Chronicle 5 29 2016

Anti-corruption pledge SUNDAY MAY 29, 2016

No. 104566

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

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- President says strong national institutions, private sector and citizens can help ensure transparency

One dead, three missing as cutlass pirates strike on the Corentyne Page

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Dead: Hemchand Sukhdeo, called ‘Dread’

The vessel used by the pirates

Laptops scandal

- 1900 laptops missing; losses amount to over $300M Page 3 - Auditors: call in the police

Teen 2 waitress shot in face at Chinese restaurant Page

- Worked after school to make ends meet

President to pardon non-violent women 9 offenders

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Onika Luke

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Teen waitress shot in face at- Worked Chinese restaurant after school to make ends meet

By Rabindra Rooplall SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Onika Luke of Lot 1 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, who would hang up her uniform after school and head for a night job as a waitress to make ends meet, was shot to the face on Friday night after she resisted a gunman’s attempt to rob the Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant in her home village.

Now a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of Wood-

lands Hospital, Onika gave the police a description of her assailant in writing on a piece of paper as investigations continue.

The bandit reportedly entered the restaurant at about 22:40 hrs and ordered a meal, but while paying for the meal, the man allegedly held on to Luke’s hands as she was behind the barred-off counter, then he pulled out a firearm and demanded cash. The teen resisted the assailant, and was shot to her chin whilst

he made good his escape.

Luke’s brother, Rickford Ranjee, said he received a call minutes before 23:00hrs on Friday night, informing him that his sister had been shot in her hands.

“Then Chiney man himself come home by us and tell me put on my clothes because my sister get shoot in she hand. When I rush down to the hospital, the nurse tell me my sister get shoot in her hand and the bone break, and the bullet fly through her chin and is lodged in her throat,” he explained.

The distressed brother said that, in the presence of two policemen at the hospital, his sister wrote on a

piece of paper the description of the man who had shot her. She told her brother that the person came into the restaurant and ordered a half-portion vegetable fried rice, and she collected the money from the man. It was when she reached for the drawer that the man snatched her by her jersey neck and pulled her into the grillwork barring the counter.

“Then like when he point the gun to shoot

Onika Luke

The Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant at Better Hope, ECD, where the teen was shot while on duty her, she tried boxing it away and the bullet (flew) through her hands, hit her chin and (got stuck) in her throat,” Ranjee

explained.

Luke attends St. John's College, and the brother said it was only three months ago that she decided to start working daily after returning home from

school to assist with paying her own bills and look after her development. She would normally work from 17:00hrs to 22:00hrs.

Ranjee said the supermarket adjacent to the restaurant was robbed last year, and a Chinese man had been shot in his leg in that incident.

Ranjee said the same person who had shot his sister had recently threatened to kidnap her after he had noticed her going home late at night. He said she detailed all this to him in writing on a piece of paper on Saturday morning.

She said that the shooter has a tattoo to his neck; it is someone she was accustomed to seeing about the place, he explained.

Residents in the area said the restaurant opened for business almost four months ago.

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Laptops scandal

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

- 1900 laptops missing; losses amount to over $300M - Auditors: call in the police

By Ravin Singh A FORENSIC audit into the financial operations and functioning of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project has revealed that over 1900 laptops, totalling in excess of $115M are currently unaccounted for, while defective laptops have taken the total losses to over M$300.

The OLPF was launched by then President Bharrat Jagdeo in January, 2011.

The audit which was conducted by Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, was one of many initiated by the APNU+AFC government when it assumed office last year.

Published on the Ministry of Finance’s website on Friday last, the document details a comprehensive analysis of the project, outlining several recommendations which are likely to improve the status of it.

According to the audit, the project was launched by the then PPP Government in 2011.It was administered by persons in, and contracted by the Office of the President (OP). And based on discussions with management and statements made by the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Ram and McRae deduced that the main objective of the project was to acquire and distribute laptops to 90,000 families across Guyana.

However, the report revealed that this was not achieved.

In fact, up to and including December 31, 2014, five months before the PPP was unseated from government, the project had fallen short of its target to distribute 90,000 laptops and only 58,303 were distributed; this represented 75 percent.

Further, the audit revealed that the total distribution cost amounted to $35,291,406 or three percent of the total cost of the project. The average cost of distribution per laptop was therefore calculated to be $706. On the other hand, total training cost amounted to $70,750,427 or six percent of the total cost of the project. The average cost of training per laptop was therefore $1,415.

“It is clear from the summary analysis above that 92 percent of the total cost was incurred due to indirect expenses, while only eight percent was directly attributable to the underlying objective of the project. We believe that the general expenses of the OLPF were exorbitant and could have been curtailed by management,” the audit report said.

But apart from expenditure, what was interesting to note

was that during 2012, management discovered that 103 laptops totalling $5,912,200 were missing. The report further states that following investigations by the police, the services of seven employees were terminated by the Office of the Pres-

Then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, launched the One Laptop Per Family Project in January, 2011 ident on February 22, 2013. The missing laptops however, were not recovered.

Additionally, having embarked on the audit, Ram and McRae on August 5, 2015, requested and observed a 100 percent physical inventory count and subsequently performed a reconciliation based on the documents provided.

According to the auditors, their procedures revealed that management was unable to account for an additional 1,875 laptops costing $109,168,913. Given this situation, the auditors recommended that the matter be referred to the police for a full investigation.

The report goes on to state that presently, there are 3,158 laptops in stock, costing $191,079,058 and are all damaged.

However, the auditors were unable to determine whether these

are beyond repair.

“It is likely therefore that of the total number of laptops acquired by purchase or grant of 55,145, some 5,136 were either stolen or are defective. In dollar terms, the actual loss to the Government Is $306,160,171,” Ram and McRae said in their report.

It was further deduced that financing of the Project was opaque and funded out of moneys received by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), which was itself retaining funds otherwise payable into the Consolidated Fund.

“The project did not maintain any proper system of accounting and the only accounting done was by way of instructions to the NFMU to approve invoices for payment. There was no accounting for transactions executed on behalf of the project, nor was there any reconciliation of the records of the OLPF and the NFMU,” the report added.

Substantive testing and expenditure analysis also confirmed that $1,263,454,790 was paid by the NFMU for the administrative, employment, training and distribution expenses incurred by OLPF during the period May 9, 2011 to May 31, 2015.

This amount, the report said, was made up mainly of employment costs which aggregated to $734,625,642 or 58 percent during the period. The second largest type of expenditure was administrative expenses, which amounted to $422,787,315 or 33 percent of the total cost.

Ram and McRae also pointed out that the financial systems and internal controls governing the project were generally weak. They noted that since the project did not have a Board of Directors, the underlying principles of corporate governance should have been fulfilled by management, and there is no evidence that this was done.

“While the lower- level positions were advertised, political considerations may have influenced the appointment of the more senior staff, including two sons of a former Government Member of Parliament” the report said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Zika crisis: WHO seeks to allay fears over Rio Olympics (BBC) The World Health Organization (WHO) has played down concerns over the spread of the Zika virus, amid calls for the Rio Olympics in August to be postponed.

Senior WHO official Bruce Aylward told the BBC that risk assessment plans were in place, and reiterated that there was no need to delay the Games.

The mayor of Rio said disease-carrying mosquitoes were being eradicated.

The officials were responding to an open letter by scientists saying it was “unethical” for the Games to go ahead.

The letter also said the global health body should revisit its Zika guidance.

The Zika virus is linked to severe birth defects.

Between February and April, Brazil registered more than 90,000 likely cases of Zika. The number of babies born with Zika-linked defects stood at 4,908 in April.

Dr Aylward, who heads the WHO’s emergency programme, told the BBC that it was already carrying out a risk-assessment programme “about this disease and the risks it poses both to individuals who get and those who might be subsequently exposed”.

In addition, he said, independent experts had reported to the WHO on the implications of the outbreak for travel and trade.

“Those are two of the ex-

Brazil has sent teams to eradicate mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus

act measures that that group has asked for and that is exactly what is being done, and clearly we need to have better communicated that.”

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it sees no reason to delay or move the Games because of the mosquito-borne disease.

Mr Aylward said that a call to postpone the Games could not be ruled out in the future, but added: “All the information available today... suggests that the games

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should definitely go ahead.”

He restated the WHO’s warning that women who are pregnant or seek to get pregnant should not travel to the Zika zone or be exposed to returning partners who may have been infected.

Postponing the games, at this stage, would only “compromise the huge investment that athletes and others have made in preparing for what should be a fantastic occasion.”

In their open letter, the 150 scientists said Brazil’s mosquito-eradication programme had failed. They cited this, and the country’s “weakened” health system, as reasons to postpone or move the Olympics.

In his reply, Rio Mayor Eduardo da Costa Paes said: ● The city has over 3,000

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health officials monitoring the presence of mosquitoes across Rio ● Inspections will be stepped up in August, a time of year when there are anyway fewer mosquitoes ● A team of eradicators will start focusing on Olympic venues a month before the Games.

Zika infection in pregnant women has been shown to be a cause of microcephaly and other brain abnormalities in babies.

In February, the WHO declared recent outbreaks of those diseases in Latin America and French Polynesia a global health emergency requiring a united response.

It said stepping up programmes to eradicate mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus were a priority.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Venezuela Government, Opposition hold talks in Dominican Republic: local media (Reuters) Venezuela’s opposition leaders and top government officials have held talks in the Dominican Republic to lay the groundwork for a potential dialogue to defuse a political standoff and a deepening economic crisis, local media reported on Saturday.

The OPEC nation is suffering a severe recession due to low oil prices and a collapsing socialist economic model. President Nicolas Maduro is locked in a standoff with Congress after the opposition won a sweeping legislative majority last year.

A government delegation including Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez has for three days met with representatives of opposition parties including Primero Justicia and Voluntad Popular, according to opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional. Gov-

ernment-backed newspaper Ciudad Caracas described the encounter as an “exploratory meeting for the start of dialogue,” adding that the meeting included ex-leaders of Spain, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Rodriguez retweeted state-run broadcaster Telesur saying the government had met with the opposition. A Foreign Ministry official declined to comment.

The head of Venezuela’s MUD opposition coalition tweeted “There is no ‘opposition-government’ meeting in the Dominican. Representatives of the coalition are attending a meeting with (the ex-presidents).”

International agencies including the United Nations and the Group of Seven industrial powers known as the G7 have pressed the two sides to hold talks amid chronic shortages of food and medicine and electrici-

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the 16th PetroCaribe Ministerial Council in Caracas May 27, 2016. (Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS)

ty rationing.

But opposition leaders, who are seeking a referendum to recall President Maduro, have been deeply skeptical of initiating such talks. Former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, who is leading the recall push, said in an

interview this week that dialogue would simply allow the government to buy time and that the only way to resolve the crisis was

through a vote.

A dialogue effort in 2014 brought the two sides together amid months of violent anti-government

street protests that left more than 40 people dead. Both sides agree that the talks did not produce any substantive agreements. Opposition leaders accuse the National Election Council of stalling their effort to recall Maduro, whose popularity in March dropped to 27 percent according to local pollster Datanalisis.

