Guyana chronicle e paper 01 25 2018

Burger King opens outlet at Giftland Mall

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‘Be the best you can’ No. 105165

THURSDAY,JANUARY 25, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…President urges youth at inaugural luncheon

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President David Granger with youth leaders at the inaugural youth luncheon held at State House on Wednesday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Two dead, two hurt in CI crash NBS to ‘safeguard’ $59M Man gets life …defends locking down customers in building Pa4ge

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sentences for rape Page 14

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PPP divided on GAWU

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…Chandarpal sees ‘dark’ motive behind attacks on union, Chand

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

PPP divided on GAWU

…Chandarpal sees ‘dark’ motive behind attacks on union, Chand THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) remains divided over the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union handling of the sugar industry restructuring programme, with top executives both praising and criticising the union’s leadership on the issue.

Sources told the Guyana Chronicle that the attack on GAWU President Komal Chand in an article earlier this week in the Guyana Times would widen the inner-party divisions. Chand is seen as one of the few Jaganites remaining in the PPP. The source said these divisions were caused by party General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who unilaterally dumped the long-standing policy of both the party and the union against privatisation of the sugar industry. "Jagdeo discarded a policy held sacred since Dr. Jagan was at the helm. He did so without the consent of the Central Committee or party congress," one stalwart said, asking not to be identified by name.

Jagdeo last week Friday declared: “Now that the termination has been done … we were opposed to it -- closure of these estates but we will push…we hope that we can get decent private investment into these estates. This is a position that we have changed because we were saying ‘no closure,’ but now that there is closure, there is no job that we can… we can get decent investments into this,” Jagdeo was quoted as saying by Demerarawaves.

He said the PPP would support any initiative with “decent investors” to get jobs for sugar workers, adequate land, more cash for small loans and immediate payment of accurately calculated severance.

On Wednesday, another subtle attack on Chand continued with PPP, MP Anil Nandlall declaring that GAWU should have taken a non-negotiable stance on the issue of payment of severance to sugar workers.

“Quite frankly, I believe that GAWU should have ensured, demanded and taken a non-negotiable position

when it comes to severance that all must be paid…”

Nandlall was quoted in the Guyana Times as saying.

However, long-standing party member and parliamentarian, Indra Chandarpal has defended Chand, saying that comments on his stewardship hold no weight. She declared that Chand, who happens to fill the opposition seat directly behind her is an “honourable” man. “I will not be paying any attention to what was said in the Guyana Times,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. The MP said that coming from a family of sugar workers, as far as she is aware, “GAWU has always been on the side of sugar workers.” She said she believes that sugar workers believe in GAWU and hinted to a questionable motive by the statements in the Guyana Times article.

PACT Government and the sugar unions last Friday agreed to work together to resolve the issues within the industry and President David Granger urged all stakeholders to put aside all prejudices and partisan interests for the national good. President Granger and some senior members of his cabinet, including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, met the President and members of the GAWU

the government itself pays attention and I think that it is a good beginning.”

President of GAWU, Komal Chand

and the NAACIE to discuss the future of the sugar industry. According to the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), the meeting lasted approximately two hours and the stakeholders were able to find common ground. At the meeting unions agreed to cooperate fully with government to find a solution that would benefit all stakeholders. In his address to representatives of the unions, President Granger said Friday’s meeting represented the start of talks between the sides, so that consensus can be reached soonest on the way forward. “This is a national matter. It is not a partisan one. It involves human beings, households and families. We are conscious of the foresighted nature and

PPP MP Indra Chandarpal

we cannot ignore the context of the issue that we face. We cannot continue something that is not competitive. We are bailing out the industry at $1B per month and that is simply not sustainable.”

For his part, Chand said: “We have listened and we are satisfied that you are concerned with the issues. We are ready to work along with the government to explore the options and we are going to give our best to see the situation out. You are right that there are no winners in this and we are willing…

We are certainly pleased with this meeting. This is the first meeting [for the year] we have been able to have with the government and we believe that the meeting took place in a positive atmosphere and we recognise that

NO CLAIM OF POOR REPRESENTATION Contacted on the issue, another PPP MP Juan Edgill said he did not wish to comment on the performance of GAWU and its president. The former junior finance minister who had earlier marched front line with sugar workers in Berbice, said he had discussions in certain factions and none had made poor representation claims or called for Chand’s resignation.

For that reason, Edgill said, “I prefer not to comment on it.” Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also opted to keep her comments to herself regarding Chand and his representation of workers and whether she felt their call for his resignation was justified. She said that the PPP is a political party and they have always declared that the Guyana Sugar Corporation must find all the money to pay off retrenched sugar workers.

Although Chand is a longstanding member of the PPP and the president of the sugar workers union, Teixeira indicated that the party and the union are different entities that think differently based on their beliefs.

Two dead, two hurt in CI crash

TWO men were killed and another two injured after the car they were in slammed into a utility pole before crashing into a fence on the Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Public Road Tuesday night.

Dead are: Romeo Henry, 26, a barber of Lot 20 Second Street, Windsor Forest, WCD and his friend, Doesh Sukhu called “Nick”, 24, of Lot 12 Gap Road, La Jalousie, WCD. Injured are the driver Mohammed Osman, 25, of Pakistan Street, La Jalousie, WCD and Rajendra Nandalall, 29, of Lot 58 Third Street, Windsor Forest, WCD. Reports indicate that motorcar PSS 413, driven

by Osman, was proceeding east along the northern side of the Cornelia Ida Public

Dead: Doesh Sukhu called “Nick”

Road at a fast rate of speed when the driver, while negotiating a right turn, lost control of the vehicle. The car spun and collided with a utility pole and a fence.

The fatal accident occurred minutes to midnight. The injured were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Henry and

Dead: Romeo Henry

Sukhu were pronounced dead on arrival. Osman was admitted for observation and Rajendra Nandalall was treated and sent away. Police administered a breathalyzer test which showed that the driver was intoxicated. The mangled vehicle is lodged at the Police Station.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

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‘Be the best you can’ …President urges youth at inaugural luncheon

REMINDING them of their critical role in nation-building, President David Granger urged the nation’s young people to seize every available opportunity to be the best they can, when he hosted his first youth luncheon since taking office in 2015.

“You can be whatever you want to be and I do hope that while I am here, I will be able to give you that vision and that sense of purpose, so that you can want to use the resources to venture into your profession of choice,” he told the youths, who were present at the luncheon held at State House on Wednesday.

Acknowledging that youth unemployment remains a challenge, President Granger said his administration has made job-creation a priority with the focus on youths. It was on this note that the President disclosed that his government is in the process of consolidating all of the youth programmes, including initiatives such as the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) and the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST).

“We are bringing all the youth programmes together to have a common core curriculum so that every child, whether or not he or she is

a school dropout, who enters that programme will get common training, which will prepare him or her to get employment in Guyana. I don’t like to see young children, some of them who have left secondary school in the Rupununi for example, drifting over to Brazil to do menial work. I think they can stay here and get a good living, not only because oil is on the horizon, but also because we can produce practically every food that the Eastern Caribbean needs,” the President said.

In this regard, he outlined the prospects and the many opportunities that lie in entrepreneurship such as value-added and agro-processing ventures. The President also took note of the importance of education, which is intrinsically linked to employment. President Granger urged students and young adults to pursue higher education, noting that tertiary education is mandatory for most jobs today. “The country is wide open and it is open to you…Your education will not only equip you for employment, but it will also equip your for entrepreneurial activities so that you can become rich,” he said.

Speaking of the environment, the President reminded those in attendance that they

President David Granger addressing youths at the luncheon at State House

are the ones who will inherit the national patrimony and therefore, they must develop a greater appreciation and love for their country. “You will inherit this country…

This is the most beautiful, the most bountiful country in the Caribbean…I want you to love your country, I want you to own your country, I want you to be the best you could be,” he said.

The event was coordinated by Brian Smith, who holds

the post of deputy director of sport. He expressed his appreciation to the President.

The coordinator also gave the assurance that this event will be expanded to include an even wider cross-section of youths. “Whilst we have not been able, this year, to have more members from the outlying regions, it is definitely something that will be done next year,” he said.

He added that this luncheon, which will be an annual fea-

of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country.

In the statement, ICE shared that its deportation officers conduct targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country.

This, they said, forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety, and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls.

Last week, ICE’s 2017 Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) Report revealed that 137 Guyanese were deported from the U.S. in 2017. The 137 represented an increase from 2016 when only 93 Guyanese were deported. ERO identifies, arrests, and removes aliens who

present a danger to national security or a threat to public safety, or who otherwise undermine border control and the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

In 2016 more than 72, 000 non-Immigrant and 7,000 Immigrant visas were issued to Guyanese by the U.S. Embassy here. The figures for 2017 has not been revealed. U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, had said that the increase in visas being issued locally was a result of improved economic conditions in the country. “Luckily, only a very small percentage of Guyanese abuse their visas by staying illegally,” the U.S. Ambassador had said at the U.S.’s 241st Independence Day celebration in Georgetown last year.

ture, enables the President to interact with young people and in many ways, remove any impression of a veil of mystery regarding State House and the presidency; in other words, opening up the country’s highest office to youths.

Representatives from the President's Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), the Department of Youth and Sport, Director of Youth, the Volunteer Support Plat-

form, African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Youth, the University of Guyana’s International Affairs Association and Student Association, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), Guyana Environment Initiative and young professionals and entrepreneurs attended the event.

They were drawn from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

Guyanese in custody after U.S. immigration raid

TWO Guyanese are currently in custody following a five-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York, targeting “at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and other immigration violators”.

In a statement, ICE said that one of the persons is a 23-year-old Guyanese male with convictions for driving while ability impaired and harassment, following his arrest for menacing with a weapon. The immigration enforcement agency said that he will remain in custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.

The other person is a 46-year-old Guyanese female with convictions for forgery and larceny. She too, will re-

main in ICE custody pending the outcome of her removal proceedings. The duo were among 46 foreign nationals from 16 countries who were taken into custody during the operation. Some of those persons came from CARICOM countries including Jamaica, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago; and more developed countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom (UK).

The immigration enforcement agency explained that some of the individuals arrested during will be presented for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Meanwhile, those not being criminally prosecuted will be processed for removal from the country. Individuals who have outstanding orders

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

NBS to ‘safeguard’ $59M …defends locking down customers in building

DESPITE paying $59M owed former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Building Society (NBS) Maurice Arjoon on Tuesday following the move by Arjoon’s lawyers to levy on the bank’s property, NBS Wednesday said it will take measures to safeguard the GY$59M in pension benefits paid by cheque to Arjoon.

“While the Society paid over the said sum to avoid a confrontation, it will be taking steps to safeguard that sum, given the fact that the matter will continue in court until a final resolution,” the bank said in a statement. Arjoon along with two other senior officers of the NBS were fired back in 2007 for allegedly conspiring to defraud the bank of $69M. Arjoon had sued NBS in 2011 for wrongful dismissal and after six years in the court system, the High Court ruled last year that he should be compensated all his benefits which totalled $79 as he was wrongfully dismissed.

Justice Brassington Reynolds had ruled that a total of $79, 282, 801 be paid over to Arjoon. NBS had attempted to stay the ruling. However,

recently, Justice Rishi Persaud ordered that only $59M of the original judgment handed down last year be paid to Arjoon. NBS defended its decision to “lock down” its main office on Tuesday, following the arrival of court marshals, police and the representatives of Maurice Arjoon, the Bank’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to levy on the bank’s property.

The bank said that on Tuesday at around 12:30hrs, a group of men arrived at the back entrance of the Society’s Office and opened the door of a Nissan Vehicle, owned by the Society and driven by an employee. The said employee was reportedly ordered out of the vehicle and the keys were forcibly taken away. NBS described the entrance of court marshals onto the bank’s premises as “the storming of its Chief Office by unknown individuals,” who later identified themselves as marshals of the Supreme Court, lawyers and relatives of Arjoon.

At the same time, the bank’s board of directors said persons were seen coming out of a vehicle with building-breaking equipment out-

side of the Society’s building perimeter. “This caused some

marshals.

Given the alleged fear and

Customers, court marshals, a reporter, and an attorney were all detained by NBS Tuesday. (Samuel Maughn)

panic among employees of the Society, who thought that a robbery was about to take place.”

This the bank said resulted in several of its cashiers moving away from their posts and “the management quickly took a decision to lock down the entity.” It was reportedly after the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrived, that management of the bank was informed that the persons who took possession of the vehicle, and were in and around the building located on North Road and Avenue of the Republic were court

the absence of a court order, the bank’s management said it took a decision to safeguard the money while allowing customers an opportunity to leave the bank through one of its entrances. “The NBS at no time prevented persons from leaving the office and in an effort to ensure the safety of cash, there was some inconvenience,” the statement said.

However, some persons who were locked in told reporters on Tuesday that they were prevented from leaving the bank’s premises for about two hours by officials of the institution. The bank contends

Thursday, January 25, 2018 - 10:30hrs Friday, January 26, 2018 - 11:30hrs

that due to the lack of a court order, “the management took the right decision to protect the interest of the Society, its staff and customers.”

The board of directors stated that the marshals and others “came in unidentified like ‘thieves in the night’” and in an unprofessional manner that resulted in panic, chaos and misunderstanding. This notwithstanding, the bank said should it be “properly served with any instrument or order of the court” it would readily comply with the said instructions.

On Jan 4, 2018, the NBS as well as the other appellants, including Trust Company (Guyana) Limited received a court order directing that the sum of $59,033,281be paid over to Arjoon. That sum represented the former NBS CEO’s pension benefits.

“This benefit should have been paid from the Pension Scheme funds held by the Trust Company (Guyana) Limited assuming it was the final award,” NBS stated. The decision of the High Court was appealed on January 9, 2018 and a request was made for the Court of Appeal to set the order aside. Deliberations are yet to begin at the Court of Appeal on the matter.

But despite the fact that the matter has been appealed and no court order was produced to the bank, the bank took a decision to pay to Arjoon through his lawyers and representatives the $59M after they secured an order to levy on the bank’s properties.

The money paid over to Arjoon came from the bank’s funds and now the bank said it has to await a refund from the Trust Company (Custodial Trustees) of the Pension Scheme.

“Assuming that they were correct to levy for the Pension Benefits, this payment ought to have been made from the Pension Scheme Funds and not the NBS assets. The Society will therefore seek to redress this illegal and improper conduct of Mr. Arjoon’s representatives, his Lawyers and the Marshals,” The statement added.

Meanwhile, the financial institution said what it regards as the unprofessional conduct of the Marshals will be com-

municated to their superiors for an inquiry to be held.

Additionally, the large presence of police officers, some of whom were “armed with high-powered rifles, makes it appear that they may have been apparently under the instructions of someone or persons bent on embarrassing the Society”.

