Chronicle 05 28 2016

Guyana can help No. 104565

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016

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‒ Greenidge says Guyana willing to assist crisis-hit Venezuela if need arises

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Jump Start girl crowned Miss World Guyana 2016 Radio personality Nuriyyih Gerard (centre) was, on Friday night, crowned Miss World Guyana 2016. Treasure James (right) gained the First Princess position while Najuma Nelson (left) gained Second Princess position.

Gerard is the swashbuckling radio jockey who gets people out of bed and keeps them entertained on 94.1 Boom FM for a full three hours on the ‘Jump Start’ show. During the pageant, she represented Region Eight, Potaro/Siparuni.

The two-hour-long pageant, hosted at Rahaman’s Park at Houston, East Bank Demerara, featured seven beautiful ladies who represented seven of the ten administrative regions.

The Final set of points were awarded for the Evening Gown segment, after which all the scores were tallied to choose a winner. Nuriyyih was among the crowd favourites in the pageant, and also won the talent competition with her original song 'Hope'. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Biker dies after colliding with horse at 16 Port Mourant P.

Accused 9 She will not father killer control me ‒ Mayor Holland accuses TC charged of acting outside her remit 17 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Sword of war

President receives Rupert Craig’s war sword PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday received a sword which was used by the late Rupert Craig, a distinguished engineer who had also served in the First World War. The sword was presented to the President by senior journalist Enrico Woolford at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Woolford made the presentation on behalf of the estate of Craig, as well as the Wilkins and the Woolfords, who share common relations.

Woolford, in brief remarks, noted the timeliness of the presentation during the Golden Jubilee celebrations. He said the sword was manufactured around 1827, noting that Craig was a young military officer when he received the sword.

The President, after examining the sword, said it appears to be an infantry sword, which he said is different from swords used in other branches

Senior journalist Enrico Woolford presents the sword to President Granger

of the military. He described it as an “officer’s sword,” noting

that if it comes from the West India regiment, it was a con-

tingent which was formed by the United Kingdom mainly for serving in the West indies.

The President said he was happy to be in receipt of the sword, noting Craig’s distinguished contribution to Guyana. He said the sword is an appropriate weapon to be on showcase in the GDF’s Military museum to educate soldiers on what was happening years ago.

“I am honoured to receive this, and I can assure you and

President Granger examines the sword shortly after it was presented by senior journalist Enrico Woolford on behalf of Craig’s estate

other members of the family that it will find a safe place in the military museum”, the President said. The museum was commissioned in 1985, the Head of State noted.

Craig has been described as one of Guyana’s most outstanding engineers. In 1929 he created history when he was appointed District Engineer (DE), a post which was admired for its broad characteristics. The DE in those days was seen as a one-man engineering firm since he was tasked with drafting plans for government buildings, supervising works and certifying payments and he was also responsible for sea defence structures around the country.

Road maintenance and drainage and irrigation structures all fell under the purview of the District Engineer. Craig spearheaded the construction of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Royal Bank of Canada (formerly NBIC) and a range of government projects, including the Springlands Stelling.

In 1975, the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement was bestowed upon him in recognition of his works and contribution to the country in the field of engineering. He died the following year.

A section of the East Coast Public road was later renamed in his honour. [Alva Solomon]

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Guyana can help GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

‒ Greenidge says Guyana willing to assist crisis-hit Venezuela if need arises

By Ravin Singh As Venezuela continues to grapple with widespread food and power shortages from an economic crisis precipitated by plummeting oil prices, Guyana is prepared to lend support to the neighbouring oilrich nation, should the need arise.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, noted Guyana’s willing to extend a good gesture to its uneasy and recently hostile neighbour during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at the Georgetown Club on Friday evening.

The deteriorating situation in Venezuela has forced President Nicolas Maduro to recently announce a state

of emergency to deal with the economic crisis. President Maduro has blamed his country’s wealthy businessmen and what he called imperial forces for exacerbating the economic situation in Venezuela in a bid to oust him from power.

Arab news network Al Jazeera, earlier this week, reported that bread, medicine and toilet paper are just some of the basic necessities Venezuelans are struggling to find.

And while public services are disappearing, US officials have warned that the entire country is on the brink of collapse.

With this situation at hand, Minister Greenidge was keen to note that Guyana is concerned with what

has been transpiring within her neighbour to the west.

This concern, he told this publication, extends to the point where Guyana would try to ensure that it does not contribute to the problems, including through comments which are inimical to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Mr Greenidge was of the view that Guyanese would, if they deem it necessary, try and provide humanitarian or other assistance to Venezuela.

Given the unfolding crisis, some Guyanese “clearly may come (home); and if they decide to, we (Guyana) have an obligation to accommodate them. If a crisis is announced on the other side, we will do what a good

Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge

neighbour is obliged to do -- which is to help them,” the foreign affairs minister said.

He did not share the view that there is likely to be an influx of Venezuelans here

due to the ongoing crisis, contending that the Government of Venezuela has the capacity to control movement of its people.

“We are not worried about an influx of Venezuelans. I believe that the Government of Venezuela has the capacity to control movement; these things are in their hands. You’re not going to get any massive fleets of people unless there is some big carnage. And the people on the border are not the ones chronically affected by the shortages; those people are in the city, and they will find it easier to go to either Trinidad or Colombia; so that doesn’t worry us,” he said.

However, he said it is not Guyana’s intention to

bar anyone from entering the country, at least not at this point in time.

Last week, President Maduro visited Jamaica for what his Government said was a one-day “working visit”. That trip preceded one to the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Last year, Guyana lost its rice market in Venezuela after the Spanish-speaking country, employing an acrimonious attitude against Guyana, refused to renew a five-year-old agreement. This came subsequent to Maduro issuing a decree reasserting Venezuela’s claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, including the portion where significant oil reserves have been discovered.

Sir Shridath launches ‘Guyana in the world’

By Ravin Singh COINCIDING with part of the theme for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary – “reflect” – is Sir Shridath Ramphal’s latest addition to his publications, ‘Guyana in the World’, which was officially launched on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club.

Sir Shridath, who once served as Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, was asked by the Foreign Ministry to produce an essay in two parts, reflecting on the role of Guyana in the international community.

The first part of the essay highlights Guyana’s regional and international encounters in the earliest years of Independence. The second part, entitled ‘The Predatory Challenge’, examines the challenges the country has faced on its borders, particularly from Venezuela.

The launching ceremony, graced by President David Granger, stood testimony to the fact that 50 years later, Guyana was being steered in a direction which does not neglect the importance of history.

Speaking at the formal ceremony, on Friday evening at Georgetown Club, in deafening silence as all listened keenly, the author spoke passionately about the contents of the book, which he said plays a critical role in informing the

Sir Shridath Ramphal and President David Granger pose with a copy of ‘Guyana in the World’

younger generation.

Sir Shridath highlighted to his audience that, 50 years after, many Guyanese have grown up not knowing of Guyana in the great new world it had entered then; entry which he described as the very essence of Independence.

“I knew there were years of great achievements and years of great challenges – challenges persisting to this day; but I also suspected that awareness of some of those achievements had not crossed the generation gap nor had the continuity of challenge.”

Some of these challenges, he pointed out, are so fierce today that he was forced to dwell on them at some length, especially the Venezuela border controversy.

And weighing in on this issue, which resurfaced last year, he noted that the Span-

ish-speaking country’s claim to two-thirds of Guyana is a “calumny born of greed, nurtured by falsity and fable, and maintained by political demagoguery”.

He added: “It is a claim that is contemptuous of the rule of international law, and scornful of the sanctity of treaties. It is a claim that threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and the peace of the region.”

He pointed out that the claim combines “greed, lies, and xenophobia into a toxic brew”; and that brew is one stirred

not by the ordinary people of Venezuela, who are the brothers and sisters of Guyanese, but by the classes and forces, cliques and cabals in Venezuela who pursue their own ends.

Using as a measuring stick the Spanish-speaking country which is currently facing economic turmoil, he noted that “Guyana’s strength lies in the understanding by our people of the righteousness of our cause and the hollowness of Venezuela’s.”

And while this controversy is still ongoing, the author noted, for Guyana, as an infant State, to have accomplished all that is recorded in the book is something that shall ever be to the credit of Guyana, and ever be remembered by the world.

“Guyanese must be mindful of those accomplishments as many the world over are.

It was a privilege to have been personally involved in some of them. It is a privilege to have been asked to recall them here,” Sir Shridath said.

Remarks were also made

by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who spoke at length about the controversy which has resulted in the deterioration of relations shared by the neighbouring countries.

He also commented on the fact that when Guyana gained independence, led by former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, there had been memorable occasions which had already introduced Guyana on the international stage.

And once Independence had been achieved, he noted, it was time for Guyana to prove itself as a worthy country –- an achievement

which was highlighted in the book.

The event ended early in the evening with the autographing of complimentary copies of the publication, which were distributed to attendees. This was followed by a ‘wine and dine’ moment which was shared by the attendees. That moment was shared by foreign dignitaries and ministers of Government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Trump would ‘cancel’ Paris climate deal Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said he would "cancel" the Paris climate deal in his first major speech on energy policy.

More than 195 countries pledged to reduce carbon emissions in a landmark agreement last year.

The billionaire businessman has said before there is no evidence that humans are responsible for climate change.

He called for more drilling, fewer regulations and the approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada.

"Any regulation that's outdated, unnecessary, bad for workers or contrary to the national interest will be scrapped and scrapped completely," Trump said.

"We're going to do all this while taking proper regard for rational environmental concerns."

Before this speech, he had said he would "renegotiate" the global agreement involving nearly all countries, but this time he went further and said the US would pull out.

The climate change deal is "bad for US business" and said the pact allows "foreign bureaucrats control over how much

energy we use".

Under the deal, countries set emission limits themselves, not an outside panel.

Trump has called climate change "a hoax" devised by the Chinese Government.

It is uncertain whether Trump, if elected, could actually make any changes to the deal.

The accord will have legal force once it is ratified by 55 countries that contribute 55 per cent of global emissions.

If the deal is ratified by January, a new American President would have to wait four years to withdraw from the deal.

While the US is the second-largest greenhouse gas polluter, it has been instrumental in helping other countries such as India reduce emissions.

Trump said on Friday that the US would stop funding these efforts.

Environmental advocates called Trump's proposals "frightening".

"Trump's energy policies would accelerate climate change,

Mr Trump said the climate change deal is bad for business protect corporate polluters who profit from poisoning our air and water, and block the transition to clean energy that is necessary to strengthen our economy and protect our climate and health," Tom Steyer, a billionaire environmental activist, told Reuters.

On Thursday, he officially became the presidential nominee for his party, surpassing the 1,238 delegates required. (BBC)

Anger over Toronto marijuana shop raids Canadian marijuana users have decried recent raids on dozens of Toronto shops that sell the drug, calling the operation a waste of police

resources.

Medical marijuana is legal in Canada, but only licensed providers can sell it to people who have a doctor's approval.

Police raided 43 Toronto shops on Thursday and made 90 arrests.

Raids come just as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Government is poised to make marijuana legal to recreational users.

Protesters gathered outside police headquarters on Friday, calling the medical marijuana dispensaries essential.

People held signs reading "Save Our Dispensaries" and "Bad Laws, Bad Cops".

Toronto police chief Mark Saunders was shouted down by protesters as he held a news conference addressing the storefront raids on Friday.

The crackdown was on stores that police believe are selling marijuana to recreational users.

There are 83 known unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Toronto.

He said the raids, which collected 269 kilograms of dried marijuana and many edibles such as cookies and candies, came in response to

"significant complaints" from community members.

The stores had been selling marijuana products with "inaccurate information" about the amount of THC they contain, he said, calling it a "genuine health concern".

"It's a danger that you don't know where the [marijuana] is coming from," he said.

Marijuana dispensaries are in nebulous legal territory because while medical marijuana is legal across Canada, authorities say only sellers licensed by Health Canada, which distribute products via mail, are legal.

"Knowingly selling without a license issued by Health Canada is unlawful, you can't be doing it," said Saunders.

Police said the operation was not an attack on lawful distribution of marijuana Trudeau made marijuana legalisation a key campaign issue and the Canadian government has said it will introduce legislation next year that would make the sale of marijuana legal.

If marijuana made legal in Canada, it would become

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one of the largest Western countries to allow widespread use of the drug.

Protesters shouted to Saunders questioning the raid considering the likelihood that marijuana will become legal.

Another protester shouted "Where are the victims?" and said the current medical marijuana programme was set up under Stephen Harper's Conservative government and cannot meet the demands of medical marijuana users across Canada.

"I don't want to disrupt anyone getting legal access to medical marijuana," said Saunders. "You keep asking questions, but you don't really want answers."

He said he thinks there is enough medical marijuana supply in the country and that the raids of the shops were "low-key". (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Move Olympics over Zika, scientists say MORE than 100 leading scientists say the Rio Olympics should be moved or postponed over the Zika outbreak.

The group says new findings about the virus make it "unethical" for the games to go ahead in an open letter to the World Health Organisation.

They call on the WHO to revisit its guidance on Zika, which is linked to serious birth defects.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in May it sees no reason to delay or move the games due to Zika.

The outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease began in Brazil a year ago, but now more than 60 countries and

territories have continuing transmission.

While Zika's symptoms are mild, in the letter the experts say it causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and may also cause a rare and sometimes fatal neurological syndrome in adults.

The letter is signed by 150 international scientists, doctors and medical ethicists from such institutions as Oxford University and Harvard and Yale universities in the United States.

They cite the failure of a mosquito-eradication programme in Brazil, and the country's "weakened" health system as reasons to postpone or move the Olympics in "the name of public health".

"An unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic," the letter says.

The biggest risk, it adds, is if athletes contracted the virus and returned home to poor countries that had not yet suffered a Zika outbreak.

They also express concern the WHO has a conflict of interest through its partnership with the IOC. The Rio Olympics take place between 5-21 August.

The WHO, which has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency, is yet to comment on the letter.

Several public health ex-

Ex-Argentine junta leader jailed Former Argentine junta leader Reynaldo Bignone has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes committed under Operation Condor - a conspiracy between South America's dictators.

Bignone and 14 other military officers were found guilty by a court in Argentina after a three-year trial.

Many left-wing activists were kidnapped and killed in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Bolivia.

Operation Condor was secretly launched in the 1970s.

Judges at the court in Buenos Aires announced the sentencing of Bignone, Argentina's last dictator, on Friday.

Former Uruguayan Col Manuel Cordero - the only non-Argentine defendant was jailed for 25 years.

The judges are continuing to deliberate the sentencing of the rest of the former military officers.

Since the trial started in 2013, five defendants, including Jorge Rafael Videla, the head of Argentina's junta during its first three years, have died.

Operation Condor -

named after the largest vulture in South America - began in 1975 at a meeting of intelligence chiefs from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

It later came to include Brazil, and - in a more peripheral role - Ecuador and Peru.

The operation, which continued in the 1980s, brought together the military of neighbouring nations that had previously been at war with each other in order to fight a new common enemy - the spread of Marxist ideology throughout the region. (BBC)

South American states colluded to crack down on left-wing opponents

The trial in the Operation Condor case lasted three years

perts had previously warned that having hundreds of thousands of people arriving in Rio will speed up Zika's spread and lead to the births of brain-damaged babies.

But on Thursday, the head of the US Centres for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention, whose advice is quoted approvingly in the letter, said the threat did not warrant halting the games.

"There is no public health reason to cancel or delay the Olympics," Dr Tom Frieden

The Rio Olympics take place in August this year

said.

