Chronicle 07 03 2016

Progress at last No. 104601

SUNDAY JULY 3, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

- In’tl financial watchdog backs steps to fight money laundering; on-site visit slated for September

‘Spotlight’ off to a shining start

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One to watch: Chiona Archer took on the song Masterpiece by English singer/songwriter Jessie J and wowed the judges at the start of auditions for The Spotlight, which is billed as Guyana’s biggest talent competition, patterned after the likes of America’s Got Talent. The show is a collaboration of E-Networks Inc and RED Entertainment. (Adrian Narine photo)

BK says he Page 2 claimed to be a ‘born PPP’ to avoid victimisation - again accuses Ramotar of corruption, cronyism

Patrick Manning, former 5 Trinidad PM, dies

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Patrick Manning

Guyana to host int’l conference against child 8 abduction Page

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

BK says he claimed to be a ‘born PPP’ to avoid victimisation - again accuses Ramotar of corruption, cronyism

CONTROVERSIAL mega contractor Brian Tiwarie on Saturday insisted the only reason he claimed to be a “born PPP” was to placate former President Donald Ramotar who was annoyed that he had used the same plane to take him to Essequibo and to also transport officials of the then opposition APNU+AFC. Ramotar Friday released the letter from Tiwarie in which he (Tiwarie) had pledged continued allegiance and support to the PPP a mere two months from the last general elections. The release of the letter was a response to Tiwarie’s claim that he had joined the movement to oust the PPP from office one year before the May, 2016 general elections.

Following Ramotar’s release of his letter, Tiwarie, who heads BK International and its airline arm Jags Aviation, suggested that he was afraid of victimisation by Ramotar and renewed his call for the ex-President to respond to allegations of corruption and cronyism during his presidency.

In another letter to the press, Tiwarie said he had incurred former President Ramotar’s wrath when his domestic airline made a decision to transport then-Opposition members by plane to Georgetown from an area in Essequibo which Ramotar had visited.

The businessman recounted that the incident

happened during the 2015 elections campaign when Ramotar was slated to conduct election activities in the Essequibo region using a chartered flight from Tiwarie’s airline, then housed at the GUYSUCO hangar of what is now the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

Tiwarie said a team from the then opposition APNU+AFC had used his airline to fly into the same region.

“Our aviation consultant at the time, Mr. Bobby Vieira, had called and informed me that the company had provided a flight to the same area, a day before, comprising a team of APNU+AFC campaign officials headed by Mr. Raphael Trotman,” Tiwarie’s letter read.

Tiwarie said Trotman’s team was scheduled to return to Georgetown the very morning Mr Ramotar and team went into the region.

“It would have been much more economical for the aircraft taking in the then President [as this was a oneway charter] to ferry Mr. Trotman and his team back to Georgetown.”

The BK boss said this action had “Annoyed the former President which he displayed on several occasions later.” Acting on advice from a senior government official in Ramotar’s administration at the time, Tiwarie was advised to “write and offer an apology for any discomfort

we may have caused him.”

The businessman said they had even waived former President Ramotar’s fee for the one-way charter to Essequibo.

In the letter, which was dated two months before the general elections which ousted Ramotar’s government from office, Tiwarie aggressively pledged his allegiance to the PPP amidst allegations that he was supportive of the then David Granger-led political opposition.

But the March 2015 letter, according to Tiwarie, was not enough to “quell the anger of Mr. Ramotar. His rant continued with threats to evict my airline operations from the GUYSUCO hangar where we were conducting our operations.”

Tiwarie said his business never discriminated against political parties, but continued to be relegated by then President Ramotar for allegedly boosting the Opposition coalition with millions of dollars in contributions.

Tiwarie has since professed a shift in his allegiance from the PPP, now in opposition, to the APNU+AFC, now in government. “It is one’s democratic right to choose his/her political direction. Tiwarie spared no bones defending his “support for change” in the 2015 elections as he said this was wanted by most Guyanese.

Turning his attention to recent unanswered allegations whereby the businessman alleged that Ramotar had gifted State assets to his relatives, Tiwarie took Ramotar to task for not responding to the allegations but instead taking “a low-

blow by creating a smoke screen, by publishing a private correspondence to him.”

While Ramotar has lobbed allegations that Tiwarie had acquired $800M in steel from the troubled Specialty Hospital project in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Tiwarie is pushing for the ex-President to answer questions that State assets

were sold at “under-value” prices to his relatives.

Mr Tiwarie claimed that a barge, valued at over US$1M was resold to Ramotar’s relative for a paltry G$3M. “Let us deal with the issues at hand. I challenge Mr. Ramotar to refute this,” Tiwarie stated.

He further challenged the

former President to refute charges that despite the fact the Aremu Interior Road project was awarded to BK International, it was “gifted” to another company.

“Strangely, Mr Ramotar personally and genuinely advised me to sue his government over this injustice,” Tiwarie’s letter said.

File photo shows Brian Tiwarie and former President Donald Ramotar on March 19, 2015 at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, for the launch of the West Demerara road project, valued at US$46.8M, which BK International and Jamaican company Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Ltd are executing.

Four days after this event, Mr Tiwarie wrote a letter to Mr Ramotar pledging allegiance and support to the PPP.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Progress at last

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- In’tl financial watchdog backs steps to fight money laundering; on-site visit slated for September

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA has been finally cleared to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) review lists, and is to be paid an on-site visit shortly by the International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG).

The purpose of the visit by the international watchdog body is to verify whether Guyana is indeed implementing and sustaining the outlined Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) reforms.

Making the disclosure yesterday was Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, during a press conference at his Carmichael Street, Georgetown Office.

“A year after President David Arthur Granger gave a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address the strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government inherited from the previous government, the FATF has cleared the way for Guyana to begin to exit its process, and thereupon the CFATF process also,” Minister Williams said, as he broke what many, particularly those in the business community, might consider to be the good news.

RELATED LEGISLATION Currently, Guyana has an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act in place, along with other related legislation governing supervisory bodies, financial institutions, law enforcement, and foreign affairs.

The National Assembly, in May, passed the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill 2016. In 2015, it had also passed the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist

Related Activities Bill; the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill Nos. 1 and 2; and the AML/ CFT Regulations,all in keeping with recommendations made by FATF and CFATF. The decision to take Guyana off the review lists was made during an FATF Plenary and Working Group meeting held in Busan, Korea, from June 18-24.

The meeting, which was attended by the Attorney-General and Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Alicia Williams, saw the Plenary adopting FATF/ICRG Co-chair’s Report, which stated that Guyana had substantially completed its Action Plan at the Technical level.

“In line with the procedures for removing jurisdictions from ICRG review, the ICRG recommends that an on-site visit take place to the country prior to the October 2016 meetings, in order to verify that the implementation of its AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and there is political commitment to sustain implementation,” sections of the report read.

ON-SITE VISIT FATF/ICRG has identified September 15 and 16, 2016 for the conduct of the on-site visit, but these dates are yet to be confirmed by the Government of Guyana.

The FIU, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Bank of Guyana, Guyana Securities Council (GSC), the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS), the Supervisor of Insurance (SoI), Money Transfer Agencies and commercial banks are all in the line-up to be visited by the ICRG. The international body will determine whether Guyana is adequately criminalising money-laundering and terrorist financing, and whether there are effective procedures in place for the confiscation of assets related

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams addressing reporters on the clearance received by Guyana to commence the exiting process to money-laundering.

Additionally, as part of its action plan, the country was required to establish and implement an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing, and freezing terrorist assets; establish a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU; establish effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing financial transparency; and strengthen suspicious transactions reporting requirements.

The final of the seven reforms required in the Action Plan relates to the implementation of an adequate supervisory framework.

ALL SYSTEMS GO Asked whether all the institutions and agencies listed are well equipped to facilitate the visit by the ICRG, the Attorney-General’s response was: “They must be.”

In order to ensure a successful visit, the Legal Affairs Ministry will be holding meetings with the named institutions, organisations and agencies to ensure that all systems are in place, in keeping with the recommendations made by FATF and CFATF.

“Once the FATF/ICRG Co-chairs conclude that Guyana has satisfied its on-site verification, then a Motion will have to be moved, in the October Plenary, to remove Guyana from the FATF/ ICRG’s review list,” Minister Williams explained.

On being removed from the said list, Guyana will, thereupon, qualify to exit the CFATF follow-up process.

At a CFATF Plenary Meeting and Working Group Agenda held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from June 5-9, 2016, CFATF had given Guyana a clean bill of health on its “Tenth Follow-Up Report,” the first submitted by the new government.

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH “Guyana has significantly improved its overall level of compliance, and, most importantly, Guyana has fully addressed the core and key recommendations. While

Guyana satisfies the criteria for application to exit the follow-up process, it is still in the FATF/ICRG process, which it needs to complete first. As such, it is recommended that Guyana stay in enhanced follow-up, and be required to report on continuing implementation to the next plenary in November,” CFATF had said during that plenary meeting.

I n N o v e m b e r, 2 0 1 3 CFATF had identified Guyana as a country with significant strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime. By May, 2014 the regional financial watchdog body sounded an alarm, calling on member countries to safeguard themselves from Guyana.

“Members are therefore called upon to implement further counter-measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money-laundering and terrorist-financing risks emanating from Guyana,” CFATF had

said, even as it announced its referral of Guyana to FATF. CFATF members were encouraged to enhance their due-diligence measures, introduce enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refuse the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana. Additionally, it was clearly stated that countries should minimise their business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana and even persons within the country.

But now that the tide is changing, the business community can expect Guyana’s removal from the ‘Light Grey List’ in the not-too-distant future.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Manning told his wife: I know I am dying (Trinidad Guardian) Days before his passing, former prime minister Patrick Manning told his wife he knew he was dying.

Hazel Manning said his tone was one of calm and acceptance when he told her so last Wednesday, his third day of being warded at the San Fernando General Hospital. The following day he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Mrs Manning, who spoke with reporters outside her Sumadh Gardens home in Vistabella Saturday morning said it had been a difficult few days. She said Manning had a dental procedure done and it went very well but he got very weak afterward.

“I thought it was because of the medication and he couldn't eat for about a day or so,” she said.

“When it became a bit difficult for him to move around on Monday we called Dr Kantapersad Ramcharan who advised me to take him to the hospital.”

Manning was diagnosed with an infection in his right lung and his blood count was low.

He was in a jovial mood, laughing and chatting and making jokes on Tuesday and Wednesday, she said. On Thursday, he was diagnosed and told he would need to undergo treatment for chemotherapy.

There was still concern about his low blood count and the infection in his lung was getting worse.

Mrs Manning said: “On Wednesday night he asked what was happening and said, 'I know I am dying’.”

At 3 am on Saturday Manning’ss condition worsened and he was sedated.

“The hospital called me at about 6 am because his vital signs had started to deteriorate and he was breathing with the aid of a machine. My son David and I were with him when he passed,” she said.

Mrs Manning said Prime Minister Keith Rowley called her offering a state funeral which she accepted. The funeral is tentatively set for next Saturday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Patrick Manning, former Trinidad PM, dies

(Trinidad Guardian) The People’s National Movement (PNM) has extended condolences to the wife and children of former party leader and prime minister Patrick Manning, following the announcement of his death at 8.15 AM Saturday morning.

In a release on social media, newly-appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) Stuart Young said: “It was with a great sense of sadness that the PNM Family had been informed of Manning’s death.”

He expressed sincere and heartfelt condolences to Manning’s wife, Hazel, their children and wider family on behalf of the party executive.

“Mr Manning served Trinidad and Tobago for decades as a leader with great vision and his passing is a loss to the Nation and to his party, the PNM. We join in prayer for his soul and his family and thank him and his family for his life and his invaluable contributions.

“We ask that God rest and bless Mr Manning’s soul,” Young said.

Manning’s body was transported from the back entrance of the San Fernando General Hospital at 10.15 am and taken to Belgrove’s Funeral Home on Coffee Street.

