Guyana chronicle e paper 11 08 2017

ExxonMobil pumps $10M into hurricane relief Page 11

No. 105090

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Cop kills self after shooting girlfriend Page 10

DEAD:Clement Cockfield

‘Live as one’

INJURED: Shanice Fraser

Page 2

…Victorians urged at 178th Anniversary celebrations

High Court trial for Babita Sarjou alleged killer Page 14

Gov’t to scale up training for health officials Page 13

… 40 scholarships to be issued

Victoria youths captivated the audience with their acrostic during Monday evening’s event (Terrence Collins photo)

Battered teacher dies

Page 3

Fire destroys Corentyne Page boutique 9

‘Live as one’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

… Victorians urged at 178th Anniversary celebrations

By Marinella Glasgow THE Victoria Village Youth Development Organisation, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) came together on Monday to celebrate the 178th Anniversary of the founding of the village on November 7, 1839.

To mark the occasion, the two organisations hosted what was appropriately called “A Night of Celebration” at the junction of Kingston Street and the Victoria Middle Walk Road.

Needless to say, the idea was cause for great excitement among villagers as they hurried to occupy whatever available seats there were at the venue. The programme was scheduled to commence at 22:00hrs, but many persons were already seated as the clock struck 21:00hrs.

As the appointed hour came around, villagers, guests and other spectators stood in reverence as representatives from the three main religions uplifted the village and its success in earnest prayers.

This set the tone for what would prove to be one of the best events the village has ever experienced in a very long time.

And as the evening progressed, the audience was kept entertained by a gaggle of masqueraders who expressed the joy they felt on

such an auspicious occasion through their graceful moves.

Ms Zoe Frank, an active member of the youth group and proud villager, seized the opportunity to remind those in attendance of the village’s rich history as she reminisced upon the struggles that the ancestors experienced: The frequent floggings, the deprivation of practicing their culture and even the altering of their identity.

And while she felt her fellow villagers should never forget the struggles, she also urged that they not allow their past circumstances or the circumstances of their foreparents to define who they are as a people; that instead they should rise above the discouraging circumstances and prove to be the victor and not the victim.

“As we walk, as we talk, we must show that we are elated to be members of the auspicious Victoria Village,” Ms Frank said.

“Wherever we go, whatever we do, let’s celebrate Victoria,” she added.

MAIN SPEAKERS The main speakers of the night were Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion and fellow villager, Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health.

Dr. Norton, who expressed his gratitude at hav-

Masqueraders entertaining villagers during the event ing the privilege of representing President, David Granger at the function, commended the perseverance of the 83 freed slaves for being disciplined enough to put aside the 30,000 Guilders needed to buy the village. “They paved the way for the movement, which saw more villages being bought by ex-slaves, thereby shaping the Guyanese society,” Dr Norton said, as he hastened to praise

today’s villagers for contributing significantly to the country’s development in the areas of sports, law and even medicine. He also applauded the youth of the village for having the presence of mind to get together to recognise the historic purchase and the importance of embracing one’s history.

He even encouraged villagers not to lose sight of their sense of community and

being their brother’s keeper.

“Live as one and look out for each other while striving to make your village even better,” Dr Norton urged in closing.

Dr Cummings, on the other hand, expressed her joy at being a proud descendant of a Guyanese slave. She made it known that Victoria Village was not only symbolic of Afro-Guyanese pride but also an ultimate representation of

A section of the gathering at the 178th Anniversary celebrations of Victoria village Monday evening

the determination and perceptive entrepreneurship of our Afro-Guyanese ancestors.

She encouraged the villagers to continually commit themselves to the development of Victoria.

The receptive audience was ignited into a frenzy as the youthful members of the Victoria Zenith Pathfinder Drum Corp filled the atmosphere with their rhythmic beats. The villagers swayed as the rhythms took them on a journey back to their homeland, Africa. Presidential Advisor of the youth group behind the night’s activities, Mr. Aubrey Norton, couldn’t help remarking how proud he felt at what the youngsters were able to achieve, as it was he who encouraged them to do what they did.

Asked how they felt about the activity, many villagers said they were overjoyed, and promised to support the youth group in their future endeavours. The night’s festivities culminated with the Victoria Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Mass Choir blending their voices in harmony as they sang the National Anthem as officials hoisted the Golden Arrowhead and the village’s flag.

Nominees for PSC ––Min Harmon being considered GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

NOMINEES are being considered for reconstitution of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Minister of State Joseph Harmon said Monday.

Speaking after the Chinese Government donated US$2.6M in transportation and communications equipment to the Guyana Police Force on Monday, the Minister of State said, “…it is now being considered for the reactivation.”

“The life of the last commission came to an end at the end of August and so we are looking now at re-establishing the PSC,” said Harmon, who noted that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) administration is in the process of activating all commissions that are currently dormant.

It is unclear who the nominees for the PSC are. In August, government said it had launched an investigation into accusations of abuse and malpractices within the PSC, as well as in the Guyana Police Force, following mounting complaints by police ranks.

President David Granger had told reporters then that there have been many legitimate complaints by members of the PSC and aggrieved police officers of abuse and malpractices in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and it is precisely for this reason that he has asked for the promotion of police officers to be delayed.

Weeks before its life came to an end, the

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Ministry of the Presidency had also ordered the PSC to put on hold any new promotion of police officers – a move which the opposition had criticised. The commission’s life came to an end in September. “We are investigating the complaints which have been made to us and we have asked the Police Service Commission to simply delay, so that we can answer those queries and once

those queries are satisfactorily answered, we will proceed. It’s no intention on my part to impede the work of the commission,” the President had said.

Meanwhile, in relation to the recommendations made by the Paul Slowe Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate the President, Harmon said President Granger will consider the recommendations shortly, noting that decisions are likely to be made before the next six months. “…In addition to the recommendations for changes in the force, we have to consider the Security Sector Reform Report and all of those issues will be brought together when we are looking at the holistic way in which the force will be managed.”

Moreover, the Minister of State declined to comment on the recommendations made by Slowe to government for Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who is currently on annual leave, to be made to resign under conditions as the President considers appropriate. “I won’t comment on this dismissal business, it is an option but I am not going to comment on that.

You heard Minister [of Public Security] Ramjattan give his views publicly on the matter. It is going to be considered by the President and Cabinet,” stated Harmon. He disclosed too that he has had talks with Persaud in relation to “what he considers to be important matters in relation to his own welfare,” a few weeks ago.

The Minister of State said because Seelall is

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Police Commissioner “we are always in touch.”

As it relates to who will hold the post in future when acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine travels, Harmon made it clear that the most senior of the Assistant Commissioners will act as Police Commissioner. “In the first set of structures that would allow for the next senior rank to act up in the capacity of the Commissioner of Police and in the case of the Criminal Investigations Department, there is an officer in there who would be identified to do that,” Harmon told reporters.

He declined to comment on whether Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken would be the person to act as Top Cop. “The senior who will be there if in fact that is the senior officer; we are not in the habit of jumping people,” stressing that the force has a structure that will be followed. The Slowe report has recommended that Hicken be disciplined for neglect of duty in relation to the alleged assassination plot against President Granger. “…all things are possible – every police who joins the force hopes one day to become the commissioner…I want to say, we don’t just look at the male ranks of the police force, we have female officers as well and therefore, if it is that a female officer has to be the person, then so be it,” stressing that action on the entire CoI is being considered.

Battered teacher dies … policeman held, another being sought

RICHARD Ishmael Secondary School teacher, Kescia Branche, who was severely beaten and dumped at the corner of Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown died Tuesday afternoon, police confirmed.

Two persons, including a police constable are in custody. Police are seeking the whereabouts of another constable as investigations continue.

Surveillance footage led

to the arrest of the police constable on Tuesday.

The ranks are attached to the Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station.

Around 05:00 hrs on Sunday, the First Street, Cummings Lodge resident was found on the roadway, unconscious.

Her left leg was broken and she sustained multiple head injuries.

She was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care

Unit (ICU) where she succumbed.

Reports indicate that between Saturday night to Sunday morning, Kescia Branche was seen partying with two men at two different night spots. The identity of one of the men is known by her friends and his information was shared with the police. The mother of one was last seen in the company of a male at the Blue Martini

Bar, located at Lamaha and De Abreu Street, Newtown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Persons reported seeing her being touched inappropriately by the man and she also appeared to have been under the influence. Persons also related that she was also seen at Seeta’s Bar, Station Street Kitty. The victim’s father, Alfred Branche said that he will not rest until jus-

tice is served. Her twin sister who was at her bedside when she died flew in from Barbados Tuesday morning.

Investigators are comparing the dumping of the woman as a “Monica Reece” style killing. Reece, a19year-old female security guard, was dumped out of a 4×4 vehicle on Main Street, Georgetown on Good Friday, April 9, 1993.

School teacher Kescia Branche

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

FBI agents raid headquarters of major U.S. body broker Federal agents have seized records from a national company that solicits thousands of Americans to donate their bodies to science each year, then profits by dissecting the parts and distributing them for use by researchers and educators.

The search warrant executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at MedCure Inc headquarters here on November 1 is sealed, and the bureau and the company declined to comment on the nature of the FBI investigation.

But people familiar with the matter said the inquiry concerns the manner in which MedCure distributes body parts acquired from its donors.

MedCure is among the largest brokers of cadavers and body parts in the United States. From 2011 through 2015, documents obtained under public-record laws show, the company received more than 11,000 donated bodies and distributed more than 51,000 body parts to medical industry customers nationally. In a current bro-

chure, the company says that 80,000 additional people have pledged to donate their bodies to MedCure when they die.

FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele confirmed the day-long search of the 25,000-square-foot facility, but declined to comment further because the matter is under seal. A person familiar with the matter said that FBI agents took records from MedCure but did not remove human remains.

The search warrant, though sealed, signals that an FBI investigation of MedCure has reached an advanced stage.

To obtain a search warrant to seize records, rather than demand them via subpoena, FBI agents must provide a detailed affidavit to a U.S. magistrate with evidence to support probable cause that crimes have been committed and that related records may be on the premises.

“MedCure is fully cooperating with the FBI, and looks forward to resolving whatever questions the government may have about their

business,” said Jeffrey Edelson, a Portland attorney who represents the company. “Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we do not believe that further comment is appropriate at this time.”

It is illegal to profit from the sale of organs destined for transplant, such as hearts and kidneys. But as a Reuters series detailed last month, it is legal in most U.S. states to sell donated whole bodies or their dissected parts, such as arms and heads, for medical research, training and education. Commonly known as body brokers, these businesses often profit by targeting people too poor to afford a burial or cremation. Reuters documented how people who donate their bodies to science may be unwittingly contributing to commerce. Few states regulate the body donation industry, and those that do so have different rules, enforced with varying degrees of thoroughness. Body parts can be bought with ease in the United States. A Reuters reporter bought two heads and a spine

from a Tennessee broker with just a few emails.

MedCure, founded in 2005, is based outside Portland, Oregon, and has offices in Nevada, Florida, Rhode Island and Missouri, as well as Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At some locations, including the one near Portland, MedCure provides training labs for doctors and health professionals to practice surgical techniques. MedCure also sends body parts and technicians to assist with medical conferences across the country. MedCure is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, a national organization that primarily works with transplant tissue banks. The broker is also licensed by the state health departments in Oregon and New York, among the few states that conduct inspections. According to Oregon state health records, officials renewed MedCure’s license in January, following a routine on-site review. (Reuters)

Wednesday ,November 7th , 2017-5:00hrs Thursday,November 8th, 2017 - 08:30hrs Friday, November 9th, 2017 -09:00hrs

Saudi reopens Lebanon front in struggle with Iran Saudi Arabia has opened a new front in its regional proxy war with Iran, threatening Tehran’s powerful ally Hezbollah and its home country Lebanon to try to regain the upper hand.

With Iranian power winning out in Iraq and Syria, and Riyadh bogged down in a war with Iran-allied groups in Yemen, the new Saudi approach could bring lasting political and economic turmoil to a country where Tehran had appeared ascendant. The resignation on Saturday of the Saudi-allied Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri, announced from Riyadh and blamed on Iran and Hezbollah, is seen by many as the first step in an unprecedented Saudi intervention in Lebanese politics.

“The Saudis appear to have decided that the best way to confront Iran is to start in Lebanon,” a European diplomat said. Riyadh is blaming Hezbollah for the resignation of Lebanon’s preeminent Sunni politician, accusing it of “hijacking” Lebanese politics. But Saudi Arabia is also widening blame to Lebanon as a whole, saying it too has declared war on the Kingdom.

