Guuyana chronicle e paper 03 16 2018

First reading of Juvenile 12 Justice Bill PAGE

3 bandits killed No. 105215

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Price: $80

( VAT I n c l u s i v e )

… after trailing bank customer

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Chase-Green 09 gets third term PAGE

… Akeem Peter new deputy mayor

The damaged unmarked police vehicle

Dead suspected bandit, Kwame Assanah

Woman found guilty of poisoning children 02 PAGE

Dead suspected bandit, Dexroy Cordis

Gov't threatens court action 11 against errant security firm PAGE

The firearm, ammunition and other items found in the dead suspects’ vehicle

Unemployment drops marginally –– first continuous quarterly labour survey finds

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Repentant mother swoons

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

–– as jury finds her guilty of manslaughter

IT WAS sheer drama on Thursday afternoon as a 12-member jury brought 25-year-old Hofosawa Awena Rutherford in guilty on two counts of manslaughter for the murder of her two young children back in 2014.

On hearing the first verdict, Rutherford fainted in the prisoner’s box, and was only saved from injuring herself by the timely intervention of female police ranks.

As was only to be expected, the diversion brought the court’s proceedings to a standstill, as everyone present in the

courtroom seemed taken aback by the woman’s reaction.

At this point, Rutherford’s attorney, Adrian Thompson asked the judge’s permission to allow one of her many relatives seated in the courtroom to help revive her, seeing that they’d already had the presence of mind to walk with a bottle of Limacol.

Justice Singh, in his compassion, granted the request, and a female relative tried reviving the prisoner, with the aid of several female ranks attached to the Georgetown High Court.

On coming to briefly,

Rutherford screamed and again swooned, but luckily, the prisoners’ bench had by then been removed in anticipation of just such an eventuality, and she was gently guided to the ground.

As she lay there, her lawyer again intervened, asking the judge’s permission this time around to summon the prison Medex.

The judge, by now wary of all the goings on, politely asked counsel whether he thought his client was indeed in need of medical attention.

The registrar meanwhile, seeing an opportunity to conclude the trial,

Murder accused, Hofosawa Awena Rutherford being led away from the High Court on Thursday after she was found guilty of manslaughter (Photo by Delano Williams) asked the foreman of the as well. that sentencing be deferred. jury how he found the acThompson, knowing In acceding to the recused on the second count that his client was in no quest, Justice Singh adof manslaughter, and the frame of mind to withstand journed sentencing to latter’s response was guilty another shock, requested 13:00h today.

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Police shoot dead three suspected bandits

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

By Svetlana Marshall THREE suspected bandits are now dead following a fierce gun battle with the police at the Kingston Seawall on Thursday, after allegedly trailing a customer from a commercial bank in the city.

Dead are 46-year-old Dextroy Cordis called Dutty of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coas t D emer ar a; and 57-year-old Errol Adams also known as Dynamite of Buxton, ECD. When Guyana Chronicle arrived on the scene

which reportedly took place around 12:00hrs, the Guyana Police Force released a statement detailing what allegedly transpired.

According to the Police, at around 10:30hrs on Thursday, based on information received from ‘operatives’ performing duty in the vicinity of Scotia Bank on Robb Street, ranks of an anti-crime patrol in an unmarked vehicle began trailing a motorcar with two suspicious looking characters who were in the vicinity at the time.

The suspects were reportedly seen following a

police, the one armed with a gun discharged several rounds, and the police returned fire.

“This initial exchange resulted in the demise of the two persons, later identified as Dextroy Cordis also known as Dutty, 46, of Grove, EBD and Kwame Assanah, age unknown, of Buxton, ECD,” the police disclosed.

But the shootout between the suspected bandits and the lawmen did not end there. According to the police, seconds after the initial exchange of gunfire, two males were seen on a CG motorcycle in close proximity of the

Dextroy Cordis,” the police further reported.

“The motorcar which was driven by the now deceased Kwame Assanah was searched and the following items were found therein: a supernumerary precept, one driver’s licence, ten passports belonging to himself and family members, a key used by trunkers, two handcuff keys, a bandana and clothing,” the police added.

The roof and windshield of the police anti-crime vehicle were damaged by the gunfire from the suspects. It was noted that Kwame Assanah and Errol Adams were previously arrested in connection with several offences and Dextroy Cordis was previously granted bail on a simple larceny charge to wit ‘trunking’.

Meanwhile, at the scene, close relatives of Dextroy Cordis wept bitterly as they accused the

Dead: Kwame Assanah police of staging the crime scene..

An eyewitness told Guyana Chronicle that shortly after 12:00hrs, he heard loud gunshots and upon enquiring, saw a man lying on the ground.

The witness, who was uncertain whether it was a shootout between police and suspected bandits, recalled seeing men in bullet proof vests long before the “police” arrived on the scene. According to him, from his location, he could not have seen much.

However, he said “there

Dead: Dextroy Cordis was a black van and two tint up cars,” onsite at the time of the shooting.

According to the police, Thursday’s operation was as a result of improved collaboration.

“Following several incidents of robbery under arms committed on customers who would have gone to various commercial banks to conduct financial transactions within recent times, surveillance and collaboration with key stakeholders were improved,” the police stated.

The remains of the suspected bandits being removed from the scene (Samuel Maughn Photo) around 13:00hrs, investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had already cordoned off a substantial part of the Kingston Seawall but from a distance, three motionless bodies could have been seen lying on the road alongside a black car, PTT 9034. It is alleged that the suspected bandits were the occupants of the vehicle.

At the scene, investigators and senior police officials were tight lipped on the situation, with one senior official only stating to the press that persons were “suspected trunkers.”

However, hours after the shooting incident,

customer who had exited Scotia Bank and had driven off in a motorcar.

According to the police, the customer upon arrived at the Kingston Seawall, parked his motorcar, and it was then that he was pounced upon by the suspects. “…the two suspicious looking characters in the motorcar drove up to the customer’s vehicle and exited, one brandishing a small arm at the customer,” the police stated, while adding that the police anti-crime patrol, which by then was in close proximity, called out to the suspected bandits, but instead of listening to the

motorcar of the now dead suspects.

One of the two persons on the motorcycle reportedly shot at the police several times who again returned fire which resulted in another person being shot dead.

The third person was identified as Errol Adams also known as Dynamite, 57 years old – a known character of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast and Buxton, ECD. His accomplice sped away on the motorcycle, the police said.

“A 9mm pistol, along with a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells was found next to the body of

Relatives of Dextroy Cordis crying bitterly (Samuel Maughn Photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Were Lindo Creek miners killed long before June 21, 2008?

By Svetlana Marshall

ON the morning of June 21, 2008, the charred remains of eight miners were discovered

by Leonard Arokium in the Upper Berbice River at Lindo Creek; but could it have been that the miners were killed long before that date?

On Thursday, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) led

by Justice (Retired) Donald Trotman was told another tear-jerking story of a father and husband promising to make contact with his family for his daughter’s birthday, but never did, maybe because he was already dead.

Colette Wong said Clifton Wong, her husband for 21 years, had celebrated Mother’s Day and her birth anniversary (May 19) with her and their five children in May, 2008 before departing for Lindo Creek later that month.

Before leaving home, she said her husband promised that he would make contact with her upon arriving at Kwakwani, and as promised, he did. “He said ‘I love you, take care of the children…you will hear from me for Shaniza’s birthday, I will send out something so she can have a birthday’,” Mrs.

Wong recalled as she broke down in tears.

Their second youngest daughter’s birthday was on June 13, and Mr. Wong, who was commonly called Berry, had promised to make contact with his family ahead of the celebration and when he did not, they knew something was wrong. Mrs. Wong

Clifton Wong’s wife Colette Wong. They were married for 21 years at the time of his murder.

(Samuel Maughn Photo)

said she made contact with Leonard Arokium (the owner of the mining operation) and informed him that her husband had promised to send money for her ahead of their daughter’s birthday but he did

Friday, March 16, 2018 04:30 hrs Saturday, March 17, 2018 Sunday, March 18, 2018 Monday, March 19, 2018

moment, I did not panic,” she recalled.

Mrs. Wong then reportedly made contract with Leonard Arokium, the owner of the mining operation at Lindo Creek, and was told that he was in a meeting and would return the call. He subsequently called, and confirmed Mrs. Wong’s worse fear.

Lancelot Lee’s brother, Wayne Lee

paid little attention.

Later that night, she was awakened by a loud wrapping on the door and much to her surprise, it was her husband’s nephew, Tony Wong. “I bravely said hit me with it. He said you already heard, and I said there was a news flash. At that

“Upon hearing that I went upstairs; the children were already in their bed, and I woke them up and I said, he is no more, he is no more,” Mrs. Wong said inconsolably. Alicia Wong, their eldest daughter who lived close by, was minutes later informed.

According to her, their screams were so loud that they woke up the neighbours, who rushed over. Days later, she was visited by social welfare officers, reporters and the former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green.

On July 4, 2008, a memorial service was held in honour of Mr. Wong, who by that

Clifton Wong’s daughter, Sheniza Wong Romaine (Samuel Maughn Photo)

time had been declared dead.

Asked by the Commission’s legal counsel, Patrice Henry, if any relative of Mr. Wong had provided DNA samples, the woman responded in the affirmative while pointing out that her husband’s brother, Courtney Wong provided DNA

samples.

Additionally, Mrs. Wong said that she was invited by a detective to provide a statement at ‘E’ and ‘F’ Division Headquarters at Eve Leary.

Her daughter Sheniza Wong Romaine, during her testimony, recalled that she and her father shared a very close relationship. In fact, Mrs. Romaine said her father would always make good on his promises, and when she did not hear from him, she thought that something was amiss.

Wayne Lee, Lancelot Lee’s brother, had related a similar story when he appeared before the Commission last Tuesday.

Wayne Lee told the Commission that he had last seen his brother in May 2008. According to him, his brother who was 41 years old at the time, had promised to return to the city for his birthday on June 14, 2008, but never did, nor did he make contact with his family.

Clifton Wong and Lancelot Lee were among eight miners killed in Lindo Creek in June 2008. The other miners murdered were Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Compton Speirs and Nigel Torres.

- 14:30 hrs - 05:00 hrs - 05:00 hrs - 05:00 hrs

DATE: Wednesday, March 14, 2018

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not. She asked that he makes contact with her husband to ensure that all was well, and the camp owner reportedly said he would.

A few days after celebrating her daughter’s birthday, Mrs. Wong said while she was busy doing house chores, she heard on the news that eight miners had been killed, but

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Put systems in place --urges regional religious group ahead of hurricane season

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – A regional religious group has issued a call to regional governments and international financial institutions to establish a relief mechanism as preparations are made for the upcoming hurricane season.

Jubilee Caribbean says the relief mechanism is vital for the reconstruction for small Island States, especially those vulnerable to natural disasters and hazards.

“All research points to the fact that the growing severity of hurricanes in the Caribbean is related to man-made climate change.

This means that we in the Caribbean, like some other nations elsewhere in the global south, are least responsible for, but most affected by, climate change,” said the members in a statement following a recent retreat hosted by Juilee Grenada.

“The discussion focused on possible pre-emptive action, and proposing to international bodies, governments and lending agencies the need for a just and structured approach to disaster relief,” said the statement, which reiterated that small Island States are the most easily devastated by rising seas and harsher storms.

Jubilee Caribbean and Jubilee Grenada are part of the global Jubilee movement that promotes the bib-

lical concept of Jubilee as described in Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 15, Nehemiah 10 and Luke 4.

This concept provides for periodic cancellation of debt, and an end to the cycle of poverty caused by indebtedness.

“Our nations are not only exposed to adverse weather phenomena,” the group says in its statement, adding: “Moreover, we are small Island States with small and less diversified economies that have little capacity to withstand external shocks, with which poor but larger nations may be able to cope.

This has been one of the reasons that we have never been able to sustainably escape from our debt traps.”

They also said external debt can be turned into an instrument of efficient support in the event of future catastrophes, if there is a proper mechanism to allow for moratoria and serious debt restructuring.

“As Churches in the Caribbean,” Jubilee Caribbean says, “we have witnessed the grief and despair of our people last September, and we are not prepared to enter the next hurricane season without at least being able to tell them that our authorities shall be able to use scarce resources for immediate relief, and midterm reconstruction rather than debt service.”

Calling on all those who

bear responsibility for responding to any crisis in the next hurricane season and beyond, the grouping, in its statement issued through the Grenada Conference of Churches, has urged regional heads of State and Government to unite and collectively demand the creation of an efficient debt relief option ahead of the next hurricane season through all available means, including the United Nations System and the Bretton Woods Institutions.

“The IMF must use its rule-setting power to endorse a full debt moratorium, once a hurricane or any other serious disaster brings destruction beyond a pre-defined level and make sure that a serious debt restructuring of all external commitments shall be possible under due consideration of our peoples’ human rights,” said Junilee Caribbean, which also wants the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank to act as supporters of a comprehensive debt restructuring process once it is needed.

“We as Churches and broader Civil Society in the Caribbean commit ourselves to support our authorities in their efforts towards global justice in every possible way, including through global advocacy with the help of the international community,’’ said the statement, which

pointed out that Debt relief has been provided before to countries in need through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPCI) under WB/IMF leadership or the IMF’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) after the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

“Through these initiatives, beneficiaries have been given the opportunity of a fresh start and found a way out of their debt traps.

There is no reason why our people in the Caribbean, in contrast, should have to slide deeper and deeper into their debt traps after each hurricane season” said the statement.

“We urgently need a tailored Heavily Indebted Caribbean Countries Initiative, which will combine immediate relief and an efficient form of debt restructuring. We do not want to face the next hurricane season without a proper mechanism for relief in place,” said the statement signed by representatives from the religious communities in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

Rio councilwoman, police critic shot dead

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A popular Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman, who was an outspoken critic of police killings of poor residents in shantytowns, was gunned down in what police, prosecutors and even drug gang leaders said on Thursday looked like a political assassination.

Marielle Franco, 38, a rising star in the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), was killed along with her driver on Rio’s dangerous north side around 21:30h Wednesday night. Her press secretary survived the shooting.

Just weeks ago, the federal government decreed that Brazil’s Army would take over all security operations through the end of the year in Rio, where murders have risen sharply.

Franco harshly criticised that move on Sunday, saying it could worsen police violence against residents.

“It is far too soon to say, but we are obviously looking at this as a murder in response to her political work; that is a main the-

ory,” said a Rio de Janeiro public prosecutor, who spoke on condition that he not be named as he was not authorised to discuss the case.

Rivaldo Barbosa, head of Rio’s Civil Police, told reporters that “one of the possibilities in analysis is, yes, an execution.” He did not speculate on who may have been responsible.

An investigator with Rio’s police force went further, saying the prime motive appeared to be Franco’s calling out police for allegedly killing innocents in their constant battles with drug gangs.

Franco, who was raised and lived in the Mare complex of slums, long one of Rio’s more dangerous areas, received over 46,500 votes in the 2016 election.

