Chronicle 07 23 2016

No. 104621

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Triple-murder rocks Black Bush Page 3

- Mibicuri man, son, brother-in-law gunned down while on fishing trip

Dead: Pawan Chandradeo, called ‘Suresh’

Dead: Jaikarran Chandradeo, called ‘Kevin’

Dead: Naresh Rooplall, called ‘Mice’ and ‘Teekabai’

17 years’ jail Patterson promises Dress codes to fix deplorable for Kwakwani housing schemes 12 ‘archaic and backward’ –– at Cummings Lodge, 10 2 child rapist –President Granger Farm and Covent Garden Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Dress codes ‘archaic and backward’ –President Granger

By Ravin Singh

DEMANDING the spotlight recently was the issue of dress codes imposed at numerous state agencies across the country – a practice which President David Granger has said is archaic and backward in 2016.

The President’s views were expressed on Thursday, during the recording of his weekly television show “The Public Interest,” which was aired on the state-owned National Communication Network (NCN).

When asked what his thoughts on dress codes in Guyana were, the Headof-State said he is not

aware of where it originated, but that it seems to be archaic.

“I don’t know where it came from, but it seems to be quite archaic in some respects. It is my view that some of the requirements in the so-called code, which is certainly not law, they seem to be a bit backward,” he said.

President Granger explained that in the 1970s Guyana started moving towards comfort, which included allowing females to dress comfortably and in accordance with the weather and what they could afford. What was important too, he said, was bearing in mind the need for decency.

President David Granger However, more than 40 years later, the President said he does not believe that there is need for that sort of restriction.

“It is [an] unnecessary imposition, particularly

when people have to travel distances to transact business with the government.

It has been taken to ridiculous extremes,” he stated.

Referencing an incident of this nature, President Granger said that he once received complaints from parents in a certain part of the hinterland where children were being told to wear white socks and black shoes.

“I have been to schools in which an entire class was barefooted; they had no shoes. You mean because of a dress code those children will be deprived of an education? They can’t afford shoes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President said that this is not an area which will engage the government at a legis-

lative level. He reasoned that this is “some minor bureaucrat, probably promulgating rules which are obviously prejudicial.”

As such, the Head-ofState sought to encourage society to be more accommodating and liberal since he is in agreement with serving the public’s interest first.

“If the person is clean and decently clad and doesn’t offend public morality, I think the public services should be extended to those persons. It’s not something that I think about when I wake up in the morning, but if it’s a public nuisance, I think we should have a review of it,” he added.

Just recently, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was forced to re-

lax its dress code after pressure mounted on state agencies to do same.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GRA, Rawle Lucas, told the Stabroek News that, “We don’t want the taxpayers to feel as if we are turning our backs on them… and more so if they are coming to pay their revenues.”

According to that newspaper, security personnel at that agency had barred a woman from entering the building because she was wearing a pair of vintage jeans, which had two cuts at the knee caps. Additionally, a senior citizen was told he could not enter with his slippers, although he had explained that there was a medical problem with one of his toes.

Gafsons manager found dead in Herstelling home

By Alva Solomon THE police are investigating the suspected murder of a 55-year-old Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man whose lifeless body was discovered by a neighbour on Thursday night shortly after a male was seen exiting the home with several bags.

Dead is Terry Lackhan, a father of one, of Lot 39 Back Street, Herstelling. He was a manager at Gafsons Industries Limited. According to reports, around 23:00hrs on

Thursday evening, the man was found motionless next to a wardrobe with a length of rope tied around his neck, while several bottles of tablets and photographs of his family members lay nearby.

The man’s only child, Riyad Lackhan, told reporters that he was in Berbice when he received a call from a tenant who lives in the lower flat of the building where his father resided. He said the woman informed him that there was a commotion upstairs; that was around 21:00hrs.

According to the son, the tenant later informed him that someone was seen leaving the gate with several bags and he [the son] later returned a call and asked the tenant to

venture upstairs and check on his father.

The woman then called and revealed that his father was found motionless on the bed next to a wardrobe. Ac-

Dead: Terry Lackhan

cording to him, his father was in the habit of knocking down objects around the house whenever he is intoxicated and he noted that the tenant assumed that was the case that evening.

“But after she saw someone leaving with bags… that’s when she got scared,” the man’s son said.

A neighbour related that persons in the area saw someone in a three-quarter pants walking out the street after 22:00hrs on Thursday night.

He said the individual’s presence seemed odd while Lackhan’s front door, which was slightly ajar, aroused further suspicion.

Lackan’s son said that his father, who had been a man-

ager at Gafoors for several years, was not experiencing any problems. He said he was in Berbice on Thursday and the last time he spoke to his father was during the morning hours that day.

“He told me he was at work but I realise he was lying, because it’s a norm with him,” he said, noting that his father usually stays at home whenever he plans to imbibe.

At the scene on Friday, police investigators spent several lengthy hours collecting statements and dusting the scene for fingerprints. Neighbours described Lackhan as a peaceful and quiet individual.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed on his remains on Monday.

Palmyra family attacked by bandits –– four in custody I N V E S T I G AT O R S i n Berbice have detained four persons following an armed robbery committed on a family at Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbi-

ce on Wednesday at about 20:00h.

The attack occurred as 45-year-old Nadira Permaul, her 23-year-old son Vijay and 58-year-old husband

Tamessar Kissoon were relaxing in their concrete cottage, which is situated along the main thoroughfare.

Kissoon got up from the hammock in the verandah and was going into the house when three men armed with handguns entered through the open door.

The gunmen demanded money and jewelry as they beat members of the family.

Shortly afterwards, one of the bandits walked into the bedroom and removed a handbag which contained two cellular phones, an 18 carat diamond-and-gold ring, gold

bangles, other gold rings, and in excess of $100,000 in cash.

The men then escaped through a neighbouring growth-infested plot of land, but Nadira Permaul, a vendor at the New Amsterdam market, raised an alarm, alerting her neighbours to the attack; and two police patrol teams which were manning the New Amsterdam and Canje districts responded within five minutes and arrested four persons in the Canje neighbourhood.

Investigations are continuing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Triple-murder rocks Black Bush

By Nafeeza Yahya

POLICE have arrested one person as they probe the apparent execution of a Mibicuri man, his son and his brother-in-law, who had all gone on an overnight fishing trip for the prized Hassar.

The men were found dead on Friday morning at the Cookrite Creek Savannah, about three miles from Mibicuri in Black Bush Polder.

They were shot at point blank range.

“Each body bore a single gunshot wound,” Police headquarters stated on Friday afternoon.

The men have been identified as Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin”, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice.”

They were last alive seen on Thursday afternoon at about 15:00h, along with Pawan Chandradeo’s 13-year-old son Alvin, when they left their Lot 163 Mibicuri North home for a fishing trip.

The men were all found lying on the ground. The youngest was found next to his father. He had a gaping hole to the back of his head and a “salt bag” with fish and fishing net strung around his neck.

Rooplall’s body had a hole in the neck and the fishing net was strung over his shoulder. On the ground were the Hassars they had caught, littered with blood and other body matter.

The young Alvin -- Chandradeo’s second child -- said they had left to go at the creek to catch Hassar, and when they reached the irrigation sluice, his father asked him to wait, since they had a bit more distance to go. The sluice has a security post, and it was thought that Alvin would be safe there, perhaps for just a few hours, until they returned. They had all planned to spend the night in the backdam, and return home early the next morning.

Hours upon hours passed without any sighting of the trio; and at about 22:00h, young Alvin heard what appeared to be a gunshot, followed a few minutes later by a few more; but he thought nothing of it.

He said he remained at the said spot and slept until

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- Mibicuri man, son, brother-in-law gunned down while on fishing trip

Pam Chandradeo, second right, comforts her nine-year-old daughter as they leave the Mibircuri hospital with other relatives. The woman’s husband Pawan, her sixteen-year-old son Kevin, and her brother Naresh Rooplall were shot dead. Rooplall’s widow, Shoba Luckicharran, is at second left.

Friday morning. When he woke up and realized that his father, brother and uncle had not returned, he went in search of them.

He said he looked for a few hours, but after not locating them, he decided to walk back home to inform his mother.

Chandradeo’s wife, Pam, said when her son came home and told her he could not find the others, she

The Chandradeo family is seen in this July 5, 2016 photo when Mr and Mrs Pawan Chandradeo renewed their marriage vows. Mr Chandradeo and his son Kevin, left, along with Mrs Chandradeo’s brother, were shot dead on Thursday night. Alvin, third from right, had also gone on a fishing trip to the backdam, but was told to wait at the security post at the koker while the others went for the catch of hassar

was not too worried, since she knew the distance was quite a bit to get out.

Mrs Chandradeo, who works as a security guard at the Mibicuri Hospital, said she later received a call from a friend who had heard of a shooting and wanted to make sure that it was not any of those who had gone to the backdam. Later, another friend called to tell her that her husband and the others had been shot.

Mrs Chandradeo said she learnt that the Police were heading into the area by boat, and she asked her father to accompany them. From the backdam, Mrs Chandradeo’s father called to relate the dreadful news.

She collapsed, and had to be taken to the hospital.

The of aresh Rooplall mother, Shoba Devi Luckicharan, is struggling to come to grips with the motive behind the barbaric act.

“I don’t understand why they were killed so violently… Why them had to kill them?”

Rooplall, a security guard at Skeldon Sugar Estate, resided at #73 Village, Corentyne. This was his first fishing trip to the backdam, since he had been on one week’s leave and had decided to visit his sister in Mibicuri. He leaves to mourn his pregnant wife and an eleven-month-old baby.

Charandeo was a rice farmer and a father of four.

His teenage son who was gunned down alongside him worked in the rice fields with him.

Only a month ago, Chandradeo renewed his vows with Pam, his wife of sixteen years, following a brief separation. Apart from Alvin, he leaves to mourn another son, aged 11, and a 9-year-old daughter.

The incident sent shockwaves in the usually quiet farming community. Police Divisional Commander in Berbice, Ian Amsterdam, confirmed that several persons were held for questioning and released, while one person is still in custody assisting with investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Deadly attack in Munich (Reuters) - A man found dead near a shopping center in Munich, Germany killed himself and was likely the lone gunman in an attack that killed nine people and injured at least 10 others, a spokesman for the Munich police said on Saturday.

Earlier police, citing eyewitness accounts, had said they were looking for up to three suspects in the shooting attack at the Munich Olympia Shopping Centre (OEZ) that sent shoppers running for their lives and shut traffic across the city.

But early Saturday, a Munich police spokesman said it was now believed likely that only one man was responsible for the shooting, the third

attack against civilians in Western Europe in eight days.

“We can give a cautious ‘all-clear signal.’ It looks like the body found near the OEZ was the gunman,” a police spokesman told reporters.

Authorities had told the public to get off the streets as the city - Germany’s third biggest - went into lockdown with transport halted and highways sealed off.

A police spokesman initially said up to three gunmen were on the run after the shooting. The Bavarian capital was placed under a state of emergency as police hunted for them and special forces deployed in the city.

“We are telling the people of Munich there are shooters on the run who are dangerous,” he said. “We are urging people to stay indoors.” Police said nine people had been killed and at least 10 were wounded. Around 100 people witnessed the shooting.

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Authorities found a 10th body about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the scene that was later determined to be the likely gunman. German radio station Bayerischer Rundfunk said the man had a red backpack similar to one used by a gunman seen at a McDonald’s restaurant where the attack reportedly began. It said police were using a robot to investigate the backpack.

German news magazine Focus said the dead man and suspected gunman had shot himself in the head. At the height of the incident, people in the Olympia shopping center either fled or sought to hide.

“Many shots were fired, I can’t say how many but it’s been a lot,” said a shop worker hiding in a store room inside the mall.

It was the third major act of violence against civilians in Western Europe in eight days. Previous attacks in France and Germany were claimed by the Islamic State militant group. A police spokesman said there was no immediate indication that it was an Islamist attack but it was being treated as a terrorist incident.

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Friday is also the fifth anniversary of the massacre

by Anders Behring Breivik in Norway in which he killed 77 people. Breivik is a hero for far-right militants in Europe and America. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the motive for the attack was not yet clear.

“The motives for this abhorrent act have not yet been completely clarified we still have contradictory clues,” Steinmeier said in a statement. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but supporters of Islamic State celebrated on social media. “The Islamic state is expanding in Europe,” read one tweet.

Two witnesses told n-tv television that they saw a man dressed as Santa Claus walking away from the scene of the shooting with a crowd of people. One said the man had blonde hair, was not carrying a weapon but had a suitcase. A video posted online, whose authenticity could not be confirmed, showed a man dressed in black outside a McDonalds by the roadside, drawing a handgun and shooting towards members of

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the public.

