Guyana chronicle e paper 11 13 2017

Things looking up for Coomacka Page 12

Hope for veterans No. 105095

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

...President promises to implement recommendations of CoI

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Police need professional counselling

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Guyana, Brazil to remark border Page 9

Providence man busted with illegal gun, ammo Page 12

Surviving servicemen who served in the British Guiana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces during World War 11 at Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown on Sunday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

AG accuses PPP of double standards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Police need professional counselling –– says psychologist in light of suicide, attempted murder of policewoman

By Rabindra Rooplall

PSYCHOLOGIST Wil Campbell has suggested that the Guyana Police Force institute counselling at the workplace by professionals in the field to help law enforcement officers cope with stress both on and off the job.

He expressed this view in light of the recent suicide and attempted murder at the La Grange Police Station, West Bank Demerara, on the night of November 7 when Police Constable 22834 Clement Cockfield went berserk on his lover.

Driven by allegations of infidelity, Constable Cockfield, 20, on reporting for duty, armed himself with a service revolver and descended on his lover, Woman Constable 23464 Shanice Fraser, 21, and shot her five times.

Believing that she was dead, he turned the gun on himself, blowing out his brain with the final round in the gun.

Fraser is still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and according to reports, she has been responding to treatment.

In recent years, there have been similar cases. In 2008, a 31-year-old policeman fatally shot his 33-year-old lover before taking his own life.

Selena Ramona Khan, a

Psychologist Wil Campbell mother of three, was shot in the chest outside her Lot 18 Public Road, La Penitence home, and succumbed shortly after.

Her lover of two years, Police Constable 16773 Trevor Oswald Cumberbatch, then turned the weapon on himself.

In 2010, Constable Shepherd, 22, called “Black Hat” of Lot 322 Welcome Street, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, was shot dead around midnight in his bed, allegedly by his officer, Assistant Superintendent Ivelaw Murray, with a .38 service revolver.

Enquiries revealed that the two ranks were earlier

Dead: Clement Cockfield

Injured: Shanice Fraser

involved in an argument in the Barrack Room at the Springlands Police Station. Murray later committed suicide and was found dead with a gunshot wound below his chin in his home at Hashim Street, Springlands, East Berbice-Corentyne, still clutching the revolver.

Then in October last, Police Constable 23823, Peter Shivraj Harilal reportedly committed suicide after a night out with friends. Harilal committed the act at home after leaving his friends. He was perturbed after a photograph of him kissing another man was leaked to social media.

The psychologist explained that high pressure, irregular timings and intense work conditions often force the police to see the worst of humanity and the lack of an outlet to vent their emotions exacerbates the situation.

PEER SUPPORT Aside from counselling on the job, Campbell said peer support and talking to families will help officers cope with the stress of their job.

The police, he said, face the difficult task of being compassionate when dealing with a tragedy but not overly

identifying with the victim.

“Every first-responder agency should have a critical incident stress management unit -- a department that officers can access immediately following a stressful on- thejob event which can include line of duty, death, hostage situations etc.”

He noted that police officers work in an environment where they encounter danger, including threats to their lives and this can be psychologically stressful.

“A large number of policemen leave home knowing that their job will take them into situations that they might not come out of alive and that in itself is a stressor; and when you have to deal with that every day and the trauma to investigate murders, dead bodies, rape cases and traumatic events takes a toll on the respective officers,” Campbell pointed out.

He continued: “What happens eventually is your mind has to file these things away so you can continue to function normally, because these things cause emotional damage in your mind. That officer now has to go home and maybe deal with children who are misbehaving or spousal disagreements and they don’t have enough emotional energy to deal with it, because they have so many unresolved issues to deal with at work that

hasn’t [sic] been dealt with.”

As such, he emphasised that there is a great need for psychological and counselling services in the Guyana Police Force to help officers deal with situations which can be potentially damaging to their lives.

In the absence of these services, Campbell noted that there continues to be many cases of mental health and substance abuse in the Police Force, some of which have led to the affected ranks committing suicide.

The Police Force has the support of the Cops and Faith Network, but this entity offers prayers and advice to ranks, which is not enough to handle serious issues.

On a daily basis, officers have to grapple with complicated work that can be emotionally taxing, and unlike what some may believe, Psychologist Campbell told the Guyana Chronicle that policing is one of the most complex jobs in the world.

Police officers, he said, have to be priests, athletes, lawyers and enforcers and the stress at home can negatively impact how they react to situations on the job, especially stressful situations.

For this reason, he said, they need professional counselling to handle their challenges.

Hope for veterans

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

... President promises to implement recommendations of CoI

PRESIDENT David Granger has pledged to work through the Guyana Defence Board, which he chairs, and other key agencies to ensure that the Commission of Inquiry recommendations on the living conditions of veterans are reviewed and implemented.

The Head of State made these remarks on Sunday, at a Remembrance Ceremony hosted by the GVL at Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue, where he handed over a cheque of $1M as patron of the Legion.

“Today we look to the future and we are all concerned about the fate of young persons, who joined the defence and security forces to serve their country.

The plight of veterans has not eluded the Government of Guyana: when I was in

opposition, I promised and when I took Office fulfilled what I called an obligation to investigate the conditions under which our veterans live and work and this has been done,” the President said.

Speaking of the contributions and bravery of Caribbean nationals who served in the Second World War, President Granger said that not only did some make the ultimate sacrifice, but many of those who returned were highly qualified and had inculcated in their homeland a strong spirit of nationalism and pride.

So much so, that many of them took on leadership roles in their respective countries. Among the Caribbean volunteers and recruits that returned, one became prime minister of Jamaica and another, the prime min-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo walks to lay the second wreath at the Cenotaph

ister of Barbados.

Guyanese Royal Air Force Recruit, Cecil Henry Ethelwood Miller, became Chief Justice of Kenya, while Victor Crane, another recruit, became Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana.

President of the GVL, Lt. Col (ret’d) George Gomes, said that it is the responsibility of all to ensure that future generations are taught of the significance of observances such as Remembrance Day and of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World Wars I and II. He informed the gathering that there are a total of 16 surviving members, who served in the British Guiana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces, all of whom are over 90 years old.

He also noted that the GVL is a united front for all veterans, including those from the British Guiana Volunteer Force and the GDF. The GVL has compiled a list with a total of 85 veterans, some of whom he described as “total shut-ins,” while others have serious ailments and disabilities.

“We continue to be thankful to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League and the Royal Canadian Legion for the annual grants for our World War II veterans and the surviving widows [of veterans].

We, however, need much more assistance…,” he said.

The GVL also receives an annual donation from the President.

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, said Remembrance Day observances do not honour war or death, but rather, it commemorates those who have given their lives in

Some members of the military on the early-morning parade

service of their respective countries.

NOT IN VAIN “Many of us here have lost friends, colleagues and family members in service and it is important that we honour their memories. They have not died in vain,” he said.

He informed the gathering that a long-overdue war memorial has been erected in Brixton, London, to honour the sacrifices of servicemen from Africa and the Caribbean who served alongside British and Commonwealth Forces in the First and Second World Wars.

Canada’s High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee, said the fact that ordinary men agreed to fight in foreign lands for foreign lands speaks to their bravery.

Today, several individuals and organisations pledged generous financial support for the GVL. These include the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the different Joint Services organisations, GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, Chairman of the Guyana Elections, Justice James Patterson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, Brigadier Edward Collins and the Central Housing and Planning Authority, among others.

Prior to the GVL’s Remembrance Ceremony, President Granger attended the traditional Wreath-Laying ceremony at the Cenotaph War Memorial on Main and Church Streets.

Several Government officials and the members of the Diplomatic Corps also took part in that activity. In

President David Granger laying the first wreath at the Cenotaph, Georgetown, on Sunday morning his Remembrance Day Message, the President said that the world is forever indebted to those who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace and freedom.

“We remember the Guyanese men and women who struggled for national Independence and who have given their lives in the service of our nation.

We thank those Guyanese who continue to defend our territory and our patrimony. We are encouraged, by their example, to strengthen our resolve to preserve the Caribbean as a zone of

peace and safety now and for generations to come.

We rededicate ourselves to the quest for peace for the nation and for the happiness of our people,” he said.

Remembrance Day is an international memorial day observed within the British Commonwealth since the end of World War I to remember members of the armed forces who died in the two World Wars. More recently, it has been expanded to include those who have died in conflicts after the two World Wars. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Some of the surviving veterans of World Wars I and II at the Remembrance Day Observance 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Scenes from Hurricane Relief Concert

TRINIDADIAN Soca stars Orlando Octave, Patrice Roberts and Olatunji along with others on Saturday night delivered a series of ‘high-octane’ performances at the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) Hurricane Relief Concert at D’urban Park.

The CDC teamed up with the BK Group of Companies, CARICOM and the Ministry of the Presidency to host the event. All proceeds of the concert will go towards their hurricane relief effort to help affected Caribbean countries. Below are scenes of the rocking celebration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

World War heroes remembered NEARLY a century after the First World War and 72 years since the Second World War ended, Guyanese on Sunday continue to pay homage to the local heroes who lost their lives on the battlefield in a bid to support their allies.

Proudly bedecked with the traditional `poppies’, they turned out in their numbers and braved the light downpour to watch the Commander-in-Chief of the Disciplined Forces, President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and representatives of several foreign missions here, as well as non-governmental organisations, lay wreaths at the base of the Cenotaph.

