Guyana chronicle 30 12 2017

Gov't corrects misleading SN column

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‘We’re satisfied’ No. 105140

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017

Price: $80

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… Min Trotman assures best advice guided negotiations on Exxon contract

…U.S., UK, GGMC experts played lead roles

Gov’t mobilises, puts all hands on deck

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President to meet Jagdeo on Chancellor, CJ appointments Page 9

Gov’t to P1a5ge establish four model cooperatives

Modern water-quality lab next year Page 12

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon presents a sanitation hamper to a resident of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara who has been affected by flooding due to above-normal seasonal rains. A total of 200 hampers were distributed (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

NIS announces hike in pensions

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

No sickness outbreak in flooded Canal No.1

THE regional authorities of the West Demerara – Essequibo Islands region have conducted assessments into the recent flooding of Canal Number One and have reported that due to increased rainfall over the last week, lowing-lying areas including the conservancy dam at Canal Number One, are flooded.

Thus far, there have been minor losses in livestock and damage to property as a result of the inundation. In an effort to guard against outbreaks of flood-related illnesses, the Ministry of Public Health has been monitoring the situation in the region. A team from the Ministry of Public Health visited the Manram Memorial Health Centre, in Canal Number One, to ensure that it is equipped with the necessary drugs in the case of a possible outbreak and to prevent flood-related illnesses.

Region Three Member of Parliament and Adviser to the Minister

of Public Health, John Adams, remarked that “We were informed that there is a quantity of basic drugs that would be needed in the event of vomiting, diarrhea [and] leptospirosis.”

Adams further assured that the health facility is fully prepared, since the regional authorities have ensured that the centre’s stock levels have been met and [are] ready “for any eventualities as a result of the flooding.”

Meanwhile, efforts are in place to alleviate the flooding in the area.

Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, noted that officials have been on the ground since last Friday addressing the needs of some flood-affected persons. Jaikarran added that this is likely to continue as the rainy season persists. “We are on top of the situation and we are going to continue to monitor the situation, we are going to continue to provide resources in an effort to have relief and the lowering of the

water in the canal, we are going to do the same thing to canal Number Two, so that the people of both Canal Numbers One and Two would have that level of relief,” the REO explained.

Regional Health Officer, Ravindra Dudhnauth, advised that persons residing in flood-affected areas take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent flood-related illnesses. He detailed the specified water treatment methods, including boiling or adding bleach. He also advised that residents in the affected areas should avoid unnecessary contact with these floodwaters. “If you have any symptoms of fever, vomiting or diarrhea, we advise you to come to the health centre as soon as possible,” Dudhnauth said.

Other personnel and government officials will continue to visit the Canal Number One area to bring further relief to the residents. (DPI)

DPI corrects misleading Ram article THE Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, has refuted claims of the government siphoning off oil money elsewhere and has provided supporting documents to confirm that a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) account contains the licence fees.

The claims were made in a Stabroek News column entitled: “The road to first oil”, published on Friday and written by Christopher Ram. The director highlighted a portion of the column which states: “…however, there is a sum of

one million United States dollars which the government has been receiving under a revised Article 10 on the anniversary date, which not surprisingly, has not been defined.

According to new Article 10, this amount is paid not to the GGMC but into a bank account held and controlled by the Government of Guyana! Not sure what Trotman means, but the Agreement requires the Contractor to verify the bank accounts. So there is another US$2 million in some bank account.”

However, he clarified that the money was indeed paid to an account controlled by the GGMC.

A bank statement from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) illustrates that the relevant licence fee was deposited into the GGMC account (account number: 002177546019). The bank statement revealed that in the account was a sum of $265,658,000 credit (money received) and $5,000 debit (money owed).

Khan stressed, “Until the Petroleum Commission is in place, GGMC will receive the licence fees from all companies and act as the regulatory agency and will transfer monies to the new entity once established.”

‘We’re satisfied’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

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…Min Trotman assures best advice guided negotiations on Exxon contract …U.S., UK, GGMC experts played lead roles

By Ariana Gordon

GOVERNMENT on Friday said it is satisfied with the level of negotiations done by its technical team on the revised Petroleum Agreement with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, CNOOC Nexen Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited in June 2016.

Notwithstanding criticisms, subject Minister Raphael Trotman said government relied on the technical staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and on advice from world-renowned law firms–Jones Day of the United States and Michelet & Co. of the Kingdom of Norway, in this regard.

Government has been criticised by stakeholders for not making the 2016 agreement public soon. It was on Thursday when government during a meeting with stakeholders, released the contract.

Within the contract, Guyana stands to benefit from a US$18M signing bonus which government says will be used to offset legal expenses should the United Nations send the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Additionally, Exxon is to provide US$300,000 annually for environmental, social projects, while Guyana stands to profit from as much as US$7B over the first phase of its Liza project. This figure translates to $1.45 trillion Guyana dollars over the

players enter, government will engage them “on better terms than that [sic] of Exxon.” “…But of course it is difficult to do the dollar value to the benefit of Exxon; it has already made the largest discovery in Guyana’s waters in the last 15 years than any other part…no other company has been able to do that, no other company has said they are going to stay – no other company has made an investment of US$4.5B -- the largest investment that this counMinister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, (centre) and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (left) ad- try has ever seen in its 51 dress the media on Friday at a post-cabinet press briefing. Also in photo is Communications Director of years of existence and it the Ministry of the Presidency, Mark Archer (right). is the largest investment course of the 20-year- stressed, while explaining ana’s waters and detained tential in the oil-and- gas that would ever be seen in long, Phase One of the that it was government a U . S . - o p e r a t e d s h i p sector and noted that 100 years. There is a cost company’s Liza Project for a number of reasons chartered by Texas-based “it is actually time that to that … [and] we are offshore Guyana. previously identified, that C o m p a n y A n a d a r k o , we feel that potential satisfied despite what the In light of the benefits embarked upon “margin- which was granted a con- and hold it and this is critics say,” The minister to be accrued, Minister al negotiations,” thereby tract to look for oil in the only company that stated emphatically.

On November 30, TrotTrotman made it clear making adjustments to the area. Venezuela had has been brave enough man along with Finance that he did not take it upon licensing fees, and the claimed that the ship was to venture and partner himself to negotiate on payment for environmen- operating illegally in its with the government and Minister Winston Jordan people of Guyana and met with representatives behalf of the Government tal support, to name a few. waters. of Guyana, though he is Asked whether he The vessel was survey- yes, we have to give them of the IMF, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) a Harvard Law School- is comfortable with the ing the seafloor, when a concessions.”

He embraced the com- and other players who have trained negotiator. “Inso- contract in light of pro- Venezuelan navy vessel far as our level of satis- nouncements made by the forced its team to sail to ments of critics and noted been providing tremendous faction, we are satisfied -- International Monetary Margarita Island in Ven- that it is the job of interna- support to the government. tional experts to review, “We are working with the there is no such thing as a Fund (IMF) recently, that ezuela. perfect contract, [or] law. suggested that the ProducA n d s o , T r o t m a n criticise and make reports IMF, World Bank have givEach has to be proven. tion Sharing Agreement stressed that it was be- on such matters. In fact, en us tremendous support The contract that we used (PSA) with ExxonMobil cause of the “courageous Trotman disclosed that and we are building capaciis the 2012 model gener- is generous to the inves- effort” of the U.S. oil it was the government of ty on a daily basis,” he said, ated after negotiations … tor, the Natural Resources company that the volume Guyana that invited the while expressing gratitude and it was that model we Minister answered in the of oil and gas discovered IMF. “What Exxon enjoys, to the Inter-American Debuilt upon,” said Trotman, affirmative. “Yes, there is was possible, while not- others are not going to en- velopment Bank, the Cawho noted that his govern- no such thing as a perfect ing that it is difficult “or joy, but it is important that ribbean Development Bank ment took a decision not contract. In 2013, Venezu- almost impossible to put we solidify ourselves with and other stakeholders for to enter into a full-fledged ela chased away Anadar- a dollar value to having one major company and providing much-needed negotiation for a number ko…Exxon is the only the presence of an inter- then develop other satellite guidance in the new and of reasons. company that showed the national operator devel- relationships. It is import- emerging sector.

The minister remindant to this country that we “…we used the 2012 capacity, the willingness op our resource.” ed that so far for the don’t try to play the field,” model agreement which and perhaps the courage year, Guyana has benMinister Trotman stated. had been done by GGMC to explore in our waters, FEEL THE efitted from $900M in He said too that it is and we built on that and so there are some concesPOTENTIAL as I said before, there sions we needed to give,” T h e N a t u r a l R e - important to establish sta- taxes alone from explowas no one person who said the minister. sources Minister said ble relationships, so as ration activities; this is sat with Exxon and tried Back in 2013, the Ven- as a child he had heard to develop the country’s apart from the contract to negotiation [sic],” he ezuelan navy entered Guy- stories of Guyana’s po- resource and when other itself.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

12 dead, scores injured in Bronx fire --New York’s deadliest in 25 years

NEW York City investigators believe the Bronx fire that killed 12 people, including four children, was caused by a child playing with a cooker.

An unattended threeyear-old boy accidentally started the blaze, fire commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

As the child's mother fled with her two children, she then left the door open, allowing the fire to enter the hallway.

The stairway had then "acted like a chimney", allowing the fire to spread rapidly upwards, he explained.

The fire on Thursday night was the deadliest in the city for at least 25 years, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Police said that among the dead were three girls, aged one, two and seven, and a boy who had not yet been identified.

Officials have not yet released the names of any of

the victims, five of whome were declared dead at the scene.

At least 20 people were rescued from fire escapes, and another 12 were brought out of the building.

More than 170 firefighters helped bring the blaze under control in below-freezing weather conditions.

Local media report that two children were found dead in the arms of a woman who had been seeking shelter in a bathtub.

A US Army soldier, who was home for the holidays, is being reported missing by his family.

Emmanuel Mensah, 28, was staying on the third floor of the building, his father told the New York Daily News.

He had visited four hospitals looking for his son.

Residents who did manage to escape huddled outside in the biting cold. Some fled the building without shoes or coats, and the Red Cross

Some of the evacuees from Thursday night’s fire

handed out blankets to people on the street.

New York City is experiencing a severe cold snap, and temperatures dropped to around -10C (13F) on Thursday night. The water from firefighters' hoses could be seen turning to ice on the ground.

The building contains more than 20 flats, and was built just over 100 years ago.

According to public records, the building has received several code violations, including for a broken smoke detector on the first floor where authorities say the fire began.

Mayor De Blasio told WNYC radio on Friday

Saturday, December 30, 2017 - 2:30 & 14:30 hrs

that "there were concerns raised about the building itself", but that "based on the research we have at this moment, it does not appear there was anything problematic about the building or the fire safety in the building".

Fire officials in the city went out of their way to stress the importance of keeping doors closed during a fire, to choke it off and stop it spreading to areas with more oxygen.

They organised fire safety education seminars in the Bronx and also in Brooklyn, where a fire killed two people early on Friday morning. (BBC)

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Peruvians take to the streets --over Fujimori pardon LIMA (Reuters) - Thousands of Peruvians marched on Thursday to protest the president’s recent pardoning of former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori, calling for new general elections as a graft scandal ensnares established politicians.

The demonstrations capped a head-spinning week in which President Pedro Pablo Kuczysnki warned about a new rise of Fujimori’s authoritarian movement, only to pardon him three days later after Fujimori’s loyalists in Congress saved him from an impeachment bid.

Waving Peruvian flags and chanting “down with the corrupt”, protesters called the pardon payback for keeping Kuczynski in power.

“I‘m marching against this outrage, this insult that we feel now that the dictator Fujimori has been pardoned,” said Milagros Reboyo, a 26-year-old university student at a march in Lima.

