Guyana chronicle 17 01 2018

Gov't seeks partnership with Brazil’s health sector Page 11

No. 105157

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

New parking fee set at $150 per hour …Oversight committee to monitor, review project

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Arif Bulkan to be sworn in as Justice of Appeal

Beating the rains

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M&CC removing derelict vehicles from city streets Page 10

Works have advanced in the construction of a new pump station at Buxton, East Coast Demerara. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority says the project will be completed before the seasonal May/June rains (DPI photo)

Drug link seen in Pomeroon killings …cops recover arms, ammunition ■ Page 12

Police seeking legal advice in killing of vendor Page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

First Lady tours newly expanded Doobay Medical Centre

FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, was on Tuesday given a guided tour of the new and improved Doobay Medical Centre, located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, which is known for its leadership in dialysis treatment.

The facility is now equipped with a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, Intensive Care Unit and clinical laboratory. The Centre has also added more space which will facilitate a research Centre, a pharmacy and an office for the resident doctors. Once these additions are completed, the Centre will be able to offer a

wider range of services and serve a larger section of the Guyanese population.

During a brief meeting with the Centre’s executive body, the First Lady advised the team on strategic efforts that they could implement to secure strong partnerships in both the public and private sectors in order to bring the Centre’s vision of providing total care for all, to full fruition. She commended the team for their forward thinking in healthcare and expressed how impressed she was with the ideas that they had presented to her, as well as the improvements made to the hospital. “I have passed here and thought [that] it was only dialysis, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, some members of the Board of Directors and relatives of patients undergoing care at the Doobay Medical Centre

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger greets dialysis patient, Master Jamali Corbin at the Doobay Medical Centre

but you’ve showed me that you have much more. You’re not static here but you’re looking at outreaches. There is a vision and a plan … I think it’s a marvelous thing that you’re doing here” she said.

Meanwhile, cardiovascular surgeon and founder of the Doobay Medical Centre, Dr. Budhendra Doobay, said that his motivation for starting the Centre was rooted in his desire to provide more affordable health care for persons who needed dialysis. He indicated that approximately 50 percent of the dialysis patients received subsidy and did not have to endure the burden of the full cost for their treatment.

Additionally, Dr. Doobay, in sharing his vision for the future of the hospital, said that they were aiming to

transform the Centre into a mini hospital. “We want to do a specialised hospital; do cardiac, neurovascular surgeries and neurosurgery and also whatever money comes, we put it in a little pool and help the dialysis Centre as well,” he said.

The expansion of the Centre was funded primarily by the Canadian charity organisation, International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), the Beharry Group of Companies, the Doobay Medical Centre board of directors and Mr. Sattaur Gaffoor.

In an invited comment, Chairperson for the IDRF Global Monitoring, Mr. Winston Kassim explained that his organisation wanted to assist the less privileged sections of the population by subsidising the cost of their

treatment. “In the future, we plan on helping the Doobay Centre here to do prevention work. So rather than [just] treating the patients with the dialysis, we do research in collaboration with McMaster University so that it could prevent the dialysis from happening or the malfunction of the kidney,” he said.

Mr. Kassim also said that he had extended the invitation to First Lady because of how impressed he was with her humanitarian work across Guyana.

The Doobay Medical Centre was founded in September of 2011, to provide dialysis services. Since the opening, the Centre has expanded its operations and services to cater to more than 100 patients.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

New parking fee set at $150 per hour

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

…Oversight committee to monitor, review project

By Svetlana Marshall A new parking fee of $150 per hour, VAT inclusive, is being proposed by the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee – a sub-committee of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council – after extensive renegotiation with the Smart City Solutions.

The significant drop in the fee from a high of $500 per hour was among agreements reached with Smart City Solutions – a foreign company – based on recommendations proposed by a Special Committee and approved by the Council.

In the final report submitted by the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee chaired by Councillor Akeem Peter, it was explained that following the abrupt end of the Parking Meter Project which was initiated in May, 2016 by way of a contractual agreement, a special committee convened by the council made four recommendations, but only one group of recom-

mendations was approved.

That committee was led by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira.

While that special committee recommended that the metered parking system with Smart City Solutions be continued, it did not make any recommendation for the continuance of the contract in its original form. The Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee was then formed and tasked with renegotiation the contract based on the single group of recommendations.

According to the final report, seen by this newspaper, the renegotiation committee held 15 meetings of which three were exclusive negotiations. Based on those negotiations, the committee and Smart City Solutions agreed to modify 13 aspects of the contract, including the reduction of the parking fee and the introduction of an oversight body.

“The new fee structure is 150.00 dollars per hour VAT inclusive and 800.00 for eight (8) hours VAT inclusive,” the committee stated in

its report under the sub-heading “Renegotiations.” Importantly too, it was agreed that drivers pay for time instead of space, thus allowing them to move from location to location until the time paid for is exhausted. This will allow for transferability of time from meter to meter.

It was also agreed that at the recommencement of the project, there will be no immediate booting for the first three months, however, once that period has elapsed, failure to pay parking fees for up to three violations will result in booting, towing, and if necessary the sale of vehicle after 60 days of storage.

“It was agreed that the conditions for enforcement as stipulated in the contract is dependent on what is lawfully prescribed in the Parking Meter By-Laws. As such, that clause is taken in conjunction with the Parking Meter By-Laws which will determine what and how enforcement activities are applied,” the committee stated.

Stating too that there ex-

ists no monopoly on garage parking, the committee noted Smart City Solutions’ willingness to give up garage parking. “The parties agreed that the project shall be reviewed every six months for the first three years. This includes both Operational and Financial Views,” another section of the final report stated.

Additionally, the parties have agreed to have vehicles registered under the Central and Local Governments included in the exempt vehicles. In the case of residents passes will be issued. “It was agreed that a Residential PASS will be issued for parking from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday will be free all day. However, a nominal fee will apply and the Residential PASS is restricted to the vicinity in which the resident resides,” the committee explained.

Smart City Solutions has also agreed to have their staff undergo rigorous training in an effort to effect the necessary changes in their attitude.

On the issue of “unilateral termination of contract, Smart City Solutions agreed that the lump sum payment required by the City for unilateral termination will no longer be calculated by the number of years (of fraction thereof). Additionally, the conditions for unilateral termination will be adjusted to become less burdensome on the Mayor and City Council.

“During the process of renegotiations, Share of Profit and the Contractual Period were discussed, however, after lengthy discussions, both parties agreed to have those two clauses remain unchanged. Consequently, they are referred to that which was agreed upon in Amendment 2 of the Contract, being 20/80 Mayor and City Council/ Concessionaire respectively and the contract will be for twenty (20) years with a right of renewal,” the committee reported.

The parties also agreed to add a new feature to the contract – provisions for an Oversight Committee. That

committee will monitor, review and manage the operation of the project. It will comprise of seven members inclusive of representatives from both parties.

This final report of the renegotiation committee is to be submitted and ratified by the full council.

Back in December last year, the High Court quashed the Parking Meter by-laws which will bar the council from proceeding with the project. The council has since appealed the decision. The court action was filed by the New Building Society in February, 2017. The bank had challenged the legality of the parking meter by-laws that had been approved by Local Government Minister, Ronald Bulkan. High Court Judge, Naresh Harnanan scrapped the legal validity of Bulkan’s decision to approve the parking meter by-laws. The judge found that the procedure to bring the by-laws into force was breached.

Mandarin-labelled milk powder hits market – Food & Drugs to investigate

By Ravin Singh A MANDARIN-LABELLED Fernleaf powdered milk has entered the Guyana market and is sparking concerns about where it originated, and whether it was approved for consumption by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD).

On Tuesday morning, one Telecia Dazzell posted a video and eight photos on Facebook showing a tin of Fernleaf milk powder sporting Chinese writing, which was reportedly bought from a stall at the Bourda Market.

The video, which was viewed more than 72,000 times, shows a woman returning the milk to the shop, after which an argument ensued. She indicated to the shopkeeper that she could not accept the product since the tin was dented and its label was in Mandarin.

“I cannot give that to my children! Look at this Fernleaf; there is Chinese writing here! It is not the original Fernleaf; it is not right selling people that!” the furious consumer told the shopkeeper.

“I am not giving my children that milk; y’all killing people out. You don’t even know what is in that milk,” she added.

After a brief exchange between her and the shopkeeper, it appears as if she was compensated.

Comments under the video immediately followed, with one person hastily remarking: “Guyanese vendors got some messed-up ways! Why he even arguing with the woman; it’s unsafe; nobody wants to consume anything from China-foodwise-because they’re killing people!!!!”

Others called for more scrutiny of products entering the country, which some opined might have been des-

The Mandarin-labelled tin of Fernleaf milk which was posted on Telecia Dazzell’s Facebook profile

tined for another jurisdiction but ended up here.

When contacted last evening, GA-FDD Managing-Di-

rector Marlon Cole indicated that the matter will immediately engage his attention.

He explained that Massy Stores Guyana has sent an official request to the Department for products of that nature to enter the market for reconditioning.

“Massy had sent an official request for reconditioning of the label, because that’s what it is,” Cole said, adding: “So I don’t know if they went ahead and imported them, or whether the milk powder in the video is from a different importer.”

He further explained that Massy had made the request after powdered milk destined for China ended up in the Caribbean.

He said that such requests for reconditioning are not uncommon, and are in keeping with the law, but it must be first approved by the FDD before the product can be imported.

The Food Safety Bill of 2016 stipulates that imported

food which would constitute a contravention of the Act could be permitted into the country, solely for the purpose of relabelling or reconditioning as prescribed.

It further states that if the relabelling or reconditioning is not done within the prescribed time period, the importer shall export or destroy that food.

Should the importer fail to do so, the FDD then has the authority to do the necessary.

But as Cole reiterated, he does not know the origin of the specific product in the video and whether it was imported by Massy Stores or another importer.

“What I can say definitively,” he said, “is that Massy asked for the label to be reconditioned; and if that is the case, then it is all well and good. If it is another importer, then I cannot speak on that. So I have to look at the matter first thing tomorrow,” Cole assured this publication.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Motorway bridge collapses --killing nine in Colombia

A M O T O R WAY bridge under construction in Colombia has collapsed, killing at least nine workers and injuring five others.

The bridge, in Chirajara, was to be part of a highway connecting the capital, Bogotá, with the city of Villavicencio.

Photos from the scene show a large part of the 450m-long bridge lying in the ravine below.

Transport Minister Germán Cardona spoke of “a tragedy”, and said the cause of the collapse would be investigated.

One of the workers

injured in the collapse described the moment it happened.

“Everyone started shouting that the bridge was falling; I didn’t have time to do anything. And then I felt a blow to my head,” Luis Alvarado told El Tiempo newspaper.

Construction officials said that, fortunately, not many workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, as staff were receiving a safety briefing.

The bridge is part of an ambitious programme to improve the route leading from

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 14:30 hrs Thursday, January 18, 2018

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election campaign.

Mr Bannon appeared separately on Tuesday before a Congressional panel.

Congress is holding its own inquiry into the allegations.

Mr Bannon was subpoenaed last week, the New York Times reports, quoting an unnamed person with direct knowledge

of the matter.

However, the summons could be a negotiating tactic by Mr Mueller to persuade Mr Bannon to agree to be questioned by investigators in the less formal setting of the special counsel’s offices in Washington, the paper’s source added.

(BBC)

H&M child model, family forced to move --’for security’ reasons

THE mother of the fivey e a r- o l d H & M m o d e l caught up in a racism row has told the BBC her family has moved house in Sweden “for security reasons.”

Last week, photos of Liam Mango modelling a “coolest monkey in the jungle” hoodie went viral, with

social media users accusing H&M of racism.

Many were angered when Liam’s mother, Terry Mango defended the brand, and told people “to stop crying wolf.”

In South Africa, protesters vandalised H&M stores over the photos.

Despite the backlash she

has faced, Terry Mango still doesn’t believe H&M had a racist agenda.

“I respect other people’s opinion on the issue.

I know racism exists, but does the shirt to me speak racism? No; it doesn’t,” she told BBC Outside Source.

(BBC)

Pope begs forgiveness

--over church’s sex abuse scandal SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Pope Francis expressed “pain and shame” on Tuesday over a sexual abuse scandal that has rocked Chile’s Roman Catholic Church, asking forgiveness for the “irreparable damage” done to children molested by priests.

Francis, on a trip that will also take in Peru, spoke after at least eight Catholic churches were attacked in Chile in the past week.

Police in riot gear dispersed some 200 demonstrators trying

to make their way to a park in the Chilean capital, Santiago, where the pope, the first Latin American head of the Church, said Mass for some 400,000 people.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Argentine pontiff made his first remarks about abuse in a speech at the presidential palace, La Moneda, an unusual choice because the pope usually talks about sexual abuse to Church leaders and not politicians.

But the scandal has gripped the nation, prompting many politicians to criticise the Church in the staunchly Catho-

lic country, where the crisis has scarred its credibility.

“Here, I feel bound to express my pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the Church,” he said, drawing sustained applause, including from President Michelle Bachelet and diplomats.

“I am one with my brother bishops, for it is right to ask for forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again,” he said.

04:30 hrs

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Bogotá to the eastern plains, by turning parts of it into a dual carriageway.

The planned works include the construction of 18 new tunnels and 42 bridges and viaducts, as well as new lighting and CCTV cameras.

The existing winding and narrow road faces frequent closures, with lorries supplying the capital with produce often breaking down and blocking traffic.

The company tasked with the works is Coviandes, a firm which is majority-owned by a Colombian investment corporation.

Coviandes issued a statement on Monday (in Spanish), saying it would do everything it could to help the families of the workers who died or were injured in the collapse. (BBC)

Bannon to testify before grand jury

STEVE Bannon, former chief strategist to US President Donald Trump, has been summoned to testify before a grand jury, US media report.

He was reportedly subpoenaed by former FBI director, Robert Mueller, who is leading an inquiry into alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Rogue ex-policeman, six others die --in Venezuela forces raid

CARACAS (Reuters) Rogue Venezuelan helicopter pilot, Oscar Perez was killed in a police operation

on Monday along with six other anti-government militants, the interior minister said on Tuesday, spurring

T&T investigating disturbing reports

--of Trinidadians being held in Iraq PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Reports of Trinidadians being held at a detention camp in Iraq are being investigated by the government.

In Parliament on Friday, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said the investigation is being done “through diplomatic channels and other agencies.”

Dillion was responding to a comment made by a legislator who said that based on reports, Trinidadians are being held in Iraq, and the Iraqi government wanted to repatriate them.

Dillon said that while there has been no confirmation of nationals being held, the reports are being investigated.

Concerning local immigration matters, Dillion disclosed that over 14,000 visitors overstayed their

time in the twin island republic between January 1 and November 30, 2017.

The National Security Minister disclosed that based on information from the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU), four people were smuggled into Trinidad and Tobago from Venezuela in the period January 1 to December 30, 2017.

He said the Immigration Division continues to effectively monitor and control the movements of people in and out of the country.

Dillon also identified a memorandum of intent signed last April between the country and the United States for the establishment of a personal identification secure comparison and evaluation system (PISCES) among other initiatives being pursued by Government to deal with illegal migrants in the twin island republic.

opposition complaints of human rights violations.

Perez, a photogenic former police officer who once starred in an action film, last year used a hijacked helicopter to attack government buildings, and stole weapons from a military base in what he called a rebellion against President Nicolás Maduro.