The monument erected in remembrance of the Fallen Heroes is situated at the centre of Georgetown’s major roundabout, at the head of Main Street, outside the Bank of Guyana.

The poppy is the official symbol for the occasion.

The traditional wreath– laying ceremony which also featured prayers by representatives of the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths, was followed by another highlight.

And that is the ceremonial march-past, with the President taking the salute

in front of State House on Main Street, as members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Red Cross and other organisations made to the Guyana Legionaries Hall on Carifesta Avenue for another set of formalities.

In his remarks to those gathered at the Cenotaph, President Granger said the occasion calls to mind the sacrifice of the gallant men and women who gave their lives in two world wars.

“We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom,” the President said, adding that it is also important to recall those who have made similar sacrifices throughout the years in continuation of the struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression.

Guyanese soldiers were part of the fight against oppression and injustice, fighting in wars in places such as Egypt, France, Belgium and East Africa.

President Granger believes that their example strengthens the country’s resolve to maintain its efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all people.

Guyanese were also urged to thank those who have fallen and those who

Members of the diplomatic corps waiting to lay their wreaths at the Cenotaph continue to defend Guyana’s territory and patrimony.

“We, the citizens of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on this solemn occasion rededicate ourselves to search for peace and well-being of our beloved country,” the President said, after which the GPF band complemented the serene atmosphere with calm renditions.

While persons use Remembrance Day to pay homage to those who passed on, it is also important to remember the veterans who survived the wars and continue to share their wisdom and experience with the younger generation.

Prior to the end of World War II, the day was known as Armistice Day, but was renamed Remembrance Day in 1945.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Purge the police rogues THERE was a time in this society, when police officers were seen as persons of high respect. An officer and sworn representative of the law, was much feared, as well as admired in uniform. This extended out of official uniform as well, as he/she was also a welcome choice for a husband/ partner/companion on the part of many a young man/ woman. The mere mention of the word “Police” was enough to cause those inclined to commit offences against the law, to think twice or look over their shoulders. Being a policeman, was also a ready and desired occupation for many a young man, who did not take to the traditional learning curve.

Unfortunately, that high social pedestal on which the police officer once stood has fallen – undermined, by conduct, through the last two decades especially, that is less than desirable. But that is to be charitable, if not simplistic, to a track record that has in every way reduced the traditional respect shown for the policeman, and by extension policewoman, to a level of societal derision.

There is not a week that passes when there is not a media report of a police officer involved in very serious misde-

meanour. It is not uncommon, as the current instance of some policemen being investigated for the murder of a young educator, whose battered and unconscious form was found lying on a city roadway.

Policemen especially, have been accused of, and charged for, murder, attempted murder; robbery in all categories; rape, even committing such an offence within the precincts of the police station; colluding with criminal elements and serious crimes; being hired assassins; trafficking in persons; drug trafficking; possession of unlicensed firearms; theft of firearms from their particular outpost; accepting bribes; demanding money with menace; and forgeries. These are what have been considered to be the very grave offences that have resulted in convictions and jail terms, for mostly junior ranks; but also, some middle-ranking cops as well.

A distressing fact is that some high-ranking police officers have also been reported to be involved in high criminality.

In other words, police personnel have been prosecuted and are continuing to face such consequences for criminal acts that are usually done by civilians. The analogy here is that

given the undertaking by oath to uphold the law, it is an expectation that police officers, both senior and junior ranks, will be guided by such a dictum. Thus, any behaviour otherwise, is a definite contradiction.

But there is a truism that must be recognised, and that is the reality that policemen/women are products of their society, reflecting its many dynamics as existing. So, given the relatively young age of policemen that have been prosecuted for serious infringements, it is not very difficult to surmise and understand what are the factors that have led to a diminution in both personal and professional conduct of the Guyanese policeman.

We have always emphasised that humans are products of the era in which they were born and bred. Therefore, these very young cops are a reflection of a society which because of abysmal standards of governance, have experienced a deleterious lowering of socio-moral standards that have permeated every stratum of our society, over the past two decades. Personal behaviours are at an alltime low, almost irretrievably as seems to be the case. Human dignity, once a coveted trait that had once been the masthead of

social upbringing, has long been forgotten. Ethics, non-existent.

It is from this milieu that policemen/women are recruited. We are not saying that the less-than-desirable conduct of those fingered in grave infringements of the law, is a necessary mirror on the attributes of other ranks. We are aware that there are many model policemen/ women, who despite their undesirable colleagues, have remained aloof, and continue to be true to their oath of duty.

They must be commended.

Yet, there is no denying the fact that police ranks becoming involved in infringements of the law which they have sworn to uphold, have become too frequent, and continue to cast a dark shadow over a law-enforcement agency that has been doing very much to change its image.

It is a fact that because of the urgent demand for manpower, that the Guyana Police Force has been unable to recruit the kind of suitable candidate for becoming policemen/women. We urge that a more than hurried look be done into its recruitment policies.

Since academically qualified young men and women do not gravitate towards policing as a career/profession, begin

to evolve a proper financial package that will attract this particular category, insisting on a moral-minded person who believes in personal decency; that it is wrong to commit crime, and those who do, should be caught and made to pay the penalty. Recruit from the social sciences, the process should be very stringent, and commence in an urgent way, the introduction of the modern policeman/ woman. It is time that personal pride become part and parcel of the young police officer’s outlook.

There are too many young recruits that continue to become police officers with the aim of making money out of the misdeeds of persons. Under the cover of the police uniform,

these misfits continue to commit serious crimes.

How long these misfits should be allowed within the Guyana Police Force? They are known, and immediate steps ought to be taken with regard their removal, since they are a serious hindrance to the efforts being made to improve the force’s professionalism. The President has aptly stated that education and training, high ethical standards and a strong sense of social responsibility are the most important principles required of the members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the execution of their mandate to provide service and protection in an ever-changing and diverse security landscape.

Has Mike Archer assumed the role of GFF apologist ?

Dear Sir,

I DON’T know Clinton Urling, never met him personally, neither have I ever dined at his restaurant, so I can’t be accused of soup-drinking. Suffice it to say that my dietary intake may not subscribe to the culinary delights offered at German’s. Nevertheless, it ought not to be construed that I’m coming to the defence of Urling. Since in my estimation he is quite capable of defending himself, which was done on more than one occasion, in the print media and quite rightfully so.

However, as a consequence of the recent publication of a letter by Mike Archer (S.N. 05.10.17) captioned “Urling’s criticism of GFF unconscionable,” it’s within this context that I posited the relevant question in relation to the above caption.

Firstly, where was Mike Archer during the period of Urling’s tenure as chairman of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee? A timely reminder to the individual just in case he wasn’t around, Wayne Forde, the current GFF President, was the President of Fruta Conquerors at that time. Secondly, during the period of the Normalisation Committee, the GFA of which Conquerors was an affiliate. The former was in an administrative quagmire, to the extent that the

association was not properly normalised, but yet still the election of office bearers went ahead.

Thirdly, with Forde’s former compatriot from Conquerors, a serving member of the NSC, at the helm of the GFA at the time.

Editor, within the print media by way of letter, I was extremely objectionable to the process of “Constitutional Reform/Upgrade being incomplete and the GFA – AGM/Elections of Office –Bearers” going ahead, with the relevant “voting rights” accredited to “all and sundry.” This within itself presented a dilemma, since clubs falling outside of their respective constitutional mandates, i.e. the period when their AGM should be held, failing which, automatic non-participation in the electoral process.

Fourthly, with the GFA still being unable to achieve its “Locus Standi” leading up to its AGM. My public concern!

Within the association structure a criteria can’t be fulfilled, then nationally an individual, ought not to be appointed. Further, with football as an olympic sport; how come the GOA never rendered assistance, in arbitrating with the ongoing scenario at the time with the four disgruntled clubs in the expansion of the Elite League?

Fifthly, in all of the “gesticulating and meandering” football in Guyana is still underdeveloped. While I can’t recall up to Frankie Wilson’s tenure as

president (ag) and prior, if it had ever reached the stage of duplicity, inconsistency, nepotism and unprofessionalism.

Constitutionality and the relevant articulation, are essential for the well-being of the sport, from an administrative perspective. So, in actuality and factually if the GFF executive don’t want to enforce “Constitutional Articulation or Parliamentary Procedures” upon a recalcitrant and GFA or any other affiliate that is dormant, then, the governing body should rethink its attribute of “good governance,” but also look into the mirror!

Sixthly, both CONCACAF and FIFA not acting in the best interest of “Fair Play, For the Good of the Game and Love of the World.” Rather, they both would have resorted to “big stick diplomacy” in aiding the continued underdevelopment of the sport locally, by enforcing the expansion of the Elite League. Have the dictatorial policies of FIFA, changed significantly from those of its predecessors or have they gotten worse? Maybe the scrapping of the Anti-Racism Committee task force, under the current FIFA president should be an indication of making FIFA “Great/ White again.” That an initial agreement of expanding the Elite League, within two years, within two additional clubs was “torpedoed” by the Forde-led

administration despite the fact: Fruta Conquerors, which at the time had Forde as its President, was in agreement with the other stakeholders.