The Christmas Eve pardon cleared Fujimori’s convictions for graft and human rights abuses 12 years into a 25-year prison sentence, and shields him from a pending trial for a 1992 death squad

massacre.

Fujimori’s 2009 sentencing had earned Peru international plaudits in efforts to fight impunity. United Nations human rights experts called the pardon an appalling “slap in the face” for his victims and a major setback for the rule of law.

Fujimori, who remained in a hospital with blood pressure and heart problems on Thursday, governed Peru with an iron fist from 19902000 after being swept to power by a populist wave in 1990 elections. While many consider him a corrupt and ruthless dictator, others credit Fujimori with pulling Peru from economic ruin and quashing a leftist insurgency.

On Thursday, Kuczynski said the pardon was fundamentally about forgiveness.

“The country can’t remain divided by political struggles that only hold the country back from continuing to make progress,” Kuczynski’s office said in a statement.

In Lima, the march was largely peaceful. But police fired tear gas at protesters who veered from the permitted route to march in front of Kuczynski’s house in the financial district.

Four people were arrest-

Protesters on the streets of the Peruvian capital, Lima, on Thursday

ed, the interior ministry said.

It declined to estimate the size of the protests, saying “we don’t want to get into that debate.” One of the groups that helped organize the protests said 60,000 took part in Lima.

Protests were also held in other Peruvian cities and foreign capitals. The pardon has deepened the disgust that many Peruvians feel toward mainstream politics, after a graft scandal involving Brazilian builder Odebrecht has

Jamaica tops Caribbean

--in Forbes Magazine global report on doing business BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Jamaica is the highest ranked Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, whilst the French-speaking island of Haiti is ranked among the worst three countries in the world for doing business, according to the US-based Forbes Magazine.

In its 12th edition of the annual report, “Best Countries for Business”, Forbes Magazine has named the United Kingdom as the top of the 153 countries surveyed.

The magazine determines the Best Countries for Business by rating 153 nations on 15 different factors, including property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, infrastructure, market size,

political risk, quality of life, workforce, freedom, red tape and investor protection.

It said the data is based on published reports from several reputable organisations, such as the United Nations, Transparency International, the World Bank Group and the World Economic Forum.

According to Forbes, Jamaica was ranked at number 72, followed by Trinidad and Tobago at 75 and Belize at 111. Guyana was listed 113, with Suriname at 135, and Haiti at 151.

The magazine said Haiti is the worst performer among non-African countries, after indicating that African nations populate the

worst countries for business with six of the bottom 10.

Most of these countries fare poorly on innovation, trade freedom and investor protection, Forbes noted.

ensnared two former presidents in the past year.

Kuczynski and opposition leader Keiko Fujimori, Fujimori’s daughter, are also under investigation for their ties to Odebrecht. On Thursday, the two separate-

ly underwent questioning by prosecutors investigating Odebrecht’s partners in crime.

Both deny any wrongdoing and have promised to cooperate with investigations.

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Editorial

End-of-year peace AS 2017 draws to a close, and as Guyanese, in traditional style, see the year out--literally with a bang -- let’s hope that this year’s end will not see what seems to be the norm: the excessive setting off of squibs, firecrackers and the like throughout this dear land.

In fact, in Guyana, the period beginning with Diwali and ending with 12th night celebrations is usually marked by the sounds and sights of fire crackers and squibs. And this is not the controlled fireworks display at the National Park; this is the incessant, irresponsible use of squibs, which drives all forms of animal life crazy. So far for this season, there has been a marked reduction in the amount of squibs being set off. The police did promise stricter enforcement, which obviously paid off, but like the previous years Old Year’s Night, things tend to go awry when it comes to enforcement.

The effects of squibs and firecrackers on animals are adverse and traumatic. These include physical injury to both animals and humans; people (usually children) losing fingers and eyesight; the onset of deafness and severe burning. And those are just some of the injuries which humans can suffer from the effects of using squibs and firecrackers.

Research has shown that children are 11 times more likely to be injured as a result of squibs and firecrackers exploding. Dogs have been known to get disoriented, break free, jump fences, run out of their safe surroundings, and often get crippled and even killed on the roadways when faced with the continuous explosion of firecrackers and squibs. Many times, dogs also forget their way home.

Invariably, too, they eat remnants of firecrackers and suffer from digestion problems. A dog’s ears are more sensitive than human ears, and the piercing sound of firecrackers or squibs exploding can permanently affect the dog’s acute sense of hearing, whilst the bright flashes and acrid fumes can inflict further damage on the animal’s eyesight and sense of smell.

And it is not only dogs that are affected. Birds have been known to fly away in fright, and sometimes cannot again find their own nests; fish ingest debris and die; and butterflies can get disoriented, injured and killed through the effects of firecrackers and squibs exploding. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet as a result of fireworks can understand the dread with which pet owners approach the months of November and December. Stray dogs, too, are af-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

fected; and a sad but common sight is that of packs of dogs running away from these mini-explosions late at nights.

Every year, the GSPCA and veterinarians issue warnings about the effects of exploding fireworks on animals, and pet owners also have the responsibility to protect their animals from the harm which comes their way as a result of indiscriminate explosion of firecrackers. But there is more to it than the dangers associated with firecrackers: there is in existence a supply chain which starts from the importer of firecrackers and extends to the distributor, the vendor, and ultimately the purchaser of squibs. At issue is the wanton availability of these dangerous and annoying devices, and the ease with which they can readily be obtained. For far too long, squibs have been available for sale in plain sight, and it is almost common to see pushcarts and street vendors openly and vigorously selling these firecrackers.

Squibs cannot be hidden from the police.

Firecrackers can also be crafted by hand, and our young people need to be educated about the dangers of firecrackers and squibs. So, all authorities – police, educators and elders -- definitely need to make a decisive effort to eradicate this particular scourge. We, as a society, must recognise that all of us are involved in this battle, and all of us are affected. Oh for a peaceful, squib-free end of year!!!

2017 a successful year for Region Three

Dear Editor

I CONSIDER it my duty to inform the public of the remarkable achievements of Essequibo Islands / West Demerara for the year 2017 and therefore humbly request a space in your newsletter column to do same.

Before I begin, permit me to state that the Regional Democratic Council through the regional administration, which is headed by Mr. Denis Jaikaran, mission is to provide for the coordination and utilisation of human and material resources within the region, to promote quality services and sustainable physical and institutional infrastructures and to enhance orderly development in the political, social, economic and cultural life of the people in pursuit of improved living conditions for the residents of the region.

The regional administration addresses its mission through five programmes, namely: Administration and Finance, Agriculture,

Public Infrastructure, Education Delivery and Public Health Services.

Now for the remarkable achievements: PROGRAMME One - ADMIN AND FINANCE - Space was for years a problem and today I can comfortably boast of the extension of the administration building, which was a signature project on our end. The staff members are excited for their comfort was put as a priority.

The programme also saw the influx of new staff members, which will now allow for a better result to be delivered since the programme was heavily under-staffed. We also purchased office resources to bring further comfort to all staff members.

Notwithstanding the provision of all resources to our staff, we continue to lift the morals and general attitude of all members of staff, for we believe firmly that your attitude determines your altitude. The administration has been celebrating and will continue to respect and observe all national and religious

holidays. Our administration is blessed to have hard-working and committed workers who have from time to time gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that the public is served properly and for that I must commend them all and wish them nothing but continuous blessings for a rewarding 2018.

PROGRAMME Two - AGRICULTURE - Agriculture can be considered as the most important sector within the regional administration of Essequibo Islands / West Demerara and this is because of the heavy farming of various crops by the majority of residents.

The regional administration, in keeping with government's policy to provide the good life to all, must therefore give the necessary attention to agriculture, as it so deserves.

It gives me great pleasure to say that full attention was placed in this programme for 2017 where capital and current projects were executed much to the benefit of farmers and by extension the entire region. Under capital spending, construction of a revetment at Goed

Intent village, construction of RC Control Structures at Schoonord, Middle Walk and construction of RC Control Structures at Zeelugt Middle Walk, construction of RC Control Structures at Endeavour, Leguan, rehabilitation of the Maria Johanna river sluice at Wakenaam and purchase of HPDE tubes were done much to the satisfaction of all beneficiaries.

With reference to excavation of canals, the following trenches were done – the Aliki drainage trench, Versailles, Middle Walk, Parika West Irrigation, B-Line Tail Well to Conservancy, Bonasika drainage trench, A-Line Main Drain, Centre Line Main Drain, Ruby Main Drain, Lanaballi Drainage trench etc.

A number of repair works were also done to the Philadelphia River Sluice, Maripa River Sluice and Salem River Sluice.

Work was also done on bridges at Parika Backdam and Maripa. The department also Turn to page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

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GTUC welcomes release of Exxon contract

Dear Editor

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) welcomes the release of the contract between Guyana and ExxonMobil and notes that this was made possible due to the unrelenting militancy of the Guyanese public. Further, government’s response is not only indicative that it can listen to the people, but also testimony of what citizens can achieve when energies are channelled.

The GTUC is in the pro-

cess of a detailed perusal of the document and calls on Guyanese to do likewise and remain engaged. Conscious that the contract has been signed and is binding between the two parties, inasmuch as labour’s opinion during the negotiations was not solicited, the GTUC looks forward to working with stakeholders, including government, in policing the agreement.

The GTUC takes note of the Local Content Policy element in the contract and wishes to advise government

and ExxonMobil that the constitution and laws of Guyana must be paramount in the execution of the industry’s activities. Labour must be employed and function in an environment that is respectful of fundamental rights and freedoms, including occupational safety and health standards.

The GTUC is also mindful that given government has said it is pursuing a “Green” economy, the pillars upon which this policy is built-i.e. the environment, labour policies and sustainable de-

velopment-- must see accompanying programmes and the realisation and enforcement of laws to give true meaning.

There are legitimate concerns that the oil-and-gas industry is not necessarily mindful of practices that safeguard the environment and bring about sustainable development.

ExxonMobil is new to Guyana and the GTUC is not unmindful of its international reputation and relations with governments across the spectrum, but is prepared to give the company an opportunity to embrace best practices,

including corporate responsibility and treating our environment, citizens/workers with dignity and respect.

That Guyana has become a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the GTUC shall be monitoring the contract’s implementation to ensure consistency with the rules and standards set out therein.

The GTUC retains abiding interest in labour being engaged in productive activities and this means not only full employment, but that of other econom-

ic opportunities -- direct and indirect. To this end, the GTUC calls on government to strengthen the infrastructure to track unemployment and employment levels and across the various industries and sectors. This must not only be applicable to ensuring Exxon abides by the contract regarding Guyanese labour, but that of an important factor in holistic development.

Regards Guyana Trades Union Congress

Freddie took my joke and made it a column Dear Editor, KINDLY permit me to respond to Freddie Kissoon’s article in the Kaieteur News, titled “On Christmas Eve, I saw reason why this man may leave Guyana,” dated the December 28, 2017. On the day in question, I did tell Mr. Freddie Kissoon very jokingly that I may leave Guyana with my family on the completion of my studies. The reason I

said to Mr. Kissoon is because I do not subscribe to the belief of sharing plans and dreams with persons before they come through. I think it would be impolite to remind Mr. Kissoon that it is very unethical to quote someone who jokingly gave him information.

Mr. Editor from the first minute this article was published, a number persons -home and abroad-- contacted me expressing grave disquiet

over this article and in the process labelled me, and justifiably so, as being ungrateful towards the beautifully led APNU+AFC coalition government. I have learnt my lessons from this and I have asked for their forgiveness in this festive season, for sharing of a Christmas joke with Mr. Kissoon. Apologies are also extended to thousands of other fair-minded Guyanese who are witnessing the vast devel-

opment and transformation of our paradise Guyana under this APNU+AFC government.

I wish to state very categorically that I have confidence in the APNU+AFC government and I verily believe that the coalition government is the best choice for Guyana.

