analysts from the Guyana Forestry Commission.

The Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation will provide airfares, accommodation and meals for the six participants. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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MV Canawaima grounded for emergency works THE management of the Canawaima Ferry Service Incorporated (CFSI) has announced that the MV Canawaima, which plies the Guyana to Suriname route, is currently undergoing emergency works.

According to a release, as a result, the ferry service is temporarily unavailable.

“Expeditious work is being undertaken to ensure the service is resumed as promptly as possible.

CFSI apologises for the inconvenience caused,” the release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Minister Hastings hospitalised

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings

MINISTER within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, who has been a patient at the Georgetown Hospital days now, is reportedly “in high spirits.”

The Guyana Chronicle was not able to ascertain the minister’s illness, but was told that she is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Minister Hastings was sworn in as a Minister within the Ministry of Communities on May 24, 2015, after the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition emerged victorious at the May 11 Regional and General Elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

‘Ah keep hearing ‒ Prison officer voices’ tells CoI

By Shauna Jemmott

COMMISSIONERS trying to make sense of the recent riots at the Camp Street Prison have learnt, on Friday, just how resourceful prisoners can be under pressure.

When Prison Trainer/Instructor Owen Charles took to the stand, he detailed to the commission that prisoners were somehow able to get their hands on ‘Jeyes Fluid’ and ‘pepper water’, which they put together to make what Charles described as “an unfamiliar concoction” which they used to incapacitate him.

In order to give the commission an idea of how events unfolded on the day in question, Charles said he had reported for duty as usual at about 06:50hrs.

It seemingly was his turn to serve breakfast to the prisoners in Capital ‘A’, but he was advised by Officer in Charge (OC), Kevin Pilgrim, not to open the door to Capital ‘A’ without strong support from the other ranks.

JAMMED FROM INSIDE The first time he tried to open the door, Charles said, it appeared to have been ‘jammed’ from the inside. On realising this, he said, he reported the matter to Pilgrim, who then pleaded with the inmates to release the door.

Charles said he was about five feet from the door when he heard someone fumbling with it, so he tried it again, and this time it opened.

“You could hear when they were fondling the door,” he said, adding: “You couldn’t see nobody; you know the difference between metal and people’s voices.”

Later into the inquiry, Charles would explain that the door has a multiple-lock system, and as long as prisoners place an object within a quarter-inch of it on the inside, opening from the outside using the keys becomes impossible.

He never got around to saying whether he had succeeded in serving them breakfast, but he explained that while the inmates were being evacuated from Capital ‘A’, Shaka McKenzie, one of the 17 who perished in the fire, tried to derail the process.

FIERCE PROTEST Charles said McKenzie, who probably was against the move, ran up the stairs in fierce protest, and began attacking those prison officers at the door with part of a bed frame.

On seeing this, Charles said, he, being the one with the keys, and fellow officers were forced to lock the door again, doing so on the instruction of Assistant Superintendent Hudson. The

“unfamiliar concoction” was then thrown into his left eye, temporarily blinding him.

Despite the severe burning in his eye, Charles said, he tried to act normally and keep his eyes open for the sake of his colleagues, whose lives were, so to speak, in his hands at the time.

“It was a risk to close my eye at that time. I thought it was a big risk,” he told the Commission, comprising Justice James Patterson, Human Rights Activist Merle Mendonca, and former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine.

In the confusion, however, he tried the wrong key, and it was only because of the quick thinking of another officer that the day was saved, as the prisoners had by this time become decidedly aggressive.

“Had they overrun us on the landing and made it into the prison yard,” Charles said, “society would’ve been in chaos.”

He said that by the time he had gone to seek help for his eyes and returned to the scene, he saw smoke coming out of a hole in Capital ‘B’. Upon enquiring what had transpired in his absence, he was told that during the fire in Capital ‘A’, two inmates had succeeded in crawling to safety through the hole in the wall separating the two dormitories.

He was also told that one of those prisoners had claimed that Shaka McKenzie had thrown a mattress on him as he was attempting to escape.

Charles said that when the fire had subsided, he saw a prisoner named Marcellus Verbeke exiting through the Capital ‘A’ door; and as he stood on the corridor outside the affected dormitory, he saw the gruesome remains of some of those prisoners who had perished in the fire.

