Guyana chronicle e paper 11 17 2017

Gov’t delays closure of Rose Hall, Enmore estates Page 14

No. 105099

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

Price: $80

‘I don’t want to put a gag order’ Page 3

(VAT Inclusive)

…Chief Justice warns lawyers against trying GECOM case in public

‘We’re broke’

Page 8

…M&CC workers cry for salaries; October pay still due

Water flows at Mara again Cop questioned over killing of ‘Saga’ Page 18

Page 14

Former Deputy Mayor and Councillor of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Sherod Duncan in solidarity with unpaid City Hall workers protest by lying down on a set of placards in front of the entity on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photo)

97% pass rate at nurses’ final exam

Page 18

Freedom House trio to lead defence today Page 19

–– in Freddie Kissoon assault-by-faeces matter

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Financial crimes on the rise

–– FATF executive

By Ariana Gordon

EXECUTIVE Secretary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), David Lewis on Wednesday noted that despite efforts to combat the threats posed by money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, these criminal activities are on the rise.

He noted that if FATF’s recommended measures are implemented effectively, then economies would be protected and their competitiveness increased. He noted too that regional countries would be in a better position to attract foreign direct investment, thereby giving each country a boost and deeming them good and safe to do business.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFATF) 46th plenary and working group meeting held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Lewis lauded the efforts of CFATF despite the many challenges it faced over the past few months, including the devastations which occurred as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

He said too that meaningful engagement, collaboration and effective communication with the criminal justice service is necessary in detecting

criminal activity, terrorism and the attempted misuse of the financial system. FATF, through the global network, is reaching out to the prosecutorial services and criminal justice systems of FATF members to draw attention to the intricate structures used for legal and illegal activities. The financial body is also seeking to highlight the growing nexus between organised crime and terrorism, to raise awareness with national authorities and the private sector.

“The FATF presidency recognises that the legitimacy of global AML/CFT efforts rest not only in effective prevention but in convictions, sanctions, freezing, confiscation and assets recovery for the benefits of both states and victims,” Lewis said as he called on CFATF to maintain its participation in its joint endeavours with FATF and gave assurances that the FATF is committed to supporting and working with the regional organisation.

Strengthened membership Meanwhile, outgoing Chairperson of the CFATF and Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles stressed the importance of strengthening CFATF’s membership.

For her part, BraithwaiteKnowles commended Guy-

Immediate past president of CFATF, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Faris Al- Rawi ana for its work and noted that it is ready to accept the baton of leadership. She said Guyana has the unanimous support of the Council of Ministers and pointed to the serious responsibility of spearheading the regional strategy to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of financing of weapons over the next year.

“We are not going anywhere; we are going to be here (Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos Islands) to provide steady support to Guyana and Bar-

Chairperson of the CFATF and Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles bados as they take the helm,” said the CFATF Chair who said that during her oneyear tenure, the focus was on institutional building and governance strengthening of the institution’s membership. Since its creation in 1992, she said CFATF’s 25 member states have fully embraced their international obligations as signatories to the varying conventions in pursuit of the wider goal of protecting the wider financial system from criminal activity. “Over the years, we have had to confront the challenges of comply-

Exe cutive Se cr eta ry of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), David Lewis (Adrian Narine photos) ing with the international standards and in many cases, have endured the harsh criticisms…of having weak anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism regimes which pose threats to the international system,” said Braithwaite-Knowles.

She said too that the impact of same on small and developing economies like the Region’s have been negative.

“These have had significant implications for our small and fragile economies, yet we were not daunted, we put our shoulders to the task,” the

CFATF Chair said, noting that by 2013 the body was hailed as one of the best.

That aside, she recapped the many successes of CFATF, including its EURO 3M programme for the training of financial investigators and analysts, which she described as “unique” globally.

Similarly, immediate past president of CFATF--Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago--Faris Al- Rawi said CFATF is in a better position now than it was three years ago and called on the membership to remain committed to their obligations under CFATF and FATF. “Collective advocacy is required in our grouping to educate, inform and sometimes push back against sharp practices,” Al-Rawi said as he warned that there are real consequences to inaction.

He encouraged the CFATF “to gel in a more meaningful sense”. “If jurisdictions don’t come together to participate, we’re going to be denying ourselves the opportunity to be forewarned and therefore forearmed.

We’re going to be denying our opportunity for growth in the jurisdictional and assessor experience and we’re going to miss the opportunity to be intimately informed and aware of the real issues,” AG Al-Rawi stressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

‘I don’t want to put a gag order’ … Chief Justice warns lawyers against trying GECOM case in public

CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire on Thursday called on lawyers to be cautious in their utterances on constitutionality of the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Just before she outlined the time frame for both sides to submit all requisite documents to the court, the Chief Justice said she has over the past few weeks observed the headlines in the local media on the matter.

Those headlines, she said, in her opinion amount to both sides trying the case in the court of public opinion.

“The headlines are inciting so I caution both sides to be very, very careful in what we say to the media and public,” said Justice George-Wiltshire, as she urged both sides to respect her comments in this regard.

She noted that persons are free to comment on the decisions of the court but should not be contemptuous.

“Do not engage the public in this case,” the Chief Justice told attorneys before a courtroom full of supporters of the ruling APNU+AFC coalition and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). “I don’t want to put a gag order,” she said sternly, as she reminded attorneys of the need to be responsible.

Meanwhile, Justice George-Wiltshire outlined a timeline for the filing of submissions by both sides.

The PPP through its Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, have until December 18 to file its submissions to the court, while the Attorney General’s Chambers has until December 18 to file its response.

The PPP has until January 3, 2018 to file its response to the AG’s submissions after which both sides will return to court on January 5, 2018 for a hearing.

That hearing will deal specifically with clarifications and oral arguments. Mustapha, in October, moved to the High Court to declare that the appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the GECOM is unconstitutional and null, void and of no legal effect.

Additionally, he has asked the Court to grant an order “rescinding, revoking, cancelling and setting aside the appointment” of Patterson and further asking the High Court to choose a person from the 18 nominees submitted to the President by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo submitted six names on three lists all of which were rejected by President David Granger who deemed the nominees unfit for the post.

Attorney, Anil Nandlall

Attorney General Basil Williams speaks with government supporters outside the High Court on Thursday (Samuel Maughn) The PPP through its Executive Secretary also contends that Patterson does not have the required qualifications, and integrity to be GECOM Chair. Additionally, Mustapha contends that the retired judge cannot be or appear to be politically impartial and independent in the discharge of the functions of his office, on the grounds that he is a member of the advisory Committee on the Prerogative Mercy appointed by the President; an advisor to the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs appointed by the President, the Attorney-General or someone in the President’s Government; was appointed by the President to head a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into a prison break at Georgetown, Guyana, during the month of July, 2017; and he was appointed by the President to be part of a panel to reviewing applications for the positions of Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Additionally, he contends that President Granger violated the Constitution by “unilaterally” appointing Patterson and not a nominee from the lists provided by Jagdeo.

DUPLICITOUS However, the Attorney General, Basil Williams has accused the Opposition of being duplicitous in their challenge to the appointment of Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman, pointing out that on al-

most all of the grounds they deem him to be unfit, leading nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo fell down in.

He also contended that for the judicial arm to entertain and grant such an application would encroach on the very principles of separation of powers and the spirit and intendment of the constitution and an affront to the rule of law.

“I will further contend that such a direction would be tantamount to a usurpation of the powers of the executive arm of government by the judiciary, who cannot govern,” Williams said in

his affidavit submitted and sworn to by Solicitor-General Kim Kyte.

He argued that the immunities of the President are enshrined in the Constitution, by virtue of Article 182(1). “It directs that His Excellency the President shall not be personally answerable to any Court for the performance of the functions of his or her own office or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no proceedings, whether criminal or civil, shall be instituted against him or her in his or her personal capacity in respect thereof, either

during his or her term of office or thereafter.”

Williams described the contentions by Mustapha as irrelevant, speculative, malicious, frivolous, and vexatious and ought to be struck out forthwith. Mustapha, was represented

by Attorney, Anil Nandlall, while the State was represented by the Attorney General; Solicitor General, Kim Kyte and Principal Legal Advisor, Judy Stuart. Following the adjournment of the case, Williams attended to a small group of vociferous APNU+AFC supporters who gathered outside of the court in solidarity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Mugabe still under house arrest --resists army pressure to quit

HARARE (Reuters) - President Robert Mugabe is insisting he remains Zimbabwe’s only legitimate ruler, and is refusing to quit after a military coup, but pressure is mounting on the 93-year-old former guerrilla to accept offers of a graceful exit, sources said on Thursday.

A political source who spoke to senior allies holed up with Mugabe and his wife, Grace, in his lavish “Blue Roof” Harare compound said Mugabe had no plans to resign voluntarily ahead of elections scheduled for next year.

“It’s a sort of stand-off, a stalemate,” the source said.

“They are insisting the president must finish his term.”

The army’s takeover signalled the collapse in less than 36 hours of the security, intelligence and patronage networks that sustained Mugabe through 37 years in power and built him into the “Grand Old Man” of African politics.

A priest mediating between Mugabe and the generals who seized power on Wednesday in what they called a targeted operation against “criminals” in Mugabe’s entourage, has made little headway, a senior political source told Reuters.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai called for Mugabe’s departure “in the interest of the people”. In a statement read to reporters, Tsvangirai pointedly referred to him as “Mr Robert Mugabe”, not President.

The army appears to want Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, to go quietly and allow a smooth and bloodless transition to Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president Mugabe sacked last week triggering the political crisis.

The main goal of the generals is to prevent Mugabe from handing power to his wife, Grace, 41 years his junior, who

has built a following among the ruling party’s youth wing and appeared on the cusp of power after Mnangagwa was pushed out.

The last of Africa’s State

states.

Once a regional bread-basket, Zimbabwe saw its economy collapse in the wake of the seizure of white-owned farms

ment, when Mugabe was forced to work with the opposition, the economy has once again cratered, with dollars scarce, inflation surging, imports running

President Robert Mugabe (seated centre) during secession talks yesterday with Military Chief, General Constantino Chiwenga (right); State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi (second right); Defence Minister Sydney Sekerayami (third right), and South African politician Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (seated left close to Mugabe)

founders from the heyday of the struggle against European colonisation still in power, Mugabe is still seen by many Africans as a liberation hero.

But he is reviled in the West as a despot whose disastrous handling of the economy and willingness to resort to violence to maintain power pauperised one of Africa’s most promising

Friday, November 17, 2017 Saturday, November 18, 2017

in the early 2000s, followed by runaway money-printing that catapulted inflation to 500 billion per cent in 2008.

Millions, from highly-skilled bankers to semi-literate farmers, emigrated, mostly to neighbouring South Africa, where an estimated three million still live.

After a brief revival under a 2009-13 power-sharing govern-

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out and queues outside banks.

DOORS BLOWN OFF A fighter, both literally and figuratively, during a political career that included several assassination attempts, Mugabe now appears to have reached the

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end of the road.

With the army camped on his front door, and the police, once seen as a bastion of support, showing no signs of resistance, force is not an option. Similarly, he has no popular backing in Harare, where he is widely loathed, and his influence in the ruling ZANU-PF party is evaporating.

ZANU-PF youth leader Kudzai Chipanga, a vocal Mugabe supporter, publicly apologised for opposing the army after being marched by soldiers into the State television headquarters to read out a statement, sources at the broadcaster said.

He was then taken back to the army’s main KGVI (pronounced KG Six) barracks in Harare, where Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo is also being held, an army source said.

Video footage obtained by Reuters from the houses of two key allies of Grace Mugabe cabinet ministers Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere - indicate that the army was also prepared to use force if necessary.

Moyo’s front door was blown open with explosives, scattering glass across the entrance hall, while the inside walls of Kasukuwere’s house were pocked with bullet holes.

The pair managed to escape on the evening of the coup and make it to Mugabe’s compound, where they remain under effec-

tive house arrest, one political source said.

Zimbabwean intelligence reports seen by Reuters suggest Mugabe’s exit was in the planning for more than a year.

Mnangagwa, a former security chief and life-long Mugabe confidant known as “The Crocodile”, is the key player.

According to the files and political sources in Zimbabwe and South Africa, once Mugabe’s resignation is secured, Mnangagwa would take over as president of an interim unity government that will seek to stabilize the imploding economy.

Fuelling speculation that this plan might be rolling into action, 65-year-old Tsvangirai, who has been receiving cancer treatment in Britain and South Africa, returned to Harare late on Wednesday.

‘SOLID HANDS’ Ex-finance minister Tendai Biti added to that speculation, telling Reuters he would be happy to work in a post-coup administration as long as Tsvangirai was also on board.

“If Morgan says he’s in, I‘m in,” said Biti, who earned international respect during his time as finance minister in the 200913 government. “The country needs a solid pair of hands, so one might not have a choice.”

South Africa said Mugabe had told President Jacob Zuma by telephone on Wednesday that he was confined to his home, but was otherwise fine. The military said it was keeping him and his family, including Grace, safe.

Despite admiration for Mugabe among older African leaders, there is little public affection for 52-year-old Grace, an ex-government typist who began an affair with Mugabe in the early 1990s while his first wife, Sally, was dying of kidney failure.

