Guyana chronicle e paper 12 05 2017

‘Don’t beat up on Exxon’ …Greenidge cautions citizens

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Tough penalties No. 105117

TUESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…for drug procurement saboteurs – Min Cummings says drug shortage cry is over

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Region 10 gets record $3.4B allocation Page 14

…MP says key sectors for major improvements

Woman found stabbed to death Page 11

Four members of the Bishops’ High School Choir took time out during the Marriott Hotel Christmas Tree Light-up Monday evening to strike a pose for our Senior Photographer Samuel Maughn. The students joined scores of others as the hotel ushered in the yuletide season at its Kingston, Georgetown location

Blanhum posted to ‘A’ Division

■ Page 10

‘He bin tell she he gon kill she’ Page 15

– relatives in Williamsburg murder-suicide say

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

‘Not a fat-cat measure’ …Min Gaskin defends budget as people-centred

By Ariana Gordon Undaunted by criticisms about the state of the country’s economy Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin said the 2018 estimates is a “good-natured budget” and not “a fat cat measure.”

“It is a people-focused budget,” he declared while noting that his sector is doing as much as it could to ensure that businesses have the support needed to be successful.

Gaskin made the comments when he addressed the National Assembly during the opening day of the budget debate.

In fact, the minister disclosed that with the implementation of the much-anticipated electronic single window system of which $10M has been allocated from the government’s capital budget there would be an inter-agency approach to applying for government services. He explained that the entire project costs some $21.2M and will be funded by an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan.

“The system is intended to automate and enhance the flow of information between

businesses and regulatory agencies resulting in a more efficient and less concerted system for obtaining various approvals from government,” Gaskin said during the opening day of the 2018 budget debates on Monday.

He said applications for licences and permits can be made in one single electronic window where approvals can also be obtained after logging on. Gaskin explained that it prevents applicants from having to submit the same information several times to government agencies. “One submission and it moves through the entire system,” he told the National Assembly while noting that such a system reduces corruption “because it reduces the opportunity for interference”.

The system will also record any instance of interference. That aside, other initiatives are being put in place by the Ministry of Business to ensure that there is an ease of doing business here.

The IDB will be assisting the government with $10M which will see work being done in the area of access to credit through the establishment of a secure transaction

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin

machine aimed at making it easier to access credit using movable assets.

A modern electronic registry for registering movable property will also be established while, the Ministry of Business will partner with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and the City Engineer’s Department to work on building permits. An application process that is both time bound and efficient will be implemented.

Additionally, in a bid to support the country’s export

competitiveness strategy, some $200M has been allocated for 2018 to improve our national quality infrastructure. To this end, the enforcement of quality standards will guarantee that all exports leaving Guyana meet the international standards to be sold on the world market.

Minister Gaskin pointed too to the Small Business Development Fund which would serve as a revolving loan fund to address the needs of businesses that haven’t met the requirements of the traditional banking system. “The effective implementation of a sustainable revolving fund will limit the erosion of the Fund’s capital- this would be achieved by the careful screening of the applicants prior to referral to the programme,” Gaskin stated, while noting that a frequent review of the Fund will also prove effective.

That aside, the Minister expressed much surprise at the parliamentary opposition’s fray over the 2018 budget which was presented last Monday. He told the National Assembly that he sees a totally different picture. According to him, his administration has worked assiduously to ensure that

Where is the good life?

DESCRIBING the 2018 National Budget as a “slip and slide,” opposition parlia-

mentarian, Irfaan Ali, who opened the debates on Monday, said the estimates is out of touch with the ordinary citizen and that the promised good life is still elusive.

“This budget is devoid of any measure to rescue the ailing economy or improve the wellbeing of our people,” said Ali, a former Minister of Housing. He told the House in a passionate presentation that the ‘good life’ as proffered by the coalition government will not be a reality in the future.

Speaking about the country’s economic performance over the past two and a half years, Ali told the House that “the economy has lost its vibrancy since 2015 and continues to limp along towards the elusive ‘good life’ concept.”

“Mr. Speaker, the suboptimal performance of our economy is not accidental, but may be attributed to poor policy decisions and gross mismanagement by APNU-AFC government that caused our traditional sectors to under-

the people of Guyana benefit. Minister Gaskin spoke to the changes to the personal income tax where a person who was employed for part of a year can now claim and benefit from a tax refund of a minimum of $720,000.

It means that the tax deduced by the employer and remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be

Opposition Parliamentarian, Joe Hamilton

refunded to those employees whose income did not reach $720,000. The new relief is aimed at assisting low income earners who may be unable to work for the entire year.

“This measure speaks to the ordinary man, woman,

worker and lets them know our government is fair and considerate and wants the best for them,” the business minister stated.

Additionally, the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on low-cost housing units below $6.5M is a measure which he said targets young and ordinary working persons to ensure they can become homeowners.

Meanwhile, the contention by Gaskin was refuted by opposition member Joe Hamilton. Hamilton in his 20 minutes presentation before the House called on the administration to show progress in all sectors. In fact, he accused the administration of making false promises to Guyanese. He said the people of Guyana will be the judge of the coalition government’s performance come 2020 when the next national election will be held. “What are you doing in the tourism sector?” Hamilton asked Gaskin, who also has responsibility for tourism.

“You’re doing nothing!” he declared, while stressing that the APNU+AFC coalition government failed to deliver on its promise of ‘the good life’.

– Irfaan Ali questions

Opposition MP, Irfaan Ali

perform,” he stated. According to the opposition MP, Budget 2018 lacks creativity and provides no hope for citizens, while noting that Guyana is on a “slippery pathway to the green concept— the good lie and not a good life.”

Turning his attention to inflation, Ali said the slowdown in the economy has resulted in consumers having to cope with rising prices for food, media and personal care along with education. “Where is the good life, where is the improvement in the economy…government has underperformed, government has failed to deliver to the Guy-

anese people,” he declared as his colleagues supported him. He reminded the House that it was the coalition government which promised the electorate that it would weed out corruption and guarantee transparency while in office.

He said in analyzing the information presented by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, in his 2018 budget speech, the economy posted suboptimal growth rates for 2017 as a result of what he believes to be the inability of the APNU-AFC government to formulate policies to rescue the ailing export sectors.

Ali said too that the prices for food, housing, transportation, medical and personal care, education, recreation, and culture increased markedly due to the tax measures introduced in 2017.

“Our overall external balance of payments has deteriorated and resulted in significant depletion of our gross international reserves and import cover,” he stated while opining that the proposed measures in Budget 2018 are “woefully inadequate and can only generate the suboptimal results.” “There is little in the budget 2018 to revive the key export sectors, diversify our economic base, or improve the wellbeing of the average Guyanese, especially vulnerable groups such as single parents, youths, pensioners,” Ali concluded.

Tough penalties 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

By Alva Solomon

DRUG procurement at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has been brought under control and harsh penalties await anyone with deliberate attempts to stymie the process.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings who told the National Assembly during her presentation on the 2018 Budget debate on Monday evening, that the government has “toiled and wrestled with the beast called procurement”.

As she noted the efforts of the Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, she said that the industry’s best practices which were implemented by the agency are designed to ensure good governance and leadership, mixed

…for drug procurement saboteurs - Min Cummings says drug shortage cry is over

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings during her presentation in the National Assembly on Monday evening (Adrian Narine photo)

with accountability, fairness, balance and transparency.

She cautioned, however, that much has to be done and more changes are to be made, but noted that the “perennial “cry of drug shortage will no longer reverberate across the country.

According to Dr Cummings, a “last mile” distribution system is being pursued and this will see commodities being delivered in a timely manner. ”The people of Guyana will not be allowed to suffer because of procurement issues at the Ministry of Public Health,” she told parliamentarians.

“And may I sound the bell, any deliberate attempt to stymie the procurement pro-

cess at the Ministry of Public Health will be met with harsher penalties, “ Dr Cummings added.

The ministry has a newly-established procurement department, the Materials Management Unit, which is headed by a manager who overlooks trained staff members at the unit, Minister Cummings noted.

Speaking on the overall efforts of the ministry, she said that although the system may not be perfect, the ministry continues to make gains despite the challenges which exist. She said that with the 2018 budgetary allocation and help from international donors and partners, the ministry is devoted to reforming

and transforming the health sector in Guyana into a world class entity that utilises evidence- based medical best practices to serve Guyanese.

An upbeat Minister Cummings said that the ministry will ensure that it provides quality management at every tier of the public health care system and, the agency will apply quality management systems in a coordinated manner, to ensure it is of an uncompromising quality. She said the $33B allocation for 2018 will buttress the efforts of the MOPH. The issue of drug procurement has been on the front burner this year. In May, Minister Lawrence noted that in the past, the

procurement and ordering of drugs were not properly forecasted or catered for.

She cited as an example, an excess amount of drugs will be purchased for 20, 000 cancer patients when only 5, 000 patients are actually in the region. The excess amount of drugs can be left to expire or spoil if not properly stored. “There were no records for the consumption, so you were just buying… So the ordering was being done on assumption and not based on consumption, and we have tried to remedy that as far as possible,” the minister added.. At the time, too, Minister Lawrence noted that the MOPH had revised drug-procurement system which will help resolve the issue of drug shortage throughout the country.

Burton bats for faster Internet speed PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Gillian Burton-Persaud said while progress has been made in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), much more needs to be done.

She told the National Assembly during the budget debates on Monday that ICT is critical for the country’s development and job creation. Young entrepreneurs, she posited, can utilise the Internet to market their products, produce and services, emphasising that the wider world should have a taste of Guyanese food, culture, goods and services. To allow for effective marketing, the PPP Parliamentarian made a case out for faster Internet speed and a reliable supply of electricity.

With such systems in place, Burton-Persaud argued that mothers would be able work form the comfort of their homes, especially in the evening, in their quest to acquire additional finances to complement their regular jobs.

“Many of us know that persons work night duty to get their lil overtime, to pay Courts and Singers, to pay

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott

their light bill, to pay their children school bus fee, to pay for after care and even day care, how can they get that extra money if they don’t work night. So they might very well want to utilise their skills work the day and work from the comfort from their homes,” the PPP MP contended. Burton-Persaud opined that major emphasis was not placed on ICT in the 2018 Budget.

However, contrary to

Burton-Persaud’s position on the ICT Sector, Government just last week disclosed that it is in the process of securing funding of US$37.6 million, to implement the first phase of its Smart Guyana programme-a national broadband initiative to expand the e-Government network come 2018.

As part of the programme, the administration will upgrade the existing LTE network, and construct data centres, provide capacity building, outfit smart classrooms and eLibraries, launch eHealth solutions for remote health care services, and increase closed circuit television capacities towards a Safe City solution. Some $2.3B has been set aside in the 2018 budget for the Safe City Solution initiative.

In addition, a further US$17 million has been earmarked to ensure that vulnerable groups and far-flung hinterland communities are provided with the necessary infrastructure, hardware and software that will enable access to high quality ICT, training and e-services.

Implementation of this project is anticipated to commence in 2018 and, on completion, will see over 89,000

residents, in approximately 170 communities, having access to over 200 eGovernment ICT hubs.

HUNDREDS OF JOBS Meanwhile, also joining the debate was Minister responsible for labour Keith

PPP Member of Parliament, Gillian Burton-Persaud

Scott who said that hundreds of jobs will be created this year. With youth development in mind, he said, Government in the 2018 Budget has allocated $1.7B for a number of initiatives that would either create much needed jobs or equip the young population with much needed skills to be job-ready. These pro-

grammes include the Youths Involvement Project of Guyana (YIPOG), Youths Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) and Hinterland Employment and Youths Scheme (HEYS).

“The budget provides for the unleashing of the energies and creativity of the youths on whose shoulders the development of this nation rests. A variety of programmes were crafted to ensure that youths attain the relevant skill sets required for the job market,” Minister Scott told Parliament on both sides of the House.

It was revealed that the sum of $150 million will be allocated to the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme to further promote and develop co-operative societies in Hinterland regions. Additionally, a sum of US$12 million will see four Co-operative Societies being established in the Buxton, Ithaca, BV/Triumph and Mocha areas. This, he believes, will lead to the creation of over 160 jobs on a sustainable basis.

JOBS FOR SUGAR WORKERS With the Opposition Members of Parliament be-

moaning the scaling down of the ailing Sugar Industry, Minister Scott assured that the workers will not be left out in the old. It was on this note he disclosed that the Social Protection Ministry, Department of Labour is currently in discussion with the Guyana Sugar Company (GUYCUCO), which has retained the services of Norbac Consultancy, to find alternative employment for workers who will no longer be employed in the sugar industry.

He said the international consultancy firm will soon conduct a study to determine the best options for alternative employment. “Now is the right time to accommodate some of those employees who will be better off with opportunities provided beyond cutting cane,” said Scott.

Additionally, in responding to criticisms from Opposition MP, Neil Kumar in relation to Old Age Pension, Minister Scott explained that the pension was raised by 49 percent over a period of five years. He revealed that with plans to improve the quality of life for the senior citizens, a sum of $50 million has been allocated to upgrade the Palms Geriatric Home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

UK, EU fail to strike Brexit deal THE UK and EU have failed to reach an agreement to move to the next stage of Brexit talks, Theresa May has said.

