Guyana Chronicle Epaper 07-06-2018

FRIDAY 6th July, 2018

No.105327

No jail for

‘small’ ganja users

President David Granger

...but President says no to industrialisation

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CDC mobilised … as government responds to flooding in the Rupununi

A vehicle crosses an inundated roadway near Lethem. (Aaliyah Anthony photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Gov't to tap $27B under Norway pact

... Min. Harmon says funds will benefit citizens in practical ways GUYANA is set to benefit from a major breakthrough in the Norway Agreement, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday announced, saying that the country now has access to close to $27B following fruitful talks in Oslo, Norway recently.

The State Minister and a delegation including Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Project Manager, Office of Climate Change, Marlon Bristol recently visited Oslo, where they engaged with a Norwegian Ministerial delegation.

Impressed with the Government’s 2025 energy-mix proposal, the country’s deforestation rate of 0.05 – one of the lowest and the role President David

Granger has been playing in championing sustainable development, Norway has unlocked billions of dollars under the Norway Forest Agreement.

These monies will be placed into the Trustee Account for release to Guyana following an urgent trilateral meeting with representatives of Norway, Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Minister Harmon, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said “they indicated very clearly that the sums of money that was held as a result of the Agreement, that there was 40 Million (US) that we had earned and which had not been transferred to the Trustee Account and they indicated that they were prepared to

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, along with the Norwegian ministerial team in Oslo, Norway. do that immediately.” mon stated.

Erik Solheim played a role He noted that the amount T h e s i x t h p a y m e n t , in promoting Guyana’s case. of US$80Miliion, which which is also due under the The GYD$27Bilion or US$was placed in the IDB ac- agreement totalling approx- 135Million, the State Miniscount and linked to the imately US$10.5Million, ter said will be used to transAmaila Falls Hydropower will also be accessible. form not only the country Project, has been unlocked.

Minister Harmon said but the lives of every Guy“That’s no longer the case… Norway’s former Minis- anese, in a practical way. in fact, they suggested that ter of Environment; now “At the level of the ordinary could be used for the solar Executive Director of the man and woman in Guyana development which is going United Nations Environ- we expect that there is going to take place,” Minister Har- ment Programme (UNEP), to be some direct impact and

this was one of the things when we came into office we criticised, that we didn’t see the trickling down effect to the lives of the ordinary people,” he noted.

The minister reiterated that the money will not only be spent on capacity building at the higher level but will be used for building sustainable livelihoods by educating citizens on the environment and climate change, what this means and how lifestyle changes can be made. He added that Norway has also agreed that natural gas may be used in our energy-mix as the country transitions into full renewable energy use.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programme in the Hinterland, payments for the Opt-in mechanism for Indigenous Communities, with respect to forest preservation and management, and funding for renewable energy projects will be catered for under this funding.

No jail for ‘small’ ganja users

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

...but President says no to industrialisation

By Svetlana Marshall in Jamaica CUSTODIAL sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Guyana are likely to be removed in the not so distant future but industrialisation of the cannabis is a no, no for the Guyanese Government.

Moments before attending the first Plenary Session of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica on Thursday, President David Granger told the Guyana Chronicle that though issue of the decriminalisation of marijuana has not been finally settled at the level of Cabinet, he hinted that amendments are likely to be made to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act to allow for the removal of jail time for the possession of small amounts of marijuana. “We are moving towards the removal of custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana,” he told this newspaper.

However, he made it clear that his Government will not be pushing for the industrialization of marijuana production. “We are

not moving towards encouraging the industrialization of marijuana production.

I think that is a little premature in the context of Guyana, and we have vast landscape in comparison with some of the Caribbean Island states, we have challenges for enforcement and challenges for control of that land space, and it will be very difficult for Guyana to embark on that course at the present time. So we are moving towards the removal of the custodial sentences, we are not moving towards the encouragement of the use of marijuana,” President Granger explained.

Over the years, several persons have been placed behind bars for having small amounts of marijuana in their possession– a move which has been frowned upon, given the overcrowding of the country’s prisons.

Once found in possession of more than five grams of cannabis, a person can be sentenced to three years in jail.

His comments come at a time when the CARICOM Heads of Government are considering the recommendations tabled in the Report of the Regional Commission on Marijuana, which, to a large extent, calls for the decriminalization of the marijuana across the 15 Mem-

ber States but in regulated amounts.

On Monday, while at the Jamaica Pegasus, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said the 10-member commission – which is made up of experts in the fields of medicine, medical and social research, law, education, psychiatry and criminology – analyzed the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use, and made some far reaching recommendations with regards to the decriminalization of the cannabis.

The recommendations are also based on extensive consultations in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, The Bahamas, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname.

“They are recommending the decriminalisation of marijuana. They are recommending that it be deemed a substance that is controlled and managed as alcohol,” the Secretary General said while noting, however, that there is some concern about controlling it in terms of youth and adolescent use. In the report, the commission also made a case for legislation to be put in place to allow for research on medical marijuana.

Ambassador LaRocque told Guyana Chronicle that

in compiling the report, the commission led by Professor Rosemarie Belle-Antoine took into consideration existing laws in some Member States that are cause for concern.

“One thing that I read in the report that stands out in my mind so much is that there are in some Member States where the penalty for a small amount of marijuana is sometimes more than some of the other more heinous crimes in the community.

Now how can that be?

How is it that you can have a youth with a small amount of marijuana or anybody, with small amounts of marijuana and the penalty for such a thing is higher,” Ambassador LaRocque reasoned while noting that it defies logic.

NOT BOUND In Guyana, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said the country is not bound to adopt the recommendations made by the CARICOM appointed Commission on Marijuana.

“When I met with the Rastafari community, they were saying they wanted to be able to walk around with 53 grams, so the society must be able to have a de-

bate on these issues,” Williams said while reiterating that his position.

“I have chaired the Legal Affairs Committee of CARICOM and matters come and different countries take different positions on them.

Some issues are there before CARICOM for 10 years because other countries do not sign on,” he remarked. The Attorney General reminded that Guyana as a country within the regional bloc is governed by its own rules, while noting that before a position is taken, there must be massive consultations.

Williams believes that alternative sentencing should be employed by magistrates, while noting that through his ministry, a US$8M loan has been granted to examine the prison population.

Nonetheless, the President’s announcement on Thursday is consistent with calls made by the Alliance for Change (AFC). The party, which forms a major part of the coalition government, said it is time legislators move with alacrity to upgrade the laws of Guyana to ensure that custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana are removed from the books in their entirety.

“Custodial sentences serve, in large measure, to criminalise young people, particularly young men who

President David Granger have been caught with small quantities of marijuana – an offence which is a mere error in judgment and not representative of criminal behaviour,” the AFC said earlier this year.

AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, since 2015 had tabled a bill in the National Assembly for debate but it has since been languishing on the order paper, being deferred time and time again.

The Guyanese Rastafarian Council is also advocating for marijuana-related laws to be reformed, contending that the Rastafarian community uses the herb for religious and meditative purposes.

Sugar workers to receive final severance package –– Minster Harmon

GOVERNMENT is committed to fulfilling its promise during the second part of this year as more than 2,000 redundant sugar workers are soon to receive the final portion of their severance pay.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday

disclosed that “Cabinet discussed payment of the second tranche of severance to sugar workers and iterated its commitment to honouring the agreement to make the remaining severance payment within the time it promised.”

According to Minister Harmon, the funds to meet

this payment will come from amounts accumulated from budgetary cuts to several ministries and departments of state in keeping with a previous directive by Cabinet. “I did report this matter here that several ministries were asked to do a cut back on their budgetary allocations and we anticipated that all of the monies will come from that process. Half of it has

already been paid and the second tranche will come directly from government sources and will be paid in the second half of the year,” Minister Harmon explained.

In February, Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Paul Bhim reported that “so far, 1,400 ex-employees have received their severance in full with

the remainder awaiting the remaining 50 percent. About 3,700 employees were issued with severance letters and the government had approved the partial payment of the severance of 50%, but there was an adjustment to that because anybody with $500,000 or less were paid in full.”

The downsizing of the sugar industry to three estates

is among recommendations outlined in a state paper on the future of the sugar industry. The end result will see GuySuCo consisting of three estates and sugar factories.

The estates, complete with factories, would be Blairmont in the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales Estate in West Demerara.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

‘Belall’ sentenced to death –– for killing NA fruits vendor

JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds on Thursday afternoon sentenced to death Stafford Harry, called Belall, following the arrival of the jury at a unanimous verdict of guilty two weeks ago.

However, State assigned Defence Counsel Sasha Roberts has signalled her intention to appeal the case as Harry continues to maintain his innocence, and weeping and calling on the Lord to plead his case.

Prior to his conviction, ‘Belall’ had been on the run for five years, having fled to neighbouring Suriname following the death of New Amsterdam Market fruit vendor Hasrat Samaroo, called Watermelon, on March 28, 2010 .

But in 2015, the police instituted a joint murder charge on Troy Holligan and Ojay Gourie, both

of whom were freed after the judge noted that the evidence of the main witness was “manifestly unreliable”, and upheld a no-case submission, directing the mixed jury to return a verdict of not guilty in the men’s favour.

However, like the day he was convicted, there was a deafening silence before the now deathrow prisoner erupted into mournful wails, proclaiming his innocence and again blaming his poverty for such a verdict.

“Again I am saying I am innocent! I am innocent! Is because I have no money for a top lawyer the jury finds me guilty while I am innocent. The Samaroo family lie on me!” Belall wailed.

State Prosecutrix Tuanna Hardy in her opening address at the start of the

trial said that it was around 19:00hrs on the evening of March 27, 2010 that Samaroo and his wife, Kumarie, were at their home at Hampshire Village, Corentyne.

Hansraj was watching television in the living room in the upper flat of the two-storey building, Hardy said, whilst his wife was cooking in the kitchen downstairs.

The lights were on in the house, and as Kumarie was cooking, she was confronted by a man with a gun.

And as Kumarie called out to her husband, the man with the gun quickly mounted the inner stairs to get to him before he could come down, and no sooner had he done that than she heard what sounded like a gunshot.

Staying with the story, Hardy said when Kumarie

went upstairs to see what was going on, she saw the said man with the gun and her husband standing there bleeding from his groin.

Kumarie also saw two other men, Hardy and they, too, were armed with what appeared to be guns. She was relieved of a total of G$600,000 and US$1500 which she had in her wardrobe, and the five gold bangles and five gold finger rings valued $400,000 which she had on her person.

According to the State Prosecutrix, the post mortem report revealed that Samaroo’s death was consistent with his injury, as among other things, he died of a laceration of the femoral artery. What was interesting however, was that no mention was made of a gunshot injury.

Another witness, one

Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, in his evidence in chief, recalled that whilst being stationed at the Whim Police Station on September 2, 2015, he contacted the accused who was in custody, having been earlier deported from Suriname.

And he said that when the allegation of murder was put to Harry under caution, he denied killing Samaroo. Thomas recalled, too, that after Samaroo was killed, checks were made for Harry but reports had revealed that he had vacated the area.

Responding to a certain line of questioning by Legal Aid Defence Counsel Sasha Roberts, the detective said the accused did not tell him that he was working with his brothers, Dwayne Ridley and Sherwin Terrence, in neighbouring Suriname.

Stafford Harry, called ‘Belall’ Further, Thomas said he did not cause a confrontation between the accused and the Samaroos, and that neither was an identification parade held, nor did anyone point out the accused as the person who committed the crime.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Piracy survivor appeals for help DHARAMDEO Persaud called 'Creature' and 'Achie Bai', 52, of Whim Village is among the survivors of the April 27 piracy attack in Surinamese waters, is seeking help to get back to some state of normalcy.

On Wednesday, he reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister in Region Six and the media to share his plight.

Since the incident, Persaud returned to Guyana and has since been living in fear.

He is calling on the Government and any relevant agencies to offer any form of assistance that would help him back on his feet again.

Persaud said when he returned home, he was hospitalised for two weeks at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Due to his injuries, he cannot do much for himself since one of his hands is still in cast and several fingers on the right hand are paralysed.

“I am not able to do anything for myself. I getting little help from my brother but how much he gon do. I try to

when the gruesome attack occurred. Recalling the ordeal, he explained four days into the trip, he and four other crew members, namely Spanish Man, Bora, Bandara and Lukesh were asleep when they were ambushed at around 01:00 hrs.

They were awoken to the sounds of cutlass beating on their boat with men shouting “Wake up!”, “Wake up!”, “We come fuh kill!”, “Everybody gonna die!”

“How we wake up and them tek we out the boat is chop, chop and broadside we with the cutlass,” Persaud related.

He said two of his crew members Bandara and

Dharamdeo Persaud see if I can do lil dry fish but taken a mental toll on him. the hand ain’t making me do “At nights, I get up much,” he disclosed. screaming and trembling, Persaud said he is yet to shouting don’t chop me! be contacted by the police or Don’t chop me!” he related. any other local authority.

Persaud was on the boat The piracy attack has also Joshua owned by Rosie Jones

‘Life’ in prison for Laing Avenue killer

By Michel Outridge A SEEMINGLY sad Stafrei Alexander, 2017 recaptured prison escape, was on Thursday afternoon sentenced to life imprisonment after a 12-member jury found him guilty in the proportion of 11-1 for the March 23, 2015 attempt to commit murder at Laing Avenue.

As he was exiting the Georgetown High Court Stafrei Alexander told reporters that he was innocent of the offence and the justice system was unfair to him.

Relatives were equally shocked when the sentence was handed down in a packed courtroom on Thursday afternoon.

Justice Sandil Kissoon told the court that having read the probation report which was prepared in November 2017 at his first trial he noted that the convict was separated from his parents at age five and he was very frank in his discussion with the probation officer.

However, the judge added that the facts and evidence presented in court aided the decision handed down.

After a lengthy plea of mitigation by defence counsel Stanley Moore who perused the probation report

said that the convict was 35 years old and was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice and was left to care for his two younger siblings after his parents separated.

His mother migrated to the US when he was only five-years-old and he lived with his maternal grandmother and he befitted from technical training.

Moore added that he had a troubled upbringing and was sentenced to two years in jail for escaping lawful custody during the Camp Street Prison inferno when a group of high profile prisoners bolted.

The attorney stated that Alexander’s attitude towards the offence was contrite and asked the court for mercy in its sentencing.

In response, state prosecutor Lisa Cave told the court that a strict penalty should be imposed considering the nature of the offence, the injuries the victim received, a weapon was used and the number of shots fired. She also added that the convict disappeared from the scene and later escaped from custody when he was arrested.

She told the court that Alexander had other charges pending.

The trial started in early June in which Alexander ap-

The accused: Stafrei Alexander at the Georgetown High Court peared before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury in the Georgetown High Court.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was given the opportunity of a new trial before a different judge.

In presenting the state’s case, state prosecutor Orinthia Schmidt told the court that the accused was indicted for two counts. The first count was for attempt to commit murder and the second count for discharging a loaded firearm with intent (alternative counts) which took place on March 23, 2015 at Laing Avenue.

She said on the date in question at about 12:30am, the accused discharged a loaded firearm at Curtis Thom with intent to murder him.

