Guyana chronicle e paper 01 29 2018

New Amsterdam Hospital to get $90M CT scan machine Page 3

Rooting out ganja No. 105169

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…Berbice police take aim at marijuana farms

Page 3

…commander says big dent made in distribution network Cop fingered in ‘Sagga’ murder fired

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Banks DIH sales up in Essequibo

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones along with residents stand on one of the newly commissioned bridges in Alexander Village (Samuel Maughn photo)

Gov’t focused on transitioning sugar workers -Holder talks up leasing of lands to farmers

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Police probe discovery of body on ECD roadway

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New bridges linking Alexander Village, West Ruimveldt commissioned

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

-residents urged to make cases for communities’ development

By Alva Solomon RESIDENTS should be aggressive in making their cases for their communities’ development.

This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who was at the time speaking to a gathering on Sunday afternoon in Alexander Village, where he officially commis-

sioned one of four bridges which link the community with nearby West Ruimveldt and other areas.

The area is the beneficiary of several forms of infrastructural works being conducted and the government and the Georgetown municipality are set to address concerns raised by residents.

Speaking to the gathering of officials and residents, including Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King, as well as Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Minister Harmon noted that the time is ripe for residents to work together to build their communities.

"This is a time to build these communities, this is a time

Minister Harmon is assisted by little Mirian Manohar in cutting the ribbon to officially commission the bridge.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green addresses the gathering

we have to work together to build this country,” he said, as he spoke of the government’s Green State Development strategy to add to the country’s development.

Minister Harmon said over a year ago he visited the village at the invitation of residents and according to him, he spent several hours listening to the complaints raised by residents."I believe that is what government does, that is what this government does - - we listen to the people and we take action based on the recommendations which come from you,” he said.

The minister added that if healthy spaces are provided to the citizenry, persons will be able to enjoy the environment in which they live. As he expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Minister Harmon noted that though not a high-ticket item, the ministry found a way to ensure the project materialised.

A playground at nearby West Ruimveldt is also under construction and Minister Harmon expressed appreciation to the Anglican Diocese for giving permission for the ground to be rehabilitated. He said the church has provided an opportunity for residents of the area to enjoy a space.

Harmon also noted the

importance of all projects, their sizes notwithstanding, as he spoke of a visit by a team of government officials led by President David Granger to witness ongoing works on the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Saturday.

"That’s a project that is going to cost us about US$150M. Today we are opening a project that’s not

Mayor Chase-Green in brief remarks called for communities to form committees in a spirit of togetherness to address areas of development and the director of sport noted that within the second quarter of this year, the community centre ground will be fitted with lights. Guyana Teachers Union president, Coretta McDonald, who chaired Sunday’s event also spoke of the need for several

A donation of sports gear was made to residents at the conclusion of the event.

US$150M, it’s not even a G$150M,” he said, noting that he was present at Alexander Village on Sunday to emphasise that it doesn’t matter how much projects cost, but rather, their relevance to the quality of life of citizens.

As regards the works undertaken on the bridges, he congratulated the contractors who built the bridges, noting that they were constructed within budget and within a short space of time. Minister Harmon noted that the residents need to be “aggressive “in defending and making a case for their community’s development.

He said there are several other communities in the city of Georgetown which need assistance, but he noted that persons need to voice such concerns to the authorities.

issues to be addressed by the authorities, including security.

Residents told the minister and team that the issue of flooding was affecting persons within the area, especially residents of First Street , Alexander Village.

Mayor Chase-Green and the MoPI are expected to visit the area this week to address the matter and according to Minister Harmon, there is no reason why an area should be affected by flooding for several years.

At the conclusion of the official ceremony, Minister Harmon was assisted by little Mirian Manohar of the Alexander Village Nursery School with cutting the ribbon to officially open one of the four bridges in the community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

Rooting out ganja

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…Berbice police take aim at marijuana farms …commander says big dent made in distribution network

By Nafeeza Yahya THE police in Berbice are taking the fight against ganja trafficking in the region, with a heavy focus this year on destroying large acres of farms in the Berbice and Upper Demerara riverine communities.

SOME $11.7B in cannabis was seized by the security agencies last year.