He however urged the US to act more quickly to prevent pregnant women contracting Zika, amid congressional deadlock over the release of $1.9bn (ÂŁ1.3bn) in funding. (BBC)

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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

Build this land that belongs to us THE title of this editorial is informed by one of our National Songs: “I want to build.” The theme that informs this song is revisited not only because it is our 50th anniversary of political independence from Britain, but moreso to stimulate frank, honest and constructive discussions on this nation and its people’s focus, direction, will, and commitment.

As the nation was reminded by one of its cultural icons, Dr. Vibert Cambridge (Stabroek News February 15, 2004), this song was composed by the Guyana National Service (GNS) staff “in 1974, [and] is often associated with the first Great March done by 280 pioneers from Kimbia Centre to the National Park in 1975 - a distance of 160 miles.” This was a feat and accomplishment by Guyanese!

For those who may not know about the GNS, its existence marks an era in this nation’s history when Guyanese were imbued with confidence that they can do and be anything they set their minds to and work towards.

Cambridge, in the instant article, recounts: Forbes Burnham saw the “National Service (as) intended to be the principal instrument to ensure the emergence and development of the type of Guyanese men, women and youths essential to the prosperity and furtherance, and indeed the survival of the nation."

He further advised that Janet Jagan saw many of the GNS’ goals as laudable, such as: “opening up the hinterland"; "for the youth to be oriented to use their hands and not scorn manual labour"; "the development of necessary skills for nation building and the attitudes that go with national development"; "the sharing of common experiences and the working together of all racial groups with the objective of bringing them together.”

A difference she has with Burnham, according to Cambridge, was that “she did not agree that GNS was the most viable vehicle for the achievement of those goals.”

Mrs Jagan was entitled to her views, equally as Burnham was entitled to his; but what is evident in the excerpts is that political discourses had an element of being issues-based, and credit was offered to the other for their thinking. Today, it is hard to find acceptance or give credit to the thinking of a political opponent, however worthy the idea, since politics has moved from rivalry to enmity.

While the GNS served many functions, its mission could not have been possible if those who served, including its leadership and rank-and-file, were not driven by conviction and commitment. They were imbued with that sense of patriotism to build Guyana; to accept challenges; to go into places unknown and unexplored and conquer them, including carving out liveable spaces in jungle areas, and developing communities on the pre-eminent principle of self-sufficiency.

Self-sufficiency identifies the desire for freedom from control; and where this exists, the potential for growth and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

GPSU puzzled by President’s comments on Public Service CoI Dear Editor, THE Guyana Public Service Union notes, with a mixture of puzzlement and surprise, the comments attributed to His Excellency the President and seemingly directed to public servants. Those statements declared in part that “If they want to be lazy they will get a lazy person’s remuneration.”

The Guyana Public Service Union is a firm believer in the principle that reward, in whatever field of endeavour, should be associated with effort. We hasten to add that with regard to public servants as a whole, this category of workers is richly deserving of far greater reward than they receive at this time. We humbly submit, too, that the phenomenon of unequal effort amongst various workers is not unique to the Public Service.

Indeed, it has been our experience that that deficiency is also to be found in other critical areas of public service, where the transgression never seems to attract threats of remuneration commensurate with effort.

The point should be made, too, that what, in the instance of the Public Service, might be construed as laziness may well -- in effect and insofar as it exists -– be the consequences of a protracted experience of being under-resourced and inadequately incentivized.

Indeed, we believe that some of the findings of the recently concluded Report of the Commission of Enquiry into the Public Service bear out our position.

Nor can the Union pretend to be unaware of the nexus between the timing of His Excellency’s comment and what, we hope, is the imminent announcement of a date for the commencement of negotiations on wages and salaries.

Indeed, we hasten to express the hope that while that may not be the substantive intention, His Excellency’s comments do not inadvertently serve to guide or prejudice the focus and direction of the forthcoming engagement on wages and salaries.

Regards, GPSU

Rohee takes on Top Cop Dear Editor, SO THE Commissioner of Police, the former Crime Chief, has finally raised his head, scampering off to Kaieteur News for cover.

He appears to be quite upset and bothered by the call for Blanhum to be immediately promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, which is befitting of a Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force. Further, he seems flustered by the comparison made between his years as Crime Chief and the current Crime Chief’s one-year record.

That is a burden he will have to carry.

As regards “ducking” applications for overseas training for police ranks, that is a complete falsehood. Numerous ranks went overseas for training under my watch. One example of the poverty of the Force’s approach to this matter would suffice: It took about four years for three commissioners, including Persaud, to produce a five-year overseas training plan development, personal and national, are doable. There was a time in our pre- and post- independence history when politics was dominated by competing ideas on substantive issues to make reality of dreams, notwithstanding rivalry and conflicts among political forces and groups. And as thought is given to this aspect of lived experiences, it is reminded that the word ‘build’ is a verb in the present tense; it means that the process is happening in the here and now.

The Founding Fathers, Mothers and Children of the pre-independence society delivered to us, on 26th May 1966, a nation called Guyana. By their actions, including the institutions that established the nation-state, they have laid the foundation, put up the pillars, enclosed the walls, and put within that space the essentials that would ensure survival and security. We of the present generation, as heirs of their pains, struggles and sacrifices, find it incumbent upon us to build on what they have laid. As society becomes more complex, domestic and foreign, it becomes necessary to build in recognition of the prevailing dynamics, and also to anticipate and plan for future development and protection.

Where this nation continues to debate its history and be preoccupied with who is/are to be blamed for the state of affairs today, if truth be told, those who came before did what they thought was best at the time. It is now our time to build on what we think is best for this nation at this period of our existence, given the resources at our disposal.

It is appropriate to say that, outside of the era of the GNS, this nation has not had the needed injection of self-sufficiency

for ranks in the various branches of the Guyana Police Force.

When the “plan” was finally produced, it was worthless.

The three commissioners were advised during their respective tenure that they should formulate a programme for overseas training that is similar to what is done by the Guyana Defence Force, to ensure predictability and to guarantee funding from budgetary resources. I told each commissioner that the plan should envisage, in a futuristic manner, the various capacities the Force would wish to have for its branches five years down the road -- meaning the number of ranks and the specific areas of training that would be required to build institutional capacity; the costing aspect would be left to the Ministry.

Sad to say, none of the commissioners was ever able to accomplish this “Herculean task”. Clearly, strategic thinking was lacking. Sometime later, I asked the current

Please see page 7 to drive its people, more particularly the young, to think and dream big, and act in accordance with those dreams. This is not to say that Guyanese lack the capacity and capability to distinguish themselves, or to engage in the necessary struggles and sacrifices to achieve those dreams. No; ever so often, there is news of a student distinguishing him/herself at CXC and CAPE, or besting their Caribbean counterparts in some endeavour. An overseas-based Guyanese, whose educational foundation was laid here, has been accepted by 21 universities in the United States, inclusive of all its ivy leagues. Four children of Guyanese parentage have won global awards and recognition for a technological security application. Our youth here have created an E-Directory. Others are distinguishing themselves in sports, culture, music and so forth.

There is no shortage of talent within the Guyanese genes pool; yet, within recent years, the concept of development has taken on a different meaning. The society was made to feel that development meant opportunities created for few to cash in at the expense of the people; the disregard for their rights, resources and institutions established to protect them. This is a call to action: Guyanese have to go back to the drawing board and pick up from where their forebears left off. It is not, and never was, an admirable place to find ourselves -blaming others for what is in the past, when the opportunity is present to learn from mistakes, right the wrongs, and build on the achievements.

There is no need for spectators to the things considered wrong, equally as it is important to disabuse ourselves of the notion that things will change without our input.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

City Hall is broke again

Dear Editor, SO City Hall is broke once again? I hope no one is surprised; the gravy train with the biscuit wheels had to grind to a halt sometime.

Now they owe the contractors, except for one who is very close to a senior administrator; so, soon there will be garbage everywhere. They owe the security company that, without going through a tender process and was not needed in the first place, was given a contract to supply over sixty guards to locations where the City Constabulary should have been posted, instead of harassing vendors.

They owe the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme, whilst putting up grand but unnecessary edifices on the Merriman Mall.

They owe the workers, who have not been paid in time for the 50th Independence celebrations. What a shame and disgrace! They owe the Power and Water companies, yet they have adorned the Stabroek Market with hundreds of bulbs, further carrying up the electricity bill. How unintelligent!

All of this is happening, and yet the promised forensic audit has not yet started. Does the Government not yet understand that, according to Murphy’s Law, “Things will go wrong in any given situation at City Hall, if you give them a chance”; or more commonly, “Whatever can go wrong will go wrong at the Georgetown City Council”? And that is because the administration there is run by incompetence, corruption, nepotism, favouritism and cronyism.

Will the Government continue to fiddle while Georgetown burns? Kindly do something. Carry out an audit; remove the incompetent and corrupt administration. In fact, have a commission of inquiry into the operations of City Hall for the last 21 years.

Regards, DEODARIE PUTULALL

GTT is challenged to support its commitment to health and safety Dear Editor, THE boast by GTT Do More that GTT is one of Guyana’s largest employers and that decisions taken cater to staff welfare, customer service, and long-term sustainability of the company must be dissected in order to get a clear picture of what obtains.

As was stated in my pervious letter dated May 13th, 2016, GTT continues to pay scant regard to its employees’ health and safety concerns. This fact cannot be disputed by GTT Do More. The Industrial Relations’ best practice being used by GTT is one in which the Union is invited to meetings after the company would have met with itself, consulted with itself, made decisions by itself, and implemented changes regardless of the impact on the labour force and, by extension, the Labour laws,

Rohee takes on Top Cop From page 6 commissioner whether the Force has an anti-crime plan. He said “no”. I then requested him to prepare and submit one.

One month later, I received a “plan”. It was a rehash of what was being reported routinely to Central Intelligence Committee (CIC) and Defence Board; it made no sense. The persistent request for more and more vehicles was the plan’s main recommendation to fight crime.

As regards “ducking requests” to send ranks abroad on foreign-funded courses, such requests had required Cabinet’s approval, since Government is required to provide advances, whether the courses are fully funded or partially funded.

Invariably, the Force would receive the invitations late; in other cases, Force Admin would sit on the invitations, resulting in the internal decision as regards nominee or nominees being made late. This, in turn, resulted in the late arrival of the Force’s correspondence at the Ministry for the preparation of a Cabinet paper for onward transmission to Cabinet’s office for inclusion on Cabinet’s agenda. Cabinet had ruled that requests for

approval to travel must reach the Cabinet office one week in advance of the request for approval, not departure from the jurisdiction.

Persaud should release those requests which he claimed were “ducked”, since he would have at Force Headquarters a record of those fully-funded courses.

Persaud has assumed the mantle of the politician with his references to public trust and in light of his comparative analysis between me and Ramjattan. Public trust of the Force is still at an all-time low; apparently Persaud did not read what the mother and others said in relation to his handling of the Babita Sarjou investigation. Her statement is a microcosm of what obtains nationally.

It is interesting to note that Persaud visited the home of Sarjou’s mother, but he spurned the suggestion that he should visit and meet Sheema Mangar’s parents.

Persaud exposed himself when he referred to the Force as being an “integrated organization” and that “support comes from all over” (the Force). If that is the case, how come Persaud, while Crime Chief, did not succeed as Blanhum is succeeding?

Why did he not get the “support from all over” to crack the many cases that

piled up under his watch?

Did that have to do with morale in the Force, or was it lack of support for him by his ranks? Was it political, to make the PPP/C look bad?

In case he does not know, all governments work in an integrated manner, within the meaning of collective responsibility. Persaud met weekly at CIC, monthly at Defence Board, every week with the Minister, and from time to time with the President on a bilateral level, so where is the beef?

Insofar as ministerial intrusion and political interference are concerned, it is easy to cry foul in this matter, as some bureaucrats are wont to do.

However, as I said before, I had requested, in my last address to the Annual Conference of Police Officers in 2015, that the senior management of the Force submit to my office all instances of ministerial intrusion and political interference. They never did. Now that I am no longer their subject minister, there is no need to fear, (as if there ever was need); this can still be done.

Regards, CLEMENT ROHEE, Fmr. Minister of Home Affairs

principles and practices.

Never was the Union engaged on the issue of withdrawal of transportation from GTT employees. The extant Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) between the parties speaks to meaningful engagement by Company with Union. The Company continues to further fracture the tenets of good Industrial Relations by having ad hoc communication with employees in an environment that is full of fear. Thereafter, when the company finds its back against the wall, then with haste it rushes to inform the Union.

The CLA is expressly clear, and must be honoured by the parties.

The historical transportation policy referred to outlines that the Company shall provide transportation to its employees. To say that transportation is a company discretion is far from the truth.

The custom and practice over a number of years become law; basic jurisprudence outlines that fact.

Therefore, any change to the condition of service must be renegotiated.

The provision of transportation was always a prerequisite, given the nature of the work of the Company.

GTT conveniently and selectively compares itself to others within the Private Sector.

Time and time again, the Union has had cause to enlighten GTT that comparing

GTT with the Public Sector is comparing cheese to chalk.

The uncaring act of giving approximately two (2) weeks’ notice, and henceforth stating that it was enough time for personal arrangements to be made, is tantamount to brutality, and clearly demonstrates the heartless nature of a company which prides itself as a caring entity.

The commitment to the health and safety of all employees should by no means be measured through the employment of a Health and Safety Officer. What about the physical welfare and wellbeing of the employees?

GTT Do More cannot pride itself on being one of Guyana’s largest employers and continue to implement draconian measures that continue to demotivate and demoralise its long-service employees.

jobs/work orders per day, despite the terrain and without any assistance?

4. Why is the Company ‘foot-dragging’ as it relates to the provisions of durable safety gear for its employees?

5. Why is the Company misinterpreting the 40-hour work week law by refusing to pay overtime to its employees, although there is an order governing regular working hours for all workers in Guyana?

2. How many employees were ably assisted by the Company to acquire their own vehicles?

GTT came into being to improve telecommunication in Guyana with conditions no less favourable than what had existed before its arrival. Its human resource must therefore always be treated with dignity and respect.

With what has now become the norm, the Union has since referred the company’s unilateral withdrawal of transportation from GTT employees to the Chief Labour Officer for conciliation. As was outlined before, all the company’s transgressions will be made know to the public. Violations of workers’ rights by the Company must stop, and it must stop now!

3. Why are Technicians made to work as a ‘One Man Team,’ in addition to having to complete ten (10)

Regards, HAROLD SHEPHERD, President, GPTWU

The Union calls on GTT Do More --one of Guyana’s largest employers -- to state with confidence: 1. That the provision of transportation was not a negotiated agreement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Jury frees man Motorcyclist killed in accident who defended wife KARAMCHAND “Bobby” Singh of Lot 576 Block B, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara perished in an accident at Good Hope Railway Embankment, ECD on Thursday night.

The 44-year-old joiner received major head injuries and reportedly died at the scene of the accident. The CBR motorcycle he was driving has been damaged beyond repair.

His widow, Chandrawattie “Babita” Singh, related that at about 20:15 hrs on Thursday, her husband was on his way home from his nephew’s birthday party when he reportedly collided head-on with a vehicle, and was killed in the accident.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she is still trying to come to grips with her husband’s demise.

Mrs Singh disclosed that when her husband left home after 16:00 hrs on Thursday, he was in a very good mood and had promised he would return shortly; but he never did. The grieving mother of six described her late hus-

By George Barclay

Widowed: Chandrawattie Singh Dead: Karamchand “Bobby” Singh

band as a very kind person, an exceptional husband who would be greatly missed.

