Chronicle 06 11 2016

No. 104579

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2016

Price: $80

Guyanese shot dead in Venezuela (VAT Inclusive)

…father collapses, dies shortly after

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Teachers skip classes 8

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…over poor working conditions New York Investment Confab

Business, energy schools for UG 14

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Protesting teachers of Brickdam Secondary School give half an ear to Chief Education Officer Olato Sam during their sit-out outside of the school’s compound on Friday [Delano Williams photo]

Dataram’s Young mechanic ex-wife held in murdered ganja bust 13 in bedroom 3 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Police floating base in operation to tackle piracy

IN pursuit of one of its key anti-piracy initiatives, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has formalised arrangements through assistance from the government for a floating base, the M.B Tamakay, now located in the Waini River mouth, in Region One, which will become fully operational soon.

A statement from the

force noted that the floating base will be staffed by members of the Guyana Police Force who will be drawn from the Police Marine Station, Tactical Services Unit and ‘F’ Division and is to be commanded by a gazetted officer.

It is equipped with sleeping and seating accommodation, kitchen and other necessary facilities

in keeping with socio-economic standards. According to the GPF, the principal purpose of the floating base is founded on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014 by the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Revenue Authority,the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Energy Agency, and is in

Members of the Guyana Police Force who will be part of the floating base

keeping with a collaborative approach to address the prevention of and response to piracy and other crimes in that area.

“Currently, diligent endeavours are being expend-

ed to realise the satisfactory upkeep of ranks and other efforts are directed in furtherance of safety and security, and retraining, with the appropriate legislation in mind, and of

course, maintenance and other aspects inherent to the serviceability of the floating base,” the police statement noted.

It was further noted that a Standard Operating Procedure is currently being finalised, while the operationalising of the floating base is in the vicinity of $100M. According to the force, this floating base will be equipped with smaller craft. which will be used for launching of preventive patrols and to respond to reports of piracy and other crimes on the river.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that following the recent pirate attack, the David Granger-led administration is considering employing drone technology to monitor Guyana’s waters.

A well-placed source had revealed that the issue was discussed at a recent high-level meeting involving senior government officials, who will be pursuing discussions with their Surinamese counterparts to partner in the effort.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Young mechanic Guyanese shot murdered in bedroom dead in Venezuela …father collapses, dies shortly after

Dead: Puranand Andrew Baljit

Dead: Miguel Alejandro Brito

By Neil Marks A VERGENOEGEN, East Bank Essequibo man was shot dead by suspected bandits Thursday at his family’s home in Puerta Ordaz, Venezuela; his father, who witnessed the act, collapsed and died of a heart attack shortly after, relatives said.

Dead is Miguel Alejandro Brito, 23 and Artuo Brito, 60.

“They had black out and

Dead: Artuo Brito

Mom was in her room; dad was somewhere in the house and brother was in the living room [when] the thief went in,” Dhanwantie, Miguel’s Brito sister said.

“The [electricity] came on and they must have seen my brother first and they shot him in his head. “My father run to the living room and see my brother on the floor with his brains out and he screamed for Mom and when

she reached the living room, dad dropped on the floor.

“She rush to Dad to help him up but when she turned him over [he was dead],” she related.

The younger Brito was born in Guyana but was a citizen of Venezuela. His father, a Venezuelan, was also a naturalised Guyanese. The family resided at Vergenoegen but migrated to Venezuela some years ago.

THE police are investigating the gruesome murder of 23-year-old mechanic, Puranand Andrew Baljit, who was fatally stabbed several times while in his bedroom at Lot 57 Timehri, East Bank Demerara, on Thursday night.

According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the perpetrator (s) apparently grabbed him by the neck through his bedroom window and stabbed him several times about the body and in the region of the heart.

His father and stepmother heard loud screams coming from the room but could

Detectives examining the track adjacent to the house where they believe the killer(s) escaped

not gain access since his door was locked. They subsequently managed to get inside and found him in a bloodied state.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital after being taken there

by his stepmother, Simone Baljit. Detectives spent the entire day combing the area and taking statements based on the circumstances under which the body was discovered. They also recovered a 12-inch knife from the scene,

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Venezuela denies attack on GGMC officers THE Venezuelan government, through its embassy in Georgetown, has denied claims that military officers from the Spanish-speaking country opened fire on officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

“The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly rejects the information reported on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016… that Venezuelan soldiers attacked officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, who were travelling in a boat in the Cuyuni River, Eteringbang area,” a release from the embassy noted Friday.

Recently, acting GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison had recounted to the media a report made by the officers who were shot at while conducting a routine monitoring and compliance mission in the vicinity of Eteringbang in the Cuyuni area. Reports reaching this publication suggested that a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer had visited the Venezuelan outpost the following day in the area where the incident occurred.

The report suggested Ven-

ezuelan officers had taken responsibility for firing shots into the air after suspecting the GGMC officials to be smugglers.

Further reports suggested that Venezuela had ordered an investigation into the matter and according to the release from the Venezuelan Embassy, the investigation found that there were no exercises in the area by its military. “This news report lacks validity, since the Venezuelan military forces have not been involved in any incident, as has been falsely reported, let alone confirm the occurrence of violent acts in the mentioned zone, as has been informed,” the release continued.

Commander-in-Chief of Guyana’s armed forces, President David Granger, recently returned from a summit in Cuba, where he shared the space with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. When asked on his ‘Public Interest’ programme whether there had been any dialogue on the matter between him and his Venezuelan counterpart, the President responded in the negative.

Mr Granger said Guyana

is not satisfied “that the matter is closed as yet, but it does not seem likely that it will lead to some international conflict.”

The President spared no bones condemning the event in its entirety. “My information is that the rain was falling heavily. There might have been some misunderstanding about the boat that was actually taking the officials, but it is unacceptable in the relations between two States on a river that is owned by Guyana,” Mr Granger said.

Mr Granger confirmed the complaint made by this country to Venezuela, but said there was no response to that complaint. He maintained also that while the issue was not to be seen as a “clash between the two republics”, it is not to say that there was no blame to be had.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan embassy in Georgetown has said, “The investigations carried out by the Venezuelan military authorities have not reported of any incident in the above-mentioned area and our military units confirm not having carried [out] any military exercise in that location.”

Venezuelan authorities are calling on the Guyana media to “verify all their sources of information and stop echoing the international media campaign against Venezuela.”

This incident is not an isolated one, but forms part of broader relations between Guyana and its Spanish neighbour. Immediately following the change of administration in 2015, Venezuela’s President had issued a decree extending claims to Guyana’s maritime space, inclusive

of the Stabroek bloc, where ExxonMobil has discovered oil.

That decree renewed a century-old claim of Guyana’s Spanish-speaking neighbour to land and sea space owned by Guyana which was supported by the decision of an international tribunal in the late 1800s.

Venezuela has time and time again renewed its challenge to the arbitral award, which it had initially supported, and even aided in the demarcation of the border between Guy-

ana and its Spanish-speaking neighbour.

Guyana has made it clear that the Good Offices process of mediating the border controversy between the two countries, which began in the 1960s, has run its course. The next best option, according to Guyana’s Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge some time ago, is a juridical settlement by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with the assistance of the United Nations (UN).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

NOT DISHEARTENED --Minister Hughes throws support behind new Tourism Minister, Dominic Gaskin

By Ariana Gordon in New York

NOT disheartened by the shift in her portfolio, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, has said she remains committed to the tourism industry and will work with Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, who now has responsibility for tourism, to ensure the industry grows.

Hughes told reporters in New York that tourism is one of her loves, but she trusts the decision of President David Granger. “I think everybody knows I consider tourism almost like my little baby…it has been very close to my heart for many, many years. The reality is that we want to make sure that there is focus, and the public telecommunications environment and all that this Government hopes to achieve in that area is quite huge.”

Minister Hughes noted that she was asked by the President to take the portfolio of Minister of Public Telecommunications earlier this year, as there is quite a lot of

work to be done.

She noted that despite the new portfolio, there were many areas she wanted covered in the tourism sector.

Minister Hughes views the move by President Granger to have Minister Gaskin manage the Tourism Sector as ‘a transition’. “I am encouraged, because we work as a team, and Minister Gaskin already said to me we intend to do this together.

It is not as if I am stepping away from the sector, I will always be there; I have been working on it for the last year… All of the plans we put in place we will go forward with,” Minister Hughes told reporters at the Harvard Club in New York.

During her year as Minister of Tourism, the Ministry had worked closely with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and a structure was put in place.

“Sometimes, the things that you want are not necessarily the best in that point in time; it is a mixture of that,” remarked Minister Hughes.

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guy-

Minister of Telecommunications Cathy Hughes (left) interacts with attendees at the Investment Conference in New York, USA ana (THAG), in a recent ism was an important sec- nor is it “an easy situation”, statement, said the Ministry tor,” she said, and explained but it is necessary. of Tourism ought to have a that after a six-month review “I do serve at the behest minister responsible solely of the sectors by President of the President, and I do for that sector. In the state- Granger, it was felt that there have the utmost of respect, ment, THAG contended, “It was a gap, and a need for especially for his thinking. is critical to the industry’s someone to take charge of I am disheartened because, development to have a minis- the Public Telecommunica- yes, I think tourism does ter who has the time to focus tions Sector. need its own Ministry and on the sector’s development, “I think he looked at the it does need its own min(one who) understands the skills and thought that it was ister.” needs of the industry and something he wanted me to She is of the view that auxiliary sectors.” look at…it is an exciting field, too much focus had been and sometimes we forget the placed on the number of AGREES range of areas that actually ministries created in the In responding to that are impacted by telecommu- administration. As such, she statement, Minister Hughes nications. I think if we look believes that a national dissaid that, like THAG, she at the range of things that we course on the issues, such holds the view that the Tour- need to do in the fastest pos- as the one in question, was ism Sector should have a sible time -– developments in eliminated. minister dedicated exclusive- communication technology, “If that environment had ly to that sector. developments in terms of not been created, then there “Absolutely! That is education, new ways to hin- might have been a considerwhere we started off. I think terland communities, even ation as to (whether) tourism that this Government started tourism -- are all impacted really could stand on its own. with the recognition that tour- by telecommunications,” the I think the environment crePublic Telecommunications ated the scenario where we Minister said. came to the table saying ‘Oh gosh, 19 is already too many NECESSARY ministries’, with little focus Minister Hughes said, “It on what if it were 20? What is not the ideal situation”, would those 20 ministries

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deliver that less ministries failed to deliver?”

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin has said he does not feel the addition of the Tourism Ministry to his portfolio is burdensome. He told reporters in New York on Friday: “If I weren’t able and capable, I don’t think I would have taken on the responsibility, so I don’t think the work is too much.”

He said that while he is yet to have discussions with Minister Hughes on the handing over, his immediate priorities would be to continue the work started by her.

“I need to discuss with Minister Hughes; there needs to be a proper handing over, and her priorities have to become my priorities, because there needs to be some continuity,” Gaskin declared.

On the issue of a standalone Ministry for Tourism, Minister Gaskin said President Granger, in his wisdom, has placed Tourism with business.

“THAG doesn’t have the responsibilities, and maybe the benefit of all the considerations that the President, as leader of country, has to make in deciding how to run the country; the structure of his Government.

Tourism was in good hands since May last year, and I think it will continue to be in good hands. THAG can rest assured that the industry will be given the attention it deserves,” he added.

The Tourism Ministry is to be officially handed over to Minister Gaskin on July 1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Peru’s Fujimori admits election defeat

PERUVIAN presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori has conceded to rival Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in run-off elections.

Ms Fujimori promised in her concession speech on Friday that she would lead a “watchful” opposition.

She said her rival had won the run-off race through the support of “promoters of

hate” and that official election results were “confusing”.

Ms Fujimori, 40, is the daughter of incarcerated ex-President Alberto Fujimori.

With all ballots counted for the run-off vote, Mr Kuczynski won 50.1 per cent to Ms Fujimori’s 49.9 per cent.

Ms Fujimori was initially

widely tipped to win, but lost ground in the final stretch of campaigning.

“In a democratic spirit, we accept these results,” she said on Friday.

As she spoke, the defeated candidate was surrounded by members of her Popular Force party, who will have a majority in congress from

late July.

Mr Kuczynski warned repeatedly throughout the campaign that the corruption and criminality many associated with Alberto Fujimori’s authoritarian tenure in office could reappear if his daughter was elected.