Under cross-examination by Attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson about what he saw in that room, Charles broke down, saying, “Sir, to be honest, I don’t like to remember it, but ah got to talk.”

He said that though he has since received counselling, he still remembers what he’d witnessed as if it had happened only yesterday.

“Ah keep hearing voices; it’s taking a toll on me onto this day,” Charles said, adding: “I saw human bodies in different positions. I just couldn’t take it anymore; I just leave the catwalk…

I went into the ‘trade shop’ and I just start getting a pounding headache.”

Noting that the medication he has been given makes him feel funny, Charles said, “I never saw them [pills] before…one day I nearly get knock down on the road because of how the pills dem get me.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Hamilton battles back but Rosberg makes it seven wins in a row

By Alan Baldwin

SOCHI, Russia, (Reuters)-Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg chalked up his seventh win in a row at the Russian Grand Prix yesterday with team mate Lewis Hamilton fighting back from 10th on the grid to seal a Mercedes one-two finish.

In a race that started with chaos, and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel being shunted into the wall by Red Bull’s Russian Daniil Kvyat, Rosberg had an untroubled afternoon from pole to chequered flag for his 18th career win.

The German equalled the achievement of compatriot Mi-

Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg of Germany holds his trophy after the Russian Grand Prix. Reuters/Maxim Shemetov chael Schumacher in winning seven successive races, with only Vettel (nine in 2013 with Red Bull) and the late Italian Alberto Ascari ahead of them.

Only champions Schumacher, Britain’s Nigel Mansell and Brazilian Ayrton Senna had won the first four races in a season before Rosberg joined them.

“It felt very special out there,” said the happy winner,

who led all the way and also set the fastest lap, after being congratulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Triple world champion Hamilton was 25 seconds behind Rosberg with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen finishing third after winning a battle with fellow Finn Valtteri Bottas, who started on the front row, in the Williams.

The podium was Ferrari’s

700th since the championship started in 1950.

Rosberg, who won the last three races of 2015 and now the first four of 2016, leads Hamilton by 43 points in the standings with 17 races remaining and the Briton facing an increasingly daunting challenge.

“Lewis is going to come back of course, he’s on it and as motivated as ever,” said Rosberg. “We’ll just take it race by race.”

Hamilton had reduced the gap between him and Rosberg to seven seconds by the 36th of the 53 laps but his challenge was then slowed by a water pressure problem.

“There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I could win it, I had the pace, but then I had a problem with the engine again and had to back off,” said the champion.

Mercedes switched the power unit in his car after it failed in qualifying, flying parts out from Britain overnight by private jet to avoid a penalty that would have forced Hamilton to start from the pit lane. Starts have been the Briton’s big weakness

this season, despite two pole positions, and he had yet to get through the opening lap without problems but he stayed out of trouble as those around him collided.

Vettel, starting seventh, was hit twice from behind by Russian Kvyat’s Red Bull into turns two and three while Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg and Manor’s Rio Haryanto both retired. [nL3N17Y08H] As Rosberg sped away, Raikkonen seized second place with Hamilton fifth as the safety car was deployed to allow debris to be cleared.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was fifth for Williams with Fernando Alonso sixth for McLaren, who had their first double points finish since Hungary last year when Jenson Button crossed the line in 10th place.

Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen took Renault’s first points of the season in seventh place with Frenchman Romain Grosjean continuing his remarkable form with newcomers Haas in eighth place.

Force India’s Sergio Perez was ninth.

Three local athletes qualify for Rio Olympics

…GOA president calls for implementation of long awaited Sports Policy.

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THREE Guyanese athletes - Brenessa Thompson, Winston George and Troy Doris - have made the qualifying standard for this year’s Summer Olympics scheduled for August 5 -21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This information was made public when the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) held its Annual Appreciation Ceremony on Friday last at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street,where GOA president K. Juman Yassin called once again for those in authority to implement the long- awaited National Sports Policy.

Thompson recently made the qualifying standard for the women’s 100-metre race, while George, a 2012 Olympian who is currently based in the United States, has made the qualifying standard for the men’s 400-metre race.

Doris on the other hand is the lone local field athlete to make the qualifying standard for the men’s triple jump. He qualified two weeks ago at a meet in The Bahamas.

As it relates to the implementation of the National Sports Policy, Juman Yassin reminded that “a lot of sports associations are struggling and they need funding.