He appeared with a bloody face in nearly a doz-

en Instagram videos early on Monday, saying he was surrounded by authorities shooting at him with grenade launchers even though he was promising to surrender.

Interior Minister, Nestor Reverol said it was Perez who had attacked first, and that seven “terrorists”, including him, were killed outside Caracas, along with two police officers involved

in the raid.

In a speech to the military late on Tuesday, leftist Maduro lauded the operation, and accused right-wing opponents of being behind Perez.

“The Miami-based counterrevolution and the Colombian oligarchy must know that every group they arm and finance to bring terrorism

here will be met with the same fate,” Maduro said in the hours-long event broadcast on State television.

Perez rose to fame in June after allegedly hijacking a police helicopter, flying over Caracas’ centre and firing shots at, and lobbing grenades on, the Interior Ministry and the Supreme Court.

UAE establishes partnership with seven Caribbean countries ABU DHABI, CMC – The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, has launched its second funding cycle by establishing partnerships with seven Caribbean countries, according to reports here on Monday.

The fund, valued at valued at US$50 million, was launched on Monday on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2018, with the aim of promoting its role in developing the renewable energy sector in Belize, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St. Kitts Nevis, and St. Lucia.

According to the UAE’s Minister of Cli-

mate Change and Environment International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE has “a prominent international role in promoting renewable energy solutions and finding effective solutions to key challenges facing renewable energy projects and innovations, which is reflected in the availability of necessary funding and investments in the country.”

Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, which was launched last year during the Abu

Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 to finance a series of renewable energy projects, is one of the country’s key initiatives to promote relevant global energy solutions, according to BNA. The announcement of the launch of the fund’s second funding cycle, which will include establishing projects in the nine Caribbean countries and add to existing projects in five countries in the region that were launched during the first funding cycle, “highlights the UAE’s commitment to support international efforts re-

lated to the global transformation of energy,” the UAE minister said.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said that these new projects, which will help to “consolidate the UAE’s relations with Caribbean countries, have promising qualities in terms of decreasing economic costs, limiting environmental pollution, improving the living standards of the people of these countries, and enhancing the services offered to them.”

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Guyana’s food security agenda IN recent months the focus has been on the waves being made of Guyana’s oil and gas potentials, and on the re-organisation of the sugar industry.

Both of these industries, properly organised and managed, would take Guyana to the new level of development so necessary for economic security. It is now becoming clearer that Guyanese would not find safe havens elsewhere, as in the past, where hundreds of thousands of our people had sought refuge as economic immigrants. The opposite is now true, as Guyana becomes a destination for traders and job seekers from regional states.

Guyana will increasingly become the new economic frontier on account of our enormous natural resources

- agricultural lands in particular. We have shown that we could produce more than our domestic market needs, and could become a primary food basket in the region.

Nowhere is more evident of this than the rice sector. In 2015, following the collapse of the Venezuelan market under the previous administration, there were fears that rice farmers would abandon their fields.

But our farmers rallied to fresh demands for our rice and paddy. In that year, they exported 537, 334 metric tonnes of rice. Access to new markets resulted by 2017 in an increase in production by 12.7 per cent at 602,087 metric tonnes. Paddy production was close to one million metric tonnes, the highest ever. The Mexican market opened its door

wide to Guyana paddy, and took some 88,000 tonnes for new markets – Canada, USA, Cuba and Peru came on board, which account for export to 34 countries.

Side by side with rice exports is that of fish. In 2017, Guyana harvested 30,000 metric tonnes of seafood and exported over $13 billion of the catch.

With more emphasis on aquaculture, Guyana would be counted as a rich supplier of both fresh and salt-water fish and shrimp.

Our food security is assured with the introduction of better chicken breed and duck hatchlings, both on the coast and hinterland poultry farms. At the same time, we are becoming self-sufficient in beef, pork, and mutton production.

In every nation, agricul-

ture should be top on the list of national development sector priorities, since it is about ensuring that citizens are afforded the opportunity of unhindered access to ready supplies of available fresh food of nutritional value. This translates into a well-fed and healthy citizenry. But there is also a significantly important benefit as well: that agriculture as a well-managed, economic activity enhances the particular region/community where such activity takes place, as well as being a central contributor to the GDP. In other words, its contribution to national development is pivotal.

Guyana, like so many of its sister-CARICOM member states, has a traditional history of agricultural activity that has its genesis in

the sugar plantation system.

And along our very expansive coastal belt, cane-farming whether as a private or state activity is still very much in evidence. But there are hundreds of rice and coconut farms, and numerous examples of other-crops activities as well. It is because of this continuous activity through the decades, that Guyana for a while had largely been recognised as the food basket of the Caribbean, an accolade that assumed even greater significance for a period during our early modern political history, with the Grow More Food campaign as part of the Clothe, House

and Feed the nation plan.

Citizens, particularly those in Georgetown and its environs, were encouraged to plant ground provisions and other crops on every available land space around their homes and residences. Even public offices took part in this national food drive.

The time has come for Guyana to stop beating up on who we are, with tons of negative views that would send the wrong message that we are suffering, and that we are unable to satisfy the basic needs of our people. No one here is starving, and we need to be proud that Guyana has food security.

Blame Jagdeo for No provision for VC to fill collapse of sugar industry void in absence of UG Council Dear Editor,

THE recent retrenchment of significant numbers of sugar workers makes it obvious that we are finally moving away from an industry that we have failed to turn around. This must come as a real relief to Guyanese not involved in that industry, because we have paid money from our own pockets to keep it afloat for too long.

As a country, however, and before we proceed to developing future industries, we must pause to examine what went wrong in turning it around, if we are to learn from this experience.

In 2010, with questions about the Skeldon sugar factory’s ability to deliver on its promise to produce five times as much sugar as our existing facilities, then President Bharrat Jagdeo said some important things. First, he said that if Skeldon didn’t perform sugar would be “dead,” and

second that he himself would personally get involved to ensure that the factory performed as it should. Well needless to say, Skeldon never lived up to the lofty promises. Guyanese deserve an apology from the former President for a management failure we could have ill-afforded.

Even further, what were his goals in turning around this industry? To lower costs below our competitors? Rather, he said his goal was just to make us competitive enough to stay afloat. The goal was never really to create a robust industry, just to preserve one that is totally dependent on the PPP/C. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who has himself advocated for the sugar industry for his entire career, rightly said that all the PPP/C see sugar workers as, is sugar workers.

There’s no plan for them to move up and forward in their lives -- this is especially a problem when you consider there was little training to

prepare sugar workers for a more mechanised future. What was the then President’s actual strategy? That the industry should limp along forever?

Maybe if the previous administration had been more ambitious, and not merely looking to preserve the industry for political reasons, it would have been refreshed and made the turnaround necessary. But it didn’t, and the blame must fall squarely on the man who said he would get “personally” involved.

The current administration is presiding over a difficult transition out of sugar, that much is certain.

But all this would have been for nothing if we do not learn that industries must be strengthened and grown, not just put on life support to act as political tools. An apology is due to the Guyanese public, and we are all waiting.

Regards, MALCOLM MARSHALL

Dear Editor,

AS a former registrar and a former member of council, University of Guyana, I paid keen attention to the university union’s letter to the press: “The government has not yet appointed a University Council”. I share their concern with regard to the delay in appointing the council.

A particular statement: “The life of the last council expired on 12th July 2017, and as a result the governance of the university has since then been vested in its vice-chancellor” gained

my attention and is of concern to me. I am not sure as to whether the union is referring to what has actually occurred or to their perception of what occurs in such a circumstance.

What I am certain about is that there is no provision for the vice-chancellor to step into the void in the absence of a council. It is therefore a grave, mistaken perception if the union perceives that such a provision exists. It is even worse, if the vice-chancellor has actually assumed the powers of the council. In either circumstance, clarity is required

and if the latter pertains, cessation and rectification are also required.

It is my sincere hope that the appointment of the council predates the publication of this letter and that this grave matter of the probable mistaken perception and/or misdeed is dealt with as a matter of urgency.

The citadel of the tutelage of Good Governance has got to be the exemplar of Good Governance, if the proclaimed Renaissance is what it purports to be, inter alia.

Regards VINCENT ALEXANDER

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Conversion of prospecting licences into mining permits illegal Dear Editor,

AS a miner for over two decades, I am shocked at what is now happening with the mining lands in this country. The Commissioner of GGMC has taken it upon himself to illegally convert Prospecting Licences (PL)into Mining Permits. This is a corrupt practice, the sole aim of which is to undermine the mining regulations with impunity and allow persons with big money and big connec-

tions to pick and choose the best mining lands in this country.

When the PPP government converted Prospecting Licences into mining permits we complained, pointing to the mining regulations; experts highlighted the fact that it was illegal. The PPP skirted the laws by saying the practice fell under the subject minister’s discretion and was scarcely used under “special circumstances”. There was absolutely no transparency

Pay sugar workers their severance Dear Editor, HAVING been instrumental in the formation and success of the coalition administration at the 2015 national elections, I cannot escape my responsibility for the precarious situation in which sugar workers now find themselves. It is therefore in this capacity that I proceed with further dialogue with this administration.

The administration’s recent position on payment of sugar workers’ severance is not anything

I or anyone who supported the coalition in the 2015 elections bargained for, and is totally unacceptable. In respect of the recent declarations

by Mr. Harmon regarding the payment of sugar workers’ severance, I wish to state that I shall not consider these remarks. I strongly urge the coalition to reconsider the wisdom of its current stance and meet its fiduciary obligations to Guyana’s sugar workers.

Regards, CRAIG SYLVESTER

and the practice became a big-money business under the PPP. There were allegations of corruption and money laundering, favouritism and even the execution-style murder of a GGMC employee, who was said to be tied to the practice.

This APNU government has now joined in the same illegal practice of the previous government; I do not believe any GGMC commissioner would be so bold to blatantly attempt such mass illegality with-

out government approval.

The GGDMA unsurprisingly fully supports this illicit act and their president seems to be more informed on what is happening than the minister. What the GGDMA president neglected to say, however, was that the members of his organisation are the main beneficiaries of this illicit practice.

What does the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have to say about these conversions? It is that agency which gave

the tax concessions and foregoes billions in taxes and other government revenues to facilitate the Prospecting Licences. What about the tax concessions, import duties, customs duties and VAT waivers the GRA gave these PL holders on SUVs, ATVs, excavators, bulldozers, land cruisers, pick-up trucks, fuel etc, etc, etc. Their silence is as deafening as it is suspicious.

Somebody needs to investigate though,

whether it is the President of Guyana who is responsible for all lands in this country, SARA as these lands are State assets, Ministry of Natural Resources which is the subject Ministry or GRA for tax evasion, fraud and money laundering. Something smells very fishy, where are TIGI, SOCU and the subject minister, why the silence?

Regards MR. JONES (Miner)

‘E’ Division commander doing a commendable job Dear Editor, I AM a police constable stationed at Mackenzie Police Station ‘E’ Division, Upper Demerara-Linden. I read a recent letter in your column wherein a rank mentioned some incidents affecting other ranks at the Mackenzie Police Station.

My surprise is, why would any rank want to condemn the commander with whom they interface on a daily basis? I wouldn’t waste this newspaper’s time to publish my letter if it meant nothing.

The commander of ‘E’ Division has made a major

difference in that region since he took office and shares a very good relationship with his ranks.

The letter I read is inclusive of utter lies. And it was not a concerned rank who wrote it, but an ex-police corporal who got dismissed for his rogue actions.

We have a commander who doesn’t tolerate malpractices from ranks; as such, his detractors would use any opportunity to say ill things about him, who is a no-nonsense person. Our commander is a person who would sit and listen to complaints and even visit communities around

Linden to ensure law and order is maintained. I wish if the concerned rank had mentioned that he got dismissed for obtaining money from persons for the issuing of drivers’ licences, among other acts of corruption. Why batter the commander for practices that matter not in Linden, but in the career of the commander as a serving member of the police force?

My point is, if all this is true, then please come forward with the evidence against our commander, with whom none of us ranks have a problem, and deal with this as

adults in the professional way. My grandfather always taught me that when we can condemn our leader, it is because we cannot compete or meet the standard of that individual. On behalf of the ranks of ‘E’ Division, we do not know of any malpractice of our commander and are in no way associated with the recent letter published in this newspaper. We are proud of our commander and respect given is respect earned, with all due respect.

Regards Rank of ‘E’ Division

Recommendations of CoI into sugar industry should be carefully considered Dear Editor,

THE recommendations of the APNU+AFC government-appointed Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Virbert Parvatan, provided the framework to rescue and revitalise the sugar industry to profitability in three years. There are several workable

recommendations designed to save the industry and maintain higher levels of sugar production, through reorganisation, improve agricultural husbandry, and cost-cutting measures without the retrenchment of workers.

The commission made NO recommendation to contract the sugar industry before three years to allow rea-

sonable time for government, GUYSUCO, the political parties in the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to find viable solutions to save the industry, jobs, surrounding communities of sugar estates, concentration on sugar production and significant foreign currency earnings for the national treasury. Recommendation 4 of the commission states “... the

CoI does not recommend the closure of any Estate at this time.”

The PNC +AFC government must reconsider its decision to downsize the sugar industry.

There is wide-spread belief, and also strong perceptions that the government’s decisions on the sugar industry are politically and racially motivated in a vindictive and spiteful manner, de-

signed to attack the base of the PPP support by dismissing over 5,000 workers, and thereby causing untold suffering to large sections of the communities around the sugar estates.

It would be wise for the APNU+AFC government to reconsider its decision to downsize the sugar industry, save jobs and communities, and earn more needed

foreign currency for national development.

This will no doubt regain for this government some credibility and trust which it has lost, along also with widespread belief of manifest racial and political discrimination in employment and public policies.

Regards JOSHUA SINGH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

GRA continues sensitization of automated system

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has embarked on another round of sensitisation with key trade stakeholders in the lead up to the official launch of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World.

Last Wednesday the ASYCUDA National Project Team (ANPT) of the GRA together with its consultants from the United Nations Conference for Trade and

Development (UNCTAD) facilitated a seminar for freight carriers and their agents at the Authority’s Camp Street headquarters.

In a release GRA said having already requested shippers, wharf owners and agents to submit advance cargo manifests in electronic format, the sensitisation was specific to the Manifest Module of ASYCUDA World and the mandatory fields associated with the

Module.

ASYCUDA World is a recognised internet based solution used in most of the Caribbean territories to bring about significant benefits in Customs and trade such as reduction in processing time of Customs documentation and the quick release of imported and exported goods.

Its introduction to the GRA is premised on the failure of the current Total Revenue Integrated Pro-

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Consultants Terence Leonard speaking to Carrier representatives during an ASYCUDA sensitisation seminar

cessing System (TRIPS) to deliver as expected with relevant Customs modules such as e-manifest, wantof-entry, and warehousing.

Trade Consolidators are next in line to be sensitised as the ASYCUDA National Project Team in partnership with UNCTAD

bring awareness about the important role each client of the GRA will have to play in making the project a success.

Minister Harmon hands over computers to Aranaputa Village MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, last week, handed over computer supplies to the Village Chairman of Aranaputa Village, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), Mr. Adon Jacobus. The handover took place at the Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Presidency, Georgetown.

The Minister handed over three Lenovo laptop computers, one Lenovo desktop computer, and one Hewlett Packard (HP) printer. The computer supplies will be used to aid the work, specifically the record-keeping, of the Aranaputa Village Council.

