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GUYANA No. 104386

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

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CHOGM 2015…

UN pushing for early border settlement – Granger 3

Business Expo opens Guyana stands Dutch solutions for ailing solidly with new drainage system C'wealth SG

Not a blade of grass! Guyanese artistes perform the popular song by Dave Martins Not a blade a grass at the opening of Business Expo 2015 at the Sophia Complex Friday evening (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Granger courts Singapore support in education, technology By Neil Marks in Malta PRESIDENT David Granger Friday courted Singapore’s help in a number of key areas. Granger met with Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies of Singapore on the margin of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here. “The most important thing is that Singapore, as you know, is a highly developed country. “It’s a small country and Guyana is a bigger country than Singapore but it is not well developed,” the President noted following his

meeting. He said that while Guyana and Singapore have had very cordial relations, there is very little in terms of trading; “the economic relations are scant.” Granger said that Singapore is “rich in education, rich in technology” and the government would like to develop relations with Singapore “so that Guyana could be assisted in developing the infrastructure that we need, particularly the hinterland, so that we can get access to our resources.” The President also sees Singapore as being able to advance the work of the Iwokrama International Rainforest Conservation Centre.

President David Granger gestures during a meeting with Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies of Singapore

“Right now climate change is back on the agenda and coastal zone management and global warming - and these are areas in which we feel that Singapore can

help us technologically, educationally and scientifically.” Granger also spoke to Minister Shanmugaratnam on the status of the controversy with Venezuela.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told Guyanese media in Malta that while Guyana has had political relations with Singapore, “there has not been a

great deal done to concretise these, except by way of offer of scholarships.” However, he said that even some of the offers of scholarships were not taken up perhaps because the potential beneficiaries found the need to garner airfare “perhaps too onerous.” “So it’s not virgin ground, but we have now put in place the groundwork to take it up to an additional gear,” Greenidge said regarding the move to improve relations with Singapore. Greenidge noted that Singapore is a country which was not radically different from Guyana in the 1960s in terms of its level of development, but it was able to “dramatic things” due to the remarkable vision of its leader. Greenidge said that areas of cooperation discussed with Mr Shanmugaratnam included investment opportunities. “The Prime Minister was very responsive and we agreed to have a mechanism to concretise these proposals,” Greenidge stated. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, died in late March; he is credited with overseeing the tiny country’s rise from a British colonial backwater to a global trade and financial centre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

UN pushing for early border settlement – Granger

By Neil Marks in Malta United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and President David Granger said he would use the opportunity “to take our discussions further.” “The Secretary-General has been very engaged over the last three or four months in particular and he has been very helpful. Several teams have come down to Guyana working on his behalf and we are convinced that he is committed to moving the process forward.” It was on the eve of Guyana’s independence some five decades ago that Venezuela claimed the 1899 arbitral award which defined the two countries’ borders was null and void. An agreement signed in Geneva in 1966 provides for the Secretary-General to take action to bring a resolution to the contention by Venezuela. During an ad-

dress to the United Nations General Assembly in September, Mr Granger urged the UN to curb Venezuela’s expansionist agenda. Here in Malta, President David Granger said he is looking for the Commonwealth’s solid backing for Guyana’s position and the President had no doubt this would be forthcoming by the end of today or Sunday. “That has always been guaranteed,” Granger said of the Commonwealth’s support for Guyana on the border controversy. “The Commonwealth has never let us down and there is no reason to believe that that support will drain away,” Granger stated. He said that outgoing Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma had been very strong from the time of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting back in July. He said that Guyana has always been able to rely on the Commonwealth. “We don’t take it for granted but I think they are aware of the plight of Guyana and they too are committed to having

the controversy resolved. “I would say that they are in strong support of Guyana’s territorial integrity,” Granger stated. “It has traditionally formed part of the final communiqué and, yes, we expect to get a favourable declaration. The Foreign Minister is right here and he is working on it.” Following recent statements and actions by Venezuela, President Granger indicated to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the process of talks has worn out and that it is time for a final legal settlement to Venezuela’s claim that the arbitral award of 1899 which settled the countries’ borders is null and void. Guyana’s position was laid out when Granger met Mr Ban in the presence of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last September. Since then, the UN has sent two teams to Guyana to move the process further. Guyana has accused Venezuela of a series of

acts of aggression, starting with a Presidential decree of June 1968. The border controversy flared early this year when American firm Exxon Mobil announced that it had made a “significant” oil discovery. After threatening the company, the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree on May 26th this year, seeking to extend Venezuela’s land claim to also annex the country’s maritime space. Two years ago the Venezuelans sent a naval ship into Guyanese waters and seized a U.S.-chartered oil survey ship and escorted it to Margarita Island. In September, Guyanese authorities also said the Venezuela army was up the Cuyuni River. More recently, late last month, Canada-based mining company Guyana Goldfields said it had received an “unfounded” notification of possible legal action by Venezuela over its operations in Guyana. During a visit to Guyana

President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge emerge from the plenary sessions of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta

at the start of July this year, the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma affirmed the Commonwealth’s solidarity with Guyana and support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mr Sharma said: “What is clear, is that Guyana is not only a coun-

try with bountiful natural resources. It is also defined by its strong human capital. Guyana is on the cusp of great advancement, and the Commonwealth stands ready and willing to support this country in advancing the culture of democracy and creating an era of prosperity for its citizens.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Black Friday sizzles AMERICA’S annual Black Friday shopping extravaganza was short on fireworks this year as U.S. retailers’ discounts on electronics, clothing and other holiday gifts failed to draw big crowds to stores and shopping malls. Major retail stocks including Best Buy and Wal-Mart closed lower while Target, picked out by one analyst for its promotion strategy, saw its shares tick up. Bargain hunters found relatively little competition compared with previous years. Some had already shopped Thursday evening, reflecting a new normal of U.S. holiday shopping, where stores open up with deals on Thanksgiving itself, rather than waiting until Black Friday. Retailers “have taken the sense of urgency out for consumers by spreading their promotions throughout the year and what we are seeing is a result of that,” said Jeff Simpson, director of the retail practice at Deloitte. Traffic in stores was light on Friday, while Thursday missed his expectations, he said.

As much as 20 percent of holiday shopping is expected to be done over the Thanksgiving weekend this year, analysts said. But the four days are not considered a strong indicator for the entire season. A slow start last year led to deeper promotions and a shopping rush in the final ten days of December. Steve Bratspies, chief merchandising officer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N), told Reuters he was not surprised that a store would see thinner crowds on Friday after it kicked off Black Friday deals on Thursday night. Suntrust Robinson Humphrey analysts were more blunt, calling Thursday a “bust”. “Members of our team who went to the malls first had no problem finding parking or navigating stores,” he wrote in a note. The Macy’s store at Water Tower Place mall on a rainy Chicago morning saw thin crowds in the early hours of Friday. Later in the morning, more than 1,000 protesters clogged Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping corridor. (Reuters)

Women shop for handbags at Macy’s Herald Square store during the early opening of the Black Friday sales in Manhattan. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Trump drops points in poll UNITED States presidential hopeful Donald Trump’s support among Republicans has dropped 12 points in less than a week, marking the real estate mogul’s biggest decline since he vaulted to the top of the field in July, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Trump was the favorite

of 31 percent of Republicans in a rolling poll in the five days ended on Nov. 27. That was down from a peak of 43 percent registered on Nov. 22. The dip follows criticism of Trump for comments he made in the aftermath of the Nov. 13 Paris attacks that killed 130 people and wounded hundreds more.

and distorting his speech as he mocked a New York Times reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who is disabled. Trump mocked the reporter as he defended his unsubstantiated assertion that during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, he watched on television as “thousands and thousands” of people in New Jersey cheered while the World Trade Center fell. Still, Trump is not the only front-runner to slide in the

Following the attacks, Trump told an NBC News reporter that he would support requiring all Muslims within the United States to be registered to a special database, which his critics have likened to the mandatory registration of Jews in Nazi Germany. Trump has also been criticized for flailing his arms

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latest survey. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson has seen his poll numbers drift downward and now trails Trump by more than half, with just 15 percent of Republicans polled saying they would vote for him in the same Nov. 27 poll. As recently as late October, Carson trailed Trump by only six points. Following Carson, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Texas Senator Ted Cruz are tied for third place, with more than 8 percent each. Following Rubio and Cruz was former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, with 7 percent. The five-day rolling average sample size ranged from 464 to 347 respondents between Nov. 22 and Nov. 27, with a credibility interval of 5.2 to 6.1 percentage points. (Reuters)

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Suicide bomber hits Shi’ite procession in Nigeria A male suicide bomber hit a procession of Shi’ite Muslims in Nigeria’s Kano state as they walked to the city of Zaria to pay homage to their founder in the country, security sources and a Shi’ite leader said. Muhammad Turi said that 21 people had been killed and more wounded. Police said there were casualties but they could not confirm a figure. The blast went off at around 2 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) near the village of Dakozoye outside the town of Garum Mallam, south of Nigeria’s second city Kano. “It was in a bush area, on a farmland along the highway, our concern is to make everywhere safe. The bomb was made of high caliber explosive,” police commissioner Muhammad Musa Katsina said. The commissioner said he did not know who was behind the bombing. Suspicion is likely to fall on Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which frequently uses suicide bombers to hit soft targets like places of worship, markets and bus stations. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Motorbike bandits giving cops headache By Leroy Smith

POLICE are ready to respond to the trend of illegal activities being committed by persons who traverse the city and its outskirts on motorcycles and bicycles as a chosen means of escape. This was confirmed by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken during a recent interview with the media, when he noted that data analysis had indicated that several persons have been reporting robberies committed by persons on either motorcycles or bicycles. Hicken referred to a developing trend of motorcycle bandits pouncing on persons early in the morning. According to the ‘A’ Division Commander,

persons on motorcycles and bicycles have been riding around and snatching bags and other valuables from persons and riding off into the dark, even dashing through alleyways which allow easy escape. Additionally, the police have noticed persons on motorcycles at night riding around with neither head nor tail lights, and they, too, have been committing crimes. Recent news headlines have also highlighted the increasing involvement of so-called ‘CG’ motorcycle bandits in executing daring armed robberies, such as the robbery of the RK’s security vehicle and the ambush of America Street money changers. DISRESPECTFUL

Meanwhile, many citizens have noted the trend of bikers who traverse city streets and environs at high speed and without helmets, including those on superbikes, even disrespectfully ignoring the presence of ranks on duty. Hicken observed that this new trend is making it difficult for potential eyewitnesses to see the registration plates of the bikes, and this makes the work of the police even harder. In the meantime, the police have commenced countrywide raids and roadblocks which are being held simultaneously. With respect to ‘A’ Division, Hicken said that members of the public could expect ranks from his division, with support from force

Accused of break and enter A MAN was on Friday placed on $130,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged on two counts of breaking and entering and larceny. Dellon Broomes, 40, of 130 Wisrock Housing Scheme, Linden pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Saturday, November 21, at Wisrock Junction, he broke into the shop of Shamika Murray

and stole a quantity of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a knife –total value $26,860. The second charge alleged that between October 26 and November 16 at Lot 176 Wisrock, Linden, Broomes broke into the dwelling home of Shonda McGregor and stealing a quantity of household electrical appliances and groceries along with several tea cups – totalling $166,000. He also denied that charge. Broomes, a labourer at-

tached to the Linden Road Project, told the court that he was the sole bread winner of his family and he was not involved in any criminal activities because he had his three children and a sickly father to care for. Prosecutor Simone Payne made no objection to bail being granted. It was set to the tune of $65,000 on each charge, and the matter was adjourned until December 7 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Jordan sneakers among goods stolen PAUL Marciano of Burnham Drive, Linden was on Friday released on $50,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a simple larceny charge. Marciano denied that on November 13 at Lot 20 Buck

Hall, Wismar Linden, he stole from Jessie Waldron a quantity of clothing, a microwave, two Jordan sneakers and jewellery to the value of $155,000. The 41-year-old was granted bail after the police

prosecutor Simone Payne made no objection to the granting of bail. Magistrate Azore adjourned the matter until December 7, when it will be called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Accused of stealing TV A MASON accused of breaking into a Linden home and carting off a flat-screen television was released on $50,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a break and enter with larceny charge.