On this Mr. President (David Granger) and Minister (Nicolette Henry) I have been harping for years that there

needs to be the implementation of the sports policy.”

Yassin commended the awardees for their achievements and the awardees included Kaieteur News Sean Devers, who copped the sports journalist award, squash players, Taylor Fernandes and Larissa Wiltshire, for their outstanding achievements in sports as they played `doubles’ to win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa last year and Godfrey Wray, Editor of the Guyana Chronicle and former vice-president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, for his contribution to the development of sports over the years.

The GOA head also stated that national cyclist Alonzo Greaves’s one- year ban will be up in November.

Buxton Youth Development won the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) award for their innovation in sports.

Special mention was made of Guyana’s only Olympic medallist, Michael Parris and also Carl Ince who coached the Guyana squash team to a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa last year.

Minister Henry spoke of the need to have the GOA headquarters which is still in its early stages to be completed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Leicester champagne on ice, City crash at Southampton

By Neil Robinson LONDON, (Reuters)-Leicester City failed to grasp their first chance to clinch the Premier League title when they drew 1-1 at Manchester United yestertday but they moved ever closer to a first English top-flight crown.

That will be confirmed if Tottenham Hotspur do not beat Chelsea on Monday and, whatever the result at Stamford Bridge, Claudio Ranieri’s side need two points from their last two games to complete their fairytale triumph.

The draw also hit United’s hopes of securing a Champions League qualification spot, although Southampton’s 4-2 victory over fourth-placed Manchester City kept them in the hunt.

Leicester have secured their place in Europe’s pre-

Leicester City fans celebrate after their team scores against Manchester United while watching the game on a big screen, in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.

Reuters/Jorge Silva mier competition and their manager Claudio Ranieri will not even be watching the Chelsea v Spurs game with his team eight points clear at

the top of the table.

“I think I’m on a flight back from Italy so it’s difficult for me to watch the match,” the Italian said.

Patel hat-trick spins Kings XI to victory over Lions AXAR Patel took four wickets in five balls, including the first hat-trick of the season, to pave the way for Kings XI Punjab’s 23-run win against table-toppers Gujarat Lions in Rajkot.

Axar’s burst reduced Lions to 57 for 6 in their chase of 155, setting up the side’s second win of the season. Both sides suffered batting collapses but Lions were poorer as they stuttered to their second loss of the season.

Kings XI’s defence of 154 got off to an ideal start with the early wickets of Brendon McCullum and Suresh Raina, as both batsmen missed straight balls from Mohit Sharma.

After a slow Powerplay, Axar was brought on in the seventh over, his second of the innings.

Off the third ball, Dwayne Smith muscled a lofted drive and found Gurkeerat Singh at long-off.

Two balls later, the leftarm spinner got one to skid through and Dinesh Karthik’s inside edge clattered into leg stump. Dwayne Bravo chopped the first ball he faced onto his stumps and the over ended with Lions at a shaky 39 for 5.

Brought back in the 11th over, Axar then got his first ball to dart past Ravindra Jadeja’s outside edge. It seemed like bat had hit pad, but the umpire raised his finger. This was Axar’s first T20 hat-trick, and the 14th of the tournament.

Thereafter, Lions were always behind the climbing asking rate. Kings XI’s new captain M Vijay rotated his bowlers continuously. Ishan Kishan and James Faulkner added to Lions’ score but the slide had taken much of the game out of their hands.

Axar Patel takes the first hat-trick of IPL 2016. (BCCI photo) At the halfway stage, however, it did not seem like Kings XI had enough. Despite a flying start from Vijay and Marcus Stoinis, Kings XI collapsed to 154. Vijay’s sweetly timed drives and flicks off Lions’ seamers, Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar, helped the side score 34 off the first four overs.

Vijay contributed 31 of those. Stoinis, then, cut loose and Kings XI plundered 59 off the Powerplay, their highest this season.

In the seventh over, Stoinis ran past a slider from Jadeja and the wicket sparked another Kings XI collapse. Chinaman bowler Shivil Kaushik’s whippy action forced Kings XI to look for pushes and nudges.

Shaun Marsh could not keep one of those flicks down and found midwicket.

On a pitch with a bit of grass, Kaushik found no turn, but his quick-arm action caused the ball to skid off the surface.