Analysts said that corruption scandals in the Popular Force Party may have dented

Ms Fujimori’s support since April.

Mr Kuczynski on Thursday urged Peruvians to unite for the future of the country.

He is an ex-Wall Street financier who has promised to use his international financial experience to promote economic growth.

The President-elect

has the support of prominent figures such as Nobel-Prize-winning novelist Mario Vargas Llosa and leftwing candidate Veronika Mendoza, who came third in the first round of voting.

But he has faced scrutiny over his close relationship to Peru’s business elite.

(BBC)

Studies find ‘super bacteria’ in Rio’s Olympic venues SCIENTISTS have found dangerous drug-resistant “super bacteria” off beaches in Rio de Janeiro that will host Olympic swimming events and in a lagoon where rowing and canoe athletes will compete when the Games start on August 5.

The findings from two unpublished academic studies seen by Reuters concern Rio’s most popular spots for tourists and greatly increase the areas known to be infected by the microbes normally found only in hospitals.

They also heighten concerns that Rio’s sewage-infested waterways are unsafe.

A study published in late 2014 had shown the presence of the super bacteria - classified by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an urgent public health threat - off one of the beaches in Guanabara Bay, where sailing and wind-surf-

A man runs next to sewage system flowing on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 9, 2016. (Reuters photo) ing events will be held during the Games.

The first of the two new studies, reviewed in September by scientists at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in San Diego, showed the presence of the microbes at five

of Rio’s showcase beaches, including the ocean-front Copacabana, where open-water and triathlon swimming will take place.

The other four were Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo and Flamengo.

The super bacteria can

cause hard-to-treat urinary, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and bloodstream infections, along with meningitis. The CDC says studies show that these bacteria contribute to death in up to half of patients infected.

The second new study, by the Brazilian federal government’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation lab, which will be published next month by the American Society for Microbiology, found the genes of super bacteria in the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon in the heart of Rio and in a river that empties into Guanabara Bay. Waste from countless hospitals, in addition to hundreds of thousands of households, pours into storm drains, rivers and streams crisscrossing Rio, allowing the super bacteria to spread outside the city’s hospitals in recent years.

Renata Picao, a professor

at Rio’s federal university and lead researcher of the first study, said the contamination of Rio’s famous beaches was the result of a lack of basic sanitation in the metropolitan area of 12 million people.

“These bacteria should not be present in these waters.

They should not be present in the sea,” said Picao from her lab in northern Rio, itself enveloped by stench from Guanabara Bay. Cleaning the city’s waterways was meant to be one of the Games’ greatest legacies and a high-profile promise in the official 2009 bid document Rio used to win the right to host South America’s first

Olympics.

That goal has instead transformed into an embarrassing failure, with athletes lamenting the stench of sewage and complaining about debris that bangs into and clings to boats in Guanabara Bay, potential hazards for a fair competition.

Picao’s study, which has undergone internal reviews at Rio’s federal university, analyzed water samples taken between September 2013 and September 2014. Using 10 samples taken at five beach locations, the study found super bacteria were most present at Botafogo beach, where all samples were positive.

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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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

No seating for me at High Court Dear Editor,

IN this country, because of the absence of press accommodation in a High Court, I, George Barclay, a serving journalist, had asked Presiding Justice Priya Sewnarine- Beharry for permission to sit on a chair in her court near to the witness box.

With one exception since the advent of reporters’ desks, all other judges had made a space available to me; and I was able to achieve

my objective in covering the news. But having had cause to cover the case of double-murder accused Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier, which is being tried in Justice James Bovell-Drakes’s court, now being occupied by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, and because Justice Drakes, when he was working, used to give me permission to sit there, I sought similar arrangement from Justice Sewnarine-Beharry.

Unexpectedly, she told me that this particular case

would entail a lot of exhibits being displayed on the bar table, and she was not prepared to allow me to sit there, although I told her it would aid my hearing in lieu of the acoustics of the court.

Through her registrar, the judge told me that despite the decision she had taken, she would take up the matter with the Chief Justice, Mrs Cummings–Edwards, on her return to the country.

I must point out that the Court of Appeal is fitted with

proper accommodation for the press. Also, the Chief Magistrate is equipped with such accommodation. And I must point out the remarkable situation that had obtained in the past, wherein all the High Courts in Georgetown used to be fitted with reporters’ desks.

I recall this situation had existed when I covered the famous case of Nazrudeen and Bowman.

ers maintain the validity of their country’s claim, but this one panellist, economist Francisco Rodriguez, co-author of the book “Venezuela before Chavez”, told me, “Whenever oil is involved, the parties will be insistent on their respective positions; but I think we could find a peaceful and mutually beneficial approach, like Venezuela sharing in the exploitation of those reserves.”

Governor Henri Falcon of the State of Lara and a panel of experts, including Rodriguez, Orlando Ochoa of the Andres Bello Catholic University, Caracas; and Francisco Toro, executive editor of Caracas Chronicles, were the main speakers on Thursday evening at a forum hosted by the Americas Society/ Council of the Americas in New York City.

According to Governor Falcon, the situation in Venezuela is getting worse daily… rapidly collapsing domestic production; chronic shortages of food and medicines; rising unemployment; malnutrition,

especially among infants; looting and more. The panel agreed that Venezuela needs an injection of about $50 billion (US) over the next 48 months, which could come from a combination of sources, including the local private sector and international institutions such as the IMF, but certain sections of the political landscape in Venezuela would have objections to the IMF’s involvement in the economy.

The panel also agreed that three current levels of engagement with China would have to be revisited, particularly the Oil Fund.

These experts are of the view that Venezuela’s situation is different from that of many countries. “We have significant oil reserves, which we must leverage” to turn around the current situation, they concluded.

Now, there is no doubt that Venezuela is counting Guyana’s oil among its reserves, and that these reserves will be key to that country’s negotiations and

efforts to stabilise and turn around the economy.

The panel agreed that Venezuela has good relations with all the important oil companies globally, except two, and that the relationship with these two can be reignited with the right approach, which would be expected of a government of national unity.

So what does this mean for Guyana’s efforts to pursue our oil exploitation and for the preferred process of a juridical settlement of the Venezuelan claim? My initial thinking is that the current Maduro regime and subsequent Venezuelan governments will not subscribe to a juridical settlement of its claim, which if pursued is most likely to uphold the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and rule in Guyana’s favour. Guyana has a lot of work to do as it looks for a lasting solution to this controversy.

Editorial Irfaan Ali and the Procurement Venezuela counting on Guyana’s oil reserves Commission Dear Editor,

PEOPLE’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali is the Chairman of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This committee, which has members from the Opposition and Government sides of the National Assembly, is responsible for identifying nominees for the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

After those nominees have been identified, they go to the House for a vote, and those considered to be appointed would have had to gain at least two-thirds support by the members of the House. After this process, the names are passed to the President, who would appoint the persons, paving the way for the commission to be established and start functioning.

The PPC is a constitutional body by virtue of being part of the laws, more particularly the supreme law; all efforts must therefore be expended to ensure the establishment of stipulated institutions of State and Government.

This institution is considered a foundational element of society, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring Government contracts are procured and managed within established guidelines; nothing should therefore impede its functioning.

Also instructive are reasons that continue to be presented to the public for the PPC not being functional, even as citizens and international bodies continue to express concerns about the perception of, and potential for, corruption seeping into management of the state’s resources and the quality of goods and services Government has procured on the people’s behalf.

At a cursory glance, all the political parties have called for establishment of the PPC. And while they are unified in this call, the disunity exists in turning this call into action.

Further, when in opposition, one of the APNU+AFC’s commitments to the society was having this institution established soonest, should the group be elected to office.

This is a commitment that has been repeated by the coalition in office.

The reasons advanced by the PPP/C-led Government and the PAC of the 10th Parliament to justify the non-realization of the establishment of the PPC are behind us. What is with us, and ought to be addressed, are the necessity of establishing the PPC, the role of Ali -- as PAC chair -- in making this happen, and the APNU+AFC government’s commitment to have it happen.

Continued revelations from the forensic audits on alleged misappropriation and fraudulent conversion in recording of the State’s money are enough reasons to be concerned that same can continue. Thus in the absence of established systems and procedures, the possibility of anything going contrary becomes a natural occurrence.

Accusation of corruption bears with it perception, be it real or contrived. The State and Government must move to eliminate the perception on both fronts.

THE Governor of one of Venezuela’s most populous states plus a panel of Venezuelan economists and journalists are of the view that a government of national unity is the best option for arresting the rapid decline of the economy and the social degradation currently confronting that country.

With inflation at 20 per cent per month, these Venezuelan experts are worried that the present crisis would get worse with hyper-inflation, which would see inflation being at over 30 per cent per month.

And what is the trump card of a national unity government for stabilizing the economy and eventually turning it around? OIL! Including reserves in Guyana’s territory and maritime space, which one panellist told me “could be jointly exploited for the mutual benefit of both countries.”

Of course he and the oth-

Citizens continue to make known their intolerance for corruption. The opposition political forces are making allegations that corruption is presently taking place. Non-political organisations have also expressed similar concerns. And President Granger, in one of his public speeches, alluded to both its presence in society and the need for it to be eradicated. Thus, whereas confronting corruption requires process, efforts to avoid establishing what is required by law to aid the process will retard the process.

Under Ali’s chairmanship of the PAC in this 11th Parliament, the committee started a fresh hunt for nominees through public advertisement last year. The names of those nominees should have been submitted no later than 23rd December 2015. In January 2016, Ali promised that the commission would be established by March. This is June, and the commission is still to be established; and Ali has once again promised

Yours respectfully, GEORGE BARCLAY

Regards, WESLEY KIRTON

it will be done by month-end.

This chairman must be held to account to ensure his promise become reality, and work must be put into ensuring the commission is successfully established.

Given that the nominees require two-thirds support in the House, it is expected that the PAC, which comprises members of the APNU+AFC Government and the PPP Opposition, would work within the committee to identify the persons who can at least achieve the minimum required votes on the floor. This requires the application of negotiation and commitment to achieve consensus. The public has little appetite for further dilatory tactics on this aspect of governance. The earlier the names of the nominees are on President Granger’s desk, the better it is for this country, the management of its resources, and image -- both on the domestic and international fronts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Diaspora encouraged to invest in Guyana

By Navendra Seoraj in New York

THE government of Guyana, along with local and international businessmen/ women in collaboration with Guyana-America Investment (GAIN), yesterday laid the foundation to boost commercial relations between Guyana and potential investors from the diaspora.

During the “Guyana means business” investment conference held at the Harvard Club, New York, potential and current investors were edified on the wide scope for investment in Guyana once regulations are upheld and resources are managed properly.

“The opportunities Guyana presents for investors

with vision and a capacity to deliver are immense: vast natural resources; young, educated and English-speaking population; stable and open financial markets; full investment protection; unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital; duty-free access to CARICOM and EU markets; equal treatment for local and foreign investors; and a stable political environment where all major parties support a market-oriented approach to economic growth,” were outlined by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey.

He engaged the gathering on reasons to invest in Guyana and also the criteria and outlook of Go-Invest. Guyana’s Government, he said,

continues to pursue reforms providing the solid foundation necessary to accelerate the expansion of a modern, dynamic and successful private sector.

“We are striving to further improve the investment climate and support the emergence of non-traditional export sectors, while continuing to fortify the mining, sugar and rice sectors,” Verwey underscored, as he moved to boost the interest of the investors.

Established to contribute to Guyana’s economic development, GO-Invest, he expressed has been promoting and facilitating local and foreign private sector investment and exports. This, he said, serves as a gateway that connects the world to Guyana, enabling entrepreneurs

to tap into the wealth of trade and investment opportunities available.

Some overseas investors who have turned eyes on Guyana and sought to invest in its economy shared their experience with members of the gathering.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metallica Commodities Corporation, Dr Glendon Archer, disclosed that Guyana is on the rise and though he had faced many difficulties in the past, he persevered and watched the mining industry in Guyana grow.

Another businessperson, Allison Butters, CEO of Global Seafood Distributors, encouraged investors to join hands with her as she moves to boost the fishing industry

in Guyana.

Butters, who moved to Guyana after living in the United States for 30 years, inherited what was left for her by her parents in the fishing industry and made innovative decisions in order to create a flourishing business.