The GPF seized 64,887kg 674.45g of cannabis, while CANU seized 123kg 825g and GRA-DEU seized 18kg 982g, totalling 65,030kg 481.45g of cannabis, altogether representing $180 per gram. In the case of eradication of illicit cultivations, there were nine operations in which nine fields were targeted, representing 17.5 acres of land. Some 61,330 plants were discovered weighing 75,166kg. In the case of dried cannabis, 2kg 210 grams were discovered and some 1355kg 231.45g of herbal seizures were done, representing a grand total of 1357kg 441.45g. Only two persons have been charged.

Dried cannabis representing $397,800 was seized ($180 per gram street value), while herbal seizures represented a street value of $243, 941,661 ($180 per gram, street value); a combined total of $244,339,461.

President David Granger, since taking office in 2015, has said that his administration will bring narco-trafficking to an end. He described

the trade as “the mother of all crimes” and noted that once illegal drugs enter Guyana, it would be difficult to control crime here. “We do not have the resources, the assets, and we do not have aircraft to patrol our borders. We do not have the ships to patrol our sea space. We do not have the vehicles to patrol the land space to bring these crimes to an end…,” the Head of State had said in October 2016.

Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, ‘B’ Division Commander Lindon Alves said the only way to get rid of a problem is to get to its root and that is exactly what he and his team are doing to foster a safer community for all. He explained that while they have been trying with their regular exercises to intercept and raid possible drug houses, they have not been netting too much success in this regard, as they are only removing a part of the problem. As such, they decided to tackle the fields in the remote riverine communities, namely areas in the Canje Creek and Berbice River. “In 2016 we were able to eradicate eight fields with plants ranging from three to five feet, which gave us a total of 41,545kg marijuana that included Canje and Berbice River. However in 2017, we were able to destroy 12 fields amounting to 29 acres with 85,000 plants ranging from three to five feet weighing 46,100kg”

Commander of ‘B’ Division, Lindon Alves

The exercise, he noted, is also responsible for a massive spike in the seized quantity of compressed marijuana for 2017, compared to the previous year and continued into 2018. Alves explained that on the raids ranks were able to seize street-ready, compressed marijuana in the camps that made a huge dent in the distribution network.

“About a week ago a team went into the area where they were able to destroy two acres; this exercise will continue. I know that would have been a severe blow to the narco industry, so we will continue with the view of getting to the pushers, our regular stop-and-search exercises, cordon-and-search drug houses as well”.

The success of the exercises however was not only

based on police action, but also with cooperation from the community and intelligence-gathering. “Sustainable communities are places we all want to live in, safe and secure neighbourhoods are an essential component of our society and the only way to achieving this is by working together with the community. Police can greatly reduce crime, drug and antisocial behavior, whilst making their neighbourhoods a nicer place to live through improved cooperation with the citizens of the communities and that is exactly what we have been doing.”

In this regard, the divisional commander said he will be undertaking a series of activities to help foster better community relations and get youths involved in

meaningful activities. These include: Community meetings / safety talks, implementation of a Social Intervention Plan that will see the re-establishment of the Scouts Group in Angoys Avenue, Adventure and Weldaad,and resuscitating of the Steel Band among others.

The events according to the commander, apart from being fun, are organised and help to instill discipline which starts at the grass root levels and help equip youths with life skills that they can use to move on to other aspects of their lives. A passionate advocate for youth involvement in community activities, the commander has issued orders for each of his station sergeants to re-activate or form youth groups in their locality.

TEAM-POLICING Another area on which the police have been working is its mandate to not only protect but to serve the community. Here ranks are able to identify people within their communities or areas that they frequent that are deemed ‘shut-ins’ or are immobile, especially the elderly who live alone, so in the event of any situation that information is available to the ranks responding, so that they can help these individuals who cannot help themselves.

In addition, the police will be collaborating with the Ministry of Education

to launch an anti- truancy campaign in Berbice, since the division is keen on ensuring every child gets to school. To this end, ranks are expected to visit schools and get information from them on students that have a history of skipping school and will visit the family to investigate the circumstances under which the child/children are missing school. “ It’s the government’s mandate to get every child in school and provisions have been put in place to make this happen, so there really is no excuse to be absent unless it’s some form of illness.”

Apart from these measures, the commander has scheduled outreaches for the entire division that will commence shortly, whereby members of the public will get the opportunity to interact openly with the hierarchy of the division and is urging members to make use of the opportunities to air their concerns and recommendations. “We are working to make these communities safer with the help of members of the public; we are trying to bridge that gap, build trust and that’s the only way we can be successful. I know it has been fractured for a period of time, but we are open and we want to build that bridge so that persons can feel free to come to us and relate information without fear of being exposed.”