Deputy political leader, Joan Yuille -Williams, who was among those gathered at the hospital this morning, said the country and party had lost a father and a visionary.

San Fernando East MP Randall Mitchell was one of several MPs to post tributes on social media, following the death of former prime

minister and political leader of the People’s National Movement, Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning.

Manning was the MP for the San Fernando East constituency since 1971, and won the seat in 10 general elections, until Mitchell succeeded him in 2015.

Patrick Manning On his page, Mitchell said the country should be comforted in this time of solace, knowing that Manning was surrounded by his family and loved ones.

“Mr. Manning served the people of San Fernando East with great distinction for 45 years, and an honour befitting his life of great vision, aspirations and achievements that have propelled Trinidad and Tobago forward will be forthcoming,” Mitchell said.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also shared condolences on social media, noting Manning’s passing with “deep sadness.”

“On behalf all in the Parliamentary Opposition and the United National Congress, we send our heartfelt

sympathies and prayers to his wife, Hazel, and his sons and close relatives.

“Mr Manning was Prime Minister by electoral victory three times in our history—1995, 2002 and 2007. He is also our longest serving Parliamentarian and one of the longest serving public servants in the region.”

She said the grief shared at his passing was, without doubt, grief that will be shared by fellow nations in the region.

“We wish the Mannings God’s guidance and support and pray that the former Prime Minister will find a place of joy and rest,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe described Manning as a political paragon.

“Mr. Manning’s mortal body is survived by his immortal legacy. Thank you Jehovah for gifting this country through the life and works of Mr. Patrick Mervyn Augustus Manning.”

Manning was born in San Fernando in 1946, and attended primary and secondary education in South Trinidad, before gaining his B.Sc. Degree (Special Honours) in Geology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Mr. Manning entered politics in 1971 at age 24, as the People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for San Fernando East, emerging victorious in the General Election of that year. He has won this seat in every General Election since, totaling ten contests.

Manning became a full-

fledged Minister in 1981 holding the Industry and Commerce, and Information portfolios, then Energy and Natural Resources.

When the PNM lost the General Election in 1986 Mr. Manning was one of three

PNM candidates who retained their seats. He became the Leader of the Opposition and within two months was elected to the post of Political Leader of the PNM. In 1991 Mr. Manning was appointed Prime Minister

of Trinidad and Tobago. He would again be appointed Prime Minister in 2001, 2002 and 2007.

Mr. Manning is survived by his wife Mrs. Hazel Manning and they have two sons, Brian and David.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE JulY 3, 2016

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

Editorial

Caribbean Integration TOMORROW 4th July, Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will begin their annual conference in Georgetown to examine the work and progress of the community, and make plans on the way forward.

In that CARICOM marks 43 years as a functioning and unified body, notwithstanding challenges from within and without, is deserving of commendation for the peoples and leaders.

Where CARICOM was founded on the principle that the peoples stand to gain more through collective involvement, exploitation and development of the resources within the region, this year amidst global challenges and increasing competition, it behooves intensified focusing on the principles that established the community.

The success of CARICOM beyond its establishment and attendant arms is dependent on the involvement of its peoples. It may help to remember that when the conceptualisation of such a feat was being thought of and apprehension existed among the people, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) which in 1972 was first hosted here, provided the surety of the people’s abilities and endless possibilities.

Given that the intent of CARIFESTA was to harness the unique cultural skills and talents within the region in a unified way, it set in train not only the celebrating of, but also employment and economic opportunities. At an international level,the Caribbean’s cultural products form part of free trade within the European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement with CARICOM and The Dominican Republic (CARIFORUM).

Intra-regionally, the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) which aims to foster free movement of goods, services and people, knowledge of its working has to become widespread and understandable to the ordinary man and woman, lest the region’s peoples continue to harbour perceptions about each other and countries, not informed by facts.

While the CSME has been heralded and pursued by member-states, there still exists deficiencies and to some extent, disconnection of its aim among the people. A principal benefit citizens see is that of free movement, yet many are unaware that free movement within the community is guided by two rules: 1) normal movement around the region; and 2) movement of skills around the region within the confines of the CSME rules.

Each country, as a matter of importance, should en-

sure its populace appreciates that free movement is not without obligations on the part of persons moving, participating countries, and host countries. Where free movement is seen as an immediate benefit to the people and opportunities for empowerment, when perceptions are held that such benefits come at the expense of respect for others, or persons can do as they choose without regard to existing laws, it creates angst and imbalance in the system. Allowing this to happen goes against the grain that established the community in the first place.

Amidst grumblings of persons in some countries who feel that they are being overtaken and losing control of their way of life due to free movement, and questioning the wisdom of association in the community, the United Kingdom referendum to exit the EU on 23rd June and the post-aftermath chaos should serve as a lesson as to how little information can hurt the best collaborative intent.

It is important that as regional leaders deliberate to not ignore the evaluation of the community’s performance outside of its peoples it was established to benefit, and in planning ahead ensure systems to realise same.

For instance, the recognition that working together will realise benefits for each country did not commence with the establishment of CARIFORUM, but has its genesis years before through initiatives such as a smelter in Trinidad and Tobago, where it was proposed its electricity capability and Jamaica and Guyana’s bauxite will be used to produce

aluminium.

A similar initiative was examined in the 1980s on agriculture. And this was in recognition that regional food security in addition to maximising natural resources would prevent food being used as a weapon to destabilise through the consumption of scarce foreign exchange. It was the intent that Guyana would have produced the agricultural products and,Trinidad, using its manufacturing prowess would produce food, thereby minimising importation and diverting exchange to other more deserving areas.

The region’s food-import bill presently is over US$2B. The Food and Agriculture Organisation 2015 Report warns that “A continuation of the current CARICOM food import bill trends can only lead to further nutritional and economic impoverishment for the people of the region for generations to come.”

The above realities require not only ideas by the community leaders over the next few days, but also realisation of economic programmes that take into consideration the aspirations of CARICOM in total.

And finally, on the issue of governance, which forms part of the EU-CARIFORUM Agreement, it is yet to be addressed by the community’s leaders. It has been the expectation, which is reasonable, that systems would have to be put in place to improve the delivery of governance and enhance regional integration.

Welcome to Guyana and fruitful deliberations.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Former President Ramotar must explain the acquisition of state property by his relative Dear Editor, I MUST state categorically that Mr. Ramotar has so far failed to address pertinent issues raised by me regarding the acquisition of state property by his relative at grossly under-valued costs.

There are two salient issues at hand -- two issues Mr. Ramotar MUST answer: 1: Where is the $800M in steel referred to by the former President? And 2: As President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, what did Mr. Ramotar do to prevent his brother from acquiring state property in the form of land, tugs and barges at ridiculously low prices?

What Mr. Ramotar chose to do, instead, was to initiate a low-blow by creating a smoke screen, by publishing a private correspondence to him. That correspondence was in fact authored in an effort to prevent further victimization of the BK International Group of Companies; more specifically, the eviction of Jags Aviation, a subsidiary of the BK Group, from the GuySuCo Hangar at the now Eugene Correia International Airport.

If one were to follow the events leading up to my forceful penning of the said letter provided to the media by the former president, it would show clearly (that) it was a case of responding to a threat and demands for an apology. In fact, it was (done) on the recommendation of a former senior minister, (who said) that I should go beyond a formal apology and restate my allegiance to the party; (a move) which would have quelled the anger of the former President.

His anger in this instance was as a result of a flight provided by the aviation department of the BK Group -– Jags Aviation -- for Mr. Ramotar to conduct election campaign

activities in the Essequibo region. Our aviation consultant at the time, Mr. Bobby Vieira, had called and informed me that the company had, a day before, provided a flight to the same area (for) a team of APNU/AFC campaign officials headed by Mr. Raphael Trotman. Mr. Trotman’s team was due to return to Georgetown the same morning that Mr. Ramotar and his team went in.

As suggested by Mr. Vieira, it would have been much more economical for the aircraft taking in the then president (as this was a one-way charter) to ferry Mr. Trotman and his team back to Georgetown.

Since this operation apparently annoyed the former president -- which he displayed on several occasions later -- we were advised to write and offer an apology for any discomfort we may have caused him. This was immediately done by Mr. Vieira and sent to the President.

However, this did not quell the anger of Mr. Ramotar. His rant continued, with threats to evict my airline operations from the GuySuCo hangar where we were conducting our operations. It was as a result of the continued abuse and (his making) significant claims of my contributions to the APNU in the (form of) millions of dollars that a former senior minister suggested that I pen the letter, part of which he made some suggestions so as to quell the issue.

Clearly, I simply wanted to alleviate the situation at that time. Jags Aviation further went the distance to waive the fee for the former President’s one-way charter.

The said letter released by Mr. Ramotar (brings) further into question his integrity as a person, moreso someone entrusted to lead

this beloved country of ours.

My consultant was on several occasions subjected to Mr. Ramotar’s rants and claims of us backing the APNU and the AFC. We run, with significant costs, an operation involving aircraft; we never discriminated against anyone or political party which requested our services. Maybe the ex-president felt this should have been standard procedure.

Editor, many persons were born with political affiliations. However, it is one’s democratic right to choose his/her political direction. My support for change was (because I wanted change) as (much as) any or most Guyanese; thus my choice to (support) whom I choose and would support. My point is (that) we should put Guyana first.

By (the time of the letter in question), Hubu Backdam road and Haags Bosch dump site contracts were already taken away from

BK Construction. The Barge referred to in my initial missive was purchased by Jules Cranningburg at a cost of over US$1M, and resold to former President Donald Ramotar’s relative for a paltry G$3M. Let us deal with the issues at hand: I challenge Mr. Ramotar to refute this; I further challenge the former president to refute the denial of BK International of the Aremu Interior Road project, which was in turn “gifted” to the Vulture Construction Company even though BK International was awarded the contract.

Strangely, Mr. Ramotar personally and genuinely advised me to sue his government over this injustice.

Sincerely, BRIAN TIWARIE A.A. Managing Director BK Group of Companies

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

ICT and the Green Economy

By Phil Anthony Mingo IT’s almost 10 years, but I can still remember being called to attend an interview for a scholarship. The excitement of reading for a Master of Science Degree in India is still etched in my mind like the thoughts of yesterday. I was about to embark on a journey, which would change my life forever. This uncontainable excitement was not only because I would be going to further my studies, but mostly because I’ve heard so much about the advancement India has made in ICT and I was about to interact and learn from these innovative ideas, first hand!

I must mention that at that time, my thoughts were only on the use of websites and web applications. In fact, social media was still considered in its infancy and hi5 was the most dominant social network in Guyana. Most persons would never have thought that we could use social networking beyond presenting personal profiles and connecting with friends and family. I certainly didn’t. My study in India changed all that.

It didn’t take me long to realise the significant impact ICT was having on Kerala, the state in which I studied, and the reality was that, even the not-so-young, not only embraced it, but were doing their best to stay relevant by acquiring the necessary knowledge to stay employed in sectors which had been transformed by this new phenomenon. ICT was not only here to stay, but to be embraced with mind, soul and body.

I’ve been able to experience firsthand how the use of ICT was enabling the poor to access various services even with the access of basic infrastructure. I’ve seen ICT tools enabling the bridging of the socio-economic gaps, giving the user voices too loud enough to be ignored, even by the established companies and organisations. And, as I took mental notes, I couldn’t help but to think: what if Guyana really understands its unique advantage and not only fully embraces ICT, but applies it to the very way in which we live!

As we leap steadfastly towards establishing a green economy, I believe there are numerous pillars upon which sustainable development stands that apply to ICT. These pillars are not an exhausted list, but there are a few, which I consider very significant, namely: E-Governance, E-Health, E-Environment, Agriculture, E-Commerce and Education. So the question is how can these enablers for development transform Guyana into a green economy – one that is focused on sustainable development with the use of ICT? In India for example, farmers have long had to grapple with the fact that the period between harvesting and marketing generally came with extreme monetary lost. Sometimes it’s

If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.