That total was only bested by four of 51 council members.

On Sunday on her Facebook page, Franco decried what she alleged to be the police killing of two boys during a police raid in an area called Acari.

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Prioritising food security WHEN food is available and people cannot have access to or purchase same, it contributes to hunger. Food was -- and continues to be -used as a weapon, resulting in wars, famine, divisions in society, disintegration of values and groups, and other socio-economic and political ills.

It is said that ‘he who feeds you controls you by determining your taste and influencing how you think.’

The early pioneers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) understood this truism and sought to guard against it, given the implication of newly-independent societies trying to make their mark in a global economy, and the concern of subjecting the peoples to other forms of colonisation or dependency.

It is to Guyana’s credit that the policy of promoting and substituting local products in preference to those that originated outside of CARICOM was embraced during the administration of Forbes Burnham, one of the Founding Fathers of CARICOM. This was a step in the

direction of strengthening the nation’s independence and security, and empowering the people. This policy not only set in train employment and economic opportunities, but created potential for further technological advancement through research and development, niche markets for Caribbean foods in the global economy, and boosting the Gross Domestic Product, local and regional.

The earlier sense of camaraderie in pushing among member-states the acquisition of goods and services from within the region was considered a necessity. For instance, Guyana took a deliberate decision to purchase soap from the Commonwealth of Dominica at a relatively higher price than what obtained in the European market. While on the surface this decision may elicit questions, it should not be overlooked that, in the first instance, the money Guyana used to purchase the product remained in the Region, consequently creating opportunities in the Commonwealth of Dominica for the mainte-

nance and improvement of the company and its product, with consequent employment and economic opportunities for persons and other companies.

Given that CARICOM and institutions of a similar nature are built on the desires and aspirations of the member-states and their peoples, it augurs well when decision-making does not lose sight of the collective.

As, over the next few days, the leaders deliberate, it is expected that uppermost in the deliberations would be the ballooning and unsustainable Food Bill of the Region.

It is hoped that, as a matter of necessity, a programme will be conceptualised and developed to drastically reduce this bill, which presently stands at over US$4.5B. Reducing this Bill can see the Region’s scarce foreign exchange being diverted to other crucial areas that beg for attention, like education and health services.

A 2013 Food and Agriculture Organization Report warns that “A continuation of the current CARICOM food

import bill trends can only lead to further nutritional and economic impoverishment for the people of the region for generations to come.”

What is also disturbing is that some of the foods imported into the Region can be produced here. Moreover, some of these foods are processed or over processed, are low in nutritional value, and have health implications attached.

Non-communicable diseases, which are on the rise in the Region, are manifested in obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure -- which are based on lifestyle choices, including consumption of foods that are high in saturated fats, sugars and sodium, which are prevalent in processed foods. Longevity is also threatened with a sustained pattern of poor nutritional intake.

The Region has all the natural resources it needs to produce its own foods and supply the global market with health foods -- which are the new crave, given their value to nutrition, health and longevity. This Region -- notably Guyana,

Guyanese youths are watching Dear Editor, LAST evening (Wednesday) I was scanning the TV for something to watch and came across the AFC TV programme, Alliance on the Move.

I had seen the programme before, but never bothered to watch it. I confess I am not very [much] into politics.

The persons on the panel seemed to be discussing some general issues but at the time I joined, they were speaking on the oil contract.

One of the panelists said something that caught my ear just as I was about to flick away. Responding to a caller he said, “It is a PPP contract!”

Mr. Editor, to use youthful slang, I was shocked.

I was stunned. I have read

many articles about the contract and have heard many purported “oil experts” speaking about it, but I have never heard this before last night.

The panelist explained that the ExxonMobil contract that has attracted everyone’s attention was actually signed in 1999 by [then] President Janet Jagan. He also explained that though ExxonMobil had no obligation to do so, the contract was opened in 2016 and some clauses were amended in favour of Guyana. Notably, was the other hot point of the contract, the 2% royalty. The royalty that existed under the original contract that was signed by the PPP President Janet Jagan in 1999 included a 1% royalty, but this in fact wasn’t a real royalty, since it

was paid to the government by the government. I’ve tried to wrap my head around this to figure out how someone pays himself from their own money. When the contract was opened in 2016, the royalty became 2% which is now paid from the gross earning of oil production.

I appreciated this information and would like to encourage the government to engage in some serious public relations to get these facts out. I also appreciated Minister Gaskin’s frankness.

It was refreshing to listen to a political leader speaking on a subject without blaming anyone. Even though the contract was recognized as a PPP contract (signed during the time of the PPP administration) he stressed that it is a government contract and has

to be honoured regardless of who assumes office.

This is a stark contrast to the information that I have heard coming [from] the Leader of the Opposition.

Based on his comments, you are likely to assume that this is a contract that was signed after May 2015 when the coalition won the election.

I would like to leave a few words of advice for our political leaders.

1. The youth of today are far more connected than you realise, we absorb enormous amounts of information daily.

2. We can recognise dishonesty and insincerity very easily.

We are watching.

Regards Peter Lambert

Belize and Suriname -- has more than enough land mass, potential and possibilities to carve a niche in the organic foods’ market. In the increasing global demand for herbal food supplements and medicines, much of the products are grown, or can be grown, here. What is required are sustained efforts and support to see them enter the market. The responsibility to eliminate hunger; provide appropriate education and health services; construct roads, highways and bridges; create and maintain equity and equal opportunity, and ensure the enabling environment for employment and economic opportunities is that of the Government, not the private sector.

Where the view was once held or encouraged that governments have relinquished their roles to the private sector via neo-liberal policies, such has been the major contributor to the global recession. Governments, more notably those in developed countries, have since moved to assume their rightful roles through laws, policies, programmes, checks and balances, and oversight institutions.

CARICOM governments have to prioritise addressing the Region’s Food Import Bill if the region is to develop and compete in the global marketplace, and if its people are to be assured of health and longevity.

Ministry taking steps to prevent students escaping from NOC Dear Editor,

WITH reference to an article published in your Thursday, March 15, 2018 edition, captioned “Two NOC students recaptured, eight still at large” the Ministry of Social Protection would like to inform that all ten (10) students who absconded from the New Opportunity Corps on Thursday, March 8, 2018, were re-captured on Monday, March 12, 2018.

The Ministry of Social Protection has taken steps to rectify and strengthen the institution’s systems to eliminate such occurrences; the Ministry’s aims positively impact on the lives

of children in conflict with the law and is cognizant that continuing reforms and improvements in this area of juvenile justice is extremely important to improve the situation of children in conflict with the law.

The Ministry of Social Protection wishes to thank the Guyana Police Force and the citizens of the Essequibo Coast for their assistance in the apprehending and returning [of] the youths to the New Opportunity Corps.

Regards Public Relations Department Ministry of Social Protection

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Lindo Creek COI...

Public hearing abruptly ends

By Svetlana Marshall

THE public hearing into the Lindo Creek Massacre came to an abrupt end on Thursday as the eldest daughter of Clifton Wong fainted as her uncle recalled packing charred skeletal remains of eight miners, her father included, one day after they had been discovered.

Throughout the public hearing on Thursday at the Department of Public Service, two of Clifton Wong’s children were seen crying as their mother, sister and uncle took the stand to detail the last moments spent with their beloved and the subsequent events that followed. But it was at the pinnacle of Courtney Wong’s testimony – Clifton’s older brother – that a relative of another miner realised that the deceased miner’s eldest daughter Alicia Wong was unresponsive.

The hearing came to halt, and Alicia Wong was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where she was treated and subsequently discharged.

Prior to the adjournment of Thursday’s public hearing, Courtney Wong recalled leading members of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defense Force, and Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh and team to Lindo Creek on June 21, 2008 based on a request of the owner of the mining operation Leonard Arokium. According to Courtney, he and his brother Clifton, who was commonly called Berry, were both mechanics.

Courtney told the Commission, led by Justice (Retired) Donald Trotman, that he was the designated mechanic for the mining operation at Lindo Creek, which was owned and operated by the Arokium Family. The mechanic said he was unable to return to the interior at the time because of other commitments and had asked his younger brother to assist. Ac-

cording to Courtney, he last saw his brother in June, 2008, just two days before he departed to Lindo Creek from Georgetown.

After asking the witness to detail the route from Georgetown to Lindo Creek using the trail, the Commission’s Legal Counsel Patrice Henry turned Courtney’s attention to June 21, 2008.

Affairs Minister Clement Rohee visited his Met-en-meerzorg home and “tried to convince him that ‘Fineman Gang’ did it.”

According to Courtney, at 6:00hr on Sunday June 22, 2008 he was collected from his home by a police officer and taken to Eve Leary. From Eve Leary, he along with an expanded police team

Courtney Wong testifying during the Lindo Creek COI

“It was on the 21st June, that Mr. Arokium called me, and tell me that something serious happened, that they shoot, killed and burn up all the boys…I said man, what you saying? He said they killed all them boys man, they killed all them boys,” Courtney said as he recalled that conversation with himself and Leonard Arokium.

In disbelief, the mechanic sought clarification from Arokium’s son, Dean, who confirmed that eight miners were indeed killed. The mechanic said it was not long after that Leonard Arokium called him for a second time – this time to request of him to journey to Lindo Creek with the security forces, and without hesitation he agreed.

During that conversation, Courtney noted that Leonard Arokium had informed him that the then Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, the then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and the then Home

proceeded to collect Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh from his home, before heading to the Ogle Airport.

“We went to Ogle where a few others joined us and we flew to Timehri. From Timehri we flew to Kwakwani. From there, myself and Mr. Nehaul Singh and the pilot, he had a small plane, and we flew to the UNAMCO gate, that’s where we landed and waited for the rest of the team who came…in three pickups,” he detailed.

Courtney told the Commission that he led the team along the trail leading to Lindo Creek, and upon arriving at the first camp, which was abandoned, he suggested to Dr. Singh that he should rest there and allow the other members of his team to proceed to the camp where the miners were last operating from based on prior discussions that the journey had been fatiguing. According to the mechanic, Dr. Singh remained along with other senior members of the police force at the inactive camp, but sent

his supporting team to facilitate the autopsies.

It was noted that the “active” camp, which was close to one hour away from the abandoned camp, was situated on top of a hill.

Courtney said as they moved closer to the “active” camp, they first saw the kitchen. “When we reached the kitchen, it was in disarray….Rice, the flour, potato, onion, everything that was purchased for the purpose of cooking was scattered all over, it was a mess,” he recalled.

The mechanic said they then proceeded to the living quarters, a short distance away but surprisingly, there was no tarpaulin, no hammock or clothes in that area.

“It was like a deserted area,” he posited.

Beside the camp, at the “tail” of the sleeping area, Courtney said they were confronted with “a heap of bones.”

Upon seeing the burnt remains, he said one of the police officers asked the team, compris-

--as victim’s daughter collapses

ing of 10 to 12 persons, to form a line for the purpose of combing the area. “We were supposed to be looking for any spent shells.

So we combed the area, backward and forward, and no spent shell was found,” Courtney said.

However, he said as the sub-teams began to execute their functions on the crime scene, one police officer, announced that he had found three spent shells. “The same police found three spent shells, no other police…and this was the same area that was already combed” Courtney pointed out.

It was noted too that a decision was taken to wrap the remains in a large tarpaulin.

“We folded the tarpaulin and we placed it next to the remains. And they started to take out shoulder bones, all the big bones that remained…we had skulls that were totally burnt,” he recalled.

Courtney further told the Commission that they then found a skull which a huge hole at the top. According to him, it was not

long after that they found two hampers close to the remains.

“The first hammer could not have fit there, the other hammer fit right in there,” he added.

In addition to the remains, the mechanic said they found a burnt Identification Card, Passport and Birth Certificate. It was noted that though it was a mining camp, no precious metal was found at the time of the visit.

Courtney, due to the state of his niece who collapsed during his testimony, was unable to complete his statement before the Commission. He is expected to continue his testimony on Tuesday March 27, 2008. The burnt remains were that of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong. They were allegedly shot and burnt to death at Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River in Region 10 in June 2008.

Alicia Wong’s brother fetching her out of the COI Secretariat’s Chamber after she fainted during the public hearing. (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Unemployment drops marginally –– First continuous quarterly labour survey finds

THE first-ever local continuous quarterly Labour Force Survey (LFS) has recorded a marginal decrease in the unemployment level, which moved from 12.5 per cent in 2012 to 12.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2017.

The LFS is one of the main tools used to track labour market dynamics such as unemployment, job creation, and job destruction, said officials who spoke at the launch of the first

bulletin of the survey at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Statistician of the Bureau of Statistics, Ian Manifold, said the report summarises the main findings and indicators from the first quarter of the Guyana LFS which was the third quarter of 2017 (July to September).

“Whenever possible, it also compares them with the indicators referring to the 2012 Census and published in the related com-

pendia,” said Manifold.

He said the LFS is meant to provide a quick and complete snapshot of the labour market for policy makers within the public and private sectors, as well as general stakeholders.

The bulletin was prepared

by Diego Rei, Employment and Labour Market Specialist International Labour Organisation (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, in collaboration with Manifold and

the Bureau. It benefitted from technical support and inputs from Diether Wolfgang Beuermann Mendoza, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Yves Perardel, ILO Statistics Department, and Ramiro Flores Cruz, Sistemas Integrales.

It includes approximately 4,000 households every quarter, resulting in a total of about 15,000 individuals out of which about 11,000 are 15 years old or above.

“LFS is one of the main tools used to track labour market dynamics such as unemployment, job creation, and job destruction. However, up to July 2017, no such survey was regularly conducted in Guyana. This reality hindered the possibility of having up-to-date, objective information to inform evidence-based policy decisions,” said the deputy chief statistician.

In the past, the labour force would be captured in the general census that would usually happen within a span of 10 years or more, he explained, noting that now they would have continuous collection of data that would provide proper information on

Deputy Chief Statistician Ian Manifold, left, receiving the report from Finance Secretary Hector Butts “Such proportion is more than reversed if one looks at the labour force (the percentage of working age population actively engaged in the labour market) where men represent 60.1 per cent of the total,” the report said.

In the third quarter of 2017, the total population aged 15 and above residing in Guyana was 550,831 persons; the majority is based in urban areas, totaling 72.3 per cent.

The labour force participation rate for all persons aged

tial share of individuals who are more likely to be still attending educational institutions than their adult counterparts.

Statistics showed that 25 per cent of those in the 15 to 24 age group were enrolled in educational institutions.

“It appears that educational achievement in Guyana has a pyramidal structure, with less than 10 per cent of the population having completed any degree higher than secondary. The finding has two implications: On the

Finance Secretary Hector Butts, centre, shares a moment with officials from the IDB and the Bureau of Statistics (Adrian Narine photos) the labour force.

He went on to say that Guyana joins countries like Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad which are some of the few CARICOM countries that have implemented the survey.