Dubbed “DisGrace” or “Gucci Grace” on account of her reputed love of shopping, she enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of ZANU-PF in the last two years, culminating in Mnangagwa’s removal.

Zimbabweans, including the Mnangagwa camp and the military, interpreted the vicepresident’s ouster as a move to clear the way for her to succeed her husband.

In contrast to the high political drama unfolding behind closed doors, the streets of the capital remained calm, with people going about their daily business, albeit under the watch of soldiers on armored vehicles at strategic locations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

16 Carnegie 'grads' to work offshore

By Lisa Hamilton

EL DORADO Offshore (EDO) has partnered with the Carnegie School of Home Economics, providing jobs for 16 of its graduates, all of whom will be working at the company’s offshore facilities.

EDO supports ExxonMobil by providing manpower for drilling and supply vessels. It has provided some 42 offshore employees to the oil giant thus far.

At a three-day training programme on Monday, the Carnegie graduates were drilled in safety, personal hygiene and toolbox talk meetings, preparing them to work on an actual oil rig.

The company, through the work of Trinidadian Head Chef and Catering Manager of EDO, Calvin Chin Sue, has been able

to establish an Offshore Catering Department, designed to meet international food hygiene standards.

Chin Sue, who has worked in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela, among other countries, praised the training and pointed out that he was able to interact with a “wonderfully, talented, young group of people”.

On array at the event was a variety of local and international dishes, chosen by the team and prepared by the graduates for the delectation of all in attendance.

Kadesha Giddings, one of the graduates, expressed excitement to work offshore and a willingness to expand her skills.

“It’s a whole different experience… I did the training here at Carnegie where you’re accustomed to cooking a certain

Some of the foods prepared by the students on display

style of food for a certain kind of people… but, on the rig, there are different ethnicities, different cultures, nationalities, so you have to prepare a wider variety of food… I think I will still be learning everyday with that experience,” the young lady said.

Students display the dishes they prepared. From left, El Dorado Offshore Director, Richard De Nobrega; a member of the Logistics team on the Stena Carron Drillship Kevin Dubber; Rig Manager of the Stena Carron Drillship Callum Balfour; and Business Development Manager of Fugro, Keith Kneale, admire in delight

Chin Sue said while Guyana is new to offshore catering, the team is hoping to maintain the partnership formed in training graduates to work on oil rigs in the future.

Usually, guest houses, restaurants and catering shops are the main employers of graduates of the school. Highlighting this, Carnegie board member, Renata Chuck-ASang said the school is dedicated to serving the hospitality industry.

“We will continue to train our staff and our students to provide the opportunity for partnership within this industry.

Unless we can do that effectively, then we will lose our relevance,” Chuck-A-Sang said.

She was proud that the school was able to expand

its services to the oil and gas industry.

EDO Country Manager Kerri Gravesande congratulated the graduates and

said the company is looking forward to having offshore catering training being implemented into the school’s curriculum.

Trinidadian Head Chef and Catering Manager of EDO, Calvin Chin Sue

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Combating money laundering GUYANA has taken her rightful place among member states that are compliant with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory institution and though much more work is still to be done, one cannot help but notice the high commendation this country has been receiving for its success thus far.

The passage and assent last year of the AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill has seen Guyana being removed from the monitoring categories of the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) last month and this month respectively.

At the FATF’s website, it was stated Guyana’s removal had to do with the significant progress the country made in improving its regime to combat money laundering and terrorist

financing. Guyana has, since 2009, been recalcitrant in complying with the regulatory institution, and was, in 2013, placed on the CFATF’s monitoring list. In February 2014, when CFATF’s Financial Advisor, Roger Hernandes visited Guyana, he informed that the country’s status was likely to remain for a minimum of two years, with removal contingent on implementation of AML/CFT laws.

When countries become members of international organisations, it is incumbent upon them to adhere to the agreements they have signed on to. That the Government in 2009 felt it could have gotten away with not honouring its commitment to these international organisations, it hurt the society.

When the proverbial hammer hit, in 2014, and the business community reacted out of concern as to the additional requirements needed to trade at the in-

ternational level, Guyana was four years behind in honouring its obligation.

What this highlights is that political grandstanding and inaction carry with them dire implications. It is reasonable to think that the government of any country whose formal economy was moving in parallel with the underground/narco economy, which world governments would have been aware of, would be mindful of the security implications such would have on the people and the state, and its international integrity would move it to correct that situation.

According to renowned economist, Professor Clive Thomas, in a study done between 2001 and 2008, the underground economy was worth approximately $188B (US$940M).

The society was also aware that persons of questionable character interfaced with officialdom, of which the most notorious was Roger Khan, who

in 2009 was jailed in the US. He took out a full page newspaper advertisement claiming that he helped the Government in crime-fighting. The Government never refuted this assertion. It would also be recalled then Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon was the first person to qualify the wanton shootings and mayhem across the country as that of phantom or death squads operating.

In 2004, a presidential inquiry was commissioned into the role, if any, of the then Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj, in the phantom squad. Although he was vindicated, a minority report submitted by commission member, Justice Keith Massiah brought into the public domain evidence that gave rise to a conclusion that was contrary to the findings of the official commission of inquiry.

The aforementioned

happenings would aid in arriving at an understanding of why international organisations are determined to have Guyana, as a member state, conform to international standards, once it remains in these associations. The financial integrity of a country and those who do business within and with it has a significant part to do with the legitimacy of its money. Last year also the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan signed an agreement to implement the U.S Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Minster

Jordan advised that the agreement would help combat money laundering and tax evasion and avoidance. This is another step in ensuring the integrity of the movement of money.

Local banks are also expected to modify their policies in dealing with customers, to ensure both the integrity of money passing through them and the person or persons engaged in the transaction. This is a feature the banking institutions of all FATF and CFATF member states, and those who entered into FATCA agreement, would have to conform to.

Rape allegation was reported to Mayor in a timely manner Dear Editor, I HAVE been following the public debate on the troubling issue of the alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile, who was in the care of City Constabulary, by a Lance Corporal who was the Subordinate Officer in Charge of the Regent Street station and rostered to work the 11:00 – 07:00 hours’ shift on Wednesday 23 August, 2017.

As a consequence of my interest, I have noted a number of statements being made by the Mayor, attributing blame to the City Constabulary and particularly the Chief Constable, the most recent accusations being made on 2017-10-23 at the Council’s statutory meeting, for the failure to submit a report in a timely manner to

allow for a hearing into the report made by the victim.

In this regard it is necessary that I provide some clarity to the disturbing misinformation being disseminated into the public and which seems to have an ulterior motive of shifting blame for the alleged immoral act and crime, which was allegedly committed within the confines of the Station, from the perpetrator to the Chief Constable and others for reporting and acting on the issue.

While time will not permit me to respond to all of the issues raised as a consequence of this occurrence, I wish to therefore inform that having received the report at about 10:30 hours on the said date of the incident, from the now dismissed Corporal 1749 Quacey Baveghems,

I immediately informed the Town Clerk and Mayor of the reported act committed on the Juvenile within our custody by the accused ex Lance Corporal. It should be noted that about half an hour after the report was made to the Mayor, the Mayor returned a call to me, enquiring if she heard correct as to what was reported. I then again related to her the story which was reported to me by my subordinates. Interestingly, the Mayor related that she had heard similar allegations about the reporter and as such I need to be careful in dealing with the report and should take statements. It is evident therefore that there was no delay on behalf of the City Constabulary in reporting this criminal offence to higher authority. It is compulsory as a department that

the Constabulary obtains the fiat of the Town Clerk in such manner and as such there was no deviation from procedure or impediment preventing the matter being handed to the Guyana Police Force.

T h e M a y o r ’s p r o nouncement therefore that she was awaiting a report which took two weeks and that there were a number of lapses as additional statements were required, is an indication that there was an intention to treat with the matter internally without regard to the statute and outside of the purview of the relevant agencies. It was never the City Constabulary intention of delaying this matter by seeking to obtain additional statements, as it was determined that the statement of the victim and

the witness were sufficient for higher authority to place the matter into the hands of the police. Further, it should be noted that at two successive meetings of the Legal Affairs and Security Committee called to address this issue, the Mayor found it necessary not only to attend but to usurp the committee’s authority, castigating the Chief Constable and officers for perceived dereliction of duty and calling for them to be sanctioned. This posture infringed on the independence of the committee to be impartial and to be properly guided on the proceedings on which the committee embarked. Any further hearing at this forum is marred as a result of the prejudicial behaviour of the Chief Citizen in casting blame and carrying out a public lynching of

the Chief Constable.

In retrospect, I can only conclude that the accused, having been dismissed in 2016 at the hands of the Chief Constable for a similar sexual offence, is sacrosanct, as shortly after his dismissal he was re-employed at the behest of the Mayor, having been deemed to be fit and proper for service with the Municipality, hence this latest debacle. In the prevailing circumstances, it may be beneficial if some thought is given to excerpts of the Honourable Public Security Minister statement, “Police will improve” dated October 12, 2017.

Regards ANDREW H. FOO Assistant Commissioner Chief Constable

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Min. Norton hosted successful programme in Region 2 Dear Editor, THE Honorable Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton visited Region 2 on Monday and met with stakeholders in the Regional Boardroom.

Though his visit was timely, his delegation was met by a small group of protesters, mainly from the Opposition as they held placards and chanted in front of the main Office as the Minister arrived for the meeting.

In excess of 115 participants were present as Minister Norton spearheaded the Ministry’s outreach exercise at sensitizing the nation of its work, including accomplishments and its short, medium and long term projections.

The Minister’s address was of a conciliatory tone as he magnanimously extolled the gathering to unite in realizing the great potential of the country. He underscored the point that Guyana has suffered immensely and for too long due to division through mainly race and political rivalries. In this regard, he attributed His Excellency President David Granger’s decision to create the Ministry of Social Cohesion as no coincidence but it was a thoughtful and excellent choice towards enhancing and developing nation-building through a united effort. The Minister

was very frank in his discourse and challenged the participants to be the wind of change as well as the guardians against racist, divisive and uncultured actions that would seek to undermine the process of Social Cohesion.

A power point presentation was then done by the Ministry’s Technical Officer, Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis during which she elaborately outlined the vision, mission and core values of the Ministry in the development of its Strategic Plan for 2017-2021. Social Cohesion was defined as a process of nurturing individual and community relationships in building a unified country.

Ms. Singh-Lewis further examined the Ministry’s vision as one being of a unified Guyana where diversities are embraced, conflicts resolved, networks and collaboration with stakeholders strengthened, equity promoted and decision-making processes result in equal opportunities and benefits to all Guyanese. She highlighted the core values of the Ministry as being integrity, thrust, service, transparency and accountability, responsiveness and inclusivity.

She also enlightened that the mission of the Ministry is to support actions that strengthen key partnerships across sectors, facilitate bridging gaps within and across communities and contribute to socio, economic, cultural

and spiritual well-being and enriched livelihoods for all Guyanese.

The target groups for the meeting included NDCs, RDCs, CDCs, NGOs, CDOs, Government Ministries and Departments, special groups, women, youths and the differently-abled. After the presentation, participants, including school children from several secondary schools, had an opportunity to interact with the Officials including the Honorable Minister.

The consensus arriving from the disclosures pointed to the lack of facilities and jobs for youths in the Region. As a result, it was disclosed that a high percentage of them are engaged in illegal activities.

Member of Parliament, Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar also rose to appeal for a multi-purpose facility to be built in the Region; a repeat of what he suggested to the former Minister of Sport--the Honorable Nicolette Henry.

Another participant disclosed also that students continue to be abused in schools, including whipping and verbal assault.

A special appeal was also made for the Hinterland to be presented with sporting equipment as a means of enhancing their virtually untapped talent. The Minister was very receptive of the many challenges facing the Region but has undertaken to examine them with the hope of pro-

viding the necessary resources where possible.

He also advised the gathering to form themselves into formal groups so that they can benefit from the Ministry in a meaningful and tangible way. The meeting was also attended

by Regional Officials including the DREO, Prime Minister Representative, Municipal and RDC representatives and Education Officers, among other prominent persons who no doubt would have been quite informed and pleased with the sensitization and awareness session conducted with the presence of the Honorable Minister.

Regards ELROY STEPHNEY

An affront to the religious community Dear Editor, FOR almost a week and a half (1/2) on the local airwaves (radio stations) an advertisement, sub-titled “Split in the Middle” remained distasteful, obscene, lewd and vulgar. Surely, this is an affront to the religious bodies, apart from being totally unacceptable. It’s for this specific reason that I must enquire of the following: 1. Is there an existing regulatory body in place where an official complaint can be made, with the relevant sanction(s) being imposed?

2. Within the regulatory framework of Radio/J.V. license being granted, does it entail uncouth and uncivilised language deemed offensive to any religious denomination, is strictly prohibited?

To hear a purported Chinese store owner offering for sale various female apparel for the show, with the “split in the middle” being specifically emphasized. It’s at this juncture, granny the purchaser is being reminded that a specific outfit

would be ideal. Since it would be just as when: “Moses split the Red Sea in the middle”.