One ball after Marsh was dismissed, Glenn Maxwell missed an attempted a cut off Kaushik and the ball snuck under his bat. Dinesh Karthik belted out an appeal and the umpire raised his finger, much to Maxwell’s bewilderment.

Kings XI’s situation worsened when Gurkeerat Singh, one of four changes for Kings XI, was run out after an acrobatic effort from James Faulkner at point. Kings XI stuttered from 65 for 0 in the seventh over to 73 for 4 in the ninth.

David Miller and Wriddhiman Saha, though, found the boundary regularly in their 39run stand for the sixth wicket.

They tried to build a platform for a late surge but that did not come as Dwayne Bravo and Praveen Kumar brought out their slower balls to flummox Kings XI’s lower order.

Lions conceded one four off the last three overs and picked up five wickets to bowl Kings XI out.(ESPN Cricinfo)

“My mother is 96 years old and I would like to have a lunch with her. I will be the last man in England to know.”

Ranieri believed Leicester, who had Danny Drinkwater sent off for a second bookable offence late on, deserved their point which was secured by a powerful Wes Morgan header after Anthony Martial scored early for the hosts.

United manager Louis van Gaal brushed off speculation that he is about to lose his job.

“I think we played one of our best matches of the season, but it was not enough. Next year you will see me again,” he said and his chances of staying at Old Trafford were helped by City’s loss at Southampton.

Sadio Mane bagged his second hat-trick of the season to take his tally to 14 and Shane Long also scored for seventh-placed Southampton with Serbian Dusan Tadic providing assists for three of

MUMBAI Indians skipper Rohit Sharma made another match-winning contribution yesterday, striking 85 not out in victory over the Supergiants.

Sharma’s superb Indian Premier League form continued as Mumbai Indians moved up to second in the table with an eight-wicket thrashing of Rising Pune Supergiants on Sunday.

The Supergiants had looked set to post an imposing total when Saurabh Tiwary (57) and Australia skipper Steve Smith (45) took advantage of early let-offs to share 84 for the second wicket in quick time.

However, Mumbai’s bowlers - led by Jasprit Bumrah (3-29) - hit back brilliantly to limit their opponents to 159-5 and skipper Rohit made light work of the chase by striking 85 not out from 60 deliveries.

Rohit has now passed 60 five times in nine innings this season, including four of his last five, with his latest knock coming three days after he compiled an unbeaten 68 in victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pune will rue their failure to capitalise on the efforts of Tiwary and Smith,

Player of the match Rohit Sharma provided Mumbai Indians with a brisk start and ended up unbeaten on 85.

the goals.

City appeared to have one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid and are now only four points ahead of fifth-placed United who have a game in hand.

In yesterday’s other game, a Liverpool side showing eight changes lost 3-1 at Swansea City, whose victory secured their Premier League status for another year.

Rohit shines again as Mumbai move second

who were put down on four and one respectively following Ajinkya Rahane’s early departure for four.

An inside edge from Smith, whose aggressive innings spanned just 23 balls, provided a difficult chance for wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel that was spurned, but Bumrah was guilty of a regulation miss at mid-on when he gave Tiwary a reprieve in the next over.

Bumrah soon atoned for his lapse in the field, removing both set batsmen and his national captain, MS Dhoni (24), as Mumbai regained the

initiative.

Harbhajan Singh (1-25) and Mitchell McClenaghan (1-27) also proved economical, before Rohit took apart the Supergiants attack with a typically elegant display.

The required run-rate was always under control as Parthiv (21), Ambati Rayudu (22) and Jos Buttler (27 not out) played supporting roles.

Rohit finished things off in style, slog-sweeping Murugan Ashwin for his third six to complete victory with nine balls unused.(Sportsmax. com)

Heat eliminate Hornets from NBA playoffs

(The Sports Xchange) - Point guard Goran Dragic had a game-high 25 points as the Miami Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, routing the Charlotte Hornets 106-73 in Game 7 in Miami yesterday.

Miami, which never trailed, also got 15 points from

Luol Deng, 12 points from Dwyane Wade and 10 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks from Hassan Whiteside.

The Heat will play the winner of last night’s Game 7 between the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers.