NBS said it will also seek to have a “proper explanation” from the appropriate authorities on the seizure and impounding of one of its motor vehicles. That aside, the bank said that the delay and detention of its three security personnel and managers as a result of the lock down is of concern because the bank was left exposed.

That aside, the financial institution said it remained silent on the matter in a bid to respect the sub judice rule despite the many “speculative reports and accusations” surrounding the dismissal of Arjoon and two other former employees of the bank.

NBS denied that political motives were responsible for the dismissals and noted that the three senior officers’ dismissal “had nothing to do with the Berbice Bridge or the intervention of any government officials at that time.”

“The Board of Directors of the Society at that time unanimously agreed to the dismissal of the three officers for serious infractions, including gross misconduct and negligent performance of their duties,” the statement said. The payment of $69M by the trio “in an unauthorised manner and under highly suspicious circumstances caused the Society to suffer a loss by re-imbursing the account holder via a court order in the sum of $71M.” Additionally, the bank contends that its investment in the Berbice Bridge “is a very lucrative one and has been proven to be a correct decision” and labelled the claim by Arjoon and the duo a “mere smoke screen to garner public sympathy and to cover up their failure to follow standard operating procedures in the performance of their duties.”

The financial institution said it will remain steadfast to defend its interest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

Court pulls plug on City Hall

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…issues cease order over Bel Air playground

ALL 30 City Councillors have been served with a ‘Cease and desist’ court order threatening fines and imprisonment if they refuse to desist from using the now controversial Bel Air Park Playground for anything other than for community purposes.

The document, seen by this newspaper, stated: “Failure to obey this order will result in contempt proceedings being brought against each of the named respondents which may result in the imposition of fines and/or an order of imprisonment being issued.”

Resident of Bel Air Park and a founding partner of London House Chambers Devindra Kissoon, filed the application and the High Court has since restrained

the councillors from “using, leasing, transferring, assigning, conveying, licensing, selling, encumbering, dealing or permitting the use of the property for the purpose of building residential homes or otherwise other than for community purposes.”

“We’re all going to jail if we do not desist,” Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran told the Chronicle on Wednesday. Although the order mentions all 30 city councillors, Jaikarran said only some councillors were served on Monday while they were at the statutory meeting.

At a subsequent meeting with Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, Jaikarran said he was assured that there was nothing to worry about. Notwithstanding this, he said he will

be seeking the advice of his lawyers.

“I’m not going to jail for the Council or for the town clerk. While I'm committed to serving the citizens of Georgetown, I have to draw the line at the thought of imprisonment.

I like being the deputy mayor but I'm too old to do time for things I know nothing about,” Jaikarran said.

Last Monday, the mayor said nothing the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) did relating to the playground was ever shrouded in secrecy.

She reminded councillors that it was the Investment and Development Committee that had brought this matter to the Council.

The Council, she recalled, subsequently granted

its approval, subject to greenlight from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, among other agencies.

Town Clerk Royston King similarly commented that the Council had agreed in principle that the Bel Air Park land be reviewed and repossessed.

Since that time, the matter has attracted the attention of the court, and an order has been issued. However, King said City Hall’s lawyers are now studying the matter and that the Council’s intentions were in keeping with the Municipal District and Council Act.

So far, King said, works have started on clearing the land and digging the drains. Over-hanging trees are being dealt with, along

with the garbage pile-up.

One person has even lighted a fire to burn refuse, King disclosed. “We want to fence it and keep it in good order,” he said.

Councillor Alfred Mentore stood up to say that as the constituency representative, he should have been informed about the works that the City Council is currently undertaking.

He said that in this way, he could have been in a position to “appease” all those residents who have been contacting him, thinking that the works were being done by a private developer.

Mentore reasoned that even though King may have had good intentions, the manner in which he went about it can backfire and

cause the City Council harm.

The mayor said that with the feedback Mentore received from his constituency, he should have made contact with the town clerk to clarify matters. She reminded that the land is owned by the M&CC, and that the land was there all along and no one was doing anything with it.

“I am not aware that anyone by the name of Taljit is doing any work there,” the mayor stated.

Terrence Taljit is a local housing developer whom the City Council was allegedly in negotiations with to transfer the land to him despite a restriction on the transport of the property for use as a playground and for other community purposes only.

Hand-en-Veldt residents receive water for the first time

Residents of Hand-enVeldt, Mahaica, are receiving potable water through their taps for the first time due to an intervention by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

In keeping with its mandate of delivering an efficient supply of water to all homes across the country, GWI has expended $3.3M to run pipelines in the community so that residents can receive water. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Engineer Technician, GWI, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), Carl Philadelphia said works commenced last year and were completed in December. “However, some persons didn’t manage to get the service into their homes because of some financial constraints; but, they managed to get the paperwork and money in place, so we have just completed the final installation,” Philadelphia

explained.

Residents in the community told DPI that it has been over a decade they were without pipelines and resorted to purchasing water or using treated creek water for their daily activities. They are currently receiving a 24hour supply of approximately five pounds per square inch (psi) in water pressure.

Philadelphia has adamantly stated this is expected to be increased to 15 psi since plans are already in place for same.

“We’re looking to give each resident a manageable psi. One of the things that you will find is that some people are not getting the kind of pressure they like.

That will change shortly because we have more things to do to boost the pressure of the pump station. We will also be putting in meters so that the residents can receive better water,” he underlined.

The Engineer Techni-

GWI Technician, Carl Philadelphia

cian boasted that the 24hour water supply system came on-stream in May 2015 when the new Managing Director took office.

Philadelphia advised the residents to ensure that there are no leakages within their internal networks in

A resident of Hand-en-Veldt receiving water through his tap

order to maintain consistent water pressure. GWI has already completed works in Ann’s Grove on the ECD and is currently undertaking works in Sparendaam also along the coast, all

geared at providing residents with water. The government, in its 2018 budget, promised to continue the expansion of the water supply capacity and improve the efficiency of the existing

water distribution systems.

Communities in Regions Three, Four and Six are among those targeted. The sum of $3.2B was allocated to GWI to bring this promise to fruition.

UNEP regional top brass on mission to promote ‘green’ economy

LEO Heileman, Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean is currently in Guyana for a high-level mission to promote the ‘Green’ Economy, the Department of Environment said in a statement.

Leo Heileman, Regional Director of UNEP

Heileman, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, has over 20 years of experience in the environment arena focusing on environmental management, programme coordination and environmental assessment. Joining Mr. Heileman is Ms. Elenaor Bacani, Consultant on the ‘Green’ Economy, and Ms.

Adrianna Zacarias, Regional Coordinator of Resource Efficiency at UNEP. According to the department, this visit is timely as Guyana is currently developing its Green State Development Strategy. “The Department of Environment and the United Nations Environment Programme are cur-

rently coordinating his visit, which includes delivering the feature address at the second Green Conversation slated for Bartica, which is already undergoing its own transformation into a model ‘green town’. The event is slated for Friday January 26 at the Palm Spring Hotel in Bartica.”

Today the department

will host the first meeting of the Inter-Agency and Multi Stakeholder Advisory Committee in the Ballet Room at Cara Lodge commencing at 08:30hrs. The objective of the meeting is to form the committee that will guide the formulation of the Green State Development Strategy.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Let’s salute Leon Johnson and his triumphant team There was a time, a few decades ago, when a triumphant Guyana cricket team would have been the talk of the country. Back then, cricket meant more than waving flags and having a good party for a few hours as the boys in the middle swing and swipe at every delivery bowled. The game evoked national pride and dignity from both player and spectator— it brought forth emotions that ran deep in the national psyche.

The cricket ground was the meeting place of history, culture, politics, memory and aspirations. And so, when Guyana or the West Indies won a game, a series or a tournament, there were national thanksgiving and mass celebration—the country and region stopped to honor their ambassadors of freedom.

Yes, a victory for country and region on

the cricket ground also meant freedom. It was a case of the sons of the formerly enslaved and indentured making their mark on the world stage and in the process affirming the human worth of all of us. Where the rules are fair and equal, we could show that we are second to none. Cricket was “liberation cricket” to borrow a phrase from Professor Hilary Beckles. As Martin Carter, our national poet, would have us chant—”From the Niggeryard of yesterday I come with my burden/To the world of tomorrow they turn with my strength.” Cricket was the Caribbean socio-cultural and political strength in an age of nationalism.

It is against that background that one must wonder what has changed in our Guyana and the Caribbean since that time. This past week Guyana won the regional four-day tournament

for the fourth successive year—equaling the record held by Barbados and Jamaica-- with hardly a whisper from the country. Leon Johnson’s boys played unbeaten throughout the tournament and in the process amassed 166.8 points—52.4 points ahead of the second-placed team, Barbados. By any account, that is an excellent performance that is worth celebrating.

But alas, the country hardly noticed the achievement. There were no blazing front page newspaper headlines, no motorcades or formal ceremonies. It is as if nothing significant occurred. Indeed, for the entire tournament the players played before empty stands. Spectators have long stopped watching first-class cricket and even test cricket has seen a drastic decline in attendance. Most spectators patronize the T20 matches which last for a few

hours and are cast in the mould of instant entertainment.

In such an environment, there is hardly any pretense of patriotism.

The player is not the folk-hero who carries the weight of the nation on his shoulder. Rather, he is the rock-star entertainer with little attachment to the soul of the nation. Oh, how far we have moved away from the independence dream of an integrated nation whose creative energies and intellect are put to the service of the collective!

Our heart goes out to Johnson and his young team who made us proud even in this moment of disintegration and alienation from beyond the boundary. Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Lance Gibbs and the player-patriots of that time, long ago, who are still alive must surely be proud of the team’s per-

formance. Roy Fredricks must be looking down with a smile on his face and saying: “Well Done, my boys.”

We still hope for the glory days to return, when we would flock to the grounds again to cheer our boys on. We still hope that a Sobers or Lara or Kanhai or Richards or Headley or Weekes would return to blast their way to the West Indian heart again. Or a Holding, Roberts, Hall, Marshall, Ambrose, Garner or Croft would glide to the wicket again with awesome pace. Or a Gibbs, Ramahdin or Valentine would mesmerize again with sheer guile from the wrist or fingers. Or a Constantine, Lloyd or Harper

would hunt the ball in the field like free citizens wanting to protect their freedom. Or a Worrell, Rowe or Hooper wielding a cricket bat with beauty and grace that could only come from these special West Indian spaces.

Leon Johnson’s team possessed no Kanhai, Lloyd, Kalicharran, Gibbs or Croft. But they showed grit and determination within their own limitations.

For that, they deserve our recognition and thanks. We must give thanks for small mercies. Maybe, jut maybe, from this team would emerge the core of a Caribbean cricket renaissance. It is long overdue. But, for now, let us salute our winners.

Ministry welcomes Security searches at CJIA feedback from public Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

THE Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes all feedback from the public on any of the subjects under its remit. We would like to especially thank Melinda Jankie (What is being gained from ExxonMobil’s investment? – Stabroek News January 21, 2018) and Akola Thompson (We need other industries when extractive ones fail us -Stabroek News January 22, 2018) for their recent

letters in the press expressing a number of concerns with regard to Guyana’s preparation for oil and gas production in 2020.

The concerns raised in both letters are valid and we will further examine them with a view to making needed improvements going forward. We ask that both letter-writers as well as all stakeholders look out for our planned round of outreaches and stakeholder engagements in 2018, during which we will have

more chances to interact and receive valuable feedback from Guyanese.

There have been criticisms, not all justifiable, but acknowledged, of aspects of government’s oil and gas preparations – from the legislation proposed for the Petroleum Commission of Guyana and our Draft Local Content Policy to the PSA with ExxonMobil and the signature bonus. These issues are engaging the attention of not only this ministry,

but the entire government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Cabinet.

Again, we welcome your feedback and comments as together we work to bring Guyana from ‘zero to 100’ in the shortest possible time to manage this resource with which we are blessed.

Regards JOHANN EARLE Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources

WE refer to the letter by Candice Rowena Ramessar dated January 20 published in the Stabroek News captioned: “The CJIA should not be profiling Rastafari and those with locks.”

The management of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) apologises for any discomfort Ms. Ramessar experienced during the screening process. We continuously train and remind our staff to conduct passenger security screening in the most professional, polite, respectful and caring manner. All departing passengers are required to be screened via a walk thru metal detector or a full body scanner.

If in the process of screening an anomaly is detected, then the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) requires that our security personnel investigate the cause of the alarm and clear same, thus ensuring that there is no threat posed to other passengers, flight crew or aircraft. CJIAC remains committed to ensuring that all passengers are processed in an efficient and hassle-free manner, whilst maintaining our mandate to protect all passengers, crew and aircraft against any acts of unlawful interference against civil aviation.

Regards ANEKA EDWARDS Head, CEO Secretariat

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

A proposal to advance inclusion, transparency in petroleum Dear Editor,

EVERY Guyanese hopes to participate in the promised boon from our natural resources and simultaneously fears it all going terribly wrong with Guyana becoming a failed state from the “resource curse”.

The resource curse refers to the paradox that countries with an abundance of natural resources, specifically non-renewable resources such as minerals and fuels, tend to have less economic growth, less democracy, and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources. I take this opportunity to provide suggestions to strengthen our national governance framework–starting with getting the Oil & Gas model correct.

The discovery of oil has resulted in mixed outcomes for low-income resource-rich countries, which has led to the characterisation of these countries as having been “cursed” by the natural resources. Too often only the political and well-connected elite become very wealthy and in the process, allow foreign exploitation, which results in little to no benefits for the general population.

We should accept that Guyana remains vulnerable to the “resource curse” and immediately address the Principal (the citizens) vs Agent (government) problem.

The Principal vs Agent problem occurs when one person, government department or entity (the Agent) is able to make decisions on behalf of, or that impact the citizens (the Principal). The Agent is hired (or elected) by the Principal to represent its interests in a negotiation for a financial transaction.

For example, when you are selling your home, you hire a real estate broker (Agent) who represents the seller’s (Principal’s) interests to the buyers. If the real estate broker works on behalf of the buyer’s interest because the buyer is paying them to do so, then the seller gets a bad deal. Therefore, the seller of property pays the real estate agent a commission based on the sale price in order for the real estate agent to be focused on achieving the highest price for the property and reduce the probability of the real estate agent being tempted to enrich himself personally by making a side deal with the buyer for additional compensation.

In these commercial transactions, the seller is happy to pay the real estate agent in order to ensure that the broker’s personal interests are aligned with the economic interests of the

seller. While this type of compensation is politically controversial and uncommon in government, the private sector has already figured out how to militate against these dangers and become comfortable with paying commissions and high compensation to ensure that the experts we hire to represent us have their personal interests aligned with the economic interests of the people they represent.