The supplies were given to the Aranaputa Village Council after Village Chair- Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, left, hands over man, Mr. Jacobus made a computer supplies to Aranaputa Village Chairman, request to President David Mr. Adon Jacobus, right, with the help of Ms. Roxanne Granger, at the Lethem Barratt, centre Town Day last October. council, thanked Minister Harmon for The Village Chairman, on behalf of the answering their call so promptly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Ramjattan calls for collective action against human trafficking OVER $12M in assistance for victims and survivors of Trafficking in Persons was spent by the Ministry of Social Protection during 2016 in an effort to combat the crime, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed last week.

This was revealed in the 2016 Annual Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (MTFTIP) presented during the 83rd sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, 10, January. In the report, Ramjattan, who also serves as Chairman of the MTFTIP, outlined where in 2016, over $2M went to the Ministry of Social Protection, while an additional $10M went in subsidisation of a Non-Governmental Organisation shelter.

Although efforts continue to be expended for the prevention of trafficking in persons in Guyana, the report noted that there are some groups which appear to be more vulnerable than others.

As such, victim-protection is an important aspect which

was included in the government’s action plan, the minister said.

In 2016, it was noted that persons who were more likely to be susceptible to trafficking in persons are female non-nationals, domestic workers, children from dysfunctional families, under-educated youths, sex workers/exotic dancers, workers seeking better jobs outside of Guyana and young men and women from hinterland communities.

Taking this into consideration, the government provided assistance in the form of food, clothing, shelter, counselling and guidance, legal services and access to employment opportunities, among several other services.

The report states that significant efforts were made by the ministry along with the Guyana Police Force and NGOs to ensure that victims were either placed in a safe house or reintegrated with their families as the situation demanded.

Ramjattan said that the

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

crime should be likened to the cruel days of slavery.

“It is important that government agents along with all other citizens of Guyana understand that trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery and that today’s injustices must be treated with the same scorn as those of yesteryear,” the minister established.

In addition, although methods of protection are important, the Government of Guyana also found it equally essential to focus on

ways in which the country could prevent trafficking in persons. As such, a number of training and sensitisation activities aimed at increasing public awareness and improving the skills of their agents, were conducted by the government.

In March, there was an awareness session at the Rui-

mveldt Children’s Aid Centre, a market walkthrough in Bartica in April and a week of activities from July 24-30 in commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

During the week’s activities, the campaign visited Regions One, Four, Seven and Eight and saw the participation of approximately 137 individuals, including several government ministers and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway.

The activities epitomised a need for every Guyanese citizen to take charge of their personal capacity-building on the issue of human trafficking and how to prevent it, the minister explained. “We all have a responsibility to understand what this crime entails, to recognise the signs, to be observant, and to report suspicious cases to the authorities,” Ramjattan stated in the report, adding: “Silence is violence!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

M&CC removing derelict vehicles from city streets

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has so far removed more than 100 vehicles in its campaign to rid Georgetown of derelict vehicles left on Council’s reserves.

Town Clerk Royston King made the announce-

ment recently at a City Hall press conference where he also pointed out that the owners of such vehicles must now pay to claim those vehicles which are being stored at the municipality’s Princes Street location.

The fees, King noted, are based on the operational costs for the removal of such

vehicles.

“Apart from making the city look ugly, these [vehicles] are used as seclusion zones for criminal elements, dwelling places for [junkies]; garbage-dumping and dangerous reptiles. It is quite wrong for individuals to leave their vehicles in public places and other thorough-

fares,” King pointed out.

He said all such spaces are collectively owned by citizens, therefore no one has the right to appropriate them for private use and enterprise without compensating citizens who are denied their use. “We are very firm on reclaiming the city’s parapets and reserves from individuals who were not given permission by the Council to use them,” King stressed.

On a similar note, the town clerk urged property owners to secure the integrity of their houses, buildings and yards. “We have many absentee landlords. Their buildings are in a ruinous condition posing a danger to life and limb, harbouring criminal elements and destitute individuals. Yards are taken over with undergrowths, bushes, long grasses and again, people use these places as dumping grounds.”

King observed that some of these derelict buildings are fire hazards and are completely unsightly. “It is not neighbourly for property owners to behave in this manner. We have started to clean some of these premises and attach the cost to the accounts of those owners who are demonstrating a worrying level of carelessness.”

King said he has since asked the Council’s lawyers to research an approach to allow the municipality the leverage to sell such proper-

ties to recover money used to tidy up or demolish them.

WANTON DUMPING ON EMPTY LOTS Meanwhile, the M&CC is cognisant of the serious consequences associated with wanton dumping of garbage on empty lots and has already initiated an audit to determine just how many empty lots are in Georgetown, so that they can work with the owners to keep them clean.

Worrying, however, is the fact that should the M&CC come across a disputed lot that happens to be in court, there is little it can do to address the problems there.

“If the owners are not coming forward, we would have to take that responsibility because we want to secure the integrity of the environment and also the health of our citizens. In some cases, the owners even ask us to help and we would.

If it’s a court matter, though, where the land is in dispute, it will be difficult and take us a long time to address,” Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis had told the Chronicle recently.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Yonette Smith had also lamented such dumping.

Apart from the unsightliness that the practice creates, Smith spoke about leachate, which is a toxic liquid that

emanates from the garbage and can consequently contaminate the groundwater supply of residents.

“When the garbage trucks pick up your garbage, you would notice there’s a liquid that comes out of it that we call leachate. It’s a toxic substance that is left in the ground when persons dump garbage and it can contaminate our water supply,” she expressed.

Furthermore, the site becomes an ideal environment for insects and rodents.“We ask persons not to dump their garbage like this, because apart from polluting the groundwater, there are insects and rodents that can end up in your home and they also can get persons sick.”

On this note, Lewis offered that after a time, rodents would tend to migrate from the vacant lots and begin invading the homes of residents in search of food.

“Rats spread leptospirosis and they urinate on your stuff. Although only a section of your bread may be bitten, the entire loaf could contain urine because wherever the rats eat, they urinate.

“You also have reptiles living in those lots because that’s a good hideout and dwelling place for them and they crawl out at nights looking for food and can harm persons passing by,” Lewis further pointed out.

Police seeking legal advice in killing of vendor POLICE will be seeking legal advice to determine whether to institute any charge against the city constable who shot and killed 34-year-old Marlon Fredericks on Sunday.

A postmortem revealed that the cause of death was as a result of complication to his lower back due to gunshot wound. Fredericks, of Tiger Bay, Georgetown area, was wanted by the City Constabulary for a number of simple larceny transgressions, and was apprehended at Robb and King Streets, Georgetown on Saturday. However, during his apprehension he was kicked several times and assaulted.

Because of the beating Fredericks had received, he was treated and detained at the Georgetown Public Hos-

Dead: Marlon Fredericks

pital Corporation (GPHC) for observation, but was later released into the custody of the City Constabulary. While at that entity’s Bourda Outpost on Sunday, he attempted to flee custody and was shot as a result. His

mother Claudette Fredericks had come to visit him when she witnessed the shooting.

Eyewitnesses said his death could have been avoided, since he was in a weakened state and could not have run away; hence apprehending him should have been an easy task for the Lance Corporal. Claudette Fredericks said her son was a drug addict who had relapsed twice following stints at a rehabilitation facility. She said that seeing her son being brutally beaten while surrendering to the Police has been one of the most traumatising moments of her life.

She said that because of the beating, her son had not eaten since he was taken into custody, and family members felt his death could have been avoided.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Gov’t mulls partnership with Brazil’s Draft National health sector – to aid communities on the border Tourism Policy awaits TRAVELLING to the capital city of Georgetown in times of emergency can be somewhat infuriating for some residents of Indigenous communities, as such, the Ministry of Public Health is considering partnering with neighbouring Brazil, to instead have Guyanese seek medical care there.

The implementation of this possible plan should not face too many challenges since residents of those communities already utilise the health services of the Portuguese-speaking nation. It takes residents of Region Eight just about four hours of travel to access the closest hospital in Brazil, in the town of Uiramuta. In cases where the hospital there cannot handle those cases, patients are referred to the hospital in Boa Vista.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said the proposed arrangement could ease the painstaking efforts to get patients to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The idea was put to the residents of Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), during a meeting at one of the primary schools on Sunday. The minister is scheduled to meet with her Brazilian counterpart later this week and will raise the proposal.

The issue of transportation

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence embraces a young mother of Paramakatoi, who made a passionate plea for better transportation especially for persons who need emergency care

and access to medical service was brought to the fore during the minister’s outreach to the village.

Minister Lawrence made the suggestion, upon hearing the plight of a young mother who was unable to bear the cost of flying her sick child to the city for medical checkups, and similar cries by other residents. “Sometimes we have to look at economies of scale, we have to look at time, and we have to look at some of those issues that you brought up of persons who will accompany

the person who is ill,” she said.

According to the minister, each year, money is usually allocated for the medical evacuation of persons, however, in many instances, before the end of the quarter, the budget is exhausted. It is clear, she said, that the needs of the various communities utilising this service outstrip what is available.

Responding to the passionate plea of a young mother of Paramakatoi, for better transportation especially for persons who need emergency care, Minister Lawrence said,

“That is why I’m asking about Brazil because sometimes we have to think outside the box. And, if it means us entering into an agreement with the Brazilian government, to ensure that instead of us medevacking over the mountain certain patients we can send to Brazil that will help all of us.” She billed this idea as the best possible solution.

Meanwhile, in response to calls for a district hospital, Minister Lawrence said it is something that government will have to work towards.

She noted that it is ideal since many other services could be offered to ease the high incidences of medivacking, while at the same time, providing employment. In the meantime, the Minister said the government will work to further upgrade the Mahdia hospital, where residents of Paramakatoi also go to receive emergency treatment.

According to Minister Lawrence, the Mahdia hospital has trained doctors and facilities that should meet the needs of patients.

The Health Minister said she will also speak to her counterpart in Brazil regarding whether the services could be extended in Brazil, as well as to lend assistance to construct the district hospital. (DPI)

Cabinet blessing THE Ministry of Business, Tourism Department has drafted a National Tourism Policy to guide and improve the local tourism sector.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said while the policy has not yet been approved by the cabinet; the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been adhering to the policy’s action plan, since 2016, as it conducts its various programmes.

The minister explained that the policy is a comprehensive document which covers several areas that ‘will guide and enhance the sector’. He noted emphasis will be placed on human resources, and training will be done to improve the local service industry, to bring it on par with other developed countries.

“Training is an important component of what the GTA does. Last year they would have trained hundreds of persons from

various establishments in different aspects of the tourism services”, Gaskin highlighted. He added that the policy will also focus on developing new activities in the country, investment, and marketing of industries in the tourism sector. The national tourism policy is expected to guide the leisure industry for the next two decades. During the 2018 budget debate, it was highlighted by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan that growth in the tourism sector for 2017 had increased by a 5.7 percent when compared to 2016. A total of 170,322 was recorded for visitor arrivals between the months of January to September 2017.

According to Minister Jordan, as the economy undergoes rapid developments in the coming years; additional visits stemming from the hosting of international exhibitions, conferences, and shows, will stimulate growth in the hospitality subsector and the wider tourism sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Drug link seen in Pomeroon killings …cops recover arms, ammunition AS detectives continue to probe Sunday’s execution of two Pomeroon farmers, investigations so far point to the possibility that the incident may have been drug-related.

According to the police, investigators have discovered a cache of arms and ammunition as well as a quantity of dried cannabis, alleged to be the belongings of one of the deceased.

Ambrose Baharally , 28

and Martin Godette , 23, both of whom are residents of the Pomeroon River, were killed execution-style on Sunday afternoon. The gunmen later escaped by boat.

On Monday morning, the police at Charity on the Essequibo Coast detained two persons to assist with the investigation into the murders of the two best friends. One of the persons detained is the widow of one of the victims.

Relatives reported that an-

The items which were found by the police

Martin Godette

other farmer, who was in the vicinity of the two men when they were gunned down, was hauled in for questioning on Monday.

The police reported that while being questioned, one of the detainees led the lawmen to a location where a bag was retrieved and ex-

amined. The bag contained one 9mm Beretta pistol with a magazine , a .38 revolver , a large quantity of ammunition including 16 live cartridges , 21 live .38 rounds ,19 live 9mm rounds as well as 51 grams of cannabis. The police swabbed the hands of the two deceased as well as both

detainees for gunpowder residue. Relatives of Godette reported that the young man’s death came as a shock to the family. They said they were not familiar with anyone who may have wanted to harm the young farmer.

The investigation is ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Digital Wealth Creation summit for February AGAINST the backdrop of a massive turnout last year, the organisers of the Digital Wealth Creation Summit (DWCS) 2018 are hoping for a bigger event this year.

According to a release from the organisers, this year’s installment of the event will be held at The Guyana Marriott Georgetown Hotel on Saturday, 10th February, 2018 and will focus on Financial Empowerment.

“We believe that empowerment is incomplete without financial empowerment. We believe that if we work together to serve the world through digital mediums, we will have a stronger and more prosperous Guyana,” said Dr. Rosh Khan, the Founder / Director of The Masterclass Institute , a business education

Dr Rosh Khan

and training organisation that aims to transform Guyana’s economic landscape.

DWCS 2018 promises new speakers, cutting-edge topics, zero fluff, and 100% actionable insights and ac-

cording to the organisers , it will be “another high-energy “ and “value-loaded transformational experience.”

The topics this year include , financial empowerment and money management , digital transformation, investment strategies (Online & Offline) , cryptocurrencies, blockchain and the Caribbean as well as digital income-generation , digital products and services and small business profits.

The event this year is sponsored by Franklin Covey - Guyana, the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), Digicel, ScotiaBank, GeoTech Vision, Ming’s Products & Services (MPS), Starr Computers, and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

Flashback: A number of persons turned out to the event in 2017

Arif Bulkan to be sworn in as Justice of Appeal HUMAN rights lawyer, Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan is to be sworn in today as an acting Justice of Appeal, the Ministry of the Presidency confirmed on Tuesday.

Back in September 2017, Dr. Bulkan was nominated by Cabinet for candidature to represent Guyana on the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC). He also was former lecturer at the University of the West Indies with specialisations in Public Law, Constitutional Law, Caribbean Human Rights Law, and International Human Rights Law.

He also co-founded the Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) at the Cave Hill campus, which is a group of law professors who engage in both litigation and advocacy aimed at promoting human rights.

Dr Bulkan has been involved in human rights advocacy for many years and has worked to establish and defend the rights of vulnerable and marginalised communities, including indigenous peoples, LGBT persons and persons living with HIV/AIDS. He has also been involved in public advocacy against

Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan

the death penalty, both regionally and at events sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The organisers noted that the summit is suited for success-minded entrepreneurs who want to take their life and business to the next level, who are willing to commit to their success and who want to learn how to leverage the internet to create wealth. “This is especially for entrepreneurs (whether veteran or aspiring), service professionals, students, or anyone that has a burning dream and desire to do what they love and to relentlessly pursue their dreams,” the

organisers said.

A few of the speakers and presenters include: Minister of Public Telecommunications , Cathy Hughes; Dr. Rosh Khan; Gabriel Abed,founder of Bitt.com, a Barbados-based block chain startup; Ramesh Persaud, CEO of IPED and Samantha Sheoprasad, 2017 recipient of the Queen’s Young Leaders Award Last year, Minister Hughes in an energetic presentation lauded the Masterclass Institute for their

“out-of- the-box businesses” which have taken Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to a next level.