David Barman, 29 of One Mile Extension Road, Wismar Linden, is accused of breaking into the home of Jackie Bacchus on November 23 at Lot 109 One Mile and stealing her $89,999 flat screen Panasonic television. Barman

pleaded not guilty to the charge. Bail was set at $50,000 by Magistrate Azore, and the matter was adjourned until December 7, when it will be called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

headquarters, moving into communities in convoys to conduct raids and searches; but he assured the media that most of the operations would be intelligence-led. SECURITY AROUND BANKS Divisional Detective Reshi Dass said that the heightened security posture around the banks is already in place, and the police will not be giving those with criminal intent any slack in this regard. Dass warned , however, that people need to be more security conscious if they wish not to become direct targets of criminals. He also spoke specifically to

the security issue of persons walking around with large sums of cash. Deputy Commander, Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam, said that the police force never loses a battle with the criminals, and this period will be no different. He said that the criminals are just a small number of persons who are inconveniencing the majority, and that will be stamped out. “We have never failed to discharge our mandate as a police force and never threw our arms up and surrendered to criminals, and we will not do that at this time,” Amsterdam assured. He made reference to

President Granger’s position not to involve the army in the domestic security arrangements in the country. According to Amsterdam, that speaks of the confidence the Commander-in-Chief has in the police force’s ability to handle the situation. On the other hand, Hicken has called on persons to desist from conflicts, as that could lead to violent confrontations, including murders. Hicken also told reporters that his division was recently disturbed over the two domestic violence deaths which took place earlier this week.

No objection to bail MAGISTRATE Fabayo Azore yesterday granted bail to a 35-year-old coal miner who appeared before her charged with simple larceny. Carl Roberts is accused of stealing a leaf blower,

two brush cutters and spray paint cans to a total value of $557,000, property of Narine’s Company on October 12 at Kuruni, Linden Highway. To the charge Roberts pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor Sim-

one Payne did not object to the man being granted his pre-trial liberty. As such, Roberts was released on bail and is scheduled to return to court on December 7 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Kudos to Pandit Ramdial Balbadar

Dear Editor, I WRITE to commend Pandit Ramdial Balbadar on his relentless efforts in defending the position of Diwali being November 10, 2015 -- a position the majority of Hindu organisations and leaders agreed to. When many remained silent as the issue unfolded, Pt Balbadar did not relent. He took upon himself the challenge to defend the truth for the benefit of the Hindu society. Kudos to him! To date, five missives of his have been published in a few dailies: “Diwali date is November 10” (SN 10/18), “Should Diwali be celebrated

on the night of the new moon or on Amavasya” (SN 11/5), “Amavasya runs for approximately 26 hours” (SN 11/7), “A final gasp…” (SN 11/12) and “New angle on the Diwali date debate” (KN 11/23). Editor, apart from this Diwali episode, Pt Balbadar has always given of his best in promoting and defending Hinduism. His contributions to Hinduism in Guyana are enormous and quintessential. He has taught many pandits in this country. His simplistic and systematic compilations of the many textbooks in Hindu rituals and ceremonies (prayer books, marriage

ceremonies and after-death rituals, etc) are widely used by pandits in this country. He has also compiled and written many texts in many areas of Hinduism. His compilation consisting of over 650 verses from the Hindu scriptures under the title “Searching the Scriptures” is perhaps the only of its kind in Guyana. Pandits in this country and Hindus in general owe a lot to him.

Dear Editor, IN the Caribbean today, we have a failing regional Test cricket team. Some fans would like to blame the cricketers, who recently bowled Sri Lanka out in both innings for a total of 406 runs in a Test match, but still could not win. Yes, I would give them 25% of the blame for failure to apply themselves and surpass what we all saw as a meagre total. However, I would lay 75% of the blame at the feet of the administrators of West Indies Cricket. In every aspect of life and living, we need to first lay a solid foundation. Where is our foundation? The facts speak for themselves: the West Indies Cricket Board recently selected and played a left-arm seamer who could bowl only one fast spell in a Test match. We had an opening batsman who has never scored a First Class hundred. Finally, although our team performed poorly in the recent series in Sri Lanka, the regional selectors were forced to select the same squad for the December, 2015 tour of Australia. Yet, among the 25-man party, which includes 10 officials, they have not named a batting coach or a bowling coach. It is a crying shame that, with our Test team struggling as it has been, we do not, in 2015, have a ‘B’ team from which we could select new players. During the New Zealand tour of the West Indies in 2014, the West Indies Cricket Board chose to have them op-

pose a Jamaica Select XI twice. In 2015, they had England opposing a St Kitts Invitational XI twice. No ‘B’ team or President’s XI matches were played against those teams, and the ‘B’ team did not function in 2015. We have not been producing a Test batsman of class because, as Sir Garfield Sobers rightly said, “The Twenty/20 format has taken a heavy toll on our cricket.” The art of playing every ball on its merit, remaining at the crease and scoring hundreds has been lost. The fact that we have been losing so terribly, with our matches ending in four days or less, should come as no surprise. Two decades ago, teams coming to the Caribbean knew that the pitches in Barbados and Jamaica were lively; Trinidad had a spinner’s wicket after the first day, and Bourda in Guyana was a batsman’s paradise. Today, all of the pitches in the Region are spinner-friendly. Has this benefited the West Indies? Definitely not! Three of our best Test spinners have recently been called for throwing. On the other hand, because of these lifeless pitches, we have not been producing fast bowlers and batsmen who can play on lively pitches. The few fast bowlers who do come through are not given extended spells to help them to develop and improve their skills and stamina. Fast bowlers need an eight- or 10-over opening burst, not a mere fourover spell. In its haste to produce quickly drying facilities for the 2007 World Cup tournament, the Region used sand as

the absorbent on the grounds, and failed to cover the sand with several layers of clay. It appears that sand was also used on several of the other grounds that were rehabilitated at that time. The problem with this operation is that sand grows, moves and flies; it quickly gets onto pitches. If the pitch is not properly swept before it is flooded or watered for preparation, the sand gets ingrained into the pitch. With a sandy outfield and no sweeping of the pitch in preparation, even a pitch built of clay will become slower, spinner-friendly, and lifeless for fast bowlers. It is my belief that this is a major problem in the entire Region. About two years ago, the West Indies Cricket Board had promised to do something about these lifeless pitches. They have apparently done nothing. One wonders what they have done recently to improve our on-field performance; to develop players capable of entering and remaining in our Test team for any extended period; or generally to improve our sport. A former President of the West Indies Cricket Board recently asked: “When did Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board start getting paid, and by whose authority?” Are we to assume that no one any longer works pro-bono on the Board? I recall that during the mid-1970s, when Stephen Camacho was appointed Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Board, he was supplied only with an office assistant;

Yours truly, PT CHARRANLALL NANDALALL

EDITORIAL Should not the WICB be restructured?

Understanding mental health MENTAL health is generally not understood. It is ill-funded, ill-managed, and dealt with more from a reactionary standpoint. Compounding this situation is the inadequate allocation of resources for the treatment of mental health. The importance attached to this condition is often seen and felt only by those who are personally affected. Those with mental health concerns or issues are usually seen as a “crazy” group that needs to be locked away, ignored or forgotten; and not as functioning or valued members of society. A general premise is that persons with mental health issues do not initially seek treatment, because, when they start talking about their symptoms/feelings, they are seen as weak; trying to get attention; demon-possessed; or depending on the culture, the family had some affliction, or had committed some evil act that was now coming back to haunt them. The stigma attached to mental illness results in loved ones of persons with mental health issues overcompensating and attempting to conceal symptoms, because it is more acceptable to pretend those issues do not exist. This is generally done in an effort to blend into society, or be seen as “normal.” In instances, persons with mental health issues are viewed as the “crazy uncle” whom the family feels needs protection from the world; and they behave this way not only because of the stigma attached to the sufferer’s condition, but also to preserve their place in the society or their family’s standing in society. The result of these variables is that often, when these symptoms are finally confronted, the person’s condition is too advanced to obtain treatment that would enable them to regain their status as a functioning member of society. This situation is often due to the lack of understanding of the issue, or the intolerance of some members of the treating community, or personal biases which affect the ability to identify and treat symptoms early. A contributing factor to mental health decompensation is overuse of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. It leads to an increase in depressed mood. If someone who is depressed consumes alcohol, it makes that person more depressed. This in itself can increase the risk of that person cultivating suicidal behaviours, including attempting or actually committing suicide. Another prevalent factor in the society is that of intolerance to societal change, where some lack the understanding or receptiveness to persons who are getting into serious relationships at an earlier age. Compounding these factors are relationships with persons from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, and the lack of adequate coping skills to navigate complex emotional situations. Some solutions to addressing mental stability outside

of the clinical setting can be achieved with familial support, as in educating our youth on the importance of self-worth; life; and empowering this demographic to understand that, even beyond their current struggle, life is worth living. Another important factor is support for various age groups, such as teen/peer support, which allows for avenues to voice thoughts, feelings, struggles, and gain support from each other on how to deal with relationship issues and parents/ family responses to those issues. In dealing with mental health factors that are affected by alcohol use, it helps to recognise that one must first understand that the risk of addiction is increased by access to alcohol and inability to differentiate casual use from dependency. Users of this substance often have a false sense of security in thinking that, because it is so easily accessible and is legal to use, the risk of dependency is less. Since it is culturally acceptable to consume alcohol to the point of being intoxicated, the assumption is that the person has a choice to continue this lifestyle. First, it needs to be recognised that alcohol is a drug, and

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because it has the ability to cross the blood/brain barrier, it alters perception, judgement and mood. Usually, the alcoholic does not recognise there is a problem until it is often too late. Support systems such as Alcoholics Anonymous (for the user), Alanon (spousal support) and Alateen (support for the children) are necessary to improve one’s ability to understand, cope with, and obtain sobriety to improve the overall family dynamic, coping mechanisms, and re-integration into society. Mental health is a societal issue. Its management requires education, acceptance, willingness to support, and receptiveness to including the individuals afflicted with these symptoms, to ensure they are not ostracised. In the absence of the above-stated, it widens the base and increases inability to identify and effectively treat individuals with mental health symptoms. Medication ought not to be seen as the only treatment option. Equally important is the society’s interaction with, and support for, individuals with complex and life-changing situations. Mental health for one is mental health for all.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

A small miner’s tale of being disadvantaged

Dear Editor, WE write to update the public on the present situation of our case. On May 10, 2015, our gold-mining dredge in Konawaruk, Region 8, was illegally entered upon and shot up by agents of the claim holder (name and particulars supplied). We were given permission to work on three blocks owned by this claim holder.

In the process of mining, we inadvertently ended up on the edge of another block owned by this individual. After a visit by the GGMC officers, we were informed that we were on the wrong block and needed to move immediately. We then told him that we had already invested 40 drums of fuel to clear and prepare the land, and requested just one month to

work out that pit before moving. We had been paying the claim holder his 10% rent, for which we received receipts signed by the finance manager on behalf of the claim holder. Despite those payments, we were told to vacate the land immediately, and return to the three blocks on which he had originally given us permission to operate.

Should not the WICB ...

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yet he did an excellent job. None of our players was left stranded, awaiting a visa to enter another country. We now have an inflated bureaucracy, and very little gets done. In Guyana today, we have an illegal Guyana Cricket Board, fully funded and recognised by the West Indies Cricket Board, with a Secretary who is a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board and also a leading member of the Cricket Franchise. With US$45,000 being supplied monthly by the West Indies Cricket Board, one wonders which entity handles this money, and whether or not there is a conflict of interest involved. Remember that the Guyana Cricket Board has injuncted the previous governing administration of Guyana, the Attorney General, the Minister of Sport, and the Cricket Ombudsman -- case dismissed. They have also injuncted an opposing faction of the Demerara Cricket Board, comprising the former Assistant Treasurer, who had acid thrown in his face in 2010; and this faction has injuncted them, resulting in the entire Demerara Cricket Board being injuncted. In addition, two Berbice clubs with ties to the Guyana Cricket Board have jointly injuncted the executive members of the Berbice Cricket Board. International Cricket in Guyana is being administered by the Cricket Franchise, persons from the injuncted Demerara Cricket Board, and the Essequibo Cricket Board -- which is the only Board not injuncted and can legally operate. The problem of a quorum

at meetings and their legality is a whole proverbial ‘can of worms,’ ignored by the administration and the West Indies Cricket Board. The Guyana Cricket Board has discontinued the three-day First Division competition since 2010. This competition was started since the turn of the 20th century with the Parker Cup in Demerara and the Davson Cup in Berbice. This misguided administration recently announced that the annual Inter-County Four-Day tournament, first played in 1954 among teams representing Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice and replaced by practice matches in 2015, will be discontinued. In fact, the Inter-County tournament was not played in 2015. They have now killed the two major vehicles that would allow our cricketers to move into First Class cricket. All of this at a time when the standard of West Indies cricket is at its lowest ebb and the dire need for cricket development and exposure of our players at these levels is so evident. A house built without a solid foundation will sway with the wind, and crack and crumble to the ground in a heap of dust and debris at the least upheaval. Our cricketers deserve much better. Where is the investment and the foundation that have allowed 49 Guyanese to come through the ranks and attain Test cricketer status? During a fact-finding visit to Guyana by the President and Vice-President of the West Indies Cricket Board a few months ago, the President, who cannot be relied on to keep his word, chose

the Guyana Cricket Board Secretary -- the centre of the controversy -- to chair the proceedings. When the President was asked a question by a member of the audience, his response was: “We are not here for that.” This same President sat in Dubai and refused to speak to our cricketers, resulting in a walk-out from the tour of India in 2014 and a demand for US$ 52 million in compensation, which the West Indies cannot afford to pay to India. After three separate investigations -- the last two commissioned by the Board with no corrective action having been taken on the first two investigations -- this third investigation was followed by a loud call for restructuring of the Board. The President initially refused to meet with CARICOM leaders. However, a meeting has now been fixed for December 4 in Grenada. It seems that his ineptitude and disrespect for our cricketers and political leaders have no boundaries. It is apparent that the goal of most of these administrators is to remain in office for an eternity and harvest the fat of the earth. In the case of Guyana, it appears that their position must be held by all means necessary. For these administrators, restructuring will be a personal disaster. It seems that the West Indies Cricket Board will not accept the restructuring, unless they are confronted with no alternative. No, I do not appreciate a political intervention in our sport, but the sport is bigger than us all, and it must be preserved and allowed to grow at all cost. I say: “It is not