They also say the ruling Socialist Party has used a pro-government Supreme Court to shoot down nearly every law passed by Congress since the opposition won a twothirds majority of seats in December. Maduro insists his government is the victim of an “economic war” led by business leaders with the backing of Washington.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service

STAKEHOLDERS have welcomed the submission of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service. The act of appointing a commission is a recognition that, over the years, the ongoing conflicts on various issues, such as wages/salaries and working conditions, cannot be allowed to fester as the nation seeks to bring about good governance.

While there is an acceptance that conflicts are inherent in every relationship, to do nothing to address and solve same is not an option.

In that this report evidently sought, through its findings, analyses and recommendations, to address and solve conflicts and eliminate bugbears in the system, it should not be allowed to be shelved, but be discussed among the stakeholders, and systems should be put in place for its implementation. The nation has been exposed to constant conflicts among trade unions; the employer, which in this case is the Government; workers and citizens in regard to the reluctance of the employer to uphold the sacred tenets of collective bargaining.

Collective bargaining, by the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, is deemed a right once there exists a recognised trade union, and the employer is obligated to treat with that union in good faith. For more than a decade, this was observed in the breach in the public sector. The public sector is the single largest employer in the country, and given universal practices, the way Government treats with public sector workers sets the tone and standard for how the non-government sectors will treat with their workers.

The nation is reminded that one of the first acts in independent Guyana was the ratification of the International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 by the Government. Convention # 87 deals with freedom of association and the right to join a trade union of choice, and Convention 98 deals with the right to collective bargaining.

These conventions were ratified by the Government of Guyana exactly 50 years ago, i.e. in 1966. As more understanding of our history is known, and based on the recount of the Labour Movement of this history and their role in the process, these conventions are not only seen as embracement of the Workers’ Agenda in the political platform, but the honouring of commitments given to the workers and citizens when the struggle for independence was achieved.

The commission’s report has touched on important issues, such as putting in place a mechanism to bring about a resolution on wages and salaries’ negotiations whenever

there is an impasse between the trade union and the Government. What this recommendation does is to give an opportunity to the National Assembly, which is the nation’s highest decision-making forum, to arrive at consensus on the determination of wages and salaries based on the performance of the economy and the ability to pay. This approach also encourages the deepening of inclusivity in decision-making in the political system, with the involvement of the parties that are elected to the National Assembly.

The other issue of salaries and conditions for the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament and Regional Chairmen, where it is recommended that a mechanism be found to address increases for these categories of public workers, is worthy of consideration. Applying this approach removes existing doubts and suspicions in the society that politicians care only about themselves, not the economy and other workers in the public sector.

Then there is the recommendation that calls for the establishment of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

This tribunal is a constitutional body established by law in 1984. One of the benefits of this tribunal is that it gives

an aggrieved public servant the opportunity to have his/her grievance heard before a panel outside of the court. This tribunal gives the worker who does not have the financial wherewithal to pursue justice through the court an opportunity to pursue same nonetheless. In that this tribunal has not been functioning since in the mid-1990s is not only a violation of the law, but also a denial of the pursuit of justice for those who seek it.

Restoring a professional public service is important for good governance and the improved delivery of services, to which the society is entitled. To the extent that the Government enlisted a commission on its commitment to restore professionalism to the public sector, and the report sought to do so within the mandate it was given, is an achievement for the society; but the society must not stop there.

The establishment of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and restoration of Collective Bargaining are two elements the trade unions have, over the years, been consistently calling for. Now that the commission has recommended that these two elements be respected, the ball to honour same is in the Government’s court, and, understandably, the trade unions will agitate for same.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

The missing group Dear Editor,

I HAD reason to disagree with my friend Freddie Kissoon because of what he said in one of his daily articles on May 27, 2016, titled The Morning After.

Partially biased, he said, “So we enjoyed our bacchanalian festivities on May 26, but on the morning after there are still people waiting for over six or eight hours to see a doctor at A&E at the Georgetown Hospital.”

Freddie missed what I made sure I did not miss.

He gave the impression that “we”, the Guyanese people, were all a part of the bacchanal. He wrote with a narrow view of the Guyanese populace and what transpired over the Jubilee celebrations.

Brother Kissoon, “we” did not all enjoy the bacchanal. In fact, I was saddened by the attendance at the two major events of the anni-

versary celebrations -– the flag-raising and the float parade. Where were our Indian brothers and sisters? I walked the route of the parade on Thursday; additionally, some of the floats passed by my front gate. The night before, I traversed the Jubilee Stadium way into the wee hours of the morning, looking for any collection or any gathering of my Indian brothers and sisters. I looked to see if maybe they were under the stands eating and drinking. I strolled desperately all around the nicely built stands and well paved asphalt, looking for some semblance of a cohesive reflection of our six races. I was disappointed.

Guyana looked like the festivities were being held in Barbados, or Dominica, or St, Vincent. It looked like Guyana is made up of 90% Blacks. I saw many of my church members and overseas friends. They are all Black. I saw many Muslim

women with their Hijabs, but they were all Black. I saw some of my Muslim friends, who were also Black.

I was haunted. I could not, for the life of me, believe that we were celebrating 50 years of collective independence; and with 40% of our country being Indians, I couldn’t count 100 among the crowds. I was pained to the stomach. What did we do wrong? Why could we not attract some acceptable semblance of our Indian community to come celebrate with us?

I saw our Prime Minister there; he is Indian, could he not have persuaded some from his hometown to come on down? How about those thousands of Indians who voted for the Coalition? Have they abandoned the Government? I was troubled. I asked myself: did the organizers do enough to make sure the ethnic balance of the country was reflected in the planning

My son deserves to be a WICB umpire Dear Editor,

ABOUT eight years ago, my son Mikoowanyah Yisrael, a.k.a “Monty Chester”, heeded the call of the local umpiring fraternity which had placed an ad in the newspapers calling for interested members of the public to come and learn the laws of cricket.

Being a player and a lover of the sport, my son joined the classes, not with the intention of being an umpire, but to improve his knowledge of the game. He went on to top his class, and was encouraged to join the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association. Thus began the journey of a cricket umpire.

Mikoowanyah became a fully qualified West Indies Cricket Board Umpire in 2011, and he has been making continuous strides. He has earned the respect of many of our local cricketers, and is even requested by the Georgetown Cricket Association to do their tournament finals.

Recently, the West Indies Cricket Board requested the

Guyana Cricket Board to nominate a local umpire to join the emerging panel of WICB umpires. The criteria stated that the umpire should be under 35, active (in umpiring), and fully qualified. The GCB mischievously asked the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) to submit not one, but three eligible candidates. Mikoowanyah’s and 2 other candidates’ names were submitted.

A few weeks ago, it was revealed that the executives at the GCB selected Mr. Ryan Banwarie.

Editor, my first question is why are the GCB executives making such a final decision on umpires, and not the umpires themselves? Are the GCB’s executives at many games to assess who is the best umpire? No, they are not.

Secondly, Mikoowanyah has been fully qualified for over 5 years, while the selected umpire has been qualified for less than 2 years. Thirdly, over the past two years, my son has been working as a stand-by umpire for the WICB in their junior tournaments held in

Guyana. The selected umpire has never done same. Such stand-by work is usually given to emerging umpires for them to learn from senior umpires and have the experience of being on the Player Control Team for a regional tournament.

How can Mikoowanyah have done all this work -– more than the other candidates –- and still be overlooked?

Mikoowanyah told me he heard a rumour that he was snubbed because he was not physically fit. However, if this rumour is true, consider these facts: 1: The GCB still selects him for senior inter-county matches. 2: The GCB has never conducted any physical examination on my son. 3: My son was given a form from the WICB which has a list of fitness goals for all umpires. It includes 12-minute Cooper test, plank test, push-up and sit-up test, skinfold test, and hip-to-waist ratio measurement, among others. He has been working hard to exceed these goals.

I am unable to recall all the

and execution of the events?

Or was it that the Indians promised to come, knowing full well that they would never show up?

Where is the Social Cohesion Ministry in all this?

Could Minister Ali not have secured a fair representation of Indians to come and enjoy the planned events?

The Opposition members were there. Their supporters could not have known that there would be a seating problem and that Mr. Jagdeo would have walked out with his delegation. Where were the opposition Indian supporters? Is it that none of them cared that their leaders did agree to attend the celebration? Did the Indians boycott the Opposition too?

Pastor Edghill was there.

I am sure there were folks from his church. But they, too, are Black. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill. If so, you must forgive me. However, I tests, and my son told me he discarded the form after he was not selected.

I am confident that my son can pass any fitness test.

While doing his morning jogs in the park, he often sees and acknowledges the GCB president doing his morning walk; so at least some official at the GCB would know of my son’s exercise habits. The ‘lack of fitness’ excuse has just been rubbished.

Editor, the snub has really disappointed my son; and, as a mother, I know he is really disappointed and angry. This is so because he loves both his cricket and his umpiring.

Even though he is reading for an MBA from the University of the West Indies, he is still making time in his busy schedule for his umpiring. Being a professional and progressive person, he always aims to develop in his endeavours.

Editor, looking at the facts of the candidates, any fair person can see that my son has been unfairly treated. I am only left to my mind’s assumption that the ethnic difference between the candidates was taken into consideration. If I am wrong, maybe the GCB can contact me and show me my error.

WENDY CHESTER

have lived in Trinidad, and their national functions are satisfactorily represented by a cross-section of their ethnicity. I frequently visit Suriname, and the same is true there. Even in the USA, national events bring out all the mixtures of the races.

Why are we so divided here in Guyana?

I would like to think that careful study needs to be given to this blatant lack of national participation in symbolic events. The Coalition has a sufficient ethnic representation within its ranks to bring some kind of informative balance to the planning of these national occasions.

Our Motto is “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, no longer should we look so ethnically top-heavy as the world gazes at us.

Maybe there was some legitimate reason for the visible absence of our Indian brothers and sisters. Maybe there is nothing to it. If so,

I apologize. However, if it is that their absence is because they feel alienated or slighted; if perchance they do not come to our national events because they think that scant regard is paid to their customs and traditions, then those realities need to be addressed.

So the next time my friend Freddie says “we”, he will actually be speaking about all Guyanese.

Editor, please also allow me to thank Minister Nicolette Henry on her unequivocal apologies to the members of the Opposition for the seating debacle. In this politically offensive atmosphere, the Minister needs to be commended for breaking away from the pact.

Regards, PASTOR W. P. JEFFREY, Practical Christianity Ministries Founder/President

Churches hold Jubilee rally at D’Urban Park THE Christian community in Guyana, represented by the Georgetown Ministers Fellowship (GMF), the Guyana Council of Churches and the Guyana Evangelical Fellowship, are joining with the rest of the nation to celebrate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee.

One significant event to mark this milestone is a rally planned for today at D’Urban Park, Georgetown, beginning at 16:00 hrs.

“We believe that God’s plan for Guyana is that it should be a united and prosperous nation. It is out of that conviction we pray and work to see the fulfilment of such a God-given vision for our country.

“This rally is within that context,” the churches stated.

The programme will include worship, thanksgiving, celebration, prayers of reconciliation and preaching of the word of God. Churches have been celebrating the country’s 50th anniversary from the

start of the year.

The GMF has held a number of seminars focusing on issues which it believes have a direct nexus to nation-building. In addition, several local churches and denominations organised Jubilee-related activities and other programmes will be initiated over the coming months.