While both the Holy Bible and the Holy Koran hold Moses as a Prophet of high esteem, his status in an advertisement is being diminished with vulgarity.

So sad that advertising and promotional interests can go down this road, unchecked and uncensored. But where are the collective voices of Christianity and Islam, to denounce this dastardly act, publicly? Had it been a case that Hinduism was being desecrated, it wouldn’t have gone without public condemnation, and quite rightfully so from the I. A. C and Indian Rights Activist, Ryhaan Shah.

Where are the collective voices of the Guyana Council of Churches, C.I.O.G and the Inter-Faith Religious Body?

Can the aforementioned sit idly and silently by, and allow public desecration of the Prophet Moses?

Regards LESTER SEALEY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

M&CC workers cry for salaries –– November salaries due next week; salaries for October not yet paid

By Telesha Ramnarine SCORES of workers at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) again turned up on Thursday to protest the non-payment of their October salaries, making this the largest demonstration for the week so far.

The workers are also protesting the fact that amounts are deducted from their sala-

ries each month for payments to the credit unions, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) but these sums are not being remitted to the different agencies.

Since November salaries are due next week Friday, Guyana Local Government Officer, Union President Wendy De Cunha, is questioning just when Novem-

ber salaries would become available.

“So if we are here on the 16th picketing and protesting and striking for our October salaries, when are we going to receive our November salaries? The City Council has to realise that workers are important.”

De Cunha is saying that the non-remittances of the various sums have been go-

Some of the protesters picketing City Hall for their salaries ing on for some months now, resulting in the workers being unable to receive any benefits and obtain loans from the

unions.

“That is unlawful,” she told Guyana Chronicle at the scene on Regent Street.

Furthermore, she explained that while workers See page 9

GRDB $8.5M fraud ...

Councillor Sherod Duncan’s unique form of protest on Thursday

Defence accuses prosecutor of misleading court –– as clients plead ‘not guilty’ as charged

TWO former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) employees on Thursday pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of fraud.

Said charges have to do with failing to make proper entry into the company’s register, and the misappropriation of over $8.5M from the entity.

Former General Manager, Mr Jagnarine Singh and his deputy, Mr Madanlall Ramraj are jointly charged with the offence and denied all of the charges when they were read to them

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The pair was earlier charged jointly with former accountant, Mr Peter Ramcharran who is currently in Canada.

However, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor, Mr Patrice Henry has requested that the matters be withdrawn and Singh and Ramraj be charged together instead.

The charges allege that Singh and Ramraj, with intent to defraud, omitted or concurred to be omitted $8.5M from the general ledger of the GRDB’s Cowan Street office during the years 2011 and 2012.

An additional 17 counts

The fiat letter granted the prosecution yesterday by the DPP of fraudulent misappropriation were read to the two men, stating that between 2011 and 2012, they fraudulently took or apply of the same monies for their own use or benefit.

After almost two hours of the charges being read, the Administration of Jus-

tice Act was applied, and the pair pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts.

Their attorney, Mr Glen Hanoman stressed that his clients, along with other former members of GRDB, were charged for See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

AFC says played no role in selecting GECOM chair

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) on Thursday maintained that it played no role in the selection of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) James Patterson and has condemned statements by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on the subject.

“The Alliance For Change notes the cheap political mischief being peddled by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his surrogates with regard to the party’s involvement in the appointment of the GECOM Chairman. The party reiterates that it played no part in the selection process,” the party said in a statement.

According to the AFC, its leader Raphael Trotman was invited to an “urgent” meeting at State House on the evening of October 19, when he met President David Granger. It was that same evening that the President appointed and swore Justice Patterson in as GECOM’s chair.

In fact, the AFC stated that it was at that meeting President Granger informed

Trotman of his decision with regard to the appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman. Immediately after his meeting with the President, Trotman left State House, the missive stated.

After his meeting with the President, Trotman informed the party’s executive via email of the President’s decision. In an excerpt from the email, Trotman said upon his arrival at State House, he was shown a letter by the President which was addressed to Jagdeo.

He told the party’s executive that the President’s letter in effect said he rejected the third list of nominees and considered the ruling of the Chief Justice and that it was his opinion that he (Granger) is constitutionally empowered to name a person to chair GECOM. “Mr. Jagdeo and team (Anil Nandlall and Irfan Ally) came at 6 pm for the meeting and were informed of the above and then handed letters to this effect. Mr. Jagdeo challenged the President’s rejection of the list and his right to unilaterally name a person. His basis was that it

M&CC workers cry ...

From page 8 on scales one to six have been paid, some $30M more are needed to pay those on scales seven to 16.

“They also decided last month to start paying according to scales without having consultation with the workers’ representative. That system is also unfair to our members,” she said.

Councillor Sherod Duncan, who laid flat on his back in front of City Hall’s gate, cheered on by many, chanted: “They touring and we hungry. We fed up. Bad management. The town clerk must go; put in someone fit and proper.”

Other placards bore the words: “Pay our Credit Unions. We need loans”, “No money, no work”, “We want money now” and “Respect your human resources assets, they are important.”

Protesters also chanted: “We fed up of the same thing over and over” and one worker said: “Courts ringing down my phone all the time; they even calling my mother.”

Meanwhile, in an effort to curb the financial crisis at the municipality, one hundred per cent amnesty on general rates is being offered from November 15 to December 15, 2017.

“Currently, more than 50 per cent of rate payers have not honoured their obligations to the Council. This has resulted in a shortfall in revenue collection. This shortfall has severely affected the Council’s ability to provide critical services in several areas, including the cleaning and desilting of drains and canals, repair of roads, provision of street lights and payment of monthly remuneration to its staff,” City Hall said in a statement.

“The Council is cognisant that many property owners are making strident efforts to put themselves in order but are experiencing financial difficulties.

Hence, the Council is encouraging defaulting rate payers to use this opportunity to update their accounts,” the statement added.

is unconstitutional in addition to being an act of bad faith.

He (Jagdeo) also stated that he will not recognise Justice Patterson as being impartial and will challenge the appointment,” Trotman said in his missive to the Party’s executive.

Meanwhile, the AFC made it clear that it had no involvement in the selection process and noted the Opposition Leader’s stance of non-cooperation, but supported the President’s decision. “Mr. Jagdeo appears to be deeply disturbed by the party’s condemnation of his reckless and unpatriotic threats of non-cooperation and civil disobedience and

that the party’s publicly stated position is that it would have held him accountable for the consequences of any civil unrest which might have ensued from such a reckless stance.”

The Party has described the threats of non-cooperation by the Opposition Leader as “nothing but empty bluster” after being rejected by the people of Guyana, including his own supporters.

The AFC said too that its strong public condemnation of Jagdeo has alerted the nation to his “sinister” motives.

“Mr. Jagdeo appears to now be on an intensified campaign of vendetta and revenge against the AFC as a

result of the party’s thwarting of his plans for civil disobedience and unrest. The AFC reiterates that it will hold GECOM to the highest standards of electoral integrity and will stridently challenge any threats to the preservation of our democracy,” the party declared.

Last month, the AFC, a main partner in the coalition government, gave its full support for the President’s decision to move ahead with the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The party had said too, “it is regrettable that after three protracted rounds of consultations and submissions, each of the three lists

fell short of the requirements of the constitution.”

The Constitution mandates the Leader of the Opposition to provide a list of six names that are not unacceptable for the President.

The Constitution also allows the President to choose someone for the post, if he determines that the nominees provided to him are unacceptable. The AFC said it recognises the need for the President not to further delay the appointment of a Chairman.

“The appointment in the President’s own deliberate judgment has averted a looming constitutional crisis,” said the AFC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Defence accuses prosecutor ...

From page 8

similar offences before Magistrate Leron Daly.

Those charges, Hanoman noted, consist of the same particulars of the 34 charges being brought before the Chief Magistrate.

The attorney also bought to the court’s attention that Prosecutor Henry was only that morning granted a fiat to prosecute a matter for which he had been appearing since last month.

“The prosecutor is misleading the court,” Hano-

man said, “as he had earlier stated that he was granted a fiat to prosecute the matter...

“However, he is now producing a document dated November 16, 2017 purporting to show that he has the right to prosecute the case.”

Former GRDB Deputy GM, Mr Madanlall Ramraj Hanoman further pointed out that the fiat at reference, which was issued by the Director of Pubic Prosecution, Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack, spe-

cifically states that permission was being granted to five prominent attorneys, namely, Patrice Henry, Lawrence Harris, Michael Somersall, Trenton Lake and Hewley Griffith to act in the capacity of Fiat Prosecutor in the case.

Hanoman noted that while the letter particularly stipulates that the prosecutors at reference have to appear in the matter at no cost to the State, yet still the State has paid them $100M. What is even more puzzling, he said, is that the letter has been copied to the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams and as such is calling upon the prosecution to come forward and clear the air.

Former GRDB General Manager, Mr Jagnarine Singh The Chief Magistrate has adjourned the matter to today so that Henry can respond to the accusations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

LMTC helps brighten Linden for Christmas –– puts street lights where they were none

THE Linden Mayor and Town Council, in an effort to make Linden festive as well as safe, on Tuesday handed over 80 street lamps to key officials of the municipality’s eight constituencies.

The lamps, which were divided equally among the eight districts, will be in-

stalled in due course by the Linden Electricity Incorporated (LEI) and Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society Limited (LUSCSL).

Linden Mayor Mr Carwyn Holland, on handing over the lamps Tuesday, said that knowing that there are many streets in Linden without lights, the Council was

more than happy to be able to remedy the situation.

“We know Christmas is coming, and we know there are several dark streets within the township, and we’re just happy to play our little part with this contribution,” Mayor Holland said.

With the installations of these street lamps, he said,

Linden Deputy Mayor, Ms Waneka Arrindell (right) hands over a few lamps to constituency representatives the Council is hoping to see a significant decline in crime in the township. “It is our plan to light up Linden; make Linden brighter. And it is our plan to make Linden safe,” Holland said, adding: “Providing the street

lamps is also a part of security for our township.”

But they’ve only just gotten started, he said. “It’s not the end of the lamps, because we expect a donation of several street lamps through the Ministry of Communities

from a Japanese grant, however, we’ve not gotten it as yet, so Council decided to invest in 80 street lamps...

“We are just happy that we’re able to do this; even though it’s a small amount, it’s just a start,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

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Gov’t delays closure of Rose Hall, Enmore estates THE scheduled year-end closure of the Rose Hall and Enmore estates will be delayed until 2018, since no system has been put in place for the sugar workers following the closure, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced Thursday.

Workers and their union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) have been calling on government to push back the closure of the estates.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference, Harmon reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the best interest of the sugar workers is taken into consideration before decisions are made regarding the sector.

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Special Purpose Unit (SPU) processes, which involve valuation, surveys, inventorying and other assessments of the sugar industry are still to be completed, the state minister disclosed.

As it relates to a proposal by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for the purchase of the Enmore Estate, Minister Harmon said all proposals will be analysed by the SPU, then at an appropriate time, a response will be provided.

He assured too that severance will be paid to the sugar workers, where necessary, since, “the welfare of the workers is the primary consideration of this administration and we will not see workers put on the breadline in that manner, without some recourse.”

Plans are on stream to train the workers for employment in other fields, as part of the post-closure recommendations.

The $130M SPU was established in July 2017 to manage the divestment of the Skeldon Factory and other Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) assets.

The sum was covered under a supplementary provision on the Current and Capital estimates totalling $6.395B for the period January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, that was brought before the House for approval, by the Minister of Finance.

Gov’t unfazed by criticisms of GECOM chair appointment THE APNU+AFC government is unfazed by criticisms and concerns raised recently over the appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

At a post-Cabinet press briefing Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that the criticism leveled against Justice Patterson can in no way derail the credibility of the election process.

Recently, the Guyana Human Rights Authority (GHRA), questioned Justice Patterson’s suitability for the post of GECOM Chair, based on the position he had taken in the ‘Grenada 17’ trial some three decades ago.

Additionally, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and local transparency watchdog, Transparency International (TIGI) questioned the appointment of Justice Patterson to the post.

“It is difficult for people in retrospect to look at decisions that were made by judges and then deem them inappropriate for the job which they are holding now, because of the decisions they gave then. That was the situation at that time and a judge deals with the matter before him or her,” said Minister Harmon.

Meanwhile, when asked about the lack of meetings by the elections body, Minister Harmon reminded that GECOM is a Constitutional body that operates autonomously. “The Commission has to regulate its processes.

A chairman has been appointed and I’m sure that the chairman would be anxious to have the Commission’s work proceed…As far as I’m aware, work has been going on in the Commission that is required for any Local Government Elections or National Elections,” Harmon declared.

Justice Patterson, a retired High Court Judge, was on October 19, 2017, appointed Chairman of GECOM by President David Granger.

President Granger appointed Justice Patterson after rejecting the third list of nominees submitted

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

AG knocks CCJ DIPCON ruling … says decision ignores public interest

ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams on Thursday expressed much confusion over Wednesday’s Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling which dismissed an appeal by his chambers in the $446M contractual dispute between the government and DIPCON Engineering Limited.