Phillips was told that his system is too advanced for Guyana. “I mean: are we all dumb people that we don’t know how to operate an application?” he asked.

Phillips says that using the system he has in mind would be similar to using the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GT&T) means of buying a

data plan, or checking a credit balance.

“You simply enter your car number, press how (many) hours you want, and a text message will confirm that you have paid,” Phillips explained.

“Apparently, none of them has read my plan,” he challenged. “What I am doing is I am connecting with two

SAFE HAVEN “Guyana is not what it is perceived and portrayed to be. There is a wide scope for investment in any sector, that too in a safe haven for business… I don’t regret going back to invest in Guyana, that is why I am calling on all the potential investors [to] delve into what Guyana has to offer,” said Butters, who reiterated the call for the diaspora to turn their attention to Guyana.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, noted that Guyana is safe for commercial activities, pointing out that there has been a recent 16 percent decrease in the number of serious crimes in Guyana.

He said as a result of assistance from the ABC (America, Britain and Canada) countries, government has been able to regain the confidence and trust of the police force, due to training offered in the different areas of criminal studies.

“Once the public trust is fully reinstituted, and with business owners adhering to the regulations of the system, there can be a smooth flow of commercial activities within a safe and secure environment,” reiterated Ramjattan.

Tricked into paying more

--contractor speaks of parking meter system

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Guyanese people are being ‘tricked’ into believing that they will pay a mere $125 to park for an hour in the city, when in effect they will be paying $500 per hour.

This was explained by Chief Executive Officer of Astrolobe Technology Incorporated, Mr Saratu Phillips, who met with City Hall officials last Wednesday to discuss a contract that the City Council had given him in 2007 to set up a structured parking system in Georgetown.

Phillips was shocked recently to learn that, even in view of his contract, which is valid for 25 years, City Hall has given a parking meter contract to another company, called National Parking Systems.

The public is being told that citizens will pay a mere $125 per rotation, but it is not being explained that a rotation means 15 minutes. Instead, the idea that is being propelled is that a rotation equals one hour.

“They are saying $125 per rotation. That’s a sneaky marketing, conning the Guyanese people. Really and truly, a rotation is 15 minutes; so, for one hour, they would be paying $500 an hour. It’s only by reading the fine print that you come to understand this,” Phillips pointed out.

Phillips is saying that if City Hall gone ahead with the contract it had made with his company, citizens would just be paying $120 per hour to park.

“His (the new company) system is going to cost

in Georgetown, but he is of the view that designing an application whereby citizens can pay to park by means of an ‘app’ on their cellphone would be simpler and cheaper.

OLD RELICS

Saratu Phillips

US$10M, and the Guyanese citizen is going to pay $500 to park for an hour. My system is going to cost US$350,000 and people will pay only $120 per hour to park,” Phillips told the Guyana Chronicle.

Phillips is not interested in setting up parking meters

“Parking meters are old relics. People are trying to get rid of this. In this age of so many applications, it’s easier and cheaper to (set up an app on their cellphones), as opposed to going to dig up the grounds of Guyana to put in 400 parking meters that will charge you $500. This economy can’t afford $500 an hour!”

Phillips contends.

companies, and we are implementing a system: park by application. That’s where the future is going. There’s an application for everything, so why would we spend US$10M to install 400 parking meters that US$350,000 could do by means of an application and

See page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Teachers skip classes

By Celestine Juan

TEACHERS of the Brickdam Secondary School on Friday staged a “sit out” to protest poor working conditions at the institution- a move described as illegal by the Chief Education Officer.

Approximately 20 teachers downed tools, sat outside of the learning institution and refused to enter the building over a number of issues, including the lack of adequate toilet facilities, lack of space and claims of fire hazards.

According to the teachers, they have made several complaints to the relevant authorities at the Ministry of Education; however their complaints seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

One teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous, told this newspaper that they are fed up with the deplorable condition of the school, claiming that the safety of students are also at risk. According to the teacher, the school houses between 350-400 students along with 25 teachers with only three working toilets.

She alleged that the science lab is flooded whenever it rains and the back of the building is slanted on one side.

…over poor working conditions

The teacher further stated that the Guyana Fire Service had deemed the school a fire hazard and that the building was supposed to have been condemned two years ago.

The teachers also raised other issues, such as the improper staffroom for teachers, no recreational facility or canteen for students. A senior teacher, who has been at the institution for some 21 years also expressed frustration.

“They give the school so much face-lift and is same thing; just dashing paint on the dutty wall, a few tiles and the same old lap-sided building.”

ILLEGAL PROTEST Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam visited the teachers and expressed dissatisfaction with their protest action. According to Sam, it was a “ridiculous and illegal protest,” as he abruptly walked away from the teachers.

“Go back to your classes and teach the people children like

you’re being paid to do,” the Chief Education Officer said.

He said that the ministry was never made aware of their claims since the teachers failed to raise these issues with the Head Mistress of the school before protesting.

“Before jumping to the extreme there is a process, I advise that you organise yourselves properly before a representative then engage the ministry with these claims,” Sam told the teachers.

In 2015, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) had highlighted the need for the school to be relocated. The union was premised on the conviction that the school was too near to a busy section of the city and had no playground in which children could recreate. The narrow passageways in fact, constitute the only yard space for the school and therefore represents the perimeter of the property.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand had promised the relocation of Brickdam Secondary and Central High Schools.

The back of the School, which is currently sitting on concrete blocks, nestled closely to nearby buildings.

$9.4M cleared for 18 children to get heart surgery

CABINET has approved financing of $9.4M, the equivalent of US$44,750, for a team from the International Children’s Heart Foundation (Baby Heart) to perform cardiac opera-

tions on 18 children, when they visit Guyana from June 18 to July 2.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency has noted that the team would also provide technical support

to the Paediatric Surgical Cardiac Programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

It was noted that Government had previously approved a subsidy of about

US$5,000 for each cardiac intervention to be done overseas. However, in order to reduce the cost, the Ministry of Public Health, through subject Minister Dr. George Norton, had

sought international support to have the surgeries done locally.

The International Children’s Heart Foundation, also known as Baby Heart, is a medical charity that

assembles volunteer medical teams from around the world. The group had indicated its willingness to, for the fifth time, provide support to Guyana in the area of paediatric cardiology.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Sophia youth wanted for KN grenade attack

SHEMAR Wilson called ‘Abdue’ is wanted by the police for lobbing a grenade near the vehicle of Kaieteur News owner, Glenn Lall last Saturday night.

In a release,the police said the youth is wanted for questioning in relation to “attempting to cause explosion” which occurred last Saturday night at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Wilson is asked to contact the police. Wilson’s last known addresses were given as Lot 43 North Sophia, Georgetown/ Lot 51 West La Penite nce.

Up to press time 12 persons were in police custody

including a woman who appears to be the owner of the vehicle suspected to have been used when the grenade was lobbed outside Kaieteur News.

Police reports disclosed that detectives are convinced that very soon they will be able to find the mastermind behind the recent attack.

Investigators are trying to put the puzzle together as everyone in custody is pointing fingers at the other amidst conflicting reports. However, most of the persons in custody agree on a key individual whom the police are seeking. The police had approached the court on Wednesday for an extension of the 72 hours in which they

Tricked into paying ...

From page 7 partnership with GT&T and Digicel and all these other multimedia companies?

“All these things can be done in Guyana. There are many application builders in Guyana, of which I have already partnered with two of them that we could build an application, connect it to GT&T and Digicel, and pay to park via your cellphone. That is the most convenient way to do it,” he insists.

Meanwhile, present at last Wednesday’s meeting were Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen; Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan; Town Clerk Royston King; Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke; Councillors Junior Garrett and Alfred Mentore; Treasurer Ron McAlmont, and Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis.

COMBATIVE ATTITUDE “They called the meeting for me to tell them what my plans are to execute this contract, even though they had it in paperwork for the last nine years. The questions they asked were all archaic, relic.

To begin with, the officers came with a very combative attitude. They didn’t ask me any questions that were relevant from a technological, financial sphere, to see if I can execute this project,” Phillips expressed.

He said he is now thinking deeply about what his next move should be. “I am sleeping on what my next move is. I know in my mind that somebody needs to fight them, but I have gotten a lot of people calling me to tell me to be careful; so the game has gone up to another level: I not only have to think about my other business that I am running; I have to think about my safety.”

Phillips came to Guyana

in 2006, and had put together a team of information technology professionals who were looking at transferring other technologies from the United States to Guyana.

From December 2006, Phillips and his team worked with the City Council until October 2007, when he obtained an exclusive contract to design the parking system.

“It was going to run the City Council close to US$2M to implement a simple parking system, and they didn’t have the funds at the time; so the idea was for me to bring the investors, bring the technology. We had a core team working, and we were going to put everything together.”

After the General Elections in 2015, Phillips began engaging Town Clerk Royston King, who said that as soon as he got into office they would start working on the project.

In fact, Phillips said, King wrote him to affirm his knowledge that he (Phillips) had the contract.

“In November 2015, someone from the media called me and told me that the contract was being handed to someone else, who has political connections. I am shocked.

The name of the person they are giving the contract to is (name provided). I told (him) I have this contract and that we would have years of litigation and that nothing is going to happen. Why go after something that I already have? He bluntly told me I am a small fish and that he has lots of political and judicial connections in this country, and that he is going to get this. His business partner or his consultant here is (person named). I emailed (that person) every piece of paper work that I have on parking, and I told him that I have this contract,” Phillips said, noting that his efforts to talk them out of the contract have been to no avail.

Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’

may hold suspects during the probe. The first person who was taken into custody was a 19-year-old driver. That car was later found abandoned at Norton Street and Mandela Avenue. He has reportedly confessed to being the driver of Toyota Spacio, PSS 5252 from which someone tossed a fragmentation grenade at Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall’s vehicle Saturday last. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle after crashing into an elderly woman near Norton Street

and Mandela Avenue, shortly after the device was thrown.

Police on Tuesday morning arrested six men and seized the motorcar. The police appear to be close to identifying the mastermind and motive behind the attack.

When the device was thrown, Lall and several staffers were in close proximity outside the Kaieteur News premises, where a wake was being held for Kaieteur News Assistant Editor Dale Andrews. Police said 15 detectives are working on the case to ensure that

9

all ends are covered.

Video footage from a Kaieteur News CCTV camera shows the grey-coloured vehicle, heading north, slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle.

The occupants then accelerated after the device was thrown. The grenade, discovered by staff of the newspaper did not explode, although it was later discovered that the pin had been removed. The police later exploded the device at the Kitty seawall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Six-vehicle smash up on Norton Street

The motorcycle and Rav-4 which were damaged as a result of the accident

A SIX-VEHICLE smashup on Norton Street on Friday afternoon has left residents in a state of confusion and calling on the relevant authorities to implement speed humps in the area in order to curb

future accidents.

The accident occurred at about 15:30hrs at the corner of Victor and Norton streets in the Georgetown ward of Lodge, and according to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when the

driver of route 41 minibus BMM 3618, proceeding west along the carriageway, attempted to overtake minibus BTT 9807.

At that point, BMM 3618 suffered a ‘blowout’ and crashed into parked

The minibus which reportedly caused the accident

Toyota Rav-4 PJJ 7546, sending that vehicle hurling into a parked motorcycle, pitching it into a nearby drain before crashing into a concrete fence at Lot 27 Norton Street.

BMM 3618 then went

on to hit Toyota Carina PPP 9632 and a Nissan Frontier vehicle, which were both parked in a north-to-south position.

The occupants of the minibus were luckily not injured, and the drivers were

seen assisting the police with their investigation.

One resident, telling this newspaper that speeding is a regular feature in the area, accused drivers of operating as if they are on a race track.

Chief Nursing Officer evicted from office ‒ Nursing Association decries ‘bullyism’

By Ravin Singh THE Nurses Association of Guyana has registered its concerns regarding the recent eviction of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Tarmattie Barker from her office at the Ministry of Health building, Brickdam.

According to the association, on April 27, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Karen Cummings,

visited the office of the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (DCNO), Veronica Douglas, and “casually informed” her of a desire to have Barker and Douglas removed from the office so that it could be occupied by her [Cummings] new staff – Dr. Karen Boyle.

The association explained that the minister was then informed that this was not possible, since the CNO and DCNO’s office space should

be housed within the physical locale of the Ministry of Public Health. This was in keeping with the ministry’s organisational structure. The minister was also informed of the key roles and responsibilities of the CNO. Among these are: overall responsibility for the organisation and management of nursing services and education programmes in the country; to advise the minister on all health matters

Young mechanic... believed to be the murder weapon.

Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken said they are working on a lead. Father of the dead man, Harichand Baljit, known as ‘Jackie,’ recalled hearing his son screaming but could not get into the room, since the door was locked.

He then exited the house, climbed through his son’s bedroom window and found him lying in a pool of blood.

The young man’s window is not grilled and is located on the northern section of the flat concrete house.

One of the theories by investigators is that the perpetrator(s) grabbed him by the head while he was sitting next to the window and stabbed him several times before escaping on foot.

Residents in the area said they learnt of the stabbing after 22:00hrs and decided to search the area in the hope of finding the attacker.

Described as a quiet and isolated individual with few friends, one resident said that Baljit was always easygoing and was always seen on his cellphone texting away.

“Sometimes even if he is on his bicycle, he was on his phone; he also fixes cellphones for people in his quiet time when he is not doing mechanic work,” one resident related.

A visit to the scene revealed that there was a fresh booth print in a mud trail that led to the public road.

The police discovered that a concrete block was used for the person to climb on in order to gain full access to

From page 3

Baljit’s window, while there were cellphones and strands of female hair in his room.

Residents believe that the attacker(s) know the young man personally. “He could not fight anyone who grabbed him from the back, he is a little guy and whoever did it take advantage of him.”

One visibly upset resident said, “We have a lot of youths in the area in Soesdyke and Timehri who do not do anything but smoke drugs all day. Police should have locked all of them up until the investigation finish, we need help in these villages to get jobs or put these youth to work somewhere.”

The young mechanic operated from his father’s property, where the murder took place.

relating to nursing; and to be the minister’s representative at Nursing and Midwifery meetings nationally, regionally and internationally. The association noted that after this was explained to the minister, no response was forthcoming.

It was further revealed that on May 31, 2016, the CNO and the DCNO were both summoned to a meeting which was to be held at the Kingston Annex of the Nurses Association. However, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Trevor Thomas, who was slated to meet with the duo failed to make an appearance.

On June 2, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams visited the duo’s office to relay a message on behalf of Thomas. Adams informed them both that they were required to vacate the office.

This was later reinforced by Thomas, who then made his appearance to the CNO and DCNO to inform them that their office was being relocated with immediate effect.

Curious as to where the office was being relocated, the association said that Barker questioned the permanent secretary, who told her that the office would be relocated to the School of Nursing Annex in Kingston. Having been told this, the duo then expressed how “sudden, disrespectful and unprofessional” this move was, since they were not given prior notice.

“The PS also told them that he had received corre-

Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Karen Cummings

spondence informing him that the move is effective from June 1, 2016. He was told at that time that these decisions and instructions were all verbal and should be documented. He promised that correspondence would be forthcoming in two days, but this was never received,” the association said.

Further, the space identified at the Nursing Association’s annex was described by the body as being “grossly inadequate.”

“There is need for infrastructural remodelling, such as extension for office, repairs to the windows, doors and air conditioning unit, among other things,” the association said.

It was then revealed that on Monday, June 6, Barker received a call from Abigail Smith, an administrative staff from the ministry, who

requested her (Barker) to vacate the office, since Dr. Boyle was “waiting outside to occupy the space.”

Upon arrival at the office, it was reported that Barker noticed all of her belongings, along with those of the DCNO removed and placed outside by the typist clerk’s work station.

“This situation has brought much embarrassment and disrespect to both persons,” the association said.

It was highlighted too that Barker also currently serves as Chair of the General Nursing Council of Guyana, member of the Nurses and Midwives Association of Guyana, and member of the Regional Nursing bodies of CARICOM. Given this situation, the association is calling on the relevant authorities to look into this matter immediately and bring an amicable resolution since, it has, to them, displayed a form of “bullyism.”

“If there are personal issues with the CNO and DCNO, let us be brave soldiers and be courageous to confront and address the issues in an amicable manner and work for the betterment of nursing and midwifery care in Guyana,” the Nurses Association said.

Meanwhile, when Minister Cummings was contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, she stated that she could not comment on the issue now, but would provide a response sometime next week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Magistrates commence 3-day training MAGISTRATES serving in all districts of Guyana commenced on Friday a three-day seminar geared at strengthening the criminal justice system.

The training, supported by the High Commission of Canada in partnership with the Justice Education Society (JES), is being held at the Officers’ Training Centre of the Guyana Police Force in Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown.

It is being facilitated

by Justice Melissa Gillespie of the Provincial Court of Canada and Ms Sandra Cunningham, a prosecutor with the British Columbia Crown Counsel.

The training is part of the Strengthening of the Criminal Justice System Project, aimed at addressing the lack of efficiency in the local criminal justice system by building local capacity to secure, manage, present, and evaluate evi-

Prosecutor with the British Columbia Crown Counsel, Sandra Cunningham

Justice Melissa Gillespie of the Provincial Court of Canada

dence.

The project focuses on building the capacities of all parts of the criminal justice system to complete their assigned roles according to international standards.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Friday, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, said it is the court’s duty to deal with proof and establishment of guilt for the condemnation

of criminal activity Chancellor Singh pointed out that, recently, in a newspaper editorial, someone wrote that it is the courts’ responsibility to support the police.

“The Judiciary has no role in supporting the police, for our role as adjudicator is to see that justice is done fairly, transparently, and in a timely manner.”

Justice Singh remarked:

Magistrates at the opening ceremony of the three-day seminar

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh

“We have no other responsibility. If the prison is overcrowded, that’s not our

problem.”

He added that while criminality has changed, the responsibility of prison accommodation lies elsewhere rather than with the court casting decisions.

“I believe that those who bear this responsibility might just be exploring the possibility of creating additional accommodation in a way that addresses the awareness to levels of criminality…now in our society,” the Chancellor outlined.

The JES is a Canadian non-profit public legal ed-

ucation organisation with over 25 years of experience.

Its mission is to build strong communities by promoting the understanding of, access to, and confidence in, justice systems both in Canada and further afield.

With extensive experience in designing and implementing international projects, the society’s work has included a range of diverse projects, including justice reform, citizen security, human rights and access to justice, gender-based violence and public legal education.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Teenagers freed of Pike Street murder ‒ Judge cites poor police investigation TEENAGERS Kevin Washington and Dennecia Halley, were found not guilty on Friday afternoon after Justice Navindra Singh directed the 12-member jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict, citing insufficient evidence in the 2013 murder of Antonio Isles at Pike Street, Kitty.

The duo was visibly happy and relieved as they reunited with relatives at the High Court. Justice Singh explained that the police did poor investigation in the matter and asked the duo if they knew what happened because he does not know.

As such, Justice Singh said, “Think three times before you do something,” after which the men were set free. When the shackles were removed from Washington’s feet, he sprinted into the arms of his relatives, who were crying and hugging him in the court room.

Even before Halley exited the prisoner’s box, her mother, who was present in the visitor’s galley kneeled down and said her prayers.

As the duo exited the court room, they were repeatedly hugged by their relatives, who shed tears of joy as they walked off.

During the trial, government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh testified and gave the cause of death as cerebral haemorrhage as a result of blunt cranial trauma. Another witness Kelvin De Peazer also testified and was

Dead: Antonio Isles

crossed-examined by defence counsel when he admitted that he did not see anyone beating Isles.

He told the court that when he reached the scene the group of children had dispersed and only the two accused were left standing there while Isles was on the ground. The State prosecutors were Michael Shahoud and Orinthia Schmidt, while the defence counsel are Peter Hugh and Dexter Todd.

Isles, 40, of Lot 248 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was allegedly beaten by a group of persons at Pike Street on March 1, 2013.

The seaman was admitted to the GPHC and later succumbed to his injuries.

It is alleged that between March 1 and 3, 2013, a group beat Isles to death after he had exited a shop at Pike Street, Kitty, at about 8:30 pm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Making tenants into homeowners

‒ Fabulous Homes, in collaboration with Alleyne and Company, takes the leap

By Shauna Jemmott FABULOUS Homes International, in collaboration with Alleyne and Company, is gearing to make tenants into homeowners by providing affordable homes through ‘Project 500’.

Chief Executive Officer of Fabulous Homes International, Karis Munroe, told the Guyana Chronicle that work has already started on the project, and several persons have selected the house they would like to build and the land on which it should be built.

‘Project 500’ employs over 1,000 labourers, skilled workers, counsellors and professional agents to work with individual homeowners. This project is designed for the newly-established ‘Spring Hill Estate’ in La Villeth on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

It is some 20 minutes away from Splashmin’s Resort; 30 minutes from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri; and 12 miles away from the mining town of Linden.

“Project 500 is a programme that we designed for individuals that are tenants right now. Instead of coming into us every day and asking for properties to rent between $18,000 to $120,000 or more, we decided to create a programme for these individuals, where, instead of having to pay your landlord’s

Fabulous Homes Chief Executive Officer Karis Munroe

mortgage continuously month after month, year after year, and you see no return from it, how about if you had an opportunity to own your own home?”

Munroe explained.

She said that while many residential lands along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway are leased, the lands in Spring Hill Estate are transported, and the entire area is residential.

“These lands are not leased, they are titled lands, and the entire area is scheduled for residential (purposes). The land is really beautiful! It has little creeks in there, some little waterfalls, and the end of it borders on the Demerara River.”

“The area will house nursery, primary and secondary schools, a recreational park, supermarket and other businesses,” she explained.

The package of a land and a two or three-bed-

Dataram’s ex-wife held in ganja bust THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Thursday evening seized 170 pounds of marijuana and arrested four persons including the ex-wife of self-confessed drug-trafficker, Barry Dataram, during a raid at Versailles,West Bank Demerara.

The quartet will make their first court appearance on Monday. Head of CANU, James Singh, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the raid was conducted on a house in a gated community at Versailles. He said ranks acted on a tip-off when they conducted the raid. Dataram’s exwife, Sheleza had gained notoriety in December 2007 when she and her three-year-old daughter were kidnapped by two Venezuelans, one of whom was later shot dead in a confrontation with the police. The incident had occurred at Ruimzeight Gardens, West Coast Demerara.

room house is worth $6M, and special considerations would be given to individuals based on their ability to pay, she explained.

“We created a programme (wherein) individuals can own a brand new house. They’re getting their land and their homes included in a brand new community. Instead of having to pay $50,000 to your landlord every month, the $50,000 that you’re paying goes to your mortgage,” Munroe expanded.

Munroe said interested applicants are required to provide a down payment of $3.5M, and if they cannot afford to pay all at once, they can reserve their lots and ‘particular house’ with a payment of $100,000 and over.

“If they need financing, we can give them whatever documentation is needed for them to go to the bank.

Individuals who cannot get financing through the bank, we can assist them in getting finance; we can finance it ourselves. But the key is that they will need at least $3.5M down, and be able to qualify to pay at least $50,000 every month for 120 months – that is a total

One of the fabulous houses being built by ‘Project 500’

of 10 years,” She explained.

The project is a partnership with Scotia Bank. But if anyone is working with another bank, they, too, can be assisted in securing a loan through the project, she explained.

Special consideration would also be given to those who cannot afford $50,000 monthly; they might be asked to pay as little as $15,000 monthly, but the years of payment for their new home would be extended, she explained.

“The key is to change the generational ‘rental mentality’ into a genera-

tional ‘ownership mentality’. You can say ‘this is mine, and I can pass this on to my children’. You’re creating a legacy right now, and you have to start somewhere,” she advised.

More information on the housing deal is available at the website Fabuloushomesinternational.com. Persons can go to the tab which says buying, select the Project 500 option, and pick a style of home from the options

available.

“Our goal is to get 500 people into their homes by December. So the ‘Home for Christmas’ is a real possibility; very, very real possibility. They just need a way as to how they’re gonna either accumulate their $3.5M on their own, borrow it from a family, get a loan, or they get the entire amount financed from the bank,” Munroe said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

CHARGE MEN FOR GROOMING ‒ not girls for wandering ‒ CoI report recommends

By Shauna Jemmott POLICE, magistrates and judges must administer charges on ‘men for grooming’, instead of ‘girls for wandering’, the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riots has recommended.

The CoI into prison conditions and the death of 17 remand prisoners was prepared by Chairman of the Commission, Justice James Patterson, and Commissioners Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca, and was recently submitted to President David Granger at the Ministry of the

Presidency.