The prime minister said talks would reconvene "before the end of the week", and she was "confident we will conclude this positively".

The talks are understood to have broken down after the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) refused to accept concessions on the Irish border issue.

Downing Street said that was not the only outstanding problem.

But Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar said the UK appeared to have changed its mind about an agreement over the status of the Irish border after Brexit.

"I am surprised and disappointed that the British government now appears not to be in a position to conclude what was agreed earlier today," he told a press conference in Dublin.

Mrs May is understood to have broken off from talks with European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker to speak to DUP leader, Arlene Foster.

The UK had reportedly been prepared to accept that Northern Ireland may remain in the EU's customs union and single market in all but name.

But Mrs Foster then said her party "will not accept any form of regulatory divergence" that separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. "During the call, it was made plain to the PM that the DUP had significant concerns about the deal being discussed that gave concessions to the Dublin government," said the BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg.

"I understand Mrs Foster told Theresa May that she would not be able to support such a deal.

"It's been suggested, too, that there are 20 or so Conservative MPs who had serious misgivings about the compromises that were understood to be on the table."

Northern Ireland's DUP has 10 MPs at Westminster, and their support is vital to the government.

This is because the Conservatives are without a Commons majority since June's general election, and rely on a deal with the DUP to ensure

they can survive key votes.

WHY DUP UNHAPPY DUP leader Arlene Foster said her party would not accept any Brexit deal that "separates" Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Her party's Brexit spokesman, Sammy Wilson claimed Brussels has been trying to "bounce the prime minister into acceding to the shape of a deal they want", and many of her own backbenchers would not accept it.

He said the DUP objected to the form of words used in a draft document, which he said referred to "regulatory alignment" and "no regulatory divergence" between Northern Ireland and the EU. Both phrases were "simply EU speak for keeping Northern Ireland in the European market" and "in effect, part of the United Kingdom would be kept within the single market," he said.

Asked if the DUP would pull out of the confidence and supply agreement they have with the Conservative government in Westminster over this issue, he said: "I think that her (Theresa May’s) problem isn't going to be just with the DUP."

Leo Varadkar says he wants a written guarantee that there will be no return to a "hard border" between the Republic and Northern Ireland, and this is what he thought he had gotten.

"I am surprised and disappointed that the British government now appears not to be in a position to conclude what was agreed earlier today," he said.

"I accept that the prime minister has asked for more time and I know that she faces many challenges, and I acknowledge that she is negotiating in good faith.

"But my position and that of the Irish government is unequivocal: Ireland wants to proceed to phase two.

"However, we cannot agree to do this unless we have firm guarantees that there will not be a hard border in Ireland under any circumstances."

He said it was important to listen to the DUP, but also to bear in mind the position of other parties in Northern Ireland - and it should not be forgotten that the majority in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. (BBC)

Australian MP proposes to lover in parliament

Goldstein MP, Tim Wilson (right) with his partner, Ryan Bolger

AN Australian MP has proposed to his partner during a parliamentary debate on legalising samesex marriage.

Tim Wilson's proposal to Ryan Bolger, who was sitting in the public gallery, was met with a loud "Yes!", reaffirming a commitment they made nine years ago.

The House of Representatives began debating the Bill on Monday, five days after it was passed in the Senate.

Mr Wilson is believed to be the first MP to propose on the floor of the House, officials said.

"In my first speech, I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands. They [the rings] are the answer to the question we cannot ask," an emotional Mr Wilson said in his speech.

"So there is only one thing left to do. Ryan Patrick

Tuesday December 5, 2017 - 05:00hrs

Bolger, will you marry me?"

The question drew cheers and applause. The Speaker congratulated the pair, before confirming that Mr Bolger's response had been officially recorded in Hansard.

Mr Wilson said the protracted national debate on same-sex marriage had been the "soundtrack" to their relationship.

Earlier, the government MP spoke about his own experience, growing up as a gay teenager and struggling with a stigma surrounding homosexuality.

"This Bill rams a stake into the heart of that stigma and its legacy," he said.

Mr Wilson is among 77 MPs who will speak on the Bill. A vote is likely to happen this week, unless there are significant amendments.

Conservative politicians are expected to suggest amendments to the Bill, such as additional exemptions for celebrants who refuse to marry same-sex couples. The Senate rejected such amendments in its debate last week.

Last month, Australians decisively supported samesex marriage in a national vote. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

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Relatives demand search resumes --for crew of missing Argentina ‘sub’

Protest action on Sunday on the streets of Buenos Aires

.RELATIVES of crew members of an Argentine submarine which disappeared in the southern Atlantic have criticised the government for giving up the search for survivors.

They marched through the streets of the port of Mar del Plata, demanding that the rescue effort resume.

The navy has said there is no longer any hope of finding the crew alive.

A Russian search module is scouring shapes on the sea bed which could be the wreck of the submarine.

Some family members called for President Mauricio Macri to come to the port to talk to them.

They complain that they were not advised before the

general public that the rescue mission had ended.

They have also said they want to know why they were kept in the dark for days over reports of an explosion near the submarine's last recorded location.

President Macri has promised a full investigation into what happened to answer the families' concerns.

A naval spokesman said the search for the wreckage was still taking place in the South Atlantic.

A Russian-owned unmanned remotely operated vehicle has been searching shapes detected by sonar on the sea bed.

The disaster has prompted questions over the state of the military in Argentina, which

has one of Latin America's smallest defence budgets in relation to the size of its economy.

Correspondents say there is a likelihood that members of the navy's high command will be removed, but the wreck of the submarine needs to be found to answer the questions over what happened on board.

The navy said on November 27 that water had entered the submarine's snorkel, causing its battery to short-circuit before the vessel went missing.

The navy had previously said international organisations had detected a noise that could have been the submarine's implosion on the same day contact was lost. (BBC)

Dominica crafts new initiative --to aid vulnerable households, children

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Dominica on Monday launched a programme aimed at assisting the most vulnerable households and children affected

by Hurricane Maria that swept through the island last September, killing at least 28 people and leaving millions of dollars in damage.

The government is collaborating with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs, Helen Royer has said that people already receiving public assistance will automatically be included in the initiative. She said foster children will also benefit from the scheme.

WFP head of mission, Marco Selva said the main objective is to ensure that people who suffered as a result of the Category 5 storm “can find their way through and recover, and help the

most vulnerable deal with their most pressing needs.”

He said the cash transfer to those households and children will be limited, and will be in addition to the cash transfer already being provided by the government.

“It will be for three months and it will go from EC$240 up to EC$645 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) depending on the number of children in the household,” he said, describing the initiative as a “shock response social protection”.

UNICEF said a criteria had been established to ensure that the most vulnerable homes are targeted under the initiative.

“We feel that the beneficiaries of the ongoing public assistance programme are some of the most vulnerable citizens of Dominica, and it is correct to assume that it

would have been one of the most affected by the hurricane,” said Alexs Lazovski, UNICEF social protection specialist.

But he said given the impact of the hurricane it was felt necessary to establish “so called beneficiary selection committees in each of the Village Councils and

identify the most vulnerable households.”

Dominica has been appealing to the international community for assistance in rebuilding and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the intention is to become the first climate resilient country in the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

Editorial

Remigration GUYANESE can be found all over the world selling their skills or plying their trades. Many are successful and are making significant impacts in the societies where they live. Successive governments have been calling on this demographic to return home and play a role in the nation’s growth and development. This call is yet to be met with significant success, even as more are leaving, notably among which are 80-plus percent of our tertiary-educated graduates.

Human capital is important to a country’s advancement.

While other countries, given their standard of living and incentives, are strong pull factors, looking at our re-migrant push may require taking a hard and honest look at disincentives that serve as hindrances to achieving this. This should be done with the aim of taking corrective action through policies, laws and programmes.

A leading push factor is better and higher education.

On completion, having found lucrative employment or economic opportunities to improve one’s standard of living, persons are likely to make the country their adopted home. Other factors are opportunities to improve one’s economic well-being and being the beneficiaries of family resettlement programmes. In each instance, roots have been established that afford opportunities or the possibilities of same.

For instance, home ownership can be pursued through a system that is void of undue hassle, corruption, and within one’s means to finance a mortgage. There is the availability of job opportunities where extra, available time can be used to improve one’s earnings. The education system allows opportunities regardless of age, facilitating academic

improvement and creation of new careers. Opportunities such as these help the individual/family to set goals and work towards them with less hassle and in relative comfort.

Social services, including public transportation, while not universal in quality, are seen as relatively better than what are offered in Guyana.

It is unusual to hear a re-migrant, particularly one working in the public sector, complain about overt political intrusion in the organisation and its decision-making. There is the perception that having to be mindful of not offending the political directorate denudes the professionalism and independence public service requires.

Some have returned to their adopted country rather than facilitate it.

The potential re-migrant, having lived in societies where several options are available to pursue their social, cultural and economic interests,and having gotten accustomed to these, would want some options here. One issue that stands out is the acquisition of motor vehicles.

Instead of having a fixed policy to qualify to import a vehicle that would attract duty-free concession, options can be presented. One such is buying a motor vehicle here without being denied duty-free concession. The extended benefit of this is revenue to the country and local car dealers.

Apart from promoting Guyana as home to invest in, there must be specifics and hassle-free experiences that can lure persons to return. The bureaucracy in the re-migrant scheme should be revisited. Persons coming from societies where expectations are held that once the requirements specified to enjoy a benefit are met, such should be hassle-free

on the providing business or institution. Having to go back and forth and being told a different story every time, is construed as roadblocks and wanting people to beg or bribe their way for what they are entitled to.

In wanting to establish business and unleash entrepreneurial skills, aware that in the adopted country such is facilitated in an enabling environment, expectations will be that persons will be advised how they can pursue such path, rather than be told what cannot be done.

What has to be taken cognisance of is that re-migrants, having lived in different societies, particularly in the metropolitan countries that are forward-thinking, pro-active and always on the go, it requires factoring in such culture in serving this demographic. This does not mean Guyanese have to abandon their unique identity, but what is required is recognition that we can learn the systems management of other countries in order to improve ours. It should be said that it is that level of open-mindedness that has influenced other countries’ migration programmes which continue to attract our human capital for their growth and development.

Making re-migration attractive requires holistic approaches. Where weaknesses in society will be addressed to meet expectations, whereby though living in Guyana is not exactly what the re-migrant may have experienced in their adopted homes, the sense of comfort and opportunities can be assured.

The challenges of coalition politics Dear Editor

GUYANESE are now beginning to understand the inherent challenges of coalition politics, as reflected in its end product of a coalition government.

It is a putting together of groupings and personalities of differing interests and ideologies; each competing for particular offices that will afford positions to influence the course of policies and decisions of government. It is an arrangement that will inevitably have differences because of the reality of having to apply solutions to practical situations.

It is always a question of–which segment of the whole that will prevail.

The recent appointment of Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) nominee, Mr. Desmond Trotman as the new commissioner to replace the deceased

Ms. Sandra Jones on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), highlights the dynamics as to what is perceived as a coveted right by the principal partner, the Alliance for Change (AFC), as against what is absolutely necessary in a very important situation.

Any appointment as commissioner to the national elections administrative body has to be someone who understands the dynamics of the electoral body, in terms of its function and relation to the national politics, and being able to bring to such an important table the necessary wherewithal and critical acumen for proper decision-making. This means that it is not a place for learners, especially at this given time.

No one can fault the President in his deliberate judgment, since he had requested all parties to submit nominees. It afforded the

opportunity for him to determine the proper suitability of each candidate. He knew what were the determinants for the nominee – “not fake experience” as he correctly concluded.

Editor a word about young people and women being considered for critical senior positions of importance within the State echelons-there seems to be a deliberate misunderstanding in this debate, especially as to the suitability of young Guyanese for elevation. Truth be told, there are many young nationals currently staffing middle ranking and senior positions of state.

This has been a policy of the coalition government, from its inception. It may not be in the quantum as desired, but there has been a steady move in this much clamoured area for direction.

But, there are going to be

exceptions, in terms of what the particular office is, and the background knowledge required, apart from academic qualifications. Neither the substantive AFC candidate would have fulfilled the former requirement. And with regards the female back-up nominee, it is quite unconscionable for the AFC also to imply that women are not being considered as aspirants to such pivotal positions. This party must be reminded that it was the PNC government that began the placement of women to its cabinet and other senior public service postings, and the diplomatic corps as well.

Even now, there are women in many senior state offices, particularly on State boards.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Stabroek News article misleading Dear Editor,

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) strongly objects to a front page headline in the Stabroek News – ‘GPH doctor suspended after families claim negligence in patient deaths’ – with article on page 10, since both are misleading and devoid of facts. Be advised that if any effort was made to determine the reality, it would have revealed that Dr. Abel Fernandez Ciria is not and was never employed at the GPHC. Further, the incidents referred to never occurred at this institution. GPHC views this matter seriously and demands a retraction with like prominence.

Regards Mitzy Campbell Public Relations Officer

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

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Complaint against the statue of Gandhi in Grenada Dear Editor I WRITE in response to a letter on Mahatma Gandhi entitled “Dustbin of history” written by Josiah Rougier and published in the Grenada newspaper, The New Today (Nov 3, 2017).