We then visited the claim holder’s office in Georgetown and pleaded and begged for some time, because we owed creditors and had invested so much already. Being unaware that we had stepped out of the boundary, I informed the claim holder’s finance manager that they had See page 8 enough to do nothing. It is time enough to do something.” Yours faithfully, MORTIMER GEORGE Former Secretary Berbice Cricket Board

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Key T&HD vessels Group petitions gov’t for for repairs extension of Walter Rodney CoI

AS part of its mandate to provide quality and safe service to the Guyanese public, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is undergoing repair works to motor vessels, Kimbia and Sandaka. In a release the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said both MV Kimbia and MV Sandaka were docked yesterday, November 25, 2015, at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and T&HD’s Mazaruni dockyard, respectively. With regard to MV Kimbia, the vessel’s estimated cost of repairs is pegged at $107M. The vessel, which plies the Georgetown to Kumaka, Region 1 route, is set to undergo general docking and rehabilitation works to its hull, on-board machinery, and underwater fittings along with other repairs. GNIC has been contracted to rehabilitate the vessel and the repair works are scheduled to last six weeks. Meanwhile, the estimated cost of repairs for MV Sandaka is $33M. The vessel, which plies the Leguan to Parika route, is expected to undergo general docking as well as repairs to its super structure, underwater fittings, hull, machinery and other areas. Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited has been contracted for the job, which is set to last for four weeks.

Motor Vessel Kimbia is currently docked at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) for repair works

THE Justice for Walter Rodney Campaign presented a 1,000+ signature petition to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman on Thursday, calling for the inquiry to be extended to facilitate a more comprehensive closure. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (WRCoI) Report is scheduled for submission by 30th November. The campaign, spearheaded by Guyanese in London, requested Karen de Souza to hand over the petition on its behalf, a release from the campaign said. On November 13, the petition was handed over to officials at the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC., and at the Guyana High Commission in Jamaica. Petitioners are demanding that President David Granger allow the WRCoI the two additional weeks it requested to properly complete its work. The administration is reportedly refusing the request for a mere two additional weeks after 34 years of evasion by successive governments. The alleged 1980 assassination of Guyana’s pre-eminent historian, scholar-activist, and author of ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’

remains Guyana’s most traumatising political incident. A proper investigation was at various times avoided, and was allegedly frustrated by

Dr Walter Rodney the PNC under Forbes Burnham, and then by the PPP/C under four Presidents, including Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who was President for 12 years. The WRCoI formally commenced under President Donald Ramotar in 2014. The refusal by the Granger-led coalition government to allow the Commission to complete its work now threatens to undo more than

one year’s work, and to deny Guyanese the opportunity to finally establish the truth of the death of one of Guyana’s greatest sons. The APNU/AFC coalition came to power in May 2015 with a narrow cross-racial win over the discredited PPP government, the campaign has said. It had promised national reconciliation; yet, within days of its win and amidst some admittedly unsavoury revelations about certain financial transactions, the administration began to undermine and discredit the WRCoI without proposing a better alternative. According to the campaign, Dr Rodney’s renowned legacy in Guyana endured sufficiently to curb racial voting for the first time in Guyana’s 50-year post-colonial history, thus enabling Granger’s win. “Rodney’s political teaching had exposed the exploitative nature of Guyana’s historic ethnic Indian/ African conflicts, which stymied its post-colonial development,” the campaign has said; but Dr Rodney was allegedly seen as a direct threat to Forbes Burnham’s power and the politics of party paramountcy. The campaign said that “a new

dispensation for the WRCoI could resolve previous abuses which were not of the Commission’s making. However, new ministers -- Attorney General Basil Williams, who represented the PNC at the WRCoI, and Governance Minister Raphael Trotman -- simply asserted that the two-week extension was disallowed to save taxpayers’ money and, more ominously, ‘further embarrassment’.” “As November 30 approaches”, the campaign says, “we urge Guyana’s government to announce a reversal of its short-sighted decision that has brought a premature end to the WRCOI. This plea is in keeping with what has been called for by all three commissioners; the lawyers representing Rodney’s party, the much depleted Working People’s Alliance, now part of APNU; Rodney’s brother Donald, in whose car the fatal bomb was detonated; and the rest of Rodney’s family.” The body stressed that Guyana needs, and deserves, a proper inquiry in which all key witnesses give evidence under oath. “Only then can our country begin the journey of healing and reconciliation” it posits.

A small miner’s tale ... From page 7

never marked out the boundaries of the three blocks for us, so we had no idea that we had entered another block. After begging and pleading didn’t work, we had no choice but to go the legal way. In April, 2015, my attorney secured an Interim Injunction (particulars given) issued by the Honourable Chief Justice Mr Ian Chang against the claim holder, restraining him, his servants and agents from interfering with, obstructing, or in any manner preventing us from entering upon and mining the lands which he had rented us during the subsistence of the oral agreement between the parties. This injunction was valid until May 18th, 2015. The claim holder breached that injunction in the most brutal way in May 2015. He instructed his security guards, who are all Rural Constables, to illegally enter upon the land and shoot up everything in sight. There was a cameraman on the ground, and the leading shooter (name provided) raised his shotgun to shoot that cameraman, but the owner of the dredge placed himself in front of the gun to avoid bloodshed. At that point, the leading shooter ordered the other three gunmen to start shooting the engines; then they moved to the fuel, resulting in a worker being shot in his head. At that point, 26 shotgun rounds were recorded fired. The shooters were video-taped picking up the spent shells as they fired. We

were able to locate six spent shells, and we turned them over to the police. The next day, 24 hours after the shooting, two police officers from Mahdia Police Station arrived at the camp. They took statements from four persons out of 19, and proceeded to the claim holder’s camp in Konawaruk, ostensibly to arrest the shooters. My husband, Mario Figueira, the owner of the dredge, accompanied the police to identify the shooters. After arriving and identifying the shooters, phone calls were made to a certain police commander. We understand that he instructed the police ranks not to arrest the shooters, whom he advised would have turned themselves in over that weekend. We were dismayed, but there was nothing we could have done. A grave injustice was taking place in front of our eyes. The shooters subsequently turned themselves in, and lodged two of the four guns that were used. Two of the spent shells that we handed in matched the guns they turned in. They were then released on their own recognizance, and were told to report to the Mahdia station the following week. The case was called in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court On June 7, 2015, and the men were each placed on $150,000 bail. They were represented by a prominent attorney. The prosecutor did not object to bail,

neither did he present the case. My attorney, Mr K.A. Juman-Yassin, had to stand up and represent us, because the magistrate seemed prepared to release the men on their own recognizance. The case was then transferred to the Mahdia Court. We have since been attending the Mahdia Court, which operates every three months. The trial has been set for start on January 18, 2016. We also had to sue the claim owner for damages. To this date he has not been questioned. We have also written many times to the President and the ministers, and have not received any positive feedback. We have also been informed that the claim owner and a very senior police official are very close friends. This leaves me to conclude that many people have already been paid to sweep this case under the rug. We have since not been able to work, and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that Guyana does not have the capacity to handle; and it leads to suicide if not dealt with. We have been getting counselling from friends and family members. Our biggest disappointment is with the judicial system, the police investigation, and this new government. We have been running everywhere for some relief -- just a glimmer of hope -- but none has come, and we are left tattered and torn.

I would like the claim holders in Guyana that are doing the same things to other persons -- if not to that extreme but similar -- to know that there is a God. Small miners work hard and take a gamble every day with their lives in the interior. They risk losing their families, money, lives, health and sanity. Then claim holders, at their own whims and fancies, just decide to come and bully them because they could. It is a terrible and prevalent practice, and it needs to be addressed immediately. Everyone has the right to work, this is our land. No one man could work 1000 claims on his own. Let the small miners eat. We sell our gold to the Guyana Gold Board; we support the local shops and stores; we provide employment, and we cause less destruction to the environment. Have you ever heard of a small miner smuggling gold, or causing a devastating environmental breach as what had obtained at OMAI? Please Guyana, wake up and see what is going on in your back yard. Not because you can’t see it means it doesn’t exist. Let us speak out against these claim holders! Let us come together! Can we do it? “YES” we can! Sincerely, Alisha Figueira FIGARO MINING

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Guyana at CHOGM 2015

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, meeting with the United Kingdom’s Rt Hon President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger arriving at the Opening Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta yesterday and Commonwealth Office, yesterday in Malta

President David Granger standing with colleague heads for the official photo of the meeting with Queen Elizabeth II

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger leave their Malta hotel room for a reception by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh last evening

Anthony Morrison murder retrial…

State closes case after pathologist details wounds found on victim’s body GOVERNMENT Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh yesterday gave Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a 12-member jury a detailed account of his post-mortem examination of the body of Donna Thomas, who was allegedly murdered by Anthony Morrison between May 26th and 27th, 2012 at their home at Lot 65 Cross and Durban Streets in Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. Dr Singh gave detailed descriptions of both external and internal injuries found on Thomas’s body, after which

Murder accused Anthony Morrison being led away from the High Court to prison

he gave the cause of Thomas’s death as asphyxiation due to compression to the neck, compounded by blunt force trauma to the head. Dr Singh told the court that the deceased had 16 incised wounds to one hand, while the other had six such wounds, which he considered to be defensive wounds. The wounds were not fatal, he said, but contributed to significant bleeding, and the victim died as a result of being deprived of oxygen and the heart stopping. He said the post-mortem was performed on the body

on June 1, 2012, five days after the corpse had been found. The state closed its case after Dr. Nehaul Singh testified. Eight of nine witnesses have testified so far. In her opening address to the jury, State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings, in association with Siand Dhurjon, had said that the duo had shared a common-law relationship and resided at the said address where Morrison allegedly murdered Thomas, whose lifeless and bloodied body had been found in a pool of blood with multiple

stab wounds to both hands. Goodings disclosed that the state’s case is circumstantial. Anthony Morrison is being retried for the murder of his common-law spouse, Donna Thomas. Submissions will be made on Monday from both the state and defence. Morrison has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. At the end of Morrison’s first trial before Justice Navindra Singh last year, a jury was unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict. Morrison’s Defence Counsel is Arun Gajraj. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Business Expo opens

All Guyanese must tap into economic space – Gaskin By Ravin Singh

ACCESS to Guyana’s economic space, which facilitates an engine for development through commercial activities must be available and enjoyed by all Guyanese, says Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin. He was at the time speaking at the opening of the inaugural Small Business Exposition which is being held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, under the theme: “Guyanese Products and Services: Our gateway to the good life.” The three-day event which was birthed out of intense discussions among several stakeholders in both the private and public sectors is an alternative for small business, given that the annual mega event–GuyExpo-was deferred. According to the minister, the concept of the business expo which is hosting over 300 small businesses is to have a business-oriented focus rather than an entertainment one, though the role of entertainment would not be neglected. The event which is a targeted measure, as was described by the minister, addresses two of the main goals around the Ministry of Business, around which its five-year strategic plan is crafted. These, according to him, include; to support the development and exports of value-added industries and to increase the economic opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups. With confidence, he boasted that the event presents a real opportunity for small businesses to have access to a volume of customers over the three-day period that they will not ordi-

narily encounter in an entire year of business. This, the minister said, allows these businesses to showcase and sell their products, while allowing them to get valuable feedback that could be used to improve these products. Additionally, for the many small businesses that rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations as a means of advertisement due to financial constraints, the expo provides the opportunity to get the word out, he added. Not limited to being an exposition, the event which attracts like-minded individuals from diverse communities provides an opportunity for small-business owners to network; government to expose its policies and plans for the sector; credit facilities to explore new and less burdensome ways of providing financial access; and for the sector to further integrate itself and contribute to the economic, political and cultural development of the country. Included in the agenda of the Small Business Expo are a number of workshops in targeted areas, including: procurement procedures, tender board procedures, digitising businesses, financing businesses, entrepreneurship, effective trade fair participation and marketing through film. Proud of what this maiden initiative has produced, Minister Gaskin expressed that, “I was very happy to see the exhibits and the types of services being promoted here today,” adding that the diversity which is the hallmark of this event, is quite encouraging. “We would like to explore the further development of this event to see whether it can become an effective measure in encour-

the small-business sector, led to the “inescapable” realisation of such an undertaking, he said.

