Chronicle 06 19 2016

Park the meters!

No. 104587

SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

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- Gov’t uses influence to freeze controversial parking system

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Dead: Dexter Jules

Sophia man stabs brother to death Page

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- threatened to kill family prior to confrontation

Orin Jules being taken away by police (Ivan Bentham photo)

Smuggled Corentyne family 4 Suriname 4 attacked, robbed shrimp dumped by masked bandits - declared unfit for human consumption

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Troy Resources 18 pushing entrepreneurship at Kaburi Page

- so community can flourish after it’s gone

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Sophia man stabs brother to death - threatened to kill family prior to confrontation

A SOPHIA, Greater Georgetown man yesterday went on an angry rampage, stabbing his brother to death.

Dexter Jules, 23, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was reportedly stabbed three times around the region of his heart.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Jules, who operated a shop when he was not mining in the interior, was conducting his day-to-day duties in his Sophia shop when his brother,

Orin Jules, attempted to take something without asking.

“Orin de want something from de shop, but when Dexter stop he from coming in, he pull out a knife and stab him three times to his heart,” a relative of Jules said.

Further, persons indicated that the perpetrator attempted to run away after committing the act, but was caught and beaten by neighbours, who later turned him over to the police.

Relatives told this publication that prior to this incident,

Dexter Jules

Police arrive at the scene

the perpetrator had threatened to kill his family on many occasions and was even dubbed a “miscreant.” These sentiments were shared because of the fact that several reports had already been allegedly filed against him in the past by neighbours and even family members,with whom he was involved in altercations.

His most recent threat to kill his family was allegedly made last week, after he was involved in a discussion about the fact that he was unemployed.

The disgruntled relatives and neighbours described Orin as ungrateful for his actions, because his now dead brother took care of him by providing him with a roof to live under and all the other essentials.

Dexter leaves to mourn his six other siblings, wife and two children.

Orin Jules is expected to be charged with murder this week.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Park the meters!

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- Gov’t uses influence to freeze controversial parking system

AFTER a jaunt by city officials to Mexico to advance a plan to implement a controversial parking meter system in Georgetown, the government has reportedly decided to flex its muscle and propose a halt to the plans.

Although the Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and other councillors had registered their objections, Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen was bent on pursuing the project with a company called National Parking Systems in order to raise money to run the city.

Burdened with a bloated staff and mounting expenses, especially with the drive to clean up Georgetown and “green” the city, City Hall is eager to widen its revenue base. But sources say the government is not pleased with how the project was sprung upon citizens, especially with regard to lack of consultations and sketchy details.

The Mayor has the full backing of Town Clerk Royston King and Councillors Junior Garrett and Oscar Clarke, with whom she flew to Mexico last week.

But sources say the government’s intervention means the parking meters will not be put up – at least not yet.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, commenting on the issue, had said he felt it was “unfair” for Councillors to endorse an arrangement they are not fully au fait with. Bulkan, who has responsibility for the nation’s local government system in the absence of a Local Government Commission, said while he endorses the traffic-management project, there is still need for greater public education, especially since Councilors still need to be fully informed on how the city will reap the benefits of the arrangement.

In May, the city Mayor had announced that a “parking contract” was given to National Parking Systems, although the City Council had given overseas-based Guyanese Saratu Phillips an exclusive contract back in 2007.

It was subsequently revealed that the Manhattan address listed by National Parking Systems was not occupied by that company. National Parking Systems is collaborating with another company, Smart City Solutions, on the project.

Nevertheless, Chase-Green maintained that the project was necessary to create vehicular mobility around the city, but she had failed to gain the support of many of the councilors, including the Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan.

The situation quickly deteriorated when the Councillors were informed that the Mayor and team had travelled to Mexico, and that a contract has been signed, which they knew nothing of. Why, they didn’t even know of the Mexico trip!

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green inspecting a parking meter in Mexico last week At a recent statutory meeting, the Councillors complained bitterly, explaining that the Mayor and the Town Clerk had promised the entire Council would have got an opportunity to peruse the contract and provide their feedback, but this was never done. The Deputy Mayor, during that meeting, said he too needed answers.

However, in a social media post, Duncan had voiced his refusal to support the parking meter system, citing a lack of verifiable information on the parking meter company.

Duncan said he was provided with little information by National Parking Systems’ (NPS) Smart City Solutions from which he can make a quality judgment.

“In my research, I have not found any company by the name ‘Smart City Solutions’ associated with parking meter systems in any of the places the company is purporting to have done business, like Panama,” he said.

Further, he said that in his independent research on Simon Moshevilli, who represents Smart City Solutions, he has found no one with said name connected with the said company. In fact,

he said, there is no evidence that such a company even exists.

“Again, the total lack of verifiable information on the company and its capacity to execute the scope of the project, and in the absence of a contract on the proposed project, I cannot offer my support [to the project], and reaffirm my grave reservation of such a venture,” he declared.

But the Town Clerk, while still in Mexico, opined that people were taking advantage of the absence of the Mayor to advance negative, divisive and completely untrue narratives.

In the interest of transparency, King announced that a press conference will be held.

He said everything will be made clear at the press conference, particularly the nature of the trip, which “engenders the city leadership’s duty of protecting and improving the lives and opportunities available to its constituents.”

King commended the “extensive due diligence” of the project, even as councillors spoke at the recent statutory meeting on the need for broader consultation on the matter.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Smuggled Suriname shrimp dumped - declared unfit for human consumption

THE East Berbice Corentyne Agriculture Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Customs and Police Force, intercepted two smugglers on Thursday last and seized a quantify of Suriname shrimp, which was eventually declared unfit for human consumption.

According to Suedat Persaud, Secretary of the East Berbice Corentyne Agriculture Association, a tip-off was received that a smuggler boat was heading to #63 Beach to off-load its cargo. Members of the Association decided to stake out the beach, and observed a boat offload 17 pails of shrimp into motor car PMM 5277.

They decided to trail the car while contacting the police.

Persaud said the car took the #61 exit out of the beach, and after its occupants realised they were being trailed, they accelerated, but after a while the vehicle broke down, and the occupants -- a male and a female -– fled.

Members of the Association gave chase with their vehicle, while a few remained with the car and cargo. Persaud said they were successful in apprehending the two occupants, and they

took them to the #51 Police Station, where police ranks accompanied them to tow the broken down vehicle to the station.

Contact was then made with the Fisheries and Customs departments, as well as the Ministry of Public Health.

The 17 pails of shrimp were confirmed to have originated from Suriname, given that the species of shrimp was not known to Guyana.

Ms Adiola Craig of the Public Health Department examined the shrimp and declared that it was unfit for human consumption. The team then disposed of the shrimp at the #52 canal, in the presence of police and Customs officers.

According to Persaud, had the shrimp not been confiscated, it would have ended up on the local market because it is cheaper than the local shrimp.

Persaud said it has been over 15 years now since the Association, which comprises concerned fishermen, had been fighting the smugglers, but they have only been able to make strides recently, since the change of administration.

“This smuggling happening for over 15 years now, but

since the Government change, only now we making strides, now we get the support from Customs, Public Health and police; all the time was we alone,” he explained.

He explained that the smugglers usually flood the local market with shrimp and tilapia, which are sold cheaper than those found on local shores, and local fishermen have been forced to lower their prices to match them.

In an invited comment, a fisher woman called “Fats” explained that a lot of times the fish and shrimp are camouflaged to look like local species, in order to catch persons who are unaware of the difference.

“They put black hair dye on the shrimps to make it look like black shrimps from Guyana, and people who don’t know buy because it is cheap,” she explained.

Persaud said that with the help of Customs, they were recently able to deter another smuggling boat from entering Guyana’s shores on May 25, 2016. He was very thankful for the help, and is urging Guyanese to be vigilant and be more cautious in their purchases, and to make every effort to support local fisher folks.

Corentyne family attacked, robbed by masked bandits THREE masked men, armed with guns, attacked and robbed Wassim Ally and his family at their Hogstye Village, Central Corentyne home on Saturday at about 04:00hrs.

Having gained entry to the home after Ally, a Sales Representative at Sukhram’s Gas Station, had opened a back door to go to his back verandah as he was preparing to fast for the day, two

of the three bandits invaded the home and demanded cash and jewellery from Ally and his family.

The bandits ransacked the house in their bid to find cash, and carted off more than $500,000 in local and foreign currencies, besides taking a quantity of jewellery. As the men continued to demand cash from the family, one of them gun-butted Ally in his head.

Ally’s wife, Namima Ally, said she was in the bedroom when two of the men barged in and shouted at her to hand over the money.

During the ordeal, one of the men held on to her throat and

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The Ally family house threatened to kill her if she did not comply with their request.

“I started to scream and he choked me; he told me to be quiet and to give them

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the money. I quickly gave it to them, but they still ask for more, and I gave them all our jewellery”.

She said that while this was happening, another ban-

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dit kept guard downstairs.

The traumatized woman said the bandits then went over to her son’s room, kicked down the door and brought him outside into the hallway, where they demanded that he show them where the rest of the money was.

She noted that after the family had nothing more to offer, the men quickly made their escape.

The family related that the police were summoned, and arrived sometime later.

No one has as yet been arrested, but police in ‘B’ Division are continuing their investigations.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Decentralise power, de-politicise national interest

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- Hunt’s farewell message to Guyana

THE outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Bryan Hunt, has called on Guyana’s leaders to brace themselves for this country’s unprecedented transformation through petroleum prospects. But Hunt similarly called for changes in Guyana’s social and political climate that challenge “social exclusion.”

Offering five points of what he called “free advice” at a farewell gathering Friday evening in his honour at the US Ambassador’s Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara residence, Hunt championed the need for the decentralisation of power as the first point of his five-point advice.

Acknowledging notable divisions within the Guyanese society, Hunt said “Regardless of who sits in central government, about half the population feels completely excluded. This has to change.” Hunt not only called for a decentralisation of political power at the national level as well as an abolishing of the “winner-take-all system.”

Hunt championed the need for more power to be given to local government bodies. His comment comes at a time when there are still questions surrounding the stalemate in the National Assembly to have the Local Government Commission fully established, thus stripping the Communities Minister of his grip over the nation’s local government system.

“Remember that the par-

liament ultimately belongs to the people not the political parties,” Hunt said in his address, adding that “Party interest must be subservient to national interest.”

On Guyana’s anti-corruption measures, which have not fared well under international evaluations, the outgoing diplomat called for “conflict of interest legislation and enforceable asset disclosure requirements.”

Just recently Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo received a re-worked Code of Conduct for Ministers, Parliamentarians, and Public Officials, but even the Prime Minister is cognizant that this conduct must be included within the Integrity Commission Act, thus granting the Integrity Commission, a body which is yet to be revamped, power to enforce some level of integrity in the execution of their public duties.