The event is a ticketed one, although it’s FREE. Interested persons are advised to secure tickets as only 250 tickets were available recently. Persons can visit: http://bit. ly/DWCS2018 or call the Masterclass Institute on 225.1842 or email exec@ socialrankmedia.com for tickets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Serial robber, rapist back on remand A 35-YEAR-OLD miner was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for a spate of armed robberies which were committed in the North Ruimveldt area.

Nigel Wellington of Mocha, East Bank Demerara, is charged with being in the company of others and armed with a gun, and robbing a young couple of items and jewellery amounting to $820,000 on December 20, 2017 at Well Road, North

Ruimveldt.

It is further alleged that Wellington on January 4, 2018 at North Ruimveldt robbed a 22-year-old woman of two gold rings along with a TV valued $184,000.

According to reports a 22-year-old woman was attacked and sexually assaulted by a lone gunman, while her husband was also beaten by the bandit.

The unrepresented father of two denied all of the charges.

Police Prosecutor, Saline Evans objected to the defendant being released on bail on the grounds that a gun was used in the commission of the crimes.

Evans further pointed out that Wellington was expected to face charges for sexual offences soon.

The Magistrate remanded Wellington until January 26 when the matters will be called before Magistrate Leron Daly.

In 2011, Wellington was

Nigel Wellington

sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for a similar offence.

Meanwhile in 2016, he was charged before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate for robbing two women.

Wellington, according to the court facts, entered the home of the women and robbed them of several items, including cash. After

robbing the women, he then singled out one of the ladies and took her into a bedroom.

He then placed his gun to her head and ordered her to perform a sexual act on him. The terrified woman however managed to talk her way out of the situation and Wellington fled.

The matter was reported to the police and Wellington was later apprehended in Georgetown while committing another act similar in nature.

Victim apprehends young phone snatcher A 17-YEAR-OLD youngster accused of snatching a man’s phone while in a minibus was on Tuesday charged and remanded to prison.

Akeem Grandville appeared before Magistrate Annett Singh and denied

Akeem Grandville

that on January 15 at Water Street, Georgetown he stole a cellphone valued $25,000 from Avinash Ragbar.

According to the City Constabulary prosecutor, the teen was arrested by the victim after he attempted to get away.

Magistrate Singh remanded the teen until January 30.

Confesses to snatching chain but no item found A 31-YEAR-OLD Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara resident was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a simple larceny charge by Magistrate Annett Singh.

Devon Holder is charged with stealing a chain val-

ued $530,000 from Rafeek Mohammed on January 9, 2018 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

According to reports the accused was caught on CCTV camera stealing the chain and when confront-

ed, he confessed and even agreed to take the police to the place where he hid the item.

However, Holder took the police on a wild goose chase looking for the item and came up empty-handed.

Magistrate Singh remanded Holder until January 30.

Barber denies ‘aiding to traffic cocaine’ A 32-YEAR-OLD South Ruimveldt, Georgetown barber was on Tuesday charged and released on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for aiding to traffic cocaine.

José Jacobs of Festival

City is charged with aiding persons to traffic 1.178 kilograms of cocaine between November 1, 2017 and November 21, 2017 at Georgetown. He denied the charge.

Jacobs’ attorney, Melville Duke told the court that his client had no knowledge of the cocaine or the particulars of the charge. Duke, during an application for bail

told the court that his client was entrusted by his cousin to pick up ‘transaction’ monthly on their behalf.

Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield did not disclose the facts in court nor object to bail being granted.

The Magistrate released Jacobs on $200,000 bail and adjourned the matter until January 31.

Corentyne painter denies stealing from church A 43-YEAR-OLD Corentyne painter was charged with sacrilege when he appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

It was the first appearance of Romel Quntin of Lot 80 Queenstown, Corriverton Berbice.

The court heard that Quintin while working at the Presbyterian Church located at No. 35 village, allegedly stole a Sony amplifier, an equaliser and a microphone

totalling $32,000, property of the church. He denied the charge.

The incident reportedly took place between January 13 and 14, 2018.

He was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and will return to court on February 1, 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Young carpenter listed Three armed bandits – after falling from as critical dilapidated building rob Caesar’s Palace A TWENTY-year-old is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after falling from a dilapidated building on which he was working at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, East Berbice.

Reports are that Christopher Singh, of Lot 14, Maida, Corentyne, was employed by a private contractor to demolish the structure at the Psychiatric Hospital, and was in the process of removing a beam when he fell to the ground from the second floor.

The accident reportedly occurred at around 15:30hrs.

The father of one was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where

Christopher Singh

his condition was listed as critical. He is said to have suffered severe head and internal injuries and broken bones.

His father, Mr. Deonarine Singh, said Christopher has been working with the

contractor for the past two weeks.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that he is praying for a full recovery of his son.

“Someone come by we yesterday and seh he had an accident, suh he mother and his wife rush go to see. Then they call tell he deh bad.”

Mr. Singh said that based on what he was told by his wife, who is in Georgetown to be close to their son, Christopher is not yet out of the woods. “He serious and not looking good,” the distraught parent said, between tears: “He has his whole life in front of him; his son will be one year soon.He is a hard worker; always hustling...

It is very unfortunate what happened.”

THREE armed bandits robbed three cashiers of Banks DIH’s D’Urban Street outlet, (Caesar’s Palace) on Monday night.

Reports indicate that the men were each holding a handgun when they jumped the counter while

the business place was in the process of closing.

The men held the three women at gunpoint and demanded cash. One of the armed bandits relieved the women of their cash and whatever was in the cash register.

The men then jumped

15

back over the counter and ran to a silver grey Toyota 212 motor car which then headed north along Hardina Street and escaped.

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation is in progress.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Cockroach, toe nail, phone card in food …city food inspector reports

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) Acting Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Ms. Onika Alleyne, has referred to a number of complaints received by her recently in which food handlers in the city are not using best practices.

At a recent City Hall press conference lately, Al-

leyne told reporters that in one case, an egg ball was shown to her containing a cockroach’s leg; in another, a raisin bun with a cockroach baked into it; and yet another, a roti and curry with a toe nail inside. The fourth instance that Alleyne referred to was a cut up phone card that was baked into bread.

“So food handlers just need to understand that they need to take the time and the

care to provide safe food to persons. If caught doing otherwise, they will have to face some kind of consequence,” Alleyne related.

Even in view of these recent complaints, Town Clerk Royston King, who hosted the press conference, offered that there is an “acute” shortage of public health staff both at the level of the food hygiene inspectorate and the environmental health officers.

King said this is partly

due to the difficulties obtained in recruiting technical public health people. “We have to look at upgrading their remuneration so that we can attract them and keep them,” he posited.

Alleyne, too, agreed that the municipality’s capacity to conduct inspections is not at an excellent level and that more inspectors are needed on the team.

During recent inspections around the markets, she noted that officers have found that sausage, cheese and eggs continue to be stored improperly; at bad temperatures, and even in direct sunlight.

On the issue of cut fruits being sold on the streets, Alleyne questioned where vendors obtain water to wash their fruits along with the contamination that comes from selling in high- traffic areas. “So this is a serious issue. Possibly, persons who are ill and their immune system is compromised would be eating these fruits.”

On coconut-vending, Alleyne said there is no standard process that vendors are using to sterilise their bottles. “We would like to urge coconut vendors to desist from selling in the bottles and allow persons to come

Acting Chief Meat and Food Inspector Ms. Onika Alleyne

with their own containers,” she said.

As to school-vending, Alleyne said vendors should be properly clothed and items such as egg balls and phoulouri should be stored at the correct temperatures. She noted that children are vulnerable and hence vendors should use best practices when dealing with them.

Furthermore, for those who sell fruit juices, these should be properly bottled and labelled to establish traceability.

“Street vendors serve a good purpose, but food vendors need to provide hot and

cold holdings in the form of warmers and coolers for their foods. They should also improvise a method to have water available for washing their hands,” Alleyne recommended.

The City Council has announced that the Food Handlers’ Certificate will now be raised from $3000 to $5000, which has been influenced by operational costs.

The city will also be introducing special training for food and beverage managers.

Upon completion of their training, they will be issued with a different certificate from the one given to regular food handlers.

King said some of the ‘troubling’ concerns of the municipality relate to poor storage of foods and beverages, unlabelled packages and bottles with things for human consumption, insanitary preparation areas, kitchens, close proximity of washrooms to preparation areas, violation of dress code by food handlers and the general physical condition of some eating houses and provision shops.

“You would never believe some of the things our public health inspectors see in the course of their duties,” King had remarked.

Man found dead in Lusignan trench THE body of an East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Tuesday afternoon discovered in a trench in Area ‘H’, Lusignan, ECD, after he reportedly fell overboard after a bout of rumdrinking.

Dead is 50-year-old Sookdeo Deonarine, a welder of Lot 428 Good Hope, Mahaica, ECD. Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle reveals that Deonarine was leaving on his bicycle from a house in Area ‘H’ where it was customary for him to drink, when he somehow ended up in the small

Sookdeo Deonarine; age: 50

trench.

According to the man’s wife, Chandrewattee Doodnaught, the body was discovered around 12:00hrs by a passerby diagonal to the house from where he had emerged.

Meanwhile, the man’s bicycle could be seen approximately two feet away from where his body was laid after being fished out of the trench. The police were at the scene and an investigation has been set in motion to confirm Deonarine’s cause of death.

Deonarine is survived by three children.

The bicycle and body of Sookdeo Deonarine after he was taken out of the trench where he drowned

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Trial of GBTI directors begins before Chief Magistrate THE trial of eight directors of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) accused of failing to comply with a production order issued by acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire commenced on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Those on trial are: GBTI directors Edward A. Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, Richard Isava, Carlton James and Basil Mahadeo; its chairman Robin Stoby and acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaleeza Shaw.

The accused being placed before the courts is as a result of an ongoing Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation into the US$500M fraud at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The trial commenced with the testimony of Court Marshal Nelisha Peterkin, Superintendent of Police,

Robert Tyndall and Sydney James, Head of SOCU. All led evidence on Tuesday on behalf of special prosecutor Patrice Henry.

The matter is adjourned until Wednesday, January 17.

The defendants are jointly charged with failing to comply with a production order issued by the acting Chief Justice and served by a marshal of the High Court to produce certain named documents, within seven days, to SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James.

It is alleged that they contravened the order without reasonable cause.

The GBTI directors are represented by attorney SC Ian Chan, Roger Yearwood, Nigel Hughes, Steven Fraser and Edward Luckhoo.

The officers all denied the charge and their attorney Nigel Hughes made a lengthy bail application for their release.

SOCU as part of its probe into the US$500M GRDB fraud case had moved to the court to obtain an order instructing GBTI to produce all the required documents to aid in the investigation.

Recently, the Bank made an application before the Acting Chief Justice to be relieved from the production of the documents that were referred to in August 29, 2017 on the grounds that they have either been destroyed by the applicant after the applicant’s retention period had expired, or they have been lost and cannot be found despite diligent efforts to find them. The bank failed in its bid to be relieved from producing the documents.

The bank is said to have an internal policy with regard to the retention of documents for its customers, however, the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation provides for banks

Two new schools for Region Seven

The $27.7M Paruima Primary School under construction

THE $27.7M Paruima Primary School in the Upper Mazaruni region is approximately 90 per cent completed, Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford said on Tuesday.

Bradford said while the contractor, B&S Contracting Services, is doing the finishing touches within the interior of the school, additional time is required to have the school fully furnished and equipped for effective learning. Additionally, $8M was budgeted for furnishing of the school in the 2018 Budget, the regional chairman noted.

It is anticipated that the school, when completed, will have the capacity to accommodate 250-300 children and will be commissioned in time for commencement of the third school term of the 2017/2018 academic year.

Currently, the pupils of

the school are being taught in the old structure, which is not only dilapidated, but is also prone to flooding. The new structure is being constructed on higher ground. The contract for construction of the Paruima Primary School was awarded to B&S Contracting Services last August.

In 2018, the CuyuniMazaruni region will also benefit from the construction of another primary school.

The regional chairman explained that the government in its 2018 National Budget approved $28M for the construction of a new primary school at Kamarang.

It was explained that the Kamarang Primary School is currently in a decrepit state.

Presently, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven is examining possible sites for the school’s new location.

Bradford noted that it is

the intention of the council to have the old structure repaired and used for other purposes in the future.

Additionally, financial provisions have been made for a new dorm at Waramadong and improved facilities at the Desrey Fox Secondary School, formerly known as the Waramadong Secondary School. A four-apartment teacher’s quarters at the Bartica Secondary School will also be completed this year at a cost of $28M, the regional chairman has assured.

In 2018, a total of $2.5B has been allocated for Region Seven, from which $2.2B will go towards current expenditure, while $255M will go towards capital expenditure. The allocated sums will be spent on regional administration and finance, public infrastructure, education delivery and health services.

and/or financial institutions to maintain records for their customers up to a period of 10 years.

As a result, the Attorney General’s Chambers contends that the bank’s internal policy cannot supersede that of the law.

The bank’s applica tion spoke specifically to

documents which the bank thought had been destroyed after the retention period, as well as those which have been lost likely to misfiling, and requested an extension or stay of three weeks from the date of the Production Order, to enable it to find and produce the documents which the production refers.

Under tough anti-money laundering laws, once court orders are granted, financial institutions are reportedly bound to provide information. In this case, the monies are not from private accounts, but rather from the US dollar and other accounts of GRDB, a state entity.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Grieving mother relives the anguish – of seeing son take his last breath AS a veteran broadcast journalist, Claudette Fredericks would have by now grown accustomed to matters of life and death.

But to stand helplessly by and watch as your own son draws his last breath must have no doubt proven too much -even for her.

What was even more heart-wrenching was that mere hours before his life was snuffed out, he had asked to see his mother. Little did he know that it would be the last time he would see her, as the very lance corporal who placed the call to his mother ended up killing him.

Just the day before -- on Saturday to be precise -34-year-old street vendor Marlon Fredericks was beaten near to death after he allegedly tried

to disarm a police rank who attempted to arrest him for a number of offences he had allegedly committed.

The incident was recorded in great detail for all the world to see on Facebook. Less than 24 hours later, he was dead; shot in the back by a City Constabulary Lance Corporal on Regent Street, just across the way from the Bourda Market.

Fredericks, executive producer and presenter of First Look, a morning TV show on HBTV Channel 9, recalled the horrifying experience.

“I was inside the building a few feet from the counter area, and I see my son come running towards us. He tried to leap over the counter, but didn’t make it so he ran around the counter...

“It was four family mem-

bers, and we tried to stop him, saying, ‘Marlon, why are you running? Don’t run!

“So he manoeuvred through us and was outside already... So we run outside.

Then I heard this report, a shot. And my son turn around and face us, and started going down.”

But even though she was right there on the scene when it happened, she somehow did not realise that her son had been shot, Fredericks said.

An hour would pass, but no one thought to get help for the dying man. “There wasn’t any urgency to get any help for him,” she said, adding: “I remember seeing the corporal while Marlon was going down against the building; he was just standing there, looking at him... It was almost as if to

make sure that he was done, before he moved off the scene.”

She doesn’t deny that her son was on drugs; but he was no thief, she said. She recalled doing everything a mother possibly can to help him kick the habit.