As a consequence, Urling was/is within his right to question both the Confederation and FIFA, of their collective decision, in supporting the expansion of the Elite League.

The 10 points listed by Archer as achievements by the GFF, isn’t something one should “boast and brag” about, since any elected executive is supposed to do, in pursuit of “meaningful development. If, for some strange reason, the individual should do some research, then he would know that more funds, compliments of FIFA, have been disbursed to the GFF more than any other previous executive. As for the NAMILCO-sponsored Associations under-17 competitions,this sponsorship initially from the inception was with Fruta Conquerors, while Marlan Cole was the President; with Forde leaving the club, he took it to the GFF, a clear-cut case of hijacking!

Editor, in the absence of football being played, more so at the senior level, both domestically and nationally, can there be a fair assessment or evaluation of the individuals who attended courses, workshops or seminars? Further, are individuals required to submit a report to

Associations, Referees Councils and Coaches Associations as was done in the past? Way back in 1986, I attended the GFL Demico House-sponsored Club Leadership Training seminar #2, which was my first. Additionally, the then GFA, Administrators and Referees Seminar, with a keynote address by former CFU and CONCACAF Vice President, Lisle Austin. Marketing and Accountabilities, Stadium Management and Security of the GFF /FIFA. In relation to the latter, it was based on an assessment and subsequent examination that the G.C.C ground was deemed unfit and unsafe to host World Cup qualifiers, for 2010.

In 1997, while serving as Hon. Secretary, G.F.L (then) which was my first of three stints, former Fruta Conquerors, Coach, Deryck Whyte and myself were engaged in a conversation pertaining to: “Anton Corneal, who at the time was a member of the T&T under-23 coaching staff that was engaging a local national under -23 line-up the following day. Whereby we both agreed that under-16 youths in Georgetown would benefit immensely from a coaching clinic coordinated by Corneal. All it took was a phone call to former GFL, President, Winston Callender, and the rest was history.

Over 50 youths turned out the next morning at the GFC. We took no “credit or praise” for the

initiative, since football was the winner!

All in all, I was totally against the Elite League from the inception and for that reason, I didn’t accept a paid assignment.

My take in the absence of a supporting league, a tier below with more clubs drawn from more Associations would have been conducive to “overall development.” The “visionless insight, expanding to 10 teams was making the pinnacle more top heavy, with no supporting foundation.”

But does CONCACAF and FIFA, both care what passes for development in Guyana? By the way, when will the third edition of the Elite League commence?

Editor, its anyone’s guess why Archer would descend to a “clogged-up and overflowing gutter” to publicly highlight Urling’s name appearing on a List of Candidates for the PPP/C, in the 2015 National and Regional Elections! Isn’t that the individual’s constitutional, democratic and fundamental right?

Or, is Archer implying that German’s Restaurant should be boycotted, albeit the Kashif and Shanghai Annual K.O. Tournament, from 2011 and onwards? What a downright shame for Archer’s mental state of pettiness.

Respectfully yours, LESTER SEALEY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Please don’t reduce Parliament to a fish market Dear Editor,

THE recent appointment of the new GECOM chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission has created a lot of political controversies recently in our nation.

While I believe that it is a right for people to protest in the streets, I found it very disrespectful, immoral and vulgar behaviour by members of the opposition to take their placards inside of Parliament to heckle and disturb President Granger while he was speaking.

That behaviour of the PPP sets a bad example to the people of this nation and the younger generation.

Whatever disagreements and grievances the members of the PPP have with President Granger can be addressed through debates and dialogues and at the High Court. It’s very wicked and demeaning for these MPs to carry their placards inside of Parliament. It’s clear that they have no respect for authority in Guyana.

What bothers me most is we have a Bishop Juan Edghill who joined the PPP’s immoral bandwagon to heckle the President.

As a Bishop, he ought to have known better and how to answer every man in authority. If Bishop Edghill is reading the Bible he uses to preach then I want to refer him to these scriptures.

Romans 13:1-2, Submission to the authorities. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities

resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

Our Members of Parliament are behaving worse than folk in the fish market and this fish market politics is not going to take our country anywhere.

Just last week I saw Jagdeo and Bishop Edghill at a church in Berbice, then I saw them at several Hindu mandirs. I am wondering if they were just going there for elections campaign or to hear a sermon. Then these same guys showed up inside of Parliament with their placards to heckle the President. Jesus said: Luke 6:31-33 “Do unto others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.”

Our Motto of Guyana reads: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” but I see a lot of racial divisions and power struggles in our country, where there is no love and unity among our political leaders. When I was at university I read some great books by John Maxwell and I wish to quote him below: “True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated.

It must be earned. The only thing a title can buy is a little time -- either to increase your level of influence with others or to undermine it. Leadership is influence. Just because someone has a title, doesn’t mean that person is

a leader.’’

I would like to recommend John Maxwell’s books to the members of the PPP and to our current administration. ‘’The character of a leader will filter into the entire organisation and its employees. Great character will create potential for a great organisation. But, it all begins with the leader’s heart.’’

I think the opposition leader lacks the character to lead our people; they also lack attitude. If both sides of the House would lead this nation forward, they need to work on their characters and attitudes.

They must be morally upright and be men and women of profound integrity. They need to respect each other. Sometimes I hear they address each other as ‘’Hon. Members.’’

I wonder how are they addressing the President? It’s my firm view that we need security checks at Parliament to avoid placards as well as knives and guns, lest we have some Parliament massacres, because everyone wants power and they can murder each other to get it.

The key to our success as a nation is love and respect for each other, but that respect must be earned. We must learn simple, insightful ways to interact more positively with others; that will bring great unity and love in our nation. Our politicians should not ridicule each other, but bring out the best in each other as Gandhi said: ‘’ An eye for an eye gives the whole world a blind eye.’’

Regards, REV. GIDEON CECIL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

AG accuses PPP of double standards … warns against judiciary usurping executive

ATTORNEY General (AG) Basil Williams has accused the opposition of being duplicitous in their challenge to the appointment of Justice James Patterson as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), pointing out that on almost 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.”

he misled the President on his curriculum vitae when he stated that he is a former Chief Justice of Grenada when in fact he was the acting chief justice.

In his response, Williams said that these matters are irrelevant, speculative,

Attorney General Basil Williams

Major General (Rt’d) Joe Singh

The AG made the comments in his affidavit in response to the PPP’s challenge by their Parliamentarian Zulfikar Mustapha.

The PPP wants the court to rescind the appointment of Patterson.

Among some the arguments made in their challenge are: Patterson is a pastor; he was employed by the President and that

malicious, frivolous, and vexatious and ought to be struck out forthwith.

“I further contend that… the Honourable Justice Patterson’s theological training, learning and/or pastoring a church are insufficient grounds to deem him or any person a religious activist. I am advised further and do verily believe that the Honourable Justice Patterson is

no longer a serving pastor and has not served as a pastor since 2005,”Williams argued.

He pointed out that “It is duplicitous for the applicant to seek to allude to the past pastoral role of Honourable Justice Patterson when

dollars ($800,000.00) is an outright falsehood and is rejected fully. I am further advised as aforesaid and verily believe that Cabinet approved a monthly honorarium of twenty thousand Guyana dollars ($20,000.00) for the chairperson and fif-

Newly appointed GECOM chair James Patterson

Attorney and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram

the Leader of the Opposition on his third list nominated Mr. Onesi La Fleur, who is currently a serving pastor.”

La Fleur is a Seventh-day Adventist currently serving in Trinidad and Tobago. He held the position of youth director and other positions when he served in the Guyana Conference.

Williams also argued that Patterson being a member of the advisory committee of the Prerogative of Mercy can in no way hinder his ability to be impartial, objective and independent, asserting that such an appointment demonstrates and enhances his ability to be impartial, objective and independent.

“It is therefore deceitful for the applicant to aver to the advisory capacity of Justice Patterson, even as the leader of the opposition in his first list nominated Mr. Christopher Ram, who also served as adviser to the Honourable Attorney General on the establishment of the Joseph Haynes Law School,” Williams argued.

With respect to Patterson’s role as a member of the Ministerial Council of Legal Advisers comprising five legal luminaries, Williams slammed the PPP for “falsely” claiming that he (Patterson) earns $800,000 monthly.

“I will contend that the applicant’s unfounded and mischievous assertion that the Honourable Justice Patterson is receiving the sum of eight hundred thousand

teen thousand Guyana dollars (G$15,000.00) for each member. I attach hereto a copy of the Cabinet decision appointing the said Ministerial Council.”

Justice Claudette Singh had earlier called out Anil Nandlall for lying when he made the false claim of Patterson’s remuneration.

Justice Singh also serves on the council.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST Commentators had pointed out that both Christopher Ram and Major-General (rtd), Joe Singh, both of whom appeared on the lists submitted by Jagdeo, would have been deemed unacceptable by the same arguments made by the PPP and the AG said while Patterson’s services were available to other ministers, Ram’s as an adviser to him were voluntary and specific to him.

“I further contend that since the leader of the opposition placed Mr. Christopher Ram on his first list, both of them believed that Mr. Ram was not unfit because he was an adviser to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and as such it is hypocritical for the Applicant to claim that Honourable Justice James Patterson is disqualified for being such an adviser.”

Ram has since resigned the position. “I further contend that the leader of the

opposition similarly felt that Major-General Joe Singh was fit and proper to be placed on his third list despite being a paid adviser of the President,” Williams said.