Spanish Man were brutally chopped and died as they collapsed next to him.

Persaud said he took the beating and the chopping and was relieved when one of attackers shouted, “Don’t kill he no muh, all yuh tie the anchor on he and throw he over board leh he punish.”

“Them tie the anchor on me neck and when me about two feet, I loose out the anchor meh hustle and come up back,” the father of four said.

On the surface of the river, Persaud said he swam for at least eight hours before being rescued by another boat.

At one point, as the attackers continued their gruesome assault, one of them, he said

shouted, “Paddy yuh get five moh coming with yuh.”

Asked what was on his mind as he fought to survive, Persaud said he thought about his two grandchildren.

The attack on the fishermen allegedly stemmed from the murder of Somnauth Manohar called “Paddy”, who was gunned down in front of his home on March 30 in Suriname.

Thus far, the brother of Manohar Nakool Manohar called “Fyah” of Number 43 Village and Premnauth Persaud called “Sanbad” or “Sinbad” have been arraigned for the murder of two of the 15 fishermen killed.

Boat stolen while in Police custody

THREE fishermen appeared Thursday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a simple larceny charge.

The charge alleged that on July 2, 2018 at Ruimveldt, Georgetown four men stole one vessel valued $2.5 million, property of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). But one Shameer Mohamed managed to escape while being in police custody at Ruimveldt Police Station.

44-year-old, Nazim Khan who resides at 265 Annandale, East Coast Demerara ; 38- year-old Taijram Roopnarine who lives at 67 Annandale, East Coast Demerara ; and 29 year-old Hemchand Mulchand were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Attorney Clyde Forde who represented the men applied for a reasonable sum of bail.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objection, but asked that the defendants be placed on substantial bail and that condi-

tions be attached.

According to the facts that were presented in court by Mansfield, on June 2 the GRA carried out an exercise at Mahaica Creek where they seized a vessel valued $2.5 million.

As a result the vessel was forfeited and taken to the Ruimveldt wharf for safe keeping. On June 2, 2018 the vessel was discovered missing. A search was immediately launched and the vessel was seen being towed by the four defendants. They were at the time in a smaller boat. As a result the four were arrested and taken into custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of $250,000

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on conditions that the defendant lodge their passports and they report every other Friday to Inspector Henry at Ruimveldt Police Station.

The matter was adjourned to July 20, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Alternative energy sources SOLAR energy forms an integral part of any country’s plan in addressing alternative energy. Where Guyana is pursuing a Green Economy, as a matter of its primary developmental thrust, whenever a business or individual switches to this form of energy, such act takes the country closer to the goal.

Alternative energy, such as solar, plays a significant role in protecting the environment. This is so, given that it replaces consumption of fossil fuel which gives off emissions which has been scientifically proven to be harmful to the environment.

As consumption of fossil is reduced, the air we breathe becomes healthier and will help in enhancing the health of citizens and nations.

According to the watchdog group, Union of Concerned Scientists, in its 2011

Report (which was revised in November 2014), Guyana is among the 20% of the “rest of the world” where each country’s share of total carbon dioxide emission comes from energy consumption.

The top emitters are China at 27%, United States 17%, Russia 5%, India 5% and Japan 4%. Specifically to Guyana, according to the World Resources Institute, as at 31st December 2012, our Greenhouse Gas Emissions, excluding land-use change and forestry, is recorded at 3.60.

When it includes land-use change and forestry, Guyana records 7.64.

As a signatory to the United Nations Climate Agreement which came into effect on 5th January, coming with this is a responsibility to help meet the international timetable goals for reducing emissions. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

also has its own Energy Thrust which Guyana has helped to shape and has a responsibility to bring to fruition.

Government, in last year ’s National Budget, committed to granting concessions to those desirous of benefitting from alternative-energy technology. This opportunity not only helps in harnessing the natural energy at our disposal, but also creates a more reliable source of energy than presently obtains. Further, such pursuit would realise reduction of overhead expenses overtime, new opportunities for employment and economic opportunities, and Guyana elevating its image as a credible nation among members-states, regional and extra-regional.

The government has set itself a lofty goal-- but not unachievable -- that by 2025,

the country will achieve renewable energy and energy-efficiency status. With eight years remaining to achieve this goal, and in the midst of evident public delight with reported fossil fuel finds, such aspiration may not be taken lightly, which may require a re-focussing of interests and energies. While government has targeted for special attention areas to be retrofitted, where businesses and private citizens are following suit they are deserving of commendation, even as all efforts must be made to encourage others. Last year we saw Nand Persaud Group of Companies going fully solar when it commissioned a $110m system at its Tain, Corentyne, call centre.

The Demerara Bank Limited, Camp Street headquarters, also fully converted last November.

In 2016, a team from

Toronto, Canada, met with ministers of the government, seeking to explore opportunities to establish a solar farm, with the aim of working in tandem with the Guyana Power and Light to augment our electricity supply.

Though the present status of this engagement has not been made public, when citizens continue to suffer from daily outages, realisation of such a project would be looked forward to with much anticipation. Government has already begun construction of Guyana’s first solar farm at Mabaruma in the North West District. Four acres of land have been allocated for this ambitious 400-megawatt project, which will be completed shortly. When it becomes operational, it would afford an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents.

The Demerara Bank

Limited, in addition to going green, is providing support for others to do likewise. Though in our society -- where there can be little dispute -- habits are hard to change and the full appreciation of alternative energy is yet to be grappled with, this bank is helping the process of changing behaviour by making funding available at reasonable cost. At the eight percent interest rate, the impetus is there to act. Retrofitting homes and other buildings creates new types of jobs and other economic opportunities, direct and indirect. For home owners, opportunities are presented to opt for going fully solar or creating a hybrid system. The possibilities for using alternative energy are limitless and Guyanese are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities.

It remains disturbing the discriminatory treatment being meted out against Haitians Dear Editor, THE opportunity is being taken to publicly commend Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for leading the way in treating with our Caribbean sisters and brothers of Haiti, with her government’s decision to lift the visa restriction for these nationals’ entry into Barbados.

By this action, the Prime Minister is not only demonstrating her ability to talk the talk but also walk the walk, exemplifying the spirit and intent of the integration movement (Caribbean Community) and the CARICOM

Single Market and Economy (CSME).

It remains disturbing the discriminatory treatment being meted out against Haitians by CARICOM countries and citizens, when Haiti is not only a member-state but shares similar history and in many instances has lead the way in the fight for human dignity and respect in this Region. Excuses found and being made about their movement to member-countries on the pretext of language barrier masked discrimination against them, for similar treatment or excuse is not being directed towards Chinese, Brazilians, Venezuelans and others who

are flocking to our shores.

The Haitians’ religious practice of voodoo is another excuse to discriminate against them. Our Constitution, and also in other member-states, protect religious freedom. The African, East Indian, Amerindian and other groups’ historical religious practices were among the early acts of an independent nation, under the government of Forbes Burnham, that were decriminalised.

The Haitian people are industrious, intelligent, and renowned for their farming practices, making them an asset wherever they go. Where the world is focussed on healthy eating/organic foods

with our vast un-occupied and untilled land mass, their labour can be valuable. A recent study conducted by Zion Market Research said the global organic food and beverage market in 2017 valued US$124.76Billion. This market is expected to reach US$323.09Billion by 2014 (www.onegreenplanet.org With Prime Minister Mottley’s pronouncement, hopefully the other Heads of Government in attendance at the forum have taken note of her bold and decisive leadership in giving meaning to the spirit and intent of CARICOM and CSME and will likewise follow suit. This was the type

of leadership demonstrated

by Errol Barrow (Barbados), Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago) and Michael Manley (Jamaica) that brought them to the table and led to the establishment of CARICOM, i.e. the desire to harness the resources of the region (land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship) for the development of the Region and its people.

The act of removing barriers (discrimination, travel restriction, etc) aids the integration process and the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

This issue where Heads of Government meetings have within recent times

come to be seen as that of a talk-shop and leaders standing at the podium calling for actions they are empowered to effect, there resides optimism the Mottley’s speech and action will serve as reminder that the CARICOM Secretariat cannot do the job designated to the governments. The disreputable image CARICOM attracts by its people is in large part to the conduct of inaction by the governments and discrimination against brothers and sisters of the Region.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Stabroek Market areas being patrolled -- says town clerk

By Lisa Hamilton

City Hall has placed ranks on the ground at Stabroek Market to ward off criminal activities following the closure of the Stabroek Outpost which was recently reclaimed by the Guyana Fire Service.

This is according to Chief Constable Andrew Foo who relayed this information at a press briefing held at City Hall on Thursday.

“It is not something that we would have desired but in terms of the building, it does not belong to the Council. The Guyana Fire Service would have given us notice a few years ago that there was a need for them to occupy [the outpost] based on the fact that they were expanding their services. Therefore we would have had to make a shift back to the Stabroek Bazaar,” Foo explained.

However, since the reloca-

tion, Foo said there has been an increase in the amount of “brazen” robberies in the area and ranks have been assembled to keep such activities at bay.

“What we would have done is ensure that, over the last two weekends, when this information was brought to our attention, we mobilised our resources and they would have been working in that area,” he said.

Another matter discussed

at the meeting is the deplorable state of the Office of the Clerk of the Markets which Town Clerk Royston King said is currently being addressed.

“We are agonizingly aware of the negative state of the Office of the Clerk of the Markets and not only the office at Stabroek but also if you go to Bourda Market and some of the other markets you will see a similar negative situation and it comes down

Town Clerk Royston King

to resource constraints.

“As you would know we would have not had valuation of properties for properties for over 20 years in the City of

Georgetown. That alone tells a story when it comes to talking about the Council’s finances because our main source of revenue is general rates from properties,” he explained.

King then revealed that the City Engineer and team are now completing the final works which will allow for the Office of the Clerk of the Markets to be relocated at the Kitty Market within another three weeks.

He added that this forms a part of the Market Upgrading Programme which began in 2015 and will continue until 2020 as the City Council is in the process of upgrading all its markets, including the East Ruimveldt Market and the Albouystown Market.

GGDMA encourages greater investment in gold and diamond mining sector Dear Editor, THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] values the emerging partnerships among the small, medium and large scale gold miners in Guyana. The GGDMA stands for the fair and equitable treatment of all Investors in the mining industry, whether foreign or local, whether small, medium or large. We recognise that the operations of Troy Resources in Kaburi and Guyana Goldfields Inc

/ Aurora Gold Mines bring a level of quality which our small and medium scale miners would do well to emulate. In this regard, we commend these large companies for the social management and environmental management which are among the best in Guyana. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health record is simply outstanding and we encourage them to continue this good work.

We commend Troy and Guyana Gold Fields Inc. / Aurora Gold Mines on their

high level of gold production recorded at a recovery rate consistently above 90%.

Even though the small and medium scale miners produced more gold in aggregate than these two large mining companies, it was at a mere 30 – 40% recovery rate.

We believe that small and medium scale miners will continue to improve, especially as the large companies set the pace in exploration, excavation, processing and environmental management.

As we affirm this partnership, we call on the gov-

ernment to provide increased technical assistance, education and training, and financial inputs to move the small and medium scale gold miners forward at a faster pace.

GGDMA gives the assurance that the partnership of small, medium and large scale gold miners will achieve gold production of over one million ounces annually from 2020 if government provides the requested assistance.

The GGDMA encourages greater investment, both local and foreign, in the gold and diamond mining sector

of Guyana. We salute those who mobilised investment dollars into mining in Guyana as they are convinced that the investment climate, though not perfect, is acceptable. GGDMA is pleased that government provided the necessary support when possible to aid in the success of the ventures. We call on small, medium and large scale mining operators to be faithful to the terms of their Agreements. GGDMA thanks Troy Resources and Guyana Goldfields/Aurora Gold Mines for their ster-

ling efforts and we declare our continued support as they proceed with expansion plans.

The GGDMA thanks the small and medium scale miners for the good work over the years, as we continue to declare our support for each of them. We celebrate our partnerships in the gold and diamond mining sector.

Regards Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA]

City Constabulary must be more efficient Dear Editor, WITH this recent massive robbery that was committed on a popular jewellery store at the Stabroek Market, a heist that could rival ‘The Great Train Robbery’ that occurred in 1963 from a Royal Mail train heading from Glasgow to London, the citizens of Georgetown should expect nothing less than the immediate tendering of resignations of the Mayor of Georgetown, the Town Clerk, the Chief Constable and the Clerk of Markets.

Of course this will never happen as those at City Hall cheerfully stumble from one scandal to another without any reprimand ever being meted out against them.

The role of the City Constabulary seems to be only that of body protection, for securing of the multiple residences of the Mayor, the Town Clerk and other members of the cabal, in and out of the city, and chasing vendors around downtown Georgetown, whilst the poor vendors and patrons in and around the municipal markets are robbed with impunity on a

daily basis.

What is the real purpose of the City Constabulary which has well over 100 employees and about five stations in Georgetown which, according to the Town Clerk, has the same power as the national police (GPF) in the maintenance of law and order in this country? Couldn’t they simply use these extensive powers to guard the markets?

He proudly boasts that his Constabulary is responsible for policing the entire 15-square mile area of the capital city with its approximately 180,000 citizens,

and that they are also empowered to protect citizens as they patrol the city. Does this include the Stabroek and other municipal markets which are burgled on a daily basis?

Instead, all we hear from the City Constabulary are reports that their ranks are allegedly involved in deviant sex with juvenile detainees and cover ups, of firearms going missing from stations, of senior officers beating their paramours senseless when intoxicated, of missing bail and proficiency fund monies

and of their patrol vehicles being misused to drop schoolchildren around.

The Mayor and Concillors of the City of Georgetown should be ashamed of themselves and should hang their heads when they see citizens. They have been raising market stall rents, property rates, licence fees and certificate charges, solid waste collection costs, yet the municipal markets have leaky roofs, are dark and rat infested, and insecure, the abattoir is dilapidated and barely able to slaughter animals

for consumption as food, the Day Care Centers are being shuttered, City Hall and most other municipal buildings [is] in a most ruinous condition, there is no municipal swimming pool or other recreational facilities, and the cemetery a national disgrace to name a few. Mr. President, it isn’t this jewellery the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back?

Should there not be a Commission of Inquiry launched at City Hall.

Regards Kwasi Sanderson

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Body of Timothy Yearwood found

THE body of 10-year-old Timothy Yearwood was founding floating next to the Buxton Pump Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday.

Yearwood and his 14-year-old cousin Timothy Robinson, both of Unity, Mahaica, went missing after they went for a swim at the seawall, close to an area which is popularly known as “the Grind”.

While Robison’s body was discovered by police on Tuesday in the vicinity of Hope seashore, ECD, the body of Yearwood was found by relatives at Buxton on Thursday morning.

Yearwood’s mother, Norma Singh was in tears as she attempted to recount what happened on Monday.

“I left for work on Monday and leff he home but I

Flashback! Timothy Robinson at his graduation know normally he does go play with he cousin…while I deh at work I get a call that the boys missing so I rushed home and hear that

Timothy Robinson’s sister speaking with the Guyana Chronicle (Adrian Narine photo) they went for a swim by the Grind and never come back,” said Singh.