There are some basic rules that seem to accompany good outcomes -- Transparency and Inclusion are among them. The incentives for corruption are powerful, particularly for poor countries with less developed institutional governance infrastructure. The dilemma faced by our decision-makers must be acknowledged and the perverse incentives confronted by countering the enticements that can derail our national interests. This is a national challenge with very real consequences if we get it wrong.

My previous public letter (January 2017) advocated for Guyana to adopt a policy similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund model in which every resident of Alaska receives an annual cash dividend from the Sovereign Wealth Fund of the state oil revenues. The Minister of Natural Resources commendably responded indicating that the proposal would be given serious reconsideration to benefit the citizens of Guyana in a similar way. And in another encouraging step by the government, the recent publication of the ExxonMobil contract by the Government of Guyana is laudable. Encouraged that we continue to make progress towards good governance, my suggestions in this letter are aimed at building on the Alaska model proposal to achieve maximum financial benefits for Guyanese, reduce inequality, support the protection of our environment, and ensure that the economic benefits from the Oil & Gas sector strengthen our productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

THE PROPOSAL Let us adequately compensate our public servants by paying them commissions on the enactment of good policies and effectively negotiated deals.

We should work to align the interests of our public servants with the interest of all Guyanese. This proposal will align the financial interest of public servants, citizens, and the business class.

This plan is focused on incentivising the public sector to design the appropriate

policies to enhance competitiveness, increase revenue collection and increase flow of Investments. Public servants will be paid only upon receiving revenues into our national treasury. This solution is similar to how we sell real estate today – the real estate broker (Agent) receives a commission from the seller (Principal) to get the best deal and is only compensated once the seller receives its money from the sale.

PAYMENT OF COMMISSION TO PUBLIC SERVANTS The government – as the representative of the people – is responsible for negotiating the best deal for the people.

It is prudent to align the interests of our public servants, including negotiators, by compensating them based on performance (commission) in addition to a fixed element of their take- home pay. The pool of beneficiaries of the public-sector commission payment should include the lead negotiator (in the case of Oil & Gas–the Minister of Natural Resources and the Negotiating Team at GGMC), their agency, and the Cabinet. Once the splits are determined, the Shadow Cabinet (Opposition Members of Parliament) should share in the Cabinet’s split with a lesser but fixed portion. By aligning the public sector (including the Opposition), with the interest of all Guyanese, we should give ourselves a chance to see constructive collaboration on issues of critical national interest.

EXAMPLE 1 – PAYMENT OF COMMISSION TO PUBLIC SERVANTS

A basic example of the commission payout assumes that the commission portion paid to the public servants might be a tenth of one percent (0.1%). If we assume that we will realise US$5 billion over time from the ExxonMobil Liza deal, and the negotiators are entitled to a tenth of one percent, then that would be US$5 million for those in the commission pool. In this scenario, imagine if the government were able to negotiate an even higher deal (i.e. US$10 billion), while it would result in an increase for the public servants commission pool to US$10 million, the true beneficiaries would be the citizens because the Sovereign Wealth Fund would make $10 billion instead of $5 billion.

STOCK OPTION POOL FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS The policy should also consider the long-term devel-

opment of our national economic interests and the strategies to ensure that the new oil businesses that emerge from the Guyana oil projects reflect a broad-based, diverse group of Guyanese.

Therefore, there is a need for Guyanese businesses to be granted exploration concessions as an essential part of local content. Consequently, the interests of the business class must be aligned with the interests of public servants and citizens. To encourage strategic visionary decision-making, the public sector should be allocated a stock option pool (i.e. ownership) in Guyanese businesses that are granted exploration concessions or performance warrants for facilitating local content opportunities.

Broad-based citizens’ economic empowerment should also be factored into the granting of the concession by allocating shares to our Sovereign Wealth Fund. The stock option pool proportion should be non-negotiable, so that it must not become a bribe – and there should be careful rules for selection of concessionaires that weigh their capability and qualifications with other realities of our societal divisions – in other words, there must be fair-participation policies to ensure inclusion that advances social cohesion.

EXAMPLE 2 – STOCK OPTION POOL FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS Some believe it is in the nation’s best interest to auction off future oil blocks. Assume that exploration licences are auctioned off at US$50 million per block paid into our Sovereign Wealth Fund, and under the proposal, would result in US$50,000 for the public servant commission pool. However, with the proposed public servants stock option pool, granting the concession to a capable Guyanese group would result in a win-win scenario. If the stock options for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (ownership in the Guyanese company for granting the concession) is 10% and the Guyanese group successfully builds a company with US$1 billion valuation – the public servants commission pool would be worth (at 5%) US$5 million (100x the benefit of auctioning commissions). More important, there would be broad-based citizen economic empowerment with the Sovereign Wealth Fund receiving US$100 million – money that can go towards supporting primary and secondary education or scholarships for tertiary education.

During his visit to Guyana, international Oil and Gas business executive Kola

Karim pointed out that if we mandated 30% local content across the board, we would already be seeing significant benefits. For example, the first ExxonMobil Production Facility (FPSO) came at a cost of US$1.2 billion – very little of which was felt in our economy. If 30% local content was required, Exxon’s partners would have had to find Guyanese partners and invest locally – investing in our human resources and infrastructure and already drastically altering our economy. We would have seen at least an additional US$360 million pumped into our economy since 2015. Local companies that are able to participate in these opportunities can be required to pay the facilitators (Ministry of Business and GOINVEST) stock options or performance warrants (shares/percentages of the deals).

POTENTIAL THREATS IN THE PROPOSAL Most readers’ reaction to any proposal that suggests higher pay for the government officials, including Cabinet members, is understandably going to be one of outrage. The APNU+AFC administration is still recovering from its ill-timed Cabinet pay increase. That instinctive reaction will only be further angered with the previously unheard-of proposal to pay a commission to public servants for doing their jobs. The idea that these already handsomely compensated (arguably overpaid) public servants should be made wealthy with the consent of the people may cause anxiety inducing torture for many citizens. This proposal is counter-intuitive and provided for us to look at alternative models of governing.

The proposal should only be considered if it is clearly the best path to achieving the outcomes desired by the critics and supporters of the plan. The ultimate measure of the merit of this plan must be based on its impact on the least well-off members of our society. The goals of such a proposal must be clearly articulated and it must be scrutinised for weaknesses and loopholes and can only be considered if the goals and the desired outcomes are aligned. Finally, criticism of these initiatives should be presented with options that are likely to better produce the desired outcomes as opposed to simply criticising without making constructive suggestions.

There are challenges in this proposal that must also be mitigated. There is the

danger of focusing singularly on financial returns at the expense of other important considerations – including preserving and protecting our environment. Therefore, we will need to be just as careful to implement the checks and balances. Our regulatory bodies – such as the EPA – must be substantially funded, their employees enviably compensated, and their autonomy to perform their duties sacredly protected. Monitoring and Enforcement bodies–and our law enforcement must also be similarly shielded.

Additionally, as Kola Karim advanced during his recent visit, serious consideration should be given to government investment in related or supporting sectors – including bolstering our judiciary (judges and prosecutors) to be equipped to deal with legal matters related to Oil & Gas – ensuring that we invest in developing the local Legal, Financial and Enforcement (public and private) infrastructure to address Environmental, Joint Venture, Fund management and other matters and disputes that are bound to arise. The penalties and powers of a corruption body are also critical, because it would create a “stick” (penalties & bankruptcy) against the “carrot” of commissions.

I expect strong opinions against these suggestions.

There are many valid considerations against these bold unconventional measures. However, I hope the naysayers will think deeply about the reasons why poor resource-rich countries almost always end up with a few billionaires while the masses suffer. Outside of fanciful thinking, I believe we can find a way to avoid the “resource curse” by being realistic and pragmatic about the Principal vs Agent dilemma.

These proposals are designed to create broadbased economic empowerment and remake our economy to work better for all Guyanese by militating against the danger of self-enrichment at the expense of the nation, stimulating local business participation, and paying every Guyanese a dividend from our newly created Sovereign Wealth Fund so they can directly benefit from the resources which are rightfully their birthright. It must be affirmed in our law that the natural resources of Guyana are the birthright of its citizens.

Regards

SELWIN ASAFA GEORGE

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Man gets life sentences for rape AN unrepresented Rohan Daniels called “Shine Buck” was on Wednesday afternoon sentenced to life sentences which will run concurrently for two counts of the rape of a child family member.

He will serve 40 years before he is eligible for parole.

The jury foreman told the court that on the first count they found the accused guilty in the proportion of 11-1.

On the second count the jury was hung after they arrived at a proportion of 9-3, on the third count the jury arrived at a unanimous verdict of not guilty and on the fourth count they arrived at a guilty verdict in the proportion of 10-2. The sentence was handed down later Wednesday afternoon by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Georgetown High Court, after a 12-member jury had deliberated for more than two hours before they arrived

at the verdict.

The accused, who was not represented by an attorney, chose to represent himself during the trial which was held in the Sexual Offences Court. Before the sentences were imposed by the trial judge, the accused was asked to address the court and he

said, “I am not guilty of this act, that’s all.”

Justice Morris-Ramlall in handing down the life sentences told the court that she considered the nature of the offences and circumstances under which the acts were committed. The judge said that the accused violated his rela-

tive while her mother was at work and betrayed his position of trust on numerous occasions when the mother walked in while he was committing the act and on another occasion the accused did the deed when the child was asleep.

As such, the judge imposed the maximum sentence of life imprisonment after she recognised there was no basis to exercise mercy, adding that the accused failed to show remorse.

Daniels was indicted for four counts of sexual activity with a child family member.

FIRST COUNT It is alleged that between April 12 and April 13, 2014, the accused engaged in sexual activity with a child. She was 10 years old then.

Jailed: Rohan Daniels called “Shine Buck”

SECOND COUNT It is alleged that between

April 13, 2014 and July 22, 2016, he engaged in sexual activity with a child. She was 11 years old at the time.

THIRD COUNT Between April 13, 2014 and July 22, 2016 it is alleged he engaged in sexual activity with a child who was 11 and 12 years old then.

FOURTH COUNT It is alleged that on July 23, 2016, the accused engaged in sexual activity with the child who was only 13 years old. The accused lived in the same household with the victim.

Denise Joseph who read out a statement in court on behalf of the victim, stated that since the sexual abuse the girl’s life has changed and she has begun to experience nightmares re-living the incidents.

As such, she cannot focus on

her school work and is uneasy around men in general and is unable to feel happy since she often wondered what her life will be, if she will be able to have children and get married.

The victim related that she feels suicidal and would often cut herself with a razor blade and have the feeling of becoming violent and is ‘jumpy’. She added that she used to sleep with a lot of clothes on since the incidents because she does not want a repeat of what happened to her.

The victim said she wants the accused to feel the pain she is going through and he should pay for what he did to her; he should be able to see people’s children and leave them alone.

The victim however, asked that the judge jail the accused, since her life is messed up and she realises that she will never be normal again.

Suddie Hospital to get new LGE preparations well underway- GECOM chairman $35M operating theatre WHILE a date has not yet been announced for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE), Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) James Patterson assured that preparations are well underway.

tions, has started. “I have an experienced cadre of administrators and technicians and we have started pre-planning for that already, though the precise date would emerge subsequently,” said Justice Patterson.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan earlier this

GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Justice Patterson said, “Preparations are going very good.” He noted that while there was a lapse for a number of years in the holding of LGE, elections were held two years ago. As such, the GECOM Chair said, “it therefore follows that we have a plank on which to stand.” Before last year, LGE was held in 1994.

He praised his staff and told this publication that given their experience, pre-planning for the upcoming elec-

year disclosed that LGE will take place during the latter part of this year. The minister reportedly said the LGE will take place sometime between November and December. When elections are held this year, it will also mark history as the first time since the country’s post-independence that consecutive local government elections would be taking place when due. Some $2.9B has been allocated for the holding of LGE. Meanwhile, Justice Patterson told Guyana Chron-

icle that the date for the beginning of GECOM’s continuous registration exercise will be disclosed after the Commission meets next Tuesday. He said however, that his staff has started to prepare for that process.

Additionally, given the recent advertisements in the local media for several senior posts within the Commission, the GECOM Chair said while his work or that of the Commission’s is not necessarily hindered by the absence of persons to fill the advertised portfolios, the posts should be filled immediately. GECOM has advertised for a Deputy Chief Election Officer, Assistant Chief Election Officer, Information Technology Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager, Public Relations Officer, Research and Planning Officer, and Legal Officer or Secretary to the Commission.

“The vacancies we have would not have any negative impact on our current operations because we have been getting by without them for some time. It is just that if they were in place, we would have been better,” said Justice Patterson.

He noted, however, that his personal view is that there should be at the very least a legal officer stationed at the Commission. “I have

some concerns that there was not a legal officer in-house and I invite as much applicants who are qualified to have a go,” he stated. While he was unsure of the exact period to which GECOM did not have an in-house attorney, the GECOM Chair said, “There must be some reason for them not having one.”

Having legal experience himself, Justice Patterson said there is a great need for an attorney to be hired.

Notwithstanding, he is optimistic that with the series of advertisements, the Commission would soon be able to fill the existing vacancies. “We are looking to take on persons as soon as possible,” he said noting that the decision in this regard does not rest solely with him. It is the Commission that makes a collective decision. When asked how he has settled in so far in his post as GECOM chair, Justice Patterson responded, “The prognostication of gloom and doom has not arrived.”

There was much controversy and opposition about his appointment with the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) objecting strongly to President David Granger’s decision to appoint him.

Justice Patterson was appointed in October 2017.

RESIDENTS of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will no longer need to go to Georgetown to perform surgeries as regional administration will soon be spending $35M from its Capital budget to construct a new operating Theatre at the Suddie Public Hospital.

This announcement was made by the Regional Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt during an interview with media operatives recently. Ramdatt said the project is intended to benefit residents living in Region Two and also the Riverine communities. The Regional Chairman further stated that at the moment the theatre in place is in a deplorable condition and as such most emergency cases are transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He however said that he ad-

mired the commitment and dedication from the staff and also the patience being displayed by residents.

“Most of the cases are being transferred to GPHC due to the condition of the Threatre. I admire the way staff at the hospital are handling the matter, as well as the patience that is being displayed by residents,” the Regional Chairman said.

When asked how soon the project is expected to commence, Ramdatt said it is based on the Regional Tender Board and how fast project is awarded.

The chairman however hopes that the project can be awarded in a timely manner so that it will be done by mid of 2018.

The Chairman further concluded that the construction of such facility will boost the region and will assist residents tremendously.