“He went to ‘rehab’ on two occasions; the first time at Phoenix, he spent less than the period that they have for them, which is six months,” Freder-

icks said.

“He spent like four months and came out... Two years after, the habit continued, so we got him into the Salvation Army.

He spent the full six months there; and just as he was going to be qualified for their halfway-house system, he left.”

An extraordinarily gifted child, Marlon first attended St Joseph High, and much later President’s College. He had

even landed a scholarship in Trinidad to train as a pilot.

As investigations into the shooting to death of Marlon Fredericks continue, the lance corporal who fired the fatal shot and a City Hall constable have been detained.

According to the post-mortem, the cause of death was a complication to the lower back due to a gunshot wound.

CG bike bandit attacks women in Campbellville TWO women were recently robbed of cash and other valuables when a lone bandit attacked them as they were about to enter a house in Campbellville, Georgetown.

The bandit escaped on a CG motorcycle before relieving them of their valuables.

The recent robbery left the two 26-yearold women who were identified as a doctor and a MACORP employee traumatised.

Reports indicate that the duo after visiting Diamond, East Bank Demerara, travelled to the doctor’s home in Campbellville, and were

about to drive into the yard when they were confronted by an armed man who demanded their valuables.

The robber escaped with cash, important documents and cell phones before firing a warning shot in the air and jumping on his motorcycle to escape the scene.

Residents in the area commended the police on their prompt arrival at the scene after 911 was contacted for assistance.

The matter was reported to the police and investigations are continuing.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

NGSA students ‘prepped’ with mock exams GRADE Six pupils from across the country wrote “mock” exams on Tuesday, as the Education Ministry intensifies its efforts to ensure the pupils are fully prepared for the sitting of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) set for March 28 and 29.

In a press statement, Director of the National Centre for Education Research Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch said that Tuesday was set aside for the sitting of Mathematics Paper One and Two. Cumberbatch explained that such an approach is necessary to ensure that pupils acquaint themselves with the examination since there will not be much difference aside from the questions, come March 28 and 29. The director underscored the importance of a collaborative approach between teacher, parents and the Education Ministry, if additional gains are to be made.

Additionally, Cumberbatch is of the view that such an approach (mock exam) augurs well for the continued improvement of grades amongst

Grade Six pupils. An upbeat Cumberbatch said she is confident that the NGSA grades will continue to improve. The director’s optimism was premised on the fact that since the emergency intervention by the current administration to address low pass rates in mathematics at the National Grade Six level, much improvement has been made.

The objective of the mock examination, according to the NCERD Director, is to inform teachers where weaknesses exist with a view to correcting them. Further, Cumberbatch explained that upon the completion of the marking of the mock exams test scripts, the scores will be forwarded to the respective regional education offices which in turn will forward the same grades to the central ministry.

She said that Tuesday’s examination was not for ‘show’ but that the grades will be subjected to a thorough analysis, after which the necessary actions will be taken.

The director added that her Ministry will have enough time to ‘pick apart the results’ and she is confident of better

results in 2018 compared to 2017.

The ministry has embarked on increased monitoring and evaluation of schools and teachers, to ensure that the methodologies used for the teaching of mathematics and other subjects are in conformity with the best practice set out by the Education Ministry.

Added to that, Cumberbatch said that evaluators will continue to visit schools to offer support and that such an approach should not be seen as a punitive one.

Students of Winfer Gardens preparing to write their Mathematics mock exam

Director of NCERD Jennifer Cumberbatch

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Lusignan students get school supplies

ONE hundred needy children from the Lusignan Primary School, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday received donations of school supplies from ExxonMobil and Deepwater Container Specialist, Tanks-A-Lot Inc. The event, a collaborative venture between the two companies saw the students receiving supplies, as well as snacks. Smiles filled the faces of the children as they

each received book bags, water bottles, crayons, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, erasers and other items.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, the school’s headmistress, Michelle Barton, expressed gratitude on behalf of the institution as she highlighted that, for some time there was an evident need.

“I am very happy and pleased by the kind gesture that was shown today by Tanks-A-Lot and Exxon-

Mobil. The donations today will go a far way,” Barton commented.

She then took the time to explain the extent to which the donations will help the students: “A few of our children sometimes come with black plastic bags [as book bags]…we are so thankful, [because] there was a need,” she stressed.

Tanks-A-Lot Inc., established in 1995, provides a wide range of Cargo Carry-

President of Tanks-a-lot Inc., Anthony Cannata, hands over the bags of supplies to the first set of Lusignan Primary School boys

ing Units (CCU) and other specialised equipment suited to the energy industry. They have since revealed plans to later commence works on improving the facilities and appearance of the school which accommodates approximately 700 students.

According to Tanks-ALot Trinidad-based Operations Manager, Aleem Baksh, the company is one of ExxonMobil’s contractors and shares a relationship with

Guyana due to its neighbouring proximity and contracted responsibilities.

“Our operations in Trinidad has extended to Guyana because of our commitments to Exxon and bearing in mind our worldwide drive to give back to communities, to the people, socially and economically,” Baksh outlined, adding: “This is just the beginning of many more.”

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Communication Advisor

on Public and Government Affairs, Nicholas Yearwood, says the oil company welcomes and supports the initiative of Tanks-A-Lot to give back to Guyanese.

“We support these initiatives all over the world and we support it in Guyana as well,” Yearwood commented, adding: “We think it’s a great initiative giving back to the Guyanese community because we work and operate here.”

The delighted children examine the school supplies they received

NDIA to beat May/June rains with new ECD pump stations

THE National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), said it is likely to commission three new pump stations along the East Coast of Demerara in time for the May/June rains.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Frederick Flatts, in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) said new pump stations at Enmore, Friendship/Vigilance, and Lusignan are in advanced states of completion.

“We have at least two of the pump stations, that we can actually use now. So, I have gone as far as telling the contractors that now that we have that, we have to bring the one at Buxton up, to get it completed by the May / June rains. The one at Lusignan is already operable. We had to go ahead and get the pump started during the rainy period around Christmas. There are still some fine things to be done, but those are three pump stations that are substantially completed along the East Coast.”

Further, the CEO said the

pumps will increase drainage capacity and prevent flooding in ECD communities which are traditionally inundated whenever it rains heavily. “We are doing this to raise the drainage coefficient. By drainage coefficient, we mean the ability to pump or to discharge as much water as possible from the land. The problem we have along the coast is that historically our drainage has been 1.5 inches in 24 hours; so, whenever rainfall exceeds The Lusignan pumping station already in operation (DPI photo)

Turn to page 21

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Youth developing barter App ‘Swopp’ AN enterprising young man is on the brink of developing what may be Guyana’s first ever barter app.

‘Swopp’ is the brainchild of Shemar Spencer, a beneficiary of the Ministry of Education’s Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPOG) and the local tech company Intellect Storm. ‘Swopp’ is still in the developmental stage, Spencer explained in an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). “I am trying to move away from the throwaway society to the more reuse and recycle society because one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. So instead of throwing away and creating unnecessary landfills, you can

swap it for something else, something that you need.”

The idea for this app

was birthed almost one year ago when the young Business Administration student

Shemar Spencer

NDIA to beat ...

that amount you would have flooding. Whenever we supplement gravity flow with pump drainage we are able to raise that figure significantly.”

In addition, the NDIA CEO said the completion of the pump station at Friendship/Vigilance will bring major relief to Buxton and its environs. “We are seeking

to have that pump station completed in time for the May /June rains. As you may be aware, Buxton is one of the areas where you almost always have flooding during the rainy season. We are hoping that for the first time in decades Buxton will not be flooded if our pump station is completed.”

The NDIA is the agency

Continued from page 20

responsible for maintenance and development of the drainage and irrigation structures across the country. In 2017, it received budgetary allocations of approximately $3.5B and was able to accomplish in excess of 98 percent of planned works. Budgetary allocations for 2018 have been increased to $3.75B.

A worker preparing logs for revetment work at the Buxton pumping station (DPI photo)

was assisting his aunt at her restaurant. The build-up of waste products was an issue since the garbage truck collected refuse just once a week. Spencer said he contacted a farmer via Facebook to ascertain if he was interested in procuring waste for his pigs. The farmer then offered to exchange fruits with Spencer’s aunt for the waste products. To that end, the farmer trades fruits for the waste and both parties’ benefit.

Brimming with the idea, Spencer submitted an application to the YIPOG project for innovative ideas and was awarded $1M to create the barter app. He then met the

Intellect Storm group at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications First Hackathon last October, where he decided to collaborate with the tech group to make this app a reality. The aspiring entrepreneur stated that his app differs because it “is connecting millions of people around the world- it becomes a supplemental economic system, where we can experience growth due to bartering.” Spencer is urging other local entrepreneurs to develop apps for their businesses since the benefits are numerous. “Technology is the game changer worldwide. An app enables you to connect to persons worldwide, from the

click of a button.”

The app, which should be completed by May of this year, will enable persons to trade without money, but more so it will contribute to Guyana’s developing green agenda. Kevon Spencer, Jamal Layne, and Tresonne Headley are Shamar Spencer’s partners working to make this app a reality for all Guyanese to use. Spencer said without the guidance of Eldon Marks and Sherrod Duncan, he would not have been able to make the strides he has, more so as a young person being able to feel secure to build a business. (DPI)

HEYS programme to be replaced FOLLOWING a successful run, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) initiative, will be replaced with a more holistic training programme targeting youths across the country. This was according to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Allicock explained that the while the current HEYS initiative has accomplished much, it will be restructured to incorporate other training programmes for youths in the various sectors. This will be achieved through collaboration between the ministries of Education and Cohesion. “…this will be done to create a more holistic training package for youths throughout Guyana. Currently, the first cohort of the HEYS programme is

being reviewed and from that information, we will be guided. The aim is to incorporate all the other programmes and to create an aggressive package for the youths in Guyana,” Minister Allicock explained.

The Ministry of Education has been tasked with developing a paper for the new programme. Additionally, the Green Enterprise Development Centre that will be established at Bina Hill, Region Nine, will further prepare indigenous youths for the anticipated developments expected to accrue from the oil and gas sector. “In preparations for the anticipated good that oil will bring, not the direct but indirect benefits when the roads start, the hydro start we will need our technical people, this is the workforce that we need, so it is helping them to prepare and get in readiness for this. Their communities will also have

that economic strength to get them through and jobs will be created,” Minister Allicock explained.

The flagship initiative is expected to serve 120 students from Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. A sum of $79M has been allocated in 2018 Budget to commence the construction of the facility. Some 1,872 Indigenous youths received training through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, in a number of skilled areas. Another 1,958 youths are nearing completion of their training, making it a total of 3,830 trained over a two-year period The Government’s vision is to develop and implement a plan for a universalising programme of technical and vocational training, through the creation of skills training centres and programmes in every region.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

‘The Social Media Banana Skin’ LET me apologise in advance if I come across as self-indulging. I am an unapologetic fan of social media, my preference is undoubtedly Facebook. I am always on Facebook.

I make personal and professional connections on this social media space, I even complete work via my Facebook Messenger, I receive most of the often sensationalised news of the 24-hour news cycle on this ubiquitous modern-day means of communication.

Social Media, in my humble professional estimation, can be likened to the scenario of slipping on a banana skin. The lack of careful and considered usage of social media by those who consider themselves to be professional people of some consequence, can produce this result. It can occur when the reckless use of social media by professional persons results in unintended repercussions that could permanently impugn your

personal and professional life. This example ought to suffice, if members of an organisation have the freedom to post as they wish without regard for implications at a personal and organisational level? This debate is constantly being had and rightly so, in so far as you represent an organisation, this column will argue that you must be mindful of a slippage on the social media `Banana Skin.’

Facebook, being the most popular social media platform in Guyana, alas, teems with the daily potential for this development.

Social Media is a great tool to make lovely connections, in the same breath, if not utilised judiciously, it can be detrimental to your personal and professional life. A simple ‘like’ of a comment or a photo on Facebook can be used as a rallying cry for those who have an agenda inimical to your interests.

Believe me, people police social media for slippages on the banana skin by

persons of consequence. It might seem facetious but I am not snap chatting or tweeting here, the higher you go in an organisation or the more notoriety you accrue, caution must be exercised. An innocent photo at a casual night on the town can turn into a meme that can be used as caricature of the intended target.

I will not hesitate to draw attention to what I have observed. I have seen public servants uploading internal documents on social media. Documents that were only intended for the viewing of those employed at a particular ministry. Such uploads are easily captured by reporters and within minutes of the 24-hour news cycle, a sensationalised story emerges that complicates the lives of those who are responsible for that particular ministry.

There are those who might suggest, “So what are you saying Ronald Austin Jr, we should not be on social media”? No way.

That is not my argument, I am advancing a case for us to exercise caution. Some would argue, “I need to live my life” or “I need privacy”.

There is nothing private about social media, it is the ultimate perfection of publicity. Others might suggest, “My personal existence has nothing to do with my organisation”. Let me ask, if you manage an organisation that protects animals, is it a private issue when you upload a photo of you hunting animals for the kill on your vacation? Tweets from the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump are now considered to be official government statements by some of the most powerful seats of governments in the world. It is an established fact in this world today, when young professionals apply to international organisations, they request your social media information. In June 2017, ‘Harvard Crimson’ reported that the admissions for 10

students were rescinded because they shared offensive memes in a Facebook messaging group. These potential Ivy League scholars slipped on the social media `Banana Skin’, their lives permanently altered.

Who is he/she that would dare to deny the power of social media? Professional reputations can go in one fell swoop with just one slip on the social media `Banana Skin.’

I have never seen any empirical evidence that ascertains the amount of Guyanese who are on social media. This column does not have the luxury to be guided by verifiable numbers, statistics or percentiles in this regard. Be that as it may, this reality should not prevent an inquisitorial sojourn into conjectures about how many people in this land are connected to social media.

The most prudent path, in my estimation to determine the number of persons on social media in this coun-

try, would be to proceed from the number of persons who have the luxury of internet access. According to Internet World Stats, recorded on June, 2017, 305,000, 39.4 per cent of the Guyanese population have access to the internet. A critical eye would observe that internet access does not automatically mean a presence on social media. I would have to agree but in the absence of empirical data, it is a safe bet for analytical purposes.

The rise of an oil and gas economy coupled with the strides being made with the admirable work being done at the Ministry of Telecommunications, the internet and social media activity will become far more pronounced in the near future.

It is not by accident that the social media accounts owned by persons of power and consequence are controlled by media corporations and in some cases, law firms. It is serious business, TTYL.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Fuel-starved Berbice farmers plead for help – lest they lose current rice crop

By Nafeeza Yahya MEMBERS of the Water Users Association of the 52/74 NDC area in East Berbice-Corentyne fear they may lose some 10,000 acres of rice due to a shortage of fuel to pump enough water to flood their fields.

The farmers are appealing to the regional authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture to look into the matter and come up with another solution to get enough fuel to the Manrabisi Irrigation pump on the banks of the Canje Creek, since twothirds of their 15,000 acres currently under the plough is presently under threat.

According to the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Chairman, Mr. David Armogan, the irrigation pump was receiving its supply of fuel in batches of 20,000 gallons per trip via a fuel barge that travels up the Canje Creek and delivers to the various pump stations along the way.

However, the contractor is now being asked by the management of the Berbice Bridge to have marine insurance, which costs several million dollars, in addition to paying his fee to pass through the bridge.

Saddled with these additional costs, the contractor has said he will no longer be making the trips, since the overheads would kill him.

