Guyana chronicle e paper 11 19 2017

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No propaganda No. 105101

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2017

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–– says President Granger as Radio Bartica goes on air

Page 3

Man shot over alleged love triangle Page 5

Young teacher given moving send-off Page 11

Become innovators Page 10

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo live on Radio Bartica with broadcaster Michella Abraham Ali as Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry Simona Broomes looks on (Adrian Narine photo)

Bank on the cards

–– as African Business Roundtable celebrates first anniversary

Page 16

–– UG Berbice valedictorian urges

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

$2.9B supplementary funding approved –– covers construction of drop-in centre at Sophia, purchase of equipment for West Dem Hospital

By Ariana Gordon

FOLLOWING hours of intense deliberations, the National Assembly late Friday night approved the Supplementary Provision on the Current and Capital Estimates totalling $2,976,237,426 for the period January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had moved Financial Paper No. 3 of 2017 in the House and same was considered in the Committee of Supply where the 20 line items were identified and deliberated upon.

While some line items were not queried by the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), others received intense grilling from the opposition Members of Parliament (MP). Those which raised concerns included the allocations for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), The Supreme Court, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Finance.

In the case of the Ministry of Finance, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira questioned the $118M supplementary provision sought to cater for additional employment in 2017 by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Previous supplementary provision catered for the setting up of a Special Purposes Unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry to the tune

of $130M. In response, the finance minister explained that some new persons have been hired at the Authority throughout the year and more will soon be hired at the highest level of the entity. In fact, he pointed to the Comptroller of Customs being hired as per advertisements published over the past six weeks.

He disclosed too that 61 new persons have been hired during the course of 2017 and the identified amounts catered for promotions as well.

But Teixeira questioned whether the supplementary provision caters also for Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia’s frequent travels to the United States (U.S.).

“No, it doesn’t… whatever travels he is doing is on his own money… he has his family in Miami,” responded the Finance Minister.

The GDF requested $171M to cater for office materials and supplies to be purchased for operations CLEANSWEEP and SAFEGUARD launched as a result of the June 2017 prison break, along with additional vehicle spares and maintenance, the hiring of transportation and airfares, to cater for additional maintenance of equipment such as stoves, generators and pumps, additional goods and services (rentals), and additional operating expenses which included the purchase of foil pans, towels and straw

for the said reason.

Opposition MP Clement Rohee asked, “Could the Minister of Finance indicate to us whether items were purchased in bulk and whether single-sourced?” In response, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the items were purchased in a block from entities that were pre-qualified to supply the GDF and committed that the names of the entities from which the items were purchased would be presented to the House.

Harmon explained too that the items were purchased to deal with the prison break ,which was not a planned activity. In the case of the vehicle spares for Operations CLEANSWEEP and SAFEGUARD, Rohee questioned whether the GDF has an ongoing maintenance operation programme and whether the vehicles in question belong to the GDF. Harmon acknowledged that there is a maintenance and inspection regime in the force and noted that the vehicles are the property of the GDF. “… these had to do with damages [sic] which occurred while in operation… the force has a stock of fast-moving parts,” said Harmon.

AIR TRANSPORT The GDF sought $46, 471, 563 to cater for the hiring of transportation and airfares and according to

the minister of state, efforts are being made to purchase a skyvan along with other types of aircraft which would in effect reduce the force’s need to hire aircraft to conduct their operations.

Meanwhile, questions were also asked about the $30, 399, 122 sought by the Supreme Court to cater to its employment cost shortfall in the months of November and December of 2017, as a result of the hiring of eight magistrates and one legal assistant.

Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall, questioned the hiring of the eight magistrates while requesting the minister to provide evidence of the magistrates being sworn in.

The finance minister explained that four magistrates were sworn in, while the other four were temporary.

He committed to having the requisite information presented to the opposition and the National Assembly next week.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, found himself the subject of many questions when the Committee of Supply considered the supplementary provisions requested for his ministry. Questions were asked on provisions sought for dredging, the highway improvement on the East Coast Demerara, West Demerara Highway, and the reconditioning of ferry vessels.

In the case of dredging,

he explained that additional resources are needed to purchase additional après for MARAD’s fleet of vessels.

As it relates to the highways, Patterson said additional funds are being asked for to cater for the cost escalation for the highway improvement on the East Coast.

As it relates to the West Demerara Highway, he said the $193, 212, 171 requested caters for additional inflows and counterpart resources under the Caribbean Development Bank Loan to facilitate payments under the Fourth Road Project.

Additionally, supplementary finance was requested for the provision of additional resources to facilitate the rehabilitation works on the M.V. Kimbia ($177m) and the additional spare parts for the fleet of ferries ($200M) including for the purchase of air filters injectors, auxiliary pumps, and other critical spares.

Previous supplementary provisions catered for additional costs for the rehabilitation of the MV Sandaka ($100M) and final payment for the rehabilitation of MV Lady Northcote ($75M).

Meanwhile, $147.3M was approved for the Citizen Security Programme II. These sums include the payment for consultancy services and implementation of training programme

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan for youths at risk among other things. Some $9.35M has been approved for the institutional strengthening of CTVET and NAC while $200M for the HIV/ TB/Malaria programmes to procure hardware and software to strengthen the Health Management Information System.

Some $23.3M has been approved for the construction of a drop-in centre at Sophia, $5.38M for purchase of equipment to facilitate improved diagnostic capacity of the West Demerara Regional Hospital and $14.84M to rehabilitate damaged bridges in Mipaparu, Yawong, Kawa and Tuseneng in Region Eight.

Access to public buildings still a concern

–– members of differently-abled community

By Telesha Ramnarine ACCESS to public buildings, adequate financial resources, and employment for the differently-abled were issues atop the agenda when Young Voices Guyana in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission hosted a training workshop for members of the differently-abled community on Saturday.

The two-day training workshop, organised through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, is being coordinated by differently-abled rights Advocate Ganesh Singh and aims to teach differently-abled persons their rights according to Guyana’s laws.

The focus is also to teach this segment of the population how to be able to advocate for such rights as stated in the Guyana Disability Act 2010, Singh told the Guyana Chronicle at the Resource Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Alberttown, Georgetown, where the workshop is being held.

Similar workshops were held in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).

Advocacy group, Young Voices Guyana will soon carry out a series of sensitisation programmes at various institutions across the country.

The group is calling for the public’s support as it continues

to educate the non-disabled community on the rights of differently-abled persons.

Singh expressed disappointment in the country’s policy-makers whom he said have failed differently-abled persons by not fulfilling their rights as stated in the Act. Access to public buildings, he noted, is still a major problem as the country’s building code has not yet been updated. Hence, new buildings are being erected without any accessibility.

Singh said the team hopes to take their concerns to policy-makers when they meet with them in future.

At a ceremony to mark the month designated for Spinal Cord Injuries last Sep-

Differently-abled advocate Ganesh Singh tember, Physiotherapist Neil Barry, who is attached to the West Demerara Hospital, told the Guyana Chronicle that government should look into providing more accessibility for the differently-abled community.

“Fifteen per cent of the world’s population develops disability, and some governments complain that it’s too expensive to make places accessible; but what the research shows is that places that are more accessible to those in wheelchairs earn more than those that are not,” Barry said, adding that “The disability market alone in the world earns more than a billion dollars yearly.”

Suzana Da Silva, 29, who was the one who informed the Ministry of Public Health that there’s actually a month designated for spinal cord injuries, spoke about the challenges that come with her disability as a result of limited accessibility available in Guyana for those in wheelchairs.

Da Silva experienced major life changes when she was

shot during a robbery back in 2014 that resulted in damage to her spinal cord and a life of being in a wheelchair permanently.

“Accessibility in Guyana is a big problem because I think we have this mentality that if someone is in a wheelchair, then they should stay home.

Sometimes I want to go out with my family, but I have to choose because the place may not be accessible to me. I can’t go into the movie theatre at that big mall because I would be too close to the screen,” she said.

Senior Physiotherapist Barbara Lawrence at the Public Health Ministry said Guyana’s building code should be modified to include certain requirements that cater more to the needs of these individuals.

No propaganda 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

–– says President Granger as Radio Bartica goes on air

By Svetlana Marshall

AMID much pomp and ceremony, Radio Bartica 95.1FM was switched on by President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday in the presence of scores of residents from around the region, who converged at the Bartica Learning Centre to participate in the historic event.

Local and regional officials, ministers of government, government officials and officials from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) were among those who also participated in the commissioning ceremony.

The multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art facility, which is housed in the

Bartica Learning Centre, is providing local programming to more than 15, 000 residents of Bartica, in addition to those in outlying communities not only in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District, but in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) as well.

Harmonious voices of students of the Bartica Secondary School and Gavin Mendonca, one of Guyana’s leading musicians, were complemented by the sounds of steel pans playing at key intervals during the grand celebration.

Amid the celebration, President Granger called on programmers and broadcasters to operate in keeping with the principles of professionalism. Singling out two of those very important

guidelines, he said broadcasters must adhere to the principles of responsibility and objectivity.

“There must be a sense of social responsibility on Radio Bartica, on Radio Mabaruma, on Radio Lethem and Radio Mahdia. Once you are broadcasting to the public, you have to have a sense of social responsibility.

We cannot tolerate irresponsibility, we cannot tolerate vulgarity,” the President emphasised.

In underscoring the importance of being objective, he made it clear that radio stations are not meant to be organs of propaganda.

“They must be accurate, and they must be truthful,” he said, while

President David Granger greets the students of Bartica as he enters the compound of the Bartica Learning Centre where the state-of-the art radio station is being housed

Turn to page 8►

A section of the residents, local, regional and government officials present during the commissioning ceremony of Radio Bartica

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers, presented NCN Board Chairman Enrico Woolford with the licence for Radio Bartica. Also in photo are NCN CEO Lennox Cornette and Deputy Mayor of Bartica Komal Persaud (Adrian Narine photos)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Ruling party set to sack Mugabe --Zimbabweans celebrate expected downfall HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe’s ruling party is set to dismiss President Robert Mugabe today and reinstate Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president he fired, two party sources told Reuters on Saturday, as ecstatic crowds celebrated the expected downfall.

Mugabe’s 37-year rule has been effectively at an end since the army seized control on Wednesday, confining him to his residence, saying it wanted to target the “criminals” around him.

State television said Mugabe would meet military commanders today, quoting Catholic priest Fidelis Mukonori, who has been mediating in negotiations with the president.

But hundreds of thousands of people had no need for a formal signal that his time had ended as they flooded the streets of Harare, singing, dancing and hugging soldiers.

In scenes reminiscent of the downfall of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, men, women and children ran alongside the armoured cars and the troops who stepped in this week to oust the only ruler Zimbabwe has known since independence in 1980.

Others marched towards his lavish ‘Blue Roof’ residence, but were kept away by soldiers. Under house arrest in his compound, the 93-year-old has watched support from his party, se-

Zimbabweans in the streets of Harare yesterday

curity services and people evaporate in less than three days.

The sources said a ZANU-PF party central committee meeting scheduled for 10:30hrs (0830 GMT) would also dismiss 93-year-old Mugabe’s preferred successor, his wife Grace, from her role as head of the ZANU-PF Women’s League.

Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwao, speaking from an undisclosed location in South Africa, told Reuters

the leader and his wife were “ready to die for what is correct” rather than step down in order to legitimise what he described as a coup.

Zhuwao also said that only Mugabe, who had hardly slept since the military took over but was otherwise in “good” health, could call a meeting of the central committee.

‘TEARS OF JOY’ It was not clear from reading the party’s Con-

stitution who is empowered to call such a meeting, but events appeared to have made the issue irrelevant.

On Harare’s streets, Zimbabweans spoke of a second liberation for the former British colony, alongside their dreams of political and economic change after two decades of deepening repression and hardship.

“These are tears of joy,” said Frank Mutsindikwa, 34, holding aloft the Zimbabwean flag. “I’ve been waiting all my life for this day. Free at last. We are free at last.”

Mugabe’s downfall is likely to send shockwaves across Africa, where a number of entrenched strongmen, from Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni to Democratic Republic of Congo’s Joseph Kabila, are facing mounting pressure to step aside.

The crowds in Harare have so far given a quasi-democratic veneer to the

army’s intervention, backing its claims that it is merely effecting a constitutional transfer of power, which would help it avoid the diplomatic backlash and opprobrium that normally follows a coup.

The military had been prompted to act by Mugabe’s decision to sack Mnangagwa, Grace Mugabe’s main rival to succeed her husband.

The next presidential election is due next year. Zimbabweans abroad were also hailing the end of Mugabe’s rule, not least the hundreds living in Britain who gathered outside their embassy in central London.

“I’m ecstatic to see people give Mugabe a reality check, because he has been in his echo chamber for too long, lying to himself that people still want him,” said Ruva Kudambo, 37, who came to study technology and Turn to page 5

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Kamla closer to retaining leadership of UNC

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar moved closer to retaining the leadership of the United National Congress (UNC) after Vasant Bharath, considered her main challenger, announced that he was no longer contesting the leadership if the party.

Bharath told a news conference Thursday that the election process was flawed, and because of the illegality of the election, any UNC member can challenge the results in a court of law. The former minister in the Persad-Bissessar coalition People’s Partnership government also called for the resignation of the UNC’s Elections Management Committee, accusing the members of showing open bias towards the former prime minister.

“It is with much regret to the thousands of electors within the rank and file of the UNC who seek meaningful change at the level of its leadership in order to set the party on the path of a great victory

over the PNM (People’s National Movement) and a return to government, that I say I cannot and will not lead any group into this charade of illegality.

“It is time we return to those treasured values of honesty, decency and civility. My group and I shall therefore not participate in a poll in which there is no vacancy for political leader, and we shall not participate in a poll in which the offered slate of candidates of the incumbent political leader starts at an unfair and significant advantage. We shall not participate in any election run by biased and corrupted persons who seek their own political gain,” Bharath said.

Persad-Bissessar, who filed her nomination papers to contest the election on November 26, is seeking a fresh mandate from party supporters, even though she still has at least one year on her position as party leader.

The UNC said that Persad-Bissessar “has taken the decision to

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar

seek a fresh mandate from the party members as the party prepares for a General Election” that is not due until 2020.

“The United National Congress remains committed to its democratic founding principles and we remain a people’s organisation. We will continue to pursue a people’s agenda with a commitment to social justice as a guiding

From page 4

Ruling party ... ended up staying.

Tasa, a 36-year-old who refused to give his family name, said he had brought his four young children, aged five to nine, to the protest “because they are the future of Zimbabwe”.

NO DIS-GRACE For some Africans, Mugabe remains a nationalist hero, the continent’s last independence leader and a symbol of its struggle to throw off the legacy of decades of colonial subjugation.

But to many more at home and abroad, he was reviled as a dictator, happy to resort to violence to retain power and to run a once-promising economy into the ground.

Political sources and intelligence documents seen by Reuters said Mugabe’s exit was likely to pave the way for an interim unity government led by Mnangagwa, a lifelong Mugabe aide and former

security chief known as “The Crocodile”.

Stabilising the free-falling economy will be the number-one priority, the documents said.