– Tony A. Gaskins Jr.

basically down to luck to be able to find a buyer just in time to avoid significant spoilage, or extremely high cost for remote storage. I’ve seen a similar situation in Guyana, especially among farmers far away from the central economic hubs.

This situation was quickly solved in some districts with the use of mobile applications enabling farmers to digitally market their produce and enter into purchase agreements, even before a single crop was harvested.

Phil Mingo With the availability of increased bandwidth across mobile devices, consumers now have no limit to the services they can access irrespective of where they are. It’s therefore expected that providers of various government services will seek to leverage the use of mobile applications and mobile web services to enhance the delivery of their services. The access to technology, and more specifically Information & Communication Technology tools, has given any possessor the voice required to make significant changes in his / her area of influence without having to incur the sort of cost and even “red tape” associated with doing business in times past.

For instance, I’ve seen how the use of ICT has enabled Israel, even with its small size to make a very significant impact on the world scene, especially in the areas of agriculture, advanced weaponry and security. With many of the initial startups eventually being acquired by larger technology companies worldwide, Israel has gradually become known as the technology start-up incubator.

I can see similar feats being accomplished in Guyana. It’s really not that hard to imagine, especially given the introduction of ‘4G’ technology across our major mobile services

providers. However, for us to experience the Good Life, we must move from being simply consumers of technology to becoming providers of services, which can utilise these technologies.

A more practical example of the use of ICT for development is the recent- Towards a Good Life ly launched Green Bartica in a Green Economy mobile application on the two most popular mobile operating systems, Google Android and Apple iOS. The mobile application is intended to be the tool used by the Bartica Town Council to not only communicate progress being made in the Green Bartica Development Plan, but also it will allow the Council to generate revenue from various initiatives which will directly and indirectly benefit the township. It is expected that as 4G technology spreads to Bartica, the Green Bartica mobile app will become the Google of Bartica, allowing residents to be informed of various government services and to use the mobile application to request these services and respond to notifications sent by the Council.

In my next articles, I will expound on how ICT can be used in Agriculture, Education and for entrepreneurship to foster the Good Life. In addition, I’ll present ideas on how mobile applications can help to solve many social issues within our society.

(Comments can be sent to towardsagoodlife@gmail.com)

An avid technology enthusiast, Phil Mingo has a Masters in Computer Applications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He’s passionate about using ICT in education, agriculture, as well as cyber security. He’s currently the Head of Information Systems at the Ministry of Education. Phil is also a youth leader at his local church.

Guyana to host int’l conference against child abduction

ALL plans are in place for Guyana’s hosting of the Hague Convention Conference which will unfold within days at the Pegasus Hotel under the theme: “International Family Law, Legal Cooperation and Commerce, Promoting Human Rights and Cross-Border Trade in Guyana through

the Hague Convention.”

The conference, set for July 13-15, will be facilitated by the Legal Affairs Ministry in partnership with UNICEF Guyana and the Hague Conference on Private and International Law. At a joint press conference with the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry,

UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Marianne Flach, expressed the hope that the conference will act as a stimulus for the adoption of the draft policy on alternative care in Guyana.

Flach told reporters that it is important for the country to put the necessary legal framework in place to safe-

guard children, as she alluded to cases where children have been trafficked or abducted in the nation of adoption.

Such cases can be linked to places such as Haiti and the U.S.; Flach said Guyana and neighbouring countries such as Suriname are no exceptions.

Though they are many unconfirmed reports, the UNICEF Representative said there are stories of “Guyanese children ending up in Suriname, Suriname children ending up in French Guiana and children from other Caribbean nations ending up in Guyana and Suriname.”

As such, she said it is important to have laws in place to ensure that children are protected. “We shouldn’t wait until we hear about illegal adoption or abduction of children in the Caribbean before we take action, we should be very proactive and put the systems in place.”

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or Hague Abduction Convention is a multilateral treaty developed by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) that provides an expeditious method to return a child internationally abducted

Though they are many unconfirmed reports, the UNICEF Representative said there are stories of “Guyanese children ending up in Suriname, Suriname children ending up in French Guiana and children from other Caribbean nations ending up in Guyana and Suriname.” by a parent from one member country to another.

It is the hope of UNICEF that Guyana will soon become a Member of the Hague Convention. Such a move, Flach said, will be of great benefit to the country. “Once a country is a member, it has access to technical and financial assistance to improve its legal framework,” she explained.

Additionally, she said membership status also paves the way for judges from member countries to be a part of the HCCH Judicial Network. “We hope that Guyana will be the first country in the Caribbean to appoint judges to the network,” said an optimistic Flach.

Minister Williams, who addressed the logistics of the conference, said approximately 200 national, regional and international representatives

are expected to participate in the three-day conference.

President David Granger, Hague Secretary-General, UNICEF Regional Representatives and Members of the Guyana Government are among the key officials expected to participate in the grand opening ceremony set for July 13.

Attorneys General from across the region, the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Supreme Court of Justice, judges from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago,The Bahamas, Haiti and Suriname are expected to be in attendance, in addition to representatives from Brazil, Venezuela and Aruba among other countries. (Svetlana Marshall)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Facing hard, cold, and at times uncomfortable truth WHEN the APNU+AFC Coalition was elected in May 2015, it was a breath of fresh air for a people who had grown very concerned and worried about the direction in which the country was moving. Guyanese saw the new administration as an opportunity to put Guyana on a trajectory that would bring out the best in its people; realise the management of the nation’s affairs consistent with universally acceptable principles and laws; and unwaveringly protect the people’s fundamental rights and freedoms, as guaranteed in the Guyana Constitution.

This administration came into office with tremendous goodwill. Not since 1997, when Bharrat Jagdeo was elected President, were so many prepared to say give a new administration a chance; although Bharrat Jagdeo had squandered his chance. As a trade unionist, driven by the importance of creating a just society, a chance would mean the time needed to get acquainted with the rudimentary aspects of the workings of Government, which it is understood happens on a learning curve. A chance does not mean allowing anyone the space, opportunity or continuity to trample fundamental rights and freedoms, and violate the tenets of good governance, which requires adhering to the rule of law and embracing time-honoured principles.

People do not get a chance on that, because if you give people a chance on that, we will end up back to where we ran from; i.e. the gross mismanagement of the Government, the plundering of the nation’s resources, and wanton abuse of citizens -- aspects that have characterised the governments of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar.

If this nation is to avoid similar pitfalls, then the people have to be consistent in their positions on what is just and fair for this nation, both in governance and in the treatment of them, irrespective of who are the administrators of Government. Such commitment will see denunciation of wrongs and supporting of what is right, regardless of who are the administrators of Government.

For far too long -- and it is not lost on me that this is something the politicians play on and seek after -- it has been seen as acceptable to condemn wrong when done on the watch of the ‘other’ party or group; and when similar wrong is done under ‘my’ group, to stay silent, justify it, or label and attack those who speak out against it.

While it benefits the politicians, the lack of universal consistency for what is good and right hurts the society and the majority of people. This is so because the people are the ones who shoulder the nation’s burden through taxes, and would face deprivation in their daily lives with substandard social services, corruption, polluted environment, and high cost of living on meagre wages/salaries.

Lest it be forgotten, in spite of the PPP/C’s dastardly conduct in the stewardship of this country, a little less than half of the electorate sees that party as their preferred choice. On the other hand, a little over a half of the electorate opted to identify with a group which, on the campaign trail, proposed a new way of doing things. At the same time, it need not be forgotten that approximately a quarter of the electorate sat out the elections and apparently felt it was not worthy to participate, because, either way, they would still suffer.

And digging deeper into this scenario, you will see that the APNU+AFC won the National Assembly by only one (1) vote. Let me repeat, the National Assembly was won by one (1) vote. Had three persons more in Region Eight voted for the PPP/C, the National Assembly would have been controlled by the Opposition in a situation that would have been similar to the scenario that existed in 2011.

This is telling us that the Guyana Constitution -- which is so decried, misunderstood, and maligned, along with the Peo-

ples Representative Act -- can see different groups at the same time being in charge of the Executive and Legislature. It is also saying, which sometime seems to be lost on this Government, that the PPP/C’s chances of controlling the Legislature and/or returning to the Executive are highly probable.

Given that none is guaranteed anything in the evolving political landscape, and everyone has to work to be re-elected, it is not rocket science that you must ensure you work to make a positive difference in the lives of people through the branch(es) of Government you control. Doing that will not only increase the possibility of your being re-elected; it also brings more voters into the political process and creates a positive legacy.

Why the politicians today are more inclined to see politics – which, properly practised, is about the people and people’s development -- as a gravy train, or to trample the people and their institutions, must be of concerned to us.

Let me make it clear: being elected to office means being granted the privilege -- by the people -- to be in service to the people. Being in service to the people grants no liberty to ignore or trample the institutions established to protect, defend, and advance the people’s wellbeing. You are in service to the people when you uphold the values ensconced in these institutions and create laws, policies and programmes to make their lives better.

And when politicians fail to do these, the people, who are their employers, are duty bound to speak out.

The PPP/C was, on 11th May 2015, fired for poor performance. The APNU+AFC Coalition was hired to do the job.

The Laws of Guyana must be obeyed; the rights of citizens must be respected; time-honoured principles must be em-

braced. Politicians don’t do us a favour when they uphold these, because they are duty bound to so do. Likewise, when they fail to do so, the people are duty bound to hold them accountable. It is to the latter that attention must be paid, and advocacy and activism ensured to bring about the Good Life the people want for themselves.

The Executive is not ceremonial; it is administrative, and must act accordingly. The legislature makes the laws and oversights the Executive, and it must get about its business.

It is time every law be respected and enforced by the Executive, and the nation is presented with clear guidelines on programmes for development, and how these will be executed consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. The Constitution empowers any Member of the National Assembly to bring a motion or bill to the House to be deliberated on and dispatched with.

Nothing prevents an Opposition, in keeping with the nation’s principal political objective of inclusionary democracy, to bring before the House its programme through bills and motions, to advance the welfare of this nation and engage in constructive oversight of the Executive. Similarly, nothing prevents the Executive from leading the charge in advancing the political objective by finding commonalities in both manifestos to guide its policies and programmes and bring bills to the House, even as it also holds the Opposition accountable for their stewardship, past and present.

This nation must move forward, and it can be done only when the people and leaders do what they have to do within the confines of laws and time-honoured principles.

And where leaders are not acting in concert, the people shoulder the responsibility to see they do.

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HINDS’SIGHT

Dr David Hinds THE exchange of words between former president Donald Ramotar and businessman Brian Tiwarie is instructive; it’s a case of “Mouth open, story jump out.” What started as a quarrel about containers of steel rods quickly escalated into a full blown boxing match between two

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

THE RAMOTAR/TIWARIE EXCHANGE What it tells us about PPP rule

heavyweights.

Mr. Ramotar has exposed the fact that Mr. Tiwarie had pledged loyalty to the PPP, while the latter has explained that he was forced to do so to protect his business interests. In the process, one got more than a peep into the way the PPP had governed Guyana. The

use of the state as a conduit for the enrichment of a few specially favoured individuals in the society must be one of the most insidious aspects of PPP rule.

The genuflection of the favoured and the threats and extortion by the rulers are so nauseating that one wishes they were not true. As one

reads of the exchange between the two men that took place before May 2015, one does not get the impression of one between a president and the other being an investor; it reads more like two men who were part of a big scheme.

One can only conclude that the Tiwarie case is not isolated. It is clear to me that this was how the business of the country was conducted -- the PPP bought loyalty, and paid for it with the common resources of the country.

What is a businessman doing pledging loyalty to a political party in such a slavish manner? What is a president doing remonstrating with a businessman as if they were partners in some scheme?

I suppose businesspeople kiss up to governments all over the world, and governments dispense favours to its supporters; but there is something very deliberate and nasty that arises from the Guyana case under the PPP. It is therefore not surprising that a tiny cabal, which includes business people, PPP politicians and their close associates, got extremely rich in Guyana.