Mr Singh’s body is at the Jerrick’s Funeral Parlour awaiting a date for funeral.

A number of relatives from overseas are expected in Guyana to pay him their last respects.

The Singhs had known each other for 23 years, but got married about eight years ago. Their union produced two children.

Mr Singh’s step daughter,

Indira Budhu, called “Carol”, said family members were at home when they received a telephone call informing that he had been killed in an accident.

According to acting Traffic Chief Boodnarine Persaud, a post-mortem examination on Singh’s body revealed that he died from multiple injuries.

Thus far this year, the Traffic Department at Eve Leary has recorded 56 road accidents with 60 deaths, compared to 33 road accidents with 43 deaths during the corresponding period last year.

GUYSUCO security officer Moses Harvey, who had confessed to the police that he had chopped a man who had attacked his wife one night in 2006, was freed by the jury on Friday on the directions of the judge.

This happened after State Counsel Shonette Austin and Siand Dhurjon closed the case for the prosecution.

They alleged that apart from the accused, they had been unable to locate the main witness since the commission of the crime in 2006.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow thus commended the accused for cooperating with the court, instead of staying away as others had done.

When the case was called some days ago, the accused -Harvey, of Herstelling, East Bank, Demerara -- pleaded not guilty to the offence of wounding, and a 12-member jury was selected to try the case. When the hearing was called, the accused intimated

from the dock that he was unrepresented by counsel.

The first witness to be called by the prosecution was Police Inspector Shivram Murugaypo of Brickdam Police Station, who told the court it was alleged that the accused, armed with a cutlass on November 1, 2006, inflicted chop wounds on Deokarran Paramand at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, causing him to be hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Inspector said the accused admitted inflicting wounds on Persaud, and he produced a statement to that effect. The statement was read to the jury, at which stage the prosecution indicated that they could not tell where the virtual complainant was, and declared that this was the pattern of things since the trial started 10 years ago.

There being no evidence other than from the accused, who noted that his wife was at home on the

Former GuySuCo security officer Moses Harvey was freed of a wounding charge on Friday

night of the incident when she was attacked by the virtual complainant, and that he hit out with his cutlass in defence of his wife, thereby injuring the V.C., the judge directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused.

NAPS Food Bank boosted ‒ Health Minister promises financial assistance

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton (third from right), receiving the donation from University of Guyana Masters in Public Health students

PUBLIC Health Minister Dr George Norton has promised to invest financially in the Food Bank of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) as it continues to provide food for persons living with HIV/AIDS. “I will work in that direction,” Minister Norton said, as

he delivered an address during a simple presentation ceremony at NAPS on Friday. During that ceremony, a quantity of food supplies was presented to the Food Bank by the Masters in Public Health students of the University of Guyana.

The Public Health Minister also commended the efforts of

NAPS in accomplishing “quite a lot” in its strong fight against HIV/AIDS in Guyana, and has praised the Food Bank for its efforts in meeting the nutritional needs of those living with the disease countrywide.

He said that, over the years, Guyana has seen great accomplishments in its HIV/

AIDS campaign; has been able to make available ARVs in communities at large, and has been successful in efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

He pointed out that many persons who were born with the HIV virus are now adults who lead healthy careers and

contribute towards Guyana’s development.

The Minister thanked the MPH students for the “good gesture”, and said it would benefit hundreds.

Student representative Ulex Fung, along with Programme Administrator Dr. Reeta Gobin, said the presentation was part of the group’s project, and was a way of “giving back” in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

“We’re happy to do this as a group,” she said, after explaining that the students decided on the project as soon as they first learnt about the Food Bank.

NAPS Programme Manager Dr. Shanti Singh said the supplies are important, and that hampers will be delivered to people living with HIV/AIDS who are on high-protein diets.

She said the packages are usually put together by a special food handling division of the Ministry of Public Health, and persons who benefit are specifically selected by clinicians and social workers.

Manager of the Food Bank, Social Worker and Nutritionist Somdatt Ramessar, said the Food Bank is celebrat-

ing 10 years in operation this year, and “has certainly filled a significant void for persons living with HIV.” It is one of three Food Banks in the Caribbean, with Barbados and Suriname having the other two; and it is a model programme for the entire Caribbean under the NAPS HIV/AIDS programme.

He said the nutritious supplies are vital as part of the holistic package offered to persons living with HIV, as many of them are still employed and contribute to nation building.

Over 571 food hampers have been given out between January and April; and between 2007 and now, the Food Bank has been responsible for distributing in excess of 300,000 pounds of dry food, Ramessar said.

Many single parents and senior citizens also benefit from the programme, which is accessed by persons in the ten administrative regions of Guyana, Ramdass said.

While 25 private sector agencies are currently listed as donors, he is calling on more businesses, organisations and individuals to join in support of the programme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Collision near Harbour Bridge...

Drivers granted bail

Adolescent moms treated to luncheon

by First Lady

Accused father killer charged

FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger joined representatives from Women Across Differences (WAD), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, and volunteers and beneficiaries of the WAD’s Mothers for Change programme for adolescent mothers for a special luncheon at the Georgetown Club on Friday.

The First Lady, the Patron of WAD, organised the luncheon with support from two of her friends, Ms. Joan King and Ms. Nancy Taylor; and a release from the Ministry of the Presidency (MoP) revealed the First Lady said it was a good opportunity to get to know the young adolescent mothers who are part of the WAD programme. “[We] wanted to do something nice for them…to have a relaxing lunch where we could get to know them a bit more.

So this is just an informal gathering of ladies mostly, where we would just sit down together, chat, find out a bit more about each other,” Mrs. Granger said.

The MoP release said the First Lady noted that Republic Bank and the UNFPA have been assisting the programme for quite some time; and as such, they were invited to participate. However, she also pointed out: “There are many more volunteers who support WAD, but we just gathered up a few people while my friends were here, so that they could get together, meet them and have an enjoyable time together.”

Ms. Clonel Samuels-Boston, Coordinator of WAD, said WAD started its programme for teenage mothers in 2008, and has since worked closely with the UNFPA. She noted that Republic Bank threw its support behind WAD after one of its teen mothers, at a UNFPA World Population

THIRTY-SIX-year-old Kumey Bourn was remanded to prison on Friday by Sparendaam Magistrate, Zamilla Ally-Seepaul for allegedly beating his elderly father to death, because he wanted to change the channel on the TV. He was not required to plead to the capital charge which alleged that between May 18-23 at Turkeyen, Section ‘D’ Sophia, he murdered his father, Rickford Bourne.

According to Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Ayesha Gibbons, on May 18 Rickford Bourne came home from work and met his son consuming alcohol while watching television.

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger with donors, volunteers and beneficiaries from the Women Across Differences programme for adolescent mothers at the Georgetown Club

By Clestine Juan

TWO minibus drivers were on Friday granted $250,000 bail for allegedly causing the death of a woman near the Demerara Harbour Bridge, East Bank Demerara, early Thursday morning.

Jamal McCloud, 50, of East Bank Essequibo and Michael Thorne, 26 of Farm, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The court heard that the men on May 26 drove their minibuses in a manner dangerous to the public along the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara, which caused the death of Roxanne Mitchell.

Thorne was the driver of a Route 42 minibus, BPP 1670 which was going north towards Georgetown, while McCloud was the driver of the Route 32 minibus that was turning towards the Harbour Bridge when the two collided.

The men were not required to plead to the indictable charge, since the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was not applied.

McCloud was represented by Attorney-at-law Bernard Da Silva, while Attorney Mark Conway was Thorne’s lawyer. Both Attorneys pleaded for the drivers to be released on bail.

According to McCloud’s lawyer, the father of three has

Driver of the route 32 minibus, Jamal McCloud

Driver of the route 42 minibus, Michael Thorne

been a bus driver for more than 15 years and is married.

DaSilva deemed the accident as an unfortunate one, since the woman was his client’s neighbour. He further begged the magistrate to take into consideration that McCloud is hypertensive and a diabetic patient.

Meanwhile, Thorne’s lawyer, Conway, stated that his client is currently immobile and had to be lifted into the courtroom with assistance from the police. He further pointed out that the man is the sole breadwinner for his family.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones made no objection to bail, but disclosed that the woman lost her life because of the recklessness of the bus drivers. The prosecutor disclosed that on the day in question about 01:00h,

McCloud was proceeding south on the East Bank Public road, while Thorne was proceeding north.

As both of the buses were approaching the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the traffic light at the junction was flashing amber and both men failed to stop, which resulted in a collision.

The woman was rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The chief magistrate granted the men bail and transferred the matter to city Magistrate Judy Latchman for June 13.

Roxanne Mitchell, her husband along with several others were in McCloud’s minibus were returning from the 50th Independence Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at D’Urban Park.

It was further revealed that an argument ensued, because the senior Bourne wanted to watch the news and his son restricted him from changing the television channel.

Kumey then allegedly picked up an iron bar and dealt his father several lashes to his head and body.

The elderly man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by a neighbour and succumbed on May 23. The unrepresented man was remanded and the matter was adjourned until June 29.

Richard Bourne, 71, was a contractor by profession, and according to reports, he and his son constantly fought.

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Ms. Joan King

Friends of the First Family, Ms. Joan King and Ms. Nancy Taylor -- Principal Counsel, Bechtel Corporation, threw their support behind the programme

Day forum, told her story, engaging the bank’s attention.

“So they began a programme with us…this is the first year, and we are so grateful. It is a very good programme…it has been identified as a best practice in the Region and also internationally, as it is very comprehensive,” Ms. Samuels-Boston said.

Ms. Patrice La Fleur, UNFPA Country Representative, said her office chose to support WAD “because of its mandate for girls and women’s empowerment”.

UNFPA has provided technical and financial support and other opportunities

for the teenage mothers, who themselves formed the Mothers for Change group.

Republic Bank was represented at the meeting by the Manager of Marketing and Communications, Ms. Michelle Johnson. She said that in 2015 the bank forged a four-year partnership with WAD via its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ social investment initiative.

“Their exemplary focus and their impact on the lives of teen mothers (are) well aligned with Republic Bank’s quest to bring the Power to Succeed to vulnerable youth,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

UG needs more than gov’t can provide ‒ new VC NEW Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, held talks with President David Granger on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Professor Griffith, who was recently appointed as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), said that he sees his new position as an opportunity to give back to his country.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, during the meeting, President Granger pointed out that there is not a single aspect of the university’s

administration that does not require attention.

He also assured the vice-chancellor of the Government’s commitment to providing financial and other support to restore UG to a position that is befitting of the nation’s premier tertiary education institution, the ministry said in a release.

Meanwhile, according to the release, the new vice-chancellor has already drafted a 12-point plan that is aimed at building a wider portfolio of resources for the university. He said that while Government’s support is essential, the alumni body, the

President David Granger and Professor Ivelaw Griffith share a light moment during their meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency

diaspora and the international and business communities can provide much- needed support.

“UG needs much more than the Government can provide… We must find enterprising ways to make money,” he said. Professor Griffith, who was the first person in UG’s history to graduate with distinction in Political Science in 1980, will officially assume office as Vice-Chancellor on June 14.

He replaces Professor Jacob Opadeyi. Earlier this month, the university inducted Professor Eon Nigel Harris as its ninth Chancellor.

Recently, Griffith, during a meeting with staff and stakeholders at the UG Turkeyen Campus, warned the

governing council of the institution not to be tempted to usurp his role as was practised in the past and also called for more scientific research by the university to make it more relevant in today’s society.

He also described the nation’s premier tertiary institution as being in a “crisis” after his examination of three critical areas, which support the existence of the university and advanced some ideas as to how these can be fixed.

The VC stated that honesty would beckon all to recognise that the university is currently facing a crisis. His contention was supported by the examination of core challenges which UG has been confronted with for decades; a resource challenge, an es-

teem challenge, and what he described as a perspicacity challenge.

“We’ve got to face that three-dimensional challenge and fix it,” he said.

In his comments on the role of the university’s council, Griffith admonished that it must not usurp the responsibilities of the VC as was practised before.

Rather, he suggested that the two must know their roles and requirements at the university and effectively and efficiently work to fulfil their obligations.

“We have to enable the Council to do the Council’s work and not the vice-chancellor’s work. I will not be a VC allowing the council to do my work,” the VC said.

Duo granted $50,000 bail on attempted robbery charge JERMAINE Edwards and Keno Lanking appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann MCLennan Friday, charged with attempted robbery with assault.

The men, both 23 years old, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on May 22 at Albert Street, Alberttown,Georgetown, they assaulted Krystal Peters in an attempt to commit a robbery.

They were each granted bail to the tune of $50,000. According to Prosecutor Lance Corporal, Saj Singh, on the day in question around 17:30hrs, the young woman was walk-

ing along Albert Street when she was choked from behind by one of the accused and thrown on the ground, while the other man dealt her several cuffs about her body.

The woman was rescued by public-spirited persons after they heard her cries for help; the two men were apprehended before they could have escaped.

The prosecution objected to bail taking into consideration the nature, gravity and penalty attached to the charge. The magistrate overruled the objection and adjourned the matter until June 10.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Region One residents benefit from health fair THE Guyana Aid Region One Inc. (GARO) gave back to Mabaruma and other surrounding communities on Tuesday, by hosting its biennial health fair. Over 200 persons received medical assistance from the group of volunteers who had previously resided in the region before migrating.

President and founder of GARO, Kaeron Jones, said the group is a New York-based not-for-profit organisation formed in June 2006, mainly to assist residents of Region One communities.

At the Kumaka Resort in Mabaruma, residents were able to have their blood sugar, and blood pressure tested, as well as dental examination and vision screening. Also, basic

A volunteer from Guyana Aid Region One ( GARO) educating patients on basic health habits

As a token of appreciation, a plaque was presented to the president of the group, saluting the members’ hard work and dedication to developing the region.

A Mabaruma sub-Primary student has his eyes checked

health education awareness services were provided to children and adults. Serious cases diagnosed were referred to the regional hospital for further medical attention.

Jones said his team will be looking at ways to reduce those residents’ high blood pressure level to normalcy in pursuit of making them healthier.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Cerdel McWatt, attended the fair along with Regional Executive Officer, Leslie Wilburg.

Persons received treated bed nets, shampoo, toothpaste, hand sanitiser and other useful items to complete a ‘care package,’ which brought smiles to most of the beneficiaries’

faces.

Members of the volunteer team comprised 10 nurses and three doctors, one of whom is attached to the Ministry of Public Health in Georgetown.

The team’s members expressed their joy in giving back to the region.

“I love what I do, so that is why I am on board with this team, rendering my services,” one of the doctors told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Later in the evening, following the health fair, a dinner of appreciation was hosted by the regional chairman in honour of the volunteers, who pledged their support to making Region One a more “recognisable” region.

“Not only do they have these health fairs in Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and here in Mabaruma, but they also contribute books to school libraries, give monetary rewards

to National Grade Six Assessment and Caribbean Secondary examination top performers in the region among other commendable acts,” Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley

stated.

GARO also contributed clinical supplies for the Mabaruma hospital; the supplies were received by the RHO. [GINA]

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Nagamootoo reminisces on Independence …urges cooperation, cohesion HAPPY Jubilee to all Guyanese, wherever you may be! I know that many, many Guyanese have returned from the diaspora to be with us as we celebrate 50 years of our independence; and for my brothers and sisters from the Rupununi to the Atlantic Ocean, to Morawhanna to Moleson Creek, to all parts of our very huge and diverse country, I would like to convey the best wishes of our Government to you on this remarkable celebration of 50 years of independence of Guyana.