The United States, a longtime critic of Mugabe, said it was looking forward to a “new era” in Zimbabwe, while President Ian Khama of neighbouring Botswana said Mugabe had no diplomatic support in the region, and should resign at once.

The Herald, the State newspaper that has served as Mugabe’s loyal mouthpiece, said ZANU-PF had called on Friday for him to go. It said ZANU-PF branches in all 10 provinces had also called for the resignation of Grace, the first lady whose ambitions to succeed her husband outraged the military and much of the country.

To many Zimbabweans, she is known as “Gucci Grace” on account of her

reported dedication to shopping, or, in the wake of an alleged assault in September on a South African model, “Dis-Grace”.

STUBBORN The scenes in Harare reflect the anger and frustration that has built up among Zimbabwe’s 16 million people in nearly two decades of economic mismanagement that started with the seizure of white-owned farms in 2000, the catalyst of a wider collapse.

The central bank tried to print its way out of trouble by unleashing a flood of cash, but that only made matters worse, leading to hyper-inflation that topped out at 500 billion per cent in 2008.

principle to national development,” the party said.

But one opposition legislator, Ganga Singh, has questioned whether Persad-Bissessar is in breach of the UNC’s Constitution by seeking re-election ahead of time.

UNC founder and former leader Basdeo Panday has also criticised Persad-Bissessar, saying she is breaching the UNC’s Constitution.

Persad-Bissessar, who was at the helm of the UNC when it lost the 2015 general election to the PNM, said she felt confident that her team of new faces and those with experience will be able to come to put the party on a road to victory.

She said the UNC has been a strong party, becoming “more united and focused against the real enemy, the PNM”, and when asked about Bharath’s decision not to contest, said she wished him good luck in his future endeavours.

At least three million Zimbabweans emigrated in search of a better life, most of them to neighbouring South Africa.

After stabilising briefly when Mugabe was forced to work with the opposition in a 2009-2013 unity government, the economy has collapsed again, this time due to a chronic shortage of dollars.

In October, monthly in-

Man shot over alleged love triangle TWENTY-seven-year-old, Fazel Haniff, a mason of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is nursing a gunshot wound in the region of his stomach at a private city hospital.

According to the police, Haniff was shot by his friend, Ron Robertson, after he accused him of having an affair with his wife.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 21:00hrs on Friday night at the victim’s home.

Police sources say that Haniff had reportedly picked up a knife and turned to speak with his wife, when the assailant whipped out a gun and shot him before making good his escape.

The police have since launched a manhunt for Robertson. They’ve also recovered a live .32 round and a .32 spent shell at the scene of the shooting.

Haniff, meanwhile, is said to be in a stable condition.

flation leapt to more than 50 per cent, according to some economists, putting basic goods beyond the means of many in a country with 90 per cent unemployment.

Mugabe’s only public appearance since the military took over was at a university graduation ceremony on Friday morning. Decked out in blue and yellow academic

gowns, he appeared tired, at one point falling asleep in his chair.

A senior member of ZANU-PF said it was only a matter of time before he agreed to go. “If he becomes stubborn, we will arrange for him to be fired on Sunday,” the source said, adding: “When that is done, it’s impeachment on Tuesday.”

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Editorial

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

City Council’s woes The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has, of its own making, been receiving some negative press within recent days.

Last week its workers protested the non-payment of October salaries. Ms. Debra Lewis, Council’s Public Relations Officer, last Friday told this newspaper that October salaries will be paid over the next three working days, and that payment for November salaries will come from revenue expected with the amnesty on rates. It is hoped this would be the last time such unfortunate circumstance is visited on the Council and its workers.

The average worker lives from pay cheque to pay cheque, and very often has to rely on the benevolence of friends and family, or engage in other activities to supplement his or her income. Professor Clive Thomas has done extensive writings on the "working poor”, their inability to meet basic requirements of living, and the impact of such challenges on their socio-economic wellbeing and the nation’s human development. Given the income bracket of the Council’s workers, they can be classified in this category.

That these workers had to engage in protest action in order to receive payment for their labour, more than two weeks after it’s due, one can only imagine the challenges they faced in meeting their bills and other financial obligations.

Suffice it to say, however, that such economic dislocation would have a domino effect and adverse consequences on their and their family’s livelihoods.

Then there is the other issue of garbage collection. Even as the Council initially sought to give assurance that it was in command of the removing and disposing of solid waste, residents and those who do business in the city knew otherwise.

Garbage was pilling up, and in some instances not collected in a timely manner, giving rise to concern that Georgetown, after two years of noted improvement, was sliding back into

being the Garbage City.

When Mayor Patricia Chase-Green last week said the city has a garbage crisis, and she was prepared to beg the two major garbage collectors, Cevons Waste Management and Puran Brothers, to return, this acknowledgement had to be a welcoming development.

Solid waste management has been elevated to a science, given its importance to the environment, combating climate change and ensuring human development. The magnitude and type of garbage have also expanded, and as such a willy-nilly approach to its management will not suffice.

When Solid Waste Manager, Walter Narine said the city can manage the garbage when it indicated the proposed termination of its contracts with the major collectors, though it is inclined to have been well-meaning that the Council can be independent of the two, it has proven not to be so. The experiment proves that even with the best of intent, where all the factors are not considered, one can overextend oneself, which can lead to failure.

Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s unfortunate that the efforts the Council subsequently embarked on to pay the identified contractors were not pursued before. It was recently made known that with the help of Central Government, the hundreds of millions owing to these contractors by the Council will be begin to be paid.

The Council’s financial woes are not new, and made worse by non-payment of rates and taxes and its narrow revenue base. At the same time, City Hall has to be proactive and find creative ways of expanding its revenue base. The impression is often given that a hodgepodge rather than a deliberative approach is being applied to addressing the matter.

For instance, the vendors’ issue could have been handled differently were primacy placed on the fact that that revenue contributes to its coffers. Where many have been forced out of business, it carries a corresponding impact on revenue

reliance.

Next up was the controversy over the China trip by the Mayor and Town Clerk, where other Councillors advised they should have been informed prior to the departure. While there may be no statute that requires the Mayor, Town Clerk or other officials seek permission to travel overseas or be advised of same, applying the unwritten rule in ethics does not hurt. It is bemusing that given the fallout from similar attitudes when pursuing the parking meter issue, that it was not seen as important to avoid a repeat.

Last year, Local Government Elections returned after more than a decade-and-a half. This new Council was elected on a popular platform. It gave rise to hope that the incumbent City Fathers and Mothers would have brought with them a new culture when treating with each other, the public and the capital’s business. A year hence, there exists skepticism in several spheres, that such would not be possible, though it is to the interest of all to have the Council succeed.

No councilor, regardless of the tier in leadership, political affiliation or independence, should think he or she or group is not responsible for what is happening.

Responsibility is borne both for the action and inaction resulting in the present situation. All must equally take responsibility to address and correct the woes.

Berbice cricket administrators clueless

Dear Sir,

SOMETHING is definitely lacking and not good in Berbice Cricket and the current leaders of the Berbice Cricket Board are totally clueless and have no knowledge of how to administer the game and to lift it to a higher level.

As a former administrator of Berbice cricket, it pains my heart to see and observe the poor planning, no vision and the lack of coordination of the Somwaru-led administration and their failure to attract any form of sponsorship, is testimony that Berbicians and sponsors have no faith and trust in them.

The Berbice Cricket Board recently launched a second division competition in complete secrecy with no sponsorship. Unlike in the past, there was no invitation extended to the clubs and the press.

Most of the clubs were unaware of the tournament. The end result was that numerous clubs were shocked to discover that a second division

competition had started; they are asking questions because they did not receive any forms and were completely left out of the competition. Imagine for decades clubs like Belvedere United, Fyrish, Toopoo, Fyrish Road among others were left out of the fixtures and they have played second division Cricket under the Berbice Cricket Board.

What is worrying and what brows are being raised at, is if the Somwaru-led Berbice Cricket Board is interested in the development of cricket or more interested in public relations.

Imagine the second division tournament has started with no written rules, no list of debarred players from the competition, the number of first division players who will be allowed to play in the competition, the first-prize money for the winner in the tournament and the clubs have to drop off the match report forms within 72 hours after the match. We are fully aware and have knowledge that the Competitions Committee is not functioning under the appointed

chairman and it is a farce and freefor- all atmosphere where only one or two persons making all decisions of the Berbice Cricket Board.

Recently, I visited several of these matches and observed eight fielders on the leg side boundaries. In the match versus Tain, that club had about four Guyana Cricket Board Franchise three-day players playing.

Questions were asked and we were told that no rules were available to guide the teams. What is even more shocking is, the poor clubs now have to fork out $2000.00 per match to pay for umpires, balls, transportation and meals expenses. All the past Berbice Cricket Board administrations under Leslie Amsterdam, Roy Baijnauth, Malcolm Peters, Keith Foster and Anil Beharry were able to attract sponsors. Why this present Berbice Cricket Board cannot do so?

Under the Carl Moore chairmanship of the Competitions Committee, letters were sent to over 120 second division clubs in every village in Berbice. Second division cricket was their passion, now that number

is less than 50 because of the poor and clueless administration of the Berbice Cricket Board.

It seems that the Berbice Cricket Board is only interested in organising inter-zones at the junior level without hosting any tournaments for clubs. Numerous players at clubs such as Albion, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Blairmont, Chesney, Whim, Kildonan, Big Star, Tamarind Root, Fyrish, No. 73, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon practised on a daily basis. They have not played any competitive cricket at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels. The Berbice Cricket Board recently organised a poor Under-13 tournament which is still to be completed.

Board umpires are staying away for one round at the poorly organised Under-15 tournament, the lunches are late and selectors are umpiring matches. In one case, there was one club alone representing Lower Corentyne Zone. In the end, that zone was an embarrassment to Ber-

bice Cricket, being bowled out for 30 runs against New Amsterdam/ Canje with extras totalling 18. That team in three matches failed to past 100 runs in any innings. This is because the better players were not given the opportunity to play because no inter-club tournament was hosted and that the Somwaru-led administration is bent on keeping clubs out of competitions.

The latest and most popular talk among cricket lovers,is that clubs and cricketers would enjoy properly organised cricket at all levels in Berbice, only if Mr. Hilbert Foster were allowed to participate in a free and fair Berbice Cricket Board election.

In the meantime, the current Berbice Cricket Board owns an explanation and apology to Fyrish, Toopoo, Fyrish Road and Belvedere United why they were not allowed to play in the second division tournament.

Regards, Name provided

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Where will it end for City Hall?

Dear Editor, OVER the last few days the headlines emanating from and dealing with the goings-on at City Hall have made for interesting, if not at times, amusing reading.

Stories tell of the 360-de-

gree right turn by the town clerk (TC) to rescind the termination of the two city constables at the centre of the juvenile abuse case to putting them on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the internal investigation. In this fiasco the mayor, it is report-

ed, laid the blame squarely at the feet of the TC and chief constable. The mayor should be reminded that the buck stops with her.

Then of course, is the joke of the year, where the mayor it is reported, is prepared to beg, if need be, for

the return of the dismissed garbage contractors, since as she claims, 'garbage is killing me.' What a confession!!

With that it seems plans are in the making for the likely return of the two main solid waste contractors in time for the season.

Then workers recently staged a protest for their October salaries which saw the deputy mayor (acting mayor at the time) exercising his authority to ease a situation. Now strike action is imminent over still unpaid salaries to some workers.

What a muddle City Hall has found itself (in). At the core of these issues are poor decisions, poor management and of course no money. Where will it end for City Hall?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Joseph Baichu victimised for not towing line Dear Editor, FIRST of all, I commend Joseph Baichu for his very well written letter: Kaietuer News, November 17, 2017, Re, “Coping with a vindictive Region Six official,” which was candid in illustrating the spiteful and vindictiveness suffered at the hands of a PPP/C controlled Region

Six official.

Editor, no surprises here, since such traits are well known characteristics of a party that has taught such supporters well.

First of all, it highlights again the fact that the PPP/C believes that every Indo-Guyanese should support it unconditionally and when this is not the case, then a severe penalty in any

form is exacted. How can such a doctrine be termed as democratic, can only be understood by a party which continues to behave in self-miasmic manner.

Secondly, Baichu has displayed great conscience, and honesty, by following strict environmental rules, unlike the other contractors, who would be definite PPP/C supporters. In doing

so, he has given his fellow Berbicians wage-earning opportunities.

Thirdly, for him it is not about maximising earnings, but about the need to preserve the environment, and in the process assisting to protect the health of his colleague workers.

Such qualities are becoming rare by the day, in a country that continues

to emerge from a culture of greed, and lawlessness, compliments of the dismal governance of the former PPP/C government.

In every respect, this is bullyism, and criminality being inflicted on this dedicated Region Six contractor, simply because he supports another political party. This ought to cease. Further, he should

receive his overdue payments. What kind of politically affiliated official would endeavour to deny a contractor who had discharged his functions to the letter, his earnings?

Examples such as this should disgust all Guyanese.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Where are our Business Mentors?

AS the world celebrates Entrepreneurship Week, the questions are; Where are our business mentors? And are they willing to help our vulnerable groups?

Let me first commend our First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger for the astute path she has adopted with respect to promoting entrepreneurial training initiatives in Guyana. No doubt, this initiative is welcome and it must have been endorsed by His Excellency President David Granger and his cabinet. It is commendable and must be allowed to develop as it brings some degree of support to society’s vulnerable groups, i.e Youth and women.

The more our youth and women are given opportunities to become successful business owners in our society, the greater their chances are of becoming citizens who can positively contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.

Entrepreneurship training programmes do provide that

opportunity; more so, if the training is community organized -- as I read about in the printed media-- the entire community gains. Goods and services would be provided and ultimately jobs created.

So the lead taken by the First lady, the organisations conducting the training and the governing administration must be applauded.

It is important to note though that just as training is essential for start-up entrepreneurs, continuous business mentoring is essential for business survival too.

Business survival is crucial; and we must have mechanisms in place to support even bad business decisions made by our above-mentioned vulnerable groups (youth and women). Let us not fool ourselves, owning and operating any business after start-up is not the easiest of tasks, especially for beginners or start-ups.

Working along with poor business decisions, especially when your debts are accumulating, does not rest well on one’s mind.

It is absolutely necessary

to recognise early, signs of a business in difficulty and what it means, so that sound business decisions can be taken. Signs such as: 1. Low sales volume; which may be indicating, insufficient demand at a selling price needed to return enough profits to support the business operation.

2. Poor choice of location; poor marketing strategy 3. Excessive operating expenses: bank payments seem to be using up all profits from sale.

4. Inability to foresee shortfall situations: * Inadequate operating records; * Ineffective use of their business plans; * Ineffective use of cash-flow projections to monitor operations The business aptitude that is required to handle such a situation may be unknown to new start-ups.

Having seen the evidence of these, where does help come from? Is there anyone or any institution that is known to these new start-ups that

they can turn to for sound business mentoring or advice? Who are our business mentors? Are they prepared to work for free? Not that I am advocating that they should or should not.