The alleged financial worth of this cabal is stunning.

I have no problems with people getting rich, but when they achieve their wealth through special favours from Government, then that is another matter. This Ramotar-Tiwarie exchange has convinced me more than ever that dismantling of the regime of corruption constructed under the PPP calls for a massive effort on the part of the present Government.

It is no secret that, under the PPP, the ten-

dering process was highly discriminatory, especially against small contractors and those of particular ethnicities. The Government has a duty to correct that as quickly as possible.

And the present rulers would do themselves and Guyana a great favour if they steer clear of the manner in which the PPP operated. Close relationships between business people and politicians cannot be the basis for conducting Government’s business; all must be given a fair and equal shot at securing business with the Government.

OMAR SHARIFF News that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff, is being probed by SOCU and has therefore been relieved of his post in the Ministry must be welcomed by those who have been concerned about Government’s sloth in moving against those who have been fingered for improprieties during the last administration.

Many have been wondering whether the Government had changed its mind.

The decision to retain Mr. Shariff as PS at the Ministry was puzzling to many observers and most of the staff at the Office of the Presidency, who were aware of the allegations made against him.

I welcome this development, and hope that it is not an isolated move. I am convinced that official corruption has developed a life of its own, and has corrupted a large slice of the citizenry of Guyana. For me, this is not about moving against

individuals or political persons; it is about correcting a national injustice and sending a signal to the society at large that official corruption would not be tolerated.

When individuals who are charged with managing our national affairs utilize common resources for personal enrichment, they are robbing children of a proper education, and the elderly and the poor of better health care.

There is a linkage between corruption and underdevelopment.

I hope this is the beginning of a larger process of cleaning up this national mess. There will be the continued charges of witch-hunting and racism from elements associated with the previous Government, but this administration must demonstrate strength and adherence to principle in the face of these charges.

More members of the Indian Guyanese elite must now lend their voices to this anti-corruption crusade.

They must not allow narrow sentiments to influence their attitude to this national disgrace. In the end, official corruption benefits no group and taints all groups.

And those ordinary citizens who may have wittingly and unwittingly benefited from corruption must look beyond short-term gain and instead think about the future of the country.

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

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Gov’t to expand on LCDS

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-says added conservation of forests to bolster economic growth

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has declared that Government is committed to expanding on its predecessor’s attempt at crafting a low carbon development strategy (LCDS), thus it has moved to conserve a further two million hectares of rainforest, which would serve to bolster economic growth.

Responding to criticisms from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that Government’s green strategy will not spur economic growth, Trotman said in a statement: “We intend to build a truly green economy, expanding on the previous government’s attempt at a low carbon development strategy (LCDS) to build a prosperous nation where all the Guyanese benefit from responsible stewardship of our national heritage.

“The world has changed, he said, “and the importance of the forests to mitigate climate change has created a new value for the country’s standing forest…by protecting the coastal conservancies and their watersheds, we protect our coastal farmers; conserving rivers’ headwaters will help us weather the droughts that we know will be a part of climate change,” he added.

Trotman predicted that President David Granger’s commitment to create protected areas for recreation and education in the 10 administrative regions will contribute to an improved quality of life for all Guyanese. He also stated that the expansion of Guyana’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS) would provide the basis for expanding nature-based tourism, one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and one in which Guyana has many competitive advantages.

Additionally, conservation of two million hectares not only helps Guyana to meet its commitments to emissions reduction under the Paris accords and the REDD+ agreement with Norway, but it also helps Guyana’s longstanding commitment to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), signed by Guyana in 1992 and ratified in 1994 with bipartisan support.

“We are currently one of the last nations in South America to meet the UNCBD commitment -- to conserve 17% of our land area by 2020. If we include the Wai Wai community-owned conservation area at Konashen, we currently stand at 8.3% conserved. Two million additional hectares will get us to the 17% target,” Trotman declared.

Trotman said Government welcomes inclusivity in decision-making, and he urged the Opposition Leader to embrace his constitutional responsibility to nominate individuals to serve on the respective state boards for natural resources management.

“Unlike (what obtained in) the past, these boards are fully functional entities that have control and decision-making authority over their respective agencies and commissions. They also provide input on policy, and the Government of Guyana is fully respectful of their critical role and contribution,” Trotman said.

Responding, Mr Jagdeo said that while Minister Trotman has acknowledged that the Coalition Government intends to expand on the LCDS, he has not indicated how Government intends to so do.

Even if that were the Government’s intention, Jagdeo said, questions still remain regarding the absence of stakeholder consultations and the non-convening of the LCDS Steering Committee.

Moreover, Jagdeo questioned why there are no consultations on projects being funded from the LCDS. “Persons are being hired in various Ministries, project funds are being spent etc. Instead of sharing more information on what is happening with the LCDS and the GRIF funds, there seems to be an effort to shut down information,” he declared.

“The LCDS website which had served as a central information clearing house on all matters regarding climate change, LCDS, and the Norway Partnership, has now been taken down,” Jagdeo stated.

Regarding the conservation effort, Mr Jagdeo said the public needs to know which areas have been identified, and whether the areas will take back lands from mining and forestry.

Further, Mr Jagdeo questioned Minister Trotman’s statement that the conservation of an additional two hectares of forest will help meet commitments under the Paris and Norway agreements.

“In fact, there was no requirement for Guyana to obligate itself to put two million hectares to conservation under any of these agreements,” Jagdeo declared.

“More importantly, were key national stakeholders in

the forestry and mining sectors and indigenous peoples consulted before this commitment was made? Or was this being driven by external conservation interests?” Jagdeo questioned.

The Opposition Leader also said Minister Trotman had failed to explain how Guyana can meet the commitment to develop a 100% renewable power supply by 2025, even as he questioned Government’s commitment to inclusivity.

“Where was the inclusiveness when these commitments were made? Where is the inclusiveness in determining how

the GRIF funds are being spent? Why is the LCDS Steering Committee not being convened?” Mr Jagdeo asked.

In regard to state boards, Mr Jagdeo said the way state boards are currently functioning clearly demonstrates that those have no control and decision-making authority over their respective agencies.

“Just one example is the case of the GuySuCo Board, which did not take the decision to close the Wales Estate,” Jagdeo said. He added that the PPP will not participate in “rubber-stamping exercises by state boards, which are inimical to the interest of Guyana.”

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Minister of Social Cohesion extends Eid Mubarak to the Muslim Community In the Name of Almighty God, the Beneficent the Merciful RAMADHAN is the ninth month of the Islamic year, during which fasting is observed from dawn to sunset. Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness – building spirituality, selflessness and charity among Muslims of all ages. In this sacred month the Muslims report of the greatest success for mankind: the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This annual activity is one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. Evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Quran. At the end of the month of Ramadan, the fasting period culminates in celebration, as the three-day Eid ul-Fitr (festival of the breaking of the fast) begins. In many ways, the celebrations surround giving charity, exchange of greetings, cards and gifts and spending time with family, friends and neighbours, but more importantly time is dedicated towards a special prayer at the beginning of the day.

Eid is a celebration and a time for thanksgiving and remembrance. During Ramadan, Muslims were selflessly involved in paying their zakat to the poor and needy, a virtue that all of us need to emulate – caring for each other, as we pursue the need for equity in our communities.

Our government joins with the Muslim community in focusing on the values that bring people together to discuss our common humanity and what unites us. The world has experienced too much divergence between civilisations and faiths. It is within our power to overcome these divisions if we commit to dialogue and work with others of goodwill.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion is currently undertaking public conversations around our country aimed at ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’ allowing persons to consider their own roles as agents of change.

I encourage the Muslim communities to continue to participate in this discussion (as we have already held one consultation with the Muslim Community) about how we can improve Social Cohesion in Guyana. It is no secret that

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016 Islam teaches tolerance and religious tolerance is a necessary condition for peace and development in every society.

In fact, it is reported in the Holy Quran that Almighty God has instructed Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) to say to the disbelievers “to you belongs your religion, and to us belongs our religion,” which was a mark of tolerance and acceptance. Religious Minister Amna Ally tolerance is an embodiment of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he exemplified by the way he coexisted peacefully with Christians and Jews. Islam means peace and advancement in the quality of life of human beings is dependent on certain conditions, which include peace. Therefore, it is crucial for Guyanese to accept each other, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political differences.

I wish all an enjoyable evening as we reflect on the messages of Ramadan, and the sacrifices of the past month, and also celebrate the richness of Guyana’s diversity as we all celebrate Eid ul Fitr.

Happy Eid ul Fitr

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Manning was a distinguished, ‘gentleman leader’ - Gov’t expresses condolence on passing of former Trinidad PM

FORMER Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who died on Saturday, was a “gentleman leader” whose legacy will undoubtedly seat him among the distinguished leaders who served Trinidad and Tobago selflessly and with an immense sense of patriotic pride and solemn dignity, the government said in a statement.

In a message, the government extended sincere condolences to Manning’s wife Mrs Hazel Manning, sons Brian and David, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr Manning served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1995 and then from 2001 to 2010.

He died Saturday morning at the age of 69. Mr Manning was diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalised for a brief period at the San Fernando General Hospital, where he died.

The government said Mr. Manning will be remembered as a leader and politician who was well liked, even across the political divide and as a man possessed of a deeply spiritual soul.

“In this regard, he leaves a poignant legacy as an exemplar for politicians, leaders and servants of the people throughout our Caribbean region and farther afield,” the government

stated.

It was noted that Manning was an astute and life-long supporter of sports and having understood its critical function in national development, played a central role in the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago elite athletes programme and sporting rewards initiative.

“With the continued emergence of several prominent national athletes across a multitude of disciplines, Trinidad and Tobago continues to benefit from Mr. Manning’s diverse legacy,” the government stated.

It added that the people and nation of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the wider Caribbean region are richer for having benefited from the service of Mr. Patrick Manning Manning.

Manning had uncompromising belief in Caribbean integration - Jagdeo FORMER Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who died on Saturday, had an uncompromising belief in Caribbean integration, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Jagdeo said he worked with Mr Manning for many years, as part of advancing bilateral relations between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago as well as at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) level.

“I grew to admire his uncompromising belief in Caribbean integration, and supported many of his initiatives in pursuit of closer economic and other ties between countries of the Caribbean Region, particularly in the areas of health and security,” Jagdeo stated.

Jagdeo described Manning as a friend and colleague, as well as a formidable leader. “His legacy remains testimony to his service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the advances of the wider Caribbean Region.

“His passing is a loss for the Caribbean Region as a whole,” Jagdeo stated.

Man killed after car topples in Sophia canal

Dead: Orin Caines

THIRTY-EIGHT-year-old Orin Caines of “A” Field, Sophia, Georgetown succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) minutes after he and another individual were rescued from a vehicle that ran into a Sophia canal and overturned at 18:20 hrs on Friday.

Eyewitnesses recounted

that Caines and the driver, 49-year-old Dereck Wilson of Fourth Street Alberttown Georgetown, were proceeding east along Dennis Street, Sophia when the driver swerved from an oncoming motorcycle, causing one of the vehicle’s wheels to blow out and it overturning in the nearby trench.

One resident said he was

heading home at the time when he saw several cars parked on the street, causing massive traffic congestion. He stopped to enquire what was causing this backup, only to notice that motor vehicle PNN 6517 was almost submerged in the canal north of the street.

He said he immediately enquired if anyone was in

the vehicle, and bystanders responded in the affirmative.

He and others then jumped into the canal to save the victims of the accident. Caines and Wilson were taken to the GPHC, where Caines subsequently succumbed while Wilson is said to be in stable condition and is responding to treatment.

Rita Caines, mother of the

deceased Orin Caines, told this publication that her son, the third of her four children, was a father of one and had spent 12 years in Barbados working as a skilled labourer before returning to Guyana a mere two months ago.

Police are seeking the motorcyclist involved in the accident.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Sunday July 3rd, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Monday July 4th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday July 5th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Guyana needs a new investment wave for economic growth and development

By Moses V. Nagamootoo Prime Minister of Guyana THE Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) gave my wife and I a red carpet welcome at their 27th Anniversary Convention, held last weekend in New York. The gathering comprised key players in finance and business within the Indian communities in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific.