The mother of four went on to say that neither her son

Timothy Yearwood

Timothy Yearwood’s mother, Norma Singh (Adrian Narine photo)

nor his cousin know how to swim so it was odd that they went into the water.

She admitted that they would go play with friends in

the area but they would never go in the water.

Yearwood, who was a student of the Gibson Primary, was remembered by his

mother as a studious child who knew how to mix school and play.

His cousin, Robinson was also remembered by his teacher and sister as a child who always excelled at his studies.

“You know the strange thing is that his father, Claude Robinson who was a fisherman went missing at sea during the same month and on a Monday, eleven years ago,” said Robinson’s sister.

The family now has to mourn for young Robinson during the same month that his dad went missing without a trace.

Robinson’s sister who was at a loss for words, urged persons to keep a close eye on their children because “children will be children”.

GDF officer successfully completes master’s programme ANOTHER officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has returned from the United States after successfully completing advanced military staff training.

Commander Vernon Burnette of the GDF Coast Guard returned with a Master’s of Science Degree and a Diploma from the Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA. Commander Vernon Burnette recently graduated from the Salve Regina University with a Master of Science Degree in Adminis-

tration, Justice and Homeland Security, and on June 15, graduated from the Naval Staff College, Rhode Island, with a Diploma in Navy and Joint Professional Education in National Security, Strategy, Policy and Joint Military Operations.

The two courses were done concurrently, with the latter focusing on Theatre Security Decision Making, Strategy, Warfighting and Joint Military Operations. It also included several largescale planning exercises which provided participants with the opportunity to draft

national security strategies.

Commander Burnett studied alongside a diverse group of US and international senior officers, and was recognised as a highly professional officer with the requisite skills and attributes for higher levels of command. He was publicly commended for his two academic papers titled, “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief” and “Existing Security Challenges between the United States and the Caribbean”.

Commander Burnett is extremely grateful for the

opportunity to enhance his professional military education.

“It is my intention to use this new knowledge to make a positive impact towards the further development of the GDF Coast Guard,” he said.

“We were not only able to draw from the course material presented, but from the experiences of the officers who attended from the various militaries, with similar security challenges, strengths and other factors,” he added.

Apart from this recent achievement, Commander

Vernon Burnett would have successfully completed several overseas courses, including the Infantry Officers’ Basic Course (Fort Benning, Georgia ,1998), The International Maritime Officers’ Course (York Town, Virginia), the Ordinance Officers’ Basic Course (Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 2005) and the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course, Jamaica).

The Chief of Staff, officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force joins in congratulating Commander Vernon Burnett on his recent accomplishment.

GDF Coast Guard Commander Vernon Burnette

Woman charged with uncle’s murder A FORTY-two-year-old woman who allegedly doused her uncle with a pot of hot water causing his demise was on Thursday charged with murder when she appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Frances Harlequin, of lot 38 Half Mile Wismar, Linden was charged for the murder committed on her uncle Hilbert Scott.

She was not required to plea and was remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison until August 6.

Reports disclosed that Scott, a 56-year-old security guard succumbed to his injuries on Monday after his niece had doused him with a pot of hot water on June 16.

According to reports, on June 16 at about 09:30hrs, Harlequin reportedly lit a “coal pot” in her apartment

and the smoke emanating from it began to affect Scott’s breathing.

As such, the man reportedly went over to the suspect’s apartment to request she address the problem. However, the woman reportedly became annoyed and threw the pot of hot water on Scott.

The elderly man immediately reported the matter to the Wismar Police Station and he was

subsequently escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex to be treated for his burns and discharged.

Shortly after the man made his police report, Harlequin visited the police station and reported that Scott physically abused her, and as such, she threw the hot water on him.

She was reportedly sent to seek medical attention.

However, the woman nev-

er returned to the police station.

The following day she was arrested but was placed on self-bail two days later, while being informed that she must appear in court on June 25, 2018. Harlequin failed to appear in court after being charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

However, on June 21, 2018, Scott began feeling unwell and was subse-

quently admitted to the Linden Hospital Complex as an infection had taken over his burn wounds.

The victim’s condition allegedly worsened on Monday last and died while being a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

A post-mortem conducted on Wednesday revealed that he died as a result of Generalised Sepsis ‘Septic’.

Enough with the talk!

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

–– Time for some action regional leaders urge

By Svetlana Marshall in Jamaica

REGIONAL leaders were urged to do more than just talk and take action when the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened Wednesday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

The call has specifically to do with the reticence in some quarters to implement the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and other critical initiatives, and came from CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne; and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

Holness said that with CARICOM turning 45, it is only fitting that the 15-member community pause and reflect not only on its achievements, but the challenges that they’ve faced as well along the road to regional integration.

Contending that the CSME is undoubtedly the single most significant regional initiative that has occupied the attention of member states since its inception in 2003, Prime Minister Holness, who himself turns 46 later this month, said its progress has not been commensurate with the region’s aspiration.

Noting that Jamaica is as committed now as it has ever been over the years, Holness, reputedly the youngest prime minister Jamaica has ever had, said: “I take this opportunity to reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment to the principle objectives of CARICOM, including the expansion of trade and investment opportunities for its members, the promotion of foreign policy coordination and structural functional cooperation.”

Under the theme “Building Stronger Resilient and Secured Partnerships for Prosperity”, Holness, whose forte is management and development studies, said that as chairman of the 15-member bloc, he is calling on all member states to summon the necessary political will and determination to ensure that all programmes and initiatives are strategically focused and geared towards meeting an ambitious process of reform.

He told regional leaders that in light of the ever-changing global dynamics, it is imperative that they conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the Community is appropriately positioned to collectively advance economic corporation for mutual benefits for the region’s people.

has adopted a landmark resolution, which, among other things, underscores the importance of CARICOM Member States making a clear commitment to establish the Single Market by putting in place measurable and verifiable programmes of actions in place to fulfil all outstanding obligations.

On that score, he said that Jamaica is proposing a period of five years for implementation, as no longer can the materialisation of the Single Market and Economy be delayed.

Noting that the young people of the region are calling on their leaders to be accountable, Prime Minister Holness said: “It is my considered view that the single market is a victim our own reluctance to fully and functionally establish the CSME...

“As I have often stated, the CSME is the ultimate manifestation of regional integration; some of its pillars represent the only real means by which our citizens will experience the process of integration.

“We must, therefore, as leaders of this great community relentlessly pursue the goal of overcoming our implementation deficit.”

Taking up the charge was Prime Minister Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, who said that members states must do all in their power to ensure the success of the Community, as the unity of the region is the salvation of its people.

“Integration is not only desirable but inescapable; but it has been 53 long years since the flame of integration was reunited at Dickenson Bay from the ashes of the West Indies Federation,” he said.

“Surely in 53 years, we should have been further along the road to economic integration than we are now; others started after us, yet they have gallop ahead,” Prime Minister Browne added, as he cited the European Union (EU) as a fitting example of what he was referring to.

He is convinced that after 53 years of “crawling” through the process of integration, disappointment has replaced hope, and skepticism has overwhelmed faith.

But all is not lost, he urged his colleages, as the conference has provided an opportunity for they as regional leaders to turn the tide around.

“We have a chance at this summit to change that situation, and to restore trust and confidence in the people that we can make and implement joint decisions that would improve their lives; that we can do more than talk; that we can take action,” he posited.

GOLDING REPORT With reference to the Bruce Golding Commission Report, Prime Minister Holness said the Jamaican Parliament

UNIFIED ACTIONS Before taking his leave, Prime Minister Browne called for unified actions in achieving the Single Market and

Economy, emphasising that the time for action is now.

Delivering what will be her maiden address at a Heads of Government summit since taking office on May 25 this year, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, the first woman to have ever held that position on the island, said it is no secret that Barbados is in a state of deep economic crisis.

But even with its current state of affairs, she said, the Government of Barbados is unequivocally committed to the cause of regional integration, and ready to play its full and active part within the Caribbean Community in moving the process forward.

“We consider it an integral part of our future,” the firebrand politician assured her regional colleagues, adding: “As for myself, I am more than eager to get to work in my capacity as Lead Head for the CSME. It is a serious responsibility and I intend, absolutely, to treat it as such.”

But sadly, enthused though she is, Prime Minister Mottley said, many of the same structural, legal and administrative impediments to implementing the CSME are still with us.

“We certainly do not lack for studies to tell us what is wrong,” she said, adding: “Sadly, these can sometimes serve, inadvertently, to reinforce the cynicism and pessimism that we as leaders have allowed to dampen our natural enthusiasm for the idea of integration.

“More and more I find myself asking: Why are we so obsessed with diagnosing what is wrong? When last have we looked to our own people and their actions to show us what is right?”

Prime Minister Mottley said the people’s interest must remain paramount in discussions on trade and regulations.

Turning her attention to regional travel, the Barbadian Prime Minister said that while interaction among our Caribbean people strengthens regional integration, it is rather unfortunate that this, too, is being stifled.

“A Single Domestic Space for hassle-free travel in a sense presupposes the existence of a Single Domestic Space for Transportation,” she said.

“Something is, therefore, fundamentally wrong when travel to Miami or New York is more accessible and cost-effective for our people than travel to their nearest Caribbean neighbour.

We simply have to do better,” she added.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDER As the major shareholder in LIAT, PM Mottley, who first entered at 26, said the Government of Barbados remains committed to working assiduously with its other partner governments to enhance the airline’s operations and profitability, while simultaneously offering

an affordable and reliable service to the region’s people.

“To get the full benefit of our common space in the movement of people, cargo and vehicles,” she said, “renewed and focused leadership is also called for to translate the much-studied inter-island ferry service from concept to reality; to move beyond talk and to actively encourage investment by our private sector to unlock new categories of travelers.”

For CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, this 39th HOG confab provides another opportunity to have, once again, a historic moment in Montego Bay with respect to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“Since the CSME was inaugurated here in Jamaica 12 years ago,” he said, “we all agree that much has been accomplished under its regimes.

“But we have not achieved as much as we should have by now; major policy decisions and adoption of legal instruments take much too long to be negotiated.

“We must do more, and do it more quickly; the success of the CSME is being judged by the public, on the basis of our implementation of the measures agreed to, that allow our citizens and businesses to benefit,” he implored the regional leaders.

A special session on the CSME has been set to address its effectiveness.

Despite the challenges, he said Member States have agreed that the CSME remain the most viable option and platform to enable the Community and its nationals to achieve their goals of sustainable growth and development but underscored the need for substantial improvement.

“They expressed particular concern about the ease of doing business and the movement of skilled nationals. The participants also lamented the lack of compliance with already agreed measures. They stressed the need for an enforcement and accountability framework to encourage implementation and compliance. It is one of the issues which features among the recommendations in the Report of the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks which is before this Meeting.

The views and recommendations of that Commission add a voice to the conversation on the future of CARICOM and the CSME,” he explained.

President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell also addressed the regional leaders.

President David Granger and Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge are attending the high-level regional meeting, which concludes today.

10

Cabinet approves hike in state pension

CABINET has approved the increase in the annual rate of state pension from $120,000 to $360,000 and distinguished Professor

Noel Menezes will benefit from a State Pension this week.

This was disclosed by Minister of State, Joseph

Harmon on Thursday at a post-cabinet briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. “Cabinet deemed Sister Menezes to be most

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

deserving of a state pension”, Harmon stated.

Minister Harmon later explained that the State Pension Act provides the

President David Granger as he posed with Professor Menezes, his former history lecturer, during the launch of her new book last May at the Cara Lodge in the city. (MoTP photo) requisite criteria for persons to be eligible for a state pension. Professor Menezes’ selection was based on her experience and quality of service she has provided and also the need for her to have sufficient funds to have a decent standard of living in her remaining lifetime.

According to the State Pension Act of 1990, Chapter 27:04 whenever the President considers it desirable,having regard to the nature and quality of the service rendered to the State by a person and to the special circumstances pertaining to the case, including the ineligibility of that person for a comparable pension under any other law, that such service shall qualify for the payment of a [State] pension .

Last May at a simple ceremony at the launching of her new book at the Cara Lodge in the city,

President David Granger spoke fondly of his interactions with Sister Menezes, describing her as a meticulous and dedicated teacher, who gave her students a granular method of instruction, particularly as it relates to research. He noted that Sister Menezes’ students will never forget her because she helped them to develop their intellectual foundation and this is quite evident in their accomplishments in life.

Sister Menezes, who was born in 1930, is a nun, Emeritus Professor of History, philanthropist, author and recipient of the country’s second highest national award; the Order of Roraima, as well as the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from the University of the West Indies. She joined Religious Sisters of Mercy at the age of 17.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Residents eager for construction of new Moruca Bridge

–– relocation of shops, stalls ongoing RESIDENTS living in villages in the Moruca sub-region in the North West District are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the construction of a multi-million dollar project which will see the iconic wooden bridge which connects the villages of Kumaka and San Jose being replaced with a two –lane concrete structure.

Already, several business persons, including stall holders who sold their goods close to the bridge, have relocated from the

with her daughter to school, a 4 mile trek, in order for her to cross the bridge safely. “If we get a new bridge it will change plenty things,” she said. “I would be glad for the new bridge because two vehicles would be able to cross at the same time,” Williams said.

Another resident, Eugene Austin said that the structure would improve the scenic view of the area. He said that tourism is one of several initiatives which would take-off at Moruca in the future and he noted that

The current wooden bridge which links Kumaka with San Jose at Moruca. area while others are awaiting the completion of a market facility which is undergoing renovation before making a move.

During a recent trip to the area, residents told the Guyana Chronicle that the new bridge would add to the development of the area. While some noted that the decision to relocate their business, which they have been depending on as a source of an income for years, would be a tough one; they are willing to make the sacrifice.

For housewife Ann James, the new bridge would put a safety concern of hers to rest. James, who was born and lives in the village of Parakese, said that she has her business about a decade at the waterfront area. She said that replacing the structure would benefit the area especially children who cross the bridge daily during the school year noting that it would be much safer for them to cross. She said that the current bridge was renovated sometime ago however she believes the works were not undertaken properly.

James said her son had a stall closer to the bridge but he relocated from the area after it was recognised that persons would have to move in order for works to be undertaken. Another resident Genevieve Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that the current state of the bridge sometimes makes her children fearful of crossing the structure.

She said she would be forced to walk

the new bridge would add to such developments. Austin said too that the concrete structure would be more spacious. “This one here shaky bad, it could fall anytime,” he added.

Neil Norton, another resident of Moruca told the Guyana Chronicle that a newer structure would be a welcome sight. “You see, to go over now you have to wait on one vehicle to cross before you can drive across,” Norton said.

Norton said that the bridge would be able to provide visitors, who travelled in the past to the area, to recognise that Moruca is developing. “It is a sacrifice for those who have to move, because we got to move to get something good going,” he added. Over the years, persons were informed that they should not place permanent structures close to the waterfront area in the vicinity of the wooden bridge since it would hamper any futuristic plans for the area including infrastructural development.

Santa Rosa’s new Toshao, Whanita Phillips told the Guyana Chronicle that persons have already relocated from the area where the new structure would be built. She said notices were expected to be dispatched to those persons who remained close to the site where they have built permanent structures over the years.