Acting President, Moses Nagamootoo in the presence of other ministers, cuts the traditional ribbon to officially open Business Expo 2015

Acting President Moses Nagamootoo being educated by exhibitors about local products made by the Indigenous People of Guyana

aging broader participation in profitable economic activities” he said. Noting that access to Guyana’s economic space must not be discriminatory in

A packed house last evening at the opening of the Business Expo being held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre

terms of age, gender, ethnicity or community, he offered, in no uncertain terms, that this space must be available and enjoyed by all Guyanese. In light of this, the role of a vibrant private sector was underscored, as he highlighted how imperative it is for that sector to partner with government to ensure economic development. However, what was deemed as a successful event on its first day, given the response from consumers and the level of participation from corporate Guyana, the realisation of this monumental task was not without challenges. In fact, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) - the main partnering entity in organising the

Expo - Clinton Williams, whose remarks preceded those of the minister, revealed that the first challenge was to make a key decision on the hosting of such an event, given the available time, resource constraints and the need to ensure consistency of the highest standard associated with GuyExpo’s brand. The second challenge, he said, was the assumption that many of the potential exhibitors have been traditionally using these opportunities that GuyExpo provides to boost their year-end sale. This is in light of the fact that Guyana’s economy has experienced a downturn this year. However, constructive engagement and fruitful discussions aimed at providing alternatives for the benefit of

ROOM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Weighing in too on the importance of the event to Guyana’s economic development was Acting President Moses Nagamootoo, who reasoned that the examination of large businesses would lead to the recognition that they were birthed out of small businesses. As a result, he supported the notion that even in the midst of large, flourishing businesses, there is always room for small businesses, given their diversity. He also revealed that government has been pushing an agenda to further integrate indigenous peoples and women into the economic sector, through small-business development. And while he acknowledged that a business responds to a need for a profits, he is of the firm belief that these businesses help countries to grow. “A small business person has an advantage to be a patriot who can contribute to growth and development of country, even as they themselves develop” he said. Apart from the routine speeches, the opening ceremony was punctuated by cultural items including dancing, poetry, singing and acrobatics. The highly anticipated fireworks which were enhanced by the pitch-black sky followed the official ceremony. Featured at the Expo are a number of small businesses, including: the Guyana Agro-processors Association; Guyana Aquaculture Association; Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association; Guyana Beekeepers Association; the New Guyana Marketing Corporation suppliers; as well as fashion designers, tourism operators and the small-grant recipients. While regional and international businesses will participate in the exposition, they will not exhibit but rather operate as buyers and investors. The Small Business Expo is being sponsored by Republic Bank, Digicel Guyana, Toolsie Persaud Limited, BK International Inc., Pomeroon Oil Mill and Trinidad Cement Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Guyana stands solidly with new C’wealth SG By Neil Marks in Malta BARONESS Patricia Scotland, the Dominica-born woman who enjoyed a high-flying career along the corridors of power in the United Kingdom, was Friday selected as the Secretary-General of the 53-nation Commonwealth. She was selected for the post at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting here in Malta in a process mediated by the Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat. Baroness Scotland, when she takes up her post next April, will be the sixth Commonwealth Secretary-General and the first woman to take up the post, the Commonwealth Secretariat said.

The Commonwealth shares a great deal. It has 33 per cent of the world’s population. It has the capacity to bring together people of all religions; concentrate on what joins us. It’s a real opportunity to invest and work together. “If you work together with people respectfully, you can bring about change. Human rights and development go hand in hand,” she said after the announcement was made. President David Granger said Guyana was ready to support the Baroness, even though she was not the candidate initially favoured. Guyana was backing Antigua and Barbuda’s nominee Sir Ronald Sanders, a Guyanese by birth. “It was a clean, clear

process in which I participated and we are committed to working with the Secretary-General for the improvement of the Commonwealth,” President Granger said shortly after the announcement was made. “I am assured that the Commonwealth’s decision is going to receive the support of the member states and this is the way forward. “We are looking to the future and we believe that the Commonwealth must rally round its Secretary-General regardless of the process. Scotland was born in Dominca, but her family left for the UK when she was three-years-old. She was called to the Bar in 1977 and when she was appointed Queen’s

Body found near Marriott Hotel THE body of an unidentified male of African descent was picked up on the Kingston seashore behind the Marriott Hotel yesterday afternoon. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the body was spotted by persons who were either guests at the hotel or were walking along the beach area. The police, when in-

formed, immediately rushed to the location, secured the body and commenced investigations. There was, however, not much the police could have done at the location, since the Atlantic tide was rising and they had to hurry to remove the body. Funeral parlour sources could not confirm whether the body has marks of violence, nor were the police willing

to provide that information immediately. A post-mortem will be conducted on the body after identification has been established. The police will be checking their missing persons’ lists to see if the body might possibly be that of someone who had been reported missing recently. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Trial opens for alleged employer killer By Michel Outridge AT yesterday’s commencement of the murder trial of Patrick Anthony Balgobin before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury, the charge re-read to the accused stated that between June 7, 2010 and June 10, 2010, he allegedly murdered Rudolph Moonsammy, called Roy Moonsammy and ‘Roy”. This amendment was requested and authorised because the exact date of Moonsammy’s death is unknown. Represented by Attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay, Balgobin has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The state is being represented by Diana Kaulesar and Tuanna Hardy. In her opening address, Tuanna Hardy told the court that the accused allegedly murdered his employer during a quarrel. They had lived in the same yard, and he had fol-

lowed Moonsammy to a dam, where he had dealt Moonsammy several blows to the body with a piece of wood; and after the wood broke, he had chopped Moonsammy with a cutlass. Although mortally wounded, Moonsammy had managed to crawl into his house, where his body had been discovered by a neighbour. Moonsammy allegedly died three days later from the wounds he had reportedly received. Hardy reminded the jury that the incident had occurred five years ago, and that fact must be considered. She advised the 12-member jury to listen carefully to the evidence presented in court, since they are under oath, and she asked that the case be tried fairly and without fear or favour. The first police witness to testify was Detective Corporal Norris Harry, who at

that time was attached to the Parika Police Station Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He told the court that, on June 8, 2010, he recalled going to a crime scene in company of Constable Williams, along with the accused, Patrick Anthony Balgobin, at Lot 3 St. Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo. Harry said that upon his arrival at the location of a two-storey concrete dwelling house, which also had an outer kitchen, he examined the crime scene for anything of evidential value, and saw what appeared to be blood stains in the yard of Moonsammy’s house. He said there was blood on the walls of the outer kitchen, on the doors, in the bedroom of the lower flat, and on the bed. He said that at that point he instructed Constable Williams to take photographs of the crime scene, which was done in his presence and that of the accused. Following this testimony, a voir dire was held. The trial continues on Monday, November 30th, in Court 7.

Baroness Patricia Scotland poses with outgoing Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, left, and Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat, just after she was selected as the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth. (Commonwealth Secretariat photo)

Counsel in 1991, she became the first Black woman to have been so appointed. Baroness Scotland also

became the UK’s first black Attorney General when she was appointed in 2007 and then in 1999

she was made the first black woman to serve as a government minister in the UK.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Family to sue after stillbirth By Svetlana Marshall

IN developing and underdeveloped countries, very

high-risk pregnancies often end in stillbirth, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton said, as he respond-

ed to concerns raised by Sumarie Balwant, the 34-year-old mother who recently lost her baby during

delivery at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). Preliminary investigation into the death of the baby indicates that Balwant had experienced a ‘velamentous cord insertion’, which is an abnormal condition during pregnancy. Normally, the umbilical cord inserts into the middle of the placenta as it develops; however, velamentous cord insertion occurs when the umbilical cord inserts into the foetal membranes, then travels within the membranes to the placenta. “This condition is considered as a congenital malformation, and as the mother goes into labour, the cord becomes detached from the placenta, causing the baby to die before birth is completed from lack of blood,” Minister Norton further explained. He said in “sophisticated obstetric centres,” this condition is often detected using high-tech imaging devices, and therefore allows for a caesarean section (C-section) to be done by week 35. “This was not available at the Georgetown Public Hospital…and so the baby perished

in spite of what appeared to be a normal birth, but in reality it was not.” However, Balwant, who resides at Lot 640 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, is of the strong opinion that negligence on the part of the hospital resulted in the death of her child. Balwant, with the help of her mother, Yungal Kumarie, is planning to take legal action against GPH. On Friday, Kumarie said she has no confidence in the Health Minister or the Georgetown Public Hospital. “Dr. Norton should resign, because he ain’t get a clue wah going on. I know is a new government, but still.” Balwant’s doctors had given her November 17, 2015 as her due date, and approximately three weeks before that date, the Lusignan Health Centre had transferred her to GPHC. “She went three Mondays in a stretch, and on the last Monday, the 16th, they told her not to come back.” Kumarie recalled that Balwant was taken back to the hospital on Tuesday, November 17, after

experiencing severe pain. By Wednesday, November 18, the pain had worsened. “When we left Wednesday after lunch, the water bag break and she begged them to deliver her, but them turn and tell she if she never had baby before, leh she wait there. By de time dem check she, they whispering because they didn’t get no heartbeat.” She added that, “although them know they ain’t getting no heartbeat, them left de baby in her till 8-9 o’clock, then is when dem tek out the baby, like dem de wan kill she,” Kumarie said as she complained bitterly. She pointed out that her daughter had done two ultrasounds, which were attached to her clinic card. “I want know something: is way dem getting these young people from that dem calling nurses and doctors that don’t know nuttin? Imagining she de crying out fuh pain and dem just left she deh.” Kumarie is now calling on the Public Health Ministry to take action against those responsible.

Cops seek ‘runaway killer’ driver

TRAFFIC Chief, Superintendent Dion Moore, has confirmed that the police are hunting the driver of a white pick-up that was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run fatality that claimed the life of 17-year-old Travis Bollers of Lot 40 Princes Street, Georgetown on Thursday evening. Bollers was reportedly riding a motorcycle with his cousin, Quacy McAlman, as pillion rider when the pickup allegedly slammed into the motorcycle after exiting a cross street onto Sheriff Street without exercising any of the five Cs’. The pillion rider was flung several feet away and suffered lacerations about the

body. The police have not yet been able to identify either the errant driver or the ill-fated vehicle, the Traffic Chief has said, but would on Saturday be reviewing footage from CCTV cameras located in the area. He said the police have already received some statements from persons in the area who witnessed the accident, but they said efforts to record the registration plate of the pickup were futile. Eon Bollers, an older brother of the late Travis Bollers, said the family was informed that after he had struck down the duo, the driver of the vehicle exited his

Travis Bollers

vehicle to look at the injured, then re-entered his vehicle and drove away at a very fast rate. The police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the capture of the driver to kindly contact the nearest police station.

Republic Bank awards five top CSEC performers YOUNG account holders at Republic Bank were yesterday awarded by the bank for excelling at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exams. The awardees: Michael Jagnanan, Alliyah Gordon, Iyanna Butts, Bryan Kissoon and Allana Hassan, are among the country’s top students.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Waterloo Street, Manager’s Assistant for Marketing and Channel Management, Raynol Narine, highlighted that, “in keeping with our focus on education and youth empowerment, we reward academic excellence at all levels, given that we recently concluded the RightStart NGSA Aca-

demic Achievement Award for 2015.” These initiatives, he noted, allow the bank to play its part in grooming the generation of future leaders to ensure sustained development for the county. The initiative has been ongoing for some years now, and has seen a number of beneficiaries over the years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Teachers’ promotions…

GTU, Education Ministry settle case – but TSC still holding out By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is now calling on the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to follow in the footsteps of the Education Ministry, following the latter’s decision to resolve the matter regarding promotion of teachers outside of court. In July, GTU filed an injunction against TSC and the Education Ministry, objecting to the publication of the final list of teachers for senior appointments in 2015, contending that when the applications were originally reviewed, the process was not actually fair. However, on Tuesday, the Education Ministry took a decision to resolve the matter outside of court. Technical Adviser to the Education Minister, Vincent Alexander told Guyana Chronicle

that the Education Ministry through its lawyer withdrew from the court matter, having expressed the willingness to settle the matter outside of court. In confirming that the matter will be resolved, GTU President Mark Lyte on Friday told the Guyana Chronicle that the Education Ministry has agreed to have the School Board Secretariat review all of the applications for senior promotions that were sent to board schools. SUBJECTIVE RATHER THAN OBJECTIVE According to Lyte, when the applications were originally reviewed, they were not reviewed fairly. “We are of the opinion that many of the applications that were submitted were never reviewed, because representatives of the various boards had their own

GTU President Mark Lyte

preference. Even during the interviews some representatives did not treat applicants in a fair manner. They were subjective rather than objective,” the GTU President said. However, he said choosing to resolve the matter outside of court is a step in the right direction. “We were hoping that the Teaching Service Commission could have done likewise.”