This celebration has brought to the fore the love of our people for Guyana; their patriotism; their commitment to go forward as a united country, as a free country, as a clean country, as a green country, as a beautiful country; and that is why today I feel so energized,

I feel so elated, because I have seen the genius of the Guyanese people: that they could put all the difficulties behind them and they can look forward to the future with renewed confidence, with a sense of pride, with a sense of commitment, new commitment.

So, as I look back on 50 years, I recall the night the flag, the Golden Arrowhead, our national flag, was hoisted at the National Park. I was glued, like many persons would have (been) in the Corentyne, or in the Essequibo, or in the Rupununi, or other parts where you didn’t have any television at that time and you hear the voice of Bobby Moore and Rafiek Khan and Victor Insanally as they recount the events that would lead to the unfurling of our independence flag.

And so I followed those events very carefully; and

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo waves to the crowd whilst being escorted by heads of the disciplined forces on Wednesday night

in fact the independence of Guyana has been a very special part of my life, and the struggle for it and the desire for it.

I recall, at the age of 14, wearing my first long pants -almost like a woman’s jeans, I would say.

MOTORCADE I went to a motorcade up in Crabwood Creek in 1961, and I joined that motorcade, where the intention was that after the 1961 elections Guyana would be independent.

Cheddi Jagan was elected to

office then, and he led that motorcade then, and it was from then that I never looked back. I never faltered, and I felt that the greatest mission in one’s life is to be able to witness and fight for the freedom of one’s country.

It was for me an achieve-

ment when Guyana became independent in 1966.

I sat in my home village watching the parade, the march on the road, the procession of people celebrating independence; but as I noted on another occasion, for me, it was not a happy time, as our country was still under a state of emergency and there were people who were in jail in what was called Sibley Hall political prisoners. And therefore, for me, the occasion of independence was both painful -- nostalgic as well as euphoric; as well as a happy moment, a moment that I should be overwhelmed with pride and joy.

Today, I look back at those 50 years since 1966, and I look back at the long journey, the difficult path we have come through, and I am more convinced that looking back is not really what we should be doing at this time; we have to look ahead, we have to look to the future, we have to look to see where we are going.

It’s good to know where we came from, but I can imagine in the next 50 years -- I can imagine a beautiful Guyana, my homeland, my motherland, where all our children are properly educated; where not a child is left behind; where all our young people, qualified and trained, can find gainful employment; where we would have no need to worry that our young people would migrate or they would leave the country with the training and skills -– what is called the brain drain; where we can look at our mothers and our elderly people and make sure that their needs are satisfied; where we are able to have one of the best, or the best, health system in the region, and nutrition is attended to.

WHY? Why do I say in the next 50 years we could do all of this? We live in the hope that we can become an oiland-gas-producing state; that we can have more revenues coming from the wealth of our country, which are our natural resources; where we can manage our green, untapped virgin forestry and we could produce oxygen for the rest of the world, and we can be compensated for our supply of oxygen to save this planet; for having perhaps one of the world’s largest natural resorts, forestry resort like Iwokrama -- a bigger Iwokrama which could be used to do all kinds of laboratory testing of species that would be good for medicine Continued on page 13 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Nagamootoo reminisces...

From page 12

and all manner of cures of people facing health issues.

WORKERS BEING RETRAINED I can look to our sugar workers being retrained, being retooled for the future, so you don’t have to do the back-breaking work -- that of a mule, to be fetching canes on your head; where the sugar industry would be restructured; where the industry will be rehabilitated and diversified, so we don’t have to carry sugar as a national burden.

We have to carry the agriculture sector -- both sugar and rice -- as potential for the diversification of our economy, as the potential for value-added products. We would concentrate on manufacturing rather than raw materials’ extraction; where our young people will put their skills in factories that would produce high quality, world quality products -- commodities from sugar and from rice and from other agricultural products for which our country is richly endowed with soil and water and climate to produce, so we can once again become the bread basket of the Caribbean, the bread basket of the Western Hemisphere.

So I look to the future with optimism; I look to the future with hope; I look to the next 50 years with a sense of accomplishment: that I have been here on the long journey in the first 50 years, and that I have done all I could. And you also, all of you, all of us would have to say that we have done all we could to make Guyana viable for the next 50 years; to make Guyana a model of the country we call our homeland, our only home, our only paradise, our only resort we have; that we can bask in the sunlight, we can enjoy the breeze, we can enjoy the scent and the fume of a clean environment, where you can breathe healthy, stay healthy and live healthy.

So this is my vision as I bring you these greetings today on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our independence.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY I want to wish you and your families all the best, and I wish to assure you that our Government will continue on this path that we have started

-- to make sure that we provide alternative energy; that we become a green economy, where we do not utilise so much of our resources on fossil fuel, on diesel or gasoline, or bunker fuel; that we could have solar panel, we can have wind energy, that we can have water energy, hydro energy, so more Guyanese can have monies, more disposable income in their pockets; that we are able to gear our economy and gear our industries and gear our productive sector to receiving energy from renewable sources, and that will place us as an envy in the world.

And that is why I believe that you also share that confidence that in fact Guyana could bounce back in the next few years ahead to (become) a bountiful country, self-sufficient (in) the things we need to consume; laying a viable, solid, unbreakable foundation for better health care, better education, better transportation, and overall to be able to provide housing, recreational facilities, and those leisure parks that people would need to know that they don’t only work in Guyana, but they can enjoy moments of leisure and they can walk in the park and they can enjoy some of the richness of being in Guyana and being Guyanese.

I want also to let you know that, in one year we have been in Government, we have chosen quite deliberately to focus all we can, and divert as much resources as we can afford, to celebrate with you the Golden Jubilee, because we recognise that the Golden Jubilee has brought out something in all of us -- that we could celebrate together; we could sing, we could laugh, we could dance, we could enjoy each other’s company not as six different races, but as one Guyanese (race); that we are all one people, one Guyanese nation with one obsession; and that is (why) we should all be reunited and all consider ourselves as citizens of our common homeland.

So you have much to enjoy, you have much to see during these celebrations; but also, I would ask that in your silent moments you consider that we have much more to achieve; we have just begun this new journey, we are on the doorstep of a new, exciting step for Guyana.

So, once again, Happy Turn to page 15 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Guyana Relief Council assists fire victims ELEVEN families who lost their homes as a result of fires were assisted by the Guyana Relief Council (GFC) with the donation of mattresses, stoves, kitchen utensils, clothing and building assistance, among other items.

Administrative Officer of the GRC, Lynette Cater, said the GRC will continue to extend a caring hand to anyone in Guyana who finds him/ herself in such a traumatic situation.

At the presentation, only three of the 11 beneficiaries were on hand to receive the items. One recipient, Yonika Munroe, was very apprecia-

tive of the assistance. She noted that she was out of the region when the fire occurred, and not only did she lose her house, but she lost her business as well.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she is in the process of starting over, and is confident that she would be back on her feet soon.

Another beneficiary, Sandra John of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha Arcadia, EBD, said she lost everything in a fire but is in the process of rebuilding.

Other recipients included Rondell Holler of Laing Avenue Squatting Area in Georgetown; Tamika Hal-

ley and Bethia Persaud of Shell Road, Kitty; Yonika Munroe; Abigail Riddle of Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice; June Ann Bess of Cummings Park, Sophia; Joyce Beaton of Ganpat Street, Rose Hall Town, Berbice; Bhanmatie Dookie of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; and Nicola Junor and Omeealli Chester of Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown.

The Guyana Relief Council is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation which aims to bring relief to all people affected by any kind of disaster, regardless of race, colour or creed.

Fire victims Nicola Junor, Sadam John, Sandra John and Yonika Munroe received donations from Administrative Officer of the Guyana Relief Council, Ms. Lynette Cater, (centre)

Berbice man found dead on roadway POLICE are awaiting a post-mortem to determine the cause of death of Nathaniel Sears, whose lifeless body was found on the Armadale Public Road, West Coast Berbice, near his motorcycle early on Thursday morning by residents.

Sears 69, called “Hurry Up,” was supposed to drive the tractor/trailer carrying the MMA-ADA float en route to D’Urban Park but never made it.

The police reported that Sears left his Number Nine Village home at about 04:00

hrs to drive the tractor at Number 27 Village, Onverwagt,after which he was to head to Georgetown for the Independence Float Parade.

According to the police, Sears’s body did not have any visible marks of violence, but they observed that the chain of his motorcycle had slipped. Sleuths believe that he may have encountered an accident when the chain of his bike slipped, causing him to fall, or he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was the father of five and was an employee of the

Nathaniel Sears

Ministry of Agriculture branch at Onverwagt. The police in Berbice said they will determine the way forward after the PME results.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Nagamootoo reminisces...

From page 13

Golden Jubilee! Enjoy being in Guyana, enjoy being Guyanese. Thank you.

REFLECTIONS I remember the big radio set, it was called Phillips, and (it had) a big battery like a tractor battery. So we were listening to the live coverage of the independence in Georgetown. I was in Berbice in my home village (of) Whim, and I was glued to the radio listening to the voices of the most remarkable broadcasters and analysts at that time, (people) like Rafiek Khan and Vic Insanally, relaying what was happening at the National Park. It was there that the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time, so I recall the sound of jubilation and the sound of elation, and I tried to picture that in my mind’s eye, to picture graphically what (was) happening.

BRITISH SUBJECT And I believe that apart from an announcement that the flag was being hoisted by a team that had gone to Ayanganna or Mount Roraima, I believe there was also a report that was being broadcasted and sent in by whatever means that the flag had been hoisted on the crest of our highest mountain.

I also remember, apart from the hoisting of the flag at the National Park, a significant event that was very emotional for me and I believe for most Guyanese was when Forbes Burnham, the then Prime Minister, and Cheddi Jagan embraced. And I believe that embrace between those two nationalist leaders has become symbolic of the unity we want to achieve in Guyana among our people. So I think (that) on the night of May 25, 1966, it had brought, just for that occasion, a scintilla of hope; a scintilla of pride; a sense that we were no longer British subjects, we were no longer British objects.

I was born in 1947, and the first time I recalled having to apply for a passport, the passport was British Guiana, literally telling me I was a British subject.

I want it to be known, as a Guyanese, (that) independence on May 26, 1966 has given us that right to be Guyanese citizens and not British subjects; and that, for me, is a liberating achievement.

Also, on the next day, May 27, 1966, I was in my home village in a shop referred to as Tara Shop -– known for selling nice mauby and I would say the best salara in Berbice -- and we were there in the

shop looking at people passing, and there were people marching and singing praise of Guyana and welcoming independence and so on; and some of the people were calling on me to come out, but at that time I was with the People’s Progressive Party and there were several members of the People’s Progressive Party in detention. So on that day I had embraced the slogan “Independence yes, celebrations no” and so I felt left out.

I felt very emotional, because here was someone who literally from boyhood days had embraced the concept of independence for Guyana with a passion, and when independence came I was not celebrating independence because our country was under a state of emergency, with the soldiers running around and in jeeps, and there were also these prisoners in detention.

So these are some of the memories I have. But going back in my mind and picturing what had happened there, I felt that it (was) part and parcel of the pain that independence brought, not only the joy and the struggle.

And the struggle was not even smooth, it was difficult; in some respects, it was controversial the way independence was achieved.

BITTER LEGACY It was controversial, and we still, for many years, had to live with the bitter legacy of what took place during the independence struggle, and even at independence time. And that bitter legacy included a legacy of ethnic division in Guyana, political polarization going back to 50 years. While it was good to live through that period; while it is good to have been identified with that period; it also for me was a mixed cocktail of joy (and) pride with a sense of pain, a sense of nostalgia, a sense of not having achieved (an) independence that made us a complete Guyanese personality.

And for years we battled with that question of our identity; so when we look back at 1966, we can say now that not only have we survived those difficulties, it shows that we had the strength as a nation to deal with our problems in whatever way we did. Sometimes it was done in conflict, but most times Guyanese showed that their desire to cooperate was greater than the temptation to create conflicts; and that is what inspired me, that part of it that (showed) we have this commitment to cooperate, we have this commitment to move forward and to overcome our difficulties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Biker dies after colliding with horse at Port Mourant

THIRTY-NINE-year-old Michael Leitch, of Rose Hall Town died after the motorcycle he was driving collided with a horse on the Portuguese Quarters Public Road, at Port Mourant , Corentyne.

His pillion rider Seema Looknauth, of Lot 42 Williamsburg Village, also of the Corentyne was also injured and is being treated at the Port Mourant Hospital. On Independence Night, at about 22:00hrs, the couple were on motorcycle CF 2317, when a horse ran across the road into the path of the motorcycle which caused a collision. As a result of the collision, Leitch lost control of the bike and slammed into motorcar HC 602, owned by Mickey Sonny. Sonny’s car was at the time parked on the northern foot path.

Leith and Looknauth were picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the nearby Port Mourant Hospital, where doctors on duty pronounced the 39-year-old dead on arrival. Leitch’s body is at the Port Mourant Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. The police are investigating.

Couple nabbed with 14lbs ganja A REPEAT offender and his common-law wife were nabbed with 14lbs of marijuana after police made a surprise visit at a Percy Smith Street, East Canje residence on Independence Night, May 26.

Police on mobile patrol visited the house where they saw the female companion sitting beneath the house. She was asked to call her common- law husband and when he appeared, the cops requested that he accompany them on a search of his home.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that in the first bedroom, several parcels wrapped in plastic were seen in two black bulky plastic bags. When opened, the parcels contained leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be portions of the cannabis plant.

Further, a second bedroom was searched and it unearthed a tarpaulin under the mattress which also contained suspected ganja. The couple was arrested and taken to the Reliance Police Station, where the suspected narcotic was weighed in their presence and it amounted to 14 lbs. They remain in custody and are expected to appear before a magistrate during next week.

Meanwhile, the male defendant currently faces a charge of trafficking in a narcotic. He also faces a robbery-under-arms charge committed on New Amsterdam businessman Mohamed Ali, who was robbed of $2.5M as he was about to make a deposit at the Scotia Bank in New Amsterdam on August 4, 2014. Further, he was charged with robbery committed on Indernauth Bishram, called “Ajay,” of Sun Shine Supermarket and Poultry Supplies of Public Road, Cumberland, East Canje Berbice of $1.3M on April 28, 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

She will not control me ‒ Mayor Holland accuses Town Clerk of acting outside her remit

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE ongoing tension between Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and Town Clerk Janella Bowen was on display with the two trading barbs during the council’s statutory meeting on Wednesday.

This was no different to the previous month’s statutory meeting in which the mayor cautioned the town clerk over her behaviour, which he described as disrespectful and stymieing progress of the council.

The town clerk was accused of usurping her powers and taking on responsibilities that are not within her remit. According to Mayor Holland, the town clerk’s attitude gives the impression that she is above him and the council and cannot be given instructions, even though the organisational chart indicates that this is not so.

“You want us to believe that the council is answerable to the town clerk, the town clerk in this case… has to carry out our instructions.

I don’t believe it is the other way around in which the clerk instructs the council… the council instructs the town clerk,” said the mayor.

He suggested that maybe the town clerk’s attitude was accepted during the previous council, but warned, “it won’t happen with us.”

Other allegations that were made against the town clerk included her alleged tardy response to instructions; not being regular and punctual at meetings; poor completion of minutes of meetings; wanting to take control of the entire council; and performing the roles and responsibilities of junior staff.

The town clerk in her defence to the numerous complaints made against her said that the allegations are alarming and untrue.