Phillips said too that the new structure would add to the development of the area.

A section of the bridge

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12

Tears flow as young mom jailed for drugs

TEARS flowed down the cheeks of 37-year-old Natasha Blair on Thursday after she was sentenced to three years in prison for drug trafficking after being busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,

Timehri.

The cosmetologist of Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara admitted to the Chief Magistrate that on July 2, 2018 at CJIA she trafficked 532 grams of cocaine.

CANU prosecutor, Kon-

yo Sandiford told the court that on CARICOM Day (July 2), Blair was an outgoing passenger on a Caribbean Airliner plane destined for JFK International Airport.

Sandiford noted that the woman was approached by

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

CANU officers after they suspected that she was a drug mule. At the time the woman was traveling with her 11-month- old daughter.

Blair was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and submitted to an X-Ray

examination which showed foreign object in her stomach and pelvic area. She was given laxatives and she excreted 32 cocaine pellets which amounted to 322 grams and 210 grams taken from her vaginal area.

Under caution from the Police, Blair told ranks that she smuggled the drugs because she needed money for herself and her child.

In court the woman broke down in tears as she begged her family for forgiveness and said she was sorry for what she has done.

Her attorney, Keoma

Natasha Blair Griffith, during his plea for mitigation told the court that the client was a single parent who made a difficult decision with unfortunate risks.

The Chief Magistrate after considering Blair’s early guilty plea and the mitigation made by her attorney sentenced the woman to three years in prison along with $1.1M fine.

After hearing her sentence, Blair composed herself and wiped her eyes as she walked back to the Prisoners’ Outpost to await transportation to Prison to start severing her time.

Claims and objections, registration to end on Sunday THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is urging all eligible persons who have not yet registered to visit the nearest GECOM office to do so by Sunday.

The elections body is currently conducting claims and objections and registration exercises. These registration exercises commenced on May 21, 2018 in an effort to ensure that all eligible persons are afforded unlimited opportunities to be included on the National Register of Registrants Database and ensuring that GECOM is in a state of preparedness which would enable it to respond to calls for elections in a timely manner.

In a release GECOM said any person who will be 14 years and over by 31st October, 2018, is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalization or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more is eligible for registration.

Interested persons are asked to walk with an original Birth Certificate or a valid Guyana Passport and original Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll (if applicable).

Baptism Certificates, expired Passports, photocopies of relevant documents or letters from Priests, Elders, Headmasters / Headmistresses, Village Captains/Toshaos and Justices of the Peace nor existing ID Cards will NOT be acceptable as source documents for Registration.

Persons 18 years and older can also request to correct or change their name, address or occupation by 8th July 2018. July 12, 2018 is the last day for persons to object to a name appearing on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). There will be a hearing by Registration Officers to determine the validity of the Objections and if persons are not satisfied with the outcome, appeals will be heard by the Chief Election Officer.

Registration guarantees eligible persons their constitutional right to become registered in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and to cast their ballots at future General, Regional and Local Government Elections. GECOM is urging persons to desist from unlawful practices as there are reports of persons presenting themselves to be registered claiming not to know their names, date of birth and other key personal identifying information. This is an offence.

The twenty-nine (29) registration offices countrywide are opened Monday to Thursday between 8:00hrs to 17:00hrs, Friday between 8:00hrs and 16:00hrs and weekends and holidays from 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

13

No shortage of insulin GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

–– MMU Director

DIRECTOR of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) Ministry of Health, Cecil Jack, today put to rest allegations that there is a shortage of insulin at health facilities in some parts of the country.

The MMU Director said he is deeply disappointed that such information is being peddled in the public when the evidence can speak for itself. “I am disappointed as the director of the MMU, presiding over half of a 40-foot container almost filled with insulin, having arrived in Guyana since February of this year, to be hearing the claims from the public that there is no insulin at the health facilities,” Jack told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday. I want the public to know that there is absolutely no shortage of insulin. The 70/30,

the soluble neither the lente, we have all in stock” he assured.

DPI visited the Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) facility and was able to view the drug packed in the cold storage container.

Over the last week, the Ministry of Health has been receiving reports that patients attending certain health facilities for insulin were being turned away and told to buy the drug instead.

According to the MMU Director, it is unfair that persons have to purchase the costly drug when it is being supplied free of cost by the government.

National Director of Pharmacy Service, Oneil Atkins said the ministry was made aware of the issue, because of the vigilance of the public.

“If the public does not make their loud cry and if the public when they go to their clinic they are

not properly registered, we would not be able to adequately quantify. I want the public to ensure that they are adequately registered so that we would be able to take care of their needs and we want them to be that vigilant to have us know when something is going wrong,” he surmised.

Atkins said the “cries” of insulin shortages have been coming from all ten administrative regions but have been receiving complaints from two particular regions. “Once I heard that I called, but the public is being turned away and have to go buy insulin.” Insulin, he said is being sold for between $3000 and $5000.

“We at the ministry want to let them know that they don’t have to do that, we have enough insulin in the system,” he assured.

Not guilty of entering Guyana illegally FORTY-year-old Jadoo Datt of Sheriff Street, Campbellville on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan charged for entering Guyana illegally.

Datt admitted that on July 4, 2018 at Springlands, Corentyne he entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

The court heard that Datt was the holder of a Guyana passport and was wanted in relation to a matter that was being investigated by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that immigration re-

cords showed that on May 15, 2018 Datt left Guyana and went to Suriname.

On July 4, Datt turned himself over to ranks at SOCU Headquarters and was arrested. Checks revealed that he disembarked at Springlands and did not report to the immigration officer.

Datt told the court that he went to the United States (US) Embassy to get a visa but was turned down.

However his sister told him that he must travel and that he should get his passport stamped. The man explained that he travelled to Suriname but when he called home his family informed him that he was wanted by SOCU.

Jadoo Datt While attempting to come back to Guyana he however missed the boat at Suriname and ended up coming ‘back track’.

After listening to the defendant’s side, the Chief Magistrate discharged the matter against him and he was freed.

A staff exhibits the insulin in storage at the MMU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Foreign Affairs to lead delegation to Puerto Ordaz –– in bid to regularise influx here of remigrant Guyanese, Venezuelan refugees

A DELEGATION from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Citizenship will be visiting the town of Puerto Ordaz close to the Venezuelan border with Guyana next weekend.

The five-day visit is in keeping with a government decision to ensure a more effective response to Guyanese wanting to come home and Venezuelan looking to seek

refuge here.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told reporters at a media briefing on Thursday that the purpose of the July 12 – 16 visit is to assess what services are being provided in Puerto Ordaz by the Government of Guyana for those of its citizens domiciled there.

The visiting team, he said, will be led by Ms Barbara Halley, Director of the

GRA uncovers ‘drivers’ licence racket’ … several staff sent on leave to facilitate probe

THE Guyana Revenue Authority said it has unearthed an illegal operation involving some unscrupulous members of its staff working in collusion with other persons in the issuance and use of forged drivers’ licences, certificate of compliances and registrations.

In a statement, GRA said it will not presently divulge full details since the investigation is ongoing.

However, the staff members identified as part of this illegal operation have since been sent on leave to facilitate the investigation. “The Authority wishes to remind taxpayers that all financial

transactions should be conducted by the cashiers and an official GRA receipt should be issued for all monies paid,” the statement read.

It added that GRA will continue to work to improve its systems to minimise illegal activity and ensure that integrity and transparency are the hallmark of the agency.

However, it says it needs the help of the general public in ridding the agency of staff who are determined to discredit the Authority by engaging in unscrupulous activities with willing participants and confidence tricksters.

Department of Frontiers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that consular services in Venezuela is somewhat similar to what obtains in Suriname, whereby there is an embassy in the capital, Paramaribo, and a consulate office in Nickerie where many Guyanese live.

Minister Harmon said information coming out of Puerto Ordaz seems to suggest that there is a large num-

ber of Guyanese living in the area, as much as 15,000 to 20,000 persons.

“And so, wherever Guyanese citizens live, we are looking at providing better consular services to them,” he said, adding that another objective of the visit is to ensure that better systems are in place to attend to the needs of persons in the area.

Many persons, among them returning Guyanese

and Venezuelan nationals, have been travelling to Guyana in large numbers in recent months as the Bolivarian Republic’s economy continues to tumble.

According to Forbes Magazine, more than 600,000 Venezuelans have already fled their country and sought asylum in Colombia.

For many Venezuelans, the monthly government

Minister of State Joseph Harmon handout of basic food supplies is the only thing keeping them from starving. It was noted that this year, Venezuela’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to contract by double digits for the third consecutive year.

School-voucher fraud uncovered in Reg. 6

REGION Six Chairman David Armogon is blaming the Department of Education for the theft of school vouchers allotted to the Baracara Nursery and Primary Schools in the Canje River.

The discovery of the theft was reported during the monthly statutory regional democratic councillors meeting on Thursday by Mr Zamal Hussain, Chairman of the local Education Committee.

Hussain told the meeting that an active police investigation is ongoing with respect to the theft of the vouchers, allegedly by the sweeper/cleaner at the office.

It is also believed that the secu-

rity guard is in on the crime.

The vouchers, which have a total value of $120,000, each bore the official stamp of the Albion Front Primary School’s headteacher, who has since reported the implement missing.

The slips, each valued $2000, were intended to be used for the purchase of school items only, and had been kept in an envelope in a drawer at the Department’s Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam location.

Armogan revealed that the vouchers should have been properly secured by the Regional Education Officer or a senior official of

the Department of Education.

Said he: “The fact that a sweeper/cleaner had access tells me it was not properly locked away or given to a senior person.

“It needed to be secure and monitoredl this is disgusting. At the moment, there are persons of interest; whatever is the consequences, the law will take its course.”

Threatening that the Region will also be taking departmental action, Armogan said: “This is an eye-opener; other important documents such as exams papers could have also been stolen.”

Health specialists treat hundreds in Region One HEALTH specialists deployed to Region One have treated hundreds of patients for various ailments as part of improving and expanding services for hinterland residents.

An internal medicine specialist, a general surgeon, a paediatrician and a radiologist were sent to the region by the Regional Health Services Department of the Ministry of Public Health. Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako gave an update on the work done since their placement from March to mid-June: the general surgeon who started his work in March saw 226 patients; the paediatrician who went

there in May had treated 167 patients; the internal medicine specialist saw 137 patients up to mid-June; and the radiologist 298 patients.

Dr. Shako highlighted the importance of deploying such specialists to hinterland regions noting that “this can significantly reduce referrals.” Additionally, the presence of specialists in Region One eliminates the instance of waiting lists for specialised services which are usually available on medical outreaches provided by the ministry.

On this note, Dr Shako also detailed that the Regional Health Services Department has deployed other much needed hu-

man resources to various regions including the Barima-Waini Region. This, she said, is being done in an effort to improve primary health care in the regions.

Twenty-one medex have been sent to the ten administrative regions while 34 nurses have been deployed to Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Seven, Eight and Nine.

Also, 34 government medical officers have been deployed within the first six months of 2018. “We’re talking about expanding primary care and we are on the right road towards achieving that,” Dr Shako declared. (DPI)

CDC mobilised

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

… as government responds to flooding in the Rupununi –– Ministers Harmon, Ferguson to visit Lethem today

By Alva Solomon

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is on stand-by to provide assistance to residents of the town of Lethem and flood-hit areas in the Rupununi, even as residents reported that the water levels have been rising in recent days.

Almost similar to what happened in 2011; the flooding was caused by persistent rainfall which resulted in the overtopping of the main waterways in the area. On Thursday government noted that Prime Minister Nagamootoo , who is performing the duties of President, was updated that waters in the area have risen up to five feet between 05:00hrs and 11:00hrs yesterday, Wednesday July 4, and that 25 residents were evacuated and are being housed at the Culvert City Primary School, Tabatinga Community Centre and the Amerindian Hostel.

The Prime Minister instructed that the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson be dispatched to Region 9 to assess the state of public infrastructure in the area.

Further, Minister Harmon will lead a team, which will include officials, to Lethem and Tabatinga today. On Thursday, Minister Harmon noted during a post-Cabinet press briefing that the regional administration has indicated that they can manage the situation but if the situation worsens, they would require further assistance. He said that the CDC is in contact with the regional authorities

and has identified and quantified the needs requirements in communities. He said as minister responsible for the CDC, he will travel to obtain a first-hand view of the situation.

Minister Harmon said too that Radio Lethem is playing an important role in keeping residents informed about the actions being taken by government and the regional administration. He said the regional emergency operation centre has been activated. He noted that a preliminary list of items which will be provided to the area at short notice include aviation fuel to facilitate emergency medical evacuation should the need arise for remote areas, water purification tablets, water storage containers, food and bedding for residents who are occupying shelters.

Residents told the Guyana Chronicle that the flood waters are continuing to rise and they feared that the flooding may reach levels higher than the 2011 floods which covered the area. A resident of Lethem noted that the water was rising quickly. “I am here trying to save my chicken, this water climbing with a speed,” she said as she made desperate attempts to save her chickens. Other areas under water include sections of Culvert City, Tabatinga , the area between the Lethem market and the airstrip as well as parts of St. Ignatius village.

Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Education said after consultation with the Regional Democratic Council of the region, a decision was taken to close five schools. These are: St. Ignatius Primary,

Residents prepare to board a boat to cross a roadway linking St. Ignatius to Lethem. The road has been inundated in recent days. (Aaliyah Anthony photo) St. Ignatius Secondary, Arapaima Primary, Arapaima Nursery and Culvert City Nursery school. Parents and guardians of children attending these schools were advised not to send their children to school.

These closed schools are being used as shelters to provide much-needed relief to affected residents. Presently there are a total of 25 persons in temporary shelters at Culvert

City Primary School, Tabatinga Community Centre Ground and the Amerindian Hostel in Lethem.

The Civil Defence Commission has been engaged and is currently working with the RDC of Region 9 to provide relief and support to affected communities.

School officially closes for the August holidays today.

A section of Lethem under water. (Aaliyah Anthony photo)

Sections of the town of Lethem under water on Thursday morning.

Waterlogged areas at Lethem.

Residents being transported between the town of Lethem and village of St. Ignatius.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

‘Nasty Man’ sentenced to 51 years for ‘Warlock’ murder

By Michel Outridge

DELON Henry, called ‘Nasty Man’, was on Thursday afternoon sentenced to 51 years imprisonment for the 2015 murder of Dexter Griffith at ‘Warlock” East Ruimveldt.

A 12-member jury found Henry guilty of the offence for which he stood indicted and the verdict was unanimous.

In handing down his sentence, Justice Sandil Kissoon told the court that he started at a base of 50 years from which he deducted three years for time served, but added four years for aggravating factors, such as the use of a firearm, the cruelty of the offence and premeditation.

The trial judge then sentenced the convict to a total of 51 years imprisonment.

After the sentence was handed down, the mother of the convict shouted out: “Your Worship, I need a word” but she was cautioned by the Court Mar-

shal and asked to exit the courtroom.

The sentence was imposed after a probation report was presented in court by Probation Officer Anand Sharma.