“The 50th anniversary, therefore, affords an opportune moment for us to once again emphasise the importance of racial unity, healing and reconciliation if we as a people are to experience the fullness of God and successfully advance. The biblical principle of unity as an elemental ingredient for successful nationhood is expressed in Matthew 12: 25.

“A nation divided against itself will not stand. National unity is essential for national development. Our national motto calls us to the aspiration and resolve: One People; One Nation; One Destiny.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Anti-corruption pledge

- President says strong national institutions, private sector and citizens can help ensure transparency

By Alva Solomon Putting an end to corruption requires strong national institutions and the support of the private sector and citizens, President David Granger said on Saturday evening.

His comments were made at the launch of the book “Governance , Transparency and Accountability” by financial management consultant and former Auditor General Dr Anand Goolsarran.

The gathering at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown for the event included Government officials and transparency advocates, including Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Minister

within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott.

He said the Government is committed to excising corruption and improving transparency.

“I feel that in order to eradicate corruption, we must have very strong national institutions”, he said. He identified those state agencies which he noted are well known. These include the Public Service Commission, which he said must be in the hands of those who are not corrupt.

He said the Public Service Commission is a body which makes appointments for persons to public offices.

“The integrity of the Public Service Commission itself needs to be beyond question”, he added.

He spoke also of the Public Procurement Commission, noting that Government is working to establish that body so that goods and services and works are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

He said also that the Integrity Commission should be made a functioning body.

The President also identified the Office of the Auditor General, noting that the relevant head should be qualified to carry out the functions of that job. In addition, he recognized the historical and important nature of the Office of the Ombudsman, and what the Ombudsman’s role was in the 1970s.

“These are very important institutions which we need to preserve”, the Head of State said.

President David Granger is presented with a copy of the book by author Dr Anand Goolsarran He said the hypocritical views on corruption are usually confined to the smaller players, and that the question of who really can afford to pay brides and why do they pay those bribes needs to be answered.

The President said the question of where the proceeds of corruption go and how they arrive there needs to be asked. He said corruption is not the “property of two government clerks”, noting that there are those who ferry contraband items which value in the billions.

He recalled that former President Jagdeo, during his term in office, noted that the country was losing billions in revenue from unpaid taxes on fuel smuggled. Ironically, President Granger noted, in an administrative region, a public officer informed that without smuggled fuel the region would grind to a halt.

The President said the private sector also needs to

play a role in fighting corruption, adding that “Government cannot fight corruption alone”.

He also identified civil society and the international community in combating corruption, as he urged all Guyanese to be vigilant as regards corrupt practices.

Dr Goolsarran’s book, a compilation of articles published in the Stabroek News daily between 2014-2015, contains 100 articles of some 1500 words on average.

Speaking of the author‘s character, Minister Ramjattan noted the fearlessness of Goolsarran, as well as the softer side of the former Auditor General. He said the book provides a “fall back” approach on gaining knowledge of the public accountability practices, which it highlights.

He said that, in 1992, when the PPP administration assumed office, the government at the time called for

audits of public agencies, and he noted that Goolsarran, at the time, undertook a “wonderful job” of auditing the public finances.

He said that sadly, in 2004, that professional accountant was left with no option but to find greener pastures overseas. To this end, he said, Guyana sometimes “push away” the talented.

Professor Clive Thomas, who penned the forward to the book, described the book as a “gem” and encouraged persons to read it.

Goolsarran noted that the book covers the financial events post May 11, 2015.

He noted that he undertook coverage of issues until December last year.

The book will be available at Austin’s Book Store on Church Street next week, and interested persons can contact the author on 233-2486 for further information on obtaining copies of the book.

Copies of the book which were on display last evening

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

One dead, three missing as cutlass pirates strike on the Corentyne

THREE fishing vessels were attacked by pirates just before midnight on Friday, leaving one fisherman dead and three others missing on the Corentyne River.

The dead man, identified as 45-year-old Hemchand Sukdeo, called Dread, of #55 Village, was discovered on Saturday afternoon in a fisherman’s seine during the low tide.

Three of his fellow crew members are still missing, while the captain miraculously survived after being thrown overboard.

The captain, Seepersaud Persaud, 43, of Corriverton, said their boat was attacked by five cutlass-wielding pirates, three of whom were masked. He related that they were approximately five miles in the Atlantic Ocean in Surinamese waters when their boat was approached by pirates, who demanded they hand over their catch valued at $140,000.

They complied as four of the pirates boarded their vessel, while another remained on the pirate boat. Seepersaus said his crew was then tied up and transferred onto the pirates’ boat, and he was instructed to take it ashore with the crew as the pirates took their boat.

Seepersaud said that as he was about to move off, the pirates then asked that he throw overboard two of his men,

Captain Seepersaud Persaud but he refused. Seepersaud related that he was instead thrown overboard by the pirates.

“As we about to move off, them ask me fuh throw ovah two ah me work man, but me seh me nah do dah, and them

President to pardon non-violent women offenders AN announcement on the release of several women who are incarcerated for non-violent offences is expected this week.

This is according to President Granger. He told members of the media at the Pegasus Hotel Saturday evening that the process of identifying who will be pardoned “is not reckless.”

He said persons who have been involved in crimes of violence such as manslaughter will not be eligible.

“And we are looking at persons who might have been convicted for short periods for what we call non-legal offences,” he said. On this note, he singled out women who are mothers.

Already, 71 prisoners (male and female) have been granted presidential pardons under the APNU+AFC Government.

It was explained that those who have been, and will be pardoned, are offenders who had been sentenced for non-violent offences or minor misdemeanours that do not involve trafficking in persons or trafficking in narcotics.

Pardoned offenders are expected to participate in rehabilitative programmes that would help them to effectively reintegrate into society. It is the hope of the President and his administration that those who have been, and will be given a second chance, make a meaningful contribution to the development of Guyana.

In March , President Granger urged the Guyanese public not to be worried with his decision to pardon more prisoners for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, pointing out that he is acting in accordance with the law.

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push me ovah board and drive off.”

Seepersaud said he swam for approximately three hours, until he saw another boat and was rescued him. They then made contact with the Number 66 Fishermen’s Co-op, which sent a boat to take him ashore.

He later learnt that his boat, which is valued at six million dollars, was used to attack two other vessels, and three of his crew members are still missing, and feared dead since the discovery of Sukdeo’s body.

Those missing are Dhanpaul Rampaul of Number 67 Village, a cane harvester who would seek other employment during the out-of-crop season; Dochan Sukra, 54, also called ‘’Butcher’, of Number 55 Village; and another male, identified only as ‘Boyo’.

Police sources have confirmed detaining a boat matching the description of the one used during the pirate attacks, and have in custody five men who were on board at the time. The boat, ‘Sharda SK’, was seen moored at the # 65 Koker when this newspaper was on scene.

Meanwhile, the crew members of two other fishing vessels which were also attacked on Friday night were said to be safe, but could not get ashore because of the low tide.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Minister Henry’s apology to event of 25th May…

WELCOME, THOUGH NOT PERFECT

WE HAVE to set standards for Government to secure the standards by which we want to be governed. The events of the 25th May that resulted in the PPP/C walkout due to seating accommodation should never have happened in the first instance. That Minister Nicolette Henry, who was responsible for organising the event, has apologised for what occurred is a welcoming gesture, even if not perfectly constituted.

The 50th anniversary of independence is bigger than partisan party politics. It is about Guyana, 50 years after the nation experienced the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the lowering of the Union Jack, during which there was that famous hug between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

These were two political rivals who recognised what independence meant to the people of this country and put aside their differences, even if only momentarily, to demonstrate to this nation the importance of what was achieved.

Burnham sought to forge a nation of One People, One Nation and One Destiny. 50 years later, our sitting Government, in pursuit of realising this dream, refers to it as social cohesion, national unity and inclusivity.

On 25th May, the citizens needed a repeat of the symbolism of 1966, when the people came together as one. This could have been achieved had Government, Opposition, and organisers come together and plan various events how best to celebrate the Jubilee to gain maximum involvement of all the people.

The explanation given by the minister about the perceived

mixing up that led to the walk out of the Leader of the Opposition and his entourage, followed by the PPP/C’s explanation, gave the nation the impression that concrete decisions were not made for adequate seating accommodation for the parliamentary opposition.

To be responding to the PPP by the way of media releases will not, and cannot, help the situation. In addition to the media releases, a call could have been made to the Leader of the Opposition, expressing the Government’s straightforward and genuine apology. The failure to take strident action to avoid such occurrence, and then to correct them swiftly on the said night, hurts the image of the Government. This was made no better by an apology that raised more questions.

Any act that seeks not to correct what occurred on the night of the 25th sends a message to the supporters of the Opposition that the current Government is interested only in conducting the business and events of State with the participation and support of its constituency.

The Leader of the Opposition is constitutionally a Member of the Executive, and speaks on behalf of approximately 50 percent of the electorate in this country. What this matter also speaks to is that it is not about Bharrat Jagdeo or any of the PPP/C persons; it is about public office, and how we treat with it. Today the opposition members are PPP/C; tomorrow they can be the coalition members. It also says that those responsible for organising and executing the event were not adequately trained to manage such a large-scale national event, and lacked

knowledge in protocols.

As we reflect on what writers and commentators have been saying about the role of Burnham and Jagan, and on many occasions blaming them for the current divisions that exist in Guyana, the events of 25th May 2016 exonerated these two men. While these men were political rivals in 1966, they sought to embrace each other, signalling to the nation that, as established by our motto, they were prepared to lead by example.

Whilst some may be covertly and overtly enjoying the discomfiting experience by Jagdeo and those whom he led, knowing of his dastardly deeds and mistreatment of a large section of the Guyanese population who would have been represented at that forum, we must be cognisant that the office he represents and previously represented are offices worthy of respect, even though he, as a person, might not be.

Jagdeo has been treated the same way he treated people, but what ought not to be lost sight of is that this Government has been elected to do better than the previous one; and, as such, has a greater responsibility to behave in a civil manner.

In 1964, we came out of serious ethnic and tribal battle, yet Jagan and Burnham demonstrated to the nation that they could have worked together. 50 years later, the divisions are more pronounced from the level of our political leadership; and it is for this reason that it is required of us to call on each and every one to stop talking the talk and begin to walk the walk.

Connecting Digitally for the Good Life

Individual digital responsibility

By Malcolm Williams I SAT reminiscing about how it seems like just yesterday I was rushing home, my heart pounding, chest bursting with excited anticipation. All day I had waited with bated breath and in humble, prayerful supplication for the download of the PASCAL compiler and tools.

Several older youths may know that excitement; for example, waiting for a picture to download on dialup Internet service, circa 1997. Today’s youth, like my colleagues who are smiling at me as I write, will not know such excitement because of the number of advances made in Internet and telecommunication technologies to date. These advances brought greater access; variety of services; and concomitantly, risks and malicious activities. Building on the Head of eGovernment’s call for Government intervention regarding access to the Internet and eServices, in this article we call for your intervention in the form of individual digital responsibility, which we posit is an essential element of citizens (you) connecting

digitally for the “Good Life.”

Today, revolutionary things are happening in the telecommunications sector. The days of despair at the nerve grating noise of modems connecting to dialup service and dropped Internet connections are long gone. The telecommunications sector is undergoing transformation.