Biker in Waller’s Delight accident dies

Cappel Deo of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD) who was admitted in a serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital last Sunday, following an accident at Waller’s Delight, WCD, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today. The driver of the car who was arrested

has since been released on bail. Enquiries revealed that the 31-yearold motorcyclist, Cappel Deo was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the road on his motorcycle, CD 4517 about 19:00hrs when he allegedly lost control and crashed into the back of the motorcar, PDD 4714, which was parked on the southern side of the road.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

9

CH&PA to tackle unauthorised construction

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be upping enforcement activities as it moves to bring down the high numbers of unauthorised construction of buildings across the country.

On Wednesday, CH&PA Chief Development Officer, Germeme Stewart warned of punishment against developers who continue to act in contravention of the Town and Country Planning Act, stating that one matter is already before the court. Stewart was at the time speaking with reporters on the sideline of CH&PA’s first outreach session with municipalities at the Regency Suites – a programme designed to enlist greater support from Local Government Organs--as the authority ups its nationwide campaign.

Backed by Senior Development Planner Fayola Azore and Development Planner, Mariella Khirattie, Stewart said there are nu-

merous cases in which lands are developed without any permission, and in some cases when permission was granted, developers failed to comply with the Building Regulations.

“For example, set back distances; a lot of persons are complaining that people are building too close to their boundary lines,” the Chief Development Planner pointed out.

Khirattie added that the development of land in highly residential areas for commercial and industrial purposes remains a major stumbling block as she cited an example. “You establish a furniture making facility but you are bothering your neighbour. You have dust, you have noise, you have odor, you did not get planning permit, because if you had applied for that before, you would have learnt that the site was not suitable,” she explained.

It was noted that in other

A section of the municipal officials present during the outreach at Regency Suites

cases, non-residential buildings are construction without any parking or offloading area; creating chaos.

In an effort to have a greater level of enforcement and proper land development, Azore explained that through the outreach, CH&PA will be building the capacity of Local Government Organs with focus on the Planning and Building Regulations and

provisions provided under.

“At the end of the day, the planning process is not just with the Central Housing and Planning Authority. We have our partners which are the local authorities, so we are starting to deal with the municipalities, and after this we will be going out into the other regions, the NDCs,” the Senior Development Planner explained.

Burger King opens outlet at Giftland Mall

THE Burger King Franchise opened an outlet at the Giftland Mall on Wednesday.

Burger King, the latest fast food franchise acquired by the Corum Group, was officially launched December last at a location on Regent Street, Georgetown.

Burger King is an international food icon with 15,000 stores across the globe. The Corum Group which holds the Pizza Hut franchise, plans to establish six Burger King outlets across the country.

Marketing Director and Vice President of the Corum Group, Navin Singh said that the feedback for Burger King in Guyana has been amazing.

He said the second location will take some of the pressure off of the first one as the company seeks to open a third location this year.

He said the Giftland

Smiling faces started the line at the new Burger King outlet located in the food court of the Giftland Mall. (Adrian Narine photo)

Mall location has added 45 jobs out of the overall 120 jobs the group has created.

“We are definitely having

a positive impact on the economy,” he said. Other venues in the Mall that have opened recently in-

Cops arrest rape suspect

A RAPE suspect was arrested and found with two plastic face masks in his possession at the time, police have confirmed.

Police Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, said collaborative work between detectives of ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara)

and ‘D’ Division (West Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo) has resulted in the recapture of a Westminster, West Bank Demerara rape suspect who on January 2, 2018, escaped lawful custody at the La Grange Police Station.

The suspect Devon Ally, 21, of 1535 Westminster

has been charged with the rape of a child under 16 years, Assault committed on a female sibling and escape from lawful custody. The labourer, who was arrested at a location at Beterverwagting, ECD, will appear at the Wales Magistrate’s Court today.

cludes: Team Stoby, Color Vine, Foodmaxx, Global Technology, Kards Plus and Sanjay's Jewelry Inc.

She noted that from the inception, the local authorities can stop breaches before they escalate.

“They can actually stop it from the beginning. They will see when these buildings are going up and they can stop it and then we can still have the contravention served at our end because most times when it comes to us, the building is already

up and sometimes it is really difficult,” Azore explained.

During the opening ceremony, CH&PA Senior Development Facilitation Officer, Denis Pellew said that the outreach stemmed from the National Planning Forum 2017.

The forum had discussed the roles and responsibilities of the agency in forward planning for sustainable wholesome communities.

It is the Legal and institutional mandate of the CH&PA, under the Town and Country Planning Act, to prepare development schemes (spatial development plans) to guide all future development, including housing development and regulate land use through the planning permission process.

At the forum it was noted that the mandatory forward planning function was mostly ignored and overshadowed by the agency’s housing function.

Man charged for houselot scam put on $1.5M bail

A 44-year-old real estate officer accused of swindling over $8.1M from an American citizen, was on Wednesday released on $1.5M bail by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Vishaul Moonilall denied that on November 17, 2015, he obtained the sum of $2M from the Citizens Bank Account of Dian Cosby.

He further denied that on November 19, 2015, he obtained the sum of $2M from the Citizens Bank Account of Dian Cosby by falsely pretending that the money was to pay her capital tax at Guyana Revenue Authority.

Last Wednesday, Moonilall appeared before the same Magistrate on eight charges of defrauding Cobsy of over $4.1M during the year 2015 in a house lot scam.

The defendant’s attorney told the court that his cli-

Vishaul Moonilall

ent was serving a 68-month sentence for similar matters, but days ago his appeal was upheld. He then made an application for bail on all of the matters.

With no objection raised by police prosecutor Simone Payne, the magistrate released Moonilall on a total of $1.5M bail on Wednesday and adjourned the matters until January 31.

Abel Seetaram charged with felonious wounding ALLIANCE For Change Councillor (AFC) on the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five, (Mahaica/Berbice), Abel Seetaram appeared in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rhondell Weever

on Wednesday on a charge of felonious wounding.

Police alleged that Seetaram committed the offence on 54-year-old Nateram Rabindranauth on Sunday January 21st at Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, around 18:00 hrs during

an altercation. The charge was laid indictably and he was not required to plead.

Magistrate Weever granted him bail in the sum of $100,000 and postponed further hearing of the matter by her to February 7th next.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

Gafoor Foundation presents scholarship bursaries to GTI students TWO Government Technical Institute (GTI) students will now be better equipped to pursue their desired fields of study, thanks to scholarship bursaries presented by the Gafoor Foundation.

The assistance covers the 2018 academic year and will provide for their education materials, transportation fees, training materials not provided by the institute, and meals, among other things. The presentation was made in the GTI boardroom on Wednesday.

Present at the handing over ceremony were Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical), Patrick Chinedu Onwugmia; acting GTI Principal, Renita Crandon-Duncan, Gafoor Foundation Board member Ameena Gafoor; Sylvia Conway (board

(From left to right) Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical), Patrick Chinedu Onwugmia, Major-General (rtd), Norman McLean, Sylvia Conway (board member, Gafoor Foundation), students Emani Charles and Joshau Bharrat; Gafoor Foundation Board member Ameena Gafoor and acting GTI Principal, Renita Crandon-Duncan after the presentation

member, Gafoor Foundation) and Major-General (rtd), Norman McLean.

Gafoor Foundation

Board member Ameena Gafoor said that the purpose of the bursary is to help young people stay in school and

qualify themselves.

Mrs. Gafoor said GTI was singled out because of the subjects that are offered in the vocational trade field.

“These are equally important as the academic subjects because a country cannot be driven without an industrial base, and so we want to encourage those from the technical institutes to persevere, because they can always do a period of apprenticeship and internship with Gafsons to understand the world of work,” she said.

Ameena Gafoor said the

Board’s committee is responsible for selecting the students for the bursary. She said the board intends to extend the scholarship to other technical institutes countrywide. In addition, Mrs. Gafoor noted that it would be a pleasure to see female beneficiaries of the scholarship when the committee meets to offer bursaries. Duncan said that the bursaries will assist the students with supplies during the school year to ensure that their programme is concluded successfully. “I know that they are going to

put the money to good use, as they should,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Gafoor Foundation for their continued support.

Assistant Chief Education Officer-Technical (ACEO – Tech), Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike said that partnering with the private sector has gained momentum and it is expected that females will be more integrally involved in vocational training.

GTI student Joshua Bharrat said that the bursary will assist him in offsetting expenses throughout the year as he perseveres to complete his diploma in civil engineering. He said he wanted to commence the course since 2012 but could not because he didn’t possess the Math and English qualifications.

However, he studied and wrote the subjects and later passed, making it possible to enter the programme. “I am very grateful and thankful for the assistance I am given,” he said. The other awardee, Emani Charles expressed thanks on behalf of himself and parents for the bursary, noting that it will help him throughout the year.

Burma research station to get $41M seed cleaner THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), as part of its work programme this year is pushing to acquire a Seed Cleaner to be installed at its Burma Rice Research Station. The equipment which will cost the GRDB approximately $41M, will allow for even moisture percentage of seed paddy.

Deputy General Manager of the GRDB with responsibility for the Research Station, Ms. Allison Peters stated that once in place, the machine will enhance germination of seed paddy.

She added that the Seed Cleaner will be useful in mechanically removing unwanted impurities from the seed paddy before the germination process. "The Cleaner remains an important part of our work at the Research Sta-

tion to better our seed paddy production and productivity, as it will afford farmers' access to better seed paddy for cultivation," Peters said, according to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Currently the GRDB facility at Burma produces approximately 10 percent of seed paddy required annually by rice farmers, the majority of which produce their own seed paddy.

The new seed cleaner will realise more efficiency in the production of seed paddy pushing seed paddy production per crop to just about 12,000 bags which when sown covers 12,000 acres.

According to the GRDB Deputy General Manager, because of the quality of seed produced at Burma, each bag of seed paddy has a multipli-

er effect. She explained that from that one bag of paddy sown, that farmer can then use some of the paddy harvested from that crop as seed to sow for the next crop, with one other replication.

Currently, the GRDB Research Station has sown just over 400 acres of seed paddy which when harvested will provide seed paddy for the GRDB 10, 12, 14 and the aromatic variety GRDB 13. The research station also has on the ground the soon to be released new variety which is in its final stage of field trials not only at the research station but in the fields of farmers across the regions. The GRDB has given a first crop figure of land cultivated at approximately 180,000 hectares.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

11

CARICOM-China discuss strengthened cooperation on margins of CELAC Forum

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has signalled its interest in working with China to ascertain how its goals and priorities can be best linked with existing, new and emerging development initiatives from the East Asian country.

Foreign Ministers of the nine CARICOM countries which recognise the People’s Republic of China met with their Chinese counterpart, Mr. Wang Yi, on Sunday 21st, January 2018, in the margins of the CELAC-China Forum (CCF) Second Ministerial Meeting that took place in Santiago, Chile from 19-22 January 2018.

In remarks at the meeting, Chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Senator Maxine McClean, underscored the importance CARICOM attached to the existing Caribbean-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, and the Caribbean-China Consultations.

The latter was held in May 2016, and is expected to take place again later this year.

Describing those consultations as “valuable mechanisms for continued dialogue and cooperation,” she said the Community also sees the One Belt, One Road initiative China announced in Santiago, as a “very important cooperation and development mechanism.”

“We look forward to working closely with China in ascertaining the best means of linking the opportunities arising from the initiative to the Community’s own development goals and priorities. These include, for example, regional transportation, renewable energy, and strengthening our disaster management capacity,” the COFCOR Chair stated.

She said CARICOM also attaches importance to the CELAC-China Forum and believes a number of projects could redound to the benefit of all members of the Community from the Action Plan for 20192021. Noting that sustainable development within CARICOM was challenged by peculiar exposures and vulnerabilities unique to Small Island Developing States, she said there was need for a “new paradigm in development finance.”

through the various Chinese Embassies, he said, noting that the Belt and Road Initiative was “a new proposal for economic cooperation that had been warmly received and recognised by over 100 countries and had become a most popular public good.”

Latin America and the Caribbean should not be left out, he noted, adding that

Suriname’s Foreign Minister Ms Yldiz Pollack-Beighle greets China’s Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Yi at the meeting.

This is critical for CARICOM to realise its economic and social development aspirations. “We need the international financial architecture revised urgently to take into consideration the developmental peculiarities and vulnerabilities of SIDS,” she said, adding that the Community’s ability to rebound from the ravages of natural disasters is impaired by the graduation of some of its economies from access to concessionary development finance, due to the use of per capita income as the primary eligibility criterion and non-incorporation of their peculiar vulnerabilities.

“Concessional development funding is essential for the building of economic and climate resilience to serve as the platform for our sustainable development,” she noted as she urged the Chinese Foreign Minister to relay CARICOM’s concerns to his colleagues of the G20 and to the heads of international financial institutions. Adding that the Region has also benefitted from China’s generous grant funding in the past, she said it hoped that consideration will “continue to be given to this valuable means of development support.”

Minister McClean expressed the Community’s appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for demonstrating its understanding of CARICOM’s unique challenges by generously donating 30 million US

dollars at the High-Level Pledging Conference which CARICOM and the United Nations hosted in New York in November 2017.

The Chinese Foreign Minister in his remarks noted that the achievements of Caribbean-China cooperation is evident in infrastructural developments, including roads and hospitals, visa waiver agreements that facilitate increased Chinese tourist arrivals to the Region; conclusion of extradition treaties; an increased number of Confucius Institutes; capacity building for CARICOM nationals through training workshops and scholarships; and people-to-people exchanges.

Presentations by CARICOM Foreign Ministers underlined the importance of meaningful and transformative projects for all CARICOM Member States.

They also highlighted the importance of grant as well as concessional funding to underwrite selected projects.

Minister Yi noted the CARICOM’s development challenges outlined, as well as the comments, proposals and cooperation interests put forward. He expressed China’s willingness to support issues such as climate change and disaster relief, and to deepen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.

In respect of the latter, he urged the submission of projects, noting that good projects lead to growth and development. Specific needs should be put forward

apart from the availability of financial resources, participation in the cooperation initiative provides access to the huge Chinese market.

To this end, he said China is organising an “import fair” later this year.

In addition to the cooperation opportunities arising from the CELAC-China Forum, CARICOM

and China affirmed their commitment to strengthen existing CARICOM-China cooperation mechanisms, including the Caribbean-China Economic and Trade Forum, the Caribbean-China Consultations process and to a new mechanism, a standing meeting in the margins of the U.N. General Assembly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 25, 2018

Gun, ammo, drugs found during Lethem operation

The .38 revolver, 9mm magazine and forty-two live rounds of ammunition that were found along with Brazilian documents.

FOUR persons inclusive of two female Brazilians are in police custody after lawmen, investigating a robbery, came under fire at Tabatinga, Lethem, Tuesday night. Police also found a large quantity of marijuana Tuesday night in the border town.