EARLY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Giving a history of Henry’s early life and background, Sharma told the court that the convict was born at the GPHC to married parents and resided, prior to his incarnation, with his family at Lot 3 Houston Housing Scheme.

Henry, 28, benefitted from a primary education and exited the school system due to financial constraints after which he was employed at a wash bay and had another job.

His mother was the sole provider of the household in a single parent setting.

Sharma stated that in 2006, Henry was jailed for a series of robberies and released in 2014 and incarcerated again in 2015 for his involvement in the

Convict Delon Henry exiting the High Court. but the younger ones did ‘Warlock’ murder.

The Probation Officer not. added that prison officials ATTITUDE TO related that the convict was OFFENCE verbally abusive and did The Probation Officer not comply with prison told the court that Henry rules.

He noted that in the denied his involvement in community where he re- the matter.

Anand Sharma said sided before being jailed, older residents knew him the convict, at a young

age, was influenced by his peers and spent most of his young life in the criminal justice system.

In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Adrian Thompson told the court that the nickname of the accused was negatively used and that may have influenced the decision, as he pleaded with the court for mercy in his sentencing.

In response, state prosecutor Orinthia Schmidt said Henry was found guilty of the offence of murder and noted the injuries the victim suffered, having received six gunshots. She asked the court that a message be sent to society, given the offence, and asked for the maximum sentence to be imposed.

As the convict exited the court amidst heavily armed police officers, he smiled and waved from the police van as he was being transported to prison on Thursday afternoon as a large crowd lined the corridors of the Demerara High Court.

The mother of the deceased, Lavern Griffith, told the convict that she forgave him as she watched him being escorted to jail.

A post-mortem report presented by Dr. Nehaul Singh said Griffith died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Griffith was shot six times to the body and left for dead in a gutter he fell into after receiving the injuries.

Henry was on trial for the September 29, 2015 murder of Dexter Griffith at ‘Warlock’ East Ruimveldt.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was represented by defence attorney Adrian Thompson while the state was led by Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt.

In presenting the state’s case, Lisa Cave told the court that on the day in question, the accused shot and murdered the deceased, Dexter Griffith at ‘Warlock’.

Court hears how extradition accused signed name as ‘Troy’ Thomas THE magisterial hearing of the extradition inquest of Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted in the United States in connection with a 2011 murder, continued on Thursday with the testimony of Assistant Superintendent of Police, Simeon Reid.

Reid took to the witness stand before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Providence Magistrate’s Court and told the court that at the time of Thomas’ arrest he was the officer in charge of fraud at the Criminal Investigation Department.

The officer stated that based upon the request made by the Government of the United States to the Government of Guyana for the arrest of Thomas, he aided in locating the accused.

He added that he received from the Central Immigration and Passport office, Thomas’ travel itinerary after making a request for the document.

The witness further added that on March 14, about 8:20hrs while on duty at CID’s holding area, where Thomas was being kept, he asked the accused his name and he replied ‘Marvin Williams.’

The witness recounted that he interviewed the accused in his office in the presence of another officer, during which time the accused admitted that his name was Troy Anthony Thomas and not Marvin Williams.

The accused, according to Reid then provided them with his date of birth, parents’ name and place of birth to which an entry of

this was made in the station diary and the defendant signed his name as ‘Troy

Troy Anthony Thomas Thomas’. He was then arrested and read his rights.

The witness was then grilled by defence attorney, Nigel Hughes about not

having any proper identification for Troy Thomas such as passport to which Reid stated that he had none.

The witness also stated that he had no information on passports being issued to Troy Thomas and he made no checks with registries to find out if any documents were issued for Thomas.

The attorney then suggested that the only grounds that the witness could say that Troy Thomas is indeed the true identity of the defendant was that he stated so. The witness did not reject the attorney’s claim.

Reid further said that the defendant voluntarily gave his name as Troy Anthony Thomas and signed to same.

The witness was then re-examined by an attorney that is representing the interest of the US Govern-

ment during which it was revealed that samples from the US government matched Thomas fingerprint. Alsoother persons identifying him as ‘Troy Anthony Thomas’.

The Magistrate ex plained that she might have to hold a voir dire to determine the identity of the accused since there seemed to be some uncertainty.

However, this is yet to be determined.

The matter has been adjourned until July 17.

Thomas, 31, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, was nabbed by police during an operation on Wednesday, March 14, which had commenced since January 31, 2018.

According to reports, on December 11, 2011, 20-year-old Keith Frank

was shot once in the torso in a flash of violence outside a South Richmond Hill party. Frank, who moved to Queens from Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) began looking for Thomas in connection with the shooting.

However, within hours of the shooting, he allegedly fled the jurisdiction and crossed over to Canada from New York State.

In Canada, he is said to have used travel documents belonging to a relative and boarded a Caribbean Airlines flight, arriving in Guyana in the early hours of the morning before the bulletin could reach Interpol (International police).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Did you know...?

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Three Guyanese artists intern at GCA’s Summer Heritage Workshop THROUGH the kind courtesy of Fly Jamaica Airways, the Department of Culture, Guyana and Roy Singh of SCB World Realty, Guyanese artists Clinton Duncan, Mwanza Glenn and Paul Charles arrived in New York to intern with the GCA’s Summer Heritage Workshop Series (SWS) and the 2018 Folk Festival.

This is the third year young artists from Guyana will be interning with GCA. In addition to working with the young people, Clinton, Mwanza and Paul will themselves attend workshops to enhance their own artistic development.

In 2017, working along with GCA’s Youth Director Clive Prowell and other members of staff of the SWS, a play written by Duncan for the closing recital entitled “Celebrating Our Indigenous Heritage” was a tremendous success. A rave review of the play made the pages of the New York Times.

Duncan, an experienced writer/director, make-up artist and part-time lecturer at the National School of Theatre, will again be working on the Performing Arts Module with

the youth and has already written an exciting short play entitled “The Campfire Chronicles.” The play reflects the GCA’s 2018 theme “Ma’iupe -working together.” THE SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY within Guyana’s Festival Arts. Glenn, who is a fashion designer, choreographer and Visual Arts teacher, will be working along with other Counsellors on the Dance Module and will assist with costume making for the closing recital. Dancer, choreographer Paul Charles will be responsible for the Dance Module of this year’s SWS. For the 10th year, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. has included an extended programme for children in its events for the season. This programme is part of our Summer Heritage Workshop Series, which is open to all children of the community.

The programme is housed at St. Stephen’s Church Auditorium 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. It commences on Monday, July 2 and ends on Friday, August 10, 2018. Each day’s activities run from 8 am to 5 pm. The programme consists of: Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts, Science and Communications, as well as the module for the older students “Introduction to Film Making” which will be conducted by the Caribbean Film Academy.

ABOUT THE SUMMER HERITAGE WORKSHOP:The series includes: Music: Folk songs, folk music, ring play, gospel, music theory and practice and the history of music in the Caribbean Diaspora Dance: Theory of movement, history of dance, dance form and meaning related to the Caribbean Diaspora, instruction and practice of specific movements.

Arts and Crafts: Theory of art in general, art forms related to the environment of the Caribbean, found art.

Science: Science in the art of construction of toys, including kites, cooking and observation of and interaction with the environment, including space.

Communication: Understanding communication, voice and diction, action, the written word, publishing (the chapbook) In addition, the activities of each week are literacy based with a critical inquiry component. The use of an on-site library is planned.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Take a trip down memory lane with prayers, games and ‘feteing’

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-As SJH prepares for its seventh high school reunion

ORMER students of the St. Joseph High School and interested members of the public can take a trip down memory lane with prayers, games and feteing at the school’s seventh tri-annual reunion.

This year the Guyana Chapter of the Old Students’ Association has taken on the mantle to organise the event and ensure that the activities get the desired response.

As customary for any event to be successful, blessings must be sought from the almighty so the organisers will start the week-long activities with an Interfaith Service on Sunday, July 8 at the school.

Prior to the actual service, there will be a mass at 07:30hrs at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (Brickdam Cathedral) on the same day.

On the following day, the organisers have planned an open-day at the school where there will be various exhibits and items on display.

The reunion will take a more formal shift on July 10, when the stakeholders meet to discuss and craft a three-year plan for the school.

Shortly after the meeting,

the fun will continue on the same day at the National Cultural Centre where past and present students of the school will entertain the audience during a cultural extravaganza.

Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

For persons who might not want to be a part of the tour, they could always take a rest

dance to music of your high school years! The Throwback Thursday Party will be a fantastic night of nostalgia on SJH’s iconic patio. It is set to be a fun night of dancing,

an afternoon and night of fun and games! From organised friendly competitions of Saul Out, Hop Scotch and Dog and the Bone during the day to dominoes, card games, story-

The entertainment won’t stop there but, this time instead of choreographed entertainment, persons would get an opportunity to be entertained by nature and the animals which dwell in the outdoors.

They would do so during a tour to Santa Mission, a small indigenous community which is located between Regions

or explore other options that might be available.

One of the organisers, Fonseca Peters said if they choose to rest, it won’t last long since the fun continues on July 12 on the school’s patio where the lights will go low but the tunes will amplify for the “Throwback Party”.

“Relive old times and

love and laughter fueled by great music, drinks, food and conversation. Enjoy special giveaways and some of Guyana’s best DJs,” she said.

The activities continue to be fun and even a bit more nostalgic because on July 13, there will be a games day/night right at the school.

Peters said: “Join us for

telling, and Karaoke at night. It will be and event to remember as we reminisce on the intense rivalry of inter-house and other sporting events at SJH, and perform like your favourite artiste”.

Although the sadness might step in on the final day, persons would get another chance to interact with their

schoolmates at the grand Gala and Ball at the Pegasus Hotel on July 14.

The association has partnered with AnsaMcal and Banks DIH for some of the activities and they also have a special partnership with Herdmanston Lodge and Pegasus, which will be providing special rates to persons who will be participating in the activities.

Fly Jamaica will also be offering special rates to persons who will be travelling from overseas countries to Guyana for the reunion.

In order to ensure that the activities are sustained, there will be charges for a few of the activities in the list.

Tickets for the Gala and Ball cost $12,000; tickets for the throwback party are $1,000; the cost of the tour is $18,000 and the cost of the talent extravaganza varies from $1,000, $1,500 and $2,000.

Persons who are interested in participating in the activities are asked to register or buy their tickets at the school or visit the Google link which could be found on the St. Joseph High School’s Old students’ Association Page.

NSSS embracing green initiative with renewable plastic

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LASTIC is often looked at as a material to easily discard after use. The ingenious minds of the New Silver City Secondary School (NSSS) in Linden, however have taken the very old boring plastic and transformed it into a beautifully adorned bridal outfit in addition to living room furniture and wash-

room utensils. Their plastic products were part of a Linden Enterprise Network’s (LEN) plastic recycling competition in which the NSSS was adjudged the winner.

Three schools participated in the competition and Chief Executive Officer of LEN Tanniza Gasper said that the competition aimed at driving home the green agenda in

schools and the importance of adapting to this strategy in the wider Linden.

Headteacher of NSSS Odette Thomas said that the project was completed through a collaborative effort by all of the teachers who were placed in three groups. All of the materials were sourced in Linden.

The bridal wear was made with white plastic, elastic, glue,

A student modelling the bridal wear

spray paint and other local materials. The home furnisher was made from plastic drums and other plastic material for the décor. The design was done by the Art teacher of the school, while the shaping was done by Technical Drawing teacher. Plywood and sponge were also used to give the chairs a solid support as well as comfort. Thomas revealed that the seats serve a

dual purpose since the seating can be lifted up and the body of the chair used as a storage for cushions and other items. For the washroom, plastic bottles were used to produce toilet paper holder, soap dish, and a cup holder. Plastic was also used to make a bouquet which is currently accessorising the HM’s table while vases were made out of straw to accessorise the

Home Economics Department.

LEN has engaged the diaspora in purchasing the products while the monies are to be used for similar community projects. Thomas said that the teachers will be throwing the idea out to the students for them to engage in similar projects so as to garner an appreciation for recycling and the green initiative.

The plastic furniture that was made out of blue plastic drums

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA 2018

A lesson we must pay attention to

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WANT us to reflect for a moment, in our interest, on the full issue of illegal immigrants from mainly South America in this case risking all to enter America. NO, THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP! America will overcome President Trump, their systems are stronger than he is. It is about the grim possibilities that the full human story represents,

of the children of the illegal immigrants, but the greater horror was the revelations that the Texan vigilante group revealed, that these people were dying, in this desperate push to get into America. The trip was life or death, many have died, yet they were willing to take a dying chance, because home had become a living hell, and many more will die.

The drug cartels had supplanted Governments, for a

status quo, rather than the holistic mandate. The alkaloid of the Coca plant is not new to Columbia from prehistoric times, nor is the knowledge of the addictive effects of modern chemical cocaine. This article cannot capture the history of the proliferation of cocaine, except to identify the collapse of the textile industry in Medellin-Columbia, coupled with the post-Vietnam flower power development in America as trig-

and counter-productive to the very humanity it had intended to liberate and is the ideal case study of the malevolent nature of Mama Koca.

Guyana must learn from this desperate immigration movement, driven by a chronic fear that defies the risks of death as a real possibility.

Latin America remained in the colonial mould where the nexus between authoritarian Church and State established

able to recognise and thwart inherited repressive subliminal legacies to shape the first semblances of nationhood to the point that when the cocaine brokers rose their heads aggressively and fearlessly in Guyana during the years when we became a Highly Indebted Nation, and in real sense that another economy emerged, with State approval and a body count of murder and gun battles like no other time in our

plead for Ms.Daby not to be charged.

Our lesson must be, to persuade the awareness that every economic possibility emerging from the potential of our people must be explored for its earning capacity; to avoid the atmosphere that led right here to the devil’s parallel economy of cocaine, declared by sober minds as ‘The Third Scourge of Mankind’ that extracted so many youthful untimely deaths

of masses fleeing their homeland motivated by visions of greener pastures elsewhere.

Oh no, this is neither about Guyanese going ‘Backtrack’ to the countries we classify from the standpoint of our 10 National Regions, as the USA- Region11, and Region 12-the UK, to make it big and show people back home that we made it surrounded by all the conspicuous consumption as possible, no Guyanese would endure what these immigrants are expected to endure.

On Sunday, June 24, I watched the 60 minutes episode revolving around the separating

short while we witnessed that in this country. Life was cheapened, devalued and subject to the whims of thugs, from the street, in business and politics, human creatures without empathy or character, the same can be said of their callous senior political patrons. The enriching capacity of narcotics always preys on the hopelessness of the masses in a trinity format; as salvation, enforcers and eventually as victims.

That phenomenon is metamorphic from the result of the absence of in-depth vision from political cabals and social sycophants who are swayed by ideals of their self-interest

gers to cocaine as a significant competitor on the accepting American and European markets. Cocaine was, for internal political reasons in America, channelled into Afro American communities, as well as the mood of the cold war that facilitated alternate financing of revolutionary groups using cocaine. Any use of cocaine soon spirals out of control to become a national problem across ethnic and social lines.