The CCJ dismissed the AG’s request and awarded costs to the company to the tune of US$2.2M and ordered that the judgment delivered more than two years ago be enforced. The CCJ ruled that the appeal concerns a procedural issue and does not fall within the ambit of Section 6 of the CCJ Act. In fact, the Court said Section 6 does not give a right of appeal against the Court of Appeal’s refusal to enlarge time for appealing and that the appropriate recourse in such a situation is to apply to the CCJ for special leave to appeal pursuant to section 8 of the CCJ Act. “In the absence of acceptable justification for failing to file these applications, the Court concluded that it had no jurisdiction to allow the State to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s refusal to grant an extension of time,” the summary stated. Notwithstanding that, the Court acknowledged that it may, in a proper case, grant an extension of time to comply with the rules to avert a clear miscarriage of justice.

However, when asked to comment on the CCJ’s ruling, Williams told Guyana Chronicle that the new Civil Procedure Rules permit the granting of leave beyond

Attorney General, Basil Williams speaks with reporters Thursday the deadline for an appeal to be heard in special circumstances. “The Court is concerned about the interest of justice. The overriding objective in such cases under the new rules is to determine the issues between the parties and so that no technicality is to try to determine the issues between the two parties and so no technicality ought to come between the court and the litigants to prevent the court from going to the real subject matter,” he stated while noting that he has not yet read the judgment of Guyana’s final court of Appeal.

He reminded that the case is one inherited from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and stressed that it is clear no notice was given to the APNU+AFC coalition government until the period allotted under the rules of the Court of Appeal had expired.

“Further to that there was no evidence of the file in the

AG’s chambers – it is a new AG and it wasn’t until February at the Budget that I was informed by the Leader of the Opposition about the case.”

Williams said too there is a precedent established in the Court of Appeal that an extension of time to file an appeal out of time is applied for and that clearly shows the procedure if the Court of Appeal “knocks you down here” you go back to the Court of Appeal for special leave to appeal to the CCJ. “Therefore, I don’t know what is the point they are taking...I am confused that the CCJ, the highest level, would not recognise that in the public interest-- this is a case involving funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a claim that these people were entitled to these funds and these funds could only be made payable with the consent of the IDB.” The AG stressed that Dipcon was operating under

a fixed term contract and based on their pleadings, they received more money than stipulated in their contract sums. “Even if you don’t establish a substantial reason for why you were out of time, if you have an arguable case, if it has merit, then the court is enjoined to look at the case…” said Williams who maintained that DIPCON was not entitled to the money they claimed.

Meanwhile, Williams told reporters that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) would be asked to probe cases where attorneys recruited to act on behalf of the state, in turn represented the intended opponent. Former AG Anil Nandlall told Guyana Chronicle that the CCJ ruling is costing tax payers’ US$2.2M and noted the money could have been saved if the case was appealed within the fixed time frame.

Police Corporal questioned over killing of ‘Saga’ POLICE Corporal Derwin Eastman, one of the policemen fingered in the murder of businessman Godfrey Scipio, called “Saga,” turned himself in at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Thursday afternoon.

Reports indicate that Eastman is now the fourth police rank to be questioned for the killing. October last, Aubrey Bobb, 26, of Kitty, Georgetown, who had been released from prison this year after serving a sentence for robbery under-arms, was charged with the murder of the businessman. Scipio, 58, was shot dead on October 12, 2017 shortly after leaving a Kitty hotel. He was also robbed of a gold chain.

The alleged murderer is

Corporal Derwin Eastman said to have claimed that the police corporal who is an Intelligence rank provided him with the firearm that was used to kill Scipio.

“Good Day all, God is in charged, all will be well, I am

innocent of the allegation” Eastman posted on his Facebook Thursday.

Corporal Eastman, who joined the Force in 2012, was commended on multiple occasions for his exemplary work. He was the rank responsible for solving the case involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commissions (GGMC) engineer, Trevor Abrams, who was executed on February 27, 2015 at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Two persons were charged. The Corporal was also responsible for the arrest of Dellon Henry, called ‘Nasty Man.’ He was charged for the execution-style killing of 36-year-old Dexter Griffith, who was killed in ‘Warlock’ on September 29, 2015.

Dead: Godfrey Scipio, called “Saga” The Best Cop was promoted on the spot to Corporal in 2014 at a Brickdam Police Station luncheon by Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Stop beating around the bush –– pay the workers, Scott tells Rusal

MINISTER within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, has ordered the Russian bauxite company, RUSAL, to “stop beating around the bush” and pay outstanding overtime and tax-exemptions due to workers without further delay.

The order came amid a tense meeting with officials of the company on Thursday.

Tension was raised when representatives of the company were asked to sign a three-partied Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would clear the way for the employees to be paid what was owed to them since October, 2016.

One of the RUSAL representatives, Vladimir Permyakov said they were not in a position to sign the document without proper authorisation, but the minister went ahead and submitted an official letter to the company ordering the immediate payment of the workers.

The enraged Scott explained that the MoU was signed since October 2016 by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU) and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, but due to “technical” issues, the company did not sign the agreement.

“For over one year the workers were expecting the union and the company to agree to have them receive their overtime and their deducted Income Tax in November, 2016 which government had agreed to have the company return

to them,” Scott said.

He added that workers are suffering and they needed the extra cash, especially since the Christmas Season is nearby.

The minister asked the company to stop withholding the money and pay the workers, nothing that the union and government have agreed that the payment be made.

Permyakov said RUSAL has not been procrastinating on the payment, pointing out that it had a problem regarding recognition of the union. This issue was settled in October, 2017.

In addition, he said only a month ago the company found the legal basis to sign the MoU since prior to this time, it was sorting out its relationship with the bauxite union.

Scott however grew tired of this claim and reminded Permyakov and RUSAL’s Personnel Manager, Vladislav Savchenko that the company had agreed to make the payment when the MoU was crafted last year and that the money should have already been paid.

According to reports, in January, 2017 a group of employees representing the workers of RUSAL Guyana met GB &GWU executives in Linden and expressed the need for their tax-free overtime payment be dealt with urgently.

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman had also said that when all the legal issues have been cleared up, the workers will

be paid retroactively.

Minister Scott as such, made it clear to the Rusal representatives that the matter will not reach his office again, and he will not encourage them to approach him on the matter until the workers are paid.

Scott said there is no impediment which prevents the workers from receiving the money due to them and reiterated the need for the company to settle the issue by month-end.

Permyakov, however, held on to the claim that the company representatives could not sign the MoU as its managing director is out of the country and is expected to return in a few days.

He also pointed out that they were not informed that the purpose of the meeting was to sign the MoU, and if they were, they would have requested the Ministry to postpone the engagement until their managing director returns.

When asked about the next step, the RUSAL representative said they need to consult their principal and have no doubt that the payment will be made.

General Secretary of Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union, Lincoln Lewis, after listening to the discussion said the union does not intend on taking any further action against RUSAL. He also believes the government is playing its role in ensuring justice for the workers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Spotlight on safe use of chemicals at workplaces

Stakeholders in attendance at the occupational safety and health workshop at Herdmanston Lodge (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

SAFE use of chemicals at the workplace was on Thursday placed under the spotlight when stakeholders met at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown to strengthen safety regulations.

At the forum, Industrial Relations Consultant to the Ministry of Social Protection, Francis Carryl made a presentation on the Draft Regulation on the Safe Use of Chemicals under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Industrial Relations Consultant to the Ministry of Social Protection, Francis Carryl addressing the gathering In Guyana, thousands of chemicals are used in substantial quantities and many new chemicals are introduced into the market each year.

Against this backdrop, Carryl said a systematic approach to safety in the use of chemicals at work is needed urgently.

“Chemical and safety are important issues we need to focus on every day of our lives….We are here to examine, discuss and deliberate over the development of regulations which will be directly related to the safe use of chemicals in the workplace,” he said.

Underscoring that the Health Act needs to be further strengthened, Carryl said this would be for the benefit of workers, employers, the environment and the nation as a whole.

He said this is in keeping with Guyana’s commitment for the development of a green economy.

Noting that it is vital for the emerging oil and gas industry, the industrial relations consultant said the United Nations 2016 development report underscores the need for the development of people in society.

“In the context of development, chemicals can be very useful. It is necessary to ensure and implement steps to control the potential risks for workers, workplaces, communities and the environment,” he said.

He added that any legislation or regulation impacting safety in the use of chemicals at the workplace

must be holistic as well as dynamic.

Legislation, he said, should be capable of yielding the kind of results which do not contravene the human development agenda.

Meanwhile, National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, Chairman Earl Morris explained that an effective control of chemical risks at the workplace requires an efficient flow of information on potential hazards and safety precautions to be taken.

He said this flow of information should be followed by daily action by employers to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect workers and consequently the public and the environment.

Morris said all chemicals used at work, including impurities, by-products and intermediates and wastes that may be formed, should be evaluated to determine their hazards.

As such, he said this should ensure that employers are provided with a mechanism for obtaining from their suppliers information about the chemicals used at work to enable them to implement effective safety.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act: “An employer shall ensure that a hazardous chemical is not used, handled or stored at a workplace unless the prescribed requirement concerning identification, chemical safety data sheets and workers instruction and training are met.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Real Talent unleased -

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GTT Brand Warrior Drew Thoven Overcoming limitations, defying expectations LIMITATIONS are set points or levels beyond which someone or something does not or may not be expected to extend, pass or exceed. Expectations, on the other hand, speaks of strong belief that something will happen in a particular manner or that someone will or should achieve something in a specific way or take a particular route.

In either case, expectations and limitations have time and again proven to be tools by which others seek to define us. However, there are those who stand in opposition to the imposition of limitations and expectations. Instead, they overcome limitations, defy expectations, and in so doing set a new standard – one that their predecessors perhaps thought improbable. It is the courage, resilience and strength of these types of warriors that GTT celebrates; those who, in pursuit of their dreams, face opposition and overcome.

GTT is honoured to celebrate such an individual as we introduce you to: Andrew King a.k.a. Drew Thoven a.k.a Drew.

This twenty one year old Music Producer/Dj, Award Winning Film Composer, Song Writer and Multi-Instrumentalist is a real warrior! Born on Sunday 18th August, 1996 in Georgetown, Guyana to his parents, Pastors, Timothy and Deborah King, growing up he had a pretty “sheltered life”, but “fell in love with music at a very young age” due to the immense exposure to the art form that he received at church. Among the instruments the youngster plays – most of which were self-taught, he’s most passionate about the drum set. Reflecting on the primary education he received at the New Guyana School, Drew acknowledged the importance of laying a strong foundation if one expects to build something of great magnitude – whether in life or in the recording studio. His education continued to be built steadily while spending his secondary years at Queen’s College and he intends to further pursue studies at the Berklee College of Music in the USA. However, the unorthodox musician is doing things differently. Instead of studying music in order to earn a living from it, he’s earning a living from music so that he may formally study it in the near future. Aha warriors fight differently!

It is one thing to know how to play an instrument but it’s a totally different thing to produce music – and DrewThoven agrees. During his first two years at Q.C. he desired to create a music band – but true to form, it couldn’t be just another ‘ordinary’ music band, this band would consist of Drew as the sole member, playing several different instruments in a single composition. What? It was this desire that eventually transitioned him into music production after being exposed to a production software by an acquaintance of his. He doesn’t remember the exact date of his first production, or even what it sounded like, but he’s absolutely sure that he’s created thousands to date – many of which he created initially by borrowing his mother’s laptop and others by sneaking a borrow from his father.

When asked about his alias, DrewThoven, he reflected on the many limitations he faced initially as a budding musician and producer – not being particularly versed musically at the time; not owning the proper equipment – not even a personal laptop for starters; receiving little support, if any, for his dream due to the unstable state of affairs of the music industry locally – instead he was directed to focus on his academics as he was yet at secondary school at the time. These were some of major driving forces behind the merger of Andrew and Beethoven. But more than a simple merger of their names, it was Drew’s admiration of the accomplishments of the world renowned classical composer and pianist – regardless of his early struggles and later the impairment of his hearing that inspired the name. For Drew, he saw much of his own journey in Beethoven’s story and wanted to make a clear statement of his intentions and aspirations to becoming his greatest without having to say much.

His admiration of Ludwig, whom many consider as the greatest musical composer of his time, pays homage to the memory of Beethoven by symbolic use of symphonic and orchestral elements in all of his musical compositions and productions.

DrewThoven has come a mighty long way in his musical journey, and even he agrees that he has a mighty long way to go. Drew, along with a group of other creative minds, created Kindred Republic, a record label and recording studio that offers production, management and sound engineering services that has been taking the music industry in Guyana to another level. Being a man of significance, the name of the group is quite symbolic. Kindred speaks of being bonded together by blood or common ambition while republic speaks of a set

style of governance. The vision for Kindred Republic is to impact every branch of industry in Guyana firstly, and the world at large thereafter. And that is just what Drew is about but with a particular focus on “doing more to nurture young talent and help our communities and our country."