They may be members of the donor community who may have a mandate from their governments or organisations, to facilitate youth and women entrepreneurial development, who are these ones. The point is that business mentoring is a needed crutch to support our vulnerable groups. In my humble opinion, we need a number of business mentors, organised mentorship programmes and we need them now, more so, a well established institution such as Critchlow Labour College that can act as the hub for entrepreneurial learning and mentoring.

A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could. Ask any successful businessman and, if they are honest about it, they will

almost certainly admit to having benefited from the advice of a mentor at some point along the development of their businesses.

Let’s establish a Guyana Institution for Mentoring this vulnerable group as they use their socio- economic skills to fight off unemployment as we drive to

promote entrepreneurship, creating livelihoods for all.

Yours’ sincerely, Daren Torrington Founder and Executive Director Guyana Entrepreneurial Youth Movement (GEYM)

8

Dilatory tactics violate standing orders

SIR, earlier in the day, we approved a resolution setting out the time frame within which each of the constitutional agencies will be considered. It was the Business Sub-Committee of the National Assembly that brought the resolution with the concurrence of both sides of this honourable House.

What we have here in all are five hours, but what we have here, if you permit me, Sir, is an attempt at procrastination to defeat the resolution of the National Assembly, which the Rules and the Standing Orders of the House do not entertain in terms of any dilatory motion or attempt at such motions.

But we have seen motions from the floor as another mechanism, another ruse, to frustrate the work of this National Assembly.

The Standing Orders, first of all, Standing Order 76, says that if you were to move an amendment when a matter is before the Committee of Supply, (and we are in the Committee of Supply), it needs a notice to be given of the motion of amendment.

We have heard from the honourable opposition on that side -- the noisy opposition that is boisterous and destabilising -- that they can move the motion to put the submission by the constitutional agency to a vote.

What is the practice here, Sir? And, if you allow me, I want to say that It was this side of the House, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, that moved these agencies from statutory agencies to constitutional agencies against the opposition of that side of the House -- persistent opposition.

Why? Because we wanted to honour the provision of the constitution, Article 222 of the constitution, that is an overarching protection for constitutional agencies and to protect their independence.

When they were in the government, these honourable members refused to guarantee the independence of this National Assembly. They refused to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, they refused to guarantee the independence of the Elections Commission so that they can manipulate them, using finance as a weapon of control and manipulation.

And I must speak the truth to these honourable members, because they are speaking with forked tongues here today in

this honourable House, when they come here to defend the constitutional agencies.

What a day of shame!! That those people who stabbed the constitutional agencies in the backs and cut the throats of the constitutional agencies can set themselves up here today as defenders of these agencies!

Sir, I speak passionately on this issue, Your Honour, because I am seeing the various attempts by honourable members of this house to frustrate the consideration of these estimates. The constitution Sir, the law, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and its Amendment, provide for the Minister of Finance to issue a Budget Circular.

Within the Budget Circular, under Section 7 of the Act, it says that the minister shall give the guidance as to the state of finances for their consideration of what have to be taken by agencies in submitting their proposals.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

It cannot be an open-ended proposal, it cannot be fiscal irresponsibility in making these proposals, it must be within the framework of national affordability and that was what was guiding the other side when they were over here.

(But they prorogued the National Assembly to destroy parliamentary democracy). That was what they were talking about, that we could not afford and the nations’ workers had to be contending with five percent wage increases and no more in one year.

So, I say this today that this Parliament, this National Assembly, should move on the recommendations made by the Minister of Finance and that the question be put, because you cannot interrogate the constitutional agencies. They are a lumpsum presented here.

And so today, I want this dilatory tactic to be put to an end because it violates the Standing Orders of this House.

No propaganda ...

From page 3

urging that in the dissemination of information, all sides must be carried.

President Granger said his administration has been placing significant emphasis on public information on the basis that it is key for development. In Guyana, he said, public information is based on four major principles: access, appeal, awareness and attentiveness to minorities.

“Everybody in Guyana must have access to public information,” he said, while emphasising that no Guyanese, despite their geographical location, must be out of touch with the development of the nation.

He said too that public information, in this case being disseminated on the radio, must appeal to every citizen, noting that outlets must be created for the promotion of the country’s culture, language, education and entertainment.

Public information must also raise awareness among the masses, President Granger said, while adding that the fourth principle speaks to attentiveness to minorities.

“Minorities are important members of any society and we have to be very,

very conscious…. In everything that we do we have to think about minority, not only ethnic minority, but sometimes gender minority, sometimes minority of people who are challenged in one way or other, sometimes people who are in remote areas and do not have access to the media, we must hear all voices,” he urged.

BELL CRIER Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, in delivering brief remarks, said the commissioning of Radio Bartica is truly a milestone achievement for the CuyuniMazaruni district. Bradford recalled that in the earlier years of the town, residents depended on a “bell crier” to alert residents during the dissemination of public information.

Many years after, the regional chairman said he is pleased to be participating in the historic event which will now enable residents to disseminate and receive critical information in the areas of health, education, development and agriculture, among others. He said for sure, the

regional administration and the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica will be capitalising on the station, even as he called on religious organisations, health institutions and other key stakeholders within the town to make full use of the radio station.

Coordinator of the Project, Dr. Rovin Deodat, explained that the regional radio station was established via a four-way partnership among the Office of the Prime Minister, the executing agency; National Communications Network (NCN); the Regional Democratic Council and GTT. Alluding to GTT’s involvement, he explained that the radio station is utilising the telephone company’s transmission site. From the radio station, a wireless signal is sent to the transmission site located at GTT’s transmission site in Bartica.

The radio station is also equipped with a small dish that receives signals from the National Communications Network (NCN). In addition to local content, the station will be supported with content from NCN, including the news, some of which is transmitted via 98.1 and VOG.

Before the curtains came down on the commissioning ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers, presented NCN Board Chairman Enrico Woolford with the licence for Radio Bartica. The Prime Minister’s Office also handed out 12 of 20 radio sets to the people of Region Seven.

President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo also unveiled the Radio Bartica Commissioning Plaque before appearing in the radio studio for live interaction with Michella Abraham Ali. Fourth Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources were also among the first guests to have been heard on the radio station. Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, the Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud and the regional chairman appeared on the first programme officially aired on Radio Bartica.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

The AFC, WPA, PNC and the coalition’s chances at the next election

THE AFC has been in the news quite a bit this past week. The Stabroek News, which played an instrumental role in the birth of the party, has been asking probing questions about its role in the selection of the GECOM chair.

The AFC, for its part, had long indicated that it was not consulted on the selection. It told the media that its leader was summoned by the president and informed of his decision.

The AFC leader then accompanied the president in his brief meeting with the opposition leader. Then this week, the Canadian chapter of the party leaked parts of an email indicating that the leader and chairman of the AFC had advised the president, during a cabinet break, that he could legally make a unilateral appointment.

So, what can be concluded from the above scenario? The leaked email has not changed anything. I think that the AFC is correct in its insistence that it was not consulted. The advice given to the President was informally done and cannot be classified as consultation. But, it is clear that the AFC’s top leadership has had a position on the matter that was circulated to selected members. What is not clear is whether the party’s leadership organs gave their stamp of approval to this position.

If the party’s Canadian chapter’s stance on the matter is anything to go by, there is divided opinion within the ranks. This should not be surprising, for the AFC was birthed as a strenuously anti-establishment party with a very strong anti-PNC bias. The problem with Guyanese politics is that its bi-polarity forces third-parties, from the UF to WPA to AFC, to enter into alliances with one or the other big party, if they are to become part of the formal governance structure. If the AFC and the WPA were to dogmatically hold on to their original positions of non-cooperation with the big parties,

they would be permanently sidelined from government.

The challenge for these third parties is, having become part of the government, how do they collectively govern while maintaining their fidelity to their original charter. And it seems to me that neither the AFC nor the WPA has satisfactorily worked out that dilemma. Their job is made much more difficult partly by the PPP’s tenacity as an opposition which leaves little space for self-critique and critical dissent within the government ranks.

And partly, by a persistent, ingrained praxis of important sections of the PNC’s leadership that measures the coalition’s success in terms of the potential votes that each party brings.

There would be no coalition government without the PNC, but the PNC would not be in government today without the AFC and the WPA. The WPA’s role within the APNU was critical in that group’s breakthrough in 2011. There are sections of the African-Guyanese middle class, which bolted from the Burnhamite PNC in the 1970s, returned when Hoyte moved away from Burnhamism, left when Corbin took over the reins and returned when the APNU was formed. The Indian-Guyanese rebels who moved to the Ramjattan-Nagamootoo (not Trotman’s) AFC in 2011 would have never touched the PNC as PNC— they reluctantly embraced the coalition because of the APNU, not the PNC. The survival of the coalition, therefore, depends a lot on the ability of the WPA and the AFC to prove that their presence in the government amounts to policy content and directions consistent with their orientations. In other words, the coalition’s policy agenda must reflect, to some extent, policies that are associated with those parties. Second, they must be able to temper the inevitable PNC penchant for domination and marginalisation of partners.

In the absence of those two things, the coalition which brought the government to power would collapse.

The PNC does not have a monopoly on African- Guyanese political behaviour and the AFC’s ability to hold the Indian -Guyanese dissident vote is contingent on its ability to show them in action and policies that the party is not a PNC “tagalong.”

The WPA’s attractiveness to the Guyanese political instinct from its birth to the present is predicated on the party’s ability to question and temper out-of-control power and to bring to bear on the country’s politics an articulation of vision and ideas consistent with the big picture. Whether those of us who are now left as the core of that party like it or not, without that appeal, the WPA is useless to the country. The jury is out on whether the party has been able to honour its responsibility to government while maintaining its reason for being. Many WPA people tend to be angry with what is seen as Freddie Kissoon’s unreasonable dismissal of the WPA as a dead party, but for me he asks the question—what is your reason for being alive? And the WPA must contend with that question every day.

Having said the above, the PNC has a big responsibility to make the coalition work. It must balance its appeal to its constituency with a concern for the tenuous situation that its partners face. The party has to learn to share its constituency with its partners—that’s the logic of partnership politics.

From where I stand, I am ready to say that the PPP would return to power if the present coalition does not contest the next election as a unified entity or if the AFC and the WPA cannot make the case to Guyanese that their presence in government matters. Every time the PNC section of the coalition behaves in ways that look like domi-

nation and authoritarianism, it hurts the AFC and the WPA and in turn hurts its own chances of returning to power.

Unlike other commentators, I am very clear that President Granger’s comments in Atlanta are a tacit acceptance that the PNC never fairly won on its own.

What can be concluded from that acceptance, of course, is open to debate.

Partisan hawks can be a difficult bunch to deal with— for them, the party is the beginning and the end. Granger was smart to throw the

party faithful some Burnhamite red meat—he had to give them something. But I am not sure that he knows that Burnhamist ideas are a thing of the past that many African- Guyanese have no relationship to and don’t care about—the political world has moved on.

If the coalition behaves as a partnership replete with open and publicly known consultations and consensus policies, it stands a chance of maintaining its edge at the next election.

If the PNC’s leadership continues to hog the power

of decision-making and treat the AFC and WPA as appendages, it will lose.

Those who will ask the silly question-- what the AFC and WPA bring to the table-- would discover in 2020 what their absence or weakened presence brings.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

10

Become innovators

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

–– UG Berbice valedictorian urges

SOME 220 were conferred with degrees, diplomas and certificates when the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) held its 16th convocation ceremony on Saturday.

Berbice radio personality Treshan Budhram from the “Morning Spice Show” was adjudged this Year’s valedictorian.

Addressing the gathering on the university tarmac, he urged his fellow graduating

class of 2017 to channel their achievementsw into becoming innovators.

“As graduates of the University of Guyana, we could know nothing or we could do anything. We say not finding the ideal job. Friends this is the reality. We may not find that job, that career, we hope for but that does not mean we should accept it – if we can’t find that job, create it, make it happen, use what we learn and do not allow external cir-

cumstances to define who we are. Let us use our degrees to become innovators – let us believe that we can achieve anything. We can enter this campus with different backgrounds and life experiences and we can now leave this campus as a collective unit ready to transform our communities into a nation we can be proud of.”

Budhram also encouraged the graduates to put Guyana first, since this is necessary

A section of the graduates of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus on Saturday

to move the country forward.

“Our country needs our dedication, commitment and diligence and our county deserves our time, investment and creativity. Our communities require our expertise and wisdom. Let us own our mistakes and failures in the same way which we place our successes and achievements, because only then we can take up the rightful roles and allow Guyana to evolve. I urge you to believe in yourself, give yourself the opportunity to press against the shoulders of mediocrity – defeat it and press on to make this country great,” he said.

University of Guyana Chancellor Professor Nigel Harris during his short address, urged the graduating class to make good of the opportunities that will present itself with the discovery of oil here.

“This is not the end or is it the beginning of your educational journey, but in the words of a well-known statesmen, ‘this may be for you the end of the beginning.’ If you are to prevail

Best Graduating Student Treshan Budhram receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management from Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris in your life’s journey, you will have to expand in learning and knowledge many times over,you will likely need to reboot and remake yourselves many times to survive a rapidly changing world. You are at a cusp of the moment that might conceivably lead to considerable changes in Guyana. With the discovery of oil and other minerals, there is a possibility of considerable increase in the financial resources coming to Guyana perhaps in an abundance never seen in our history. With imaginative, creative and daring leadership, all of our people can benefit. You can be the instruments of change.

I hope you will summon your intellectual and creative skills to capitalise on the new opportunities that may come Guyana’s way,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith noted that of the 220 graduates, the largest batch came from the Faculty of Education and Humanities.

Kenisha Gopual, 20, who graduated with an Associate Degree in Biology, was the youngest graduating student while John Alexander, who graduated with a Diploma in Public Management, was the oldest.

A couple, Jon and Nicolita Collins, were also among the graduates.

‘Big Deal’ contestants to work on platforms –– even after pageant is over

‘I Am A Big Deal’ Beauty Pageant contestants with Police Divisional Commander, Lindon Alves CONTESTANTS of the ‘I Am a Big Deal’ beauty pageant are expected to bring a renewed awareness to several social issues during a keenly-contested competition scheduled for last night at the Albion Sports Complex on the Corentyne.

The lasses, who are all drawn from various areas in the Berbice County, paid a courtesy call on Police Divisional Commander Lindon Alves, and after giving him a synopsis of their respective platforms, were encouraged to work collectively after the pageantry, so as to have a reduction of the social ills, which are plaguing the society.

“You can impact positively on the lives of the citizenry,” he told them. “I am looking forward to collaborating with you. From here

we can have a model, and, having created a pilot project, we can have similar programmes rolled out in other parts of the country.”

Among issues the girls will be addressing, which in some cases are drawn from personal experiences, are domestic violence, child abuse, mental health, and education among youths.

Those contesting the pageant are: LaToya Williamson, Shaquilla Sharpe, Kelisha Ramoutar, Farah Bates, Tracy Griffith, Atasha Pantlitz, Jinnel Walker, Seeta Dallo, Denicia Henry, Tatiana Lancaster and Chelcia Gobin.