With the oil and gas industry in the making, Manifold believes that the implementation of the survey locally is timely and will provide market planning indicators for investors to create strategic plans.

According to the bulletin, the available data from the survey shows a situation substantially similar to that outlined by the 2012 Census.

The main differences which emerged from a comparison of the two sources include the situation of women who, despite showing a sizeable disadvantage in the labour market, appear to be more engaged in the labour force and be less likely to be unemployed; the substantial drop in the number of workers engaged in the mining and quarrying sector; and the reduction in the youth unemployment rate.

WOMEN OUTNUMBER MEN The LFS revealed that women slightly outnumbered men within the working age population 15 years old and above, with a ratio of 281,966 women against 268,864 men.

15 and above was 56 per cent, roughly equal to the corresponding 2012 value of 55.7 per cent.

With respect to 2012, data indicated an increase in the participation rate of women from 34.6 to 43.6 per cent and a decrease in the participation rate of men from 77.5 to 68.9 per cent.

The urban labour force represented the majority of the total actively engaged persons which is 69.6 per cent of the total labour force.

The employment-to-population ratio of persons aged 15 and above was 49.2 per cent, with the rate being substantially higher for men than for women 62.1 per cent against 36.9 per cent.

In addition to the measure of the time-related underemployment, the LFS allowed for the calculation of a number of indicators referring to the concept of labour underutilisation as spelled out within the resolution concerning the statistics of work, employment, and labour.

The report stated that once those indicators are taken into account, the degree of labour underutilisation appears somewhat higher than what the simple time-related underemployment would indicate.

It also recorded that age distribution explains the low rate of labour force participation, noting that if at least 20 per cent of the population over 15 years of age is aged 15-24, there is a substan-

one hand, it entails a shortage of highly qualified human resources in the labour market, while on the other, it indirectly confirms the seriousness of the issue of out-migration of tertiary-educated people, which may explain the relatively low educational profile and skills portfolio of the economically active population,” the report indicated.

As Guyana moves to record its labour force quarterly, IDB Representative to Guyana, Sophie Makonnen, explained that the LFS is important to productivity and preventing Guyana from falling into a skills gap.

“In other words, such an assessment should indicate where Guyana’s workforce stands and enable policymakers to plan accordingly,” said Makonnen.

Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Hector Butts, said the LFS bulletin is critical and will aid in the objective of decision-making.

“It can serve two major purposes, first at the level of managing microeconomic planning to determine the impact of labour in the generation of wealth in Guyana, [and] at the career planning level to permit youths and others to affect career planning against the background of projected needs for skills,” said Butts.

The finance secretary implored stakeholders to utilise the data to enhance their strategic planning.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Chase-Green gets third term … Akeem Peter new deputy mayor

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green won a third term when elections were held for the position at the City Council on Thursday and she has gotten a new deputy--A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) councillor, Akeem Peter.

Soon after Councillor Philip Smith nominated Chase-Green for the mayoral chair, Councillor Win-

first and without any dissenting voices from the Council, took a decision to allow her instead of Duncan. Councillor Harding supported Richards’ proposal and thus no other nominations for deputy mayor were entertained.

Alliance for Change (AFC) councillor, Lionel Jaikarran will continue as deputy mayor until ChaseGreen and Peter officially take up their offices on April 1.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and new Deputy Mayor Akeem Peter after the elections. ston Harding rose to close nominations and this was seconded by Councillor Linda Gomes-Haley. Councillors Oscar Clarke and Sherod Duncan stood up at the same time to submit nominations for the post of Deputy Mayor with the latter taking his seat to allow for Clarke to go first.

After Councillor Ivelaw Henry seconded Clarke’s nomination, Councillors Trichria Richards and Duncan stood up. Richards wanted to close nominations for the post, but Duncan would not back down and take his seat without being allowed to state his nomination.

It was now in the hands of the mayor, who by now would have already taken up her seat at the head of the horse shoe table, to make a decision on whom she would allow on the floor.

Chase-Green said she saw Richards standing up

The four methods of voting at the mayoral elections are by voice, rising vote (standing up to vote), by a show of hands, and by means of a secret ballot.

Councillors Clarke and Heston Bostwick suggested that the elections be conducted by means of a show of hands, while People’s Progressive Party (PPP) councillors, Bishram Kup-

pen and Khame Sharma suggested using a secret ballot. But while 19 went in favour of a show of hands, only three voted for a secret ballot.

Of the 30 councillors, only six rose to offer congratulatory messages, after which Peter, in brief remarks, offered that he views himself as a servant of the city and hopes that the other councillors can have the same outlook.

“This is not about politics, it’s about service,” he said.

Following the elections, Jaikarran told reporters outside of the council chambers that AFC no longer has a voice at the City Council.

“In the process, local government democracy at City Hall…the AFC was kicked to the curb madam. Kicked to the curb. In other words, the AFC no longer has a voice at City Hall and I think Sherod would concur with me.”

Duncan told reporters that his intention was to nominate Jaikarran for the post of Deputy Mayor. “My intention was to nominate Councillor Jaikarran, but I’m not young enough; not vibrant enough. But I wish both the mayor, and I have already expressed my congratulations to the incoming deputy mayor…

The road is going to be very rough, but I think they will come out all the better forward.”

Duncan would not state what he really thought about the mayor’s decision to pick Councillor Richards

A majority of the councillors opted to vote by a show of hands instead of by secret ballot. over him, but he would only say: “The mayor in her own deliberate judgement…It was the mayor’s decision to make and the mayor made her decision.”

Asked just how independent he is prepared to be in his new office, Peter told the Guyana Chronicle that to him, it is not a question of being independent, but of being co-operative.

Referring to the clashes between the mayor and previous deputy mayors, Peter said issues arose because the visions of the officers were not aligning.

“And that sort of showed not lack of independence but lack of co-operation and unity in the coalition aspect of things. For us to have a working relationship, I must understand the intention of the mayor and direction in which she wants to take the city and also my role in that vision.”

Peter said the previous deputy mayors did not allow themselves to be led by the mayor but instead wanted to lead. “It was in

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (first right) sat through the elections.(Photos by Delano Williams)

essence that they wanted to have two mayors and clearly that could not work. It’s not a case of trusting blindly; you must still maintain your independence. But it’s a matter of willingness to be led rather than fighting to lead. And I do believe that before we can even lead effectively, we must also be willing to be led.”

Speaking with reporters, Peter said he will be spending a number of months while in office to correct the negative image of the City Council. “City Hall has caught itself in a place where it is not favourable, and it is not a favourable entity to even work at. That’s one of the things for the first half of

the year we will be working assiduously to correct; the image of the organization. I do believe that the councillors will now seek to fix that.”

Responding to Jaikarran’s remarks that the AFC was ‘kicked to the curb’, Peter said at the end of the day the image of the Council and the intention of the councillors spoke through.

“The APNU has a majority on the City Council and they have decided to place one of the councillors whom in their mind they have all confidence in. So it is not a matter of kicking anyone to the curb. It was a matter of who is best suited for the position.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

AG warns against Guyana going back into ‘black hole’ … defends deferral of motion on AML/CFT Authority

THE National Assembly on Thursday moved to defer the adoption of the sixth report of the standing Committee on Appointments to appoint members of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority (AML/CFT) and Attorney General, Basil Williams defended the decision even as he warned against Guyana

going back into a ‘black hole.’

Minister of Social Cohesion and Chairman of the Committee on Appointments, Dr. George Norton, instead of putting the motion forward for adoption as scheduled on the order paper, stood before the House to request that the report be deferred.

Those recommended by the Committee on Appoint-

ments are Nicholas Deygoo and Captain Gerald Gouveia of the PSC; Wayne Eucaulton Fordyce of the Association of Bankers; Hance Manohar of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; Thomas Bissessar and Frederick Collins of the TGI; Mohamed Alli and Christopher Ram of the Bar Association; Melissa De Santos of the Insurance Institute

of Guyana; and Sadie Amin of the Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers.

Dr. Norton’s request prompted Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira to object immediately, noting that the Committee on appointments had worked tirelessly on putting the names together and she found it “highly irregular on the part of the Chairman to come to this house and ask for deferral without enlightening the House the reason.”

Teixeira argued that the process was held up twice

before in the 10th Parliament and should no longer be delayed. “Is it that the ten names the Committee worked hard to bring to this House…are they no longer fit and proper?” asked the Opposition Chief Whip.

Her question prompted the attorney general who rose on a point of order, to question Teixeira’s contention. He informed the House that there is good reason for a request for deferral of the adoption of the sixth report on the Standing Committee

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton on Appointments to address the appointment of members of the AML/CFT Authority.

“The AML/CFT is a regime that is here to stay and it changes with each round-rules are made and rules are changed – and the idea is to conform with the recommendations of the FATF and CFATF…,” said Williams.

He explained that the Authority was established on the FIU and that recommendations were initially made for 12 positions to be identified by the parliamentary committee to be appointed by the Parliament. However, there was a provision for 13 ex-officio members to be appointed, thereby bringing the total to twenty-five persons.

“Under the last Government the AML-CFT regime was the FIU. Guyana was the only country in the 25 nations in CFATF that had one element of a national coordinating committee…

We now have Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), [and] Bank of Guyana (BOG)…,” he stated.

Williams reminded the House of the challenges Guyana faced just before exiting the third round of evaluation.

“We took ourselves out of the hole. Therefore, we recognise that it is not a good thing to go into holes…the CFATF has written to us indicating that the national authority which is the FIU has no relevance,” said Williams who referenced a Memorandum he received from the executive director of the CFATF dated January 3, 2018. “If we keep the Authority, we could end

up in the black hole again,” declared Williams.

But Teixeira maintained the Opposition’s position that they are not in support of the deferral of the adoption of the report. “We are opposed to this on the ground that the report was here since 2017 July,” she said, while noting that the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs would have written Committee on Appointments indicating, among other things, that the Caribbean Financial

PPP MP Gail Teixeira Action Task Force (CFATF) recommended that changes be made.

“Mr. Speaker, the Committee’s process is above board and has named people and gone to civil society…

Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee be adopted today and now.”

Teixeira’s request was seconded by opposition member, Irfaan Ali. Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland called for a vote. In the end, government secured 29 votes while the opposition obtained 28.

The Committee on Appointments had agreed on the nominees for the Authority after consulting with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Private Sector Commission, Guyana Association of Bankers, Institution of Chartered Accountants Guyana, Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc., the Bar Association of Guyana, Insurance Institute of Guyana, Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers and Guyana Securities Council.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Gov’t threatens court action against errant security firm

THE Ministry of Social Protection has threatened court action against Integrated Security Services for its failure to pay security guards of Berbice their salaries in recent months.

Minister within the Ministry, Keith Scott had ordered the company to immediately pay all outstanding wages owed to the security guards.

In December 2017, they had retained the contract with the Regional Democratic Council after the former contractor had his services terminated. The workers are complaining that the security firm is trying to force them to set up accounts with Citizens Bank when they all have accounts with Republic Bank.

The guards also said it would

they have not been providing and have left several posts without guards.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Five, Ovid Morrison explained that the region is now contemplating the enforcement of its termination clause of the contract with the company.

He indicated that the region is now being forced to im-

Security guards of the Integrated Security Services However, the company has since failed to comply and will now be taken before the courts to do so, Scott said in a statement. In a meeting with the minister, the company had complained of administrative difficulties and had committed to paying the workers immediately and rectifying internal complications in the fastest possible manner.

The Security Service provider is contracted to provide guard services for 96 regional locations in Region 5 only, and several others in Region 6. These include public schools, hospitals, health centres, regional offices and the residence of senior officials of the region.

be difficult to access branches of Citizens Bank. Since the company has gotten the contract, they have been paid over $40M for their service, but have been failing to pay the staff while committing several other infractions, breaching their contractual duties, Scott said.

He added that the company is currently being paid a rate of $350- $420 per hour per guard and are expected to provide over 250 guards.

However, the company has been paying a rate of $225 per hour to its guards, while the minimum wage stipulates it must pay $255 minimum.

The region is alleging that the company has also been producing invoices for services

plement emergency measures to secure its properties, since all guards working for the company have abandoned their posts. He said it is because of this situation that the region has implemented a performance bond as part of its contract.

Recently, over 100 employees protested the regional office. However, Morrison explained that all monies were paid to the company and it is now their responsibility to provide the requisite remuneration to their employees. The Department of Labour has since reassured the workers that legal action against Integrated Security Services will be sought to recover their monies. It is

REO Ovid Morrison in conversation with Security Service workers during the protest

Security guards verifying their identities

only recently that the labour department had conducted a special training session with the security firm with regard to their operation in Berbice.

The department continues to conduct various training sessions with employers.

As recent as March 14th, training with employers of

Region Six was conducted in regard to best practices for Occupational Safety and Health which also addressed several industrial relations concerns. Over the last few weeks, several such training sessions have been held throughout the country. �

The Ministry of Social

Protection wishes to reinforce that all employees must follow the laws of Guyana; maintaining its commitment that all laws which fall under the purview of the Ministry of Social Protection will be strictly enforced,� the statement ended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

First reading of Juvenile Justice Bill

THE Juvenile Justice Bill was on Thursday read for the first time before the National Assembly by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, with provisions that a child below the age of 12 will not be capable of being guilty of committing a crime.

The first reading of the Bill follows statements by the Public Security Minister in February that he wanted the bill fine-tuned before taking it to Cabinet and then the National Assembly. The minister said the Bill seeks to amend and consolidate the law in relation to criminal justice for juveniles and generally reforms of the juvenile justice system in Guyana by providing for the custody, education and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

Part one of the Bill speaks to criminal capacity and says that it shall be presumed that no child under the age of twelve shall be capable of or guilty of committing an offence.

However, that presumption can be rebutted where an evaluation is done of the child’s cognitive, emotional, psychological and social

development. Part 11 of the Bill sets out the principles and objectives to be used in diversion and stipulates the general conditions which govern diversion measures.

It also sets out the various diversion measures that are available, the circumstances under which a diversion measure may be used and provides for the Director of Youth to develop diversion measures. Additionally, this Bill states that notice must be provided to a parent in relation to the use of a diversion measure and that a victim has a right to information on the use of such measures on request.

Moreover, it provides for the police to use warnings and referrals with respect to a juvenile instead of allowing the juvenile to be dealt with through judicial proceedings.

The third part of the Bill deals with the organisation of the juvenile justice system. This part provides the court with exclusive jurisdiction in juvenile justice matters subject to the Constitution. It also provides that diversion measures or judicial proceedings com-

menced under the Act shall continue after the juvenile attains the age of eighteen years. Additionally, this part stipulates that the Act applies to persons eighteen years and older who are alleged to have committed an offence as a juvenile.

Meanwhile, PART IV provides for the Director of Public Prosecutions to conduct pre-charge screenings and restricts private prosecution unless written consent is given by the DPP chambers. It also provides for the juvenile to be able to retain counsel at any stage of the proceedings and for the juvenile to be informed of this right.