Witnesses had seen shooting both inside the mall and on nearby streets, police said.

Several hours after the shooting, police said it was unclear if the shooters were still in Munich. As night closed in, the streets of the city were largely deserted.

Thousands of people had been crowding the streets and squares in Munich’s city center in the afternoon, clinking glasses, eating sausages, and listening to bands at a beer festival. The festival was meant to last until Sunday but was evacuated shortly after the attack. Elena Hakes, wearing a blue traditional dress, had been with a friend in the Odeonsplatz square.

“We heard what had happened and decided to leave, it just seemed not befitting anymore to continue partying.”

“Most of the people were very calm and composed.

There were a few people who came running towards us who were screaming and in panic.

But mostly it was surprisingly calm.”

Munich’s main railway station was evacuated. BR television said police had sealed off many highways north of Munich and people were told to leave them. The shopping center is next to the Munich Olympic stadium, where the Palestinian militant

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group Black September took 11 Israeli athletes hostage and eventually killed them during the 1972 Olympic Games.

Friday’s attack took place a week after a 17-year-old asylum-seeker assaulted passengers on a German train with an ax. Bavarian police shot dead the teenager after he wounded four people from Hong Kong on the train and injured a local resident while fleeing.

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas told Bild newspaper’s Friday edition before the mall attack that there was “no reason to panic but it’s clear that Germany remains a possible target”.

The incidents in Germany follow an attack in Nice, France, on July 14 in which a Tunisian drove a truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, killing 84. Islamic State claimed responsibility for that attack. The Munich assault was also reminiscent of Islamist militant attacks in a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2013 and in Mumbai, India, in November 2008. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said on Twitter: “Horrible killings in Munich. Taking place on the same day as we mourn & remember the appalling terror that hit Norway so hard five years ago.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Investigate GPHC doctors ––nurses association urges; disagrees with decision to send Hicks on leave

THE Guyana Nursing Association is in disagreement with the Board and administrators at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with the decision to send Director of Nursing Services, (Matron) Sister Collene Hicks on administrative leave.

The Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) in a statement accused doctors at the hospital of mis-diagnosing patients, resulting in further complications.

“Guyana Nurses Association is dissatisfied over the recent decision made by the board and the administrator of the GPHC to send the Director of Nursing Services on administrative leave at this time, mainly to appease

the doctors,” the statement said.

The nurses said the board of directors considered a decision which has no merit, since there is no evidence to support the allegations levelled against Matron Hicks.

At a press conference Thursday, GPHC Chairman, Dr Carl Max Hanoman, said GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alan Johnson had recommended that the matron be sent on administrative leave.

A petition was also signed by 150 staff nurses and doctors recommending termination of her service.

The matron has been accused of not providing enough nurses to support the delivery of health-care in the various departments and

Director of Nursing Services (Matron) Sister Collene Hicks shifting the nurses around the various departments of the hospital, obstructing the smooth flow of service- de-

livery.

Complaints of unprofessionalism in service-delivery and neglect have also surfaced at the institution, and Dr Hanoman said the institution’s CEO had complained that although he wrote the matron on several occasions, she refused to follow instructions.

“The CEO wrote her more than once and she did not follow instructions,” Dr Hanoman said.

Meanwhile, the nurses association said there is no evidence to support such claims and recommended that a thorough investigation be launched into the operations at the GPHC. “Where is the evidence to support the allegation?

And who employed the nov-

ice nurses as mentioned in the petition? There needs to be a thorough investigation of the operations at the GPHC,” the statement said.

The nurses association accused doctors of causing longer periods of hospitalisation and deaths of patients due to incorrect diagnoses and poor management of patients at the country’s main health institution.

They said the nation would be in shock if investigations should be launched at departments outside the hospital’s Maternity Unit.

“If deaths in other departments are investigated like those in the Maternity Unit, it will shock the nation as wrong diagnoses and poor management contribute to an alarming number of deaths

and nurses are aware… are we the ones who misdiagnosed the patients and caused them longer hospitalisation stay, increasing mortality and morbidity rates?”

The association said it is quite obvious that there is a hidden agenda in the medical and professional services operations at the GPHC and recommended that doctors “spend time conducting research to improve their clinical practice and leave the nurses to do nursing management.”

“The registered nurse has knowledge, skills and competency and always displays same,” the statement said and added that many times most doctors at the institution are guided by the nurses.

AG completes review of parking meter contract ATTORNEY GENERAL Basil Williams has completed his review of the controversial Georgetown parking meter contract, and that is to be presented for Cabinet deliberation next week.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman made this pronouncement to the press corps on Thursday.

Despite Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon’s indication

of government’s interest in the parking meter contract, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has said the project will commence on September 1.

“Cabinet’s commitment was to review the contract and Cabinet will review the contract,” Harmon reminded the press corps some time ago, adding that whatever action City Hall is taking at this moment, “whenever the

Attorney General advises Cabinet, Cabinet will take the necessary action.”

The contract had been kept under lock and key by the city administration for fear of the idea being copied.

That contention has been debunked as ludicrous by the city administration’s critics.

According to Harmon, if there is any illegality arising from review of the contract, then the city’s administra-

NPS representatives with one of the parking meters

tion would become subject to the actions of the state’s authorities.

Immediately following President David Granger’s first visit to City Hall some time ago, the city administration rolled out a model of the proposed parking meter for display in City Hall’s compound.

The city’s Town Clerk, Royston King, who was recently chastised for his involvement in a shady trip to Mexico along with Mayor Chase-Green, was captured using the parking meter.

King accompanied the mayor and two other councillors, Junior Garrett and Oscar Clarke, to Mexico City, Mexico and then to Panama, where the Georgetown delegation met with officials from those countries unbeknownst to the rest of Georgetown’s elected representatives.

The team then made their way to Panama for a similar meeting with Panamanian officials on the parking meters. Revelations of the logistics were made to the Council only while en route to Panama.

Reports from the project implementation team, National Parking Systems (NPS), said the city administration can expect a sizeable increase in their gross income from the project.

The project is expected to generate between $100200M in the first year of implementation. NPS is slated to administer the project for the next 49 years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Proposed revision of Mining Act...

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

That Linden Outreach

A GOVERNMENT delegation led by Minister of State, Joe Harmon, recently visited Linden in an exercise that was described as “taking government to the people.”

From all reports, it seems to have been a most welcomed intervention by the authorities, as residents of the once thriving mining town were given opportunity to air their grievances in a direct manner. The government, for its part, got a chance to reconnect with one of its core constituencies, which, while a loyal voting bloc, has not always toed the official line.

This visit to Linden is significant, as the government has been criticized in some quarters for being inattentive to the needs of individual communities, particularly those deemed to be part of its “safe constituency.”

Direct democracy is an old form of democratic engagement, which has long given way to a representative democracy whereby communities elect representatives who ostensibly act on their behalf. However, as government moved further away from the people, and as local governments became more and more subsumed by the central government, the need for direct democracy resurfaced.

One of the noteworthy observations of the visit to Linden is that the delegation was not confined to politicians. Representatives of government agencies charged with delivering essential services, such as the GRA and the GWA, were on hand to hear from residents. This is a very useful model, as it exposes the bureaucrats from the central government to realities of places that are far away from their offices in Georgetown. We know only too well that these government functionaries tend to be woefully out of touch with what happens in especially rural communities — an affliction that negatively affects the government’s ability to effectively provide services to these communities.

The visit led to some on-the-spot decisions that could bring relief to the residents. It has been announced that a passport office would be opened in the community; a move that would save residents lots of time. The Guyana Water Authority also announced that the community would have access to treated water by mid-August. This has been a longstanding problem in Linden, and it appears to have finally been satisfactorily addressed. The GRA also intimated that it was able to address the concerns of shopkeepers and other businesspeople in the area.

There has to be some concern that these visits do not, in any way, undermine the functioning of local governments; but the fact that the latter have complained about lack of adequate resources seems to indicate that they

A most welcome decision Dear Editor, I WAS alerted by the media to the announcement by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Raphel Trotman, of his agency’s intention to revise the Mining Act. This revision of the Act will, no doubt, pave the way for Guyana to take its rightful place as a modern society, by updating legislation and implementing new laws.

I’d also like to assume that the recent discovery of oil by one of the world’s most powerful corporations has prompted the government to make legislative changes to include international laws.

On the other hand, I would also like to assume that allowances are being made to put systems and penalties in place to prevent the smuggling of gold and other precious minerals; mining accidents; trafficking in persons; and the contamination of state forests and waterways, among other things.

The government must, however, make its intention clear, or its actions will become questionable.

Editor, as a youth from

the Middle Mazaruni region, I am optimistic that the revision of the Amerindian and Mining Acts will be compatible if some sections are made crystal clear to suit present-day situations, rather than the dynamics of a bygone era.

I am also compelled to raise a few questions, because I would like to live in a society where everyone is an equal where economic, social, cultural and political matters are concerned.

The Amerindian and Mining Acts are soon to be revised, but will they: (1) Provide jobs for youths by establishing more field stations in hinterland areas?

(2) Make rivers and creeks that pass through indigenous communities safe and free of mining concessions?

(3) Allow indigenous communities to develop their own resources without possible harassment by state agencies?

(4) Abolish the state policy of “All minerals that lie beneath top soil, including

private lands, belong to the state”, which may include Amerindian titled lands?

(5) Uphold and respect indigenous rights, whereby our people are not asked to consent to large-scale mining?

(6) Respect that village rules must be upheld when any state agency needs to carry out an assessment of activities on Amerindian lands?

There are many more questions that I would have liked to raise, but I will not abuse the space limit, because others need to express their concerns too.

Editor, we are living in a world where changes become realities, and I wish to make a correction to the distasteful and sometimes amateur writings of one of Kaieteur News’ columnists (published in the June 20 edition of the paper), which I see as a disrespectful and false assertion of indigenous people and the way they live.

Indigenous communities like mine and many others have carved and chosen their own economic paths, and do

not depend solely on the government to provide financial resources.

Therefore, it would be morally wrong for the columnist to conclude that all Amerindians depend on patrons, before examining the realities of self-development in these communities without much financial assistance from the Government of Guyana.

An open statement like this would make persons assume that this is dirty journalism to racially divide Amerindians from other ethnic groups because of their political preferences.

However, this government needs to show the public that it is willing to make changes, and I wish the government continuous support from villages like Isseneru and others, which have waited long for a change in mining policies and the way state agencies transact their business.

To the columnist: I urge that you do a proper research before making such despicable statements about Amerindians.

DWIGHT LARSON Isseneru Village

‘Fantastic Four’ seemingly bitten by ‘travel bug’ Dear Editor,

IT seems as though the travelling bug has bitten the new mayor and town clerk, or maybe they are just racing to see whether they could surpass the ‘Frequent Flyer’ miles accumulated by the former mayor.

How could a municipality that perennially claims to be broke sit back and allow their mayor and town clerk to go jetting around the world?

First, the ‘Fantastic Four’ took off in luxurious style to Mexico and Panama. Even if the tickets were provided, there is the per diem cost to

the Council. Now the two leading members of the ‘Fantastic Four’ have taken off for Chile, with the costs of travel for the town clerk at least being borne by the Council.

Quite worryingly, there are several more planned trips in the pipeline for these ‘high fliers’.

Other than costs, the question to be asked is: Why must it be only members of the ‘Fantastic Four’ who make these overseas trips. Is Deputy Mayor Duncan not good enough to represent Georgetown?

In the past Council, the present mayor, who was

would welcome the intervention by the central government.

In the end, these governments would have to be empowered to be able to more effectively carry out their mandate.

There is also the issue of partisan politicking in the guise of government outreach. This thin line will always be a concern for those mindful of strict separation between party and state. While there was the obvious political benefit for the government, the fact that the bureaucrats

then the deputy mayor, travelled extensively all over the world. Would she not wish to return the favour? It should be noted that our present mayor is neither the most skilful nor accomplished of orators.

Maybe Deputy Mayor Duncan would do a better job of representing Georgetown and Guyana on the world stage.

And in the instance of the town clerk, who has not taken his vacation leave entitlement on the flimsy excuse that his tasks and responsibilities in managing Georgetown are too onerous and critical, he

now suddenly has the time to chaperone the mayor all over the world.

Wouldn’t the chief medical officer or someone from the Public Health Department have been better suited, bearing in mind the purpose of the visit?

An old Guyanese saying is that “Wasteful man money ah guh like butter in de sun”. If the City Council wishes to pull itself out of the financial mess it is in, then it would first have to cut its expenditure rather than ‘Tax and Fly’.