In his letter, Rougier is asking the Government to remove the bust-statue of Gandhi which overlooks Sauteurs Bay in Grenada where East Indians arrived 160

years ago. Rougier’s opinion is based on the false notion that Gandhi was racist because the Mahatma reportedly considered Indians to be superior to black Africans when he referred to the latter as “kaffirs.”

Gandhi was only 27 years old when he made that contextual statement. If Rougier had done his research, he would have found that Nelson Mandela said: “Gandhi must be forgiven for these prejudices in the context of the time and the

circumstances.” The quote can be found in “Gandhi the Prisoner” by Nelson Mandela published in 1995.

Gandhi was a man; he was not God. And even God made mistakes.

Rougier must instead focus on the Gandhi’s vision of non-violent protest and his belief in Satyagraha which inspired rebels and revolutionaries around the world.

Gandhi’s ideas influenced leaders of the African National Congress and the struggle by Indians

and blacks against white apartheid rule in South Africa. From as early as 1956 when he was 27 years old, Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to Gandhi as “the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change.” Following the success of his boycott, King contemplated travelling to India to deepen his understanding of Gandhian principles.

The fact is that Gandhi saw people of all races, castes, colours

and creeds as equal which led to his assassination by a Hindu fanatic in 1948. So who is this unknown Josiah Rougier? Is he as illustrious as the great Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King? And is he disagreeing with his possible heroes?

A friend to all.

Regards Jai Sears Grenada, Caribbean

Transformative projects badly needed in Region 6 Dear Editor,

THE Honourable Finance Minister, Mr Winston Jordan in his 2018 Budget presentation assured the Agriculture Sector that ‘”he Government is committed to improving the livelihoods of rice farmers.” He further added that, “one important aspect of strengthening stability and sustainability of Guyana’s rice sector is to increase productivity per unit.” However, he needs to observe what is currently happening in the rice sector in order to achieve this objective.

Currently, rice farmers are facing two serious constraints: high land rent and a high rate of paddy damage due to paddy bugs infestations. Both of these have resulted in an escalation of the cost of production by at least 30%. The Government can make a huge difference in Region 6, but it is clear that sound economic advice on agricultural policies is seriously lacking or overlooked.

Many representations were made by rice farmers and interested stakeholders who would have foreseen that unless the Government encourages the mechanization of the rice industry then there will come a time when rice farmers within the industry will feel the negative effects and suffer declining profitability and many will be forced to exit the industry.

However, even though the Finance Minister is ecstatic about his allocations to Public Infrastructure and Agriculture of $35 billion and $19.5 billion respectively, Region Six is not the beneficiary of any transformative

project despite being plunged into serious impending social and economic crisis which will arise from the negative ripple effects emanating from the Guysuco restructuring and privatisation. Privatis ation will not magically and immediately bring Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates to prosperity, time is of essence to allow the benefits to flow.

Downsizing of estate operations will also mean more jobs on the breadline as in the case of the Rose Hall Estate.

A project which was much touted and publicised is the #58-59 All Weather Road which was introduced by Mr Gobin Harbhajan, the PM’s representative for Region Six, and a team of interested stakeholders. This Project has the blessings of the Regional Democratic Council and copies were circulated to various ministers. It was also lauded at the recently-concluded Berbice Expo by the President of the Central Chamber of Commerce in his address.

It must be noted that it has been a long time since any type of sustainable economic development was done in Region 6, the last one would have been in the 1960s by the PPP Government at Black Bush Polder. An attempt at this project was made by the PPP in 1963 and some work was later done by the PNC Government but it gradually petered out.

On many occasions President Granger had thrown the gauntlet to Berbicians to come up with transformative plans to stimulate economic recovery, as he alluded to the fact that Berbice is a ‘sleeping giant’ and can become the ‘rice bowl’ of the country. He knows too well that oil is not

the answer and examples are aplenty of countries being oil rich and yet starving. We must note that fossil oil is not a renewable resource but coconut oil is!

This all-weather road is capable of exploiting approximately 150,000 acres of arable lands which are suitable for rice cultivation, cattle farming, citrus, provisions, vegetables, coconuts cultivation, and aquaculture.

Immediately, this will solve the problem of high rentals since the supply of rice farming and other arable lands would have been greatly increased. This is taken into consideration on both sides of the Canje Creek.

The establishment of industrial sites will make way for agro-processing plants to be established to widen the markets for the produce.

Moreso, the residents of Baracara will benefit enormously from such a road making it possible for this village to greatly expand its borders and get immediate access to markets for their produce.

This road will also provide an impetus to our fledgling tourism industry, more specifically eco-tourism. The flora and fauna are simply breathtaking.

Moreover, there are many such revenue generating projects which are standing idle simply because of permission not being granted. Businessmen are investing monies and are willing to make huge investments but ‘red tape and bureaucracy’ is stifling or strangling it. The Finance Minister had promised to remove these fatal obstructions a few Budgets ago, yet they continue to thrive luxuriantly.

In addition, many busi-

nessmen have applied for lands to do investments such as cattle rearing and livestock production but the files are facilitating the reproduction of cobwebs at the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission. Some have moved on with their finances. The Finance Min-

ister and the Minister of Business must take a serious review of these impediments to economic growth. In conclusion I am calling on the Government through the Finance Minister and the Business Minister, to allow these transformative projects to bear fruit, as an RDC

councillor, I envisage dark days ahead in Region Six if our agriculture-based economy is not given the boost and stimulation it so badly needs.

Regards Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor-Region 6

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Gov’t laying groundwork for hinterland takeoff …Minister Garrido-Lowe

By Ariana Gordon MINISTER within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe says government has been laying the foundation for economic takeoff in the hinterland and vowed that the neglect of Amerindians will never happen again.

The minister was at the time delivering her address on the opening day of the 2018 budget debates. She told parliamentarians that budget 2018 reflects the APNU+AFC coalition government’s careful management of resources while noting that her administration over the past two and a half years has been “making the soft and hard decisions” in the interest of country.

She pointed to a menu of initiatives geared at stimulating economic growth within the indigenous communities.

In her thirty-five minute long speech, directed primarily to enhancing the lives of the indigenous population, Garrido-Lowe said it is her

administration’s intention to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland, so that there will be equal opportunities for all and equity among all our citizens.

The minister said she and Minister Sydney Allicock have been working feverishly to fulfill the ministry’s mandate to support and encourage the economic empowerment, integration and environmental development of Indigenous Peoples’ communities through strategic and informed policy formulation.

Garrido-Lowe who was well supported by her colleagues on the governing side of the House, said economic empowerment is needed to restore pride and dignity to the Indigenous Population.

“Economic empowerment is vital,” she stressed while adding that like all other groups, indigenous people are also in need of economic stability and comfort. According to the Minister, no effort was made over the past few years to create an environment for indigenous people to enjoy a better standard of living.

“It is really shameful, Mr. Speaker…but no more, Mr. Speaker, your Government is ensuring that that wrong is being corrected. Strong measures are being put in place to fix that problem and it will take some time, but it will be fixed,” declared the Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

She said that in keeping with the country’s Green Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, Government has embarked on a developmental strategy of building strong village economies by promoting agriculture, agro/ food-processing, eco-tourism and youth entrepreneurship in hinterland regions.

Some $59M has been invested in the village of Paramakatoi, Region 8, for the establishment of a sundried tomato facility, while the High Commission of Canada invested a much-appreciated $5M. That facility, she said, is modern and has been completed with a solar power system, a solar dryer and internet connectivity, a processing facility, a dormitory, a water trestle and a

Yvonne Pearson

Valerie Garrido- Lowe

guard hut.

She said the facility “stands at the top of the mountain, as a beacon of hope and innovation--a true testimony for all to see that the indigenous people of Guyana can rise to any occasion; that they can build thriving communities and sustain themselves, and contribute more to society.”

The minister noted that the processing facility which was built by the people of Paramakatoi, employs people from the said community.

Some 40 farmers of Paramakatoi, Mountain Foot and Bamboo Creek supply the facility with naturally grown, healthy and fresh tomatoes.

Nine persons are thus far employed at the processing facility. The Paramakatoi Agricultural Cooperative was established with 58 farmers while 43 food processors were trained. To date the facility has purchased 4,956 pounds of tomatoes from these farmers and dried tomatoes in stock amounts to 334.2 pounds.

“It is the beginning of the positive change that we promised,” she asserted, while noting that this year’s budget reflects that the good life promised by her government continues. Santa Rosa Village in Region One will next year benefit from $10M to set up a ground coffee production facility which will create employment for women, youth and approximately twenty farmers of the community to begin with.

This project will generate much-needed revenue for the village, resulting in an improved standard of living for over one hundred persons who will benefit directly – that is farmers and their families and businesses. The sum of $10M is also allocated for a cassava flour production plant in Kwebana Village, also in Region One. “Mr. Speaker, the first peoples’ of this country produce a lot of cassava but Guyanese do not eat the amount of cassava bread or farine that they can produce… and anytime they plant more than they can eat and attempt to introduce

it into the local Guyanese market, they suffer losses.”

The Minister said too that the time has come for Guyanese to endorse healthy eating habits. She said cassava is an absolutely healthy dietary choice which she believes should have been promoted years ago and pointed out that the villages of Kwebana, Santa Cruz, Waikarabie and Warapoka will be working to produce a mixture of wheat flour and cassava flour which can be used to make bread, cakes and pastries.

Meanwhile, in Smith’s Creek and Imbotero in the Mabaruma sub-region, at least three communities will directly benefit from crab meat processing and fish processing. “These two communities have been surviving from a day to day basis from the sales of crabs and fish.

This processing and packaging facility will allow for a longer shelf life for crab meat and fish, creating more sales for these products, hence bringing sustained revenue into these communities,” the Minister assured.

Additionally, $10M has been allocated for the Lapidary Workshop in Monkey Mountain. She disclosed that introductory training will commence in Monkey Mountain next week with 20 persons from the communities of Monkey Mountain, Tuseneng, Kurukabaru, Kato and Mikwak. The participants of the two-week workshop will be trained to recognise and gather quality semi-precious stones, shown how to test them and will learn the history of the various stones.

In the second phase of training, at least six of them will be trained in cutting and polishing, and jewellery making. Additionally, craftsmen and women will benefit by creating unique craft cases out of tibisiri, nibi, wood and spun cotton for the different pieces of jewellery. The polished stones will also be sold locally to support our local jewelers in Guyana.

“I can assure you that the best advice and guidance

and technical will be coming from no other than our Minster of Business, one of Guyana’s leading jewellers,” Minister Garrido-Lowe stated while adding that the business will be marketed online.

Moreover, the Minister said presidential grants to support sustainable village economies will continue this year with $224M being allocated to indigenous communities to implement projects that will support and enhance existing livelihoods, development of new economic, social and environmental initiatives, provide jobs for the local people, increased entrepreneurial capacity and help in the reduction of poverty; linking all to the Green State Economy.

NOT ENOUGH But the plans outlined by Minister Garrido-Lowe did not find favour with Opposition Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson. The Mainstay/ Whyaka resident told the National Assembly that the activities outlined by the Minister were not significant enough.

“As an indigenous person, I feel insulted by the Honourable Member saying this budget is a fit and proper budget—what is fit and proper about the 2018 budget?” she asked as members of the parliamentary opposition heckled in support of her question. She agreed, nonetheless, that the indigenous people need to be empowered but does not believe that the journey to the good life continues for those living in the hinterland regions of the country.

“I see a lot of window dressing in the 2018 budget-the journey to a dying economy; journey to corruption and lack of transparency, increased poverty and hardship,” Pearson declared while stressing that the indigenous population also have a right to enjoy the good life as promised.

She pointed to the $16M budgetary allocation for the National Toshaos Council (NTC). The Council had requested some $37M. On Saturday, NTC Chairman, Lennox Shuman expressed disappointment and concern over the budget allocation and noted that the 2018 allocation represents no increase for the Council.

He told reporters at a media briefing that the $16M allocation is inadequate to effectively carry out the mandate of the Council.

As such, Pearson called on Finance Minister Winston Jordan to reconsider the request made by the NTC and make available to them $37M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

‘You can be proud of your tenure’ …President tells outgoing Cuban ambassador

Remanded for having firearm A 34-year-old Albouystown resident was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

David Austin denied that on December 1st at Hill Street, Albouystown, he had a .38 revolver in his possession when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to Austin being granted his pretrial liberty on the grounds of the

seriousness of the charge.

According to Mansfield, on the day in question, the police on mobile patrol in Albouystown saw Austin sitting on a pushcart and acting in a suspicious manner.

The ranks conducted a search and a firearm was found in a black shoulder bag that the accused had in his possession.

The magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Austin until December 11.

David Austin

Stole Amazon tablet from woman’s bedroom

President David Granger is flanked by outgoing Cuban Ambassador, Mr. Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante and Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, at State House

OUTGOING Cuba Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante has lauded the Guyana Government’s open-door policy, during a farewell courtesy call he paid on President David Granger at State House last week.

The Ambassador also paid a courtesy call on Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency, during which he thanked him for the co-operation that he received from the current administration during his tenure. Ambassador Marchante’s tour of duty has ended and he is scheduled to depart Guyana on December 13.