For example, the move to go beyond supporting apps like Whatsapp and Skype to the present promises of streaming videos, digital television, and Internet gaming via mobile technology are examples of transformation. But the transformation does not stop there. Accompanying these advances is the apparent ubiquitous requirement to know and be capable of differentiating between mobile technologies. Popular media have it that there have been advances from 1G through 2G, 3G, and more recently to 4G mobile technologies.

So what’s with all those “G”s? The “G” is short for generation and the number tells the evolutionary level of a set of telephone network standards (eg AMPS, TDMA, GSM,

Towards a Good Life in a Green Economy LTE) used to implement specific mobile phone systems. The advance in generation is fuelled by the need to intelligently squeeze more bandwidth out of available wireless spectrum.

It all started with the first generation, 1G, in the 1980s.

1G allowed seamless mobile voice (analog) communica-

Please see page 11

HINDS’SIGHT

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Dr David Hinds

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The humanity and dignity-theirofactivitythe vendors is not illegal

IT IS very unfortunate that some people have misinterpreted my support for the vendors in their standoff with the Georgetown City Council as support for lawlessness.

There has always been a part of our national psyche that privileges law and order, especially when the government which we support is in office. That means that our ethnic communities take turns in their embrace of the use of state force.

Many of those who are today loud in their calls for the removal of the vendors from Stabroek Market Square were vehemently against such action when the PPP government was in office. I understand the origin of such inconsistency, and in some small way I am sympathetic to it, but I have great difficulty following that lead.

I applaud the efforts of the Government and the City Council to arrest the chaos that has developed in Georgetown and elsewhere in the country as a result of street vending. We all know how difficult it is to find space to walk around the city centre since the pavements and other walkways have been transformed into vending spaces. Then there is the filth and the crime, which have accumulated over time. Such a situation is unsustainable, and is injurious to the health and safety of all involved; but, above all, it paints a sorry picture of what Guyana has become: every man and woman for himself/herself in an environment of disregard for normal rules and decency.

The situation did not get to that point because the vendors are bad people. Street vending has always been part of our economic motion, but it escalated at a particular juncture in our recent history. I rather suspect that the overflow of street vending in Georgetown and elsewhere has its origins in the food shortages in the 1980s and the concomitant rise of “trading.” The mass retrenchment from Government service and the absence of a large private sector to absorb the retrenched workers also drove many people into vending.

The vendors are our fellow citizens, who have been putting bread on their tables while providing a valuable service to our country. I have heard the term “illegal vending” being carelessly thrown around, as if that is the root of the problem. For God’s sake, these are poor people who, in the absence of employment in the traditional economy, have become self-employed and have used the public space to ply their trade.

What is illegal about people trying to make a living in a world and a Government which do not care if they live or die? Their occupation of the public space may have been irregular, but not illegal. These people have not been constructing massive buildings in the middle of the city.

Once we attach the term “illegal” to their activities, we instantly begin to criminalize them and their economic activities.

Have we taken into consideration how many doctors and lawyers, and nurses and artists, and mechanics and entrepreneurs and teachers have been thrown up by those vendors? We talk about crime at the Stabroek Square, but have we taken into consideration how many young people were saved from a life of crime because their parents were able to use the little money they make from vending on the streets to send them to school? I am not saying that some people were not selling drugs and using vending as a cover for doing bad things, but we are wrong to characterize all vendors in those terms.

I am appalled that those who were recently voted into office at both the national and municipal levels -- with the goodwill and the votes of those very vendors -- would be so insensitive to their humanity. We should not, in this day and age, try to solve a problem of overflowing street vending and poor people irregular occupation of the public space with the punitive use of law and order as our first line of action. We have to start with consideration for the dignity and humanity of those involved. Those vendors are endowed with the same

Individual digital ...

From page 10 come to depend on. tions only. Some may recall the $20,000 Nokia “cake soap” hand-held device and the freedom from localised landlines.

Though amazing to us, internationally there was a call for change. 1G was deemed inefficient, expensive, and made limited use of the underlying technologies.

Second generation, 2G, was introduced in the 1990s with a shift from analog to digital communication. It featured increased capacity, allowed mass access, and was more scalable. This led to reduced costs, smaller ‘pocket sized’ flip phones and devices, and greater accessibility.

Yet, again, there were deficiencies; 2G was capable of efficiently supporting small data files only; i.e. text and email messaging.

Driven by ever increasing demands to connect faster, more reliability and from anywhere in real-time, third generation, 3G, was developed in the 2000s. 3G brought high-speed broadband Internet access, better security, SIM cards, and it was also optimised for mobile data. Note that 3G is manifested in the use of smartphones and mobile broadband services, such as multimedia streaming and navigation that we have all

Further, 3G evolved into “multimode 3G”, or fourth generation, 4G, in the form of WiMAX and LTE. 4G LTE (first international broadband standard) delivers faster speeds and reduced latencies, thus facilitating real-time connections and improved user experiences. 4G continues to evolve, with the introduction of 4G LTE Advanced promising greater capacities and speeds and a future 5G. The rapid evolution of mobile technology has redefined what it means to be a citizen. Thus enters the concept of digital citizenship. Advances in technology have provided greater opportunities and increased risks of cyber bullying, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrimes. As more people connect at faster speeds and acquire digital literacy skills, the key to achieving the digital ‘Good Life’ is to consistently practise sensible and reasonable online interactions. This is the hallmark of digital citizenship and responsibility.

In the real world, we reasonably expect to enjoy fundamental rights. In return, we accept certain responsibilities, such as paying taxes and following the law. Likewise, online

humanity as the rest of us, many of whom were in the ranks of the poor just the other day.

I spend a lot of my time -- whether in the media, in the classroom or in communities across the country -- reasoning with ordinary people, so I know that they are open to reason even when they are not instantly in agreement with you. It was constant reasoning that got them out to the polls last May to vote for change. We had been reasoning with them when we were in opposition, why can’t we reason with them now that we have power? I am sure that if we sit down and reason with those vendors about the need to regularize their situation in the interest of all of us, they would understand, even if it’s not instantly.

I stand with the vendors because I believe they have not been treated with respect and dignity, and I am tired of those in authority -- in all governments -- always using the power given to them by the people to kick poor people around.

I stand with the vendors because their activities help the economy.

I stand with the vendors to make a statement to Guyana: that we are becoming inhuman, and we have to watch ourselves; cleanliness and order cannot come before humanity.

I stand with the vendors because my aunt who raised me sold fruits in Georgetown by the day and black pudding in Buxton by the night to help feed my siblings and me and to send us to school; she would today be cited for “illegal vending.” For me, this matter is more than political.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics, and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com.

Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com we should enjoy the rights to benefits of the Internet. This includes accessing information safely, securely and privately, while accepting certain responsibilities.

Digital responsibilities entail reporting issues such as bullying, harassment, and identity theft to the appropriate authorities. They also entail respect for intellectual property copyrights. Parents and guardians must educate and model digital responsible behaviour.

An important part of being a digitally responsible citizen is to be safe online. This requires individual continuous education about methods of keeping one’s data/information safe, and managing personal information on social networking spaces responsibly by configuring appropriate privacy settings.

Finally, it is important that, as a responsible digital citizen, you do not, in any way, falsify your own identity.

Comments can be sent to towardsagoodlife@gmail.com.

(Malcolm Williams is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Guyana, and a consulting Director for Policy and Training, at the eGovernment Agency. His research involves Knowledge Management and Technology Adoption. For additional information or assistance on being a digitally responsible citizen, please send questions, comments and suggestions to info@egovguyana.net)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Region Eight Medex, businessman honoured BUSINESSMAN Roger Hinds and Medex Lisa Augustus, two prominent community leaders in Region Eight, were recognized during that region’s 50th Anniversary Flag- raising Ceremony on Thursday evening.

Their recognition, by a regional NGO dubbed “OECS Media Network on Health”, was witnessed by a number of key officials from both the public and private sectors.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan; Member of Parliament for Region 8, Ms. Rajcoomaria Bancroft; Regional Executive Officer Rafel Downes; Region 8 Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks; Deputy Regional Executive Officer Gavin Gounga, and RDC Councillors.

Hinds, who has been operating a number of business ventures, including a hotel and supermarket at Mahdia,

said he was thrilled and elated by the recognition. He said he was very humbled and was motivated to continue his businesses. He stressed that giving back to the community in which he lives is critically important not only for him as an individual, but also for the continued growth of his business.

“I have been giving, and will continue to give, as I have seen the many benefits of giving back to the community. I have always maintained that giving back to the community is of great importance,” Hinds said.

The businessman, who has sponsored a number of sporting and culture- related events and activities, stressed that through giving his community will be improved. He declared that Region 8 has a number of talented sportsmen and women, and with the right exposure they can go places.

Hinds, now 50, first got into business at the age of 14.

“If it were not for the faithful support of the people, then it would have been impossible to give back,” he said.

Medex Augustus’s recognition was in the area of health care development.

It was revealed that she first began working as a Community Health Worker in 1998, but rose through the ranks to now head the Maternal Child Health Department in Region 8. The mother of two, who hails from Kopinang, has been dubbed a woman of compassion for the enormous and significant work she has been doing in the region. She noted that working beyond the call of duty in helping residents of her community is critically important to her. She said she felt honoured by the recognition, knowing that her efforts and contributions Minister Bulkan (centre) poses with businessman Roger Hinds and Medex Lisa Augustus have not gone unnoticed.

“Being recognized is a very special feeling, as it tells you that someone is very satisfied with the service and contributions that you have made. I am very thankful and grateful that my contributions to the region of my birth and one (in which) I have worked for a number of years has

recognized that I am doing something positively,” Medex Augustus said.

She pointed out that health care development has improved significantly, and congratulated REO Rafel Downes and his team for the enormous work being done in continuing to lift health care within the region.

Minister Bulkan’s wife presented the award to Hinds, while the Regional Chairman presented the award to Medex Augustus.

REO Downes, in congratulating the two recipients, said he was happy they were recognized; and he thanked the NGO for hosting the awards.

Public health sector needs to utilise technology to improve services - Dr Cummings ESTABLISHING effective tele-medicine in regional health services will improve the provision of health care services.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, said there is a need to establish good communication systems among medical personnel, working in the vast hinterlandof Guyana.

“You want to ensure that they have good communication system, cell phones and so forth, in case they encounter any difficulties they can relate with their seniors so they can have correct diagnoses being made,” Dr

Cummings explained.

The use of technologies in the public health sector is part of the Ministry’s projections for its advancement. Dr Cummings said there is a need for the creation and inter-linking of computerised database systems in the health sector.

This database would encourage evidence-based practices,she noted. “We definitely want to ensure that whatever we say it’s backed up by evidence, and so we want to work on that,” Dr Cummings added.

Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA) about the ministry’s

successes and challenges one year since coming into office, Dr Cummings said the sector had a “positive” first year despite the challenges it faced.

“We have performed creditably, we have modest successes, but sustainable.

We have done well as we strive to offer Guyanese the best quality of health care we can. It’s a work in progress,” Dr Cummings reflected.

Meanwhile, the minister said streamlining the procurement of drugs and medical supplies is another way to improve the public health sector’s efficiency.

Please see page 13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Fire guts Linden house

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- family homeless A five-member family of Amelia’s Ward, Linden had their home demolished by a fire that struck without warning on Saturday afternoon; and despite the best efforts of the close-knitted community to render assistance, they are now homeless, having managed to save nothing from the ravages of that blaze.