While the Education Ministry has control over board schools, with respect to promotion of Head Teachers, Headmasters, Senior Mistresses and Heads of Department, it has no control over other public schools which, in this regard, are controlled by the TSC. The matter involving GTU and TSC is still before the court. It is the view of the union that the Teaching Service Commission has strayed from its rules and regulations in the way it processed promotions, thereby preventing eligible persons from being promoted. The GTU President explained that while some teachers would score high during their termly appraisals with respect to their performance, conduct and general attitude, the comments from the Regional Education Officers (REDOs) and other education officers would usually contradict.

“Here again we have too many subjective views being shared by education officers. We have cases where teachers would have received high scores, 90 and over, but because of the negative comments they were not promoted.” The commission, he said, has been making decisions on the basis of these “comments” penned by the respective REDOs and officials at the Education Ministry on the application forms when teachers apply for promotion. As a result, he is advocating for teachers to be promoted in keeping with the points system and not the comments penned by the various education officers. LEVEL PLAYING FIELD He said another issue surrounds the appointment of Heads of Departments, noting that it is mandatory for persons appointed to these

positions to have at least a first degree in the subject area. “We have a number of cases where persons were promoted although they do not have a degree. So they flout the criteria for some persons and enforce it for others. What we need is a level playing field.” The TSC Secretary on Friday told Guyana Chronicle that given the decision taken by the Education Ministry, a meeting of the full commission will be convened early in December to discuss the way forward. During that meeting, the commission will decide whether it will proceed with the court matter or review the applications as requested by the union. Approximately 200 senior appointments within the public schools system are to be made while another 60-80 promotions are likely with the board schools.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 28, 2015

Broken homes driving violence-Catholic Church By Rabindra Rooplall

REGARDLESS of location, Catholics consider the breakdown of family structures and challenges within the home to be a key driver of injustice and violence in Guyana. This is according to a social study by the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of

the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana. The report entitled, “Reconciliation and Trust” was released this week and highlights key findings emerging from the engagement process with Catholics and Catholic groups across the country. According to the study, in comparison to violence, racism is experienced at a

notably higher level, even accounting for the perception of racism (it is harder to merely perceive violence, in contrast), the fact that almost half of the respondents experienced racism in the past year is cause for worry. “It is true that this data was collected in the months immediately ahead of a national election and we cannot

say whether the identified level of experienced racism correlates with race-based electoral politics. Still, we know that racism is a problem in Guyana and this finding confirms it to be a problem for Catholics,” the study stated. Catholics also felt that Guyanese had become exceedingly greedy, selfish, envious, ambitious, individualistic and materialistic, with a resultant emphasis on individual progress at the expense of others. GROWING DISRESPECT “There is thus a dangerous and growing disrespect for each other, with discrimination growing along ethnic,

gender and other lines. This attitude to life has produced greater inequalities among citizens, who increasingly use all means possible (as opposed to all means permissible) to progress in life.”

Saturday, November 28, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Monday, November 27, 2015 - 08:30 hrs

The report further noted that in the hinterland, there was further concern that impunity was growing, that there was no real fear of punishment for wrongdoing. To some extent, this was due to ignorance and the inability of religious groups to provide much more than an “opium” effect. It was also due to a breakdown in local governance structures, including the police, and a lack of accountability to the citizens for the quality of service delivery. To begin, the study disclosed that there is a mutually reinforcing linkage between poverty, levels of education, and violence. This linkage results in, among other things, a lowered spirituality. For another, already weak relationships between family members means that relationships within the community and the nation (and even international relations) will be similarly weak, as people increasingly lack the capacity to relate constructively with each other, particularly across differences. GROWING UP ‘FORCE RIPE’ Inability to express love or the lack of love within family relationships was also cited. In all of this, children are particularly affected as they lose the innocence of childhood and grow up ‘force ripe’. Families can make a positive contribution to improved justice. Guyana, the study cited, suffers from social, economic, political and economic conflicts that are manifestly unjust. These conflicts threaten the already weak fabric of the society and are being accompanied by increased inequality, violence and hopelessness. While the Church has made significant contributions to addressing issues of injustice in Guyana, its record in recent decades does not match the efforts of earlier years. Gino Persaud and Lawrence Lachmansingh undertook the engagement process and prepared this report, with the support of Commission members and Bishop Francis Alleyne, within a mandate provided by him.

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CID Headquarters now co By Leroy Smith

THE Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force yesterday commissioned a renovated Records Section at the CID Headquar-

ters, which is now outfitted with brand new computers, printers and furniture, and is now able to store incoming data electronically with immediate effect. This upgrade is the brainchild of the Zara Group of

Companies, which, over the past five years, has been investing heavily in the information technology needs of the Guyana Police Force. With immediate effect, any case jacket that engages the attention of the Criminal

Investigation Department Headquarters will be stored in the computerised system for easy retrieval, in addition to being stored in hard copy. The ZARA Group yesterday handed over to the CID eight complete computer sys-

tems, one server and routers; and Naresh Singh, computer consultant with the Zara Group of Companies, said the new system will allow any authorised person from the CID Registry to instantly identify every crime folder

that comes into the system, once the information would have been put into the computer. The computers are all linked with four terabytes.

L-R: Zara Vice President Jay and Crime Chief Wendell Bla Singh said the system is a very simple one and would not be strenuous for the persons working in the system, since the tables are already within the system and all persons would be required to do would be to input the data in the respective columns. The media were told that with regard to the records which have been logged into ledgers, the police would have to devise a strategy to have the names, offences and other data inputted into the system, so that the department could be completely computerised. Singh said the Guyana Police Force has a long way to go in terms of computerising the entire system, but software already presented to the GPF can provide the police with instant information on persons with just the entry of their National Identification Card numbers. It is also possible to use the system by means of smartphones Additionally, he said, the system would help tremendously with the processing of police clearances, for which there usually are long queues and a waiting period of several days. The system would also assist new detectives and/or investigators when picking up cases from other ranks, who may have left the system or have been transferred. They can follow what obtained during a particular case just by accessing the system. Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, in remarks, said that the process to have the computerised system at the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

omputerising data entries department stemmed from a visit to the department from a member of the ZARA Group, who saw the huge files that were stacked on the desks

Blanhum anticipates even more assistance coming from the group in the future, as he spoke of the intention of the Criminal Investigation De-

y Sobhraj, Police Commissioner (ag) Balram Persaud, anhum shared the head table at the occasion and staff constantly writing. A discussion was initiated, and approval was sought and granted for the group to bring their solution to making the work of the department much lighter, and operations of the department more effective and efficient. The Zara group calls the initiative a “Work smart not hard” initiative. Blanhum explained that the initiative is indeed a huge help to the department, since the trafficking that files go through is tremendous, given the various departments one file would have to go to; and each time a file returns to the CID Headquarters, the information that is added to it by each department would have to be recoded in ledgers by the staff before it goes on to the next location.

partment to continue working with the ZARA Group of Companies. Vice-President of the Zara Group of Companies, Jay Sobhraj, noted that the most important part of all that was done at the Criminal Investigation Department with respect to the computerising of the system was its maintenance. Putting in the infrastructure was easy, he admitted. He said that if the information is not placed into the system, the entire process could, and would, be determined a failure. He stressed that, in the United States, everything is linked; and the reason it works is because the information is fed into the system. He said that is the approach that needs to be adopted here in Guyana with respect to the CID Headquarters.

He said the work that the Zara Group has been doing with the Guyana Police Force over the years is tremendous. He said the first

project was establishing a computer centre in Berbice, then in Essequibo, followed by Georgetown. He said the group em-

the centres of excellence, where information technology training is conducted. Persaud said the initia-

Members of the Criminal Investigation Department Registry at the simple ceremony

Zara IT Consultant Naresh Singh, at extreme right, walks ACP Persaud and other senior members through the new system

barked on that programme with the understanding that the centres would be open to the public, so that persons from the various communities who do not have access to information technology training would be able to benefit. Assistant Police Commissioner Balram Persaud, who is performing the duties of Commissioner of Police, told the gathering that the ZARA Group has been a true friend of the Police Force, as the group has understood the challenges the GPF faces and has assisted in moving the GPF from one point to another. He commended the Zara Group for not only its material assistance, but also educational assistance with the establishment of

tives have eased the burden from the police, and assists in encouraging persons to move away from criminal intentions. Persaud explained that, because of the new direction in which the Guyana Police Force is going, it is very important for members of the Force to be computer literate, as it makes operation of the Force smoother, and paves the way for a “Work smart and not hard” approach. He said that, based on studies which are available, an overwhelming amount of paper work in any office raises the stress level of those persons who have to deal with same; and if one can get away from that burden, it would take the stress level down.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Dutch solutions for ailing drainage system

THE poor drainage system in the capital city must be tackled from the planning stage right up to the en-

ment of Guyana’s drainage system. The final report is expected to be submitted before the

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, handing over a token of gratitude to DRR Team Leader Rob Steijn during last night’s wrap-up session forcement of legislation, Head of the Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team, Rob Steijn, has said, as he presented to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson a menu of recommendations that flowed from a careful assess-

end of this year. Steijn, a Social Scientist, said Guyana needs to upgrade its drainage network on both technical and managerial levels. He confidently emphasised the need for an integrated approach to be taken. “If you don’t manage it properly, the system will fail;

and if your water system fails, your country will fail”. Guyana’s water system is in dire need of attention, he posited, noting that the government’s predictability to water issues must be improved. As a short-term solution, Steijn said, small-scale dredging can be done. These recommendations were presented to the two government officials on Thursday in the boardroom of the Agriculture Ministry at Regent Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. However, Steijn’s presentation was not all doom and gloom. Rather, he noted that the observations were “not all bad”. He said, “There were good things, and other things that need some improvement.” Steijn noted that The Netherlands has significant experience in drainage, since, like Guyana, it is low-lying. most of The Netherlands is below sea level. In total, Steijn made seven recommendations, which are: Upgrade modelling capability; increase flood resilience of people and businesses; upgrade dredging capabilities and improve flow efficiency; develop long-term plans; develop and test a pilot project; develop and apply a life-cycle approach for the drainage assets; and data management through digitisation. His recommendations have been endorsed by team members Judith Klostermann

and Fokke Westebring, a civil engineer. According to Steijn, the team received much support during its time here in Guyana. “Everything was arranged extremely well; it

sented to the government by mid-December. In delivering remarks subsequent to the presentation, Minister Patterson said the DRR Team was very impressive in the execution of its

his support for some of the recommendations given. Minister Patterson stressed the importance of the report being more than just another report. He indicated that, since taking office, he

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (right), with (left to right) Head of Task Force, Major-General (Retired) Joe Singh; CEO of the NDIA, Fredrick Flatts; Ambassador Ernst Noorman; DRR member Judith Klostermann; DRR Team Leader Rob Steijn; and DRR Member Fokke Westebring could not have been better. All persons we met were very knowledgeable and dedicated,” he emphasised. The Dutch team’s trip involved a flyover of Guyana as well as a dozen interviews with local officials. Upon their return to The Netherlands, the team would analyse the data collected before submitting the report, which is expected to be pre-

duty. He noted that, within just a few days time, the team was able to make spot-on assessments of Guyana’s ailing drainage network. Patterson said the information presented by the team has helped the ministries to have a greater understanding of the situation at hand. “We don’t see it as a critique; it’s all a learning process,” he posited. He has since offered

realised that previous studies would have been done, but their findings had never been implemented. He said that reality needed to be changed. He also used the opportunity to thank the Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Ernst Noorman, and the DRR Team for their collaboration and assistance. The team returned to The Netherlands yesterday.

Min Cummings to midwives: Stop missing the mark MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, on Thursday said her ministry was committed to improving the midwives fraternity, in order to ensure that efficient

work is produced and there is a decrease in maternal mortality. Speaking at the launch of the 5th Annual Midwives Conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre,

Minister Cummings disclosed that, “The discussions come at a time when the midwives should hit opportunities for

Minister Cummings addressing the gathering at the midwives conference. improving the health services rather than miss them.” SHOWING CARE Further, she said, the ministry believes there should be a paradigm shift in the way patients are treated, to the way the healthcare providers will show that they care.