JERMAIN JOHNSON

were there ensured that the exercise was more than just politicking. In the final analysis, the visit was a benefit to all concerned.

It is hoped that the promises made would be fulfilled; this can help to restore confidence in government. And the government should continue these outreaches in all communities, including those communities that did not vote for it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Abolition of death penalty could go to referendum

By Ravin Singh TO FACILITATE a consultative approach in determining whether the death penalty should be removed from Guyana’s statute books, President David Granger has said that the option of a referendum remains open.

This proposition was made by the Head-of-State on Thursday, during the recording of his weekly television show, “The Public Interest”.

According to the President, he is advised by a Cabinet, the National Assembly, his coalition partners, and the people of Guyana on matters of national importance, including possible abolition of the death penalty.

He reinforced the position that Guyana is an independent sovereign state and it is not for him to get ahead of what the Guyanese people want. As such, the President said, he does not envisage any circumstance under which he would be willing to assent to the death penalty, even

though it remains on the books.

There has been a moratorium on the death penalty for over two decades, and he reasoned that if Cabinet and the National Assembly were to consider it, and there is a deadlock, the option of a referendum could be explored. “…if there was a deadlock, we could go to a referendum. Let the people say what they want to occur in this jurisdiction; in the state of Guyana,” the President said.

He pointed to the fact that this form of consultation reflects openness and transparency. “I am aware of the advice which has been given.

I have my personal views, which I have stated publicly; but I would say (that) in a final analysis, the democratic course of action should be to rely on the expressed intention of the National Assembly and, in the final analysis, the people themselves. If the people want to go to a referendum, it is something that is very expensive, but let

the people speak,” President Granger said, adding that he will be guided by public opinion.

Asked whether the death penalty is one of Government’s priorities, the President said his priority is human beings who deserve a good life. He pointed specifically to the alleviation of poverty and the abolition of Guyana’s illiteracy.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Guyana’s illiteracy rate is 11.5 percent.

“I am concerned about human beings who deserve a good life. And If I can free young people from the burden, from illiteracy and dropping out of school; if I can free mothers and women from poverty, those are my big concerns. I’m not killing anybody; I’m not about to order the execution of anybody. It is not my priority to order the death penalty, and as I said, I await the advice of the National Assembly and the public of Guyana; I await

Establishment of Special Prosecutors’ Unit a witch-hunt - says Teixeira;

–– Trotman contends Gov’t has no intention to go after anyone OPPOSITION Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Thursday lashed out at the APNU+AFC coalition government for its decision to examine the possibility of establishing a special prosecutors’ unit, saying the establishment of such a unit would be tantamount to witch-hunting.

At a post-cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, disclosed that the Ministers of Legal Affairs and Public Security, Basil Williams and Khemraj Ramjattan, were tasked with advising Cabinet on the subject.

Trotman told reporters that Government has no intention of going after any one person or group of persons, while noting that “the idea of a special prosecutor has been mooted several months ago.”

He said the two ministers have been tasked with responsibility to advise Cabinet on the “feasibility of a special prosecutors’ office”, as the service of more than one special counsel may be needed for various high profile cases.

“It is not that we are going to appoint a special prosecutor for the case of police versus [Jennifer] Westford, for example; that would be tantamount to witch-hunting.”

He said Cabinet is to be advised by the two ministers within a fortnight, but the Opposition Chief Whip argued that Article 187 of the Constitution confers the pow-

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira ers of prosecution in criminal proceedings on the constitutional office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“This new action is a departure from the existing functional and professional system of prosecutions. The proposal to create a Special Prosecutions Unit cannot be seen as anything else but further institutionalization of another attempt to witch-hunt political opponents,” she said in a statement to the media.

“Were the Government to go through the DPP and the Guyana Police Force, both professional bodies governed by the constitution and statute, they would be expected to abide by a level of professionalism and follow specific guidelines and act based on evidence,” she said.

Teixeira said Government clearly has “no faith in these bodies”, and argued that establishment of the Special Prosecutions Unit is aimed at bypassing both the DPP and the Guyana Police Force to create “a separate and parallel prosecutions arm (that is) supported by the SARU and SOCU under the total control of the political elite in the Ministry of the Presidency.”

The Opposition Chief Whip said the move by the Government to radically depart from existing constitutional and legal provisions can only be interpreted as a move “designed to target and witch hunt the parliamentary opposition and political opponents.”

Teixeira said statements

by President Granger which suggest that the forensic audits did not produce “sufficient evidence” to lay criminal charges against former officials of the Government is also see page 15

their counsel,” he said.

Following the President’s announcement of his position on this issue, Ivan Simonovic, Assistant Secretary-General of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations Headquarters, expressed satisfaction with the President’s stance.

Simonovic said the President’s strong statements against assenting to capital punishment and seeking public consultation in the matter

must be respected and appreciated. The assistant SG said he is especially appreciative of the President’s insistence on taking a decision only after the citizens of the country have been consulted and their views made known. “[The] President’s statement that we have heard recently -- that during his tenure there will not be any execution -- is very encouraging. I would think that also it is very encouraging that the Government is thinking in terms of

establishing a committee that will be reflecting on the issue of death penalty. It is extremely good, because experience in other countries has proven that the more you raise information, the more discussion (you have) about the death penalty, there is a strengthening of the trend of moving away from it; so we welcome this development very much.

We also think that this discussion is a good opportunity to make a formal decision,” he said.

8

Preliminary report on Drop-in Centre fire handed over

THE preliminary report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire at the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre -- which resulted in the deaths of two young children -- was handed over to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Friday.

The report, compiled and handed over by the lone Commissioner, Retired Colonel Windee Algernon, will be passed on to President David Granger for review. Algernon was tasked with completing the preliminary report by Friday, in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToR).

The final report, to be handed over to Government on August 15, will be assessed by Cabinet. The preliminary report comes one day after President David Granger announced on the Ministry of the Presidency’s ‘Public Interest’ television programme that if any person is found culpable of gross negligence or dereliction of duties, that person will be held accountable.

“If any persons are culpable of gross negligence or dereliction of duties, yes we will make a judgment as to whether they are fit to hold those positions; and if you equate that with rolling of heads, then yes, but the aim is to prevent

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, receiving the Preliminary Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre fire from Commissioner Retired Colonel Windee Algernon a recurrence. We need to find out what happened and prevent a recurrence.

In investigating what occurred, if we find that there was gross dereliction of duties, yes, persons who omitted to commit acts which would have prevented that catastrophe will be punished, and if the punish-

ment proposed is that they be removed from their positions, so be it,” President Granger told journalists on the programme.

Six-year-old Antonio George and two-year-old Joshua George perished in that July 8, 2016 fire after

they became trapped in a section of the building.

The Drop-in Centre, which was under management of the Child Care and Protection Agency at the time of the tragedy, had housed 28 children and two adults.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

AUBREY Charles, General Manager of the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), is calling on “mischievous persons” within the Mahaicony Creek to desist from tampering with the koker located at Pine Ground.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle recently, Charles said the MMA/ADA is pumping water out of the land from Mora Point to First Savannah along the Mahaicony Creek, Region 5; but, last Friday, reports reaching the agency indicated that the doors of the koker had been removed.

“We received calls on Friday that the koker doors were removed…to allow water into the drainage and irrigation system,” he said. He explained that once the koker doors are removed while water is pumped off the land

into the Mahaicony River, the water will return to the land.

“We fixed the koker over the weekend, only to receive a call on Monday night, only to be told the koker was sabotaged again,” said a frustrated Charles.

Charles explained that, by sabotaging the koker, the “mischievous persons” are affecting the livelihood of the entire community, which is heavily dependent on cattle rearing and vegetable and rice farming.

“There are irresponsible persons trying to sabotage the work of the MMA, and I am calling on them to desist from such activities,” said Charles.

He told Guyana Chronicle that if the water continues to inundate the land, it would be too much to pump out in a timely manner, and it would currently take more than one day to pump the water out of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Charred remains in Wales fire … individual died from smoke inhalation

THE individual whose charred remains were found in a gutted house at Lot 1, Area ‘A’, Goedverwagting, Wales, West Bank Demerara three weeks ago died of smoke inhalation, a post-mortem has confirmed.

The body is suspected to be that of 43-year-old Elvin Ceres, a resident of Timehri, EBD, who went missing the day before the fire. The house, owned by businesswoman Elizabeth Sattaur, was gutted on the morning of June 30 last.

Police sources told this publication that DNA samples which were taken from the remains of the body are being analysed. Ceres’s brother Terrence told this newspaper that the family was worried about the whereabouts of his younger brother. He said the man worked with Sattaur, ELVIN CERES including at the house in question, and was familiar with the security layout of the building, since he was tasked with monitoring the cameras installed there.

The fire, suspected to be electrical in origin, started in the upper flat of the building. The remains of the man were found in a stooping position in a bathroom housed within a self-contained room.

Sattaur rarely occupied the building, and she told the Guyana Chronicle shortly after the fire that no one was supposed to be at the house. However, this newspaper understands that Ceres had keys to the house, and was seen in the area at least twice in the days prior to the fire.

The man’s wife had, through the courts, taken out a restraining order against him; and the day before the fire, he had informed her that he was on the East Coast of Demerara wiring a house. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Police investigating tampered koker at Pine Ground the system.

“This is threatening the livelihood of the farmers…it is affecting people’s lives,” he remarked.

He is pleading with persons who may have information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to make contact with the MMA office by calling telephone number 328-2291 or by contacting him on mobile number 674-7033; Bretnol Maynard on 650-7322, supervisor of the pump station, Moses Rampall, on 674-7039; or take the information to the nearest police station.

Guyana Chronicle understands that the Guyana Police Force is investigating the matter.

Rice farmers of Mahaicony Creek last week called on the Government to provide much needed assistance as they continue to experience “severe flooding”, which has

cost them millions of dollars in losses. The farmers said they have received little to no help from the Government or its agencies -- an allegation vehemently denied by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and MMA/ADA General Manager Aubrey Charles, who told Guyana Chronicle that “Government did a lot of work there…a flood embankment was built, a Mahaicony façade drain was dug, and a pump station installed there.”

He said the flood embankment is not in the best of condition due to the consistent rainfall, but fixing some of the issues in the Mahaicony Creek area will take time.

“All the work the farmers want us to do takes time…they won’t happen immediately,” he remarked, while stating: “It is not fair for them to be saying they are not getting help.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Gov’t wants value for money –– Ministers Ferguson, Patterson tell Procurement Symposium

By Ariana Gordon THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure is calling on contractors to demonstrate pride and nationalism, especially when executing Government projects.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, on Friday charged new and current contractors to en-

sure that the services being provided to the Government and people of Guyana must be of high quality.

“We expect better suppliers, better quality… this would be better for all Guyana,” the minister said in her address to the first Procurement Symposium for new- entrant contractors held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The forum seeks to edu-

cate both new and old contractors on the process they have to comply with when procuring goods, services or otherwise.

Public procurement is of vital importance to the Government, since more than 70 per cent of the country’s annual budget speaks to public procurement. It accounts for some $160B or 27 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

A section of the gathering at the Procurement Symposium at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Friday

Corrupt practices within the procurement process could result in the loss of billions of dollars. Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran had estimated that approximately $28B is lost annually to corrupt practices in the areas of sole- sourcing of drug contracts, inflated engineers’ estimates, evaluator’s bias on behalf of favoured contractors, use of inexperienced contractors and the absence of competitive bidding in some cases and overpayments to contractors.

“Whether his estimated annual loss is correct or not, it raises significant concerns which our Government intends to address,” Minister Ferguson said.

Procurement is critical to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s response to the country’s infrastructural needs, and the minister was hopeful that the conference will result in a fair, transparent and corruption-free procurement system.

She anticipated that after the informative symposium, Government will attract more suppliers and contractors who will deliver “value-for-money” works.

According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the symposium was aimed at building the capacity of new and existing

contractors.

He said upon assuming his ministerial portfolio, he had recognised that the ministry was inundated with persons who were interested in providing either goods or services.

However, they were unaware of the procurement process.

“We found that, because of that, there was a need for this seminar. It is my job to ensure that there is change,” he remarked.

The minister said there are many hurdles pertaining to the procurement process and references the distrust of the system and the lack of knowledge on the part of contractors.

Given those challenges, he believes that the symposium will empower contractors.

Like Minister Ferguson, Patterson said transparency and accountability are critical in the procurement process and he intends to ensure that all processes are fair.