“The contractor said he cannot afford to make the trips anymore,” Armogan said, “since the cost of the insurance, fees to cross, and his expenses are much more than what he is being paid. So we decided to give a contract to take the fuel into the pump overland.”

NOT A VIABLE OPTION However, the Water Users Association is contending that the option to move the fuel overland is not a viable one at this time, given the present weather conditions, and taking into consideration the distance and capacity of the trucks being used.

“The trucks only take in about 900 gallons per trip, with the most (being) taken in for the entire last week being just 2000 gallons, which only lasts (for) three days,” group chairman, Castro Rajab said yesterday, adding: “By this afternoon the fuel gonna finish and they can’t get in anymore because it had overnight showers and the dam get bad.”

Rajab further explained that due to the amount of rice under cultivation, the pump needs to be operating full-time,

Chairman of the 52 - 74 Water Users Association, Mr Castro Rajab

which requires a lot more fuel than what is being supplied.

“We have rice from one day to 36 days (old); and because of the inadequate fuel supply, the little water that is pumped don’t get to reach the farmers at either 52 or 74 end,” Rajab said, “because it already use out before it can reach there. “We are already losing; the rice is red in the field; ten thousand acres (are)under threat right now.”

Keshwar Persaud,45,said he estimates he has already lost 20 percent of his 200 acres due to water not reaching his fields, and is worried that unless a better solution can be found, he may lose much more.

“The rain is not falling enough to flood the fields,” Persaud said, “but enough to damage the 66 Creek dam.

And you gotta get a few days sun before anything can travel again. So, I don’t know what will happen, because right now the water not reaching by my fields.”

Persaud, who is also the Secretary of the Water Users Association, said that after each trip the truck makes whenever it rains to take in fuel, the association has to spend in excess of $100,000 to repair the dam for the next trip, a cost the association feels should be on either the region or the contractor.

FULLY AWARE Regional Chairman Armogan said he is fully aware of the situation, and is working roundthe-clock to try and find a solution that is workable for all.

“The problem is the condition of the dam in the rainy season right now, and we are trying to see if we can meet with the management of the Bridge to relax its policy at this time to facilitate the farmers, so we can get a shipment in to ease the problem,” Armogan

said.

“If, not we will have to look at other solutions, such as taking in tankers on a regular barge or boat. But that will be a more costly option.

“We will continue to meet with all the relevant stakeholders to try and work out a solution. We want to make it clear we have the finances for the fuel; it’s just a matter of getting it to the pumps,” he added.

The distance from the road to the Manrabisi pump is approximately 12 miles and can be accessed either through the Skeldon Estate cultivation, or the Number 66 dam.

But presently the dam leading from the estate cultivation is impassable due to heavy rains, so this only leaves the Number 66 dam, which is in a better state. But any amount of rainfall would make some sections of that dam inaccessible.

The area presently in need of water was one of the areas that suffered from flooding late last year when the Canje Creek overtopped.

23

CARIFORUM to launch 10th EDF on Crime and Security Cooperation to beat back the scourge of crime and violence in the Caribbean advances further with the launch of the 10th European Development Fund CARIFORUM Crime and Security Cooperation Programme, today in Barbados.

The Caribbean is a critical and central route between drug producers and large scale consumers and violence and crime remain a pressing problem. The Caribbean Community Strategic Plan, indicates that Citizen Security remains a priority for the Community,

and in this context CARIFORUM. The 10th EDF CARIFORUM focuses on three main thematic areas. These are: reducing the demand for and dependence on illicit drugs; advancing the thrust towards Drug Supply Control Initiatives with enhanced

coordination and dialogue with Latin America, and addressing some of the critical factors for Crime and Violence Prevention and Social Development.

Capt. Errington Shurland, Director Regional Security System will moderate the programme for

the launch which begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Regional Security System Headquarters, Paragon Base, Paragon, Christ Church.

The Hon. Adriel Braithwaite, Q.C., M.P. Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs of Barbados will deliver the feature address, while remarks will be given by CARICOM and CARIFORUM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Head of the European Delegation, Barbados H.E. Daniela Tramacere. Other highlights of the programme include an overview of the crime and security programme

by CARICOM Secretariat Director for Human and Social Development, Myrna Bernard, and updates on

the specific focus of implementing agencies in advancing programme initiatives.

These agencies include the Regional Security System (RSS); Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS); Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), Consejo Nacional de Drogas, Dominican Republic and the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) is a subgroup of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and serves as a base for economic dialogue with the European Union.

It was established in 1992.

Its membership comprises the fifteen CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic.

Twelve hurt in knife attack at Russian school

ELEVEN children and a teacher were wounded in Russia when a knife fight broke out at a school in Perm, a city 1,000km (620 miles) east of Moscow.

The victims were slashed when they tried to tackle two teenage boys who burst into a classroom, wielding knives.

Two suspects, both 16, were detained by police, and the incident is being treated as attempted murder.

Surgeons operated on 47-year-old teacher, Natalya Shagunina, and on four of the children, RIA Novosti news said.

The teacher remains critically ill, while the others’ injuries are less severe.

Most of the injured children are aged 10 to 12, and have knife cuts to the head and neck.

The school was evacuated, and will remain shut on Tuesday as police pursue a criminal investigation there.

CONFLICTING REPORTS Some witnesses quoted on social media contradicted reports from local se-

curity officials about what happened.

The witnesses said the two boys with knives had attacked the teacher, and slashed pupils who rushed to defend her.

One, quoted by Komsomolskaya Pravda daily, said the two boys were clad in black, armed with hunting knives, and acted together.

E a r l i e r, a s e c u r i t y source quoted by Interfax news agency said two boys had started a knife fight in a corridor, then burst into a classroom where younger children were studying.

Interfax quoted another local source as saying one of the boys had been expelled from the school, because of drugs and mental health issues, but got in after telling a guard outside that he was a pupil.

There are reports that one assailant, or both, had been angered by personal comments on social media.

Children said they saw blood on the floor as they were led out. (BBC)

Region Five awaits TSC to fill vacancies - DREDO THE shortage of teachers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) will be addressed as soon as the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) comes out of recess, Deputy Regional Education Officer (DREDO) Deon Lewis said last week.

Lewis, speaking at a news conference in the RDC Boardroom in Fort Wellington, said the region, which has a population of 31 nursery, 30 primary and nine secondary schools, has several vacancies that need to be filled. “Currently, we have vacancies and for those vacancies to be filled, we have to await the Teaching Service Commission which is currently in recess.

However, systems are in place for persons to act in the various capacities”, Lewis said.

The DREDO said the region has been able to build teachers’ capacity particularly in the area of Mathematics utilising the Ministry of Education’s Mathematics monitor programme. She acknowledges that the pass rate for mathematics in the region has been very poor, and while the Ministry’s math monitoring programme is specifically for the primary level, the initiative was extended to the secondary schools.

The idea of Mathematics tutoring was shared with teachers of the secondary level and is currently taking shape in the region. Lewis is optimistic that the initiative will “catch on” quickly and result in improvements in both the National Grade Six and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Meanwhile, the DREDO reported that several activities were held during the past year. These included the Mashramani activities, the regional award ceremony where persons serving in education for 30 years or more were recognised along with the top achievers in literacy and numeracy of Grade Two and Four, CSEC and National Grade Six top performers, retirees and teachers who have had 100 percent passes in CSEC for two consecutive years. “I think that was really well done for Region Five,” she exclaimed. The sector was allocated $1. 4 billion in 2017.

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American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Dubai Bob Race 2 Three Illusions Race 3 White Moon Race 4 Trev Race 5 Super Witch Race 6 Conquest Sandman Race 7 Bingo Kitten Race 8 Anais Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:25 hrs Saldier 08:55 hrs Ardean Lass 09:25 hrs Graineyhill 09:55 hrs As You Were 10:30 hrs Soul Kaliber 11:05 hrs Pack Your Bags 11:35 hrs Sizingdowntherhine 12:10 hrs Tintangle South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Hint Of Gold 08:55 hrs Ma Amour 09:30 hrs Storm Warning 10:05 hrs Jubilee Line 10:40 hrs Gimmethemoney 11:15 hrs Rebucked English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:10 hrs Dichato 08:40 hrs Rely On Me 09:10 hrs The Mums 09:30 hrs Winged Spur 10:15 hrs Toolatetodelegate 10:50 hrs Great Returning 11:55 hrs Bo Select Market Rasen 08:30 hrs Ballinslea 09:00 hrs Red Danaher 09:30 hrs Cabernet D’Alene 10:40 hrs Kimberley Point 11:10 hrs Iskabeg Lane 11:45 hrs Inchcolm Newbury 09:20 hrs Doitforthevillage 09:50 hrs ok Corral 11:00 hrs Millaniisi Boy 11:30 hrs Kupatana 12:05 hrs Knighthood

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Elton Dharry arrives to extend his string of unbeaten fights ELTON `The Bully’ Dharry has arrived in the country to do battle with his Venezuelan counterpart on the `Bad Blood’ fight card on Saturday night.

This highly anticipated card is drawing interest and has spiked worldwide attention as Dharry is out to prove that his last 18 wins were no fluke. He joins Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques, Anson Green, Shawn Corbin and Dexter ‘Cobra’ who all seek to defend Guyana’s honour against the invasion of Venezuelans, Barbadians and Trinidadians.

D h a r r y, t h e W B C CABOFE and IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight champion, will face Venezuelan Jesus Vargas Garcia.

Hundreds of local Venezuelans, Cubans and Brazilians have indicated that they will be out in support of their Latin fighters and it is expected that tickets will be sold out quickly. Guyanese boxing fans hoping to see this fight may be disappointed if they wait until fight day to get tickets; then our local boys will be fighting against a hostile crowd.

The fighters will pay Minister Norton a courtesy visit today and the Venezuelan contingent will meet with the Venezuelan Ambassador on Friday morning.

The weigh-in on Friday is going to be especially interesting as the foreign fighters intend to show that they are not intimidated by their Guyanese counterparts, and fight fans may expect fireworks from the time the Venezuelans arrive.

Ticket prices are being sold at $1 000 for stands, $2 000 ringside and $4 000 VIP due to the sponsorship

by Banks DIH, Fly Jamaica, Chetsons & Just 4 Kids, New Trend Auto, Hand-inHand, Nesha’s Flowerland, Apache Taxi, Tech 9 Security.

Massy Services MoneyGram, New India, COURTS, Giftland Stores, NexGen Global, and AR Printery are also on board.

For tickets or more information, fans could contact Giftland Mall, Assuria Offices nationwide or call 226-9094, 223-2153 and Facebook @ Sangre Malo.

Wins for India and Pakistan in ICC Under-19 World Cup THE Indian U-19 cricket team defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 10 wickets in their ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup group stage game at Bay Oval yesterday.

Chasing a modest target of 65, Prithvi Shaw’s half-century was enough to clinch the game. Earlier, Anukul Roy took five wickets while Shivam Mavi scalped two as India bowled out PNG for 64 runs 21.5 overs The Prithvi Shaw-led side opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing win over the Australian U-19 cricket team.

Papua New Guinea started their campaign with a loss to the Zimbabwe U-19 cricket team. Table-toppers India will next play Zimbabwe on Friday.

Scores: India Under-19 67 for 0 in 8 overs (Shaw 57*) beat Papua New Guinea Under-19 64 (Roy 5-14) by ten wickets.

Manchester United beat Stoke to cut City lead to 12 points A Paul Pogba-inspired Manchester United cruised to victory as incoming Stoke boss Paul Lambert watched his new side’s struggles continue at Old Trafford.

The France midfielder created first-half goals for Antonio Valencia and Anthony Martial, added to by Romelu Lukaku after the break as Jose Mourinho’s men cut Manchester City’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points.

United might have had an early penalty when Martial was felled by Stoke debutant Moritz Bauer, but referee Anthony Taylor waved away protests.

Two minutes later, Pogba charged forward and found Valencia, who cut inside Josh Tymon and fired into the top corner with his left foot.

Martial collected Pogba’s pass and bent a superb finish past goalkeeper Jack Butland from 20 yards for the second - before Lukaku rifled home the third late in the game.

Stoke did create several chances. Midfielder Stephen Ireland - starting his first game since April 2015 - should have scored from 12 yards but fired wide, and goalkeeper David de Gea made excellent stops

to deny Xherdan Shaqiri and substitute Mame Biram Diouf.

The Potters, beaten by three or more goals for the seventh time this season, remain in the relegation zone, a point adrift of fourth-bottom Southampton.

It might have been worse but for the reactions of England international Butland, who prevented United substitute Marcus Rashford from adding a fourth goal.

Manchester United rarely had to get out of second gear in the drizzle at Old Trafford.

However, they were clinical in front of goal, scoring twice from three first-half shots on target against the top flight’s worst defence.

But one question in the United dressing room, and in the stands, afterwards could have been: where will Alexis Sanchez fit in if his signing is confirmed?

United are favourites to recruit the Chile forward who has scored 80 goals for Arsenal since 2014 - after Manchester City decided not to pursue their interest in the 29-year-old.

If the current occupants of United’s attacking sports are concerned, their reply was telling. (BBC Sport)

Anukul Roy took five wickets for 14 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Under-19 scored their first win of the World Cup, a nine-wicket thumping of Ireland Under-19 in 37.4 overs in Whangarei.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has best innings figures of 8 for 39 in first-class cricket, routed them for 97 by taking 6 for 15 in 8.5 overs.

Left-arm spinner and captain Hasan Khan claimed three wickets too, as Ireland were dismissed in 28.5 overs. Joshua Little’s 24 at No. 8 was Ireland’s only score above 20.

Pakistan’s top order made short work of the target. Opener Muhammad Zaid Alam smashed 43 off 19 balls, while Hasan made 27 off 21 deliveries at No. 3. The chase was done in 8.5 overs, for the loss of only their wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir, who made 18 off 14 balls.

Scores: Pakistan Under-19 98 for 1 in 8.5 overs (Zaid Alam 43*) beat Ireland Under-19 97 (Afridi 6-15, Hasan 3-16) by nine wickets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Debutant Ngidi leaves India reeling in 287-run chase PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - Debutant Lungi Ngidi took the key wicket of India captain Virat Kohli as South Africa closed in on victory in the second Test with the tourists reeling at 35 for three on a misbehaving wicket at the close on day four yesterday.

India are chasing 287 for victory to square the threematch series, but that looks a long way off on a wicket providing extreme variable bounce.

Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and Parthiv Patel (five) will resume on the final day, trying to find a way to score runs

against a fired-up home seam attack getting plenty of assistance from the pitch.

Kohli, who scored a brilliant 153 in the first innings, would have been key to India’s plans in the run chase, but he was trapped lbw for five by an excellent delivery from Ngidi that came back into him sharply and kept low.

Ngidi, 21, had earlier bagged the wicket of opener Lokesh Rahul for four with his first delivery of the day, a loosener the batsman carved straight to Keshav Maharaj at point.

Murali Vijay (nine) was

the first batsman to fall, bowled by Kagiso Rabada from another ball that kept low.

India had worked their way back into the Test by bowling South Africa out for 258 in their second innings.

Starting the day on 90 for two, AB de Villiers (80) and Dean Elgar (61) put on 141 for the third wicket, a potentially match-winning partnership.

But de Villiers was one of three wickets for the excellent Mohammed Shami (4-49) in the morning, followed by Elgar and Quinton de Kock (12).