The AG argued too that the leader of the opposition included Major-General Singh on his third list despite the fact that he had been appointed more times than Patterson to conduct commissions of inquiry under the President’s watch, and could not seriously contend such appointments rendered the major-general unfit for the GECOM Chair.

CJ ACTING The PPP has made a major plank of their challenge to Justice Patterson’s appointment his inclusion of Chief Justice of Grenada and not Chief Justice (ag).

Justice Patterson two weeks ago clarified that the error was “a slip of the pen” and Williams in his affidavit said that the terms Chief Justice and Chief Justice acting are used interchangeably within the region and even more particularly it is so used in Guyana.

He said he was informed

by Justice Patterson that the fact that the word “acting” did not appear after the words “Chief Justice” was not an intention to deceive and further that does not negate the fact that he held and executed the functions of the office.

“I am informed by the Honourable Justice Patterson and do verily believe that during his tenure of Chief Justice acting and even after that tenure [had] expired, persons who knew him then and even to this day call him ‘Chief’ or ‘Chief Justice’ or ‘My Lord’ as the case may be and that is a common practice in such offices.”

The AG maintains that President David Granger acted lawfully, within the parameters of the constitution of Guyana, and in particular in accordance with Article 161(2) of the constitution of Guyana.

“I will further contend that this entire application is absurd, misconceived and void of legal reasoning and merit and ought to be dismissed with substantial costs, since His Excellency the President cannot be directed to choose a person from the lists of 18 which he specifically rejected.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Guyana, Brazil to remark border

THE Governments of Guyana and Brazil have held the preparatory meeting for the remarking of the borders between the two countries.

The exercise is aimed at solidifying the friendship between the two countries and demonstrating a mutual respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The meeting, at which Guyana’s delegation was headed by Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn, was held at the Ferrari Hotel, Roraima, Brazil on Sat-

Members of the two delegations in discussion at the preparatory meeting held in Roraima, Brazil on Saturday

A marker at the border between Guyana and Brazil urday, while the marking process will commence on Thursday, November 16, 2017.

Guyana’s Consul General to Brazil, Ms. Shirley Melville, in her remarks at the start of the discussions said, the process is a significant step in the fortification of the relationship between the two countries. ”This morning is a step towards developing the relationship between Guyana

and Brazil. We have been working together for a number of years and this is a continuation of building on that relationship,” she noted.

Her comments were supported by Dauberson Monteira da Silva, Head of the Commission on Border Demarcation for Brazil, who said the relationship between the two countries has indeed been a long one, characterised by good will, friendship and mutual respect.

He too, noted that the exercise will further strengthen the strong bond, which the two nations share.

Commissioner Benn in underscoring the importance of the discussion and the event to follow, said the issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity are important to the Government and people of Guyana.

“Our borders are very important to us in Guyana and we appreciate the cooperation from the Brazilian Government. Guyana is committed to the process and we are prepared to find the resources to ensure that this process is completed.

We will continue to give support, financial and otherwise, to ensure that this process is completed. We have shared relations with Brazil for a long time and during our relationship we have been working to keep our borders clear so that we can identify the border marks,’’ Benn added.

To this end, the Guyana Defence Force and the GLSC have dispatched a team to be led by Adrian Cheong, a Senior Land Surveyor and Captain, Joselyn McAllister from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and comprising too, of and three technical and field officers from the GLSC to facilitate the

four-day process.

Benn in pointing out that Guyana has gotten Cabinet’s approval to fund some aspects of the process added that it is imperative that every country is able to identify its boundaries and have them established.

“The team will look at the marks, repair and update them for posterity. The integrity of one’s country is paramount and to ensure that our integrity is assured, one of the things that we do is to identify the borders to make sure that it cannot be encroached or is not encroached by others and since we have a really good relationship with Brazil it is easier for us to keep that border clean, clear and visible to all concerned,” he said.

The process was started in 1994 but was stalled for years due to funding issues on both sides. Due to the density of the forests in the border region, only four marks; BG15 to BG19 will be re-marked and re-done during the four-day exercise. The remainder will be done at a later stage.

However, at the completion of the re-marking process, a follow up meeting will be held between the two delegations to discuss the successes and challenges for future planning.

Veterans receive $2.8M

By Shirley Thomas THE plight of veterans has not eluded the notice of Government, said President David Granger as he assured retired army officers that efforts are being made to improve their lot.

The President expressed these sentiments during his address at the Guyana Veterans Legion Remembrance Day Ceremony at Coghlan House, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, on Sunday.

And in a tangible demonstration of his commitment to the cause of the veterans of Guyana and bettering their lot, he made a $1M donation at the “Pledges of Support Segment” of the ceremony, on behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Given in good faith, this token represented but the first in a total of $2,802,000 in donations made in rapid succession by other entities at the remembrance ceremony.

The gesture was quickly replicated by the Guyana Defence Force, with Chief of Staff Patrick West making a pledge of $1M on behalf of the Guyana Defence Force and a further $50,000 representing his personal donation.

Other donations were from the Georgetown Public Hospital ($50,000); the Guyana Police Force ($100,000); Central Housing and Planning Authority ($100,000); the Guyana Prison Service ($60,000); the Guyana Fire Service ($75,000); Mayor & City Council ($20,000); Justice James Patterson ($40,000); UG Vice-Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith ($50,000); Brigadier Edward Collins ($75,000); Romeo Mc Rae of the Toronto Chapter ($20,000); New York Chapter (US$500); Fitzroy Corlette ($20,000); Semple, a private individual, ($20,000).

Winding up his address to the Guyana Veterans Legions Remembrance Ceremony at Coghlan House on Sunday, President Granger paid tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price in World Wars I and II. And taking note of those before him with obvious scars, and who have survived World War II, the President declared: “Today we look not to the past, but we look to the future and we are all concerned about the fate of the persons – young persons who either as teenagers or young adults, joined the defence and security forces to serve their country. And as you can see from today’s parade, the number of persons in wheelchairs or wearing dark glasses is phenomenal,” he said.

And declared: “The plight of veterans has not eluded the Government of Guyana and when I was in opposition, I promised that when I get into government I would make it an imperative to investigate the conditions under which our veterans live and work, and this has been done.”

The President said he has been working through the Guyana Defence Board, with the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Veterans Legion, and civil society to continue to improve the lot of veterans.

“For those who might have given what was expected, equally, we expected that those who have served will continue to receive not only the gratitude, but the support of the Government and the people of Guyana,” the President affirmed.

Meanwhile, Chairperson, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lelon Saul, said “Without your support it would be difficult, if not impossible for us to support the men and women who have given selflessly.”

The Coghlan House ceremony followed the Remembrance (Armistice) Day Parade at the Cenotaph outside the Bank of Guyana.

At Coghlan House, British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn delivered brief remarks on the historic occasion.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana Lilian Chattergee rendered a poem, while President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes gave a history of the Guyana Veterans Legion.

Also present at the occasion were University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hickens; new GECOM chair Justice (Rt’d) James Patterson; heads and deputy heads of the Disciplined Services, among others.

The Police Band did the honours of providing a nostalgic interlude of Christmas carols interspersed with other symphonious selections, after which the Last Post and Reveille were sounded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

The Foster Care Unit

FOSTER Care? What is it and what does is entail? How does it help our nation’s children and what does it take to be a good Foster Parent? This month is Foster Care Month, so all these questions will be answered over the coming weeks.

On 4 minutes 4 change today, we would like to introduce the team that runs the Foster Care Unit at the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). The unit is run by Manager Ms. Colleen Khan, with Ms. Maikoo, Ms. Myles, Ms. Meusa and Ms. Ali working alongside her to provide adequate care for

responsibility taking care of other people’s children, but it keeps us alert and on our toes.’

Ms. Ali is the newest member of the foster care team having only worked in the unit for a year and three months. She concluded her university internship at the CPA, therefore she already had an idea of what the job involved. She said she was very excited to get a job at the Agency and would have worked in a hospital if it hadn’t worked out. ‘I find the job both challenging and rewarding; challenging because of the barriers that spring up before us on a daily basis in our line of duty:

The wonderful and caring staffers of the Foster Care Unit children who need protection.

The fact that the unit is manned by five females is not by design. Miss Maikoo, a Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, explained that there had previously been a male Child Protection Officer working in the unit for three years. Ms. Maikoo joined the Foster Care Unit in November 2013, though the unit itself has been up and running effectively since 2010. Ms. Maikoo says, ‘Most people would presume that Foster Care is just about finding suitable foster parents to care for children but that aspect, although important, is only part of the job. Our ultimate goal is to have children live with their biological families, so we have to keep working towards that goal and of course this means that there are many other elements to our job and roles that we fulfil. My passion to help children and my commitment to the cause is what drive me and keep me focused on my work.’

Ms.Myles is a Probation and Social Services Officer attached to the Foster Care Unit.

She joined the team in 2015 after working at various Government entities. Each officer is assigned to different areas of Guyana. Ms. Myles works specifically with West Berbice and the East Coast, which requires a lot of travelling. ‘My travelling requires me to visit the schools and homes that foster children attend and live in, to ensure that they are being cared for in a safe and adequate environment.