According to Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, police investigators in ‘F’ Division are continuing their probe into a robbery at Lethem on Tuesday during which suspects were arrested. Acting on information, Ramlakhan said ranks went to a house at Tabatinga, Lethem about 22:30hrs Tuesday night and on arrival were forced to take cover as several rounds were fired at them from inside of the building.

The area was cordoned

off and the lawmen, using their tactical training, subsequently gained entry into the building and arrested four persons, including two females who are Brazilians.

A .38 revolver, a 9mm magazine and forty-two live rounds of ammunition were found in the house. Investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Police ranks acting on information, also Tuesday evening stopped and searched a vehicle in the vicinity of Takatu Bridge, Lethem.

A parcel containing 103 grams of compressed cannabis was found hidden in the left side door compartment of the vehicle. Police said the driver, 51, and a 31-year-old mechanic; both Brazilians, are in custody and will be charged soon.

Baramita man arrested for wife’s beating death POLICE arrested a wanted suspect known as ‘Abdool’ in relation to the death of his reputed wife, Lorinda Thomas at the Baramita Health Centre last Thursday.

Police said the suspect was arrested about 20:40hrs Tuesday night at Baramita, North West District and is assisting with the investigation.

A post-mortem examination of 18-yearold Lorinda Thomas is scheduled for today.

According to reports, Thomas, a housewife and mother of one, of Barama Line, Baramita, NorthWest District, died after being allegedly beaten by “Abdool” on the aforementioned date.

Reports indicate that the woman left her home to visit with relatives to take a few drinks. While on her way home four hours

later, she was accosted by the man while walking in Barama Line and an argument ensued. It is alleged that in the heat of the moment, the man pushed Thomas to the ground and began kicking and stomping her in the abdomen, causing her to lose consciousness.

He then left her lying there. When the young woman regained consciousness, she made her way home, in spite of feeling a severe pain in the region of her abdomen. It was reported that by the following day, the pain had increased to the point where the woman could barely stand.

She decided to go to the health centre where she was admitted for observation, but succumbed as she was about to be air-dashed to the city for further treatment.

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Website launched to report sexual, domestic abuse VICTIMS of sexual or domestic abuse or individuals who might have knowledge of cases involving these forms of abuse now have an online platform to report such cases and have them handled by the relevant authorities.

A website, reportabusegy. com was recently launched to facilitate these reports which will be redirected to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in the case of children and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the case of adults. Though its developer remains anonymous, one of the website’s facilitators, rights activist Akola Thompson, explained that the idea was birthed after a former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson was accused of sexually abusing a number of female students.

“Following the Bishops

High School fiasco, we noticed that a lot of the victims were saying to us that they had made reports, not police reports, but to the school’s administration in hope of those reports reaching the police force. But those [reports] were stifled. So we recognized the need for an online platform to report these cases, despite age or any other factor, and have them handled” Thompson shared.

The website requires the individual making the report to complete a short form which is then taken to the CCPA or the GPF for action to be taken.

Thompson explained that the developers initially wanted the site to be an anonymous reporting system, but the legal aspects does not allow it, since an identity is needed for a police report.

However, she was keen to note that all reports and identities will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

To assure potential reporters of this, she said that all of the site monitors are people who belong to civil society organisations that work directly with sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

“We couldn’t rely on volunteers for this. When you’re dealing with sexual abuse and domestic violence cases, confidentiality remains one of the biggest issues.

So that’s why we chose to have people whose work is grounded in those areas to monitor the site” the rights activist said.

In addition to the reported cases being transferred to the relevant authorities, Thompson said that the site also of-

fers counseling services and court support services.

“We can’t just send in a report and say our job is done. So if, in addition to sending in a report, individuals need counseling, we are there to offer that support.

We also began collaboration with SASOD [Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination] who recently launched their free legal aid services and they have agreed to be part of the platform and provide free legal aid to victims” Thompson said.

In addition, the facilitators are also reaching out to other agencies, including the legal aid clinic, for support, since submissions are already being made.

“We are already receiving submissions. So as this grows, we will definitely need more support from relevant agencies” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Linden gearing to take the crown --as Soca Monarch contest makes a spirited comeback

By Naomi Marshall THE long-awaited Soca Monarch Competition is back after a two-year break, and it is being tackled by five determined Lindeners.

Amongst the 15 individuals nominated for the semi-finals are Colwyn Abrams, Colwin Blair, Diana Chapman, Brandon Harding and Shellon Gallay, who are all from the mining town of Linden.

Abrams, of Mackenzie, is a first-timer in the competition and says his song, titled ‘Soca Rage’, is about having fun and not allowing anything, “not even the elements”, to stop the fun. He said that it also focuses on equality.

But where did the urge to enter the competition come from?

“Some friends and I were talking one day, a few weeks back, and one of them said, ‘You should enter; you got what it takes,’ the 26-year-old said.

“And I thought about it a few days and entered,” he added.

Being a part of the competition was something that he’s always wanted to do.

“For me, it’s something I always wanted to do,” AB said. “And when I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it,no matter the results.”

Abrams said that for him, preparation for the semi-finals is stressful, but his focus right now is getting past that stage of the competition.

“My soca idol from Guyana is Adrian Dutchin; he’s full of energy, and can

rock a stage and crowd and this is what I’ll try to mirror,” the aspiring monarch said.

Apart from the Soca Monarch Competition, the young designer will be releasing his costumes for the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council soon, and is looking at competing for the title of Road March King as well.

SUPER EXCITED The Guyana Chronicle next spoke to Diana Chapman, and she said she is very excited about the competition, mainly because it is her very first crack at the title, and she is curious to see how things will turn out for her.

She noted that her song, titled ‘Get Ready’, sends a positive message to the

Colwin Blair

Diana said, adding: “Life is most important, so put aside all negativity and all stress, and just have fun and give thanks for life.”

Unlike Abrams, she had Diana Chapman

public, as it is urging them to “GET READY to have fun in the party.”

“The main message in the song is once you have life, anything is possible,”

no plans of ever entering the competition; it was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions, she said.

“I actually decided to enter the night before the clos-

ing date for submission,” the reigning Calypso Monarch said. “So I went to the studio like 8pm that night, and we started to write the song.

And we finished recording and everything by 5am the next morning.

“And I got home, typed out my lyrics and everything. And the song was finished, mixed and mastered, and sent to me before midday. So I entered the song into the competition; it was an overnight decision.”

But then again, perhaps it’s her outlook for 2018 that really motivated her to enter the competition.

“I’m going full force for everything that I’ve held back on for the past years,” the 26-year-old said, adding that so far, preparations are going pretty well.

“We are all working really hard to give this my best shot. My dancers are on point, and, most definitely, the band is also doing great with the song.”

ANOTHER ‘ROOKIE’ Like Colwyn Abrams, Colwin Blair is also a first-timer, and sees it as an opportunity to be viewed from a different perspective, as for him, “It’s a big thing!”

Better known as ‘Lil Colwin’, Blair said that his composition, ‘Leave Me Alone’, is taken from the perspective of someone at a party enjoying himself, when all of a sudden he receives a call from their other half,telling him, “I think it’s time you come home.”

As Colwin explained: “They want stop yuh fun; and you telling dem, ‘Boi, don’t bother me! I deh here with a nice li’l shawty ah party!’

Records, J Lyrics, producer and my management team, we just push de fire and push de steam,” he said.

For him, preparation for the semis is going good, even with the challenges.

The winner of the 2018 Carib Soca Monarch Competition will walk away with a whopping $1.5M in prize money, while those in second, third and fourth places will each get $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

Along with all winners receiving trophies, there will also be a Best New-comer prize of $100,000, and the government is currently working on including a People’s

Colwyn Abrams

“Duh mean yuh partying; yuh enjoying yourself.

Don’t bother me; when I in a party, don’t bother me.”

Though he’s more into reggae and dancehall, the 21-year-old said it’s to his team-mates that he looks to the most for inspiration. “...My team, Code Red

Choice Award, which will also see the winner taking away $100,000 in cash.

The semi-final of the Soca Monarch Competition is scheduled for February 10 at the Linden-Georgetown Municipal Bus Park, commencing at 20:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Is ‘bare blows’ for Hiimyraj --but he’s not about to give up on his West Watooka farm

By Naomi Marshall WHEN Hiimyraj told me he did not have a surname, I thought he was trying to be funny, but then I wondered why his facial expression did not change. So I asked again.

He replied, “Me ain’t

get no title. When meh been small, meh parents dem dead, and de documents dem lost, suh me never know what me real title.

“Meh just know is Hiimyraj. Suh meh nah really know meh father title or meh mother title.”

He has three children,

and they were all given their mother’s surname.

Hiimyraj is from Crown Dam, Industry, on the East Coast Demerara, but has been living for the last three years in Linden, where he does farming in West Watooka for a living.

The 45-year-old said that presently, he is plant-

ing a wide variety of organic crops such as bora, pumpkin, and okra.

However, Hiimyraj has been experiencing drainage difficulties and pest invasion on his farm.

“Is bad blows me ah fetch wid de drainage heah; bad blows,” he said, adding: “De other day gone,

rain come and flood down dis whole plat plain.

“Meh guh punish fuh start dig drainer and dem t’ing. Now de other problem is de grasshopper.

Sometime dem t’ing grow big, big!

“And dis t’ing gun come and mek suh: Whappp! Eat out everyt’ing!” he ex-

Hiimyraj explaining the effects of a grasshopper invasion to one of the students

Hiimyraj poses for the camera

plained.

Hiimyraj said that the pesticide he uses gives him no justice, as it’s too weak. And that as a cashcrop farmer, his income is being affected because of the pests.

“Sometime everyt’ing dead out,” he said, “and how long yuh nuh try fuh do somet’ing, you nah ah get no money.”

A farmer for the past 17 years, Hiimyraj says he’d be grateful if the government can look into the matter of drainage in the West Watooka area. “Dat would be really great, ‘cause like fuh how me alone deh in dis farm, it really hard; meh ah punish bad.”

Recently, Hiimyraj assisted a number of Sixth Form students of Mackenzie High School who were conducting observation as a part of their Environmental Science Internal Assessment.

According to Group Leader, Rennisa Webb, the group is investigating the environmental effects of the over-excessive use of fertilizers on peasant farms in West Watooka.

Therefore, the properties of Hiimyraj’s organic farm will be compared to another farm in West Watooka that produces inorganic crops in order to complete the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Things looking up for Region 10 --massive road, other infrastructural construction among capital works this year

By Naomi Marshall THE construction of roads, primary schools, and health centres, and the rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) are amongst some of the Capital Works Projects scheduled for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) in 2018.

This is according to Regional Chairman Rennis Morian, and Councillors Gregory Harris, Denise Belgrave and Douglas Gittens, who made the announcement recently at a press conference.

Councillor Harris revealed that the budgetary allocation for capital works for the year is $291M, and that amongst work to be done is the construction of a new regional administrative building in Speight Land.

“What you have happening,” he said, “is some different departments located in different areas…

“The construction of the new RDC building will facilitate everyone; every-

body would be housed in one building, so whenever you have any issue, all of your business can be done at the same place.”

Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian

The other projects under capital works is the construction of the Bamia Primary School; the construction and completion of the Bamia Nursery School; the construction of a health post in Mabura Hill; and an additional health centre in Amelia’s Ward, reputedly the largest housing scheme in the Caribbean.

According to Councillor Harris, there are roads that will be done on the Wismar shore such as Stanley Road in the Wismar Hill Primary School area; the ball-field road; the teachers’ compound main access road; and the post office road.

Over on the Mackenzie shore, the roads that will be constructed are those such as Toucan Drive, Main Street Ameila’s Ward, the Speight Land access road, and River Side Drive road.

As to the rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital, Councillor Harris said: “With this general rehabilitation, the Linden Hospital Complex is responsible for the UDH. So the people on the Wismar shore don’t have to expense themselves.

REST ASSURED “So you can rest assured, residents of Wismar, that UDH will be up and running, and some of the services that are not there we will introduce them for the year.”

Councillor Belgrave, during her presentation, dwelt on the many schools that will be either undergoing major repairs or maintenance.

“Under maintenance of buildings, we will be looking at 11 nursery schools, 12 primary schools, six secondary schools, four quarters in terms of teachers’ quarters and hostels, and we will be looking at emergency work,” Belgrave detailed.

Councillor Gittens spoke on land and water transportation matters, highlighting that major purchases within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the year will include two river ambulances, which will benefit residents living along both the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and the purchase of a bus to aid in transporting children from Christianburg to St Aidans Primary, all to the value of $33.9M. Another $31M is to be spent on the purchase of examination couches, drip stands, fetal monitors, diag-

nostic sets, oxygen gauges and portable screens among other equipment for health centres, health posts and hospitals.

Monies have also been budgetted for the purchase of white boards, projectors, science kits, computers, and air conditioning units among other equipment for Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

Meanwhile, $4M will go towards the repair and maintenance of the Ituni Guest House, while another $5.1 M has been allocated to the maintenance of other infrastructure.

According to the Regional Chairman, the RDC and the Mayor and Town Council will be collaborating in 2018 to do other roads aside from those listed.

“We have the necessary equipment in Region 10 for these other road projects,” he said, adding: “What the Region needs right now is a truck. So, I’m making an open appeal to

all the agencies that we are prepared, as the Regional Democratic Council and the Mayor and Town Council, to bring more relief to residents of Region 10, but we are truly in need of a truck.”

Apart from this year’s Capital Works Projects, the accomplishments of 2017 were also highlighted.

According to Morian, the RDC has accomplished 100% of its works as it relates to bridges in the Upper Demerara-Berbice, roads, land and water transport (health), land and water transport (Education), furniture and equipment for education and furniture and equipment for health. However, they were only able to accomplish 99% in Buildings Administration; 96% in Infrastructural Development; 98% in Agricultural Development; and 77% in Buildings where education is concerned.

He noted that they are working towards completing all work programme by September 2018.

Better to try and fail, than fail to try --young entrepreneur says, as she encourages others to take her lead

IT is no longer the case of sitting and waiting for a job to land in one’s lap, given the reality that jobs are few and far between in the Linden community.

For decades, youths were forced to seek job opportunities outside of Linden, thus leaving their hometown and families behind.

This resulted in the town becoming brain-drained, with most of the youths leaving after completing secondary school.

For those who, unfortunately, had to stay right in the mining town, hoping for a miracle to occur, frustration became an observable factor, with many social ills trickling behind.

Petty larceny, teenage pregnancy, gambling and smoking, while idle “liming” on the street corner were all becoming a norm.

Fortunately, however, many youths are breaking the cycle of negativity and dependency, while seeking out alternative avenues to make a living.