Ishant Sharma (2-40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-70) wrapped up the innings, despite a battling 48 from home captain Faf du Plessis.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also announced yesterday that they had fined Kohli 25 percent of his match fee and handed him one demerit point for an incident the previous day.

He was sanctioned for repeatedly complaining to umpire Michael Gough about a damp ball after a rain delay and aggressively throwing the ball to the ground.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 335 INDIA first innings 307 SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings (o/n 90 for 2) Aiden Markram lbw Jasprit Bumrah

1 Dean Elgar c Lokesh Rahul b Mohammed Shami 61 Hashim Amla lbw Jasprit Bumrah

1 AB de Villiers c Parthiv Patel b Mohammed Shami 80 Faf du Plessis c & b Jasprit Bumrah

48 Quinton de Kock c Parthiv Patel b Mohammed Shami 12 Vernon Philander c Murali Vijay b Ishant Sharma 26 Keshav Maharaj c Parthiv Patel b Ishant Sharma 6 Kagiso Rabada c Virat Kohli b Mohammed Shami 4 Morne Morkel not out

10 Lungi Ngidi c Murali Vijay b Ravichandran Ashwin 1 Extras: (b-2, lb-5, w-1)

8 TOTAL: (all out, 91.3 overs) 258 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-3, 3-144, 4-151, 5-163, 6-209, 7-215, 8-245, 9-245.

Bowling: Ashwin 29.3-6-78-1, Bumrah 20-3-70-3, (w-1), Sharma 17-340-2, Shami 16-3-49-4, Pandya 9-1-14-0.

AB de Villiers exhibited trademark aplomb while adding 30 runs to his overnight score of 50 ©AFP

INDIA 2nd innings Murali Vijay b Kagiso Rabada

9 Lokesh Rahul c Keshav Maharaj b Lungi Ngidi 4 Cheteshwar Pujara not out

11 Virat Kohli lbw Lungi Ngidi

5 Parthiv Patel not out

5 Extras: (b-1)

1 TOTAL: (3 wkts, 23.0 overs) 35 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-16, 3-26.

Bowling: Philander 6-3-6-0, Rabada 5-2-9-1, Ngidi 6-2-14-2, Morkel 5-3-4-0, Maharaj 1-0-1-0.

de Grandhomme lifts Black Caps to win in Taylor’s 200th ODI A BLAZING 74 from Colin de Grandhomme saw New Zealand past Pakistan in their fourth one-day international, celebrating Ross Taylor’s milestone match with a five-wicket victory in Hamilton yesterday. de Grandhomme arrived at the crease with the Black Caps, who had already sealed the fivematch series, in some trouble at Seddon Park.

But the all-rounder delivered in a big way, making 74 off 40 balls – his half-century coming off 25 – to take the game away from Pakistan, seeing New Zealand celebrate Taylor’s 200th ODI with a win.

New Zealand reached their target of 263 with five wickets and 25 balls to spare to extend their winning streak to 11.

Mohammad Hafeez (81) helped the tourists to 262-8 and they had the Black Caps at 154-5 when Kane Williamson

(32) fell, but de Grandhomme ensured New Zealand would take a 4-0 series lead.

Teenager Shadab Khan (342) had given Pakistan hope, but it was quickly taken away by the hard hitting of de Grandhomme.

Colin Munro (56) and Martin Guptill (31) had helped the Black Caps make a good start in their chase, but they lost 66-5 after the 88-run opening stand.

The openers and Williamson were unable to make big scores and Taylor (1) fell cheaply, along with Tom Latham (8).

But de Grandhomme came out firing, smashing five sixes in his innings as Henry Nicholls (52 off 70) played a fine supporting role.

Earlier, Pakistan chose to bat but once again made a poor start as makeshift opener Faheem Ashraf (1) and Babar Azam (3) fell to leave their team at 11-2.

Fakhar Zaman (54) was dropped by Munro on seven and he made the Black Caps pay.

Zaman and Haris Sohail (50) put on 86 for the third wicket before the former was bowled by Mitchell Santner (1-43).

Black Caps captain Williamson (2-32 off 10) bowled a tidy spell, and he removed Sohail.

Shoaib Malik (6) was involved in a scary incident in the 32nd over when, batting without a helmet, he was hit on the back of the head by a Munro throw while running between the wickets.

While he continued his innings – he was out in the next over – Shoaib was later diagnosed with a delayed concussion and did not take the field during New Zealand’s chase.

Hafeez was patient to begin his knock, he got going later, a 98-run stand with Sarfraz Ahmed (51 off 46) coming

off 92 balls to lift Pakistan to what was a competitive total.

(Omnisport).

Colin de Grandhomme

UCCA/Roy Baijnauth T20 competition

Number 70 MYO, Skeldon Titans and Number 77 CC advance to next round

NUMBER 70 MYO, Skeldon Titans and Number 77 Cricket Club have all advanced to the next round of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association-sponsored Roy Baijnauth T20 tournament.

The much-anticipated match between the Skeldon Titans and the Number 71 Cricket Club ended with a victory for the Titans as the Number 71 lads failed to live up to expectations.

Batting first, Skeldon Titans scored 138 in 19 overs with Errol Byass top-scoring with 44. He received valuable support from Christopher Jaundoo 37 and Gajendra Nauth 21. Bowling for Number 71, Troy Matheson was the pick of the bowlers with 3-27 while Kevin Clarke took 2-15.

In reply, Number 71 were bowled out for 93. Kevin Clarke was the only batsman to reach double figures, with 24. Bowling for the Titans, Errol Byass took 4-13, Faood Bacchus 2-13, Amzad Appalsammy 3-28 and Victor Pedro 1-19.

At the Number 70 MYO ground, the hosts got the better of Number 64 Fighting Marines in a closely contested match.

Winning the toss and batting first, Number 70 MYO scored 135-8 in their 20 overs.

Alim Haniff top-scored with a magnificent 54 while Azardeen Mohamed and Niazie Khan provided valuable support with 22 and 15 respectively. Bowling for Number 64, Davendra Budhoo, Shiraz Khan and Jason Hoolise were the key wicket-takers with figures of 3-21, 2-24 and 1-26 respectively.

In the run-chase Number 64 Fighting Marines fell short of the target by three runs. They managed to score 132 in 17.5 overs. Batting for the Fighting Marines Shiraz Khan 42 and Davindra Budhoo 38 were the leading scorers. Bowling for Number 70 MYO, Jameel Assad took 4-22, Ahmad Khan 3-28, Azarudeen Mohamed 1-33 and Niazie Khan 1-21.

At the Number 72 All Star ground, Number 77 Cricket Club were bowled out for 168 in 18.3 overs. Skipper Trishan Ramdass made 81 which was decorated with five maximums.

Nandkishore Ramkanniah made a fluent 43. Bowling for the Skeldon Super Kings, Mahindra Chaitnarine 3-24 and Totaram Rajaram 2-9 were the leading wicket-takers.

The Skeldon Super Kings did not live up to the expectations of the spectators, as they managed to score only 142 in 16.1 overs. Junior Blair 29, Zeikeel Gordon 23 and Mahendra Chaitnarine 26 were the batsmen who contributed meaningfully to the total. Trishan Ramdass, Gajindra Ramnarine and Kenny Rogers took 3-13, 3-8 and 3-10 respectively.

Meanwhile, president of the UCCA, Hamant Jagdeo, is extremely pleased with the progress the association is making with the development of the game in the Upper Corentyne area.

Jagdeo expressed that the association will not only target T20 cricket, but they intent to play the game at all levels.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN innings Fakhar Zaman b Mitchell Santner

54 Faheem Ashraf c Tom Latham b Tim Southee

1 Babar Azam c Tom Latham b Tim Southee

3 Haris Sohail c Henry Nicholls b Kane Williamson

50 Mohammad Hafeez run-out Trent Boult

81 Shoaib Malik c Mitchell Santner b Kane Williamson 6 Sarfraz Ahmed c Martin Guptill b Trent Boult

51 Hasan Ali c Martin Guptill b Tim Southee

1 Shadab Khan not out

6 Extras: (lb-2, w-7)

9 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 50 overs)

262 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-11, 3-97, 4-123, 5-130, 6-228, 7-233 8-262.

Bowling: Southee 8-0-44-3 (w-1), Boult 10-0-73-1 (w-2), Ferguson 6-032-0 (w-1), Colin de Grandhomme 3-0-16-0, Williamson 10-0-32-2, Santner 10-0-43-1 (w-3), Munro 3-0-20-0.

NEW ZEALAND innings Martin Guptill c Hasan Ali b Shadab Khan

31 Colin Munro c Mohammad Hafeez b Shadab Khan 56 Kane Williamson c Rumman Raees b Haris Sohail

32 Ross Taylor lbw Rumman Raees

1 Tom Latham c Babar Azam b Shadab Khan

8 Henry Nicholls not out

52 Colin de Grandhomme not out

74 Extras: (b-4, w-5)

9 TOTAL: (5 wkts, 45.5 overs)

263 Fall of wickets: 1-88, 2-89, 3-90, 4-99, 5-154.

Bowling: Amir 6-1-36-0 (w-2), Hasan Ali 8.5-0-60-0 (w-3), Ashraf 6-033-0, Rumman Raees 9-0-59-1, Shadab Khan 10-0-42-3, Haris Sohail 6-0-29-1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Sublime Federer eases into Australian Open second round

By Martyn Herman MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Defending champion Roger Federer moved smoothly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open yesterday.

The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on a packed Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he struck 41 winners to breeze past a willing but outclassed Bedene 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.

The only time Federer looked remotely stumped came during a post-match interview conducted by American comedian Will Ferrell who told him he had played like a “silky gazelle”.

“Don’t they get eaten in the end?” Federer ventured before

being asked whether he was a witch or a vampire and whether his age-defying performances were down to a diet of wombat meat.

“I was a bit scared,” Federer joked. “I‘m happy I dodged some questions there.”

While Ferrell provided some unexpected comedy, Federer again proved that when it comes to tennis he is king of the jungle.

Any player hoping to stop him retaining his title and claiming a 20th grand slam will have to be pretty special on this evidence.

Federer looked just as imperious as when he won the last five games to beat Rafael Nadal in last year’s thrilling final and end a five-year wait for his 18th major.

Poor Bedene, no mean

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia. (REUTERS/Thomas Peter)

performer at world number 51, can now at least say he has witnessed Federer’s brilliance first hand, having never previously faced him.

He played his part in entertaining exchanges but Federer, sporting a diagonal pink stripe on his immaculate white kit, was in one of those moods when he could strike winners at will.

He broke Bedene’s serve in the fourth game of the first set in which he conceded only three points on his serve.

Federer pounced immediately at the start of the second, producing a fizzing backhand return before leaping high to smash away Bedene’s defensive lob.

The winners began to pile up and one member of the sellout crowd yelled, “Give him a chance, Rog” late on.

But Federer was in no mood

to hang around and he finished the match on Bedene’s serve when his opponent netted a backhand.

“I am hoping for another good year,” Federer, who also won Wimbledon for a record eighth time in 2017, said on court.

“I am not sure it will go as well (as 2017) because I‘m a year older, Rafa’s looking in tip-top shape and other guys are coming back.”

His next opponent will be Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff tomorrow when temperatures in Melbourne are expected to climb to about 40 degrees centigrade.

“I’ll ask for a night match just because I played night tonight. It’s just easier, to be honest, rather than going from night to day to night to day to night to day,” Federer said.

Flintoff mulls England coach job Essequibo Cricket Board

ANDREW Flintoff announced yesterday that he would apply for the post of England head coach once Trevor Bayliss’s contract expired in 2019.

Speaking on his podcast Flintoff, Savage and The Ping Pong Guy, England’s 2005 Ashes hero said he would put his name up for the job “if they want me to do it”.

“I’m talking with my heart, yes (I’ll apply), I want to do it one day,” said Flintoff.

Bayliss is set to step down at the conclusion of Australia’s Ashes tour of England and Wales in 2019, when his contract runs its term.

If Flintoff does apply, it will be the second time he would have thrown his hat in the ring. He had applied for the position in 2014 when Peter Moores was reappointed.

“We spoke about it (in 2014) and I was serious, but I had to think if I’d be better than the person they’re

choosing,” he said. “I knew I wouldn’t be better than Peter Moores, so after a half an hour conversation I withdrew, but also said if Moores doesn’t get it, put me back in the hat.”

Flintoff also went on to reveal that a clerical error nearly cost him his initial interview with officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

ly about suffering from depression and acknowledged that he went through a period where he hated cricket after retiring from the sport.

It came as no surprise then that Flintoff said that he would, as a coach, emphasise on the mental side of the game rather than focus on skills.

“A coach’s job now is to

elections on Sunday

White Boy Auto Spares onboard for GMR&SC Endurance meet

WHITE Boy Auto Spares of Lusignan is the latest company to show its support for the upcoming season-opening Endurance meet of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

The company confirmed their sponsorship yesterday with a release saying, “We are pleased to be onboard with the GMR&SC Endurance meet. We look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

Five classes will be in action on the day which will feature both bikes and cars competing in separate races.

In the first class, cars up to 1500cc will be considered eligible, with the second class being from 1501 to 1600cc.

The third class will see cars in the 1601-2000cc class with the unlimited class featuring cars over 2000cc.

On the release of the calendar yesterday, president of the club, Rameez Mohamed, commented, “We know that the guys (racers) were asking for early indication of events so we tried as much as possible to get that out so persons can prepare.”

He continued, “We also saw the need to get the bikes involved (for this Endurance) as well because they are an important stakeholder in racing and the support for them during the last outing was outstanding.”

“What we also have this year is the Endurance calendar being done on a championship basis rather than by meet so persons can rebound from a bad weekend to still fight for a championship.”

The Endurance championship will be followed by a local drag race meet on February 11 with the club’s Annual General Meeting set for the February 16.

North Essequibo chairman Prince Holder

Andrew Flintoff to throw his hat in the ring for the post of England head coach. (Getty Images)

“I thought that I would have a crack at this, I wrote an email, three weeks past and no reply. (I found out) the ECB thought it wasn’t me despite me having one email all my life.”

Flintoff became the poster boy of English cricket after inspiring his country to victory in the 2005 Ashes with a series of heroic performances with both bat and ball. However, injuries cut his international career short and he wore national colours for the final time in 2009, retiring at the end of that year’s Ashes series aged 31.

Flintoff has spoken open-

get players feeling the best they can be to perform, as a coach or mentor, that’d be my greatest asset,” he said.

“When I look back now, I should’ve spent more time on my head, I spent all the time in the gym and practising, but I should’ve spent more time focusing on my mind.”

Speaking on the recently-concluded Ashes, which Australia won 4-0, Flintoff said: “For the first time in a long time, Australia have become Australia again, they were ruthless. England have gone back to England, back to the way they were in the 1990s, soft.”

THE Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) will be held this Sunday at the ECB Hostel in Anna Regina.

The eight area committees comprising North, South, Central, Pomeroon, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica and East Bank Essequibo are eligible to have two representatives at the meeting which will be convened at 10:00hrs.

On the agenda will be opening remarks by the president, financial report, reports from area committees and the election of office-bearers for 2018-2019.

Meanwhile, with the passage of the Cricket Administration Act which has incorporated the three county board’s constitution; the Essequibo Cricket Board’s Constitution does not currently include the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee as one of its affiliated members, despite the committee being represented in previous elections.