The report advises Government to consider vulnerable prison populations -including juveniles, women and indigenous peoples -- as it works towards improving the infrastructural and social services within the Guyana Prison Service.

“Police, magistrates and judges must charge men for grooming, rather than charge girls for wandering…. Incarceration of juveniles must be (strictly) according to the principle of last resort, (and) the Holding Centre in Sophia should be replaced by arrangements which are conducive to restoring good

conduct, health and safety of children in accordance with the Rights of the Child,” the report stated.

Instead of placing non-violent women offenders in the same jail with violent offenders, the report recommended, a halfway house should be established, which provides “rehabilitation in the form of a process of re-establishing self-confidence and problem-solving skills, with regular access to their children”.

The report has also recommended establishment of a women’s remand prison within the Lusignan Prison Environment in Demerara, instead of in New Amster-

dam, Berbice; and that judges and magistrates “respect incarceration of women as a last resort measure”.

In cases in which Guyana’s indigenous peoples are charged with indictable offences, the report recommends that they be remanded in facilities within their respective regions, instead of at the Georgetown Prisons; while summary matters in hinterland communities should be resolved in one session.

The commissioners also recommended that the Ministry of Public Health should adopt a more pro-active approach to the health of the

Justice James Patterson

general prison population, especially those who are victims of HIV, diabetes, and mental illnesses.

Calls are, meanwhile,

being made for Government to make compulsory rehabilitation programmes in the penal system and undertake a major publicity campaign to promote its acceptance of the purposes of prisons.

“Rehabilitation pro grammes in the penal system should be compulsory; subject to measurement and evaluation; linked to external qualifying processes; and provide the basis and momentum for enjoyment of a range of incentives and privileges,” the report recommended.

It also recommended that access to mobile phones, computers and other privileges be incentive-based.

Business, energy schools for UG

By Ariana Gordon in New York NEW Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Dr Ivelaw Griffith has announced that feasibility studies will be conducted in September for the establishment of schools of business and energy and mines.

“Guyana needs a business school. You will invest in that; we’d need scholarships… you’d have an op-

portunity to name the school, we’d be establishing later on a school of energy and mines.

We cannot be a nation thinking about oil and don’t have a university, an enterprise of trainers, researchers,” he announced, while addressing the ‘Guyana means business’ Investment Conference held at the Harvard Club of New York.

The vice-chancellor urged the gathering of investors and potential investors to not only

invest in the economy, but in education, pointing out that without an educated workforce the economy would not thrive.

The vice-chancellor said too that he will embrace the business sector for he believes that partnerships with investors will see the ultimate development of the University of Guyana. He disclosed that Private Sector Commission member Gerry Gouveia and Chairman of Go-Invest

Patricia Bacchus are founding co-chairs of a Business and Civic Engagement Council.

An additional Co-Chair from the Berbice area has been identified.

“We have got as a university to have a strong nexus with the economic and social pursuits. Not only engagements with the council that Patricia, Gerry and the other co-chairs will lead, it is what I sense would be important economic and educational ventures that you have an opportunity to invest in.”

The UG Vice-Chancellor, who is returning to Guyana after 35 years of being in the United States, said he has a bold vision for the University of Guyana and will work hand in hand with stakeholders to have that vision realised.

Quoting renowned boxer Muhammad Ali, he described investors as “Champions.”

“Champions called in-

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr Ivelaw Griffith

vestors; being here by itself demonstrates that you’ve got will. Being here demonstrates that you’ve been invited because you’ve shown skill, being here suggests that you’ve got vision and I want you to be commended for taking either the first leap of faith

or a potential leap of faith.

You are champions! Your championship relates to our country’s economic development, but I want to suggest to us all… second ‘E’ word that is critical to your investment, education.”

According to Dr Griffith, investors must think of developing the education system in Guyana and as such must demonstrate confidence in the educational enterprise as much as they will demonstrate confidence in the economy. “Think of UG,” said Dr Griffith as he pleaded with investors to pour their support behind the country’s premier tertiary institution.

Investors, Dr Griffith stressed, are made from a dream, vision, the skill and the will. “You have both,” he said, noting that nothing prevents investors from supporting the vision of building a greater University.

Last month, Dr Griffith made it clear that UG needs more assistance than the government of Guyana can provide. The new vice-chancellor has since drafted a 12-point plan aimed at building a wider portfolio of resources for the university. He believes there is a great need to find enterprising ways to achieve specific targets.

Dr Griffith, who served as the 9th President of Forth Valley State University in Georgia, was appointed UG’s 10th vice- chancellor and will assume office from June 14. He was the first UG student to graduate with distinction in Political Science in 1980. The new vice-chancellor replaces Professor Jacob Opadeyi and will work along with Chancellor, Professor Eon Nigel Harris.

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Negligence seen in recent mining death ‒ CoI their lives.

“One of the most painful things to see as a miner is to see human beings covered alive. It is a harsh reality….

I know you have family, I know you have needs, and you came here to get money, but value your life,”

Major General (retd) Joe Singh presenting the final CoI report to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

THERE is a worrying trend of negligence and recklessness being replicated among mediumand small-scale mining operations, the Natural Resources Ministry said after receiving the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Reynold Williams.

Eighteen-year-old Williams, who hailed from 58 Miles, Mabura Road, was killed on May 29, 2016 when a mining pit collapsed in Konawaruk Backdam, Region Eight. An investigation (CoI) was subsequently launched into the incident.

On Thursday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was presented with the final report of the CoI, which was completed

by Major General (retd) Joe Singh. That report confirmed that negligence was the principal cause of the mining accident.

“The report’s findings highlight a worrying trend of negligence and recklessness that is being replicated among other medium- and small-scale mining operations, and the grave risks these present to the lives of miners working on properties where safe mining practices are not being adhered to,” the Ministry said in a press statement.

Lack of contingency plans for safety and rescue, poorly trained personnel, and lack of basic supplies

to respond to injuries were among the deficiencies identified within smalland medium-scale mining operations.

The report noted that “these unsafe practices, which have a ripple effect on families, communities, the sector and the country as a whole, can no longer be condoned at any level”, and recommended that measures be put in place immediately to curb these actions, the Natural Resources Ministry further stated.

Minister Trotman reportedly expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Major General Joe Singh and his team, which included members of the Environmental Unit of the Guyana Geology and Minces Commission (GGMC), in completing the CoI. However, Minister Trotman said he received the report with “a heavy heart” since its findings glaringly expose the magnitude and depth of work to be done to bring the mining sector back into good repute, starting with the awareness among current miners about the basics of mining.

He noted that stricter enforcement of existing laws, the use of drone technology, along with training and stricter conditions for the issuance of permits need to be incorporated.

Considering the findings of committees of inquiry

conducted over the past year, Government, through the Natural Resources Ministry, has adopted a zero tolerance approach to unsafe mining practices, and will shortly be putting in place measures to hold property owners accountable for actions perpetrated on their properties.

“Unsafe acts that lead to injury and/or the loss of lives will not be condoned at any level within the mining sector. Consultations with stakeholders will commence soon,” the Ministry emphasised.

Minister Trotman has spoken to the mother of Reynold Williams, expressing condolences on behalf of the Government whilst assuring her that the death of her son will not be forgotten.

Last week, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, had instructed miners in Konawaruk Backdam to cease operating until safety measures were put in place. Minister Broomes had led a technical team from GGMC and the Ministry of Social Protection to the scene of the accident, where, based on initial investigations, she had said that negligence was the primary reason. During that visit, Minister Broomes and team not only offered recommendations based on best practices, but encouraged the miners to value

Minister Broomes said as she encouraged the miners to place major emphasis on safety during the execution of their work.

Williams is the second person to have died in the area of mining during 2016.

Dead: Reynold Williams

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Stand up for country

THE mighty Essequibo has been the heart of an age-old unsubstantiated claim on Guyana’s sovereign territory by Venezuela, which spans over 170 years, beginning in the year 1840 when the British Government felt it was necessary to demarcate British Guiana’s borders.

German surveyor Robert Schomburgk on request from the British Government was hired to conduct a survey on the Western Boundary of the territory. Schomburgk’s line of demarcation was rejected by Venezuela and this sparked a controversy that continued until 1894.

In 1899, an Arbitral Tribunal representing both British Guiana and Venezuela described clearly the boundary between the two countries, resulting in an agreement, which presumably put the issue to rest. Though Venezuela honoured this agreement for at least half a century, in 1962, the Spanish state announced that she regarded the 1899 Award as being null and void.

In 1966, the two countries signed the Geneva Agreement in which the steps for resolution of the border controversy were detailed and sought to establish a “Mixed Commission” of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives would be established to seeking “satisfactory solutions for the

practical settlement of the controversy.

It has been 50 years since the signing of the Agreement, yet Venezuela remains relentless in its claims, having showed blatant signs of disregard for Guyana’s territorial integrity. In 2013, the region again became a subject of particular interest to our Western neighbour.

The Venezuelan navy entered Guyana waters and seized and subsequently released the MV Teknik Perdana - a seismic vessel hired by the United States oil company, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Just last year, one week after oil giant ExxonMobil discovered significant quantities of oil in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and on Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued Decree 1787 claiming ownership of Guyana’s territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean off of the Essequibo region. On July 7, Maduro issued the second Decree 1859 reiterating its claims. Later in October, Venezuela objected to the operation of the Canadian mining company Guyana Goldfields Incorporated which is located at Aurora, Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

In September, it was reported that gun boats and troops had been deployed along Guyana’s Borders.

Following this timeline

…citizens urged, amid Venezuela’s aggression

GDF Officers during ‘Exercise Greenheart’ which focuses on close country warfare training and demonstrates military capacity of relentless action, Guyana has taken the position to appeal to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon for a juridical settlement on the matter.

During a Foreign Policy Panel Discussion regarding the Border Controversy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Greenidge explained that after years of no results, it is time for International Law to take its course. He noted that the Geneva Convention allows the Secretary to take

this course of action.

“The Secretary General has the power to choose a means to resolve a matter if the two sides can’t agree.

What Secretaries General have been doing since 1982 is to identify persons as representatives of the Secretary General to facilitate dialogue and cooperation and mechanisms that can eventually eliminate the controversy, in fact all of those have failed… nothing has come out of it… Venezuela’s claims are so arbitrary that they go beyond any recognised boundaries that Venezuela endures,” Minister Greenidge said.

The Minister reiterated Guyana’s position in February of this year, while addressing the National Assembly during the budget debates. He stated that Guyana totally rejects the backhanded attempts of Venezuela to despoil Guyana of her rights.

The Minister was responding to a statement made to the United Nations by Venezuela ratifying its rights to the

Sir Shridath Ramphal at a recent launch of his book ‘Guyana In The World: The First of the First Fifty Years and the Predatory Challenge’ Essequibo. “Venezuela’s behaviour towards Guyana is a festering wound to peace and development in our region and an affront to the rule of law in the world. It must be healed by a process of law,” he said.

Upon assuming Office, His Excellency President David Granger made clear Guyana’s position with regard to maintaining territorial integrity. In his address at the opening of the 11th Parliament in June last year, President Granger pledged the Government’s determi-

nation in securing Guyana’s borders and the strengthening of friendly relations with the neighbouring states of Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.

He stated that the security of their borders is important to the stability of the continent and to the success of the Union of the American Nations.

“We will seek effective international collaboration to sustain economic growth and to preserve international peace. Your Government will continue to work towards the adherence to agreements that

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

President David Granger (centre) and Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips (centre-rear) with officers stationed at the GDF Eteringbang Base

respect our territorial integrity on all three frontiers: Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname.

We insist on the full implementation of agreements that guarantee sovereignty,” the President said.

Sir Shridath Ramphal, who among his many posts has served as both Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State to Guyana during his active years, and has played a great many roles in relation to Venezuelan border aggression, gave some insight into the controversy.

Commenting on the state of affairs as Guyana continually attempted to protect its territory from Venezuela, Sir Ramphal noted that from the time he became acquainted with the matter in 1965, his experience was that Venezuela was as aggressive in their claims back then as they were in their most recent attempts.

In his post as Minister of State at the time, Sir Ramphal was part of a group including then President Linden Forbes Burnham and the foreign Ministers of both Great Britain and Venezuela that signed on to the Geneva Agreement.