The organization was founded in New York in 1989 when another Guyanese leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, was the Chief Guest. During previous conventions, GOPIO honoured Guyanese personalities such as Yesu Persaud, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. In 2008, I accepted its Community Award in New Delhi, India.

This year, President David Granger was invited as Honoured Guest, but he asked that I attend in his place, as he stayed home to guide arrangements for the co-hosting by Guyana of the Summit of Caribbean Community leaders.

On our arrival, we were warmly received by the Convenor, Mr. Lal Motwani; GOPIO’s President, Mr. Niraj Baxi; and its Founder President, Dr. Thomas Abraham.

The flags of India, United States of America and Guyana formed the backdrop of what was a multi-national event, and the Convention commenced with the playing of the national anthems of the three countries.

It was clear that we were welcomed and recognized not because of our perceived “Indian-ness”, but on account of our nationality as Guyanese. While the majority of the delegates were Indian Americans, other look-alike attendees were quick to introduce themselves as Fijians, Malaysians, and nationals of Australia, Great Britain, Bahrain, Dubai, etc. Amongst them were a British Peer and a Zulu Prince from South Africa.

Days before I left Guyana, I was “advised” by several persons who portray themselves as “Indian activ-

ists” not to attend the GOPIO event. It appeared that some of these “Indian activists” -- who were born in Guyana, Trinidad and elsewhere outside India -- were excluded from leadership positions in an apparent shake-up within the organization. More recently, the leadership vacuum was filled by Indian nationals who were living outside of India or who have a direct Indian origin.

Sita and I didn’t try to be anything other than Guyanese. When I addressed the Convention, I put it this way: “Though we are defined by our distinct and different nationalities, almost one-half of the population of Guyana shares ethnic-cultural and ancestral relationships with India. We share a common political history of rule by the British. After slavery ended, the British recruited mainly Chinese, Portuguese and Indians to supplement freed African labourers on the sugar estates. In my case, I have traced my ancestry to South Indian indentured immigrants who arrived in 1847 in the then British colony and were bonded to the sugar plantations on the Guiana coastland. My ancestors and many other immigrants chose not to return to India, and accepted Guiana as their new homeland”.

India has a diaspora of some 30 million people. The past and present governments have pursued policies through a dedicated Ministry of Overseas Affairs to mobilise the resources of this diaspora for the development of India. We can learn immensely from GOPIO of how this is being done. That was why I invited the organization to lead a delegation of investors to Guyana.

In the United States alone, there are about four million Indian Americans. I made a direct pitch to them when I stated: “We, too, would like to tap into the resources of the estimated four million Indian American community, which is distinguished for their business acumen and technological capabilities. We say: Guyana welcomes you…. There are

Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo and GOPIO executives at the New York conference ample opportunities for the American Indian diaspora in renewable energy supply (solar, wind, hydro etc.). There are unbridled opportunities for large-scale agricultural projects, agro-processing and aquaculture on extensive arable lands, development of which has been restricted for centuries to sugar cultivation…. We are relatives; now we must become partners.”

The interest shown by the GOPIO gathering has a similar ring to the enthusiasm which was exuded at the ministerial meetings spearheaded by our Business Minister in Toronto and New York. I was able to interface at the convention with some 30 potential investor firms, and listen at separate meetings to investment and tourism interest by Chinese-American entities. We need to continue as well as expand this interaction, and reach out to investors from Africa and Latin America.

GO-INVEST is placed on notice to put in place a rapid response mechanism to process all indications of interest and project profiles from overseas investors.

Guyana urgently needs a new investment wave for economic growth and development.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE JulY 3, 2016

Food For The Poor helps boost agriculture in Region 5

By Clifford Stanley SEVERAL farmers and agro-processors in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) have received shade-houses, agro-processing equipment and other farming tools from Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc., in a donation that is in keeping with the charity’s 2016 thrust to promote social and economic development locally

es mainly women. The members of this latter group received 16 shade houses, with three more to come. This donation would allow group members to boost their commercial production of cash crops through protection from climate change, which the facilities offer.

The grouping was also given a five-foothigh wooden trestle, a 450-gallon water tank, and a 100-foot-long gar-

ing easy access to affordable and quality seedlings, farmers of the Now or Never Group have also benefited from training in seed propagation, through a collaboration between FFTP and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

HAM PRODUCTION Members of the Perth Group, who are

installation of a semi-industrial fan and a single-drain sink, remedial electrical wiring and plumbing works, and expansion of an internal wall.

Members also received one freezer, two 160-quart pots, one commercial refrigerator, one 90-foot stainless steel work table, five large buckets with covers, and one pro eco-vacuum sealer for the Centre.

The upgrades would

Kent Vincent, who was accompanied by Senior Project Manager Andrea Benjamin, Field Officer Colin Reynolds, Videographer Lakeraj Sharma, and Angels of Hope Coordinator and Project Officer Asha Wayne.

Present at the ceremony were NAREI’s Coastal Projects Officer Aaron Ramroop, whose Department had provided technical support for the shade house projects;

positive impact the gifts had made on their production and productivity.

Members of the Perth, Central Mahaicony Group said that, through the new facilities received, they will increase their production with the local high-end supermarkets in mind.

The projects, according to Benjamin, were funded with the approval of the organisation’s Head Office in Florida.

and Arnold Mendonca of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), who had played a central role in providing international standard training for the members of the Perth Group in the production of ham.

Representatives of the beneficiary groups were loud in their appreciation for the support received from FFTP, and in their comments on the

She said the FFTP has targeted a women’s group in Region 5, the Women of Change, and also areas in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) for similar support, in keeping with its new mandate of promoting economic and social development of farmers and farming communities through facilitating higher standards of agricultural production.

At Woodley Park through agriculture.

The beneficiaries in Region 5 were the first to receive support under the new FFTP Agricultural Support Programme.

They are the members of the Now or Never Farmers’ Group in Mahaicony; the Perth (Central Mahaicony) Farmers Agro-Processing Group; and the Woodley Park Farmers Group, which compris-

den hose as part of its package for the shade houses, which are to be located mainly in the backyards of group members.

Members of the Now or Never Group were given a shade-house nursery which can produce over 60,000 seedlings per batch. This will be used by farmers in that and contiguous villages.

P re v i o u s l y l a c k -

involved in the production of ham, benefited by way of a number of upgrades being made to their agro-processing centre at Central Mahaicony, in addition to their acquisition of a number of equipment.

The upgrading included the tiling of internal walls, installation of insect mesh to the door and windows, installation of a ceiling for the roof, procurement and

allow members to operate in an environment which meets the Food and Drugs’ requirements of the Ministry of Health, and the quality requirements of local supermarkets.

FORMALITIES The formal handing over of items for the Guyana projects in Region 5 was done yesterday by FFTP Chief Executive Officer Mr

‘Spotlight’ off to a shining start 17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

By Tamica Garnett GUYANA’S newest talent search show, “The Spotlight”, on a path to find undiscovered talent in Guyana, struck the proverbial gold when auditions opened on Saturday afternoon at the Giftland Mall at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara.

There were golden acts in the show’s proceedings, like that of 14-year-old Chiona Archer, whose execution of Jessie J’s Masterpiece left a lasting impression on the judges; as well as that of the four-man gospel group Yadah.

A very confident Archer initially accompanied her song with her own beat, which she provided using a cup and a table. However, judge Russell Lancaster

RONALD TAYLOR

noted that this was distracting, and gave the Tutorial High student another chance to redo her audition without the cups; and what a difference it was!

Archer was a reminder of the likes of former Rising Star contestant Lisa Punch, who herself started out at a local talent competition very much like this one. Archer will sure be one to watch as the competition continues and contestants dream of making it to the finals to snatch up that coveted $2.5 million prize.

Others acts, like that of 29-year-old Eze Nurse, were all nerves, something that did not bode well for the rapper.

Nurse, like the judges, was not too pleased with his performance, but the singer aims to go back to the drawing board, work on that nervousness, and

EZE NURSE

come again.

“I’m disappointed because I was nervous, I didn’t pay any attention to the judges, just the camera; I just picked a spot and focused on it, so my body language was just frozen. So I was told that I didn’t show much attitude, and rapping comes with attitude, to let out my words more; and I agree with what was said. So I’m working on my stage fright,” Nurse disclosed.

Saturday’s auditions were the beginning of the twelve-week competition that is looking to find Guyana’s next big talent. Each contestant was given a 90second slot to show the judges that they deserved to be in this competition.

Cambelleville’s Ronald Taylor is sure that he has what it takes to win this competition, and promises that by the time the dust settles, everyone will know why. Taylor’s piece was a performance of John Legend’s “Stay With You”. The 18-year-old doesn’t think his Saturday

performance was an exact representation of just how good he is, but he’s hopeful that it was enough to get him to the next round.

And once he makes it through, fellow contestants watch out: he’s bringing his A-game. “Yes, I am very sure I have what it takes to win the competition. If the judges put me through, you will see that.” Taylor declared.

The inaugural show is a collaboration between E-Networks Inc and RED Entertainment; and auditions continue today at the same location, again from 12pm – 3pm. Following this weekend’s preliminary screening, all of the contestants will be called back for one last performance, from which a final 30 will move on to the next round. That number will be cut in half when things move into the subsequent round.

Things really heat up after that, as contestants are eliminated each week across a twelve-week period.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

‘Best practices’ training for small loggers

SEVERAL small loggers are reaping the benefits of a timber-harvesting and forest- monitoring model project aimed at improving compliance with the relevant laws and best practices in the industry,.

According to a release from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the project which has received

the support of the European Union and the/ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was revised on the basis of discussions with the small loggers associations and other stakeholders.

It has resulted in a revised focus on developing a forest-harvesting model and field-testing the model in collaboration with six small

loggers associations in the Upper Berbice region.

Those associations include the Aroaima Forests and Agricultural Producers Association, Horuru Forests and Agricultural Producers Association, Ituni Small loggers and Chainsaw Operators Association, Kwakwani Natural Resources Organisation, Maria Eliz-

A representative of the small loggers (right) receives a certificate for participating in the project abeth Three Friends Small of three associations in the beneficial to both the loggers Loggers Associations and Upper Berbice River area in and the country. the Upper Berbice Forests Forest Governance in order Robertson pointed out Producers Associations. The to test the Legality Assurance that the project supported project was implemented System of Guyana. loggers who are now able over a 13-month period with According to the GFC, to monitor their concessions US$122,000 in support. the objectives of the project through capacity developThe release said the For- are aimed at developing a ment and with the equipment estry Training Centre Incor- timber-harvesting and for- received, a constraint of logporated (FTCI) in collabo- est-monitoring pilot model gers has been remedied. ration with the GFC recently for one concession each from Clayton Hall , Advisor met with stakeholders at a the small loggers associations on Sustainable Development forum to bring closure to in the Upper Berbice region. at the Ministry of Natural the EU/FAO project which The objectives include Resources, said the Governis titled: “Develop a pilot improving the capacity of ment is focused on ensuring timber-harvesting and for- six small loggers associations transparency in governance; est- monitoring model for to manage their concessions, as such, logging has to be small loggers associations develop a mechanism for conducted in a manner that to improve compliance with transferring data and infor- is transparent and within the the forest laws and agreed mation flows between the laws of Guyana. forest-management prescrip- concessionaires and GFC and He highlighted the strides tions in Guyana”. conduct field-testing of the being made by Guyana in The project was initially monitoring protocols. the FLEGT VPA and stated submitted by Upper Berbithat often the importance of ce Forests and Agricultural COMMITTED Governance is neglected in Producers Associations (UBG F C C o m m i s s i o n e r management of the forests as FPA) to the European Union James Singh noted that the a resource.