The Secretary of the ECB is the Chairman of the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee. It is expected that incumbent president Fizul Bacchus will be seeking re-election while North Essequibo’s chairman and former ECB president, Prince Holder, has also signalled his intention to challenge for the post in what is building up to be a closely-contested battle for the top job.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Farfan & Mendes continues partnership with RHTY&SC THE highly successful relationship between the Providence-based Farfan and Mendes Limited and Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) M.S., was renewed for the 22nd successive year.

The company and the club have enjoyed a close and cordial relationship since 1997, when Farfan and Mendes Limited came on board as the official sponsor of the RHTY&SC Under-15 team.

This year’s sponsorship is worth $250 000.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO, Hilbert Foster, noted that Farfan and Mendes Limited is currently the longest-serving official sponsor of the club and over the years has played a major role in its devel-

opment.

Foster hailed the company as the main foundation of the club’s remarkable success story.

“In a country where sponsorship for sports is difficult to obtain, the relationship between the RHTY&SC and Farfan & Mendes Ltd can only be described as extra special,” Foster said.

The team, Foster said, would continue to represent the company and its brand with pride, passion and discipline.

The team have won five Berbice Under-15 championships, the Berbice championship and also eight other tournaments organised by the RHTY&SC. Over the last 22 years the club has provided numerous players who have played for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

The Under-15 cricketers over the years have successfully completed hundreds of personal development programmes with the main aim of assisting their peers, the elderly and the less fortunate.

The largest project completed by the team was the construction of the Hugh Desmond Hoyte Memorial Playfield. The team is also the host of ‘The Dare to Dream and Make a Wish’ Programmes.

With the formation of the King Solomon Logistics Under-12 and Poonai Pharmacy Under-13 teams, the Under-15 team now has a permanent feeder system for players.

Four of the team’s players have been shortlisted in the Berbice Cricket Board Under-15 squad for the upcoming

Onai Vasconcellos hands over sponsorship to Hilbert Foster.

Inter-county championship while several were involved in the recent Inter-zone Under-13 and Under-15 tournaments.

Marketing Executive of Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Onai Vasconcellos, hailed the close bond between the two organisations.

Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Vasconcellos noted, is dedicated to a longterm relationship with the RHTY&SC, an organisation which is a role model to others in Guyana.

Vasconcellos praised the Under-15 cricketers for being outstanding representatives of his company’s brand and logo.

He expressed satisfaction that the company’s finances were used for the intended purpose and proving to be a very productive investment.

Marshall to play for United Date set for Afghanistan’s maiden Test States in Regional Super 50

By Amlan Chakraborty

Former West Indies opener Xavier Marshall

MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – West Indies flop Xavier Marshall will turn out for United States in the Regional Super50 starting later this month, after being named in the 14-man squad for the one-day tournament.

The 31-year-old Jamaican played seven Tests and 24 One-Day Internationals for West Indies but failed to make much of an impression during an underwhelming career.

He managed just two Test half-centuries and a single hundred in ODIs – an unbeaten 157 against Canada 10 years ago.

Marshall disappeared from international cricket in 2009 following poor form and last appeared in the West Indies domestic competition five years ago, when he represented Jamaica in the one-day tournament.

He subsequently migrated to the United States.

Marshall follows in the footsteps of fellow Jamaican and Test star, Jer-

maine Lawson, who also turned out for the United States four years ago at the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Kuala Lumpur. Lawson played Test 13 Tests.

Marshall, a powerful right-hander, joins former India Under-19 players Saurabh Netravalkar and Sunny Sohal, in the US squad.

United States will do battle in Group B of the Regional Super50 which runs from January 30 to February 24, alongside Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Guyana Jaguars and English County Kent.

T h e g ro u p w i l l b e staged in Antigua while Group A, comprising reigning champions Barbados Pride, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners, Windward Islands Volcanoes and English County Hampshire, will be contested in Barbados.

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - Afghanistan will play their inaugural Test match between June 14 and 18 in Bengaluru against neighbours India, the cricket boards announced yesterday.

Afghanistan and Ireland joined the ranks of full-member nations of the International Cricket Council last June, taking the total number of Test-playing countries to 12.

The Indian board (BCCI) has consistently backed Afghanistan, who played a home match against Ireland last year at a stadium in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi.

“Afghanistan and India have been traditional friends, even diplomatically, for ages and it’s only appropriate that Afghanistan opened its international innings in India,” BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary told reporters.

Choudhary said Bengaluru was the obvious choice to stage the match bearing in mind the expected weather conditions in other parts of the country in June.

“At that point of time in the year, there will be rains almost everywhere, and where there will not be rain, there will be such heat that cricket would be practically impossible during day time,” he said.

Cricket has a long history in Afghanistan but the country only gained full one-day international (ODI) status in 2011.

In 2015, still suffering from the impact of war and conflict, Afghanistan took part in their first 50-over World Cup and they have also played in the World Twenty20

our application for full membership was under consideration or making the facilities available for us, technical assistance. We really recognise it and appreciate it.”

ACB chief executive Shafiq Stanikzai said the June Test will be a dreamcome-true for the Afghanistan players, and would trigger the

sport’s growth.

“Cricket has a bright future in Afghanistan. We have raw talents, the only thing is we need is to polish them and give them proper exposure,” he said.

“Our target is to be a competitive side in Test cricket in the coming three years.”

History will be made in June when Afghanistan compete in Test cricket for the first time, with India their opponents.

competition.

“The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I‘m glad that cricket is now added as another layer,” Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Atif Mashal said.

“The support BCCI has provided to ACB in the last several years has been tremendous - whether it’s backing Afghanistan in ICC while

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday January 17, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Courtney Walsh-227 ODI wickets (2) Winston Davies-7/51 (vs AUST, Leeds, 1983) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has scored most centuries in ODIs to date?

(2) Which WI bowler has taken most four-wicket hauls

in ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 17, 2018

GASA to roll out outreach programmes in several regions

By Tamica Garnett OPTIMISTIC that swimming will be established all across Guyana, the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) hopes to roll out an outreach programme in several regions this year, and once it gets approval from the body’s council, a start will be made in Mahdia, Region 8.

This comes even as the association is hopeful of adding two new clubs to its list during the first quarter of the year, as the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force swimming clubs come on board.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport, president of the GASA, Ivan Persaud shared that when the programme first rolls out the association will be looking to start in those areas where swimming interest already exists.

While such an extensive outreach would be financially taxing, Persaud noted that some amount of financing is expected from the world swimming body, FINA, and hopefully this will be enough to bankroll the initiative.

“We’re trying to ensure that each region has a club or clubs, because we’re trying to increase participation. We’re trying to give them as much help as possible as it pertains to training in all the different areas. That’s our plan,” Persaud said.

GASA president Ivan Persaud

“We are expecting to get some finance from FINA this year and we’re budgeting for those things in it.

We don’t know how far we will get, but we will try as much as possible to prioritise those areas that already have swimmers. We won’t go now into an area that

doesn’t have any swimming going on; we would leave that maybe for next year.

“We’re hoping to get Mahdia involved as one of the first places as well as Region One, Moruca, Bartica, and Lethem. Those are some of the areas, and of course we always are in touch with Linden.”

The delegation to travel to the areas to conduct the sessions is expected to be small consisting of two to three persons, and once given the green light from the executives, things could begin within the first quarter of the year.

“It’s still mapping out.

We haven’t voted as yet in council but we are working on it. It would be two or three persons, coaches and some members of the executive,” Persaud noted.

As it pertains to the addition of the GDF and GPF swimming clubs, Persaud said that is a welcome development in the sport.

Swimming had been added as a sport at the annual Joint Services Championships a few years ago, and both the GPF and GDF had petitioned GASA to become affiliated members

Bermudian legends join tributes to Regis HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Bermudian legends Clyde Best, Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne have joined tributes from the footballing world to former West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City and England

striker Cyrille Regis.

Regis, a pioneer for black players in the United Kingdom, died aged 59 on Sunday after an apparent heart attack.

“I liked him as a player and the way he got around for such a big fellow,”

Late British legend Cyrille Regis

Best, the former West Ham United forward, said.

“He wasn’t only a great football player but also a great human being, and I think that’s what is most important.”

Lightbourne, who, like Regis, played for Coventry City, said: “He was one of the pioneers for black players. We celebrate him and the good things he did for football as a whole and not just for the black community.”

Goater said: “He blazed a trail for every black player who followed him, an inspiration to myself and I’m sure to many many others.”

Regis, who was born in French Guiana before moving to England with his family when he was five, visited Bermuda with Coventry City in the 1980s and was a guest of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Bermuda Foundation when he returned in 2014.

of the body.

“To be a club you have to fulfil certain requirements, such as having a certain amount of swimmers, a coach, a place where they can swim and train and to have an executive. So now it’s time for them to come on board having fulfilled all of the prerequisites, so both of them have qualified.

“We’re hoping that by the end of February we get it done, and at our Mash meet they can participate as GASA members rather than unattached,” Persaud said.

This addition will bring a much-needed boost to the senior line-up of the sport, which has remained an area starved of competition for quite some time now.

Guyana’s swimming programme consists, of and focuses almost entirely on junior swimmers, as swimmers generally leave the sport once they age out of the junior category.

Even for those seniors who remain, there is little area for them to develop their skills, with less than a handful of international events to attend during the year to really motivate them.

CPL announces $100M impact on region THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced the tournament’s economic impact across the region. The 2017 event, which took place between August 4 and September 9 last year, created a total economic impact of US$ 95 122 465 across six nations in the Caribbean and in the USA.

The global audience for the tournament has increased 12% compared to those that watched the event in 2016.

The Hero CPL spent US$12 690 910 across the seven tournament locations.

This organiser spend represents an 84% increase from what was invested for the tournament in 2014 and the amount of money that the

CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe

This figure has been arrived at by using organiser spend, visitor spend and media value and was calculated for Hero CPL by world-renowned researchers, SMG Insight.

In addition to that economic impact figure the Hero CPL directly involved 2 710 local personnel in the seven countries where the tournament took place and filled 33 503 hotel rooms during the 2017 event. The amount of money that was spent by visitors who came to watch Hero CPL matches has increased 161% since 2014.

The value for the seven tournament locations in terms of media exposure was US$22 890 940.

Hero CPL spends across the region continues to increase year-on-year.

Speaking about the report from SMG Insight the Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe said: “This is a really strong set of economic impact results for the region and we are delighted with how we continue to grow as a tournament.

We are hugely proud of how much the Hero CPL puts back into the countries that we visit and we are very grateful to the governments and fans that help us make that happen. While 2017 has been fantastic we are firmly committed to increasing our economic impact in 2018.”

Tennis star Sachia Vickery returns ‘home’

By Rawle Toney

RISING tennis star Sachia Vickery arrived in Guyana last evening for a five-day stay - her first visit to the place she calls ‘home’, for the first time since December 2015.

“Even though I wasn’t born in Guyana, I still consider myself Guyanese. I embrace the whole culture and I always love going back, so I do consider myself Guyanese,” said the 22-year-old who was born to Guyanese parents Paula Liverpool and Rawle Vickery, both of whom are from Linden.

Today, Vickery is expected to pay a courtesy call on Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton, and meet with president Juman-Yassin and other executives of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) after signalling her intentions to represent Guyana at the Olympics.

“Of course, I’m open to representing Guyana at the Olympics. It’s my home country and that would be something that’s a dream of mine in the future,” Vickery said, speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport last

Thursday. Vickery is also expected to make some contribution to the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA).

Vickery is still relishing her well-deserved climb in the latest World Rankings and is on the verge of breaking the WTA’s Top 100 for the first time after she had the best week of her career in Auckland, New Zealand, where she not only reached the first WTA semi-final of her career, but also set a brand new career-high of No. 106 in the world.

Before this year, Vickery’s best showings at the WTA level were four quarterfinals, one per year in the last four years – Stanford in 2014, Nottingham in 2015, Bogota in 2016 and Quebec City in 2017.

But in the very first week of the 2018 season, the 22-yearold Hollywood, Florida native surpassed all of those at the International-level ASB Classic, not dropping a set through three rounds of qualifying and another three rounds in the main draw – including upsets over No. 5 seed Lauren Davis and No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska. She’d fallen to No. 1 seed Caroline

Wozniacki in the semi-finals 6-4, 6-4.

Vickery’s win over the No.28-ranked Radwanska was the best victory of her career.

Her previous-best win in terms of ranking came against No.30ranked Zhang Shuai at Stanford back in 2014.

The run pushed Vickery from No.122 to No.106 on the new rankings, leapfrogging her previous career-high of No.108 in the world, which she had originally set the week of July 20, 2015.

Looking ahead, Vickery told Chronicle Sport, “I just want to keep improving my game, improving my strengths on the court and just becoming a better player so I can reach my goal, to be in the top 50. My goals for 2018 are to break into the top 100 and to be the main draw at the grand slams.”

Vickery is on the verge of becoming the 15th American woman in the Top 100 – the 14 that are currently in the Elite are led by Top 10 players Venus Williams (ranked No.5) and CoCo Vandeweghe (ranked No.9).

Elton Dharry arrives to extend his string of unbeaten fights

See page 35

AAG Awards Ceremony set for Saturday

By Tamica Garnett COMING as no surprise, Upper Demerara’s Daniel Williams and Chantoba Bright, along with Christianburg’s Compton Caesar, and US-based athletes Winston George and Troy Doris are among some of the names nominated for awards at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Awards Ceremony which will be held at the Umana Yana, come Saturday.

The award ceremony will feature six categories - male and female youth, junior and senior athletes based on their performances at local, regional and international meets throughout last year.

Williams who has been dominating headlines throughout 2017, should have no problem renewing his last year’s Youth Male Athlete-of-the-Year award.

Williams is pitted against jumper Inter-Guiana Games gold medallist Tortque Boyce and South American Youth Games 100m silver

medallist Jermaine King.

However with his World Youth 400m silver medal, Williams still has the edge

2016 Senior Male Athlete-of-the-Year, Winston George is also a returning candidate. He comes up

Joanna Archer, Toyan Raymond, Natricia Hooper and Onasha Rogers.

T h e Yo u t h F e m a l e

Elton Dharry shows off his WBC CABOFE and IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight championship belts.

Daniel Williams

Compton Caesar

Chantoba Bright

over the other two.

For his historic Boys’ Under-20 100m win at the CARIFTA Games last year, Caesar leads the list of nominees in the Junior Male category, which he was also awarded last year. Also in the category are CARIFTA Games silver medallist Anfernee Headecker and Samuel Lynch.

against Troy Doris, men’s j a v e l i n re c o r d - h o l d e r Leslain Baird and distance runner Cleveland Forde.

The Senior Female Athlete-of-the-Year category is being contested by Penn Relays silver medallist Natrena Hooper, Police’s Alita Moore and Tenisha Cort.

Junior Female category has four nominees, namely

might just be the only closely contested race.

Chantoba Bright heads the Youth Female list, which includes South American Youth Games silver medallist Kenisha Phillips, CARIFTA Games gold medallist Claudrice McKoy and South American Youth Games gold medallist, Deshanna Skeete.

Test debutant Lungi Ngidi

Tennis star Sachia Vickery returns ‘home’

See page 39

Sachia Vickery 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

Debutant Lungi Ngidi was on fire during the last hour of play on the fourth day of the second Test in Centurion. He sent KL Rahul and Virat Kohli back for single digits as India finished the day on 35 for 3. (BCCI) (See story on Page 36).

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018