“We are starting the process today and it is a continuing process,” he said, adding that emphasis is also being placed on improving interactions between contractors and ministry officials.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul

Sharma, told the contractors that approximately $32B is open to them annually, but stressed that there must not be a repeat of the old system where allegations of corruption have been constant.

“That’s a lot of money… you need all of the necessary guidance and skills to compete,” said Minister Sharma, as he called on them to familiarise themselves with the Procurement Act of 2003.

Meanwhile, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Chairman Berkley Wickham in his presentation gave an insight to the Procurement Act, while Manager of Procurement contracts of the Work Services Group, Phillip Bryan, spoke to the pre-qualification process.

Other presenters included Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Compliance Department Manager Melissa Romeo; National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Assistant Operations Manager William Boston; Insurance Association of Guyana head Yogindra Arjune; and Works Services Group Chief Works Officer.

The contractors also benefited from a simulation bid submission exercise done by Procurement Consultant Terrence Naraine.

Man lives to see another day ––thanks to cardiologists at Balwant Singh Hospital

By Navendra Seoraj THE Dr Balwant Singh Hospital cardiology team has given 26-year-old Fazil Ghany a second chance at life, despite the fact that other medical institutions had already lost hope in his chances of recovery.

Singh, who was diagnosed with constructive pericarditis, a long-term or chronic inflammation of the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart and causes scarring, thickening, and muscle-tightening, or contracture, was given 48 hours to live by another hospital.

The hospital’s administrator Dr Madhu Singh at a press briefing on Friday, said after Singh’s condition was deteriorating by the minute, his family decided to transfer him to the Bal-

want Singh Hospital.

“The man was advised by the other hospital that nothing could have been done in Guyana or anywhere in the Caribbean; however, his family made a decision to transfer him to our hospital,” Dr Singh related.

Ghany had been placed on many heart medications at the other medical institutions [where] he was treated, Dr Singh said, noting that this made his condition “very complicated.”

But the hospital’s cardiology team which consists of Cardiac Surgeon Dr Jose Rodrigues, Interventional Cardiologist Javier Gomes and Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr Gabriel Avalos worked hard to get Singh back on track.

The course of management which was taken by the Balwant Singh team

was to stop the medications, treat his infection until he was stable, then, to perform what is known as a pericardiectomy -- the surgical removal of part or most of the inflamed sac-like membrane which surrounds the heart.

“This was the first ever surgery of its kind in Guyana, and also because the patient was high risk, there was a great deal of pressure. But the surgery went as planned and we had a positive outcome,” a delighted Dr Singh said.

The surgery lasted a total of seven hours and was done on June 3, 2016.

Following the surgery, the patient remained in hospital for a total of nine days before being discharged.

His follow-up is being carefully managed by the cardiac team and was rel-

From right: Dr Madhu Singh, Cardiac Surgeon Dr Jose Rodrigues, Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr Gabriel Avalos, and Interventional Cardiologist Javier Gomes at Friday’s press briefing atively uneventful, said Dr Hospital Cardiology Depart- time, they were able to Singh. ment which has been func- perform approximately Meanwhile, Dr Ro - tional since 2012 is equipped 800 angiograms between drigues explained that the with Cardiac Catheterisation 2012-2016. work on Ghany was a sensi- lab (Cath lab) – GE Innova The department is tive procedure, but the team 3100 Cath lab- which is one currently performing was focused and worked of the most widely used 15-20 angiograms per hard to give the young pa- Cath labs in North America month, boasting a retient a chance to continue and Trinidad. cord-breaking 40 angiohis life.

With the aid of part- grams between April 25 The Dr Balwant Singh time specialists at that and April 30.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

17 years’ jail for Kwakwani child rapist

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric KWAKWANI resident Troy Anderson has been sentenced by Justice Jo Ann Barlow to 17 years’ imprisonment, after a mixed jury found him guilty of raping a 14–

year-old girl. The jury deliberated for 25 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict of guilty.

Nine witnesses testified during the trial. State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings had told the court that, on March 27, 2013, at

about 12:35h, the victim visited Lot 17 Kwakwani Park with the intention of having Anderson’s sister, who is a seamstress, alter her pants.

Upon arrival, the now convicted man, who was an employee of RUSAL, told her that his sibling was in her bedroom. As a result, the victim opened the bottom half of the back door and proceeded to

and she developed a fever. She was admitted to the Kwakwani Hospital and, on April 7, 2013, was taken to the Linden Hospital, where she was seen and examined by a doctor, who revealed that she had contracted an infection.

DENIAL In his unsworn statement, Anderson vehemently denied that he

“What you did kept her hospitalized for too many days. The court finds displeasure in your actions. I have noted from your lawyer Lawrence Harris that you are a regular church-goer.

I do trust you find God while you are in prison, so when you are released you are a better person,” Justice Barlow said. the seamstress’s room; but when she entered she did not see the woman, and she was about to exit when Anderson entered the room and pushed her on the bed before bolting the door.

According to the prosecutor, the young girl attempted to come off the bed but was again pushed backwards, while Anderson undressed himself and subsequently raped her. The court heard that the teenager made several futile attempts to fight off her rapist, but even her screams did not deter him, because he covered her face with a cloth.

After performing the sexual act, Anderson offered the teenager a $1000, which she refused. When she returned home, the young girl did not tell her parents out of fear that she would have been beaten.

However, the next day she experienced pain and a burning sensation within her vagina,

had raped the teenager.

He told the court that he was at home when he saw the victim standing in his yard calling for his sister, and he told her she was not at home, after which the young lady went away.

But sometime later, his sister enquired whether he had had sex with the minor; the police then arrested him at home and took him to the Linden Hospital.

Justice Barlow, in imposing the custodial penalty, told the man that he had destroyed the relationship between two families.

“What you did kept her hospitalized for too many days. The court finds displeasure in your actions. I have noted from your lawyer Lawrence Harris that you are a regular church-goer.

I do trust you find God while you are in prison, so when you are released you are a better person,” Justice Barlow said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

PSC decries harassment and bullying of business community THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has sought to register its concerns regarding harassment and bullyism faced by the business community by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

These concerns, which were expressed in a statement issued by the PSC on Friday, comes just a few days after Town Clerk of the M&CC, Royston King, imposed a $25,000 fee for shipping containers moving around the city. However, this move has been rubbished by the commission, which said it was “nonsense.”

“The Private Sector Commission is increasingly concerned at the manifest approach of the Mayor and City Council to making de-

cisions with regard to the administration of the municipality and, in particular, the raising of revenue, which negatively impact on the business community and the citizens of Georgetown, in isolation from public consultation and without due process within the law,” the statement noted.

On July 19, King directed his officers and the Constabulary to barricade the entrances of a number of shipping wharfs in the city, preventing the movement of vehicles transporting containers on the streets. And according to the PSC, it appears that this show of force was with the expressed intention of enforcing a decision of the Council to impose a G$25,000 fee on the consignees of cargo being

transported in containers.

On being alerted to what can only be described as “official harassment” of members of the business community to bully them into paying the fee, the PSC said it obtained legal advice on the issue and the imposition of the fee was said to be unlawful.

As such, the commission on Wednesday invited King to a meeting with its Council and members of the Shipping Association to which he readily consented.

The PSC said the meeting facilitated a frank, open and generally informative exchange of views on the matter. The body said it looks forward to further discussions on the matter, hopefully resulting in a sensible and professional reso-

All not well at CPA ––DeSouza says compassion was lacking for mother of fire victims

By Vishani Ragobeer

CHILD rights activist Karen DeSouza is contending that empathy, compassion, understanding, concern and consideration were seriously lacking for one of the relatives of the Drop-inCentre victims.

The co-founder of Red Thread expressed this view on Friday at Guyana Professional Social Work Practi-

is not open on week-ends.

This, the social activist found strange, since the CCPA had found time to host a press briefing. On this note, she asked the question, “How can you treat another person in this manner?”

Red Thread has also come in for criticism in some quarters, with some contending that the NGO has no moral ground for its harsh stance on the Ministry of

Guyana are overworked and underpaid.”

The Ministry of Social Protection’s Chief Probation and Social Service Officer, Forbes Monroe, has said the court reports are being remodelled to withstand the scrutiny of the court, and the heavily criticised Public Assistance Programme is being reviewed and will be awarded following thorough examination of the situation

Social activist Karen DeSouza (right) with other panelists -- Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Executive Director Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth and Vidyaratha Kissoon tioners and Educators Conference, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, ECD. Speaking during the panel discussion, ‘Examining Practice: Perspectives from partners and advocates’, DeSouza said one of the mothers of the victim was not allowed to see her surviving children until the Monday after the incident.

She contended that the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) was busy doing damage control, and

Social Protection and subject minister Volda Lawrence.

Some have even asked where Red Thread was when the children were hungry.

DeSouza said there are attempts to “demonise the parents (of the victims) in order to draw attention away from the agency, and the “defensiveness that has arisen out of this incident is not good”.

DeSouza also noted that the quality of reports from a lot of social workers is very poor, but she pointed out that “social workers in

of the beneficiaries.

This, he said, is a work in progress and should be completed and implemented by year-end.

The Guyana Professional Social Work Practitioners and Educators Conference was organised by the University of Guyana in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection and UNICEF. It sought to highlight issues regarding the quality of social service in Guyana, and provide effective solutions to them.

Chairman of the PSC, Edward Boyer

lution reflecting the mutual interests of the business community, citizens and the municipality.

According to the commission, it fully recognises that the recently elected council faces a significant challenge in restoring the discipline essential to the good order and sound administration of the city and that they are to be credited with the visible progress made in a relatively short time. Additionally, acknowledge that the city requires sufficient revenue to be run efficiently, as was pointed out by the city council.

However, the Commission sought to remind the Council that the business sector and residents of the city are its means of revenue and that partnership and consultation are infinitely preferable to confrontation and unlawful behaviour in the name of revenue collection.

Just last month,the PSC had reason to express the sector’s concern over the controversy which has arisen over the M&CC’s attempt to impose a contract to install parking meters without due transparency and public consultation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Patterson promises to fix deplorable housing schemes –– at Cummings Lodge, Farm and Covent Garden

By Vishani Ragobeer MINISTER Valerie Patterson, who is the Minister within the Ministry of Communities and has responsibility for Housing, on Friday gave a commitment to fix deplorable conditions at the housing schemes at

Cummings Lodge, Farm and Covent Garden.

Many residents who were given lands in the mentioned schemes have been complaining about the conditions under which they live. Lands in these areas were distributed to citizens under the previous administration, but

the minister noted that a cadastral survey was not done, and the plans that were done on the lands are allegedly illegal.

This will be rectified, as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission will record the land maps and develop them.

Minister Valerie Patterson being shown a map of the Covent Garden Housing Scheme by representatives of the Ministry of Communities and the Central Housing and Planning Authority The housing scheme in Section ‘C’ Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, also known as Cummings Park, was filled with overgrown vegetation, and there were neither utilities nor access roads. The minister noted that this is “virtually maiden land”, but more than 300 persons have been allocated house lots in this area.

The housing schemes at Farm and Covent Garden, on the East Bank of Demerara, also have some amount of

overgrown vegetation. Dilapidated access roads are in evidence, and some of the lands allocated for housing development are located in swampy areas.

Some persons have already commenced building their houses in these two schemes, but there is no access to electricity in some parts of Covent Garden.

Minister Patterson said the lands in these schemes were allocated to citizens who applied to the previous

administration in the early part of 2015. Some were also given out by this current administration, but Patterson said she was unaware of the deplorable conditions.

The minister pledged to rectify these shortcomings in the best interest of the residents, and noted that discussions are ongoing for a work programme in the housing schemes.

Residents have engaged See page 13

Research Officer James Dunlop crosses the bridge that leads to the greater part of the Cummings Lodge Scheme

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

‘Nothing short of criminal’ - AG to review forensic audit into $1B Kato Secondary School

“NOTHING short of criminal,” were the words used by government minister Raphael Trotman to explain the recommendations of a recent forensic audit in the Kato Secondary School complex built under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

The facility is located in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni), and was built as a self-sustaining facility complete with living quarters, an administrative block, and teachers’ facilities.

Cabinet recently received a report of the school’s forensic audit from Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson. Rodrigues Architects Limited, the firm contracted to do the audit, conducted a structural assessment, building defects, and the contracting process for the $1B school.

Trotman told the press corps on Thursday at a post-cabinet press briefing that a number of discrepancies were highlighted in all

of the sections audited. He alluded to comments from the forensic auditor’s report which called into question the designer, consultant, and contractor of the secondary school project, “as well as the cost of remedial works if we are to undertake them.”