I did believe and continue to believe that the APNU+AFC government will continue to create the enabling environment for our citizens to maxi-

2017 a successful year... repaired revetments at Georga Escape Channel and Maria’s Lodge. Agriculture has done well in 2017 and in 2018 we will do far better.

PROGRAMME Three - PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE -- This programme has successfully completed 100% of work from voted provisions in 2017 for bridges. Heavy-duty bridges were constructed at Richmond Hill, Leguan, Leonora New Housing Scheme and Meten-MeerZorg. The areas mentioned above are now enjoying uninterrupted services from not only heavy-duty machines that clean trenches and canals, but also easy forms of transportation for the construction of homes among many other benefits.

Voted provisions from the 2017 budget for roads also saw a 100% completion as the current status. Asphaltic concrete roads were constructed at Unity Street, Mandir Street, Ocean View, Uitvlugt and Jessamy Street.

It was indeed a delight on our part to receive commendations from residents for the work done in their areas. I must mention the construction of a Special Needs School at La Parfaite Harmony, which is another signature project in Essequibo Islands / West Demerara and an Early Childhood Day Care Centre at Leonora. The above projects were channelled through the region and by virtue of us being direct beneficiaries, oversight was

a must. The new state-of-the art Maternity Ward at the Leonora Diagnostic Centre falls under the same category.

PROGRAMME Four - EDUCATION DELIVERY - Realising a better education sector in 2018 has become easier since in 2017, there were several notable infrastructural improvements which include a new state-of-the art education building which can now house all staff members comfortably, a cold storage unit to store juices and biscuits for our pupils, installation of a generator to prevent interrupted power supply, extension of La Parfaite Harmony Nursery, Anna Catherina Nursery, Belle West Primary, Tuschen Primary, Essequibo Islands Secondary, Windsor Forest Primary etc and new teachers' quarters at Hogg Island and Bonasika, etc.

In addition, remarkable improvements were seen in academics. More pupils gained passes to senior secondary schools and statistics also showed that there were widespread increases in the performance at CSEC with more students matriculating and a significant reduction in the dropout rate.

Further, schools are enjoying free internet access where accessibility to information is way easier and the thirst for knowledge has become more exciting. In keeping with the government's policy of promoting

a green economy, secondary schools were equipped with solar panels and traditional bulbs were replaced with LED bulbs. The work of the education department must be a continuous one, mainly because as the world experiences various changes we must equally adapt.

PROGRAMME Five PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES - Despite the challenges facing the health sector in Essequibo Islands / West Demerara, the progress made in 2017 with reference to infrastructure is notably commendable. We saw the construction of a sanitary block at the Vergenoegen Health Centre, Sand Hill Heath Centre and Greenwich Park Health Centre. Furnaces were constructed at the Morashee Health Centre, Caria Caria Health Centre, Viva La Force Health Centre, Upper Bonasika Health Centre and the Hogg Island Health Centre.

To facilitate the growing demands for health services and decentralisation of services, extensions to exist-

mise their potential regardless of race, colour, creed and political affiliation.

I did believe and continue to believe that the government will continue to create a forum where the unrealised potential of our citizens would continue to unfold into reality. As we edge closer towards His Excellency President Granger’s vision of a ‘Good life for all Guyanese,’ we must guard

zealously against complacency and connect more with ordinary citizens of Guyana who are eagerly awaiting this reality. We must find innovative ways to prevent our citizens from jumping on the train that is already in motion to unjustifiably market Guyana as one of the most backward countries in the hemisphere.

Regards Carlyle Goring

From page 6

ing buildings occurred at the Upper Bonasika Health Centre, the Leonora Diagnostic Centre (dental, X-Ray, Emergency and Outpatients), the Morashee Health Centre, Lanaballi Health Centre and Den Amstel Health Centre. An incinerator was also constructed at the Leonora Diagnostic Centre.

Additionally, a number of furniture and equipment were purchased to improve the services delivered to patients and these include an Anaesthesia Ventilator, Fluoroscopy, portable X-Ray unit, Autoclave/ Steriliser, an Orthopaedic Operating Bed, Recovery Room Bed, Capnogram, Probes for laser machine, Haematology Analyser, Micro Heatocrit Centrifuge, Examination lights, Laryngoscope, Otoscope, Defribillators, Fetal dropplers, incubators etc.

Staffing at the various health centres and hospitals has improved and services are being delivered better than before. Of course, there is still room for lots

of improvements and given the continuous training programmes and workshops, I am confident that we will reach perfection.

In conclusion, the road may be long and steep, but I believe together we will achieve our objective once we stay focused. The Essequibo Islands / West Demerara regional administration will continue to

improve, so as to deliver the best to our people and with the support of central government we will do it. The year 2018, I predict, will be a better year and our region will definitely improve.

I wish all a productive and blessed 2018 as we thank 2017 for the many successful accomplishments.

Regards Ganesh Mahipaul

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Inaugural petroleum summit set for 2018 --to highlight Guyana’s hydro-carbon potential

OIL and gas giants, ExxonMobil has signed on as a strategic partner of the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition (GIPEX 2018), billed for February 7-9 at the Georgetown Marriott.

According to a press statement, the event, which the United Kingdom (UK)based Valiant Business Media in collaboration with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is organising, aims to present investors with options to explore the huge hydro-carbon potential of Guyana.

The summit will provide

a networking platform for existing petroleum companies; service providers; equipment companies; and investors.

In addition, the press statement indicated that GIPEX will also provide a platform for researchers/ scientists and academics to share their research work while the participants from industry can promote their products.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brassington said the company is very excited to be the strategic partner in the GIPEX 2018 summit.

“Bringing information

about the oil and gas industry and the Liza Project to a larger audience is paramount in our mission here in Guyana,” Brassington said, adding: “We hope the exhibition will provide knowledge and information-sharing opportunities, and aid in building relationships for the Guyanese community that will outlast the event.

“We welcome this initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Natural resources, Go-Invest and Valiant Business Media.”

Go-Invest Chief Executive Officer, Owen Verwey also welcomed Exxon as a

Cabinet holds talks with GuySuCo, SPU on diversification plans GOVERNMENT is continuing its deliberations on the future of the sugar industry and the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced on Friday.

During a post-cabinet press briefing the Minister of State said Cabinet continued discussions on the future of GUYSCUO and the sugar industry in respect to the sugar estates being retained and the portions of the industry that are being divested.

As a result, Cabinet, he disclosed engaged the Board of Directors and management of GUYSUCO to obtain an updated position on the future plans of the Corporation so that it can return to a state of efficiency and financial viability. Cabinet also had deliberations with the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) established to manage the divestment of the Skeldon Factory and other Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) assets.

“Both entities, the management of GUYSUCO, as well as the SPU outlined plans and recommendations relating to their respective roles and responsibilities,” said Harmon who noted that Cabinet thereafter deliberated on the decisions that should be made in the interest of the stakeholders and the future of the sugar industry.

In the initial stage, the SPU’s primary function would be to lead the privatisation and divestment process for the Skeldon Factory. Other functions of the Unit would also include the process of valuation, marketing, advertising and the drafting of legal framework. As time progresses, the unit would assist GUYSUCO in the identification of other properties to be privatised.

“The proposed courses of action are to amalgamate [merge] Wales Estate with

Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 percent capacity. Sixty percent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition. The corporation furthermore seeks to divest itself of the Skeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and Rose Hall are to be amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall is to be closed.”

Unfortunately, he said those deliberations were incomplete and are expected to continue and be concluded at the next Cabinet meeting slated for Tuesday, January 2, 2018. “…It is such an important matter that we want to ensure that we come to the right decision,” assured the Minister of State.

Back in May, the government through its White Paper on Sugar stated that GUYSUCO would have three estates and three sugar factories: Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estate in West Demerara.

The three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane supplied from all five locations. By virtue of the amalgamation, the Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Rose Hall, Berbice factories will be closed by year-end. In the case of Enmore, that factory will be closed at the end of the year when all cane would have been harvested and the East Coast Estates would be earmarked for diversification. As a result, GUYSUCO has retrenched thousands of sugar workers. Government has since said that a “huge chunk” of money has been allocated in the 2018 National Budget for retrenched sugar workers.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder told reporters recently that the affected workers will receive their severance packages sometime in January, 2018.

strategic partner for GIPEX 2018.

This Convention, he said, is an important initiative which is geared at promoting the oil and gas sector globally in order to attract investment and expertise in that area of the economy.

Verwey said Go-Invest looks forward to working with ExxonMobil and other key players to make the launch of GIPEX a success, and welcomes the people of Guyana to take part and familiarise themselves with the developments of the petroleum sector.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming inter-

national stakeholders looking to explore Guyana as an investment destination,” he said.

Shariq AbdulHai, Managing Director of Valiant Business Media echoed similar sentiments as Verwey, saying that as the world’s leading publicly-owned energy company and the main player in Guyana, Exxon’s partnership with GIPEX is very important.

“We look forward to working with Exxon to use GIPEX as a medium to share information with the people of Guyana about the oil & gas sector in general and the Liza project in particular,”

he said.

AbdulHai also said they were looking forward to welcoming a number of Guyanese and international companies at GIPEX, with a view to establishing business relationships and exploring opportunities in this important economic sector of the country.

ExxonMobil, along with its joint-venture partners Hess and CNOOC Nexen, is expected to commence oil production in the Liza field in 2020.

In the meanwhile, they and other international oil companies are continuing to explore.

PPP leaders interested in acquisition of power and accumulation of personal wealth

Dear Editor,

I REFER to the letter penned by Mr Craig Sylvester, captioned: ‘The PPP no longer represents the interests of its supporters’ (SN, Dec 28), in which Mr Sylvester boldly offers to provide PPP supporters with a platform upon which they can succeed in making themselves a political force in 2020. Taken in the context of his opinion that, “(PPP supporters) should simply move ahead with setting up another political organisation to represent their interests,” one may reasonably conclude that Mr Sylvester is thereby articulating his desire to form and lead a new party. If that conclusion is correct, I congratulate Mr Sylvester for boldly thinking and writing ‘outside the box.’ But, I have a few questions and comments.

Editor, I agree with the sentiment expressed in the letter’s caption, as I am aware that PPP supporters are primarily Indo-Guyanese, and the current crop of PPP leaders appear to be interested in only two things: the acquisition of political power, and the accumulation of personal wealth; they couldn’t care less about the interests of ordinary people, be they Indo-Guyanese or otherwise. My first question to Mr Sylvester is, is he interested in forming a party to represent the interests of Indo-Guyanese, or, does he see a need for moving away from ethnocentric politics towards issues-based political contests?

I ask this question in light of the fact that it is no secret that President Granger – and by extension the APNU – has a vision, a hope and an aspiration of a united Guyana; one in which a citizen’s ethnicity is but a minor part of his identity, and of no political significance. I share that vision with the

full knowledge and acceptance that I will not live sufficiently long to experience that ideal, but one which I believe is yet worth fighting to realise. I ask too, what are the interests to which Mr Sylvester alluded, of PPP supporters? Are those interests, in his mind, unique to Indo-Guyanese or, are they shared by non-PPP supporters? In other words, do PPP supporters experience some situation or circumstance from which nonPPP supporters are insulated?

I ask those questions in the context of my aforementioned ideal -- one of a racially united Guyana. A country where citizens select their leaders based on merit, which is of deeper significance than skin-colour or hair-texture. I iterate the fact that the APNU has articulated in no uncertain terms the premise of a development-oriented philosophy of inclusionary democracy, unity, social cohesion, environmental conservation, decentralisation, and community-building, among other pillars. I have yet to learn what exactly the PPP currently stands for or proposes, whether similar to or different from that stated by the APNU. In the absence of the explicit expression of a contemporary philosophy or ideology by the PPP, one is left with no alternative but to resign oneself to acceptance of the conclusion that the current leaders of the PPP view their party as one with ethnicity as its foundation. Editor, I would ask Mr Sylvester (as well as my fellow citizens who may or may not share his views), does he believe that the ethnic divide which currently exists – and which is shamelessly exploited, fostered, and deliberately widened by the majority of Guyana’s politicians – is acceptable as a permanent feature of local reality, or does he think that the status quo can and should be changed?