A Saudi minister has made the near impossible demand that Lebanese act against a group that is a major part of Lebanon’s political fabric and far more powerful than the weak state, with a guerrilla army that out guns the national military.

Coinciding with a major anti-corruption purge of top Saudis, Hariri’s shock

announcement has given rise to suggestions from Hezbollah and others that his Saudi business interests had embroiled him in the probe and he was forced to resigning. Saudi Arabia and Hariri’s allies deny that, and assertions that Hariri is under house arrest. They say his hand was forced by Hezbollah interventions in Arab countries in service of Iran.

POWER VACUUM Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir said Hezbollah had been “calling the shots” in the Hariri government, which included two Hezbollah ministers and was formed last year in a political deal that made Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, head of state. Hezbollah and its allies will struggle to form a government without Hariri or his blessing, leaving Lebanon in a protracted crisis that could eventually stir Sunni-Shi‘ite tensions, though there is no sign of this yet as all sides urge calm. Announcing his resignation, Hariri cited an assassination plot against him and slammed Iran and Hezbollah for sowing strife and trying to “kidnap” Lebanon away from the Arab world. The declaration came as a surprise even to Hariri’s aides.

It is not clear what comes next: Saudi-backed efforts to weaken Hezbollah in Lebanon failed badly a decade ago, ending with a bout of Sunni-Shi‘ite fighting on the streets of Beirut that only underlined Hezbollah’s military dominance. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

US sets final date for Nicaraguan immigrants’ protected status

Demonstrators carrying signs march during a rally by immigration activists CASA and United We Dream demanding the Trump administration protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) programs, in Washington, U.S., August 15, 2017.

Image copyright Reuters The US has announced that in January 2019 it will terminate a programme which gave Nicaraguan immigrants protection from deportation. The decision will affect thousands of Nicaraguan living in the

US, who will have to seek “an alternative lawful immigration status” or leave the US. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nicaragua was introduced in 1999 after Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America.

It has been repeatedly renewed since. Both the Bush and Obama administrations argued that Central American nations which were granted TPS after Hurricane Mitch could not cope with the return of thousands of their nationals and extended the programme’s duration.

But critics say the pro-

gramme, which was created to offer temporary protection in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, has become a permanent fixture and allowed some immigrants to stay for almost two decades by renewing their visas time and time again.

Thousands of Nicaraguans and tens of thousands of Hondurans have been living in the US for almost 20 years thanks to the TPS programme.

Under the programme, they are allowed to work and many have raised families in the United States. But on Monday the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland

Security announced that the “substantial but temporary conditions caused in Nicaragua

by Hurricane Mitch no longer exist” and that its TPS designation would therefore have to be terminated. Elaine Duke said the country’s TPS designation would therefore have to be terminated. While it was due to expire in January 2018, she said it would be delayed by one year “to allow for an orderly transition”.

Nicaraguans will now have until 5 January 2019 to legalise their status or leave, she said.

HONDURANS IN LIMBO

Meanwhile Honduran immigrants, whose TPS was also due to expire in January 2018, have been left in limbo as a decision on their status was delayed. Ms Duke said she needed more information. Hondurans’ TPS has been temporarily extended until July 2018 to allow US officials more time to assess conditions in Honduras. But the Department of Homeland Security already warned in its statement that a termination of the programme was “possible”. Ms Duke said she recognised “the difficulty facing citizens of Nicaragua

- and potentially citizens of other countries - who have received TPS designation for close to two decades” and called on the US Congress “to enact a permanent solution for this inherently temporary programme”. By 23 November, the Department of Homeland Security will have to make a decision on whether to extend protective status for 46,000 Haitian immigrants granted TPS after the 2010 earthquake. A decision on El Salvador’s status, which was given TPS after its 2001 earthquake, is due on 8 January 2018. (BBC)

Lags, gaps threaten progress on population development in Region The region of Latin America and the Caribbean has made progress on implementing measures regarding population and development, but some lags and gaps may undermine the solidity of these advances, representatives of countries in the region agreed today while gathered at the Special Meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Population and Development.

Along with Mexico in the Presidency, the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference is comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The meeting, which will be held through Thursday, November 9 at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), was inaugurated by Raúl García-Buchaca, ECLAC’s Deputy Executive Secretary for Management and Program Analysis; Patricia Chemor, Secretary General of Mexico’s National Population Council (CONAPO), in her role as President of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference; and Esteban Caballero, Direc-

tor of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Office.

In his opening remarks, Raúl García-Buchaca affirmed that a preliminary overview of the four years of implementation of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development indicates that Latin America and the Caribbean has made progress on comprehending and acting upon some issues, such as the institutional framework for population matters, civil society participation, sexual and reproductive rights, and the need for indicators and statistical data to examine the gains made.

However, he said that in 2015, a little over one-fourth of the regional population – or 172.5 million people forming part of 56.5 million households – experienced social exclusion.

“The likely weakening of social protection systems due to the reduction in public budgets earmarked for social development that some countries in the region are experiencing would only serve to deepen these disadvantages,” the senior ECLAC official warned.

In the same vein, Patricia Chemor called on the region to maintain its global leadership on matters of population and development and said that, given the complexity of national challenges, joint

and coordinated work is the only viable way to continue forging ahead on implementation of the Montevideo Consensus. This document – adopted at the first meeting of the Conference, held in 2013 in Uruguay – is the region’s most important intergovernmental agreement on population and development.

Esteban Caballero, meanwhile, underscored that the 2030 Agenda and the Montevideo Consensus call for duly integrating the

economic, social and environmental spheres. “For such a mission, the important thing is to address the issue from a population perspective, asking the question: Who is being left behind in development processes?” he sustained.

During the opening session, officials presented the Final Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group charged with preparing a proposal on the indicators for regional follow-up of

the Montevideo Consensus.

The proposal by the ad hoc group, made up of experts from 17 countries in the region, is aimed at providing an indicator framework for drafting the regional report for follow-up of the Montevideo Consensus, supporting countries in the preparation of their national reports, and facilitating and promoting synergies and complementarity with other agendas, in particular with the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development. The proposal includes a total of 140 indicators, 44 of them new, which address issues such as the population’s integration in sustainable development and the areas of childhood, adolescence and youth, aging, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, internal and international migration, territorial inequality, and indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Necessity of Auditor General Report and recommendations THE Auditor General’s (AG) Report is vital to governance, given that it establishes, after review, government’s conformity -- or lack thereof -- to laws and accounting principles pertaining to management of the people’s money, i.e. revenue and expenditure.

When representatives of this office visit departments and agencies, what they are doing is ensuring that those assigned responsibilities to manage the people’s finances are following the stipulated protocols. Compliance with required standards not only brings about prudent money management, including reduction and elimination of waste, fraud and abuse, but also helps Guyana’s international image as a country that is averse to corrupt practices.

Findings in the report also impact internal politics, one way or the other, given that such serve as gauge of the incumbent’s tolerance or intolerance for corrupt practices, and adherence to or rejection of the procedures in money management. The AG’s Report is looked forward to by various sections of society, including government, opposition, civil society and regional and international institutions. The reason for this being the report not only highlights government’s performance, but also indicates to the international community

whether Guyana facilitates the environment for investment and good governance.

From a raw political standpoint, such report provides fodder to condemn the incumbent or see it earning the people’s respect, including the opposition, however grudgingly.

Transparency International is also guided by this report in compiling its World Corruption Perception Index Report and Guyana’s placement. Last year recorded improvement, however marginal, after having held the embarrassing position of being the most corrupt English-speaking Caribbean country, an ill-repute with which no right-thinking citizen would want to associate.

Last Thursday, the 2016 AG’s Report was laid before the National Assembly, which will see it being hotly debated and thoroughly scrubbed. 2016 recorded a complete calendar year of the APNU+AFC government and responsibility for what is in the report. Areas of significance have been highlighted such as: i) alleged abuse of the Contingency Fund, ii) non- implementation of all recommendations and iii) non-submission of records, signalling the importance for attention.

Where it has been reported, spending from the Contingency Fund inconsistent with the Fiscal Management and Respon-

sibility Act, what would be expected is that where explanations are provided that they be judged based on its merit and systems put in place to avoid any untoward recurrence. The same goes for non-submission of a department’s report that would have aided better understanding of its management.

One of the advantages of recommendations is that of helping planners and executors of projects to improve accounting and transparency, and should be taken in good faith.

According to Auditor General Deodat Sharma, the 2015 Report made 442 recommendations to improve the accounting system. Some of these were partially implemented and some not at all. It could only be hoped that going forward, Mr. Sharma’s advice to address the recommendations will be heeded. Government could find it necessary to make mandatory the implementation of recommendations or consequences be felt for failing to. Dare it be said starting now. Doing so sends a strong message of intolerance to poor or bad practices and preparedness to hold persons to account. No public official, elected and appointed, acting on behalf of the people and/or the President should be made to feel that their disregard for proper systems will find favour and acceptance by any.

Impressed with service of Fly Jamaica Dear Editor, I AM writing to discuss the outstanding service my husband and I have experienced on the Fly Jamaica airline during bi-annual trips to and from Guyana since the airline began international service to JFK. In all cases the staff have been exceptionally helpful on the phone, on the ground and in flight.

The food is of very high quality and the flight attendants are always friendly and helpful. In addition, the Guyanese owner, Captain Reece,

has been unusually supportive of our mission to serve Guyanese people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, the recent apparently unilat eral and somewhat inexplicable decision by the Cheddi Jagan renovation contractors to close the airport from 6PM to 6AM daily has severely dis rupted air travel to and from Guyana. This is a disastrous turn of events for a country struggling to become an international eco-tourism destination, as well as for the many Guyanese who regularly travel from abroad to

visit family members at home. This decision puts all airline operators in the untenable position of having to change flight times and disregards the fact that extremely busy airports such as JFK simply cannot change jet way service or reservation desk space times on short notice, if at all.

At JFK for example, in 2016, 59 million passengers were served on nearly 100 different airlines from over 50 countries. JFK is the busiest international gateway to the United States with flights taking off at the

rate of more than 100 per hour at peak times.

Given these facts, sudden forced changes in flight schedules present insurmountable barriers to maintaining excellent service.

Although our recent flight from Guyana to JFK was forced to leave nearly eight hours before its scheduled time, Fly Jamaica notified each passenger via email several times in the days prior to departure. Upon arrival in Kingston, the ground staff repeatedly apologised for the long lay over, gave each traveller a food

voucher worth $10 US and offered advice such as moving the chairs closer together to facilitate more comfort during the long night. Initially, two food vendors were open, but another vendor of fering more healthy food options opened a short while later. Fly Jamaica staff members circulated among the passengers, offering assistance. In one instance, a staff member spent nearly an hour helping a woman comfort and quiet a crying toddler, staying with them until the child was asleep.

Having suffered

through rising fares, increasingly restrictive luggage allowances, poor service and appalling food on other airlines serving Guyana, I am especially appreciative of the efforts that Fly Jamaica has made to offer high-quality travel experiences at very reasonable prices. I would strongly advise all travellers to Guyana who are seeking good value on a well-maintained and reliable airline to use Fly Jamaica.

Regards Dr. Vivian J. Carlson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

High-level political dialogue needed Dear Editor,

PLEASE publish this letter as an open, respectful appeal for urgent political dialogue between the President and the Leader of the Opposition to address the pressing social and political problems of Guyana in the national interest. In particular, the two political leaders are called to revisit the decision on the appointment of Chairman of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The call is for them to confer in good-faith encounter to find a mutually acceptable solution to the current controversy over the unilateral appointment in October 2017, of the Chairman of GECOM. Such an outcome no doubt, would lower the racial and political tensions

which have gripped this country, and to prevent this man-made, political and social disaster from escalating into overt and open conflicts.

The unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM has generated much controversy on the legality, constitutionality, and suitability of the new Chairman. In the circumstances, and in the name of Almighty God, the greatest contribution to Guyana by the newly appointed Chairman of GECOM is to graciously tender his resignation. This will open the door for the high-level political dialogue for the good of our country. Please, Mr. Chairman of GECOM, this course of action on your part will be a blessing for all in this fair land of ours, and a lasting legacy for you in the

history of the electoral life in Guyana.

The political leaders are called to promote active national peace and harmony by practical actions in legislation and public policy. It is time to pull back from partisan political self-interest, and together cultivate and build in a sustainable way, a more just, fair, compassionate, and inclusive country for the good of all citizens. Let us learn from the past mistakes and take the required measures to get right our politics, race relations, governance structures,constitutional reform, electoral processes, and national development programme to achieve national confidence.