Forest Law Enforcement, forestry body stands comAs such, he said the MinGovernance and Trade (EU- mitted to ensuring communi- istry of Natural Resources FLEGT) programme as a ties continue to benefit from is proud that the project has means of building capacity technical support provided by resulted in capacity developthe Forestry Training Centre ment of small loggers, while Incorporated. providing them with needed He said that in keeping equipment to ensure their with the FLEGT Volun- forest-monitoring practices tary Partnership Agreement are improved.

(VPA), the logging associaManager of the Forestry tions have greatly benefited Training Centre Incorporatfrom the assets received and ed, Quacy Bremner, providthe capacity development. In ed valuable insight into the this regard, he said that they project and its outcomes. are better prepared to meet The presentation highlighted the requirements of the VPA. the critical successes of the Singh said vocational project and offered recomtraining of the forestry sector mendations for future areas is an on-going activity being to be addressed. undertaken by the Forestry This was reinforced by Training Centre Incorporat- representatives of each of the ed. He expressed apprecia- associations who stated their tion to the FAO and the EU gratitude for improvement for their continuous support of their livelihoods through of initiatives aimed at em- the capacity development powering loggers. provided by the Forestry FAO Resident Represen- Training Centre Incorporated tative, Reuben Robertson, and the equipment received. also thanked the EU for its It was noted that the continued partnership with logging associations are the FAO in ensuring that already seeing the benefits relevant projects are realised. of the project through imIt was further emphasised provements in their logging that the FAO and the EU sup- and record-keeping pracport the strides being made by tices. At the conclusion of Guyana in the VPA develop- the forum, certificates were ment, and as such, achieving presented to members of the project outcomes will be the logging associations.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Compendium 2 of national Census this week

By Telesha Ramnarine WORK has continued unabated in the production of the final report of the National Population and Housing Census, and the second compendium will be disseminated in the new week, Bureau of Statistics’ Chief Statistician Lennox Benjamin has said.

At a press conference hosted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan last May, Benjamin had indicated that the Bureau would have commenced dissemination of the final report last month, and that unlike previous censuses, the material would be organised in four main compendiums, to be released separately.

The June 30 target for dissemination of Compendium 2 was not reached.

“Because of our assessment of continued demands and enquiries, we had to re-order the dissemination of topics from what was originally intended. Thus, Compendium 2, while including the all-important topics examining the age-structure of Guyana's population, now includes the analysis of the ethnic make-up and changes in our population, which based on enquiries, still seem for many people to be the most important aspect of the census,” Benjamin said.

However, he said the Bureau is certain that the report will be available this coming week.

Accordingly, a press conference will soon be called to discuss the results so far.

Given the re-organisation of topic dissemination, the Bureau plans to dedicate Compendium 3 exclusively to the Economic Activity component and analysis of the Labour Force in Guyana. The target dissemination date for Compendium 3 will also be indicated shortly.

“These apart, we have stopped our work on many occasions and generated customised information for numerous interest groups, ranging from agriculture to business to education to housing at regional and even at village level within regions. There is now a vast array of information in the public domain on Census 2012, being intensively utilised by some stakeholders, while others give a misleading impression that no final information has as yet been disseminated.”

The Bureau was able to release the first compendium in June.

“We did meet that commitment, so that in addition to the plethora of information from the preliminary report, Compendium 1 has been able to examine the national population growth and trends over censuses, the distribution of the population over regions, insights into the foreign-born component of our population, our analysis of the role and impact of immigration trends on the decline in our population size over censuses, among others,” Benjamin explained.

The preliminary report to which he referred was disseminated ever since June 2014.

“That report, though preliminary, contains a plethora of information on the population change since 2002 and before, the regional spread of the population, the gender spread, the populations of our urban townships, coastal/hinterland and importantly the growth in the country's building stock, the utilisation of buildings between residential and business, the continued increase in the number of households in Guyana and the accompanying reduction in average household size, to highlight just a few factors in the widespread of information available. The Bureau was told by a major regional organisation that it had produced the most detailed preliminary report in the whole region,” Benjamin offered.

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Athletes here for today’s CARICOM 10Km ... Cleveland Forde looking for third title

THOUGH an unspecified number of Barbados athletes were schedule to arrive last evening, other athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent, and Dominica,

were already in Guyana earlier yesterday and are all geared up to take on Guyana’s best at today’s CARICOM 10 km.

From Trinidad and Tobago, there are veteran distance runner Curtis Cox, and Collin Pereira. From Antigua are Kamar Thomas, Kalique St Jean, and Abbe Davis, while there are Jason Sawyers and Michael Biscette from St Vincent and Stelly Martyin and Rick Timothy from Dominica.

On the Guyana side, we have the defending men’s 10 km champion Cleveland Forde looking to grab his third consecutive CARICOM 10km title. Outside of the regional competition, Forde will also have to fight off the challenges from local boys Cleveland Thomas, and Winston Missengher.

On the female side, Guyana has Euleen Josiah-Tan-

ner, Shyon Boyer, Andrea Foster and Claudrice McKoy, participating.

Set to start off this morning at 6am, almost 100 local and regional athletes are registered to take part at the annual event, which is set to begin in front of the CARICOM Secretariat in Liliendaal and finish in the National Park.

The competition will feature the main 10 km event, while there will also be a 5 km race targeting mainly secondary school children, and a 1,500m race for primary school students. The 10 km will feature cash prizes for both the male and female categories, while the other races are also expected to attract prizes.

Registration for all of the events will continue tomorrow morning before the races.

CBC Under-16 championships ...

From back page with Antigua & Barbuda taking on The Bahamas at 13:00hrs and Barbados facing the British Virgin Islands at 15:15hrs.

The third game of the day will see Jamaica taking on Suriname at 17:30hrs. The opening ceremony will start at 17:45hrs and hosts Guyana face Aruba at 20:30hrs. Under the theme ‘Defending till the end,’ the hosts will look to win their first game at the International level.

08:35 hrs Pennington Sands 09:10 hrs Cote De Pablo 09:45 hrs Monarch Air 10:20 hrs Daspoort 10:55 hrs Dolphin ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ayr 09:25 hrs The Begum 09:55 hrs Cyril 10:30 hrs High On Light 11:00 hrs Eastern Dragon 11:35 hrs Spring Offensive 12:10 hrs In My Place MARKET RASEN 09:05 hrs Roderick Random 09:35 hrs Party Rock 10:10 hrs Ber De Ligne 10:40 hrs Only For Love 11:15 hrs Mr Shantu

11:50 hrs Mr Snoozy 12:20 hrs Katie’s Hen IRISH RACING TIPS Limerick 09:15 hrs Hudson’s Bay 09:45 hrs Time For Mabel 10:20 hrs Top Of The Town 10:50 hrs Vedettariat 11:25 hrs The Plan Man 12:00 hrs King Leon 12:30 hrs Robyn Belle NAAS 09:00 hrs How 09:30 hrs Sportsmanship 10:00 hrs Cool Thunder 10:35 hrs Mr Bounty 11:05 hrs Ottilie 11:40 hrs Tony The Gent 12;15 hrs Ace Of Diamonds 12:45 hrs Banff

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Djokovic stunned

by Querrey in Wimbledon third round NOVAK Djokovic is out of Wimbledon after a shock defeat

by American Sam Querrey - ending the world number one’s hopes of a calendar-year Grand Slam.

Querrey, seeded 28th, completed a 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 7-6 (7-5) third-round win after rain had suspended play on Friday evening.

It was the Serb’s first loss at a major since the 2015 French Open final.

Britain’s Andy Murray, seeded second, made it into round four with a 6-3 7-5 6-2 win over Australia’s John Millman.

Djokovic had hoped to win his third straight Wimbledon

Sam Querrey had lost eight of his nine previous matches against Novak Djokovic. title and secure the third leg of a calendar Slam.

The 29-year-old has already won the Australian and French Opens this year, and was also trying to become only the second man to win five successive major titles.

Asked whether he was 100% healthy, Djokovic said: “Not really. But it’s not the place and time to talk about it. The opponent was playing on a very high level and he deserved to win.”

QUERREY ‘ECSTATIC’ WITH SURPRISE WIN “It’s incredible, especially to do it here at Wimbledon,” said 28-year-old Querrey after ending one of the most dominant runs in tennis history.

“I’m so ecstatic, so happy. I played the break points well and every time he had a break point I was able to come up with a big serve.

“He came out and got the first four games, fortunately for me we had another rain delay and I got to regroup. I’m just taking it one round at a time, I’m not even sure who I’m playing next.”

DJOKOVIC LACKING CLINICAL EDGE The 6ft 6in Querrey has a huge serve, and grass-court pedigree as a former Queen’s Club champion, but there was no reason to think he might be the man to finally derail Djokovic.

Even when the world number 41 headed off with a two-set lead on Friday evening, having played superbly, there were few at the All England Club confidently backing him to finish the job.

Djokovic had looked strangely out of sorts in the first chapter of the contest but he took advantage of an edgy Querrey to build a quick 4-0 lead on Saturday’s resumption.

The third set was duly taken either side of another rain delay but try as he might, the 12-time Grand Slam champion could not break away in the fourth.

The pair shared 16 break points before Djokovic finally moved ahead with a forehand for 5-4 - only to give the break straight back with a poor attempt at a drop volley.

When the rain returned just after Querrey had held for a 6-5 lead, it left Djokovic heading for the locker room knowing he would have to serve to stay in the match on the resumption.

A little over an hour later, the top seed played a nerveless service game to force the tie-break but once again he could not find his usual clinical edge.

A 3-1 lead disappeared and despite Djokovic saving a first match point with an ace, it was Querrey who was leaping in the air in celebration when the Serb pulled a forehand wide on the second. (BBC Sport)

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Gayle half century gets Tallawahs off to winning start THREE sixes from Devon Thomas in the final over made a comfortable opening victory for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) look closer than it really was.

The Tallawahs, through a half century from captain, Chris Gayle, and figures of 3-23 from Keswick Williams, relegated the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to their second home loss in as many games.

The five-run victory was never in any real question, as the Patriots found themselves needing 30 runs from the last six balls. Despite three massive sixes from Thomas, it was never a areal possibility.

The Patriots looked to have started well when they decided to field and had the Tallawahs 4-1 with Chadwick Walton, going leg before for three off the bowling of Krishmar Santokie.

Enter Kumar Sangakarra who got to 26 from 21 balls and looked in fine form

Chris Gayle started his CPL 2016 campaign with a half-century © Getty

Amla and Bravo brush off Tridents with record stand FIVE overs into the match in Port-of-Spain, it looked like visiting side Barbados Tridents would be runaway winners.

Then, Dwayne Bravo joined Hashim Amla at the crease, and the game changed. Dwayne Bravo and Amla came together with Trinbago Knight Riders 20 for 4 - with Brendon McCullum, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo and Umar Akmal already dismissed - and went on to record the highest ever fifth-wicket partnership in T20 cricket.

Their stand of 150 came at almost ten to the over, eventually consigning Tridents to a 11-run defeat.

Tridents put Knight Riders in, and struck their early blows through the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein and pace of Ravi Rampaul.

Hosein was the first to break through, bowling the New Zealand pair of McCullum and Munro with balls that held their lines, before Rampaul had Darren Bravo and Akmal caught behind.

The next bit of success any Tridents bowler enjoyed came off the very last ball of the innings, when Amla was out for 81.

His innings came off 54 balls and included four sixes, two of which came in his South Africa team-mate Wayne Parnell’s final over.

That over, the 17th of the innings, went for 19 runs; Amla hit the second ball into the stands down the ground and hooked the third for six more.

Dwayne Bravo hit four sixes of his own, in a knock of 66 not out off 46. The partnership was the highest for any wicket in the CPL. Tridents were off to a decent start in their chase, with Steven Taylor and Kyle Hope putting on 41, before Hope was lost just as the Powerplay concluded.

That Taylor survived that long was down to a good chunk of luck in the first over: off the second ball, Taylor skied one which fell in the middle of three fielders, before Munro dropped a straightforward chance at long-on - parrying it for six, to make matters worse for Knight Riders.