Cabinet, according to Trotman, has since requested Attorney General Basil Williams to review the forensic audit report in order “to determine culpability and to advise on the appropriate actions to be taken.”

A number of forensic audits have been conducted and there have been recommendations for criminal proceedings, but the State is still to proceed with those recommendations.

Trotman said that the Police Force, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Director of Public Prosecution’s office have all been overwhelmed by the findings of the forensic audits ordered since the David Granger administration came to office.

Trotman said these agen-

cies “lack capacities to deal with all of these.” He said Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan will consult with Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma, to go through the findings of the forensic audits.

Sharma was tasked as government’s chief official leading the forensic audits.

Trotman said in due time, the press corps will not only be invited to view the Kato Secondary School report, but will also be invited to visit the site.

Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon said some time ago that the school was deemed unsafe for children by this current administration. The school was expected to be opened in January of this year, as the Education Ministry’s Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam said the facility was being furnished.

The facility has not yet been occupied, since it had failed a number of structural tests done on the building materials used.

Patterson promises to fix deplorable ...

From page 12

the Central Housing and Planning Authority regarding the deplorable state of the schemes, and have made several proposals.

Some have asked for alternative lands in other areas, and some have asked to be refunded.

Minister Patterson noted that there is no alternative location on East Coast of Demerara for those in the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme.

The situation of persons being awarded lands in deplorable state, Patterson

said, is one the current administration has inherited, but will work diligently to rectify.

Infrastructural works for the Farm and Covent Garden Housing Schemes were budgeted for this year, and will commence shortly.

Construction of this house at Covent Garden has been put on hold because the land is presently flooded and the overflow water from the swamp is located parallel to the land

The Kato Secondary School

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

CPA launches child protection awareness campaign

THE Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) will be launching a documentary along with some television and radio advertisements this coming week as part of an awareness campaign to build public knowledge about child protection and the type of work carried out by the agency.

According to a release, there are many myths surrounding the reasons why children are taken into alternative care, but the reality is, many parents are failing to provide adequate care and protection for their children.

“Domestic violence, alcoholism, substance abuse and mental health issues, are key factors that

add to the dysfunction that affects many households nowadays; and many parents do not realise the effect their behaviour is having on their children.

“With all the pressures of life, some parents may be oblivious to the fact that they are suffering from mental health issues and therefore do not seek the assistance and advice they so readily need. Unfortunately, children bear the brunt of whatever prob-

lems their parents are going through, which, in severe cases can have an impact on their development and adversely affect them for life,” the release said.

The campaign will commence with a 25-minute documentary on NCN at 09.30 hrs this morning and the advertisements will be aired next week during ‘Guyana Today’ and on 98.1 and VOG.

A scene from the 25-minute documentary that will be aired on NCN this morning

Saturday July 23th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday July 24th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Monday July 25th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Presidential Guards win drill competition

The winners! The Presidential Guards in action on the TSU Drill Square, Eve Leary, on Friday THE Presidential Guards emerged victorious when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) held its annual drill competition on Friday.

The Presidential Guards which were the crowd’s favourite, stole the show with their swift moves which drew loud applause.

I n t h e m a l e c a t e g ory, three teams competed, and the Presidential Guard copped first place with 93 points. The first runner-up was ‘A’ Division with 85.6 points and the second runner-up the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) with 85 points.

Female ranks also participated. In the female category, ‘B’ Division placed first with 80.6 points, while the first runner-up went to Special

Constabulary with 79 points The winners were announced by retired Officer Franklin Mingo after hours of drills display by scores of ranks, who were immaculately dressed, performing in blistering sunshine.

He told the large gathering of members of the GPF and the public that the judges placed keen attention on drills and at the same time observed the word of command which was required, personal drill and mode of dress.

Mingo was impressed with the flair of drills performed by the squads and congratulated them for the exhibition.

The Best Female Instructor went to the Presidential

Establishment of Special Prosecutors’ Unit ...

From page 7 telling.

“This announcement follows ominously on the statement

by Minister Jaipaul Sharma that Cabinet will be deciding on who will be charged with criminal offences based on these forensic audits -- the same audits which were carried out by select political supporters of the APNU+AFC government.”

She is of the opinion that the current administration has put Guyana “on a slippery and dangerous slope (by) undermining the rule of law and eroding the separation of the powers between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

Guyana Chronicle was unable to reach Minister Trotman on Friday, but he was quoted by online news Demerara Waves as saying there is nothing unique about the establishment of a Special Prosecutors Unit in Guyana or the Commonwealth.

“The previous Government utilized the services of (Attorney-at-Law Anil) Nandlall with great effect, and there is nothing irregular or unconstitutional about it,” Trotman told Demerara Waves Online News.

“The nation has not forgotten when Nandlall led a team to prosecute Mark Benschop and others; so all of a sudden this is unconstitutional, but when they were doing it it was constitutional,” Trotman told Demerara Waves Online News.

He said an application has to be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for her Chambers’ duties to be delegated to a selected lawyer as a prosecutor for a particular case.

Guard with 20 points, while the first runner-up was the TSU with 18 points. ‘A’ Division emerged as the second runner-up with 17.6 points.

The winning teams as well as individual winners received prizes.

According to Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Christopher Griffith, the GPF annual drill competition was initiated by the late Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis and was designed to instill pride and discipline in the ranks.

The event took place at the TSU Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown, and was well attended by the top brass of the force and other invitees.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Increased crop production, agro-processing key to development of Agriculture Sector Georgetown, Guyana – (July 22, 2016) AGRICULTURE represents a significant portion of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product; moreover, Guyana’s vast land space provides this country with great potential for economic growth through agriculture.

With a sizeable portion of the country’s total exports consisting of agricultural products, Guyana is seen as possessing the potential to become a self-sufficient, agricultural stronghold with the ability to address, and ultimately solve, the food insecurity of the Caribbean Community.

To ensure that Guyana’s agricultural productivity is enhanced, and that farmers are given adequate support in crop diversification and other key areas of crop production, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which is an expansion of the National Agricultural Research In-

stitute (NARI) has, since its establishment in 1984 and its expansion in 2011, implemented research designed to produce technologies and systems required to maintain national self-sufficiency.

Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, explained that the institution also focuses on developing new technologies and providing support and empowerment to farming communities. Among the recent technologies that have been implemented are those surrounding agriculture diversification through the introduction of new crop types.

Dr. Homenauth has said there is a fairly high level of spice production in the hinterland regions of Guyana.

However, Guyana continues to import millions of dollars’ worth of spices. The Government is concerned with scaling up production in Guyana, particularly in the hinterland regions, where land space is available, but production

would have to go hand in hand with the marketing of those products locally and in the Caribbean.

In fact, the hinterland region is a major focus on the Government’s agenda, and serves as part of President Granger’s vision for tackling food insecurity.

Dr. Homenauth has stated that NAREI is currently finalising an agriculture programme for all the regions in the hinterland. It is hoped that the proposal for this programme would be finished by August this year, so allocations can be made in the 2017 budget.

And while works are being done to increase agricultural activity in the hinterland, Dr. Homenauth said, the coastal regions continue to dominate in crop production. Other areas of technology introduced in crop production around the country include shaded cultivation and hydroponics, the latter being a technique used to grow plants in water instead of soil. The technology allows the roots to absorb a balanced nutrient solution which is dissolved in water, and which ensures healthy plant development and growth.

In 2015, a hydroponics facility was set up at NAREI’s headquarters in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and the institution is currently involved in testing the viability of certain vegetables using that technology. Hydroponics provides for more produce in a shorter period of time, among other benefits that farmers can tap into as they strive for increased productivity.

Increased productivity also comes as a result of farmers’ ability to easily transport their produce to buyers. In this regard, access to farm-to-market roads, which aids in the reduction of spoilage and increased pro-

Dr. Oudho Homenauth, CEO of NAREI, has said the hinterland region is a major focus of the Government’s agenda duction, becomes imperative.

Just this month, two new market roads were commissioned at Parika, in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. At that event, Agriculture Minister Mr. Noel Holder said that among the top items on the Government’s agenda is addressing the deplorable and underdeveloped infrastructural facilities in the country with a focus on farm-to-market roads.

He said that as Guyana seeks to expand its agricultural output to meet its national and regional objectives, adequate farm access roads and dams are critical in optimising agricultural development and production.

“The farmers, producers and buyers face difficulties in transporting produce, inputs, machinery, as well as accessing lands and farms. Roads are often inaccessible due to damage from heavy rains and an inability to accommodate the type and level of traffic required,” the minister said.

He noted that this interrupts

access to markets; trade and food supply, and thereby reduces income and employment, and affects the overall livelihood of the people who depend on agriculture.

“In essence, without projects such as this, food security would not be assured,” he said.

But access roads are just one of the problems facing farmers within the regions.

On a broader scale, Dr. Homenauth said, finding adequate markets and prices for their produce remains a problem.

In this regard, it is believed that value addition through agro-processing can solve not only the problem of inadequate markets for farmers, but it can also further enhance the country’s food security.

Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin, in response to questions on the prospects of agro-processing in Guyana, said: “Guyana holds great potential for agro-industrial development, given its relative abundance of agricultural raw materials.

Therefore, strengthening our agro-processing production can be an effective means of economic growth and an improved standard of living.”

To assist the farmers in this area, the Ministry of Business also collaborates with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) in facilitating workshops for small businesses and entrepreneurs (including farmers). These workshops provide information on how small businesses and entrepreneurs can improve in the areas of agro-processing, and also work along with the Ministry of Agriculture to aid in the development of the local agro-processing sector through a tri-country initiative funded by the European Union (EU).

One other institution that strives to encourage investment in agro-processing, so that farmers could tap into its benefits, is the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).

Chief Executive Officer of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016 Workers tending to plants at the nursery at the NAREI headquarters

A NAREI worker examining the sprinklers at the shaded cultivation nursery

A hydroponics facility was established in 2015 and set up at the NAREI headquarters at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara Go-Invest, Mr. Owen Verwey, has said that while the country is involved in some aspects of value addition, the majority of agricultural production focuses on commodity products for domestic consumption and export.

He said that because of the economic benefits of agro-processing, more focus should be placed on value addition of agriculture products. As such, he said, the institution is embarking on a study that would seek to assess which areas within the agriculture sector hold the most prospects with regard to agro-processing. The study involves a value chain analysis and is financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Additionally, Mr. Verwey said, entering into agro-processing would require farmers to operate on a much higher scale of production.

This would require identifying key suppliers which can multiply almost tenfold the production that the largest producers are currently putting out. “That is not a simple task, which is why the value chain analysis will aid in identifying what is needed to attract and support them, and ensure that Guyana and its economy can benefit as

much as possible,” Mr. Verwey said.

He said the value chain analysis would last for five years, but it could take just up to 18 months to assess which industries hold the most prospects for farmers to benefit in the line of agro-processing.

President David Granger’s vision for the country includes a robust economy, which itself would achieve sustainability in part through greater value-added production. In fact, his mantra as he travels across Guyana has

been a call to value-added production and agro-processing. The President has made this call in areas such as Baracara and Rose Hall Town in the East Berbice Corentyne Region, the Pomeroon in the Pomeroon–Supenaam Region, and Mabaruma in the Barima-Waini Region.

On the occasion of World Food Day, in October last year, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting value addition and agro-processing as part of enhancing the lives of Guyanese.

Samples of local products available in Guyana are on display at Go-Invest

Workers tending to plants in a nursery at NAREI’s Headquarters “Our Government will seek to move increasingly into value-added food production. We will seek greater investment in agro-processing, and we will take steps to stimulate cottage industries -- what we call bottom house industries -- thereby creating jobs; providing reliable sources of income, particularly for women and young people coming out of school,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Minister Gaskin has said that farmers have relatively low income. As a result, one of

the most realistic avenues for increased revenue lies in agro-processing. For Guyana, agro-processing holds the benefit of increasing value of exports, reduction of importation of foreign substitutes, job creation and increased investment, and enhanced food security, among other benefits.

Increased production and value added production is the way forward for the development of agriculture in Guyana. This country can, and will, live up to its potential as a true bread basket of the Caribbean with this two-pronged approach and the continued hard work of farmers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

ARIES You can get carried away with your desire to retreat from the world today. Perhaps you thought you could just slip away and no one would notice, but it’s not going to be that easy. Nevertheless, a little advanced planning goes a long way to making your wish come true. Dividing your time between living in the real world and attending to your creative or spiritual needs is a small price to pay. Thankfully, if you’re not totally unrealistic about how long you can avoid reality, you might successfully pull off your disappearing act without any dire consequences.