“There are things that have been said a few moments ago that are very alarming to me…. I make it a matter of duty every morning to check with the mayor’s office… for example yesterday I checked thrice before I got to see the mayor… every morning I check and 99 per cent of the times the mayor is not there,” explained Bowen.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

LIMITED RESOURCES She blamed the issue of the tardy completion of instructions, especially the completion of minutes and other correspondence on the limited resources available to her office.

These include stationery, a computer and printer which the staff is forced to use.

The town clerk also revealed that some staffers are working under uncomfortable circumstances, in some cases even without a fan.

As it relates to the allegations against her trying to take control of the council, Town Clerk Bowen quoted section 75 of the 28:01 which shows that she is the administrative head of the council.

“Section 75 of the law in terms of administrative duties are conferred upon me, mandated, based on the law…. The Clerk shall be the chief administrative officer of the council of which he is the Clerk and shall have the general responsibility of coordinating the whole work of the council,” she quoted.

She then accused the mayor of mixing up her roles and responsibilities and making spurious allegations.

“I am getting the feeling that we are again mixing up our responsibilities and roles based on policymakers and administrators,” she articulated.

Councillor Lennox Gasper, commenting on the issue, quoted from a local government book that says: “The mayor cannot direct his officers for they are responsible to the council only Turn to page 18 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Kara Kara toll booth reactivated

By Vanessa Braithwaite AFTER two months in office, the Linden Mayor and Town Council has successfully secured the return of the Kara Kara toll booth to the mining town.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland made this announcement on Monday, noting that a motion was passed during an emergency meeting last week for the toll to be reinstituted.

The booth will be gazetted and operations will commence earliest.

Mayor Holland praised Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams for his intervention in returning the toll booth to Linden.

During the recent Local Government Elections campaign, Minister Williams had made an open promise to the people of Linden to have the booth returned as soon as the Council was sworn in.

Mayor Holland said the minister has made good on his promise. This came at a time when the cash-strapped Council is in dire need to offset its $200M debt and cover basic monthly expenses.

The Kara Kara toll booth that was established in 1997 was disbanded in 2013 by former Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker.

The purpose of the booth was to garner funds from heavy-duty trucks transporting lumber and other resources to and from the Interior.

According to reports, the booth was disbanded to accommodate the operations of lumber giant Bai Shan Lin. As a result of this subsidised operation, the Council lost close to $250M, former IMC Chairman Orin Gordon had said. Minister Williams described this decision by the previous administration as a move to stymie the progress of the town.

“They never wanted you to thrive, they took away all of your financial abilities to spend money to look after yourselves… you use to take fees from those large trucks passing through Linden, the heavy lumber trucks and the bauxite container trucks and you used to get a reasonable income from that as a Town Council... 35 per cent of those revenues constituted your budget in this town of Linden, said the minister.

In addition to the toll booth, the Council has secured an increase in the yearly subvention from the Government and is looking to also increase the toll for the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.

She will...

through the appropriate committees.”

He then posited that the quote should allow for persons to understand their roles and responsibilities. Councillor Gasper suggested that the steady in-house fighting and power struggle are stymieing progress when there is a lot of work for the council to do.

“If we are going to move forward, let us move forward as a unified body… we need to move forward right now, we are fighting internally rather than doing works externally… we have not been doing our work, but

From page 17

yet we want to show who got power, who got balls… let us understand our roles and responsibilities,” he urged.

Mayor Holland believes that the statements of the councillor were directed towards his office.

“I want to make it clear that you cannot be speaking to the mayor’s office, because I have not been doing anything out of my remit. I have been doing just what I was elected to do… so councillor, I think that you are out of order if that is your assertion,” he affirmed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Guyoil, Tradewind Tankers give Covent Garden Primary $2M Music & Art Room THE Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil) has partnered with the Tradewind Tankers and collaborated with the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) of the Covent Garden Primary School, East Bank Demerara, to construct a Music and Art Room as a gift to the school in celebration of that school’s 50th anniversary of existence.

At a simple sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday, Chairman of the PTA, Junior Cornette, extended his gratitude to the company for taking on the project so that students could have their own space for music and art.

Managing Director (ag) of Guyoil, Reggie Bhagwandin, in brief remarks, noted that Guyoil and Tradewind Tankers believe that completing this project is a fitting gesture to the school, since the occasion also commemorates Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary.

Bhagwandin said the project would be completed

Managing Director (ag) of Guyoil, Reggie Bhagwandin, and Chairman of the Covent Garden Primary School PTA, Junior Cornette, turning the sod as students, teachers and representatives of Guyoil look on

within the next four weeks, and at a cost of just over $2M. The cornerstone of the

Covent Garden Primary School was laid on May 26, 1966, and the school was built by residents of

that community as an independence project, to accommodate students in the community rather than

Minister Henry apologises for seating mix-up at flag raising ceremony Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, has issued a statement explaining the seating situation which saw Opposition members walking out of the Jubilee celebrations at Durban Park following claims that their parliamentarians were denied seats.

In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Henry said that, on May 24, Parliamentary Opposition members were orally briefed about several protocols to be observed on May 25, which included that all members be seated by 9:45pm, and that they should use the northwestern (Homestretch Avenue/ Vlissengen Road) entrance to access the Jubilee Park.

According to Minister Henry, the PPP was informed that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo would be seated in the Presidential Section with all other past presidents and prime ministers, while all other PPP members would be seated in the other VIP section.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry

Minister Henry said that on the night in question, the PPP Parliamentarians entered the venue via the southwestern entrance (Hadfield Street).

“Had it not been for the police insistence on using the northwestern entrance, this would have resulted in the Opposition and President arriving on the tarmac at the same time,” Minister Henry clarified.

She claims that the fol-

lowing persons proceeded to the Presidential Section: Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Juan Edghill and Clement Rohee.

“The remaining members remained standing in the passage, as Ms. Manickhand indicated they will only sit when they can be assigned seats together. (This was told to the usher),” Minister Henry noted in her statement.

She noted that, upon arriving at the Presidential Section, the Opposition Leader indicated that there were concerns with the seating, and she assured him that this would be addressed immediately.

“So I proceeded by personally asking other invited persons to give up their seats to ensure the Opposition members were all seated together. As soon as the persons began to give up their seats, the Opposition (members) walked out,” Minister Henry said.

“In the circumstances, I wish to state that, as the organizer of this event, I apologize for any inconvenience, embarrassment or

distress this incident may have caused,” Minister Henry declared.

And in a statement issued that very night, the PPP declared that: “Upon arrival at the VIP area tonight, there were no seats set aside for the Opposition MPs, except for the two former Presidents, Dr. Jagdeo and Mr. Sam Hinds, and two other MPs. “The majority of the MPs were left standing. Appeals were made to Minister Henry and Attorney-General Basil Williams, but to no avail. However, in the interim, dozens of people were escorted to, and seated in, the VIP area. After standing for over half of an hour in the passage way and no seats were made available, the Leader of the Opposition, former President Hinds, accompanied by the MPs and their spouses, departed.

“The humiliation of standing in the passageway while other people were being seated was deliberately designed to humiliate and embarrass the PPP/C parliamentary opposition”.

have them travelling some distance to attend the Providence Primary School.

The Ministry of Ed-

ucation has reinforced music as an important aspect of a child’s overall development.

Generally incident-free jubilee ‒ Ramjattan THE national flag-raising ceremony and the Jubilee Float Parade organised as part of our 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations were generally incident-free, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has said.

In a statement, the ministry commended the general public and the Guyana Police Force for their display of good citizenship.

“The Guyana Police Force, supported by the Guyana Fire Service and the Health Services coordinated efforts to ensure general safety and security of the public. While citizens were in celebratory mood, our officers were working beyond the call of duty to deliver first-class operational and security support to the major events over the last two days,” the statement read. It added, “These efforts included crowd control, traffic management, protection against possible terror threats and general public safety. The ministry wishes to offer special commendation to the traffic ranks who executed a well put together plan to

minimise inconvenience to the travelling public. It is heartening to note that we were able to celebrate our Golden Jubilee almost without incident.”

According to the ministry, the citizens of Guyana and visitors “to this beautiful land of ours who attended these mega events conducted themselves in a manner that is praiseworthy. There are still a few events remaining on the official Jubilee Calendar of events. The ministry calls upon the general public to continue to demonstrate good citizenship and the security forces to continue to demonstrate resolve and dedication.”

On a sad note however, the ministry offers condolences to the relatives of the late Roxanne Mitchell who died in a vehicular accident while returning home from the flag-raising ceremony. “This loss of life is regretted. The ministry takes this opportunity to call upon the travelling public to obey the rules of the road and to take care and caution when traversing our roadways.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Making Guyana safe again …Jubilee and Beyond THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has in the past months seen significant growth in its capacity as well as an increase in public trust, leading to the reduction of crime at all levels and Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud has said that this is due to a change in the administration.

With a 19 percent reduction in all serious crimes as of April this year, the evidence suggests that crime-fighting efforts are beginning to bear fruit. On his assumption of office, President David Granger made the safety and security of citizens and visitors to Guyana a priority. He set up weekly security committee meetings

with the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), along with other key security officials and has been actively leading the fight against crime.

The President has acknowledged that more work still needs to be done, but has spoken extensively on some of the changes that have been implemented.

“We are augmenting the strength of the police force overall. It is about 20 percent under-strength; we want to bring it up to strength. We have augmented the strength of the [Criminal Investigations Department], so there are now more and better trained detectives… Even our critics have accepted and

A patrol vehicle of the Guyana Police Force ready to be dispatched

acknowledged that crimes are being solved much more quickly than ever before,” President Granger said in response to questions from reporters on the Public Interest on May 6, 2016.

With increased support

and capacity-building efforts being meted out to them, the GPF has seemingly attacked their unenviable task with renewed energy. Over the past several months, they have been ardently working to ensure that all aspects of

the Force are improved, so as to operate at its utmost efficiency. The country has admittedly seen an increase in the speedy solving of crimes and police response. Commissioner Persaud said that the reason for this improve-

ment is two-fold, and deals primarily with the increase in ranks and the increase in public interest.

The commissioner admitted though that up to 2014, the Force had been short of its expected quota of police officers. By next year, the commissioner is certain that the Force will achieve its full complement. “We have more ranks now. We have had a big shortage and then we had an expansion in the establishment. We had difficulties recruiting, but we no longer have that difficulty.

We have about 1200 applications currently. Before, there wasn’t much interest in the police force, but as we go out into the communities and engage people and they see how they operate, there are people who realised that

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Firearm and ammunition examination plays a key role in helping to solve crimes

that is what they wanted to do and so we started getting a flurry of applications,” he said.

Regarding public participation in providing information to the police, Commissioner Persaud stated that due to an increased number of partnership programmes established by the Force across the country, persons have been able to develop a better sense of trust in the police. “We go into communities to work with people and that has really developed public trust. So there are things happening where years before nobody sees or knows anything and now even before [the] police start to do their canvassing for information, people are coming forward to give statements. That is why now you see a high-profile crime occurring and a few days down the line people are arrested and charged,” he said.

He also noted that these changes are connected to the renewed sense of nationalism that has been sweeping the nation. “Trust is a big thing and if they don’t trust the top, then it’s hardly likely that that trust will be heavy at lower levels because no matter how they trust you operating in the middle, I wouldn’t come forward because those instructing you are not trusted.

There has been a renewed trust since the change of the administration and we have noted that and it has worked well for us,” he said With the addition of more vehicles, enhanced technology, structural adjustments and audit and inspection exercises to monitor behaviour, the commissioner said that the Force is operating at a level that is more effectively

able to tackle crime.

Yet there has been skepticism by members of the public as a result of the incidence of some high-profile crimes over the past few months. These violent crimes make it difficult for some to believe that the reported 19 percent reduction in violent crime is accurate.

The commissioner said that this comes from an emotional place, where due to past experiences the public is quick to revert to a place of fear. “Action is driven from emotion rather than thinking, so they see high-profile crime and it takes them back to a stage when things are really bad, so that fear comes up again,” he said.

GOLDEN JUBILEE SECURITY INITIATIVES Guyanese have just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the nation’s independence.

With several major events and large visitor-arrival numbers, the GPF amped up security measures. It was important that people felt safe as they participated in the Jubilee. Additionally, Operation Dragnet, which was launched in December 2015 and extended until the end of the celebrations, has assisted in the overall reduction of crime. Dragnet is a joint security initiative between the GPF and the GDF and was formed to tackle national security threats.

Due to the influx of tourists and the plethora of activities which attracted large crowds, the GPF had the arduous task of ensuring that these events were observed with little to no incidence of crime. Moreover, as Guyanese and visitors travelled to and from and converged at different venues throughout

Crime Chief Mr. Wendell Blanhum

the country, efforts to ensure that they were safe were also implemented.

Commissioner Persaud explained that added security and patrols were implemented along the East Bank Demerara route and within villages along the way. For special events and places of entertainment, strict security measures were put in place to ensure that patrons felt safe during the celebratory season. The commissioner said that increased security presence was also made available for the extended curfew hours.

Expanding on the measures put in place to tackle crime at this time, Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, explained that regular foot and mobile patrols have been deployed within all divisions. He added that there was also 24hour surveillance of key areas around the city, at the Demerara Harbour Bridge and around the Camp Street Prison via CCTV cameras.

Additionally, he stated that crime tips were publicised for sensitisation purposes on how persons can protect themselves. “Our duty is to

24-hour surveillance of key areas is conducted by ranks at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown

serve and protect the members of the public, so we must ensure that all measures are put in place that would enable us to carry out our duties,” he said.

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Mr. Clifton Hicken, said that through the efforts of Operation Dragnet, the activities for the Golden Jubilee celebrations were largely incident-free; an accomplishment that the Force is proud of. Like his colleagues, Commander Hicken also noted the increased participation of the public in assisting the police. He added that the increased access

given to the public to commanders and other senior officers has also assisted in this process. “I don’t think the prevalence and access members of the public are getting to the commanders and sub division officers were realised before. Now at every police station, the commander’s and all senior officers’ numbers are on billboards at the stations, so any member of the public can have access to them and it’s working, because it’s expected that when you have access your problem will be solved and that is building confidence now too,” he

said. Commander Hicken gave the assurance that the Police Force is committed to honouring their duty of keeping the public safe.

It is with this mandate in mind that the Guyana Police Force assures the nation that they can go about their business with confidence in their safety and with the knowledge that the police are on high alert and stand ready to clamp down on crime. And while there is more work to be done, at this time it is safe to say that Guyanese are nonetheless in good hands.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

May is Int’l Internal Audit Awareness Month MAY is International Internal Audit Awareness Month and 2016 marks 75 years of the existence of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) as a global voice for internal auditing.

Today, the IIA serves approximately 180,000 members in 190 countries.

Guyana became a Chapter Member of the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the IIA in April 2000 with John Seeram being the first President. Since then, this Chapter has had a second past President in Deodat Indar and the third and current president is Jaigopaul Ram. Commenting on the profession, Seeram, founder-member and past president said: “I admire a profession that constantly strives to evolve, to expand its mandate, to address the needs of its stakeholders, and to ensure the well-being of an organisation in both the private and public sectors.”

MEANINGFUL ROLE The Guyana Chapter, he recalls, started with 15 members and to date its membership has grown to 56 members. Despite a slow growth in membership, Seeram says that after 16 years the chapter still continues to play a meaningful role.

The Guyana Chapter is mandated by the IIA Global to promote and develop the internal audit profession.

To meet the demands of the profession is the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) which consists of International Standards, Codes of Ethics, Definition of Internal Audit, Position Papers, Practice Advisories and Practice Guides.