During their discussions, President Granger told the

Ambassador that Guyana’s medical system would not be what it is without the support of the Cuban Government over the years. “You can be proud of your tenure. It has been a very successful one,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the Minister of State, who noted that Guyana has also benefitted tremendously from support from Cuba, over the years, in the education and sport fields. He also said that he is confident that the Ambassador’s hard work has helped to further strengthen relations between the two countries. “I believe that your advocacy for Cuba and the manner in which you went about your country’s business during your tenure

is commendable,” Minister Harmon said. He also expressed confidence that the relationship will continue when the new envoy has been installed.

Guyana and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 8, 1972.

Over the years, scholarships given by Cuba have increased along with the number of persons trained in different areas, including health, engineering, agriculture, sports and culture.

Ambassador Marchante was accredited in June 2014, replacing Ambassador Raul Gortázar Marrero. His successor is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on December 6. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Autopsy finds...

‘Don Dick’ died of shock, haemorrhage A POST mortem done Monday on former wanted-man, Roger Bumbury, better known as “Don Dick”, has found that he died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot injuries.

Bumbury, of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was gunned down early Friday morning as he slept in a hammock on his verandah.

Reports are that although no arrests have yet been made in what seems to be a well-orchestrated ‘hit’, the police are following some leads which point to a drug deal gone sour.

Sources say that according to information gathered from within the community, besides having a checkered

Roger Bumbury

past as one of the country’s most wanted men, Bumbury, 47, was also a known drug dealer.

But he was so slick, that even though the police raided his home several times, no drugs were ever found there.

But he would remain on their

watchlist nevertheless.

Detectives said Bumbury’s reputed wife is assisting them with their investigations, and that so far she has provided them with some critical information regarding his death.

Relatives told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday that people in the village saw a man running away from the scene wearing a ‘hoodie’ and he told a neighbour that ‘a man just get shoot’ before he fled.

Relatives said that Bumbury, a father of two had no other problems that they know of except he had a ‘fight’ with a guy in March this year and he was stabbed on the shoulder.

A 20-year-old South Ruimveldt resident was on Monday fined $80,000 or in default, three months’ imprisonment for stealing a woman’s Amazon tablet.

Dwayne Williams admitted to Magistrate Judy Latchman that on November19th at Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, he stole an $80,000 tablet from Stacy Benjamin.

Dwayne Williams

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, the woman left the tablet on her

bed and locked her bedroom.

It is alleged that Williams pushed his hands through the woman’s bedroom window and stole the tablet.

The matter was reported to the police and, based upon information received, Williams was arrested.

Mansfield further pointed out that the defendant admitted to sealing the tablet and he took the police to a place where he hid the item.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Blanhum now deputy at ‘A’ Division SENIOR Superintendent Wendell Blanhum who was Crime Chief when he left for a period of leave, has been temporarily reassigned as Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara), police confirmed.

He will be working under Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marlon Chapman who is the commander.

Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Williams who

was Commander of “B” Division (Berbice) will continue to act as Crime Chief.

In September, acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine stated “Blanhum requested to proceed on another short period of annual vacation leave which was approved, taken into account that it was again deserved, and that he, as well as other Senior Officers, will have to resume duty in time for the commencement of the

Police’s Christmas period.

A period where the intensification of operational and preventive law enforcement strategies are paramount.”

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger had called for Blanhum to be replaced, citing poor leadership and questioning his role in the successes in solving crimes under his watch.

The Paul Slowe-led CoI chided Blanhum for

Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum

his failure to properly supervise the investigation though so instructed by the acting commissioner; for allegedly lying to Ramnarine; not conducting due diligence on a report containing factual errors sent to the National Security Council (NSC); neglect of duty; and insubordination. “… Blanhum should be replaced as crime chief and reassigned in order to gain command experience,” the report recommended. Blan-

hum was the first person in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to receive information in relation to the plot to assassinate the President.

He received a call from the Ministry of Public Security informing him that Andriff Gillard made the allegation on March, 29 this year.

President Granger had indicated that the Commission of Inquiry had exposed serious deficiencies and weaknesses in the Force, and these will be corrected. He had noted that the CoI was not meant to be a witch-hunt but work has to be done to ensure that the law enforcement agency is more professional and efficient in the execution of its duties and responsibilities. “[The Commission] made some very strong recommendations. Even persons who have been following the day-to-day reports would have realised that there has been a significant lapse in pro-

fessionalism at the high levels of the Guyana Police Force, so these are matters of concern. It has brought to light some serious deficiencies and I am very confident that the work that Mr. Russell Combe is doing will point to ways in which we can correct the deficiencies. The important thing is to ensure that we get information so that we can correct faults.

It is not a witch-hunt. We are trying to make the law enforcement agencies more efficient,” he said.

Combe is a British security expert, who is an advisor to President Granger as part of the United Kingdom’s US$4.7B Security Sector Reform (SSR) Programme, which had been scrapped by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration in 2009. He is expected to produce an initial interim report shortly.

Autopsy clears man over father’s death Mark Mathura, who was accused of being responsible for his father’s death was released from police custody over the weekend after an autopsy showed that his father died of jaundice and heart failure.

The postmortem was done by pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh. The cremation of his father, Parsram Mathura, 54, a mechanic of Lot 60 Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was halted after allegations surfaced that his 20-year- old son was involved in his demise.

Parsram Mathura’s cremation was planned for Sunday at Kashi Dhaam, West Coast Demerara

Dead: Parsram Mathura

(WCD). Relatives of the family in an interview with this publication had said that his son, Mark Mathura,

is innocent since his father suffered a prolonged liver problem and was in and out of the Balwant Singh Hospital.

Reports indicate that the son lived with his father and a report was made at the Grove Police Station on November, 27, 2017 when the senior Mathura died at home. A police constable had visited the house and found no marks of violence on the body. This is days after he was seen by a doctor at Balwant Singh Hospital.

The junior Mathura from the inception had denied any involvement in his father’s demise.

CG bandits blitz cambio dealer A South Ruimveldt cambio dealer was robbed of almost half a million dollars in local and foreign currencies when two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, robbed him on America Street on Sunday.

Reports indicate that the cambio dealer was standing on America Street when the two bandits who were on a red CG motor cycle, rode up to him.

The pillion rider who was armed with a firearm, then pointed it at him and demanded that he hand over the money.

The cambio dealer complied and the CG bandits escaped west on America Street then north into Water Street. The matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station. Police are reviewing CCTV cameras in the area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Judge aborts murder trial – after learning jury foreman facing ganja charges JUSTICE Jo Ann Barlow was on Monday forced to abort a murder trial in the Berbice Assizes just as the prosecution and defence were about to address the jury.

This was after Deputy Commander Edmond Cooper informed her that the forewoman of the jury was recently nabbed with 11 pounds of ‘ganja’, and is currently a remand prisoner at the country’s lone female penitentiary in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The law, she said, required twelve persons to determine the case.

Taking the witness stand at the Berbice Assizes on Monday morning, Cooper said that following instructions from the Court, he confirmed that Tamasha Bristol, along with two others were nabbed with the illegal drug, and, following legal advice, the trio were charged with trafficking in narcotics and have since been remanded to prison.

Consequent to the testimony, the judge, addressing Elton Haynes, called “Bush Bull”, aged 25 years of Manchester Village; and Carlton Akeem Bourne, alias “Black Boy”, aged 26, of Whim Village, both Corentyne lo-

cations, said: “Someone else will have to try you. The law says you must have 12 persons, and we only have eleven. I will order that you be tried early before a new panel at the February sitting of the Berbice Assizes.

“Further, you will never come before me again, so I want to take this opportunity to urge you to utilise your hands; do some carpentry or joinery as you await your trial so as to occupy yourself gainfully; so that you can be a benefit to the society.”

At their arraignment, the duo had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Corentyne businessman, Winston Ragnauth, known as Tony.

On November 7, 2012, the remains of the deceased was discovered in his bed at his Whim, Corentyne home in what is suspected to be a robbery-murder.

There were several wounds on his neck, hands and jaws, while a ‘Rambo’ knife marked ‘Taurus’, a green bag and foodstuff were seen on a table.

During the hearing, several policemen testified, including the deceased’s son Immanuel Ragnauth, now an ex-cop.

A voire dire (trial within a

Woman found stabbed to death

Marissa Fraser

POLICE are investigating the discovery of the body of a 22-year-old woman in a trench at Number 4 Village, West Coast Berbice.

Dead is Marissa Fraser of Number 4 Village. Police suspect that the woman was murdered and her body dumped into the canal as the body bore several stab wounds. Up to press time the police were still carrying out their investigations and have arrested a man.

trial) was triggered, after defence lawyers Sasha Roberts and Tania Warren Clement of Legal Aid, objected to the admissibility of the statements

attributed to the accused, citing a breach in the judge’s rules. However, after several days of hearing, the caution statements were admitted into

evidence.

Last Monday, it was expected that State Counsel, Ms Tuanna Hardy, along with the defence Counsel, were to address the jury, but the matter was adjourned to yesterday,

after the forewoman was a no-show.

It was subsequently learnt that 24-year-old Tamasha Bristol was among a trio arrested with a quantity of narcotics two Sundays ago.

‘No more squatting’ 12

By Navendra Seoraj

A CALL by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson, to end squatting on government reserves was met by

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

…1,148 lots being developed at Cummings Lodge, Industry for squatters …joint anti-squatting taskforce being formed

loud heckling and criticisms by the Parliamentary Opposition, although they

were accused of encouraging it during their 23 years in office.

Patterson took a stand on the issue during her presentation on the opening day of

the 2018 budget debates on Monday. She argued that the coalition--A partnership for National Unity and Alliance

since some people squat out of desperation, but others do it as a means of economic gain. According to the Minister, those who do it for an economic gain, occupy a parcel of land; erect a structure and then rent it, in some

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson defends her position on squatting during the opening day of the 2018 budget debates

Opposition Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall, responds to Minister Patterson during his presentation on Monday

for Change (APNU+AFC) administration embarked on a journey towards “the good life,” inclusive of providing accessible and affordable housing in sanitary and safe communities, with the necessities for wholesome and dignified living for citizens in need.

Squatting, however, was touted as one of the issues that affect such progress,

instances, for as much as $30,000 per month. “Obviously these “landlords” must have other living options that they occupy. Another vexing dimension to this situation is that some of the squatters are in receipt of house lots,” lamented Patterson.

As the heckling continued on the side of the Opposition, one member of that side shouted, “What are you doing to address this?” but the Minister promptly responded “What did you do?” bringing silence to the room. She went on to explain her point by saying government is cognisant of the fact that squatting was allowed by the former Government for reasons left unsaid.

“But as a caring and responsible government, we have to and will fix it,” said Patterson, adding that in an effort to combat it, they have decided on a menu of measures which were recommended by community leaders.

One such measure was the idea of a Joint Anti-Squatting Taskforce that is being formed and, according

Turn to page 18 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

‘Don’t beat up on Exxon’ …Greenidge cautions citizens

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge addressing residents of Berbice

FOREIGN Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge has warned citizens against “beating up” on US oil company, ExxonMobil owing to its past experiences in other countries. He said it was the responsibility of the administration to ensure that the company pays its share of the contract.

Speaking during an outreach to Region Six on Sunday, Minister Greenidge noted that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure monies collected from companies, including oil companies, is spent to develop its people. “It is our job to ensure that our Inland Revenue department is competently manned so as to analyse their books and impose the taxes they are supposed to pay. You can’t start up by beating up the company when in fact the company hasn’t been due to pay taxes and refused to pay taxes.” Greenidge said “what that should do is to put you on caution, on alert not to cause you to cuss them up,” Minister Greenidge said.

He cautioned residents not to “believe these jokers that will have you cuss out a company that has found oil and develop that oil”. ExxonMobil in partnership with CNOOC Nexen and Hess Corporation put Guyana on the map with its discovery of oil in 2015.

Currently, the company is developing the Liza Field located in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana for oil production in 2020. The Stabroek block is now estimated to contain between 2.25 2.75 billion oil-equivalent

barrels. Other oil companies have expressed interest in oil exploration offshore Guyana since Exxon’s de-risking of the Guyana offshore basin.

The government is currently establishing policies and legislation to effectively govern the oil and gas industry. In its commitment to accountability and transparency in the industry, the government has joined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and has recently committed to making its contract with Exxon public.

BOUNDARY MARKER Meanwhile, Greenidge also told residents that the recent exercise to identify the markers demarcating the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela is important, as Guyana gears up to litigate the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. Greenidge who is also Second Vice President explained that Guyana is awaiting the final decision from the United Nations Secretary-General, now that another year of the Good Offices Process is winding down. The SG’s Personal Representative, Norwegian Diplomat, Dag Nylander, is to submit his report on the meetings he facilitated between the two countries to the SG. The engagements between the UN representative and the South American neighbours were concluded in November. According to Minister Greenidge, there have only been three meetings between the two countries in October since Nylander’s appointment earlier this year. Minister

Greenidge said Guyana has intensified its bilateral activism with other countries to ensure the SG honours his obligations which is “he must refer the matter to the court at the end of 2017, unless there is significant progress in resolving the matter”.