But neither Taylor nor Hope could score at a rapid rate, a trend that continued with Shoaib Malik and AB de Villiers.

Malik managed to become the tenth player to 6000 T20 runs during his innings off 28 off 24, while de Villiers scratched his way to 12 off 14 before falling to that man Dwayne Bravo.

Kieron Pollard registered a golden duck while attempting an ambitious shot off seamer Kevon Cooper, and with Sunil Narine at his miserly best, Knight Riders were in control.

The only real threat to them came from Nicholas Pooran, who slammed 33 off 12 from No. 6, but a runout ended his challenge prematurely. (Cricinfo)

until he was run out by the combination os Samuel Badree and Evin Lewis.

All the while, Gayle was at the other end of the pitch, biding his time, bearing in mind the Tallawahs were still scoring scoring quickly at 52 for two in the seventh over.

The wickets of Rovman Powell, 4, and Shakib Al Hasan, 7, slowed the momentum but Gayle would accelerate to score 51 frm 36 deliveries before an unbeaten 34 from Andre Russell helped to make the score a respectable 153 for seven.

In the mix Imad Wasim played a good cameo, scoring 19 from 14 deliveries before he was run out.

In reply, the Patriots again started well, with Lendl Simmons looking ominous, scoring a run-a-ball 29. Unfortunately, that was to be the highest total and longest innings for the Patriots.

Simmons was sent back to the pavillion when he was bowled by Imad

Wasim, while Lewis got a leading edge to be caught by NKrumah Bonner off te bowling of Williams for eight.

Patriots skipper Faf du Plessis looked dangerous but his innings of 27 came to an end when he was tricked by Jon Russ Jaggesar delivery that turned the wrong the way. The resulting leading edge provided a return catch to the bowler that was taken simply enough, even if there was some level difficulty in the chance.

Jonathan Carter also looked dangerous but at 27, he charged down the wicket to a delivery from Al Hasan and was easily stumped by Sangakarra.

That ended the contest as Williams would return to bag the wickets of Thisara Perera and Brad Hodge, before Dale Steyn removed the leg stump of Carlos Brathwaite quite unceremoniously.

Thomas then made things interesting by scoring 25 from seven, though the charge always seemed too little, too late.

Digicel Senior Squash Championships 2016

Jeffrey, Arjoon ,Khalil and Joseph move into semi-finals THE Georgetown Club Squash Courts was a hive of activity on Friday evening when night three of the Digicel Senior National Squash Championships continued there.

Play continued on night 3 with the quarter- finals of the

hard before losing the third game 7/11.

No 1 seed Alex Arjoon was matched up against Javed Alli with the former running rampant in a comfortable 11/5, 11/6, 11/1 win while defending champion Nyron Joseph was made to work for his win over Ben Mekdeci.

Spectators were looking forward to a close game between these two players but on this day Nyron would prove to be too good. He was

a straight set winner 11/2, 11/8, 11/8.

In the Women’s plate, Rebecca Low defeated Maya Collins 11/7, 11/2, 11/4 while Victoria Arjoon ousted Makeda Harding 11/7, 11/4, 11/7.

In the Men’s Plate, Alex Cheeks hammered Darren Mc Donald 11/2, 11/2, 11/9, Daniel Islam won against Jonathan Antczak 11/3, 11/1, 11/9, Anthony Islam defeated Medhi Ramdhani 9/11, 11/7, 11/6, 13/11and Alec Melville

sent Rithew Saywack packing 11/9, 11/9, 11/9.

Veterans action saw Joe Mekdeci overcome Douglas De Groot 11/4, 11/6, 11/7, Medhi Ramdhani terror David Fernandes 8/11, 13/11, 11/7, 11/7 and Garfield Wiltshire beat Javed Alli 11/6, 9/11, 12/10, 11/5.

On Saturday, Javed Alli defeated Joe Mekdeci 11/6, 5/11, 11/7, 11/8 while Garfield Wiltshire overcame Douglas De Groot 11/9, 11/5, 11/7.

Six races carded for Kennard’s Turf Club’s Post Emancipation Day race meet KRISTIAN JEFFREY Mens Open, opening round of the Plate matches and a continuation of matches in the Veterans categories.

In the first men’s quarter-finals, Kristian Jeffrey proved too good for Raphael De Groot ,winning in straight sets 11/6, 11/5, 11/7 while Jason Ray Khalil took on Regan Pollard.

Jason won a close first game 11/8 and an even closer second game 11/9. By this time Regan was totally exhausted but still fought

THE Kennard’s Turf Club will on August 28, stage a six-race horse race meet at its Bush Lot Farm, Corentye, Berbice, in commemoration of Guyana’s Emancipation Day celebration.

The feature event on the day’s programme will be a one- mile event for horses classified `D 1’ and Lower and the winner will receive $700,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $350,000, $175,000 and $87,000 respectively.

The co-feature event is opened to horses classified `H’ and Lower and will be contested over six furlongs with the winner carting off $240,000. The second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $120,000, $60,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Another six-furlong race is also on the day’s card and is opened to horses classified `J 1’ and lower with the winner earning $160,000. The second place finisher will receive $80,000, while the third and fourth place finishers will be rewarded $40,000 and

$20,000 respectively.

There will also be three five-furlong races and the first one will be for horses classified `L’ with a first prize package of $120,000. The second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $60,000, $30, 000 and $15,000 respectively.

The other five-furlong race is opened to horses classified `K’ and lower with a first prize worth $140,000.

The second place finisher will receive $70,000 while the third and fourth place finishers will earn $35, 000 and $17,000 respectively.

The other race on the day’s card is opened to three-year-old horses over a distance of five furlongs. The winner will receive $200,000 while the other top three finishes will earn $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Race horse owners and trainers are asked to note that registration closes on August 14.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

Inside

DESMOND LEO HAYNES ... A CENTURY ON ODI DEBUT

IN the first game of the just-concluded three-match One Day International series between India and host Zimbabwe, the young Indian opener, Lokesh Rahul, became the first Indian and the eleventh player overall to construct a hundred on his ODI debut since Dennis Amiss first achieved the feat for England against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester in 1972.

Rahul, who had previously played five Tests and was recently involved in the Indian Premier League, witnessed his captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, winning the toss and asking Zimbabwe’s Graeme Cremer to take first strike.

India bowled out the opposition for 168 in 49.5 overs with the fast-medium bowler Jasprit Bumrah bagging 4 for 28, and though Karun Nair (7) went early with the score on 11, Rahul and Ambati Rayudu (62 not out) fashioned an unbroken 162run second-wicket stand that propelled the Indians to a comprehensive nine-wicket win with some 7.3 overs to spare.

For his part, Rahul, under very little pressure, etched his name into the record books with a carefully crafted, unbeaten even hundred spread over 115 balls and blended with seven fours and one six.

In compiling his hundred on debut, Rahul followed in the footsteps of the afore-mentioned Amiss, Desmond Haynes (WI), Andy Flower (ZIM), Saleem Elahi (PAK), Martin Guptil (NZ), Colin Ingram (SA), Rob Nicol (NZ), the late Phil Hughes (AUST), Michael Lumb (ENG) and Mark

Chapman (Hong Kong)-the only person from an Associate cricketing nation to do so.

It should be pointed out that for 37 years between 1972, when Amiss recorded his 103, and 2009 when Elahi distinguished himself, only two other players became members of this elite club.

On the contrary, as batsmen became more aggressive, especially with the advent of the T20 format, seven others have joined the band in the six years between 2010 and 2016.

After the initial effort of Amiss in only the second ODI game ever, it was the then 22-year old West Indian opener, Desmond Haynes’ moment to launch his international career with a blistering hundred against the Australians in front of 13,000 jubilant fans at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s, Antigua on February 22, 1978.

The Aussies were ravaged with the mass signing of their top players to Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket and were being led by the former opener and captain, Bobby Simpson, who had retired from the Test team a decade earlier. By far, the only other cricketer of pedigree in the party was the ‘demon’ fast bowler Jeff Thompson.

Theirs was a young, inexperienced squad coming up against a full-strength West Indian outfit led by the now seasoned Clive Lloyd and which included the batting bombshells Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards and Alvin Kallicharran, the long-standing wicketkeeper Deryck Murray, and the exciting and effective fast bowlers Andy Roberts, Colin Croft and

Joel Garner.

The teams were set to contest five Tests and two ODIs stretching over a 10week period commencing with the first ODI at the ARG on February 22 and ending with the fifth Test in Jamaica on May 3.

In Haynes’ maiden ODI game, the West Indies were without the ebullient, left-handed opener, Roy Fredericks-a prominent signee for World Series Cricket-who had retired from international cricket at the end of Pakistan’s visit to the

After 38 years and 3,700 ODIs, Desmond Haynes’ innings of 148 still remains the highest individual score by a player on ODI debut.

Caribbean in 1977, having played 59 Tests and 12 ODIs. The selectors were, therefore, looking for someone to partner Greenidge at the top of the order and three candidates were identified to fill the role based on performance in the regional Shell Shield tournament and against touring teams-Haynes, the Jamai-

Edge

With Edwin Seeraj can off-spinning all-rounder, Richard Austin and the Guyanese stroke-maker Faoud Bacchus.

All three were in the final eleven with Haynes and Austin given the opportunity to start the innings while Bacchus batted at number five in the order after Richards and Kallicharran. In the absence of Clive Lloyd, who had not yet arrived in the region from his overseas assignments, Murray led the side for the first time.

Haynes had sound credentials, having cracked a shot-filled 136 for his native Barbados against the Pakistanis at the Kensington Oval a year earlier, and in the Shell Shield tournament in 1978 he had scores of 79 against the Combined Islands, 66 and 17 not out versus Trinidad and Tobago, and 79 and 51 against Jamaica.

At this stage of his career, he was an attacking, aggressive player who had all the shots but was guilty of gifting his wicket away when seemingly well set and lacked the fortitude to bat for long hours.

Batting first, the West Indies quickly lost Austin (8), Richards (9), Kallicharran (7) and Bacchus (0) and soon found themselves slipping from 56 for one to 78 for four as the bustling medium pacer Trevor Laughlin, Ian Callen and Wayne Clarke got among the wickets.

Bacchus’ second-ball exit-‘hit wicket’ as he essayed a big shot-was no doubt the most spectacular of the dismissals ,even as Thompson bowled at top speed without any success and was hampered by a series of no-balls.

Amidst all of the action, Haynes started off shakily and was troubled consistently

by Thompson’s pace, but he weathered the initial storm to play a tremendously magnificent innings.

He took on all the bowlers and was later severe on Thompson, first adding a crucial 43 with the Dominican Irving Shillingford (24) for the fifth wicket, but when he (Shillingford) departed at 121 for five, the West Indies were at the crossroads.

However, Murray used his years as an international cricketer to great effect and combined with Haynes for a vital sixth wicket stand of 126 before the debutant was bowled by Thompson for a punishing 148 with the score 247 for six.

Haynes had faced only 136 deliveries and had pounded the boundary boards 16 times and went over them once as he became only the second player and the first (and still the only) West Indian to date to register a ton on his ODI debut.

With the aid of Murray’s 51, the West Indies closed at 313 for nine in their allotment of 50 overs as Thompson 4 for 67 and Laughlin 3 for 54

took the bowling honours.

The Aussies response was affected by rain and the target was adjusted to 270 from 36 overs. They reached 181 for seven with only the hard-hitting Gary Cosier putting up any notable resistance with a robust 84 from 78 balls with the assistance of 11 fours and a six to give the Windies victory by 44 runs and a 1-0 lead in the series.

After 38 years and 3,700 ODIs after Haynes’ innings of 148, it still remains the highest individual score by a player on his ODI debut.

It is also a great distance ahead of the second-best by a West Indian in his first ODI-62 by Jamaica’s Everton Mattis against England at Arnos Vale, St. Vincent in 1981.