Hunt called for political parties to adopt “zero-tolerance” against members who violate their responsibilities as public officials, thus asserting public interest over party interest. “Anyone who has stolen, is stealing, or in the future attempts to steal state resources must be criminally charged and held accountable before a court of law,” Hunt continued.

Even as the public procurement commission is still to be established, Hunt called for a regularised system of annual forensic audits, as well as an adoption of “reg-

ulations and legislation that fix the loopholes in the current system that allowed the issues identified in the recent forensic audits.”

While calling for Guyana to “maintain a diversified economy and avoid the dangers that come with a dominant petroleum sector,” thus avoiding the “Dutch disease,” Hunt welcomed the role of civil society and the media even as government’s transparency could be bolstered once this country becomes part of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

“Revenues from the petroleum sector will transform this country… the money that will flow into state coffers will be unprecedented and the quantities… far exceed the comprehension of most Guyanese,” Hunt charged.

Recognising that building close relations with the rest of South America would be beneficial to Guyana, Hunt underscored infrastructural development as well as a need for liberalized telecommunications, lower energy and an improved climate for doing business in Guyana.

He pin-pointed the floated ‘Linden to Lethem’ road, hydro-electricity, cellular and power grids as well as greater power sector management as some of the areas which should be prioritised as part of infrastructural development.

Turning his attention to the social scourges in the country, Hunt said violence

Farewell Toast: Outgoing U.S Deputy Ambassador Bryan Hunt and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at Friday night’s farewell reception against women and children must “not only be criminally prosecuted but [also] must become socially and politically unacceptable.

On Guyana’s LGBT community who continue to sit on the margins of national conversations, Hunt called for anti-discrimination legislation to protect the LGBT community and for a change of societal attitudes “to embrace all people as equal, regardless of who they love or how they express their gender.”

“It is essential that social exclusion comes to an end,” Hunt noted, adding that “besides being the right thing to

do, it guarantees that Guyana has the full availability of all productive members of its society.”

DOMESTIC TERRORISM Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who also spoke at the farewell event, touched on the challenge of domestic terrorism in the country. The Prime Minister drew a nexus between Guyana’s domestic terrorism and the recent Orlando, Florida massacre that left 49 patrons of an LGBT bar dead in its wake.

“In Guyana we have seen the ugly head of domestic terrorism which have been

appearing on our streets and internet,” Mr Nagamootoo said as he called on Guyanese to be on guard and vigilant to “nip all attempts of domestic terrorism” before something as severe as the Orlando massacre happens in this country.

Hunt served this country as the US Embassy’s second-in-command for three years, and will now be relocated to Mozambique, in Africa.

Reflecting on his Guyana experience, Hunt told the gathering that this was memorable and expressed hopes for an opportunity to return to the “Land of Many Waters.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

Editorial

Four decades after the launch of free education IN 1976 when free education was introduced from nursery to university, it was against the backdrop of a national vision to create an educated and literate society, built on historical experiences of the people as told from their perspective, and creating the requisite knowledge and skills needed for development.

When the Government of Guyana decided to extend universal education all the way to the tertiary level and made same tuition-free, it registered and embarked on a policy to improve the intellectual prowess of citizens.

1976 also carries historical significance in that it marked a century of compulsory primary education introduced by the colonial authorities.

As time changes so does society and recognising that development has now become an integral part of an independent government’s responsibility, there existed a number of challenges. Among these challenges are economic and socio-political issues.

Prior to 1976, in the school system the church/religious community held major influence in determining who taught in their schools, who attended and what would be taught. This in itself not only created a dual education system, but was also discriminatory where attendance and employment were determined by religion and not universal factors required for entry and access.

Universal education undermined elitism in the education system and disrupted the status quo. When it was put in place it was not without protest. Heads in what were considered elite secondary schools in Georgetown were transferred to other schools with a view to improving the performance of the education programme; but this act was not without protests by some students who felt affected by the transfers.

In the absence of tuition, free university education to some extent placed financial burdens on families.

There existed instances where when a member of the family went off to university and another desired to pursue same immediately after, he/she could , given that additional fee-paying for the family presented a burden, thereby closing the door of opportunity to other siblings.

Removing the financial barrier gave opportunities to others, including those employed in state entities who

could have been released to attend with full pay. Furthermore,they had the opportunity to attend based on ability and desire, free from the constraint of finances.

Free education also allowed untrained teachers to become trained with a view to making them professionals with an eye to improve the quality of education delivery.

At the social level, free education created a more literate and informed society since equal opportunity served to unleash and enhance academic or technical ability.

Economically, the society and workers benefited from an increasing pool of proficient artisans, researchers and health-care practitioners, to name some.

Education has been one of this nation’s greatest equalisers. It was removed from being the remit of the elite or whom among the lower economic spectrum could have paid for it, to making it accessible to all. State-sponsored scholarships were no longer confined to what were considered elite schools, but to individuals who attended schools across the country.

During the Desmond Hoyte administration when the country was experiencing an economic downturn, a study of the economy was commissioned and among its recommendations was to institute Cost Recovery in education.

The Cheddi Jagan and subsequent administrations used this study to justify fee- paying at University of Guyana. It

should be said that when fee-paying was introduced, this act was in conflict with the Guyana Constitution that had at the time enshrined free education from nursery to university.

The issue of cost recovery continues today, where in addition to persons who allegedly have not paid their fees are currently being pursued, the university is also speaking out about increasing tuition fees and introducing graduation fees. Guyana is still relatively a poor society, unemployment is high, and real wages are not being paid. At the same time, many in the society see education as an investment in their future and an escape from poverty.

Looking at cost recovery would have to factor in the above and it may be necessary to look at a form of national service whereby persons will give of their labour in reward from reduction in tuition fees. On the issue of graduation fees, it will not help to examine same in isolation to the economic performance of the university vis-a-vis the economy and the state’s responsibility to its citizenry.

An educated society augurs well for development and a system must be maintained and/or put in place to ensure access to education is not hindered and is only the purview of a few, lest the society returns to the period where opportunities are closed, not became of ability or desire, but because of finance.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Observing World Sickle Cell Day…

Exhibit courage and address ineffective areas of support

By Errol London

ONCE again many countries around the world are observing World Sickle Cell Day. This year the theme for the observance is, “Exhibit courage and address ineffective areas of support.” This is deemed to be most fitting. Persons affected by sickle cell disease and the ensuing challenges certainly need to be courageous. Notwithstanding the pain crisis and the plethora of possible complications which sicklers have to confront, probably one of the most unfortunate challeng-

es is the consequence of the minuscule level of awareness in many sections of society.

Many individuals affected by the condition might have been called lazy, since they tire easily due to their chronic anaemic state or delinquent, due to repeated absenteeism from school or work. This indeed can be daunting. Dealing with the inherent condition is challenging in itself, but one can only imagine how much more so it can be, when the sickler is branded with all sorts of inappropriate labels due to the lack of awareness which

still permeates our society.

This certainly requires much courage on the part of the individual affected by sickle cell anaemia. Cognizance of the challenges faced by sicklers has served as an impetus for the Guyana Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Association (GSCTA) to work tirelessly at addressing ineffective areas of support.

The GSCTA has over the years been offering emotional and occasionally tangible support to its members.

There is also a sustained public awareness focus which would have resulted in a number of schools and

other entities being visited by the GSCTA. Renewed emphasis has been given to establishing meaningful collaboration between the relevant association and the Ministry of Public Health. It is hoped that this new level of collaboration will translate to the following: * A survey to ascertain the prevalence of sickle cell in Guyana. * The introduction of hydroxyurea as a treatment option * Separate clinics for individuals suffering from SCD * Greater consideration for sicklers when they visit

Traffic Task Force reintroduced -police see 61% increase in non-fatal accidents

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 61 per cent increase in vehicular accidents for the year, and thus the Traffic Task Force has been reintroduced to curb accidents.

Traffic Chief Dion Moore has said that using cell phones while driving, and being inattentive are among the reasons for this increase, according to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA).

“Our main focus will be to catch (and) capture drivers who choose to drive above the prescribed limit; speeding in areas where there are traffic lights; breach of traffic lights’ control signals; (and) driving (while) using a cell phone as well,” Moore explained.

The reintroduction of the Traffic Task Force is expect-

Traffic Chief Dion Moore ed to address these concerns and other traffic violations.

The Task Force, which will include inspectors in its ranks, will be conducting enforcement exercises in all divisions.

Using cell phones while driving is “a soaring issue” for the Traffic Department, Moore added. However, effectively charging persons for this violation is difficult for policemen. Officers first have to catch the offender in the act, but many drivers deny that they had been using their cell phones when accosted by the police.

“A lot of persons, when they see the police, upon recognising the police, they’ll drop the phone in the vehicle and remain in the same position that they were at; and they will try to contest with

the police that they were on the call,” said Moore.

Police have, however, been assisted by the surveillance cameras that are installed across the city, Moore said.

“We do find a lot of cases coming out of the CCTV cameras, and we will continue in that regard,” Moore pointed out. The cameras have also assisted the Force in bringing charges against drivers who breach traffic lights.

The Task Force, along with the cameras, is also expected to assist in curbing these violations during the pe-

the Emergency Room in a crisis * The provision, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, of a practitioner trained in Haemoglobinopathies As we observe World Sickle Cell Day, I trust that those affected by the condition and their loved ones will find the courage to embrace life. You are not alone. The GSCTA commits to continue working assiduously at providing social and other forms of support, even as we work with the pertinent government agencies at addressing ineffective areas of support.

Errol London President, Guyana Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Association

riod it is in operation – from Friday to Monday.

“We find most of the accidents occurring during that (weekend) period, and a lot of these drivers are found above the prescribed limit of alcohol,” Moore told GINA. He also pointed out that there has been a 50 per cent increase in fatal accidents, and an increase of 21 per cent in minor accidents.

There have been 60 reported accidents for this year, compared with 40 during the same period last year.

While Moore has identified driving under the influence as the major cause for some of the accidents, speeding and inattentiveness have also been deemed responsible for most of the reported fatal accidents.

A total of 12,161 persons

have so far been charged with speeding, and speeding has been the offence for which the police have issued the most tickets, Moore added.

The Traffic Chief said that everyday enforcement, coupled with education awareness across the country, will be used to decrease traffic accidents.

“We’ll work along with the stakeholders, the National Road Safety Council and other organisations, to see how best we can reduce accidents,” Moore said.

The Traffic Department will be targeting youth organisations and holding vocational training programmes over the August holiday period to conduct educational programmes on road safety.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

CORRUPTION Time to walk the walk and ensure equality in treatment

CORRUPTION is not about theft, it is not about fraud; it is about officialdom aiding, abetting and protecting those who, in whatever form, are involved in acts of acquiring money, favours and riches to which they are not entitled.

This is a scourge that needs to be confronted in the Guyanese society at every level in every organisation and every community.