Regards Mark DaCosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Gov’t mulls oil-refining options

THE Government of Guyana is yet to decide where it will refine its portion of oil, when U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil begins production come 2020, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman disclosed Friday.

Speaking at a post-cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Trotman told reporters that a sub-committee for the petroleum sector formed by President David Granger is continuing deliberations on oil refineries. “[A]Cabinet sub-committee formed by the President last year is still determining that question as to where. We are examining several proposals from investors for small, modular refineries are being examined,” said the Natural Resources Minister.

The Cabinet sub-committee comprises Trotman, the Ministers of State, Finance, Infrastructure, Business and the presidential adviser on petroleum, Joseph Harmon, Winston Jordan, David Patterson, Dominic Gaskin and Dr Jan Mangal, respectively.

At the level of the ministries, there is also a Petroleum Sector Ministerial Committee comprising the Ministers of State, Natural Resources, Finance, Infrastructure and Business.

Meanwhile, Minister Trotman reminded that Trinidad and Tobago has made a formal request to the Government of Guyana to refine its oil after production commences in 2020. “…

Of course, as the contract terms set out, Guyana may request the operator, that is ExxonMobil, to do its refining and just collect the proceeds therefrom,” the minister said.

Trotman made it clear that a decision has not been taken by the Cabinet sub-committee, but the matter is being actively considered as various options are available.

Each option, the Minister of Natural Resources said, has advantages. “If we refine at home, of course we’d provide jobs, if we refine in Trinidad, then of course there is regional consideration…and the ability to provide petroleum

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

products to other CARICOM countries and perhaps take up the slack from PetroCaribe,” said Trotman. Moreover, he said if Guyana decides to send the oil farther afield to the Gulf of Mexico to be refined, the country will receive the proceeds.

“So there are a number of different political and economic considerations that the sub-Committee

is considering,” which he stressed will be taken to Cabinet for further discussions and decisions. Asked to state the pros and cons of Trinidad and Tobago refining Guyana’s oil, the Minister of Natural Resources noted Trinidad’s capacity as an oil-producing nation, but stated that that country’s fuel is heavier.

That aside, a decision was

made by government to reconstitute a high-level committee between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to further deliberate on the matter.

Additionally, that committee will also discuss avenues in the agricultural, engineering, infrastructural, and tourism sectors to name a few.

“And with 2020 fast approaching, government is looking to finalise all out-

9

standing issues before the start of production. …It is under active discussion and a decision will be made long before production starts,” Trotman assured.

The minister had earlier this year at a Business Summit said that government could ill afford to invest US$5B on an oil refinery here. “Government has concluded that it, as a government, cannot spend five billion dollars on an oil refinery, but we are not in any way dissuading the private sector from taking up the challenge,” he told the summit. Back in May, 2017, ?Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners, Pedro Haas, who conducted a feasibility study, said the construction of an oil refinery here to process some 100,000 barrels daily would be a political decision. He explained that it would cost up to US$5B to construct a local refinery, while noting that Guyana would likely see a negative rate of return on its investment at approximately US$3B.

President to meet Jagdeo on Chancellor, CJ appointments OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to meet with President David Granger on the appointment of a substantive chancellor and chief justice next week, after he failed to attend a high-level meeting on Friday on the basis that he was “busy.”

At a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) end-of-year press conference at Freedom House on Friday, the opposition leader disclosed that President Granger, in a letter addressed to him, nominated Justice Kenneth Benjamin for the post of chancellor of the judiciary and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards for the post of chief justice. According to Jagdeo, a consultative meeting was scheduled for Friday with the President but he (Jagdeo) had informed the Ministry of

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

the Presidency that he was “busy.”

The opposition leader and the President are now expected to meet next week to discuss the nominations.

Article 127 of the constitution says: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Justice Benjamin, a Guyana-born Belizean chief justice, served as a magistrate in Georgetown in 1980 and 1981, and subsequently an Assistant Judge Advocate for the Guyana Defence Force.

The Guyanese scholar has served 17 years as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Court (ECC). If appointed chancellor, Justice Benjamin will replace Justice Cummings-Edwards, who has been acting in the post since March, 2017.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, who has previously

Justice Kenneth Benjamin

acted as the chief justice of the country, is expected to take up the substantive position of chief justice. Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire is currently the acting chief justice.

The nominees were selected and recommended to the President by a panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh; Justice James Patterson and Professor Harold Lutchman.

During his recent press conference, President Granger said every effort is being made to have the appointment made. President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron, during the Bar Association dinner in November, had underscored the importance of having a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice in place soon.

Guyana has not had a substantive chancellor of the Judiciary since 2005, mainly due to the fact that the opposition and governing parties have not agreed on candi-

dates for the post. In his address at the 37th Annual Bar Dinner held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, the CCJ President made it clear that it was not the intention of the local constitution to have the two most senior judicial officials act in the posts for a prolonged period.

Sir Byron noted too that no substantive chancellor has been appointed since Justice Desiree Bernard, Guyana’s first female chancellor, demitted office and was appointed as the first female judge of the CCJ. Former acting Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh, acted in that post from 2005 until his retirement earlier this year. He also stressed the need for substantive appointments in the guarantee of judicial independence to citizens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Demolition of St. Rose’s building in best interest of students …board chairman says all options were explored

ALL options were explored before the decision was taken to demolish the St. Rose’s School, Church Street, Chairman of the Board of Governors Kenrick Thomas said, while emphasising that the decision is in the best interest of the students.

The demolition of the School’s timber building facing Church Street will commence shortly, paving way for a modern building to be erected.

“This decision was taken only after extensive consultations over many years to determine the viability of retaining this edifice because of its historical importance and architectural integrity.

After much deliberation and with the primary goal being to provide a safe, up to date and innovative building for the development of our students, and only after exploring every option to preserve the building was the decision unhappily taken to demolish the structure,” Thomas said in a press statement.

He noted that the building has its purpose well and all who have had the opportunity to walk its halls will attest to the very special memories created there.

“Built almost entirely of wood and some one hundred odd years old, the building is now structurally incapable of providing a safe environment for the over 700 students that now utilise the facility,” the Chairman explained while noting that due to the situation the auditorium has not been used as a general meeting hall for the last five years.

The St. Rose’s High School that will be demolished within days paving the way for a modern structure to be erected (Adrian Narine Photo)

The building was evacuated completely during the last year to ensure that there would be no mishaps.

Thomas assured that the replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the design of the Marion and other wings on the property including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.

“The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the

demolition and the project and is expected to last for approximately 24 months with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with the National Procurement guidelines and procedures,” Thomas stated.

It was noted too that during the deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders including the Nuns of the Convent, the Parent Teachers Association, the Alumni As-

sociations, students, teachers, the National Trust, the Education Ministry, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Finance Ministry of Finance.

Thomas said when presented with the evidence, all agreed that the tough decision ought to be taken and incorporate the very best of modern design and “green” architectural approaches for a building that will stand as an example for future educational design in Guyana.

Tenders were put out regionally and the winning

bid went to a Trinidadian firm with strong Guyanese roots for the architectural design and consulting services.

Guyanese born Orin Hinds is a member of the Team representing Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshire, the partnership entrusted with designing, providing the relevant documents, managing and overseeing the project’s execution and delivery of the final agreed replacement building.

Additionally, the Board of Governors is also utilizing independent engi-

neers to ensure the delivery of the agreed final design which would take into full account the aesthetics in keeping with the expectations of the stakeholders, the history of the existing structure and adherence to current local and international environmental and building codes and standards.

The faculty and students will be relocated to various safe areas on the School’s premises away from the cordoned construction area.

Building to be renamed in Stephen Campbell’s honour

MINISTER of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, announced that the building, which currently houses the Ministry of Citizenship will be renamed in honour of the Indigenous political leader, Mr. Stephen Joseph Campbell, who is the first Guyanese of Indigenous descent to have become of a Member of Parliament.

The Arawak (Lokono) and Portuguese descendant

was born in Moruca, British Guiana on December 26, 1897. Minister Norton also said that consideration is also being given to the possibility of erecting a monument in Campbell’s honour at some time in the future.

Campbell is widely regarded as a hero in Indigenous communities after having fought for their right to vote, land rights and for increased remunerations for captains. In 1962, amidst widespread fears that Indigenous

Mr. Stephen Joseph Campbell

lands would be expropriated after the departure of the British, Campbell presented a petition signed by 26 Indigenous Chiefs to the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, Duncan Sandys at the British Guiana Constitutional Conference in London to lobby for Indigenous land rights.

When no satisfactory response was received after one year, Campbell and the then leader of The United Force (TUF), Peter D’Aguiar jointly pursued the mat-

ter, resulting in a number of initiatives, including the establishment of semi-reserves, fixed boundaries, and safeguarding of the right of appeal to the Privy Council concerning Indigenous rights for at least 10 years after Independence.

In 1964, the Amerindian Association of Guyana was formed, with Campbell at the helm where he continued to tackle land rights issues affecting Indigenous peoples, which led to the establishment of the

Amerindian Act. Campbell also advocated for matters including agriculture and education. He was a firm proponent of the Indigenous way of life and the preservation of Indigenous culture and languages.

Campbell’s contributions are celebrated every year on September 10, during the Annual Indigenous Heritage Month observances. He died on May 12, 1966, two weeks before British Guiana obtained Independence. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Public Health spreads cheer to children of Moruca

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings presented a quantity of toys to the Acting Regional Executive Officer of Region One Reneta Williams for the children of Moruca, as she continues to spread cheer during this festive season.

During the simple handing-over ceremony, Minister Cummings expressed her delight at being able to bring smiles to the faces of some of the children of Moruca.

“This is a season for giving and it pleases me greatly to be able to provide some amount of cheer to some of the children of Moruca. I hope that as they celebrate and enjoy this season of goodwill, that they will move into 2018 as happy, healthy children,” Minister Cummings said.

Minister Cummings also donated a wheelchair which is to be used by a seven-year-old child of the community. On receipt of the gifts from Minister Cummings, Williams expressed gratitude and thanks on behalf of the children.

The Ministry of Public Health has pledged to continue serving the people of Guyana through delivery of the finest quality of public health care available.

It also used the opportunity to express best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.

Decomposed body of man found in house THE police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 40-year-old man whose partly decomposed body was discovered at a house in Number 58 Village, East Berbice/ Corentyne on Friday.

According to information, Jameer Ibrahim called “Wing” was last seen on Monday drinking at a friend’s house. He was discovered by the said friend on Thursday, who later alerted persons that the man’s body. Reports suggest Ibrahim and the friend are alcoholics who would consume alcohol for days.

A relative told this newspaper that Ibrahim suffers from epilepsy. He is of the opinion that Ibrahim had an episode and collapsed and died during the heavy drinking spree with his friend. According to a source, the friend told investigators he thought Ibrahim was asleep and it was only after he began smelling the stench that he went closer and saw his friend’s face covered with maggots .

Police have since arrested two persons, including the friend as an investigation continues.

A post- mortem is expected to be done on Tuesday, since funeral parlours in the Berbice district have refused the body due to its advanced state of decomposition.

Minister Karen Cummings handing over the toys to Region One Acting REO Reneta Williams

Suriname ferry service to be down nine days –– no alternative means of transportation in place THE ferry service from Guyana to Suriname will be down from January 6-14, 2018 since the M.V Canawaima is scheduled for an emergency docking in order to restore both engines.