Charlotte, which just a few days ago had a 3-2 se-

ries lead, failed to close out the Heat. Hornets guard Kemba Walker, who had 37 points against Miami on Friday, was held to nine points on 3-for-16 shooting. He also had a team-high three turnovers.

The Heat outrebounded the Hornets 58-36.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Scores of teachers complete foundation cricket coaching course A NUMBER of male and female teachers recently completed a three-day foundation cricket coaching course, compliments of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport in partnership with the National Sports Commission(NSC).

The workshop, which was held in the auditorium of the Lusignan Community Centre ground on the East Coast of Demerara, attracted 25 primary and secondary schoolteachers between the areas of Plaisance and Hope.

The course was conducted by experienced cricket coaches, Latchman Yadram and Daniel Richmond. According to Yadram, the course sought to give the teachers a foundation in the sport, as they were exposed to both theory and practical.

While the initiative is the first of its kind, there

Participants at the conclusion of the three-day foundation cricket coaching course, along Latchman Yadram (right) and Daniel Richmond (left).` One of the teachers, Videsh Lall, who also plays are plans to expand to other cricket coach. stated. He also indicated competitive cricket for the areas in the country with the “At the end of it all, these that the teachers are free to Enterprise Busta Sports aim of ensuring each school teachers will be in charge of do follow-up courses in the Club, said the course was is equipped with a certified their school teams,” Yadram future.

with cricket coaches, very timely and informative. He pointed out that he will continue to pursue coaching and is urging his colleagues to do the same.

Voges on the mend following freak head injury ADAM Voges was hit on the back of the head when fielding for Middlesex on Sunday, but released from hospital later in the day.

Australia Test batsman Adam Voges was released from hospital yesterday after suffering a freak head injury during a County Championship match between Hampshire and Middlesex.

Voges, the Middlesex captain, was struck on the back of his head by the ball when fielding at the Ageas Bowl, after wicketkeeper John Simpson had missed a throw from the deep.

After receiving treatment on the field, Voges was taken to hospital with suspected concussion. However, a positive update on the condition of the 36-year-old, who averages a staggering 95.50 in Tests for Australia since making his debut in June 2015, was duly provided.

Middlesex’s official Twitter account shared a message from BBC journalist Kevin Hand, which read: “Just seen @

704 Sports Bar to launch 3rd annual Arm Wrestling C/ship on Wednesday

THE 704 Sports Bar will be launching its Third Annual Arm Wrestling championship on Wednesday at the Sports Bar, Albert and Lamaha Streets at 13:00hrs.

According to a release, the event’s sponsors will be announced at the launch. The total prize giveaways as well as trophies and monetary awards will also be made public.

Arm wrestling involves two participants. Each places one arm on a surface with their elbows bent and touching the surface, and they grip each other’s hand. The goal is to pin the other’s arm onto the surface, with the winner’s arm over the loser’s arm.

Adam Voges

acvoges at hotel, back from hospital and feeling a lot better but splitting headache. #massiverelief.”

Earlier, Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser had told BBC Radio London: “The feeling from the physio is that Adam has got concussion. It was a freak injury.

“It’s sad for Adam and disappointing for us, as we are not going to have any more use of him in this game.

“He wasn’t feeling very well in the dressing room so we decided to get him taken to hospital. He feels a lot better now and seems to be coming around.”

Player safety has been a hot topic in English domestic cricket in recent weeks, with Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott each instructed to change their helmets by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after initially opting against wearing headwear that met new safety requirements.

However, Voges’ injury could hardly have been prevented given the veteran batsman was fielding when he was inadvertently hit by the ball.`(Sportsmax.com)

DCUSA announces respective committees THE Demerara Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (DCUSA) at their monthly statutory meeting last Thursday have confirmed its respective committees.

Nigel Duguid was elected chairman of the Training and Examination committee, with Matthew Kissoon, Colin Alfred, Ava Baker, Nandkumar Shivsankar, Eddie Nicholls and Yosef Yisrael as the committee members.

The Disciplinary Committee is headed by Grantley Culbard and consists of Alfred and Randolph Rose while Joseph Jeffery will spearhead the Selection committee which is made

of Nicholls, Javed Persaud and Duguid.

Arleigh Rutherford has been chosen to lead the Fund Raising and Entertainment Committee. Other members are Andre Horry, Dion Feassal, Baker, Rayana Warde, Eon Washington, Trevor Whitney, Chaitnarine Persaud, Javed Persaud, Ryan Banwarie, Duguid and Zaheer Mohamed.