President David Granger has quite recently pronounced that corruption exists in the private sector; and

one ought not to challenge or disbelieve him, since human beings will err, and laws need to be activated to bring them back in line.

Immediately, two issues stand out: the bringing of charges against former minister Jennifer Westford and her former assistant for acts allegedly committed against the state; and the charges brought against trade unionist Carvil Duncan, who is also chairman of the Public Service Commission and performs duties in other constitutional offices.

There are some in-house

truths in industrial relations that need to be made known. When charges are made against an employee, or if for any reason those charges are levelled by the trade union against an employer’s representative, the trade union would ask that that person be interdicted to allow for an unfettered inquiry. As in the case of constitutional office, the most decent thing anyone ought to do is to resign and make way for an inquiry to be conducted. As such, Duncan should resign from all the constitutional offices

he holds. His presence on these bodies would bring into question any decision made by them or any of their attendant arms.

To save the trade union, workers and citizens the indignity of the President and Prime Minister using the Guyana Constitution and laws to remove him, Duncan should understand that respect is earned when one is prepared to conform to internationally acceptable principles, and live by them.

Having addressed this issue, it is important that it be said that the President has a greater responsibility than any other public official to make sure that corruption is tackled at all fronts. Currently it is Westford and Duncan in the news on the issue of being placed before the court to answer for their alleged conduct. A question that has not be answered is: How is it that Duncan and Aeshwar Deonarine are together accused of the same act, and the latter has been allowed to leave the country without any resistance from representatives of the state?

From the point of view of the layman, some are more equal than some. Winston Brassington is being accused of so many wrongs, but has been allowed to leave this country. The head of the Guyana National Energy Au-

thority has been accused also, along with a number of operatives, yet charges have not been brought against them.

It is instructive to note that while some continue to speak with forked tongue as to how the society will unite and unity will be for the benefit of the people, the law, which forms the basis for creating a society that is just, is selectively being used when it suits certain purposes.

In any system, if those in authority decide to address corruption in its totality, they will put in place mechanisms to inquire into charges levelled against public officials, those close to them, and their friends. This nation has been told many Nancy stories about Forbes Burnham, but the record will show that when Eusi Kwayana accused Hamilton Green and David Singh, two sitting ministers of Burnham’s government, the charges were heard by the Ombudsman; and at the end of the process, Singh was found culpable, and resigned.

Over recent years, starting from the Bharrat Jagdeo government to date, when accusation is made, the first thing the nation hears is that the President has confidence in the individual accused, not understanding that the issue before the

President is not one of confidence, but that of a charge or allegation, and the minister must be called upon to answer it.

Too often, leaders in public office use their privileged position to deny the society an opportunity for the truth to be revealed.

The issue of Robert Corbin, where Kwayana took him to court, cannot be allowed to go un-noticed. When the case was dismissed, Corbin chose the opportunity to sue Kwayana. That is democracy at work.

When persons from the current government and the PPP/C governments say to me that under Burnham and Desmond Hoyte there was dictatorship, they ignore the fact that the constitution, laws and courts were allowed to work.

The time has come for the Government to understand that it has to govern in a real world.

To say that corruption exists in the private sector is to acknowledge that President Granger is aware that corruption exists in the public sector. And since he is seen as the squeaky clean leader, he is called upon to act and bring solace to every segment of society, consistent with laws and time-honoured principles.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Iwokrama is it

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- President sees Centre as key to Guyana’s future; a repository for renewable energy

By Svetlana Marshall THE Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development will be used as a flagship project by the APNU+AFC Administration for the harvesting of renewable energy, President David Granger has announced.

During his weekly televised programme, the Public Interest, the President said the future of Guyana is in Iwokrama. “Without biodiversity, without sustainable exploitation of our resources, we will not be able to develop this country, quickly and fully,” he posited.

It was explained that the international centre for rainforest conservation and development will be used as a project through which people can harvest renewable energy in a sustainable manner. “I see Iwokrama as a big laboratory; a big laboratory that will preserve our flora and fauna for future generations,” the President added.

COMMITTED T h e P r e s i d e n t ’s a n nouncement comes one year

after he committed to working closely with Iwokrama with the aim of restructuring its agenda. That commitment was made in June 2015 following a meeting with Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer Dane Gobin, along with Conservationist Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman at a time when the centre was operating at a shortfall of US$1.3M.

with the Government contributing US$600,000. In 2013 and 2014, the Government provided a total of US$1.5M to relieve the Centre of its financial burden. In July 2015, US$100,000 were pumped into the ailing Centre.

In 2013, the Centre commissioned two financial reports which suggested that between US$750,000 and US$1.2 million was needed annually to meet its core

‘I see Iwokrama as a big laboratory; a big laboratory that will preserve our flora and fauna for future generations’ - President Granger

The CEO had explained during an interview at the time that the Centre needed an average of US$2.5M to effectively execute its mandate, which is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that would lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits for the people of Guyana.

CHALLENGES In 2014, Iwokrama raked in a total income of US$1.2M,

functions.

In addition to the payment of rental fees, telephone and electricity bills, the core functions include the conduct of research and science; forest management and monitoring; business development in the areas of timber production and tourism, community and stakeholder partnerships, information dissemination and outreach.

Funds are sourced from earned revenues and investments (from businesses and

‘Without biodiversity, without sustainable exploitation of our resources, we will not be able to develop this country, quickly and fully’ – President Granger

partners), donors, intellectual property, and services -- including eco-system services.

A GIFT Iwokrama was given as a gift to the Commonwealth by then President, Desmond Hoyte. This act was endorsed

by President Cheddi Jagan when he came into power.

Dedicated as a place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems,

methods and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation of the multiple resources of the tropical forest and the conservation of biological diversity,” the Iwokrama rainforest is located in the geographical heart of Guyana.

It comprises 371,000 hectares of forest (1.6% of Guyana’s landmass and 2% of Guyana’s forests).

The Iwokrama Centre was established in 1996 to manage the forest area, fol-

lowing the signing the year before of an international agreement between the Guyana Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Enshrined in an Act of the Guyana Parliament, the agreement gave the Centre the mandate “to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that would lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.”

The Centre has the task of testing the proposition that conservation, environmental balance and sustainable economic activity are mutually reinforcing, that it is possible to use a forest without losing it.

HINDS’SIGHT

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Dr David Hinds SINCE losing power, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been hammering the new Government on alleged discrimination of persons in the Government system who are known to be PPP members and supporters.

The point-man for this campaign is former president, Donald Ramotar. Mr. Ramotar has been trying to proverbially ‘suck cane and blow whistle’ at the same time. He has argued that the Government has been going specifically after African Guyanese PPP members

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Read the Riot Act to those PPP-affiliated bureaucrats who are undermining the Government and supporters; then, in the same breath, he has charged the Government with ethnic cleansing of Indian Guyanese from the Public Service. In the June 18, 2016 edition of the Guyana Times, he complained about ethnic cleansing at GuySuCo, and listed nine persons -- all Indian Guyanese -- whom he claims were either “dismissed, asked to resign, or pressured to resign.”

Ethnic cleansing is a serious charge in any society, but particularly in a heightened ethnic environment such as Guyana’s. I start from the

premise that Mr. Ramotar is not lying -- that these persons were indeed relieved of their employment with GuySuCo. But he has not gone further than that; he has to make public why these persons were dismissed or asked to resign

by GuySuCo. If that information is furnished, we would then be able to determine whether or not the charge of ethnic discrimination is valid.

In response to Mr. Ramotar’s charges that African Guyanese members of the PPP were being targeted, I had made the observation that if African Guyanese were the

hired enforcers by the PPP and its government, then it is only fair that they would be the ones to be targeted for prosecution when the law goes after enforcers.

I want to make a related observation today: Does it not strike Mr. Ramotar that the list of PPP enforcers is made up of African Guyanese and the list of allegedly targeted top officers at GuySuCo is made up of all Indian Guyanese? Does this not tell Guyana something about the PPP’s attitude to the roles of the different ethnic groups during its reign? I leave it there for now.

Since Mr. Ramotar has raised what is happening at GuySuCo, I am forced to reveal -- earlier than I had intended to -- the matter of security workers at GuySuCo Head Office, who met with me to complain about discrimination at the hands of supervisors who are openly sympathetic to the PPP. These complaints include physical assault by supervisors, unfair working hours, and unfair punishment of workers who challenge discriminatory practices. The named supervisors are said to be loyal to the PPP, and openly express their dislike for the present Government to ranks whom they perceive to be supporters of the Government on account of their ethnicity.

I have also heard complaints from field workers from Buxton, who are charging discrimination at the hands of superiors who also claim dislike of the Government and loyalty to the PPP. The Guysuco issue is not isolated -- workers from two ministries have come to see me to complain of discrimination by PPP-affiliated superiors, and about direct and indirect acts aimed at undermining the ministries.

According to the testimonies of the workers, these PPP people have continued to engage in acts of corruption, discriminatory employment

and promotion practices, and discriminatory allocation of contracts. Threats of legal action and termination of employment against junior staff who threaten to complain to higher authorities have transformed the workplaces into an environment of fear.

What is clear to me, and what I am sure Mr. Ramotar knows, is that although the PPP is gone from office, because of its meticulous staffing of the government bureaucracy with its loyal supporters while in office, it continues to exert enormous influence on the day-to-day administration of the Government.

My understanding is that because these PPP functionaries are covered either by Public Service tenure or are protected by contracts, the ministers’ hands are tied.

My own view is that these factors should not deter the ministers from demanding that PPP activists cease these acts of overt and covert undermining of the Government. I am not advocating firing workers because of their political affiliation, but there must be rules under which public servants must function. Just as the Government should not discriminate against workers and bureaucrats because of their political affiliation, workers and bureaucrats should not be guided by their partisan affiliation in the discharge of their functions.

It is time the Government reads the Riot Act to these functionaries. The Government has a duty to protect all workers from discrimination, and to ensure that its policies are not sabotaged by partisan detractors within the system. It is one thing to oppose Government policy as a matter of principle, but it’s another thing to undermine those policies simply because you don’t like the parties in Government. It is time these functionaries be told in no uncertain terms that “this confounded nonsense must stop.”

GUYANA AT 50: REMEMBERING WALTER RODNEY This past week, we observed the 36th anniversary of Walter Rodney’s assassination. Some have asked why has there not been a national event in recognition of this esteemed son of Guyana, while others have called for his academic work to be integrated into our formal education system.

I associate myself with these sentiments. As difficult as it is, at some point in time, we have to reach beyond narrow partisan politics and embrace the soul of our country in every regard.

Perhaps we can begin this conversation at a public symposium to mark Walter Rodney’s anniversary, to be held this Tuesday, June 21, at the National Public Library at 5 pm.