While capital may be an issue for many, youths are gravitating towards entrepreneurial ideas that do not require much money, but just the manifestation of their God-given talent.

Two such persons are Nikisha Elexey and Jonelle Browne.

Nikisha, who is a mother of three, has materialised a business idea that has, within the span of weeks, expanded and received an overwhelming

clientele.

‘Team Ari’s Designs’ is a creation of “selfie frames”, “photobooth props” for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, graduations or any other event possible, as well as personalised journals, diaries, art books etc.

are advantages and disadvantages, but according to Elexey, the pros by far outweigh the cons in a community starved of jobs as well as investment opportunities.

“Linden has many talents,” she said, “but the resources are not there to assist persons who

Team Ari’s Designs photo props done by Nikisha

JUST A HOBBY While it started as just a hobby, Nikisha soon realised the demand for such art, and given her talent in doing so, commenced an aggressive social-media advertising which received overwhelming support.

“I believe that entrepreneurs change the world. Our ideas are unconventional, and our imagination runs deeper than just inside the box,” Elexey posited. And as with any other business venture, there

are willing to invest.

“It breaks my heart to see people have to forcefully leave the comfort of their hometown to seek jobs out of town, because of the fact that none is here in Linden.

“On the other hand, we have those with degrees who are also unemployed, but vacancies do not exist that will best suit their qualifications.”

It is with this thought in mind that the young entrepreneur is encouraging others to take the step she took, do some introspection, see where your

Nikisha and her three sons under a giant selfie frame she created

talent lies, and sell it.

“Since I’ve introduced my ideas,” Nikisha said, “the majority of my customers gave positive feedback, and at the same time recommended me to their friends and family.

“People need to start believing in themselves. Be optimistic! Have faith, and just get up!

“So what, if you make a bad investment at first! It’s

better to try and fail, than failing to try; at least you will get to see your weakness, and get the opportunity to work on it.”

IN HER HANDS Jonelle Destiny Brown has realised that the gift in her hands can also help her to earn, and while putting several ideas to the test, she decided that adding value to pepper is something that can grow. To-

day, she is the proud owner of her small business, ‘Destiny’s Pepper Sauce’. And while it still has a far way to go in terms of branding and marketing, Jonelle has also received overwhelming support and a growing clientele, especially from overseas.

“First, it was very low on the market, but after a few months, I started to get customers from all over, even overseas,” Jonelle said, adding: “I would normally pay myself from the sales, and turn over the rest of the money into the business.”

Since taking the leap of faith, her life has been positively affected, and she has been seeing financial progress.

“Every time I see success in the business,” Jonells said, “it motivates me to keep working hard, not just doing pepper sauce alone, but to go for whatever my heart desires to do.

“Despite the challenges, I am proud to be called a young entrepreneur.”

Jonelle would like to encourage other youths to always have a ‘Plan B’, because they might not always get to do what they want to do.

Being creative is what is needed in an overcrowded market, and when challenges arise, she said, youths should not stumble but take control and remain positive.

President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Turn to page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Gold’s the new bauxite --as Lindeners try to turn community’s fortunes around

IT’S no secret that the bauxite company is no longer the sole means of employment for Linden.

And with the reduction in bauxite production and room enough for just 600-odd employees, there’s only so much the Bosai Minerals Guyana Group (BMGG) can do for Linden; thus the unemployment rate is still at an all-time high.

The mining town of Linden not only got its fame from the heydays of bauxite mining, but the fact also that many of its male residents possessed the many technical and engineering skills needed to drive the sector.

Many of these skills were honed at the then DEMBA Trade School in the 1960s, and later, with the nationalisation of the Bauxite Company in the 1970s, by the Linden Technical Institute.

Today, even with the downsizing of bauxite and the establishment of several expatriate goldmining companies here, those skills are still very much in demand.

In fact, according to Public Relations officer of the Guyana Gold Fields Inc, Mr Leon Roberts, approximately 60% of the company’s entire workforce is made up of Lindeners, be it at the technical, administrative or managerial levels.

Statistics coming out of Troy Resources also, show that there are approximately 150 Lindeners employed at the company, which is a total of some 30% of its entire workforce. There are also about 30 Lindeners who are employed with contractors on the mine site.

DREAM COME TRUE One of Troy Resources

employees, Paul Mc Gregor, who just landed himself his dream job, and was recently promoted as well, said that being employed at the company is one of the best things that ever happened to him.

“I applied for the job, but with little hopes I would get through. And long after I got called, I couldn’t believe it!

Now I have a very good job, because, for a while, I was doing odd jobs in Linden to make it through, though I had my skills,” he said, adding: “It took patience. And I recently got promoted too.”

But not only are Lindeners filling positions at the private companies, as about 15% of the employees at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are also from the mining town.

And for those young men who cannot get into the companies because of the lack

of academic qualifications or vocational skills, there’s still a role to play in the gold mining as **sector by being regular pork knockers in the ‘gold bushes’.

Whether it is being employed by an established dredge owner, being part of a syndicate or managing their own pumps on their own, many residents of Linden are

options. So I decided to buy a pump and take the gamble; and it didn’t turn out too bad.

“Is just that yuh does got to be away from home for long periods. But for me, being away is like being out of trouble.”

But gold mining is nothing new for Lindeners, as while to some it may seem that this is the new trend in

Paul McGregor, an employee of Troy Resources Incorporated

‘running the gold bush.’ For many, though it may be risky, see it as having no choice, giving the high unemployment rate in the town. For others, it is just a way of staying out of the limelight and keeping out of trouble.

THE ONLY OPTION Ryan Carter, who became a pork-knocker after leaving school, said that while it was not what he had in mind, it was one of the few legal options available.

“I never saw myself going into the bush,” Ryan said, “but out here ain’t had much

the township, history has it that upon the establishment of Omai Gold Mines, many Lindeners scored employment at the company.

In fact, according to one former employee, a large percentage of the entire workforce was from Linden. This was so, he said, because Lindeners possessed the skills needed for mining gold.

“Yes! I can recall actually everyone was from Linden!

A lot; especially in my department!

“I was a welder, and most of my ‘squaddies’ were Lindeners,” Lester Clarke, who’s now a pensioner, recalled.

Better to try and ...

Victor Fernandes would like to commend all those youths who have taken the creative path of entrepreneurship, so that they can provide for themselves.

He said that the Chamber is well aware of the frustration that comes with job-seeking in a community that is short on jobs, and is therefore advocating for entrepreneurial skills, as this would pivot the economy in a positive way.

GO FOR IT “The Chamber is encouraging persons to use their God-given abilities and talent to be creative and earn,” Mr Fernandes said, adding: |That in itself is a plus, because you can in turn cre-

ate employment for others.”

The Chamber, he said, is always there to lend support to these youths, give advice and initiate funding.

The Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) is also encouraging youths to visit their office with their creative business ideas, so they can access funding of up to $1M. The government has pooled into LEN $155M in 2015; $100M in 2016; and $90M in 2017, and therefore funds are available for youths who desire to pursue legitimate businesses.

Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who is also a young entrepreneur

When asked why he felt that Lindeners have what it takes to do just about anything they set their minds to, Clarke had a mouthful to say, and he did so quite confidently: “Because nowhere else you can go in this country and find skilled people like Linden people.

“Linden people are the most skilful people; when it comes to technical skills and engineering skills, they fit in easily.

“You have to remember that everyone looked to the bauxite company for work, so from young, you grow up with this aim of working at the bauxite company.

“When many people finish school, they tried to acquire the skills back then to get into the company. So when the company start collapsing, everyone still had the skills, and they could have fit into any other kind of mining.”

Suffice it to say that OMAI played a major role in the development of Linden, and when the company closed operations, things somewhat took a downturn for Linden.

Many persons lost their jobs and had to seek other avenues for employment. “Many persons decided to buy cars, and started to do taxi work,” Mr Clarke said.

“Many persons opened welding shops; many persons open businesses. Some man migrate, different things,” he added.

And when Bosai started operations in 2007, many of these same people were rescued and regained meaningful employment prior to the establishment of the present gold mining companies.

Not only are these companies contributing significantly to the economy of Linden, but this has positive rippling effects in many ways to the livelihood of Lindeners.

Con’t fr. page 17

and has piloted several entrepreneurial programmes in Region 10, said that the community has tremendous potential for niche markets, and therefore has congratulated all young entrepreneurs in the region who have decided to take the risk to venture out of the box and start their own small businesses.

Said he: “A business birthed out of their gifting, use of their hands to cook, sew, create leather craft or cake-making is a business worthy of prospering.”

Figueira is encouraging Lindeners to support these youths, as this will create a ripple effect on the town’s economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Gone, but not forgotten --Remembering three fallen soldiers

A CELEBRATORY mood permeated the atmosphere over the mining town of Linden at the break of the new year.

Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, only too happy that they made it to 2018. A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected, and the Regional Democratic Council was allocated a mega-budget of $3.4B. Things were indeed looking up for Linden!

Until the sudden demise of Sandra Adams, Debra George, and young Teon Wilson!

Needless to say, social media was abuzz with the news of their passing. Indeed, the first week of the new year was a week of mourning for Linden, and the first thing that came to mind was the old saying, “O death, where is thy sting?”

It was pandemonium as news spread of the death of Sandra Adams; someone who possessed such an extraordinary strength and valour, that even death seemed out of place.

HER INFECTIOUS LAUGHTER Though she was hospitalised a few days before, no one had death in their minds, as she was already up and about after being discharged. For those who mingled with her days before her passing, the

memory of her infectious laughter, her charisma and a voice that was easily identifiable will forever be etched in their minds and hearts.

Even to this day, the tributes continue to pour

to do. Adams wore many hats, and for this she was a monumental figure who left Region 10 in a quandary as to who will take on the baton and be the catalyst for change and development.

President David Grang-

Sandra Adams

out on how Ms Adams made a difference in the lives of the common man on the streets of Region 10 while working vigorously for the party closest to heart: The People’s National Congress Reform, and by extension the government.

There was no denying that she loved her President, and this was evident in everything she set about

Debra George

er called her a hard worker; a woman that was loyal and dedicated to the service of her country and development of her people.

“She was a good gift for our party, our community and country,” the President said.

“I readily recognised her sincerity, her strength and her commitment. Sandra Adams had three great loves: Her family, her party and the Linden community.

“Her national award was well deserved; I would be the happiest party leader in the western hemisphere, if I had one Sandra Adams in every region in Guyana.”

Glowing testimonies of Adam’s unshakable patriotism, her unwavering stance for what is right and love for humanity were also paid by leaders of Region 10 and Government officials. She will surely be missed, and the struggle to replace her is one that may never be overcome.

TWO AT ONE GO Then in one day, 03:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs respec-

tively, the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) lost two staff members. Sister Debra George lost her battle with cancer, while young Registered Nurse, Teon Wilson lost his battle with sickle cell.

This was indeed a blow to the LHC, and by extension, the Linden community, as they both touched the lives of many in an extraordinary way. Reminiscing on Sister George was her husband, Pastor Mark George, and her aunt, Ms Velva Waithe.

She was said to be a quiet and loving soul who was overwhelmingly selfless and generous to the less fortunate. She had a way impacting persons’ lives in a positive way, especially in the church in which she was an elder and women’s leader.

“Debra was a soft-spoken woman; I never saw her get angry, and she took the same ethics into her work situation,” Aunt Velva recalled. She was a supportive and subjective wife, and though she never had children, she mothered many sons and daughters.

At the time of her passing, she was a Junior Departmental Sister, and had reached this post after seeking several avenues of elevation, including completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also took part in several humanitarian causes, and was a member of “Women on the Move”, a cancer awareness organisation.

“She took a particular interest in the children of the Haruni Orphanage, and in December 2016, she invited all of them to her home and feted them even as she battled her illness,” Aunt Velva said.

“She never spoke of death; she always saw life, and that she would get up out of that bed. She had that overwhelming faith in God, and the strength to fight.

“We will miss her quiet way and her sweet smile, and her ability to cope with challenges while remaining positive and having faith in God.”

Her colleague, Brother Colin McDonald remembered her as a stalwart whose contribution was noting short of than significant. “It is indeed a giant loss to the LHC,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Matron Annette Jones, who said that Sister George was a quiet worker who performed her duties with diligence.

“She was always smiling, despite the circumstances,” Matron Jones said. “She was a role model to her peers and subordinates; the hospital has lost one of its best workers it the field of nursing.”

was two years old. But instead of staying at home, he preferred to go to work to serve his patients.

“He loved his job, despite having his pains. He went to work, because he enjoyed it; he was so helpful and knowledgeable, it is so sad that it was shortlived,” she said.

He was also a loving son; very quiet, and preferred to be at home, keeping her company, mom Gwyneth said.

“Teon fought a good fight; he went to MHS and did well. He was a brilliant child; there was nothing too difficult for him to do.

Teon Wilson

DEDICATED, HARDWORKING At 30, Teon Wilson was a Registered Nurse, who, despite battling sickle cell, was hailed as a dedicated and hardworking nurse who loved his profession and will be missed dearly. His grieving mother, Gwyneth, said that it pains her that the career that her younger son worked so hard to achieve was short-lived, since it is not yet four years since he passed his state final examinations and was confirmed an RN, something he wanted to achieve since he was a child.

She reminisced on the many days he was in intense pain as a result of the disease with which he was diagnosed since he

“We had a very good relationship; a mother- andson relationship, and so this is very hard for me,” she added.

Though he suffered from sickle cell, his death was deemed rather sudden, as he was very normal even mere hours before taking in and being rushed to the hospital.

Brother McDonald, who was his supervisor, described Teon as a fighter with unique talents, and someone who was on the job for the sake of the job.

“He put the needs of others before his,” Brother McDonald said.

Linden will forever remember these three fallen soldiers, and hopes that their souls find eternal peace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Disgraced US Gymnastics ...

Wary Federer through to semis after Hawkeye hiccup Continued from back page

By Martyn Herman

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) – A momentary loss of Roger Federer’s trademark cool enlivened an otherwise routine victory by the defending champion over Tomas Berdych as the Swiss player moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open yesterday.

Federer’s ninth successive defeat of the burly Czech, this time 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-4, was not all smooth sailing for the 36-year-old who snapped at umpire Fergus Murphy in the first set.

His mini-rant about malfunctioning Hawkeye technology when Berdych served for the opening set said much about the struggle Federer was having, to contain the 19th seeded powerhouse.

But in the end all was well for Federer, who reached his record-extending 43rd grand slam semi-final where he will face 21-year-old South Korean sensation Chung Hyeon.

It is the 11th time Federer has reached the final four of

a slam without dropping a set and, with Rafael Nadal out of action, he is clear favourite to win a 20th grand slam title and sixth Australian Open.