“The M.V Canawaima continues to experience extensive mechanical challenges that prompted the hire of a tug to assist in the propulsion of the vessel,” said Terminal Manager of the Canawaima Ferry Services, Deyne Harry during his presentation at the yearend press conference of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure at the Transport Sports Club on Thursday.

The ferry vessel, which travels from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side of the border with Suriname to Nickerie on the other side, has been reportedly delayed

Terminal Manager of the Canawaima Ferry Service, Deyne Harry on several occasions because of the temporary use of the tug.

So, in order to rectify the problem, they intend to fix the ferry’s engines, but in the interim, there will be no other legal alternatives for crossing from Guyana to Suriname.

Although both the Governments of Guyana and Suriname are usually responsible for the rehabilitation of the vessel, he did not reveal which government would do the repairs when the vessel is docked in January.

Of late, the MV Canawaima has been operating once daily in order to facilitate travel to and from the two countries.

But after the repairs will have been completed, Harry said, the company might very well have to implement a second schedule, due to the volume of traffic the service sees each day.

He went on to point out that passenger traffic has decreased by 11 per cent in 2017 over that of 2016.

Similarly, vehicular traffic has also seen a decrease of 4 per cent as compared to that

of 2016 but they continue to offer rebates to groups that satisfy the stipulated requirements.

Some of the company’s projects for 2018 include an increase in traffic by 2 per cent, the installation of body and baggage scanners, and perimeter lights along access road; the setting up of a website; and the construction of reservoirs.

Meanwhile, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) has been granted $762M for the rehabilitation of three stellings and reconditioning of three ferry vessels in 2018.

The vessels that will be reconditioned are the M.V Makouria, M.V Kanawan and M.V Sabanto, while the Bartica, Leguan and Supenaam Stellings will be rehabilitated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Modern water-quality lab next year THE Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Department is set to complete construction of a state-of-the-art water-quality lab next year.

The facility, which is currently 80 per cent complete, will be used for testing both ground and surface waters.

The lab fulfils the mandate of the service under the Water and Sewerage Act 2002 to establish national monitoring systems for water resources, including systems for the collection of appropriate data and information

necessary to assess the quality of the country’s water resources.

Chief Hydromet Officer (ag), Dr. Garvin Cummings, indicated that the responsibility of the department goes beyond observing, archiving and understanding Guyana’s weather and climate.

“This department is mandated to provide meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic services in support of Guyana’s national needs and international obligations. It is also the official provider of water informa-

tion and related products and services for Guyana.

This laboratory is a critical addition to the hydrological monitoring framework which currently exists within the service. It adds to the existing resources that the service has for the monitoring of water quantity and will now place the service in a position to undertake its broader responsibilities under the Water and Sewerage Act for water resources management in Guyana. The laboratory will facilitate the testing of water samples gathered from

both ground and surface water sources to ascertain their quality and to establish a database for baseline national water quality. Such a database would support and inform environmental protection, infrastructural development, agriculture, etc,” Dr. Cummings said.

The facility is being constructed at a cost of $30 million and is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2018.

Hydrogeologist Viviana Critchlow indicated that the facility was needed to ensure

that water for human consumption is safe.

“Given the fact that both ground and surface waters are sometimes exposed to pollution and contaminants, the facility is necessary to monitor the health of the hydrological environment. We know that persons would be using both ground and surface water for various purposes and as such, the establishment of such a facility was seen as a necessary step for hydromet,” Critchlow said.

Acting Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings

Gunmen rob lab technician A GEORGETOWN Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) lab technician was Thursday attacked and robbed of her valuables by two armed bandits on Main Street, Georgetown.

The victim was identified as Tamara Gibbs, 40, of Lamaha Springs, Joint Services

Housing Scheme.

Reports indicate that the lab technician was walking south along Main Street, heading to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to pay her bills when she was confronted by the two men as she was about to enter GPL’s compound.

One of the men pointed a gun at her and demanded that she hand over her handbag, with which she complied. Her handbag reportedly contained documents, her cellphone and cash.

The men escaped on a black and grey motorcycle on Main Street before turning into New Market Street.

The matter was reported and the police have launched an investigation.

Bandits take Eccles businessmen for $2M THREE Eccles, East Bank Demerara businessmen were early on Friday morning robbed at gunpoint by four men who broke into their houses and carted off more than $2M in cash among other things.

Word is that the incident took place around 04:00hrs as the men slept at their two-storey Lot 129 Lindy Avenue, Eccles home.

The businessmen have since been

identified as 68-year-old Peter Ten; Jacky Kwok, 37; and Kuan Jian Yong, 56.

Reports are that the bandits, who all had their faces concealed, gained entry into the two-storey premises by breaking several ventilation concrete blocks by the washroom area, which is located on the lower flat of the house.

Police say that although no one has been arrested as yet, they are investigating.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Social Protection stays true to obligations –– to put workers' health, safety first, Minister Scott says

THE health and safety of workers was placed on the forefront this past year by the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) in the hope of stimulating longstanding development through proper practices.

That’s according to Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott in his 2017 review of the Bureau’s advancement with regard to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Scott said the ministry remains resolute in its obligations, one of which is to give a detailed account of all accidents which occurred in the workplace, but more particularly the deadly ones.

“Our previously stated commitment to complete investigations and report on all accidents, especially those with fatal consequences re-

mains firm, irrevocable,” the minister said in his report.

He said that of the 16 reported workplace accidents for 2017 that have resulted in fatalities, the investigation of all but one have been completed.

In its 2017 approach to health and safety consciousness, ‘Prevention is better than cure’, was a proverb the MoSP took seriously, placing its focus on prevention rather than corrective and punitive measures.

Scott communicated that during the year, the ministry took part in a number of initiatives, in conjunction with relevant laws, and worked towards placing the spotlight on human development.

One of these initiatives was a campaign held in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation

(ILO), which sought to promote OSH in the informal economy.

The informal economy, in many developing countries, provides a sizeable amount of employment; however, these workers oftentimes operate under poor working conditions, and none of the benefits of the formal economy.

The two-day workshop, aimed at building capacity of OSH trainers, helping them to sensitise workers in the informal sector, was merely one portion of the ministry’s long-term goal to transform Guyana’s economy altogether.

“That is just one aspect of our drive to transition from the informal economy to a state of formality,” Scott stated, adding: “Without such a transition, several

NIS to increase pensions next year THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) from January 1 will be increasing the minimum rates for Old Age and Invalidity Pension, weekly and monthly insurable earnings ceilings and funeral benefits.

In a release, the scheme said the minimum rate for Old Age and Invalidity Pension will increase from $27,500 to $30,000 per month while all other pensions above the minimum pension will be increased by two per cent.

This is in keeping with the increase given in January 2017 where the pension increased from $25,000 to $27,500.

The insurable earnings ceiling, which is the upper limit on earnings that attract NIS contributions, will be increased weekly and monthly.

The monthly insurable earnings ceiling will be increased from $220,000 to $240,000 per month while the weekly insurable earnings ceiling will increase from $50,769 per week to $55,385 per week.

This ceiling had also been increased in January 2017 from $200,000 to $220,000 per month

and $46,154 per week to $50,769 per week.

And finally, the funeral grant given to offset the funeral expenses of a deceased insured person or his/ her spouse will be increased from $40,398 to $44,438.

Despite the scheme recording a deficit of some $95,368,000 (just less than $1B) for the period January 2017 to August 2017, the social security organisation has been able to issue these increases.

The deficit mentioned was recorded after the organisation garnered $13.6B in revenue (or 67 per cent of the $20.2B budgeted for the financial year) for the period but expended some $13.7B (or 70 per cent of the budgeted $19.4B).

NIS General Manager Holly Greaves said, in October, this deficit was $93,849,000 or 1.6 per cent more than the budgeted deficit of $93,841,000.

However, it was projected that by the end of 2017, total income would be approximately $21.4B while the projected expenditure would reach around $21.1B.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr Keith Scott

employees would be denied social protection and defeat the agenda of human development in its true sense.”

During 2017, the MoSP also took part in activities such as the promotion of the joint responsibility system of the workplace; schemes to reduce workplace accidents and the development of OSH Regulations Act. Additionally, consultations were conducted into the Chemical Safety Regulation, Forest Operations Regulation and the finalisation of the National Policy on OSH.

Scott cautioned, however, that as the government and other stakeholders expend efforts to stimulate economic growth, it should not be forgotten that the country’s human resources are important and must be deliberately protected.

“Increased production, productivity, profitability and economic growth are the ultimate objectives of government and every enterprise, but those must not be pursued at the expense and peril of our human resources, which are most valuable,” Minister Scott said.

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Gov’t to establish four model cooperatives

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

–– one each at Buxton, Ithaca, BV-Triumph and Mocha-Arcadia

OVER US$12M is to be plugged into the establishment of four model cooperative societies, thereby creating approximately 160 jobs.

These four cooperatives, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP), Mr Keith Scott said Friday, will be launched in the villages of Buxton and Beterverwagting-Triumph, on the East Coast of Demerara; Ithaca, on the West Bank of Berbice; and at Mocha-Arcadia, on the East Bank of Demerara.

The government, Minister Scott said, has already begun resuscitating cooperatives in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

Those cooperatives, he said, have been established under the aegis of the Guyana National Co-operative Union Limited with the objective of

strengthening the cooperative movement.

“The Cooperative Movement is destined to be a beacon of hope for economic development of our nation,” Minister Scott said, adding: “In fact, it has the potential of becoming the third pillar of our economic infrastructure.”

Speaking at the traditional year-end review of the performance of his ministry, Minister Scott said that 2017 was a particularly productive year for them, in that among its notable achievements was the resurgence of the cooperative movement.

He was, however, at pains to explain that this was no ordinary resurgence, as the ministry took a fresh approach to the management of Co-operative Credit Unions, Friendly Societies and Co-operative Societies.

This new strategy, he said, was aimed at eliminating corruption and mismanagement within institutions and holding them to higher standards by encouraging transparency

Three charged with aiding, abetting THREE men were on Friday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daly for stealing $16.6M worth in gas.

Nicholas Rampersaud and Andrew Garnett were jointly charged for stealing 73,000 meters of gas valued $16.6M, property of Derwayne Bess, between October 13 and November 20 at Water Street, Georgetown.

The duo denied the charge.

David Gomes was charged with receiving the 73,000 meters in gas from the duo between October 13 and November 20 at Water Street, Georgetown, knowing that it was stolen or unlawfully obtained. Gomes, too, denied this change.

Rampersaud was separately charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Mahadeo Mathura. He denied this charge.

Police Prosecutor Richard Harris opposed bail, citing the large amount of money involved.

Magistrate Daly remanded the men until February 7, 2018.

and accountability, all of which is intended to meet the criteria of anti-money laundering ideals.

“The intent of this fresh approach is the elimination of corruption, nepotism and other forms of unprofessional behaviour, which are

factors that do not reflect human development and the acquisition of a good life,” the minister said.

He said, too, that following a Customer Due Diligence exercise, 42 cooperative societies and 32 friendly societies now

await the results, which will determine their approval for registration.

The minister also reported that during September, the Ministerial Taskforce of the MoSP handed over a report intended to examine functioning and non-functioning co-oper-

atives to determine their feasibility for moving the country forward.

Recommendations from the report, titled ‘Revitalisation of the Co-operative Movement’, have already been implemented, Minister Scott said.

Gov’t mobilises, puts all hands on deck – to help hundreds affected by floods at Canal #1

By Navendra Seoraj IT has been a dull holiday season for residents of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WCD) who have suffered major losses, and are still affected by flooding in the area due to torrential rainfall over the past week.

While some persons were able to dine with their families or even enjoy a family outing for Christmas, about 300 residents of Canal Number One faced a different luck, since most of their yards or houses were flooded.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon along with a team from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) sought to eliminate some of the distress that the residents faced on Friday by distributing “care packages”, but some of residents said they have a long way to go until their lives can return to normalcy.