In Columbia, the Medellin empire of the Ochoas rose as a welcoming economic solvent, then morphed into a vicious unstoppable cult of ‘Evil’ oppressive, murderous

the status quo, unlike nations that permitted diverse religious tolerance where discourse and change became inevitable. The influx of wealthy Axis refugees after WWII did not help. Institutional and Religious racism existed in the Latin belt longer without reform against tribal Indian and African populations than in the Anglophone colonial group.

The lesson we must learn from countries whose Independence preceded ours by over a hundred years in most cases, is the value and courage of our Independence leaders to apply unorthodox change to benefit our nation- that we were

history became the norm, coupled with the criminalisation of the State.

There were still Guyanese in the joint services and across political walls willing to work against the total Narco dominance that occurred in some Latin States. But we should not deceive ourselves and fail to recognise how swiftly people we know and expected more of did volunteer their souls for the right price to serve common citizens elevated by politics and drug money. I was astonished when a source disclosed to me recently that a legal mind I respect, recently had called law enforcement to

within our borders in such a short period. The after-effect of that era is still with us and will haunt the destabilising of our collective perceptions for a long time, despite the bold efforts of this administration.

In respect to the Latin citizens, our continental neighbours risking illegal entry through the borders of America, with a death toll percentage that no Guyanese would risk, it is too complicated to even attempt a rational and balanced comment in closing, that would not demand the volume of the very space of this article to complete.

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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. Get out and get your b u z z on!

TODAY

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge presents “Latin Night’’. Get two Des- perados Tequila Beers for $1,000.

For an after-work hang with friends, you can head down to Cheto’s Hot Spot & Pool Bar where you get to enjoy five Banks Beers for $1,000. Enjoy games such as pool, dominoes and darts and also enjoy a wide variety of cutters, fish, chicken and wild meat and DJ mixes all night.

It’s the Extra Beer Promotion at Corner Kick Bar. Four Extra beers for $1,000 all night.

The West Vibez and Sports Bar presents the dance called “Last Day of School”. There will be a live performance from Lil Million and it doesn’t get better than five Stage Beers for $1,000. Entertainment by Slingerz Family. Everybody free!

SATURDAY

Joseph school presents their reunion and the party called ‘90s Party’. This will be taking place at the Joseph High School.

704 Sports Club and Bar presents their 90s party as well. This is going to be thrilling and epic so you don’t want to miss this!

Diamond Tarmac presents a Barbeque and Lime with fun activities for the kids, so bring out the kids and enjoy a day of fun and games.

Grove East Bank Demerara residents present their Annual Village Day where entertainment will be at its best, so don’t miss it!

SUNDAY

After a hang out on the seawall you can head down to one of the most popular nightclubs, Blue Iguana for the ‘Bawl Out’ party. Entertainment will be it at its best. Music by popular DJ Magnum.

For a thrilling and enjoyable night, you can head down to City Vibes Nightclub, where there’s music to keep you on your feet all night.

For an enjoyable and grand epic night head down to the Rio Club where the music won’t stop

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

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Nirshad M and Neval Chatelall amazed audience with July 2 show

T WAS indeed a night of music, singing and dance at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground in Region Two on July 2, as Trinidadian artists Nirshad M and Neval Chatelall mesmerised the ‘Essequibians’. The show was organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant in an effort to raise funds towards the completion of the Anna Regina Kendra which will serve as a hub for cultural activities.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud,in welcoming the audience and thanked them for their support while promising them that the night will be an unforgettable one.

Persaud used the opportunity to thank the business community for supporting the noble cause.

“All proceeds from this show will go towards the rehabilitation the Dharmic Kendra at Anna Regina. It is a place where young people can gravitate to and Essequibians can enjoy yoga, dance, music, teaching Sanskrit, Indian cookery, it will be open to young persons from all ethnicity and religion,” she said.

The show commenced at 20:00 hours with leading Essequibian dancer Dayvashinie Naipaul doing a remixed classical piece after which Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy took the stage performing for the audience. Vocalist “Artie” and her daughter also performed for the audience setting the pace for the International artists.

Mesmerising the audience with their dance tactics neatly choreographed were dancers from the Dharmic Nirtya Sangh. The dancers introduced to the Essequibian population some skillful classical dances which dazzled the crowd. It was time for the Trinidadian artists to take the stage when they commenced their part with the singing of two religious songs. Although the singers are known for “Chutney” and “Soca” they managed to serenade the audience with religious songs after which they dished out popular Bollywood hits and ended with chutney and soca. By the end of their performance, most of the audience were seen on their feet dancing having a merry time. Some of the songs sung by the International Artists included, “Chalte Musfaphri”, “Teray Bin”, “Polourie bin ah Chutney”, “Dulahin Challay” amongst others.

The performances were backed by the Shakti String Orchestra and Prema Mega sound system. The youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Nawjawan also had Mehendi and face painting down on the ground.

The audience at the show held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

Dancers from the Dharmic Nirtya Sangh performing.

Trinidadian singers Neval Chatelall and Nirshad M performing for the audience.

Trinidadian Neval Chatelall performing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Braithwaite 121, Gabriel 4-36 leave...

FROM BACK PAGE

Starting the day on 88, Brathwaite raised triple figures inside the first hour when he cut pacer Kamrul Islam to third man for four, and was unbeaten on 121 at lunch with the Windies on 271 for three.

Nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo was the only casualty of the session, falling for 19 in the second over following the drinks break.

Resuming on one, the left-hander struck two fours

in a 79-ball knock while adding 52 for the third wicket with Brathwaite, before missing a defensive prod and losing his off stump to Kamrul.

However, Brathwaite failed to add to his lunch time score , dismissed off the fourth ball following the resumption when he was taken low at cover off left-arm spinner Shakib (2-71), with West Indies adding a single run to their interval total.

All told, Brathwaite faced 291 deliveries in 6-1/2 hours at the crease and counted 11 fours.

The Windies then lost two further wickets cheaply to slide to 288 for six as overall, three wickets perished for 16 runs in quick time.

Roston Chase missed an arm ball from off-spinner Mehidy Hasan (3-101) and

was lbw for two and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich was taken at silly point off Shakib for four.

Holder raised the tempo, belting two fours and sixes, as he added 50 for the seventh wicket with Hope, whose knock required 127 balls, just over 3-1/4 hours and included three fours and a six.

Mehidy eventually had Holder caught at short leg to leave the Windies on 375 for seven at tea but Hope and Roach combined in a 56-run eighth wicket stand afterwards, to further frustrate Bangladesh.

Roach hammered six fours and a six in a cavalier 50-ball knock before Mehidy hit him in front and debutant pacer Abu Jayed finished off the innings by knocking over Hope and Gabriel to end with three for 84.

SCORE BOARD BANGLADESH 1st Innings 43 West Indies 1st Innings (overnight 201 for two) K Brathwaite c Mehidy Hasan b Shakib Al Hasan 121 D Smith c wkp Nurul Hasan b Abu Jayed 58 K Powell c Liton Das b Mahmudullah 48 D Bishoo b Kamrul Islman 19 S Hope c Tamim Iqbal b Abu Jayed 67 R Chase lbw b Mehidy Hasan 2 +S Dowrich c Liton Das b Shakib Al Hasan 4 *J Holder c Liton Das b Mehidy Hasan 33 K Roach lbw b Mehidy Hasan 33 M Cummins not out 1 S Gabriel c Shakib Al Hasan b Abu Jayed 5 Extras (b3, lb8, w3, nb1) 15 TOTAL (all out, 137.3 overs) 406 Fall of wickets: 1-113, 2-194, 3-246, 4-272, 5-281, 6-288, 7-338, 8-394, 9-400, 10-406.

Bowling: Abu Jayed 26.3-7-84-3, Rubel Hossain 17-3-44-0, Kamrul Islam 20-3-69-1, Shakib-al-Hasan 27-2-71-2, Mehidy Hasan 34-6-101-3, Mahmudullah 11-1-18-1, Mominul Haque 2-0-8-0.

BANGLADESH 2nd Innings Tamim Iqbal c Hope b Gabriel 13 Liton Das c Brathwaite b Holder 2 Mominul Haque b Gabriel 0 Mushfiqur Rahim b Gabriel 8 *Shakib Al Hasan c Holder b Gabriel 12 Mahmudullah not out 15 Mehidy Hasan c wkp Dowrich b Holder 2 +Nurul Hasan not out 7 Extras (b1, w1, nb1) 3 TOTAL (6 wkts, 18 overs) 62 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-16, 4-36, 5-43, 6-50.

Bowling: Holder 9-1-15-2, Gabriel 7-2-36-4, Cummins 2-0-10-0.

Position: Bangladesh trail by 301 runs with four wickets remaining.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

The 32 players who could miss the World Cup semi-finals through suspension

By Matt Storey Yahoo Sport UK•5J TODAY marks the start of the World Cup quarter-finals, but some players know they are walking a tightrope as the competition heats up.

Although all bookings are wiped out after the quarter-finals, any player picking up their second caution of the tournament at this stage would be banned for the semi-finals.

FIFA changed the rules in 2010 so players will not be banned from the final if they pick up their second booking in the semi-final and only if they were sent off in the last four. But that does not come into effect

Russian star Aleksandr Golovin needs to be careful against Croatia

until after the quarter-final games are played.

And it means some big names could miss out on the biggest game of their careers so far, if they go into the referee’s notebook over the

next couple of days.

For England, regular starters Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard and Kyle Walker have all been cautioned, whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also one

booking away from suspension.

Brazil are perhaps in the most precarious position, with Neymar and Phillippe Coutinho, their two most creative players, both walking a disciplinary tight rope.

France could lose Olivier Giroud or Paul Pogba, whilst Kevin De Bruyne is in danger for Belgium.

Croatia are the side most at risk, with eight players already booked, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur is the only Uruguayan on a yellow card.

The full lost of players who have been booked and would be suspended for the semi-finals if they received another yellow card in the quarter-finals is below:

ENGLAND ■ Jordan Henderson ■ Ruben Loftus-Cheek ■ Jesse Lingard ■ Kyle Walker FRANCE ■ Olivier Giroud ■ Benjamin Pavard ■ Paul Pogba ■ Corentin Tolisso

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - The scoreboard said 6-4 6-3 6-4 to Rafael Nadal but it was an uneasy two-and-ahalf hours for the Spanish world number one as he labored past Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin into the Wimbledon third round on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal

Twice champion Nadal, 32, never quite got to grips with the unorthodox Kazakh’s low, skidding shots and faced 13 break points in an entertaining Center Court contest.

Had Kukushkin converted a few more of them it could have got really complicated for Nadal, who is still finding his grasscourt game after claiming an 11th French Open title.

The mere mention of Lukas Rosol, Steve Darcis and Dustin Brown — all of whom have knocked him out at the All England Club since

By Pritha Sarkar

BELGIUM ■ Kevin De Bruyne ■ Leander Dendoncker ■ Thomas Meunier ■ Youri Tielemans ■ Jan Vertonghen

Paul Pogba could miss a French semi-final, if they beat Uruguay

LONDON (Reuters) - Garbine Muguruza’s Wimbledon title defence was hijacked by Alison van Uytvanck as the little-known Belgian produced a fearless brand of hard-hitting tennis to topple the champion with a 5-7 6-2 6-1 victory in the second round on Thursday.

SWEDEN ■ Viktor Claesson ■ Albin Ekdal CROATIA ■ Marcelo Brozovic ■ Vedran Corluka ■ Tin Jedvaj ■ Mario Mandzukic ■ Marko Pjaca ■ Ivan Rakitic ■ Ante Rebic ■ Sime Vrsaljko

Garbine Muguruza

RUSSIA ■ Yury Gazinsky ■ Aleksandr Golovin ■ Ilya Kutepov ■ Fyodor Smolov ■ Roman Zobnin (Yahoo Sport UK)

he won the 2010 title — is enough to make Nadal’s face crease into a frown.

He also got a fright from Kukushkin when he dropped the opening set at Wimbledon in 2014 so there was clear relief in his voice as he stopped for a BBC TV interview on his way back to the locker room after a second successive straightsets win.

“It was very tough because he played very well and his shots stay very low so it was a good test,” Nadal said.

“I am happy to go through, I think I played better than the first day. The most important thing is you can’t save your body at majors, you have to give your best.

Nadal took 10 minutes to hold his opening service game but, when he broke quickly in the next game and held to love for a 3-0 lead, it seemed Kukushkin had already shot his bolt.

The Kazakh, with a curious undercut double-handed backhand and some clever angles, broke back to level at 3-3 though before Kukushkin wobbled when serving at 4-5. Nadal wasted one set point with a poor slice into the net but got his nose in front when Kukushkin netted a simple-looking forehand.

Champion Muguruza knocked out in Wimbledon second round

URUGUAY ■ Rodrigo Bentancur

BRAZIL ■ Philippe Coutinho ■ Felipe Luis ■ Neymar

Nadal passes tricky test against Kukushkin

Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is one of five players to have been booked

Muguruza came from a break down to survive a nervy first set but there was no let off in the next two with the third seed shaking her head in disbelief as van Uytvanck bombarded her with serves that often exceeded 110mph, with the fastest at 115mph.

But it was not just the serve that caused Muguru-

za problems. The Spaniard slipped and fell heavily on her shoulder while chasing down a drop shot as the final set ran away from her in the blink of an eye, a netted service return ending her ordeal.

As the evening shadows crept over Court Two, van Uytvanck raised her arms to celebrate the biggest win of her career while Muguruza could scarcely believe she was the sixth top-eight seed to perish within the first four days of the grasscourt major.

The 47th-ranked Belgian won 10 of the last 11 games as Muguruza seemed at a loss to come up with anything that could throw van Uytvanck off her stride.

It was not as if Muguruza played badly, as she only produced 23 unforced errors during the one hour 52 minute contest.

She simply came up against a woman who kept believing - whether it was her serve, her ground strokes or her net play.

Muguruza suffered the earliest exit of a defending women’s champion at the All England Club since German great Steffi Graf was beaten in the first round in 1994.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Tite backs under-fire Neymar, expects ‘beautiful’ Belgium clash

By Ian Ransom

KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - Brazil coach Tite has defended Neymar from criticism over his histrionics on the pitch and said he was just happy to have the team’s talisman playing “at his best” ahead of today’s quarter-final against Belgium.

Neymar has scored two goals in Brazil’s four matches, but he has been slammed by soccer pundits across the world for diving and rolling on the ground theatrically in Russia.

He has, however, also suffered a disproportionate number of fouls in the tournament so far, with his tally

of 23 more than Uruguayan duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani combined.

“I’ve already talked about Neymar and I’ve been very specific about what happened,” Tite told reporters on the eve of the quarter-final at Kazan Arena.

“You should look at the videos. All you have to do is look at the images.

“What makes me happy is to have him playing at his best. It’s not just with the ball, it’s not just dribbling.

There are actions, there are transitions, defensive transitions and if you look, you see how much he has contributed.”

Tite confirmed that his

8th Annual Malta Supreme cycling programme set for this Weekend

Hamzah Eastman is the defending champion of the Malta Supreme 11-Race Cycling Programme.

Come Saturday, for the eight consecutive year, Banks DIH, through their Malta Supreme brand, will sponsor the Malta Supreme 11-race cycling programme organized by national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed.