New Amsterdam Hospital to get $90M CT scan machine

MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has said the government will soon purchase a $90M Computerised Tomography (CT/CAT) scan machine for the New Amsterdam Hospital.

She made the announcement during a recent visit to the town. The CT or CAT scan uses computers and rotating X-ray machines to create cross-sectional images of the body. The images provide more detailed information than normal X-ray images are able to provide. The images can also show the soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones in various parts of the body.

Further, a CT scan may be used to visualise the head,

shoulders, spine, heart, abdomen, knee and chest, and the process entails a patient lying in a tunnel-like machine while the inside of the machine rotates and takes a series of X-rays from different angles. Those pictures are sent to a computer, where they are combined to create images of slices, or cross-sections, of the body. They may also be combined to produce a 3D image of a particular area of the body.

Meanwhile, with the computerised machine being so costly, Lawrence pleaded with the medical staff to ensure that the scanner is cared for, even as doctors extend care at a higher level, similar to that extended at the tertiary

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

institution in Georgetown.

In addition, the Minister apprised the healthcare providers about other initiatives which are to be implemented in the current year, which

includes a new spacious area for laboratory technicians, who were applauded for their endurance, despite operating daily under unfavourable conditions.

"No longer will you work in choked up spaces. No longer will you be working under conditions, that if it were other places, the hospital would have been sued. I want to thank the technicians for their endurance. I want to thank them, for, despite the conditions, they came to work each day and provided services for our people," the Minister said.

Further, the Accident and Emergency department spaces at that hospital and the tertiary institution in

Georgetown are competing with the patients, doctors and technicians, resulting in overcrowded beds. As a result of these conditions, the hospital will undergo a soon to unfold, expansion project.

With respect to human resources, Minister Lawrence thanked the medical

personnel for their rendered services and vowed to have improved working conditions across the board despite one's location, be it at Paramakatoi, in the Potaro-Siparuni Region or at Orealla, along the Corentyne River in Berbice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Joint Services rank, taxi driver busted smuggling Why 4 minutes 4 change? cannabis in gas stove A JOINT Services lance corporal and the driver of a taxi are expected to be charged this week after they were busted on Saturday with three parcels of compressed cannabis, hidden inside a gas stove that was in the trunk of the black Fielder-Wagon vehicle.

Police said a traffic rank whilst on a motorcycle patrol on the Strathspey Public Road, East Coast Demerara observed a hire car which was Georgetown-bound overtaking several vehicles on a “solid yellow line”.

The vehicle driven by a 27-year-old Berbice resident with two occupants was stopped and escorted to the Vigilance Police Station; a search revealed three parcels of compressed cannabis hidden inside a gas stove that was in the trunk of the black Fielder-Wagon vehicle. The driver and one of the occupants who is a Joint

Services lance corporal have since admitted to the ownership of the illegal substance which has a weight of 1,022 grams.

The suspects both of Stan-

leytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice are assisting with the investigation and are likely to appear before a magistrate shortly.

The compressed cannabis

AFC mourns death of Junior Garrett

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has extended deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of long-serving City Councillor Junior Garrett who died suddenly on Friday last.

“The party particularly extends condolences to A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) on this major loss of a municipal political leader, dedicated worker and activist,” the AFC said in a release.

According to the party, this blow comes shortly after that of another party

stalwart, Sandra Adams of Linden. “The AFC stands in solidarity with our coalition political colleagues at this difficult time of mourning and reflection, while recognising the political contributions of Councillor Garrett and his professional work as a respected accountant.”

OUR AIM: This weekly article, 4 minutes 4 change aims to highlight issues that affect children and the many ways they are being abused in our society. It also gives good advice to parents and caregivers by informing them about child rights and how they can work with children for the best results.

By informing the public through this medium we are hoping that they can become more aware of the correct way to treat and interact with children because, only when ‘one’ is informed can ‘one’ make informed choices: and only when one becomes enlightened can there be true and permanent change.

Therefore when you read these articles seek out the elements that enlighten you: elements that you can acknowledge because they may even relate to you, a close friend or a member of your family. Perhaps you can even take these elements away with you and share what you’ve learnt with other people.