“Venezuela over all that time has cultivated the myth that the Essequibo region was stolen by the British,” he said. “So a whole generation of Venezuelans has grown up in the belief – and they genuinely do believe- that Venezuela is right -of course they are wrong -and it has hasd a serious effect on Guyana’s development.”

Most recently, on May 30 of this year, a boat carrying officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission came under fire from the Venezuelan Army in the area

of Eteringbang on the Cuyuni River.

Following the reports, President David Granger said that Guyana is seeking clarity on the events that transpired but it appears as though an error had been made. In response to questions posed on The Public Interest, the President said that a complaint has been made to Venezuela but that no formal response has yet been received. He made clear however, that despite the hostile nature of the occurrence; it is not a “clash between two Republics”.

“We are not saying that there is no fault, but my information is that the rain was falling very heavily and there might have been some misunderstanding about the boat that was actually taking the officials. But it is unacceptable in the relation between two states on a river owned by Guyana that shots would be fired in a hostile manner. So we are not satisfied that the matter is closed as yet but it does not seem likely that it would lead to some international conflict,” the President said.

Chief of Staff if the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier General Mark Phillips explained that he has been in contact with the General of the Venezuelan Armed forces and has been assured that it was an isolated incident.

“This is an isolated incident and I would want to believe that as the Venezuelan general promised they will investigate and corrective action will be taken,” he said.

Given that it is an assumed misunderstanding, Brigadier General Phillips stated that persons traveling in that area have nothing to fear. The Chief

of Staff also assured that there is adequate GDF deployment along the borders with its base located in Eteringbang and several observation posts along the Cuyuni River. And though he admitted that the Venezuelan Armed Forces far outnumbers that of the GDF, Brigadier he stated that the Army will continue to carry out its mandate to protect Guyana to the best of its ability. He stated too that the GDF soldiers undergo regular training relating to defence and all matters surrounding the security of Guyana.

The President has in the past spoken about outlined a “Total National Defence” Policy, in which he stated that in light of the border controversies all the elements and instruments of national power need constantly to be employed in order to protect the country’s territory.

“Venezuela’s persistent attempts to redraw a maritime map of the Caribbean and to seize large portions of Guyana’s land and sea space cannot be dismissed… The Defence Force and our diplomatic service, in the final analysis, are the custodians of Guyana’s territorial integrity, political independence and security. The GDF, in particular, is entrusted with defence and must be strong enough to undertake the task of defending our motherland Guyana needs a well commanded, well trained and well equipped Defence Force,” the President said at the Annual Officers’ Conference of the GDF in March 2016.

Guyana has for 50 years been burdened by the threat to the country’s patrimony.

In the year of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and the 50th Independence of the signing of the Geneva Agreement, Guyanese must hold fast to our territorial rights as Government continues to advocate, with the support of the Commonwealth and CARICOM, for a final and binding juridical settlement on the matter.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

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‘West Dem’ roadside vendors agree to relocate

FOLLOWING discussions with the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Annette Ferguson, vendors operating at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, have agreed to relocate to facilitate the road improvement project.

A release from the MPI noted that Minister Ferguson met with the vendors, on Thursday afternoon at the Vreeden-Hoop Primary School, to discuss a way forward that would be agreeable to both the project and the vendors.

Accompanied by officials from the MPI, the Ministry of Finance and the Region 3 Democratic Council, she held an interactive session with the vendors, during which it was emphasised that the project would ultimately benefit the entire community, particularly through the provision of farm-to-market access.

Project Coordinator Kester Hinds also informed that the US$44M project is the largest infrastructural development to ever be undertaken in Region #3.

However, for the project to be successfully completed, it was pointed out, the 65 vendors from Vreed-en-Hoop would have to temporarily relocate, since their current location is in the direct path of the proposed road. As part of the contract, the technical specifications must be adhered to, and are therefore unchangeable.

According to the release, it was highlighted during the discussion that failure to move forward with the project as stipulated in its contract could lead to heavy financial repercussions for Guyana from the loaning agency, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Some stalls located at the Vreed-en-Hoop Market Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts explained the ramifications of the loan agreement to the vendors, and stated that the loan comes with interest that “grows, whether construction goes on or not.”

However, Minister Ferguson emphasised that the goal was not to “come in like a thief in the night” and remove the vendors. Rather, she said, the vendors had a say in their alternative short- and long-term options and the way forward.

“We are here to listen and to find solutions, not to strong-arm you,” Minister Ferguson stressed while urging

Attendees during the meeting to discuss the relocation of vendors to facilitate the WCD Road Improvement Project

the vendors to present options that might not have been previously considered by officials. Two possible locations were also put forward to the vendors for their consideration.

In response, the vendors expressed understanding at the need for them to relocate, but said one of the proposed sites was untenable. This site is located in an area known as Phoenix Park in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, and according to the vendors, it is a “dead zone.”

“No customer is going to want to go there; it is not a catchment area,” one vendor said. Another added, “People would prefer to take the speed boat to Georgetown than to travel to that location.”

The vendors also unanimously called for the use of the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling as the relocation site. However, they were informed that that area is currently earmarked for development into a waterfront facility through funding from the United Kingdom Government, thus it would be unavailable.

At the end of the discussion, two sites located right in Vreed-en-Hoop were proposed by the vendors and agreed upon. The 65 vendors would be split between the two locations, and are expected to be relocated as soon as Monday.

The road project, which began at Hydronie and stretches to Vreed-en-Hoop, covers approximately 30.7 kilometres of road, and is primarily financed by the CDB. Works would include pavement rehabilitation, installation of traffic signs and road markings, provision of additional streetlights, construction of concrete drains, and relocation of utilities.

23 cadets undergo training at CUPOCS CHIEF of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier General Mark Phillips, on Wednesday officially declared open Standard Officers Course (SOC) No. 49, wherein 23 officer cadets are currently undergoing training at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS) at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, EBD. The batch includes three cadet officers from the Belize Defence Force

Officer cadets of SOC #49 with the COS, senior officers and staff of CUPOCS

and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. The SOC No. 49 commenced with 36 students in April 2016, but 13 withdrew during the first six weeks of the course.

In a highly motivational address to the students, Brigadier General Phillips told them they were training at a time when the GDF is examining ways to improve its overall professionalism. In this regard, he noted, the course represents their See page 22

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SASOD discusses HIV-related issues with Dr Norton ahead of UN meeting

THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), on behalf of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), met earlier this week with Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton -- ahead of an ongoing United Nations’ high-level meeting on HIV -- to “discuss important opportunities the UN meeting was likely to provide for both Government and civil society in the global response to HIV/AIDS”, SASOD has said.

SASOD has explained that some of these opportunities include setting bold new targets for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, human rights and the legal framework, young people, women and girls, key populations, financing and investment.

SASOD’s project coordinator, John Quelch, in his contribution at the meeting, highlighted that men who are considered gay, transgender people and those identified as sex workers are denied equal access to HIV prevention and healthcare services. This, he reasoned, is because of the “structural barriers” that exist in the public health system in Guyana.

“The punitive laws and policies that criminalise and discriminate against these marginalised groups impede

proper HIV prevention and treatment, and effective care and support services,” Quelch said.

Given this situation, he echoed sentiments on behalf of

of key populations (LGBT and other minority groups) and people living with HIV in programme development and implementation at the national level.

the school system, and he said it must be aimed at informing young people and children about issues related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

SASOD representatives, (L-R) Projects Coordinator John Quelch, Advocacy and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick, and Managing Director Joel Simpson pose with Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, following the meeting earlier this week the GEF, calling for the repeal of these punitive laws, which according to that body, “violate human rights and heighten vulnerabilities.”

The project coordinator also noted that GEF is advocating for the relevant decision-makers to recognise the importance of the involvement

“Greater involvement of these groups will provide platforms for their voices to be heard and their issues to be addressed at policy levels,” Quelch stated.

Further, he underscored the need for the full implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in

It was noted that young people, especially between

the ages of 15 and 24, account for more than one-third of the cases of new HIV infections.

And Quelch interestingly noted that most young people do not have access to good quality social and economic services, including sexual and reproductive health programmes that provide the services and commodities, skills, knowledge and capability they need to protect themselves from HIV. Minister Norton, who took notes continuously throughout the meeting, engaged the advocates extensively, and acknowledged their efforts to advance the cause of minority groups while providing him with much-needed and relevant information.

The Minister also revealed that he understands fully how important a role civil society plays in HIV response -- providing a grounded perspective and access to key populations, which is invaluable to the national programme.

Minister Norton also commended GEF for the work it has been doing, while highlighting the Ministry’s com-

mitment to partnering with the groups to advance human rights’ protection for marginalised communities.

“If I am serious about health care in this country, then I must be ready to work with all groups,” he said.

The high level UN meeting commenced on Wednesday last, and concluded on Friday.

Attending the meeting, apart from the Minister, were Miriam Edwards of the Guyana Sex Work Coalition (GSWC) and the Caribbean Sex Workers Coalition (CSWC); Devanand Milton of Guyana Trans United (GTU), and John Quelch of SASOD. The three local groups, led by key populations, are also members of the regional Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC).

The Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), founded by SASOD in 2011, is a network of local civil society groups working collectively and cohesively for equal rights and justice in Guyana. The GEF is chaired by Red Thread, while SASOD serves as the network’s secretariat.

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23 cadets undergo ...

From page 20 preparation for military work, and so the conduct of the training remains difficult and physically demanding for good reason.

“If we are to be the leaders of our soldiers, then you must endure a greater level of hardship than what obtains on the Basic Recruit Training.

However, in all that we do at CUPOCS, we must teach our officer cadets to think, communicate, and always have an interest in the welfare of the soldiers they will command on leaving this course,” he stated.

“You must focus all your efforts on passing this course. Once you pass this course, the sky

becomes the limit for you. In addition to preparing you to serve in the military, what you take from this course will benefit you even after you have served. So, stay focused, be disciplined, and maintain a high standard always, and you will pass this course,” he assured the potential officers.

The Chief of Staff commended the students for thus far staying the course, and expressed hope that each of them would endure to the end and, in February 2017, become the ‘newly minted’ Second Lieutenants and future military leaders of the GDF. The officer cadets will undergo close to one year of rigorous training specifically designed to

challenge their physical and mental acuity. A wide range of military subjects will be complemented with lectures in environmental studies, administration, and the Law of Armed Conflict. Training would also be conducted at the Colonel John Clarke Military School (CJCMS) at Tacama, Rio Berbice; the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS) at Makouria in Region Seven, at CUPOCS, and at Base Camp Ayanganna.

The Standard Officers Course transforms, in one year, a civilian into an officer who can lead soldiers during peacetime and at any phase of war. It is the initial training for young officers.

Saturday June 11th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Sunday June 12th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Monday June 13th, 2016 - 11:30 hrs

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Mexico beat Jamaica 2-0 to reach Vreed-en-Hoop Copa America quarter-finals advance in PASADENA, California – All night long, Jamaica generated good scoring chances but couldn’t capitalise on any of them.

Javier Hernandez and Oribe Peralta were on target as Mexico beat Jamaica 2-0 to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.

By virtue of Venezuela’s upset of Uruguay earlier in the day, both Mexico and Venezuela are sitting on six points having won their first two Group C matches. That means Monday’s match will determine the winner to face the second-place team from Group D. Playing without captain Andres Guardado, who was sent off during a win over Uruguay on Monday, Mexico shuffled their 4-3-3 with Rafa Marquez dropping into central defence and Miguel Layun pushing up from fullback to wing midfielder.

The Mexicans’ technical prowess was on display early and often, and in the 18th minute it led to a goal. Jesus Corona made a run down

the left wing and sent a nice cross into the box, where Hernandez snuck in between the central defenders, including Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, and snapped a header into the lower-right corner of the net.

The goal brought Hernandez one shy of Jared

the support and said it made a big difference for his side.

“I have said in the past ... we thought that we understood how much passion the national team generates in the Mexican population,” he said.

“But, in the last three games, I have to admit that

Chicharito #14 of Mexico reacts after his goal with Hector Herrera #16, to take a 1-0 lead over Jamaica.

Borgetti’s all-time Mexico record of 46 international goals.

Over 83 000 fans packed into the Rose Bowl, and most of them were wearing Mexico’s three colours. Manager Juan Carlos Osorio praised

I had no clue. Or better yet, I misunderstood because what we heard today - the noise, the support was absolutely amazing.”