Dr Cummings emphasised that, “making women’s lives worthy and worthwhile means that personally and collectively, we have to think and act with a new set of priorities that say we CARE.” C a r e , h o w e v e r, w a s used in this instance as an acronym for, “C- identify the challenges of midwifery, A- take action to maximise opportunities to improve the craft, R- Justify the reasons for a new and fresh approach, and E- Embrace global best practices.” Observing that the conference was being held under the theme, “Super midwives: making a difference in maternity care,” they were enlightened on some of the tasks that would classify them as super, while also taking into consideration ‘CARE’. Given that they are equipped with skills beyond normal nurses, they still face some major challenges; one the minister pointed out as being the lack of resources and unavailable quality services which account for deaths that are preventable. MATERNAL MORBIDITY

“Maternal and child morbidity is an international tragedy; 530,000 women

Dr. Adu-Krow during his presentation at the midwives conference at Arthur Chung Convention Centre. die yearly from pregnancyrelated complications. Developing regions account for approximately 99% of the global deaths in 2015,” declared Minister Cummings. In that light, she noted that the new focus of the ministry is on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals that were

not achieved and also sustain those for which progress has been made. Through this approach they will not only identify challenges, but also take relevant action to maximise opportunities to improve the craft of midwifery. Meanwhile, also speaking at the launching of the two-day conference, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow challenged the Ministry of Public Health to raise working standards for the midwives. This, he maintained, is the only way in which there will be more efficient work coming from them. Dr. Adu-Krow pointed out some of the conditions which these specially trained nurses have to work under; as well their low incomes. “In order to promote good work and give the midwives encouragement to work, these little things will need to be addressed and as such PAHO, is open to help in some of the initiatives which the ministry plans,” he said.

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Ashwin wrecks South Africa, India clinch series NAGPUR, India, (Reuters)- Ravichandran Ashwin led South Africa’s rout on a spinners’ paradise as India romped to a 124-run victory with more than two days to spare in the third Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series yesterday. The off-spinner claimed seven second innings wickets while leg-spinner Amit Mishra grabbed the remaining three as South Africa, chasing 310 to stay alive in the contest, folded for 185. The setback also meant South Africa, currently the top ranked team in this format, succumbed to their first away test series defeat since 2006. “It’s very pleasing indeed, especially after South Africa own the T20 and the one-day series here,” Virat Kohli said after sealing his first home test series victory as India captain. “They are a tough side to beat. Sealing the series in Nagpur feels very good.” Ashwin, who had claimed five wickets in the first innings, made the most of the turning track at the VCA Stadium, dismissing Dean Elgar (18)

and AB de Villiers (nine) in the morning to peg back South Africa. South Africa skipper Hashim Amla dug in to negate the spin, playing with soft hands so edges did not carry to slip, while Faf du Plessis used his feet well against the spinners. In a Test match that saw 32 wickets tumble on the first two days, the pair showed grit and determination to thwart the Indian bowlers for more than 46 overs with the biggest partnership in the low-scoring contest. The duo survived numerous leg-before and bat-pad catch appeals before Mishra ended the 72-run stand that unhinged the visitors. Amla offered an edge off the top half of his bat to perish in gully and in Mishra’s next over, Du Plessis lost his stump to a ball that kept low. Both batsmen contributed 39 runs each. “Mishra showed great

character in that tough phase to get Hashim out first and then Du Plessis in back-toback overs. That was the turning point for us,” Kohli said. Ashwin then returned to mow down the Proteas tail to finish with a match haul of 12 wickets that also earned him the man-of-thematch award. “To be quite honest we could have got bowled out for 100 (in the second innings), there were lot of plays-and-misses and chances that could have gone to hand,” Amla said with characteristic candour. “We tried to dig deep as long as we can. For me the biggest thing was whether you win or lose, do it as honourably as possible,” the Proteas skipper said after his team were beaten inside three days for the second time in the series. Delhi hosts the fourth and final Test from Dec. 3.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 215 (S. Harmer 4-78) South Africa 1st innings D. Elgar b Ashwin 7 S. van Zyl c Rahane b Ashwin 0 I. Tahir b Jadeja 4 H. Amla c Rahane b Ashwin 1 A. de Villiers c&b Jadeja 0 F. du Plessis b Jadeja 10 J. Duminy lbw b Mishra 35 D. Vilas b Jadeja 1 S. Harmer b Ashwin 13 K. Rabada not out 6 M. Morkel c&b Ashwin 1 Extras (lb-1) 1 Total (all out, 33.1 overs) 79 Fall of wickets: 1-4 S. van Zyl,2-9 I. Tahir,3-11 D. Elgar,4-12 H. Amla,512 A. de Villiers,6-35 F. du Plessis,7-47 D. Vilas,8-66 S. Harmer,9-76 J. Duminy,10-79 M. Morkel Bowling: I. Sharma 2 - 1 - 4 – 0, R. Ashwin 16.1 - 6 - 32 – 5, R. Jadeja 12 - 3 - 33 – 4, A. Mishra 3 - 0 - 9 – 1. INDIA 2nd innings M. Vijay c Amla b M. Morkel 5 S. Dhawan c Vilas b Tahir 39 C. Pujara b Duminy 31 V. Kohli c du Plessis b Tahir 16 A. Rahane c Duminy b Tahir 9 Ro. Sharma c Elgar b M. Morkel 23 W. Saha c Amla b Tahir 7 R. Jadeja b Harmer 5 R. Ashwin lbw b M. Morkel 7 A. Mishra b Tahir 14 I. Sharma not out 1 Extras (b-8 lb-5 nb-3) 16 Total (all out, 46.3 overs) 173 Fall of wickets: 1-8 M. Vijay,2-52 C. Pujara,3-97 S. Dhawan,4-102 V. Kohli,5-108 A. Rahane,6-122 W. Saha,7-128 R. Jadeja,8-150 R. Ashwin,9-171 Ro. Sharma,10-173 A. Mishra Bowling:- M. Morkel 10 - 5 - 19 – 3, S. Harmer 18 - 3 - 64 – 1, K. Rabada 5 - 1 - 15 - 0(nb-1),J. Duminy 2 - 0 - 24 - 1(nb-1), I. Tahir 11.3 - 2 - 38 - 5(nb-1). SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings (Overnight: 32-2; Target: 310 runs) D. Elgar c Pujara b Ashwin 18 S. van Zyl c Ro. Sharma b Ashwin 5 I. Tahir lbw b Mishra 8 H. Amla c Kohli b Mishra 39 A. de Villiers lbw b Ashwin 9 F. du Plessis b Mishra 39 J. Duminy lbw b Ashwin 19 D. Vilas c Saha b Ashwin 12 S. Harmer not out 8 K. Rabada c Kohli b Ashwin 6 M. Morkel b Ashwin 4 Extras (b-9 lb-5 nb-4) 18 Total (all out, 89.5 overs) 185 Fall of wickets: 1-17 S. van Zyl,2-29 I. Tahir,3-40 D. Elgar,4-58 A. de Villiers,5-130 H. Amla,6-135 F. du Plessis,7-164 J. Duminy,8-167 D. Vilas,9-177 K. Rabada,10-185 M. Morkel To bat: Bowling;-I. Sharma 15 - 6 - 20 - 0(nb-4),R. Ashwin 29.5 - 7 - 66 – 7, R. Jadeja 25 - 12 - 34 – 0, A. Mishra 20 - 2 - 51 – 3.

Linden dethrones North ... From back page championships titles won with North Georgetown, who collected their 14th title since 2013. Linden was announced the winner of the championships following the announcement that they also successfully defended their title in the track and field championships of the competition . Linden finished second in the cycling, swimming and teachers’ divisions of the Championships. The cycling competition was won by District 6, while the teachers’ competition’s win was carried away by District 3. North Georgetown boasts a win of the swimming competition. Yesterday’s finale picked up speed with the 400m finals, which began with Yaw’s record breaking performance where he dominated ahead of South Georgetown’s Dequan Vancooten who ended the race in 50.4 seconds. Yaw smashed the 49.8 seconds record set by Stephon James on the same track back in 2012. A false start left Natricia Hooper out of the Girls’ Under- 18 400m, which was won by North Georgetown’s Avon Samuels in a time of 59.5 seconds, while the Girls’ Under- 16 double sprint champion, Kenisha Phillips, being disqualified in the Girls Under- 16 400m cleared the way for Cassie Small to go unchallenged, and win the event in a time of 1:00.5s. Yaw, who also won the Boys’ Unde-r 20 200m and came second in the 100m earlier in the week, took the Boys’ Under- 20 champion boy title. Samuels won the Girls’ Under- 18 champion girls’ title. In the 4x100m relay which closed off the day’s activities South Georgetown won both the male and female relays. They won the male relay in a time of 45.5 seconds, and the female’s in a time of 52.1 seconds.

English Racing Tips Newcastle 08:00 hrs Smooth Stepper 08:30 hrs Mumgos Debut 09:00 hrs Ballydine 09:30 hrs Swing Hard 10:05 hrs Top Notch 10:40 hrs Final Assault 11:15 hrs Golden Investment NEWBURY 08:15 hrs Tea In Transvaal 08:45 hrs Arzal 09:15 hrs La Vaticane 09:50 hrs Ma Filleule 10:25 hrs Whisper 11:00 hrs Saphir Du Rheu 11:35 hrs Lough Kent DONCASTER 08:20 hrs Sgt Bull Berry 08:50 hrs Stage One 09:20 hrs Adrakhan 09:55 hrs Katachenko 10:30 hrs Praire Town 11:05 hrs Robins Reef 11:40 hrs Kafella IRISH RACING TIPS Fairyhouse 08:10 hrs Miss Dinamic 08:40 hrs Carriganog

09:10 hrs Plyonthepressure 09:40 hrs Nambour 10:15 hrs Wes Hardin 10:50 hrs De Name Escapes Me 11:25 hrs Tarare SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Turffontein 08:20 hrs Brutal Force 09:00 hrs Persian Rug 09:35 hrs Abashiri 10:15 hrs French Navy 10:50 hrs Bichette 11:25 hrs Storm Warning 12:00 hrs Finchatton 12:35 hrs Thrust 13:10 hrs Save The Rhino AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Gehrig Race 2 Possilicious Race 3 Lewis Bay Race 4 Snag Race 5 Mohaymen Race 6 No Texting Race 7 Carrumba Race 8 Plainview Race 9 Tonalist

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Sunburst / EBFA U-17 League Grove trounce Soesdyke 4-1;Herstelling into semis

DEFENDING champions Grove Hi Tech have sent an ominous message to those teams that are eyeing their Under-17 title when they opened their account with a 4-1 win over Soesdyke Falcons last weekend at the Grove Playfield. Second half substitute Joel Dick, who replaced scorer of the first goal, Kevin Dalton, slammed home a hat-trick to secure a solid win for the home team. Herstelling Raiders on the other hand, advanced to the Final Four without breaking a sweat as their opponents, Mocha Champs failed to show up. Grove wasted little time in showing their intentions with Dalton hitting the back of the nets in the 11th minute. Grove, winners of all the tournaments that the EBFA played in 2014 at the Under-13, 15, 17 and senior levels, have only won one of three tournaments so far this year, the Stag 7 A-Side, which concluded on Saturday last. They (Grove) are eager to halt titles

slipping from them and Dick’s performance underscores this aim. The Under-17 national player wasted little time in making his presence felt after replacing Dalton. He rocked the nets in the 44th, 48th and 50th minutes to seal the win for Grove. Soesdyke however, did stand up and somewhat showed flashes of brilliance. They were able to pull one back through substitute Kevin Marshall. Competition will continue this weekend at the same venue with a double-header today. Mocha Champs will open proceedings against Diamond United at 13:00 hrs with the winner guaranteed a Final-Four place. In the second match, at 14:30 hrs, Agricola Red Triangle will be going after their second win in as many matches when they face Soesdyke Falcons. One match will be contested tomorrow when Grove Hi Tech oppose Kuru Kururu Warriors.

Grove Hi-Tech player Kevin Dalton nudges the ball past Soesdyke Falcons goalie Desmond McClean for their opening goal.

Unbeaten Silver Shattas held to a draw by Hi Stars

AS the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) First Division League takes a week long break after Wednesday’s latest set of matches, Silver Shattas were held to a 2-2 draw but held the lead with six points while Botafago suffered a 2-0 loss that rendered them four points with four more playing days left ahead of the Christmas break to allow for the staging of the annual Christmas football tournaments. Also on Wednesday Silver Shattas kept their unbeaten record in-tact with a second draw to go with their two wins to lead the

points table. They are followed by Topp XX and Milerock the other two unbeaten clubs who have five points but with two wins and one draw. Hi Stars are next on four points with one win and two draws, while Botafago players are also on four points with two wins and two losses. Winners Connection, Blueberry Hill and Amelia’s Ward Panthers are all on three points from one win and two losses and one draw to be ahead of Amelia’s Ward Panthers who are next, after one win and two losses Net Rockers currently occupy the cellar position with three losses and one draw.