The event is being organised by media personalities, Royston Drakes and his wife, Tracy Khan-Drakes.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Young teacher given moving send-off

By Shirley Thomas DEEP anguish pervaded the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) Head quarters on Saturday as mourners and sympathisers wept uncontrollably at a Thanksgiving Service for the life of fallen Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher, Kescia Branche.

Branche died on November 7, following a period of hospitalisation after being found in an unconscious state, battered and abandoned on the roadway at Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, a few weeks ago.

The 22-year-old moth-

ty. We pray God brings the culprits to justice,” according to comments offered by concerned citizens.

Officiating minister was pastor Hanibol, who admonished the mourners and sympathisers: “Give your lives to God; Get your lives covered under the Blood of Jesus, for anytime He could show up at your door.”

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Sonaide Richmond, who admonished the gathering to live their lives in such a way that they will have no regrets.

There were many glowing tributes rendered

The body of Teacher Kescia Branche being taken into the GTU compound for the Thanksgiving Service

A section of the mourners and sympathisers (Delano Williams photos) er of one, despite doctors’ best efforts, remained in an unconscious state in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital until the time of her demise on November 7, at 17:00 hrs. She died with her twin-sister, Cassandra, at her bedside.

Meanwhile, it was consensual that whatever the circumstances leading up to her unfortunate encounter on the night she was assaulted, she had no right to have been treated in that manner, and moreso, to die the way she did.

“She was a mother, a daughter, a school teacher who gave of herself for her students and was known to have been a young woman of digni-

in Branche’s favour by persons including the Headteacher of Richard Ishmael Secondary School; a past President of the School’s Parent-Teacher Association; Sherry Anne Balkarran, Miss Guyana Heritage Queen 2017; and GTU representatives.

There were also tributes in song as well as a rendition by the Richard Ishmael School Choir and a strange tribute from one who never knew her, but had all the good things to say about her, against the backdrop of negative comments from some persons who also did not know her, but went on a negative speculation rampage.

The eulogy was delivered by Kereece Branche, sister of the deceased.

11

The young teacher was remembered as a youthful individual of courage, charm, charisma and loyalty.

“She was one who was the mainstay of her family, friends, students and colleagues in times of joy and sadness,” one GTU mourner said, adding: “The teaching fraternity mourns the loss of a resolute individual in education. We salute her sterling contributions made in delivery of the curriculum to the many students she possibly impacted and the many students whose lives she’d touched.”

Another said, “She served with distinction.

During her professional Turn to page 13►

Kescia’s mother being comforted at the funeral

Students of Teacher Kescia’s class at Richard Ishmael Secondary weep bitterly as her body is brought into the compound

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Ramon ‘Rambo’ Gaskin may form socialist party THE desire to form, lead, be a member or supporter of any political party, legitimate group or organisation is a constitutionally protected right and freedom. When any seek, in whatever shape or form, to deprive one of such association it constitutes a transgressing of the targeted person’s rights and freedoms.

The time has long passed when persons must recognise they cannot want their rights and freedoms to be respected and at the same time actively engage in denying others theirs.

This continuous behavior, where some appreciate holding the PPP/C accountable for raping the economy, transgressing citizens’ rights, embracing extra-judicial killings and other acts of trampling the rule of law, time-honoured principles, universal declarations, conventions and charters must not be singularly focused. Equally as the PPP/C must be held accountable, so too must be the APNU+AFC government for their transgressions.

Double standards must come to an end or it shall continue to meet strong resistance from me. Having been elected by the workers to lead and represent their interests, such responsibility requires of me to deliver leadership that would bring about improvement in their condition of work and standard of living. This

leadership shall be fearless equally as I’m prepared to be led. But I shall not be led to embrace activities of the PPP/C government that the APNU and AFC, when in opposition, along with myself and others fought against.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) condemned poor governance and the mistreatment of citizens and retains abiding interest in righting these wrongs, irrespective of who holds the rein of government. This nation is being reminded of the 2015 Labour Day Rally, held at Critchlow Labour College, both David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, presidential and prime ministerial candidates, gave the commitment to the labour movement that should they be elected to office collective bargaining will be restored and they will govern consistent with the constitutional requirement of “inclusionary democracy.” A communique with a menu of measures was agreed upon between the coalition and the GTUC. Today this communique is being ignored in its entirety.

At the 2015 rally the GTUC called on the workers/citizens to fire the PPP/C and hire the APNU+AFC. This government is in its third year and for every year since it has been in office it has trampled the fundamental principles of collective bargaining, imposed wages/salaries on state workers, finding little time to sit with the workers’ representative at the negotiation table, and can always find an excuse not to engage or defer engagement.

The same thing Granger and Nagamootoo condemned the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar governments for doing they continue to do and in many instances not singular to collective bargaining, though in some areas this administration has done better than its predecessors. However, citizens/workers clamour to see the back of all the PPP’s dastardly acts and it is deserving.

Labour leaders have advised me that when workers have cause to express their dissatisfaction over issues and seek to bring about resolution, when some ministers are called and advised of the restlessness in the workforce they are met with statements such as “if they want protest, let dem protest,” or “if they want strike, leh deh go and strike, we tired ah dem.”

Progressive politics is about people and people’s development. Shrewd politicians when they secure the electorate’s mandate, irrespective of being in the executive or legislature, opposition or administration, will seek to perform better than their opponent. Unfortunately in our politics persons are not universally wedded to this principle. When “Rambo” announced some days ago his disgust with the current political leadership on both sides, and that he is considering forming a socialist party to address what he considers mismanagement of the society and workers/citizens not getting a fair share of the nation’s pie, it is being met with visceral reactions in the coalition’s corner. He is being accused of sinister intent with the aim to split the votes in 2020 to ensure the PPP’s return to office.

I too am coming in for attention, given that the news outlet that carried the story used a picture of him and me sitting at the table of the symposium he hosted, where the announcement was

made. None other than ACDA saw it worthy to come on my facebook page, accusing me of joining with others to undermine the PNC. This organisation has no moral authority to make such a claim, given the newspaper advertisement it took out in the 2006 election period calling on the black community not to go to the polls. That election saw the PNC having its poorest showing ever.

This garrison politics some want to play, on both sides of the political divide, not only transgresses rights and freedoms but it hinders development since progressive politics-i.e. issue-basedis not being allowed to shine through. Where leaders are not held accountable to govern and manage in the interest of the collective good, society can never progress.

The issues “Rambo” noted that are influencing his desire to form a party stems from what he thinks this government, like the previous, is not governing and managing the nation’s resources in the interest of the masses. He zeroed in on the importance of rebuilding the cooperative economy, which has served the development of the small man since post slavery. He also addressed the management of our natural resources, alienation of the youth in national development, improving the lot of the working class and the absence of a comprehensive programme to tackle poverty in the villages.

What was instructive about his forum is that some of the issues he attended to are anchored in the Caribbean Labour Platform, many of which were taken on board by CARICOM as areas to work with Labour and other stakeholders during the tenure of Secretary-General Edwin Carrington. This platform was prepared under my leadership as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, but where other CARICOM member states find this document worthwhile and are using it to guide governance by involving stakeholders in their decision-making processes, Guyana ignores it.

Labour has permanent interests and its constituents cut across political parties, requiring it working with all and holding all accountable towards the fulfilment of its interests. Consistent with respecting the rights of our constituents and responsibility to improve their quality of life, labour shall work with those who respect its role as a constitutional stakeholder in the participation in and management of the nation’s economy and decision-making.

This opportunity is taken to urge Rambo to go boldly ahead.

Continue to walk across this country and bring awareness to the people of what they deserve, are entitled to, and are capable of doing. Those who are offended by his intent let me advise that it makes no sense attacking him. Go to your government and tell the leaders they are failing to do the right thing. Elections are won in many ways, inclusive of going to the polls, staying away, or giving your vote to another. Nobody is entitled to your vote.

You are entitled to say who you want to give it to and/or whether you will give it. At the same time, it is important to note it was the trade union that began the fight for this right (1926) and retains vested interest in protecting it and calling on you to exercise it.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Young teacher given ...

From page 11 years, she was a candid staff member who always strove for excellence and was always eager to complete whatever tasks devolved on her in a very diligent manner.

Let us therefore celebrate our dear sister’s legacy left on earth. Condolences to the immediate family, friends and staff of the late Kescia from the Central Executive and Members of the Guyana Teachers Union and teachers at large. May her soul rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, tearfully delivering the eulogy, Kereece who lives abroad, relived the wonderful experience she shared with her

sister when they last met five years ago.

“Even though we mourn, we must be thankful to God that we were able to spend quality time with her,” Kereece said.

She reflected on Kescia’s wonderful traits as a lady; her admirable bonding with her three-year-old son, and the joy she was in the home.

Touching on her attributes and pondering just why death had to engulf her sister so soon, Kereece went on: “She couldn’t live, she was too beautiful, so pure.

There was no woman as beautiful as Kescia,”

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There is deep anguish as relatives and friends behold the body on its arrival at the GTU Hall

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Slight increase in public debt

GUYANA’S public debt (external and domestic) at the end of December 2016 amounted to $330.6B (US$1,601M), reflecting an increase of 4.1 per cent as compared

to its 2015 level.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Public Debt Annual Report for 2016, which was tabled in the National Assembly on Friday, the increase

was attributed to disbursements from some multilateral creditors and the Export-Import Bank of China.

“As at the end of December 2016, total debt

external debt amounted to $240B (US$1,162.4M) or 72.6 per cent of total public debt, while domestic debt stood at $90.6B (US$438.6M) or 27.4 per cent of total public debt,” the report stated.

This represented an increase of 1.7 per cent when compared to the US$1,143.1M recorded at the end December 2015.

This increase was mainly due to disbursements from the Export-Import Bank of China - made during the third and fourth quarters in 2016, for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project.

Although the nominal public debt increased, the total external public debt to GDP ratio declined from 36.1 percent as at the end of December 2015 to 33.7 percent as at the end of December 2016, as a result of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth outstripping the rate of growth of public external debt stock.

External debt comprises two categories: Official and Commercial Creditors. The Official Creditor category is made up of bilateral and multilateral lenders, while the Com-

mercial Creditor category consists of commercial banks, suppliers’ credit and bondholders.

“At end of December 2016, multilateral creditors continued to be the predominant creditor category, accounting for 59.7 per cent of the external debt portfolio, a slight decrease from the 2015 position of 60.6 per cent. Bilateral lenders and commercial lenders represented 38.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent of the public external debt portfolio, respectively.

Guyana has four main external creditors: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) and the Venezuela (PDVSA) – which constituted 77.7 per cent of Guyana’s public external debt stock, as at end of December 2016.

The IDB continued to be the dominant creditor, with an average share of 42.0 per cent of the debt portfolio, while the CDB, Guyana’s second largest creditor, accounted for 12.6 per cent of total public external debt, the report

stated.

Th e Exp o r t- I mp o r t Bank of China followed closely behind the CDB and accounted for 12.5 per cent of external debt, while Venezuela accounted for 10.6 per cent.

The debts to Kuwait and Libya, which are in arrears, remained Guyana’s largest non-Paris Club bilateral creditors.

They accounted for 10.1 per cent of Guyana’s public external debt stock at the end of December 2016.

Meanwhile, the public external debt stock by borrower category remained unchanged, in 2016. The central government was the main beneficiary of external financing, accounting for 99.0 per cent of the debt portfolio in 2016. This represents a 1.0 per cent increase over the end of December 2015 position.

On the other hand, the share of public external debt held by the Bank of Guyana decreased by 1.0 per cent due to the IMF debt being fully repaid.

Moreover, it was found that the share of external debt to total public debt decreased marginally from 74.3 per cent at the end of December 2015 to 72.6 per cent at the end of December 2016, while the share of domestic debt to total debt increased from 25.7 per cent to 27.4 per cent of total debt over the same period.

“The increasing share of the domestic debt in Guyana’s total debt portfolio reflects Guyana’s strides to have a diversified portfolio and debt instruments.

The total public external debt stock continues to increase and reflects Guyana’s preferences for obtaining concessional loans, whilst domestic debt stock increased as a result of an increase in the issuances of domestic securities (Treasury Bills and Debentures) in 2016.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Guyana gives up even more wildlife secrets – with recent discovery of another 30 species of flora, fauna

By Navendra Seoraj THE hidden secrets of Guyana’s rich biodiversity continue to unfold, with the most recent being the discovery of 30 species that are possibly new to science.

Guyana already boasts an estimated 8,000 species of plants, and another 1,800 species of amphibians, birds and mammals according to Guyana’s Fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010.

Through the Biodiversity Assessment Survey (BATS), local and international scientists were able to identify the 30 new species that will add to the lot.

“This area has enormous conservation value.”

The study, which was conducted in 2014, targetted freshwater and forest ecosystems which are up to 750 meters above sea level.

It was conducted by scientists and researchers who went from the Kaieteur Falls to Mount Ayanganna and the Pakarima Highlands to collect information on terrestrial, freshwater and taxonomic groups.

Some of the species that were found in that area may not only be new to science, but also recorded for the first time in Guyana’s history.

299 HIGH SPECIES ENDEMISM

ticularly aimed at scientists and members of the private sector who utilise the area for its resources.

They were encouraged to use the report to make informed decisions about the good use of land, freshwater and the natural resources.

Williams reiterated the importance of the habitat for more than 50 per cent of birds, 40 per cent odonates, 30 per cent mammals and 43 per cent amphibians, as well as the more known species such as the jaguar.

Head of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Ms Denise Fraser expressed similar sentiments, saying that it is important

A section of the gathering at the launch of the second report on BATS at the Cara Lodge (Photos by Delano Williams) The second report on BATS was launched on Thursday evening at the Cara Lodge, where World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Country Manager, Ms Aiesha Williams announced the discovery, which includes six species of fish, three plants, and 15 aquatic beetles among other wildlife.

Although she confirmed that research is still ongoing to determine whether or not the species are new to science, Williams emphasised the importance of protecting the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) where they were found, because there could very well be even more unknown species to be found there.

“The team of scientists surveyed the ‘Kaieteur Top’ and other locations in the Park, as well as the Upper Potaro area,” she said, adding:

She advised those researchers in the audience that the areas that were surveyed have a striking feature of high species endemism, with animals that are unique to the Guiana Shield and Guyana’s high and lowlands.

The area at reference was classified as not just a hotspot for biodiversity, but also a place that has tremendous value for local Indigenous communities, according to researchers.

Persons were advised

by Williams to exercise caution at all times, especially when exploiting natural resources, so as to preserve the rich nature of the area.

“Act wisely and use the space in a sensible, wellplanned and sustainable manner that maintains the beauty of the vibrant landscape,” she said.

The message was par-

Copies of the second report on the Biodiversity Assessment Survey to manage, maintain and expand the national Protected Areas System.

Since its establishment, PAC has been managing those areas more effectively by developing a management plan for each of the protected areas.

Part of their thrust, however, involves research and information, Fraser said, adding that it helps them to form, guide and probe how they manage the areas.

OLDEST PROTECTED AREAS The KNP is reportedly one of Guyana’s oldest protected areas, which she said is special for the famous Kaieteur Falls, and important for its diversity for animals and plants that are endemic to that area.