In fact, family members had no choice but to jump through a bedroom window in order to save themselves from the raging fire.

Matriarch of the home, Beverly February, and daughter Tiffany February, have been admitted at the Mackenzie Hospital under observation, as Beverly has come down with a pressure attack.

A neighbour detailed that Tiffany told her that the fire

began in the passageway to the bedrooms, where she had placed her mattress as she cleaned her room.

“She told me that she was cleaning her room, and she decided to take a lil rest and lay down on the bed when she feel this heat; and when she get up and check, the mattress was already on fire,” the neighbour, who also witnessed the fire, related.

By the time she rushed to notify her parents of what was happening, the fire had already engulfed several rooms, leaving family members with no choice but to jump to safety.

Guyana Chronicle understands that by the time the fire truck arrived, the entire home was engulfed and nothing was saved.

What remains of the house Patriarch of the home, taxi driver Cedric James, was in the shower at the time of the fire. He told the media that the mattress was lit by an adopted 4-year-old son, and by the time he was notified of the fire, all he could do was rescue himself and his car that was parked under the house.

Public health sector needs ...

From page 13 There is a need to move from sole sourcing to open competitive bidding for the supply of drugs and medical supplies. This has been a challenge for the ministry. * Dr Cummings pointed out that there will be a more effective procurement process within the next six months. However, Dr Cummings cautioned there will be “teething problems” in this process. The ministry is working towards the establishment of a national procurement oversight committee which will “ensure efficiency in the acquisition and delivery of drugs to various health institutions nationwide.”

IMPROVING PATIENTDOCTOR RELATIONS Encouraging health literacy through improved doctor/patient relations is also essential to the promotion of effective healthcare and healthy citizens.

Dr Cummings said she hopes to impress on doctors and healthcare providers, the importance of establishing good rapport with their patients. “I want our patients to be more au fait, they could able to make more informed choices about their health, but

they have to be informed first,” explained Dr Cummings.

Noting that behavioural change is a process, Dr Cummings highlighted several public awareness initiatives the ministry has taken especially in relation to chronic diseases.

“We have to keep educating our patients. We have to keep working on that through our social media, our media campaigns, TV stations, infomercials and so forth,” Dr Cummings said. She added that the ministry is working with schools and workplaces in various public awareness activities.

S i m u l t a n e o u s l y, t h e minister said the ministry is working “to step up our use of multi-disciplinary team approach in medical services.”This initiative will be all inclusive with all the different disciplines in the ministry.

Curbing chronic, vector borne diseases Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health is assiduously working to control vector borne and chronic diseases.

Seventy (70) percent of monies allocated to the Ministry of Public Health has been set aside to deal with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health.

The ministry has been advocating screening as part of its preventative measures, and the Minister reported that there has been an increase in such activity at medical centres.

Six health facilities are involved in a pilot as part of a disease and patient management initiative. They are the Leguan and Wakenaam District Hospitals, Enmore Poly Clinic, the Campbellville and Herstelling Health Centres, and the East Bank Demerara Hospital.

Surveillance and monitoring and evaluation are also very important. There will be a STEPSsurvey in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to gather information on behavioural risk factors among others.

As for vector control, Dr Cummings said, “So far I think we have done very well.”

Meanwhile, Dr Cummings said that her ministry continues passive surveillance of the zika situation. In the meantime, the ministry continues with its fogging and spraying exercise along with the distribution of treated bed nets in hinterland areas, Dr Cummings said. (Government Information Agency)

He said the fire men responded quickly but the house was already engulfed,

as it was wooden. His son was at church when the incident occurred. The family

had taken up residence at the house in 2005.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

$1M donated to Burnham Education Scholarship Trust THE Guyana Action Committee (GAC) on Friday donated $1M towards the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (B.E.S.T) at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Georgetown.

The GAC is a non-profit organization that was established in New York in 2011. Its mission is to engage in projects and discussions aimed at providing means for cultural, economic and social change for Guyanese in Guyana and in the diaspora.

President of the GAC, Errol Lewis, said they were asked to help the BEST programmme so that they can continue to increase the number of children who benefit annually.

As a result of that, the GAC hosted a gala and the proceeds were donated to the BEST Trustees. Operations Director of GAC, Bonita Montague, stated that its mission is to provide support to empower Guyanese in the diaspora and in Guyana in an effort to increase the country’s education status.

According to Motntague, for the organisation it is more than a donation, pointing out that it is a life-changing exercise, a commitment to humanity.

“It is building our future and developing literacy in Guyana.” She assured the members of the BEST trustee that they would continue to work with them as they give back to Guyana.

National chairperson of the National Congress of Women (NCW), Cheryl Sampson, thanked the GAC on behalf of the members of the BEST for their generous donation.

Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams (centre) and representatives of the BEST Trustee receive the cheque from Operations Director of GAC, Bonita Montague and executive members of the CAC.

Man accused of Broke City Hall to pay workers by Monday beating father to death

CITY Hall on Saturday said it has pumped its money into cleaning the city and fixing key buildings and so was left broke, unable to pay workers their Independence month salaries, but hopes to meet salary obligations by Monday. “…the delay (in payment of salaries) was caused by a combination of factors, including extensive cleaning of the city and all of its local communities, non-payment of rates by certain (corporations), necessary and urgent repairs to municipal buildings, which facilitate vital administrative and operational services, a very narrow revenue base, and lack of valuation of properties within the city for more than two decades,” the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) said in a statement.

In a statement Saturday, the Council said that it “anticipates a full correction to this situation over the next forty-eight (48) hours.

The M&CC has called on all property-owners to ensure that they settle their accounts with the city urgently.

“Council needs every cent to push ahead with its work, in all sections of the city,” the M&CC declared.

The Council listed a num-

ber of projects which it said has gobbled its resources.

It said it cleaned drains and alleyways in: Lacytown; Bourda; Wortmanville; Werk- en- Rust; Agricola; Mc Doom; Houston; Meadow Bank; Campbellville; West Ruimveldt; North Ruimveldt; Albouystown; Charlestown; Alberttown; Queenstown; Atlanticville; Cummings Lodge; and Lodge.

Canals cleared were along Church Street; Princess Street; Sussex Street; Cane View Avenue; Downer Canal; North Road; and Homestretch Avenue.

Of sluices and pumps, those at the JP Santos, Princess Street and Muneshwers were restored.

The Council said that it has restored and is maintaining all avenues.

It cited too the cleaning and reshaping of the Merriman Mall area.

City Council also listed the provision of additional stalls in Bourda and La Penitence Markets; New Vendors depot at Merriman Mall; Provision of new site for Stabroek Market Square Vendors (Parliament View Mall); Reorganising of street-vending in Water Street.

Regarding solid waste

management, the Council noted the removal of commercial dump sites, removing 1,100 tons of garbage. It has also launched a threeyear solid waste management programme in schools and installed street bins across the city.

Of buildings, the City Engineers, Constabulary, and Sexton buildings were restored.

There were also works done to restore the Bourda and La Repentir cemeteries.

Works in progress were listed as the City Constabulary Training School; the Albouystown Health Centre and the Kitty Market In addition, the Council said it continues to provide the following vital services: street- lighting; Municipal Markets; Municipal Abattoirs; Drains; Bridges; Garbage-Collection and disposal; Roads; Public Health and Environmental services; Day Care services; Law enforcement; and Building codes.

“Council continues to manage these works using its financial and other resources, influencing delays in us honouring our obligations to our workers and some of our contractors,” City Hall stated.

remanded to prison

KUMEY Bourne, accused of beating his father about the body with a metal object, thereby causing his demise, was on Friday remanded to prison by Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul after being arraigned before her on the charge of murder.

The 37-year-old ‘D’ Field, Sophia resident, accused of murdering his 72-year-old father Rickford Bourne between May 18 and 23, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and will make his next court appearance on June 29.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ayesha Gibbons told the court that on the day in question, Rickford Bourne came home from work and met his son, who was intoxicated at the time, watching television. The accused, armed with an iron bar, then dealt his father several lashes to the head and body. The senior Bourne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted, but succumbed three days later.

Relatives have described the younger Bourne as a drug addict who would regularly threaten to kill his father when he did not receive money to support his smoking habit.

The dead man’s wife, Cynthis Ferguson, reflecting on the dreadful day the violence occurred, said her reputed husband had called her cell phone to complain about their son’s behaviour.

“He said ‘when you gon come and talk to this bai? Yo gon come when he kill meh? He got a iron that hook onto the window….’ The

problem they had was over the TV, because when my husband come home he loves to watch news, and Kumey tell he that he must not change the channel and whatever channel it is on it should be left there.”

The woman said her husband was out working most of the time, and her son had no right hitting his father; and he had even threatened to kill the senior Bourne on several occasions over various issues.

Ferguson said she had always warned Mr. Bourne to visit the police station and make a report, since the junior Bourne was always misbehaving as if he were on drugs.

The dead man’s daughter, Aisha Bourne, said her father had been a very loving person. (Rabindra Rooplall)

Dead: Rickford Bourne

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

How radio jockey Nuriyyih Gerard copped the Miss Guyana Crown

By Jasmaine Payne (Photos by Adrian Narine) RADIO personality Nuriyyih Gerard was on Friday night crowned Miss World Guyana 2016 at the Parc Rayne (Rahaman’s Park) at Houston, EBD shortly after wowing the crowd with her spirited sentiments of why she deserved the win.

Though the question segment did not give the contestants’ their final tally of points, the 24-year-old Nuriyyih’s short, quick but eloquent response convinced even the crowd -– who gave her a standing ovation -- that she was the woman for the crown indeed.

"I deserve to win because I am a confident, altruistic Guyanese, and I will work alongside public and private sector bodies and civil society

song “Hope”, and was second runner-up in the Fitness Segment as well. Her Beauty with a Purpose platform is Mental Health Awareness.

The seven contestants had competed among themselves over the last few weeks in the Top Model, Multimedia, Professional Interview, Fitness, Talent, and Beauty with a Purpose segments, and had accumulated points towards their final score. The final set of points was awarded in the Evening Gown segment, after which all the scores were tallied to arrive at a winner.

Najuma Nelson was crowned ‘Second Princess’ (second runner-up), while Treasure James was crowned ‘First Princess’ (first runner-up).

These three finalists were easy favourites throughout the show, which perhaps made it easy for the crowd to be pleased, no

Treasure James’s gown, designed by House of Pearson, was adjudged the Best Gown. She placed second in the pageant members to promote good mental health; thus dedicating my energies toward the happiness and prosperity of Guyana," Nuriyyih said.

Perhaps it was the borrowed line from the National Pledge added to the nostalgia of all the patriotic celebrations of our Independence that made the crowd cheer so lustily. But outside of that, it was Gerard’s poise and confidence -- despite public criticism of her size and other negative comments -- that outshone the others, added to the fact that she was the best candidate on stage.

Nuriyyih also won the Talent Segment for her original

matter the winner.

For the Evening Gown segment, all seven ladies wore gold-accentuated dresses, in keeping with the theme of the Golden Jubilee, but it was Treasure James’s gown which awarded her the first prize in that category. Her gown was a long, body hugging ensemble designed by the House of Pearson. The dress itself was eye-catching, but it was the details of the train -- which when opened revealed black prints identical to the hide of a jaguar -- that wowed the judges.