TAURUS A long-overdue home improvement project may take you on a surprising journey today. You might think that a few hours will be sufficient to spruce up a room or tend to the garden but one thing leads to another and you’re in over your head before you know it. Instead of losing confidence in your ability to plan ahead, just do what you can now without trying to finish everything in one day. A new burst of creative energy tomorrow will carry you through completion. If you feel like quitting, just remind yourself why you started in the first place.

GEMINI Plans for taking charge of your life sound good on paper, but could run into trouble in the real world. Thankfully, you’re not receiving much resistance from others now; instead, you might be struggling to direct your energy toward your goals when there are so many other pleasurable distractions. Don’t get caught up in trying to measure your progress today. As Einstein said, “Not everything that counts can be counted.”

CANCER Your dreams seem more important than your real life today, but getting lost in a fantasy can lead to a plethora of problems. Nevertheless, it’s a delicate balance that could have a positive influence on your life if your imagination also motivates you to take action. There’s nothing wrong with thinking about taking a fantastic vacation if it inspires you to work harder to make the money to pay for it. Using your vision to fuel your drive for success is admirable but falling victim to a delusion is not.

LEO You are the epitome of the roaring Lion today as you face your day with indefatigable optimism. You are proudly in your element and believe you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. But you might overdo your positive thinking with buoyant Jupiter in the picture. Don’t spread yourself so thin that you fall short on those tasks that should be a piece of cake. Maintaining a healthy perspective now makes the difference between failure and success.

VIRGO You might be quite attached to your idea of perfection today, especially when romantic fantasies are involved. However, you’re not likely to share your secret dreams with anyone else, so they won’t have much of a chance of becoming real. Opening your heart is tricky business since a rejection could send you into an emotional tailspin now. Nevertheless, you may be pleasantly surprised when someone you like responds with a positive reaction. Displaying your vulnerability is a gamble, but well worth it if it brings you closer to your goals. You’re always going to miss your chance if you never take a risk.

LIBRA You head into the day expecting one thing and then before you know it, find yourself on the road to somewhere else. You might not have the peace and quiet you want now, but the enjoyment you glean from your social connections is compelling. Don’t fight against the currents that pull you out into the world today.

Although they are a temporary distraction, your life will be enriched by the people you encounter. Balancing expectations with reality is an ongoing dance, but one that serves you well in the long run.

SCORPIO Your theme song today could be the Beatles’ “Good Day Sunshine.” You can barely contain your enthusiasm for an upcoming special event. Or, you might be happily anticipating fun activities involving friends or family. Just remember that the unobscured Sun casts shadows and the brightness makes it hard to see what lurks in the darkness. Nevertheless, there’s no need to fear the shade; it just means that you are standing in the light.

SAGITTARIUS You may be looking forward to a wonderful adventure today that places you in the public eye. Or, perhaps people will see you in a new light as the spiritual Pisces Moon reflects the optimism of joyful Jupiter in your 10th House of Status. Either way, you can satisfy a long-standing fantasy if you don’t get carried away by the potential of your own dreams. Keeping facts separate from fantasy enables you to fully enjoy your current experience without being disappointed if it falls short of your expectations.

CAPRICORN You are a bit lighter on your feet today and a little happier in your heart. It’s as if you have travelled a bumpy road and are now ready for a brand new path. But even if the current trials are not quite over, you’re already planning your next move forward. Don’t let recent history hold you back. There may be a few more days of transition, but it’s time to look away from the past and keep your eyes fully focused on the future. Hope anchors the soul.

AQUARIUS You might feel as if reality cannot stand between you and success now. You’re not in denial about your current financial or relationship circumstances. It’s just that you believe in yourself so thoroughly that you’re eager to show the world what you can do. The power of positive thought is an amazing tool, but don’t let your blind optimism lead you into a trap. Continue to weigh the pros and cons, even when everything is coming up roses. Keeping it real is your ticket to success.

PISCES Dreams overflow the sleep barrier now, challenging you to remain objective in the light of day. Fortunately, you may be able to happily dance on the edge between reality and illusion without anyone taking you to task. You might not need to fully wake up yet while your imagination joyfully colours your world with rainbows.

There’s no reason for concern; you can hold onto today’s happy memories when the mundane world reasserts its dominance tomorrow.

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Bolt wins but U.S. hurdler sets world record

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Usain Bolt delivered on his top billing by winning the 200 metres at the London Diamond League yesterday but the Jamaican was upstaged for once as American sprint hurdler Kendra Harrison broke one of the oldest world records in the book.

Bolt, running his first 200 metres race for a year in his last outing on the track before the Olympics, struggled for his usual rhythm as he laboured to victory in 19.89 seconds.

However, having pulled out of the Jamaican trials last month with a hamstring strain, he was delighted to get through yesterday’s race uninjured and can now go away and fine-tune for his attempt at the triple-triple of 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay gold in Rio. Harrison, however, will be watching the Games on TV having finished sixth in

the 100m hurdles at the U.S. trials after breaking the national record in May. She earned some consolation - as well as a $50 000 bonus - yesterday with a stunning world record.

After delivering a silky smooth performance to win, the clock initially showed a modest 12.58 seconds.

However, it was quickly corrected to 12.20, one hundredth of a second faster than the mark set by Bulgaria’s Yordanka Donkova in 1988 - four years before Harrison was born.

Brianna Rollins (12.57), Kristi Castlin (12.59) and Ali Nia (12.63), all Rio-bound after finishing 1-2-3 in the U.S. trials, finished in the same order, behind Harrison yesterday.

“I wanted to come out here with a vengeance to show that even though I won’t be going to the Olympics I had to give it all I had,” said Harrison, who collapsed to the track in tears when she saw the revised time.

Kohli’s historic ...

From backpage

stands.

Kohli, who struck 24 fours in 283 balls, was out shortly after lunch when he got a thick inside edge on to his stumps off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel (2-65).

Leg-spinner Bishoo (3163) looked dangerous at times but for the most part the home attack posed few problems for the batsmen on a flat track.

Ashwin, who registered his third Test century, said a more disciplined approach was the key to his success.

“I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity,” he said in an on-field inter-

view after being promoted to number six in the order.

“I really enjoy my batting and there have been times in the past when I’ve been a little too flashy.

“I know if I have to get into the top seven or six I really need to tighten my game so I’ve really worked on it. I’ve never left so many balls (outside off stump) in my life.”

India’s total left West Indies looking to occupy the crease for three more days to squeeze a draw in the first of four Tests between the teams.

“It’s not going to be easy. We’ll have to prise every wicket out,” said

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings M. Vijay c K. Brathwaite b Gabriel 7 S. Dhawan lbw b Bishoo 84 C. Pujara c K. Brathwaite b Bishoo

16 V. Kohli b Gabriel 200 A. Rahane c Da. Bravo b Bishoo

22 R. Ashwin c Gabriel b K. Brathwaite 113 W. Saha stp. Dowrich b K. Brathwaite 40 A. Mishra c Holder b K. Brathwaite 53 M. Shami not out 17 Extras: (b-6 lb-2 nb-6) 14 Total: (for 8 wkts decl’d, 161.5 overs) 566

Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-74, 3-179, 4-236, 5-404, 6-475, 7-526, 8-566.

Bowling: S. Gabriel 21-5-65-2 (nb4), J. Holder 24-4-83-0 (nb-2), C. Brathwaite 25-5-80-0, R. Chase 343-102-0, D. Bishoo 43-1-163-3, K. Brathwaite 14.5-1-65-3.

WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite not out 11 R. Chandrika c Saha b Shami 16 D. Bishoo not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, nb-2, w-1) 4 Total: (for 1 wickets, 16 overs) 31 Fall of wickets: 1-30.

Bowling: I. Sharma 6-3-12-0 (nb-2), U. Yadav 4-3-5-0, M. Shami 3-0-6-1 (w-1), R. Ashwin 3-

There was a more muted celebration for Bolt, who nevertheless delighted the crowd by winning then spending his usual remarkable amount of time signing autographs, posing for photos and giving endless media interviews.

After a steady start he led halfway round the bend, but only just. As he hit the straight and the crowd expected the sort of surge that brought him three Olympic gold on the same track four years ago, it didn’t happen.

Rocking noticeably, he had to work all the way to the line for a time considerably shy of American LaShawn Merritt’s season-leading 19.74. Panama’s Edward Alonso was second in 20.04 with Briton Adam Gemili third in 20.07.

“I tried to hold my form.

I’m not fully in shape and I don’t think I executed well - I need more work,” said Bolt, who turns 30 next month.

“I don’t want to see it again. I wasn’t that impressed,” he added of his performance.

“But I’m feeling good and happy I could run and finish the race without any injuries.”

Shaunae Miller of the Ba-

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:15 hrs Jingle Belle 08:50 hrs Euroklidon 09:25 hrs Buckinghampshire 10:00 hrs Prize Peg 10:35 hrs Acrostar 11:10 hrs One Way English Racing Tips York 08:55 hrs Battered 09:25 hrs Dew Pond 10:00 hrs Swift Approval 10:35 hrs Time Test 11:10 hrs Kimbrella 11:45 hrs Sightline 12:20 hrs Tahoo Newmarket 09:00 hrs d’Bai 09:35 hrs Baydar 10:10 hrs Dawaa 10:45 hrs Projection 11:50 hrs Huntlaw Ascot 09:10 hrs Mutawatheb

hamas will also head to Rio in confident mood after posting a world-leading 49.55 to win the women’s 400metres, setting up a mouth-watering one-lap showdown with Allyson Felix.

There was plenty to cheer for the home fans in the Olympic Stadium now decked out in the claret and blue of its new tenants, West Ham United soccer club.

B r i t a i n ’s w o m e n ’s 4x100m relay team opened proceedings by triumphing in a national record 41.82 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year.

Laura Muir also channelled the spirit of 2012’s ‘Super Saturday’ when the crowd roared her home in a gutsy front-running victory in the women’s 1500m for a huge personal best and another British record of 3:57.49 – knocking Olympic champion Kelly Holmes off top spot.

Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut won a disappointing 100 metres final in 10.02, having been the only man to dip under 10 seconds with a 9.96 in the heats.

The action continues today, with the day’s highlight being the 5 000m, featuring home favourite Mo Farah.

09:45 hrs Fair Eva 10:20 hrs Von Blucher 10:55 hrs Heaven’s Guest 11:30 hrs Wings Of 12:00 hrs Childesplay 12:35 hrs Wave Reviews Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 09:05 hrs Elizabeth Browning 10:15 hrs Close To My Heart 10:50 hrs Zig Zag 11:25 hrs Gun Shoot 11:55 hrs Posing 12:30 hrs Enough Is Enough American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Zamjara Race 2 Master Merion Race 3 Random walk Race 4 Tree Top Lover Race 5 Canadian Flyer Race 6 One Liner Race 7 Inordinate Race 8 Wyeth Race 9 My Man Sam

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Cook and Root centuries help England dominate (REUTERS) - Alastair Cook and Joe Root made centuries to lift England to a commanding 314 for four at the close on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford yesterday.

The pair shared a smooth second-wicket partnership of 185 in excellent batting conditions at Old Trafford to frustrate the Pakistanis who won the first Test at Lord’s.

Cook was bowled by Mohammad Amir for 105 on the stroke of tea but Root continued to flay the tiring attack to all corners of the ground and he finished unbeaten on 141 with Chris Woakes two not out.

England’s Alastair Cook celebrates his century with Joe Root. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffLivepic)

Pakistan started well after losing the toss when fast bowler Amir bowled Alex Hales for 10 with a rapid fullpitched delivery.

Cook and Root carried the hosts to 95 for one at lunch and the skipper, mixing watchful defence with crisp drives and cuts that brought him 15 fours, calmly advanced to his 29th Test hundred and first of the year.

It allowed him to equal Australian great Don Bradman’s tally of Test centuries and tie Essex mentor Graham Gooch’s record total of 11 hundreds as England Test captain.

Amir caused a surprise when he produced a ball that kept low and crashed into

Cook’s stumps off the bottom of the bat.

Root also looked in excellent touch after his recent barren patch and went to his 10th Test century by clipping spinner Yasir Shah to the mid-wicket boundary, one of his 18 fours.

James Vince played some well-timed strokes on his way to 18 but, as so often before

in his fledgling Test career, he was undone by a full ball outside off stump and edged Rahat Ali to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Gary Ballance then made a careful 23 before he chopped a lifting ball from Rahat on to his stumps.