“The population needs

to appreciate the beauty of the hinterland and the value of the biodiversity,” Fraser said.

“I believe the report will let them benefit from the information,” she added.

The first report of the survey was launched in March this year. The first publication, “Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) Survey of the South Rupununi Savannah, Guyana” represented broadbased documentation of floral and faunal diversity in Guyana’s southern Rupununi region and is based on work undertaken in the Kusad Mountain and Parabara area.

According to the first report, the team also assessed the water quality of the area’s wetlands, creeks and lakes, and natural resource use by local

indigenous Wai-Wai and Wapishana communities (Potarinau, Sawariwau, Karaudanawa, Parabara and Shulinab).

The report highlighted some of the most striking characteristics of the South Rupununi savannah region, especially focusing on its diversity of habitats, reflected in the high species-richness and ecological diversity of the flora and fauna.

More than 28 species: 12 species of fish, one bat, 15 aquatic beetles and between 10-25 per cent of ant species were deemed as new to science back then.

Many additional species were recorded for the first time in Guyana and the South Rupununi, and more are expected to be revealed when the third report is launched shortly.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Bank on the cards –– as African Business Roundtable celebrates first anniversary

By Shirley Thomas THE African Business Roundtable (ABR), a local entity promoting the interests of African businesses in Guyana and the Diaspora on Thursday observed its first anniversary at Akwaaba Centre, Lot 9 Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

As a mark of progress, and to celebrate its signature milestone, the association which, one year ago was launched at the Marriott Hotel, has this time around celebrated its first anniversary in its own premises – in the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) headquarters.

ACDA President Eric Phillips said during the past year, there have been some challenges, and among them is the failure to acquire a grant for assistance to help fund an African Business Council.

The council is intended to be an organisation similar to the Private Sector Commission.

According to Phillips, the ABR is in the process of ‘building windmills’ in this season of change in Guyana.

He recalled that, demonstrating a spirit of resilience, a few individuals and companies registered the African Business Roundtable (ABR).

The founding members are Violet Smith, Allison Butters-Grant, Charles Ceres, Asafa George, Lance Hinds, Bert Wilkinson, Robert Forester and young entrepreneurs such as Aisha Jean-Baptiste, Ayanna

Dr. Eric Phillips addressing the ABR reception at the AKWAABA Centre, Thomas Lands, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo) Jean-Baptiste and Godfrey b e r s p a r t i c i p a t i n g in meetings with the Scott.

On Thursday, the lead- United Nations Worker greeted those gathered, ing Group of Experts in the spirit of ‘umoja’ or (WEGPAD) to discuss unity; ‘kujichagulia’ or the economic exclusion self-determination; ‘ujima’ of African-Guyanese in or collective works and the economy.

ABR has also develresponsibility; ‘ujamaa’ or cooperative economics; oped a portfolio of busi‘nia’ or purpose; ‘kuumba’ ness courses for its memor creativity; and ‘imani’ bership and the broader or faith. These, Phillips business community and said, are the principles has developed a proposal of family as well as com- to create 200 young enmunity social, economic, trepreneurs in 10 villages political and cultural de- across all regions.

It is now seeking fundvelopment. ing for this proposal and ACCOMPLISHMENTS has embarked on the nurDuring the past year, turing of an Association the ABR had many ac- of African Guyanese Concomplishments. Among struction Companies.

Members meet at the them include its mem-

Goals of the African Business Roundtable * The sustainable development of Guyana’s economy * The economic re-vitalisation of African villages in Guyana * The nurturing of African entrepreneurship, especially among youth * The establishment of partnerships for sustainable growth * The establishment of business linkages with African-Guyanese businesses in the diaspora and the hosting of business expos, from time to time * The nurturing of Caribbean trade linkages for African-Guyanese businesses and the nurturing of south-south trade linkages with the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa * The fostering of joint ventures with other ethnic and business groups in Guyana * Working with the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association to build bridges and to advocate for equity and equal access in the use of Guyana’s national patrimony * The provision of think tank position papers, incubator and business services to the Guyanese community in partnership with other groups and stakeholders * The development of competitive, sustainable, job-creating African businesses across Guyana and in the diaspora

Akwaaba Centre weekly and ABR met with the minister and chief executive officer responsible for housing to provide advocacy on their behalf.

ABR also co-sponsored the Oil and Gas Conference at the Pegasus with the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accountants.

But the road has not been without challenges and among them include the deliberate exclusion of ABR from significant events and from strategic information by the main business services organisations, international organisations and businesses, even though they have knowledge about the ABR. There is also a general sense of apathy in the Afro-Guyanese communities and unavailability of funding to expand services to meet the needs of these communities.

PLANS The ABR has significant plans for 2018. A Small Business Summit is being planned for the fourth quarter of 2019.

This will be in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Business, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the University of Guyana, and Diaspora Groups in Atlanta, Washington/Virginia, New York Tri-State Area, Toronto and CSME Business Associations.

Also on the cards is a trade mission to Africa.

The mission will seek business assets such as authorised dealerships, product agencies, product and service rights and secure markets and strategic investment partners.

In addition, there will be a trade mission to selected Caribbean countries; the development of a Business Newsletter which will eventually evolve into a weekly or

daily newspaper and the development of a business directory.

ABR plans to build sectoral memberships and to have sectoral committees led by its members. It also sees as an imperative – articulating an economic vision for Guyana and especially one that integrates the needs and aspirations of African villages, businesses and communities.

The establishment of a bank and project finance services is also proposed, as well as the hosting of entrepreneurship courses, seminars and workshops.

“A year has passed.

We are now in our growth phase and we are very optimistic for the future,” Dr. Phillips said.

Other speakers at the anniversary included businesswoman Allison Butters-Grant; GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer Owen Verwey and prominent engineer Charles Ceres.

Accomplishments of the African Business Roundtable * Refurbishment of the Akwaaba Centre to establish a full, functional ABR Headquarters * Meetings with the Minister of Finance to discuss the needs of the African Business Community and the 2018 Budget * Development of a 10-point plan for sustainable development of the African- Guyanese community * The successful running off of a two-day ABR Youth Members Entrepreneurship Conference at the Herdmanston Lodge * ABR worked with a large number of small businesses to produce Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) project * Held meetings with four ministers to discuss the status of African-Guyanese and the government’s obligations for the International Decade for People of African Descent.

ABR also met with the minister and CEO responsible for housing to provide advocacy on their behalf * Held meetings with Exxon on two occasions plus an Exxon outreach to ABR. Members invited to scheduled courses and a visit to the Centre For local Business Development * Nurturing of an Association of African-Guyanese Construction Companies which meets at the headquarters weekly * The prioritisation of economic sectors for African-Guyanese investment and participation * A full-service banking licence * A Development Fund to catalyse village diversification such as Victoria becoming a fishing village * Water-based economic sector development * Agriculture and the green economy driven by renewable energy * Procurement equity in the over $200B per year of government contracts * An equitable distribution of radio, TV and spectrum licences to the African Community * Equity in the emerging oil and gas industry. Local content * Preferential access to privatised state assets * Strengthening and building the cooperative sector as the vehicle for sustainable generational wealth creation in African communities * Governmental support of Afro-descendant programmes via donor funding * Youth skills development, job creation and youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Guyanese-Canadian Tourism Council launched … Toronto consulate opens spanking new office

By Frederick Halley DEPARTMENT of Tourism Director-General, Donald Sinclair, through whose initiative the Guyanese-Canadian Tourism Council (GCTC) was established, was among the persons on hand Thursday night to witness its official launching.

The launch, which took place at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, also coincided with the official opening of the consulate’s spanking new location, situated in the same building it has been occupying for several years but now on the seventh floor, a move from the second floor.

Formation of the GCTC was one of the main decisions emanating from the Diaspora Business and Tourism Forum, held at the JC Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, last May, with Sinclair urging participants to accelerate its implementation.

In his address, Sinclair had said he was eagerly looking forward to the formation of the body and that those chosen should

also be tasked with initiating further discussions on fam trips to Guyana, another area which those present felt should be pursued.

Reflecting on what has taken place since the GCTC was established, Sinclair lauded the efforts of the body, pointing out that its existence could have far-reaching effects on thousands of Guyanese in the diaspora.

According to the director-general, “it is one of the most significant initiatives to have occurred as far as diaspora tourism is concerned”.

Pointing out that any initiative of this nature will have challenges, Sinclair urged the members to keep the vision and seek business opportunities for members of the council.

He also alluded to his long-term vision that when the GCTC gets going in 2018 and beyond, the council should be in a position to seek some kind of formal incorporation with the national tourism structure, whereby it could seek allocation in the national tourism budget.

He pledged his full as-

From left: GCTC vice-chair Lyndsay Davidson, Department of Tourism Director-General Donald Sinclair, GCTC Chair Syed Rayman and acting Consul-General Candida Daniels at the launch sistance in this process.

The nine-member council was formed in June and last weekend, three members including Chairman, Syed Rayman, made a fam tour to Guyana.

Rayman said the visit, which included tours to Kaieteur Falls, Fort Island, Saxacalli and Bartica, was a resounding success. Members also met with tourism officials in an informal session.

He pointed out that the mission is to further

promote Guyana as an attractive tourism destination while the purpose and objectives are to plan, promote and provide educational programmes and activities; to engage the community in promoting togetherness and respect for each other; to develop community knowledge of Guyana’s eco-tourism and to generate funds for the implementation of the council’s objectives.

Apart from the recent fam tour, other standard A congratulatory cake, symbolising the opening of the new office of the Toronto consulate

A section of the audience at the official launching of the Guyanese-Canadian Tourism Council and the opening of the new office of the Toronto consulate

strategic initiatives include the launching of a website, launching of a monthly newsletter, Guyana Independence tour in May 2018 and Centennial College Guyana Hospitality tour in June 2018.

Other members of the council are vice-chair Lyndsay Davidson, Teddy Boyce, Tony McWatt, Professor Mohammed Khan, Cyril Bryan, Stanton Carter, Regina Cheong and Angela Thomas.

Acting Consul General, Candida Daniels is ex-officio member.

In her opening remarks, Consul General (ag) Daniels disclosed that the consulate “is very supportive of the work of

the council and looks forward to collaborating and working with the body in moving Guyana’s tourism in another level”.

In acknowledging her hardworking staff, Daniels expressed her deep appreciation “for all their assistance in making this office look and feel like a little piece of Guyana here in Toronto.

It’s still a work in progress, as we strive to make our space in Toronto the best possible representation of Guyana and where all Guyanese and friends of Guyana in the Greater Toronto and other parts of Canada can feel welcome”.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Burnt toddler medevaced to U.S.

By Navendra Seoraj

DOCTORS in Texas, USA, are tasked with giving 20-month-old Ranveer Oselmo a second chance at life after he was severely burnt after going close to a kerosene stove last Sunday.

The toddler was admitted to the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but could not receive further treatment, doctors there say.

Local doctors reached out to the Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) Foundation with the message about little Ranveer who was in desperate need of a medevac to a country where he can be properly

treated.

The toddler’s mother, Chevon Oselmo, said tragedy struck at their Aruka River, North West, Region One (Barima-Waini) home last Sunday, when the toddler, who reportedly had kerosene on his shirt, went close to a lighted kero stove.

The fire caught on his clothes and by the time his

SHEA’s, Sita Sugrim (right) and Chevon Oselmo at the hospital on Thursday

guardians noticed, it had spread quickly but they managed to extinguish it, but the damage was already done.

Young Ranveer was severely burnt and his mother rushed him to the community health centre. He was subsequently transferred to the GPHC. SHEA Foundation representative Sita Sugrim told the Guyana Chronicle that after it received word that nothing more can be done at the GPHC, members intervened and made preparations to have the child evacuated on Thursday.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the hospital, the evacuation team from Texas was conducting an evaluation of the child to see how soon he can be shifted.

It was later confirmed that the child was safely flown out of the country on an Air One Air Ambulance to Texas, where he is receiving further medical attention.

“We will be keeping track of how it goes… Ranveer’s mom was also sent with the team so we will be kept posted on how the treatment is going,” said Sugrim, who pointed out that they are still encouraging the public to donate to their cause because the evacuation exercise alone cost US$48,000.

The Foundation’s representative told this publication that the hospital fees are yet to be calculated, but the group is committed to sending persons to the best hospitals. The toddler was reportedly sent to one of the best burn care hospitals

Twenty-month-old Ranveer Oselmo when he was being treated at the GPHC (Adrian Narine photos) in the U.S. Ranveer’s mother expressed gratitude to the Foundation for helping her son to receive treatment abroad.

Persons who are interested in donating to the cause are asked to visit the Foundation’s website at Sheacharity.org or find them on Facebook at sheacharity.gy.

SHEA is based and registered in U.S., but has done extensive work in Guyana.

This year, they have assisted three persons in getting treatment for burns.

SHEA has secured treatment for Shondell in the U.S., where she is still receiving burn care and vision- correction surgery.

The Foundation is still running a campaign to fund the cost of Shondell’s expenses.

It has also assisted threeyear-old Ranie Rogers with treatment overseas after she sustained severe burns to the head and face when a kerosene stove fell on her.

“We have witnessed the devastation that is caused by lack of basic healthcare and we have seen too many mothers bury their children because the type of medical care needed was/is not available in the country where they live,” said Sugrim.

With that said, she went on to say that their aim is to bridge the gap between poverty and access to healthcare.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Lindeners want in on oil and gas ––Exxon helping make them conversant with subject

THE Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development has been partnering with the Centre for Local Business Development to get Lindeners prepared for the coming of oil and gas.

At the Oil and Gas Training Seminar in the township on Wednesday, President of the Linden Chamber, Mr Victor Fernandes, said that persons have been curious to know how they can become involved in the new industry.

To this, he replied that while direct employment will be just around 100 to 150, indirect employment is another matter altogether. “ I n d i r e c t e m p l o yment,” he said, “could be

numberless, through the provision of services of various kinds for the oil and gas industry.”

And that is why the training seminar is so important, as the intention is to give persons an opportunity to learn how they can prepare to get involved with the industry.

Linden parliamentarian Mr Jermaine Figueira is of the belief that Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), being a mining community for as long as one can remember, has the skillset ExxonMobil is looking for.

“I believe that this community is a hub with regard to spills [sic]; with regard to mining, and we would really like to see Exxon working in close

collaboration with our community to help push and promote more skills,” Figueira said, “so that we can continue to lead the way in regards of promoting and enhancing the skillset of Guyana, and moreso our local business content.”

To this, Linden Mayor Mr Carwin Holland added: “We’re so accustomed in Linden to the bauxite industry, but it is time indeed we think of diversification, and start thinking of other industries.”

Having said that, he encouraged the centre to start steering the minds of young Lindeners in the direction of oil and gas, as this is where Guyana’s future is headed.

“In another 10 years, Guyana will be talking

oil, and if we don’t get our youths on board now, I believe they will be left behind,” Holland said.

The Centre for Local Business Development was established by ExxonMobil to provide a space for local firms to learn about opportunities in the oil and gas sector, strengthen their competitiveness, and prepare to join the oil and gas supply chain.