Titled “Guyana at 50: Looking Back to Look Forward”, the symposium is intended to be a deep reflection on our Independence journey, with an eye on our future as a nation in which all our peoples are guaranteed material and cultural security.

The speakers will be Dr. Alissa Trotz, Dr. Janet Bulkan, Ms. Tabitha Sarabo and Dr. David Hinds.

Such a discussion is a fitting way to remember Walter Rodney, who expended a lot of his intellectual and activist energies asking questions about independence and working for an Independence praxis that centres the peoples of our country, in particular the toilers and the downtrodden.

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ GuyanaCaribbean Politics, and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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The death penalty debate....

Jury still out - President says Guyana will arrive at a decision ‘in due course’

By Svetlana Marshall THE issue of abolishing the death penalty has been a sore one in Guyana, but President David Granger has made it clear that he has no intention of approving the execution of any prisoner.

According to the President, no concrete decision has been made as yet as to whether government intends to abolish it.

During his weekly Public Interest programme aired on Friday, the President said, “I don’t have any intention of executing anyone…some members feel that the death penalty is a deterrent, some members feel that it is not a deterrent.

“But David Granger doesn’t have any intention of approving the execution of anyone.”

The President further noted, “There is no single statement out of the government on whether it will abolish the death penalty or not. In due course, we will

"I don’t have any intention of executing anyone… Some members feel that the death penalty is a deterrent; some members feel that it is not a deterrent.

“But David Granger doesn’t have any intention of approving the execution of anyone"

- President

President David Granger arrive on a position.”

At a reception held in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn appealed for the death penalty to be abolished in Guyana.

CONTINUOUS CALLS There have been continuous calls for Guyana to abolish the death penalty.

In November 2015, the European Union (EU) called on Caribbean countries to formalise their unofficial

moratorium on the punishment.

The EU made the recommendation at the recently concluded Caribbean Regional Conference on the Abolition of the Death Penalty held here in Guyana.

The conference, hosted in collaboration with the International Commission against the Death Penalty, also recommended that countries that still have capital punishment respect international and regional human rights law and standards relating to the death penalty; continued engagement with governments in the Caribbean region as they take steps towards eventual

abolition of the death penalty; the strengthening of justice system structures, including ensuring that it is sufficiently resourced, that it has the capacity of effectively investigating crimes, ensuring that victims are supported, ensuring adequate legal assistance to vulnerable sections of society; and advance human

rights education as part of the curriculum for citizenship studies.

The conference concluded that there have been and always will be cases of executions of innocent people.

“No matter how developed a justice system is, it will always remain susceptible to human failure.

Unlike prison sentences, the death penalty is irreversible and irreparable.

“The death penalty is often used in a disproportional manner against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic, political and religious groups.

“The death penalty violates the right to life, which happens to be the most basic of all human rights.

It also violates the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, the death penalty undermines human dignity, which is inherent to every human being,” the EU had said in a statement that includes the recommendation and conclusions of the recently held forum.

It added that the death penalty lacks the deterrent effect, which is commonly referred to by its advocates.

The General Assembly of the United Nations had recently stated: “There is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty.” (UNGA Resolution 65/206).

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Sustainable development and revenue-based tourism

By Corretta Sam SUSTAINABLE development, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (The Bruntland Commission: Our Common Future), is explained as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Guyana is now firmly on a path towards sustainable development, which will ultimately benefit us as a nation. In fact, we have not

even scratched the surface to discover what our new normal could be as it relates to sustainable development and making Guyana a MUST SEE, MUST EXPLORE destination in the future.

The Government is gradually introducing the greening concept to the Guyanese people. Bartica, upon receiving township status on May 7, 2016, was another step towards this initiative. During the months leading up to this event, Barticians were able to access information on the appropriateness of the green initiative, and how it could

positively affect their lives directly.

Throughout the world, convincing people of the importance of sustainability has proven to be somewhat of a challenge. Notwithstanding, in Guyana, small, meaningful steps are being taken to promote green economic development.

Tourism is a vehicle through which innovative methods can be employed to heighten awareness of the benefits of Guyana’s natural resources, if utilised in a manner that is sustainable with creative linkages.

Sustainability requires an inter-governmental agency effort if there is to be a success story. In this regard, our public relations’ efforts become important, as these are required to send the messages we require about sustainability to the intended audience: the Guyanese people, both locally and in the diaspora.

My reason for including this group (the diaspora) is simply for the effective dissemination of information that will affect us all in the interim. This idea should always be promoted in a way that shows the possibilities of achieving the long-term goals through basic methods that are easily adaptable to Guyana.

If properly planned and carefully executed, the recently concluded GuyExpo

Towards a Good Life in a Green Economy 2016 could be used as a launching pad for our locally produced goods and services in a way that has never been done before.

If we are aiming for

maximum success, we must move away from what is traditionally known to that which would take some

Please see page 13

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Sustainable development ...

From page 12 getting-used-to. Change is good, if we look at it in the grand scheme of things.

We have to be risk-takers and take full advantage of the many opportunities we are presently predisposed to take.

Procrastinating will take us nowhere, and leave us yet again in the shadows of an evolving world which has no place for a visionless nation.

A case study on sustainable tourism, published online on August 28, 2014 by Mynunghee Mindy Jeon et al with a specific focus on Heritage tourism, states that, “seasonal phenomena for a tourism destination may be key factors influencing residents’ perceived quality of life, in particular during peak tourism seasons.” It further went on to state that, “these challenges may influence residents’ attitudes toward tourism support in the host

community.”

This takes us back to the fact that human beings are adaptable, but what encourages them towards a state of acceptance are the benefits to be derived from their socalled ‘displacement’ and disruption to everyday life as they know it.

This was one of the findings at the end of the study which was conducted in Salem, Massachusetts. This location was chosen because it attracts more than four times its population during the entire month of October every year, due to the diverse nature of tourism activities.

The end result was that the perception and morale of the residents of Salem were positively affected, which led to significant economic benefits to the community.

The Salem example offers us an opportunity of putting to use the full resources that we do have here in Guyana, and avoid reinventing the wheel

and creating expectations that are unrealistic and unsustainable.

For the last two decades, we have been doing the same things the same way, which obviously yielded the same results. The economic and developmental progress made was, at best, a ‘snail’s crawl’, and that has gotten us nowhere.

Though we all know that sustainability is more of an ‘attitude change’ than anything else, it is nonetheless human to resist what one is not comfortable with; but the message should always be one that speaks of the benefits for all Guyanese individually and collectively.

One recent example of resisting change is the relocation of the Stabroek Market vendors. Most of them are angry now, understandably so, because human beings are first creatures of habit; but the two-fold benefit that could be derived from this

experience is: firstly, this area is much cleaner and clearer, and tourist and locals now feel a sense of pride when traversing it, instead of the feeling of resentment and disgust because we weren’t all able to enjoy the beautiful, unique scenery our market place is supposed to provide; secondly, by relocating, the possibility exists for a better life and adequate facilities, which would benefit all. Most times with change, the despair comes in the beginning, but patience and perseverance outweigh the negative.

There is no better time to jump on the movement of economic sustainability and development than the present. The developed world is way ahead of us, and we are now playing ‘catch up’.

Though it puts us at a big disadvantage, we could still

explore what’s available to us sensibly, without putting too much pressure on resources and ourselves by pursuing ‘pipeline’ dreams.

Tourism is one of the main vehicles used by developed countries to realise their economic success, but the methods applied have to be carefully examined before

they are utilised.

I believe Guyana is on its way to greatness; and through sustainable means, we will get there despite the hurdles and negativity that may be present along the way. (Comments can be sent to: towardsagoodlife@ gmail.com)

Ms. Corretta Sam is Green Tourism Officer within the Ministry of The Presidency. She holds a B.A in Tourism Studies and a Certificate in International Relations (University of Guyana). She recently completed an extensive MASHAV training program in Green Growth, Policy Measures and Implementation Tools in Israel. This program placed specific emphasis on Green Growth and Local Sustainable Economic Development (LSED), Project Design among others. Her strengths include advocating for the poor and the powerless, research and implementing ideas until fruition.

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Diana Ahmad at Miss Caribbean Roots pageant in Colombia GUYANA is, for the first time, being represented at the Miss Caribbean Roots 2016 pageant at the celebration at the 43rd Providence, Saint Catalina Festival in the colourful Colombia.

The event is slated from June 20-27, and Guyana is ready to make a solid mark at this prestigious pageant.

Diana Ahmad was chosen to attend the pageant after receiving the Chairman’s Award from the Chairman of the Miss Global International Pageant, Mr. Lachu Ramchandani. She was the first runner-up in the selection process for this year’s Miss Global International Guyana 2016 pageant.

Ahmad is delighted to have been chosen, and is fully confident that, with the training she received, she is ready to perform. She will be competing against eleven (11) other Caribbean beauties in Talent, Introduction, Traditional Dress, Fancy Dress, Interview, and Final Question rounds for the coveted title of Miss Caribbean Roots 2016.

Diana Ahmad

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Southland Int’l launches Mr Topper’s snacks in Guyana

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SOUTHLAND International Saturday launched a line of Mr Topper’s snacks here.

The brand is the brainchild of Caribbean entrepreneur Alain Laquis, a snack connoisseur himself. He started selling delicious, crunchy caramel popcorn in a small kiosk at a Mall in Trinidad and Tobago in 2002.

The business took off and a range of other products were added.

Some of the tasty treats that will be showing up on your snack store shelves are Caramel popcorn, a delightful blend of sweet, crunchy caramel wrapped around kernels of freshly popped corn; frosted popcorn, with fruity flavours to tickle every sweet taste bud; Wigleez, with a tangy taste of the ever popular ketchup and fries; cheese Balls, fresh, Mr Vishal Seeraj (Chief Operations Officer), Mr Gavin Ramsoondar (Director), Mr Alain Laquis crunchy and cheesy balls that will melt in your mouth and cheese Curls, (CEO/Founder of Gingerbread Investments), Mrs Cheryl Mohammed (Marketing Manager, Ginthat will throw you back to your childhood cheesy snacks. gerbread Investments) and Irzad Zamal (CEO Southland International)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Transforming Albouystown - new facilities to fill social needs

By Telesha Ramnarine BORN and raised on the corner of Cooper and James streets, Albouystown, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira has always entertained the thought of bettering his impoverished community, especially as there had been no facilities that catered for his social needs as a youth.

Once elected a City Councillor following Local Government Elections held earlier this year, Ferreira spared no time and effort in informing fellow councillors of his plan to begin work on a sports facility and a play park in the Albouystown area.

Ferreira has since teamed up with Councillor Heston Bostwick to set up a play park opposite the clinic at James and Bel Air streets, Albouystown, and a sports facility on Independence Boule-

vard. Although families are welcome at the facilities, they cater primarily for the youths in these and surrounding areas.