Guyana has maintained that Venezuela’s claim on the nullity of the Award is a legal matter that must be resolved in the court. In 1962, Venezuela refused to recognise the 1899 Arbitral Award saying it was null and void.

“If they are saying a decision is null and void it is only a law court that can decide on the meaning of nullity…not whether Venezuela should get a piece more land,” Minister Greenidge said.

The 1966 Geneva Agreement identified the UN SG to resolve the matter using a menu of measures under Article 33 of the UN agreement. “We call on the Secretary-General to look at his mandate and to refer the matter to the highest court in the world, the ICJ,” the Minister said. The more than 50-year-old controversy has since grown to include Venezuela’s claims to two-thirds of Guyana, Essequibo, and almost all of Guyana’s maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The identification of the boundary marker by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) is an annual exercise. “It is important to maintain the markers because you don’t want people moving them and shifting them into Guyana, so that Venezuela can claim even more territory that is currently the case,” Minister Greenidge said.

The Minster stressed that it is important for all Guyanese to take an interest in the resolution of this controversy. “Between the two neighbours (Venezuela and Suriname) if they get their wishes there will be no Guyana and you must understand that,” Minister Greenidge said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to intensify its sensitisation of Guyanese on the Guyana Venezuela controversy. The outreach is to supplement booklets that were created to educate Guyanese on the matter. (DPI)

Residents pay rapt attention during Minister Carl Greenidge’s presentation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Region 10 gets record $3.4B allocation …MP says key sectors for major improvements

By Svetlana Marshal BOASTING that his Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is earmarked to receive its largest budgetary allocation in 2018–a whopping $3.4B, Audwin Rutherford told the National Assembly that the key sectors in the region are in line to benefit significantly as he debated the 2018 National Budget on Monday. But the Opposition Members of Parliament argued that the $267.1B budget proposed for 2018 fell short in addressing social issues affecting the regular man in the street.

Addressing the 65 Member National Assembly, Rutherford pointed out that the proposed allocation for the region is $280M more than 2017 with Regional Administration and Finance expected to receive $301.9, Public Infrastructure $322.5, Education Delivery $2.1B and Health Services $663.03M. In 2018, he put to the House that a $33.016M Regional Administrative Build-

APNU+AFC Region 10 Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford

ing will be constructed. He said to enable the optimal use of the region’s resources it is imperative that staff of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) work in a safe and comfortable environment. In the area of Public Infrastructure, Region 10 Parliamentarian noted that in 2018, major focus will continue to be placed on road improvement, and agriculture development.

“Some of the major road upgrades include Stanley Road, Wismar Hill Primary School Road, and Teacher’s Compound Main Access Road for a combined $68.5M. This will bring relief to more than 5,000 residents directly and over 10,000 indirectly,” Rutherford detailed.

It was pointed too that $20.8M has been proposed for the upgrading of the drainage system at Stanley Road, Dakama Circle and Determa Street much to the benefit of over 10,000 residents.

As he turned his attention to Agriculture, Rutherford expressed the belief that region’s agriculture development, like Education and Health, should be financed separately. Currently, it is being funded by the Agriculture Ministry or under the Public Infrastructure Programme of the RDC. He argued that this is necessary to push the agriculture potential of the region particularly in Sub-Region Two (Kwakwani).

“In the meantime the region’s Agriculture will

continue to benefit from programmes in the Ministry of Agriculture, Public Infrastructure, Business, Social Cohesion, Natural Resources, and Indigenous Peoples Affairs,” Rutherford told his colleagues on both sides of the House.

He said in 2018, it has been proposed that $15M be used to construct additional farm to market roads in West Watooka and the provision

PPP MP, Neil Kumar

of revetment, erosion control structures in Mackenzie, in addition to the desilting of creeks.

Under the region’s education programme, two schools (Nursery and Primary) will be constructed in the community of Bamia at a cost of

$133M in 2018. The schools, Rutherford argued will bring much needed relief to residents not only in Bamia but also in Millie’s Hideout and Upper Amelia’s Ward. Additionally $14.5M will be spent to purchase a bus to increase the fleet of vehicles.

In the area health, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament announced that the age-old West Demerara Regional Hospital will be rehabilitated using some $64.5M. Provisions have also been made for the health centres at Mabura Hill and Amelia’s Ward, he further pointed out, while noting that these upgrades will benefit well over 30, 000 residents.

“Further to improve Health Services in our riverine areas river ambulances will be purchased for $19.4M bringing overdue relief to over 8,000 of our citizens.

A further $15M will have to be spent for other essential supplies, inclusive of solar systems which will tremendously benefit the far flung areas and our indigenous brothers and sisters,” he told the House.

But while Rutherford believe that the 2018 National Budget will aid the provision of “the Good Life” that the APNU+AFC Government

promises, the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament argued that it lacked direction, and in doing so failed to address concerns of the masses.

PPP back bencher, Neil Kumar from the onset said he was in sympathy with the poor and working class, contending that enough provisions have not been made, particularly for the young people of the country.

Before debating the budget in its entirety, Kumar, in response to Rutherford’s presentation, contended that the health centers, schools in riverine communities, particularly those in Sub-Region Two (Berbice River) remain in deplorable conditions.

That aside, Kumar argued that the imposition of taxes by the APNU+AFC Government has brought greater hardship to the people of Guyana even as the country experiences decline in the productive sectors. His comments come at a time when the government has opted to cut back on a number of taxes including VAT on Education, and the reversing of the Tributors Tax from 20% to $10. No new taxes were included in the measures outlined in the 2018 Budget.

Anti-parking meters movement ready to hit the road FOLLOWING recent news reports that seemingly fruitful negotiations have been ongoing between Smart City Solutions (SCS) and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)’s renegotiating team, the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) says it stands ready to return to the streets to protest.

A release from the MAPM highlighted that while the movement is unopposed to a structured system for traffic regulation within the central areas of the city, including measures to facilitate the orderly parking of vehicles and the need for the M&CC to increase their revenue base, it is against the current agreement with SCS. As such, the MAPM release stated, “We therefore stand ready to mobilise our supporters to resume our street protests and exercise any and all options available to us to prevent this abomination from moving forward.”

It sought to highlight

once more the numerous irregularities and discrepancies in the contract between SCS and the M&CC and thus related, “The MAPM will not compromise on its position that the contract between the City Council and SCS suffers from a number of procedural and other deficiencies and may be deemed illegal due to breaches of various laws.”

It was revealed that the movement takes umbrage to the announcement of the possible resumption of the contract with SCS despite scores of Guyanese relentlessly highlighting the numerous deficiencies in the process of selecting and engaging Smart City Solutions as the provider of parking meter services in Georgetown.

Furthermore, the release said, “The thirteen councilors who voted to renegotiate this corrupt contract have demonstrated their laxity for transparency and due process,” and highlighted that the five members of the

renegotiating committee of this corrupt contract were some of the same aforementioned thirteen that allegedly have no regard for impartiality.

Also, it was stated that “it speaks volumes” that there is the renegotiating of a project that lacks a public feasibility study and cost analysis seeking to perhaps resume the project.

The study and analysis were pertinent features requested time and time again by the public; even highlighted in the Chairman of the Former Renegotiating committee Malcolm Ferreira’s report.

“MAPM is not prepared to support, neither allow the successful renegotiation of this corrupt contract or the resumption of the parking meter system in Georgetown by SCS regardless of the minimal cost attached,” the release said. The Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan was also called on to not release the suspension of the parking meter bylaws.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

‘Wait-and-see’ attitude won’t work – climate change experts say; taking risk-based approaches will

By Navendra Seoraj WHILE climate change may be regarded the world over as one of the biggest crises facing humanity, most Caribbean leaders seemingly beg to differ.

The was starkly brought to the fore Thursday evening

by Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Paulette Bynoe.

“Within the Caribbean, we have a culture of waitand-see when it comes to environmental management…

“We are reactive, and in most cases when we react, it is too late,” she said.

“A risk-based approach is needed in order to mitigate or adapt to the effects of climate change,” she told participants gathered at the Pegasus Hotel to ponder upon the subject: ‘The Guyana imperative for prospering in a climate-altered world’.

As defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), climate change is a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, altering the composition of the global atmosphere.

Due to climate change, the world is faced with global warming, which is the increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon

Presidential Adviser on the Environment, Rear Admiral Gary Best, sharing his take on climate change with the audience at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday

dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and other pollutants.

That and other adverse effects of climate change are being felt by almost every country, including those in the Caribbean, but according to Dr. Bynoe, in spite off all the evidence before them, some regional leaders are still taking a reactionary approach to dealing with the matter.

STILL REELING Countries such as Dominica and the British Virgin Islands, she said, are still reeling from the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which tore through parts of the Caribbean in August and September, leaving scores dead and infrastructure destroyed beyond repair.

And while some are still in doubt as to whether the intensity of Hurricanes Maria and Irma had to do with climate change, the experts

know better.

The intensity of both hurricanes had seemingly taken the countries by surprise, since most Caribbean leaders were reportedly not expecting them to be so severe.

Most speakers present at the discussion shared their views on climate change, but maintained their focus on the subject at hand.

Turning her attention to the local economy, Dr Bynoe said there needs to be a stronger political commitment and will in order to address climate change.

“There must be political commitment for not just a specific time, but over a period of time so that the commitments can translate to policies that are geared towards dealing with the effects of climate change,” she said.

She made reference to several assessments and agreements which the gov-

ernment can use as a guideline when patterning policies.

One agreement in particular that was touted by most of the speakers was the Paris Agreement (Accord de Paris), Paris climate accord or Paris climate agreement, which Guyana is a part of.

It is an agreement within the UNFCCC dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance, starting in the year 2020.

THE PARIS AGREEMENT The language of the agreement was negotiated by representatives of 196 parties at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris and adopted by consensus on 12 December 2015.

As of November 2017, 195 UNFCCC members have reportedly signed the agreement, and 170 have become party to it.

Bynoe said the Agreement aims to respond to the global climate change threat by keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial (1840s) levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Students of UG and persons who were present at the discussion questioned how Global Warming can be mitigated, if most of the economies are driven by fossil fuel and have increasing

‘He tell she he gon kill she’ THE relatives of 40-year-old Indrawattie Totaram are still trying to come to grips with the fact that “Indra”, as she was fondly called, is no more.

Indra was brutally murdered sometime Sunday by her reputed husband, Krishna Latchman, called “Jooksie”, with whom she shared a one-flat home at Third Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne. He was later found hanging from a beam at the doorway.

Family members on Monday said that knowing that Latchman was a quiet and friendly person, it came as quite a surprise that he was capable of committing such a gruesome act.

Totaram’s naked body was discovered on Sunday evening, a little after 19:00hrs, on a blood-soaked bed. An electrical wire was seen tied around her neck, while there

were several stab wounds about her body.

A blood-stained kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was found atop a refrigerator a short distance away, while Latchman’s partially naked body could be seen dangling from a beam a short distance away.

While no one will know for sure what was happening the moment the act was committed, Totaram’s relatives have told the Guyana Chronicle that the couple has been having constant misunderstandings, and when things got too heated, she would leave for a few days and return when things cooled down.

One of the dead woman’s nieces said that her aunt had confided in her that her reputed husband wanted to kill her.

“I went by she on Saturday, and we were gaffing. And after ‘Uncle Jooksie’

populations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report had highlighted that because of the aforementioned factors there has been an increase in the surface temperature and it is expected to get far worse.

“Heat waves will occur more often, there will be extreme precipitation events and the ocean will warm and acidify, added to the rise in global sea levels,” said Bynoe.

She believes that if Guyana is going to respond to those changes then there must be economic empowerment through financial flows since the developed countries have held back on their promise to financially support lesser developed countries in the area of climate adaptation.

OIL MONEY Since Guyana is expected to be an exporter of petroleum after 2020, Presidential Adviser on the Environment, Rear Admiral Gary Best believes that the earnings from that new industry should fund Guyana’s transition to a green economy.

Guyana’s contribution to reducing climate change impacts, according to his interpretation, would require public finance flows for the adaptation of climate change and private finance for mitigation.

He added that overall mainstreaming of adaptation and mitigation measures into

the national budget seem to be a matter of course.

The adverse effects of climate change have been evident in Guyana since 2005 when almost the entire country was flooded due to heavy rainfall.

According to Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ivelaw Griffith, the damages incurred during that period cost the country some US$450M, which is almost 60 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Since then, the Government of Guyana was able to recognise the issue and implemented the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) through which Guyana benefited from a US$200M agreement with Norway to preserve the rainforest, and by extension mitigate the effects of climate change.

On the other hand, access to funds for adaptation has been a challenge since the international adaptation fund was overridden by the Green Climate Fund which was established within the framework of the UNFCCC to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change, he said.

Although the UNFCCC had declared that Guyana bared no responsibility for climate change it is still an issue which affects the global population, so Best urged persons to help the Government work towards the realisation of a Green Economy.

– relatives in Williamsburg murder-suicide say

left, she start cry and tell me he gon kill she. I turn and tell she ‘No man.” But she was still crying and tell me she know he will,” the girl said, adding: “Then she take all the money she had and give me to take it. She also take out she jewellery and give me to melt and make for my son.”