Mr Patrick Hen-

ry, project director of the centre, explained that ExxonMobil partners with DAI Global, the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED), EMPRETEC, BrainStreet and Food Safety Management. DAI Global is an international firm specialising in Socio-economics, while IPED provides financial management training.

EMPRETEC provides

training, BrainStreet develops the centre’s supplier registration portal, and Food Management Services provides International Organisations for Standardisation (ISO) certification to local businesses.

The Centre for Local Business Development was initiated in April this year, and will be managed by Guyanese in the next three years.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Hackathon 2017 tackles rates and taxes management –– pressure leaves contestants frazzled but optimistic

By Vishani Ragobeer

SEVEN teams have begun blazing the 48-hour-long trail of creating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions in this year’s hackathon competition which began on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel.

This year’s participants are required to create an innovative and ICT-based solution to Rates and Taxes Management and Reporting for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

This should be done

through building a web or mobile application with several functions aimed at making it easier for taxpayers to make payments and manage their property details.

At last November’s inaugural competition, participating teams had quite a few challenges to choose from in areas such as incident reporting and agriculture.

This year, however, all participating teams have just one challenge to create an ICT solution for.

According to the ICT Adviser to the Minister of

Public Telecommunications, Mr Lance Hinds, “What we want to judge is one product coming from the various participants.”

In addition to being able to judge the solutions without subjectivity, Hinds said, this method allows for each participating team to be innovative in their approach to tackling the challenge.

Asked what has become of last year’s winners, Team Verizon 75 (V75), Mr Hinds said they have since been engaging with the National Data Management Authority

(NDMA) to refine their solution. In like manner, he said, this year’s winning team will seek to have their solution implemented in the sector with which their project is associated.

“Every time we get a product, the idea is to see how it can be used for in the local context,” Hinds said.

While only seven teams have signed up for the nonstop event this year as opposed to eight on the last occasion, Hinds said that this time around, the competition has taken on a more focused approach.

Meanwhile, when the Guyana Chronicle paid participants a visit on Saturday

after they had completed the initial 24-hour haul, the fatigue was evident.

Some had found the oddest of positions in which to get comfy, while others decided to press on to finish the project.

“The project in itself is not that complex; it’s just that the scope of it lends to complexity, because of the different departments you have to consider,” explained Kenneth Parris during a quick break from designing.

He said that with the more focused approach being taken this year, all of the teams should be confident with creating an application that satisfies all the requisite functions,

never mind that is the more efficient and innovative of the lot that would obviously clinch the top prizes.

Parris is a returning participant from last year’s inaugural competition, where his team was unable to finish in the top three. Nevertheless, he and the rest of “Team myMarket” are seeking to create the superior solution this year.

Hackathon 2017 will conclude today at 12:00 hrs, following which the applications will be judged, and participants required to make their presentations.

The prizes up for grabs are $300,000, $200,000 and $150,000.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 19, 2017

Man arrested for setting house ablaze

The Benjamins’ house on fire Wednesday THE Guyana Fire Service is investigating the origins of a mid-morning fire on Wednesday at Glasgow Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam.

The fire, alleged to have been set by the mentally unstable relative of the couple who lives on the upper floor of the two-storey wooden building, is believed to have been started around 10:00hrs.

From all accounts, the alleged arsonist, Surdatt Williams, started the fire with dried coconut shells. At the time he did, both his mother, Ms Jean Benjamin, and his stepfather had moments before left to go shopping in New Amsterdam.

Williams’ distraught mum told reporters that she learnt about the fire while on the way to New Amsterdam.

“By de time meh reach, everything destroy; everything we own gone,” the woman said amidst tears.

Her husband, Mr Essie Benjamin, who reported losing in the fire, the firearm for which he is licensed, was also in a state of shock.

“That lil boy does come around here to meet his mother,” he said. “He lil hot-headed and wicked.”

According to 17-year-old Akeela Alexander, the niece of the suspected arsonist, after realising that the house was on fire, she jumped to safety.

Reports are that before the fire, Alexander, who lived on the lower flat, and her uncle were involved in a heated argument, which is perhaps what may have ticked him off.

Neighbours say that the property is owned by the Benjamins.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Manchester clubs win again as United stars return

By Neil Robinson

LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League leaders Manchester City brushed aside Leicester City 2-0 for their 16th successive win in all competitions as Manchester United welcomed back long-term absentees Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a 4-1 rout of Newcastle United.

With Tottenham Hotspur losing ground after a 2-0 derby defeat at neighbours Arsenal, the league continues to look an argument between Manchester’s big two who are separated by eight points.

A tap-in by Gabriel Jesus and a stunning strike from Kevin De Bruyne provided the City goals against a Leicester team who have often troubled them in the past.

The home side went close to equalising when Harry McGuire hit the post after the break, but City went straight up the other end and put the result beyond doubt with a stunning counter-attack that De Bruyne rounded off with an unstoppable 20-yard shot in the 49th minute.

The only concern for City manager Pep Guardiola was an injury to John Stones, who hobbled off before the break and may not play again this year.

“We are going to miss (John Stones) for a long time, maybe six weeks off,” said Guardiola after the game.

“It is tough because the calendar is so demanding.

We don’t have many central defenders and they will suffer but we will find a solution.”

The successful return of Vincent Kompany from injury will provide compensation although the Belgian was fortunate to escape with a booking for a foul on Jamie Vardy in the third minute.

United’s Pogba and Ibrahimovic were also back in action at Old Trafford. The Frenchman contributed an as-

English Racing Tips Cheltenham 09:15 hrs Melrose Boy 10:25 hrs Fox Norton 11:00 hrs Mohaayed 11:30 hrs Dame De Compagnie 12:00 hrs Vocarium Fontwell 08:20 hrs Cheque En Blanc 08:55 hrs Fields Of Fortune 09:30 hrs Robin Of Locksley 10:05 hrs Shelford

sist and scored United’s third in an impressive 70-minute appearance before Ibrahimovic made an unexpected return from the bench after seven months out with a knee injury.

to record three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time in 2017.

The Egyptian’s brace on 31 and 41 minutes made it 14 goals in 18 games for Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho

Kevin De Bruyne is in his third season at Manchester City.

“It’s my head that is playing; my knee just needs to follow,” he said after his 15-minute cameo.

Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku scored the other goals as United hit four in the league for the seventh time this season after Dwight Gayle had given Newcastle the lead.

At Arsenal, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said he was “disappointed in the performance and the way we conceded the goals” after the derby defeat scuppered suggestions of a permanent shift in the north London balance of power.

Arsenal went ahead through a controversial goal from Shkodran Mustafi, which Pochettino thought should not have stood.

“The goal was offside.

But we lose,” he said. “I‘m not blaming the referee. It’s a strange situation. It changed the dynamic of the game. We need to accept that. We can’t control that.”

At Anfield, Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Southampton 3-0

rounding off the afternoon with their third to put them one point off the Champions League places.

Chelsea had an equally untroubled afternoon after beating West Bromwich Albion 4-0, a result that piled more pressure on Baggies manager Tony Pulis whose side are without a win in 11 games.

“The defending was very poor,” said Pulis after the defeat in which Eden Hazard scored twice. “It leaves me in the position I was in before the game. The board of directors will decide what they have to do.”

The Premier League’s two worst defences, Crystal Palace and Everton, predictably leaked goals as honours were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

Palace were pegged back after twice taking the lead though James McCarthur and Wilfried Zaha although Christian Benteke should have sealed it with an easy chance for Roy Hodgson’s side in the second half.

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Percy 10:15 hrs Jezki 10:50 hrs Steel Wave 11:25 hrs Stooshie 11:55 hrs Rapid Escape South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Finding Troy 09:05 hrs Stunned 09:40 hrs Sabina’s Dynasty 10:15 hrs Monarch Air 10:50 hrs Captain Chips 11:25 hrs Zouaves

‘Awo’, Bobb, Jacobs make return to ‘Golden Jaguars’ for Indonesia friendly Team departs today for historic match ANTHONY ‘Awo’ Abrams, Dwain Jacobs and Trayon Bobb were named in Coach Wayne Dover’s 19-man squad for Guyana’s November 25 International Friendly against Indonesia. The team will depart today for the South Asian country.

The squad consists of two goalkeepers, five defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards, including Curtez Kellman (GFC), Denzil Fordyce (Milerock), Jeremy Garrett and Cecil Jackman (Fruta Conquerors FC).

Dover called the squad “a good blend of overseas and locally-based players,” adding “most of the locally-based players have played over 10 games for Guyana at the senior level while it would be valuable exposure for the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Denzil Fordyce, Kelsey Benjamin and Curtez Kellman.”

“This group of young players has an average age of 20 years and this augurs well for the programme to see them in the senior final 19-man squad. As the Elite league gets underway, many more opportunities would be given to the players from the league even as Guyana prepares for the 2018/19

Caribbean Cup,” said Dover.

Looking ahead to the game in Jakarta which will mark the first game for Guyana on the Asian continent, Dover called the fixture “very interesting,” pointing to the fact that it also marks the first time Guyana will be playing a team from South East Asia.

“The coaching staff, players and administration want to ensure we get a positive result to make history; winning our first game in that side of the world. This effort by all involved will be seen as ‘one team, one dream’ to make it happen,” said Dover.

Former National Captain Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard will be Dover’s assistant, while Eon De Veira is the team’s goalkeeper coach. Manager is Rawle Adams.

Squad: Akel Clarke (GK), Andrew Durant (GK), Anthony Abrams, Christopher Bourne, Jake Newton, Jelani Smith, Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Dwain Jacobs, Brandon Beresford, Anthony Benfield, Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb, Curtez Kellman, Denzil Fordyce, Kelsey Benjamin, Shaquille Agard, Devonte Small, and Daniel Jodah.

SCOREBOARD JAGUARS 1st Innings 484-8 Decl.

Red Force 1st Innings (overnight 51 without loss) K Hope c wkp Bramble b Motie 25 +A Jangoo c Paul b Joseph 39 Y Cariah c wkp Bramble b Joseph 0 J Mohammed c Johnson b Permaul 1 T Webster c & b Permaul 4 R Primus c wkp Bramble b Motie 30 *D Ramdin c Chanderpaul b Motie 3 Imran Khan b Permaul 3 D St Clair c Joseph b Motie 5 B Charles c wkp Bramble b Permaul 5 S Cottrell not out 0 Extras (b4, nb1) 5 TOTAL (all out, 63.4 overs) 120 Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-66, 3-67, 4-73, 5-83, 6-87, 7-108, 8-112, 9-116, 10-120.

Bowling: Joseph 10-4-12-2, Paul 10-5-15-0, Permaul 26.4-10-43-4, Motie 16-4-46-4, Rutherford 1-1-0-0.

RED FORCE 2nd Innings (following on) K Hope c Hemraj b Permaul 5 +A Jangoo c Rutherford b Paul 19 Y Cariah c wkp Bramble b Paul 14 J Mohammed lbw b Permaul 8 T Webster lbw b Paul 6 R Primus b Paul 0 Imran Khan not out 20 D St Clair not out 26 Extras (lb3, nb5) 8 TOTAL (6 wkts, 46 overs) 106 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-39, 3-47, 4-56, 5-56, 6-62.

Bowling: Joseph 7-1-28-0, Permaul 18-10-31-2, Paul 10-2-17-4, Rutherford 1-1-0-0, Motie 10-3-27-0.

Position: Red Force trail by 258 runs with four second innings wickets standing.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Sri Lanka close in on first-innings lead in Kolkata KOLKATA (Reuters) - Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first Test on Saturday.

The islanders, bidding for their first test victory in India, dismissed the hosts for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain stayed away after allowing only 32.5 overs to be bowled in the first two days.

Niroshan Dickwella was batting on 14 when bad light stopped play and skipper Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the tourists seven runs behind.

After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order contributed 98 runs in the morning session to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track.

Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his 16th test fifty but was clean bowled by Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in trying conditions that included 10 boundaries.

Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their 48run partnership.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four runs before his dismissal when Dickwella missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan Perera.

Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner responded by removing both batsmen in the same over.

Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens.

Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews helped Sri Lanka move to within touching distance of a first-innings lead over India in Kolkata.

Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-run mark.

Sadeera Samarawickrama’s 23 off 22 balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar exploited the conditions well to peg back the tourists.

The paceman dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for eight and had Samarawickrama caught behind in his next over.

Sangha becomes youngest Aussie to make first-class ton against England SYDNEY (Reuters) - England were held to a draw by a Cricket Australia XI in their final tour match ahead of the Ashes after they struggled to break a fourth-wicket partnership of 263 on a lifeless Townsville pitch on Saturday.

Jason Sangha, 18, became the second-youngest batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score a first-class hundred against England on his way to 133, while his captain Matt Short finished the day unbeaten on 134.

The tourists would have wanted to take the seven wickets they needed to wrap up a victory in the four-day match fairly quickly but coach Trevor Bayliss said a day labouring in the field was also good practice.

“I think over the three games we’ve got everything we wanted to get out of these matches,” he told reporters in Queensland after England’s third tour match.

“Today wasn’t a perfect game of cricket for us but we spent a bit of time out in the dirt and to be realistic, over a

Jason Sangha celebrates his century (AFP)

five test series, we’ll probably have another one or two of those days.”

Australians would have been encouraged that a bowling attack featuring Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali managed to take just one wicket at a cost of 220 runs on Saturday.

“You’re always disappointed when you don’t take 10 for 90 but the wicket was very flat,” Bayliss added. “You play cricket long enough and those days are going to happen. But the guys stuck at it and that’s all you can ask.”

Bayliss said he was “pretty” certain in his own mind what team he wanted to put

out on the first morning of the first test in Brisbane on Thursday and said everyone in the squad was fit.

Bayliss was also taking nothing from the inclusion of wicketkeeper Tim Paine and batsman Shaun Marsh as well as uncapped opener Cameron Bancroft in the Australia team named for the first two tests.

“There’s probably one or two names in there that we weren’t expecting, but they’re good players,” he said.

“Whoever Australia pick in their XI, they’re all going to be good players, and we’re going to have to play very well to win.”

Despite their occasional discomfort against the moving ball, Thirimanne and Mathews thwarted the hosts with a match-high 99-run stand.

Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, Thirimanne went on to make 51, while Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman on his return from injury, made 52 before Umesh Yadav dismissed both in successive overs.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings (Overnight: 74-5) L. Rahul c Dickwella b Lakmal 0 S. Dhawan b Lakmal 8 C. Pujara b Gamage 52 V. Kohli lbw b Lakmal 0 A. Rahane c Dickwella b Shanaka 4 R. Ashwin c Karunaratne b Shanaka 4 W. Saha c Mathews b D. Perera 29 R. Jadeja lbw b D. Perera 22 B. Kumar c Dickwella b Lakmal 13 M. Shami c Shanaka b Gamage 24 U. Yadav not out 6 Extras (b-6 lb-4) 10 Total (all out, 59.3 overs) 172 Fall of wickets: 1-0 L. Rahul,2-13 S. Dhawan,3-17 V. Kohli,4-30 A. Rahane,5-50 R. Ashwin,6-79 C. Pujara,7-127 R. Jadeja,8-128 W. Saha,9-146 B. Kumar,10-172 M. Shami Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 19 - 12 - 26 – 4, Lahiru Gamage 17.3 - 5 - 59 - 2 Dasun Shanaka 12 - 4 - 36 – 2, Dimuth Karunaratne 2 - 0 - 17 – 0, Rangana Herath 2 - 0 - 5 – 0, Dilruwan Perera 7 - 1 - 19 – 2.