All internal auditors are required to have a working knowledge of this Framework, and this is made known to them through seminars and workshops by this Chapter, of which there are three to four in a fiscal year.

Sensitive topics such as risk management, controls, fraud detection and prevention, cybersecurity, forensic audits, audit report writing, to mention a few, were done by experienced and qualified presenters.

In addition to seminars, it has been involved in doing on-the-job training in the public sector. The response, says Seeram, who is now Governor, IIA Guyana Chapter Board, has been

heartening, so this form of training is now a priority area, since internal auditors are in dire need of continuous training.

The Guyana Chapter is also responsible for promoting and monitoring the Institute’s certification examinations. The major exam is the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) through which eight members of this Chapter have

John Seeram, Governor IAA Guyana Chapter Board

successfully obtained the CIA designation. Members are also afforded the privilege of attending overseas conferences, seminars and workshops in order to enhance their learning process.

HURDLES TO CROSS After 16 years of this Chapter’s existence, the role of the internal auditor has not been fully recognised, despite the Chapter promoting its mandate from the IIA Global.

Presenting a brief list to support his claim, Seeram said that management in both the public and private sectors is yet to accept the important role the internal auditor has in an organisation and that the internal audit profession is not fully receiving the recognition it deserves from its stakeholders.

He noted also that the auditing emphasis is yet to fully focus on governance, controls and risk management.

Further, preference is still being given to appointing auditors with an accounting background, however such a unit needs to be also staffed with non-accountants in order to add value and improve an organisation’s operations.

There is still the view that the internal auditor and the external auditor is one and the same, while the internal auditor is

not being allowed to perform and act independently at all times. As an example, the reporting function is to a senior line staff.

Moreover, more funds should to be provided in the training budget for internal auditors in both sectors since the audit scope has been constantly expanding.

Noting that the Guyana Chapter is fully aware of the areas on which it needs to focus, Seeram says it is the hope that the internal audit profession will receive the recognition it deserves from its stakeholders, and that the importance of the profession is understood and embraced by all.

“Today’s internal auditors must be seen as a partner instead of a watchdog, assisting management to increase its organisation’s effectiveness as promoted by IIA Global,” he affirms.

Noting that in 2016, IIA Guyana will intensify its promotion of the profession and the global body, Seeram however, said it has to encourage all internal auditors to follow the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

“Even though this IPPF is reviewed and updated every year, which is excellent, one of the major challenges being faced is that internal audit is still not well understood in many quarters.

One way to overcome this is for auditors to be guided by using the IPPF,” Seeram contends.

The Governor is of the firm conviction that the Guyana Chapter has to keep abreast with the developments of this profession and to focus not only on risk-based auditing, but also on value-based auditing and performance improvements.

Internal auditors, he says, need to keep advancing the profession within their respective organisations, so that they can be viewed as not only relevant, but also as an indispensable asset.

Congratulating the IIA Global for 75 years of sharing knowledge and raising the level of the auditing profession globally, Governor, IIA Guyana Chapter Board, Seeram, on behalf of the Guyana Chapter,gave the assurance that the IIA Guyana is committed to continue moving this profession forward.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Get ready for a ‘Busy’ night at Banks Jubilee ‒ Busy Signal arrives, Konshens and Mega Concert tonight others to arrive today

By Tamica Garnett

HE’S here and he’s ready to give fans what they want.

So says Jamaica dancehall artiste, Busy Signal, who touched down in Guyana

Friday afternoon ahead of his performance at tonight’s sold-out Banks DIH-sponsored Jubilee Mega Concert slated for the National Stadium.

Encouraging fans to come

out, the ‘Night Shift/One More Night’ artiste promised that fans will be getting his best when he graces the stage tomorrow night.

“They got to come, they got to come to the show

tomorrow and see all that special stuff we got lined up, crazy stuff, you know what I mean? We perform and we deliver 100 percent to the people at all times, we don’t try to put it 95 percent, or 70

percent, we give it full each time, and we do it in different ways. So right now, tomorrow, madness! Busy signal,” Busy Signal assured.

Busy was hosted Friday at the Banks DIH Sports

Club, Thirst Park, where he chatted with the media and mingled with scores of fans who flocked the venue to get a glimpse of, and a picture with, the ‘Watch Out Fi Dis’ Continued on page 25 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Get ready for a ‘Busy’ night at Banks...

From page 24

singer.

Busy Signal is one of several artistes headlining the mega event. Other top artistes include fellow dancehall artiste Konshens, who is scheduled to arrive today, and Mr. Phenomenal himself Benjai, out of Trinidad.

With a line-up packed with local artistes in addition to the Trinidad and Jamaica performers, the concert promises to be a very “busy” night indeed.

Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, said the company is proud of the programme they have put together and fans are guaranteed to have a good time.

“We have a very good line-up. This show will be off the hook, the fans can come out and have an enjoyable time. We also have Konshens with us, we have Cecile, we have Karma, there’s Benjai, and from Guyana we have Big Red, First Born, Adrian Dutchin, Kwasi Ace, there’s Vanessa Bling. So it’s going to be a very, very busy night,” Peters remarked.

The concert is part of the ongoing Jubilee festivities, which is commemorating Guyana’s 50th Independence

Anniversary, which was celebrated last Thursday; a celebration that Busy said he is very happy to be a part of, noting that at the end of the day we are all united as a Caribbean people.

“I am so honoured to be a part of the celebration. You know in a way we are all one Caribbean and just being a part of celebrating this, I am really, really honoured to be here,” Busy said.

Peters said this concert is just one of the many ways that Banks is giving back to the people in this Jubilee celebrations.

“We have always been giving, not just for this particular occasion. Banks has always been giving, in fact we are one of the pillars of the whole celebration, we have contributed immensely, in the arch and once again we will be giving back to the country. Having an artiste like Busy Signal as one of our lead artistes is very important to us, as a company, and as a country,” Peters expressed.

According to Peters, anyone able to get a regular ticket would be a very lucky person as there are only VIP tickets still remaining on the sale shelf.

Things just got Busy! Jamaican artiste Busy Signal (centre), arrived yesterday ahead of tonight’s Banks DIH Jubilee. He is flanked by Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters (right) and another Banks representative (Cullen Nelson photo)

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GFF holds Congress today By: Ras Wadada

THE Member Associations and Elite Clubs of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will today meet at the Herdmanston Lodge in Queenstown for the first Ordinary Congress under their president Wayne Forde.

The one-day Congress, which is scheduled to begin at 11:00hrs, will be followed up by a GFF Fundraising Dinner tomorrow night. Both events will feature internationally-acclaimed cricket commentator, Guyanese Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira who

now resides in St Lucia.

The former national football coach is expected to make a presentation at today’s Congress.

In a Press release from the Federation, the GFF boss mentioned the need for a way to bring togetherness in the sport, “There is a need for us to recognise that the kind of infighting that has really stymied our growth over the years needs to come to an end. We need to find a way to truly embrace each other and trust each other as we need to recognise that, on our own, there is very little which we

can accomplish”.

The President elect, last year November, along with his executive, had put together a strategic document titled ‘PEAK’ and this is expected to be highlighted and detailed at today’s Congress as well.

The acronym PEAK represents; Performance, Empowerment, Accountability and Knowledge and, according to Forde, “these are the key pillars of the development goals of the thrust of local football”.

The GFF boss also stated that he is encouraged by what has transpired since he assumed the post of president,

“Over the past six months I have experienced a very warm and reconciliatory tone and embrace from the membership and I think they will be interested in what we have to say to them.

“I think they will be keen on every aspect of football development that we will present; I believe it will be a fine example of what a GFF Congress ought to be”.

Tomorrow night’s event to be held at the Gravity Lounge is being referred to as ‘An Evening with ‘Reds’ Perreira’ and tickets for the Dinner which starts at 20:00hrs is G$10 000.

handed out fines to the football associations of Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay for homophobic chants by supporters during qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup. Chile were banned from playing at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago for two official matches and fined 30,000 Swiss Francs ($30,000).

The first suspension will be served at the next World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, with the second suspended subject to a two-year proba-

tion period.

"The proceedings relate to homophobic chants by the team's fans and follow previous sanctions for similar incidents during the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup," FIFA said in a statement.

Mexico were fined a total of 35,000 Swiss Francs for two cases, while Honduras were fined 40,000, El Salvador 35,000, Paraguay 20,000 and Peru 15,000 for individual cases related to incidents

involving discriminatory and unsporting conduct by fans, including homophobic chants.

Croatia were also ordered to play their next two World Cup qualifiers – against Turkey on September 5 and Finland on October 9 – without spectators and fined a total of 150,000 Swiss Francs for two cases of discriminatory chants by fans, which occurred at friendly matches against Israel and Hungary last March.

FIFA imposes stadium bans, fines for homophobic chants

ZURICH, Switzerland (AFP) — FIFA yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Twenty-three athletes from London 2012 positive in doping retests

By Karolos Grohmann BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - Twenty-three athletes from five sports tested positive for banned drugs in re-checks of 265 samples from the 2012 London Olympics, the International Olympic Committee said yesterday, The results, part of the IOC's re-testing of samples from past Games to keep cheats from competing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August, involved athletes from six different national teams four years ago.

The IOC, which stores samples for a decade in order to re-test using newer methods or to look for new drugs, will not name the athletes or the sports until the second sample or B tests has been analysed. That process can take several weeks.

Last week the organisation found 31 athletes from six sports who could be banned from Rio for failing doping tests when 454 samples were re-examined from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The IOC, which said one more sample from Beijing had shown "abnormal parameters" and would also be followed up

on, added that the re-testing programme was still in progress and could deliver more positive checks in the coming weeks.

"These re-analyses show, once again, our determination in the fight against doping," IOC president Thomas Bach said.

"We want to keep the dopers away from the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"I have already appointed a disciplinary commission which has the full power to take all the decisions on behalf of the IOC." The targeted re-testing focused mainly on athletes who could potentially compete in Rio and the IOC said anyone found doping would be banned from those Games.

DOPING SPECULATION While the re-testing is yielding results, it also raises speculation about the extent of doping at the Games some two months before the Olympics.

Doping scandals have plagued the build-up to the world's biggest multi-sports event with Russia under investigation fol-

IOc president Thomas Bach lowing a report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suggesting systematic doping in that country.

Kenya, famed for its distance runners, is also racing against the clock to amend its anti-doping laws in order for WADA to rule the African nation as compliant again.

In a further blow to its credibility, Russia has confirmed 14 of the positive Beijing Games rechecks concerned their athletes, some of whom are medallists.

Russian track and field athletes are currently suspended pending an investigation into the scandal which could leave the nation without a full team at the Games starting on August 5.

The IAAF, the world governing body of athletics, will decide on June 17 whether Moscow has done enough to clean up its act in order to be readmitted to competition.

Russia has pledged to ban all athletes with a doping past from its Olympic squad but calls for a blanket ban of the entire team have grown louder with every twist of the scandal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Mourinho tells United to forget the last three years

By Steve Tongue LONDON, England (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho will forget what has gone on for the last three disappointing seasons at Manchester United, he said in his first interview after being installed as manager yesterday.

Since Alex Ferguson retired after winning the Premier League in 2013 the club have finished seventh, fourth and fifth, securing their only silverware in that time by winning this season's FA Cup. That trophy was not enough to save Louis van Gaal who was dismissed this week following two years in charge.

"I think I prefer to forget the past three years," Mourinho told the club's TV channel.

"I prefer to focus on the giant club I have in my hands now and I think what the fans are expecting me to say is that I want to win."

The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager, sacked by the London club in December after his second spell there, believes he has the right experience to be successful at United.

"I think it comes in the right moment of my career because Man United is one of these clubs where you need really to be prepared for it," said the charismatic Portuguese.

"Giant clubs must be for the best managers and I think I am ready for it so I could say I am happy, I am proud, I am honoured.

I feel great.

"I want to win," added

Mourinho. "I need the supporters and players to feel that. (The fans) know what they can give me and what I can give them.

"I've played so many times at Old Trafford and the feeling was empathy. I remember when I won at Old Trafford with Real Madrid and I said the best team lost, not many people at Real Madrid were very happy with that."

Mourinho did not offer any hints about whether Ryan Giggs, who worked as van Gaal's assistant, would be staying.

There was also no mention of possible transfer targets like Sweden and Paris St Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mourinho has been given a three-year contract, which British media estimated be-

ing worth between 30 million and 45 million pounds ($43.99-$65.98 million).

SIMPLY THE BEST "Jose is quite simply the

forward."

Mourinho was widely expected to succeed van Gaal and his agent Jorge Mendes met United officials on Tuesday to discuss personal terms.

Jose Mourinho leaves his house in London, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters/Toby Melville) best manager in the game today," United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement.

"He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.

"His track record of success is ideal to take the club

The talks became protracted however, when it emerged Chelsea still owned his name as a trademark.

Now the stage is set for the marriage of two of world soccer's biggest names, Mourinho and United, England's most successful club and a global giant.

"To become Manchester United manager is a spe-

cial honour in the game," Mourinho said in an earlier statement.

"It is a club known and admired throughout the world. There is a mystique and a romance about it which no other club can match."

In two spells at Chelsea he won the Premier League three times, including their first for 50 years, and the FA Cup and League Cup. Mourinho also won league championships in his first seasons at Porto and Inter before helping Real to their first La Liga crown in four years.

United's fifth-place finish under van Gaal this season meant they failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second time since Ferguson left. They will play in the Europa League next term.

There are reservations about Mourinho's preferred style of play with former United striker Eric Cantona saying the club should have opted instead for Pep Guardiola who is taking over at Manchester City.

But other former players, including goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and former captain Steve Bruce, believe he will revive the fortunes of the Old Trafford team.

2014 victory has not sated Real’s thirst for glory - Ramos

By Richard Martin

MILAN, (Reuters)-Captain Sergio Ramos believes Real Madrid are as hungry to beat Atletico Madrid in today’s Champions League final as they were two years ago when they beat their neighbours to land a 10th European Cup. It was Ramos who headed an injury-time equaliser to send the 2014 final into extra-time where Real overpowered a flattened Atletico 4-1 to end a 12-year wait for 'La Decima'.

The defender said that night in Lisbon had done nothing to sate Real's determination.

"If I was to write a film I would have scripted it like that but now we have to focus on this one and we have the same hunger, hope and excitement as we did before," Ramos told a news conference on Friday.

"I wouldn't change anything about the last final, destiny has been written

and what has to happen tomorrow will happen."

Atletico were caught out

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos at the death in Lisbon and Ramos urged total concentration for his side on Saturday, warning that Diego Simeone's outfit will be waiting to pounce on any momentary lapse from Real.

"Atletico are a team that will punish you in the one second you switch off, be it from a set piece or open play, so you have to have all your senses plugged in," he added.

Simeone's men are one of just two teams coach Zinedine Zidane has lost to since succeeding Rafael Benitez in January, the other being VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Zidane responded to that reverse by redeploying Brazilian Casemiro in defensive midfield, leading to a run of 12 straight league victories and the surge to a second final in three years.

"We are a bit better in every sense and, although that doesn't mean anything in a final, we have done a huge amount of work," Zidane said.

"I believe a lot in the work and what the players did to get here, it was phenomenal. We can't know what's going to happen tomorrow, all we know is we're prepared."

Asked how his side would cope with Atletico's intense style, Zidane added: "We're going to run, run and run."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Second Test in Durham ‌

England finish on 310 for six on first day

(REUTERS) - England's batsmen failed to take full advantage on a first day of swinging fortunes in the second Test against Sri Lanka, finishing on 310 for six after outstanding catching kept the touring side in contention yesterday.