The inner circuit of the National Park will see the crème de la crème of Guyana’s cyclists vie for top honours in the Masters, Mountain Bike, Juveniles, BMX Boys and Girls and the feature 35-Lap Schoolboys

and Invitational race.

Last year ’s feature event was captured by the talented Team Coco’s cyclist, Hamzah Eastman, in one hour and 21 minutes. However, the likes of Jamual John (Team Coco’s), Romello Crawford (Trojan PSL), National Road Race champions Curtis Dey (Trojan PSL), Andrew Hicks (Trojan PSL), Paul DeNobrega (Team Evolution) and Raynauth Jeffrey, will all be gunning for glory this year.

Meanwhile, Nigel Duguid won the Juveniles event in a time of 23 minutes and 59 seconds, while Sean Green emerged victorious in the Under-50, five-lap race in 11 minutes 12 seconds.

Last year also saw Ryan Canterbury winning the Mountain Bike 5-lap event, while Jonathan Ramsuchit took the 12-14 Boys and Girls Three-lap race in 8 Minutes 25.15 Seconds, while the BMX Boys 6-9 years 2-lap race saw Jared Barrington taking first place.

Malta Brand Manager, Clayton Mckenzie, will be present on Saturday along with representatives from the beverage giant to witness the event and do the presentation of prizes while GCF race official, Joseph Britton will be there to supervise proceedings.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

Brazil’a coach Tite just happy to have Neymar for today’s quarter-final clash

preferred left back Marcelo would return to the starting side in place of Filipe Luis after the Real Madrid defender missed the 2-0 win over Mexico through

injury.

“I’ve spoken with both Marcelo and Filipe Luis.

Filipe played very well in both matches. But now we are going with Marcelo

again,” said Tite.

Fernandinho is also expected to replace the suspended holding midfielder Casemiro who picked up a second yellow card against Mexico.

The dominant win over the Mexicans cemented Brazil’s status as favourites to win a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy, but Tite said it would take a whole team effort to get past Roberto Martinez’s Belgium and their array of attacking stars. “ I t w i l l b e a g re a t match. Both teams excel with a beautiful football.

Belgium have great players and a great coach as well.

I’ve always put them in the group of favourites (for the

title).

“It’s the same now.”

With Brazil’s last World Cup ending on home soil with a 7-1 semi-final humiliation by Germany that shocked the soccer-mad nation, Tite called on his players to ignore the pressure and expectations inevitably put on the side.

“If you ask me what is the greatest challenge of a World Cup? It’s the mental fatigue, the pressure is immense, it’s extraordinary. “(It) proliferates through the family. I hope the family can keep their heads cool. Don’t listen, don’t watch (the attention) because there is a lot of psychological pressure.”

Spotlight no problem for Mbappe as he learns his craft

By Mark Gleeson NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) - France’s teenage star Kylian Mbappe is on a steep learning curve but dealing comfortably with the intense spotlight that his World Cup performances have brought, coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday.

The 19-year-old might have already attracted plenty of publicity after his move from Monaco to Paris St Germain last year, but two scintillating goals for France in Russia last weekend have him now being compared with Pele.

He has followed in the footsteps of the game’s most famous name by becoming only the second teenager to score twice in a match at

the finals, as his pace and guile cracked open Argentina in Kazan last Saturday and delivered France to the quarter-finals.

“What he did against Argentina was very good. It put a spotlight on him obviously, and to play like that in such an important match made a name for him,” Deschamps said ahead of Friday’s quarter-final against Uruguay.

“He’s had time to digest this and I think he’s recovered just like the rest of the team. We’ve all had a few days to recover. On Sunday and Monday we savoured the victory, and from Tuesday we started focusing again. This is how top level sport is.

“But we must not now relax and think that everything is easy, that life

France’s Kylian Mbappe during training REUTERS/ Tatyana Makeyeva

is beautiful and that less effort is needed. But Kylian is smart, he’s listening and he knows all that.

“He’s only 19 but he’s gone from Monaco to PSG where the demands have

been different, and now at the World Cup they are even higher,” he said.

“Despite all the good things he’s doing, he’s only learning. That’s only natural.

All players, regardless of their talent, at that age are learning,” added the French coach.

Deschamps warned his players would need patience in their efforts to break down a stubborn Uruguay.

“It’s a team with a very different profile to Argentina, extremely well-organised in defence and then very dangerous on the counter attacks. We’ll have to be really patient.”

Today’s match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium is the first of the four quarter-final ties on Friday and Saturday.

Zaman and Shaheen guide Pakistan past Aussies AUSTRALIA’s progress in the Twenty20 international tri-series was checked by a 45-run defeat to Pakistan on Thursday.

The Aussies bounced back from limited-overs humiliation in England by beating Pakistan and then Zimbabwe in Harare, but they fell well short of a third win.

Opener Fakhar Zaman hit 73 off 42 balls to lead Pakistan to a total of 194-7, Andrew Tye proving the pick of the bowlers with 3-35.

Captain Aaron Finch (16) was unable to recreate his world-record heroics from the Zimbabwe match and Australia were forced to play out their innings without threatening a chase, as Alex Carey’s unbeaten 37 top scored.

Australia will face Zimbabwe again today before looking for an improved performance against Pakistan in Sunday’s final.

Pakistan faced an uncomfortable start as Haris Sohail went for a golden

duck in the second over, but Zaman kept his side on track and built a crucial 72-run partnership with Hussain Talat.

Zaman hit nine fours and three maximums before he finally departed in the 15th over, caught by Glenn Maxwell off Marcus Stoinis.

Pakistan were well on their way by then and the scoring rate actually increased when Zaman was replaced at the crease, thanks to Asif Ali’s 37 not out off just 18 deliveries.

Australia needed a strong start if they were to battle to a third straight win, but Finch was dishearteningly the first to go - to Shaheen Afridi - and wickets followed steadily thereafter.

Teenager Shaheen (337) removed Maxwell (10) and then the industrious if hardly effective D’Arcy Short, who made a slow 28 off 34.

Carey restored some respectability to the total, but 149-7 was all Australia could muster.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Ambris hits 128 in Windies A 383 SCORE BOARD but India A make strong reply BECKENHAM, England, (CMC) – Fit-again stroke-maker Sunil Ambris forced his way back into reckoning for a senior team callup with his sixth first class hundred but India A fought back courtesy of a Prithvi Shaw century, on the second day of the opening four-day “Test” here Thursday.

The 25-year-old Ambris stroked an accomplished 128 as West Indies A, resuming on 148 for three in their first innings, piled up 383 all out at Kent County Ground.

Captain Shamarh Brooks converted his overnight 51 into 91 while Test all-rounder Raymon Reifer chipped in with 52.

H o w e v e r, Wi n d i e s A saw their handsome lead of 250 quickly dissipate as the 18-year-old Shaw hammered

a whirlwind unbeaten 101 to lift India to 159 without loss at the close.

A right-hander who led India at the recent ICC Youth World Cup, Shaw smashed an amazing 18 fours and a six off just 74 deliveries.

His opening partner Mayank Agarwal was nearly reduced to being a spectator but he too chimed in with 56 not out off 71 balls with 11 boundaries.

India A trail by 91 runs heading into Friday’s penultimate day.

Earlier, Ambris and Brooks had extended their fourth wicket stand to 152, as Windies A flourished in the morning session.

Ambris, resuming the day on 24, faced 165 balls in a shade over four hours at the

Sunil Ambris

crease and struck 20 fours while Brooks perished with three figures in sight, after hitting 16 fours and a six in a knock spanning 177 deliveries and just under four hours.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Zone set for July 13-15 –teams battle for sole national playoff berth

Part of the action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition.

WITH the final leg of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Zone competition set to be played in Bartica, the organisers have released the names of 15 of the 16 teams that will contest the national play-offs later this month.

Bartica, which saw its inaugural competition played last year, will be represented by the winner of their zone scheduled to be played from July 13-15 in the Mining Town.

River View is the defending champion and word from the community is suggesting that they will have to be at their best to hold off some of the aspiring teams who all exuded confidence ahead of next weekend’s showdown.

Police, who ended as runner-up in last year’s competition, will once again be aiming to go one step better and be the region’s sole representative in the national

play-offs.

With the chance to compete at the nationals--a huge opportunity for the winning team, fans can expect three days of exciting action that could challenge some of the battles we’ve seen so far at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The national playoffs are set to be staged on July 27 and 28 at the Pouderoyen Tarmac and Haslington Market Square respectively, while the final will be played at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

Meanwhile, the qualifiers for the national playoffs are seen below: Georgetown: Gold is Money (Champion), Sparta Boss, Leopold Street, Bent Street.

East Coast Demerara: Uprising (Champion), Paradise, Melanie-B and Buxton Diamond.

We s t D e m e r a r a : Showstoppers (Champion), ESPN and West Side Ballers.

Linden: Silver Bullets (Champion), Dave and Celina’s All-Stars (National Champion) and Swag Entertainment.

Berbice: Trafalgar (Champion)

For Ambris, the knock was significant.He had two forgettable Tests in New Zealand last December when he also broke his arm and Thursday’s outing represented only his seventh innings since recovering from the injury.

Wi c k e t k e e p e r D e v o n Thomas perished cheaply for 10 but Ambris found an ally in Reifer to add a further 72 for the sixth wicket and further bolster the innings.

The left-handed Reifer faced 100 balls in nearly 2-3/4 hours and counted six boundaries.

Once Ambris was taken at the wicket off seamer Navdeep Saini (2-78), West Indies lost their last five wickets for 42 runs, with new-ball bowler Ankit Rajpoot finishing with four for 76.

INDIA A 1st Innings 133 West Indies A 1st Innings (overnight 148 for three) J Campbell lbw b Rajpoot C Hemraj c Shankar b Nadeem J Blackwood c wkp Bharat b Rajpoot *S Brooks c Nair b Rajpoot S Ambris c wkp Bharat b Saini +D Thomas c Agarwal b Nadeem R Reifer c wkp Bharat b Rajpoot R Cornwall c wkp Bharat b Saini J Warrican run out S Lewis c wkp Bharat b Shankar C Holder not out Extras (b5, lb7, nb10) 22 TOTAL (all out, 101.2 overs) 383 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-28, 2-82, 4-234, 5-269, 6-341, 7-341, 8-347, 9-372, 10-383.

Bowling: Rajpoot 25.2-9-76-4, Saini 25-5-78-2, Shankar 17-0-71-1, Nadeem 19-1-87-2, Yadav 15-0-59-0 INDIA A 2nd Innings P Shaw not out M Agarwal not out Extras (lb1, nb1) 2 TOTAL (without loss, 24 overs) 159 Bowling: Holder 4-0-31-0, Lewis 5-1-33-0, Reifer 4-0-18-0, Cornwall 7-0-41-0, Warrican 4-0-35-0.

Position: India A trail by 91 runs with 10 second innings wickets remaining

2 42 18 91 128 10 52 0 3 10 5

101 56

Vickery bows out of Wimbledon in second round ..moves into round-of-32 in Doubles with Sofia Kenin SACHIA Vickery’s run at this year’s Wimbledon came to an end in the second round of action, following her straight sets defeat suffered at the hands of Elise Mertens, who won 6 – 1, 6 – 3.

Vickery, who flies the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ anywhere she plays, having been born to Guyanese parents, Paula Liverpool and Rawle Vickery, was playing an as an automatic main draw for the first time at the tennis Grand Slam tournament.

Markéta Vondroušová was Vickery’s first round victim, with the Czech Republic player losing 1-6, 2-6. However, things didn’t go in Vickery’s favour in the next round.

Vickery will now look to continue here good run in the women’s doubles at Wimbledon,

Sachia Vickery

where, along with American Sofia Kenin, they won 6 – 4, 7 – 6 against Viktorija Golubic and Nicola Geuer.

Up next for Vickery and Kenin is a clash against the pair of Kristen Flipkens and Monica Niculescu.

American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Herecomeswyourman Race 2 Abeja Negra Race 3 Sunny Ridge Race 4 Kintra Race 5 Hey Jabber Jaw Irish Racing Tips Bellewstown 12:00 hrs Lethal Turbo 12:35 hrs Tennesse Waltz 13:10 hrs View The Bay 13:40 hrs Nora Batt 14:15 hrs Tenth Amensment 14:50 hrs Rio Lobo 15:25 hrs Park Paddocks 15:55 hrs Gold Seal

English Racing Tips Doncaster 08:30 hrs Flying Foxy 09:05 hrs Spirit Kingdom 09:40 hrs Sayf Shamal 10:10 hrs Hajjam 10:45 hrs Asoof 11:20 hrs Bombyx 11:50 hrs Albert Boy

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Leadman 09:00 hrs Patchit Up Baby 09:35 hrs Alfeo 10:10 hrs No Green Stars 10:45 hrs Captain Marooned

Chemsford City 12:10 hrs Massam 12:45 hrs Stosur 13:20 hrs Honey Man 13:55 hrs Bargub 14:30 hrs Monadee 15:05 hrs La Figlia 15:40 hrs Aleef 16:15 hrs Trouble And Strife

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Coddiwomple Race 2 Thirty Nine Seven Race 3 Enchanted Tale Race 4 Khawlah Race 5 Run For Shantelle Race 6 Dixie’s Gamble Race 7 Danzig Rainbow Race 8 Calais Cove

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Five Guyanese cricketers off to represent West Indies Female Blind team

THE five Guyanese selected to represent the West Indies Female Blind Cricket team departed Guyana yesterday to link up with the remainder of the squad to face England Female Blind Cricket team in a bilateral T20 series in Barbados.

The five-match series, organised by West Indies Cricket for the blind and visually impaired, will wrap up on July 15. The Guyanese, all of whom are all-rounders, are Rosemarie Ramitt, Robecka Edinboro, Ackila Smith, Melieka Crawford and Crystal Aulder.

They are accompanied on the trip by Coach Ganesh Singh and manager, Theresa Pemberton. The West Indies Female Blind Cricket team also includes players from St. Lucia, Bar-

bados and Dominica.

According to Singh, the Guyana Blind Cricket Association was able to raise the necessary funds to ensure the ladies make the trip, with assistance coming from His Excellency President David Granger, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Cricket Board, the United Women for Special Children, Republic Bank, Noble House Seafood, Goodwood Racing Service, Gaico Construction, P&P Insurance Brokers, among others.

“Also, we want to express our gratitude to Mr. Anthony Xavier and the crew at the National Stadium, because for the past few weeks that’s where the girls were training. Due to the inclement weather, nowhere else was available, so

we were given the ground to use and that was good enough for us, because we were able to do a lot of fielding drills and some batting and bowling practice,” Singh said.

He added, “We feel very good about the girls’ preparation. From what we’ve seen, they’re very, very good and I’m sure they will do Guyana proud and at the same time do the region proud because of their skill level and their commitment to the game.”

Apart from the onfield action, the players will also be involved in a workshop on ‘Empowerment of women with disabilities’ and training in blind cricket administration.

Singh is looking forward to good on-field performances, but more im-

Coach Ganesh Singh (left) and Manager Theresa Pemberton (right) with the five cricketers before they headed off to the airport on Thursday (Photo compliments: Avinash Ramzan)

portantly, he is keen on the females developing in other areas.