Let us admit that the people of our country and its economy have been negatively affected for more than

60 years on account of the reality of race-based power politics, dominated and continues to be dominated by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC).

The nation is crying out for a national peace, security, and creating and sustaining of a more just society for all its people. A heavy burden and responsibility rest with the leaders of the political parties. History will judge them harshly for continuing failure to liberate us from the scourge of the politics of race, vengeance, and vindictiveness.

It is time to look to the future. The resolution of the controversy over the Chairmanship of GECOM to the mutual satisfaction of all parties would be a good start and a confidence measure

leading to the imperative of national trust and moving to higher trust. This calls for leadership, commitment, inclusiveness, and fashioning a common national vision. It is in the hands of the President as the Executive Head of the Government, to take the lead in engaging individually and collectively the political opposition, the private sector, the labour movement, civil society and professional organisations to address and resolve our social, economic, development and political challenges, and forge an agreed, urgent programme for the immediate short-term and medium-term implementation.

Such an initiative needs to be supported and sustained with the view to: foster mutual understanding, good race relations, and

to find agreed solutions to problems and controversial issues; promote for all, social justice and peace to impact positively on social, economic, and political life; build stronger democracy and good governance in terms of inclusive participation, transparency, and public accountability; promoting public-policy measures for stronger economic growth and development; and create a more just society for all. I invite the media, letter-writers, and organisations to join in this call for high-level political dialogue to save our country and move it forward.

Regards Samuel J. Goolsarran

We must do more to protect our children Dear Editor, THE recent deaths of 50-year-old Gavin Moses and his 13-year-old niece, Yasha Prince, who died as a result of drowning while swimming at the Rockstone Fish Festival at approximately 16:30hrs on Sunday, October 29, were a real tragedy that could have been avoided.

The News Room reported: ‘’Moses along with other relatives hired a private boat to transport them to

the Golden Beach, just minutes away from the main event area, to indulge in swimming. It was during this time that the teenager and two cousins, including Thalia Clarke, experienced difficulty in navigating through the deep waters.’’

It is important that this teen uncle hired a private boat to take them to the Golden Beach for swimming where they died. This teen’s parents, I will assume, went ahead of them or stayed behind. This uncle who died was very

ignorant of the depth of the water and he himself was not a proper swimmer, so why put these kids to swim into an unknown river or creek of tremendous depths. It’s very sad, all these untimely deaths of very young people in our country by accidents and suicides and drowning.

Yasha Prince could have been another doctor or lawyer or a teacher, but her life was snuffed out.

I also believe that all these resorts like Rockstone, Lake Mainstay, Splashmins

#63 beach and even bathing pools should be well equipped with lifeguards on the ground and with boats patrolling the waters with surveillance cameras linked to an office where lifeguards can see a danger; or we will have more drownings of this nature.

I am calling on parents to be more protective of their children. I see little kids ride big bicycles to go buy goods at shops and many of them die by accidents. Today’s youths are tomorrow’s lead-

ers so we must protect them from dangers. Our teachers too and church leaders must be actively involved in protecting our children from dangers such as drinking, smoking, drugs, suicide, depression and low self-esteem Young people like adventure, many will not even know how dangerous a simple lake or creek can be. Even climbing trees or going biking.

Youths are the backbone of the nation. They can change the future of the society with their well-be-

ing and academic achievements. I am calling on all parents, guardians and those responsible to protect our youths. Gandhi said,’’ We must become the change we want to see.’’ Let’s work together to transform the lives of our youths by watching over them daily by inculcating in them moral and spiritual values to be better citizens of our nation.

Regards Rev. Gideon Cecil

PPP disrespected its supporters Dear Editor, THERE was never a doubt as to how the People’s Progressive Party/Civic had been expected to react to the fact of their defeat, at the historic May 2015 polls. As far as they were concerned, their support base had always been assured. And this belief was irrespective of what their performance as government, had been.

They, as a party and government, were further buttressed in this sense of mental

security, because of what had been perceived as numerical superiority. As well as, their constituents had never publicly taken them to task for the serious issues of governance.

In other words, the PPP/C took advantage of the wellknown silence of their support base. Those who dared to speak were publicly abused.

This in itself, constituted gross disrespect to their supporters, as it meant that they disrespected the former, taking their support as carte blanche. No doubt, that many

of those constituencies continued to suffer from lack of basic amenities: bad roads, absence of road lights, and water, as examples. This was a situation that had been common, in especially the working-class Indo- Guyanese communities. It was a clear case of social discrimination.

It took the new government to begin remedying those severe defects that in many ways, affected those residents. Even as the government began working towards an equitable society,

it was the PPP which first refused to have engagement with the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government on governance, because that party’s leadership opposed Moses Nagamootoo being leader of the government’s team.

Thus, for the PPP/C to be strutting around in their constituencies, announcing that they will take back this country, smacks of untold arrogance, and a tragic over estimation of itself.

What the PPP/C must bluntly be told is that it does not have the personal transport to these 83,000 square miles, called Guyana; for Guyana belongs to the people who reside here. The unforgettable, evil criminality that this country experienced during the period 2002–to the onset of the 2006 national elections, was the kind that would have cost any government in any state that is homogeneous, its retention of office.

Guyana’s 2015 elec-

tion results gave, what is accepted as a razor-thin margin to the coalition, APNU+AFC. It signalled to the PPP/C that it was no longer BUSINESS AS USUAL. This result signalled that PPP/C supporters had finally become awakened.

But their leader, blinded by arrogance and entitlement, wants to use them as guinea pigs to further the self-interest of a few.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

CDB-funded apiculture training opens A three-year Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) funded programme aimed at building capacity among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises rolled out on Monday with a ‘Theory and Practical Apiculture Training Seminar.’

The programme–‘Enhancing the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-size Enterprises in Guyana’ is being facilitated by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GGCI) with financial and technical support from the CDB. During the opening ceremony of the five day seminar, which brought together 25 employed and unemployed persons interested in Apiary, GCCI Project Officer Eusi Evelyn noted that the multimillion dollar programme is being executed through the CDB’s Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network.

Evelyn explained that over a period of three years 15 sub-projects would be executed based on consultation with the business community, government and non-governmental organisations.

The Theory and Practical Apiculture Training Seminar, which is focusing on apiary management principles, is the first sub-project to be rolled out under the CDB funded initiative. This train-

GCCI Project Officer Eusi Evelyn

ing seminar is being facilitated by Kingdom Apiary Products and Services (KAPS).

Apiculture is the technical term for beekeeping.

KAPS Representative, Aubrey Roberts told the 25 entrepreneurs and prospective beekeepers that the seminar will equip them with foundational knowledge and skills needed to engage in Apiculture. “On the South American main land we have lush forest, we have hundreds of miles of mangrove and we have Africanized bees. These bees can be harnessed, these bees can be managed, these bees can be put to work for us, and so this week is all about that,” Roberts said.

Introduction into Apiculture, Apiary site selection

and preparation, harvesting and packaging are among the areas to be covered. The group during the training is expected to pay a visit to the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

GCCI President Deodat Indar, in delivering brief remarks, said through the CDB funded initiative the chamber will be implanting a total of 15 sub-projects targeting micro, small and medium size enterprises in various sectors and sub-sectors. “Through this programme the GCCI will provide technical assistance, support through workshops, seminars and organizational attachments. We just don’t come here and tell you how to walk the road, we actually walk the road with you,” Indar said.

He said while the programme will lay the foundation, participants must be able to transition from micro to small and then medium-sized businesses.

The GCCI President noted that the chamber engaged in extensive consultation before initiating the sub-projects. GCCI would have consulted with the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), the Indian Arrival Committee, the African Cultural and Developmental Association (ACDA), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA),

Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), New Guyana Marketing Corporation, the Small Business Bureau, the Linden Mayor and Town Council, and the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), World University Services of Canada, and the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College.

GCCI Project Officer added that based on those consultations four of the 15 sub-projects have been formulated. “We have engaged with the Apiary Industry, we also would be collaborating with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation and IICA

on a special programme for agro-processors so that is one in train. We also will be collaborating or we have started collaboration with Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on a programme for the hotel hospitality sector, also we have one to do with wood working, it is still in its initial stage but these are all projects that will be finalised before this year end.”

By December 31, 2018, GCCI is expecting to have these sub-projects approved by the CDB for implementation in 2018.

Participants at the training seminar

First Lady, Peace Corps Guyana head discuss possible partnerships

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Monday received a courtesy call from Peace Corps Guyana’s Country Director, Ms. Kury Cobham and Director of Programme and Training, Ms. Melanie Ingalls, during which they discussed possible areas of collaboration to provide more opportunities for young people to benefit from health and educational programmes.

Providing an overview of the projects in her portfolio as First Lady, particularly those that benefit marginalised women and youth, Mrs. Granger said that her office engages the prospective beneficiaries ensure buy-in so that the benefits of such programmes can have far-reaching and long-term impacts.

“My concern is that when we do a project… it has to have value to [the beneficiaries] … The other thing I want,

when we have these projects, that there [are] trickle down [benefits] to the community,” the First Lady said at the meeting, which was held at State House.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cobham, who recently took up her appointment, said that she has been enjoying following the First Lady’s work over the last few months and that she has found a number of connections between her projects and those being undertaken by the Peace Corps Guyana. She was keen to hear the First Lady’s perspective on the impact that some of those projects have been having on her target groups.

“We really have been enjoying following you, for me, for the past few months and just seeing a lot of the synergy between the efforts that you’re doing with marginalised groups, particularly young women and adults, as

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (centre) is flanked by, from left to right, Peace Corps Guyana Country Director, Ms. Kury Cobham and Director of Programme and Training, Ms. Melanie Ingalls at the close of a meeting at State House.

well as the elderly… There’s

quite a number of syner-

gies between our efforts in

health, education as well as the environment in our work in the interior so we wanted to share that with you and hear a little bit more about your work and see if there may places where we can coordinate and collaborate,” she said.

According to its website, Peace Corps Guyana partners with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and other local and international partners to implement initiatives that impact the health and well-being of residents therein and to increase literacy and build life skills with the view of helping beneficiaries to maximise their potential.

The organisation currently has 65 volunteers dispatched across the country and 40 are expected to be assigned to Guyana in June 2018. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Fire destroys Corentyne boutique

AN early morning fire on Tuesday has left a businessman counting his losses at Number 78 Village Corentyne.

The fire which started at approximately 04:00hrs destroyed the “Indulge Boutique”, located at Number 78, Village Corentyne. According to reports the fire which is believed to be electrical in origin started shortly after a wire on the electrical post began sparking during the heavy downpour on Tuesday morning.

Residents who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle recalled experiencing “low voltage” around the same time. Proprietor Rajeshwar Ramdass, 46 of Lot 3, Springlands, Corriverton said he was awaken

by a phone call informing him that his business entity was on fire.

He explained, the fire service was informed immediately and arrived on the scene an hour after. “When I reached to the scene the fire catch on the entire building already we couldn’t save anything.” Outraged villagers, lamented the poor response from the fire service.

They also alleged that the tender arrived without water.

Meanwhile, Ramdass is estimating his losses in the region of over $50M, his business is well known for selling a wide range of women and gents clothing and sneakers.

The boutique that was destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning

Skeletal remains found at Enmore POLICE are investigating the discovery of what is suspected to be the skeletal remains of a human at Estate Road Enmore, East Coast Demerara

on Sunday.

The discovery was made about 14:30hrs.

Police said initial Investigation re-

Berbice woman allegedly raped at knife point A 24-year-old mother of one is pleading for justice after she was held at knife point and allegedly raped in the presence of her five-year-old son last Friday in a Corentyne village.

The woman is calling for justice, since the suspect is roaming the streets and despite several visits to the police station, nothing has been done. According to the woman, on the night in question, her husband who is a rice farmer was out irrigating his fields and was expected to come in late, so she left her bedrrom door unlocked while she slept with their five-year-old son.

The suspect who is known to them was in the rice fields imbibing, while the men worked and he slipped away from them to attack and rape her knowing that her husband was still in the fields. “I hear the door open and thought it was my husband. I put on the phone light and see is one 1 ‘o’ clock, cause he didn’t turn on the lights, but by the time I realise it was not he, the man put a knife to me neck and cover me mouth.

He say if me nah do wah he want he guh kill me and my son,” the woman related.