A late cameo from Jonny Bairstow, who oozed confidence after his first-Test 140, steadied an innings that had been in danger of falling away but he departed for 48 just before the close as Sri Lanka fought back on a slow pitch in Durham.

Both England openers missed landmarks in chilly conditions at Chester-leStreet where England have

won all five of their previous Tests.

Alastair Cook chose to bat after winning the toss in the hope of scoring the 20 runs he needed to become the youngest player - and the first Englishman - to reach 10 000 runs.

But the opener only reached 15 before jabbing at a wide delivery from Suranga Lakmal and he was well caught by a diving Dimuth Karunaratne in the slips.

Cook's opening partner Alex Hales also had a personal milestone in mind and came close to a maiden Test century.

Hales, who made 86 in the first Test, played fluently

with a judicious mix of attack and defence before falling on 83 to a superb catch by Angelo Mathews at slip off the bowling of spinner Milanda Siriwadana.

With under-pressure Nick Compton again departing cheaply for nine, to an excellent catch on the long-leg boundary by Lakmal, Joe Root needed to provide the innings with renewed momentum.

T h e Yo r k s h i r e m a n chalked up an effortless fifty from 70 balls and looked on course for a century but was surprised on 80 by a quicker ball from Nuwan Pradeep that got up off a length.

The bounce forced Root into a hurried shot that was

easily caught by Kaushal Silva. England's most prolific batsman has now failed to reach three figures seven of the last eight times he has recorded a half-century.

James Vince fell to a lazy stroke for 35, leaving Bairstow and Moeen Ali to add 70 for the sixth wicket before the former under-edged a catch to the keeper.

By the close, Moeen had reached an untroubled 28 with Chris Woakes unbeaten on eight. Pradeep was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with three for 69.

England won the first Test in the three-match series by an innings and 88 runs.

Warriors shoot past Thunder, extend West finals (THE Sports Xchange) Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes bombed in 3-pointers on consecutive possessions during an eightpoint flurry that opened a 12-point lead early in the fourth quarter, and the Golden State Warriors held on from there to stay alive in the Western Conference finals with a 120-111 victory over the Oklahoma Thunder on Thursday night.

The victory trimmed Golden State's deficit in the best-of-seven to 3-2, with the series returning to Oklahoma City for another possible close-out game for the Thunder tonight.

Game 7, if necessary, would be Monday in Oakland.

Stephen Curry poured in 31 points, going 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, as the Warriors overcame a 40-point explosion by Thunder star Kevin Durant to keep their hopes of a title repeat alive.

The Warriors led just 81-77 before backup guard Shaun Livingston opened the fourth period with a short jumper.

Iguodala and Barnes then nailed their 3-pointers, opening an 89-77 advantage, Golden State's biggest lead of the game to that point.

The advantage reached 13, but power forward Serge Ibaka wouldn't let the Thunder go quietly. He swished a pair of 3-pointers, and when

to go with seven rebounds and a team-high eight assists.

Ibaka had 13 points and Steven Adams a team-high 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who were able to eliminate Dallas and San Antonio in earlier series at the first opportunity.

The Thunder made 13 of their 30 3-point attempts, outscoring the Warriors 39-27 from beyond the arc.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams (12) defends during the second quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena.

Durant added a third, all of a sudden Golden State's lead was just 103-98 with still 4:34 to go.

Curry then responded with his biggest hoop of the night, a driving left-handed floater on which he was fouled. He converted the three-point play, pushing the lead to eight.

The Golden State defence took it from there, holding the Thunder without a field goal until a Durant dunk with 56.9 seconds left, by which point the Warriors had pulled away into a commanding 112-101 advantage.

Klay Thompson overcame 2-for-9 shooting on 3-pointers to back Curry with 27 points for the Warriors,

who are now 3-2 after losses in the playoffs.

The Warriors won despite making just nine of their 24 3-point attempts.

Andrew Bogut had 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, and Draymond Green had an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Warriors.

The Warriors shot 47.1 percent for the game to 42.9 percent for Oklahoma City.

Golden State battled the Thunder even on the boards, 45-45.

Durant's 40 points came on 12-for-31 shooting. Like Curry, he did serious damage at the free-throw line, going 13-for-13.

R u s s e l l We s t b r o o k backed Durant with 31 points

Alex Hales played fluently for his second half-century in as many innings on the first day against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street.

Scoreboard ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook c Karunaratne b Lakmal 15 A. Hales c Mathews b Siriwardana 83 N. Compton c Lakmal b Pradeep

9 J. Root c K. Silva b Pradeep

80 J. Vince c Thirimanne b Siriwardana 35 J. Bairstow c Chandimal b Pradeep

48 M. Ali not out

28 C. Woakes not out

8 Extras: (b-1, lb-3)

4 Total: (for 6 wickets, 90 overs) 310 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-64, 3-160, 4-219, 5-227, 6-297.

Bowling: S. Eranga 19-2-67-0,S. Lakmal 18-3-581, N. Pradeep 19-3-69-3, R. Herath 24-1-74-0, A. Mathews 2-1-3-0, M. Siriwardana 8-0-35-2.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Professional Boxers at the Olympics - a dangerous gamble AIBA (L’Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur) is accredited as an International Sports Federation (IF) by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to govern boxing at the Olympic Games and all of its qualifying events and tournaments.

International Sports Federations are international nongovernmental organisations recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering one or more sports at world level. While conserving their independence and autonomy in the administration of their sports, International Sports Federations are required to ensure that their statutes, practices and activities conform to the Olympic Charter.

All countries wishing to have their boxers participate in the Olympics and Olympic qualifying events must necessarily have their local national amateur federations affiliated to AIBA. They must conform to AIBA’s rules and regulations.

The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association is no exception.

AIBA by its IOC accreditation has the responsibility and duty to manage and to monitor the global running of amateur boxing including the practical organisation of events leading up to and during the Games.

It is also required to supervise the development of young boxers at every level. It must ensure the promotion and development of the sport, monitoring global administration and guaranteeing the regular organisation of competitions as well as respect for the rules of fair play.

In a recent move presumably to control boxing worldwide, both aspects of the sport, professional and amateur, AIBA announced its intention to open Olympic amateur boxing to professional boxers beginning with Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2016.

This latest development has been a culmination of many small moves by AIBA to get involved with and presumably control professional boxing. It began with their instructing all national associations to effect changes to their names to delete the word ‘amateur’.

Indeed Guyana, like every other country unable to resist the dictates by AIBA for fear of being unlisted and unable to attend Olympic qualifier games, had no choice but to acquiesce.

The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) was directed to change its name to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). This was followed by abandoning headgear in certain categories of fighters.

Again, although many countries consider this dangerous for young fighters, none could resist the dictates of AIBA. This was then followed by AIBA launching something called the Professional Series of Boxing (PSB) which essentially allows amateurs to compete on AIBA’s professional platform and still compete as amateurs.

Prior to that, boxers who competed more than once professionally, could no longer go back to the amateur ranks, it being well recognised that they were such inherently different levels of the same sport that it has always been considered necessary to keep them apart to allow the proper uninterrupted development of young amateur fighters.

An amateur boxer’s participation in AIBA professional competitions, PSB or APB is of course accompanied by their having to sign a five-year contract, in itself a glaring conflict of interest, given that AIBA is the governing body for amateur boxing and now self-appointed professional boxing-sanctioning

body under the PSB and APB promotions and simultaneously signing and promoting professional boxers from whom it derives revenues.

Finally, the latest bombshell on allowing professional boxers into the Olympics has now been announced. Reasonably, if you allow one professional boxer in you must necessarily allow them all in and it will only take a court mandated order emanating from any discrimination suit brought by any professional fighter anywhere in the world to quickly establish this. So the interest shown by professional champions is natural and immediate.

An example of this is the announced willingness of world champions, Manny Pacquiao and Wladimir Klitschko to accept the invitation of Dr Wu (president of AIBA) to participate in Rio with the special privilege of not having to compete in the preliminary rounds.

Should this happen and Dr Wu is able to push through his ill-advised plan, the young and relatively immature amateur youths in the 147lb welterweight category can well find themselves facing the enormous experience and power of Pacquiao. The end result could be extreme injury or even death.

None of these amateur fighters would ever have faced anything like the enormous, explosive power of a Pacquiao.

Nothing puts a fighter at greater risk than mismatches. The WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman is keenly aware that managing disaster in the ring begins with making sure that fighters are not mismatched.

Many promoters are willing to put any two fighters together for a show because there are clear financial rewards. The WBC (World Boxing Council), painfully aware of the escalation of the risk of injury in this type of set up, has now established a committee to which an application must be made by promoters for approval of all championship fights.

The singular purpose of that committee is to reduce the possibility of injury by ensuring that there are no mismatches.

What AIBA president Dr Wu proposes for the Olympics breaches all good sense and risks the health and wellbeing of our young fighters presumably only for their apparent dream of controlling all boxing and particularly the profits associated with professional boxing.

While there has been an enormous outcry worldwide by champions, former champions and trainers, all protests have fallen on deaf ears. Nacho Berestein, trainer of the famous Juan Manuel Marques who scored a stunning six-round knockout of Pacquiao in their fourth encounter called Dr Wu’s plan complete madness.

Berestein who trains both world champions as well as amateur fighters cannot understand how AIBA could contemplate a tournament that could be potentially detrimental to our young fighters. Former Olympic and World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in a scathing commentary, described it as a ‘Recipe

for Disaster”.

The WBC’s reaction has been immediate. Its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, has announced formally that any WBC champion or boxers ranked in the top 15 of the WBC who fights in the Olympic games will be immediately banned from the WBC and stripped of his Titles.

The WBC’s position is virtually expected from an organisation that is credited with implementing enormous changes over the years to enhance the safety of the sport and one expects that most of the professional sanction bodies are likely to follow suit.

While local amateur boxing commissions, like our own GABA, are powerless to protest, this is quickly becoming a matter which must engage the attention of Governments as the dictates of Dr Wu and AIBA have arrived at a stage where their decisions threaten to endanger the well-being of our young fighters.

Dr Wu’s plan to copy the entry of NBA players in the Barcelona Olympics in the form of the Dream Team does not seem to have considered that basketball players do not have to hit each other to win the game.

The biggest question it poses is: ‘How can the vaunted International Olympic Committee (IOC) stand idly by whilst AIBA and Dr Wu, empowered exclusively under their ‘International Federation’ status, practise what many see as little more than ‘reckless endangerment’ of the lives of young amateurs boxers.’

Guyana’s experience with the IOC has always been as far as I am aware, excellent. In a study conducted by myself on behalf of the National Sports Commission in 2013-2014, it was clearly established that K. Juman-Yassin who is the president of the Olympic Association in Guyana, consistently goes beyond the call of duty to support all sporting disciplines in Guyana. He has, presumably on behalf of the IOC significantly contributed to the development of amateur boxing in Guyana even having served for a number of years as its president. Surely this development runs contrary to those fine efforts.

Just yesterday Elvis Sanchez, the president of the Boxing Federation of Venezuela added his voice to the protests describing AIBA’s move as a total crime in allowing fights between young boxers and experienced pro boxers saying, “It is like feeding the tigers.”

The Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s sentiments are not too far removed from his. We very strongly reject AIBA’s proposal and call on the National Sports Commission and our Government to monitor this development.

“We are very much aware that the final AIBA executive meeting for voting in ratification of this travesty is to take place next week. Our own Steve Ninvalle will have a vote at that meeting.

One can only hope that he does not vote in favour of extinguishing the Olympic hopes, dreams and aspirations of young fighters all over the world including Guyana, who cannot hope to compete against seasoned professional fighters including World Champions in bouts that will certainly have the potential to damage them for the rest of their lives.

Peter Abdool President, Guyana Boxing Board of Control President, WBC FECARBOX Member, World Boxing Council Board of Governors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Majestic Warner slams Sunrisers into IPL final

NEW DELHI, India: Skipper David Warner produced a majestic 93 as he single-handedly led Sunrisers Hyderabad into the IPL final, after securing a four-wicket win over Gujarat Lions in the Qualifier 2, yesterday.

Chasing a tricky 163, Sunrisers overhauled the target with four balls to spare as Warner anchored the chase with his responsible 58-ball knock, embellished with 11 fours and three sixes.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will now challenge Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow, as the two teams will compete for their first-ever IPL title.

While maximum Sunrisers batsmen cut a sorry figure, Warner showed his class and super cool temperament as he never let the innings fall apart.

Wickets kept tumbling but Warner had dug his heels and found amazing support in Bipul Sharma, who came up with a sizzling unbeaten 27-run knock under pressure.

Bipul, who had also troubled rival batsmen when Lions batted, took pressure off his captain with his timely big shots. His sixes off Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni played a crucial role in turning the tide in Sunrisers' favour.

Bipul, who played for

India A in 2010, always had batting credentials but yesterday it was the time to show his worth as he added 33 runs with Warner in their unfinished partnership for the seventh wicket.

Needing five runs off the last over, Warner blasted a four on the first ball off Praveen Kumar to level the scores and then took a single to finish the match comfortably.

Earlier, Aaron Finch (50) rescued his side with a fighting half-century, leading Gujarat to a competitive 162 for seven with useful contributions from Brendon McCullum (32), Dinesh Karthik (26) and Dwayne Bravo (20).

Losing Shikhar Dhawan (0) and Moises Henriques (11) early was not the ideal start for the Sunrisers. Dhawan was run-out while Henriques hit straight to Eklavya Dwivedi in the covers off Dwayne Smith.

Warner was still there and giving him company was a confident-looking Yuvraj Singh as the Sunrisers managed 46 for 2 in Powerplay overs.

Sensing that spinners would do well, Lions skipper Suresh Raina introduced himself early into the attack and also handed the ball to young Shivil Kaushik.

Warner hammered Raina

David Warner slams his eighth fifty of the season to guide Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL final. for a straight six that broke In a team score of 82 in 12 the glass facade on the first overs, Warner had contributtier, to bring up the team's fif- ed 50. Kaushik came back to ty and found another bound- complete his four-over spell ary off a mis-field from the and saw the back of Ben substitute fielder Andrew Cutting (8), leaving Sunrisers Tye. reeling at 84-5.

After giving away only The Australian souththree runs in his first over, paw hit Smith for a six and Kaushik sent back Yuvraj a four and Naman Ojha too in his second over and gave smashed one shot over the away only one run. ropes as Sunrisers amassed The young spinner with 19 runs in the 15th over. his bizarre action kept trouFrom thereon, it was Bibling the Sunrisers batsmen, pul's show as he gelled with hardly giving a loose ball his captain to eke out a memas he kept hitting the right orable win. length. He gave away only 13 Earlier, Finch added 51 runs in his three overs. runs in just 4.5 overs with Warner reached his fifty Ravindra Jadeja (19 not out) with an edge off Kaushik. when Lions were gasping at

Nadal pull-out stuns French Open but show goes on

By Martyn Herman PARIS, France (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal went down fighting on his favourite battleground a year ago but this time his quest for an unprecedented 10th French Open title ended sitting glumly in front of a microphone.

With third-round action in full swing out on the Roland Garros claycourts, Nadal dropped a bombshell midway through a sunny afternoon when he announced he was withdrawing because of an injury to his left wrist.

For one of the game's fiercest fighters, it was a lame way to go -- especially after he had dropped only nine games in reaching the third round where he had been due to play compatriot Marcel Granollers today The Spaniard's hastily convened news conference which caught everyone on the hop cast a pall over the tournament, especially after 17-time grand slam champion and 2009 French winner Roger Federer withdrew last week due to a back injury.