Smalta Girls 11-and-under Football Tourney resumes THE Smalta Girls 11-and-under Football Tournament continues over the weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground (MOE) with 16 scheduled matches to be contested over two days. Both days the action gets underway from 10:00 hrs but today two matches will be played simultaneously while on Sunday matches will be run individually. Last week none of the matches was played due to the inclement weather which made the venue unfit for play. Today West Ruimveldt battles St. Angela’s while F.E. Pollard takes on Tucville Primary. After that North Georgetown meets Winfer Garden and St. Pius challenges St. Margaret’s from 10:45 hrs. The other half of the programme will see Smith’s Memorial and Enter-

prise clash alongside the St. Stephen’s and St. Ambrose’s match from 11:30 hrs. In the final two matches today which have a 12:15 scheduled start South Ruimveldt goes up against St. Agnes and Stella Maris goes head-tohead with Sophia. Tomorrow the day commences with Tucville versus St. Angela’s then Stella Maris challenges South Ruimveldt at 10:45 hrs. F.E. Pollard is billed to face West Ruimveldt at 11:30 hrs while Sophia is fixed to match skills with St. Agnes 15 minutes after the clock strikes noon. The four matches left in the day are St. Margaret’s versus Winfer Gardens, St. Stephen’s versus Smith’s Memorial, St. Ambrose versus Enterprise and St. Pius versus North Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

GCC off to cracking start at Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival GCC got off to a cracking start as this year’s Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival started on Thursday night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. The Bourda Club posted two wins in the veterans’ and men’s divisions with the

latter being another exciting matchup with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. The Old Fort Shooting Stars shocked the Hikers ladies with their first ever victory over the veterans’ side in the opening matchup of the

ladies’ division while YMCA of Barbados in the veterans’ division and the Pepsi Hikers men completed the evening’s winners. In the feature match of the evening, Old Fort and Bounty GCC squared off in the men’s first division

Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon executes a penalty corner strike against the GCC defence

competition. The two teams had recently played to an exciting draw in the just concluded GT&T national championships and were both back to settle the score. Although the game began somewhat scrappy as both teams struggled to put together any meaningful attacks, GCC secured a penalty stroke in the 18th minute which was converted by Kevin Spencer who ended as the game’s top marksman. Spencer followed his opening strike with a pair more of unanswered goals as he sent a well-placed shot high into the Old Fort net almost immediately upon resumption and scored a rebound in the 23rd minute. Old Fort’s John Abrahams who was having a quiet night thus far kept his team’s hopes alive with a goal in the 28th minute to bring the score to 3-1. Although Old Fort would score twice more through Dwight Sullivan and a brilliant solo effort from Jason Clarke, Spencer’s heroics were not complete until he stole the ball from an errant pass to finish a swift counter-attack with his fourth goal of the evening. GCC secured the full three points at the end of the match with a 4-3 victory.

The other men’s match of the evening saw a spirited effort from the National Under-21 selection as they held defending champions Pepsi Hikers within reach for most of the match before conceding a 5-3 victory to [them] the Hikers. Young Aroydy Branford produced another dazzling display of hockey skills and scored all three of the goals for the Under-21 side. YMCA of Barbados got off to a successful start in this year’s campaign to hoist the Carib Veterans Trophy. The two sides, YMCA and Old Old Fort, featuring only players over the age of 35 years, managed to entertain the crowd with trickery, good hockey skills and amusement.

While the YMCA appeared to tire in the closing minutes, their two goals through former national Ralph Watson and Beaumont Trotman remained unanswered by Old Old Fort at full time giving the Bajans a 2-0 victory. GCC vets made light work of the Hickers with a 6-3 victory in the other veterans’ clash. Dwayne Scott led the GCC scoresheet with a hat trick while Philip Fernandes added a double and Alan Fernandes a single. Devin Munroe, Jerry Bell and Robert Fernandes were the goal scorers for the Hickers. Matches continue throughout the weekend with three finals set for Sunday from 17:00 hrs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday November 28, 2015) 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 Thursday’s quiz: WI vs ENG, Bourda, 1930 WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973

Today’s Quiz:

What are the best bowling figures in an innings by a WI on Test debut? What are the best bowling figures by a WI player on his ODI debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Farfan & Mendes on board as Flex Night sponsor THE Farfan & Mendes Group in Guyana has become the most recent company to lend support to the Flex Night International 2015 event which comes off on Sunday December 6 at the National Cultural

Centre. With the company’s own commitment to products that are of high quality Farfan & Mendes is happy to be on board with Flex Night Inc. whose motto is ‘Raising the bar.’

At a simple handing-over ceremony yesterday afternoon Farfan & Mendes presented the company’s contribution to Donald Sinclair, Managing Director of Flex Night Inc.

Henry blasts 123 to lead Linden Foundation to victory

Linden Foundation Secondary School’s opening batsman Taquwan Henry being congratulated by Colin Stuart after his brilliant knock of 123.

LINDEN Foundation Secondary High School batsman Taquawan Henry hit a blistering 123 to propel his team to 231 all out off 17 0vers to defeat opponents Mackenzie High School, who replied with 141 all out off 15.4 Overs by 72 runs, when the Upper Demerara version of the National Inter Secondary Schools 30-Over cricket competition began recently at the Bayrock Community Centre ground In Linden. Watched by the Guyana cricket Board’s Technical Development Officer Colin Stuart, Henry pulverised the Mackenzie High bowling attack. Henry opened the innings and after 2.3 Overs the Linden Foundation side were 50 for 2 as Henry hit 27 off the second Over and his 50 came from just 9 balls. The Linden Foundation secondary team then went on to reach 213 all out as Henry clobbered twelve sixes and eight fours in a destructive display of power hitting. The match had been reduced to 20 Overs, but this did not affect Henry from his onslaught being the last man

Marathon great Radcliffe cleared by IAAF of doping claims By Ian Chadband LONDON,(Reuters)- Paula Radcliffe, world marathon record holder and one of Britain’s most popular athletes, has been cleared by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) of any allegation of doping. Athletics’ world governing body offered a complete defence of Radcliffe on Friday amid a robust rebuttal of claims that it had ignored evidence of drug cheating by leading athletes for more than a decade. The IAAF has sent a detailed response to British authorities, saying the allegations that they sat “idly by” amid a scandal were based on “inaccurate and unfounded scientific and legal argument.” The vindication left the now-retired 41-year-old Radcliffe, one of the sport’s all-time endurance running greats, delighted but insistent that her reputation had been damaged by the ordeal she had faced since her name was linked with blood doping allegations. “We want to eradicate doping from our sport but we can never put any innocent athlete through what I had

to go through this summer,” Radcliffe told Sky Sports. “Ms Radcliffe should never have been forced to come out and defend herself against such insinuations,” the IAAF concluded, adding that “the circumstances in which Ms Radcliffe came to be publicly accused are truly shocking.” The IAAF’s defence of Radcliffe features in its long response to the British Parliament’s Culture, Media And Sport select committee hearing at which Members of Parliament discussed the doping allegations aired by German broadcaster ARD and the Sunday Times. Journalists had obtained a database of athletes’ blood tests over an 11-year period and concluded, after an examination by two experts, that it contained hundreds of suspicious results that the IAAF should have acted on. Radcliffe was not named but felt forced to go public after she was effectively linked to the allegations by a comment from the select committee chairman Jesse Norman about the “high-profile British athlete” named in the Sunday Times story. Yet an IAAF statement said: “She

(Radcliffe) has been publicly accused of blood doping based on the gross misinterpretation of raw and incomplete data. When all of the necessary information is considered, however...there are clearly plausible explanations for the values in her profile that are entirely innocent. “For example, in two of the cases highlighted by The Sunday Times, the samples were collected immediately after competition (when dehydration causes a decrease in plasma concentration, and so an increase in reported haemoglobin concentration, even though there has been no increase in red blood cells). “Any competent scientist would therefore immediately conclude that they should be disregarded.” The IAAF said that Radcliffe was “hounded remorselessly” by the media and that there was “no basis whatsoever for the insinuations made against her.” The Federation concluded: “The IAAF cannot sit idly by while public confidence in its willingness to protect the integrity of its sport is undermined by allegations of inaction/incompetence that are based on bad scientific and legal argument.”

out. Paul Couchman was the next best player with 15 for the Linden Foundation Secondary School. Deandre Andrews took 3 for 29 off four Overs and Emmanuel McGarrel 3 for 20 off two Overs. In reply Mackenzie High made 141 all out off 15.4 Overs with Deandre Andrews coming back to make 28 as Orin Jones got 21 and Omari Gordon 17. Lincoln Ragubir took 3 wickets for 24 from four Overs and Nolan Gray 3 wickets also.

England win by three runs, claim T20 series against Pakistan DUBAI, (Reuters)- England survived a late blitz from Shahid Afridi to secure a three-run victory in the second Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Dubai yesterday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. England won the toss and batted first, reaching 1728 from their 20 overs, with James Vince top scoring with a sprightly 38 from 24 balls, while Jos Buttler (33) and opener Jason Roy (29) also contributed. The Pakistan chase appeared to be faltering until Afridi arrived at the crease with the hosts on 120-6 with a little over three overs remaining and smashed 24 runs off eight balls that included three sixes and a four. Having dragged Pakistan back to within 25 runs of victory with two overs remaining, Afridi’s march was halted and England were able to breathe a sigh of relief as he sliced a Chris Woakes delivery to Liam Plunkett. Woakes then removed Sarfraz Ahmed with Pakistan needing 11 from the final five deliveries, but when Sohail Tanvir smacked a four off his first ball, a thrilling finale appeared to be in store. England, however, managed to turn off the taps and restricted Tanvir and Anwar Ali to just three runs from the final four balls, leaving them short of their target on 169-8. The victory was England’s fifth consecutive Twenty20 success heading into the World T20 in India in March. “It’s a bit more stressful being captain but it was a performance full of character. We didn’t play our best, Afridi played as only he can but we got over the line,” stand-in captain Buttler said. The final match in the series takes place in Sharjah on Monday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Windies arrive in Brisbane for tough Aussie assignment BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) — West Indies made a quiet arrival in the picturesque east coast city here Thursday to begin preparation for their three-Test series against Australia staring next month. The squad, led by captain Jason Holder, arrived via New York and Los Angeles following two days of travel from the Caribbean. West Indies will train their attention first on a five-day camp at the Allan Border Field before taking on a young Cricket Australia XI in a four-day game starting Wednesday at the same venue. A significant presence in the squad is that of head coach Phil Simmons who missed the recent Test and

limited overs tour of Sri Lanka through suspension. He was pulled from

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons that tour by the West Indies Cricket Board after he bizarrely claimed in a media conference that the

selection of the one-day squad had been influenced by “outside interference”. Simmons, appointed following the ICC World Cup earlier this year, subsequently apologised after appearing before the WICB’s human resources committee, and was promptly reinstated. The Trinidadian will be leading West Indies for the first time on an overseas tour after presiding over the home tours against England and Australia. While Simmons has returned, the series will mark the final one for Sir Richie Richardson in his five-year stint as team manager. The former West Indies captain and batting star is set to take up duties as an ICC match referee

following the series. For the Caribbean side, the highlight of the series will be the Boxing Day second Test in Melbourne, as the tourists have not had the courtesy of being part of this historic fixture in 15 years. Several hundred West Indians, who reside in Australia, are expected to mark the Boxing Day Test with a mini-carnival. West Indes will play the opening Test in Hobart starting December 10 and the third Test in Sydney, starting in the New Year, and are expected to face a tough assignment against the powerful Aussies. Significantly, they have not won a Test Down Under in 18 years and have also not beaten Australia in a Test for 12 years.