The DCUSA along with the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association will commence its training classes in June. Both male and females arebeing encouraged to attend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

Hinds Optimistic after CBC Pool Draw BOTH the male and female teams of the Guyana U16 Caribbean Basketball Championships found out who they would be matched up against in yesterday’s pool draw held at Cara Lodge Present at the draw were Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President Nigel Hinds, CBC President Glyne Clarke and CBC Vice- President, Finance and Marketing Patrick Haynes.

A total of 17 teams will take part in the championships, 10 male teams and seven female teams. There will be two groups Group A and Group B. The male side will fall into Group B and the female side Group A. In the male tournament

Group A will seed the British Virgin Islands,The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, and Antigua.

Group B will seed Aruba, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica.

In the female tournament, Group A will seed British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados and Guyana. Finally, Group B will seed The Bahamas, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

After the drawing, Hinds noted that he was very optimistic of Guyana’s chances in both the male and female championships.

He also noted that the teams would both be able to reach the semi-final rounds of both tournaments at the

UDFA Under -17 League final scheduled for tonight

WEATHER permitting, the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) Under- 17 Inter- club football final between Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Eagles United is scheduled for 20.00hrs, while the third-place playoff game between Net Rockers and Milerock starts at 18.00hrs this evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Both teams topped their groups with Eagles beating Net Rockers in their semi-final game 2-0 behind first- half goals from Omar Brewley, who struck in the 14th minute and the other from the boot of David Austin in the 40th minute.

The other semi-final saw Amelia’s Ward Panthers scoring a 2-1 win against Milerock, after Milerock had taken the lead with the opening goal by Lorenzo Miller.

But the ward side found the equalizer in the next minute through a 13th-minute strike from Jamal Janus and then the winning goal was scored by Shawn Williams in the 68th minute.

To reach the semi-finals, Amelia’s Ward defeated Vasco, Net Rockers won against Blueberry Hill , Eagles flew over Silver Shattas and Milerock ousted Botafago.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday May 02, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kolkatta Knight Riders (2) Kings XI Punjab Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams contested the ‘Eliminator’ game of the 2014 IPL? (2) Who top-scored in the 2014 IPL final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

From L-R Patrick Haynes, Glyne Clarke and Nigel Hinds at yesterday’s draw at Cara Lodge

least.

“We [GABF] look forward to the continued support from the Government of Guyana… we will be reaching out to corporate Guyana to ensure that the CBC championships are handled exceptionally well,” Hinds added.

The Guyana teams will be chosen one month before the competition and will be encamped for one leading into the Championships.

The games begin on July 3 and on July 12 for the male and female teams respectively. day’s draw at Cara Lodge

Mitch Marsh a doubt for Tri-Series MELBOURNE, Australia,( CMC) – All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is a doubt for next month’s Tri-Nations Series involving West Indies and South Africa, after being ruled out of the Indian Premier League with a side strain.

He is set to return here from India for assessment shortly and Cricket Australia’s sports science and sports medicine manager, Alex Kountouris, said the player would be monitored ahead of Australia’s departure for the Caribbean.

“Mitchell experienced some pain over his left abdominal area whilst batting at a training session with his team Pune in the IPL a few days ago,” Kountouris said in a statement.

Mitchell Marsh

“He missed his team’s next game and the pain has not resolved. He had scans in India that suggest he has a side strain injury and will now return home for further assessment and treatment ahead of the tour of the West Indies.

“Once we have a better understanding of the extent of the injury we will be able to advise on his return to play timeframes.”

The 24-year-old Marsh played three games for Rising Pune Supergiants, taking four wickets with his rightarm seam.

He has played 15 Tests and 30 One-Day Internationals since making his debut five years ago.

The Tri-Nations Series is scheduled for June 6-26 in Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Barbados.

RHTYSC invites nominations for annual awards THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has extended an invitation to Berbicians to nominate persons for two major awards, as the club will be hosting the 4th annual Ansa McAl Award of Excellence and the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award Scheme in mid-July.

According to a release, the awards are administered

by the Education and Public Relations Committee of the RHTYSC, M.S. and the final awardees are chosen by a panel of judges headed by veteran journalist Gregory Rambarran.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Ansa McAl Award of Excellence will honour four outstanding Berbicians for service of the highest standard in the fields of sports

administration, education, health and community development.