There was still some notable action yesterday, however, as seeded players began

colliding.

Men's defending champion Stan Wawrinka eased into the last 16, by beating Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3, 7-5, second seed Andy Murray defused Ivo Karlovic's rocket serve and home favourite Richard Gasquet had fans on Philippe Chatrier Court drooling as he took out Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios.

Agnieszka Radwanska, the women's second seed, and Spain's fourth seed Garbine Muguruza also advanced in the sunshine, as did Australian Sam Stosur who beat 2015 runner-up Lucie Safarova to set up a match with another former finalist Simona Halep.

Ordinarily, 10th seed and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova's shock 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-0 defeat by 108thranked American Shelby Rogers would have reverberated.

But everything was overshadowed by Nadal's wrist.

Explaining the problem, he said an injury that first flared up in Madrid a few weeks ago had returned with a vengeance and that soldiering on could risk snapping a tendon.

"I'm here to announce that I have to retire from the tournament because I have a problem in my wrist that I have had a couple of weeks," Nadal, 30 next week, told a room packed with nonplussed reporters.

"Yesterday evening I started to feel more and more pain and today I felt I could

Rafael Nadal not move my wrist.

"To win the title I need five more matches. The doctor says that's 100 percent impossible."

FORM STRUGGLE Fourth seed Nadal, beaten only twice in 74 matches at the French Open since taking the place by storm in 2005, had looked primed to

reclaim his throne after losing to Djokovic in last year's quarter-finals when he was struggling for form.

That his attempt failed because of injury made it all the more disappointing.

"Nine times in my career I have been able to be healthy here and to win this tournament, now is a tough moment, but is not the end," said Nadal, who pulled out of Wimbledon in 2009 and the London 2012 Olympics with well-chronicled knee injuries.

"Life goes on. The world isn't going to stop," he added.

Tournament director Guy Forget expressed his sadness at Nadal's misfortune.

"It's his favourite tournament and the most important one, and for him to actually withdraw, we know it's a very painful decision," Forget told reporters.

"He was going to play probably Novak (Djokovic) in the semi-finals, so one of those two was going to be in the finals. It opens up the draw for some players."

After the initial bad weather in Paris, lack-lustre exits by women's seeds and the absence of marquee players, things are beginning to hot up.

83 for five after being invited to bat on a decent batting track at Feroze Shah Kotla ground.

Finch scored runs when Lions found the going tough, with Sunrisers bowlers taking wickets intermittently, never allowing Gujarat to get the momentum.

Finch, who enjoyed one life, took 32 balls for his 50-run knock that had seven fours and two sixes. Brendon McCullum contributed a 29ball 32 while Dwayne Bravo played a useful 20-run cameo towards the end.

Sunrisers bowlers did a superb job but they missed Mustafizur Rahman, who sat out due to a niggle, in the death overs. His replacement Trent Boult was clearly rusty, bowling a lot of full tosses.

The Kiwi conceded 39 runs in his four overs.

Warner smartly used his bowlers, who had control over the proceedings for the most part of the contest.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave away 27 runs in four overs and took two wickets while Ben Cutting also scalped two batsmen for 20 runs.

Eklavya Dwivedi (5), who had hit some lusty blows in Qualifier 1 while batting down the order, was promoted to open today but he could not do much, getting dismissed in the first over off Bhuvneshwar.

Boult, who played in place of Rahman, soon made his presence felt by trapping rival captain Suresh Raina, who played across and was caught in front of the wicket.

As expected, the Sunrisers pacers had made an impact in

the Powerplay overs, conceding only 38 runs but the good thing for the Lions was that McCullum was still there.

The Kiwi batsman looked in good touch and easily dispatched a few bad balls to the boundary ropes. Dinesh Karthik (26) also looked solid and managed to stabilise the innings. They did not dominate the bowling but ensured that Lions had a platform where they could go for the kill.

Bipul Sharma created a chance to break the partnership but Cutting mis-timed the jump to take the catch offered by Karthik. Worse, the ball went for a six after slipping through the hands of the fielder.

However, Karthik could not cash on the life and was run-out needlessly after a miscommunication with McCullum.

Finch pressed the accelerator pedal straightaway, hitting Barinder Sran for a four and a six after his side was 67 for three at the halfway mark.

Bipul created another chance off his bowling but this time Sran dropped Finch.

However, the left-arm spinner finally got the wicket when McCullum hit one straight to Bhuvneshwar two balls later.

Cutting added to the Lions’ misery by removing Smith who cut straight to Shikhar Dhawan. The Lions were at this point reeling at 83 for five in 13 overs.

Lions never found the scoring easy but thanks to Finch, Jadeja and Bravo they had something to fight for. (Press Trust of India)

GCB regrets the passing of Umpire Sukhdeo THE executives and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have learnt with great sadness of the passing of Guyana and regional umpire Gayananad Sukhdeo on Tuesday.

The GCB in a release yesterday said the Board extends condolences to his family, friends, umpires and the entire cricket fraternity.

According to the GCB, the late Sookram was always a pleasant individual, ready to assist anyone in whatever way he can. His demise is a great loss to the members of the sub-associations across Guyana, the players and officials.

Sukhdeo has given loyal service to the game of cricket and through his quality of his work, earned the respect of players and spectators at the local, national, and regional levels.

He was part of the junior panel of umpires for the WICB since 2011 and did duties for the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 tournaments.

He was also a standby umpire in the WICB PCL 4-Day competition.

Losing a loved one is never easy; our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. We share their pain and grief. May his soul rest in peace!

38

Double-header football in New Amsterdam today … Rastas versus Baldhead Masters FOOTBALL fans in New Amsterdam are in for a special Golden Jubilee treat this evening when a double-header is staged at the Scots school ground, beginning at 18:00hrs.

The opening encounter will feature a combined NA side against a Number Five Selection from West Coast Berbice and in the night cap for Masters Over-50, Hearts of Oak do battle with Rastafari Patriarchs.

Former junior and senior national footballer Roger Alphonso will spearhead the Rastas including former nationals, Vibert Butts and Gordon Braithwaite.

Other members expected to be part of the Patriarchs line-up are Neville Wiltshire, Terry Plummer, Allan La Rose, Floyd Campbell, Robert D’Anjou, Lloyd Smith and Leon Gordon.

The Hearts of Oak attack will be led by former national players, brothers Adrian and Sherwin Forde as well as Phillip Carrington. Also included are Charles Joseph, Monty Fordyce, Colin Bowery, Brian Harry and Carl Graham.

The opening match will showcase the top players from West Berbice among them Travis Henry, Kevin Cottoy, Kevin Layne Jr, Andrew Bailey, Stefon Moore, Delbert Wilson and Pierre Joseph.

The home team will rely on the likes of Dane Johnson, Devon James, Mark Wrong, Delroy Ferdinand, Dirk Henry and Adrian Best.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

Golden Jaguars name CFU second round squad HEAD coach of the Men’s National Team (Golden Jaguars), Jamaal Shabazz, has named a 19-man squad to face off Curacao and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in the second leg of the Caribbean Football Union’s Caribbean Men’s Cup scheduled for June 1 and 4, 2016 respectively in the above-named countries.

The team includes nine over-seas-based players Sheldon Holder and Pernel Schultz (Trinidad and Tobago); Samuel Cox, Jake Newton and Ricky Shakes

(England), Walter Moore (Finland); Brandon Beresford and Emery Welshman (USA) and Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico).

The Golden Jaguars departed Guyana yesterday for Curacao and will engage Curacao at the Ergilio Hato Stadium at 20:00hrs. Guyana’s second game will be played against USVI at the Adelita Cancryn Playing Field, St Thomas, USVI beginning at 16:15hrs.

Guyana have been placed in Group Three of the fivegroup Second Round phase of the tournament. Round

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz

3 of the Championship will be October 3-11; Fifth Place Playoff November 7-15; with the final scheduled for May 2017.

The full squad reads Alex Andrew Murray, Jake Newton, Solomon Austin, Colin Nelson, Kester Jacobs, Eon Alleyne, Ricky Shakes, Emery Welshman, Devon Millington, Daniel Wilson, Dwight Peters, Quincy Adams, Brandon Beresford, Pernel Schultz, Sheldon Holder, Walter Moore, Samuel Cox, Christopher Nurse and Trayon Bobb.

Joseph eyes tour match as ‘learning opportunity’ BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Under-19 World Cup star Alzarri Joseph is hoping to use the upcoming WICB President’s XI match against South Africa as “another learning opportunity”.

The highly rated Antiguan will be one of the spearheads of the attack for the day/night 50-over game at the Queen’s Park Oval next Sunday, and says he was keen on testing his ability against the quality players in the Proteas line-up.

“I’m happy I’ve been giv-

en another chance to prove myself and also to learn more about the game and about bowling. For me it’s about learning as I go along,” Joseph said.

“What I’m hoping for is a good performance — a good, solid performance. I know I will be coming up against quality players, so I’m just focusing on what I have to do and how to go about my role in the team.

I just look to work hard.

Whenever I get an opportunity I’m just looking to take it. I’m taking things in strides

and just want to learn with every game.”

The 19-year-old Joseph grabbed the headlines last year when he took a superb seven-wicket haul for Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the WICB PCL four-day tournament.

Subsequently, he was the best fast bowler in the ICC Under-19 World Cup with 13 wickets and continued to show improvement in the second half of the PCL earlier this year.

Joseph was also one of the net bowlers for the West Indies senior team’s camp here in preparation for the Tri-Nations Series, which bowls off in Guyana next Friday.

“I was happy to win the World Cup for the West Indies. That made us very proud, and we really appreciated all the kind words and sentiments we got from everyone who supported us,” he said.

“I returned home and I kept working. I haven’t changed much in my time in the nets. It’s about learning with every day. It was exciting to be in the nets with the West Indies team, and I got to see how the players prepare and get ready for international cricket.

“This was a good opportunity to bowl to quality batsmen and look to see the level I’m at this stage.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 28, 2016)

Saturday May 28th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Sunday May 29th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &

Monday May 30th, 2016 - 12:00 hrs

AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dhawal Kulkarni-GL (4/14) (2) Sunrisers Hyderbaad & Kolkatta Knight Riders

Alzarri Joseph

Today’s Quiz: (1) RCB played 14 preliminary games in IPL 2016? How many did they lose?

(2) Who took most wickets in the preliminary round of matches in IPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 28, 2016

GASA Independence Meet/Goodwill trials set for this weekend SWIMMERS looking to make the Guyana team for the upcoming Goodwill Swimming Championships will have one last chance to prove their mettle this weekend, at the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Independence Swim Meet which continues today at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

The event, which doubles as the Goodwill trials, began yesterday morning with the 1500m freestyle and 200m butterfly events. In the afternoon trials continued with the 50m and 200m breaststroke, along with the 100m backstroke and 400m IM races.

Results from yesterday morning’s race saw Amy

Grant take the wins in the Girls’ 13-14 1500m freestyle (24:22.46s) and the 200m butterfly (3:15.89s).

Alex Winter won the Boys’ 13-14 category in a time of 21:40.70s, while in the Girls’ 18 and over Soroya Simmons ruled in a time of 21.34.87s.

Guyana Defence Force’s Noel Culpepper ousted Roy Persaud of the Guyana Police Force for first place in the Boys’ 18 and over with a time of 27:05.98s. Persaud was exactly 51 seconds behind Culpepper.

For the 200m fly, Lian Winter glided to the win in the Girls’ 11-12 event in a time of 3:08.48s.

Swimming continues today with the 50m and 800m freestyle, 50m butterfly and

50m backstroke among other events.

A lot of action is expected in the pool today as the athletes race against each other as well as against the clock to get their timings down and make it onto the team for the August 19-21 event, which will be held in St Lucia.

Guyana will be looking to take as many athletes as possible. Hopes are that they will be able to field the complete team of the maximum 40 athletes. However, national coach Sean Baksh shared that, as is, the normal finances will be a big impediment and the actual number of swimmers to travel may fall way below the requisite number.

“Our objective is to field a full team of 40, however

the cost of Goodwill games is extremely high at this point in time. We may very well field a full team, but that doesn’t mean we’ll take a full team. We can’t say (how many swimmers we’ll actually take) that’s all based on finance. It’s now almost US$600 – US$700 to go to St Lucia and by the time we book it’s going to be over US$1000. We don’t know what will be the outcome exactly but we do know that we will try to field a full team,” Baksh said.

Though the make-up of the team remains uncertain, there are several promising swimmers who are sure to make it on the team if no special circumstances arise.

Not the least of these

Aleeka Persaud

Amy Grant

should be multiple Goodwill gold medallist Aleeka Persaud. This national and Goodwill record holder burst onto the scene at last year’s Goodwill in the Girls’ 8 and Under category and laid claim to five gold medals and a silver at the event. This year she will compete in the 9-10 category

Other swimmers to watch out for this weekend are young Amy Grant, as well as Leon Seaton in the Boys’ 11-12, Philip DeNobrega and Antonio Rodrigues in the Boys’ 15-17, the Mahaica siblings Paul, Patrice and Kenita, and twins Jaden and Danielle George.

CBC trials begin as coaches get training from US-based coach THE trials for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships began yesterday at the Cliff Andersen Sports Hall However, before the training, United States of America-based coach Kenny Avent spoke to the coaches who were selected to make up the coaching staff of the two teams.

The coaches at the meeting were Abdullah Hamid, Ann Gordon, Wayne Hinds, Willon Cameron, DC Jammers coaches Michael Creppy and Clarence Wallenson.

Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) president Nigel Hinds and Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) director Chris Bowman were also in attendance.

Avent spoke to the coaches about the need for incentives for players on their team to continue basketball.

“Players need an incentive to continue playing. If there is no reason and nothing to look forward to as a player, motivation drops.” stated Avent.

Avent also touched on the need for more basketball

Female Trials shots

Male Trials shots (Cullen Nelson photos)

clinics in Guyana and some of the coaches highlighted that Guyana was indeed lacking in the frequency of the clinics held.

The trials then started with the girls who went through different types of drills inclusive of offence, defence and conditioning. The males then followed suit and were put through the same treatment. The trials continue today at noon.

FIFA imposes stadium bans, fines for homophobic chants Please see page 32

GFF holds Former national football coach Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira

Congress today Please see page 32

The Guyana Amazon Warriors contingent parading down Brickdam during Thursday’s Jubilee Independence Anniversary Float Parade. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Fifteen-fight Golden Jubilee boxing card on tonight THE Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is set to come alive this evening when the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) and Seon Bristol stage a 15-fight card there.

The card is being held as part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and would see Guyana’s finest young pugilists on show.

This evening’s agenda includes one female bout and five for Schoolboys.

The main focus of the card is to provide competition for the nursery of the sport,

GABA president Steve Ninvalle said.

The organisers are also using the occasion to honour several former boxers who are credited with assisting in the development of the sport here.

Lennox Blackmoore, who won Guyana’s first Commonwealth title in October 1977, is expected to receive a plaque from the organisers.

Blackmoore was 27 years old when he won the Commonwealth lightweight title and he was justly rewarded by the Forbes Burnham-led government. Two years

after Blackmoore’s triumph local junior middleweight Kenny Bristol, another on tonight’s list of awardees, defeated Pat Thomas to become the only Guyanese to win a Commonwealth crown at home.

Guyana’s only Olympic medallist Michael Parris will also be honoured.

The first fight begins at 19:00hrs.

The organisers are thanking COURTS, the Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals and the National Sports Commission for supporting the event.

Admission is $500.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Seon Bristol

Lennox Blackmoore SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016