Australia bowlers shine on day-night Test’s debut First day-night Test passes without controversy By Ian Ransom ADELAIDE,Reuters)- New Zealand’s pacemen struck back with two late wickets under the floodlights at Adelaide Oval but Australia’s bowlers shined in the sun as the inaugural day-night Test opened yesterday. Batsmen had spoken of the pink ball with trepidation in the leadup to the historic match and 12 wickets tumbled in front of a festive crowd of 47,441. After winning the toss, New Zealand squandered a positive start with poor shot selection to be dismissed cheaply for 202 early in the twilight of the late session of the third and final test. Pacemen Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell swung the ball around devilishly to remove Australia openers David Warner (1) and Joe Burns (14). But captain Steve Smith (24 not out) and Adam Voges (nine) dug in to guide the hosts to 54-2 at stumps under an inky black sky. Australia, 1-0 up in the series, took the lead in nudging a 138-year-old format into prime-time hours so it was fitting that the home side held a slender advantage at the close. Their satisfaction was tempered, however, with an injury to pace spearhead Mitchell Starc who limped off late in the middle session and never returned. Scans confirmed he had suffered a stress fracture in his right foot and he will bowl no further in the Test. “It’s very disappointing for him. He’s been on fire,” Siddle, who took 2-54 and celebrated his 200th Test wicket, told reporters. “I think we’ve got enough bowling in our lineup anyway to take the 10 more wickets needed so I think we’ll be fine.” Starc, who has carried an ankle injury for months, was the pick of Australia’s bowlers with 3-24, but was in clear discomfort from the first ball. He trapped the dangerous Kane Williamson in front for 22 with a searing yorker just before the first interval and New Zealand duly crumbled after the break. They lost three wickets for four runs in 11 balls, with opener Tom Latham, Ross Taylor and McCullum all falling through loose shots. Spinner Nathan Lyon triggered the rout by having Latham caught behind for 50, and Taylor holed out for 21 edging Siddle through to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.

McCullum showed no interest in a patient captain’s knock and was caught behind for four slashing wildly at Starc. Spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner, a surprise selection in place of seamer Matt Henry, showed some resilience but Starc returned to bowl him for 31 before exiting the field. Josh Hazlewood will go down as the day-night Test’s first wicket-taker, trapping opener Martin Guptill lbw for one. Though the game’s oldest format took a leap into the future, players and spectators also looked back in sorrow on the one-year anniversary of Phillip Hughes’ death. Both teams wore black armbands and a short video tribute played during the tea-break in remembrance of the former Australia batsman who died at the age of 25 after being struck in the head by a ball during a domestic match.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings M. Guptill lbw b Hazlewood 1 T. Latham c Nevill b Lyon 50 K. Williamson lbw b Starc 22 R. Taylor c Nevill b Siddle 21 B. McCullum c Nevill b Starc 4 M. Santner b Starc 31 B. Watling c Smith b Hazlewood 29 M. Craig b Lyon 11 D. Bracewell c Burns b Siddle 11 T. Southee c Warner b Hazlewood 16 T. Boult not out 2 Extras (lb-1 nb-1 w-2) 4 Total (all out, 65.2 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-7 M. Guptill,2-59 K. Williamson,3-94 T. Latham,4-98 R. Taylor,5-98 B. McCullum,6-142 M. Santner,7-164 M. Craig,8-184 B. Watling,9-194 D. Bracewell,10-202 T. Southee Bowling: M. Starc 9 - 3 - 24 – 3, J. Hazlewood 17.2 - 2 - 66 – 3, P. Siddle 17 - 5 - 54 – 2, N. Lyon 15 - 1 - 42 – 2, M. Marsh 5 - 1 - 12 0(nb-1 w-2),S. Smith 2 - 0 - 3 – 0. AUSTRALIA 1st innings J. Burns b Bracewell 14 D. Warner c Southee b Boult 1 S. Smith not out 24 A. Voges not out 9 Extras (b-4 lb-1 w-1) 6 Total (for 2 wickets, 22 overs) 54 Fall of wickets: 1-6 D. Warner,2-34 J. Burns To bat: S. Marsh, M. Marsh, P. Nevill, P. Siddle, M. Starc, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: T. Southee 7 - 0 - 16 – 0, T. Boult 6 - 2 - 15 - 1(w-1), D. Bracewell 5 - 2 - 6 – 1,M. Santner 4 - 0 - 12 – 0.

Guinness Greatest In Da Street prelims conclude tonight THE Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest In Da Street Futsal Competition preliminary round wraps up tonight as the Banks DIH D’Aguair Park hosts the final eight matches before the knockout stage gets underway.

At 19:00 hrs the first match unravels as Channel 9 meet Cross Street, and then from 19:30 hrs East Front Road do battle with Costello Avengers. Laing Avenue is fixed to take on West Back Road at 20:00 hrs, then half an hour later the Globe Yard versus Old School Ballers encounter begins. Beginning the final half of the night, Festival City Warriors take on Albouystown B, and then North Ruimveldt will trash it out with Leopold Street. Match seven is a fixture between Albouystown A and North East La Penitence while West Front Road and Alexander Village will bring down the curtains.

Guyana face Antigua and Barbuda in Game one tonight at MSC ground

HISTORY beckons tonight when Guyana’s National Men’s basketballers take on their counterparts from Antigua and Barbuda in the first of a four-game goodwill Challenge Series at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court in Linden, from 21:00 hrs. There will be a supporting game between the Mackenzie High School and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School at 19:00 hrs. Both the Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda national men’s teams participated at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in Road Town, Tortula, in the British Virgin Islands earlier this year where Antigua recorded a 80-60 win and went on to place third in the 2015 CBC Men’s Championship. With this in mind, the Guyana coaching staff led by Head Coach Darcel Harris and Marlon Rodrigues will be eager to erase the memory of that loss to Antigua and Barbuda with an opening victory tonight. No doubt a large partisan Linden crowd will be rooting for the Guyana All Star lineup which is expected to be studded with some players from the Mining Town of Linden. The Guyana team for tonight’s game should include Linden players: Akeem Kanhai, Shane Webster and Chris Williams who were there at the last CBC Championships. Others from the Mining town that could be considered tonight are Orin Rose, Travin Dryden, Harold Adams, Terron Welch, Amineke Archibald and Dennis Niles, all who have represented Guyana at the junior level before and are indeed players with a future.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 28, 2015

Government of Guyana on board Local boxers put on good Sponsors $4M first place prize STAG Elite League show as tournament Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament

gets underway By Michael DaSilva

LOCAL amateur boxers put on a good show as the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament dubbed `Back to the Future’ got underway on Thursday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with 13 participating countries. From the first contest on the night’s card which started after schedule, Guyana’s Jamal Eastman started winning ways for the locals as he forced the referee to stop his bantamweight contest against Grenada’s Nailon Cyrus at two minutes 11 seconds of the first round in a bout of the Junior Category. Eastman’s team mate Dewani Lampkin followed up with a unanimous points’ victory over St. Lucia’s Noilohan Ferreri in a lightweight contest in the Youth Category. However, it was not smooth sailing for the locals as Clinton Graham suffered a unanimous points’ loss to Jamaica’s Nico Yeyo in a welterweight contest of the Elite Category. Later in the evening, Dennis Thomas continued the winning streak for the local boxers with a unanimous points decision win against Arthur L’Oangelier of St. Lucia, and Joel Williamson crowned off Guyana’s dominance with a points decision victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Christopher DeFreitas in a Lightweight contest b in the Elite Category. Starting the night and tournament on a winning note for Guyana, Eastman stormed his opponent from the start of the round and threw punches from all angles connecting with several combinations. This forced the neutral referee from Trinidad and Tobago to issue the first of three eight-counts in the round. On resumption, Eastman, realising that he had his opponent under his control, stormed Cyrus once again and the referee issued a second standing eight-count. Cyrus at this point seemed dazed and Eastman capitalised on this, and once again a next barrage of combinations and the referee had no other alternative but to call a halt to the one-sided affair. In the Lampkin versus Ferreri contest, the southpaw Lampkin followed Eastman’s style of fighting by taking the fight to his opponent from the first round, but Ferreri went on the defensive and started to counter-attack nicely and scored a few points. Round two saw the St. Lucian looking more purposeful, connecting with one-two combinations to the body and head of the Guyanese. However, in the third round, Lampkin started to pick his punches and this went in his favour for a while until Ferreri, realising that he was behind on points started to go after Lampkin and the two exchanged several combinations with Lampkin getting the better of the exchanges and in the end scored a unanimous points’ decision. In the Graham versus Yeyo affair, both boxers went at each other exchanging punches from the start of the first round and Graham looked the more polished of the two, but the Jamaican continued to take the fight to Graham who seemed content with countering. In the second round, Graham showed more aggression from the start and started to use the ring to good advantage, jabbing and moving with the occasional one-two combinations. From the start of the final round, Yeyo came out swinging from all angles, connecting to his target on a few occasions. Graham then changed gears and went into an attacking mode before reversing to his boxing style, jabbing and moving and in the end Yeyo was awarded the win by a split decision which did not go down well with the small but partisan home crowd. In other results, Jean Paul Cooper of Trinidad and Tobago got a unanimous points’ decision win against The Bahamas’ Tyrone Oliver in a Light Welterweight contest in the Elite category; Lyndell Marcelloin of St. Lucia won his welterweight contest by a split decision against Jamal Edmund of Barbados in the Elite Category. In the same category and weight division, Hendrik Farlot of French Guiana also scored a split decision win against Charles Leatham of Dominica.

THE Government of Guyana recently announced their alliance with the STAG Elite League, following a meeting between Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, first vice-president Brigadier (rtd) Jullian Bruce Lovell and Minister of State Joseph Harmon. It was during the meeting that Harmon, a long time lover of the game, stated that the Government of Guyana will sponsor the league’s first place prize of $4M. The first part of the league (Genesis) will conclude tomorrow at the Leonora Stadium, when Slingerz FC come up against rivals Alpha United where the winner between the two will pocket the Government’s contribution while the loser takes home $2M. In the third place play-off, Pele FC, who were beaten by Alpha United in the semi-final (3 – 1), face Fruta Conquerors (who lost 2 – 0 to Slingerz). According to a release

GFF Wayne Forde looks on while 1st VP Brigadier (rtd) Jullian Bruce Lovell greets Minister of State Joseph Harmon. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency) from the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Harmon pledged the Government’s commitment to supporting the work of the GFF. The GFF President out-

lined to the Minister, his plans to erase lawless practices from the football fraternity in Guyana and to restore the game to its former glory. Forde lauded Minister

Harmon’s intervention and added that the GFF will be working closely with the Government of Guyana to aid in the development of the game.

GABA given shot in the arm from Harris Paints

In this photo, President of the host association Steve Ninvalle received the check from Harris Paints Retail Service Manager Nicole Griffith.

THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) was given a shot in the arm yesterday when Caribbean Champion of Colours Harris Paints presented a check to assist in hosting the Caribbean Development Tournament. The four-day competition started on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and has attracted 13 countries. The finals will be held tomorrow at the same venue with the first punch being thrown at 18.00 hrs.

Knee injury puts Pollard out of Ram Slam, Big Bash

WEST Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard will not play any further part in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge in South Africa or in December’s Big Bash in Australia. The big-hitting right handed batsman picked up the injury while fielding for Cape Cobras in a game against Knights at Paarl. Despite the injury, the 28-year-old still came out to bat, striking a 12-ball 23 that won the game for the Cobras. “Kieron has given his all. The fact that he went out to bat after he got injured, underlines his dedica-

tion and commitment to the team. He has been an inspiration to the whole squad,” said Cape Cobras’ coach Paul Adams, also voicing disappointment in losing Pollard. Pollard’s performances for the Cobras led them to the title last season. The big medium-pacer took 14 wickets and scored 243 invaluable runs on the season, earning for him, the Player of the Tournament award. The Cobras aren’t the only team that will miss Pollard’s fireworks, as the Adelaide Strikers will not have his services when the Big Bash

begins on December 17. “This is obviously terrible news and our first concern is that Kieron can make a full recovery from his injury,” said South Australian Cricket Association high performance general manager, Tim Nielsen. “Kieron is a unique player because he has all-round ability as a batsman, bowler and fielder, so it’s going to be difficult to replace him but we’re investigating all options and will try to find the best fit for the team,” Nielsen added.(Sportsmax.com)

Sport CHRONICLE

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Government of Guyana on board STAG Elite League See story on page 35

Linden dethrones North Georgetown

Linden dethrones North Georgetown By Tamica Garnett A 48.7 seconds record breaking performance from Jason Yaw in the Boy’s Under- 20 400m was not enough to salvage a championship win for North Georgetown,

who lost the 55th MoE/GTU National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships to Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (Linden) District 10 when the event concluded last evening at the National Stadium, Providence.

Linden amassed 74 points to be declared the undisputed champions, and clinch their 14th championships title. North Georgetown ended in second place after finishing with 59 points. Third place was shared between Corentyne District 6 and East Georgetown

District 12, which both ended with 47 points. With 46 points each, District 13 and West Demerara District 3 landed fifth place. Linden now shares the claim of the most See page 30

We are the Champions! Linden District 10 celebrate their Championship win of the 55th National Schools Championships. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Linton Mentis (first from left) leads District 12’s to a win in the men’s 4x100m relay

A District 10 representative receives the champion trophy from Digicel’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, Luanna Abrams (second from left)

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015