Treasure also won the Guyana360 People’s Choice Award, while Najuma won the Interview Segment and placed

Nuriyyih Gerard is crowned by last year’s queen, Lisa Punch. At left is third place winner Najuma Nelson, and at right is second place winner Treasure James second in the Beauty with a Purpose Segment.

The first Prize for Beauty with a Purpose went to Marva Langevine, whose Platform focused on “Providing coping mechanisms to help children grieving for a lost parent.”

Texas-based Guyanese Divya Yabindranauth won the Multimedia, Miss Photogenic and Missosology People’s Choice Awards, and also placed third in the Beauty with a Purpose Segment. Ashmini Ramnauth won the Top Model Segment.

The event started at 19:00hrs and was over in two hours. With short cultural presentations and the talent performances cut short, the show seemed somewhat rushed.

This could arguably have been seen as a good thing, but at the end of the show, some persons were heard mumbling on their way out that the short programme was not worth the cost of the tickets.

As Nuriyyih embarks on her journey, she has big shoes to fill, with the last two Miss World Guyana queens having brought home major prizes for the country. Nuriyyih replaces Lisa Punch, who represented Guyana at the Miss World 2015 Pageant in Sanya, China. Lisa won the Talent Segment in that international competition, placed second in the Multimedia Segment, and fourth for her Beauty with a Purpose project. Lisa’s Beauty with a Purpose, Pre- Divya Yabindranauth is escorted by Vurlon Mills of the national football team, vention of Teenage Suicide, Golden Jaguars. Divya won the Multimedia, Miss Photogenic and Missosology has since raised G$4 million. People’s Choice Awards, but did not make it to the Top 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

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The Independence Dinner Ball The Independence Gala Reception and Dinner was held Saturday evening at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson took these photos of the $10,000-a-ticket event.

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Beres leaves them wanting more

By Tamica Garnett EVEN after over an hour on the stage crooning some of his most famous classics, including Can’t Stop A Man, What One Dance Can Do, Groovy Little Thing and his much loved I Feel Good, Caribbean love doctor Beres Hammond left them all wanting more when he made his exit off the National Park stage early Saturday morning at the close of the “50 Shades of Reggae” concert.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

All and all though, everyone was satisfied with how the night went, and attending the mega concert, which also included performances by Beres’s compatriot, Christopher Martin, was money well spent.

“I enjoyed it! I enjoyed my $15,000 worth. I well dance my $15, 000!” exclaimed one satisfied patron, who was a part of the stage front VIP section.

“I didn’t want it to end so early. He shouldn’t have gone so early,” commented another, as the crowd made their way Beres Hammond during a performance at the 50 Shades of Reggae mega concert Christopher Martin performs at the 50 Shades of Reggae mega concert

out of the venue at the concert’s 3:15am end.

But whether fully satisfied or still wanting more, everyone attending the 50 Shades of Reggae had a good time, and not even an earlier bout of rain at the open- air venue did anything to stop patrons from enjoying themselves.

It was a night that was definitely for the ladies, and the lovers, and they turned out in their numbers to shout, scream, sing, and some even tried to touch, as they were serenaded by the sounds of an artiste worshipped for his lovers’ rock.

By the time Hammond sauntered onto the stage around 2am Saturday morning, the anticipating crowd was already well prepped, having been earlier regaled by the songs of Martin and Guyana’s own Tamika Marshall, Teniesha DeFreitas and former Miss World Guyana, Lisa Punch.

Though the crowd definitely showed love to the other artistes, they made it clear that Beres was whom they were there for. Those fortunate enough to be in the VIP stage front rushed to the stage, arms outstretched, hoping to touch the lovers’ rock crooner.

Many blushed as he complied several times throughout the morning. It was not his first time in Guyana, but patrons enjoyed just as much as if it were. His soulful voice wafted across the arena and lovers held onto each other swaying to the sweet sounds.

At the age of 60, Beres showed no sign of slowing down anytime soon, and was very much in charge of the stage. Even Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, were determined not to be left out of a chance to meet with the Jamaican artiste, and the concert was briefly interrupted when the politicians graced the stage to meet the legend.

Preceding Beres, Christopher Martin, who has been touted by some as being the next to follow in Beres’s shoes, was out regaling the audience with some of his famous tunes including “My Ex-Girl” and“Baby I love You.” He also thrilled the crowd by doing covers of Passenger’s “Let Her Go,” and a soulful rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling.”

The local artistes were a beautiful start to the concert and really had fun as they got the crowd warmed up.

Punch did her “Secret Admirer and “All I Need” and cover of Adele’s “Hello”, among others, while Marshal’s performance included her newest release, “Come Ya Down Ya.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Desmond Hoyte Commemorative Lecture on Monday

THE Hugh Desmond Hoyte 7th Commemorative Lecture will be held on Monday in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel. This activity is being held in honour of the 87th birth anniversary (March 9) of the former President.

The lecture will be delivered by Minister of Social Protection, Mrs Volda Lawrence, MP, Vice Chairperson and a member of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Desmond Hoyte National Congress Reform (PNCR). The topic of the lecture is "Development and Social Impact, 1988 - 1992."

Previous lectures have been delivered by Dr Tyrone Ferguson, late Head of the Presidential Secretariat; Sir John Mitchell, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Mr. Carl Greenidge, former Minister of Finance; Mr. Stanley Ming, one of the founders of the Reform component of the party and a reputable businessman; Major General (ret'd) Joseph Singh; and Mrs. Supriya Singh-Bodden, CCH. Hoyte, SC, was the second executive President of Guyana.

He is widely credited for restoring growth in the economy by implementing an Economic Recovery Programme.

Sunday May 29th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Monday May 30th, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Tuesday May 31st, 2016 - 13:00 hrs

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

DC Jammers sweep Goodwill Tour

…confirm GABF President’s predictions

IF the Goodwill tour was a playoff series, the Guyana side would have made a quick and painful exit after being swept, losing all four of their games.

Perhaps the most painful loss came on Friday night when even Georgetown’s All-Stars could not stop the dominance of the Jammers.

The game finished with a scoreline which saw the Jammers winning by 12 points, 88-76. The game was one played up- tempo with both squads pushing the ball in an effort to score in transition points. Once again, Semaj Inge was the man for the Jammers and took control, punching the lane and finishing in true Russell Westbrook fashion.

The Georgetown All stars looked good initially, but as the game waned on the teamwork that was always an issue for a team of that sort proved to be its kryptonite.

The Jammers were like a well-oiled machine and only got better as the game went on, while at the same, the local side played as if playing against themselves, with hero ball being the name of the game.

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The crowd however had something to cheer for when guard Nikkoloi Smith threw down a dunk and sent the locals wild. However, if it were a dunk party that they had wanted, the fans got as the Jammers side threw down dunk after dunk in the form of Inge, Winston Robinson and Kevan Creppy.

The DC Jammers finished in fine fashion and completed the sweep. It appeared as if Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation President Nigel Hinds, who had stated prior to the games that Guyana would be defeated, had seen the future.

Jammers coaches Clarence Wallenson and Michael Creppy both stated that throughout the tour, they had made adjustments at crucial junctures of each game.

“Everyone only sees what the players do, but it’s the coach who can win or lose a game,” Said Wallerson and the superiority of the Jammers was shown even down to the coaching level.

The Jammers departed Guyana last night and left the Guyanese players to do some much-needed assessment.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Kohli aiming to crown incredible IPL campaign tafizur Rahman is another key member of Hyderabad's attack, but could miss out due to the hamstring injury

Skippers Virat Kohli and David Warner

VIRAT Kohli will have the opportunity to round off a sensational Indian Premier League campaign in style today, when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face first-time finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

Bangalore's success in 2016 has owed much to the sparkling form of Kohli and AB de Villiers, who sit first and third in the competition's list of leading run-scorers.

While De Villiers was

integral to the victory over Gujarat Lions that booked RCB's place in a third final, striking 79 not out from 47 balls, Kohli has been the undoubted player of the tournament and needs just 81 runs to become the first man to score 1,000 in an IPL season.

Kohli has struck four centuries and six fifties, while averaging a scarcely believable 84 across 15 matches to date.

And if the prospect of containing Kohli and De

Villiers was not daunting enough for the Sunrisers, Bangalore can also call upon the likes of Chris Gayle and Shane Watson, two further players with vast experience at the highest level and the ability to produce devastating innings.

The Royal Challengers will also have the advantage of playing on home soil at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but are unlikely to underestimate opponents boasting an in-form batsman of their own in David Warner.

Sunrisers skipper Warner struck 92 to guide his team to victory over RCB when the teams last met on April 30, and went one better with an unbeaten 93 as Hyderabad beat Gujarat on Friday to reach the final.

Only Kohli has contributed more runs than Warner in this year's IPL and the Sunrisers also have the tournament's most potent wicket-taker in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has 23 scalps.

The economical Mus-

Serena roars into fourth round, tears for Tsonga

By Martyn Herman PARIS, (Reuters)-Thunderclaps, rain delays, an inspired home favourite roared on by a partisan crowd -- it was all in a day's work for reigning champion Serena Williams as the world number one roared into the second week of the French Open yesterday.

The 34-year-old American needed all her experience and tenacity to fight off France's Kristina Mladenovic 6-4 7-6(10) in an absorbing contest to set up a last-16 clash with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina who beat 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic 6-4 6-4.

There was further French disappointment later when popular sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to retire against unseeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis leading 5-2.

Tsonga, who has come closer than anyone to emulating Yannick Noah, the last home man to win the French

Open in 1983, walked off with tears in his eyes after appearing to hurt his knee.

Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro, last year's semi-finalist Timea Bacsinszky and unseeded Kazakh Yulia Putintseva all booked their fourth-round spots before the rains came.

As did rising Austrian Dominic Thiem, the 13th seed, who continued his fine claycourt season to beat German teenager Alexander Zverev 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-3.

The 22-year-old will face Marcel Granollers next, not more illustrious Spaniard Rafael Nadal who rocked the tournament on Friday when he withdrew because of a left wrist injury.

With Roger Federer back in Switzerland with a back injury and twice women's champion Maria Sharapova provisionally banned pending the outcome of an anti-doping hearing, the tournament is already missing some of its star turns.

So there was already tension in the air as 21-times grand slam champion Williams stepped on court to face the hard-hitting Mladenovic for the first time in her long career.

Everything seemed to be going to plan as Williams took the opening set despite some impressive play from her opponent who used the drop shot to great effect throughout.

As the sky darkened and fat rain drops began landing on the clay late in the second Williams seemed anxious to finish the contest but Mladenovic stayed strong and forced a tiebreak just at the moment the heavens opened.

When the contest resumed two and a half hours later Williams made a hash of the first few points and trailed 2-5.

She recovered to lead 6-5 but made an ugly mess of an overhead on match point, then on her second chance to close it out she walloped a forehand long after pouncing on a loopy Mladenovic drop shot that sat up begging.

that sidelined him last time out.

Bangalore's previous final appearances came in

2009 and 2011, when they suffered defeats to Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Sri Lanka slump to 91 for 8 after Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 155

(REUTERS)-Potent England pace bowling after an

unbeaten 155 from Moeen Ali put Alastair Cook's

side in complete control on a one-sided second day

of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham yesterday.