Keeping checks on the children in foster homes is mandatory’. Ms. Myles continued, ‘Some home visits are scheduled, but some are unannounced: the unannounced visits enable us to see the home environment in its’ natural state. This is necessary if we are going to protect our children effectively. It is a big

you really cannot predict or foresee what they might be. And rewarding because at the end of the day I would have made a difference in a child’s life, or helped a family get their children back… It’s a good feeling.’

Probation and Social Services officer Ms.Meusa says she did not choose her job, the job chose her. The definition of her ‘Christian’ name, ‘Monique’ means ‘counsellor, giver of good advice’ and that is the role she seeks to fulfil daily in her job at the Foster Care Unit. ’Ms. Meusa says, ‘Working in the Foster Care Unit is awesome, but you really have to be selfless because certain aspects of the job can be hard. For instance, there are times when you have to detach yourself from some of the cases in order to do the job effectively; you cannot allow your emotions to get the better of you. The overall consolation is knowing that you are working on behalf of a child and in that child’s best interest.

Manager Colleen Khan concluded, ‘We have Foster Parents in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, with approximately 191 children being fostered. However, there are still hundreds of children in formal care, so we are always happy to receive applications from competent, caring adults: adults who understand that children need encouragement, nurturing, guidance and protection in order to achieve a fulfilled and rounded childhood…adults who truly care.’

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Serve Guyana conscientiously – Min. Cummings urges nurses

By Svetlana Marshall AT a time when Guyana, like some Caribbean countries, has lost valuable skills to the international markets, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health,

disrepute.

She also used the opportunity to underscore the importance of specialisation, noting that while the Guyana School of Nursing produces an outstanding batch of trained, highly skilled and

opportunities will be forthcoming for our nurses,” the junior public health minister noted.

She said the Public Health Ministry is cognisant of the fact that many nurses in Guyana work in community settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, walk-in health centres or prisons in mainstream areas of the nursing practice, but again assured that continuous development in public health will create a window of opportunities for nurses.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings presenting the Best Graduating Student, Melissa DaSilva with her AGNAP Award

MORE SPECIALISED TRAINING “Nurses already specialise in areas such as outpatients, accident and emergency, operating theaters, and neonatal care.

But there is a need for more specialised nursing in areas such as mental health and neurology,” she added.

Specialised nursing training will soon become a reality in Guyana, Min-

Dr. Karen Cummings is urging nurses to stay and serve their country with dignity.

“The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health is currently exploring initiatives and refining strategies that seek to enhance the working conditions of our nurses, so as to retain them in our Public Healthcare System. I urge you to serve your country conscientiously so that we can continue to improve the whole healthcare system, exponentially,” Minister Cummings said.

The junior public health minister at the time was delivering the feature address during the University of Guyana (UG) Bachelors of Nursing Programme Annual Award Ceremony at Tower Suites, on Saturday, under the theme “We will be the Change.”

Speaking directly to the 24 nursing graduates, Minister Cummings urged that they perform their duties at the highest level, while warning them never to bring the notable profession into

ister Cummings reassured, while stating that the Public Health Ministry will be working with the University of Guyana to explore ways in which specialised nursing programmes can be realised.

Coordinator of the University’s Nursing Programme, Afesha Leacock-Marshall, in delivering

Principal of the Georgetown School of Nursing, Cleopatra Barkoye, presenting Terrence Ross with the Gwen Tross Award qualified nurses on a yearly basis, there are opportunities for nurses to become experts in various fields within the profession.

“There is an emerging need for more specialised nursing, particularly with a holistic nursing approach, in our public health system, which means that numerous

Coordinator of the University of Guyana’s Bachelors of Science Nursing Programme, Afesha Leacock-Marshall, presents the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emanuel Cummings with the donation in the presence of another graduate, Regan Goppy. the Annual Report for the Academic Year 2016/2017, pointed out that in August 2016, 26 persons enrolled into the programme from various hospitals and schools of nursing from across the country. She said today, four nurses have successfully completed their Bachelors in Nursing Programme.

“In addition, joining them are students who were determined to persevere despite their challenges, and though they were not fortunate to graduate with the class they enrolled with, they can now stand proudly and say, they have accomplished their goal,” the nursing programme coordinator noted.

She pointed out that in January, the undergraduate research proposal presentation was reintroduced and provided students with the opportunity to present and defend their research proposals, as well as receive expert guidance and constructive criticism from experts in the field of research. It was also in January that the students, now graduates, commenced their nursing practicum at various sites across the country for a period of 10 weeks.

After labouring for two years, Leacock-Marshall said she is pleased to celebrate with her students on their accomplishments. From the batch of 24, 10 of the gradu-

ates,, Melissa DaSilva, Joyanne John, Nadine Adams, Regan Goppy, Ausmin Simon, Terrence Ross, Melisa Peters, Shivonne Lindie, Helkah Velloza and Lexann Trotman, passed with distinction and were presented with trophies for their remarkable performance. The feat represented the second highest number of graduates to pass with distinction since the programme started.

For Melissa DaSilva, her many sleepless nights and sacrifices paid off. She was crowned Best Graduating Student and winner of the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals, UK (AGNAP) Award after securing a GPA of 3.7. The AGNAP Award package also includes 100 pounds sterling.

Melisa Peters was adjudged winner of the Best Research Award for her dissertation on the ‘Impact of Language Barrier among Healthcare Professionals in the Delivery of Quality Care at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’. Peters and Latoya Knox, who are both attached to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, were presented with trophies by that private health institution for successfully completing their degrees.

It was clear that Terrence Ross was everyone’s favorite. His outstanding leadership qualities and love for the nursing profession landed

him in the spotlight during Saturday’s award ceremony.

Ross was presented with the prestigious Gwen Tross Award for his exemplary leadership throughout the course of study.

The Best Graduating Student, in expressing gratitude on behalf of her colleagues, admitted that they could not have done it alone. The programme was manned by four full-time, hardworking and dedicated staff, with expertise ranging from nursing education to public health and specialty nursing.

To show their appreciation, the graduating class of 2017 headed by their coordinator, presented the Faculty of Health Sciences with a wireless HP Office Desk Pro Printer comprising a fax, scanner and copier. It is the hope of the graduates that other classes would emulate their action, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainability of the faculty.

Chief Nursing Officer, Taramattie Barker; Vice Chancellor, University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emanuel Cummings; Head of Department of Public Health, FHS, Mr. Noel Holder; and Principal of the Georgetown School of Nursing, Cleopatra Barkoye were among those present.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Things looking up for Coomacka –– youths have easier access to Internet, education and skills training

By Naomi Marshall

THE youths of Coomacka Village, Region 10, will no longer have to travel long distances to access Internet cafes, thanks to Food for the Poor.

On Saturday, Food for the Poor commissioned the Coomacka Resource Centre, which seeks to enhance the academic performance of students and young adults in Coomacka by giving them access to educational and skills training resources.

The Coomacka Resource Centre is a one-story concrete building (30ft x 30ft) and consists of a library, water trestle, sanitation facilities, desktop computers, a 32” television

set, sewing machines and information technology corner, among other things.

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor (Guyana), Kent Vincent in his opening remarks, said community developments can come in many forms, but the present focus of Food for the Poor’s Community Development Project is on education and skills training, especially for youths.

“With this project we expect that the overall performance of students will improve, as they will have better access to learning resources, including the computers…. This project we expect to have a positive impact on income of families as they will no longer have to travel to Linden for their reading and other

Children of Coomacka participating in the ribbon-cutting exercise to symbolise the opening of the resource centre learning resources,” Vincent said.

Coomacka Mines Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman, Dexter Harding welcomed the initiative, noting that it will ease the stress of the youths of Coomacka from having to travel to Linden.

“This project would offset our young people, the girls and boys from going into the centre of the town, they are exposed to different sort of abuse. They’re going to be right home, they’re going to be comfortable and they will be away from all the abuse and so on,” he explained.

He encouraged Food for the Poor and government officials to support Coomacka, since it is a central community between numerous villages.

“This facility or many other project will benefit not only Coomacka, will benefit the three other surrounding communities also.

So supporting Coomacka is supporting the mines,” he noted.

Harding was also the contractor assigned to the project. The blocks of the building were made by people of Coomacka and every part of the building construction was done by young people of the Coomacka community.

Chairman of Food for the Poor Guyana, Paul Chan-A-Sue noted that Food for the Poor hopes that with the community centre, the residents will further strengthen their values, culture and ways of expressing themselves.

KEY PART “The library is a very key part of what we hope to happen here in Coomacka, that is, that children have to start reading. The level of literacy in Guyana is very low and it’s amazing to me how many people I come across these days, young people, who are unable to read and write.”

Chan-A-Sue is also a part of the Rotary Club in Georgetown and with the help of the Rotary Club in Virginia, helped to setup the water system for the Coomacka Community Centre.

After requesting that all the children gather at the front of the building, Brinaire Jean, Project Manager of Food for the Poor Inc. said, “this is the reason behind this building, this is the reason why this See page 14

Providence man busted with illegal gun, ammo

A 27-year-old unemployed male of Providence, East Bank Demerara, is in police custody following the discovery of a 9mm Luger pistol with a magazine and four rounds of ammunition on Saturday.

The find was made by ranks of the Police Anti-Crime Unit during a patrol at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, around 21:40 hrs.