A livestock farmer, Tamesh Dat, told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that the past few days have been hard for him, since he lost almost all his livestock because of the persistent flooding.

“Right now I stressed out, because is since 2005

we ain’t had something like this… I lost almost all my livestock,” lamented the farmer.

He was one of many people from the area who relayed that the flooding has not been so terrible since 2005, when almost the entire Guyana was devastated by flash flooding.

Dat said that aside from his livelihood being destroyed, the bottom flat of his two-storey house was also flooded with water just below his knees.

The water level was higher, said the farmer, as he took the Guyana Chronicle around his yard to point out some of his kitchen appliances and other household items that were destroyed by excessive flooding.

There were visible damages, and even those that could not be seen but were felt by his children who have been sick for the past few days. He believes that the sickness stems from the mosquitoes that are being bred by the stagnant water.

Another resident, Omela Persaud expressed similar sentiments, saying that they live in a subsistence farming community, so when the area is flooded, they lose all their produce.

She was among the many

farmers who complained about the losses they incurred due to the high level of water.

Persaud said the area usually becomes flooded when there is persistent rainfall, but this time around, it was different because the canal had not been cleared for a while.

The woman was not the only person who claimed that the canal was not cleared in a while. Some of the other residents said that for almost seven months the canal had not been cleared, so water accumulated in the trenches and drains.

In addition to what she said, some of the residents suggested that the canal should be used for drainage, especially during the rainy season, as opposed to just being used for irrigation purposes.

The water level has, however, started to reduce, but Minister Harmon said it is not receding as fast as was anticipated, although all the pumps and sluices are operating efficiently.

“What you can see coming from the highway is that the canal is very clean, because we have provided the resources to the CDC and NDC to have the canals cleared and cleaned,” Minister Harmon said.

Tamesh Dat taking some of his farming equipment out from his flooded chicken coop

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Friday It is now up to the local authorities to keep the drains cleaned, so that the water can recede at a fast rate.

“We are working together to bring a solution to the problem,” Minister Harmon said, “and once the rain stops, we hope the situation will return to normalcy, since the residents of this area have been affect by flood water for over a week.”

Residents will be able to sanitise their houses once the situation returns to normal-

cy, since the care package included sanitation items and other useful products.

Minister Harmon said residents from Georgetown, especially those in the Albouystown area, are also faced with the same situation, so they intend to assist those residents as well.

Major parts of Georgetown were, however, not affected by flooding the minister said, and it’s all thanks to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

And even if the city is under threat by heavy rainfall and inundation, he said there is an Emergency Management System that analyses information and decides where to assist, based on the severity of the situation.

Although not a lot of villages and communities are affected by high levels of water, the minister is urging citizens to take the necessary precaution and desist from throwing litter in the drains.

Omela Persaud shows where the water level is in her yard

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

GWI commissions laboratory

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--at Rose Hall water treatment plant THE Guyana Water Inc on Thursday commissioned a mini laboratory at the Rose Hall Town Water Treatment Plant to aid in the distribution of quality water, in compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

The lab, which was built at the cost of approximately $4M, will service four treatment plants in the Region and 26 pump stations.

GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles while delivering the feature address, alluded to GWI’s mission of providing not only potable water but safe drinking water, and with the lab in place they can collect samples to be able to verify and prove that water is safe via testing in the labs.

“The test we have done

so far, we can say to you that the results are of the parameters set out by the World Health Organisation,” Dr Van-West Charles said, adding: “Looking at the microbiology, the iron content, PH etc, it is good to say that this plant is in compliance with WHO Standards, so the residents receiving water from this plant can safely drink the water from the tap.”

He said that with the lab in place, testing will be done on a daily basis to ensure that the water is safe. He said, too, that the results will be made available to the public via the company’s ‘App’, which was due to be launched on Friday for public scrutiny and information.

“What has happened, in terms of strategy, we

The laboratory that was commissioned at the GWI water treatment plant at Rose Hall

City Mayor, Ms Patricia Chase-Green (centre) is assisted by GWI’s Dr.Van-West Charles (far left), Director of Operations Dwayne Shako, Regional Manager Jawaharlall Ramjug, and Quality Analyst Amelena Squieres (far right) to cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the laboratory

have started intensely in setting up a series of laboratories across the country, beginning with Shelter Belt, which tests the water on an hourly basis, because Georgetown is so different from so many other bases which takes surface water,” Dr Van-West Charles said.

“So we have to ensure the water we are putting out is well treated and is safe. For us to be able to know that, we must have laboratories in place.”

Added to that, he said the GWI will be placing emphasis on schools across the country to ensure that water accessed by the children is safe.

And a collaborative effort

with the Ministry of Education will intensify work in the hinterland, to ensure equity in terms of all the parameters for development.

As to quality control, Dr Van-West Charles said that GWI is currently in the process of getting national certification for its main laboratory, and is also making steps for ISO certification early next year.

As a backup to ensure safe drinking water for all, plans are also afoot to establish a reference laboratory to cross-check the samples and results done by the mini labs.

Meanwhile, Divisional Manager Jawaharalall Ramjug said the establishment of

the lab is a significant step for operations of the company in Berbice and will help boost the quality of water provided in the region and make it easier to have WHO standard quality water available to Berbicians in a shorter period of time.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Patricia Chase-Green in her remarks noted that spending $4M on establishing the lab does not underscore the real value it brings to the region, since its establishment will aid in identifying and treating many water borne disease to its thousands of customers, and four water treatment plants in the region.

RSS ends humanitarian mission to Dominica BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) on Friday ended its humanitarian mission to Dominica, just over three months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.

The Category Five hurricane swept over the island on September 18, killing at least 29 people, and leaving behind billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure, destroying an estimated 90 per cent of the housing stock, and downing power lines.

Troops from the RSS, including the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), had been on the island since September 20, providing relief supplies and rendering assistance in law enforcement, among other areas.

They returned here on board the Barbados Coast

Guard vessel, HMBS Leonard C Banfield, which made the initial voyage, and were greeted by BDF Chief of Staff, Colonel Glyne Grannum.

“Your contribution has been significant, valued and highly appreciated, especially given your last effort, the last chapter, in which you lot would have sacrificed Christmas and a significant portion of the holiday season with your families, your loved ones, in order to render service and to do what was required to help Dominica back on its feet,” Grannum told the troops.

Noting that rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, even though the RSS members have returned home, Colonel Grannum said: “The main lesson learned at this stage from the last rotation is that we have to

endure into the future, and we have to continue to help Dominica.

“The troops may be back home safely with their families, deservedly with their loved ones, but we need to continue to help Dominica in the months, and I suspect, in the years ahead.”

Grannum visited the troops in Dominica on Christmas Day, as part of the annual visit to the island’s military bases. He told reporters that the assistance of regional troops was critical to the recovery efforts, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Said he: “Because, with the best will in the world, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force they were stretched. They were working long hours, and they themselves suffered losses at home, where they needed

the augmentation for specific periods to help them rehabilitate.

“And in that regard, though not on this rotation, I must point out the contribution of the Royal Barbados Police Force and indeed our own Barbados Fire Service. Those were significant contributions to helping Dominica get to where it is today, the 29th of December, and indeed going forward, a signal as to how we can continue to help the process and to help the country.

“We (BDF) remain one of the leading member states of the Regional Security System, and in that responsibility is the Barbados Defence Force to maintain a level of commitment to the security alliance.

“And that would mean if they require assistance in

terms of operations, relief, reinforcement to their police force or their disaster response mechanism, that we would be willing to step up and to redeploy persons to help in particular cases.

“Of course, we are also backed, and are reinforced by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) mechanism, to be able to assist with disaster mitigation planning.”

Grannum said such planning is all the more critical, given that the next hurricane season begins in the next six months.

“So, going forward, we are determined to continue to assist Dominica, as is required, with specific items, and to include wider readiness within the RSS and within the CDEMA mechanisms for our regional effort.

“And we ourselves in Barbados, we need to be ready; there’s nothing that says we can’t be affected to the scale or worse than Dominica, so we need to take a particular consciousness, awareness and readiness to getting ready for severe weather systems like hurricanes.”

According to Grannum, this state of readiness should not be confined to the military, but should also involve the wider society.

“Being ready is really a change in behaviour; it is a complex scale of activities involving not just us in the military, but communities, what they can do to develop plans for looking after vulnerable persons, it involves … taking care of the environment, it involves supporting those who go into harm’s way,” he said.

Suspects granted bail

ranks that the gas bottle belonged to Williams, and that he’s hired him.

A confrontation was held between the men and the police, at which point

–– in Christmas Eve coke-in-gas-bottle bust

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday released two men on $300,000 bail each after reportedly being caught on Christmas Eve trafficking over 143 pounds of cocaine during a recent police bust at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Damion Williams, 33, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, and Vaughn Anderson, 30, of Budhoo Housing Scheme, Parika denied the

joint charge when it was read to them.

Particulars of the charge allege that the pair, on December 24 at Budhoo Housing Scheme, had 65.027 kilograms of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Williams’ attorney, George Thomas during an application for bail told the court that his client is a boat captain, and was given a gas

cylinder to transport by a Spanish man.

However, Anderson’s attorney, Mark Waldron explained that his client owns a transportation service and was hired by Williams to take him from Parika to Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore objected to the men being released on bail, citing that sufficient reason was not raised for them to be granted

pre-trial liberty.

The magistrate nevertheless released the men on bail on condition that they report to the Leonora Police Station every Friday. The matter has also been transferred to the Leonora Magistrate’s Court for January 23.

According to a police report, an intelligence-led operation conducted by ranks of the Force’s Narcotics Branch on Christmas Eve led to Anderson’s arrest.

Vaughn Anderson Police said the operation was conducted between 14:00 to 16:30hrs, and that the drug was found in Anderson’s car trunk concealed in a gas cylinder.

In the suspect’s presence, the enforcement officials, who were commanded by a Gazetted Officer, cut open the cylinder and found the illicit substance.

Anderson had told the

Damion Williams Williams admitted to receiving the cylinder from a Spanish man to transport from Parika to Georgetown.

Bartica men found guilty, fined –– for various traffic offences

TWO minibus operators were on Friday charged and appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for Breach of Insurance and permitting breach of insurance respectively.

Orin Alert and Kerwin Deane, both of Bartica, were arrested on December 16, pleaded guilty, and fined $25,000 each.

Alert, 35, of Lot 24 Fifth Avenue, Bartica was also suspended from driving for the next six months, whilst Deane, 26, of 1½ Miles Potato Road, Bartica has been suspended from driving for 12 months.

Alert was found driving minibus BVV 4872 when his name was not on the insurance, while Deane, who is the designated driver of the vehicle, allowed Alert to drive it, knowing that his name was not on the insurance policy.

Meanwhile, Steve King, 35, a miner of Lot 32, Sixth Avenue, Bartica was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol on December 23, while driving motorcar PTT 25.

He pleaded guilty, was fined $7,500 and had his license suspended for 12 months.

In February, King was charged with the same offence, was fined, and had his driver’s licence endorsed.

Kerwin Deane

Steve King

Orin Alert

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Windies crash Mitchell Santner supported with an unbeaten 23 at the end while seamers Brathwaite (2-38) and Jerome Taylor (2-41) were among the wicket-takets.

The latest defeat was the sixth for West Indies in recent weeks following on from clean sweeps in the two-Test series and the three-match one-day rubber.

Their start was a bright one when Taylor pinned Martin Guptill lbw for five with as many on the board in the second over, but Phillips and Taylor then combined in an 86-run, second-wicket stand to take control of the innings.

The 21-year-old Phillips faced 40 balls and struck four fours and two sixes to mark his maiden T20I half-century while Munro blasted six fours and a pair of sixes off 37 deliveries.