The woman related that the suspect removed her clothing and forced himself on her in the bed next to her son who was asleep. “I begged him fuh lef we go out of the room and not to hurt me or me son, but he did drunk you could ah smell the alcohol on he and he said no fuh guh back on the bed and he tek the phone and dash it away and jump on me.”

The woman stated that when the

suspect was finished he fled, but not before he issued more threats to her.

Her husband later arrived home and the matter was reported to a nearby police station. The suspect was subsequently arrested during the course of the day and was placed in police custody.

According to the victim, she was told by ranks attached to the station that the suspect had confessed to the act and would not be released until he goes to court. However, she saw the suspect roaming the streets on Tuesday, November 7th, and upon enquiring at the police station she was allegedly met with hostility by the officer-in-charge. She noted that the suspect also left with her cellular phone and that was also reported to the police, but was not investigated. “When me go to the station and ask how come the man get loose, the police in charge start fuh cuss me up, he look drunk and say he nah gah answer to me, we then went to Whim Station and they tell us to go back to the station, cause that is where is dealing with the matter, but when we go back is the same thing.”

Frustrated, the woman called the media and related her story. However, soon after the suspect was re- arrested and later released on station bail. The woman then went back to Whim to lodge a complaint, but was not satisfied with the response nor treatment and is planning to meet with the divisional commander today.

The victim is pleading with the authorities to look into the matter, since she is suffering.

vealed that a forty-eight-year-old businessman who occupied the property where the remains were found was cleaning the house when the discovery

was made. The man had been living in the house for the past four months.

The remains are currently at a City Parlour awaiting further investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

57 house lots for Mabaruma village Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams Patterson-Yearwood signs a transaction with one of the residents. (DPI) THE Ministry of Communities (MoC) through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Monday allocated some 57

house lots to residents of Cookrite Hill, Mabaruma, Region One (BarimaWaini).

For the first time, Guyanese living in the com-

munity were given the opportunity to begin the process of owning their own homes. The CH&PA team which included Minister responsible for Housing, Valerie Patterson- Yearwood, took 57 vacant house lots to the community for distribution. Each of those lots was allocated to residents on the spot.

“Actually, we came here from CH&PA with 57 vacant lots and I can say all 57 were allocated.

And there are many persons coming now with their allocation letters from 2014, 15, 16, but we are out of lots,” Minister Valerie Patterson-Yearwood said.

Those 57 lots were all the CH&PA was able to deliver at the time, but according to Minister Yearwood, the housing authority will commence

negotiations with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) so that developmental works can commence on another plot of land to make house lots available.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Lelon Saul, said the CH&PA is committed to providing quality and affordable housing to all Guyanese.

The CH&PA, he said, is also currently developing service lots, which include water, road, and electricity among other infrastructure.

All this, he said, is aimed at improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.

“One of the things we recognise is that you owing a piece of land… it allows for the generation of wealth and I believe that it is our intention for people to live the good life and if you do not have that capacity to generate wealth, then the whole dream of living the good life will become difficult, if not impossible.”

As the CH&PA moves to expand its housing drive, Saul said the intention is to open up a regional office in Mabaruma, to make it easier for residents to make payments for their house lots. (DPI)

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Lelon Saul. (DPI)

Residents of Cookrite, Mabaruma, meet with Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams Patterson-Yearwood on Monday to receive their house lots. (DPI)

Cop kills self after shooting girlfriend A young policeman killed himself after critically shooting his lover, at the La Grange Police Station, West Bank Demerara on Tuesday night.

The duo was based at the said police station. Police told Guyana Chronicle that the man, Constable Clement Cockfield shared a relationship with the woman, Shanice Fraser. The couple reportedly has a child together. The duo had an argument sometime between 21:00h and 22:00h and in a fit of anger; Cockfield who was armed with a weapon shot Fraser at the La Grange Police Station. It is unclear where the woman, said to be 21 years old was shot.

Guyana Chronicle understands that police ranks that were at the police station at the time observed what was transpiring and ran to the young

woman’s safety and it was then that Cockfield turned the gun on himself.

The woman was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

“Is was like he was trying to finish she off…he pointed the gun to she head after he done shoot she the first time,” a witness was overheard saying at the GPH. A source close to the duo said Fraser was the victim of abuse. “He used to beat she,” another person who knows Fraser said. At the hospital several family members and friends of the woman turned up to show support. Many shook their heads in disbelief as she was moved from an ambulance to the emergency unit of the public hospital.

The woman was said to be asking for her child repeatedly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

ExxonMobil donates $10M to hurricane relief effort

IN collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), ExxonMobil, and their partners Hess and Nexen, have contributed ten million dollars (G$10,000,000) to Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to aid in Guyana’s relief effort for the territories across the Caribbean, which were left devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

ExxonMobil, which had previously supported the CDC’s work in postflood relief and recovery in Guyana’s Regions Seven and Eight, takes its corporate citizenship seriously worldwide, the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a release.

This most recent contribution was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) under the petroleum sector’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme.

The CSR Programme is designed to identify and respond to key issues affecting Guyanese communities or groups of persons requiring developmental initiatives, intervention and support.

Rod Henson, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Country Manager, in his remarks said that the company considers

From left to right: ExxonMobil Guyana officials Carlton James and Kimberly Johnson-Brasington; ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Rod Henson; Minister of State, The Hon Joseph Harmon; Director-General of the CDC ,Col. Chabilal Ramsarup and Minister of Natural Resources, The Hon Raphael G. C. Trotman, M.P. its community relationships an essential element of their business and added that in times of crises it is important that resources are combined to ensure a rapid response.

“Corporate social responsibility is important to us at ExxonMobil, as well as to our partners. We have worked with the CDC before, they do a fantastic job, and so we are happy to help

in this effort, which will go a long way in helping thousands of persons who have been left affected by the hurricanes,” he said.

Working together, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Civil Defence Commission, ExxonMobil, and partners Hess and Nexen, look to support the rebuilding efforts in the affected countries.

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Guyana eyes doubling agricultural production

WITH the aim of producing safe, healthy and nutritious foods for consumption at home and abroad, Guyana will be moving to double its agricultural production over the next few years, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder has said.

The minister was speaking at a consultation last Friday, organised by the University of Guyana (UG) at the Marriott Hotel which

sought a collaboration with the government on the establishment of an Institute of Food and Nutrition Security.

According to Minister Holder, Guyana has generally been regarded as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, being a net exporter of food in CARICOM. The portfolio he said, has placed the country in a position of great responsibility with challenges to meet the re-

gion’s food needs.

He said the government has however taken note of the increased challenges to food and nutrition security, especially those of the impact of climate change and changes in the trade environment. “We are, therefore, constantly reviewing our efforts to ensure that production of food is conducted in a manner that is safe for both the population and the environment,” he

said.

In order to guarantee inclusiveness of all, Minister Holder said the government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to ensure that all stakeholders play a meaningful role in addressing the key pillars of food security: availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability.

“While we continue to face challenges, we have implemented and sustained various initiatives, which support the integration of efforts to address food and nutrition security.

These initiatives address all four pillars mentioned,” Minister Holder said. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Local singer Osley ‘Spida’ Hopkinson passes on THE local music fraternity was thrown into mourning following the death of well-known contemporary musician Osley “Spida” Hopkinson.

He reportedly passed away shortly after midday on Tuesday following a period of illness at the Linden Hospital. Spida was an excellent drummer, keyboard player, guitarist, composer, singer and producer.

He hails from Linden and worked with several overseas artistes and sang a few songs himself such as ‘Party time’ and ‘We ain’t going home’ On Facebook several local artistes, including Dead: Osley “Spida” Bonny Alves, Michelle Hopkinson King, Diana Chapman and others expressed sadness at his passing and reminisced on his work as a producer and singer.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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Gov’t to scale up training for health officials … some 40 scholarships to be issued

By Svetlana Marshall

GUYANA’S Regional Health Services Department, despite being plagued with several challenges, is showing signs of improvement as the Public Health Ministry takes strategic steps to not only enhance the sector’s infrastructure, but to boost its human resources capacity, Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako, said on Tuesday.

Dr. Shako’s statements were substantiated when Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, announced that a total of 40 health-related scholarships will be issued as she declared open the 2017 Regional Health Officers Meeting at the Lake Mainstay Resort in the Whyaka Village.

Over 53 Health Directors, Regional Health Officers (RHOs), Senior Health Officers, and Regional Executive Officers (REOs) are meeting at the Lake Mainstay Resort on the Essequibo Coast (Region Two) for the 2017 RHO Meeting under the theme: “Collaboratively we build a resilient health care system that is acceptable, accessible, timely and appropriate to meet the needs of every person in Guyana.”

Minister Cummings, in delivering the feature address, reminded those present that the Regional Health Services Department is the nerve centre for the delivery of health care services in the country. Cognisant of the importance of building human capacity within the sector, the Public Health Ministry met with the World Bank, and was granted 20 scholarships for the Master’s Level. Additionally another 20 scholarships have been made available for prospective Community Health Workers – two from each of the 10 administrative regions.

For the Master’s Scholarships, Minister Cummings said that Regional Health Officers who have not yet acquired the Masters will be given priority.

In moving forward, the Junior Public Health Minister urged the health functionaries to redefine the way healthcare services are offered. “As you go through your deliberations during this week, let your focus be on significantly improving on all counts, the quality of healthcare we provide as a ministry.

Let’s explore more resourceful and operational ways of information-sharing, let us communicate more effectively with each other and let us align our collective vision with that of the Ministry of Public Health.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Meanwhile, in giving an overview of Regional Health Services in Guyana, Dr. Shako said though the department has its challenges, it has managed to provide much-needed services across the 10 administrative regions.

She pointed out that over the past two

years, the Regional Health Services Department has been placing ‘Primary Care Physicians’ at the country’s first level of care – the health centres and health posts. “We placed those physicians there because we want to strengthen our primary health care system.

And I would like to tell you that to date, over 95% of our health centres have Primary Care Physicians,” Dr. Shako said with a sense of achievement.

Such a move, she explained, allows patients to have easier access to doctors at the level of their communities. “Another thing we would have done to narrow the gap between the coastland and hinterland regions, was to place specialists across the hinterland region,” she added. Thus far, specialists have been placed in Regions Seven and Nine and according to Dr. Shako, the results are already evident. Maternal and infant mortality in those regions have declined, while patient care has improved. Region Nine is now benefiting from an internal medicine specialist and a paediatrician.

Apart from placing specialists, the department is now having focused supervisory visits. The visiting team usually comprises personnel from the biomedical, lab, food policy and mental health departments. These targeted visits are designed to have problems facing the health facilities fixed in most cases on the spot.

“In terms of training, with technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), we want to build capacity within our Regional Health Officers. So, all our Regional Health Officers are now doing a programme known as the Masters in Public Health or Masters in Business Administration, so that they could have a wider view of how to manage the region,” the Director of Regional Health Services added.

Complementing the work of the Regional Health Services Department is the Cuban Medical Brigade.

The Cuban Brigade, Dr. Shako noted, has been assisting in bridging the gap between the coastland and the hinterland. “From January up to this point, we have over 200 Cuban collaborators who would have been serving us within the different regions. Out of that number, you have 94 persons that are specialists and they are also placed across the 10 regions,” she noted.

In the area of infrastructure, the Regional Health Services Department has been equipping key healthcare facilities with much-needed tools. In its 2018 Budget, provision has been made for the upscaling of its healthcare facilities. Permanent Secretaries of the Public Health Ministry, Colette Adams, and her counterpart in the Ministry of Communities, Emile McGarrell, were among the officials present.

The meeting will come to an end on Friday after extensive discussions on key services provided.

Health Directors, Regional Health Officers (RHOs), Senior Health Officers, and Regional Executive Officers (REOs) present at the RHO 2017 Meeting

L-R: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Emile McGarrell; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Colette Adams and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Babita Sarjou PI ...

Chief Magistrate rules there’s enough evidence –– to try the accused for murder

THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Babita Sarjou concluded on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan,where two men were committed to stand trial in the High Court for the offence.

Sarjou’s ex-husband, Sharnandand Na-

rine, called ‘Anand’ of Seaforth Street, Campbellville, and Darel Pronton, called ‘Yankee’ of Broad Street, Charlestown, are on remand for the woman’s murder.

Attorneys-at-law Ronald Trotman and Hubert Rodney are representing the murder accused.

On Tuesday, the Chief Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence was presented before the court by Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, to establish a prima facie case of murder against the pair.

Sarjou had left her home to go to the Diwali motorcade on the eve of November 4, 2010, reportedly with her ‘ex’, Narine, who had called her.