Federer had dropped only two sets in his previous eight matches against Berdych but came desperately close to los-

The main talking point of the match had arrived a few points earlier, though, with Berdych 15-40 down. Federer thought a serve was out despite no call and immediately challenged.

Unfortunately, however, the usual video playback failed

Roger Federer

ing the opener on Rod Laver Arena when the 32-year-old served at 5-3, having secured an early break.

Berdych had one set point but Federer blazed a backhand past him to snuff out the danger, before breaking with an equally sublime swish of his matt black racquet to break.

and Federer was told by Murphy that the serve was in.

When announcing that Federer had lost his challenge, the Swiss saw red and marched to the chair.

“Are you comfortable with this?” he said, as the crowd booed. “You can’t steal my challenge. You’re

okay with this?”

Federer then dumped a forehand in the net before re-focussing and taking the set into a tiebreak in which he allowed Berdych one point taking the set with an impudent drop shot.

Later, with his 92nd Australian Open victory in the bag, Federer played down the incident.

“I hung around, got a bit lucky, a bit angry, a bit frustrated at the umpire,” Federer said, in the now obligatory comedy duo on-court interview with Jim Courier.

After the first-set dramas it was routine with Federer breaking decisively for 5-3 with an easy backhand winner after Berdych’s half volley sat up begging.

Berdych could have thrown in the towel when he fell behind in the third set, but kept Federer on his toes by breaking back.

It only delayed the inevitable, though, as Federer broke again and completed the job with a love service game.

Atkinson to lead Essequibo in Under-15 Inter-county tournament

ESSEQUIBO will open their challenge in this year’s GCB-sponsored Under-15 Inter-County tournament against Demerara on February 4.

Following a two-week encampment, the ECB se-

lectors released a 14-man squad which will be captained by Ryan Atkinson.

The full squad reads: Ryan Atkinson (captain), Ronald Scouten (vice-captain), Jarred Allicock, Adarsh Ramdial, Dwayne Fredericks, Mahen-

dra Basdeo, Ramesh Ramnarine, Jarred Allicock, Ken George, Rickey Persaud, Reynard Ramroop, Jonathan Lynch and Steven Corbin and Davindra Ramdahin. The team will be managed by Vickram Ramnarine while Forbes Dan-

iels will serve as coach.

The tournament will be used to select the national squad for the upcoming Regional competition; hence the players will be keen to showcase their talent and impress the selectors.

World champions Australia to review woeful one-day form SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia’s world-hampion one-day team could face a major overhaul after they slumped to a 10th loss in 11 games, according to chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns.

Steve Smith’s side were beaten by 16 runs by England in Sydney on Sunday to give the tourists an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

It is the first home series loss for Australia since 2010 and they have won just 26 of their 50 completed matches since they beat New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by seven wickets in 2015 to clinch their fifth global title.

“With what’s happened recently we are reviewing how we’re actually playing the game and type of player that’s required in the one-day format,” Hohns told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

“We haven’t played well in this series, we don’t seem to have been able to put it

all together on the one-day; there has been something lacking.”

Australia’s struggles in the 50-over format has not gone un-noticed in the cricketing world, with the New Zealand

showed that only the 1983 Indian team had a worse success rate between tournaments.

India won 44 percent of their games between 1983 and 1987. Smith’s side have also

Australia ODI captain Steve Smith

Herald newspaper asking if the side were “the worst world champions?”

A statistical breakdown of previous world champions’ winning percentages

been far from settled.

Four of the 2015 World Cup winners -- captain Michael Clarke, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, pace bowler Mitchell Johnson and

all-rounder Shane Watson -- have retired from international cricket. Since that victory, selectors have also given 18 players debuts in one-day international cricket.

In an era when run rates are pushed consistently past six an over, Australia have also only scored more than 300 on 13 occasions in 50 completed matches since the World Cup. They lost three of those games.

Hohns said the selectors may need to look at a different type of player for their side, with a focus on hard-hitting middle order players and specialist limited-overs bowlers as they look ahead to the 2019 World Cup in England.

“With the World Cup in 2019 there is a lot of one-day cricket to be played between now and then,” he said. “We will be trying very soon to get together the main nucleus of our squad so they can play together for some time.”

disgust.

“No, your honour,” Nassar said.

“Because you are guilty, aren’t you? Are you guilty, sir?” the judge demanded.

After a long pause, Nassar said quietly, “I have said my plea, exactly.”

CHANGING VIEW Both the prosecution and Aquilina emphasised the broader significance of the sentencing, coming amid a national debate over sexual misconduct and abuse prompted by scandals involving powerful men from Hollywood to Washington.

Povilaitis said the conclusion of Nassar’s case takes the victims’ shame and puts it “where it belongs, right on him.”

“At this particular moment in history, this sentence and hearing will be viewed as a turning point in how our community, our state, our nation, our culture looks at sexual abuse,” she said.

Aquilina rattled off a series of disturbing statistics about the prevalence of sexual abuse before saying, “It stops now.”

The sentencing followed an extraordinary weeklong hearing that saw a parade of Nassar victims tell their stories in raw and unflinching terms, describing how he used medical treatments as a cover to justify penetrating their bodies with his fingers.

Although Nassar only admitted to seven instances of abuse in the case, Aquilina allowed other victims to speak at his sentencing. Throughout much of the proceedings, the bespectacled Nassar sat with his head bowed, rarely making eye contact with his victims.

His accusers ranged from famous Olympic gold medallists like Aly Raisman to women like Denhollander, who was the last of the victims to speak yesterday and whom Aquilina described as “the bravest person I have ever had in my courtroom.”

The accusers had testified Nassar won their trust with kind words and by giving them snacks forbidden by their coaches. Testimony came McKayla Maroney, a gold medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, who called Nassar a “monster human being” and a former member of the U.S. national team who said his abuse led to depression and an eating disorder.

Another gymnast said she was only 6 years old when

Nassar began molesting. She blamed Nassar for her father’s suicide once the man realised his daughter had not been lying about the abuse she endured.

“I’ve been forever changed by all of this and I will never feel small again,” said Bailey Lorencen, who was an anonymous accuser until she spoke in court this week. “I have a different confidence in myself as a woman.”

INSTITUTIONS QUESTIONED In addition to his work with Olympic teams, Nassar also was the team physician for the Michigan State University gymnastics and women’s crew teams, as well as an associate professor at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association said on Tuesday it had opened an investigation into Michigan State’s handling of the case.

In her statement yesterday, Denhollander criticised the school for failing to adequately investigate complaints against Nassar dating back years.

In addition to Raisman, Olympic gold medallists Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney have gone public in recent months, saying they were assaulted

by Nassar while undergoing treatment.

Victims and others have criticised USA Gymnastics, the sport’s governing body in the United States, for ignoring their complaints and have accused the federation of suppressing their accounts in a bid to avoid bad publicity.

On Monday, three top board members resigned in the wake of the scandal, following the exit last March of the federation’s president and chief executive.

In a statement yesterday, Kerry Perry, who became USA Gymnastics president in December, applauded the sentence and vowed to “create a culture that empowers and supports” the programme’s athletes.

Several companies have announced they would not continue to sponsor the federation, including AT&T Inc on Tuesday.

Nassar pleaded guilty in November to seven counts of first-degree sex assault in Ingham County, as well as three additional charges in Eaton County, where he will be sentenced next week.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Proteas skittle India despite Kohli, Pujara fifties JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took three wickets as South Africa bowled India out for 187 to take the opening day honours on a seaming wicket in the third and final Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg yesterday.

South Africa were six for one in reply at the close, with opener Dean Elgar (4) and nightwatchman Rabada (0) to resume today as the hosts look to build a sizeable first-innings lead on a difficult pitch.

Aiden Markram (2) was the only South African wicket to fall as he edged a delivery

from Bhuvneshwar Kumar to wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, with the pitch giving plenty of encouragement to both sides’ all-seam attacks.

The hosts will be pleased with their day’s work after India had won the toss and elected to bat, despite having dropped catches, eschewed

what would have been a successful review and at times bowled too short and wide.

The key wicket was that of Virat Kohli (54), though he was twice dropped off relatively simple chances when on 11 and 34. He was finally removed when Lungi Ngidi (1-27) induced an edge to AB de Villiers at third slip. de Villiers bruised the middle finger of his right hand in taking the catch and had to leave the field for treatment.

Cheteshwar Pujara (50) was the only other Indian batsman to post a half-century, with his patient innings taking 179 deliveries as he tried to stifle the home attack.

He had a slice of early luck when given not out after Ngidi struck him on the pads.

South Africa did not review umpire Ian Gould’s decision and replays showed the ball would have hit leg stump.

Pujara’s vigil came to an end when he edged all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo (2-25) to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, one of five dismissals

Timehri Panthers FC on the rebound; receives donation from EBFA

for the gloveman.

Rabada (3-39) was perhaps the pick of the home bowlers, both fast and accurate. He removed opener Murali Vijay (8), caught by de Kock, before grabbing the wickets of Ishant Sharma (0) and the stubborn Kumar (30).

Morne Morkel (2-47) and

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings M. Vijay c de Kock b Rabada 8 K. Rahul c de Kock Philander 0 C. Pujara c de Kock b Phehlukwayo 50 V. Kohli c de Villiers b Ngidi 54 A. Rahane lbw b Morkel

9 P. Patel c de Kock b Morkel 2 H. Pandya c de Kock b Phehlukwayo 0 B. Kumar c Phehlukwayo b Rabada 30 Shami c Rabada b Philander 8 I. Sharma c du Plessis b Rabada 0 Bumrah not out 0 Extras: (b-11, nb-2, w-6, lb-7) 26 Total: (all out, 76.4 overs)

187 Bowling: Morkel 17-5-47-2, Philander 19-10-31-2, Rabada 19-7-39-3, Ngidi 15-7-27-1, Phehlukwayo 7-1-25-2.

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-13, 3-97, 4-113, 5-144, 6-144, 7-144, 8-163, 9-166.

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innngs D. Elgar not out A. Markram c (wkp.) b Kumar K. Ranada not out

Total: (for one wicket) Fall of wicket: 1-3.

Bowling: Kumar 3-2-2-1, J. Bumrah 2-2-3.

FOLLOWING a few years of inactivity due to administrative challenges, the Timehri Panthers Football Club (TPFC) is back up and running and its team will participate in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg of the GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League which kicked off last Saturday at the Grove Playfield.

Adrian Gonsalves, a former goalkeeper of the club,

is taking the lead to organise the club. He wants to ensure that the youths in the area are gainfully occupied as regards football and to give them the opportunity to showcase their skills, with the ultimate aim of donning national colours.

The Under-15 players participated in the march past last Saturday and are eager to get cracking. EBFA president Franklin Wilson complimented Gonsalves for stepping up at a crucial

time to bring some direction to the club, which has been one of the main pillars on the East Bank.

Wilson expressed joy for the youths in the area who he said are talented and just need someone to mobilise and give them direction.

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, was present and he also praised Gonsalves for taking the initiative.

The EBFA, in associ-

ation with Dion Inniss, GFF executive member with responsibility for the EBFA, took the opportunity to present a number of bibs, jerseys and a football to Gonsalves as a means of encouragement.

The association would also be working with the club on finalising a new constitution as well as overseeing elections of a new body in the near future.

4 2 0 6

Zaryab’s unbeaten 74 sees Pakistan into U-19 World Cup semis ALI Zaryab’s second straight half-century steered Pakistan into the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup, with a slightly tense three-wicket win against South Africa in Christchurch.

Chasing 190, Pakistan were wobbling at 111 for 5 before Zaryab scored an unbeaten and patient 74 off 111 balls to see his side through.

The Timehri Panthers football team

Vernon Philander (2-31) also chipped in with wickets but were guilty at times of bowling with too much width, failing to make the batsmen play.

The home side had already claimed the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, but are chasing a first cleansweep against India.

Ali Zaryab’s unbeaten 74 came off 111 balls.

Pakistan started slowly in the chase, losing their top order for 63 runs in 15.1 overs. Zaryab, batting at No. 4, tried to stitch partnerships but could not put together more than 32 runs with captain Hasan Khan, as off-spinner Jason Niemand struck twice and Pakistan were five down after 26 overs. Zaryab was on 31 then and Pakistan needed 79 more, but at a required rate of just over three runs per over.

After Zaryab and Saad Khan played out two maidens, they kept the score ticking with singles and doubles. Zaryab soon brought up his half-century and Saad struck three fours in their sixth-wicket stand of 65, but holed out to deep midwicket for 26.

South Africa gave them another scare by capturing Pakistan’s seventh wicket for a first-ball duck but Zaryab’s knock took them home.

Earlier, Pakistan made good use of their decision to bowl as left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi removed the openers in the first 10 overs and right-arm quick Muhammad Musa struck in consecutive overs to leave South Africa reeling on 43 for 4 in 15 overs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Wandile Makwetu revived the innings with a counter-attacking half-century with some support from the lower order. He took them past 100 with Jean du Plessis (21) but was accounted for by Musa with a short ball which Makwetu pulled to deep square leg for 60.

Niemand scored a crucial 36 runs at No. 7 to take them close to 200 but a couple of run-outs restricted them to 189 for 9.

Musa finished with 3 for 29 after bowling 44 dot balls in his 10 overs and Afridi ended with 2 for 30 to lead the wicket-takers’ chart in the tournament with a tally of 11 wickets from four matches. (ESPN Cricinfo)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

Crandon gives Super50 squad a vote of confidence ... Five new faces named in 14-man team

By Rajiv Bisnauth WHEN action bowls off in this year’s Regional Super50, the Guyana Jaguars will be aiming for a 10th regional 50-over title, and with that in mind, the national selectors have announced a strong 14-man squad, including five uncapped players.

The last title was achieved in 2005 when they defeated Barbados in near darkness in the final of the KFC Cup at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Prior to that, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003.

To achieve another milestone, the senior selection panel announced the squad with no real surprises, but,

Granit puts rock-solid Arsenal into League Cup final

By Toby Davis

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Arsenal fought back from a goal down against old foes Chelsea to reach the League Cup final as Granit Xhaka poked home to complete a 2-1 second-leg win yesterday that set up a Wembley showdown with Manchester City.

Nothing separated the sides after the semi-final’s first leg at Stamford Bridge ended goalless two weeks ago, but the stalemate was swiftly broken as Chelsea took the lead through Eden Hazard after seven minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

Yet question marks about Arsenal’s steel in the face of adversity were swept away as they levelled five minutes later through a fortuitous Antonio Rudiger own goal before they turned the match on its head.

Midfielder Xhaka turned predator 15 minutes after halftime to finish from close range and Arsenal stayed rock-solid at the back for the rest of the game to set up an enticing final against Premier League leaders City on February 25.