He has worked with a plethora of local and international artistes including the likes of Shawn English, Don Gialiani, Jumo Primo, Shal Marshall and of late, he’s

formed quite a bond with the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia. Drew’s philosophy as a warrior is that in order to do “great things” we must “believe in ourselves” and remain “focused” – not allowing the views of anyone, whether family or friends, to deter us from the course that will lead to the fulfilment of our dreams. GTT looks forward to the journey that lies ahead as this young warrior, DrewThoven, makes his mark on the fabric of Guyanese, Caribbean and world history. Go Warrior!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Mara residents see return of potable water –– after four-year hiatus

By Michel Outridge THE taps are again running at Mara and its environs on the East Bank Berbice following the re-commissioning of the community’s water supply system which had been out of service now going on four years.

The system was recommissioned by Minister of Public Affairs, Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams, with the help of Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr. Richard Van West-Charles.

The project, which cost the government some $5M to implement, saw the reinstallation of solar panels on the roof of the Schepmoed Primary School, after the set that had been there before were either stolen or vandalised.

As Minister Hastings-Williams observed, coming as she does from a working-class background, she knows better than most the importance of having water to attend to everyday chores, and urged residents

to try to conserve the commodity as much as they can.

She also encouraged villagers to be vigilant in safeguarding the solar panels which were newly installed, since theft and vandalism is what caused them to be without water for four years.

She said the government is also looking in the near future at providing potable water to other East Bank Berbice villages such as Highbury and Light Town, and asked that residents in those communities bear with them.

She made the latter disclosure after a handful of angry residents from the said villages took to the main road and blocked it off with black water tanks and refused to give way to all vehicular traffic on Thursday until they’d spoken to the minister, because, like Mara, they, too, need potable water.

Dr. Van West-Charles assured the gathering of primarily Mara residents that while the water company is unwavering in its committment to provide potable water throughout Guyana, it’s a process that will take

some time.

Testimony to this committment, he said, is the many upgrades that have been done over time in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), from Moleson Creek to New Amsterdam.

He said that in the last year alone, the GWI has upgraded and expanded the water system in New Amsterdam, whereby residents are now benefitting from a 24-hour service of treated water.

In the case of Mara, Dr. West-Charles said that before the solar panels were stolen and vandalised, residents there used to get three hours of water supply per day. But now, with the re-commissioning of the system, they will be gettting water six hours a day, and in another few weeks, after the company will have sourced the requisite batteries, the supply will be round-theclock.

He said the company is moving gradually to have all communities benefit from a 24-hour service in keeping with its stated mandate of

A 97 per cent pass rate has been recorded at the last sitting of the nursing examinations, a significant improvement compared to previous years.

Nurses from the Georgetown, St. Joseph’s Hospital, New Amsterdam and Charles Rosa schools of nursing, rejoiced upon hearing their

results announced at the East Street Parking lot on Thursday.

In previous years, the results were described as “atrocious” and “satisfactory” but an intervention by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has seemingly paid off.

Earlier this year, the minister ordered an intensive

probe be done on why a large number of students had failed the examinations in March.

A consultant Mandy La Fleur was tasked with reviewing the curriculum and other aspects of the examinations. On completion of the review, the final examinations were rolled out and the diagnostics shared with

Minister of Public Affairs, Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams turns on the standpipe at Schepmoed Primary School signalling the re-commissioning of the Mara Water Supply Project on Thursday. Looking on at right and second right respectively are GWI’s Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, and Region Six’s Mr Jawaharalall Ramjug (Photo by Michel Outridge) providing quality water to all.

He promised that before the first quarter of the new year, the residents of Highbury and Light Town will be able to access potable water, but that in the meantime, the

commodity will be trucked in to them on a daily basis.

Also making remarks was APNU Region Six Chairman Kirk Fraser and residents, who expressed thanks to GWI and the government for providing potable water

supply to their village.

They said they used to store rain water for cooking purposes and utilised the river water for other domestic chores and is very pleased they have access to quality water.

97 per cent pass rate recorded at nurses’ exams

Nurses awaiting the announcement of their results on Thursday stakeholders.

During the review, the trend of the examination results was also reviewed.

The examinations are written twice per year: March and October.

Chief Nurse at Public Health Ministry Tarmattie Barker revealed that in March 2014, a 27.3 per cent pass rate was recorded; in October 2014, the pass rate was 37.5 per cent; March 2015, 67 per cent; October 2015, 66 per cent; March 2016, 51 per cent and October 2016, 9.5 per cent.

According to a breakdown of the results, the New Amsterdam School of Nurs-

ing secured a 100 per cent pass rate; St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing recorded 100 per cent; Charles Rosa School of Nursing 98 per cent; Georgetown School of Nursing 99.3 per cent and Texila American University 75 per cent.

Minister Lawrence credited the improvement to the fixing of an antiquated system.

Several officials who were present at the Parking lot said the nursing programme is the only one that has not been semesterised.

“We want to also look at semesterising the nursing programme because we be-

lieve that this will allow for evaluation and monitoring of students in a more progressive way,” said the minister, who responded to the many suggestions.

The requirements for entrance into nursing schools will also be re-examined.

The Ministry intends to ensure persons in all 10 administrative regions are given the opportunity to be taught nursing in the comfort of their region.

It has also been working to improve the capacity of tutors, regularise the tutor-student ratio and improve the physical aspects of the nursing schools.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Gov’t provides minibus Fly Jamaica to ply to Indigenous Residence Guyana-Cuba route

THE Indigenous Residence on Thursday received a significant boost to its daily operations when it received a minibus from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

During a handing over ceremony at the facility’s Princes Street location, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock noted that “we have been working continuously to get things better for the Indigenous peoples”.

He said while limited resources can prove to be very challenging “it is expected that in the future we will be better equipped to take care of the needs of our hinterland people.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe said this is a happy occasion for us all “and you our people here, coming out from all the regions and the different villages… because you know why, when you go to the hospital to take care of your family, to take food for them, dress and help to clean them and you want to return sometimes it can be hard... so this here as simple as it is, it is very significant. This will help you so much and ease us here at the ministry knowing that you will have the comfort that you need.”

Administrator of the facility, Claire Emmanuel after receiving the key to the vehicle thanked the

Government and the Ministry for the support noting that “I know it will benefit the people here in terms of transporting them to and from the hospital, it’s been difficult over the years and this transportation being provided will benefit them”.

It is the first time that the Indigenous Residence will have a vehicle specifically assigned to address its transportation needs since its existence. The Residence which was established in 1976 provided accommodation for hinterland students pursuing a higher level of education not available in their communities, as well as shelter for those patients

who have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention.

However, over the years, the facility has evolved into a hostel for persons accompanying relatives who are patients. It has also expanded its services to cater to the needs of persons in difficult situations including domestic violence, trafficking in persons, labour issues, discharged prisoners or any other similar situation.

Additionally, several transformative projects are currently ongoing at the facility that is home to more than 100 persons on a monthly basis. Among

the projects completed to date is the extension to the dining area which can now accommodate more persons in comfort, while works are ongoing to complete painting of the building, repairs and painting of the concrete fence and construction of a mesh fence securing what will be an upgraded recreational facility.

Minister Allicock and Minister Garrido-Lowe also inspected the ongoing works as well as the completed dining area. The last time The Residence (also known as the Amerindian Hostel) received any form of rehabilitation was approximately 13 years ago.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock hands over the key to the minibus to Administrator of the facility, Claire Emmanuel, in the presence of Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe and other officials.

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GOVERNMENT on Thursday announced that Fly Jamaica Airways has been granted approval to begin services between Guyana and Cuba.

The airline, opened and operated by Guyanese Captain Ronald Reece and his wife Roxanne, had been eagerly awaiting approval from the government to commence flights between Guyana and Cuba.

The airline, which currently services Guyana, Jamaica and New York, had applied several months ago to commence the service.

During that period, there were concerns that the granting of approval was delayed. However, on Thursday Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters at a post-Cabinet press briefing that when the matter was placed before Cabinet, it was approved.

“I am not aware there is any matter with respect to the Civil Aviation Authority about routes that are before Cabinet. I do know there were some applications by some airlines to fly between Guyana and Cuba, but those were approved since last week or the week before. In fact, there is nothing before Cabinet now that is standing in the way of those matters,” said Harmon.

This development will further increase economic opportunities for the Spanish-speaking nationals from that island nation, which they are already bringing to Guyana. Attempts to contact senior officials of Fly Jamaica Thursday proved futile.

Back in June, Fly Jamaica’s Managing Director, Roxanne Reece, had told Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of the opening of the company’s second ticketing office in Brooklyn, New York that the company believes in Guyana.

Currently, hundreds of Cubans travel here to shop every week, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. They seek mainly clothing and electrical items and fly mostly with Easy Sky to Guyana.

“We have everything ready,” Reece told Guyana Chronicle, adding: “We have captains, co-pilots, cabin crew. Everything is ready. We are just waiting on one of the governments to give us the word to go.”

Reece said as far as she is aware, permission for the Cuban operation is to be decided at Cabinet level and the company is awaiting that decision.

Freedom House trio to lead defence today –– in Freddie Kissoon assault-by-faeces matter CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday ruled that a prima facie case has been made out against Kwame McCoy and two other men to lead their defence in the faeces throwing charges brought against them by newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon.

McCoy, former presidential liaison officer under the PPP administration; confessed death squad member, Sean Hinds; and opposition executive Jason Abdulla are on trial before the principal magistrate for the offence which allegedly occurred on May 24, 2010 at Georgetown.

McCoy is represented

by Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat; Abdulla by Glen Hanoman; and Hinds by George Thomas.

Newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon Magistrate Latchman had on a previous occasion ruled that a sufficient case was made out by police prosecutor, Corporal Shawn Gonsalves and overruled a no case submission made by the defence attorneys.

The matter has now been

adjourned to today for the trio to lead their defence.

On May 24, 2010 at around 19:00hrs Kissoon had just emerged from Nigel’s Supermarket on Robb Street and already entered his vehicle when a man walked up to him and threw the faeces in his face. Kissoon managed to drive behind the perpetrator, who ran north along Light Street then west into North Road before jumping into a waiting white AT 192 Toyota Carina motorcar and escaped.

A soiled Kissoon tried to intercept the car, but was forced to back off to avoid a collision.

Police sources have since revealed that McCoy had been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the attack on Kissoon, and that Abdulla

and Hinds confessed to the crime while in custody.

Hinds had provided security services to a number

of PPP personalities, while Abdulla also worked at the then Office of the President and is now a functionary at

the PPP’s Freedom Radio, housed at the party’s headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown.

The defendants: From L-R: Jason Abulla, Kwame McCoy and Sean Hinds

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Councillors criticise City mayor -- cash-strapped Council doles out ‘out –of- pocket’ money for mayor’s team

By Telesha Ramnarine AT a t i m e w h e n t h e Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is struggling to pay its workers and garbage contractors, the extraordinary statutory meeting on Tuesday heard how US$25 of Council’s money was paid per day to each of the five members who travelled overseas, earlier in November.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said she received an invitation to go to China and that it was her decision to choose who she wanted to accompany her on the trip, which lasted for a little over a week.

Those accompanying the mayor were Town Clerk, Roys ton K ing; Chairman of the Finance

Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran makes a point at this week’s extraordinary statutory meeting

AFC Councillor, Sherod Duncan protesting for City Council workers to be paid

Committee, Oscar Clarke; City Engineer, Colvern Venture; and Councillor, Carolyn Caesar-Murray.

“I got an invitation from the mayor of the City

of Fiji and I accepted it.

On October 16, 2017, I said myself and team was going. I make that decision (of who to choose), not the Council,” Chase-Green stated on Tuesday.

She said the team also went to a commonwealth local government conference in Malta.

“There’s nothing that I do that is not brought to this Council,” ChaseGreen expressed, while noting that a per diem was not paid to the team. She clarified that an ‘out-ofpocket’ was given to those travelling in the sum of US$25 per day.

C o u n c i l l o r We l t o n Clarke offered that more publicity ought to be given to these trips as they are approaching, as opposed to a mere announcement by the mayor that she received an invitation and intends to go.

Although Chase-Green would have asked Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran to conduct the most recent statutory meeting, she did not inform him of the specifics of the team’s trip.

All she would say is that she would be out of the jurisdiction. Notwithstanding, Chase-Green took umbrage at Jaikarran’s telling the media that he did not know where she was.

BAD REFLECTION Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Sherod Duncan told the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of Tuesday’s meeting that specific details should be given by the mayor for the sake of professionalism.

“It reflects badly on us because even though it was a free trip, our officers still received out-of- pocket which is paid by Coun-

cil and at a time we are cash- strapped. You are at a critical time in the City.

We are trying to sort out our garbage issues with the two major contractors.

They have workers who haven’t been paid since October. And then for the leadership to just have gone overseas. I’m certain it was not necessarily to bring in any funds to pay those workers,” Duncan expressed.

He noted that while twinning of cities is a good initiative, the municipality has not benefited in any substantial way. “ W h y c o u l d n ’t w e defer this trip to another month where we are on better footing with our councillors and staff? It was bad to be seen spending any money that was unnecessary at this time where we are broke in paying our contractors and our staff,” Duncan said in relation to the ‘out of pocket’ money that was paid to the team.

People’s Progressive Party Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, told this publication that he found it totally unacceptable for this team to be travelling abroad at a time when the City is experiencing financial difficulties.