The play park especially, in a bid to garner revenue for the cash-strapped City Council, will be equipped with electronic billboards to facilitate advertisements for companies. The boards will also be used to place notices for the community, for educational purposes, and even for a movie night.

Iron bars will be installed so that children may be able to swing across the park, thus serving as an exercise mechanism for them.

COST EFFECTIVE The intention is to make the facilities as cost effective as possible, so that they will be completed within a short time and will require less maintenance.

The area intended for the play park

The new sports facility will cater for the well-loved sports in the community

“There are not many structures, and everything is being done in collaboration with the City Engineer’s Department,” Ferreira told the Chronicle in an invited comment recently.

As for the sports facility, the idea of the councillors is to create certain access points for residents on Independence Boulevard, so they do not have to traverse the facility to reach their houses.

“We’re looking at bringing non-traditional sports. The benabs will be a Wi-Fi zone that will hold Bar-B-Ques and so forth. Surrounding communities will be invited, and persons within the community will be able to hold their activities at these facilities,” Ferreira said.

He said the various sports associations will be involved, as the intention is to establish something that can be a model to the wider Georgetown.

“So our aim right now is to bring

sports (lawn tennis, basketball, roller blades, cycling) that are well-loved in the community, and for families to be able to come together,” he added.

THREE YEARS But Ferreira and Bostwick cannot see the completion of the projects for at least three years, unless the public steps up and generously provides what is needed.

“I intend to beg for everything needed for these facilities,” Ferreira explained.

He recently took his draft proposals to the City Council, and walked councillors through the layout of the projects by means of a projector.

The Councillors already have some companies on board to help with funding, and they are in the process of approaching more firms for financial help.

The play park billboards will serve as a means of garnering revenue

This current basketball court on Independence Boulevard will eventually be transformed

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Diamond-Grove Lions Club ‘Sharing the Vision’

H AV I N G a d o p t e d t h e New Diamond-Grove Primary School three years ago, members of the Diamond-Grove Lions Club, in collaboration with Optique Vision Care, took the Centennial Service Challenge of “Sharing the Vision” to the

students of that school.

Over a period of three days, 30 children had their eyes examined by an optometrist at Optique Vision Care. The eyes of two children indicated imbalances, and they were referred to a pediatric optometrist. It was

also determined that nine children required spectacles to improve their vision.

Two photophobic children were also seen, and it was found that they required spectacles to guard against the intensity of the sunlight.

A further three children re-

quired eye drops to moisturize their eyes.

“The significant contribution provided by Optique Vision Care cannot be overemphasized, as both consultation services and spectacle frames were made available gratis,” the Club said in a

press release.

The Diamond-Grove Lions Club contributed members’ time and the cost of lenses, eye drops and transportation.

“Optique Vision Care, as well as Diamond-Grove Lions Club, saw this project

as the unique opportunity to help advance service within the Diamond-Grove district, and more specifically bring assistance to the children, our future generation of leaders, for their personal well-being”, the press release said.

In photo, recipients and their parents, together with Headmistress of the New Diamond-Grove Primary School, Ms. Chichester, pose with management staff of Optique Vision Care and members of the Diamond-Grove Lions Club

Father’s Day message

Students and teachers of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School hold up a banner with poignant messages for fathers. The students were part of a rally organised by the New Jersey Arya Samaj in collaboration with Save Abee Foundation.

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Troy Resources pushing entrepreneurship at Kaburi - so community can flourish after it’s gone A section of the company’s plant nursery

By Alva Solomon AS part of its community relations agenda, Australian mining company Troy Resources Limited is working on exploring the entrepreneurial potential of residents of Kaburi.

Located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Kaburi is a titled Amerindian Village, the inhabitants of which are primarily descendants of the Akawaio and Patamona nations.

Troy started full production at its operations in neighbouring Kairuni in February this year, and according to Company Executive Director of Project Management, Ken Nilsson, it has discussed several ideas with residents of Kaburi, including the advancement of plant nurseries on a larger scale as well as the introduction of poultry projects.

“They are our neighbours; I would like to see them develop. They have skills that have not been tapped into,” Ken Nilsson he said of the residents of the community, which is located some 20 to 30 minutes by road from the mining company’s operations.

“They are the real Guyana,” Nilsson said of the villagers, adding that Troy has been giving some thought to what would become of the residents when the time comes for the company to move on from Kairuni.

“The biggest concern for us is (that) we work with a

Please see page 19

An employee of the company hard at work in the Craft Training Centre

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Troy Resources pushing ...

From page 18

resource that will disappear one day; and when that day comes, these people are to have a future that is one that is going forward,” he said.

BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE Nilsson said that Troy Resources experienced similar community relations at its Brazilian operations, in which the residents of two nearby communities were benefiting from the company’s presence. The residents of the smaller of the two, he said, developed their respective businesses with futuristic plans by investing in small businesses.

The other village, he noted, unfortunately did not take advantage of the opportunities the mining company presented.

“I think we pay quite well,” he said, noting that if one works well, he or she has the opportunity to develop. “We like working with them,” he said of the residents of Kaburi.

Established in 1935, Kaburi boasts a population of some 275 persons from 55 families/households. The main economic activities there are logging, mining, subsistence farming, fishing and hunting.

COMPANY MATTERS Troy Resources, meanwhile, is currently battling

wet weather conditions which are affecting its operations. According to Nilsson, Troy Resources experienced a mechanical problem at its Kairuni site, and this has impacted production.

“It is causing slightly lower production,” he said, but the company is adapting to the situation.

The company employs some 319 persons, 20 to 30 of whom are temporary.

Some 34 residents from the locale are employed with the company in various capacities, including exploration works.

Nilsson said there are several Brazilians employed by the company, and those relations stem from the company’s operations in the neighbouring country.

In terms of the specialized portfolios, he noted that there are Guyanese who are functioning well in those positions. These include persons who are employed in the entity’s health and safety department.

“We are an extended family working together,” Nilsson said, adding that the company has been discussing its plans with the University of Guyana in terms of providing support to the tertiary institution.

He said there are two groups of students who are generally supported by the

Sunday June 19th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Monday June 20th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday June 21st, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

company, while the company is engaged in dialogue with the university regarding scholarship and training.

COMPLIANCE Meanwhile, Nilsson noted that the company has been following environmental best practices, and he singled out compliance with the regulations as being of importance to the company’s day-to-day operations.

He said the mining company has been visited on many occasions by personnel from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and that information relevant to its production and staff is always available.

“We comply; it’s as sim-

ple as that,” he said. Nilsson added that Troy Resources has been keeping in check with the guidelines of the World Bank regarding environmental best practices.

As regards the global prices, which have affected mining here, Nilsson said, “It affects everybody.” Noting

that the price of gold climbed to US$1284 per ounce on Friday, Nilsson said this rise is relative to the uncertainty in the United States’ economy, among other factors.

At the same time, Troy Resources is discussing its drilling mandate as it attempts to upgrade produc-

tion. Troy Resources is also examining the prospect of investing in other mining operations; and according to Nilsson, the company has seen “some changes here” and is excited about it.

“We are constantly looking for other opportunities,” he said.

Employees on the go at the company’s location at Kairuni

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Queen has a winner at Royal Ascot DARTMOUTH, owned by the Queen, won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot despite a stewards’

inquiry.

The 10-1 chance, ridden by Olivier Peslier for trainer Sir Michael Stoute, was her first winner at the meeting for three years.

An inquiry was held after Dartmouth and Highland Reel came close together but the placings were unaltered.

It was a record-equalling 75th triumph at the meeting for Stoute, and a 23rd win for the Queen.

Nearly £130,000 in prize money goes to the winner, with the majority of this for the victorious owner.

The Queen’s racing advisor John Warren said: “It’s been a long week and there have been a few ups and downs.

“This is the Olympics (of racing) and even to have a runner here is huge. To end up with a winner is so fantastic.”

Meanwhile, jockey

The Queen with trainer Sir Michael Stoute and jockey Olivier Peslier Ryan Moore sealed a Saturday treble when Twilight Son won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes after earlier victories on Churchill and Sir Isaac Newton.

Dartmouth won by a head from Highland Reel, with Almodovar third.

Victory brought a high

for the Queen, a week after her official 90th birthday, following the low of losing her runner Guy Fawkes, who suffered a fatal injury at Ascot on Thursday.

Her last triumph at the fixture came when Estimate, also trained by Stoute, won the Gold Cup in 2013.

The Newmarket trainer, who equalled the mark of 75 Royal Ascot wins set by the late Sir Henry Cecil, said: “That’s a great mark to reach.

I hope it doesn’t stop there.

“He’s a lovely, quality horse. Everybody in the yard is very fond of him.”(BBC Sport)

Jerome Taylor left out of Windies ODI squad ENGLISH RACING TIPS HEXHAM 09:00 hrs King Boru 09:30 hrs Pistol Park 10:00 hrs Buckled 10:30 hrs Cork Citizen 11:00 hrs Eastview Boy 11:30 hrs Sharivarry 12:00 hrs Baraboy 12:30 hrs Sleep In First PONTEFRACT 09:10 hrs Vaulted 09:30 hrs Pumblechook 10:10 hrs Banksea 10:40 hrs Barsanti 11:10 hrs Bulas Belle 11:40 hrs Simply Shining 12:10 hrs Full Of Promise WORCESTER 09:20 hrs Heurtevent 09:50 hrs Kaki De La Pree 10:20 hrs Ashcott Boy 10:50 hrs Benissimo 11:20 hrs Henry Oliver 11:50 hrs Byron Flyer 12:20 hrs Only For Love IRISH RACING TIPS GOWAN PARK 09:15 hrs Sir Edwin Landseer 09:45 hrs Intense Stylist 10:15 hrs Mizaah 11:15 hrs Intifadah 11:45 hrs Usain 12:15 hrs Protocol 12:45 hrs Bravery SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 08:50 hrs Miss Varlicious 09:25 hrs Gallica Rose 10:00 hrs Disco Al 10:35 hrs Power Horse

FAST bowler Jerome Taylor has been left out of the West Indies squad for the final leg of their Ballr Tri-Nation series to be held in Barbados.

Taylor has taken just two wickets in the four games the West Indies have played, and came in for some real hammering in his lst outing against South Africa, where the Caribbean side were

plundered for 343. Taylor took one wicket for 72 runs from nine expensive overs.

In a loss to Australia, Taylor was allowed just three overs in a low-scoring game, the paceman not bothering the Australians, with opener David Warner looking comfortable with his knock of 55 not out.

While the West Indies have kept pace with Aus-

tralia and South Africa, winning two of four games, they lie at the bottom of the three-team table having lost the other two very badly, giving up bonus points on both occasions.

The West Indies have one game to rectify the situation with the Barbados leg of the tournament accounting for three games where each team plays the other once.