She said she asked Latchman if what her aunt told her was true, but he assured her that nothing of the sort was going to happen. She now regrets taking him at his word, since she believes that had she taken her aunts plea seriously, she could have possibly saved both lives.

Another relative believes the whole tragedy stemmed from Latchman’s accusing Totaran of having an affair.

“She left on Thursday and returned on Saturday morning, but nobody didn’t see

them whole day Sunday,” he said.

“And after they calling she phone, and she nah ah answer, them go and call. But the house lock up tight, suh they decide to call the police, who come till after 6:30.

“Ah then we find them.”

This revelation has led the police to believe that the act was committed sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday.

The relative also disclosed that Totaram’s body had a fresh sutured wound they were unaware of, leaving them to assume the relationship was an abusive one.

The couple had shared a common-law relationship for over ten years at their Williamsburg home, and were described by many as “nice and good people”.

She worked as a cleaner at Spready’s Gas Station while he worked as a labourer with GuySuCo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Guyanese to get Queen’s young leaders award GUYANESE Marva Langevine has been chosen as one of the final Queen’s Young Leaders Award winners in recognition of the lead she is taking in her community to change lives.

The prestigious Awards programme, now in its fourth and final year, celebrates exceptional young people aged 18 to 29 from across the Commonwealth and the work they are undertaking to improve lives across a diverse range of issues, from supporting people living with mental health problems, helping

children to receive a quality education, to promoting gender equality.

Langevine will now join the Queen’s Young Leaders network of 240 Award winners, a unique community of influential change-makers, who represent all 52 Commonwealth countries.

The winners announced on Monday will receive their Award from Her Majesty The Queen at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, UK, next year.

Langevine has been chosen in recognition of the work

she is doing to transform the lives of bereaved, sick and underprivileged children and families in her community and beyond.

Aged 24, Langevine said: “I am truly grateful that I will be receiving a Queen’s Young Leaders Award. I found my purpose and I received the courage to give hope to those who need it. What started as ice-cream dates and hugs for two toddlers after their mother died, has grown into an organisation dedicated to supporting bereaved children as they cope, grow and suc-

ceed. I am eager to learn and be actively involved in everything this prestigious Award and programme entails.”

Dr Astrid Bonfield, CBE, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said: “In this, the final year of The Queen’s Young Leaders programme, once again we have outstanding Award winners, leading the way in transforming people’s lives for the better in every part of the Commonwealth. We congratulate them all for their remarkable achievements. Over the com-

Guyanese Marva Langevine

ing year the programme will nurture and develop their talents, and equip them to go further in making a lasting change in their communities.

I hope they find the experience to be truly life-changing and I’m delighted to welcome today’s winners to the now complete network of Queen’s Young Leaders.”

The Queen’s Young Leaders programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief, The Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continu-

ing Education, in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Award winners receive bespoke training, mentoring and networking opportunities, and take part in a residential programme in the UK, to help them build on the work they are leading in their communities. They join a now complete network of Award winners and, in tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s lifetime of Service, will continue to connect and collaborate and change.

Stole meat valued $120,000 A 35-year-old labourer who was arrested and charged by police for breaking into a butcher shop at Kitty, Georgetown, and carting off a quantity of meats, on Monday appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Kevin Andrews of Railway line, Kitty, Georgetown, was also charged for the possession of an improvised smoking utensil after being busted by the police for the break and enter charge.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that between November 28 and November 29 at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Andrews broke and entered the shop of Roy Gittens and stole a quantity of meat valued $120,000.

Additionally, on November 29 at Georgetown, Andrews had in his possession an improvised glass and plastic tube, suspected to be used for the purpose of smoking cocaine.

According to police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on November 28th, the accused allegedly broke into the victim’s butcher shop and carted off a quantity of meat.

Andrews, following a report to the police, was arrest-

Kevin Andrews

ed based upon information.

Under caution, Andrews admitted to breaking into the butcher shop and stealing the meat.

The defendant then took the police to a hiding place where he had stashed the meat. The police conducted a search on him and found the smoking utensil in his pants pocket.

The Magistrate released Andrews on $60,000 bail for the break and enter with larceny charge and $20,000 bail for the smoking utensil. These matters were adjourned until December 18.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, December 5, 2017

The anguish of not knowing – a mother’s predicament as daughter goes missing in Germany MORE than anything else, it’s the anguish of not knowing that’s tearing her apart.

The last time Farida Mohamed saw her daughter in the flesh was the day she left for Germany to join her father and his family.

That was back in 2005.

Seventeen at the time, she’d just done writing her CXCs, but time did not permit her to stay around for the results.

Born in French Guiana on August 12, 1988, Christine Erulin would spend her formative years here in Linden with her mom, but would ever so often travel to Cologne to spend time with her father, Stéphane; her stepmom, Angie and her two younger sisters. Together they would also travel from time to time to France, where her father was born and raised, to see her paternal grandparents.

But she’d always come back, as this was where her heart was; where her mom, baby brother and friends were.

According to her mother, Christine started school here in Guyana since kindergarten, and went right up to Fifth Form at Mackenzie High.

This time around, however, she was gone for good, as her dad wanted her with him. But she’d keep in touch regularly with her mother and friends here.

“She used to call on occasions like Mother’s Day,

tine Erulin is conversant in German and French.

Farida says that after not hearing from her daughter, she tried reaching out to her father, who runs a thriving eco-construction business in Cologne, but to no avail.

She said she’s tried every telephone number Christine

Christine Erulin

birthdays, and all the important holidays,” Farida said.

“But she never sent pictures, though she always promised she would.”

She would, however, urge her mom to try learning her way around the computer and Internet, as times are changing. That way, she said, they’d be able to communicate more often, and she wouldn’t need to send her photographs, as they could easily be accessed on either Facebook or WhatsApp. That’s how she was able to keep in touch with her friends here so regularly.

LOST COMMUNICATION Then, all of a sudden, about two years ago, every-

one stopped hearing from her. “She stopped calling; stopped chatting with her friends. That’s not like Christine; it’s as if she just dropped off the map,” her mom said, adding: “She’s no longer on Facebook either.”

Asked whether she sounded worried the last time they spoke, Farida said: “No. But the last time I spoke to the stepmother, she told me that Christine was very stressed out, and that she was moving from the apartment in which she lived to go to another one.”

But she did recall her telling her once that she was training to become an air hostess, but she doesn’t know whether or not she got that job. Besides English, Chris-

would have given her should she want to reach her father, but he’s not responding. Neither is his wife, who is more conversant in English than he. She’s even tried writing letters, but they all came back unanswered.

Asked what she’d like to tell her daughter, Farida said: “I just want to know what is going on; if you’re ok.

“I want you to know that

we’re worried sick; I want to hear from you; to see you.”

As to what she’d like to say to Christine’s father, she said: “I’d like to remind him that I am Christine’s mother; that I’m the first person he should get in touch with should anything happen to her.

“That’s not too much to ask of him, is it!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Govt selling its 7% shares ‘No more... in Guyana Stockfeeds THE Government is selling its seven per cent shares in the Guyana Stockfeeds Limited (GSL) a move which the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is opposing.

PPP has had a long-running battle with the major shareholder of the company, Robert Badal. In a statement issued on Monday, the party has called on the government

to halt GSL privatisation until a 2008 Court decision to award 38% shareholding to NICIL is honoured.

The Government recently advertised for the sale NICIL’s shares in the Guyana Stockfeeds Ltd. in a move that the PPP says it views as pre-mature, “highly suspect in terms of timing, and calculated to benefit one of its significant AFC/APNU

political supporters and contributors, Mr. Robert Badal.”

The PPP also said it views the sale as an act of corruption given the various pending court matters surrounding the NICIL ownership interest and related matters. “Most notably is the fact that in 2008, NICIL won a High Court case restoring its 38% shareholding in GSL but

since Mr. Badal’s appeal, the case has languished in the Court of Appeal. Rather than resolving this matter and restoring its 38% shareholding, the Government’s sale of its current seven percent shares (without the remaining shares), stand to deprive NICIL of its true value, worth over one billion dollars,” the PPP said.

to the Minister, will include major stakeholders such as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others.

Amidst an uproar from the Opposition in the National Assembly, the minister announced that discussions are ongoing regarding the development of approximately 1,148 lots at Plantations Cummings Lodge and Industry for the possible relocation of squatters from constituencies 5 and 6 reserves, as well as from other zero tolerance areas in Georgetown and its environs.

She argued that 405 lots were formally allocated to squatters after payments were made. Approximately 2,025 persons reportedly benefited from this.

Minister Patterson said 190 persons paid at least 50 per cent of the cost of their lots and signed to commence processing for their titles, while 290 titles were already issued to persons in areas under regularisation.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), over which the Minister has oversight, is expected to continuously work with the relevant agencies to complete the process of home-ownership. She boasted that so far they have processed Transports and Certificates of Title for 1,962 applicants and distributed 3,227 since the Government’s ascension to office in 2015. Some of those applicants were reportedly on the waiting list for over 27 years.

The minister went on to point out that they have done 690 interviews, issued 661 letters and completed verification exercise for 240 householders in Plantation Mt. Sinai, popularly known as Agony’s Avenue.

Similarly, she said 104 householders in Middle Road La Penitence were interviewed; 316 in Timehri North; and 77 lots were verified for allocation and the occupiers issued with letters in Crane/Best, (West Coast Demerara).

“I don’t know if I can adequately convey to this House the expression of joy on the faces of those persons when they realized that they were one step closer to becoming home-owners. But the expression was priceless.

As in the case of the other areas, this exercise will be con-

From page 12

tinued, as we continue this journey,” said the Minister.

Persons from the hinterland have also been beneficiaries of housing through the sustainable housing for the Hinterland Programme, funded by a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In addition, the CH&PA distributed over 69 housing areas within Georgetown; Linden; Bartica; Union-Naarstigheid; Blairmont-Gelderland; Woodley Park-Bath and Tuschen-Uitvlugt.

Minister Patterson did not fail to highlight the Housing Solutions Exhibition that took place in May this year at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara (ECD). The exhibition reportedly captured the government’s focus for its housing programme which seeks to improve the housing delivery system, with an emphasis on low to middle income earners, state employees and youths.

It featured a cluster of 25 houses in a Model Village, where CHPA built 6 duplexes and 2 single elevated houses. She emphasised the CH&PA’s effort to add more houses to the existing set at Perseverance. An additional 8 houses were constructed in the model village.

The CH&PA is also in the process of constructing 18 bungalow 2 bedroom units; 40 flat concrete duplexes; 50 elevated concrete 2 bedroom units; 15 flat concrete 2 bedroom units and 15 flat concrete 3 bedroom units at Perseverance.

Nigel Dharamlall, a Member of Parliament from the Opposition bench said they are not in support of the duplexes, since persons have reportedly reacted negatively to those houses although persons evidently took up residence in them.

“Youths want their own houses, not any half house,” said Dharamlall, adding that the Opposition and Guyanese would prefer the single unit houses.

Patterson, however, argued that the Government has left “no stone unturned” in the quest to make housing affordable.

In an effort to validate this point, she referred to the 2018 budget, which outlined that a tax exemption of the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) was proposed for housing units costing up to $6.5M that are built by or on behalf of CH&PA or any other approved entity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

Kensington Oval to host Sri Lanka Test for first time ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Sri Lanka will play at historic Kensington Oval for the first time when they tour the Caribbean for a three-Test series next June.

The Asian side have played three series in the Caribbean without visiting the ground, loosely referred to as the ‘Mecca’ of cricket in the region.

Sri Lanka will face West Indies in the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain from June 6 to 10 before travelling to Bridgetown for the second Test starting four days later.

The tourists will wrap up the series with the third and final Test at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, bowling off June 23.

Prior to the series, Sri Lanka will play a three-day match starting May 30 at the Brian Lara Stadium.

On their previous tour of the Caribbean, Sri Lanka have played six Tests, winning just one, losing three and drawing two.

In their last visit to the Caribbean nine years ago, they managed a 1-1 draw in a two-Test series with Sri Lanka winning the first Test

at Providence and the Windies hitting back at Queen’s Park Oval.

Schedule of Matches Wednesday May 30 to Friday, June 1 - Tour Match, Brian Lara Cricket Ground, Trinidad Wednesday, June 6 to Sunday, June 10 - 1st Test, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Thursday, June 14 to Monday, June 18 - 2nd Test – Kensington Oval, Barbados Saturday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 27, 3rd Test – Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia

From back page

Camptown stun Police 1-0... them and delivered the rabbit punch through player-coach Troy Prescott.

Prescott’s set piece proved troublesome for the Police with the end result being a goal for the underdogs when the Police least expected it.

The Police, unable to answer with a goal of their own despite several tries, had finally fallen in the tournament they were favoured to win and Camptown had top-

American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Fortylinesofdeputy Race 2 Finishing A Dream Race 3 Lunar Heat Race 4 Raise Your L Up Race 5 Jumpiin Jack Cash Race 6 Itsgoodinthehood Race 7 Lei It On Me Race 8 Redemptive

pled the tournament giants.