This part also provides for parents of the juvenile to be notified of the arrest and for the court, by order in writing, to require the parent of the juvenile to attend court.

Further, Part IV provides that the court at any stage of the proceedings may refer the juvenile to the Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (C&PA) for assessment to determine whether the juvenile is in need of child welfare services. Part V,

however, deals with the detention of juveniles prior to sentencing. To this end, this section sets out the procedure to be followed by the police with respect to taking statements from a juvenile. Also, the procedures to be followed by the police for release of a juvenile from custody where the juvenile has been arrested for an offence not in the Schedule or for one listed in the Schedule was outlined.

Part V also provides that a police officer shall not release a juvenile from custody where the police believes on reasonable grounds that to keep the juvenile detained would be in the best interest of the public. Issues of summons or recognisance were also stipulated in that part of the Bill.

PART VI addresses the purpose and principles to be applied in sentencing a juvenile and makes provision for a pre-sentence report and sets out the contents of a pre-sentence report while indicating that a copy of the pre-sentence report shall be given to the juvenile, any parent of the juvenile, any adult assisting the juvenile or any counsel representing the juvenile and the prosecutor.

Additionally, the bill states that a child or juvenile shall not be sentenced to imprisonment and that a conviction must not be recorded where there is a finding of guilt. Recommended probation or supervisory orders were also indicated where a juvenile is found guilty of an offence.

The Juvenile Justice

Bill also makes provision for the review of sentences and notes the conditions for the continuation of custody of a juvenile.

It provides that the DPP, Director of Youth or Chief Probation Officer may apply to the Court for extension of a custodial sentence where they have reasonable grounds to believe that a juvenile has breached or is about to breach a condition of probation, custody and supervision order or a deferred custody and supervision order.

The bill also provides for the annual review of a custodial sentence where the juvenile is committed to custody for a period exceeding one year and sets out the grounds for review.

However, there shall be no review of a sentence where an appeal is pending until the appeal has been completed. This Part also makes provision for the transfer or non-transfer of a juvenile on attaining 18 years. This part further prohibits appeal from review of a sentence and stipulates the effect of an absolute discharge or termination of a sentence.

The custody, supervision and rehabilitation of a juvenile were identified.

The legislation further outlines the purpose of and principles to be applied in the juvenile custody and supervision system. It also stipulates that juveniles must be held separate from adults and provides for the relevant minister to establish facilities for custody and detention.

Additionally, the subject minister must appoint

a director of youth and set out the functions and duties of the Director of Youth. By virtue of the Bill, the minister can delegate certain power and duties to authorized persons and provide for the minister to make regulations.

Moreover, the legislation sets out guidelines and procedures that govern any publication, record and information relating to a juvenile. It provides that the privacy of a juvenile must be protected and provides exceptions and conditions under which the records and publication of those records may be allowed. The bill places restrictions on the access period for information disclosure and restricts disclosure of information other than to an authorized person. For instance, this part allows for disclosure by the Director of Public Prosecutions or a police officer of information in a record during an investigation of an offence under restrictive circumstances or where the court has ordered that the information be disclosed to the Director of Public Prosecutions or a police officer.

PART X of the Bill provides for circumstances where a court can continue the hearing of a matter commenced before another court.

It also prevents a person from being present in court at a hearing related to a child unless the person’s presence is connected with the proceedings of the court or unless permission is granted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Elderly woman homeless after fire completely guts home AN elderly woman is now counting her losses after a fire believed to be electrical in origin completely destroyed her home at Lot 633, First Street, Number One Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Seventy-three-yearold Noorbee Khan called 'Aunty Data' said she was alerted by neighbours who witnessed smoke coming from the back room in the upper flat of the two storey building. “I eat and meh lay down in the hammock; next thing I hear is the side neighbour shouting fuh fire.

I didn’t catch meh self was me house. Then meh neighbour den run over so I just jump up confuse and run in the kitchen, collect bag with some paper and run out.”

The woman explained that all the electrical appliances were off, since they had suffered a power outage for some time.

However, minutes before the fire reportedly started, the area experienced high voltage. Khan, who lives alone said the entire house was fully furnished and she has been living there since the early 1960s. In tears, the

dered assistance. The Guyana Fire Service Unit subsequently responded but was unable to save Khan’s home. An investigation has been launched.

On Tuesday, a pregnant mother, her husband and five children lost the home they had been renting for the last six months to fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as the family continue to plead for help to get back on their feet.

Seventy-three-year-old Noorbee Khan called 'Aunty Data' sand. Additionally, she had paid for cement at the said time.

One neighbour related: “Me de deh inside when me brother-in-law come call out for open the gate. Then me see the whole on top a blaze way …whole morning we had blackout and current just come on deh little after the fire start.”

Another neighbour said he noticed black smoke emerging from the western side of the upper flat, so

Neighbours and friends were powerless to stop the fire woman related “God will provide again…all these things make up life.. I don’t like sit down. I like hustle”.

To help sustain her livelihood, Khan was engaged in selling ice, drinks and icicles from her home.

She noted also that she was in the process of doing construction work in the lower flat and earlier in the morning her daughter dropped off a truckload of

he immediately raised an alarm and also notified the fire service and the police.

“Plenty people start come; we formed a bucket [brigade] and try our best but when it start get bigger, we had to focus on we house.

We soak it until the firetender come”.

Meanwhile, the firetender from Albion Estate arrived promptly and ren-

The house after the fire

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Injured students recovering after Bartica boat accident

THE regional authorities in Bartica are putting systems in place to ensure students are transported safely to and from school, following Wednesday evening’s accident in the area.

Several students who attend school in the town are hospitalised following a boat accident involving a ‘David G’ boat in the vicinity of River’s View, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) on Wednesday evening.

Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford told the Guyana Chronicle that the regional boats will temporarily fill the gap as another boat is sourced to replace the “David G”. Bradford said that while the boat was damaged, its engine is intact.

The boat captain, Akeem

Williams who is also hospitalised and is in a stable condition, told education officials that the operating cable for the boat “cut” and as such he was unable to stop the boat in a timely manner.

Hence, he was forced to swerve from colliding into the stelling at Rivers View and as a result the boat ran aground on the river bank and all occupants were hurled from the vessel. Detective Corporal Kester Cosbert who visited the patients during the time of the education team’s visit, took a statement from Williams. He said statements will be taken from the students in the presence of their parents.

He said the students who usually utilise the service attend schools in Bartica,

including the Bartica Secondary School and the Three Miles Secondary. On Thursday, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson visited the three students who are now patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital following the boat mishap.

Those injured are Iola Thornhill, 14, Cleveloyd Edmonds, 15, and Sheniele Maschette, 16. Their conditions have been listed as stable.

During the visit to offer moral support, the Minister and CEO were apprised by medical officials of the students’ diagnosis and prognosis related to their injuries.

A team of senior officers from the Ministry of Educa-

Education Minister, Nicolette Henry and Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson during a visit to one of the hospitalised students. tion also visited the hospital to ascertain the medical condition of the injured persons.

That team was headed by the Chief Education Officer who was accompanied by Owen Pollard, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary); Juneann Gonsalves, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary); Glenna Vyphius, Chief Schools Welfare

Officer; Onika Pearson, Senior Schools Welfare Officer and Brushell Blackman, Senior Public Relations Officer.

During that visit officers interacted with Dr. Khan who indicated that all the patients were in a stable condition and that the two female students may be discharged from the hospital by Friday March 16.

President David Granger on

Wednesday evening visited the four injured persons at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC. He instructed that an investigation be launched into the accident. Additionally, the Head-of-State has committed to providing the necessary assistance to aid the recovery process of the injured persons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

‘Red Man’ set free

–– as jury clears him of 2014 rape

CURTIS Sulker, called “Red Man”, a tout at the Berbice Bus Park, walked out of the Demerara High Court a free man on Thursday afternoon after

Freed: Curtis Sulker, called ‘Red Man’ (Photo

by Delano Williams) a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the September 7, 2014 rape of a female family-friend at the Botanical Gardens.

After several hours of deliberation, the jury returned the “not guilty” verdict, after which the accused was told by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Sexual Offences Court that he was free to go.

The seemingly surprised man thanked the judge, and calmly walked out of the courtroom, leaving the relatives of the virtual complainant, who had broken down in tears after hearing the verdict, to console her.

The State said that on the day in question, the accused, a former family-friend, took the young lady, who was 16 at the time, to the Botanical Gardens where he allegedly committed the act of rape.

The State’s case was led

by Seeta Bishundial and Natasha Backer, while the defence was led by Clyde Forde.

Bus drivers protest clampdown on colour designs

GEORGETOWN minibus drivers on Thursday at the Square of the Revolution held a peaceful protest over the clampdown exercise by traffic police on their use of multi-coloured wraps on their vehicles.

Police stated that only drivers with coloured wraps that are not represented on their registration and fitness will be penalised. The drivers during their protest action posited that even buses sprayed in multi-coloured designs and with the colour represented on their registration had their fitness seized by police officers.

The drivers plying the South Ruimveldt, Mahaica, Sophia and Kitty route have complained that they had been unable to work for days and this was taking a toll on their pockets. They contend that no consultation was done and they were unaware as how or when the police would engage them in an effort to find a solution. “Since Monday my fitness was taken away and I can’t work, nobody ain’t coming to say anything, my bus is sprayed

and the colours are on my registration and my fitness still get take away,” Ozaye , a South Ruimveldt driver exclaimed.

He further stated that the situation was a drain on his finances. “ How are we surviving, they are not telling us nothing tangible, many of the drivers out here came from the streets. I personally went to jail already and now I am working for an honest dollar and getting harass. This will push people now to go back to the streets,” the driver said.

The scores of drivers were told that three drivers who are willing to explain the situation should visit the Brickdam station to engage the Commander but they were of the opinion that the Commander should have visited the protest scene to engage all the drivers and listen to their concerns. The drivers are of the belief that having fancy buses were posing no harm to transporting passengers safely to their destinations or breaking any law.

They plan to continue protesting until the situation is resolved.

Some of the parked multi-coloured buses at the Square of the Revolution during the protest

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Remembering Ann Anderson –– fallen veteran trade unionist

By Shirley Thomas THE local trade union fraternity was on Tuesday plunged into deep mourning on the passing of veteran trade unionist, Ann Anderson.

Anderson, née Nelson, General Secretary of the Clerical Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) and Secretary and Manager

(Ag) of Clerical Commercial Workers’ Credit Union, died at the Georgetown Hospital. She was 52.

A committed and accomplished trade union icon who wore many hats, Ms. Anderson was also Executive Committee Member (Ex-Co) of the International Transport Workers’ Federation; World Board and Vice Chairperson of the

ITF Women’s Committee; General Secretary of the Guyana Scouts Association and member of many other committees.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the CCWU’s office on Quamina & Waterloo, a pall of grief overhung the facility and co-workers were very emotional as they tried desperately to come to terms

with the dreadful reality.

Said Sherwood Clarke, CCWU President: “Ms. Nelson Anderson was a consummate professional, and was greatly admired not only by me, but by the entire Union Executive and by extension the workers whose cause she ardently represented.

“I loved her spirit, and was prepared to go in the firing line for her. What is more remarkable was that she was an ambassador for the union and the country.”

Besides being CCWU’s first female General Secretary, Anderson was the first elected woman representative for the Region (International Transport Federation Workers’ Union); the first Vice-Chair of the ITF globally; the first woman to be Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean; and First Vice-President of the Caribbean Region and Latin America.

Ms. Anderson attended the last Regional Conference of the IFT in Catherina on November 27, 2017, where she was the first woman to be elected to the ITF World Executive Board.

“Unfortunately, she will be unable to attend the first meeting of the ITF World Executive body scheduled for April this year, since she is no more,” Clarke said, adding:

MORE THAN A SHOCK “Ms. Anderson’s death is more than a shock to me. She was a great and strong woman; an advocate for gender equality, and she leaves a rich legacy for the Union and the ITF as a whole.”

Chairperson of the CCWU Credit Union, Donna Todd, tearfully related: “Ann’s death has been a shock to me. For years we had worked together, both within the union and the credit union, dating back to the early 2000s.

“In fact, I knew her eversince she worked at Guyana Stores, and would come to join the WAC. After that, we became very close; developed a bond, becoming more like sisters instead of workmates.

“Later, we both got on to the Credit Union Committee of Management, and that helped to foster our relationship, bonding us tighter because we both did training for the Credit Union, both locally and overseas.

“Our network of friends increased due to that. So, to me, Ann’s death is like the death of a sister. I am hoping that her legacy; what

The late Ann Anderson she did for both the union and credit union, would live on, and that we would build on that strength.”

For Noella Rodrigues, Typist Clerk: “News of Ms. Anderson’s death hit us like a bullet. She has always been a jolly person, but hardworking and a disciplinarian.

“We never had a problem with her; all she was interested in was seeing you do your work in a satisfactory manner, and being a credit to your work organisation.

“She was never someone who would hound you down. Ms. Anderson will be greatly missed. We ask God to comfort her grieving family members.”

In the words of Bahati Richards: “I must say Ms. Anderson will truly be missed. During the years I have worked with CCWU, I have found her to be a very strong woman.

TOUGH BUT KIND “She tried to put on a very tough exterior, but on the inside, she was a gem. And so you would naturally be drawn to her.

“She was loving, caring, and had feelings for her staff and workers. She truly would be missed by me... This is very, very sad and sudden.”

Moved to tears, Bahati said: “I personally can’t deal with it, but God Almighty saw it fit to take her, and we cannot question Him.” We next spoke to CCWU Executive Member, Kobena Paul, who said: “I have been working alongside Sister Anderson

for a number of years on the Executive of the CCWU. “I have known her to be quite an easy-going but hardworking person towards the interest of the workers within the Union.

“There’re times when she went beyond the normal call of duty; there were times when you could have called her way into the night or early in the morning, and once it was in the interest of the union or the welfare of the workers, she would respond positively.

“There are many workers who can attest to this.

She was given to working resolutely to reverse some of the unfair decisions that were imposed on them by management of the organisations within which they worked.

Ms. Anderson did a great job of responding to the concerns of the workers, and made them feel that their interest and welfare mattered.”

The funeral for the late Ann Nelson-Anderson will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018. Viewing of the body will take place at Merriman’s Funeral Home between 12:00h and 13:30h.

The funeral service will be held at the Critchlow Labour College from 14:00h, thence to Le Repentir Cemetery for burial.