“They could have easily postponed that trip or elect for other people to attend. We did not give approval for the others to go anywhere, so I don’t know where that authority came from.

They should not have left at a time when we have so many financial difficulties; garbage piling up all over the place; employees protesting for the past two days. It was totally inappropriate for them to leave.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

GCAA launches website

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) officially launched its new redesigned website www.gcaa-gy.org at a simple ceremony held in the boardroom at the Authority’s head office, on Wednesday.

Present at the launch was Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, the Board of Directors of the GCAA, the Director General, other Directors and Staff of the Authority.

Minister Ferguson told

those gathered that the new website is an indication that the Authority is moving in the right direction, and is subscribing to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“The launch of this website, therefore, is a step in the right direction because it will help us to share with the rest of the world what we have and assist us in our endeavor to join the ranks of the modern aviation world” the minister said, according to a release

by GCAA. The minister noted that the redesign of the website was faced with many challenges, and congratulated the staff of the Authority for taking time from their busy schedule to provide the required information for the site.

Also giving brief remarks was the Director General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, who noted that the website will be used as a medium for public consultation, especially with the introduction of new civil

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Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson addressing the gathering at the launch of the website aviation regulations. “The veloper and former air traffic a frequency with which to regulations will be placed on controller at the GCAA said publish new content and stick the site for all to peruse, and “I congratulate the GCAA for to the schedule. provide feedback after sixty enhancing their web presence, Wayne Farley Designs is a days on the website, so this and am honoured that GCAA small boutique web developis another way for us to reach placed their confidence in me ment and graphic design firm out to our stakeholders, and to provide them with their web registered in Guyana. They get feedback from them” Col. solutions.” have been in business since Field said.

Farley elaborated on the 2002, developing over 200 Wayne Farley Designs importance of controlling their websites throughout the years, was awarded the contract to message to aviation stakehold- and are skilled in many areas develop the GCAA’s new ers and managing the organi- of design and development, website with advanced fea- zation’s online reputation. He from animations to websites, tures such as content manage- added that having full control brochures to logos. ment, serving secure pages, of the website optimizes its They like to keep a forum, and document reposi- benefits and attract a dedicat- balance in both the online tory. Speaking at the launch, ed core of users. He encour- world and the secret society Wayne Farley, the website de- aged the authority to establish of print design.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

American Racing Tips

Lingfield

Aqueduct

08:20 hrs Deeds Not Words

Race 1 Two Down One To Go 08:50 hrs Mosseyb Race 2 Biblical

09:25 hrs Part Exchange

Race 3 Gold Shield

10:00 hrs Al Galayel

Race 4 Outvoted

10:35 hrs Warm Oasis

Race 5 Appealing Briefs

11:10 hrs Zenovia

Race 6 Reedini

11:45 hrs Dontforgettocall

Race 7 Miss Aja Brown Race 8 Hannah’s Smile

Newcastle

Race 9 Hay Field

08:30 hrs Inniscastle Lad 09:05 hrs Triopas

English Racing Tips

10:15 hrs Mary Eleanor 10:50 hrs No Planning 11:25 hrs That’s Life

Cheltenham 08:40 hrs As De Pique 09:15 hrs Oxwich Bay 09:50 hrs Un Beau Roman 11:00 hrs Urgent De Gregaine 11:35 hrs On The Blind Side

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:30 hrs Haqeeba 14:00 hrs Queensbrydge 14:30 hrs Masalai 15:00 hrs Timia 15:30 hrs Bella Signora 16:00 hrs Clear Skies 16:30 hrs Play It Cool 17:00 hrs Shake The Bucket

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:35 hrs Pick Again 09:10 hrs Daring Miss 09:45 hrs Captain Marooned 10:25 hrs Rock Of Africa 11:00 hrs Tricia Dupont 11:35 hrs Black Hall Bar

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Lakmal rocks India on rain-hit opening day in Kolkata KOLKATA, India (Reuters) Sri Lanka paceman Suranga Lakmal breathed fire on a green track to rock India on a stop-start opening day of the rain-hit first Test yesterday.

The 30-year-old produced a scintillating display of seam bowling to claim three wickets without conceding a run in his six overs to reduce India to 17 for three before play was called off due to bad light.

Only 11.5 overs could be bowled on the opening day of the contest after rain, which is also forecast to affect play in the next couple of days, washed out the entire first session at the Eden Gardens.

Cheteshwar Pujara was on eight not out with Ajinkya Rahane yet to score at the other end.

India opted for a leftright opening combination and Shikhar Dhawan walked out with Lokesh Rahul after Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and

unsurprisingly elected to field in overcast conditions.

Lakmal struck with the first ball of the match, dismissing Rahul caught behind with a delivery that pitched just outside the off-stump and the extra bounce beat the batsman.

Dhawan hit Lahiru Gamage for a boundary but threw away his wicket playing a rash drive, dragging a Lakmal delivery on to his stumps to depart for eight.

Lakmal, who sent down four consecutive maidens,

After bad light forced an early tea, Lakmal returned to trap Kohli lbw for nought. The India captain reviewed the decision but replays suggested the ball would have hit legstump.

Pujara took 23 balls to get off the mark, which he did with a streaky boundary off Gamage.

His next scoring shot, another boundary off the same bowler, was more convincing as India’s number three elegantly straight-drove him past mid-on.

SCOREBOARD Suranga Lakmal got rid of both openers before taking the scalp of Virat Kohli as India were reduced to 17-3.

The paceman also breached Pujara’s defence in the same over but the batsman survived as the ball missed the stumps.

pursued a probing line and the right-hander nearly dismissed Virat Kohli but the India captain’s flick fell short of mid-wicket.

INDIA 1st innings L. Rahul c Dickwella b Lakmal 0 S. Dhawan b Lakmal 8 C. Pujara not out 8 V. Kohli lbw b Lakmal 0 A. Rahane not out 0 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (for 3 wickets, 11.5 overs) 17 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13, 3-17.

Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 6-60-3, Lahiru Gamage 5.5-1-16-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Youth World Cup players lifting their training intensity-Simmons PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Young West Indies opener, Keagan Simmons, says the players vying for selection for next year’s Youth World Cup, have been gradually lifting their training intensity.

The group have been training for most of the year, undergoing camps and overseas tours, in preparation to defend the title the region captured last year in Bangladesh.

With the Christmas holidays approaching, the players are expected to be involved in yet another training camp, which Simmons has identified as “crucial.”

GBA/Pepsi third 2017 Under-16 tournament set for Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym tomorrow THE Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) third Under-16 tournament for 2017 will be staged tomorrow at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Independence Boulevard beginning at 13:00hrs.

The tournament which is being sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited under its Pepsi Brand has attracted the participation of seven boxing gyms from around the country and includes the recently formed savannah Boxing Gym from Rupununi, Region Nine, which will be represented by three pugilists.

The other gyms that have indicated their participation are Forgotten Youth Foundation, Harpy Eagles, Vergen-

oegen Boxing Gym and Rose Hall Jammers among others.

Jason Barker

The recently formed Savannah Boxing Gym will be led by Kevin Tacoordeen and includes Julia Rodney and Troy Nero.

The Savannah Boxing Gym is the brainchild of Minister of National Cohesion, Dr George Norton who also has responsibility for Sport.

Minister Norton personally ensured the gym has a coach who is dedicated to the sport and in this regard, he used his office to have boxing coach Orlando go into Region Nine and coach the boxers over a period of time.

Meanwhile, the GBA National Open Championships will run from November 27 to 30 and will be held at the National Gymnasium, Mandela

Avenue, beginning at 19:30hrs each night.

Over 10 boxing gyms have indicated an interest in participating.

Among the fighters expected to reassert their dominance in the amateur arena are; Jason Barker of the Guyana Defence Force who holds the heavyweight title, Dennis Thomas of the Guyana Police Force who is the defending middleweight champion, GDF’s Colin Lewis (junior welterweight champion), Clairmont Gibson of the GDF who is the bantamweight champion and Markember Pierre also of the GDF, who is the National and Caribbean middleweight champion.

Stoneman hits England’s first century of tour MARK Stoneman struck England’s first century of the Ashes tour on the second day of their final warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.

Opener Stoneman made 111 to help the tourists to 3373, a lead of 87.

He shared a stand of 172 with Alastair Cook, who found some form with 70 before the first Test next week.

Joe Root added an unbeaten 62 and Dawid Malan was 57 not out, but James Vince fell for 26.

England could bat long into today in order to give Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes the opportunity of time in the middle.

And while the visitors can be pleased with their efforts, the caveat is that the placid Townsville surface and the inexperience of the CA XI attack are much different from the pace and hostility they are likely to face during the Ashes curtain-raiser in Brisbane.

“It’s not the bowling attack we are going to face next week,” Stoneman told BBC Sport. “It’s below that level, but it’s what we have in front of us and that’s all you can play.”

The tourists earlier needed only eight deliveries to wrap up the hosts’ first innings for 250, Stuart Broad producing a vicious bouncer to have Harry Conway well caught by

Stoneman at short leg.

Australia named their squad for the first Test at 00:00 GMT today.

England managed nine half-centuries in the previous two warm-up games, but the lack of a century led to both

Jason Barker

captain Root and coach Trevor Bayliss to call on the batsmen to make bigger scores.

Stoneman, who has an Australian wife, responded by converting his fourth half-century in as many innings into a 21st first-class hundred.

“It’s very pleasing to get three figures after the starts I’ve had on the tour,” said Stoneman “It’s another level of progression, which is what is required so close to the first Test.

“I’m in decent touch. Everyone has been critical of the opposition we have faced, but I’m fairly happy.”

The Surrey left-hander looked fluent from the moment he arrived at the crease,

Young Windies opener, Keagan Simmons.

“So far it has been good.

All the guys have been working in their prospective territories to get better and the December camp is going be very crucial as a team going into the World Cup,” the 18-year-old said.

Before that though, everyone knows how much work they have to put in.” playing clips off his toes, cuts and handsome straight drives.

He gave one chance on 41, when a cut at gully off the pace bowling of Simon Milenko was dropped by Nick Larkin.

Stoneman slowed when the hosts turned to spin and increasingly favoured the leg side, reaching three figures with a turn off the hip from the lively bowling of Conway.

He eventually chipped a return catch to leg-spinner Daniel Fallins, lingering for a moment in the disappointment of missing out on an even bigger score.

COOK’S WELCOME RUNS England’s 2010-11 series win, their only success in Australia since 1986-87, was built on Cook’s 766 runs.

The Under-19s are coming off a recent similar camp in Grenada which wrapped up last weekend, where they were once again put through the rigours as they fine-tuned their preparations for the January 13 to February 3 tournament in New Zealand.

Simmons highlighted the intensity of the camp but said players understood the value of the quality preparation.

“Everyone knows how important this camp was as the World Cup gets close.

There is a lot of pressure on all the players to perform,” he pointed out.

Trinidadian Simmons has been a key member of the setup over the last year, featuring prominently on the tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe last July.

The left-hander struck an unbeaten hundred against South Africa U19s in Durban, to help the Caribbean side clinch that series 3-2.

However, Simmons said there were areas of improvement to his game which were highlighted during the recent camp.

“I think for the time I was in the middle I was batting well. I found the gaps frequently so the runs was coming,” he explained.

“What was disappointing was the way I got dismissed – playing very early on a slow track. Once I grow in that regard I would score a lot more runs.”

West Indies Under-19s have been installed in Group of A of the Youth World Cup alongside Kenya, South Africa and the hosts.

Prior to this knock, the former captain had made only 47 runs in three innings on tour and had not passed 50 in any cricket since the first Test against West Indies in August.

In the Queensland heat he returned to form with characteristic accumulation - tucks off the pads and the occasional prod through the off side.

His 127-ball stay included only five boundaries, and, like Stoneman, the fortune of a dropped catch Gurinder Sandhu put down - a tough caught-and-bowled opportunity when Cook was on 40.

Such was England’s untroubled progress, it was a surprise when a Cook cut at off-spinner Matthew Short resulted in an edge behind. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Ramnaresh Sarwan and Fitness 53 Gym donate to RHTY&SC, Cricket Outreach Programme

FORMER Guyana and West Indies Cricket captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and his family of Fitness 53 Gym, located at Providence, East Coast, Demerara last Wednesday handed over a large quantity of cricket balls and trophies to Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

According to a release, the donation was handed over by Sarwan’s parents, Kishan and Kumarie, during a simple ceremony at the Club’s Area ‘H’ Ground office.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the former Guyana and West Indies batting idol for his kind gesture. He also disclosed that the donated items would be distributed to eight cricket clubs and one sub-association in Berbice, as the RHTY&SC strives to ensure that cricket is offered to youths as an alternative to a life of crime and the evil ways of Satan.

The RHTY&SC for 2017 has assisted dozens of cricket clubs and schools with over $3M worth of cricket balls, scorebooks, cricket gear, cricket stumps, trophies, medals and educational materials under its Cricket Outreach Programme.

The RHTY&SC, Foster proudly stated, is the only club in Guyana and perhaps the Caribbean that assists its sister organisations. He pledged that the

programme would be expanded in 2018 to include more clubs and schools.