Based on his tremendous batting display, Haynes was pitch-forked into the Test team immediately and eventually had an illustrious career, forming one of the great opening partnerships of all time with Greenidge in both Tests and ODIs. He finished with 116 Tests which produced 7,487 runs at an average of 42.29 with 18 centuries.

In the ODI arena, he was involved in 238 matches and accumulated 8,648 runs at 41.37 with 17 hundreds, 16 of which carried the West Indies to victory.

Who would be the next member of this ‘ODI Debut 100 Club’ is anyone’s guess.

Leal upstages Hinds to win feature 35-lap Malta Supreme cycle race TEAM Evolution’s Raul Leal came out on top of the field in the feature 35-lap race of the Hassan Mohamed organized 6 th Annual Banks DIH sponsored Malta Supreme cycle 11-race programme that was held yesterday around the inner circuit of the National Park.

Riding in rainy conditions, Leal returned one hour 20 minutes 17.12 seconds in winning the race ahead of Hamza Eastman, Alonzo Ambrose, Christopher Griffith, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams and Kemuel Moses respectively.

Hinds won the event last year in

a time of one hour, 19 minutes 49.90 seconds, almost one minute faster than Leal’s time yesterday.

Eastman won six of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs while Leal and Ambrose took one each.

From the very first lap, Eastman along with Alonzo Ambrose and Leal broke from the starting pack and never looked back as they shared the lead throughout the entire 35-lap race and was able to lap the field after 18 laps.

In other results from yesterday’s programme, John Niles won the BMX boys 6-9 years old two-lap

race ahead of Jesicka Mohabir and Antone Van Denburg respectively.

Joshua Hassim who was the lone rider in the BMX boys’ 9-12 years old three-lap race was obviously the winner.

Adelie Hodge won the BMX boys 12-14 three-lap race ahead of Tharan Garbarran.

Jude Bentley won the five-lap race for veterans ahead of Warren McKay and Eon `Dumb Boy’ Jackson respectively, while Raymond Newton was the winner of the fivelap race for veterans over 50 years of age.

RAUL LEAL

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE JulY 3, 2016

GBL female team meets supporters ––Urged to continue hard work

By Stephan Sookram WITH preparations into high gear for their international engagements, the Guyana Baseball League’s female Under-21team took time out on Fri-

day evening to meet well-wishers and supporters.

During a small ceremony in Bel Air, the team was hosted at dinner by baseball supporter and female sports advocate Scherazade Khan, and the team also met

The National Under-21 female baseball team strikes a pose during a dinner hosted Friday evening by baseball supporter and female sports advocate Scherazade Khan. The team will be representing Guyana in Halifax, Canada in August to play during Baseball Canada’s Women’s Under-21 Invitational tournament

Mrs Wendy Quinn, wife of the British High Commissioner,Greg Quinn.

Giving brief remarks, Mrs Quinn spoke of the joy it brings her to see a women’s team banding together for sport, reminding those present, “When faced with difficult decisions, follow your heart, look inside and you will find the right answer, you will know what is good and right, trust yourself to do the right thing.”

The team presented Mrs Quinn with a GBL pin in appreciation and thanked her for taking the time out to share in the evening’s proceedings.

The team was also met by Chief Education Officer Olato Sam. “There’s no describing this feeling, ” was how GBL President Robin Singh summed up the moment to Chronicle Sport Friday Evening, adding that having a baseball team, more so a female team representing Guyana at a sport that was non-existent four years ago is a “dream.

“To see the players, some of these girls started with us in 2013 and they are still with the game. They have left the schools and kept in touch and kept playing on the weekends. To see them still have the enthusiasm for the sport

after school, that’s the dream.”

He lauded the sponsors that have been with the team from day one, such as Fly Jamaica, E-networks and others who had seen the potential of the sport.

Earlier in the day, the team met with Director of Sport Christopher Jones at a luncheon with the director lauding them for their hard work and dedication to the sport.

He advised them to make the most of the experiences ahead, to take the opportunity to further their personal growth and to represent Guyana with pride then return and share the knowledge gained with others.

“We have identified female participation in sport as an important component of national growth and in 2015, we asked parliament to approve funding for this area and this was granted”, Jones added, further pledging the support of the National Sports Commission.

The team is headed to Halifax, Canada in August to play in Baseball Canada’s Women’s Under-21 U Invitational.

The entire team of young ladies hail from the Ancient County, where baseball is fast becoming a mainstay sport.

Matches will be broadcast live on E-Networks.

GFSCA, Regal Masters clash Germany clinch semi-final spot after shoot-out win over Italy in today’s Legends final (From Frederick Halley in New York) ARCHRIVALS Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) and Regal Masters will clash in today’s final of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Legends Cup at the Roy Wilkins Park, Queens here.

Billed as the two heavyweights, both gained final berths with unblemished records when the preliminary rounds and semi-finals concluded at Carnarsie Park, Brooklyn yesterday to set up an all-Guyanese affair and a repeat of last year’s Guyana

Softball Cup final which saw Regal Masters emerging as the champions. GFSCA are however the defending Legends Cup champions.

In yesterday’s semi-finals, GFSCA made light work of New York President’s XI, winning by six wickets while Regal Masters defeated NYSCL Legends by 82 runs in a one-sided affair.

Winning the toss and taking first strike, NY President’s XI were restricted to an inadequate 117 for eight in their allotted 20 overs with Joseph Pitam (35) and Zakeer BACCHUS (26) offering token resistance.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 03, 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) Martin Guptill (2) St. Lucia Zouks

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which franchise won the inaugural Caribbean Premier League?

(2) Who were the losing finalists in CPL 2014

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GFSCA raced to 123 for four in 14.5 overs with the consistent Jagdesh Persaud slamming three sixes and three fours in an unbeaten 38 while Lloyd Rooplall supported with 25.

In the other semi-final, Regal Masters blasted 206 for nine in their allotted 20 overs with Mahase Chunilall leading the way with a fine 68 which included two sixes and five fours while Eon Abel (34), Eric Thomas (28) and Fazleem Mohamed (27) were the other principal scorers.

NYSCL Legends could onluy muster 124 all out in 16.2 overs with numbers 10 and 11 refusing to enter the crease. Ravi Sahadeo hit 38 while Sudesh Persaud was undefeated on 23.

The final preliminary round games saw GFSCA winning from Brooklyn/ Queens Legends by seven wickets and Regal Masters getting past New York Muslims Sports Club by eight wicketrs with Rudolph Baker spanking a quickfire unbeaten 43.

Matches in the Open category were contested in Queens but results weren’t available up to press time.

Germany’s Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring their first goal – (Reuters) GERMANY are in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 after beating Italy 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.

The world champions will meet France or Iceland in the semi-final in Marseille on Thursday, after winning their sixth consecutive shoot-out at a major tournament following a 1-1 draw after 90 and 120 minutes.

Germany had taken the lead just before the midway point of the second half, as Mesut Ozil netted his 20th international goal from a Jonas Hector cutback.

But the Azzurri levelled on 78 minutes when Leonardo Bonucci beat Manuel Neuer from the penalty spot, following Jerome Boateng’s handball in the area.

Neither side looked like netting a winner in extra-time, so to penalties it

went.

Neuer stopped two penalties in the shoot-out, from Bonucci and Matteo Darmian, and Graziano Pelle and Simone Zaza also missed as tired minds affected even more tired legs.

But Die Mannschaft’s reputation as spot-kick kings also took a beating, with Thomas Muller, Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger all missing from 12 yards.

Before tonight, Germany last missed a penalty in a shoot-out in 1982, when Uli Stielike failed to score from the spot in the World Cup semi-final against France.

In sudden death the quality improved, but when Darmian had his shot saved by Neuer, Hector kept his cool to slot home the winning kick and clinch it 6-5. (Eurosport).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 3, 2016

‘Umpire’s Call’ overhaul for DRS

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved changes to the lbw umpire’s call in the DRS playing conditions, with the conclusion of its annual conference in Edinburgh yesterday.

For on-field lbw decisions to be overturned, half of the ball would now need to hit a zone of the stumps that also borders the outside of off and leg stumps. Earlier, half of the ball would need to hit a zone between the centre of off and leg stumps.

An ICC release said: “The size of the zone inside which half the ball needs to hit for a Not Out decision to be reversed to Out will increase, changing to a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps, and the bottom of the bails (formerly the centre of off and leg stumps, and the bottom of the bails).”

The amendment will come into effect from October 1 or from the start of any series using DRS that commences just prior to this date.

The change will benefit bowlers and more batsmen will be given out once on-field decisions are referred as the “zone”

OUT under a new interpretation to be introduced from October 1 the ball needs to hit for the decision to be overturned has increased.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, who sits on the ICC cricket committee, had recently said a recommendation had been made to reduce the margin of umpire’s call on the DRS. Jayawardene had said the proposal was to reduce the margin from 50% of the ball hitting the stumps to 25%. However, the ICC release stated that “half the ball” would still need to hit the stumps.

In a decision concerning calling of no-balls, the ICC will arrange a trial in the coming months to assess if the third umpire could use instant replays to call no-balls more accurately. The trial is likely to take place during an upcoming ODI series and the third umpire will judge no-balls within a few seconds of the ball being delivered and communicate it to the on-field umpire.

The ICC also agreed to support the inclusion of a women’s cricket event in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The ICC will submit an application for the same.

“The ICC will now work closely with the Commonwealth Games Federation in order to ensure cricket’s inclusion on the program and to determine the specific tournament structure and qualification process that will be applied,” the ICC release said.

About restructuring in the ICC, the release said “significant and positive progress” had been made to oversee a “complete” review of the 2014 structural and constitutional changes. A draft of a new constitution will be prepared in the coming weeks that will be considered by the ICC Board during its October meetings.

“We have undertaken the responsibility of reviewing the 2014 resolutions and constitutional changes in their entirety as we are committed to following best practice principles of good governance to build, improve and enhance the image and reputation of the ICC by putting in place systems and processes which are fair, transparent and merit-based,” ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said.

“I am pleased with the work that has been done to date and during this set of meetings and we are looking forward to presenting the amended constitution to the Board for its consideration at the next meeting.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

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‘Umpire’s Call’ overhaul for DRS See story on page 27

CBC Under-16 championships bounce off today

By Daniel Haynes

THE Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships tip off this afternoon at the newly renovated Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Guyana, which is hosting the games for the second time in its history, is all ready for the games.

According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), “The court is ready for use, rings have been fully set up, everything is in working order and we are all ready.”

The news could not have come at a better time, as questions of Guyana being ready in time for today’s games were raised.

From an organising standpoint, the smooth running of the games is the main focus. This focus includes team arrivals, team departures and an all-round professional handling by the LOC. On the other hand, Team Guyana’s preparation was the biggest question of them all, with the team being picked one month to today. Both Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President Nigel Hinds, as well as Youth Basketball Guyana Director (YBG) Chris Bowman have stated that this tournament is a development tournament, with more effort placed on gaining exposure.

This effort, however, would not take away from the expected advancement in the tournament from the male side. The male team is highly favoured to proceed to the latter stages of the tournament.

The female team however, has less pressure to succeed due to inexperience of the female players, most of whom have started basketball within the last six months.

The mindset reflects the GABF’s focus to develop the juniors in order to build a contending senior team for the future.

As a whole, the tournament is set to run off well and fans of the sport can watch a high level of competition from the Caribbean’s best players.

Today’s games start in the Male preliminary round,

The Guyana Male Team (white) in game-situation practice

See page 26

here for today’s CARICOM 10Km WICB tribute to Athletes ... Cleveland Forde looking for third title Patrick Manning See story on page 26

THE President, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regret the passing of the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning.

The Board would like to remember the former Prime Minister as someone who supported the cricket product.

As Prime Minister he was integral to the region’s hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007 and even after the event, encouraged the region to carefully focus on the legacy and its value to the people of the Caribbean.

Former Prime Minister The WICB would Patrick Manning therefore like to offer its sincere condolences to his immediate family, friends and the people of Trinidad and Tobago. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Some of the regional athletes set to participate in today’s CARICOM 10Km

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2016