THE VICTIMS: It is a fact that many children in Guyana face atrocities on a daily basis, atrocities that no child should be made to endure and this is usually at the hands of adults: adults who should know better and adults who children rely on to guide and protect them.

The reason why some adults do not know better when it comes to parenting is because they were never

exposed to the appropriate knowledge or experience or given the relevant information. Some of them come from such dysfunctional backgrounds that they have little regard for the outcome of their own lives, let alone the lives of their children.

They have never possessed the requisite skills to raise children successfully. They need help.

Children are inexperienced and vulnerable so they have no choice but to comply and adhere to whatever treatment they receive from their caregivers. They suffer even though there is a child protection law in Guyana that stipulates clearly how children should be treated and the type of environment that is required to enable them to develop and strive.

THE ADULTS: Parents who are failing their children do not readily seek assistance. The local authority (the Childcare and Protection Agency, (CPA) Ministry of Social Protection) only gets involved when matters are brought to their attention or reports are made by thoughtful neighbours, teachers, or members of the public.

The only people who can make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children are adults (like you). Adults have the power the means and opportunity to get involved when they see, suspect or are fully aware that a child is being mistreated. Adults can make a difference to the outcome of a child’s life simply by intervening or by picking up the phone and calling the CPA

hotline. The questions that are asked are straightforward and the caller has the option to remain anonymous.

THE OBJECTIVE: The reason it is important to protect children at all costs and to ensure that they have a reasonable upbringing is simple. A dysfunctional and/ or ‘messed up’ childhood tends to have an adverse effect on the type of adults these children will become.

We as a nation are depending on these children to develop into rounded individuals who will be our future workforce: We need them to succeed.

By giving them the best childhood possible we are not only helping to shape a more positive outlook for them but we are giving them a chance for a successful future: A future where they understand their place in society and contribute to the all-important role of helping Guyana to continually prosper. This article 4 minutes ‘4 change’ is part of the quest that will ultimately help children to receive an adequate childhood. It is hoped that by building public awareness and by informing and educating adults (like you) in this space, that change will take place in the lives of our children who need it the most.

If you are concerned about a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail. com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection.

Monday, January 29, 2018 14:30 hrs - 03:30 hrs Tuesday, January 30, 2018 14:30 hrs - 04:00 hrs Wednesday, January 31, 2018 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

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Banks DIH continues to build on strong relationship with the Guyanese people -company hosts its 62nd Annual General Meeting

Banks DIH Ltd Group Board of Governors Chairman Clifford Reis

GROWTH, happiness, success and a positive attitude are integral to the human resource of Banks DIH Limited, as the right attitude and moral grounding with the best possible training will grow and sustain its momentum into the future; this is according to Chairman of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis.

Speaking at the group’s 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Saturday evening at Thirst Park, the Chairman told shareholders that the importance of values and good relationships is also a hallmark of the company’s operations, since this was responsible for the continued success of the group of companies.

The beverage giant had announced that the company’s profit after tax has increased from $2.9 bil-

lion in 2016 to $3.5 billion 2017-- being $636M or 21.6 per cent.

Reis in his address to hundreds of shareholders, said business knowledge, institutional memory, ethical behaviour and guiding principles on the journey of life are important aspects of the company’s development. “Some persons may think success is determined by acquisition of wealth, material possessions and educational achievements. As important as these things are in life’s journey, in the context of achieving fulfilment and success, a positive attitude ranks way up there on the list of requirements,” he said in relation to a rapidly changing environment in the 21st century.

Noting that in life there are editing tools that can guide one's path in the right direction, he said positive habits have a lot to do with decisions or lack thereof, since the company must find ways to make progress in its actions and decisionmaking.

“Happiness and success are a direct result of how well we connect with the world around us ...and that is the responsibility of all of us individually and collec-

Students who benefited from monetary awards given to schools to be used for educational endeavours. The recipients from (L-R) represent Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School, St Agnes Primary, Hope Secondary and the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College. (Delano Williams photo)

tively, as we encourage the social growth of Bank DIH limited,” the chairman said.

Underscoring the strong relationship the company shares with the Guyanese populace, Reis said the company continues to build on the already strong relationship it shares with the Guyanese people, in the form of programmes such as sponsorship of Brand Ambassadors, Sports Events, Bursary Awards, Apprenticeships/Work-study and Academic Scholarships. At the event, the Banks DIH Ltd Group Board of Governors chairman presented cheques to four students.