The RHTY&SC and Ramnaresh Sarwan have enjoyed a close relationship over the years. The former West Indies batting star was inducted as a honorary member and was honoured at a special ceremony that was attended by the Guyana and Leewards Islands cricket teams.

Sarwan, for several years, has also sponsored the Ramnaresh Sarwan Educational Scholarship Fund, which has benefited dozens of less fortunate students. The fund assisted the students to stay in schools to obtain an educational background by providing them with all the necessities to attend school.

Vice-president Mark Papannah, Organising Secretary Keith Hicks and Cricket Manager Ravin Kissoonlall each expressed gratitude to the Sarwan family and Fitness 53 Gym. Kishan Sarwan, in handing over the donation, stated that his son was impressed with the work of the RHTY&SC and its commitment to making a positive difference. The Fitness 53 Gym, he stated, was fully aware of its corporate responsibilities to give back to society and the donation to cricket clubs was the best way to do so, as Sarwan excelled at the highest level in the game.

Among the cricket clubs that would benefit from the

Mootoosammy stable’s Slim Shady win feature horse race event

RIDDEN by jockey Kevin Paul, Mootoosammy stable’s Slim Shady sprinted away from the opposition to win the feature seven-furlong race of the Number 28 Bush Lot/Adventure Action Group Charity horse race meet at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club last Sunday.

Slim Shady, whose owner pocketed $170 000 for the win, defeated pre-race favourite King Stanley who ended second. Miss Anjelie was third and Red Jet fourth.

King Stanley of the Persaud stable and ridden by Rupert Ramnauth earlier in the day won a `K’ and Lower race ahead of Massapaqua, Dr Victoria Secrets and Irish Baby in that order.

The two-year-old event saw jockey Colin Ross pilot Princess Shema of the K. Sooklall stable to a comfortable win ahead of Perfect Return who placed second and Wise Tom who finished third.

Princess Shema’s owner collected $110 000 for the win.

The `L’, `T’ and Lower event was won by Irish Baby who was ridden by Brian Blake. Victoria Secrets placed second and Touch of Class third.

The `L’ 2 and Lower race was won by Sweet Silence of the M. Balgobin Stable. Matrix was second, Country Girl third and Royal Paymaster fourth. The winner’s purse was $80 000.

Princess Zalida of the R. Ramnarine stable with Yap Drepaul in the saddle won the event for unclassified animals. Red Weasel, Royal Spice and Baby Girl occupied the top three places in that order.

Drepaul was voted champion jockey and Paul was the runner-up.

Ramnaresh Sarwan’s parents hand over the donation to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

donation are Blairmont, Police, Chesney, Rose Hall Canje, Kildonan and Upper Corentyne.

Sarwan played 87 Test matches for the West Indies scoring 5 842 runs at an impressive average of 40.01 with 15

centuries and thirty-one fifties.

In 181 One Day International, he scored 5 804 runs with five centuries. He served

briefly as the West Indies captain before injury forced him to pass on the captaincy to Chris Gayle.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Four batsmen hit half-centuries in Barbados Pride 273 for five KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Anthony Alleyne led a strong batting parade from Barbados Pride in their Regional 4-Day Championship match against Windward Islands Volcanoes yesterday.

The left-handed opener led the way with 82 and was one of four batsmen who plundered half-centuries to carry the Pride to 273 for five in their first innings at the close. They were put in to bat on the first day of their fourth-round match at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

A l l - ro u n d e r K e v i n Stoute was not out on 59, Kenroy Williams made 55 and left-handed opener Shayne Moseley scored 54, as none of the Pride’s batsmen carried on to a hundred, but it was a solid effort and they were rewarded for their resolute batting.

Tyrone Theophile, the Volcanoes captain, was the bowling hero for his side, grabbing 3-54 from 20 overs with his uncomplicated offspin and fellow Dominican Shane Shillingford gave stingy support, conceding just 83 from 34 overs with his clever off-spin.

Alleyne reached his half-century in the final half-hour before he and Moseley carried the Pride to lunch on 107 without loss, as they peppered the boundary with a few crisp strokes.

Moseley also reached his 50 after the interval before he was caught at slip off Theophile in the ninth over after lunch, to give the Volcanoes their first scalp.

N e x t d e l i v e r y, t h e struggles of Pride captain Shamarh Brooks continued, when he too, was caught at slip off Theophile for a firstball duck.

This proved an unstable period for the Pride batting, as Jonathan Carter was caught on the second attempt by wicketkeeper Gian Benjamin off Shillingford for one in the next over before Theophile returned to have Alleyne also caught by Benjamin in the following over.

This meant the Pride slipped from 141 without loss to 144 for four in the space of 16 deliveries, but Williams came to the crease and with Stoute they averted any further implosion.

They carried the visitors to tea at 185 for four and continued merrily after the break to share 97 for the fifth wicket.

Williams was then caught at slip off Tarryck Gabriel’s part-time spin in the final hour, leaving Justin Greaves to bat through the remainder of the day with his club-mate Stoute.

SCOREBOARD

Anthony Alleyne

PRIDE 1st innings A. Alleyne c wkp. Benjamin b Theophile 82 S. Moseley c Smith b Theophile 54 S. Brooks c Smith b Theophile 0 J. Carter c wkp. Benjamin b Shillingford 1 K. Stoute not out 59 K. Williams c Smith b Gabriel 55 J. Greaves not out 14 Extras: (b-1, lb-4, w-3) 8 Total: (5 wkts, 90 overs) 273 Fall of wickets: 1-141, 2-141, 3-144, 4-144, 5-241.

Bowling: Lewis 6-1-11-0 (w-1), Mayers 19-5-58-0, Jordan 5-0-31-0 (w-2), Shillingford 34-10-83-1, Theophile 20-2-54-3, Gabriel 6-0-31-1 VOLCANOES: D. Smith, *T. Theophile, K. Edwards, T. Gabriel, K. Hodge, R. Cato, K. Mayers, +G. Benjamin, S. Shillingford, R. Jordan, S. Lewis

Jamaica Scorpions bad solidly to reach 317 for five BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Half-centuries from Paul Palmer, Assad Fudadin and John Campbell highlighted consistent batting down the order from Jamaica Scorpions, giving them a strong start to their Regional 4-Day Championship match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes yesterday.

The trio were all involved in a slew of solid partnerships that propped up the unpredictable Scorpions’ batting, as they reached 315 for seven in their first innings at the close, after they chose to bat on the first day of their fourth-round match at Warner Park.

Palmer, freed of the burden of captaincy with the return of champion left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, was unbeaten on 78, and lefthanders Fudadin and Campbell made 58 and 57 respectively, as the Scorpions used this well-known Caribbean batting paradise to restore confidence, after they took a hit in the previous match against Barbados Pride.

Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall opened the bowling with his off-spin and was the pick of his side’s weakened attack, taking 3-84 from 28 overs.

The Hurricanes had to draft Sheeno Berridge into their squad at the 11th hour to replace key fast bowler Gavin Tonge, who has not recovered from a hamstring

injury.

Midway through the day, the Hurricanes were further hamstrung when Berridge too, had to leave the field with an injury.

Scorpions, undeterred, plundered the Hurricanes attack to their hearts’ delight before losing a cluster of wickets in the final session.

Paul Palmer is unbeaten on 78.

After a brief delay to the start, Campbell and fellow opener Garth Garvey used the first hour to give their side a solid base with a stand of 47 before Berridge made the breakthrough.

He trapped Garvey lbw for 23, bringing Fudadin to the crease and he ushered Campbell to his 50, as they consolidated for the Scorpions with a stand of 55.

Cornwall, however, had Campbell caught at slip to prompt lunch with the visitors on 102 for 2.

After the interval, Brandon King returned to the are-

na where he scored an epic double-hundred last season; but Jeremiah Louis made sure he cut him short before he unleashed. He bowled him for 19, leaving the Scorpions 129 for three.

Fudadin continued merrily to his 50 and shared 70 with Palmer before Devon Thomas, playing against his former franchise teammates, trapped the discarded Test batsman lbw in the final over before tea, which saw the Scorpions reach 199 for four.

After the break, the runs continued to flow for the Scorpions, but they continued to bleed wickets, as former United States captain Steven Taylor, Derval Green and Dennis Bulli fell inside the final hour.

SCOREBOARD SCORPIONS 1st innings J. Campbell c Hodge b Cornwall 57 G. Garvey lbw b S. Berridge 23 A. Fudadin lbw b Thomas 58 B. King b Louis 19 P. Palmer not out 78 S. Taylor c Berridge b Cornwall 20 D. Green lbw b Bonner 19 D. Bulli c Hughes b Cornwall 15 D. Jacobs not out 4 Extras: (b-9, lb-3, w-5, nb-5) 22 Total: (7 wkts, 90 overs) 315 Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-102, 3-129, 4-199, 5-251, 6-277, 7-305.

Bowling: Louis 16.3-4-45-1, Cornwall 28-3-84-3, Matthew 10-1-250, Berridge 9.3-2-43-1, Warde 122-51-0, Thomas 6-2-19-1, Bonner 7-2-33-1, Hughes 1-0-3-0.

HURRICANES: M. Hodge, C. Hughes, K. Carty, D. Thomas, N. Bonner, +J. Hamilton, *R. Cornwall, T. Warde, J. Louis, M. Matthew, S. Berridge

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

GFF OBSERVES CONCACAF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL DAY “This will be a day filled with football activities where our girls and women get the opportunity to learn and showcase their skills. There will be grassroots sessions from a combined team and matches featuring our U15 team and senior team. The senior team will feature some of the national U17 players while the GFF is focusing on developing the talent from the U15 team in preparation for the CONCACAF 2018 Qualifiers.” – Tricia Munroe, GFF’s Women’s Development Officer

“Every Girl Plays”

YOU’RE INVITED! WHAT: CONCACAF Women’s Football Day 2017 WHEN: Saturday, 18th November, 2017 @ 10:00hrs WHERE: National Track and Field Facility, Leonora WHY: It’s a day aimed at uniting CONCACAF Member Associations in a regional movement to inspire women and girls to play football and build a strong development platform. This observance will see the participation of 12 teams from across Guyana and a grassroots combined team, the former to be engaged in 20-minute, five-a-side matches.

GFF ELITE LEAGUE SEASON III BEGINS THIS SUNDAY!

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will kick off the GFF Elite League Season III on Sunday, 19th November at the National Track and Field Centre Leonora with an expanded league and a greater emphasis on player-oriented initiatives.

Six clubs added to the pool of elite teams following their receipt of their respective CONCACAF Club licenses in September 2017 including:

> Western Tigers FC > Cougars FC > New Amsterdam United FC > Ann’s Grove FC > Den Amstel FC and > Milerock FC

Thanks to following partners: ¤ E.C Vierira Investments ¤ Camex Restaurants ¤ Impressions Branding ¤ Marics (Honda) ¤ Automobile Power Products

ADMISSION: FREE

“This time around the league is more player-centred than ever before. As a result, the players’ match fees have been increased. Players will be provided with an accreditation (pass) that allows them and one other entry into any elite league game venue whether playing or not on the day. It also allows them entry to all GFF-hosted international matches. Additionally, meals will be provided on match day for each player and coaching staff for the clubs participating on that day. Clubs have also been asked to insure their players, a process with which the GFF has facilitated with the insurance provider.”

– Ian Alves, Competitions Director of the GFF

ADMISSION TO GAMES: $500 PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

30

Guinness playoffs begin tonight

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

Magnum ‘Tek Charge and Win’ Futsal Launch on today … Teams asked to send representative

Recent action in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets competition.

ALL roads lead to the East Ruimveldt Community Centre, commonly known as California Square, tonight, when the playoff round in the 2017 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championship commences from 18:00hrs.

According to an official release from coordinators of Three Peat Promotions, “A record 52 teams will compete in the playoff round, battling over the course of three days in an elimination format for a coveted berth in the 32-team group round.”

The correspondence added, “16 teams will emerge from the 52 teams, so it is expected to be a very compet-

itive tournament. Everyone wants to be a part of the tournament which is nothing short of a phenomenon due to its community-driven roots.”

The document declared, “We are asking for all the competing teams in the playoffs to be at the venue for 18:00hrs so that we can have a prompt start. This is important due to the amount of games that are expected to be played on the night. Tardiness will not be tolerated”.

Winners of the overall event will walk-away with $500 000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National playoffs.

The runners-up, third- and

fourth-placed finishers will receive $250 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

The event is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Playoff matches will see Future Stars battle Eccles All-Stars, MBK All-Stars face Smyth Street, Ol Skool Ballers meet New Level, Jackson Sports Bar clash with Rising Stars, Upsetters against Albouystown Redemption, Cross Street versus Stabroek Ballers, California Square challenge Bel-Air, Globe Yard take on Hardina Street Warriors and Sophia Bullies against East La Penitence Warriors.

Other matches include Fruit Stand vs Gaza Squad,

School Yard All-Stars vs Dam Squad, Pike Street Sophia vs Island All-Stars, Charlotte Street vs LA Warriors, Picadilly Street vs Young Ballers, Rasville Dreamchasers vs Terror Squad, Breda Street AllStars vs Star Ballers, South Stars against Spot-7 and New Market Street versus Man City.