Captain Lazhan Lord contended that hard work and training was keys in his side’s success on the night which will now see them $500 000 richer.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Pouderoyen took home top honours over Grove Hi-Tech as well as the $100 000 up for grabs.

15:30 hrs Bold Viking ` English Racing Tips Siuthwell 08:20 hrs Irish Octave 08:50 hrs Cracking Find 09:20 hrs Aloomomo 09:50 hrs Mon Palois 10:20 hrs Ashkoul 10:50 hrs Mr Banks 11:20 hrs Doctor Dex

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:35 hrs Dollar Tractor 09:15 hrs Essenceoflife 09:55 hrs Woodstock Fairy 10:30 hrs Gyre 11:05 hrs Made To CoNquer

Wolverhampton 08:40 hrs Jack Of Diamonds 09:10 hrs Landing Night 09:40 hrs American Endeavour 10:10 hrs Poetic Imagination 10;40 hrs Royal Reserve 11:10 hrs Unforgiving Minute 11:40 hrs Shackles 12:10 hrs My Brunette

Turffontein 10:55 hrs Soldat 11:30 hrs Brave Zndaya 12:05 hrs Chailyn Boy 12:40 hrs Empress Rock 13:15 hrs Mujallad 13:50 hrs Rajasthani Queen 14:25 hrs Wild Brier 15:00 hrs Banking April

Lingfield 09:00 hrs Mystical Clouds 09:30 hrs Kalahari Queen 10:00 hrs For Carmel 10:30 hrs Sea Wall 11:00 hrs Grand Vision 11:30 hrs The Game Is A Foot

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

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England finally fire but Australia in charge in Adelaide ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters) - England finally got the pink ball to swing on the third night of the second Ashes Test yesterday but it still looked too little, too late and Australia will go into day four on 53 for four with a lead of 268 runs.

Australia skipper Steve Smith elected not to enforce the follow-on after the tourists were dismissed for 227, a first-innings deficit of 215, and probably rued his decision as England attacked under the Adelaide Oval lights.

James Anderson led the way with the wickets of Cameron Bancroft (four) and Usman Khawaja (20) while Chris Woakes removed David Warner with a delivery that moved off the seam and got an edge to fly to Joe Root in the slips.

That the usually free-scoring Warner took 60 balls to eke out 14 runs was an indication of how tough the conditions were and captain could have followed vice-captain in the following over when Smith was given out lbw for a three-ball duck.

For the third time in two days,

Is it a bird, is it a plane ... no, it’s Nathan Lyon pulling off a stunning return catch.

however, Anderson was denied an lbw decision by the DRS system with tracking suggesting the ball had pitched fractionally outside leg.

NO REPRIEVE Smith only survived to make six runs, though, before he was given out lbw to Woakes and this time there was to be no reprieve from the technology.

“We’ve pushed Australia back tonight,” Woakes said. “Australia are obviously still ahead in the game but it was important that we bowled well, showed some character and pushed them back.”

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon survived to the end of the day and will resume with Peter Handscomb. Both were three not out.

“We know the night session is toughest to bat, as we saw to-

night,” Starc said.

“With a lead of 260 going into the day session, we’re in the drivers’ seat. There’s no reason why we can’t build a really big lead and then have England on the ropes in the night session.”

Lyon had earlier taken 4-60 as he and the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood combined to humble England’s top order and build on the 442-8 declared the hosts accumulated in their first innings.

England, 1-0 down in the fivematch series after a 10-wicket defeat in Brisbane, had resumed on 29-1 only to lose James Vince for two in the second over.

Desperate for a decent partnership to bolster the top order, expectations were high when Root came out to join Alastair Cook in the middle.

Root made just nine before he got a thick edge to a Cummins delivery, however, and Cook departed for 37 prodding at a Lyon tweaker with Smith gobbling up the catch at first slip.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 442 for 8 decl. (S. Marsh 126 n.o., T. Paine 57, U. Khawaja 53) ENGLAND 1st innings (o/n 29-1) A. Cook c Smith b Lyon 37 M. Stoneman lbw b Starc 18 J. Vince c Paine b Hazlewood 2 J. Root c Bancroft b Cummins 9 D. Malan c Paine b Cummins 19 M. Ali c & b Lyon 25 J. Bairstow c & b Starc 21 C. Woakes c & b Starc 36 C. Overton not out 41 S. Broad c Paine b Lyon 3 J. Anderson lbw b Lyon 0 Extras: (lb-15, w-1) 16 Total: (all out, 76.1 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-31, 3-50, 4-80, 5-102, 6-132, 7-142, 8-208, 9-227.

Bowling: M. Starc 20-4-49-3, J. Hazlewood 16-3-56-1, P. Cummins 16-3-47-2 (w-1), N. Lyon 24.1-5-60-4.

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings C. Bancroft c Bairstow b Anderson 4 D. Warner c Root b Woakes 14 U. Khawaja lbw b Anderson 20 S. Smith lbw b Woakes 6 P. Handscomb not out 3 N. Lyon not out 3 Extras: (lb-2, w-1) 3 Total: (for 4 wickets, 26 overs) 53 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-39, 3-41, 4-50.

Bowling: J. Anderson 11-7-16-2, S. Broad 7-2-14-0 (w-1), C. Overton 1-08–0, C. Woakes 7-0-13-2.

Chandimal, Mathews fuel National Secondary Schools Cricket League set to bowl off in Essequibo Sri Lanka fightback with tons

By Elroy Stephney THE Guyana Cricket Board/Ministry of Education-sponsored National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL) will bowl off shortly on the Essequibo Coast.

According to the Secretary of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Auto Christiani, ‘the Board is awaiting a timely response seeking permission from the Department of Education to commence the competition. He further stated that an ‘email was already sent to the Department and he is hopeful that a positive response will be forthcoming’.

Meanwhile the participating schools will be Charity, 8th of May, Anna Regina, Cotton Field, Johanna Cecilia, Aurora and Wakapoa Secondary.

Last year’s Zone winners were Anna Regina Secondary School who will be seeking to successfully defend their honours and even climb a step further at capturing the national title.

Their chances will be led by national Under-15 players Sheldon Charles and Lance Roberts, both of whom have been in fine form during the local club competition.

When the competition commences, matches are scheduled for the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Walton Hall and the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

Significantly the tournament has sought to identify the hidden talent

Sheldon Charles

of countless promising players emerging from the county thus providing the ECB to further expose them to formal coaching and other related programmes.

The successful players will also form the core of the inter-county teams in a further bid for national selection.

The ECB have recently tasted success at the senior level by winning the GCB 3-Day Franchise League tournament which the Board is hoping will inspire teams from the youth level.

Last year Boomesh Ramdahin from Anna Regina Secondary registered the lone century for the Essequibo Zone when he stroked an unbeaten hundred against Johanna Cecilia Secondary School.

INDIA were frustrated by Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews in Delhi yesterday but remained in control of the third Test with a 180-run lead over Sri Lanka at the end of day three.

The tourists started the day on 131-3 with Mathews and Chandimal at the crease, and the duo stubbornly continued to pile on the runs for the fourth wicket.

Mathews (111) brought up his first century since August 2015 before being caught behind off Ravichandran Ashwin, who later moved on to 55 Test scalps for the calendar year, joint-best with Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who was also among the wickets in Adelaide yesterday.

Chandimal will be back in the middle on day four after reaching stumps on an unbeaten 147, despite receiving little support following the dismissal of Mathews, and Sri Lanka survived until the end of the day to finish on 356-9, chasing India’s 536-7 declared.

Mathews reminded everyone of his quality with the bat by producing his first ton since his 110 against the same opponents in Colombo

After Angelo Mathews fell for 111, Dinesh Chandimal motored to a century of his own (AFP)

two years ago, although India were guilty of squandering multiple opportunities to end what became a 79.1-over partnership.

An edge to Wriddhiman Saha finally signalled the end of Mathews’ innings - the India gloveman succeeding where his team-mates had failed following a number of missed catches.

The wickets tumbled thereafter as Sri Lanka slipped from 317-5 to 356-9 by the close of play, with Sadeera Sama-

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 536 for 7 decl. (V. Kohli 243, M. Vijay 155, R. Sharma 65; L. Sandakan 4-167) SRI LANKA 1st innings (Overnight: 131-3) Dimuth Karunaratne c Saha b Shami 0 Dilruwan Perera lbw b Jadeja 42 Dhananjaya de Silva lbw b I. Sharma 1 Angelo Mathews c Saha b R. Ashwin 111 Dinesh Chandimal not out 147 SadeeraSamarawickramacSahabI.Sharma 33 Roshen Silva c S. Dhawan b R. Ashwin 0 Niroshan Dickwella b R. Ashwin 0 Suranga Lakmal c Saha b Shami 5 Lahiru Gamage lbw b Jadeja 1 Lakshan Sandakan not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-5, nb-2, pen-5) 16 Total: (for 9 wickets, 130 overs) 356 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-14, 3-75, 4-256, 5-317, 6-318, 7-322, 8-331, 9-343.

Bowling: M. Shami 24-6-74-2 (nb-1), I. Sharma 27-6-93-2, R. Jadeja 44-13-85-2 (nb-1), R. Ashwin 35-8-90-3.

rawickrama (33), debutant Roshen Silva (0), Niroshan Dickwella (0), Suranga Lakmal (5) and Lahiru Gamage (1) failing to provide Chandimal with a partner to match Mathews.

Ashwin (3-90) was India’s most potent attacking threat but the hosts will have to wait a bit longer for their second turn with the bat, with Chandimal returning to the crease with Lakshan Sandakan (0) today.

India lead the three-match series 1-0 after two Tests.

(Omnisport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

Windies collapse again to hand Black Caps innings victory WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC) – A spineless batting effort sent West Indies crashing to an innings and 67-run defeat to New Zealand, as the Caribbean side tamely conceded the opening Test inside four days early yesterday.

Entering the penultimate day at the Basin Reserve brimming with confidence following an encouraging display on Sunday, West Indies’ enterprise deserted them as they collapsed from a promising 214 for two overnight to 319 all out in their second innings.

They were 231 for no further loss inside the first half-hour but dramatically lost their last eight wickets for 88 runs, to be bowled out about 50 minutes after lunch.

Opener and vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite, unbeaten overnight on 79, top-scored with 91 while Shai Hope moved from 24 at the start to 37, but none of the Windies batsmen could muster the required commitment to stretch the contest into the fifth day.

Matt Henry added another scalp to end with three for

57 but it was his fellow seamers Colin de Grandhomme (240), Trent Boult (2-87) and Neil Wagner (2-102) who scythed through the middle and lower order to set up the comprehensive win.

The defeat was the seventh in 11 Tests on New Zealand soil for West Indies inside the last 17 years, and their third innings loss in four straight defeats in Wellington, dating back to 1999.

For New Zealand, the win gave them a precious 1-0 lead in the two-match series, ensuring they extended their record of not having lost a series to the Windies at home in 22 years.

There were no signs of the collapse when Brathwaite and Hope were busy extending their third-wicket stand to 65, as West Indies safely navigated the first half-hour.

Brathwaite had moved into the 90s and was in sight of his seventh Test hundred when he, misjudging the length of one from left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, played back and was adjudged lbw on review.

He faced 221 balls in a shade over 3-1/4 hours at

Seamer Neil Wagner was named Man-of-the-Match for his haul of nine for 141 in the Test.

the crease and counted eight fours and a six.

West Indies then suffered two key blows when Hope was caught at gully by captain Kane Williamson off Boult – failing to keep down one that lifted – and Chase chopped on a cut at a wide ball from Henry to depart for 18.

On 273 for five, debutant Sunil Ambris (18) and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich (3) steered West Indies to lunch on 286 without further loss, but the innings quickly unravelled thereafter.

Ambris poked aimlessly at the first ball after the

break from de Grandhomme to give Ross Taylor a simple catch catch at slip and Dowrich followed in the next over also without adding to his lunch time score, caught at point off Wagner.

The end came swiftly for the Windies as Kemar Roach was hit plumb in front by de Grandhomme for seven, captain Jason Holder (7) miscued a pull at Wagner and was taken at square leg and Miguel Cummins was bowled by Boult for 14.

West Indies travel to Hamilton for the final Test starting at Seddon Park on December 9.

Reigning champs Sparta tackle … Future Stars and Kingston Norton St tonight showdown a blockbuster THE dreaded segment of any tournament has arrived where teams who lose usually go home and start early preparations for another competition.

However, the street phenomenon labelled the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition is offering tonight’s losers a reprieve which will come in the form of having another opportunity to play for cash, $60 000 to be exact in a winner-take-all mini segment of the real deal.

Tonight will mark the start of the business phase of the tournament and the venue is the spacious National Cultural Centre tarmac on Hadfield Street.

Headlining the night’s fixtures will be the final game of the night between defending champions Sparta Boss and Norton Street.

The reigning title-holders have not looked their lethal best, but experience sometimes count and they’re the superior team in this regard.

Gregory Richardson, Cleon Forrester, Eusi Phillips are all players with a vast amount of experience in this format and their skills and familiarity in this format should be enough to engineer a win.

Delon Williams was the

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson

lone scorer in Norton Street’s only win which came against Tucville and he will be called upon to orchestrate another victory.