“Blind cricket is not just about competition or playing competitively; it’s a vehicle for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

I really want to see them grow as individuals. I want to see their confidence and self-esteem improve and increase, because that’s our overall aim. As much as we want them to do well, and I’m sure they will do well, I want to see them grow and become more independent because blind cricket helps with rehabilitation [and] independence; it’s like a therapy,” Singh explained.

PLAYERS’ PERSPECTIVE Meanwhile, Ramitt, who will be competing in her first official tournament, is looking forward to the experience. “It’s definitely a good opportunity and it feels good to know that I’m able to represent my country at a regional level in a sport that is so well-known as blind cricket,” Ramitt, according to a News Room report, said.

Ramitt said her involvement in the sport has brought about a sense of empowerment and confidence, and she is urging other persons who have been diagnosed with differ-

ent stages of blindness to try out blind cricket.

“I think its important blind persons partake in an event such as blind cricket because it allows them to also socialise with other blind persons and we get to be a part of something that was once never possible,” she pointed out.

Robecka Edinboro, who only took up the sport a few months ago, is eager to showcase her skills at the regional level. Since playing blind cricket, Edinboro said it has helped her to be “physically, emotionally and socially strong” and has aided her socialisation process.

Fernandes and Low optimistic about Guyana’s chances at CASA tournament

By Gabriella Hicks

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), David Fernandes feels positive that the junior squash team will play at their best and advance to the finals in both team and individual divisions at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) tournament to be held in Jamaica this weekend.

Team Guyana will be led by one of Guyana’s

top female player, Rebecca Low, and she is proud to be their captain and is eager to see how they will perform.

When asked about how she feels about leading the young team, Low disclosed “ I’m really proud to be their captain and I feel like they’re a lot of strong players coming up and I’m really excited to see how they’ll fend on the court and defend their country.”

Fernandes feels confident in the male division players and has no doubt

in their performances.

“For the under-17 boys, Daniel should at least bring in top four. Shomari Wiltshire has been dominant in his group age since he first started and should win his category.

Michael Alphonso, who is our under-13 player, he should do very well in his category and he should make top two.”

In like manner, he feels the female division players will also show results. “ Becky, who is our team cap-

Team Guyana will be led by Rebecca Low

tain, is a very, very talented player. She’s very smart on the court , if she believes she can do it, I think that she could surprise people.

Sarah as well has the same problem; very athletic, has the ability but she has to believe.”

The GSA president went on to say that even though they do not have an under-17 girls team, he’s keeping a positive attitude for the two under-15 girls who may play the under-17.“ In terms of the

under-17 girls, we don’t have an under-17, so our under-15 girls are playing up; all players will play individuals in under-15 and then they’ll play in the team. Two of them may play under-17.”

Fernandes concluded that he’s confident that the team will advance to the finals.” I think we have a good team and it’s well-balanced. I feel confident we’ll be in the finals for our teams and quite a few finals for individuals.”

Bartica Clubs receive prizes for Independence Cup

to the third-placed team. up of Lazio, Potaro Strikers, Rising Stars GFF’s president Wayne Forde In brief remarks to the recipients, Forde and Rivers View. last weekend presented cheques said he was pleased with the efforts amounting to $225,000 to first, CRICKET QUIZ CORNER made by the BFA to rebuild football second and third-placed winners, (Tuesday July 06, 2018) in Bartica, adding “I am very happy respectively, in the recently-conCOMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL with the efforts being made by Barcluded Guyana Football Federatica to reignite the passion for the tion–Bartica Football Association Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & game and equally encouraged by (BFA) Independence Cup FootCummings Electrical Company Ltd. the support of the fans. This is one ball Tournament.

83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown simple step in rebuilding Bartica’s In a tournament that was con(Tel: 225-6158) reputation for producing excellent ducted from May 13 to June 27, Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: national footballers.”

Mil Ballers United was crowned The tournament was sponsored (1) Shane Dowrich - 288 runs champions while Lazio FC came in second in the finals, which was Shaquille Hopkins (Mil Ballers United) receives winning by the GFF, organized by the Barti- (2) Kusal Mendis - 285 runs ca Football Association (BFA) and played at the Bartica Secondary cheque from GFF’s president, WayneForde.

Today’s Quiz: saw eight teams competing in two School ground. Rivers View FC (1) Which WI took most wickets in the recent Test groups on a round-robin knockout placed third. during a visit to Bartica on the weekend of series against SL? This presentation was made to June 30. The winning team pocketed one format.

Group A consisted of Beacons, (2) Which SL took most Test wickets in the recent Shaquille Hopkins of Mil Ballers FC, hundred thousand dollars, second-place Sherwin Da Silva of Lazio FC and Mark team received seventy-five thousand dol- Mil Ballers, Wolves United and Test series against the WI? Ambrose on behalf of Rivers View FC lars and fifty thousand dollars was given Strikers while Group B was made Answer in tomorrow's issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

VAR - World Cup lets technology genie out of the bottle

By Simon Jennings ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - When it finally happened, many may not have realised they had just witnessed a moment of World Cup history.

Brazil were pushing Costa Rica hard in their second group game in St Petersburg, and with 12 minutes left and the sides scoreless, Neymar collapsed under a touch from Giancarlo Gonzalez, leading referee Bjorn Kuipers to award a penalty.

As the Brazilians celebrated, Kuipers held his hand up to his ear, nodded his head and slipped away to the sidelines.

He quickly returned, signalled he had watched the replays and reversed his decision, forcing Brazil to find another way to register their first win in Russia.

A video assistant referee (VAR) review had just overturned a penalty decision at the World Cup for the first time.

Contrary to fears that VAR would kill the debates that are

often one of the game’s most enjoyable aspects, the system has if anything enhanced those post-match post-mortems. It has also raised the standards of refereeing.

The willingness of officials to let play flow freely has been a key component of the excitement served up in Russia, where three or more goals have been scored in 26 of the 56 matches so far while only four players have been sent off.

And the tournament has had only one scoreless match - a stultifying draw between France and Denmark.

Compare that with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where fans and viewers sat through five scoreless group games and two more in the knockout rounds.

CLAMPING DOWN Criticism of referees and of VAR has been harsh, but the overall impact of both has been positive.

A record number of penalties have been awarded for foul play, while the sort of horror tackles that have scarred the consciousness of whole na-

tions in the past has been largely conspicuous by its absence.

Spain’s Gerard Pique got away with a two-footed lunge on Morocco’s Khalid Boutaib, and Croatia’s Ante Rebic was lucky to only see yellow for a stamp on Argentine Eduardo Salvio in the group stages.

But overall, the 2018 tournament has witnessed more histrionics than malicious intent.

Neymar has made an unwanted name for himself here, with his agonised rolling on the turf giving rise to a series of memes that have flooded the internet.

In the game against Costa Rica, he was a constant thorn in Kuipers’ side, questioning every decision until the Dutchman lost patience and motioned sharply for him to stop talking, causing the Brazilian to retreat into sulky silence.

But Neymar is far from the only guilty party when it comes to trying to influence referees.

Perhaps the biggest unintended consequence of VAR is that it has put a question mark

over the man in the middle’s authority to have the final say.

Images of coaches and players signalling frantically for video reviews abound, while Colombia’s seemingly orchestrated campaign to sway referee Mark Geiger in their last-16 clash with England was undoubtedly a low point.

Half the team surrounded Geiger when he awarded England a penalty for a foul on Harry Kane and the American’s performance drew plenty of criticism, including from Diego Maradona, who accused him of allowing England to stage a “monumental robbery”.

FIFA stepped in, releasing a statement rebuking the Argentine great for his criticism of their officials “in a tough and highly emotional match”, and Maradona hastily apologised.

The sight of Geiger surrounded on all sides by incandescent Colombian players has also elicited a fair bit of sympathy for the referee, a former mathematics teacher.

STAR POWER HOLDS NO SWAY

Costa Rica’s Giancarlo Gonzalez fouls Brazil’s Neymar in the penalty area before the penalty award is rescinded after referral to VAR REUTERS/Lee Smith

While VAR has thrust referees into the spotlight to an even greater degree than usual in Russia, they have coped admirably with the added attention for the most part.

Cristiano Ronaldo may be one of the biggest stars in global sport, but that did not stop the Portugal captain from being booked in successive matches, first for an elbow against Iran and then for screaming at the referee as his team lost to Uruguay in the last 16.

The technology genie is out of the bottle, and while a number of refinements must be made for it to reach peak

effectiveness, it is already showing signs it can lead to a paradigm shift.

Amid all the debate and drama, one virtuoso of football’s darkest arts has shown a willingness to adapt.

Luis Suarez, villain of the 2014 World Cup, is a changed man under the scrutiny of the cameras and has scrupulously kept his nose clean and his teeth out of trouble.

“You have to be much more aware of what’s in the interest of the team,” the Uruguayan said. “With VAR now, things can be sanctioned that would have gone unnoticed.”

Gonsalves brilliance ensures SVC All Stars topple NYSCL

By Frederick Halley A WELL-OILED SVC All Stars team proved their undoubted superiority with a hard-fought 12-run victory over the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) XI when the curtain came down on the open category of the annual Independence softball tournament, played at the Roy Wilkins Park last Sunday.

In an entertaining encounter, played in hot and humid conditions, the hundreds of spectators who graced the picturesque venue were treated to a spectacle as the two New York sides battled for supremacy.

In the end, it was SVC who prevailed with their skipper, Bobby Prahalad ,using all his experience in the final over to ensure NYSCL did not score the required 16 runs needed to overhaul his team’s 218 for five, a total that seemed insurmountable when NYSCL started their reply .

SVC’s innings was engineered by a superb knock of 77 from former Guyana batsman, Andrew Gon-

Celebration time: SVC All Stars in celebratory mood after the victory. Man-of-the-match, Andrew Gonsalves, collects his award from a NYSCL official.

salves, who reportedly was playing his first competitive game of the 2018 season, and the consistent Sarfraz Esau who supported with a gallant and courageous 44.

Asked to take first strike, the star-studded SVC All Stars side lost the usually reliable and dependable Richard Latiff (eight) with just 10 runs on the board.

Gonsalves, who started very cautiously, joined the more attacking Navin Singh as the pair added 52 for the

second wicket before the latter departed for 33, which included three fours and a six.

It was soon 85 for three following the dismissal of S. Karim (four) but this set the stage for Gonsalves and Esau to take command of proceedings. The left-right combination changed the entire complexion of the game as Esau and a rejuvenated Gonsalves tore into the hapless NYSCL attack, adding 110 for the fourth wicket in just over eight

overs; the feature of the partnership being the running between the wickets.

The experienced Gonsalves reached a richly-deserved half-century with a mighty six over mid-wicket and celebrated the milestone with a majestic four through mid-on, much to the delight of the SVC All Stars supporters.

Esau, not to be outdone, was also treating the bowling with disdain and by the time he was dismissed in the 18th over, his fine knock had

included six fours and two sixes.

Gonsalves succumbed off the final delivery of the last over for a splendid 77, an innings that contained six fours and two sixes, easily earning him the man-of-thematch award. Towards the end, Anil Beharry hammered a quick-fire 20. Dane Glasgow was NYSCL best bowler with two for 42 from his four overs.

Undaunted by the task of scoring over 11 runs per over to achieve victory, NYSCL set about the task in blazing fashion as openers Amar Singh and Prashad Mahadeo added 46 in five overs before Singh was brilliantly run out

by Beharry, attempting a second run.

Mahadeo (24) was comprehensively bowled by Pooran Beria at 61 for two in the seventh over and it was soon 68 for three with the departure of Brian Manniram, With the tension building, the game took a dramatic turn with skipper Eon Ellis joining former Guyana under-19 player, Zamal Khan, in a counter-attack-

ing performance which seemed to have caught SVC off-guard and seemingly without answers.

While Ellis was playing more conventional strokes, Khan swept, reverse swept and log swept to great perfection as the two added 109 for the fourth wicket. Both were, however, dismissed in the 18th over; Khan for 48 and Ellis for 49, virtually ending NYSCL’s fight. Khan struck five fours and a six while Ellis’s knock contained four fours and two sixes. Sadeek Khyum took two for 32.

Apart from copping the man-of-the-match award, Gonsalves also received a prize for the highest individual score in the tournament.

Regal’s Sewchand Budhu took the most wickets in an innings (seven for 33).

Ontario Softball Cricket League’s (OSCL) Aftab Shamshudeen had the best bowling figure in an innings (five for two in four overs, two of which were maidens) and Beria was voted Most Valuable Player for scoring 146 runs and taking six wickets.

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 6, 2018

Braithwaite 121, Gabriel 4-36, leave Bangladesh on brink of defeat Shannon Gabriel bagged yet another four-fer to lead the carnage (Cricbuzz photos) NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite stroked his first hundred in nearly a year while Shai Hope passed fifty for the first time in 13 innings, but it was speedster Shannon Gabriel’s devastating four-wicket burst which rocked Bangladesh and put West Indies on course for a comprehensive win in the opening Test.

Playing on Thursday’s second day of the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, West Indies piled up 406 all out in their first innings, with Brathwaite top-scoring with 121 – his seventh Test hundred but first since his 134

at Leeds last August.

Hope, without a half-century since scoring one last October on the tour of Zimbabwe, chipped in with 67 while captain Jason Holder (33) and tail-ender Kemar Roach (33) produced breezy knocks down the order to add to Bangladesh’s pain.

Armed with a huge lead of 363, West Indies quickly demolished the tourists’ top order, leaving the innings in shambles at 62 for six and and in need of a miracle to avoid falling 1-0 behind in the two-Test series.

Bangladesh trail by 301 runs heading into Friday’s third day with only four wickets intact.

Kraigg Brathwaite stroked his seventh Test ton to help Windies off to another strong start

Gabriel, fresh off a 20-wicket haul against Sri Lanka, was again at the heart of the Windies juggernaut, snatching four for 36 while Holder chipped in with two for 15.

Requiring a massive effort following their record-low 43 all out in the first innings, Bangladesh again found themselves hurt by the Windies quicks as wickets tumbled spectacularly.

Starting their innings on the stroke of the final hour, Bangladesh safely navigated the opening overs with Tamim Iqbal passing 4 000 Test runs when he cut Gabriel to the ropes at backward point.

However, off the very next ball, Gabriel had the left-hander caught at gully by Hope for 13, sparring at one that bounced and took the shoulder of the bat.

Two balls later, a fired-up Gabriel struck again when he bowled new batsman Mominul Haque without scoring, by one that kept low.

Holder then picked up his first, finding Liton Das’s outside edge for Brathwaite at first slip to take a simple catch and leave the Bangladesh innings in strife at 16 for three.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan (12) and former skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (8) put on 20 for the fourth

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wicket – the best stand of the innings so far – with both escaping with a couple of streaky boundaries past the cordon.

But Gabriel bowled Mushfiqur playing down the wrong line and in his next over, claimed the prized wicket of Shakib, brilliantly caught low down at third slip by Holder.

Holder accounted for Mehidy Hasan for two in the fourth over before the extended close, nicking one behind which seamed.

West Indies had earlier batted themselves into an impregnable position after resuming the day on 201 for two.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 30

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018