The sides were meeting for the fifth time this season and it was clear that familiarity had bred a certain degree of contempt as the tackles flew in during a fiercely contested opening.

Arsenal had lost only one of their previous seven games against Chelsea, but were quickly under the cosh as Hazard put the visitors ahead, calmly stroking the ball past David Ospina after Chelsea carved open the hosts’ backline.

head coach Esuan Crandon in an invited comment yesterday said he is happy with the squad selected and is optimistic about the players giving a good account of themselves during the tournament.

Crandon, the former national fast bowler, is of the opinion that the squad is one of the most well-balanced units, comprising the maximum number of match-winners, and he feels it is the best chance for the Guyanese to bag their tenth coveted title at this level.

“I think we have a good all-round and balanced squad. Obviously we have a lot of players who are frequently in the one-day squad, so the experience is there.

“I think we have a decent mix of players that I’m satisfied and prepared to work along with,” said Crandon.

Ricardo Adams

The left-handed Leon Johnson is once again at the helm, and he will have a bunch of experienced players to call on. Among them is middle-order batting stal-

Henrietta United FC maul Super XI 14-0 in football tourney THE Essequibo/Coast and Pomeroon Senior Football tournament continued last Sunday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground in Essequibo.

Hosts Henrietta United FC took the opportunity to unleash goals galore against Super XI and registered a 14-1 triumph. Goals emerged as early as in the 6th minute off the boot of Devon Romeo who followed up with another in the 14th minute.

The onslaught continued when Sheldon Pitt hammered in his first in

Devon Romeo netted three goals for Henrietta United.

the 20th minute and, like Romeo, he followed with another in the 23rd. Both strikers continued to terrorise the opposition with swift footwork and dapper skills.

It was Romeo again on the score sheet as he netted in the 31st minute.

Captain Chris Gordon then got into the action with a neatly-timed shot in the 33rd minute. As halftime approached, goals found the back of the net with regularity as Pitt found the net in the 36th and 39th minutes to register 4 goals in the match.

He was surpassed, however, by Romeo who scored again in the 46th minute to lead Henrietta United to 9-0 at halftime. When play resumed, it was Romeo again netting in the 50th minute and ending with 6 goals when he blasted his last in the 63rd minute.

Not to be left out of the display, Jim Jones scored in the 74th, Kester Ward in the 83rd and Ariel Chester in the 86th minute.

Then in the 92nd minute Super XI got a penalty and Trevor Morales scored. Moments later, referee Ranzolin Durga blew the whistle to end the game 14-1 in favour of Henrietta United FC. M o re m a t c h e s a re set for next weekend at various venues along the Essequibo Coast. (Elroy Stephney)

wart Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Crandon believes the team’s flexibility provided by the presence of batting and bowl-

Clinton Pestano

ing all-rounders will be a major asset in the tournament.

“We stand a good chance of bettering last year’s performance. I am confident of doing well and I feel it is

our best chance of winning our 10th title at this level,” said the 36-year-old former national all-rounder.

The squad’s new faces are: Jaguars highest run-scorer in the just concluded Regional four-day championship Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ricardo Adams, Ramaal Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford and Clinton Pestano.

The remainder of the squad reads: Shimron Hetmyer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson (captain), Anthony Bramble, Raymon Reifer, Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd.

Meanwhile, the 44th edition of the 50-over tournament will see fixtures played in Barbados (Group A) and Antigua (Group B).

USA’s senior side have accepted an invitation to play in the WICB Regional Super50 tournament, beginning on January 30 in Barbados and Antigua.

They will be the only Associate side in the competition; joining the six West Indies franchise teams as well as Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), plus the English county sides Hampshire and Kent.

The Guyana Jaguars will do battle in Group B alongside Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, United States and Kent.

Group A consists of Barbados Pride, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners, Windward Islands Volcanoes and Hampshire.

England World Cup winner first woman on cover of Wisden

ENGLAND World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole has become the first woman to appear on the cover of the ‘iconic’ Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.

The 26-year-old was named player-of-the-match as England beat India at Lord’s to win the World Cup last year.

The Somerset bowler took five wickets in 19 balls as she claimed 6-46, the best figures in a World Cup final.

“To be on the front of such an iconic and historic book means a huge amount,” said the England vice-captain.

“It’s an amazing honour and privilege. It’s a clear representation of the strength of the women’s game.”

Shrubsole was a nominee for the BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Year, and last week won the International Cricket Council’s Spirit of Cricket award.

In September she became the first female cricketer to receive the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket award - created by the BBC and MCC in memory of the former Test Match Special commentator.

Wisden, known as the ‘bible of cricket’, is an annual publication which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2013.

“Anya Shrubsole was a natural for this year’s Wisden cover, having stolen the show on the most memorable day of the 2017 summer,” said editor Lawrence Booth.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes appeared on the cover in 2016, a year after team-mate Moeen Ali. (BBC Sport)

Anya Shrubsole follows in the footsteps of the likes of Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali. CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday January 25, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Australia (1987/88) (2) Brett Williams (Australia) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for the WI against NZ in the current ICC Under 19 World Cup? (2) Who top-scored for NZ? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018

By Rawle Toney HE never won a world title, but for many, more so the ‘old school’ boxing fans, Terrence Alli’s name will forever be etched in their memories as the fighter who carried the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ around the world, one ‘back flip’ after another.

Today, the fighter who finished his career with 52 wins; the most by any Guyanese professional fighter, struggles to make ends meet and relies on his farm to make a living.

Terrence Alli is actually his alias. His real name is Terrence Halley. He explained that persons began to pronounce his name as ‘Alli’ and stuck with it.

“Terrence Alli is one of the best boxers to ever leave Guyana to fight in America.

Terrence Alli was two-time United States Champion, two-time North American champion and rated number one in the world, the most wins on ESPN; Terrence Alli is a bad old man. That’s how I will describe who Terrence Alli is,” the now 58-year-old fighter told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview at the Lama Avenue, Bel Air, Georgetown location.

The life and career of Terrence Alli embodies both the glory and the tragedy that often lurk not far from one another in the world of boxing. He was an exciting, eccentric and socially-conscious fighter who became the world’s top super lightweight contender.

Perhaps sadder still, by all accounts he feels he has been forsaken by the country that he always proudly represented with such patriotic vigour, even when he had to go abroad to advance his career.

“Right now I’m trying to do some farming. As I graduated from Burnham Agricultural Institute years ago and now I’m putting that back in my farm in order to maintain a living, so when people see Terrence Alli coming down the street, you don’t have to turn your head thinking he will be you, because Terrence Alli don’t beg people for nothing; I’m surviving by the grace of God,” Alli said with his usual charismatic smile.

Alli finished his career with 52 wins (25 by knock out), 15 losses and two

draws but will be forever remembered as one of the best fighters Guyana has ever produced - to never win a world title.

His first shot at a world title was in 1985 against Harry Arroyo for the IBF World Lightweight Title but, the Guyanese was knocked out by the American.

Mexican great Jose Luis Ramirez and Alli fought in 1987 for the vacant WBC World Lightweight Title, his second title fight, but the Lindener lost the fight by Unanimous Decision.

Ramirez would later surrender that title to Julio Cesar Chavez - Alli’s final shot at a world title.

Guyanese at home and abroad were glued to their television screens to witness the classic showdown, hoping that Alli could take down the man who at the time had defended his title against the likes of Hector Camacho, Angel Hernandez and Meldrick Taylor.

However, Chavez punished Alli throughout the fight before putting the prized Guyanese fighter down 42 seconds into the sixth round of their 12-round encounter.

Boxing’s unsung hero Terrence Alli seeking recognition, still fighting for survival FLASH BACK: Guyana’s Terrence Alli (right) exchanges punches with legend Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC World Super Lightweight Title. (Photo credit: Holly Stein/Allsport). member my trainer telling me to get close, so I had to ask him if he wants to step into the ring and help me take those punches.”

Asked about his accumulated wealth, Alli said it’s a preconceived notion that

STILL GOT IT! Terrence Alli showing off his moves for Chronicle Sport photographer Samuel Maughn at the Newspaper’s Bel Air, Georgetown Office.

“That man does hit like he made a lot of money in when donkey kick yuh. By his career, telling Chronifar the hardest that I’ve cle Sport “All my fights on been hit in the ring,” Alli ESPN, I never made over $7 joked when asked about his 500, and I had to take care Chavez encounter. “That of my family, kids, wife, a was a tough fight. I had house, pay mortgage, rent; so caught him with some good I never made no big money shots, but not enough. I re- until I fought Chavez where

they had wanted to pay me $100 000 and I had to get a lawyer, then I ended up getting over $300 000. That’s the biggest money I’ve ever made.”

“I had three big fights, three world title fights and I made $60 000 in one and I think $40 000 in the other.

I can’t remember properly, but Chavez fight is where I actually made money,” Alli stated.

Meanwhile, Alli was blunt when speaking about the recognition given by Guyana, telling Chronicle Sport, “Being the best boxer from Guyana, I think I deserved better from Guyana.

When I came back, people got the wrong idea; they thought I made a lot of money, but I didn’t.

“So instead of giving me a house lot, like Jagdeo gave me just a house lot, but I can’t do nothing because I’m not financially set, so I couldn’t have done anything with it.”

“They used my name to do stuff, but they’re not coming to get Terrence Alli.

Terrence Alli don’t even have a TV to see what’s going on, I just hear by people telling me that they had something with my name, so I guess people in Guyana should be more upfront and come get me when they have tournaments and boxing using my name,” the former US champion pointed out.

FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL “I fight for survival and whatever it takes to maintain and get a meal when the day comes,” Alli sternly pronounced with his slurred speech.

Visibly shaking like Muhammed Ali in his early stage of his Parkinson’s disease, Terrence Alli explained that at first, all was well, since he had occupied the home of his late parents in Mahaicony, but things took a turn when one of his siblings, his sister to be exact, returned from the U.S. and had him f o rc e f u l l y re m o v e d with the help of the police.

“I have a sister that I took to America in 1985, and she came back to Guyana, she got the police and put me out the house; a house that I took care of because Sam Hinds had given me some money to do the roof and so on and now she’s living in the house.”

“I would like to tell All Guyanese, you’re watching the best boxer, Guyana has ever produced. Even when

I’m dead and gone, the talk will be around, Terrence Alli is the best and the ‘baddest boxer’ Guyana has ever seen.

I personally think Guyana should do something for me, because people know Terrence Alli has done so much for their country, flying the flag of Guyana throughout the world,” Alli said.

“I’m not from Georgetown; born in Mahaicony, raised in Linden but Terrence Alli is still the best Guyanese fighter. When I watch myself back, I say damn, that guy can fight.”

Terrence Alli, was over the weekend named as an inductee of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

The seventh annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner will be held on April 29, at Russo’s On the Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

Boxing’s unsung hero Terrence Alli seeking ...

See Page 27

Georgetown crowned Jaguars 50-overs League champions

Christopher Barnwell was named man-of-the-match and the Most Valuable Player in the tournament.

The victorious Georgetown team

… beat Essequibo by three wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth GEORGETOWN easily disposed of Essequibo by three wickets to be crowned the 2017 Jaguars 50-over League champions when the final was played yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Set 193 to win, the Citybased team reached the target in 44 overs.

Asked to bat first, the visiting side had struggled to break the shackles against accurate new-ball bowling from Paul Wintz (1-34) and,

in particular, Christopher Barnwell (2-32), who attacked a good-length area close to off stump and allowed the pitch to do the rest.

The batting side slipped to 24-3. Kevon Boodie who hit a four was caught off the bowling of Wintz in the first over of the innings.

Barnwell then bowled both Eknauth Persaud (0) and Ricardo Adams (7). However, the fourth-wicket pair of Kemol Savory and Keemo Paul looked quite at ease and confident from the start as they added 63 in 40 balls..

Both batsmen took 29 balls each for their total of 32 and 39 respectively, with Savory finding the ropes on four occasions while Paul smashed four boundaries and two huge sixes.

At that point, it looked like a launch pad for a challenging score, but the dismissals of both batsmen in the 12th and 16th overs sucked the momentum out of the innings.

Following those dismissals, Ricardo Peters (33), Anthony Adams (16), Mark Williams (12), and a late

assault form Leoryan Ramlakhan, who made a seven-ball 21, provided some form of resistance for the visitors.

Lewis, who removed Williams, finished with 3-34, while Devon Lord and Leon Johnson were the other successful bowlers with figures of 2-25, and 2-24 respectively.

The run chase started in horrendous fashion, with the eventually winners slipping to 22-2. Both openers Andrew Lyght Jr (2) and Robin Bacchus (12) failed to deliv-

er. Left-arm spinner Ricardo Adams (2-45), bowled Lyght Jr while Paul (2-41) trapped Bacchus leg-before-wicket.

Johnson and Barnwell then carried on fluently in a partnership worth 95 runs.

The pair batted with great assurance with Johnson, the Guyana Jaguars skipper, hitting 47, which included four boundaries and a six before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Akine Adams (1-49).

At the other end, the right-hander Barnwell had stroked his way to a 68ball 69, inclusive of seven

boundaries and a six, before he was taken at the wicket by Peters (1-10), at 157-4.

Georgetown then lost Shemroy Barrington, bowled

by Paul for 22; Lewis was leg-before to Ricardo Adams (17) and Dexter Solomon was caught off the bowling of Persaud (1-0), for four.

Wintz and Steven Sankar then saw their team to victory without much trouble. Barnwell was named man-of-the-match and the Most Valuable Player in the tournament.

Disgraced US Gymnastics team doctor jailed for 175 years … ‘I’ve signed your death warrant,’ judge tells him

By Steve Friess LANSING, Mich. (Reuters) - As his victims wept in a Michigan courtroom yesterday, disgraced longtime USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care.

“I’ve signed your death warrant,” Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina told Nassar, following days of harrowing accounts from about 160 of his victims.

Spectators and victims Larry Nasar tried to claim his accusers ‘fabricated’ allegations for money and fame.

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cried, applauded and embraced as Nassar, 54, wearing a dark blue jailhouse jumpsuit, was led out of the courtroom. Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse him in 2016, shared a hug with Angela Povilaitis, the lead prosecutor.

Nassar, who served as the programme’s physician through four Olympic Games, had apologised to his victims during the hearing, telling them, “I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days.”

But Aquilina dismissed his statement as insincere and courtroom spectators gasped

as the judge read aloud from a letter he wrote to her claiming he was a good doctor who was manipulated into pleading guilty.

Nassar, who already is serving a 60-year sentence in federal prison for child pornography convictions, also said his accusers fabricated claims to gain money and fame and wrote, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

“Would you like to withdraw your plea?” Aquilina asked Nassar after tossing aside his letter with evident

Turn to page 24 THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018