The tourists faced almost an certain follow-on after they slumped to 91 for eight at the close, still 407 behind England who had posted an imposing 498 for nine declared.

Sri Lanka's batsmen had no answer to an attack which moved the ball off the seam to provide a conveyor-belt of catches for keeper Jonny Bairstow, who took four, and England's close fielders.

Chris Woakes, who recently took nine wickets in an innings for Warwickshire, led the way in helpful conditions with a particularly unsettling spell to take 3-9, including the wickets of Kusal Mendis and Milinda Siriwadana in one over.

Stuart Broad also took three wickets, two coming late on as Sri Lanka's resistance broke.

England's bowlers could not have had a better platform to launch their attack than Moeen's 207-ball innings, which was his best in Tests and his second century against Sri Lanka.

At times watchful and then belligerent, Moeen became only the fifth England number seven to reach three figures in Tests after being promoted one place in the order to cover for the injured Ben Stokes.

T h e Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e

Moeen Ali walks off after making an unbeaten 155 against Sri Lanka on day 2 of the second Test

all-rounder moved on from his overnight 28 and made the most of the three lives the tourists gave him yesterday.

Support came from Woakes, who shared a stand of 92, and Steven Finn, who scored just 10 of their ninth-wicket stand of 72.

His wicket provided spinner Rangana Herath with momentary cause for celebration as he became only the third Sri Lankan bowler to take 300 Test wickets.

Moeen reached his 150 with a huge six before Cook declared midway through the second session.

For Sri Lanka to get anywhere near such an imposing total was a huge ask and James Anderson, who had taken 10 wickets in the first

test, quickly removed opener Dimuth Karunaratne with a ripper that bowled him round his legs.

Broad followed up by having Kaushal Silva taken behind by Bairstow and the keeper took further catches to remove Dinesh Chandimal off Anderson and Angelo Mathews and Siriwadana off Woakes.

Broad broke Herath's late resistance via another sharp Anderson catch and removed Shaminda Eranga as England, who won the first test in the three-test series by an innings and 88 runs, stayed on course for another crushing win.

Lahiru Thirimanne (11) and Suranga Lakmal (0) were not out at the close.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings (Overnight: 310-6)

Sri Lanka 1st innings

A. Cook c Karunaratne b Lakmal 15 A. Hales c Mathews b Siriwardana 83 N. Compton c Lakmal b Pradeep 9 J. Root c K. Silva b Pradeep 80 J. Vince c Thirimanne b Siriwardana 35 J. Bairstow c Chandimal b Pradeep 48 M. Ali not out 155 C. Woakes c K. Mendis b Lakmal 39 S. Broad c K. Mendis b Pradeep 7 S. Finn c&b Herath 10 J. Anderson not out 8 Extras (b-1 lb-8)

9 Total (for 9 wickets declared, 132 overs) 498 Fall of wickets: 1-39 A. Cook,2-64 N. Compton,3-160 A. Hales,4-219 J. Root,5227 J. Vince,6-297 J. Bairstow,7-389 C. Woakes,8-400 S. Broad,9-472 S. Finn Bowling: S. Eranga 27 - 3 - 100 – 0,S. Lakmal 29 - 4 - 115 – 2, N. Pradeep 33 - 5 - 107 – 4, R. Herath 29 - 1 - 116 – 1, A. Mathews 6 - 2 - 16 – 0,M. Siriwardana 8 - 0 - 35 – 2.

D. Karunaratne b Anderson 9 K. Silva c Bairstow b Broad 13 K. Mendis c Anderson b Woakes 35 D. Chandimal c Cook b Anderson 4 A. Mathews c Bairstow b Woakes 3 L. Thirimanne not out 12 M. Siriwardana c Bairstow b Woakes 0 R. Herath c Anderson b Broad 12 S. Eranga c Root b Broad 2 S. Lakmal not out 0 Extras (lb-1) 1 Total (for 8 wickets, 40 overs) 91 Fall of wickets: 1-10 D. Karunaratne,2-44 K. Silva,3-53 D. Chandimal,4-58 A. Mathews,5-67 K. Mendis,6-67 M. Siriwardana,7-88 R. Herath,8-90 S. Eranga To bat: N. Pradeep Bowling: J. Anderson 11 - 2 - 31 – 2,S. Broad 11 - 2 - 35 - 3 C. Woakes 7 - 4 - 9 – 3, S. Finn 7 - 3 - 15 – 0, M. Ali 4 - 4 - 0 – 0.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Ronaldo seals Real Madrid shootout win over Atletico

By Brian Homewood

MILAN, (Reuters)-Real Madrid were crowned European champions for an unprecedented 11th time when Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning penalty in a 5-3 shootout victory over Atletico Madrid yesterday.

The Champions League final had finished 1-1 after extra time with Sergio Ramos having bundled the ball home to give Real the lead in the 15th minute.

Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty at the start of the second half for Atletico when he fired his shot against the bar.

Atletico, beaten in their two previous final appearances, including the most recent against Real in 2014, suffered a series of let-offs before substitute Yannick Carrasco rifled in the equaliser in the 79th minute to send the game into extra time.

Juanfran missed Atletico's fourth penalty in the shootout and Ronaldo converted to seal victory for Real.

"What an amazing feeling," Real forward Gareth Bale said. "We showed resilience and what we are made of. It was a war of attrition. I

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid scores the winning penalty past Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid

cannot describe how it feels.

"The boys gave everything and we deserve it. It was a final and you have to win. We just kept going and we can lift the trophy again now," the Welshman added.

The challenges came in thick and fast early on and Atletico gave away two free kicks in dangerous positions.

They got away with it the first time when Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a brilliant save on his line to block

Casemiro's shot from a Gareth Bale free kick.

But there was no let-off when Bale headed on a Toni Kroos free kick and Ramos prodded the ball over the line.

The second half began dramatically when Pepe clumsily caught Fernando Torres's ankle in the area to give away a penalty.

But Griezmann fired his spot-kick against the underside of the bar, possibly distracted by Keylor Navas jumping along his goalline.

Oblak, who had a made a brilliant one-on-one save from Karim Benzema, made a another superb stop from Cristiano Ronaldo and Stefan Savic cleared Bale's shot off the line.

Atletico immediately went down the other end where Griezmann lifted the ball to Juanfran, who volleyed a cross for Carrasco to fire home from close range.

Neither side looked like breaking the deadlock in extra-time.

West Indies beaten by Barbados Select XI again THE West Indies' poor start to preparing for a One Day International tri-nation series involving South Africa and Australia has continued.

A Barbados Select XI beat the West Indies by four wickets in a game shortened to 45 overs-a-side.

Shai Hope, who scored a half century on Wednesday, returned to score 48, while Jerome Jones top-scored with 49.

The two were helped out by useful innings from Kyle Mayers, 34, and Kyle Corbin, 31.

Batting first, the West Indies struggled to get their innings going after Johnson Charles was bowled by Mayers in the first over, after he hit the paceman for two boundaries.

Andre Fletcher was joined by Darren Bravo and the two took the score to 60 before the latter was the next man out, caught at midwicket

by Chemar Holder off the bowling of Stefan Gooding for 21, leaving the West Indies reeling at 60-2 in the 15th over.

Fletcher wouldn't last much longer either after

Shai Hope

Jomel Warrican had him caught by Hayden Walsh Jr with the score at 68-3.

Marlon Samuels and Jonathan Carter tried to steer the ship out of the mire of mediocrity they had found themselves in, but only managed to get them to 119 before the veteran West Indies batsman was sent back for 33.

At 119-4, the West Indies were in trouble. Carter looked to bat on but his dismissal for 36 to leave the West Indies at 165-5.

There was to be no real recovery as the West Indies collapsed for just 200, with Suliemann Benn contributing an unbeaten 22 at the end. (Sportsmax.com)

Mayor’s Cup double-header slated for today at Victoria ground THE 22nd annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament will continue today with a double- header slated for the Victoria ground, East Coast Demerara, beginning at 18:30hrs.

In the opening game, BV/Triumph will face Mahaica, while the feature match brings together Golden Grove and Cougars from 20:30hrs.

To date, after two days of competition in the tournament that has been affected by the inclement weather, Grove Hi-Tech, Victoria kings, Pouderoyen and den Amstel have all registered victories and progressed to the next round which is the quarter- finals.

A double- header was

also slated for yesterday at the Den Amstel ground.

The winning team will receive $700,000 and the Aruwai Resort trophy, while the second place team will receive $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy.

The team finishing third will earn $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy, while the3 fourth place team will receive $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy.

Hampers will also be given to the top two teams, compliments of Ricks and sari Limited.

The top goal scorer in the competition will receive a three-piece suite, compliments of A.H &L. Kissoon Furniture Store.

Professional Key Shop ‘Golden Mile’ set for today THE Professional Key Shop `Golden Mile’ athletic road race will be staged today, beginning at 16:00hrs from outside Club 704 Lounge, Albert and Lamaha Streets and conclude outside the Professional Key Shop on Carmichael Street.

According to the organisers, over $500,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs in the three-category event that includes open male and female, veterans’ male and female and male and female juniors.

According to managing director of the Professional Key Shop, situated on Carmichael Street, opposite Bishops’ High School, Kwame Ridley, the winner of the male open category will receive $50,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The top four finishers of the female open category will receive $30,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The winners of the masters’ male and female categories will receive $20,000, $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

The top four juniors would receive prizes (no cash).

According to Ridley, the event is being staged by the Professional Key Shop in collaboration with Carey Griffith of Windjammer Hotel situated on Alexander Street, Kitty and to date, sponsorship have been received from Impressions, E-Networks, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Oasis Café, Satr Party Rentals, Colours Boutique, SOL Café, Ansa McAl and Two Brothers Service Station.

Asked why a key shop would want to get involved with sports, Ridley said himself and Griffith are fitness enthusiasts’ and they often take part in 5K and 10K runs, be it competitive or just a fun run so they thought it fitting to do something that they hope will be an annual event.

Ridley said the aim is to help local athletes to showcase their talent and “bring them out to highlight what they can do”.

Ridley said the activity got the blessings of the Athletic Association of Guyana(AAG) and the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Hetmyer determined to make WICB President’s XI selection count

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Opening batsman Shimron Hetmyer is already considered one of Guyana’s and the Region’s brightest prospects and his exploits while captaining the West Indies Under-19 team that won the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in February, put his promising career further on track.

Now he has another challenge facing him. The 19-year-old has been named in the 13-man WICB President’s XI squad, announced by the WICB Selection panel last week.

The team will face South Africa in a day/night 50over match at Queen’s Park Oval today at 13:00 hrs.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport recently, Hetmyer is determined to make the opportunity count.

“I am determined to make it count. If I make the final X1, I want to grab this opportunity with both

hands; I am eager to prove myself against high quality players,” said Hetymer.

The youngster admitted that the opportunity will definitely be a learning experience, adding that he will use it to further strengthen his game.

The WICB President’s XI will be led by Test opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite. The squad also includes left-hander Evin Lewis, who was a member of the West Indies team, which won the ICC World T20 in India last month.

Several other players with international experience have also been selected, including batsmen Jermaine Blackwood, and Jason Mohammed; wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich; left-arm spinner Nikita Miller; and allrounder Rayad Emrit.