Wake will be held as follows: * At her residence, 627 Mocha Arcadia Housing Scheme, today (Friday, March 16, 2018) from 19:00h; and * At the CCWU tomorrow (Saturday, March 17, 2018) from 19:00h.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

‘Let Your Freak Flag Fly!’ Shrek, the Musical Jr. for the National Cultural Centre tomorrow THE Georgetown International Academy (GIA) has obtained the unique position in the Guyanese theatre fraternity of being one of the very few educational institutions in Guyana that stages plays on an annual basis. Every year there is a new play to look forward to, and with each new play comes a new world for the Guyanese audience to explore new characters to fall in love with, and new songs and dances to tap one’s feet to. With productions as varied as “Aladdin”, “Alice in Wonderland”, and “The Wizard of Oz”, the school is well on its way to establishing itself as an important part of the sector within the local theatre scene due to its roles as both procurer and producer of these plays with high production values, intricate costuming, and the refreshing musical numbers that have become the hallmarks of a GIA production.

Tomorrow at the National Cultural Centre, GIA will be staging Dreamworks’ “Shrek, the Musical Jr.” This musical adaptation of the animated film tells the story of the ogre who becomes an unlikely hero after setting out on a quest to rescue a princess trapped in a dragon-guarded tower. This particular musical explores the themes of prejudice, self-acceptance, love, friendship, and overcoming adversity – all essential ideas for the young people of today’s Guyana to explore.

The production is helmed by GIA’s Music teacher, Ellenelle Gilliam, who supervised all aspects of the production. She was supported by her fellow GIA faculty members, Christian Sobers (Music and Lighting), Andre Lewis (Choreography), and Subraj Singh (Directing). However, the truly

From L-R: Anthony Islam, Rachel Mekdeci, Eros Jackson, Shane Sukhlal

impressive members of the show come from the massive cast who, along with the production’s crew, total more than 70 students from the Georgetown International Academy who have devoted time and energy in memorising lines, learning choreography, singing, painting and designing, and numerous other forms of preparations and rehearsals in order to ensure the show is unlike any other that has been done before. Students from various grade levels, various nationalities and various backgrounds all came together to work on

Shrek, the Musical Jr. Official Poster

the production, with rehearsals commencing since January of this year.

The titular role of Shrek is being played

by Grade 11 student, Eros Jackson. Although he won the lead role, this is actually Jackson’s first year at GIA and the first major role he has ever auditioned for. He was convinced to audition for Shrek based on his performance in his Music class. He promptly won the part and was given the chance to headline GIA’s major play for the 2017/2018 academic year.

Jackson admits that he was initially nervous at the thought of playing this role and that although he still feels a lot of pressure having to carry an entire musical production, it became much easier for him as he rehearsed and worked along with his castmates. Jackson says his favourite part of the rehearsal process was working in the play’s more emotional scenes while rehearsing the songs was the most difficult for him simply because of how taxing they were. He also notes that he enjoys the sense of cooperation between the students and teachers that working on a musical brings about and that one of the highlights of being a part of such a production is discovering the new talents that some students had – talents that would have remained undiscovered and untapped were it not for the play. Jackson also commends his school for allowing the arts to have a continued presence in the lives of its students.

Playing the female lead opposite Jackson is Rachel Mekdeci, an 11th grader who portrays the feisty Princess Fiona. Shrek, the Musical Jr. is Mekdeci’s sixth consecutive production, having starred in “The Lion King”, “Peter Pan”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “The Wizard of Oz”, and others. She notes that her role as the “quaint and feminine” Dorothy in “Oz” was probably the most difficult role she has had to play so far due to the character being very different from who Mekdeci is as a person. Mekdeci says she enjoys theatre because it allows her to use characters and words to express her emotions.

She is particularly interested in the way emotions can be channelled through theatrical performances. Mekdeci is convinced that the arts are of the utmost importance and believes that theatre, literature and music are as important as

Turn to page 19 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Miss World Guyana 2018 focuses on empowering women in pageantry Members of the Miss World Guyana 2018 team at the press conference on Wednesday at Pegasus

By Michel Outridge MISS World Guyana 2018 Hostess, Jamicia McCalman, on Wednesday said that the pageant geared toward empowering women in keeping with their Beauty with a Purpose mandate.

At a press conference held at the Pegasus Hotel, McAlmon stated that the MWG Organisation is looking for women of substance to be the next Miss World Guyana 2018, and that three open auditions will be held in an effort to reach out to women between the ages of 17 and 25 who may be eligible for the crown. The auditions will be held on March 17, 18 and 24 in Berbice, Linden and Georgetown,respectively.

McCalman added that at the open auditions, past queen Vena Mookram will be on hand to motivate the young ladies in which “Beauty with a Purpose” Initiative will take centre stage.

The pageant consists of a body of persons who operate under the brand ‘Majesty International’ who are working ardently to plan and execute the standards and principles of the international competition.

Miss World Guyana 2018 is being headed

by Natasha Martindale, who has served as the National Director since 2013 for the MWG. Other members of the team include Project Manager, Winston Martindale, the Marketing team; NEXGEN, spearheaded by Aleem Hussain, along with Administrative Assistants and Social Media Monitors; Narda Mohammed, Adrian Ramlochan, Sachin Lall and Aravinda Moonsammy. This year, Majesty International will also collaborate with Guyana Carnival From page 18

the sciences and should be appreciated as such. She is grateful for the ways in which the musicals bring students together, regardless of their age group, and says that even though the small school community is already quite tight-knit, working on the plays each year helps to reaffirm the relationships they all share with each other. Mekdeci hopes to obtain a BFA in Theatre as soon as she is finished with her high school life and plans to move to New York in order to accomplish this.

Shane Sukhlal plays one of the fan favourite characters of the franchise, the talking donkey named Donkey. Sukhlal is a 12thgrade student who has acted in most of the GIA productions, the most notable being the

2018 to increase the visibility of its brand.

MWG representatives throughout the years have represented Guyana as true ambassadors: Ruqayyah Boyer, who placed top 32 in beach fashion; Rafieya Hussain, who placed top four in Multimedia and was the winner of the Beauty With A Purpose and overall top 10 placement at the Miss World; Lisa Punch, who placed top five in Multimedia, top 10 in Beauty With A Purpose, and was the winner of the Miss World Talent; Nurriyyih Gerard who was awarded a Beauty With A Purpose certificate and the reigning Queen, Vena Mookram, who was also awarded a Beauty With A Purpose certificate.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of MWG 2018 Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud, elaborated on the Miss World Guyana’s undertaking, stating that she is also representing Natasha Martindale. She pointed out that Miss World Guyana 2018 is a community-spirited, national organisation that exists to enrich the lives of young women through an unsurpassed self-exploration experience. Boodhoo-Persaud noted that it is their mission to provide tremendous value to all involved especially assisting the finalists in developing a lifestyle of service to others. “We provide the young women in our charge with extraordinary opportunities for growth and development,” she said.

Persaud -Boodhoo stated that their programme recognises the personal achievement, community involvement and excellence of young women throughout Guyana and the diaspora in a fun and trendy community of sisters, who become role models, regional representatives and ambassadors of many

worthy causes and charities.

“We award young women for their accomplishments and mentor them to reach their goals and unleash their true potential while encouraging them to find their voice and make a difference,” she said.

She added that they offer one of the highest quality competitive programmes in the country for beautiful young women and partner with well-known industry professionals in the fashion and modeling worlds to provide their finalists with an exciting and unforgettable experience that is of high class.

She noted that while Miss World Guyana is the top name in traditional pageantry in Guyana they focus more on keeping their core values at the forefront. “Our philosophy is that each candidate is unique and more than just a number, and we endeavour to develop relationships that turn our finalists into more than just clients. We are building a world of superwomen,” she said.

Persaud-Boodhoo said the theme for the MWG 2018 is `Ultra Violet: Beauty Revealed’ and the Ultra Violet colour is a representation of “pushing through boundaries, spurring individuals to leave their unique mark on the world”, thus revealing their true beauty.

She pointed out that on their mission to find this year’s MWG beauty ambassador, they have decided to venture across the boundaries. She stated that open auditions are new for the organisation but it will allow potentials to ask questions, interact with the team and MWG Vena Mookram will share her experience and elaborate in any area of interest.

“We also encourage young women who might have plans to enter in the future if not this time around, to come out and grasp as much from the open auditions,” she said.

Persaud-Boodhoo added that they have already recruited some local and international preselected semi-finalists via electronic applications. “Recruitment drive is the most important of all the processes, the recruitment drive is the most anticipated of all the events as we kick-start the process and excitement to find the next Miss World among our Guyanese young women,” she said.

She stated that a few months ago, Natasha Martindale shared her plan to make the Miss Guyana brand a global one in an effort to give every Guyanese girl a fair chance to become Miss World. This year, they are focusing on a more inclusive selection by extending our recruiting drive to USA, UK, Canada and Guyana.

The NEXGEN Marketing Representative, Aleem Hussain, said that this year they have made major changes as it relates to the judging which will be done in accordance with international standards to have the results verified.

He disclosed that this year too they will take on the responsibility of securing sponsorships for all contestants who will not be burdened in that aspect.

Hussain said that the packages and prizes are very exciting and include a four-year scholarship among other benefits where contestants will also be trained.

At the press conference were three former contestants of 2017 who shared their experiences to motivate others to get on board this year.

role of the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.” He believes that Shrek is a special play because it does not follow the usual conventions. He notes that there is not a high level of realism in the musical and that there are often strange scenarios and many contradictions within the play itself, and yet, according to the actor, the performance still manages to feel natural. He likes the way in which the musical allows the actors to be dynamic and play more relaxed and multi-dimensional, rather than restricted and one-dimensional, characters. On his role, Sukhlal says he enjoys the humour his character essays and notes that comedic performances are difficult, but that is also the element of the production that he enjoyed the most. He believes that the country needs to be more appreciative of art and culture, and theatre, particularly pieces

of theatre produced by schools, as culture is linked to aspects of the society as diverse as the economy and unity within the Guyanese population.

The primary villain of the musical is Lord Farquaad, a short, moody lord who sends Shrek and Donkey off to rescue Princess Fiona so he can marry her in order to become king. This character is portrayed by 10thgrade student, Anthony Islam. He has been involved in three GIA productions, but there is no doubt that his role of Lord Farquaad will probably be the most memorable of them all.

He pointed out that unlike other plays, the main characters of Shrek, the Musical Jr. are imperfect – for example, Shrek himself is far from a prince in shining armour – and this, Islam says, is an important element of the play since it can teach people to accept their

flaws and to be themselves.

Islam believes that musicals should be embraced by the Guyanese society, especially Shrek since it presents themes that Guyanese people can identify with. He notes that the play can teach audience members about not judging each other based on how someone initially looks or appears and maintains that this idea of not having preconceived notions about people before getting to know them is an essential lesson that one can take away from Shrek. He also emphasised the ways in which the plays produced by GIA help the student community to develop their self-esteem and self-expression.

The four leads will be joined by many other students from GIA on March 17th at the National Cultural Centre, where the musical is expected to come alive at 19:00hrs sharp.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

THE STRUGGLE TO HOUSE GUYANA From colony to nation

HOUSING shortage becomes more of a scandal with each passing year. The Ministry of Housing announced that it had another batch of houses in the La Penitence area available to the public for hire purchase and rental. One hundred and thirty-eight hire purchase and 50 apartment houses for rental. The Housing Department was flooded with 3,300 applications for these 188 houses, and more are still to pour in since closing date for applications has not yet been fixed. The applications represent a group of more than 15,000 people, almost twothirds of whom are pleading with Housing Officers to give them the opportunity of living in the 50 apartment houses.

NOWHERE TO SLEEP The plight of some of these range from nowhere of their own to sleep when night comes, to families of eight and 12 who are huddled together in a small dark room, in Albouystown, Kitty or the slums of Georgetown. While in the rural communities housing is also a problem, in Georgetown it is a very big headache. I understand that some bachelors are using the housing shortage as an excuse to postpone naming the day, and some married couples are employing various methods of family planning, to keep the family down to a manageable size and save themselves the embarrassment of having to move out of rented bedrooms to look for homes of their own.

No, this is not a report of the exact situation faced by the Housing authorities in 2018.

Instead, this is an article from the Sunday Graphic, September 23, 1962- back in the good old days which every so often, some clueless letter writers long for a return to. Housing is however still a problem, a labyrinth of infrastructural, social anthropology and income earning evaluations necessary against the backdrop of a conservative banking loan system, that cannot correspond to the needs of unstructured earning niches.

I can remember when the East-West Ruimveldt front road was not an illegal housing scheme. On the embankment of a draining canal, there was ‘Goat Lady’ at the western head of Laing Avenue, and ‘Flat Taps’ Enter the Dragon at the other end up to the police outpost of West Ruimveldt, with about two other shops in between. The working class families that moved in the Ruimveldt scheme area with nine, 12 and 14-year-olds in 10 years had become adults living in the same congested area.

When housing is provided it is not provided in coexistence to an industrial site, so for the majority without transportation after a month of the cost of commuting, they creep back to the familiar environment and grab space to squat. The Industrial Estate at Coldingen on the East Coast was a constructive idea to decentralise the workforce and keep people from travelling and renting in Georgetown. I had an advertising relationship with one company there, building industrial spares, but due to electricity costs coupled with no local bureau to advocate local products, the company folded. Housing is a driving force behind the economic woes for many families. Owning also has its problems. How does a parent/small business person that makes dhal puri, coconut biscuits and pone for semi-literate wholesale customers who never the less pay, but have never written a receipt or product request invoice to provide paper trail support to fulfill the bank’s request for documentation? Can the home applicant attempt a revolution at the risk of losing customers upon requesting a receipt relationship, towards acquiring a loan?

The economy has not yet expanded the receptive scope, to recognise and properly include that wider existence of small and cottage businesses into the formal service sector, though the Small Business Bureau is making inroads in that direction. Collaboration should be necessary to start that process of engaging applicants at CH&PA, who need houses to create ‘homes’ but are confounded by alien paperwork systems. With the infusion of the Petroleum sector into the economy and the development of long-planned access roads linking the coast to the Linden Highway, away from the vulnerable East Bank Road. This will introduce the development of new housing communities and enhance those already existing but strangled by the singular East Bank road congestion.

Living space has led to conflicts, genocide and continuous warfare; we are blessed in a land where new housing areas can have paved streets, playgrounds and homely relaxation design facilities, and not condensed roads and miniature mud banks for pedestrian passage- once the money is available because we have the land space. Our developers cannot be fossilised by the past housing schemes that consisted of narrow streets -which appear to be put together in a hurry -that didn’t include people walking to school and work. So the pavements that constitute a sense of security away from vehicular traffic especially on a rainy day were left out. Look back for a minute to the West African cities recorded by European visitors in the 14th century, with their wide avenues and bordered by palm trees for inspiration as the process to house Guyanese continues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

you mark your calendars for Massy Stores Customer Appreciation Day. It’s the Barbeque lime and dance called “Split in the middle”. Five Stag Beers for $1,000 and music by Evolution System. This will be going down at the Diamond Third Bridge. Don’t miss it!

Sunday After a hang out on the seawall, you can head down to one of the most popular Night Clubs, Blue Iguana –where entertainment is at its best. Music by popular DJ Magnum.

IT’S THE weekend and we all want to have some fun after a long week of work! So here are some events that you can start off the weekend with rather than be cooped up at home.