Despite falling behind early, Jamaica used their speed and strength to routine-

ly open up the Mexican defence. The best chance came in the 35th minute when Garath McCleary turned a low cross on net only to be blocked by Mexican defender Yasser Corona.

Jamaican striker Clayton Donaldson seemed to be in behind El Tri’s backline all evening, but nothing came of it. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made some fine saves as well, including a pointblank denial of Michael Hector late in the first half.

The second half featured a bit of controversy as Donaldson appeared to be fouled in the box, but the referee waved to play on.

No matter what happens against Venezuela, Mexico will likely have to face either Argentina or Chile in the quarterfinals. Chile lost to Argentina in Group D on Monday, but the defending Copa America champions are still considered favourites to reach the knockout stages.

The way El Tri are playing, it shouldn’t matter.

“I think Mexico have all the possibilities to compete one-on-one with anyone,” Osorio said.

Sri Lanka openers lead fightback after Bairstow’s unbeaten 167

By Ed Osmond LONDON, England - Sri Lanka’s openers shared a fluent century-stand to lead their side to 162 for one in reply to England’s 416 on the second day of the third and final Test at Lord’s yesterday.

Kaushal Silva made an unbeaten 79 and Dimuth Karunaratne 50 for the touring side after Jonny Bairstow’s 167 not out carried England to a commanding first-innings total as they bid to wrap up the series 3-0.

Bairstow and Chris Woakes,

who came together with the hosts in trouble at 227 for six, shared an excellent partnership of 144 on another fine day at the home of cricket.

Woakes contributed a polished 66, his first Test fifty, hitting eight crisp fours in nearly three hours at the crease before he chipped a catch back to left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

Bairstow, whose brilliant 140 set up England’s innings victory in the first Test, went past 150 with his 17th four to continue his rich vein of form with the bat.

He made a costly error with the keeper’s gloves, however, spilling a routine catch off Woakes to give Karunaratne a reprieve on 28.

The Sri Lanka opener took advantage to get to 50 for the first time in the series before he nicked Steven Finn down the legside and Bairstow held the catch to make partial amends for his blunder.

Silva was untroubled by a toothless England attack hitting 10 fours, and Kusal Mendis moved smoothly to 25 not out at the close.

GVF/Region 1 Administration host first beach volleyball competition THE Gilkes brothers, (Richard, Leon and Colin), former national volleyball players, and 1984 Caribbean champions, in collaboration with the Guyana Volleyball Federation and the Region 1 Administration, hosted the first beach volleyball competition, in the Mabaruma sub­region.

The preliminary matches were

held on Saturday May 28, and finals on May 29.

The competition drew male and female teams from Wauna, Hosororo, Mabaruma Compound, Mabaruma Settlement and Baribanobo.

They competed for a trophy and $25 000 1st prize, a trophy and $15 000 2nd prize in the male category, while in the female category the

first-prize winners collected a trophy and $20 000 and second-placers a trophy and $10 000. Trophies were also awarded to the MVPs in both categories.

In the male category Mabaruma Settlement defeated their counterparts from Baribanobo while the Wauna female team upstaged the Mabaruma Compound team.

Digicel Schools football opener

... High quality football expected in 2016

VREED-EN-Hoop Secondary are the first team to advance to the next round of the sixth Digicel Schools football tournament which kicked off yesterday at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara.

The Vreed-en-Hoop side managed to hold their own to down L’Aventure 3-1 on penalties, following a normal time period which ended two-all.

Brian Chapman in the 33rd minute put Vreeden-Hoop ahead before Shemar Parjohn doubled the lead in the 39th minute from the spot, to end the first half with the team leading.

However, a determined L’Aventure went on the hunt in search of goals and managed their first in the 85th, thanks to Ariel Whoskey. It took an injury-time (90+3) intervention by Dan Boston to send the match to penalties before the Vreeden-Hoop eventually triumphed.

The winning side opted for a goalie change which resulted in the several key blocks.

Meanwhile, before the game, there was a brief march past followed by a kick-off by Digicel CEO Kevin Kelly, Head of Marketing Jacqueline James, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and other officials.

With over 180 teams expected across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, no doubt the tournament will have high-intensity matches, according to the telecommunication giant’s Customer Care Head of Department Sherwin Osborne.

“We do expect to receive better competition in that region and in other regions. so we expect high-quality football this year,” he said.

The Digicel representative continued “We expect a higher level than last year and last year our standards had gotten way better. I was up there (in New Amsterdam) on Wednesday and actually saw a pre- tournament to our tournament among schools in New Amsterdam.

With several new schools set to make their debut in this edition including Paruima out of Region 7, this year’s competition is sure to have its own bit of inter-regional fireworks.

“We think from the first year to now, we have seen development in the players as well as players staying in school longer,” Osborne continued, adding, “A couple of gentlemen from the Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary School were in the Top-10 in CSEC exams last year. So we’ve seen success in terms of that.”

Christiansburg/Wismar are the four-time defending champions of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones contended that the tournament transcends the usual boundaries, saying, “Digicel’s football tournament is more than just an inter-school tournament, it’s part and parcel of Guyana’s economic activity on a yearly basis and that is why the government is always interested in supporting the work of Digicel.”

“Not only do our students in all 10 regions have an opportunity to explore various parts of the country but this tournament stimulates economic activity for many of the regions,” Jones added.

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CFU bails out Bermuda Payet’s late stunner gives for Caribbean Cup replay France flying start to Euro 2016 THE Caribbean Football Union (CFU) is to fund Bermuda’s trip to French Guiana on July 19 for the replay of their Caribbean Cup second-round match against the hosts after their match last Wednesday was called off because of a water-logged pitch.

Bermuda, who were leading 1-0 in the fixture that was abandoned after 41 minutes, were unable to afford the estimated US$50 000 bill and seemed likely to forfeit.

The CFU has come to their rescue, saying it will cover the cost of airfare and overnight accommodation.

It will also host and accommodate the Bermudan team and match officials.

Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden was grateful for the help.

“The BFA welcomes the news of the financial assistance and our planning starts immediately to ensure success in French Guiana,” he said.

Bermuda lost 1-0 at home to group leaders Dominican Republic at the Bermuda National Stadium on Saturday night.

Dominican Republic added a second victory when they came from behind to beat French Guiana 2-1 in Santo Domingo on Tuesday. (Sportsmax.com)

Farewell to ...

From back page her “one of the great women of this world.”

Meanwhile, Rabbi Michael Lerner said the way to honour Ali is to speak out and “refuse to follow the path of conformity.”

“Tell the politicians who use violence worldwide and then preach non-violence to the oppressed, that it’s time to end their drone warfare and every other form of warfare,” Lerner said. “… Tell leaders in Turkey to stop killing the Kurds.”

Journalist Bryant Gumbel gave a eulogy as well. The service was open to the public.

Poetry was read by Attallah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s eldest daughter, while Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to President Obama, gave a statement. Other guests of note included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The service was led by an Imam and included clerics from multiple religions. After the service, a private reception for friends and guests was scheduled at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.

Earlier today, Ali’s family, friends and fans mingled under a clear, sunny sky, celebrating both Ali’s career as an athlete and his status as a civil rights icon. Flowers and wreaths were laid at the site of his childhood home and spectators threw so many red, yellow, and white flowers onto the hearse that the driver was forced to periodically switch on the windshield wipers in order to see the road.

Ali’s cherry-red casket was draped in an Islamic shroud. Will Smith, who portrayed the boxing legend in the movie “Ali,” along with former heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson and three family members, served as pallbearers.

Ali was buried at the Cave Hill National Cemetery in Louisville. Colonel Harlan Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, is also buried there. (ABC News)

By Julien Pretot PARIS, France (Reuters) Dimitri Payet’s spectacular late strike earned France a 2-1 win over Euro 2016 Group A rivals Romania yesterday, giving the host nation a flying start to their campaign.

Payet played chief tormentor at the Stade de France

team failed to ignite in the first half of their first competitive match for two years.

They looked set for an opening draw until Payet took the ball on the right flank, cut inside and struck a venemous drive to send the crowd into raptures.

The West Ham United midfielder, who was not even certain of a place in the

France’s Dimitri Payet celebrates after the game.

(Reuters/John SibleyLivepic) as he set up Olivier Giroud for the opening goal after the break and then curled a superb left-footer into the top corner of the net with one minute left after Bogdan Stancu had equalised for Romania.

After dominating their opponents in the warm-up friendlies, Didier Deschamps’

France squad a few months ago, walked off the pitch in tears and was given a rousing ovation after delivering a world-class performance.

France made a shaky start with keeper Hugo Lloris saving well from Stancu at the far post in the fourth minute.

A reaction finally came in the 11th minute when Gi-

roud’s header from a Payet cross went just wide.

Lacking the speed and goal instinct that helped them net 13 times in their four previous matches, Les Bleus were a pale shadow of the side who breezed past their recent opponents.

A FEW CHANCES Facing a defence that conceded just twice in the qualifiers, France created a few chances though.

A Bacary Sagna cross bounced off Vlad Chiriches’ chest into the path of Antoine Griezmann whose header from point-blank range smashed into keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu’s left post.

Payet then whizzed down the right flank and Griezmann latched on to his centre but it took a slight deflection and went narrowly wide.

On the stroke of halftime Giroud’s header from Payet’s corner went just over the bar.

France’s first shot on target came seven minutes into the second half, Giroud’s low shot from a clever Payet through ball being blocked by Tatarusanu who then parried a powerful 18-metre volley by Paul Pogba.

In the 57th minute Payet sent a cross into the box and Giroud headed the ball under the bar for his eighth goal in six internationals, silencing his critics after being booed in several matches earlier this

Arthur vows to help Amir flourish on return to England

(REUTERS) - New Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has promised to do everything in his power to help disgraced paceman Mohammad Amir realise his full potential after the bowler was granted a visa for the team’s upcoming tour of England.

Amir will return to England six years after a spot-fixing scandal in a Lord’s Test resulted in bans and jail sentences for thethen teenage bowler and his former teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

“He served his time, he’s done it,” Arthur, who coached Amir at Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL), said in his first news conference since succeeding Waqar Younis in the post.

“I had Amir in the PSL, he was a fantastic professional.

“Other stuff is not relevant to me. The stuff that’s relevant to me is making Mohammad Amir the best he can possibly be as a cricketer.”

Amir’s return after serving a five-year ban was initially resented by some of his team mates but the 24-year-old left-arm paceman has enjoyed steady support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“People can say what they like, it’s got nothing to do with me,” Arthur said.

“If Mohammad Amir is picked in the Pakistan cricket team, which he has been for the England tour, it’s my role as head coach to make him the best possible player that he can possibly be.”

Pakistan will play four Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14

and September 7.

Arthur had a largely successful five-year stint as South Africa coach that ended in 2010 but endured an eventful two years with the Australian team until his sacking in 2013.

His new role puts him in charge of an often fractious group of skilled individuals but Arthur is ready for the challenge.

“For me, I wanted to coach in the subcontinent at some stage in my coaching career because if you haven’t coached in the subcontinent, you haven’t really coached,” the 48-year-old said.

Arthur said Pakistan, currently third in the Test rankings, need to do better in limited overs cricket, and stressed the need to invest in players with long-term prospects.

season.

Eight minutes later Stancu was handed the chance to level after Patrice Evra’s silly foul on Nicolae Stanciu and, facing the Romania fans behind Lloris’ goal, calmly slotted home.

Deschamps replaced Griezmann with the speedy Kingsley Coman and the disappointing Pogba with Anthony Martial but the two youngsters made little impact.

France next take on Albania on Wednesday.

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34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Thirty-one primary school teachers complete volleyball clinic THIRTY-ONE teachers, drawn from 20 primary schools all across Georgetown, yesterday successfully completed a one-week volleyball clinic, hosted by the Guyana Volleyball Federation, in collaboration with the Samaritan Sports Support System and the Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education (MoE).

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, John Flores, hailed the clinic as a timely initiative, coming at a time when the Federation is looking to build on its programme of targeting younger players. The clinic was held from June 6 to 10.

“This will feed for us the foundation of volleyball, so I am very optimistic about the programme working; this is very, very excellent for the sport and for Guyana.