SRI LANKA 1st innings Sadeera Samarawickrama c Saha b B. Kumar 23 Dimuth Karunaratne lbw b B. Kumar 8 Lahiru Thirimanne c Kohli b U. Yadav 51 Angelo Mathews c Rahul b U. Yadav 52 Dinesh Chandimal not out 13 Niroshan Dickwella not out 14 Extras (lb-4) 4 Total (for 4 wickets, 45.4 overs) 165 Fall of wickets: 1-29 D. Karunaratne,2-34 S. Samarawickrama,3-133 L. Thirimanne,4-138 A. Mathews To bat: D. Shanaka, D. Perera, R. Herath, S. Lakmal, L. Gamage Bowling: B. Kumar 14.4 - 2 - 49 – 2, M. Shami 13.5 - 5 53 – 0, U. Yadav 13 - 1 - 50 – 2, R. Ashwin 4 - 0 - 9 – 0, V. Kohli 0.1 - 0 - 0 – 0.

Jaguars bowlers destroy Red Force to remain on course for big win TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Threetime reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars, dominated Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to leave the hosts on the ropes, as they closed in on a convincing victory on day three of their day/night Regional four-day match here Saturday.

Jaguars twice scythed through the Red Force batting line-up, bundling them out for a paltry 120 in the first innings and before leaving them hanging by a string 106 for six in their second innings – still 258 runs adrift of an innings defeat in the fourth round encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Things could have been worse for Red Force were it not for a defiant, unbroken seventh wicket stand of 44 between Daniel St Clair, unbeaten on 26, and Imran Khan, not out on 20, late in the final session.

The spinners had earlier done the trick for Jaguars as left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul (4-43) and Gudakesh Motie (4-46) shared eight wickets as Red Force collapsed from 66 without loss to lose their last 10 wickets for just 54 runs.

Fast bowler Keon Joseph supported with two for 12 from 10 miserly overs.

Left-handed opener Amir Jangoo topscored with 39, Roshon Primus got 30 while opener Kyle Hope chipped in with 25.

Jangoo, unbeaten on 32 overnight,

added just seven and it was his dismissal which triggered a slide that saw five wickets perish for 17 runs, to leave Red Force tottering on 83 for five.

Primus countered, striking four fours and a six in a 48-ball knock while adding 24 for the sixth with captain Denesh Ramdin (3).

However, Motie accounted for both with a single run added as five wickets fell for 13 runs.

Leading by an imposing 364 runs, Jaguars once again crippled the Red Force innings, spearheaded by seamer Keemo Paul who snatched four for 17 while Permaul collected two for 31.

Test batsman Hope fell cheaply in the fourth over for five to Permaul who shared the new ball with Joseph, as the home side lost their first wicket in the fourth over with five on the board.

Jangoo (19) and Yannic Cariah (14) put on 34 in a positive stand for the second wicket which eased the pressure on the Red Force innings.

But once again, one wicket lead to others as Cariah’s demise – caught at the wicket off Paul – led to yet another slide where five wickets went down for 23 runs.

St Clair, who has so far faced 69 deliveries and struck four boundaries, then found an ally in Imran Khan to keep Red Force from defeat inside three days.

See scoreboard on page 26

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Remembering Shiv Mandolall--in my all-time best Essequibo Under-19 XI

By Elroy Stephney WHEN I first met the late Shivnandan Mandolall as a teenager, I had no doubt that he would have worn national colours. In fact he was already a house-hold name at age 14, having then acquired formal coaching and possessing text-book stroke-play. His left-handed disposition made batting intriguingly attractive to the naked eye, especially when he was on bended knees to unleash one of his raspingcover-drives.

It is not an illusion therefore to feature Shiv in my team, having felt obliged to select an all-time best Essequibo XI from players who would have represented Guyana at the national Under- 19 level. Indeed, the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) should officially honour its heroes by inducting them into a Hall of Fame.

Below is my Best XI in batting order, given my knowledge and privilege of playing with and against

them at various stages during their careers.

Yogeshwar Lall, Herell Green, Rovendra Mandolall, Troy Cornelius, Keemo Paul, Shivnandan Mandolall, Ricardo Adams, David Wallace, Ray Reid, Ronsford Beaton and Rayon Thomas.

Shiv Mandolall died in 2013 at the age of 31.

Essequibo has produced the least amount of national cricketers in comparison to the two other counties. While it is not a studious reflection of the county’s talent, the chosen team is of the highest calibre and deserving of such recognition. There are three historical firsts for Essequibo with Shivnandan Mandolall becoming the first to captain a National team when he led the Regional President’s XI during the 2002 Youth tournament in Guyana.

The mercurial Ricardo Adams in 2012 was the first to score a regional century against Trinidad and Tobago while the highly talented Keemo Paul is the first to represent the West

The late Shivnandan Mandolall

Indies Under -19 team, which claimed World Cup glory in 2016, for the first time in history.

Notably, Former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan was born in Wakenaam but he never represented Essequibo. Instead, he

Mooney inspires Australian women to retain Ashes (REUTERSD) - Australia ensured they would retain the Women’s Ashes after a conclusive six-wicket triumph over England in the first Twenty20 international in Sydney on Friday.

Beth Mooney delivered a brilliant match-winning innings of 86 not out to guide the home side to victory with 4.1 overs to spare as they chased down England’s 132-9 at the North Sydney Oval with some comfort.

The victory extended the holders’ lead to an unassailable 8-4 in the seven-match points-based series comprising one test, three one-day and three T20 internationals.

It meant England can only draw the series 8-8 if they win the final two T20s over the next week. Australia won the last series, which was staged in England, 10-6 in 2015.

England, knowing they had to triumph to stay in the hunt to regain the Ashes that they had last won in 2013-14 in Australia, made a terrible start, slumping to 16-4 before Dani Wyatt’s 36-ball 50 helped them to a respectable total.

Left-hander Mooney, though, played superbly, recording the highest score by an Australian on home soil in women’s T20 internationals, hitting 11 fours and two sixes in a dazzling 56-ball knock.

Australia captain Rachael Haynes

played for Demerara during his career.

Additionally, Yogeshwar Lall has the highest inter-county individual score, stroking a masterful unbeaten 182 against Berbice to engineer a rare victory for the Cinderella County. His open-

ing partner, Herell Green, is the other inter-county centurion in the team. He is also a competent wicket-keeper and will often take the gloves.

The batting has proven depth with the Mandolall brothers providing fluency, artistry and class. They were prolific scorers whose reservoir of invention was unlimited and they were genuine all-rounders; invaluable assets to any team.

The other all-rounder is David Wallace who had all the qualities to have become another Shane Watson of the modern era.

His aggressive batting, strength and frightening pace were unique missiles of destruction. Providing spin would be left-armer, Ray Reid who is the county’s most successful bowler. He claimed 27 wickets in the 1995 Regional tournament and bowled his Country to the coveted title.

The pace department has unquestionably two of Guyana’s finest fast-bowlers who have distinguished

GKC encouraging BVA tournament serves off today new entrants

By Stephan Sookram

Beth Mooney seals Australia Women’s Ashes victory with a brilliant unbeaten 86.

said afterwards: “It was so nice for the team to come out and play like that. For Beth Mooney to come out and make a statement like that was fantastic.”

Her England counterpart Heather Knight conceded: “Credit to Australia. Beth Mooney played an outstanding innings and took the game away.

Everything we tried, we couldn’t get her out.”

themselves. Rayon Thomas represented the West Indies ‘A’ team along with Beaton, whose future remains infectiously fascinating.

Captaincy will be rested on the firm shoulders of Troy Cornelius who led the national youth side in 2001 in Guyana. He is mentally focused and has the distinction of scoring a senior inter-county century; a meritorious feat only achieved

by Jeff Jones, Ramcharran Singh, Dinesh Joseph and Ramesh Narine.

My 12th man will be Mahendra Boodram who is also part of the elite club to score an inter-county Under- 19 century. Significantly it’s a balanced diet of extraordinarily gifted jewels of Essequibo’s treasury. Imposingly too and with his uncanny ability to generate both fire and humour within the dressing room, Shivnandan Mandolall is strategically conferred with the tag as the talisman in the team to engineer another victory.

THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) has reopened its doors to new entrants of the sport ahead of the Christmas vacation period of the academic semester.

According to vice-president of the GKC, Master Jeffrey Wong, the club is looking to enhance its youth cadre as it prepares for the International Karate Diagaku World Cup next year in Barbados.

“What we saw is that a lot of our junior Karatekas have graduated to the senior ranks and the club is expanding. What we have also found is that we are a little bit short on the junior end and it’s an area we have always been strong in.”

Master Wong dismissed the common notion that the sport is violent, adding that it is quite the opposite.

“There are some parents who have approached me and said they don’t want their children to join karate because they think it’s violent. It isn’t so,” he stated.

Master Wong added, “it’s about controlling your emotions and your actions so that you

Vice-president of the GKC Master Jeffrey Wong

don’t become violent, but rather learn how to deal with various situations that could have violent outcomes.”

Wong stated that Beginners classes are for ages five to sixteen and take place from 16:15hrs – 17:15hrs on Mondays and Wednesdays while Friday’s class begins at 17:00hrs There are also adult classes on Tuesdays from 18:00hrs-19:30hrs with classes on Thursday and Friday from 18:30hrs – 19:30hrs.

Registration is $3000 with membership fees set at $3000 per month.

THE Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) in keeping with its yearly plan will be hosting a ‘B’ Division volleyball tournament to be held at the Guysuco Apprentice Hostel today The tournament starts at 09:00 hrs and senior national players are debarred from the tournament.

Teams expected to participate are the Corriverton Jets male and female, Port Mourant Jaguars, Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) 1 &2, Rollers, Black Bush, GTCPM, Kendall’s Union, Recruits of Port Mourant and Port Mourant. Female Volleyball Team.

Trophies and prizes will be at stake. All registered teams are asked to take note.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Hurricanes need 302 for victory on final day after Cornwall’s 4-32 BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, (CMC) – Leeward Islands Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall led a lion-hearted effort from the bowling attack on Saturday to leave his side with a final-day chase of 302 for victory against Jamaica Scorpions in the Regional 4-Day Championship.

The burly Cornwall collected 4-32 from 29 overs with his high-class off-spin, and fast-medium bowlers Sheeno Berridge and Jeremiah Louis shared five wickets, as the Scorpions were bowled out for 191 in their second innings just before the close on the third day of their fourth-round match at Warner Park.

Derval Green, batting at seven, led the way for the Scorpions with 51 that included nine fours from 48 balls in just over an hour at the crease.

A few others got starts without carrying on, as the unreliability of the Scorpions’ batting once again reared its head – their captain Nikita Miller scored 26, opener Garth Garvey made 23, left-handed opening partner John Campbell got 22 and Damion Jacobs was not

out on 20.

Berridge scalped 3-47 from 12.3 overs and Louis 2-47 from 15 overs to complete the demolition of the Scorpions’ second innings batting.

Miller, playing his first match of the season, had finished with 5-56 from 28.4 overs with his left-arm spin and Jacobs supported with 3-35 from 20 overs, as the Hurricanes were dismissed for 232 inside the first hour to hand the visitors a 110-run, first-innings lead.

Campbell then gave the Scorpions a typical rollicking start before he edged to the ‘keeper off Berridge just before the visitors reached 41 for one at lunch.

After the interval, just when it looked like Garvey was getting into the swing of things, Louis also had him caught behind and Cornwall followed up in the next over to dismiss Brandon King for a three-ball duck, leaving Scorpions 55 for three.

They sunk to 73 for five, when Cornwall removed Assad Fudadin for 16 and former United States captain Steven Taylor for one before Louis left them wobbling on 99 for six, when he trapped

Rahkeem Cornwall collected 4-32 from 29 overs

first-innings batting hero Paul Palmer lbw for nine.

Green roasted the Hurricanes bowling to dominate a 46-run stand with Dennis Bulli for the seventh wicket that added some meat to the Scorpions total before they fell within 10 balls of each other.

Scorpions were 145 for eight, but Miller and Jacobs helped to make their workload on the final day a tad easier, when they put on 46 for the ninth wicket before Berridge returned to wrap up the innings.

Hurricanes, starting the day on 209 for six, lost Cornwall in the third over of the day with just one run added when he fell to Jacobs. He made 29.

Cornwall and Terence Warde had put on 60 for the seventh wicket, but there was token resistance from the rest of the Hurricanes batting before the innings closed..

Warde persevered, adding 17 to his overnight score, before he also fell to Jacobs for 38, as the home team lost their last three wickets for just one run in the space of

Shillingford’s 5-70 helps Volcanoes claw their way back against Pride KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, (CMC) – Veteran off-spinner Shane Shillingford claimed his first five-wicket haul of the season and the 38th of his career, to help Windward Islands Volcanoes claw their way back into their fourth round contest against Barbados Pride here Saturday.

Trailing by 138 on first innings after being dismissed for 222, the hosts hit back to leave Pride on 148 for nine in their second innings at the close – a lead of 286 heading into today’s final day at Arnos Vale.

Their enterprise was down to the former Test star Shillingford who ended with five for 70 from a marathon 28 overs.

Unlike their first innings, Pride’s batsmen struggled and only wicketkeeper Mario Rampersaud, unbeaten at the end on 31 and left-hander Jonathan Carter, 25, offered any resistance.

Earlier, Roland Cato struck his second half-century in his five outings as Volcanoes added a further 71, after resuming the penultimate day on 151 for five.

The 19-year-old converted his overnight 47 into 64 while Barbadian all-rounder Kyle Mayers chipped in

with an unbeaten 56, with the pair extending their sixth wicket partnership to 59 before being separated.

Cato faced 151 balls and counted eight boundaries while the left-handed Mayers, unbeaten on 21 at the start, stroked six fours and a six in a 135-ball innings.

Off-spinner Kenroy Williams (3-21) claimed three of the last five wickets to fall while left-rm spinner Jomel Warrican picked up three for 49.

Armed with a substantial first innings lead, Pride failed to really capitalise, losing wickets in clusters to stumble their way through the final two sessions.

They lost left-handed opener Anthony Alleyne to the second ball of the innings without a run on the board, bowled by pacer Sherman Lewis and then saw the back of his partner Shayne Moseley for nine at 24 for two as Shillingford claimed his first wicket.

Carter and captain Shamarh Brooks (11) added 30 for the third wicket before both fell within four runs of each other in the space of 17 balls to leave Pride on 58 for four, and Kevin Stoute (21) and Williams (10) put on another 30 for the fifth wicket to steer their side to tea at 74 for four.