According to a police release, the suspect was walking along the Railway Embankment when the patrol intercepted him. He is in custody, assisting with the investigation.

The seized 9mm Luger pistol with magazine and ammunition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

What Barticians say

BARTICA, a town located in the CuyuniMazaruni District (Region Seven), has been the beneficiary of millions of dollars over the past two years, as the government invests in the town’s development in areas of health, infrastructure, energy, commu-

nication and the environment.

Complementing the millions of dollars pumped into road improvement projects in the town, is the upgrading of the Transport and Harbours Department stelling at a cost of $240M. A $41M Golden Beach Boulevard

Alma Fortune

Naomi Frederick

“I am living here about 42 years now; Bartica is a nice and quiet place with friendly people.

Sometimes we get our little ups and downs, business is sometimes slow, but things pick up every now and then. I like the development that is taking place, but I would like to see the town develop more, so that jobs would be created for the young people.

Shevon Lane “More needs to be done because business is slow right now. It is hard for us in the market, because people come from town and selling greens and all sort of things right in front of the market, and the people inside the market suffering. When it comes to development, again, they need to do more, because the road in a terrible state, from One Mile going up, the road ridiculous. They need to do better.

“I would say that they are doing quite well.

The improvement is evident – they are working on the roads and the drains, the place is cleaner than before because they have people cleaning a lot. Business is not too nice, but that is to be expected, sometimes it is good, sometimes it’s bad but that is to be expected.”

Anita Bobb “Business very, very slow, before, we had the Brazilians; they use to support the local businesses but since they gone, business slow up a whole lot. That’s one, the other thing is – we have a lot of problems with the roads, they patching them but before you know it is a bigger hole. Right now in front [of] my gap I have a terrible hole. I hope they put something in the budget to have the roads fixed properly, and something to boost business.”

project is also on stream, while millions more are being infused under the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (J-CCCP) to allow for sections of the town, including the Three-Mile Secondary School, to be powered using solar energy.

Norleen Jones “As of now, everything is not completed as yet, but we are getting there, we are looking at the stelling, it’s almost finished; the roads, they are doing repairs, but we still have some pot- holes [that] need to be covered. Garbage, they are improving on that, but it still got some people trying to keep Bartica down.

Business is on and off, but we are thankful for the small mercies.

This week we asked the “Man in the Street” for his take on Bartica. While many of the residents expressed satisfaction with the town’s development, there was a common notion that business has been on the decline.

Latchman Persaud “It’s 26 years now I am living in Bartica. So far, is half and half but it’s good in a way.

These days you seeing nuff changes, roads fixing, they fix up the beach-front, park build and so on, but for me, business down over 70 per cent. Time like now we don’t sit down, but now we deh sleeping. Competition all round and the market ain’t getting the support.

Rehana Rahim Alice Nedd “Bartica is a very nice place, cool and nice, peaceful. Business `lil’ slow but some days, it would pick up. But I think more needs to be done, especially when it come to the roads, the roads need fixing, but everything else alright.”

“For me, more needs to be done to bring in more people into the region, we need more people. I think everybody should work together with the region and the Town Council to maintain prices. It [development] is going slowly but I think we are getting there.”

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Things looking up ...

From page 12

The Coomacka Resource Centre that was commissioned on Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017 building is here today.

This building is not for the grownups, it’s not for the adults, it is for the kids.”

Jean, who spoke on behalf of Desirae, a former resident of the Coomacka Village, noted that Desirae has done many projects at Food for the Poor; however, this one meant the most to her because it is for the benefit of her hometown.

He described Desirae as a person who loves family values.

According to Jean, Desirae raised funds on her own to be able to do the project, but unfortunately she was not able to make it to the commissioning of the centre.

FOR THE YOUTHS “The kids, this building is for you, this is someone who came from this community that didn’t have anything who wanted to put something together so you guys didn’t have to go to Linden or you guys didn’t have to go to the next community,” he explained.

Jean encouraged the youths to respect their elder and pursue their education as they are the future of tomorrow.

“Don’t listen to anyone telling you ‘you can’t

be anything in life’. I’m looking at you guys and I see doctors, I see lawyers, I see teachers, I see presidents, I see council men, I see leaders among yourself today,” he said.

Food for the Poor (Guyana) Director, Nezam Zaman, said the building is the means for success of the residents of Coomacka.

“We don’t want to see knowledge in this building, we want to see it outside; we don’t want to see sewing machines at that time in the building, but we want to see you establishing garment factories on the outside… We want to see the building reflect with you on the outside with the progress of this community,” he added.

Andrea Benjamin, who is a worker of Food for the Poor (Guyana) in closing remarks, thanked everyone that made the community centre a reality.

Jemimah Hall, who is a resident of the Old England Village, praised the new initiative.

“This is a very good initiative for the children. I see it beneficial because we use to got to go so far to get Internet.

It’s a really positive initiative I see coming out of this.”

Youths of Coomacka will soon learn the art of sewing

Correction

IN our report on the seizure of a rifle and other items from a man on Quamina Street, Georgetown, published last Friday, we incorrectly stated that the man was arrested in the property owned by an opposition Member of Parliament.

His arrest and seizure of the items actually took place on Quamina Street.

The Guyana Chronicle apologises to the owner of the property for any inconvenience caused.

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Croatia celebrate after their World Cup play-off win over Greece

Croatia see off Greece to seal World Cup spot ATHENS (Reuters) - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic heaped praise on his players after they saw off Greece with the minimum of fuss in their playoff tie on Sunday to seal a place at the 2018 World Cup. The impressive Croatians held Greece to a 0-0 draw at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium in Sunday’s second leg in Athens to complete a 4-1 aggregate victory – making it the fifth time they have qualified for the global showpiece since gaining independence in 1991. ”Congratulations to my players, it was a great game tonight, full of tension, and we’ve achieved what we had set out to do and are going to Russia,” said a delighted Dalic.

“We played a truly awesome game in Zagreb in the

first leg, tonight here it was much harder. But it was never important for me who would be our opponents in this playoff, because I was convinced that we would win whoever we played against.”

Having done the hard work four days ago by winning 4-1 in Zagreb, Dalic’s team finished the job comfortably against the much-improved Greeks who were full of attacking intent and tenacious tackling but lacked creativity up forward.

For all the home side’s possession and hard work, Croatia came closest to scoring with Ivan Perišić hitting the post in the first half.

Dalic said his team oozed quality and that he had benefited from the work of predecessor Ante Čačić, who was sacked last month after a run

of poor results. ”I did not have to do much.

I mostly talked to my players,“ he said. ”This qualification is also as much down to the previous coach and comes as a result of his work.

We are a very good team and failure to qualify for the World Cup was not an option.”

Greece boss Michael Skibbe pledged to continue in his role.

Despite the deflation of missing out on Russia, their improvement over the qualification campaign gave the German hope. ”This is a sad day for us and of course it’s difficult, because we have missed out on the World Cup, but I will stay on here,” Skibbe said.

“I‘m very happy with the team’s progress over

the last 14 months. We have played really well overall in 12 matches, unfortunately we had a real below-par performance in Zagreb and we have paid dearly for that.”

Skibbe pointed to bad luck with injuries to skipper Vasilis Torosidis, Petros Mantalos and Christos Donis, as well as the controversial suspension of Kostas Manolas for the crucial first leg of the playoff, essentially stripping Greece of four of their top players.

“These absences influenced the chemistry of the team, we should not forget that,” he said.

“Tonight we were excellent and Croatia were average. As I said, we have paid for the mistakes we made in Zagreb, mistakes which you simply can’t make at this level.”

Barbados Pride lead but stalemate beckons KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Barbados Pride got the better of the exchanges on the penultimate day of their day/ night third round encounter against Jamaica Scorpions to close in on first innings lead in the rain-hit contest.

But the Regional fourday match was headed for inevitable draw as Pride, replying to Scorpions’ first innings of 176 for eight declared, reached 112 for two at the close at Sabina Park here late Saturday night.

Captain Shamarh Brooks top-scored with 48

while opener Shayne Moseley was unbeaten on 41, leaving the visitors only 64 runs behind entering Sunday’s final day.

The pair posted 68 for the second wicket after left-handed opener Anthony Alleyne fell cheaply for three with the score on 26.

Brooks faced 89 deliveries and counted eight fours while Moseley has so far struck three fours and a six in a 118-ball innings.

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Earlier, Scorpions struggled after resuming on 111 for two, losing wickets steadily as seamer Kevin Stoute and off-spinner Ashley Nurse made inroads.

Only Derval Green, batting at number nine, showed any enterprise as he lashed 30 from 22 balls with two fours and three sixes.

Stoute ended with four for 58 while Nurse picked up three for 52.

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Fudadin in the third over of the day after the lefthander had added just three to his overnight 15 and three balls later in the next over, Stoute trapped the other overnight batsman Brandon King for 12, to leave Scorpions on 120 for four.

Overall, five wickets tumbled for 27 runs before Green and captain Paul Palmer (12 not out) put on 33 for the eighth wicket to add respectability to the total.

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21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Former Man. United defender Patrice Evra banned for kicking fan Patrice Evra will serve his ban until June 2018

PATRICE Evra has been banned from European club football until June 2018 for aiming a kick at one of his own team’s fans.

The former Manchester United defender’s contract with his club, Marseille, has been terminated after they mutually agreed to “end their working relationship” in the wake of UEFA’s seven-month ban.