Today Night Life Entertainment “TOTAL DISORDER” will go down inside the fabulous District Ultra Lounge located in the Giftland Mall Strip. Hit after Soca hit- past and present – will be played by the very best in the game: DJ Linx, Dj Golden Chyld and Selector Mahendra.

Ladies absolutely FREE before 21:30hrs (be early) General Admission $2,000 For an after-work hang with friends, you can head down to Cheto’s Hot Spot and Pool Bar where you get to enjoy five Banks Beers for $1,000. Enjoy a wide variety of games, cutters while jamming to the best DJ mixes all night.

Tomorrow Massy Stores is giving back in a HUGE way at this year’s Customer Appreciation Day! Head down to Massy Stores, Providence for a day filled with savings and fun for everyone!

Enjoy Face-painting, trampolines and cotton candy for the kids! Get great tips from our on-site makeup artist while jamming to great tunes by our DJ. PLUS there will be FREE glucose and blood testing!

You can also win awesome prizes by singing our Massy Jingle in store!!

It’s a day of free sampling, special discounts and giveaways - all day long!!

So MAKE SURE

For a thrilling and enjoyable night, you can head down to City Vibes Night club, where there is music to keep you on your feet.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Tie in votes stymies election of Mabaruma Mayor, Deputy Mayor

COUNCILLORS at the Mabaruma Town Council on Thursday failed to elect a Mayor or Deputy Mayor at the municipal elections following a second round of voting.

Town Clerk, Barry Ward, told the Guyana Chronicle from the North

West District town that the council arrived at a tie on Monday last when the 12-member body met.

The Councillors met again on Thursday morning; however, the result was the same.

Ward said that as per protocol he will inform the

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan of the outcome and a decision will be made by the subject minister. This decision is expected to be challenged by the Opposition PPP councillors and some have already indicated their intent to do so.

Mabaruma was com-

Aerial view of a section of Mabaruma missioned as a new town following the March 18, 2016 Local Government Elections, but a split in the number of councillors who were elected to serve on the 12-member body has created some bottlenecks.

This led to a division on the council in selecting a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Henry Smith was elected to serve as the town’s Mayor.

However, his position re-

mained on paper, since the decision was challenged in the courts by the Opposition PPP/C. Even as the matter remains before the courts, Ward said the council has been “growing steady” in undertaking its mandate.

He said despite the division, councillors have been working towards the development of the town.

To this effect, it was

noted that councillors for various constituencies are in charge of projects within their communities. These include the upgrade of roads and other infrastructural projects.

Although the Opposition councillors do not partake in the statutory meetings, they have been participating in other forums at the level of the council.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Essequibo teen to do community service for ganja possession

SEVENTEEN-year-old Travis Price, a labourer

of Lot 147 Richmond Housing Scheme on the

Essequibo Coast will have to complete two

Man gets 35 years for raping 10-year-old girl FIFTY-eight-year-old Rudolph Madray of Spring Garden Village, Essequibo Coast, broke down in tears Tuesday at the Suddie High Court after he was jailed for 35 years for raping a child.

The act was committed on a 10-year-old girl on November,10, 2015. On December, 16, 2015, he was charged for the rape of a child

under the age of 16 and on February 26, 2016, he was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

Several witnesses testified in the matter and on Tuesday March 13, he was found guilty of the offence.

After a lengthy deliberation, the 12-member jury returned with the guilty verdict and Justice Sandra Kurtzious handed down the sentence.

months of community service at the Anna Regina Police Station after being found with ganja.

The order was given

by Essequibo Magistrate Esther Sam after the teenager pleaded guilty to hav-

ing in his possession one gramme of cannabis. He made his first appearance before Magistrate Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of narcotic. It is

alleged that on March 13 during a police search, he was found with the cannabis at Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast.

He was fined $3000 along with two months of community service.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Windies will not panic following Afghanistan loss, insists Holder HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder yesterday warned against panic after another surprise defeat to Afghanistan left West Indies facing a precarious path to qualification for next year’s World Cup in England.

West Indies carried four points from their unbeaten campaign in the preliminaries into the all-important Super Sixes second stage, but crashed to a three-wicket loss in their opening match, to slip to second in the table.

Scotland top the standings with five points after crushing United Arab Emirates by 73 runs, one point clear of West Indies who will now face a mustwin encounter on Monday against hosts Zimbabwe, a point behind in third.

“We’re going to (focus)

first on the first game against Zimbabwe. That’s obviously a must-win game for us,” Holder told reporters following the three-wicket defeat at Harare Sports Club.

“We’ve got to put our foot down now and try and qualify for the finals and once we do that, we have obviously qualified for the 2019 World Cup. “But it’s important that we take it step by step, game by game and I think our encounter is against Zimbabwe so we’ve got to deal with them first.”

West Indies produced easily their worst performance of the World Cup qualifiers, struggling to 197 for eight off their 50 overs, after opting to bat first.

In reply, Afghanistan recovered from 17 for two courtesy of a composed 68

from Rahmat Shah, to reach their target with 14 balls remaining.

“I felt we were 20, 30 runs short after the foundation we had laid. Credit must go to the Afghan bowlers, I thought they bowled really well and at the back end of the innings we were just struggling to build some momentum,” Holder said of his side’s batting effort.

“It’s cricket. We had a few scores over 300, we had a pretty good chase as well and I guess it’s one of our weaker batting performances for the entire tournament so far.

“I wouldn’t start to panic; I think it’s a situation for us just to regroup.

We’ve got a few days off and I expect really good things against Zimbabwe.”

West Indies started the tournament as favourites and have lived up to expectations, hardly troubled throughout their preliminary round campaign.

Holder said he expected the same team approach that had gotten them success so far, to continue in their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and Scotland, whom they play next Wednesday.

“One thing about this team I’ve seen is that we’re full of confidence,” the all-rounder said.

“A lot of guys are stepping up at different stages of the tournament and it’s good to see that not just one or two individuals have carried the team on their backs but it’s been a wholehearted team effort.

It’s really good to see in a tournament like this.”

Bourne makes a case for Dover as National coach

By Rawle Toney ENGLAND-based Golden Jaguars’ Chris Bourne is not known as one of the outspoken players, but, the 32-year-old told Chronicle Sport, “I do not say much but when I do it comes from my heart.”

Wi t h M a rc h 1 9 - 2 7 being set aside by FIFA for official international Friendly matches, most of the Caribbean countries have announced their opposition to play. Guyana will not be in action, something Bourne said is badly needed, especially with the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier on the

horizon.

But Bourne’s contention is not primarily on Guyana’s senior men’s national football team being absent from the international stage this month, but rather, his case is to put interim national coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover in charge.

The Guyana Football Federation after Guyana’s trip to Indonesia last year announced the vacancy for its senior national team, but, to date, president Wayne Forde has been silent on the closing date and who are some of the candidates.

“I believe coach Dover should have the job, the players here in Europe

have no idea what is going on. Dover needs time to get the squad he needs to take Guyana to the next level,” Bourne said in an exclusive interview.

In the CONCACAF Nations League, Guyana will host Barbados in September, travel to Turks and Caicos in October, followed by a clash with French Guiana in Cayenne in November and then host Belize in March, 2018.

Bourne, who has been solid for Guyana since his return to the National team under Dover, believes that the former Alpha United coach “knows the programme, he has been involved from day one with the National team,

he has seen how far we have come, knows what it took and knows the players well, we all have respect for him and I do not believe he has been given the respect and time from others”.

“The results do count, but in the last 3-4 National team games we have played some of our best football and with one or two added options in key areas the results would have been different. These are my thoughts and I hope we can do the right thing appoint Dover and let him have more time to take us through the Nations League and on to the Gold Cup,” Bourne pointed out.

CONCACAF, GFF host four-day D Licensing programme

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday opened their four-day CONCACAF D Licensing programme for coaches in Guyana in an effort to build capacity among tech-

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nical personnel.

The programme began with an opening ceremony at Olympic House and among those who gave remarks were GFF technical director Ian Greenwood, president Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:20 hrs Ty Rocak Brandy 13:55 hrs Settle For Red 14:30 hrs Ineffable 15:00 hrs Primo Uomo 15:30 hrs Mr Ormsby 16:00 hrs Three Majors 16:30 hrs Ishigati 17:00 hrs Jon Ess South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:45 hrs Red Granite 09:15 hrs Ma Forte 10:00 hrs Kingston Mines

Wayne Forde and CONCACAF officials – Anton Corneal (instructor) and Andre Waugh (Manager of Development Caribbean).

The programme, while acting to train and certify 10:35 hrs Artic Blast 11:10 hrs Kingston Warren English Racing Tips Cheltenham 09:30 hrs Apple’s Shakira 10:10 hrs Flying Tiger 10:50 hrs Chris’s Dream 11:30 hrs Might Bite 12:10 hrs Wonderful Charm 12:50 hrs Deal D’Estruval 13:30 hrs Vaniteux Wolverhampton 13:35 hrs Springbark Creek 14:15 hrs Carpet Time

the 13 D Licensing prospects, will also serve to certify three prospective D Licensing Instructors – Sampson Gilbert, Bryan Joseph and Ian Greenwood.

14:45 hrs Fintry Flyer 15:15 hrs Clergyman 15:45 hrs Rock On Baileys 16:15 hrs Abraj Dubai 16:45 hrs Sunshineandbubbles Lingfield 09:00 hrs Sonnet Rose 09:40 hrs Exchequer 10:20 hrs Night Story 11:00 hrs Regicide 11:40 hrs Playfull Spirit 12:20 hrs Regina Nostra 13:00 hrs Dolly Mixture

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

90 days to go …

Falcao, James Rodriguez hope to take Colombia further in 2018 A HUNDRED days before Brazil 2014, Colombia’s World Cup hopes were dashed by an injury to the team’s biggest star, Radamel Falcao.

The Tricolor were preparing their World Cup return after 12 long years but the wait was tinged with anguish.

There was even speculation about the fatigue that would weigh upon them with or without the player from Santa Marta, who was finally forced to withdraw from contention.

But Jose Pekerman’s team were able to leave behind the pain of El Tigre’s loss and responded in each and every match, delivering their best performances in national team history.

Today, four years later, there are no major concerns about the squad that will try to repeat that unforgettable campaign.

Ninety days before Russia and Saudi Arabia kick off the world’s greatest tournament, Colombia have all their players fit and ready.

Pekerman won’t face any obstacles when it comes to choosing the group of players that will carry the flag for the growth of Colombian soccer.

It is true that their performance in the final rounds of qualifying left more doubts

than certainties, but it is also true that this team already know what it is like to play under pressure against the best in the world. That experience is always a bonus.

It is easy to say that in terms of individual players, Colombia are better now than they were four years ago. They have two young but seasoned centre-backs, a strong personality and a great future ahead.

They have full-backs with continuity and ability to attack and defend, midfielders who know their roles and exactly what their coach wants from them, and forwards on a positive run of form.

Individually, there are no concerns but most of their recent struggles have been collective in nature. So that will be the staff’s task during these next 90 days: recovering the team’s identity.

There are very few matches left before the World Cup begins. Only two friendlies at the end of March, against France in Saint-Denis and against Australia in London, stand between Colombia and Russia 2018.

The line-ups and game plans picked for these games will be key to identifying what Pekerman must focus on before his final warm-ups just days before the World Cup.

It’s safe to say that Pekerman has already picked most of his final roster. The March games therefore represent the final test for those who haven’t booked their tickets to Russia yet.

Captains Falcao and James Rodriguez already know they will be playing in Russia and will be relied upon to make the difference in tight games.

of the best players of a Bayern side aiming for three titles, and his national team will be energised by his renewed sense of motivation.

Falcao, for his part, is Monaco’s leader and he has managed to become one of the top scorers in France despite that his team is no longer able to create as many chances as they did last season. This

James (R) and Falcao The pair are capable of turning an average side into a team capable of anything. Rodriguez, the star from Cucuta, has already proved that he can be one of the best players in a World Cup, while Falcao is eager to finally play in the tournament of his dreams.

The arrival of Jupp Heynckes was vital for James to regain his confidence. Now he is one

week they’ve both suffered physical setbacks but will definitely be present in the friendlies.

What Pekerman needs to do is assemble a squad capable of supporting James’ creativity and enhancing Falcao’s scoring threat, and he has plenty of players to do it. Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina are the favourite centre-back tandem.

These prodigious young players only differ in the number of matches played this year: the Tottenham man is a regular starter while the Barcelona centre-back has yet to win Alejandro Valverde’s trust. Christian Zapata, Oscar Murillo, Jeison Murillo, Eder Alvarez Balanta and William Tesillo are solid and experienced squad players.

Outside-back Santiago Arias has practically secured his spot on the right. He has already played a World Cup and has been featuring regularly as a key player at PSV Eindhoven.

Frank Fabra will probably be chosen to man the left after his excellent performances with Boca Juniors.

Arias is a better defensive player, while Fabra is tireless in attacking his area of the field. Johan Mojica and Jefferson Lerma are multi-functional men capable of defending and playing in midfield roles.

However, there are several doubts in central midfield.

Carlos Sanchez’ great match against Real Madrid for Espanyol is one of the best pieces of news Pekerman has received of late. ‘La Roca’ is one of Colombian fans’ favourite players and if he keeps this form up, he’ll definitely start against Japan.

Wilmar Barrios is a lux-

ury reserve. He could play with Abel Aguilar at his side, repeating the partnership that played in Brazil 2014, but Mateus Uribe and Daniel Torres also have a chance of breaking in. Further ahead, James’ natural partner is Juan Cuadrado, but he has yet to play in 2018 following groin surgery and we’ll see how he returns to Juventus.

Edwin Cardona and Jose Izquierdo’s excellent presence should give the staff some peace of mind.

Falcao’s partner upfront is still a mystery. Even though it could be Cardona or Izquierdo, it could also be a more experienced forward. Carlos Bacca and Miguel Borja have rediscovered their scoring ability while Duvan Zapata is playing really well on loan at Sampdoria. The coach likes Yimmi Chara and Luis Muriel, too; there’s no shortage of options.

Ninety days ahead of Russia 2018, Colombia are calm and confident because they know what they are capable of. They have players who shine all over the world and who are capable of defeating anyone. They just need to build a reliable team that knows what they want and how they want it. Jose Pekerman is the right man for the job. The hope is alive.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Busy weekend for cricket clubs in Georgetown

Friendship Super Kings are 40-overs champions of the Pomeroon.

Friendship Super Kings capture Sanasie-sponsored 40-overs title in Pomeroon

By Elroy Stephney AN exciting though low-scoring final was witnessed by a large gathering at the Friendship sports ground last Sunday between Friendship Super Kings and Eagle Sports.

Despite favourable weather conditions, the 40-overs competition had to be reduced to a 25-overs contest, due to a late start. When play eventually began around 14:00hrs, it was Friendship Super Kings who won the toss and batted.