SCOREBOARD SCORPIONS 1st Innings 342 Hurricanes 1st Innings (overnight 209 for six) M Hodge c Fudadin b Jacobs 50 C Hughes lbw b Thomas 20 K Carty run out 0 D Thomas c wkpr Taylor b Miller 33 N Bonner lbw b Miller 33 +J Hamilton lbw b Miller 0 *R Cornwall c Green b Jacobs 29 T Warde c Garvey b Jacobs 38 J Louis not out 4 M Matthew lbw b Miller 1 S Berridge c Campbell b Miller 0 Extras (b10, lb8, nb6) 24 TOTAL (all out, 87.4 overs) 209 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-58, 3-96, 4-145, 5-149, 6-150, 7-210, 8-231, 9-232 Bowling: Green 15-7-23-0; Thomas 11-2-49-1 (nb6); Miller 28.4-9-56-5; Jacobs 20-10-35-3; Bulli 13-051-0 SCORPIONS 2nd Innings J Campbell c wkpr Hamilton b Berridge 22 G Garvey c wkpr Hamilton b Louis 23 A Fudadin c Warde b Fudadin 16 B King c Warde b Cornwall 0 P Palmer lbw b Louis 9 +S Taylor c Louis b Cornwall 1 D Green c Thomas b Bonner 51 D Bulli lbw b Cornwall 11 D Jacobs not out 20 N Miller c Hughes b Berridge 26 O Thomas b Berridge 0 Extras (b8, lb2, nb2) 12 TOTAL (all out, 73.3 overs) 191 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-35, 3-56, 4-70, 5-73, 6-99, 7-145, 8-145, 9-191 Bowling: Louis 15-3-47-2; Matthew 2-0-8-0; Berridge 12.3-1-47-3 (nb1); Cornwall 29-12-32-4; Warde 4-0-17-0; Thomas 5-2-18-0 (nb1); Bonner 6-3-12-1 Position: Hurricanes need 302 for victory

20 deliveries.

Scorpions – fifth in the standings on 18.2 points – have so far earned three batting points, three bowling points and 0.2 pace

bowling points, and Hurricanes – third on 38.6 – have so far added three bowling points, one batting point plus two pace bowling points.

SCOREBOARD

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford … took his first five-wicket haul of the season.

Stoute perished in the sixth over following the resumption, lbw to seamer Mayers as three wickets tumbled for two runs in the space of seven deliveries, to leave the visitors tottering on 90 for seven.

Rampersaud, who has faced 74 balls and counted two fours, then propped up the innings as he posted 39 for the eighth wicket with Justin Greaves who made 20.

PRIDE 1st Innings 360 Volcanoes 1st Innings (overnight 151 for five) D Smith c Nurse b Harding 0 T Gabriel c wkp Rampersaud b Greaves 6 R Cato lbw b Nurse 64 K Hodge b Warrican 38 K Edwards b Warrican 0 *T Theophile c Moseley b Stoute 19 K Mayers not out 56 +G Benjamin c Carter b Williams 9 R Jordan lbw b Warrican 0 S Shillingford c Alleyne b Williams 2 S Lewis b Williams 4 Extras (lb12, w1, nb11) 24 TOTAL (all out, 80.5 overs) 222 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-16, 3-89, 4-89, 5-121, 6-180, 7-200, 8-201, 9-204, 10-222.

Bowling: Greaves 15-5-39-1, Harding 9-2-32-1, Warrican 25-0-49-3, Stoute 10-4-21-1, Nurse 15-3-48-1, Williams 6.53-21-3.

PRIDE 2nd Innings A Alleyne b Lewis 0 S Moseley c Hodge b Shillingford 9 J Carter lbw b Hodge 25 *S Brooks c Mayers b Shillingford 11 K Stoute lbw b Mayers 21 K Williams c (sub) McCoy b Shillingford 10 J Greaves lbw b Hodge 20 A Nurse c (sub) Alexander b Shillingford 0 +M Rampersaud not out 31 J Warrican lbw b Shillingford 8 K Harding not out 0 Extras (b4, lb2, nb7) 13 TOTAL (9 wkts, 56.3 overs) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-24, 3-54, 4-58, 5-88, 6-90, 7-90, 8-129, 9-144.

Bowling: Lewis 3-0-16-1, Shillingford 28-3-70-5, Jordan 3-014-0, Hodge 12.3-2-29-2, Theophile 6-3-4-0, Mayers 4-1-9-1.

Position: Pride lead by 286 runs with one wicket remaining.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

Windies coaches get closer to Level 3 certification CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has just concluded two important sessions as part of its continued efforts to improve its role in coaching education.

The Level 3 course was the second one in the region, the first was held in Barbados in 2016. A total of 25 regional coaches participated in the course including former Windies players Curtly Ambrose, Stuart Williams, Ryan Hinds and Pedro Collins.

The course focused on equipping the coaches with the technical and soft skills, necessary for the development of elite and performance players.

Coaches were reminded that they have a responsibility towards the athletes. They were given guidelines to develop management styles, leadership qualities and communication channels with their players. The sessions

were a mixture of practical and theoretical learning, with focus on sports science, strength and conditioning, and psychology.

The course was led by the ECB with eight coaches, while four coaches from the West Indies -(Gus Logie, Henderson Springer, Anthony Gray and Jeffery Dujon - co-presented on fast and spin bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping.

The coaches enrolled in the course came from Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua, and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Coaches from Canada, Bermuda (ICC Americas) also participated, as part of CWI’s commitment to ICC America’s cricket development.

WIPA also had a representative in the course.

“I always think it’s important that they enjoy it….

We also tried to give them opportunities to actually coach whilst we’re with them. So they can go out and practice that,” said Tim Dellor, Operations Manager of the ECB’s Level 3 coaching programme and facilitator of the course in Antigua.

At the end of the course, the coaches were given assignments to complete.

They will complete these in their respective home countries and then reassemble for a final assessment to complete the course in February 2018.

Upon completion, Level 3 certified coaches from the region will be able to work as recognised level 3 coaches in the UK. The course ran for 10 days and ended on Wednesday, November 15 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, another 10 coaches from around the

Regional coaches in attendance at the sessio

region and St. Maarten completed a Level 1 programme.

The course was facilitated by Junie Mitchum, Kumar Ram-

pat and Steve Liburd.

The coaches would have previously been trained in first aid, certified in the

CWI/UNICEF Child Protection Courses and have a clean police record. (Jamaica Observer)

Ministry of Education, NSC, YBC bounce off pilot programme in Region 3

Officials participate in the cutting of the ribbon to open the Leonora Secondary Basketball Court.

LAST Friday, officials from the Ministry of Education – Unit of Allied Arts, Regional Education Department, National Sports Commission, Regional Democratic Council and Youth Basketball Guyana, all came together at the Leonora Secondary school for the launch of Region 3 school

basketball pilot progamme.

It was a day of many firsts for basketball. It was the first time that a school team from the Leonora Secondary played in a formal basketball game. It was the first time that two secondary schools in that Region would face each other in friendly competition. It was also the first time

that two Georgetown school teams played a basketball match in that Region.

Speaking at the launch in front of a very enthused and excited Leonora Secondary School population was the Head of the Physical Education Unit of the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, who outlined the objective

of the Pilot Programme and the long term intended goal, which is to see the game of basketball integrated into the school’s Physical Education programme which will culminate with a CSEC Physical Education and Sport programme.

Fay Gittens, Head Teacher, Leonora Secondary school, returned thanks to all involved and promised that her school will make full use of the facilities provided, even as she appealed for further help to improve the condition of the school’s playfield to better occupy and harness the energy of the larger student population.

Following the officials’ remarks, two exciting friendly games were played.

The first was between Georgetown arch rivals St Rose’s High and Marian Academy, who showcased their athleticism and high skill levels to a very excited host.

The game ended in Marian’s favour 40 to 33 points.

Marian Academy’s Jahleel Young had a team-high 12 points, with support from Jether Harris and Akili Haynes who netted five points each.

St Rose’s High School’s Quacy Roberts score led all scorers with 17.

The main game saw a low-scoring encounter between the pilot schools, Leonora Secondary and

West Demerara Secondary.

Leonora used the energy of their boisterous supporters to ensure that they dominated the game. The game ended 15 – 8 in favour of the home team.

Both schools will continue practicing; hoping to participate in next year’s National School Basketball Festival (NSBF).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 19, 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) Courtney Walsh-519 wickets (2) Courtney Walsh-227 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest individual score made by a WI player in Tests to date?

(2) What is the highest individual score made by a WI player in ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 19, 2017

GFF ‘Elite League’ third season starts tonight at Leonora THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will kick off the third season of their ‘Elite League’, featuring ten of the country’s top teams, with a double-header tonight at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

After the grand opening ceremony at 15:00hrs, ‘Big Four’ winners – Fruta Conquerors will face newcomers New Amsterdam United from 17:30hrs, and defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) tackle first-timers Western Tigers FC at 20:00hrs.

This year, the winners will receive $5M, second-place $2M, third and fourth will pocket $1M and

Ian Alves

$500 000 respectively.

The new season will see six of the top clubs added to the pool of elite teams fol-

lowing the receipt of their respective CONCACAF Club licences in September.

Those teams include West-

Jamaica Olympic Association backs Nesta Carter appeal ern Tigers FC, Cougars FC, New Amsterdam United FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Den Amstel FC and Milerock FC. Ian Alves, Competitions Director of the GFF said the Federation is looking forward to a competitive season with the additional clubs and incentives, and that the players also have a responsibility to ensure this is realised.

“In return, players have been asked to bring their best game on each match day in order to make the league attractive to the fans. We therefore urge club supporters and football fans in general to come out and experience Guyana’s highest level of football as we continue to grow and develop the league towards self-sustenance in the near future,” Alves said.

‘Road to Mecca’ set for December 1 NINE of the country’s top teams will have a chance to overthrow National Club Champions, Colts, when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) bounce off their annual ‘Road to Mecca’ tournament on December 1 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The finals will be played on December 24.

The tournament will be launched officially on November 25 at the Marriott Hotel where details will be given, but, according to GABF president, Nigel Hinds, cash prizes will be a minimum of $1.2 million, in addition to trophies and giveaways.

Hinds stated that Banks DIH is the ‘Presenting Sponsor’ and has committed $1 million in sponsorship under their Coca Cola and PowerAde brands. Other Sponsors are on Board in the Platinum, Gold & Silver Category.

Colts, who also holds the title of Georgetown’s best

JOA is backing Nesta Carter’s appeal

PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Christopher Samuda, is backing Nesta Carter to convince the Court of Arbitration for Sport that he is innocent of any wrongdoing after he tested positive for a banned substance retrospectively.

Carter, who was found to have methylhexaneamine in his urine at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, lost the gold medal he had earned in the 4x100 metres.

That result also affected Usain Bolt, Michael Frater, Asafa Powell, and Michael Frater.

According to Samuda, the JOA has supported Carter in his bid to clear his name from day one.

“I was the one from JOA who called him (Carter) when the news was communicated to us, and from that phone call, we have been

supporting him,” he said.

“We have had meetings with him, [and] we have had meetings with the management of his club in Jamaica (MVP Track Club) in relation to the issues involving the case, as well as in terms of the strategy that should be employed.

“We have been very close to him and giving him the support. He’s one of our national athletes and has acquitted himself very well, and we are obliged to do it as a national organisation, and that is our culture - to support our national athletes whenever anything like this occurs. It was just natural for us to do so.”

Samuda also pointed out that if Carter had his case overturned, there may be more instances of persons taking instances of retrospective punishments to the CAS.

Ryan Crawford Memorial horserace meet gallops off today in Berbice3

Colts Basketball Club

club, will battle the likes of Ravens, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Half Mile Bulls, and Rose Hall Jammers in Group A of the ten-team tournament.

In Group B, Linden’s

leading club, the Victory Valley Royals, will be joined by last year’s finalist Retrieve Raiders, along with Pacesetters, Plaisance Guardians and the winner

of the qualifier tournament which is being contested between newcomers Cobras, along with UG Trojans, Pepsi Sonics and Republic Bank Nets.

THE Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club of Alness, Corentyne, Berbice, will come alive today when the club stages the `Sport of Kings’ one-day horse race meet at the club’s facility from 13:00hrs.

Six races are carded for the day with the feature event being for horses classified `J’ and Lower over 1400 metres with the winning stable receiving $80,000.

Other races on the day’s programme include a `K’ Class and Lower, a `L1’ and Lower, a `L2’ and Lower an Unclassified Class and an open and non-starters race for a first prize worth $40,000, the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

According to reports, over 40 horses have been registered for the event including Angel Eye, Red Jet, Red Regent, Irish Boy, Daddy’s Dollar, Victoria Secret, Lucky Lucky and Call She Royal.

Reports indicate that the track is in excellent condition and the entry fee is $1000 at the gate.

The organisers would like to thank Anirude Construction, Kanhai’s Guyana Electrical Agency, Stag Beer, Fazal habibulla, Chris Jagdeo Construction, Nand Persaud, Clevaland Taxi Services, Goodwood Racing Service, Neville Budhan, GTM Insurance Company, NTN Berbice, Gyle Hookamchand and Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club for their sponsorship.

GFF ‘Elite League’ third season starts tonight at Leonora Page 31

Serena Williams weds Reddit co-founder in lavish Disney-themed ceremony WIMBLEDON champion Serena Williams has married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in a lavish ceremony just 11 weeks after giving birth.

The couple met at a hotel in Rome - and while he had booked a room to attend a conference, she was staying there to play in the Italian Open.

As he was not a tennis fan, it took Mr Ohanian a little while to realise exactly who he was having breakfast next to, but the pair hit it off quickly.

He proposed 18 months later in the same hotel, at the same table where they had met.

They now have a daughter called Alexis Jr, whose own Instagram has more than 105,000 followers.

The Ohanians had around 200 people at their ceremony in New Orleans, including Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Caroline Wozniacki, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

They married on 16 November, the birthday of Mr Ohanian’s late mother, as a tribute to her.

Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, Wedding

‘Awo’, Bobb, Jacobs make return to ‘Golden Jaguars’ for Indonesia friendly Page 26

Serena had three dresses for the occasion - the first being a £2.6m Alexander McQueen princess dress, with a beaded and feathered Versace dress for the reception.

When she stepped onto the dancefloor it was in a short, fitted Versace dress - perfect for dancing to Tale As Old As Time, one of her favourite Disney songs from Beauty And The Beast.

They wrote their own vows, and Mr Ohanian posted them on Instagram alongside a photo of their day. He said: “You are the greatest of all time, not just in sport--I’m talking about as a mother and as a wife.

“I am so excited to write so many more chapters of our fairy tale together.”

Guests sat down to dinner, where menus ranged from Italian to Armenian fare, to Be Our Guest, before they tucked into dessert.

They took home trophies with their names written on the front as tokens of the day, as well Gatorade to help them “recover like a champ”.

Jaguars bowlers destroy Red Force to remain on course for big win

Page 27

Anthony Abrams makes a move on Angel Reyna of Mexico at the BBVA Compass Stadium on October 12, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo compliments: Bob Levey/ Getty Images North America)

Gudakesh Motie four for 46

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Keemo Paul four for 17

Veerasammy Permaul four for 43 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER, 19, 2017