She went missing and her skeletal remains were discovered in Naraine’s backyard on May 22, 2016.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum and a team of detectives were able to crack the case

after spending over five hours digging up a site at Naraine’s home. After digging the site, detectives recovered skeletal remains, which DNA samples confirmed were Sarjou’s.

Naraine reportedly picked her up Sarjou in his car, and while she was sitting in the front passenger seat she was allegedly strangled by Ponton who was seated at the back of the car.

Sarjou’s lifeless body was allegedly transported to Naraine’s house where it was buried.

Reports had indicated that Naraine See page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

GWI enlists hinterland village councils to help manage water systems TO ensure the upkeep of critical water systems in the interior region, the Guyana Water Inc. has entered into agreements with over 50 village councils to carry out the necessary work.

These contractual agreements come on the heels of training done with community members on how to operate, manage and maintain GWI’s systems, the company said in a release.

Under the agreement, the village councils will be required to appoint persons to operate and manage the water systems and will receive stipends from GWI for the execution of such duties. According to GWI, the scope of works to be carried out includes cleaning of solar panels to prevent algae accumulation, weeding and clearing of compounds, repairing of leaks on the water-distribution system, maintenance of submersible pumps and the submission of monthly reports on the water systems.

In addition, GWI will provide technical support relating to the management of the water system, where deemed necessary.

According to GWI, there are 33 signed agreements with the villages where these maintenance services will be carried out. They are: Moco Moco, Surama, Annai, Annai Central, Awarewaunau, Quatata, Cra Cra Na and Curicock in Karasabai, Yakarinta, Katoonarib, Apoteri, Achiwib, Bashaijon, Crash Water, Karaudarnau, Baitoon, Massara, Masakenari, Meriwau, Mararanau, Potarinau, Paipang, Quarrie, Quiko, Parishara, Rukumuta, Rapunau, Shea, Sand Creek, Toka, Wowetta and Yurongparu; all in Region Nine.

Earlier this year, GWI facilitated training for 27 Region Nine residents from 14 neighbouring villages in the maintenance of photovoltaic systems, which are used to power some of GWI’s pump stations in the interior region.

The photovoltaic technology is tailored for outlying communities that are not privy to the normal power supply.

Chief Magistrate rules ... from page 14 had dug the grave two days before Sarjou was killed.

During the PI, Brazilian doctor, Renato Teodoro Ferreira Paranaibo,testified in relation to DNA tests he conducted on Sarjou’s skeletal remains.

Also testifying was Champa Seonarine, the mother of Sarjou.

Seonarine, who said she is a farmer, told the court that she last saw her daughter on November 4, 2010. The woman recalled that her daughter had left home to attend the Diwali motorcade in Georgetown.

She also identified several pieces of clothing, a pair of footwear and jewellery that were recovered from the shallow grave as her daughter’s belongings.

According to the mother, she last saw her daughter wearing those items.

Police Inspector, Suraj Singh and Police Lance Corporal, Jermaine Laundry — both detectives — had testified to interviewing Narine and Ponton at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, during which they were told them of a murder allegation and cautioned in accordance to the judge’s rule.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

‘Chokadag’ committed to stand trial

–– for ‘Chiney Mon’ murder THE Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of a fisherman who was allegedly killed by his fellow co-worker was concluded on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Sharif Bacchus, called “Chokadag” of Fifth Street, Albouystown, was committed to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the High Court in Georgetown.

Bacchus is accused of murdering Chan Wong, called “Chiney Mon”, on July 20, 2017 at the Meadow Bank wharf.

According to reports, the two men Sharif Bacchus knew each other, as called “Chokadag” they had worked together as fishermen at the wharf. But on the day in question, an argument ensued between them and Bacchus allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Wong.

Wong collapsed after being injured and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Teen nabbed with illegal firearm

The Illegal .32 Pistol A TEENAGER is in police custody after he was found with an illegal firearm Monday night on the East Coast Demerara.

Police said acting on information at about 21:30hrs they visited a house at Chateau Mar-

got, East Coast Demerara where they conducted a search and found a .32 Pistol with one matching round of ammunition, in a black suite case in a bedroom.

The suspect, a 16 year-old, is assisting with investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

CARICOM forum puts spotlight on ganja use

…Guyanese urge legalisation, small fines

By Telesha Ramnarine A CARICOM-sponsored consultation on the use of marijuana heard complaints here about the exorbitant fines and lengthy jail sentences for persons found with small quantities of the drug and also utensils used to smoke it.

While medical science has shown that there can be medicinal use derived from the marijuana plant, it has also indicated that certain components of the drug can have negative impacts on mental health, Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM, Mr. Douglas Slater, pointed out.

Slater is overlooking a project aimed at researching the use of marijuana by members of the ‘CARICOM Marijuana Commission,’ who have been appointed by Heads of Governments to explore the issue in the region.

The commission met members of the public for a consultation on Monday evening at the Saint Stanislaus College, Brickdam. They plan to use their findings, along with those from similarly held consultations in the region, to come up with a

report and recommendations to their heads. In opening remarks, Slater, who is not one of the commissioners, reminded that marijuana, also referred to as ganja, is an illegal drug in the CARICOM community.

“Initially, the heads [of governments] were looking at the economic potential that exists from exploiting the beneficial chemicals of marijuana, but later as they explored more, they realised that the lives of many people, especially young people, have been destroyed from getting involved; sometimes [for] even a small quantity of the use of marijuana, they can get a criminal record which can mean the end of their social development, their lives.”

As such, he said the commission, which boasts independent expertise from all across the Caribbean, is tasked with exploring the issue.

Chairing the Commission is Professor Rosmarie Antoine, who offered that the issue is a very complex one in the Caribbean. She said legalisation, a more all-out approach, has to be looked at against decriminalisation

which will not incur criminal penalties.

One of the things that seem to be fairly constant from the team’s research is the different impacts of marijuana on very young children, Antoine pointed out. Other commissioners include youth representative Kishore Shallow of St. Vincent, Social Scientist Esther Best of Trinidad and Tobago, Bishop Simeon Hall from The Bahamas, and law-enforcement officer Dormah Harrison of Jamaica.

WAY OF LIFE Mr. Leon Saul, representing the ‘Healing the Nation Theocracy Party,’ said this party contested the 2015 general elections based solely on the platform of legalising marijuana. “In fact, we decided to create a political

party just for that purpose.

Our party decided that it is such a political question, that we need to have political representation, Saul who has been ‘burning’ marijuana since 1977, offered. It was when he was arrested and charged in 2014 that he said he made up his mind to become “militant and activist” on a right he feels he ought to enjoy. “And more so as a Rasta man, because it is part of my way of life and how I worship the creator.”

“We advocate total legalisation of marijuana, no half measures; but based on strategy and tactics and networking and the ability to work with others, we will settle for decriminalisation,” Saul said. Youth Activist Jermaine Grant pointed out to the commission how the possession of marijuana is a non-violent

offence that guarantees jail time once found guilty. He referred to the country’s ‘Narcotics Act,’ which he indicated should be amended or repealed without delay.

Grant offered how the jailing of citizens for small amounts of marijuana is compounding prison overcrowding and is a financial burden to the public to maintain those incarcerated.

“A lot of us are talking based on whim and our own ideas. We need to value our people and not jail them for a few grams. Allow our judges and magistrates a law to impose lesser penalties and fines or community service.

Allow our young people to not waste time in jail for small quantities of ganja, Grant stated.

A MEDICATION Rights of the Child Commissioner, Ms. Nicole Cole,

offered in her presentation that a fine of no more than $1000 should be the penalty for being found in excess of 56 grams.

She is calling for the jail sentence and fine to be struck out when persons are found with utensils used to smoke marijuana. Furthermore, Cole said each household should be allowed to legally grow up to five marijuana plants on their premises, because she said it is a medication.

She referred to the oldest female prisoner in the New Amsterdam Prison at the moment who is serving a three-year sentence for merely being in possession of stems and leaves. The 77-year-old woman, who used the drug for tea, would need $600,000 just to appeal her sentence.

Cole is hoping that this prisoner would benefit from a presidential pardon.

Massy Trading puts new detergent on the market

Massy Trading Director, Troy Beharry and other company staff at the launch Saturday of the new detergent

MASSY Trading on Saturday launched a new and affordable laundry detergent named ‘SURF’ at the Bounty Supermarket’s Water Street outlet.

According to Company Director, Troy Beharry, the

new detergent not only has a pleasant fragrance, but it’s also of an exceptional quality.

“Surf’s burst of fragrance is irresistible, cleans great and is very affordable,” Beharry said.

“We at Massy Trading are very happy to add Surf laundry detergent, manufactured by Unilever, to our homecare portfolio. Consumers can be assured of its great fragrance, cleaning powers

and good value once they try Surf.”

Surf laundry detergent comes in two fragrances, namely Sun Fresh and Rose Fresh, and is available at leading supermarkets and stores.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

UG begins Psychology programme - to boost mental health services

By Vishani Ragobeer THE University of Guyana (UG) launched its psychology programme on Monday, aiming to boost the mental health services offered locally.

Through this programme, four streams of training will be offered, beginning in 2018. The Certificate and Diploma in General Psychology will be offered from January, the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in September and the Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from June.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings reminded the gathering at UG’s Education Lecture Theatre for the launch about the national impetus being placed on promoting good mental health.

She further noted the number of interventions being made, including the establishment of a mental health unit within the Ministry.

According to her, UG has shown its “astute leadership” with the advent of these rafts of programmes

to train and qualify persons to address critical issues underpinning mental health in Guyana.

“UG embarking on the psychology programme will surely be an asset in the drive to address mental illness in Guyana,” Dr. Cummings said.

Meanwhile, President of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CANPA), Omowale Marshall, stressed that the initiation of these programmes will not only be an asset but in fact is critical.

He explained that while Guyana’s National Psychological Association is part of the CANPA, this country is the only one where people are able to carry the designation of “psychologist” without a Master’s Degree.

Marshall observed also that in many countries, a doctorate and additional training is required.

Moreover, he noted that Guyana has the greatest epidemiological demand for psychologists. Therefore the focus will be on building practitioners at the Master’s level.

Charged, put on bail

--for causing death of teen motorcyclist

A 47-year-old National Insurance Scheme (NIS) employee was on Monday charged for the death of 19-year-old motorcyclist Ronaldo Jaundoo following an accident last Friday at Barr and James Streets, Albouystown.

Dwayne Gonsalves, who suffers from hypertension, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the cause of death by dangerous driving charge.

Particulars of the charge read that Gonsalves, on November 3 at Barr and James Streets, Albouystown, drove motor pickup GVV 8249 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Jaundoo, called “Beetle.”

The Prosecutor, Nev-

ille Jeffers, objected to Gonsalves being released on bail on the grounds that a life had been lost. Nevertheless, the chief magistrate released Gonsalves on $600,000 and adjourned the matter until November 27.

According to reports, on the day in question the motor pickup driven by Gonsalves, was proceeding north on Barr Street, while motorcycle CH 9086, ridden by Jaundoo, was proceeding east on the northern side of James Street when they collided.

Jaundoo was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A breathalyser test was administered on the driver but no alcohol was found.

UNICEF Resident Representative, Sylvie Foulet said that this initiative was “very much aligned” with the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) and studies in these areas would extend beyond mental health onto sexual health and even the prevention of violence.

Foulet also underscored UNICEF’s support behind these initiatives.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, launches UG’s psychology programme alongside Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, UNICEF Resident Representative, Sylvie Fouet and other members of the university

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

ARIES Although you expect others to reveal their secrets and share their feelings with you, you might not be willing to respond in the same manner. Unfortunately, one-way communication creates an awkward dynamic that sabotages your intentions to deepen a relationship. Self-analysis can help you to pinpoint the source of your resistance to open up. You may be afraid of being vulnerable if you show your cards. Obstacles are put in your path to see if what you want is really worth fighting for now. Your willingness to push past your fears determines your happiness.

TAURUS You’re very empathic today, but you may be picking up something on your emotional radar that you can’t quite wrap your head around. You can tell that you’re missing some facts and you’re on a mission to find them. But if you just start asking a bunch of questions, the information you’re seeking becomes even harder to find. The most fruitful approach to your search is an indirect one now. Watch for signs and follow your instincts. You already know the truth; you only need to remember it.

GEMINI You might find yourself in a struggle for control with a powerful person today. Or you may need to clarify financial arrangements with a business partner. Either way, you won’t be able to reach a satisfactory settlement if you rely on force to make your case. Emotions, not logic, rule the day. Expressing your feelings without blaming anyone else allows trust to grow as others discover what you are willing to bring to the table. Ultimately, cooperation, not competition, leads to success.