The Kingston versus Future Stars matchup is definitely a blockbuster encounter, with the latter slowly but surely earning the sobriquet of being the ‘young darlings’ among the fans.

They’ve been playing cracking football, but the Kingston team are a crafty side with loads of experience so they have to be taken seriously.

They topped their group, playing unbeaten with the likes of Nigel Denny and Sherwin Vincent in their lineup.

However, Akeemo Anthony, Jermin Junor and Jamal

Cozier are no jokes and have formed themselves into one of the most feared teams to encounter at any stage of the competition.

The Upsetters and Queen Street of Tiger Bay clash is another game that is sure to provide end-to-end action and to predict the outcome is quite difficult.

In the curtain-raiser, the ‘Gold is Money’ side face newcomers GTI Ballers who everyone will agree have been ‘balling’, but it might be a case of a bridge too far to cross.

The West Ruimveldt side have been progressing smoothly without much fanfare, but everyone knows they are a formidable unit to deal with.

Randolph Wagner is a prolific goalscorer and he is expected to lead the charge for victory, while GTI Ballers have shown a never-say-die attitude which is commendable for first-timers.

Leopold Street versus Ol Skool Ballers is a must see, especially with the latter being the only Albouystown side left to defend the community.

This could very well be the game of the night since Leopold Street, led by Okanie Fraser, Omallo Williams and

company, are among the favourites to win the tournament outright.

However, Roy Cassou has been a one-man army and he is capable of doing serious damage to any defence with his skills.

The night is full of action-packed matchups and has the potential to be the biggest and exciting to date.

The winning team will receive $500 000, a trophy and an automatic berth in the national playoffs, while second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will take home $250 000, $200 000 and $100 000 along with trophies.

Colours Boutique on Robb Street is also on board the event.

Round of 16 fixtures West Front Road vs GTI Ballers - 19:00hrs Upsetters vs Queen Street Tiger Bay - 19:30hrs Rising Stars vs North Ruimveldt - 20:00hrs Kingston vs Future Stars 20:30hrs California Square vs Trap Squad - 21:00hrs Leopold Street vs Ol Skool Ballers - 21:30hrs Bent Street vs North East La Penitence - 22:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Norton Street - 22:30hrs

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings 134 NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings 520-9 decl.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (o/n 214 for two) K. Brathwaite lbw b Santner 91 K. Powell c & b Henry 40 S. Hetmyer c Raval b Henry 66 S. Hope c Williamson b Wagner 37 R. Chase b Henry 18 S. Ambris c Taylor b de Grandhomme 18 S. Dowrich c Santner b Wagner 3 J. Holder c Boult b Wagner 7 K. Roach lbw b de Grandhomme 7 M. Cummins b Boult 14 S. Gabriel not out 4 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, w-6) 14 Total: (all out, 106 overs) 319 Fall of wickets: 1-72, 2-166, 3-231, 4-257, 5-273, 6-286, 7-288, 8-301, 9-301.

Bowling: Boult 23-5-87-2, Henry 246-57-3, de Grandhomme 19-3-40-2, Wagner 22-3-102-2, Santner 17-7-25-1, Williamson 1-1-0-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Neil Wagner.

Sky Plus 20 percent offer closes off today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

RACEHORSE owners, who are interested in being a part of Sunday’s Sky Plus Incorporated Promotions Group, `Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic’ horserace meet, have until the end of today to cash in on the Sky Plus 20 percent offer.

According to the organisers, racehorse owners will be entitled to a 20 percent discount on entries for horses paid in full, in cash, on or before today.

Further, horserace owners will be given the privilege to choose a gate number once registration is completed before this afternoon.

Sunday’s race meet is billed for the Nand Persaud Group of Companies racing facility at Number 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Seven races are scheduled for the day with more than $4M in cash and trophies up for the taking.

The feature event is open to horses classified `D’ and Lower, over 880

yards, with $400 000 going to the winning stable.

The `H’ and Lower animals will also battle over 880 yards and the winning stable will earn $260 000, while the `I’ Class horses will cover 660 yards for the $200 000 first prize.

Horses classified `K’ and Lower will contest 660 yards and will have a first prize purse of $140 000.

There will also be three races for `L’ and Lower horses and two of these races will see the horses gallop for 660 yards to win the first prize package of $100 000 each.

The other `L’ Class event will be an 880 yards contest and carries a first prize worth $100 000 also.

The champion jockey, the champion trainer and the champion stable will all receive trophies, compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Georgetown.

Race time is 13:00hrs and admission is $1 000 for adults while children will pay half that amount.

Parking is $500 per vehicle.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 05, 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) Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica (1972) (2) Lawrence Rowe Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two players made their maiden test hundreds in the WI/NZ Sabina Park Test of 1972?

(2) How did Glen Turner distinguish himself in this Test?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday December 5, 2017

27

Coach Crandon says it was a total team effort … hails young Paul as a talent ahead of his time

By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA Jaguars head coach Esaun Crandon says an all-round team effort was responsible for his side’s eight-wicket win over Barbados Pride on Sunday when the fifth round Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day game concluded at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The result gave the Jaguars their fourth victory of the season and they have now extended their lead at the top of the table, moving to 86.4 points, having gained 21.6 from the match.

“It was a fantastic team achievement … a total team effort,” Crandon said.

“He added, “We are on a good role … we outplayed them (Barbados Pride) for majority of the four days.”

Crandon, the former national fast bowler is of the opinion that the win is a huge boost for the Jaguars push for a fourth straight Regional 4-Day title.

“This is definitely a huge win for us,” said Crandon.

“We recognise the importance of winning this game and taking a huge jump in the lead. Our aim is to win the next two games at home, and try and get as many points from those two games. So this is a huge boost for us going into the next two games.”

Jaguars will continue their home show, when they play Windward Islands Vol-

Keon Joseph

Chanderpaul Hemraj

Keemo Paul

canoes from Thursday.

Meanwhile, the 35-yearold Crandon feels young all-round sensation Keemo Paul is a talent ahead of his

time. There is no doubt that Paul is leading the pack of the region’s brightest young talents and more recently has become a household

name both locally and regionally.

This talented all-rounder is proving to be quite a force at the regional scene, making

Colours Boutique on board with Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Royals win again, Ravens bounce back … Pacesetters make winning start

Harold Adams

Colours Boutique’s representative, Creanna Damon, (left) hands over the uniforms to Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch at the Robb Street location. In the background are mannequins featuring several of the uniforms that will be worn by the competing teams in the knockout stages of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship.

FASHION and sport apparel giant, Colours Boutique, continued its invaluable support of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship, donating an assortment of team uniforms for each of the seven zones yesterday.

The presentation occurred at the company’s Robb Street location and was conducted by company representative Creanna Damon.

Sixteen sets of uniforms will be handed over to the teams entering the round of 16 stage in the Georgetown edition.

Each team will receive seven shirts, and as many trunks and socks respectively, totalling 336 pieces overall.

Receiving the uniforms on behalf of the tournament was Three Peat Promotions Rawle Welch, coordinator of the event’s Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and National Championships.

Welch, during brief remarks, thanked the company for their vital support, which is integral to the overall and continued success of the tournament.

According to Welch, “The value of this contribution cannot be understated.

Colours Boutique must be commended for their continued assistance in the development of grassroots sports.

The uniforms add an even higher layer of professionalism to what is the marquee and most anticipated street football tournament and we are exceptionally grateful for the contribution.”

The event resumes tonight at the National Cultural Centre tarmac with the round-of-16 Fixtures.

him one of Guyana’s most valuable players at present.

Paul took his second first-class five-wicket haul, and a match-haul of 9-122, which earned him the Player-of-the-Match award - an great achievement. Crandon expressed his admiration of the 19-year-old.

“He’s a real talent. If he keeps going the way he’s going, there will be bigger and better things on the horizon for him for sure.”

On the other hand, Crandon also hailed the contribution of fast bowler Keon Joseph and the makeshift opening pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Chanderpaul Hemraj, along with Gudakesh Motie.

VICTORY Valley Royals won their second match to remain unbeaten in this year’s ‘Road to Mecca’ basketball Championships, while Ravens rebounded from their opening night upset and Pacesetters made a winning start in their journey to ‘Mecca’, when the tournament continued on Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Playing in the opening game of the night’s triple-header at the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABAF) marquee tournament, Pacesetters 28 points (85-57) blowout-win over last year’s finalists Retrieve Raiders, while the Royals, behind Harold Adams, eased to a comfortable 77-55 win over newcomers Kobras.

On night one of the competition, Rose Hall Jammers, considered by many as ‘minnows’ of the National Club Championship, walked away with a shocking 64-60 win over Ravens. However, Darcel

Harris, the team’s point-guard and centrepiece, regrouped his troops and returned on Sunday to romp to an 82-78 ‘statement-win’ over Amelia’s Ward Jets.

Harris scored 15 points in the win over the Jets and picked up five steals, while Ryan Stephney led all scorers with 30 points. Tyrone Hamid and Sebastian Luke both finished the night with ten points apiece.

For the Jets, Donnel Benjamin was the team’s best scorer with 20 points and Sean Muss had 14 points in the loss.

In the Pacesetters versus Raiders clash, forward Sherlon Legall had 24 points in leading the city team to victory over the Linden club who are coming off a horrible season in the LABA. Joslyn Crawford had 12 while Nathan Saul, a usual marksman, had a bad shooting night, only scoring 10 points from his 19 attempts to the basket.

Karem Roberts with 14 and Neil Marks, 11, were the top shooters for the Raiders.

Meanwhile, coming into the tournament Royals had ‘man-handled’ their counterparts in Linden during their run the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) and that run continued into the ‘Road to Mecca’ tournament, as the Victory Valley-based team crushed Georgetown’s second-best team, Plaisance Guardians, by 23 points (82-

Ryan Stephney

59).

The win over the Guardians was an eye-opener for the city clubs, and the Kobras, Georgetown basketball’s newcomers, would feel the wrath of Adams, who, this year, scored 111 points in a game during the LABA League - the most ever scored by a player locally in an organised game.

Adams had a game-high 22 points in the Royals’ victory in a game that had the Lindeners leading 41-32 at the halfway mark.

However, point guard Marlon Pollydore (7) and Yannick Tappin (16), joined Adams in helping the Royals to pull away from the Kobras, outscoring them 13-11 (54-43) at the end of the penultimate period, and 23-12 (77-55) in the final period.

Travis Burnett entertained the crowd in his 18 points, while Jermaine Slater contributed nine for the Kobras who would next play Plaisance Guardians on Friday.

Coach Crandon says it was a total team effort

Page 27

Usain Bolt statue unveiled … legend blown away by ‘unimaginable honour’

A BRONZE statue of Jamaican sprint great Usain Bolt was unveiled at the National Stadium in Kingston on Sunday.

The statue, sculpted

by Basil Watson, depicted Bolt in his trademark ‘to the world’ stance.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who unveiled the statue during a special ceremony, said generations of Jamaicans and young people across the world will be inspired by Bolt, who retired from athletics earlier this year.

“We are proud of the achievement of our national treasure, Usain Bolt,” Holness said.

These great feats … today we erect a statue to remind generations that we too have conquered the world, through sports with the achievements of people like Usain Bolt,” the Prime Minister added.

Bolt, who joked that he had to ‘freestyle’ his speech because he left the prepared one at home, said he did not imagine he would have accomplished so much in

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt (second right) does his trademark ‘to the world’ pose in front of a statue of his likeness at the National Stadium in Kingston on Sunday. He’s joined by (from left) his coach Glen Mills, Sport Minister Olivia Grange, and Prime Minister Andrew Holness. (PHOTOS: Marlon Reid)

the sport.

“There are no words to describe how I am feeling right now … how is this even possible? A barefoot youth from country … I never ever felt I would be here having my own statue at the National Stadium, where it all begun,” Bolt said.

He credited his achievements to his ability to stay focused on the goal at hand, fuelled by the guidance of coach Glen Mills.

Bolt also thanked his parents for teaching him humility which has allowed him to stay grounded despite his fame.

The ceremony was attended by scores of dignitaries including former Jamaican Prime Ministers Edward Seaga and PJ Patterson.

Notable figures in local and international sports were also in attendance including another Jamaican sprint legend, Asafa Powell, and Victor Lopez, the president of the North American Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association. (Extracted from Jamaica News)

Camptown stun Police 1-0 to claim Turbo football title

By Stephan Sookram IT was a night of upsets and one that will be talked about for months to come as Camptown FC stunned tournament favourites Police for the Turbo KO football title.

Against the grain and underdogs on the night, the Camptown side showed what grit and determination can do for a team when they needled Police 1-0.

The final started as ex-

Camptown FC are winners of the Turbo KO Football Tournament.

pected with the Police unleashing their arsenal on the Camptown defence but the Camptown side were ready for it.

Former national keeper Richie Richardson was on point to deny the lawmen when they looked most dangerous and while one did slip through, it was later disallowed after play was stopped for an earlier foul.

Still, Camptown did well to absorb what the Police threw at

Turn to page 24

Kensington Oval to host Sri Lanka Test for first time Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Page 24

TUESDAY, DECEMBER, 5, 2017