Wickets fell early and regularly for the hosts until the arrival of captain Ronald Kanhai who stemmed the decline with an entertaining innings. His robust knock of 46, studded with five sixes and one four, and Seon Williams’ 15 carried Super Kings to 132

all out in 22.2 overs.

Steady medium pace bowling from Ryan Tang 3-30 from 5 overs and Sanjeev Ramdeen 2-25 from 5 overs proved to be the most successful bowlers for Eagle Sports.

In reply, the wings of the Eagle were gradually clipped as they struggled from the inception and lost early wickets.

A useful 48-run partnership between captain Kenneth D’Aguella - whose powerful hitting accounted for 6x6 during his innings of 40 - and Sanjeev Ramdeen, 19, however, proved insufficient as the Eagle collapsed to be all out for 121 in 18.3 overs and to give victory to Super Kings by 11 runs.

Impressive bowling by off-spinner Ronaldo Joseph 3-15 from 4 overs and Ronald Kanhai

2-48 from 7 overs ensured that Kings won the crown.

At the presentation, secretary of the Pomeroon Cricket Committee, Verna D’Aguiar, thanked the teams for their participation on behalf of the sponsor Anand Sanasie who has made the tournament an annual event.

She further expressed satisfaction with the large support base of fans while challenging the players to continue being good ambassadors of the sport and Pomeroon cricket.

The man-of-the-match prize went to Ronald Kanhai for his invaluable all-round performance. The winners’ trophy and cash incentives were then presented to Friendship Super Kings for being the Champions while Eagle Sports settled for the runners-up tro-

phy as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Pomeroon Cricket Committee will be hosting the second annual George Alphonso’s 10/10 memorial cricket tournament this Sunday at the Charity Community ground, commencing at 10:00hrs. The participating teams will be Pomeroon Oil Mill Challenger, Teneze Ferme ‘B’, Rising Sun and Friendship Super Kings.

The defending champions of the one-day tournament are Pomeroon Oil Mill Challenger. The competition is being sponsored by the widow Rita Alphonso and children of the late George Alphonso Sr, who was a popular cricketer and avid supporter of the game in the Pomeroon.

Trophies and cash incentives will be at stake.

Mark Taylor critical of Australia’s on-field behaviour

By Daniel Brettig MARK Taylor, the Cricket Australia Board director, has criticised the national team for their on-field behaviour in South Africa, saying both sides had contributed to the ugly atmosphere that led to Kagiso Rabada’s twoTest ban for physical contact with Steven Smith and the confrontation between David Warner and Quinton de Kock.

In a series of comments likely to sting Smith in particular, given their mentoring relationship, Taylor said the Australians should be on their “final warning” from match officials for celebrating in the faces of the opposition when a batsman was dismissed.

The clearest example of this was when Warner celebrated the run-out of AB de Villiers in Durban by screaming at the other batsman Aiden Markram.

“Both sides should be on

their final warnings, and that definitely includes Australia,” Taylor told Channel Nine.

“There’s been too much of this in-your-face celebration when batsmen are dismissed, and the Australian bowlers have been as guilty as the South African bowlers at times.”

Steven Smith

Taylor’s comments follow those made by a fellow former Australian captain Ian Chappell, who said that Smith and the coach Darren Lehmann were as culpable as Warner for letting things spiral out of control. Chappell

had advocated a suspension for Warner, but also pointed out that team leaders needed to carry a heavy burden of responsibility for their players’ actions.

“I absolutely agree with that,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately it’s where David Warner has come unstuck, he’s actually made a point in recent times of saying that he wants to bring back the old David Warner and get in the face of the opposition. He told the world what he was going to do and what’s more he’s gone about and done it, and taken it to another level.

“I’m not suggesting for a minute we have silence out in the middle, but there’s no doubt it’s getting worse. Bullying is not a bad term for it, and they’re using it too much. It just keeps escalating and now it’s getting out of hand.”

As for Rabada’s appeal against a two-Test ban, which appears likely to be heard before the start of the third Test in Cape Town next week,

Taylor said he considered the bowler to have made “avoidable” contact with the Australian captain after dismissing him on day one of the Test at St George’s Park.

“I’m not surprised South Africa are appealing the suspension because he’s obviously a key player for them,” Taylor said. “Having taken 11 wickets in the last Test they are going to do everything they can to keep him on the field, but he’s in trouble because he’s already been found guilty. In my mind the contact with Steve Smith in the second Test was avoidable, so that’s why he’s in trouble.”

A fresh set of match officials are due to oversee the series in the final two Tests at Newlands and the Wanderers, with Jeff Crowe’s match referee role to be taken over by the former Zimbabwe batsman Andy Pycroft, who also officiated in South Africa’s series victory in Australia in late 2016. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SEVEN cricket matches are scheduled for this weekend under the auspices of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA).

Three first division games along with four second division games are billed for several venues around the capital city.

According to the GCA, games in the Gise/Star Party Rentals first division two-day tournament will see DCC and GCC host Everest and Malteenoes respectively, while GYO play GNIC at Malteenoes. The games are expected to commence at 09:30hrs daily.

In the Noble House Seafoods second division twoday tournament; GDF oppose Sophia at MYO, while Ace Warriors play UG at GYO. Both games are expected to commence at 11:00hrs daily.

Meanwhile, on Sunday in the New Building Society second division 40-over tournament, GCC will clash with Third Class at Eve Leary, while GNIC will host Malteenoes.

Both games are expected to commence at 11:00hrs.

Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club post-Phagwah horse racing

TOP field to gallop at Sunday’s race meet A NUMBER of the country’s top race horses will be competing against one another this Sunday, when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club stages a post-Phagwah eight-race meet card at its Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice location.

Information originating from the turf club indicated that over fifty of the country’s top animals have confirmed participation by their respective stable owners, and among the horses to run are Media Day, Goodwill Boy, Unsettled, Keep on Swinging, It’s my Choice, Settling Star and Storm Bird.

The feature event which will cover a distance of one mile, is open to horses classified D’ and Lower and will carry a first prize of $700 000 and a trophy.

The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will earn $350 000, $175 000 and $88 000 respectively.

There are three five-furlong races as well as three six-furlong races. The first five-furlong race is for horses classified L and non-winners. The winner will receive $100 000, while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will earn $80 000, $25 000 and $13 000 respectively.

There will also be a five-furlong race for animals classified L Open with the winner taking home $110 000, while the other

top three finishers will earn $55 000, $27 000 and $14 000 respectively..

The final five-furlong race which will also be the final race of the day is for horses classified K and Lower. The winner of this event will pocket $120 000, while the other top three performers will take home $60 000, $30 000 and $15 000 respectively.

Horses classified I and Lower will battle over six furlongs for a first prize of $150 000. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $75 000, $38 000 and $19 000 respectively.

The second six-furlong race is open to horses classified E1 Maiden and F and Lower for a first prize of $400 000. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will earn $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

Then there is the six-furlong race for three-year-old Guyana-bred maiden horses with a prize of $200 000.

The second-, third- and fourth-place prizes are $100 000, $50 000 and $25 000 respectively.

The other race on the day’s card is open to horses classified `H’ and Lower and will cover a distance of seven furlongs.

The winner will earn $220 000 while the other top three finishers will receive $110 000, $55 000 and $28 000 respectively.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

BCB launches first-ever Elizabeth Styles U-21 cricket tournament THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for the first time in its history will be hosting an Under-21 cricket tournament for teams in the Ancient County.

The tournament will be sponsored by the American-based Cosmetics firm, Elizabeth Styles, and is expected to draw participation from over 20 teams.

The launching of the historic tournament was done last Tuesday at Bissan’s Trading (General Store) located in King Street, Georgetown. Bissan’s is one of the main distributors of the company’s products in Guyana.

Berbice Cricket Board president Hilbert Foster was elated with the sponsorship.

He noted that the board has acquired sponsorship for almost all the tournaments rolled out by the board.

The Under-21 tournament, the newly-elected president stated, would serve as a bridge between the Un-

der-19 and the first division level.

Outstanding performers would be rewarded with a

The BCB, he stated, is working overtime to make sure that Berbice regains its status as Guyana’s best

BCB president Hilbert Foster receives the sponsorship from Bissoondyal Singh.

place on a Berbice Under-21 team, who would be selected to play a series of matches across Guyana.

and to make sure that every Berbician fulfils his/her true potential on the cricket field.

Foster expressed gratitude

to the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Styles for their sponsorship.

He expressed confidence that the tournament would be properly organised and would promote the Elizabeth Styles brand across Berbice.

Interested teams are urged to contact Rabindranauth Saywack on 660-0049 or Foster on 337-4562 for more information about how to register. The tournament is open to players born on or after the September 1, 1997.

Teams expected to participate include: Albion, Blairmont, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Kendall’s Union, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, Port Mourant, Whim and Upper Corentyne.

The tournament would be played on Saturdays and is expected to bowl off on March 24.

Bissoondyal Singh, CEO of Bissan’s Trading stated that Elizabeth Styles was committed to Berbice’s cricket.

Devers presents pads, gloves to Berbice U-15 batsman Chandra Saffie … encourages former players to assist in Berbice cricket

By Colin Bynoe FORMER National U-19 and Berbice Inter-county off-spinner Sean Devers is encouraging other former Berbice players to contribute to cricket in his adopted county.

Devers, who represented Demerara at youth level and both Demerara and Berbice in senior cricket, last Sunday made a donation of a pair of pads and gloves to 14-year-old Berbice U-15 batsman Chandra Saffie.

Saffie, who lives in Blairmont on the West Bank of Berbice, is a right-handed batsman and has been selected in the 20-man National U-15 squad that is preparing for next month Regional U-15 tournament in Jamaica.

“I have had the honour to represent Berbice by virtue of playing for Bermine and I wanted to make a contribution to Berbice cricket by donating cricket gear to a young player who had talent and could not afford to buy gear,” said Devers, now an International Radio Cricket Commentator and Sports Journalist.

“I asked the Berbice U-17 coach Andre Percival, my former Berbice team mate and Guyana Youth Selector Julian Moore, with whom I played at Bermine, to help me find someone. I saw Saffie batting during his top score against Demerara on Sunday and I was told that he fitted

Former Berbice off-spinner Sean Devers presents pads and gloves to Berbice U-15 batsman Chandra Saffie, who top-scored for the National U-15s at the GCC ground, Bourda.

my criteria.”

Devers, who had a six-wicket haul when Essequibo were dismissed at Hampton Court in 1997 for the lowest total (31) ever made in senior Inter-county four-day match, says that one of the problems affecting Berbice cricket was funding for tournaments.

But with this new board he is seeing an injection of life in cricket in Berbice with many sponsors coming on

board, including former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Berbice has the most competitions in Guyana and while the new president Hilbert Foster is fantastic in getting funding for cricket competitions, there are many young players with plenty of talent but with little means of sustaining their cricket careers financially.

That is an area Devers, who had the most wickets (49)

in 1997 Berbice first division season, feels needs urgent attention or else a lot of talent will go to waste.

“I grew up in a single parent home in West Ruimveldt which was described as a ghetto by some and I was grateful to those who give me stuff for my cricket.

“Clyde Butts (ex-Guyana and West Indies off-spinner) give me my first real cricket shirt when I made the Guyana U-19 team to go to Jamaica,” informed Devers, who played for Berbice with Test players Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Narsingh Deonarine.

Devers said he knew his former Bermine and Berbice team mate Luke Latiff, who now lives in Trinidad and Tobago, has plans to help with uniforms and gear for Bermine while Anil Beharry, a former BCB president - I also played with him - plans to provide some gear to the Rose Hall Canje players.

“I will try to galvanise the help of former Berbice players living overseas to send gear for their clubs for use by the many players who can’t afford to buy.

Being less fortunate financially should not deprive any boy or girl from living his/her dream of playing for the county, country or West Indies,” said the 48-year-old Devers, who survived brain cancer surgery on October 2, 2012.

Raiders, Jets recover to score wins after first-round failures

RETRIEVE Raiders and Amelia’s Ward Jets revived their chances of making it to the final four of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) `March Madness’ Open basketball championship on Wednesday night with victories after losing their opening games of the tournament.

Raiders first regained some ground with victory over Bankers Trust Falcons whom they defeated 72-60 after leading 32-20 at half-time.

The Raiders were able to come away with the win as Dauwin Lovell top-scored with 19 points, Sheldron Joel and Sean Muss each had 13 and Kareem Robertson added 12.

Lawrence DaCosta had a game-high 30 points for Falcons with Akeel Primo 14 and Joel Fraser eight being the next best scorers for the Falcons.

The second game between Amelia’s Ward Jets and Block 22 Flames ended with the Jets scoring a 65-57 win.

Donnel Benjamin had 20 points, Akin Wilson 14 and Joel Webster 10 for the Jets while for Flames, Rondel Fraser and Shemar Henry each netted 13 points.

Tonight another double-header is on at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the first game Victory Valley Royals will face Bankers Trust Falcons at 18:30hrs and at 20:30hrs Half Mile Bulls and Block 22 Flames clash in the final preliminary game of the championship. (Joe Chapman)

MHS thump Linden Technical Institute 2-0, NSS crush Linden Foundation 7-0

By Joe Chapman

MACKENZIE High School (MHS) thumped Linden Technical Institute 2-0 while New Silvercity Secondary (NSS) crushed Linden Foundation Secondary 7-0 to have perfect starts when the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond 10th Memorial Linden Schools Under-18 football tournament got underway at the Wisburg Secondary School ground, Wednesday afternoon.

Scorer of the first two goals of the ‘Screw’ Richmond championship for Mackenzie High School Kemuel Batson

The tournament was witnessed by visiting officials from the United States-based Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation.

Ashton Angel (Sr) declared the championship open after stating how pleased his colleagues were to have been associated with the championship over the last decade.

The other member of the ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation out of New York, Compton ‘Cha Cha’ London, who grew up watching Richmond, ex-

celled by becoming not only the first player from the mining town to don national senior colours, but also a top billiards player, tennis champion and hard-hitting batsman with a record score of 175 not out at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Unfortunately, officials from the Ministry of Education in Linden or the governing football authority for the game, the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), did not send representatives for the official opening of this tournament.

In the first game of the tournament, which is being contested by eight representative schools, Mackenzie High School gained a comfortable 2-0 win over Linden Technical Institute with Kemuel Batson getting the first two goals of the tournament.

First he banged home one from just inside the 18-yard box in the first half then after play resumed he sent a good shot from the middle, which caught the goalkeeper off his line, bounced over his head and ended up in the net for a 2-0 advantage which they maintained to the end of the game.

That game was followed

by New Silvercity Secondary thrashing Linden Foundation Secondary 7-0, through a quadruple of goals from Emmanuel Atkins, Ojani Whittington, Huey Fraser and the other from an own goal which came off the boot of Linden Foundation’s Keon Liverpool.