Nurse eventually accounted for Munro to a catch at long on by Brathwaite in the 12th over

Continued from page 27

before leg-spinner Samuel Badree had Phillips bowled, missing a slog sweep in the 14th over.

In all, five wickets tumbled for 40 runs in 31 balls as the Windies stalled the hosts’ momentum but seamer Kesrick Williams then conceded 25 runs in the final over, to let the Black Caps off the hook.

Required to score at nearly 9-1/2 per over, West Indies wilted early. Chris Gayle departed for 12 in the third over, brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Phillips running back and then diving to hold the left-hander’s spiralling top-edge.

Off the very next delivery, Chadwick Walton (7) drove Rance to Anaru Kitchen at cover, to leave the Windies struggling at 19 for two.

Fletcher and Shai Hope (15) then rebuilt the innings in a 42-run, third-wicket stand, temporarily halting the slide and offering hope of a Windies resurgence.

The right-handed Fletcher looked in good touch, striking three fours and an extra cover-driven six in a 25-ball knock while Hope, on his T20I debut, consumed 17 balls and managed a single boundary.

We s t I n d i e s ’ f i n a l decline started when Fletcher missed a charge at leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and was stumped in the 10th over and Jason Mohammed following in the next over for three, slicing Bracewell to Ross Taylor at point.

When Hope pulled Bracewell to Munro at mid-wicket two balls later in the same over, West Indies had lost three wickets for six runs in the space of 10 deliveries to slip to 67 for five.

Brathwaite slammed a pair of sixes in a brief 14-ball stay but once he picked out Tom Bruce at long-onn off Southee, all realistic hopes of a Windies victory also perished.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Windies crash to T20 loss

Chris Gayle

(CMC) – West Indies were once again well below par as they crashed to a 47-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 International here yesterday, to extend their

wretched losing streak on the current tour.

Chasing a challenging 188 at Saxton Oval, the Caribbean side’s batting crumbled yet again, and they could only muster

140 all out with six balls remaining.

Andre Fletcher topscored with 27, captain Carlos Brathwaite struck 21 and Ashley Nurse, 20 not out, but the Windies

SCOREBOARD

never came to terms with a demanding run chase and lost wickets regularly.

They were torn apart by seamers Seth Rance (3-30) and Tim Southee (3-36) who both claimed three wickets apiece while medium pacer Doug Bracewell finished with two for 10.

Glenn Phillips had earlier top-scored with 55 and Colin Munro chipped in with 53 as the Black Caps racked up 187 for seven off their 20 overs after they were sent in.

NEW ZEALAND innings M. Guptill lbw b Taylor 5 C. Munro c Brathwaite b Nurse 53 G. Phillips b Badree 56 T. Bruce lbw b Taylor 2 R. Taylor c Taylor b Brathwaite 20 A. Kitchen b Williams 12 M. Santner not out 23 D. Bracewell c & b Brathwaite 0 T. Southee not out 10 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, nb-4) 6 Total: (7 wkts, 20 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-91, 3-118, 4-120, 5-149, 6-153, 7-158.

Bowling: Badree 4-0-22-1, J. Taylor 4-0-41-2, Williams 4-052-1 (nb-4), Brathwaite 4-0-38-2, Nurse 4-0-32-1

Turn to page 26

WEST INDIES innings C. Walton c Kitchen b Rance 7

C. Gayle c wkp. Phillips b Rance 12 A. Fletcher stp. Phillips b Sodhi 27 S. Hope c Munro b Bracewell 15 J. Mohammed c Taylor b Bracewell 3 R Powell c Phillips b Southee 6 C. Brathwaite c Bruce b Southee 21 A. Nurse not out 20 K. Williams c Phillips b Santner 3 J. Taylor c Bruce b Southee 20 S Badree lbw b Rance 2 Extras: (lb-3, w-1) 4 Total: (all out, 19 overs) 140 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-19, 3-61, 4-66, 5-67, 6-93, 7-94, 8-103, 9-131.

Bowling: Rance 4-0-30-3 (w-1), Southee 4-0-36-3, Bracewell 2-010-2, Kitchen 1-0-10-0, Santner 4-0-21-1, Sodhi 4-0-30-1.

Result: New Zealand won by 47 runs.

Series: New Zealand lead threematch series 1-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Smith, rain cool LABA ‘Night with the Stars’ set for today down Melbourne

By Joe Chapman

(REUTERS) - A MORNING that brought two wickets for England and a sniff of a drought-breaking Ashes win gave way to a bleak afternoon for the tourists as rain washed out most of day four yesterday and left Australia well-placed to save the fourth Test.

The home side were 103 for two in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when rain interrupted play before tea and the showers lingered long enough for umpires to abandon the day without another ball bowled.

David Warner was 40 not out, with captain Steve Smith on 25 and Australia still needing another 61 runs to make England bat again.

But even with the promise of reverse swing, Joe Root’s bowlers face a big task on an unresponsive pitch to prevent Australia from batting them out of the game.

“Any time there’s a bit of rain and you’re on top in the game it’s a bit frustrating but we’ve got an opportunity tomorrow to win and that’s the attitude we’ve got to take into tomorrow,” England coach Trevor Bayliss told reporters. ”We’ve got to be very disciplined’ there’s not a lot you can do on that type of wicket.

“If we can get rid of those two guys early on tomorrow and put some pressure on the opposition late order batters, as I said, anything’s possible.”

His counterpart Darren Lehmann said the pitch was “tough work” for a new batter.” (The pitch) is getting slower,“ the coach told host broadcaster Channel Nine. ” So once you’re in, you’ve got to stay in.

“Our boys are fighting really hard. A couple of good (England) balls to get the wickets and Smith and the vice-captain (Warner) went about their work.”

With little cricket played, former Australia players and media pundits directed allegations of ball-tampering at England, with commentator Shane Warne suggesting seamer James Anderson had used his thumbnail to work on the ball.

Umpires warned both teams not to “scuff” the ball during the match but no reports were made to the match referee.

“It’s a beat-up,” said Bayliss.

“As soon as I saw the headlines I raced into the umpires and that was their words.”

Australia regained the Ashes after the third Test in

Perth and hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series but England had hopes of cracking a first win after Alastair Cook’s unbeaten 244 propelled them to a first-innings lead of 164.

They had resumed on 4919 in the morning but were unable to extend their total, with tail-ender Anderson dismissed first ball by paceman Pat Cummins, fending a catch straight to Cameron Bancroft at short leg.

That left former captain Cook unbeaten on his overnight score, a record total among openers who have carried their bat through an innings.

Australia’s second innings began brightly on a cloudy but dry morning, with England losing a review for a caught-behind decision when opener Bancroft played at a Tom Curran ball in the seventh over.

However, the tourists’ seamers struck twice to leave Australia wobbling at 65-2 before Warner and Smith showed patience and poise in their unbroken stand of 38.

All-rounder Chris Woakes made the early breakthrough, bowling Bancroft for 27, with Anderson having number three Usman Khawaja caught behind for 11.

A ‘NIGHT with the Stars’ is planned for this evening, where ‘Basketball meets Fashion and Awards Promotion’.

The event is being hosted by the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) in collaboration with Bankers Trust Falcons and others at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

An exhibition match, Linden versus Georgetown clash will see Ravens out of Georgetown face Linden champions Victory Valley Royals.

The opening basketball match will showcase the best junior players from Linden where an east Mackenzie side will face the might of the west Wismar line-up from 19.00hrs.

That will be followed by several awards being distributed to some of Linden’s brightest stars in the field of sports. Topping that list will be this promotion’s Sportsman-of-the-Year Daniel Wil-

liams and Sportswoman-ofthe-Year Chantoba Bright.

Also scheduled to collect accolades are Carifta Games gold medallist over 100 metres Compton Caesar and South American 400-metre champion DeShanna Skeete, among others.

These two very outstanding athletes ensured with others that District 10 remained the athletics hot spot in Guyana by retaining the National Championships recently.

They will be joined by some of the brightest prospects in Linden basketball which should include Yannick Tappin, one of Guyana’s top basketball player Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai, Harold Adams who achieved the record of scoring 111 points earlier this year in a single LABA league game.

There will also be the designs of uniforms and clothing on display from two of Linden leading designers, Ms Setra O’Selmo and Crystal Lam, along with the honouring of a number of

persons who have continued to excel sports and education in the mining town over the years.

The Amelia’s Ward South Stars cricket side, male and female Linden cyclists are all to be given recognition tonight.

A number of coaches including Abdulla Hamid, Johnny Gravesande and Ann Gordon, and Guyana’s lone FIBA referee over the past ten years, Sherwyn Henry, will also be honoured.

Also on the list are companies like Bosai Minerals Group, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl Trading and Ramesh Trophy Stall among others. A number of radio and television personalities will also be given recognition when the full list is announced tonight.

President of LABA, Lawrence Simon, promised that this will be an annual promotion to cap the season for the association. He noted that many persons who did not make the cut this year will likely be so honoured next year.

runs at an average of 24, representing the second series this year in foreign conditions where he struggled to get among the runs, following on from a dismal summer tour of England.

In that three-Test tour Chase gathered a paltry 80 runs from six innings, but noted he had found the notorious English conditions challenging.

thing like that; it’s just that I didn’t get runs.

“I felt great at the wicket when I was batting but I just didn’t get big runs, even though I was thankful for the half-century in the last innings which give me a bit of confidence knowing I could score runs in foreign conditions.”

His tournament-leading 403 runs at an average of 100.75 in the three-Test series against Pakistan in the Caribbean a few month ag was the highlight of Chase’s year.

He plundered hundreds in the second Test in his native Barbados and in the final match in Dominica.

That form led to his callup to the one-day side, though he lasted a mere eight matches before being dropped after scoring only 68 runs in six innings.

But with series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at home and then tours of India and Bangladesh to follow later in the year, Chase says he is intent on making his mark with heavy scoring.

“I need to work on my batting, obviously my bowling as well, but I think next year seeing that I am more experienced now, I will be looking for a thousand runs next year,” said the 25-year-old.

“I think that would be a good objective for me to reach. Also I would like to get back in the ODI team, and I will be working hard towards that next year.”

Chase not unfazed by short ball (CMC) – WEST Indies batsman Roston Chase says New Zealand’s strategy of shortpitched bowling in the recent Test series had not been a major issue for him but believes he can still improve significantly in that area of his game.

The right-hander recently returned from the tour where West Indies suffered a 2-0 clean sweep, losing the first Test by an innings and 67 runs and the second by 240 runs – both inside four days.

Left-arm pacers Neil Wagner and Trent Boult proved the undoing of the Windies, employing the short ball to good effect to rattle the visitors in both Tests.

“It (rising delivery) was a bit challenging earlier on in my career and against Pakistan I had some issues with it; against England, I had some issues with it but I thought in the New Zealand series, the batting coach Toby Radford and I did a lot of work on it,” Chase told Barbados Today online newspaper.

“We worked on different ways to play the delivery in order to get around it and it has helped me a lot. I feel a lot more comfortable playing it, even though I haven’t yet mastered it.”

Chase managed just one half-century on the tour, 64 in the second innings of the final Test in Hamilton with the Windies set a world-record 444 for victory.

Overall, he mustered 99

West Indies batsman Roston Chase eyeing big runs next year

“They always say in England your first tour is a tough tour and the ball was doing a bit more and much later than usual in my natural Caribbean conditions, so that was the main challenge for me with the bat,” said Chase.

“So I think it was a learning experience for me there and my aim is to move forward.”

He continued: “In New Zealand I wouldn’t say the conditions were as tough as in England but the ball was still doing a bit. Nothing that I haven’t seen before because I wasn’t out of form or any-

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Guyana Cup rematch postponed THE Guyana Cup rematch scheduled for Sunday has been postponed, according to information from the organising committee yesterday.