Thompson sets historic record ...

From back page after she also ran away with the women’s 200m in a time of 23.08 seconds.

Thompson who has already qualified for both the 100m and 200m sprints at the upcoming Rio Olympics, has been on a road of steady development since her outdoor season began. Thompson shared that her amazing performances for the year was somewhat of a come from behind development.

“At the beginning of the year I hadn’t expected this at all because my indoor season wasn’t that good, but then when I came out for outdoor it was better. For now I’m just going to stay focused and train.”

Meanwhile, USA’s Donald Scott made an Olympic qualifying standard in the men’s triple jump, after clearing 17.02m, while in the women’s 400m Kadecia Baird stood just milliseconds outside of the Olympic qualifying standard, clocking 52.26 seconds for the win. The Olympic qualifying time for this event is 52.20 seconds.

Guyana’s Olympic qualifier Aaliyah Abram was also in this event clocking 53.53 seconds for third. Second place went to British Virgin Islands’ Ashley Kelly with a time

of 53.24 seconds.

Baird was also in the women’s 200m, where she finished behind Thompson in 23.38 seconds, again just outside of an Olympic qualifying standard, with the mark in this event being 23.20 seconds.

A confident Phil DeRosier, of the United States, was relentless in the men’s 100m, which he claimed in a time of 10.25 seconds.

Guyana’s Rupert Perry took fourth in this event with a time of 10.29 seconds.

Following the race,Perry commented on how much he enjoyed the competitive of the race , since it gave him the extra push to improve his timings. Perry had recently clocked 10.40 seconds just two weeks ago at the National Seniors Championships. Perry still remains hopeful of making the 10.16 seconds Olympic qualifying time in this event, and is still overlooking possible qualifying meets to attend before the July 11 deadline.

Guyana’s Olympian Winston George took the win in the men’s 200m, crossing the finishing line in 20.76 seconds. In the men’s 400m Guyana’s George’s best was not enough to overcome the United States Brycen Spratlin. George clocked 45.85 seconds for second place while Brycen took the win in 45.84 seconds.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

IOC backs ‘strong’ IAAF stance on Russia (REUTERS)-The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ended any slim hopes that Russian athletes might have had of competing at the Rio Games in August by backing the IAAF’s decision to extend its ban on the country for systematic doping yesterday.

The IOC said in a statement it “fully respects” Friday’s ruling by world athletics’ governing body (IAAF) to maintain its suspension of the Russians.

The IOC added “the eligibility of athletes in any international competition including the Olympic Games is a matter for the respective international federation.”

That was exactly what IAAF president Sebastian Coe said on Friday after the IAAF Council voted unanimously to retain the ban on Russia competing in any athletics events.

Rune Andersen, who heads the IAAF task force overseeing Russia’s attempts to reform, said on Friday that

a “deep-seated culture of tolerance, or worse, appears not to be materially changed”.

“No athlete will compete in Rio under a Russian flag,” hesaid.

IOC president Thomas Bach He and Coe will therefore be relieved that the IOC came to the same conclusion after a teleconference of its executive committee yesterday.

IOC president Thomas

Bach had earlier this month given Russia hope that his organisation might overrule the IAAF at its own meeting next week over concerns that innocent athletes would be punished, saying he “refused to speculate” whether the IAAF vote would be the end of the issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also appeared to retain hope of a change when he said on Friday: “We’ll talk to our colleagues at the anti-doping body, and I hope there’ll be an appropriate response from the International Olympic Committee.”

The only Russian athletes who might now compete in track and field in Rio are a handful -- thought to be fewer than five -- who are based outside the country and can apply to the IAAF for special dispensation to compete as independents.

It is the first time the country, which finished second behind the United States in the track and field medal table in the 2012 Games,

Chigumbura blasts Zimbabwe to win over India

Elton Chigumbura celebrates after reaching his fifty against India in Harare.

(REUTERS)-Elton Chigumbura smashed an unbeaten 54 from 26 balls as Zimbabwe stunned India with a two run win in the first Twenty20 International at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.

Chigumbura pummelled seven sixes as he took Zimbabwe to 170 for six in their 20 overs having been sent into bat by the tourists.

India lost opener Lokesh Rahul on his Twenty20 debut in the first ball of their reply, but they went into the final over from seamer Neville Madziva needing eight to win.

That was reduced to four off the last ball with Mahendra Singh Dhoni on strike, but he

could only bludgeon the ball to deep point and Zimbabwe celebrated a second consecutive victory over India in the 20over format.

Aside from Chigumbura, Malcolm Waller (30 from 21 balls) and opener Hamilton Masakadza (25 from 15 balls) gave Zimbabwe their highest score against India in Twenty20 cricket.

India were behind the run-rate for much of their innings, but Manish Pandey (48 from 35 balls) kept them in the hunt until the last over.

With Dhoni on strike it looked like advantage to the tourists, but Madziva bowled a succession of excellent yorkers to limit India to five runs.

Aside from Rahul, the visitors handed 20-over debuts to batsman Mandeep Singh, seamer Jaydev Unadkat, all-rounder Rishi Dhawan and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

The second Twenty20 match will be played at the same venue tomorrow.

will be absent since the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles which they, along with several other Eastern Bloc countries, boycotted.

An IOC Olympic summit in Lausanne next Tuesday is still due to discuss the issue, along with reports that Russia put in a place a complex system to beat anti-doping measures at the Winter Olympics that it hosted in Sochi two years ago.

“The IOC will initiate further far-reaching measures in order to ensure a level playing field for all the athletes taking part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016,” the organisation said on Saturday.

“The upcoming Olympic summit on Tuesday will address the situation of the countries in which the National Anti-Doping Organisation has been declared non-compliant by WADA for reasons of the non-efficient functioning of the national anti-doping system.”

Emergency funds for Rio ahead of Olympics - source

By Alonso Soto BRASILIA, (Reuters)-The Brazilian government plans to transfer 2.9 billion reais (592 million pounds) in emergency funds to the state of Rio de Janeiro to pay for infrastructure and security during the Olympic Games, a government official told Reuters yesterday.

A day earlier the governor of Rio declared a state of financial emergency as a drop in revenues caused by a crippling recession and a slump in oil prices has left state coffers depleted ahead of the games that start on Aug. 5.

The funds would be used to pay for security personnel and finish a much-delayed metro line to the Olympic venue, said the official who is familiar with the discussions and asked for anonymity because he is not allowed to speak publicly.

Rio’s financial crisis threatens to disrupt public services during the Olympics

Perera century secures series win for Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera’s century stole the show as Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 136 runs to secure a 2-0 series win.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday June 19, 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) 7 ducks; 3 ‘first ball’ ducks (2) 116 players

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many runs Australia’s David Warner has scored in the Tri-Nations series to date?

(2) How many Tests and ODIs Warner Park, St. Kitts has hosted to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

when 500,000 foreign visitors are expected to visit the beach-side city known for its natural beauty.

The Brazil Olympics have already been marred by political turmoil that led to the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff and an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that has been linked to brain malformation in babies.

The federal government was already considering an emergency loan to Rio after it missed several debt payments with multilateral banks in May. The missed payments complicated the release of a 1 billion-real loan from the state development bank BNDES to finish the Line 4 of the Rio metro system.

Interim President Michel Temer is expected to announce the emergency funds in a Monday meeting with several governors who are asking him for debt relief for their cash-strapped states.

The finance ministry’s press office declined to comment for the story.

SRI Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming one-day internationals against England continued in fine style as Kusal Perera’s century helped the tourists to a 136-run victory over Ireland.

After Angelo Mathews’ men won the first game in the two-match series by 72 runs, they again piled up a massive score to give Ireland little chance of victory in Malahide.

Perera’s 135 featured 18 boundaries as Sri Lanka put 147 on the board for the opening wicket before Danushka Gunathilaka (63) was run out by Andy McBrine.

The day went from bad to worse for Ireland’s bowlers, however, as Seekkuge Prasanna hammered a brutal 95 from just 46 balls - clearing the ropes nine times - to put Sri Lanka in a virtually unassailable position.

Cameos by Farveez Maharoof (29) and Mathews (24) led Sri Lanka to 377-8 from their 50 overs, with Tim Murtagh’s 3-66 the best of a rotten bunch of bowling figures for the associate outfit.

Suranga Lakmal (4-38) removed openers Will Porterfield (8) and Paul Stirling (22) to put Sri Lanka further in control, with only John Anderson’s 34 providing resistance in the middle order.

Number eight McBrine made a breezy 79, including a pair of sixes, to add an air of respectability to the result, before he was caught by Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Mathews, leaving Ireland all out for 241 and giving Sri Lanka a 2-0 series win ahead of their first game against England, at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.(Omnisport. com).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Colombia through to Copa semis after seeing off Peru on penalties

DAVID Ospina dived to his left, and Peru’s Miguel Trauco sent his penalty kick down the middle, a yard above the ground.

The 27-year-old Colombian goalkeeper kicked out his trailing right leg, and saved it with his feet. Colombia had the advantage in the shootout.

About two minutes later, Christian Cueva stood over the ball, looked skyward, exhaled deeply and skied La Blanquirroja’s final attempt over the crossbar.

Peru stunned Brazil to set up a quarter-final with Colombia in front of a full house at MetLife Stadium.

With a 4-2 penalty-kicks victory after a 0-0 tie Friday night, Colombia reached the Copa America semi-finals for the first time since 2004.

“We goalkeepers have the advantage that we can use any part of the body,” said Ospina, Petr Cech’s backup at Arsenal. “What matters is to stop the ball

– with the ears, the nose, whatever. We goalkeepers have many resources.”

Third-ranked Colombia, which won their only Copa title at home in 2001, play Wednesday in Chicago against the winner of Saturday night’s quarter-final between Mexico and defending champion Chile. The United States face Argentina or Venezuela at Houston on Tuesday in the first semi-final of the expanded tournament, played with 16 nations from throughout the Americas to celebrate the event’s 100th anniversary.

“We came into this match feeling a greater obligation,” Colombia coach Jose Peckerman said.

After Cueva’s miss, Colombian players ran out to celebrate with Ospina, who pumped both arms three times. Cueva turned and contorted his face in pain and covered it with both hands. Ospina walked over to join Peruvian players in

consoling the 24-year-old midfielder.

“Being eliminated on

young squad in the tournament. “It was the least pretty game of all we played.”

Colombia’s players mob goalkeeper David Ospina after winning on penalties. penalties hurts even more,” said Peru coach Ricardo Gareca, who overhauled his team, and used a mostly

Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Dayro Moreno converted the first three penalty

kicks for Colombia, beating goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Raul Ruidiaz, Renato Tapia had made the first two for Peru.

Ospina played just four Premier League matches for the Gunners last season and a few others in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. His sister, Daniela, is married to Colombia star attacker James Rodriguez.