Nominees must have completed between 20 and 30 years of dedicated and outstanding service in the four fields listed above.

The Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award Scheme will see the RHTYSC share out four awards – Berbice Sportsman-of-the-Year 2015,

Berbice Sportswoman-ofthe-Year 2015, Berbice Sports Personality-of-theYear 2015 and Berbice Sports Organisation-ofthe-Year 2015.

Nominations can be sent to the club’s office, Area ‘H’ Ground or via email at: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com before July 15.

Those being nominated must have their addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses included, along with a detailed reason why the nomination was made.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 2, 2016

31

Hinds Optimistic after CBC Pool Draw See story on page 30

St. Lucia’s Nathan Ferirre named best boxer, Guyana win two of three gold medals reach the final against Moore.

In the local schoolboys championship, Shaquancy Wright was adjudged Best Boxer, while in the female competition where there were a mere three participants, Akea Lamzion was voted Best Boxer after securing a points win against Rondesa Bagot on Friday night and a walk-over victory from Rianna Rogers on Saturday evening.

In other results from Saturday night’s local bouts, Sean

Graham defeated Dwayne Kellman in a 60-65 pounds contest of the local schoolboys category, while in the same category Wright scored a technical knock-out win over Deron Williams.

In the 75-79 pounds weight division, Sakeel Cadogan defeated Travis Invervary and Leon Moore beat Marlon Sukra in the 85-89 pounds weight division.

Kevin Mullen enjoyed the better of Shakeem Jones in their

90-94 pounds weight division and Isaiah Moore scored a technical knock-out win against Delroy Elcock in their 100-104 weight division.

In the local junior tournament, Omar Pollard who was named Best Boxer, defeated Herman Whyte in their junior flyweight contest; Kevin Allicock beat Shaquiel Wright in their bantamweight fight and Joel Agustin beat Brian Harris in their junior welterweight scrap.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle (second right) strikes a pose with the best boxers of the three categories contested in the Tri-Nations Schoolboys and Juniors boxing championships.From left: St. Lucia’s Nathan Ferirre, Omar Pollard for Juniors and Shaquiel for Schoolboys.

S

T. Lucia’s welterweight boxer Nathan Ferirre was named Best Boxer of the Tri-Nations Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors boxing championships which concluded on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Guyana,however, won two of the three gold medals that were up for grabs.

Ferirre won both of his fights en-route to be given the Best Boxer award. On Friday evening when the tournament got under way, Ferirre forced

the referee to call a halt to his fight against Guyana’s Joshua Corbin in the second round, and when he faced Jerome Enniss in the final on Saturday evening, he replicated the feat once again Enniss had secured a points decision win against Guyana’s Quincy Boyce on the opening night to reach the final.

Guyana’s Christopher Moore and Akiel Mounter secured gold medals in the international category.

Moore, fighting in the lightweight division, defeated Jamaica’s Daniel Hyman on Friday night and St. Lucia’s Kareem Boyce on Saturday evening, while in the welterweight division, Mounter disposed of St. Lucia’s Taj Brown on Friday night, winning by a unanimous decision then went on to beat his Guyanese teammate Michaell Edwards by points also.

On Friday night, Boyce had knocked out Guyana’s Deshon Elcock in the second round to

Three local athletes qualify for Rio Olympics

Editor of the Guyana Chronicle Godfrey Wray receives his award from GOA president K.Juman Yassin See story on page 27 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

St. Lucia’s Kareem Boyce (left) parries a right-cross from Guyana’s Christopher Moore during their lightweight contest at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday night.

Windies agree to Pakistan day-night Test THE West Indies are set to play a historical day-night Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The game will be the part of a series that will include two Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had hoped to initially convince its West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) counterparts to play a part of the series on Pakistan soil.

Citing security concerns, however, the WICB declined the offer, but according to reports have agreed to play one of the two scheduled matches as a day-night Test. The game will be the first for either team in the newly introduced format.

“I haven’t seen their letter as yet, but yes. Apparently, they have said yes to playing one day and night test with the pink ball in the UAE,” said Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan.

Pakistan will play another day-night Test in December against Australia.(Sportsmax.com) MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016