CANCER Your co-workers might be afraid to discuss an important matter with you today because they’re worried that you’ll take their words too personally. But even if they say nothing, you may notice that there is an energetic break, leading you to assume the worst. Thankfully, you’re in no danger of contributing to the strange tension if you foster an emotionally safe space where anything can be shared without fear of judgment or retribution. A meaningful conversation turns a cold gray day into a bright sunny one.

LEO Telling someone what you want is nearly impossible today because isolating any one feeling is extremely complicated. Every single desire exists as part of a complex web of interrelated considerations. By sharing one thread, you’re not in any way describing the tapestry from which it came. You may need to use more tools than language alone in order to make your point. Psychiatrist William Glasser wrote,” If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behaviour.”

VIRGO Participating in planned activities with your community or your co-workers can be quite entertaining today, but solely defining your identity with your social experiences isn’t healthy. Spending time with others deepens your personal connections, but don’t surrender your power to discover who you are on your own. Hindu sage Ramana Maharshi said, “Your own self-realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”

LIBRA You want your actions to be noticed by others today, yet you don’t necessarily agree with the principles behind your assignment. Logic tells you to go ahead and do your job, but your intuition is shouting no. Nevertheless, you take your role as a team player very seriously. You might think you’re demonstrating strength by remaining silent, but keeping your thoughts to yourself is actually a sign of weakness now. Thomas Carlyle wrote, “Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.”

SCORPIO You might not have a lot to say today, but you’re plugged into your most powerful feelings and you want to make sure everyone knows your position. There are many ways aside from words to effectively communicate with a significant other. Sharing a magical experience or expressing yourself through a gesture of love can be more meaningful than delivering a string of all the right words. Showing your appreciation through positive action conveys your message with a clarity that can’t be misunderstood.

SAGITTARIUS An intense exchange with someone special can transcend the boundaries that normally define and confine you. But you won’t back down once you reveal your opinion on a sensitive topic. Standing up for your beliefs is normally admirable, but don’t let your stubbornness turn into a useless obsession. Experiencing the emotional power that’s being released now can feel overwhelming if it’s bottled up. Stop making excuses today. Channel your passion into everything you do.

CAPRICORN A friend’s intuitive advice may push your buttons today. It’s as if others know what motivates you now and they show up ready to support your actions. But no one is demanding that you achieve greatness; their primary concern is to validate your dreams and nurture your soul. Fortunately, someone can make a real difference in your life without being rich or brilliant. All they need to do is demonstrate that they care. Love works in mysterious ways.

AQUARIUS Health-related issues may be on your mind today. You might modify your intake of vitamins and herbs if you’re feeling just a tad below the weather. But even if your stamina is strong, consider what improvements you could make to your daily regimen.

Keep in mind that anything you do now, however inconsequential it seems, can have a profound influence over time. Confucius said, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

PISCES You’re quietly optimistic today, but might not let others know that you’re busy envisioning your ideal future. You may downplay your big dreams now because you really don’t want them to be scrutinized by anyone else just yet. There’s no need to waste precious time defending your plans when you prefer to share them only after things are further along in development. Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Disciplined India earn T20 series win in shortened shootout against Kiwis World Cup 2018

INDIA turned in a brilliant bowling performance to win an eight-over shootout against New Zealand by six runs to clinch a thrilling 2-1 Twenty20 international series victory.

After the teams had split the opening two contests of a keenly fought series, the decider was substantially delayed by rain in Thiruvananthapuram.

The poor conditions meant that only eight overs a side were played and, having chosen to bowl, New Zealand restricted the hosts to 67-5, with Tim Southee (2-13) and Ish Sodhi (2-23) the pick of their bowlers.

And India defended that paltry total, with the restricted overs suiting the hosts’ brilliance at death bowling, as the tourists mustered just 61-6 in reply to leave Virat Kohli’s team celebrating a

first T20 series win against New Zealand.

New Zealand were disciplined in their bowling and

secutive balls in the third over, with Mitchell Santner taking the catch on both occasions.

Kohli slogged 13 off just

Rohit Sharma took a spectacular catch running back from mid-on to send back the dangerous Colin Munro.

Southee had dangerous openers Shikhar Dhawan (6) and Rohit Sharma (8) out in con-

six deliveries, but silence swept the home stadium when the skipper followed a

six with a pull to midwicket off Sodhi that Trent Boult cupped.

Sodhi also accounted for Shreyas Iyer (6), but Manish Pandey (17) and Hardik Pandya (14) made valuable contributions to boost India’s tally.

Those runs proved extremely valuable by the time Martin Guptill (1) was bowled

by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Colin Munro (7) – a centurion in the second T20 – had sent Jasprit Bumrah to Sharma, who took a fine fingertip catch running back from mid-on.

A brilliant run out from Pandya spelled the end for dangerman Kane Williamson (8), while Henry Nicholls (2) and Tom Bruce (4) also failed to trouble the scoreboard in a chase that never got going, despite a valiant effort from Colin de Grandhomme (17).

(Omnisport)

Surrey’s Tom Curran replaces injured Steven Finn UNCAPPED Surrey seamer Tom Curran has been added to England’s Ashes squad after Steven Finn was ruled out of the tour.

Finn, himself a late replacement for the absent Ben Stokes, has been diagnosed with torn cartilage in his left knee and will head back to England for a possible operation.

Curran, 22, is next in line and the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced he will fly to Australia on Wednesday.

Curran has long been considered a rising star of the county game and made his first steps into international cricket this summer,

Surrey’s Tom Curran has been called up following Steven Finn’s injury: AFP/Getty Images

appearing in three T20s and a one-day international

against the West Indies.

He took 24 wickets in Division One of the Specsavers County Championship at 34.66 as well as averaging a handy 27.44 with the bat.

Liam Plunkett, a mainstay of the white ball set-up but not seen in the Test arena since winning the last of his 13 caps in 2014, and Mark Wood, set to travel Down Under with the Lions as he battles back from a heel injury, were other viable options.

Curran will link up with the side in Adelaide, where Joe Root’s side are facing a Cricket Australia XI from today.

Moeen Ali will play no part in that as he recovers

from a minor side injury and the all-rounder trained alone on the eve of the day-night match against CA. He remains on course to be fit in time for the opening Test in Brisbane.

As for Finn, though, a brief England and Wales Cricket Board statement read: “(He) will miss the remainder of (the) tour of Australia after scans revealed that he has a torn left knee cartilage.

“The Middlesex seamer sustained the injury during practice last week in Perth and will now return to the UK in the next 48 hours where he will meet a knee specialist to ascertain whether he will have an operation.

Starc repeats his hat-trick heroics AUSTRALIA’s Mitchell Starc has made history by taking a second hattrick in the same Sheffield Shield game.

The paceman took the last three wickets of each innings, finishing with seven in total, as his New South Wales side beat Western Australia by 171 runs.

(Scores: New South Wales 270 (Smith 76, Richardson 4-47) and 6 for 300 dec (Smith 127, Patterson 66) beat Western Australia

176 (Bancroft 76*, Starc 4-56) and 223 (S Marsh 91, Starc 3-41) by 171 runs.

The 27-year-old becomes the first bowler to complete the feat in the same Shield match and is only the eighth player to do it in a first-class game.

He is continuing his comeback from injury before the Ashes this winter.

Starc missed Australia’s tour of Bangladesh in August with a foot problem.

In his only other fourday game since returning, Starc took 10 wickets in the match, including 8-73 in the second innings, as NSW hammered South Australia.

The first Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on 23 November.

Dover relishing rematch with Soca Warriors

By Rawle Toney

ON November 11, 2011 at the Guyana National Stadium, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ roared to a 2 – 1 win over the ‘Soca Warriors’ to end the Twin Island Republic’s 2014 World Cup hopes, and, at the time, created history by reaching, for the first time, the penultimate round of the CONCACAF leg of the qualifiers.

Four days later (November 15), Trinidad and Tobago, playing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, defeated Guyana 3 – 0, but the damage was already done.

The two countries will now meet for the first time in six years on Tuesday, November 14, at the Ato Boldon Stadium, when Trinidad and Tobago play host to Guyana in a match played on a FIFA International date.

“This is a game I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Head Coach, Wayne Dover told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview last evening, adding, “I think if anything else, we want to ensure we come out with a win.”

The match on November 14 will be the 21st meeting between the two countries in the sport, with the first being in 1978.

The ‘Soca Warriors’ have won 14 of those meetings, while four matches ended in a draw. Guyana’s last victory was on November 11, 2011 and their first was a 4 – 0 win in the Island’s capital.

Guyana will also travel to Indonesia on November 25 for an international friendly, but Dover stated that the strongest possible team will be selected for the Trinidad and Tobago encounter, while for the match on the Asian continent, the team will feature predominantly local players.

GFF TIGHT-LIPPED Trinidad and Tobago have already published their squad for the up-coming game against Guyana, but, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) remains tight-lipped about the composition of Guyana’s team, leaving many pundits and fans

upset and wondering why the secrecy.

Dover stated that Blackpool’s midfield maestro, Neil Danns, will not be available for both friendlies, but pointed out “what you will see is a very strong team with our best available players for the Trinidad game because that’s a game where we could actually get some points, since it’s an official FIFA date. We have some players training here (in Guyana), but most of those players are really for the Indonesia game since that’s where we want to expose our local bunch.”

Veterans, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, who both played in the Trinidad and Tobago ProLeague, were named in Dover’s squad for the Friendly International, which should also feature UK-based Chris Bourne and Samuel Cox. “I believe that we owe it to our supporters to assemble the best team for the game against Trinidad. I think people look at what happened on 11.11.11, but much has changed for both countries since then. Right now, we (Guyana football) are going through a rebuilding stage while trying to keep some of the old guards around to help in the process. It’s going to take some time and I believe matches like these will help significantly,” Dover said.

While Guyana would’ve dropped significantly since their infamous 11.11.11 victory, Trinidad and Tobago would’ve rebounded to return to their dominant place in the region and CONCACAF, alongside Jamaica.

Guyana is ranked 165 in FIFA, dropping nine places in the recent rankings, while the ‘Soca Warriors’ moved 16 places up to 83 and eighth in CONCACAF. While Guyana is coming off an upsetting 1 – 0 loss to Grenada in their last international outing, Trinidad and Tobago is playing for the first time since their historic 2 – 1 win over the United States, causing the ‘Red, White and Blue’ to miss the 2018 Russia World Cup. 11:30 hrs Bright Prospect

NSW quick collects second hat-trick for match to secure Blues a famous Sheffield Shield win

TWO HAT-TRICKS IN ONE FIRST-CLASS MATCH Alfred Shaw - Nottinghamshire v Gloucestershire, at Nottingham in 1884 Albert Trott - Middlesex v Somerset, at Lord’s in 1907 Jimmy Matthews - Australia v South Africa, at Old Trafford in 1912 Charlie Parker - Gloucestershire v Middlesex, at Bristol in 1924 Roland Jenkins - Worcestershire v Surrey, at Worcester in 1949 Joginder Rao - Services v North Punjab, at Amritsar in 1963 Amin Lakhani - Combined XI v Indians, at Multan in 1979 Mitchell Starc - NSW v Western Australia, at Hurstville in 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

For 2026 World Cup bids...

FIFA demands visa, work permit and tax exemptions from United States, other countries

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The United States and other countries hoping to host the 2026 World Cup should provide government guarantees on visa-free travel plus work permit and tax exemptions for their bids to be accepted, according to documents published by FIFA on Tuesday.

Mexico, who would also have to commit to the government guarantees for their proposal to be accepted by soccer’s world governing body.

Morocco is currently the only other country to have indicated they will bid for the finals, which will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team field.

FIFA wants a visa-free environment, or at least non-discriminatory visa procedures, while the work permit exemptions apply to anyone involved with the World Cup and tax exemptions relate to the soccer governing body and its subsidiaries.

While FIFA has asked for

- and received - similar exemptions in the past, their inclusion in a revamped World Cup bid process will mean the current U.S. administration of President Donald Trump will need to sign off on the exemptions.

Sunil Gulati, chairman of the joint U.S, Mexican and Canadian ‘United Bid Committee’ has previously stated that Trump supports the attempt to bring the World Cup to the United States, which hosted the 1994 finals.

FIFA produced new bidding criteria after the organisation was heavily criticised over the selection process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, won by Russia and Qatar respectively.