T h i s a f t e r n o o n f ro m 14:45hrs Christianburg Wismar Secondary will meet Harmony Secondary and at 16:15hrs Linden Foundation Secondary will face the Combined Schools at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Nepal awarded ODI status for first time

Smalta & iCool Water U-14 1ndoor Hockey League quarter-finals on today

THE second annual U-14 Indoor Hockey League heads into the quarter-final round today, with Saints and GCC leading the Girls’ tables while Saints and Hikers sit atop the Boys’ pools.

This year the league’s sponsor, Ansa McAl, added iCool Water to its brand Smalta, to promote the Guyana Hockey Board’s efforts in developing junior hockey in Guyana.

Despite only being its second year, the league has seen considerable growth with six new teams added in the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions while School of the Nations and North Ruimveldt Multilateral were added as venues.

Being the only GHB event to be held within schools, matches are alternated each week among the participating schools.

It is a 4-a-side format with a maximum of 10 registered players per team and includes teams from Hikers (HHC), Old Fort, GCC, St Stanislaus College (SHC), Marian Academy, St Joseph High School and North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.

The quarterfinals will see last year’s champs Marian Academy and HHC Team Uzzi (renamed from HHC Garnett Street) attempt to battle their way back to the final.

Games will be played today at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School from 16:25hrs. The final will take place the following week at Marian Academy.

Henrietta United Football Club to sponsor dominoes competition

By Elroy Stephney

The win over PNG was a historic occasion for Nepal as they were awarded ODI status. (Getty Images)

NEPAL, after their six-wicket win over Papua New Guinea, have been rewarded with One-Day International (ODI) status for the first time ever, in what was a historic occasion yesterday in the World Cup Qualifiers play-off encounter at Old Hararians Sports Club.

Dipendra Singh Airee’s four-wicket haul (4 for 15) that cleaned up the tail for little, along with Sandeep Lamichhane’s four-wicket haul that accounted for the top order, helped restrict PNG to 114. Airee also starred in the chase, with a 58-ball fifty, even hitting the winning runs with a six.

Nepal’s ODI status, how-

ever, was dependent on the Netherlands. A win for them over Hong Kong by 44 runs meant Nepal had to only beat PNG in order to establish ODI status which they did comfortably by six wickets.

PNG’s loss meant that they will now lose their ODI status, along with Hong Kong.

Nepal were awarded Affiliate status by the ICC first in 1988, and were promoted to Associate rank in 1996.

Since then, it has taken them just 12 years to rise up the ranks to achieve ODI status. It began in 2008 after they finished third in World Cricket League Division 5. Two years after, they were winners in Division 5.

That year, 2010, also saw them finish third in Division 4, two years after which, they were crowned champions in 2012.

However, it was 2013 that was the game-changer for them after they had earned a place in the World Twenty20 Qualifier.

They eventually made their World Twenty20 debut along with the UAE, and Hong Kong the following year.

They were also crowned champions in Division 3 in the WCL in 2013. In 2015, Nepal qualified for WCL league Championship, after which they were relegated to Division 2 with just four wins in 14 games.

Earlier in the year, they

lost to UAE by a margin of just seven runs in the final of the WCL Division 2, finishing as runners-up despite a finish at the top of the table in the round-robin stage.

While UAE beat Namibia by 19 runs, Nepal beat Canada off the last ball by one wicket, as both teams claimed the final places in the World Cup Qualifier.

Canada were on top with Nepal reduced to 144 for 9 in a chase of 195. However, a 51-run partnership for the last wicket, between Karan KC’s No. 10 batsman who remained unbeaten on 42 off 31 balls and Lamichhane (5*), led Nepal to a thrilling win. (Cricbuzz)

Darts tournament set for Sunday THE best in the business of darts will meet on Sunday for a tournament at the Safari Inn Hotel in Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara.

The Singles tournament is sponsored by Ruth Avilar and Caribbean champion Luis Ramirez-Merlano.

Registration is set for 16:00hrs.

The event will also encompass a youth category to be sponsored by Ramirez-Merlano. He believes in order to preserve the next generation of players, youths must be the primary focus.

Cash prizes will be up for grabs, inclusive of incentives.

A DAY of exciting and competitive dominoes action is anticipated when the Henrietta United Football Club hosts its fund-raising venture this Sunday at Sheldon Gordon’s residence in Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.

Teams from across the Region have been invited with the entrance fee being $5 000 per side. Attractive monetary prizes will be at stake for the winning team and the player scoring the most sixes, as well as the player sharing the most loves.

Starting-time will be 10:00hrs.

Meanwhile, coordinator of the event, Joseph Livan, disclosed that the event will form part of the club’s range of activities in an effort to develop the club financially and structurally.

According to Livan, “Proceeds will go towards providing uniforms and gear for the younger players as well as giving them exposure through intended tours.”

Recently the club has seen an increase in membership which now stands in excess of sixty-five (65) junior and senior members.

The club has already tasted success in 2018 by winning the Essequibo/Coast and Pomeroon Football Association’s senior league competition while the junior players are currently engaged in a tournament.

The Henrietta United Football Club is arguably the most successful to have emerged from Region 2 and boasts a number of outstanding stalwarts who have served with distinction including Joseph Livan, Dexter Baird, Albert Belfield, Compton Haynes, Qwesi Spencer, Dexter Stephney, Ken Gregory, Maxie McKenzie and Junior Holder among others.

Following the dominoes competition, the Club will use the opportunity to host the Den Amstel Football Club for two matches on March 23 and 24 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 16, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI, Ireland & UAE (2) Stefanie Taylor-202 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Which Group B teams have made it to the Super Six round of

the ICC WC Qualifiers?

(2) Which WI woman made the highest individual score in the

recent ODI series against NZ?

One of the sponsors Luis Ramirez-Merlano

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 16, 2018

Sloppy Windies crash to three-wicket defeat against Afghanistan HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Sloppy West Indies were stunned by Afghanistan for the second time in the ICC World Cup qualifiers, as the Caribbean side slumped to a shock three-wicket defeat in their opening match of the all-important Super Sixes here yesterday.

The form team of the tournament following their unbeaten campaign in the preliminaries, West Indies could muster only an inadequate 197 for eight off their 50 overs, after electing to bat first at Harare Sports Club.

Shai Hope top-scored with a painstaking 43 off 94 balls without a single boundary while veteran Marlon Samuels chipped in with 36, captain Jason Holder, 28, and opener Evin Lewis, 27.

Sixteen-year-old off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, handed the new ball, admirably led the attack with three for 33 to claim Man-of-the-Match honours while Mohammad Nabi, also an off-spinner, ended with two for 43.

Having stumbled into the second round with just one victory in the preliminaries but with a win over the Windies in the official warm-ups, Afghanistan put aside their struggles to chase down their target with 14 balls remaining in the contest.

Rahmat Shah struck a composed 68 to spearhead the run chase while Mohammad Nabi completed a solid all-round performance with 31, but West Indies hurt themselves in the field with as many as four dropped catches.

Pacer Holder finished with three for 39 while debutant 20-year-old seamer Keemo Paul picked up two for 29.

The defeat left West Indies second in the standings, one point behind leaders Scotland on five and one ahead of hosts

Zimbabwe in third place, with the two top following the full complement of matches advancing to the final and securing the remaining two berths at next year’s World Cup in England.

West Indies had a less than convincing start when superstar opener Chris Gayle (1) was comprehensively bowled, playing back to one from Mujeeb which spun past his defensive prod to remove off-stump, with 12 on the board in the fourth over.

gle and an ambling Lewis failed to beat Najibullah Zadran direct hit at the striker’s end.

In desperate need of a partnership, the Windies were propped up by Hope and Samuels who put on a crucial 55 for the fourth wicket. The stand, however, was a slow one, requiring 91 deliveries and the Caribbean side were labouring at 83 for three at the half-way stage of the innings, with a run rate hovering at just over three.

Afghanistan shocked the previously unbeaten West Indies at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, winning by three wickets in Harare. (ICC photo)

However, Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer (15) combined to steady the innings in a measured second-wicket stand which yielded 34.

Hetmyer never quite settled and eventually perished lbw in the 12th over missing a forward defensive push, to give Mohammad Nabi his 100th One-Day International wicket.

In the next over with just seven runs added, tragedy struck again when Samuels pushed to point for a sharp sin-

After facing 64 balls and counting just two fours, Samuels attempted to jump-start the innings but succeeded only in picking out Gulbadin Naib running around to wide longon off Mohammad Nabi in the 31st over.

Holder belted a couple of fours and a six in a 26-ball cameo as he added 50 for the fifth wicket with Hope. Even then, the Windies were still scoring at under four an over at the end of the 40th, on 156 for four.

Left with little choice, Holder chanced his hand and holed out to long-on off Mujeeb three balls later and Hope’s struggles finally ended in the 43rd when he was taken in the same position off the same bowler.

They were two of four wickets to fall for 11 runs before Paul (16 not out) and Ashley Nurse (10 not out) added 28 at the end to get West Indies closer to 200.

West Indies struck early to hurt the Afghan run chase, removing Javed Ahmadi (1) and Mohammad Shahzad (8) with just 17 runs on the board in the fifth over.

But Rahmat put Aghanistan in command, pioneering a 66-run, third-wicket stand with Samiullah Shenwari (27) and adding a further 49 for the fourth with Mohammad Nabi.

Dropped on 44 in the 32nd over by Rovman Powell on the follow-through, Rahmat went on to strike five fours and a six in a 109-ball stay at the crease.

Shenwari, meanwhile, put down on 19 in the 15th over

by Gayle at slip off left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, faced 51 balls and counted two fours, before falling to the same combination in the 21st over.

Mohammad Nabi, who survived a straightforward chance to wicketkeeper Hope off Paul, perished in the 36th over to a catch by Hetmyer at square leg off Holder, leading to a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 36 runs.

With the game in the balance and 16 needed for victory off 27 balls, Powell put down captain Rashid Khan (13 not out) on five at third man off seamer Carlos Brathwaite in the 46th over, and the 19-yearold made the most of the reprieve to see his side home.

SCORES IN BRIEF (SUPER SIX): Scotland beat UAE by 73 runs, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo Scotland 322-6, 50 overs (Matthew Cross 114, Calum MacLeod 78, Kyle Coetzer 43, Richie Berrington 37 not out, George Munsey 30; Rohan Mustafa 4-56) UAE 249 all out, 47.4 overs (Mohammad Usman 80, Ahmad Raza 50, Rohan Mustafa 32, Ashfaq Ahmed 30; Chris Sole 4-68, Safyaan Sharif 2-36, Brad Wheal 2-45) Player-of-the-Match – Matthew Cross (Scotland) Nepal beat Papua New Guinea by six wickets, Old Hararians PNG 114 all out, 27.2 overs (Dipendra Airee 4-14,

Sandeep Lamichhane 4-29) Nepal 115-4, 23 overs (Dipendra Airee 50 not out, Aarif Sheikh 26, Paras Khadka 20; Norman Vanua 2-25) Player-of-the-Match Dipendra Airee (Nepal) The Netherlands beat Hong Kong by 44 runs, Kwekwe Sports Club Netherlands 174 all out, 48.2 overs (Max O’Dowd 62, Peter Borren 31, Bas de Leede 29; Nadeem Ahmed 3-20, Ehsan Khan 2-30, Tanwir Afzal 2-36) Hong Kong 130 all out in 43 overs (Babar Hayat 52, Kinchit Shah 22; Roelof van der Merwe 4-18, Fred Klaassen 2-30) Player-of-the-Match – Max O’Dowd (the Netherlands).

SCORECARD WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1 E. Lewis run-out 27 S. Hetmyer lbw b Mohammad Nabi 15 M. Samuels c Gulbadin Naib b Mohammad Nabi 36 S. Hope c Najibullah Zadran b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 43 J. Holder c Najibullah Zadran b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 28 R. Powell c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Rashid Khan 3 C. Brathwaite c Rahmat Shah b Sharafuddin Ashraf 4 A. Nurse not out 10 K. Paul not out 16 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-8, nb-2) 14 Total: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 197 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-46, 3-53, 4-108, 5-158, 6-161, 7-166, 8-169.

Bowling: Dawlat Zadran 8-1-44-0, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10-1-33-3, Gulbadin Naib 3-0-11-0, Mohammad Nabi 10-1-43-2, Sharafuddin Ashraf 9-1-31-1, Rashid Khan 10-1-31-1.

AFGHANISTAN innings Mohammad Shahzad c Powell b Holder 8 Javed Ahmadi lbw b Paul 1 Rahmat Shah c Paul b Nurse 68 Samiullah Shenwari c Gayle b Miller 27 Mohammad Nabi c Hetmyer b Holder 31 Najibullah Zadran c Miller b Paul 19 Gulbadin Naib c Powell b Holder 10 Rashid Khan not out 13 Sharafuddin Ashraf not out 7 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-9) 14 Total: (7 wkts, 47.4 overs) 198 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-17, 3-83, 4-132, 5-152, 6-168, 7-190.

Bowling: Holder 10-0-39-3, Paul 8.4-1-29-2, Miller 9-0-41-1, Brathwaite 9-0-39-0, Nurse 9-0-39-1, Powell 2-0-6-0.

POINTS: AFGHANISTAN 2, WEST INDIES 0

GMR&SC First National Race of Champions

Group Two is anybody’s game

By Stephan Sookram

WITH less than two weeks remaining before the first National Race of Champions 2018 gets underway, racers are priming for action in one of the largest groups.

The Group Two, arguably one of the most subscribed classes on the raceday grid, is sure to be a firecracker.

Evolving over the years, the class has now become a hunting ground for Honda Civics, primarily the hatchback versions, which take up more than 75% of the grid.

The defending champion is Chet Singh but by no means is it a one-horse race.

There are the likes of Shan Seejattan, Rameez Mohamed, Nazrudeen Mohamed, Haniff Mohamed and Shairaz Roshandin and others who are going to try to ensure that they have championship shots.

And it’s going to be a close fight, considering that many of those above-listed competitors have just about the same power, which means that winning is going to come down to driver-ability.

Still, maximum points in

The title fight in Group Two will be a stiff one this year. (GTRidez)

round one could mean the ultimate factor in ensuring a solid title hunt and all the competitors in the class must be aware of this.

Also, the round will serve as a testing ground for those attending the first leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship 2018 in Jamaica which is just over eight weeks away.

The first National Race of Champions, sponsored

by STAG, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Tropical Shipping, is set for March 24 and 25 at the South Dakota Circuit.

s c ra s h S lo p p y W in d ie d e fe a t t See to th re e -w ic k e istanPage 31 n a h fg A t s in a g a

Windies will not panic following Afghanistan loss, insists Holder See Page 26

West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels trudges off after being dismissed in yesterday’s defeat to Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

CONCACAF, GFF host four-day Bourne makes a case for Dover D Licensing programme See Page 26

as National coach See Page 26

Participants D Licensing programme and officials from the GFF and CONCACAF at the opening yesterday 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

Coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover

Chris Bourne after the Guyana versus Indonesia game FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018