Pakistan won the first match of the four-Test series at Lord’s by 75 runs.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook b Amir 105 A. Hales b Amir 10 J. Root not out 141 J. Vince c S. Ahmed b R. Ali 18 G. Ballance b R. Ali 23 C. Woakes not out 2 Extras: (lb-3, nb-7, w-5) 15 Total: (for 4 wickets, 89 overs) 314 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-210, 3-238,

4-311.

To bat: B. Stokes, J. Bairstow, M. Ali, S. Broad, J. Anderson.

Bowling: M. Amir 20-4-63-2 (w-1), R. Ali 20-3-69-2 (w-2), W. Riaz 16-159-0 (nb-7, w-2), Y. Shah 31-5-111-0, Az. Ali 2-0-9-0.

Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena Umpire: Rod Tucker TV umpire: Joel Wilson

Bardet wins stage, Froome crashes out but retains lead

By Julien Pretot

SAINT-GERVAIS-LESBAINS, France, (Reuters) - Chris Froome hit the deck but retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France on the 19th stage, a crash-marred 146km mountain trek won by Frenchman Romain Bardet in vintage style yesterday.

The Briton fell about 13.5km from the finish on a slippery descent and ended the stage on a teammate’s bike with cuts and bruises on his back and right elbow.

Shortly after the 25-yearold Bardet then lit up the race with an attack on the tricky descent towards the foot of the final ascent to Le Bettex, Froome crashed on a righthand bend.

He was quickly back on Geraint Thomas’s bike and held firm in the favourites’ group.

AG2r-La Mondiale rider Bardet, who gave France their first win on this Tour, quickly caught early attacker Rui Costa in the climb, a 9.8km effort at an average gradient of eight percent and went solo with 3.5km left.

Froome, who crossed the line 36 seconds behind Bardet, now leads the Frenchman, who moved up from fifth to second overall, by 4:11 minutes.

Dutchman Bauke Mollema, who started the day in second place overall, also crashed and eventually lost a massive 4:25.

Colombian Nairo Quin-

La Mondiale rider Romain Bardet of France wins on the finish line. (Reuters/Juan Medina) tana, runner-up in 2013 and 2015, is now third overall, 4:27 off the pace with one competitive stage left today, a 146.5-km mountain ride from Megeve to Morzine.

“I’m on cloud nine.

That’s instinctive bike racing.

There was no plan. I rode up the climb as fast as I could,” said Bardet, whose move forced his rivals to take risks in the descent.

LAST CLIMB With the help of team-

mate Mikael Cherel, Bardet led the other big guns by 25 seconds at the foot of the last climb.

“Mika told me we should try something in the descent from Domancy and we just went. Bike racing is a whole. You need to climb with the best but also to descend well,” said Bardet, one of the best in the world when it comes to downhill racing.

Seeing that Froome, who wore a bandage on his right knee on the podium after the stage, was struggling, several rivals attacked but the Briton gritted his teeth and limited the damage, losing only 10 seconds or less on Italian Fabio Aru and Quintana.

Australian Richie Porte, Froome’s former lieutenant

at Team Sky who now rides for BMC, also attacked several times but on each occasion sat up as if waiting for his ex- boss.

Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, one of the favourites for the Olympic time trial in Rio next month, also crashed with about 62km left before pulling out with a “severe wrist trauma”, according to a race doctor.

Pole Rafal Majka virtually secured the polka dot jersey for the mountain classification when he was first at the top of the Montee de Bisanne, a 12.4km climb averaging 8.2 per cent.

Frenchman Pierre Rolland and Swiss Sebastien Reichenbach were also among those who crashed on slippery roads.

Allardyce named England manager

By Toby Davis LONDON, England (Reuters) - Sam Allardyce was appointed England manager yesterday on a two-year contract, tasked with restoring pride in the national team after their dismal performances at Euro 2016.

Allardyce, at Sunderland since October, will replace Roy Hodgson, who stepped down following England’s shock European Championship defeat by Iceland in the round-of-16 last month.

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted.

New England manager Sam Allardyce For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football,” the 61-year-old Allardyce said in a statement.

“I will do everything I can

to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.”

Allardyce was the unanimous choice of a three-man FA selection panel, made up of chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill.

The FA statement added that he would be responsible for shaping “a strong, purposeful team identity” as well as ensuring England qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Allardyce has previously managed Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, but much of his coaching career has been spent scrapping in the bottom half of the table rather

than challenging for Premier League titles.

He had been the favourite for the job since Sunderland confirmed last week that they had given the FA permission to speak to their manager about the vacant England position.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce was also interviewed for the post while British media reported that the FA had spoken to United States head coach Juergen Klinsmann and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

Allardyce was first interviewed for the England position following Sven-Goran Eriksson’s departure after the 2006 World Cup but he was

overlooked in favour of Steve McClaren.

“Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job,” FA chief executive Martin Glenn said.

“His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice.”

Allardyce will select his first England squad towards the end of August for a friendly on September 1 before their first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Trnava three days later.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Barbados beat Guyana by 49 runs

… Jamaica cruise to a 8-wicket win over Leewards

By Rajiv Bisnauth BARBADOS completed a comprehensive 49-run win over Guyana in game five of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Women’s T20 tournament yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Despite an unbeaten 43 from Shemaine Campbelle, the Guyanese batswomen were kept under constant pressure by the Barbadian bowlers in a chase that never really got underway, and eventually reached 91-5.

E a r l i e r, s k i p p e r Shaquana Quintyne’s unbeaten half-century ensured Barbados recovered from the early setbacks to pose a decent total of 140-6 on a good batting strip.

Quintyne showed both

Shanel Daley power and precise placement in her 43-ball 62 that comprised two fours and two sixes. Her contribution was definitely the backbone of the innings after Guyana landed the early punches and

weakened Barbados to 49-3 at the end of the powerplay.

Shamilia Connell, who remained unbeaten on 19, played her part at the back end of the innings, with an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 45, with Quintyne.

However, despite those early setbacks, the Barbadians were scoring at brisk pace, with Kycia Knight, the chief contributor during that six-over period, smashing four fours and a six in her 29.

Hayley Matthews (3) couldn’t cash in on the splendid batting track and chipped Tremayne Smartt to mid-on in the third over where Erva Giddings completed an easy catch at 13-1.

Giddings then struck twice, removing both Deandra Dottin (6) and Knight to

stifle the scoring somewhat.

Playing the anchor role, Quintyne lost teammates Reshelle Griffith (1), Carlene Taitt, who was taken at the wicket off Kaysia Shultz for four and Aaliyah Alleyne (12), at 95-6.

But she and Connell then joined forces together and set the intimidating total.

In the daunting chase of 141, the Guyanese, who whipped the Leeward Islands by 55 runs in their opening game Friday evening, made a cautious start and scored just 17 runs in the first six overs with the dismissal of Melaine Henry, who was runout for 10.

However, they never recovered from the slow start, and with all the Barbadian bowlers maintaining a decent line and length, the required run rate soared.

The Guyanese then dipped into further trouble with the dismissals of Latoya

Smith (13), Lashuna Toussaint (0), Smartt (5) and Heema Singh (1). Dottin claimed two of those wickets while Matthews and Tiffany Thorpe were the other successful bowlers.

Earlier Jamaica made light work of their Leeward Islands opponents, whipping the Islanders by eight wickets.

Jamaica bowlers put up an extraordinary effort in restricting the Islanders to 619. Left-arm spinner Shanel Daley was the live-wire with the ball, claiming 5-11 off her four overs.

Jenisen Richards (16) and Amanda Edwards (16 not out) were the Islanders highest run-getters while the remaining batters failed to provide the sort of momentum the team needed after skipper Shawnisha Hector won the toss and decided to bat.

The Leewards, after a

slow start were forced to play within their limitations throughout their innings as Daley undermined her opponents to earn the Playerof-the-Match award.

The remaining bowlers also kept the run rate in check and didn’t let the Islanders breathe much, with Chedean Nation and Roshana Outar claiming 1-9 and 1-13 respectively. Vanessa Watts and Chinelle Henry were also economical as their spells went for eight and 18 runs respectively.

Jamaica then wiped out the target in 5.2 overs, with Jodian Morgan (19) and Natasha McLean (2) being the batters who perished.

Stafanie Taylor was a g a i n i n g re a t t o u c h , smashing an unbeaten 18ball 35, inclusive of seven boundaries.

The tournament continues tomorrow with three more matches.

Guyana’s basketball expected to grow after CBC championships

By Daniel Haynes THE spotlight was thrust back onto basketball in Guyana with the hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U-16 Championships. The Guyana male and female teams were the focal point of many discussions, whether local or international.

The male team in the tournament defied expectations and finished second overall and qualified for the

2017 Centro Basket Championship. The females, however, were unable to win any game and finished seventh in their version of the tournament.

The weaknesses of the Guyana teams were highlighted and provided a clear picture that as a country, we are lacking in exposure as well as commitment to the game. The most blatant of these weaknesses included shooting and game time experience.

Inaugural Co-Ed U-13 football tourney starts today THE Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA), along with New Generation, will be hosting its Inaugural Co-Ed U-13 football tournament.

In this tournament 12 community teams will play, each made up of 12 players comprising 10 boys and 2 girls. The tournament is scheduled to start today at 10:00hrs and will run up to 17:00hrs at Independence Park (Parade Ground) on Middle Street.

There are 26 scheduled games. The tournament continues until July 30.

Teams involved are Tucville, Golden Stars, East Ruimveldt-Eastville, East Bank A, Kingston, Golden Warriors, East Front Road-Eastville, Alberttown, Tiger Bay, Lodge, Lodge Church Team and Campbellville.

Tournament sponsors are Aqua Water, ABSAA, GECOM, Guyana Football Federation, Samuel Bunbury, James Paul (USA), Star Party Rentals, Petra Organisation, Donna Shop and Frontline Hardware Store. (Plaisance)

Guyana place second \ Weighing in on this issue was Guyana male coach Willon Cameron who stated, “Our teams only see about 10 games a year and when you take into account how many games these other nations play we are far behind.”

Cameron also compared the U-16 team to the U-19 Inter-Guiana Games teams he had coached and the experience definitely played a role in their readiness.

“Although the U-19 teams were a bit more seasoned at playing, they still suffered with the same fundamental deficiencies we see

here,” Cameron added.

Throughout both tournaments, the Guyanese had benefited from the experience of U.S.-based coach Kenny Avent. Avent had stated, “In order for Guyana’s basketball to develop we need (to spend) more hours practising, more reps and definitely more tournament exposure.

That definitely raises our level.”

With Guyana’s hosting of the CBC U-16 Championships which ended on July 16, the eyes of locals are on the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation to

improve international exposure for the players.

Meanwhile, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation president Nigel Hinds, commented on the increased exposure.

“The government of Guyana will take over the male team and they are scheduled to play around the country looking to CentroBasket.”

Head of Department of Physical Education, at the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, said that basketball is also expected to grow in Guyanese school systems.

“These tournaments afforded the opportunity for Guyanese students and youths to see basketball played at an entirely new level and for teachers to see what occurs.”

Fraser was also of the opinion that having specialised teachers to teach basketball to the students was something that would definitely benefit the country.

“Our system lacks persons who know the discipline inside out, and having specialised persons doesn’t just benefit one discipline but everyone.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Sammy lights up the Darren Sammy Stadium

DARREN Sammy ran amok in the first match at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, at Gros Islet, since it had been renamed in the honour of West Indies’ World T20 winning captain.

Sammy belted 59 off 35 balls, including five sixes and two fours, to lift St Lucia Zouks, coming off three successive losses, to a 35-run victory and knock St Kitts & Nevis Patriots out of contention for the knockouts.

Coming in at the fall of Michael Hussey at a precarious 83 for 4, halfway into the 12th over, Sammy set to work by launching a straight six off leg-spinner Samuel Badree.

He then hit Jonathan Carter for two boundaries in the following over. David Miller was bowled by a Krishmar Santokie cutter for 11 off 19

balls, but the dismissal hardly dented Sammy’s momentum.

Sammy carted Santokie

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin said “there can be no place for doping in sport” after his country’s athletes were told their ban from this summer’s Olympics remained in place.

Russian track and field athletes are banned from Rio 2016 after claims of a state-sponsored doping programme.

Putin said: “Sport must be clean and the health of athletes must be reliably protected.”

He wants Vitaly Smirnov, 81, to lead a new anti-doping commission.

Smirnov is an honorary

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and an experienced Russian and Soviet sports administrator.

Putin said he had an “absolutely unimpeachable reputation’’ and “the trust and respect of the Olympic family”.

The Russian leader wants the new commission to provide “rapid development and tough control for the effective realisation of a national plan on the fight against doping”.