Formal submission of the completed bids has to be made

by March 16, 2018 and FIFA will decide whether to select one of the candidate bids at their congress in June next year, or re-open the process if none of the bids are accepted.

OVERVIEW DOCUMENT Regarding immigration

and travel guarantees, the FIFA overview document on government guarantees states:

“Regardless, any visa procedures must be applied in a non-discriminatory manner.”

ed States for people from several Muslim-majority countries.

Chairman of the joint U.S, Mexican and Canadian ‘United Bid Committee’-Sunil Gulati

”In order to cover the needs of the respective groups of individuals, the Government is requested to generally establish a visa-free environment or facilitate existing visa procedures for them.

As a presidential candidate, Trump called for a total ban on Muslims entering the U.S. as a counter-terrorism measure.

The courts have blocked his latest executive action barring entry into the Unit-

The FIFA document adds however that: “It is understood that such ease of access to the Host Country/Host Countries must by no means adversely affect the national immigration and security standards in the Host Country/Host Countries”.

The document also says a bidding nation’s government “is requested to guarantee the issuance of valid work permits unconditionally and without any restriction or discrimination of any kind” to people involved in the preparation, organisation and hosting of the tournament.

It adds that the government “must grant a general tax exemption for FIFA, the 2026 FWC (FIFA World Cup) Entity, the 2026 FWC Subsidiaries (if applicable) and any other FIFA subsidiary limited to the period of preparation, delivery and wrap-up of the Competition, commencing on the date of appointment of the Host Country/Host Countries and ending on 31 December 2028”.

FIFA’s ‘enhanced’ bidding guidelines are part of a series of reforms enacted after a corruption crisis in 2015 engulfed the organisation. They include ethics, human rights and transparency commitments plus demands on stadium size and infrastructure.

Upper Central Corentyne beats Western Fredericks suspended by IOC following corruption charge Berbice in BCB Under-15 cricket

UNDER-15 action continued over the weekend in Berbice as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Inter Zone competition gained momentum at two venues across the county.

At the Port Mourant Community Centre in Berbice, Upper /Central Corentyne defeated Western Berbice by 19 runs in a closely contested match. Batting first, the Upper Corentyne batsmen rattled up 243 for 9 from their 50 overs. Among the runs for Upper Corentyne was their captain, Jonathon Rampersaud who hit a magnificent 72, while Mahendra Gopilall contributed 48.

Bowling for Western Berbice, B. Lakeram took 3 wickets for 66 runs, S. Roopnarine 3 for 57 while D. Joseph took 2 for 47.

In their reply, Western Berbice fell short of their target by 19 runs. D. Joseph and S Shaffie scored 44 and 32 runs, respectively.

Batsmen D. Miller made 21 while S. Roopnarine contributed 16 and A. Alexander 28.

Bowling for the Upper Corentyne, J. Rampersaud took 4 for 57, M. Pottaya 3 for 49, and J. Sandia 2 for 31.

Over at the Albion Community Centre ground, New Amsterdam/Canje defeated Lower Corentyne by a massive 225 runs in their game. Batting first, NA/ Canje scored 255 with Zeynol Ramsammy scoring 89, Tomane Caesar, 77 and Avishkar Persaud, 21.

Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Leon Cecil, P. Gamesh, R. Goderdhan and

T. Mahnal took one wicket each.

In their reply, Lower Corentyne were bowled out for 30 runs in 11 overs.

J. Persaud took 6 wickets while Niquan Samuels took 2.

With two wins, Upper Corentyne is leading the points table, while Western Berbice and NA/Canje are tied on one win each.

Lower Corentyne have lost both of their matches and will look to defeat Upper Corentyne in their final match to save face.

The competition continues on Saturday. Western Berbice will battle New Amsterdam/Canje at the Blairmont Community Centre, while Lower Corentyne will engage Upper Corentyne at the Jai Hind ground in Albion.

FOUR-time Olympic silver medallist Frankie Fredericks has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after being charged with money laundering and corruption.

Fredericks, 50, was charged by the French authorities last week.

on Tuesday citing “the impact on the IOC’s reputation”.

The IOC’s executive board said in a statement: “Considering the gravity and urgency of the situation and its impact on the reputation of the IOC, the IOC executive board decides to suspend

Frankie Fredericks is a four-time Olympic silver medallist and was world 200m champion in 1993

He was accused of accepting a bribe of $299,300 (£230,000) from the son of ex-IAAF president Lamine Diack when Rio won the vote to host the 2016 Olympics.

The IOC suspended him

Mr Frank Fredericks from all the rights, prerogatives and functions deriving from his quality as an IOC member.”

Namibian Fredericks, who was a member of the IAAF council and a promi-

nent figure within the IOC, claims the money was legitimate payment for consultancy and promotional work for athletics’ governing body.

He was provisionally suspended from the IAAF in July, when the organisation’s Athletic Integrity Unit opened an investigation into the matter.

Fredericks won Olympic silver medals in the 100m and 200m at both Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996. He also won gold in the 200m at the World Championships in 1993.

He was the chair of the 2024 Olympic bid evaluation committee when the allegations were made, but stepped down in March following the accusations.

The former Olympic siver medallist also left his position in the IAAF task force, which was responsible for evaluating Russia’s return to the sport after its doping scandals. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

SCA holds 37th presentation

T&T elude five-time champions US for U20 championship PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Hosts Trinidad and Tobago avoided giants United States and Mexico, when they were drawn in Group A for next year’s CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship.

T&T FA president, David John-Williams … attended Tuesday’s draw.

The jubilant Highland Creek players pose with their winnings.

By Frederick Halley TO R O N TO , C a n a d a Highland Creek became the first team to capture both the Elite and Premiere division league titles and were richly rewarded for their outstanding performances, when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) held its 37 th annual presentation and gala awards ceremony at the Eastown Banquet Hall, Scarborough, recently.

In addition, Highland Creek also emerged as T20 champions of the Deo Samaroo’s Conference and runners-up in the playoffs where they lost to Durham/ TP Tigers Cricket Club.

Apart from claiming the winning trophies in both divisions, several of their players were also rewarded for their brilliant efforts in both formats. While the Premiere League players were crowned both division and playoff champions, those from the Elite, who finished fourth in the division, had to first get past division champions Ambassadors in the semi-finals and then crush Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) in the final.

As part of their winnings, Highland Creek earned the Scarborough Mitsubishi- sponsored trophy for carting off the Premiere League playoff title, the Lakshman Siranganathan trophy for being division champs and the Shiv Persaud of Primerica trophy for winning the Elite League playoff.

Kaieteur International Sports Club `A` were crowned First Division play-

off champions, taking home the Trophy Stall of Toronto trophy with Janbaaz being runners-up. They were also the Conference `A` winners for the IR Construction sponsored-trophy, while Conference `B` went to Star Cricket Club for the Action Honda trophy.

Newcomers Ajax Cricket Club made an impressive debut in the Second Division, taking away the Norman Sue Bakery trophy for winning the playoff final by beating Superstars/ Islanders in the process, and the Caribbean Wave Restaurant trophy for topping Conference `A`. The Conference `B` champs are Shinol.

Ambassadors added the T20 playoffs (Richard Ramlall’s Conference) to their collection with a victory over Victoria Park, while the Bishams’ Conference playoff title went to Toronto Braves who triumphed over Bangla Warriors `B`.

After going down to archrivals, Kaisoca in the 2016 final, Superstars bounced back to claim the women’s title and with it retained the Caribbean Wave Restaurant trophy. They were also winners of the Norman Sue Bakery trophy for topping the division.

The Under-19 division champions were Toronto Cricket Academy (TCA) while Superstars took honours in the playoffs. The respective sponsors were executives, Matthew Francis and Vish Jadunauth.

Action Zonw claimed the top spot in the Under-16 playoff, taking the Roscoe Heilsman of Platypus trophy

while the divisional winners were TCA. The Under-13 category saw Action Zone carting off the playoff title to win the trophy sponsored by Liz Anandjit, while for winning the division they took home the Azad Khan sponsored trophy.

Among the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) were: Ruvindu Gunasekera and Abdool Samad (Elite); Maaz Pasha and Mujahid Bashir (Premiere); Julian Debidyal, Kumar Debidyal and Arpan Konwar (First Division); Navendra Puvimanasinghe and Adam Ramcharran (Second Division); Mark Williams, Mayur Kapuriya, Waseem Ahmed and Mohammed Raqeeb Al Haque, (T20); Terisha Ansil Lavia and Chuntell Martin (Women’s Division); Trushil Patel and Matthew Seepersaud (Under-19); Mihir Patel and Mahad Khurran (Under-16) and Janan Trivedi and Amalan Sivakumar (Under-13).

Among the centurions in the Elite League were former Guyana and West Indies OneDay player , Royston Crandon, Abdool Samad, Rayyan Khan Pathan (2), Trushil Patel, Amanjot Gill, Parthkumar Patel, Prince Robinson and Ravindu Gunasekera.

Pathan also registered the most runs (384) while Trushil Patel (274) was second. Most wickets (20) went to Mustak Variava with Wakenaam -born Guyanese, Imran Khan, finishing second with 15.

SCA assistant secretary/ treasurer, Matthew Francis, was the recipient of the Norman Sue Spirit award which is given annually to

worthy individuals who have played big roles both on and off the field. The late businessman’s daughter Kim made the presentation.

Apart from receiving trophies, several players were also recipients of cricket gear, compliments of Black Ash Sports.

In the draw staged here Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency, T&T found themselves pitted with the likes of Costa Rica, Canada and a yet-tobe determined Caribbean qualifier.

Group B features the US and Mexico along with Nicaragua, with another Caribbean qualifier set to join the trio.

The championship, which runs from January 18-28, will feature 16 matches with all scheduled for the Ato Boldon Stadium in central Trinidad.

It will also serve as a qualifier for next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France, with the top three teams earning direct qualification.

United States are fourtime defending champions, having won the tournament the last time it was played two years ago in Honduras.

Overall, the US have won the title five times.

The remaining two teams for the Under-20 Championship will be determined when St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic contest a Caribbean Women’s Under-20 Qualifier from November 22-26 at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Tuesday’s draw was attended by FIFA and CONCACAF council member, Sonia Bien-Aime along with Trinidad and Tobago FA president, David John-Williams.

Current Australia quicks better than 5-0 trio – Ryan Harris

ENGLAND should prepare to face an Australia attack even better than the one which dispatched them 5-0 on their last Ashes trip, according to Ryan Harris.

Mitchell Johnson, unstoppable with 37 wickets at 13.97 each four years ago, has since retired from international cricket and is therefore not back this time.

But his 2013/14 pace partner Harris, also retired but who will coach a Cricket Australia XI against England in Adelaide over the next four days, expects this winter’s challenge to be at least as taxing for the tourists.

As if to prove his point, within hours of Harris’ remarks, Test pace spearhead Mitchell Starc took a second hat-trick in successive innings against Western Australia in Sydney to complete New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield victory.

Asked if the current Australia attack is superior to the one he and Johnson bowled in, Harris said: “I think so. ( J o s h ) H a z l e w o o d ’s probably doing the job that I did, and he’s quicker than me and gets more bounce.

“You’ve got Starc, who can definitely do a Johnson role, and you’ve got (Pat) Cummins - so you’ve probably got an extra bit of pace.”

ers over here.

“I think both squads are a bit unsettled more on their batting line-ups - which I think brings them closer together.”

Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood

Harris has plenty of respect too for England’s seamers, in a series which may well see ball dominate bat.

“The bowling line-ups are world class, and I think they’re going to have a big say on each Test match,” he added. “(James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad - I’m not sure about England’s third quick, probably (Chris) Woakes - but those two blokes can destroy games and destroy line-ups, and they’re proven good bowl-

Harris believes the likely absence of key all-rounder Ben Stokes, however, will prove a major problem for England.

With Stokes still at home waiting to hear if he will be charged by Avon & Somerset Police after his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol in September, Harris said: “It’s huge.

“If England lose wickets at the top, he is the one that comes out and steadies or counter-attacks.(The Telegraph)

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

‘Only place to go is up’

Sammy feeling optimistic about Windies future FORMER Windies T20 skipper Darren Sammy insists he remains highly optimistic for the team’s future despite issues that have plagued the sport for the last couple of decades.

Past disputes between the players and administrators of the sport, combined with many poor performances on the field, have led critics to have little hope of the team regaining its status as world

Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy

beaters.

With past regulations leading to the team’s senior players being unavailable for selection, the Windies missed out on the ICC Champions trophy and automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. The regional team must now seek to secure its spot at the tournament through a playoff in Zimbabwe next year.