The 36-year-old was sent

off before the start of a Europa League tie in Portugal earlier this month for appearing to kick a Marseille supporter who had apparently verbally abused him.

Evra, who was one of Marseille’s substitutes for the match at Vitoria Guimaraes, seemed to get into an altercation with some of his own team’s fans as he walked along the touchline with team-mates prior to

kick off.

Video showed him appearing to aim a kick at one of several Marseille supporters who had seemingly scaled barriers to reach the advertising hoardings.

UEFA banned the fullback from all European club football until 30 June and fined him €10,000 (£8,825).

Marseille, who were fined €25,000 (£22,000) for a pitch invasion by fans, criticised both player and supporters who, it claimed, insulted Evra.

In a statement on its website, Marseille said Evra “committed an irreparable act by responding to provocations from a handful of

individuals. Nothing justified such a reaction, especially from a senior player.

“In that context...both parties agreed to end the collaboration by mutual consent.

“This incident also highlighted the unacceptable attitude of a small number of people who uttered insults and threats of violence towards the player and his family before contemptuously invading the pitch.

“Such behaviour, which exposes the club to sanctions, has no place in the stands of a football stadium and at Marseille in particular,” it said.

The incident carried echoes of Eric Cantona’s infamous “kung-fu” kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons in 1995.

The Manchester United striker was banned for nine months from football worldwide and ordered to do 120 hours of community service. (Sky Sports)

Ghana held by Egypt to finish third in group

(REUTERS) - Ghana’s Edwin Gyasi scored his first international goal as they came from behind to hold Egypt, who had already qualified for the World Cup, to a 1-1 draw in the last game in Africa’s Group E on Sunday.

Ghana, who had played at the last three World Cup finals, finished with a single victory in their six group games and finished a disappointing third in the standings behind Egypt and Uganda.

Egypt’s Mahmoud Shikabala opened the scoring with a left-footed strike in the 62nd minute but Netherlands-born striker Gyasi equalised just two minutes later with a deflected effort from outside the area.

It was only the second cap for the 26-year-old Gyasi, who plays his club football in Norway.

Egypt secured qualification for next year’s tournament in Russia when they beat Congo in Alexandria last month. It will be their first World Cup since the 1990 finals in Italy.

Vettel wins in Brazil, Hamilton fourth

Swiss scrape into World Cup with 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel

Switzerland players celebrate after the match (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff).

By Brian Homewood BASEL (Reuters) - Switzerland scraped into next year’s World Cup, their fourth finals in a row, after being held to a goalless draw at home by a valiant and workmanlike Northern Ireland who came desperately close to forcing extra-time on Sunday.

The Swiss qualified 1-0 on aggregate, the tie ultimately being decided by the hugely controversial penalty converted

by Ricardo Rodriguez in the first leg in Belfast on Thursday.

They were again indebted to Rodriguez on Sunday when he cleared a goalbound header from Jonny Evans off the line in stoppage time as Northern Ireland pressed for

an equaliser.

The Swiss, boasting a much more illustrious and talented line-up, could have done it in style as they dominated the first hour but squandered a hatful of chances.

Instead, on a slippery pitch which cut up badly, they relinquished control for the final half hour and were forced onto the back foot, fraying the nerves of the home crowd.

“This is a devastating moment but also a very proud moment,” said Northern Ireland manager Michael O‘Neill, who described the manner of their defeat as “cruel”.

“We’ve gone toe-to-toe with a very good side and it was decided by a really poor decision, a penalty that should never have been made.”

Forward Haris Seferovic was the biggest culprit and was jeered off by the home crowd when he was substituted by Breel Embolo.

After failing to muster a shot on target in the first leg, Northern Ireland forced Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer into action after only three minutes when he tipped over a 25-metre shot by Chris Brunt over the bar.

Seferovic glanced a free header wide from Xherdan Shaqiri’s cross and shot wide of the near post when he was released by Steven Zuber as the Swiss began to take control.

Numerous other chances went begging and the Swiss lost their swagger as the game wore on.

They survived one fright when Conor Washington

headed wide from James Ward’s cross at the end of a quick break while another break down the left by Washington ended with George Saville shooting weakly at Sommer.

Seferovic should have settled it in the 85th minute but instead shot high and wide -- and was substituted almost immediately.

“I‘m very satisfied with my team and with what they have achieved, not just today because it’s been a long process,” said Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic.

Looking forward to the finals, he said: “We want to go as far as possible. We will take it match by match, opponent by opponent and we’re not setting any limits.”

SAO PAULO (Reuters) Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton fought from the back of the field to finish fourth for champions Mercedes.

Hamilton, who clinched his fourth world championship in Mexico two weeks ago, started from the pitlane after crashing in qualifying but led the race after 31 of 71 laps when others pitted.

The Briton was already up to ninth after 10 laps, with the safety car deployed after opening lap collisions.

Valtteri Bottas, who had started on pole position for Mercedes, saw his hopes of overhauling Vettel for the runner-up position in the championship effectively disappear when he finished second.

Fellow-Finn Kimi Raikkonen held off Hamilton to take third for Ferrari.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 13, 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) 3 centuries (2) Devendra Bishoo-9/184 (First Test, Bulawayo) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich

effected in the WI/ZIM Test series?

(2) How many dismissals ZIM wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva effected?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

CONCACAF sets November 18 schedule for Women’s Football Day

Ramdhani wins Remembrance Day Open Badminton tournament in Canada

THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) on Friday announced that its third annual Women’s Football Day will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Building on the success of the second women’s day held in 2016, in which all 41 Member Associations within the Confederation united to shine a spotlight on efforts to create more opportunity for girls and women to play the game, this year’s full-day event continues CONCACAF’s on-going work to strengthen programming in order to increase women’s participation in the game.

“Our aim is at consolidating a solid platform for the sustainable growth of women’s football within CONCACAF,” said CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani. “The third annual edition of the CONCACAF Women’s Football Day will be focused on providing further access for younger generations to play the game.”

As the focus of CONCA-

CAF Women’s Football Day 2017, on Saturday, November 18, the Confederation will officially kick off the preparations for the 2018 CONCACAF U-15 Girls’

The CONCACAF U-15 Girls’ Championship, which debuted in 2014, focuses squarely on access to the game for girls, exposing them to the benefits of foot-

CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani

Championship.

Each Member Association has been encouraged to host an activity aimed at training its U-15 team.

ball on and off the field.

“The women’s game is in such a climate that it is critical that the world and regional governing bodies cre-

Gayle snubbed by Pakistan Super League HARD-hitting left hand opener, Chris Gayle, arguably, the best T20 batsman of his era, has not been picked from a draft to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Gayle, who will form part of the Windies World Cup 2019 qualification bid, became unattractive because he would have to be with the regional side from March 1 to April 14 in Zimbabwe.

However, the availability of Gayle may not have been the only reason six franchises passed on his services, since the PSL, slated to take place in the United Arab Emirates, Lahore and Karachi, had a tentative set of dates, running from February 23-March 24.

“We were told that Gayle is partially available so that was one of the reasons, but even if he was available we would not have picked him because he is no more the Gayle force he once was,” read a quote

from an unnamed owner in an article published on the Wisden, India website.

over the last two seasons, a fact the PSL franchises may have taken note of.

ate ready opportunities for the younger generation of females to play the game,” said CONCACAF and FIFA Council member, Sonia Bien-Aime.

“Encouraging free play at the earliest opportunity with young females will cast a welcome net over these eager players who will not only learn to love the game but will be the ones to grow football from the early stages to the highest level of competition.”

In addition to next year’s CONCACAF U-15 Girls’ Championship, in 2018 the Confederation prepares to host a range of important women’s events including the Women’s Under-20 and Under-17 Championships, and the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, which qualifies Confederation teams to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In recent years, CONCACAF has demonstrated leadership in women’s football on and off the field, with Member Associations from Costa Rica and Canada hosting FIFA’s 2014 tournaments for youth players – the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, respectively.

In addition, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ drew a total attendance of more than 1.35 million, setting a new total attendance record for a FIFA competition other than the FIFA World Cup™, a championship kept in the region with the victory of CONCACAF nation United States.

Narayan Ramdhani

GUYANA’s Narayan Ramdhani lifted the U-23 Men’s Singles title at this year’s VRC Remembrance Day Open Badminton Tournament in Vancouver, Canada, which was played at the Vancouver Racquets Club over the weekend.

To win the Championship, Ramdhani, playing out of ShuttleSport and seeded No.1 in the Tournament, first defeated Zijian (John) Zhang 21-15, 21-7. He then went on to play and beat the No. 2 Seeded player, Jarin Allan Davison of North Central Badminton Academy, 25-23, 21-7.

The Guyana Badmin-

ton Association (GBA), in a release, said that they were very pleased with Ramdhani’s great achievement in just over one year in Scholarship Programme at ShuttleSport Badminton Academy.

“We do hope he will get the necessary support from the relevant sport authorities, as he is definitely a strong candidate to make the Olympics one Day with his continuous upwards achievements throughout the years,” the GBA said.

The 19-year-old now hopes to attend the 2017 Yonex K&D Graphics International Challenge in Orange County, California, USA from December 19-22.