“We’re trying to start a group of young players at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels, so we’re hoping to use this as a feeder to have youths train up for these programmes, so this was an excellence idea and I want to praise Samaritan Sports

Samaritan Sports Support System representative Robert Sam (left) with the participants of the primary school volleyball clinic. (Photo by Delano Williams) that assisted us with the logistics.” Flores proclaimed.

Jadeshwar Doolchand, one of the coaches who conducted the clinic, noted how encouraged he was by the enthusiasm of the teachers who participated. Though none of the teachers came into the programme with any previous volleyball knowledge, Doolchand noted that he was able to motivate an affinity for the sport in the teachers as well as equipping them to

the necessary level, for them to go back and teach the sport at the primary level.

“From the inception of the programme my goal was to get them to like the sport so that they can go back to spread the sport. I would have achieved that. We have achieved a lot in the five days. None of them ever played volleyball before and I got the opportunity to work with them and motivate them.

“They have come a long

GBTI Independence Jubilee Open

Campbell, Persaud gain easy passes to Ladies singles quarters IN the Ladies singles round of 16, Rebel Open finalist Cristy Campbell made light work of the young teenager Sarah Klautky, crushing her in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.

Campbell, who is a very consistent retriever, never gave Klautky opportunities to make winners and this caused much

draw, the 15-year-old baseliner Shivani Persaud also held her ground in the quarters to wipe out Fiona Bushell 6-2, 7-5, to meet

CRISTY CAMPBELL

SHIVANI PERSAUD frustration for the young player who clearly ran out of options.

In the top half of the

in the semis, last year’s champion Nicola Ramdyhan, who overpowered Kalyca Fraser 6-1, 6-4.

Today from 17:00hrs the highly anticipated quarterfinals will take place.

The bottom half of the Ladies singles category will come alive with two major clashes.

Campbell, who is noted for her high level of fitness, will play last year’s finalist and young powerhouse Afruica Gentle and coach Shelly Daly will play top junior Aretta Dey. Later, Men’s Over35 champion Godfrey Lowden will take on the persistent veteran Harry Panday in what can be considered an old rivalry and coach Leyland Leacock will challenge U.S. Diplomat Albert Razick in an attempt to book places in the finals.

way, they can play volleyball competitively now, they can coach, and they can pass the knowledge on to the children,” Doolchand said.

Doolchand said that getting the teachers to like the sport was most important because as they come up against challenges, it is their love for the sport that will have to encourage them.

They are going to have challenges, I taught them how to overcome those chal-

lenges. Whether support comes from the head teacher or the federation or the Ministry of Education the teachers themselves have to be strong enough to go out there and want to get the job done and want to teach the children.

The participants themselves were very excited to be a part of the course, and were satisfied with how the week went.

“I always liked the sport,

but I never got around to the opportunity since it wasn’t available for us, so when the opportunity arose I jumped at it. For the week I have learned so much, it was a wonderful experience, and I can’t complain,” remarked one of the participants from the North Georgetown Primary School.

As the teachers now go about taking the sport to their various schools, they will receive the support of the Samaritan Sports Support System, which will try their upmost to ensure that the teachers do not give up on teaching the sport.

“Even when coaches are trained they just fall away because there is no structure to hold them together, encourage them and build them up. With this group of teachers here now we will be sticking with them as they continue their training, then when they start to coach in their various schools, we will be there with them so that there will be no falling away,” said Robert Sam, a representative for the Samaritan Sports Support System

Langer considers changes for South Africa clash today AUSTRALIA interim coach Justin Langer is considering changes to his team for their tri-series clash against South Africa today.

Langer and Co. are searching for a response after suffering a 47-run loss to South Africa last time out.

The teams have moved from Guyana to St Kitts for the next three games of the tri-series, which also includes West Indies.

Langer said he had decisions to make after seeing the pitch at Basseterre.

“It actually feels a lot harder than Guyana’s. It might skid on a bit more

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday June 11, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 9.5-0-27-6 (2) 13

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many fours and sixes the WI struck in the first game of the Tri-Nations series?

(2) How many times Australia have defeated the WI in ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Australia interim coach Justin Langer for the quicks, might get through a bit more,” he said.

“I’m not sure if it’ll spin as much as Guyana. That would be my gut feel.

“The nets looked very similar and they didn’t spin so much, they just skidded on nicely so we’ll have to have a look at that for the makeup of our team.”

Langer said his team had worked on lifting their intensity in the field after the relatively heavy loss last time out.

Chasing 190 for victory, Australia were bowled out for 142 as only Aaron Finch (72) and Nathan Lyon (30) managed to provide any resistance.

Langer said there was plenty for his team to take out of the loss, particularly with their

batting.

“Not so much a harsh review,” he said.

“You’ve always got to learn and I just thought we didn’t pick the ball well enough out of the spinner’s hand and that’s something that’s a basic of batting.

“Under those lights and in those conditions, it was tough, but you give yourself a chance if you pick the ball up early out of the bowler’s hand.

“We maybe weren’t as patient as we needed to be.

We said before the game if it takes us 50 overs to get it, it takes us 50 overs to get it.

“We’ve talked about adapting, we’ve talked about having good partnerships and looking after each other and we probably didn’t do any of those things particularly well the other night.”

Farhaan Behardien (62) led South Africa with the bat before Kagiso Rabada (3-13) did most of the damage with the ball.

They top the tri-series table on five points, the same number as Australia and one clear of the hosts.

However, they have lost Rilee Rossouw for the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury, with Dean Elgar replacing him.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 11, 2016

Sobers rings Lord’s bell for Ali

WEST Indies all-round legend Gary Sobers led a tribute for boxing great Muhammad Ali at the Lord’s cricket ground yesterday.

During the lunch interval of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka black and white images of a meeting between Sobers and Ali flashed on the big screens around Lord’s. Sobers then rang a bell in the Lord’s pavilion to signify the passing of the great boxer.

Ali died at the age of 74 last week after years of battling with ravaging Parkinson’s disease, which had severely impacted his motor skills. Ali, born Cassius Clay, is widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all-

Gary Sobers rings the Lord’s bell in memory of Muhammad Ali, on the second day of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s. (Getty Images)

time and was an assertive pugilist whose social influence extended well beyond the ring.

Sobers the brilliant left-handed batsman, who could also bowl left-arm fast medium, slow leftarm orthodox and left-arm chinaman is considered by some as the greatest all-rounder of all-time.

The two sporting legends met in 1966 when Sobers was at Lord’s for the West Indies Test match against England and Ali was in London for his second fight with Britain’s Henry Cooper. The Barbadian-born Sobers played 93 Test matches for the West Indies between the period of 1954 and 1974.

Spin bowling camp was beneficial, says Motie

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Motie was one of four Guyanese, who formed part of a group of 14 players drafted from across the Caribbean.

The others were Test

that each player was able to receive from the coaching staff.

“It was just 14 of us and we each got plenty of individual attention and so we

indeed beneficial to me,” the former West Indies youth LEFT-arm spinner Gudaplayer concluded. kesh Motie, who was part Motie earned the call of a one-week camp that to the camp following his focused mainly on batting achievements in the recently concluded West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day competition where he was among the leading bowler in the twoyear history of the tournament.

Motie, took 40 wickets in his debut First Class season from seven matches.

His bowling returns included one 10-wicket match haul and took five wickets or more per innings four times.

Identified as a future West Indies product, his best bowling was 6 for 20 against Jamaica at Sabina Park.

Motie’s inclusion in the Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took 40 wickets in his debut First Class camp signals the possibility season from seven matches. of selection for the upcoming Test series. and spin bowling under batsmen Rajendra Chan- were able to work on stuff West Indies are schedhead coach Phil Simmons, drika and Leon Johnson that needed to be worked on. uled to play four Tests at at the High Performance and middle-order batsman “Personally, using the home against India in July Centre in Barbados last Vishaul Singh. crease on point of delivery and August, after which month, acknowledged that The 21-year-old thinks was one of the main weak- they will take on Pakistan the camp was indeed ben- the camp was valuable due nesses I was able to work in three away Tests in Sepeficial. to the individual attention on, so overall the camp was tember and October.

GOA donates to men’s volleyball team THE Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) yesterday handed over a cheque of some $400 000 to the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in support of the men’s volleyball team, set to represent Guyana at the South American Men’s Under-23 Championships in Colombia, June 18-25.

The donation was handed over at a simple ceremony held at the GOA headquarters, High Street.

Handing over the donation on behalf of the GOA

Guyana Volleyball Federation president John Flores (left) receives the cheque from GOA secretary-general, Hector Edwards. was the association’s secretary-general, Hector Edwards.

Receiving on behalf of the GVF was president of the Federation, John Flores, who lauded the GOA for its support, noting that the GOA has always been willing to support the sport.

“I want to thank the GOA, for their timely support, and their continued support, because they have always been supporting the volleyball federation.”

Flores said.

The $400 000 represents only a small part of the overall budget to get the Guyana team to the event, where teams from all 13 of the South American countries are set to participate.

Flores shared that the overall budget to take the 17-man team to Columbia stands at $2.8M, even as he noted that the Federation is hopeful that other sponsors also will come on board to support the team.

“That is just part of the money we are looking for; hopefully we can attract more donors. I’ve written some other sponsors but they haven’t responded to date, but we’re very hopeful.” Flores commented.

A total 14 players and three officials are expected to travel to the event. The Federation recently shortlisted 18 players to train for the upcoming event.

Flores is also pleased so far with how things are going with the team.

“The squad that is going is mainly made up of players who won the Inter-Guiana Games in Suriname; it’s about ninety percent of that team.

It’s a very optimistic and motivated squad.”

Flores remarked.

Sobers rings Lord’s bell for Ali See story on page 35

Farewell to ‘The Greatest’ –Thousands celebrate Muhammad Ali’s life

THOUSANDS of people gathered yesterday to pay their final respects to Muhammad Ali, as a jovial funeral procession, highlighted by fans who chanted and threw flowers, gave way to a more somber memorial service in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ali’s memorial service at the KFC Yum! Centre started at 15:00hrs, an hour after it was originally scheduled.

In a eulogy, President Bill Clinton said he wept “like a baby” while watching Ali take the final steps to light the Olympic cauldron in 1996 in Atlanta, during his presidency. He also recalled a time when he caught Ali holding two fingers behind his head to form the shape of bunny ears.

“I was trying to be dignified,” Clinton said.

Clinton said in Ali’s lifetime, he refused to be a victim and never wasted a day feeling sorry for himself after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, told a story about a white Louisville police officer who

Thousands of people line the streets of the boxer’s respects to the boxing legend. helped a 12-year-old Cas- pen,” Lonnie said, receiving sius Clay when his bike was a standing ovation from the stolen, crediting him with crowd. “handing” Muhammad Ali Billy Crystal talked a future in boxing. about the first time he met “America must never Ali in 1974, when he was forget when a cop and an just getting his career in inner city (kid) talk to each stand-up comedy started. other, then miracles can hap- After the show, in which he

home town of Louisville, Kentucky, to pay their last imitated the boxer, Ali approached him and gave him a “big hug,” Crystal said.

“You’re my little brother,” Crystal said the boxer told him. And Ali called him “little brother” from then on.

Attallah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s eldest daughter

read the names of Ali’s nine children, calling her relationship with Ali “treasured” due to his kinship with her father.

“Religions have different names, and yet they all contain truth, Shabazz said.

“Truth expressed in different

ways and forms and times.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew. When you believe in God, you should believe all people are part of one family.”

Senior adviser to the president, Valerie Jarrett, spoke on behalf of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who expressed their deepest regrets that they could not attend.

He was “not just a Muslim, or a black man, or a Louisville kid,” Jarrett said.

“He wasn’t even just the greatest of all-time. He was Muhammad Ali. The whole is far greater than the sum of its parts.”

Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch spoke early on, reminiscing about Ali’s 1964 fight against Sonny Liston when he yelled to a crowded pack of reporters, “I’m the greatest!”

“He wrote his own title in the textbooks,” Hatch said.

Hatch also spoke of his close friendship with Ali and his wife, Lonnie, calling Turn to page 33

Vreed-en-Hoop advance in Digicel Schools football opener ... High quality football expected in 2016

Digicel’s CEO Kevin Kelly, (left) participates in a passing drill with Director of Sport Christopher Jones (centre) and Digicel Head of Marketing Jacqueline James. (Photos by Adrian Narine) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

See story on page 32

Part of yesterday’s opening game between Vreed-en-Hoop and L’Aventure at the Leonora Track and Field Centre SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2016