While arguing that an amnesty that recently allowed senior players to return to the team was not enough to cure all the current ills, the former captain remained optimistic of its chances of making an appearance and the World Cup and admitted to being encouraged by recent performances.

“Hopefully (captain) Jason [Holder] and his men can go down to Zimbabwe in March and get to the finals, and assure that there won’t be another ICC event without West Indies,” Sammy told Espncricinfo.

“But the good thing about when you hit rock bottom, you can only go up from there. Every time I hear or see West Indies play I’m always optimistic, I’ve not lost that passion that something will happen.

We’ve shown it over the years, the glimpses where – especially the last Test series in England where they called us all sorts of names, and we have a habit when people call us names to bounce back firing.”

(Sportsmax.com)

Latin Americans fined again over homophobic chanting

ZURICH (Reuters) - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru were fined sums ranging between 10,000 and 40,000 Swiss francs (7,603 to 30,412 pounds) on Tuesday as FIFA continued its clamp down on homophobic chanting by fans in Latin America.

Homophobic chanting at soccer matches is widespread in some Latin American countries, especially when the visiting goalkeeper runs up to take a goal kick, and until recently it was overlooked by soccer authorities.

FIFA has already imposed numerous fines on federations in the region during the 2018 World Cup qualifying competition. The latest bouts of fines concerned matches played last month.

Chile’s federation said last month that it had tried to educate fans but the problem was deep-rooted and needed to be tackled by other parts of society. Mexico’s federation last year staged a campaign urging its supporters to stop homophobic chants.

FIFA also said on Tuesday that Serbia’s federation was fined a total of 160,000 Swiss francs for crowd trouble at two games.

political chants” during the 3-2 defeat by Austria last month.

It was fined a further 70,000 Swiss francs for sim-

behaviour by its fans at the Serbia match.

Bosnia (47,500 Swiss francs), Egypt (20,000 Swiss francs), Estonia (30,000

Latin Americans fined again over homophobic chanting

It said the Serbians were fined 90,000 francs for improper conduct by fans, which included “letting off incendiary devices, political and discriminatory banners and

ilar offences in the match against Georgia three days later, which Serbia won 1-0 to qualify for the World Cup. Austria was fined 10,000 francs and warned for mis-

Swiss francs) and Greece (30,000 Swiss francs) were among other federations to be fined by FIFA. They could not immediately be reached for comment.

Gayle, Pollard turned down Pakistan tour - reports claim WINDIES batting star Chris Gayle was reportedly among six players that turned down the invitation to play for the regional team in a threematch T20 tour originally scheduled for Pakistan later this month.

According to report the tour will be postponed due to smog which currently affects the city of Lahore, but some also players pointed to a commitment to the upcoming Bangladesh T20

Chris Gayle

tournament and continued to voice security concerns despite the successful Sri Lanka T20 vs World XI game, which was played at the Gaddafi Stadium last month.

The Asian country has desperately sought to get cricket back on local soil as the country has been blacklisted as venue following a 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team. In fact, the Windies had been scheduled to tour Paki-

stan in two T20 matches in March of this year, but the matches were called off as the players and West Indies Players Association (WIPA) voiced security concerns regarding the tour.

While several players seemed to have been more willing to give the Lahore tour a chance this time around reports indicate that Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were not among them.

(Sportsmax.com)

Jaguars top Regional four-day standings with 40.4 points

Guyana Jaguars … beginning to pull away from the pack.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, ( C M C ) – T h re e - t i m e reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars, are already beginning to pull away from the pack, after just two rounds of the 2017 Regional Four-Day Championship.

Following the latest round of matches, Jaguars lead the six-team standings with 40.4 points, already nearly 10 points clear of Leeward Islands Hurricanes in second on 30.6.

Jaguars opened the season by beating Jamaica Scorpions by 263 runs at the Guyana National Stadium last month and followed up with a seven-wicket victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes inside three days at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet last weekend.

At this stage last season, Jaguars lay third on 24 points but just off leaders Barbados Pride by four-tenths of a point.

Jaguars will back themselves to extend their winning start when they face Hurricanes at Warner Park in St Kitts, in the third round bowling off November 9.

Hurricanes have made a strong start to the season, drawing with Windward Islands Volcanoes in their opening game in St George’s before thumping Pride by an innings and four runs in Bridgetown.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force lie third on 19.4 points following stalemates in their opening games while Pride are fourth with 14 points.

Scorpions are fifth on 12.4 and Volcanoes bottom on 10.6.

I n t h e n e x t ro u n d starting tomorrow, Scorpions host Pride in a day/ night affair at Sabina Park while Red Force welcome Volcanoes to Queen’s Park Oval.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 08, 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) 1-0 (in favour of WI) (2) Devindra Bishoo Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the just-con

cluded WI/ZIM Test series?

(2) Who scored most runs for Zimbabwe?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Guyanese riflemen in Top 10 at CSF Championship

Mahendra Persaud (left) and Ransford Goodluck (right) at the recently-concluded Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships.

AFTER the last shot was fired at the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships being held at the Belmont Shooting Centre in Brisbane, two Guyanese riflemen were in the top 10 world rated shooters.

Mahendra Persaud who entered the final day tied on the same score with two other shooters, had scores of 72.4 at 900yds and 68.4 at 1000yds, attaining a Grand Aggregate score of 394.24Vs and finishing in eight place.

Lennox Braithwaite shot scores of 72.5 at 900yds and 70.6 at 1000yds, attaining a Grand Aggregate score of 394.40Vs and retaining his sixth place that he held at the completion of CSF Stage 2.

Shooters from across the West Indies have been send-

ing congratulatory messages to Persaud and Braithwaite on their outstanding performance for the region.

The Guyana NRA Executive Council was loud in praise of their performance which also follows the shooters outstanding performance at the just-concluded West Indies Championship held in Guyana.

The President of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council, Major John Nelson, sent a congratulatory message to Persaud and Braithwaite that read: “On behalf of the WIFBSC and the region’s shooting family, it gives me great pleasure to extend heartiest congratulations to Mahendra and Lennox on your very fine performance in finishing in the Top 10

of the recently-concluded individual championship at the CSF matches in Belmont, Australia. Very well-done gentlemen you both did us proud.”

It was also commendable for another shooter from Trinidad, Justin Lall, to comment “Very inspiring to me. You guys are the proof that it is realistic to look at the top of the list and not the bottom.”

Antigua Rifle Association wrote “I wish to join in congratulating Mahendra and Lennox on their sterling performance representing Guyana and the West Indies.

They have demonstrated that we can not only compete but beat some of the larger countries. I hope you take your performance into the Commonwealth Games.”

Persaud and Braithwaite are now scheduled to return to Guyana where they will continue their training in preparation for Commonwealth Games 2018.

The Guyana NRA would like to appeal once more for continued sponsorship from corporate Guyana and the Government in support of our shooters.

The individual and team performances have been second to none and at the highest level. The team continues to be the reigning champions for both the short and long range championships in the West Indies for the last eight years.

This shows the dedication and commitment of the sportsmen, and the pride they take in giving glory to Guyana on the world stage.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ G/Town Zone qualifiers set for November 17 - Tournament kicks off on November 22

ham Basketball Court, Albouystown Tarmac and the East Ruimveldt Tarmac.

Winner of the overall event will receive $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic

qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runner-up, third and fourth place finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Forms can be uplifted from Banks DIH Limited

‘Caesars Place’ Durban Street location or Referee Coordinator Wayne Griffith on 697-7777 or Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch on tele: 688-1776 or Duncan Saul at Stabroek News.

Mouth-watering Turbo quarter-final clash on tonight Recent action in the Guinness of Greatest of the Streets competition.

THE organisers of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone is reminding all interested teams that the deadline for registration is November 16, one day before the quest to select 16 teams to join the automatic qualifiers commences.

According to Three Peat Promotions, the group retained to coordinate the Zone, 16 teams have already automatically qualified to play in the competition, but 16 more teams will have to qualify to join them and this segment of the event will be conducted on November 17, at the Meadow Brook Playfield situated east of Mandela Avenue, the street immediately south of the National Gymnasium.

I n t e re s t h a s b e e n

growing in the local street futsal phenomenon and more and more teams have been inquiring about the tournament, with this year’s event promising to provide the largest turnout of teams seeking to make the main draw.

Already teams have intensified preparations ahead of the November 22, start and Banks DIH under its Guinness brand has undertaken to make the tournament more exciting and colourful from kick-off.

The teams will be colourfully decked out, while the playing balls will also have a touch of flush on them as well.

Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste who has spearheaded the competition for a number of years, said it was their wish to

add some new innovations to this year’s competition and bring a fresh outlook to the exciting atmosphere, in the case of colour uniforms and balls, in addition to offering some goodwill to communities were among those novelties.

“We are certainly bringing a fresh outlook to this year ’s competition and fans could expect the atmosphere to be exciting and electric every night,” Baptiste said.

Meanwhile, the other confirmed playing dates are: November 23, 25, 30, December 2, 7, 9, 14 and the grand final scheduled for Saturday December 16.

The venues identified to host are Demerara Park, National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Burn-

Quarter final action tonight in the Turbo KO Football Tournament

TWO mouth-watering clashes are on this evening in the Turbo Knockout Football Tournament at the Ministry of Education ground Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament favourites ,Police, are the first team in action on the night as they play Kuru Kuru from 18:30.

Led by the inform, Dwayne Jacobs, the Police line-up has always been a formidable one to play

against and Kuru Kuru will have their work cut out.

The out-of town side will have to bring their best if they are to ensure a progression to the next round of the tournament but the pundits have placed the odds firmly in favour of the Georgetown Side.

In the second game of the evening, the Pele side will have to do battle with Grove Hi-Tech from

21:00hrs.

Pele has been one of the inform teams in the tournament thus far,and it will make for an interesting matchup when they take on the surprise packages in Grove Hi-Tech.

The Grove side has been known to be giant players in their own regards and Pele could be the next target to be felled, especially since there is a semi-final spot at stake.

Dover relishing rematch with Soca Warriors — GFF still tight-lipped on team

Head Coach, Wayne Dover

Guyanese riflemen in Top 10 at CSF Championship See Page 35

Kenya’s Olympic champ Sumgong handed four-year ban

London Marathon and Olympic champion Jemimah Sumgong KENYA’s Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong has been suspended for four years for doping.

The 32-year-old was found to have taken banned blood booster EPO in an out-of-competition test in her home country.

Sumgong, who also tested positive for a banned substance in 2012, won the London Marathon in 2016 before claiming gold in Rio, becoming the first Kenyan woman to take the title.

Her ban runs from 3 April, when she was provisionally suspended.

EPO, also known as erythropoietin, is a hormone that can increase endurance and, in athletics, is used mainly by long distance-runners.

B e t w e e n 2 0 11 a n d 2016, more than 40 Kenyan track-and-field athletes failed doping tests.

Among those sanctioned was Sumgong’s former training partner Rita Jeptoo, 36, who was banned for four years following a positive

test for EPO in 2014.

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Sumgong was one of a number of Kenyan athletes who welcomed a new initiative to eradicate doping, agreeing to be monitored by doctors appointed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Kenya.

“It will be easy for us now to communicate with these doctors before we take any medicine when the need arises,” she said at the time. (BBC Sport)

Guyana women in top-of-the-table clash with Jamaica today ... Men to play Guatemala at CAC Hockey Qualifiers

Guyana’s Coach, Phillip Fernandes, working on strategy during their clash with Puerto Rico Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

GUYANA’s men and women hockey players will return to action today at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Hockey qualifiers, at the Jamaican hockey pitch on the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus.

Both teams are so far unbeaten in the tournament that will give the two finalists an automatic berth for the 2018 CAC Hockey Championships in Colombia.

The women, who opened their campaign with a 6 – 0 win over Panama, and then played to a scoreless draw against Puerto Rico in their second game, will face the home side (Jamaica) at 13:30 hours.

The Guyanese side is on four points (one win, one draw) while the Jamaicans were able to secure full points from their two outings, with wins over Guatemala (6 – 0) and Panama (3 – 0).

Meanwhile, for the men, who opened the tournament with a 4 – 1 win over Puerto Rico, their second taste of the competition will come at 16:30 hrs against Guatemala.

Guatemala will also be playing their second game of the tournament, having walked away 6 – 0 winners in their encounter with Panama.

Jamaica also leads the men’s side of the qualifiers with two wins from as many matches played. Guatemala, though having three points as Guyana, sits second with their superior goal difference (+6) over the Guyanese (+3).

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017