“David is a great player,” Rodriguez said. “I wish he stays on the national team for many years. I love David, and today he was great.”

Before a sellout crowd of 79,194 at MetLife Stadium, most wearing yellow in support of Colombia, Ospina also made an outstanding save in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.

Cueva took just the second corner kick for Peru of the night and Ospina leaped to tip Christian Ramos’ header over the crossbar.

“We felt like we were the

home team every time we played here,” Ospina said.

Ranked 48th, Peru had advanced from the group stage with a controversial Ruidiaz handball goal that knocked out Brazil.

James Rodriguez had the best chance of the first half, taking a layoff from Edwin Cardona in the 22nd minute, dribbling through the midfield and curling a 23yard right-footed shot that bounced off the inside of a post and bounded out. Carlos Bacca sent the rebound into the side netting.

Neither nation managed a shot on target in the first half, and each had just one on the second. Play became more open in the last 15 minutes as teams tried to avoid a shootout. Under the tournament’s rules, extra time is used only for the final, so the teams went straight to penalty kicks.

“We know that we can do better,” Pekerman said.

Doris pleased with second-place DDL renews sponsorship of finish at IAAF Diamond League meet Guyana Amazon Warriors NATIONAL men’s triple-jump record-holder, Troy Doris, is happy with his second-place finish on Thursday at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League Stockholm Bauhaus Athletics meet in Stockholm, Sweden.

“It was okay. I let a big foul get away, and my form was a little off. Happy with second place though.” the 27-year -old commented.

Under rainy conditions, with 95% humidity, Doris did a best jump of 16.70m to finish behind the USA’s Christian Taylor, who won the event with a distance of 17.59m.

Though he says it’s not an excuse, Doris confessed that the weather did play a role in affecting his performance that day.

“Maybe it was because of the weather, I don’t know.

It was definitely an environment where you could lose your rhythm quickly because of the cold. It was wet and rainy, and everyone from that competition isn’t training in those conditions at the moment.

“I won’t say it totally impacted performance

though, definitely not my main excuse being the weather because Christian Taylor jumped really well.”

Doris said Doris felt that his last

TROY DORIS jump might’ve been his best jump, had it not been for his foul.

“My last jump that was a foul, [and] was maybe around 16.90m. Definitely not anything to put me in the lead, but it just lets me know I could jump around my average in not the best conditions. Just need to work on better transitions on my first to second phase.” he noted.

Doris, who was earlier this year ranked third in the world with his 17.18m jump

in May, has since slipped to fifth place in the current world rankings.

Taylor is currently ranked first in the world rankings with a 17.76m distance. The other top three are the USA’s Will Claye (17.56m), China’s Bin Dong (17.24m) and U S A’s C h r i s B e n a r d (17.19m).

Finished with Stockholm, Doris is now on to his next move: continuing his training in Greece, while he has another upcoming meet set for Finland.

He also has his sights set on participating in another Diamond League meet – the London Grand Pix – in July, as he continues to sharpen his craft for the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics set for Rio, Brazil, in August.

“Hoping to get into the Diamond League in London on the 23rd July. I was never confirmed for it, but I’m going to email the director. I’m ranked #4 now In the Diamond League as far as points in the triple jump.

“So that gives me a better ranking and entry into the meet, seeing as that rank gives me a bit more leverage.” Doris explained.

DEMERARA Distillers Limited (DDL) has once again thrown their support behind the Guyana Amazon Warriors and El Dorado as the official spirit partner for the third consecutive year.

This is the second year that the beverage giant has widened its support to include Gatorade being the official sports drink of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

DDL is already a major partner of the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20, with El Dorado rum being the official spirit of the tournament.

At the formal signing ceremony, CPL Guyana Team Operations Manager Omar Khan, said that the Guyana Amazon Warriors is delighted to partner with DDL and their world famous El Dorado rum as an official team sponsor.

“This partnership means a lot to the Amazon Warriors as we aim to bring glory to the entire population of Guyana by capturing the CPL 2016 trophy.”

Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, noted that “The cricket culture captures the essence of who we are as a Caribbean people as it showcases some of our greatest talents. “ Through our El Dorado

brand, we are pleased to be associated with the HERO CPL tournament and this format of the game.

“Through this sponsorship and the marketing activations planned to coincide

St. Lucia Zouks.

The games come to Guyana from July 7 to July 12 and tickets are already on sale at the CPL Camp and Quamina Streets Office in Georgetown and its Berbice location.

Trevor Bassoo, Guyana Amazon Warriors Marketing and Sponsorship Manager (left) holds the signed contract with Komal Samaroo, Demerara Distillers Limited Executive Chairman. with the matches, we are giving our loyal El Dorado consumers an opportunity to enjoy our brand as much as they enjoy the game,” Samaroo said.

The tournament opens in Trinidad and Tobago on June 29 with the Trinidad Knight Riders going up against the

This year El Dorado is giving fans an opportunity to win instant prizes with the purchase of any El Dorado 750ml product in stores and at the Providence Stadium. The grand prize this year is a VIP Crew Weekend experience at the final.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Fair or Foul?

-are the NBA Finals rigged?

Asks Daniel Haynes IN what is undoubtedly the biggest stage of basketball, the one question has remained, undermining the integrity of the sport at large and leaving fans worldwide angry; “Are the NBA Finals rigged?”

To understand the question, one must understand the complexity of the situation.

The Golden State Warriors were poised to complete the most historic season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), blowing out teams on their way to a 73-9 season-no ordinary feat in a league that plays 82 games and in the process taking out the previous 72-10 record set by the game’s greatest player Michael Jordan and his 1995/96 Chicago Bulls, 20 years ago.

Golden State was on the cusp of victory, ready to take the championship in five games, after blowing out the Cavaliers in three out of four games, but everything changed in Game 4 on a controversial play that left Warriors fans feeling cheated.

It was then the sounds of foul play began when Warriors Forward Draymond Green was suspended for the close-out game five, after an altercation with Cavaliers Forward

Lebron James with less than three minutes left in Golden State’s 108-97 victory over the Cavaliers on Friday.

James stepped over Green after the Warriors’ forward fell to the court, and Green swung his arm and appeared to make contact with James’s groin area.

The Cavaliers stormed through game five at Golden State to win 112-97 with Green forced to watch the game outside the arena, since NBA rules prevented him from being in the arena. To add insult to injury, Andrew Bogut got injured and was ruled out for the rest of the finals.

The Cavaliers then stormed through game six 115-101 in Cleveland with even more drama on the night as Warriors’ wonder kid Stephen Curry, the league’s back-to-back MVP, fouled out of the game after picking up fouls that fans felt were blatant, wrong calls by officials. Curry then angrily launched his mouth guard into the crowd which hit a fan before the officials sanctioned him with a technical foul and ejected him from the game.

This caused his wife Ayesha Curry to take to twitter after the game and tweeted, “I’ve lost all respect, sorry this is absolutely rigged for money… Or ratings in not sure which. I

An erratic Stephen Curry being restrained after the Game 6 ejection (elitedaily. com photo) won’t be silent. Just saw it live sry.”

As for those who believe the NBA will make money off of a game seven, AdAge cited data from ispot.tv indicating that ABC pulled in $223.9 million in advertising revenues over the course of last year’s NBA Finals match-up, which again featured the Cavaliers versus the Warriors.

That series lasted only six games, however.

A game seven is typically a ratings and money-making bonanza. AdAge estimated that had there been a game seven last year, it would have likely drawn an audience of 32 million viewers and a 21.2 household rating, up from an average of 20 million viewers and an 11.6 rating for the previous games in the

2015 NBA Finals.

As for the advertising revenues, “A seventh game likely would have tossed another $45 million on the pile,” AdAge reported.

So, if the 2016 NBA Finals had ended with a game five victory by the Warriors, ABC would have missed out on the ad revenues of Game 6 and Game 7—which will probably total in excess of $80 million, based on estimates from last year.

I’m an Oklahoma City Thunder fan, and I believe the NBA was rigged the moment my team lost after leading 3-1.

Reason? Let’s face it, no one wanted a Kevin Durant versus Lebron James Finals.

Fraser-Green, Newton, Niles, Cornelius Guyana Amazon Warriors win national road race titles pre-tournament camp —Fraser-Green makes successful defence of ladies’ titles begins tomorrow

By Michael DaSilva

UNITED Kingdom- based Guyanese, Claire Fraser-Green successfully defended her ladies road race and individual time-trial titles while Raymond Newton, Junior Niles and Christopher Cornelius won their respective categories, when the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) held its 2016 National Championships yesterday.

The event, which is normally held along the East Coast Demerara carriageway or along the East Bank Demerara highway, was shifted to the Mahaicony circuit this year.

The ladies took to the circuit first for the 5.5-mile individual time trial and Fraser-Green who won the event for three consecutive years, made it four times yesterday, returning a time of 13 minutes.02 seconds.

Christine Mattehson and Romella Samuels placed second and third respectively, both returning 15 minutes 30 seconds.

The order was the same in the ladies’ four-lap race, in which Fraser-Green clocked a winning time of one hour two minutes .06 seconds.

Newton on the other hand won the men’s over 45 years eight-lap race in

convincing fashion, clocking one hour 55 minutes 42 seconds.

Finishing a distant sec-

Claire Fraser-Green ond was Andrew Spencer and even further back was Shameer Baksh who occupied the third spot.

In the men’s under45 years of age eight-lap event, Junior Niles made a successful defence of his title with a time of one hour 54 minutes 22 seconds. Second was Stephen Fernandes while Paul ChoWee-Nam finished third.

Cornelius rode an intelligent race to win the juniors eight-lap race, recording one hour 48 minutes .04 seconds.

Deeraj Garbarran was sec-

ond and Brighton John third.

From the start of the junior boys event, Cornelius and Garbarran broke from the other starters and opened a commanding lead and together they took turns in pacing the race and after four laps had been completed, it was evident that only a mechanical problem could have prevented any of the two from occupying the top spot.

Midway in the race, Andrew Hicks wanted to jump the chasing pack, but decided against the move as Romelo Crawford just stuck on his (Hicks) back wheel, with the hope that Hicks would take him to the two leaders. In the end, John jumped the duo and went on to place third.

In the ladies’ road race, Fraser-Green stamped her authority from the start as she immediately took up the front and distanced herself from the other three starters.

Local cyclists will take to the circuit once again next Saturday to contest the individual time trials in each of their category and this will include the Elite Class which includes all of the country’s top riders.

Also, next Sunday, the men’s Elite Class will take to the outer circuit of the National Park for the Elite 70-mile road race which is slated to start at 11:00hrs.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors will commence a one-week training camp under the guidance of Head Coach Roger Harper tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The camp, a customary practice for teams preparing for competitions, is a vital one for the South America-based franchise, who will look to cram a heavy workload into the next week with the aim of getting in peak condition for the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Skipper Martin Guptill and leg-spinner Adam Zampa, will not be available for the camp.