Annual DDL-sponsored 60-mile cycle road race set for Sunday

Chris Gayle

That quote, along with Gayle’s abysmal PSL outings to date, tell a story.

Gayle scored just 103 runs in five matches for the Lahore Qalanders in his first season in Pakistan before doing just as badly in a longer run last season, scoring 160 runs from nine matches.

Gayle also struggled in the Indian Premier League

The unavailability argument also fails to hold much water when it is considered that a number of other Windies players, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree, and Carlos Brathwaite all found homes with other franchises.

GUYANA’s top cyclists are expected to turn out in their numbers on Sunday when cycle coach Hassan Mohamed runs off the annual Demerara Distillers Limited’s 60-mile race under its Diamond Mineral Water brand.

This year’s event will see a new champion being crowned as last year’s winner, Alonzo Greaves, is currently serving a two-year ban imposed on him by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) for drug use during the 2015 National Sports Commission’s Five

Stage Cycle Road Race.

Greaves was given a one-year ban for drug use after he tested positive at the completion of the fivestage event.

After serving his one year ban, the Caribbean Anti- Doping Association (CADA) appealed the light sentence imposed.

However, Greaves was free to compete during that time and secured podium places during that period and won last year’s Diamond Mineral Water race.

However, after WADA

r e v i e w e d t h e C A D A’s appeal, WADA added a further two-year ban on Greaves.

So, this year’s event should be a very interesting and exciting one.

At the moment, Team C O C O ’s J a m a l J o h n is dominating the local scene; his latest success was on Saturday last when he won the Team United ‘We Stand’ 30-lap `dash for Cash’ race in the National Park, narrowly edging Continental Cycle Club’s Geron Williams across the finish line.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 13, 2017

Chanderpaul carves out superb 109 to rescue Jaguars on final day BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Veteran former West Indies left-hander, Shiv Chanderpaul, carved out a phenomenal 77th first class hundred and passed 27 000 runs career runs, as he rescued Guyana Jaguars and forced a draw on the final day of their Regional four-day contest against Leeward Islands Hurricanes here Sunday.

Starting the day on 53 for two – still requiring 153 runs to avoid an innings defeat – Jaguars found a hero in the 43-year-old Chanderpaul who hit a stellar 109 as the visitors rallied to 305 for seven deep into the final session, to frustrate the hosts.

Wicketkeeper Anthony

Bramble chimed in with an unbeaten 57, captain Leon Johnson got 41 and fellow lefthander Vishaul Singh, 35.

Off-spinner Terrance Ward (2-43) and leg-spinner Nkrumah Bonner (2-52) both finished with two wickets apiece but Hurricanes failed to conjure up that incisive spell to hurt Jaguars.

There was reason for Hurricanes to hope when they removed both overnight batsmen Veerasammy Permaul (8) and Johnson without much addition to the score.

Permaul was lbw in the morning’s sixth over to one from seamer Jeremiah Louis which kept low and Johnson, 27 not out at the start, fell with

the score on 79 when he edged a cut at Bonner to Rahkeem Cornwall at slip.

The enduring Chanderpaul then arrived to anchor two stands which erased any lingering doubt over the result. Firstly, he added 63 for the fifth wicket with Vishaul before putting on 125 for the sixth wicket with Bramble.

Chanderpaul, in his first match of the season, faced 144 balls in just over 2-3/4 hours and stroked 11 fours and two sixes. He passed 27 000 first class runs when he reached 70 and completed three figures off a mere 132 deliveries.

Vishaul was finally lbw to off-spinner Cornwall after spending two hours at the crease

and hitting two fours while Bramble crunched four fours and three sixes in a positive 92ball knock.

Chanderpaul and Keemo Paul (0) fell in the space of

11 balls to leave Jaguars 275 for seven but Bramble and Sherfane Rutherford (22 not out) put on a further 30 in an unbroken eighth wicket stand, to make the game safe.

Veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul struck 109 to reach his 77th first-class ton and passed 27000 runs in the process.

SCORECARD

HURRICANES 1st Innings 412-9 decl.

Jaguars 1st Innings 206 Jaguars 2nd Innings (following on) (overnight 53 for two) T Chanderpaul lbw b Bonner 16 C Hemraj c Hughes b Matthew 0 *L Johnson c Cornwall b Bonner 41 V Permaul lbw b Louis 8 Vishaul Singh lbw b Cornwall 34 S Chanderpaul c Bonner b Ward 109 +A Bramble not out 57 K Paul b Ward 0 S Rutherford not out 22 Extras: (b13, lb3, nb2) 18 TOTAL (7 wkts, 116 overs) 305 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-35, 3-60, 4-79, 5-143, 6-268, 7-275 Bowling: Louis 24-10-39-1, Matthew 15-8-16-1, Cornwall 31-7-940, Simon 8-1-44-0, Ward 21-8-43-2, Bonner 14-4-52-2, Carty 3-2-1-0.

Missigher wins inaugural Russell to make return for Pakistan Super League AAG/Oasis Water 5km Run/Walk

Andre Russell

WINDIES T20 star, Andre Russell, will be back to playing cricket in January and already has one contract lined up after Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Islamabad United bought him in Sunday’s draft.

On a day when Chris Gayle failed to find a team, Russell found himself in a team with fellow Windies T20 player, Samuel Badree.

Russell has not played cricket for a year after he was banned by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) after committing a ‘wheareabouts violation’.

The violation came because on three occasions in the space of a year, Russell failed to tell JADCO where he would be, so they could test him. The violation is treated in the same manner as a positive drug test.

Russell will also be playing alongside Mohammad Sami, and Shadab Khan, who turned out for his Jamaica Tallawahs during his absence at this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Other Windies players in the PSL are Nicolas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Darren Sammy, and Carlos Brathwaite.

Pollard, Pooran and Darren Bravo will team up for the Multan Sultans, while Sammy and Dwayne Bravo turn out for Peshawar Zalmi.

Lahore Qalandars have the services of Narine while the Quetta Gladiators will make do with Windies T20 skipper, Brathwaite.(Sportsmax.com)

Winston Missigher, flanked by Cleveland Thomas (first from left) and Jonathan Fagundes on the medal podium after winning the AAG/Oasis Water 5km Run/Walk (Rawle Toney photo)

WINSTON Missigher clocked 15 minutes, 45.25 seconds yesterday to win the inaugural Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Oasis Water 5km Run/Walk, after a close finish with Cleveland Thomas (15:46.43).

A strong field contested the first-time event and it came down to a sprint between Missigher and Thom-

as, with the latter falling behind just before crossing the line.

Jonathan Fagundes was third, running a time of 16:34.53, while Anfernee Headecker’s time of 16:01.84, earned him fourth place in the seniors. He, however, placed first in the junior category.

President of the AAG,

Aubrey Hutson, thanked the athletes for making the event a success, while also showering the Guyana Beverage Company with praises. He also expressed hope that the event sparks a continued relationship between the athletics governing body and the entity.

The race started inside the National Park, then saw the athletes heading onto

Thomas Lands, then to Carifesta Avenue, down Camp Street and back onto Thomas Lands before returning to the National Park and finishing at the Children’s Monument.

The winner of the senior categories received $35,000, while second and third collected $25,000 and $20,000 respectively.

(Rawle Toney)

Chanderpaul carves out superb 109 to rescue ee S Page Jaguars on final day 23

Jeffrey reigns supreme at South Dakota Circuit Jason Aguilar leads the pack in the Superstock race

Vishok Persaud was a dominant force in Group three.

Kristian Jeffrey leads his father, Kevin, in Group Four action (Samuel Maughn photos)

KRISTIAN Jeffrey reigned supreme on a day when many impressive performances highlighted the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) international race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit.

The event which formed the basis for the 2017 Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, saw Jeffrey picking up two wins after falling out of race one due to mechanical issues.

Jeffrey and Roger Mayers of Barbados made contact which caused unfixable race-day damage.

In the group three race, Vishok Persaud swept the day while there were several winners in the group two class.

Team Mohamed Enterprise Rider, Jason Aguliar, was also in the winners circle.

Details in tomorrow’s edition

Guyana women needle Jamaica to win CAC Hockey Qualifier tournament Men settle for silver after technical issues halt final IT was a day of mixed fortunes for Guyana’s men and women teams on the final day of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) qualifier tournament at the Jamaican hockey pitch, University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus.

It was a Jamaica versus Guyana setting in both finals, but while the Guyanese women were able to needle (1 – 0) the Jamaicans, to win the tournament, the Guyanese men had to settle for ‘silver’.

According to reports out of the ‘Land of Wood and Water, due to issues with the lights at the facility, the men’s finals match could not be played it’s full time, and as such, using the Pool Standings the final positions were awarded, leaving Guyana with the Silver, having nine points, as compared to Jamaica’s 12.

Meanwhile, thanks to LaTacia Chung’s Penalty Corner goal in 48th minute, Guyana was able overcome Jamaica. The two countries had played to a goalless draw in the round-robin stage of the tournament.

Aroydy Bradford was the tournament’s leading goalscorer, netting seven goals; two more than Jamaica’s Kemar Mitchell.

By reaching yesterday’s qualifier finals, both Guyana’s men and women hockey teams would have qualified for the 2018 (July 19 – August 3) CAC Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Guyana’s women hockey team that defeated Jamaica 1 – 0 to win CAC Qualification Hockey Tournament in Jamaica.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2017