A member from the committee informed Chronicle Sport that the venue, the Rising Sun Turf Club, is currently not conducive to racing due to the current inclement weather.

A new date will be an-

nounced once there is a break in the weather.

The member further noted that there will be no changes to the original programme. According to the programme eight races are listed with over $7M in cash prizes up for grabs.

The feature event for animals classified D2 and Lower over 1800m has the top winning take of $1M. The other events on the

eight-race card include a 1400m race for horses classified E1 and Lower West Indies-bred non-earners for 2016 and E3 U.S .and Canada-bred non-winners for 2016 as well and carry a first prize of $600 000.

There will also be a 1400m race for four-yearold West Indies-bred and animals classified G3 and Lower with a winning purse worth $300 000.

Horses classified H and Lower will battle for a winning purse of $275 000 over an 1100m distance.

Three-year-old West Indies-bred and I1 and Lower horses will cover 1400m for a $225 000 first prize.

Three-year-old West Indies-bred maiden horses will cover a distance of 1100m for a first prize of $220 000.

An event for three- and

four-year-old Guyana-bred maiden horses over 1100m carries a first prize of $200 000.

J2 and K Class event has a first prize tagged at $175 000 and a trophy over a 1100m distance.

Animals classified L and Lower will compete in a 1100m race which carries a first prize worth $130 000.

The top jockey and run-

ner-up as well as the top stable and trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives, compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

For further information, persons can contact Fazal Habibulla on 657-7010 or 232-0232, Donald Lawrie on 2254530, Campton Sancho 602-1567 or Chattergoon Ramnauth on 697-1979.

UCCA/Roy Baijnauth 20/20 competition

Twenty-three clubs attend drawing, registration process SECRETARIES, managers and captains of 23 clubs in the Upper Corentyne area attended the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association’s (UCCA) official launching of the Roy Baijnauth’s 20/20 competition.

Held at the #73 Village Cricket Club on Thursday, the attending clubs were the #43 Scorpions, #48 Challengers, #59 Youth & Sports Club, the Yakasari Caribs, #68, #69 Vikings, #64 Fighting Marines, Guns & Roses, #72 All Stars, #77 Sports Club, Crabwood Creek Sports Club, #71 Cricket Club and #70 Cricket Club.

Also in the mix are the #70 MYO, Bomb Squad, All Family, #70 Young Blood, #73 Young Warriors, #72 Cut & Load, Skeldon Super Kings, Skeldon Titans, Scotsburg Cricket Club, and #69 Red Rose.

The clubs all acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the Executive body of the UCCA, headed by the president Mr Hamant Jagdeo.

They are of the view that this kind of competition will definitely boost the morale of all the budding cricketers in the area.

The president,, in his opening remarks to the large gathering of clubs, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the huge outpouring of support he has received from the clubs. He assured them that this competition is just one of many that the UCCA will be hosting for the development of cricket in the area.

He pointed out that cricket will be played at all levels, and in every corner of the Upper Corentyne area.

Mr Vadanand Sugrim, secretary of the UCCA, in

his presentation, declared that the Association will spare no efforts in ensuring that all clubs are involved, and empowered.

He said that the competition at hand, the Roy Baijnauth 20/20, will be of a high standard, properly monitored and administered. The Association will provide balls and qualified Umpires for all the games in all the rounds of the competition, Cash incentives and trophies will be given to deserving teams. A monitoring committee will be set up to gather statistics, and other data to compile player profiles in the area.

The fixtures are as follows: #72 Cut & Load vs. #59 YSC, Scotsburg vs. #68, Guns & Roses vs #70 CC, #70 MYO vs #64 Fighting Marines, All Family

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday December 30, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) NZ 3 - WI 0 (2) Trent Boult Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the recent ODI series against NZ? (2) Who scored most runs for NZ? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

vs Yakasari Caribs, Bomb Squad vs #72 All Star, Skeldon Super Kings vs #77 Sports Club, #69 Red Rose vs #48 Challengers, #70 Young Blood vs#43 Scorpions, #73 Young Warriors vs Crabwood Creek Sports

Club, Skeldon Titans vs #77 Cricket Club. #69 Vikings drew bye to the next round of the competition.

The competition is scheduled for January 7, 2018 at venues across the Upper Corentyne area. The

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association will use this competition to assess all clubs in the area, and identify players for its senior team.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Berbician Laurindo Prince looking forward to his 2018 season

Laurindo Prince (second from left) along with Earl Lucas, Tevin Garraway and Owen Adonis at the Penn Relays earlier this year, where they clocked a national record in the sprint medley relay

NINETEEN-year-old Laurindo Prince is into basketball, cricket, table tennis and volleyball, but lately he has really been working on his ability in athletics.

His pet events are the 400m and 800m, while to a lesser extent the 200m.

Although Prince has been involved in sports since the age of 15 years, starting with basketball, it was only in 2015 that he got started in athletics. He has since evolved into one of Guyana’s better junior quarter-milers.

Despite being involved in so many other sports, Prince was both surprised and impressed by his pace of development in athletics, and decided to make it his main focus.

“It’s based on progress, and I started running from nothing and within a short space of time, I was developing fast and going places,” Prince shared.

“I use the other sports as side-training for athletics. We don’t have proper training facilities, so if the rain falls I use the other sports to upkeep my fitness Prince recently clocked a personal best of 48.61s at the National Schools Championships. Although it was not the sub-48 seconds he was hoping for, it nonetheless showed marked improvements from the 50s timings he was running just earlier this year.

Hailing from the town

of New Amsterdam, Prince is one of a few athletes from Berbice who have been developing particularly since the establishment of the Super Upcoming Runners Athletics Club opened a Berbice branch.

Athletics in Berbice has seen interests grown significantly over the past few years, noticeably since last year, when athletes made headlines after a few overseas-based Guyanese took a group of little-known athletes to the prestigious Penn Relays.

When another group of Berbicians ventured to the event again this year, Prince was given a chance to be a part of the New Amsterdam technical team that attended

the US-based event.

His team was not able to medal in their 4x400m event, due to another athlete being injured. However, some other Guyanese who were participating at the event were impressed enough with Prince’s performance to ask him to be a part of their sprint medley team. He joined Owen Adoinis, Tevin Garraway, and Earl Lucas to go on to set a new national record in the sprint medley (220mx200mx400mx800m) of 3:44.70s.

“I was really happy and excited and it gave me a chance to go and compete in the same category with a lot of big names. Probably the biggest part of my career,”

Laurindo Prince

Prince said.

Prince was given the chance to stay in the U.S. and train with Guyanese-based athletics coach Akanni Daniels. He continued to develop on his times and attracted the interest of at least one US-based college. However, he was told if he was interested in a scholarship he would need to get his timings down below 48 seconds.

Prince returned home to participate in the South American Junior Championships but after suffering an injury he finished sixth in the 400m.

“It hurt me a lot knowing that I normally perform on top, win week after week.

And knowing that when it really mattered I couldn’t

perform, it really hurt me.

But it motivated me more to press even harder. One error isn’t going to hold me back.

And I haven’t been running long like everybody else, since I only started running in 2015,” he said.

Using the loss as a stepping-stone Prince decided to move on and continue his development.

“So I went back to the U.S. and started my training for school nationals. Then in September 2017 I got enrolled in New Amsterdam Technical Institute and started in my pursuit to Nationals.”

Now with his 48 seconds that much closer in sight, Prince is looking forward to his 2018 season.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 30, 2017

Corona pulls out of GFF Super 16 tournament

Flashback! Top Brandz Distributors’ Marketing Manager Marvin Wray makes the presentation of the sponsor’s cheque to GFF president Wayne Forde, while some members of the participating teams look on. (Delano Williams photo) THE Top Brandz partner- a simple press conference, sibly could to have that in of St Vincent - set to coin- sad and heavy heart because or the sport fraternity, come ship under Corona Beer it was stated that there will place; we’ve tried to do as cide with their mandate.

Popcaan is also a personal visit us at Top Brandz and brand will no longer be be no such event on New much as we could, but the “We will consider foot- favourite of mine. We want we can work something out associated with the Guy- Year’s Day. partnership that we had, it ball as our main source of to give you the Guyanese because at the end of the ana Football Federation’s “Everything did not fall has not materialise on some spreading this beer; we will public the best that you can day we believe that the fu(GFF) ‘Super 16’ Year-end into place, some matters ends. We are forced now to work closely with smaller get. We want to give you ture depends on you,” Wray tournament. came up that could not have remove ourselves from this organisations and the GFF value for your dollar and highlighted.

At the press conference validated our presence in event.” in the future but immedi- if we believe at some time Top Brandz had initialto announce their alliance, the organisation of the event According to Wray, de- ately at the moment, as it is, or the other things will not ly agreed to pay 50% of Marvin Wray, the compa- anymore,” said Wray at a spite Top Brandz pulling we will not be taking further generate in a certain direc- Popcaan’s fee and the GFF ny’s Corona Beer Brand gathering of reporters. their sponsorship, their part- part in the tournament,” tion, we have to take a step would fulfil the other 50% Manager, had announced He added, “We (Top nership with GFF, the com- Wray added. back and give you what you of the expenses to bring that Jamaican Dancehall Brandz) had promised you pany remains committed to According to the Corona deserve.” the artiste to Guyana. sensation ‘Popcaan’ would the people of the country the development of sport, Beer Brand Manager, “We “I implore of anybody However, up to press time, be the headline act for the to bring Popcaan for the especially football, with (Top Brandz) deeply regret out there; if you have an Top Brandz maintained final and after-concert on final of the event; we have their launching of a new any issues or problems that idea or concept that you that they were ready to January 1, but yesterday, at done everything we pos- brand of beer - Hairoun out may have arisen. It is with a think can benefit football fulfil their obligation.

GFF opens up over Top Brandz WITH the final and third-place playoff of the GFF Super 16 Classic, set for January 1, 2018, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will have a surprise Jamaican artist as part of the post-match entertainment package and not Popcaan as was initially announced.

This change was due to budgetary constraints of the GFF to honour, in a timely manner, the payment requested by the proposed artist.

However, the GFF has secured an alternate world renowned artist who has committed to perform at the grand finale.

The promotion or identification of this new artist is embargoed due to his contractual obligations until January 1, 2018.

Wayne Forde, president of the GFF said it’s unfortunate that Popcaan is unable to be present but the new artist will provide top quality entertainment as the GFF pulls the curtain down on the first yearend tournament held.

“This is the first year for the GFF Super 16 Classic with each game exceeding expectations.

Grove Hi-Tech FC seems to be the proverbial dark horse. We are disappointed that it was not

possible to secure the additional funding for the January 1 final show.

We now have 10 months to bring off a spectacular 2018 event.”

The GFF had engaged Top Brandz Distributors, under the Corona Beer brand, as a partner to promote the entertainment for the grand finale but following the funding challenge of the initial proposed artist and GFF opting for an alternate, the company chose to withdraw its support.

The GFF is, however, optimistic that the partnership with Top Brandz Distributors will bear fruit in the new year since the opportunities

are present in football to have a mutually beneficial relationship.

The tournament, which will now be called the ‘GFF Super 16 Classic’ has a first prize of $2M, the second prize is $1M, third-place prize is $500 000 and the fourthplaced team will take away $250 000 together with football equipment including balls and cones.

The third-place and final are billed for the National Track and Field Stadium, Leonora.

T h e m a t c h e s a re scheduled for 18:00hrs and 21:00hrs with the show to follow immediately after the final.

Corona pulls out of GFF Super 16 tournament See page 31

In Happier Times: GFF president Wayne Forde (R) and Corona Beer Brand Manager Marvin Wray at the launching of the Corona Beer Super 16 tournament.

Windies crash to T20 loss See page 27

Colin Munro flashes one through the off side ŠGetty Images

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017