Guptill is currently playing county cricket in England, while leg-spinner Zampa is part of the Australia line-up for the ongoing Ballr Tri-Nation Series.

Apart from the two players, the remainder of the squad will be available.

The Warriors have gone for 11 regional-based play-

ers including Barbados’s Dwayne Smith, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jason Mohammed, Rayad Emrit and Steven Katwaroo; Antigua’s Orlando Peters, Guyana’s Assad Fudadin, Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Paul Wintz and Anthony Bramble.

The squad also includes Australia’s Chris Lynn, Sohail Tanvir of Pakistan, and Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan (ICC Americas).

Winning West Indies Youth World Cup captain Shimron Hetmyer was selected as the Under-19 player.

The local franchise has taken a decision to include Under-19 players, Akshaya Persaud, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach as part of the camp in order to have them exposed at a different level.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis,

ROGER HARPER Jamaica and St Lucia. Hero CPL 2016 will be held from June 29 to August 7.

The Amazon Warriors have been one of the most consistent performers in the CPL. They reached the final in the inaugural 2013 season, when they were beaten by the Jamaica Tallawahs and repeated their feat the following year, only to be downed

by Barbados Tridents in a dramatic final in St Kitts.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 19, 2016

Elite football Champion to be crowned tonight … Slingerz and Alpha ready for showdown By: Ras Wadada SOMETIME close to the end of today or very early in the new day, the national champion of the “Beautiful Game” here in Guyana will be crowned after the final game of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) eight-team Elite Club competition is completed at the Leonora Park Stadium.

As is expected, the two most financially sound football units in the country, Alpha United and Slingerz FC will contest the ‘Grand Finale’ for the top prize worth G$4M, and more importantly the enviable title of National Club Champions.

The second phase of the inaugural national elite football League, which was introduced last year, will again climax with the country’s newest football rivalry which consists of the cream of the current crop of national players and labelled as – West side versus East side.

Not since the ’70s, when there was the Pele-Santos ri-

valry has there been a muchlooked- forward-to football clash as tonight’s meeting.

Eastsiders, Alpha United, came on strong towards the end of the two-round

Alpha United coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover league matches and then emphatically disposed of Fruta Conquerors 4-0 in the semi-final, while rivals from the West side, Slingerz, toyed with Pele FC for an easy 3-1 victory in

Jack Warner throws US out of extradition case THE United States government will take no further part in former FIFA vice president, Austin Jack Warner’s appeal against extradition to that country from Trinidad and Tobago.

Warner, whose lawyers have said the twin-island republic’s Attorney General’s decision to sign an extradition request from the United States, was illegal, questioned the inclusion of lawyers representing the Department of Justice in the case.

According to Warner’s lawyers, the issue was one regarding T&T law, and therefore should not be attended to by a foreign country.

High Court judge, Justice James Aboud, agreed.

According to the judge, he was unaware of any input Washington could have on the case, saying allowing US interest in the case to be heard, would set a bad precedent, tantamount to allowing school principals and business interests having a say on the number of public holidays the country permits.

“Is the AG’s position different from the US? Does the AG want the US to say something he won’t say?

It must be able to offer something more than repetition,” said Aboud.

After the decision, the United States was ordered to pay Warner’s legal fees related to the case as well.

Warner is charged with 12 counts related to racketeering, corruption and money laundering by the United States Department of Justice.

The former CONCACAF and Trinidad and Tobago Football Association boss was in the first tranche of indictments coming from the United States as part of a probe into corruption within FIFA. According to Warner, however, the extradition request from the US contradicts the Extradition (Commonwelath and Foreign Territories) Act. Furthermore, Warner contends, the attorney general, Faris Al-Rawi, failed to give his attorneys fair opportunity to make representation before he signed the request.(Sportsmax.com)

the other semi-final after playing unbeaten in their 14 League games.

Both teams had their final training session yesterday morning and judging from the confidence exuded by them, fans can expect a highly competitive game tonight, though the unevenness of the pitch will be a great test on either half.

Head Coach of Alpha, Wayne “Wiggy” Dover informed Chronicle Sport prior to training yesterday that his squad is ready for the clash.

“The players are very upbeat and optimistic. They are all very confident, so I don’t see anything standing in our way as the mood in the camp is fantastic. The guys are determined to close the season with an emphatic result, so that we can repay the owner of the club for all the contributions he has made over the season. We are going to be going at them from the very first whistle to test them and see what they have. We are going to be playing highpressure football. There is no secret in game plan at this stage. As it is we are the defending national champs and Slingerz are trying to get that title, but we will retain our title.”

Coach Dover was also highly complimentary of the almost perfect performance

of his opponents, but still insisted his side will prevail, “We have seen a high level of consistently good football played by Slingerz and we cannot take away that from them. They have been the team all season, but recently they looked dull, while Alpha have shown a level

Slingerz FC coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson of sharpness.

“I expect a close game, with the team that makes the fewer mistakes winning and of course that is Alpha.

I have also observed a sense of nervousness in their camp and we will surely capitalise on this.

There is no nervousness in our camp. In fact, now is the time to restore some pride in the team and retain our status as the number one team in the country.”

His opposite, Coach Joseph “Bill” Wilson, is equally confident that his charges will come out on top of the team that has ruled football

in the country for a number of years and rightfully claim the title of national club supremacy.

“I can safely say we are ready to take our rightful place as the number one team in the country and we are not too bothered with what the opposition have in their minds. The players have worked hard all season to reach to this point and they are all hungry for the Championship. “ We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of victory, since our long-term plan is to play to the level where we can successfully compete with the top clubs of the Region. And we are getting there. Our finishing has always been a bother and tonight I expect it to be much improved.”

The Alpha five-man midfield (Captain Dwight Peters, Daniel Wilson, Philbert Moffatt, Dwayne Jacobs and Andrew Murray Jr.) is expected to be compact in defence and attack with a sole forward in the evergreen Anthony “Awo” Abrams, who at 36 years old continues to score even at the international level. The four-man defence (Colin Nelson, Solomon Austin, Joshua Browne and Chris Comacho) also appears rock solid and will be supported

by Richie Richards within the uprights.

Slingerz will be spearheaded by midfielder and Captain, Tichard Joseph,

who will play alongside Clive Nobrega and Trayon Bobb. The attack will also be a trio, consisting of Devon Millington, Dexroy Adams and Dominican International, Julian Wade.

The four-man defence is made up of Quincy Adams, Les Charles, Kester Jacobs and the Brazillian, Morello, while Vincentian Winslow McDowell will guard the citadel. Notable omission is midfield/forward Vurlon Mills who is out with an injured right knee.

On paper, Alpha looks stronger but on the field of play, no team has played more cohesively and more organised in the Elite league than the “Bill” Wilson-coached side which also holds the sole distinction of never losing a game on the pitch in the history of the competition. Tonight’s Grand Finale game has a total prize money worth, G$6M with the loser taking home G$2M. All four teams on show tonight will be rewarded financially. The opening game set for 19:00 hrs will be played between losing semi-finalists, Pele FC and Fruta Conquerors FC with the winner cashing in on one million dollars, while the loser will walk away G$500,000. richer.

The Guyana Defence Force female sergeant, Maureecs Skeete, will carry the whistle for tonight’s Grand Finale.

Trophy Stall donates to Petra MOH Competition TROPHY Stall of Bourda Market has once again shown its dedication to sport in Guyana with a contribution to the Petra MOH football competition on Friday at its South Road and Bourda Street location.

Present at the handing-over on Friday was Petra Co Director Troy Mendonca, who thanked Trophy Stall for the donations, while adding that he was happy to have Trophy Stall on board, since it contributes to the tournament’s success.

The donations were inclusive of the Most Valuable Player Trophy as well as the Championship Trophy.

Making the donation was Devi Sunich, who made the presentation on behalf of Managing-Director Ramesh Sunich.

Football action continued yesterday at the Ministry of Health ground, on Brickdam and Vlissingen Road, with the final group fixtures. In the opening fixture at 19:00hrs, Broad Street tackled the

Ministry of Public Health, while Albouystown took on Young Ballers at 19:45hrs.

In the third fixture at

at 21:15hrs.

The fifth fixture at 21:45hrs saw Alexander Village facing off with Leop-

Troy Mendonca receives trophies from Trophy Stall representative Devi Sunich 20:30hrs, West Front Road took on Queen Street Tigerbay, while Bent Street went up against Kitty Weavers

old Street, while defending champ Sparta Boss took on Sophia at 22:30hrs.

The championship was

slated to conclude last night with play in the group stage.

Upon conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each group along with the four best third-placed finishers will advance to the knockout round.

Winner of the event will collect $300,000 and the championship trophy, while the second-placed side will receive $200,000 and the runners-up trophy.

On the other hand, the third-placed side will receive $100,000 and the respective trophy, while the fourthplaced finishers will take home $50,000 and that title.

On the individual side, prizes will be awarded to the event’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Goal Scorer. Other sponsors of the event include the Ministry of Public Health, GTT, Lucky Dollar, Nigel’s Supermarket, Junior’s Jewellery, Star Party Rentals and 2-J’s General Store.

Green Machine brush aside Trinidad and Tobago 22-18 GUYANA’s Rugby team are the victors of the Rugby America’s North (RAN) South Zone Final after beating Trinidad and Tobago yesterday 22-18.

Playing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the ‘Green Machine’ stayed through to their promises of beating Trinidad and avenging their loss last year.

Details of the game will be published in a subsequent edition.

Thompson sets historic record at AP Invitational

US Donald Scott, who qualified for the Olympics in the men’s triple jump

World Juniors silver medalist Kadecia Baird takes the win in the women’s 400m

By Tamica Garnett CONTINUING her phenomenal season, Guyana’s Brenessa Thompson yesterday became the first Guyanese to set a national track record on local soil after she championed the women’s 100m in a blistering 11.14 seconds, when the Aliann Pompey Invitational went down at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.

Before a pumped up home crowd, Thompson blasted away the 32 year old 11.26 seconds record set by Jennifer Innis, as she set a new personal best and claimed her second national record. An excited Thompson was elated to make such a historic achievement before the local crowd.

“My main goal was to push from the start and make sure that my first half of the race was good because that part of the race is normally my weakest part and today I got out. I feel really great, I’m looking forward to lowering it again.” the women’s 200m record holder shared.

“I feel really good competing in front of the home crowd, you know getting the love from everybody. The track was really good, and the conditions was better than expected. It was really hot earlier, but then it cooled down.”

Thompson also celebrated a sprint double Turn to page 27

Guyana’s Brenessa Thompson in her record breaking women’s 100m sprint. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

US Phil DeRosier takes a tight win in the men’s 100m

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SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2016