Goal Getters will also be in action against Judgement Yard, Costello vs Norton Street Ballers, GTI Ballers vs Young Warriors, Victor Street Ballers vs Bad ‘A’ Yard, PSI Chaser vs Kingston, Young Ballers vs Team Legacy, Perfect ‘U’ Ballers vs Trap House and West Back Road vs Young Stars.

Bermuda Umpire Alex Knight earns top marks at WICUA exams HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Jamaica-born umpire Alex Knight earned the highest mark of 97.5 per cent in the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association( WICUA) practical and oral examinations.

The Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association(BCUA) said that Knight, a resident here, finished above 34 others in the exams.

“Alex’s success is a clear demonstration that we have a very competitive umpiring training product in Bermuda and the only challenge separating our officials from even greater results is more opportunities,” the BCUA said in a statement.

“We’re all excited about it, he got the highest mark of anybody. We wish to congratulate Alex on his remarkable results and urge him to continue to develop his craft.”

Knight has been umpiring for about five years in Bermuda, where he previ-

ously played as a wicketkeeper/batsman for Police in the island’s domestic league.

“When I stopped playing for Police, I was encouraged by my peers to umpire after

the island’s most respected officials.

Knight, who has been coaching under-eight and under-11 girls’ teams for the past eight years, said

Man in the middle: Alex Knight, a former wicket-keeper batsman for Police, excelled at the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association Practical and Oral examinations.

(Photograph courtesy of Bermuda Cricket Board)

I did a game as a square-leg umpire,” said Knight said.

The Royal Gazette newspaper reported that with his “calm, quiet demeanour”, Knight has become one of

he has a good rapport with the island’s senior players.

“You have to keep receiving the advice because the game is still evolving and is bigger than all of us,”

he told the Gazette.

Bermuda Cricket Board president Lloyd Fray also congratulated Knight on his accomplishment.

“I am delighted, but not surprised, to learn that Alex has scored so highly in the recent WICUA exams,” Fray said.

“Alex has been officiating locally, and abroad, at a very high level and is well respected in our cricket community. I also recognise the efforts of Roger Dill, the BCUA training officer, who tirelessly continues to develop umpires locally at all levels.”

Fray said: “Alex was one of four umpires recently selected to officiate in Argentina, where our BCUA umpires continue to demonstrate their leadership in umpiring in the region.

“Congratulations Alex and well done. I hope this will inspire more people to enjoy our great sport from the outstanding viewpoint of being an umpire.”

THE lucrative inaugural Magnum ‘Tek Charge and Win’ Futsal Christmas Classic is set to be launched today at the Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine, Queen Street, Kitty at 11:00hrs.

According to a release from the organisers, thirty-two of the top futsal teams have been invited to participate in the competition. Over $900 000 in cash prizes and trophies will be distributed to the winners, along with prizes for outstanding individual performances.

ber 3, Tuesday December 5, Sunday December 10, Tuesday December 12, Thursday December 14, Tuesday December 19 and the grand final on Saturday December 23.

According to the organisers, fans could expect eight action-packed nights of exciting football and lots of giveaways as a special give back for the Christmas season.

The 32 teams invited are: Sparta Boss, Gold i s M o n e y, B a c k C i rcle, Future Stars, Leo-

The tournament will commence on December 1 and run until December 23, at the National Gymnasium. The winning team will receive $500 000 + trophy, runners-up $200 000 + trophy, third place $100 000 + trophy and fourth place $50 000.

T h e M o s t Va l u a b l e Player will walk away with US$100, while every night fans will enjoy giveaways such as headphones, pop sockets, tee shirts, and speakers.

After the opening night, matches will continue on Sunday Decem-

p o l d S t re e t , S o p h i a , Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Queen Street Tiger Bay, Albouystown-B, Albouystown-A, Ol Skool Ballers, North East La Penitence, Alexander Village, Channel Nine Warriors, Broad Street, Kitty Hustlers, New Market Street, National Rugby Squad, Mike Stars, Campbellville and Festival City, African Team, Buxton Diamond, Pike Street Sophia, Champion Boys, Brazilian Team, Mocha, Swag Entertainment, Silver Bullets, Showstoppers and MBK All Stars.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 17, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 36 (2) 28 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most Test runs for the WI to date?

(2) Who has scored most ODI runs for the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 17, 2017

CONCACAF to launch new Nations League competition in September 2018

MIAMI, Florida (CMC) – CONCACAF is seeking to help resolve an issue that has plagued the development of the game in the region.

The governing body for the game in North, Central America and the Caribbean will launch a new Nations League competition next September which will feature all 41 members.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said the format will be similar to the UEFA Nations League in Europe and it will help to alleviate the challenge of regular competitive action which many Caribbean nations face.

“This new tournament is highly beneficial to all our member associations and fans everywhere, since it provides significant opportunities to play important competitive matches with increased regularity throughout the year,” Montagliani told the Reuters news agency.

“The biggest difference between our Nations League and the UEFA is that their nations were already playing a significant number of

games … But for us it is to allow our countries to play a minimum number of games over a four-year window.

“Our bigger countries have the capacity to do that, but our system was, in my opinion, archaic and you had countries who were playing

as a qualifying route to the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Montagliani said the new tournament had already been warmly welcomed by presidents of national associations, many of whom have never featured in the FIFA World Cup Finals and struggled to

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani four to six games in a fouryear period. It is kind of hard then to develop football in any capacity.”

The national teams who will take part in the tournament are expected to be split into three divisions, based on their “sporting level” with promotion and relegation. It will also serve

organise and finance friendly matches.

But they all agree, however, that there was serious need for matches in order to help their national teams to progress and CONCACAF will ensure that they all have the resources to feature in the competition.

“Sure, some countries

are not necessarily going to win the World Cup, but that is not the point,” he said. “The point is that everybody deserves the basic necessities to try to develop their game and I think this League of Nations provides a great platform for all 41 countries,” he said.

“This allows the smaller countries to participate at a minimum level which has not always been the case in the past.”

Details of the tournament are to be rolled out in February and Montagliani said it was refreshing to put the playing of the game back into focus, rather than the off-field shenanigans that saw the organisation heavily implicated in the corruption scandal that rocked the sport’s world governing body, FIFA. “I said when I was elected that it is time for this confederation to be about football,” he said. “We have been looking at all our competitions and this is the continuation of our philosophy that football is first. This confederation needs to show that – and we have.”

Australia confirm Ashes Test squad ...Paine, Marsh and Bancroft in team AUSTRALIA have confirmed their selection bombshell by sensationally recalling Tim Paine following a seven-year absence from Test cricket, with the wicketkeeper set to take the gloves for the Magellan Ashes.

Paine, who has not kept for Tasmania in their opening three JLT Sheffield Shield rounds due to the presence of incumbent Test gloveman Matthew Wade, will dust off his Baggy Green after remarkably leapfrogging both Wade and his predecessor Peter Nevill T h e 3 2 - y e a r- o l d ’s shock inclusion comes as opener Cameron Bancroft was also named in the 13man squad for the first two matches of the series while veteran batsman Shaun Marsh’s strong start to the domestic season earned him a recall to the Test team.

The bowling stocks were bolstered by the inclusion of South Australia’s Chadd Sayers, who could be in line for a debut in the

day-night affair on his home turf at the Adelaide Oval for the second Test.

Bancroft, 24, is set open the batting alongside vice-captain David Warner and become Aus-

Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

National Selector Trev-

Tim Paine is set to make a surprise comeback behind the stumps for Australia Ge tralia’s 451st Test player. or Hohns said Bancroft Australia Squad: Steve had earnt his call-up to Smith (c), David Warner the Test side. (vc), Cameron Bancroft, “Cameron has been a Usman Khawaja, Peter player of interest to us for

some time now, having been unlucky to miss out on the Test tour to Bangladesh that was cancelled in 2015.

“He is a very talented and tough cricketer who shows a good temperament for Test cricket.

“He has thoroughly earned and deserves his call-up following some outstanding performances in the early rounds of the JLT Sheffield Shield competition this season.”

Queenslander Matthew Renshaw has been axed following a lean start to the Shield season, while leading contenders for the No.6 spot Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright – both of whom played in Australia’s most recent Test against Bangladesh in September – were overlooked in favour of Marsh.

Bancroft earns his callup after scoring a pair of half-centuries against Australia’s Test attack in the game against NSW last week and a marathon unbeaten 228 against South Australia this week.

GCA to host spin bowling and wicket-keeping clinic tomorrow THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will be conducting a Youth Spin Bowling and Wicket-keeping Clinic for Under-17 players tomor-

Mark Harper row from 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs at the St Stanislaus College tarmac on Brickdam.

An invitation from chairman of the GCA

Cricket Development, Mark Harper, has been extended to all GCA clubs to send three spin bowlers and a wicketkeeper to this clinic.

The programme aims to help develop the ability of spinners and wicket-keeping and will include basic grips, actions, spinning the ball, flight, tactics and accuracy, glove and foot work, standing up and back and stumping.

The following coaches will be working with the youths - Roger Harper, Clyde Butts, Garvin Nedd and Mark Harper himself.

The players are required to wear whites or track pants with white tops, socks, sneakers and their personal water bottle.

Wicketkeepers are required to bring the abdomen guard and wicketkeeping gear including helmets.

FIFA rankings ‘loophole’ likely to disappear after World Cup draw (REUTERS) - A loophole that allows national teams to boost their seedings for the World Cup by avoiding friendly matches is likely to disappear after next year’s finals in Russia, with changes due to the international calendar and a FIFA review of their rankings system.

Currently seedings are based on the FIFA world rankings, using a points system which calculates average points for each game and is weighted against friendly matches.

The result has been that some teams, such as Poland and Switzerland, who have played only a small amount of friendlies, have gained an advantage over teams who have played regular friendly games.

Friendly internationals played in November have not counted towards the seeding pots for the World Cup as they are based on last month’s FIFA rankings.

But two changes are set to impact the system significantly.

From September 2018, European and CONCACAF region teams will begin playing in Nations League competitions which will be played on the dates in the FIFA calendar traditionally set aside for friendly games.

That means there will

be very little space available for friendly matches for the 90 national teams who are FIFA members in those two confederations.

That trend could well spread with FIFA confirming recently that they are in talks with confederations about creating a global Nations League structure, which would further reduce the amount of friendly games.

FIFA also said it plans to review the rankings system.

“FIFA is reviewing the FIFA World Ranking system and will take a decision after the completion of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup if any changes are be made to improve the ranking,” the organisation said recently.

Asked if those changes would address the issue of nations avoiding friendly matches to improve their rankings and how Nations League games would be factored into the calculation, FIFA told Reuters: “The FIFA ranking will be reviewed in the near future.

As long as this has not been done, we can’t speculate on future scenarios. The current ranking takes into account all official matches.”

The World Cup draw will be held on Dec. 1 in Moscow.

CONCACAF to launch new Nations League competition See e in September 2018 pa3g1

Minister Norton promises support for CAC Games-bound hockey teams MINISTER of Social Cohesion, George Norton, who also holds the responsibility for sports, yesterday made a promise to Guyana’s male and female hockey teams, for Government’s fullest support ahead of next year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Guyana women defeated Jamaica 1-0, while the men’s side had to settle for a disappointing second place to the Jamaicans at last week’s qualifier tournament at the Jamaican hockey pitch, University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus to book their place at the July 19 - August 3 tournament in Colombia.

“Of course, we’re going to do everything to help them to be able to compete in Colombia,” Minister Norton told reporters in the Boardroom at the Quamina and Main Streets office.

The teams, along with officials from the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) made a courtesy call on Minister Norton who presented them with a plaque on behalf of the Ministry for their accomplishments in Jamaica.

Norton said his commitment is to help not only the National hockey teams, but those who are expecting to travel overseas next year for various international engagements.

Philip Fernandes, president of the GHB said the promise of support from the Minister is comforting and as such, the Board is looking forward to engagements between the two parties.

According to Fernandes, in the absence of an artificial turf in Guyana, the GHB will have to travel overseas to properly prepare which will come at considerable cost.

Fernandes also explained that while the local coaches would have done extremely well, the GHB will now look for the expertise of a qualified overseas coach in order for Guyana to compete with the top teams of Central America and the Caribbean, who are more seasoned at tournaments like the CAC.

Guyana’s CAC male and female teams were presented with ‘plaques’ of appreciation by the Minister of Social Cohesion Dr George Norton. (Samuel Maughn photos)

Johnson hits unbeaten 106 against Red Force

Tagenarine Chanderpaul Leon Johnson

GUYANA Jaguars, led by a superb unbeaten century from their skipper Leon Johnson and 84 from opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, ended day one in a position of command against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their fourth round clash in the Regional four-day championship.

Winning the toss and batting first in the day/night match at the Brian Lara Stadium , the Guyanese batsmen reached an impressive 245 for 2 at the close of play last night.

After losing opener Chanderpaul Hemraj for 22 with the score at 33, Johnson joined Chanderpaul and the two left-

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

handers put together an impressive second wicket partnership Seewas story on for 84. of 174 , before Chanderpaul dismissed page 30 But Johnson was still there at the close, unbeaten on 106, which has so far come off 220 balls. His not out partner is Vishaul Singh on 22.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017