The Proteas are using the match as part of their preparations for the upcoming Tri Nation ODI Series, which also features West

Shimron Hetmyer

Indies and Australia.

Full Squad reads: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Shimron Hetymer, Jermaine Blackwood, Damion Jacobs, Shane Dow-

rich, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis, Alzarri Joseph, Jon Russ Jaggesar, Andre McCarthy, Nikita Miller, Rayad Emrit and Delorn Johnson.

WI ODI team arrive in Guyana tomorrow MEMBERS of the West Indies Cricket Team will arrive in Guyana tomorrow at 14:15 hrs at the Eugene Correia International Airport.

West Indies will play a tri-series featuring South Africa and Australia, with Guyana scheduled to host the first three One Day In-

ternationals (ODIs), at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

West Indies will take on the South Africa on June 3.

Australia will battle West Indies on June 5 and South Africa will go up against Australia on June 7.

South Africa and Australia are set to arrive on

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 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 yesterday’s quiz: (1) 6 matches (2) Bhuvneshwar Kumar-SH (18 wickets)

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many centuries were scored in the preliminary round of matches in IPL 2016?

(2) Who was declared ‘Man of the Match’ in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Tuesday. The 10-match event will be played under lights, and take place over a threeweek period from June 3 to June 26.

After the first round of matches in Guyana, the tournament will head to Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis for three more games and will conclude in Barbados with the final round of three matches and the grand final at the Kensington Oval on June 26.

All 10 matches in the series will Day/Night affairs and are scheduled to bowloff at 13:00hrs. This is the first time that a full series of matches will be played under lights in the Caribbean.

West Indies Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre

Fletcher, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor.

Australia Squad : Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

South Africa Squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi.

WHO rejects call for Olympics to be moved due to Zika

By Kate Kelland, Health and Science Correspondent LONDON, (Reuters)-The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday rejected a call for the Rio Olympic Games to be moved or postponed due to the threat posed by a large outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil.

Responding to a call from more than 100 leading scientists, who said it would be unethical for the Games to go ahead as scheduled, the United Nations health agency said having the Games in Rio as planned would "not significantly alter" the spread of Zika, which is linked to serious birth defects.

"Based on the current assessment of Zika virus circulating in almost 60 countries globally and 39 in the Americas, there is no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the games," the WHO said in a statement.

In a public letter posted online on Friday, around 150 leading public health experts, many of them bioethicists, said the risk of infection from the Zika virus was too high for the Games to go ahead safely.

The letter, sent to WHO director-general Margaret Chan, said the Games, due to be held in Rio de Janeiro in August, should be moved to another location or delayed.

"An unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic," the letter said.

But the WHO rejected the call, saying Brazil "is one of almost 60 countries and territories" where Zika has been detected and that people continued to travel between these countries and territories for a variety of reasons.

"The best way to reduce risk of disease is to follow public health travel advice," it said.

One of the signatories of the letter, brain injury spe-

cialist Dr Ford Vox, called the WHO's response "defeatist, depressing, and quite a bit too quick for anyone to believe they gave the letter due consideration."

The scientific community is divided over the threat of Zika due to the Rio Olympics, with many experts saying the call for postponement or relocation is unjustified.

"We live in an incredibly interconnected world, global travel and trade are daily activities that offer Zika virus an opportunity to spread," said Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the U.K.'s University of Nottingham.

"By comparison to these routine activities, the increased risk that the Olympics poses is a drop in the ocean."

The WHO's advice is that pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus transmission, including Rio de Janeiro. It also advises everyone to make all efforts to protect against mosquito bites and to practice safe sex.

Zika infection in pregnant women has been shown to be a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other serious brain abnormalities in babies.

The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light last fall in Brazil, which has confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly.

The International Olympic Committee jumped into the debate by saying the WHO's response was not made in consultation with the Olympic body. It also denied there was a "secret" memorandum of understanding between the WHO and IOC. "The IOC does not currently have a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Health Organisation," a spokesman said.

The IOC has said it was monitoring the development of Zika through the WHO for up-to-date information and guidance but has repeatedly said the virus would not pose a threat to the Games.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2016

Defending Champions Guyana fall to third place after CMRC first round

By Stephan Sookram FOLLOWING a weekend mixed fortunes at the first round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships in Jamaica last weekend, defending country champions Guyana currently lie third.

Guyana currently has 131 points accumulated for cars only following last weekend’s racing at Jamwest, while Trinidad and Tobago emerged as surprise leaders with 317 points;.

First-round hosts Jamaica are second with 291 points with the Cayman Islands 60 and Barbados bringing up the rear with 43.

Individually, at the group two level, Guyana has yet to register a point with the lone participant in Jamaica’s Rameez Mohammed picking up mechanical troubles during qualifying.

Currently leading that group is Jamaica’s Sebastian

Jamaica's Kyle “Speedy” Greg leads the pack during a group four Race (Photo by Donavan Montague)

Rae with 55 points while defending group two champion Marc Gill of Trinidad and Tobago sits second with 50 and countrymen Luke Bhola and Daryl Ali sit third and fourth respectively, with 48 and 45 points.

They all drive Honda Civics At the group three end of things, defending champion Paul Vieira of Trinidad was the only man to get off to the perfect start, winning all three races for 75 points.

Second in that class is The Cayman Islands Gary Barret (Honda Civic) with 42 points, while Nazim Gafoor (Mazda Miata) sits a close third with 40 points.

Danny Persaud, (Mazda Miata) sits fifth with 27 points.

Meanwhile, at the group four all-wheel end of things, defending champion Kristian Jeffrey and his evolution got off to a torrid start, scoring no points due to mechanical troubles, while his father

Kevin who drives the same make and model could muster only 15 points for fourth.

They leave Jamaica with the hosts Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore (Audi Quattro) and Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg (Radical RXC) atop the charts with 68 and 43 points respectively. Paul Bodden and his Mitsubishi Evolution of The Cayman Islands sits third in the class with 18 points.

On the two-wheel end of things, Peter “Zoom Zoom”

Rae leads with his Jamaican Mazda Rx7 (65), while Trinidad’s Franklyn Boodram (Renault Megane) sits second and Barbados Mark Maloney (Mazda Rx3) sits third with 43 points.

Guyana’s Mohan Rangasammy (Mazda Rx7) is on 39 points, while Danny Persaud (Mazda Miata) brings up the weight with 10 points.

BIKES LEAD THE WAY Meanwhile, after a dom-

inant showing, Stephen Vieira of Guyana leads the way with 68 points aboard his Kawasaki ZX6-R, while Jamaica’s Robert Mc Donald (Yamaha R6) with 45 points sits second.

Defending champion Elliot Vieira and his Kawasaki ZX6-R is now third in the standings with 43 points, while his cousin Matthew is fourth with 30 points aboard his Triumph Daytona 675.

No recognition for Sports in National Awards

By Ras Wadada IT was and still is a great surprise to the Guyanese sports fraternity that among the National Awardees announced on the eve of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, there was not one Sportsman or Sportswoman mentioned.

It would be quite interesting to know the composition of the team that was tasked with selecting these awardees and how independently it operated. It is very unimaginable to think that the team had been instructed not to include sports in the list, but as the roll call was made to the nation, it became crystal clear that sports was not recognised in the National Awards for 2016.

I was startled, to say the least.

Could it be that the team charged with the responsibility of naming the awardees lacked the knowledge of the importance of sports in nation-building? This and many more questions are being asked with regard to the lack of respect for the contributions of athletes and

sport disciplines, which leaves one to believe that sports is seemingly on a continued path of suppression and depletion.

Three names come to mind, immediately, that could have made that honours roll list, based on their invaluable contributions and successes which brought joy and pride to the nation.

World Cup champion Shemaine Campbelle has been flying the Golden Arrowhead successfully for years in regional and international women’s cricket. Her more senior, Gwendolyn “The Stealth Bomber” O’Neil has also been doing likewise in the world of Boxing and currently is the holder of five World Titles. The evergreen Carl Ince continues to nurture and hone squash talents, so that Guyana can sustain its dominance in the Region for more decades to come.

And yet there are three more names worthy of note: world-rated Squash player, Nicolette Fernandes; World Masters Cycling Champion Aubrey Gordon-Richmond; and the octogenarian table-tennis Hall of Famer, George

Shemaine Campbelle

Nicolette Fernandes

Gwendolyn O’Neil

Braithwaite who is still active competitively.

It has been whispered that the respective National Sport Associations were required to submit nominees to the Awards Selection Team (AST) in order to be considered for National Awards.

According to a reliable source, ‘no association complied, hence the reason for Sports not being recognised in this year’s National

Awards. If submitting names to the AST is chief among the criteria for a National Award, then there is need for constitutional reform.

This was no ordinary National Awards, this was the country’s Golden Jubilee and surely the achievements of Sports deserved to be recognized, since during those first 50 years of independence, the successes and triumphs of Sports would have given the

nation recognition and respect and definitely play a significant part in nation-building.

To the many who recognise and respect Sports for its importance, if not pivotal, role in the building of a nation, I can relate to your firm view that the non-inclusion of Sports in this year’s National Awards was the low point of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

No recognition for Sports in National Awards

P.31

Guyana NRA to host 2017 WIFBSC Short Range championships ...to coincide with 150th Anniversary of association

President of the Antigua and Barbuda Shooting Club, Thomas Greenaway (right) hands over the WIFBSC Flag to GuyanaNRA Captain Mahendra Persaud.

FOLLOWING the successful hosting of the 2016 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Short Range championships at the Crabbs Rifle Range, Antigua and Barbuda from May 16-22, the Caribbean body’s flag was passed on to Guyana for hosting of the 2017 edition.

President of the Antigua and Barbuda Shooting Club Thomas Greenaway handed over the WIFBSC Flag to GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain, Mahendra Persaud at the awards ceremony for this year’s competition which took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Saturday last.

In accepting the flag, Persaud told the gathering of fellow shooters and special invitees that it is a distinct pleasure for the GuyanaNRA to be hosting again from October 15-22, 2017 having last hosted in 2012.

“Hosting this time around however would be extra special as it coincides with our 150th anniversary as an association. We are the oldest national rifle association in the world outside that of Great Britain. We look forward to seeing all of you in Guyana next year for what will be, I can assure you, an unforgettable time.”

Persaud, who guided Guyana to a come from behind and successful defence of the WIFBSC Short Range Championship further informed that they are expecting well over 100 shooters from the Caribbean and further afield including England and Canada to be in Guyana next year.

Competitors at next year’ tournament will be battling at both the short (300, 500, 600 yards) and long range (900, 1000 yards) in what is anticipated to be fierce competition. Guyana will be putting both the short and long range championships on the line and will be looking to recapture the Individual title which was taken

by Jamaica this year in Antigua.

Persaud said that preparations have already commenced for the 2017 edition and they will leave no stone unturned in making 150th truly memorable one on and off the range.

“We will be working assiduously towards running an efficient competition next year with eth over 100 shooters we are anticipating that will be here along with their families in some instances.

This will be a good opportunity to further showcase Guyana and we will be making approaches to the Government and private sector to get on board and partner with us for this special occasion.”

DC Jammers sweep Goodwill Tour …confirm GABF President’s predictions Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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DC Jammers winning team SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016