In an earlier statement, he said: “Everyone knows very well the situation around our application for

Darren Sammy makes his highest CPL score and entertains his home crowd. for back-to-back sixes before raising his first half-century off the tournament off 32 balls,

with a drilled four down the ground. Sammy celebrated the landmark by kissing the turf and bowing to the crowd.

He top-edged fast bowler Alzarri Joseph to long leg in the final over, but by then Zouks had passed 160. Joseph finished well with three wickets off the last four balls of Zouks’ innings.

Joseph had started positively as well, taking a tumbling catch at third man off Sheldon Cottrell to dismiss Andre Fletcher in the second over. He then struck with his first ball to limit the contribution of Johnson Charles, who has a stand named after him at this ground, to 25 off 14 balls.

Carter got rid of the Australian pair of Shane Watson and Hussey, but Sammy ensured his side ended with a competitive 174.

That total began to look bigger when Patriots’ openers - Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis - fell within the Powerplay in the chase.

JJ Smuts (30) and captain Faf du Plessis (48) counter-punched, but the scoreboard pressure was too much for the visitors. They lost their last five wickets for 13 runs and ultimately fell short by 35.

Left-arm seamer Delorn Johnson was the pick of the bowlers for Patriots with figures of 3 for 37, while Sammy pitched in with the wicket of wicketkeeper Devon Thomas.

The ticket prices had been slashed by 50% to celebrate the first game at the ground, and the crowd lapped up Sammy’s all-round show.

The night had begun with Sammy and Charles walking through a guard or honour, and it

ended with Sammy bagging the Man-of-the-Match award. The win dragged Zouks up from the bottom of the points table.

They face Barbados Tridents next at the same venue today and Guyana Amazon Warriors tomorrow. Patriots have a week-long break before taking on Trinbago Knight Riders at Lauderhill on July 29.

“It was a big day for Darren (Sammy) and it was important for the guys to get the win. It has been a frustrating campaign for the Zouks, and we have had rain, we played out games with breaks between games, it was tricky,” Morne Morkel, who took 1 for 29, said after the match.

“As a bowling unit, we rely on a lot of rhythm.

Hopefully, playing at home with back-to-back games, we will get that sort of rhythm.”

President Putin says ‘no place for doping in sport’

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday July 23, 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) Lendl Simmons (Patriots vs Warriors, Warner Park, June 30) (2) Krishmar Santokie (Patriots vs Warriors, Warner Park, June 30) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many runs Kieron Pollard scored in his first innings in Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Who is the captain of Guyana Amazon Warriors?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

President Vladimir Putin says officials named in the McLaren report will be suspended, pending a thorough investigation. the Rio Olympics, and the well-known decisions associated with the use of doping.

“In this connection, I want to stress once again: the official position of the Russian authorities, the

government and the president, all of us, is that there can be no place for doping in sport.”

Separately, the IOC is considering calls to ban all Russian competitors from the

Rio Games following a second report into state-sponsored doping.

It found evidence of Russian urine samples being “manipulated” across the “vast majority” of summer and winter Olympic sports from late 2011 to August 2015.

Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev said he was “saddened” by the “unacceptable” prospect of a total ban on Russian competitors.

Gorbachev, the last General Secretary of the Soviet Union, has written an open letter to the IOC. In it, he said: “I support the fight against prohibited substances in sport. It is an evil that must be eradicated.

Those athletes who are proven to have doped should be

banned from competitions.

“I am deeply worried by the fact there also were Russian citizens among officials and athletes who used doping and falsification for the sake of ‘victory at any price’.

“At the same time, I am concerned and deeply saddened by the possibility that in case all Russian athletes are banned from competing in the Olympic Games, the innocent will be punished together with the guilty.

“The principle of collective punishment is unacceptable for me. I am convinced that it contradicts the very culture of the Olympic movement based on universal values, humanism and principles of law.” (BBC Sport)

Six matches set for this weekend’s GFF/NAMILCO U-17 league

SIX matches in the Guyana Football Federation/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League will be contested this weekend at different venues after the inclement weather put a damper on the League last weekend, forcing the organisers of the various associations to resched-

ule some matches.

Today from 13:00hrs on the East Coast Demerara, Buxton Stars will face Ann’s Grove at the Grove ground, while the feature match which is scheduled for a 15:00hrs start will see home side Golden Stars face off with Buxton Youth Developers.

To m o r r o w, B u x t o n

United tackle Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise Sports Club from 13:00hrs and from 15:00hrs, BV/Triumph take on Victoria Kings.

In the West Demerara area, two matches will be played, one today and another tomorrow at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara.

Today from 12:00hrs, Slingerz will oppose Beavers while tomorrow Eagles will oppose Wales from noon also.

Nine associations namely Rupununi, Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank, Georgetown, West Demerara, Bartica, Essequibo and Upper Demerara are contesting the GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power Under-17 League.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 23, 2016

Inter-Guiana Games scheduled for October OFFICIAL discussions regarding the 2016 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) began yesterday at the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue.

Delegations from both Guyana and Suriname were present with Guyana’s delegation being headed by Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

Other members of the Guyana delegation were Dr Karen Pilgrim, Gervy Harry, Seon Erskine, Lavern Fraser and Feiona Singh Wordsworth.

The Surinamese delegation was led by their Director of Sport Lunciana Mentowikromo and his policy adviser Harvey Bang A. Foe. According to Jones, this year French Guiana would be absent. In their stead a Caribbean territory will fill the spot, making it an

IGG/Goodwill Games.

“Allocations are made in the budget for Guyana to host as well as travel abroad to either Suriname or French Guiana for the games,” Jones stated with reference to Guyana hosting IGG in 2017.

Also speaking was Lunciano Mentowikromo, who stated the games were an important part of the relations between Guyana and Suriname who are neighbours.

He also was of the opinion that the games provided an opportunity for athletes to compete on the international stage and gain exposure.

“We have also seen development in our athletes who have come up through IGG and every year the level they bring is higher,” stated Lunciano.

A new development in the work for this year’s IGG

Dismissed General Secretary’s claim refuted by GFF boss

By Ras Wadada

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde yesterday refuted claims by the former General Secretary of the GFF, Deidre Davis, who revealed via a Press release that was also on social media one month after her dismissal that she was never warned about her poor work performance and maintains her termination was done in a distasteful manner.

“At no time during the tenure of the Executive Committee was I informed or given a warning notice on my purported deficiencies and unsatisfactory performance as required by Section 11 (4) of the Guyana Labour Laws. It is in this regard that I would consider my termination in bad faith and unjust” - an excerpt from the release made last Thursday by Davis.

Chronicle Sport was able to contact the GFF boss, via the telephone, minutes before he departed yesterday morning for the CFU elections in Miami and he promptly dismissed the accusation.

“It is unfortunate that the

Deidre Davis former GS would choose to put something like that into the public domain. Of course the Federation is very satisfied that it has more than enough correspondence between herself and the Federation, outlining shortcomings of the Secretariat.

If the need arises, the Federation would be more than happy to share the information to show that there was a pattern of lapses with the operations of the Secretariat,” Forde emphatically declared.

Davis’ services were terminated on June 22, 2016 after being employed by the Federation since February of last year and then appointed General Secretary eight months later. The termination of her services was relayed to the members of the GFF exclusively.

(L-R) Directors of Sport Lunciano Mentowikromo a nd Christopher Jones with agreement.

was the push for Futsal to have a place in the games.

The facilities for the various disciplines are scheduled to be examined with any works being completed in time for the games.

The IGG involves Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Athletes from various disciplines who are aged 19 and under while still in school will be making up the teams for the games. The last IGG took place in 2014.

Caribbean Junior Squash Championships

Guyana Girls take on Barbados in final today after 4-1 win against Bermuda FOLLLOWING their 4-1 win against Bermuda yesterday, Guyana’s junior Girls squash team will face off against powerhouse Barbados in the final today, when the curtain comes down on the MAPLES Caribbean Junior Squash Championships at the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands.

The Guyana Boys, up to late last night, were still striving to make it into their final as they took on the OECS team at the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands.

Boys’ Under-17 fourthplace finisher Rithew Saywack started the Guyana Boys off with a win, when he won 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 against Mikal Quashie.

Still to play were Shomari Wiltshire, Benjamin Mekdeci and Daniel Islam.

Against Bermuda, it was mainly easy three-set wins for the Guyana Girls as Abosaide Cadogan, Taylor Fernandes, Makeda Harding and Larissa Wiltshire all prevailed over their opponents, making up for the earlier loss suffered by Rebecca Low in the opening match.

It was a hard-fought 11-3, 9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 7-11 loss to Charlotte Toogood, in Low’s first match.

Girls’ Under-13 thirdplace finisher, Cadogan avenged her compatriot’s loss as she defeated Ariana Lowther in three identical 11-4 sets. Tiye Williams was no match for top seed Fernandes who trounced her

Taylor Fernandes takes on Bermuda’s Tiye Williams.

11-1, 11-2, 11-2.

Not done yet, Harding cleared a win against Abigail Brewer to an 11-5, 11-3, 12-10 end, and Wiltshire took the team’s final win when she came up against Madeleine Rose, thrashing her 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.

The Guyana Girls now look to their toughest opponents yet, defending champions Barbados. If the Boys emerged victorious last night they will play the winners of the Barbados/Cayman Islands semi-finals matchup.

Thus far, both Guyana Boys and Girls teams have gone undefeated, with the Girls clearly faring better

than the Boys, who are looking to defend their 2015 Team title. The Boys already secured wins against Jamaica (3-2) and the Cayman Islands Boys (4-1).

The girls meanwhile are hunting to recapture the Girls’ Team title which they lost to Barbados last year, after having previously held the title for nine consecutive years. Barbados, however, will not relinquish the title easily, and the Guyana Girls will truly have to dig deep to overcome the Bajans.

The Bajan Girls lineup includes Girls’ Under-13 champion Sumairaa Suleman,

Girls’ Under-15 champion Meagan Best and Girls’ Under-17 champion Amanda Haywood. The other players are Girls’ Under-15 fifth and ninth-place finishers Chelsie Samuel and Jada Smith-Padmore.

Barbados Girls’ team are on par with the Guyana Girls’ in terms of wins with both sides having an unbeaten run with four wins.

Guyana also won against Jamaica (5-0), Cayman Islands (4-1), and Trinidad (4-1). Barbados racked up wins against Bermuda (50), Jamaica (3-2), Cayman Islands (5-0) and Trinidad (3-2).

Inter-Guiana Games scheduled for October See story on page 27

Kohli’s historic double century puts India in control ( R E U T E R S ) - Vi r a t Kohli made history by scoring his maiden Test double-century as India played their way into a virtually unbeatable position on the second day of the first Test against West Indies in Antigua yesterday.

Captain Kohli became the first Indian captain to post a Test double-century overseas, scoring 200 out of 566 for eight declared.

Kohli shared a 168run stand for the fifth wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (113) who was dropped on 43 by keeper Shane Dowrich and made the West Indies pay by compiling a century.

West Indies were 31 for one in their first in-

nings at the close of play with Kraigg Brathwaite (11) and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo (0) at the crease.

Rajendra Chandrika went for 16 in the penultimate over of the day when he got a thick edge to the keeper off paceman Mohammed Shami.

The day belonged to Kohli who completed his double ton just before lunch by pulling a single to deep mid-wicket.

He went down on his knees and kissed the turf as retired West Indies great Viv Richards, after whom the venue in North Sound is named, joined in the applause from the Virat Kohli kisses the pitch after reaching his double hundred in Antigua, yesterday.

See page 27

Second Andrew Lewis Bolt wins but U.S. Novices boxing hurdler sets world record rescheduled to Friday

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrates winning the Men’s 200m. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew ChildsLivepic)

Kendra Harrison could not hide her delight after storming to victory and claiming the world record.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

THE second Andrew Lewis Novices boxing championships which was scheduled to start last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall has been rescheduled to next Friday and will now be held at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Eleven boxing gyms from around the country will be represented and keen, exciting competition is anticipated as the young pugilists from each of the gyms and in each weight categories will be seeking championship honours in their respective weight divisions during the three-night affair which starts at 19:00hrs next Friday and concludes two nights later.

Defending champions Guyana Defence Force will be keen to make a successful defence of the overall champion gym title they won at the inaugural championship last year, but they will have to be wary of the opposition, as two gyms each from Essequibo and Berbice as well as two from Linden and four others from Georgetown will be seeking to lay claim to the championship title.

Weigh-in and medical examinations will be held from 17:00hrs next Thursday at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym, in Albouystown.

Admission is $500 for adults, while children will be admitted free.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2016