“There are some things you need to do for longterm success. You need to

ensure that there is a pool of talent and skill to move this company forward… without the right people a business cannot grow and sustain momentum; business is about people and without the right people a business cannot grow and mature,” he said.

He said institutions of learning need to support the investment of the talent pool, because the realities of the 21st century entail recognising how to connect the dots of opportunities.

The chairman said all employees must now embrace an entrepreneurial attitude which will sustain business over time. “It is difficult to sustain growth, especially in an environment

where there is constantly an overtly reactive instead of proactive decision-making and a matter of judgment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman said while the company has performed well in 2017, “we have to continue revisiting our strengths and areas for improvement. The uncertain global and local economic environment, together with the effects of changing global weather patterns are factors which will adversely affect our company. We have to continue to examine areas in which we can diversify our business portfolio," he said.

Further, Reis said the company continues to comply with requirements which enable it to manufacture products that conform to international manufacturing standards. He said in 2017, the Soft Drink and Novelty/ Dairy Plants successfully completed re-certification with Lloyds Register Control and South America Limited for the following: ISO 9001: 2008 – Quality Management System; ISO 22000: 2005 - Food Safety Management System; FSSC 22000: 2014 - Food Safety System Certification; ISO/ TS 22002-1: 2009 - Prerequisite Programme on Food

Recently appointed Banks DIH Director Melissa De Santos

Safety and ISO/TS 22002-4: 2013 – Prerequisite Programme on Packaging Manufacturing.

Additionally, he said the company was successful in the Finance, Environment and Safety audits that were conducted within the company by the Coca-Cola administration. The company performed exceptionally in the Guinness League of Excellence, which resulted in the company earning the second position in the Americas and Fourth worldwide for the manufacture of Guinness Stout as at September 30, 2017.

In addition, Melissa De Santos was appointed to the board on January 26, 2018, with an impressive resume. Melissa De Santos, LLB, LLM, MSC is currently the Legal Officer/Assistant Company Secretary of Demerara Mutual Assurance Society.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Ministerial outreaches to sugar belt

IN politics, as in most areas of public life, optics matter. Thus, it was most refreshing to see two high-powered ministerial delegations visiting the sugar belt and holding frank discussions with the workers. The government’s case, no doubt, would be strengthened. Significantly, these delegations were led

by Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Vice-President Khemraj Ramjattan—the two government members with the most intimate political and sociological connections to the majority section of the sugar workforce.

Indeed, some commentators have, in the past, urged the government to initiate such visits as a matter of urgency. Guysuco has done its work; it is now for the government to convince sugar workers and the country at large about the political and economic wisdom of the plan and how this would in the short to medium term and in longer term

benefit them. The stakes are very high, precisely because we are dealing with a centuries-old industry that is structurally built into the country’s political economy.

Sugar is economics, politics, sociology and history. It evokes good and bad memories. Hence, it is not a matter to be trifled with.

It is no secret that the PPP has launched a well-orchestrated campaign among sugar workers that has little to do with workers’ rights and interests and more to do with the party’s preparation for the 2020 elections.

In other words, the PPP is using the understandable apprehension of some workers over the government’s bold move to restructure the industry as the occasion for planting partisan political narratives among the mainly Indian-Guyanese workers.

And it does so in the most ethnically crude manner possible by suggesting to the workers that the closing of some estates was aimed at weakening Indian-Guyanese

and by extension the PPP. The twinning of workers’ angst with ethnic motives on the part of the opposition is as dangerous as they come.

In that regard, that party may well be on the wrong side of history. It is for that reason that we urge other commentators and organisations with genuine concerns for the workers’ rights to be careful not to wittingly and unwittingly bolster the PPP’s sinister political master-plan.

It has come to light, perhaps belatedly, that the government through Guysuco went to tremendous lengths to ensure that it balanced the restructuring process with detailed concern for the livelihoods of the workers.

In such bread-and-butter matters, it is often difficult to convince workers that management has their best interest at heart. In this case, that task becomes harder, given the political and ethnic sensitivities involved.

It is against that background that the government must be commended for go-

ing straight to the workers— there is no substitute for direct democracy in small societies such as Guyana.

Given the political poison that has been nurtured by the PPP in the affected communities, it is understandable that some workers would be angry at the government. But that is precisely why it is important to speak directly to and with them. The government’s task is two-fold. First, it must delicately explain the economics of the industry and why “right-sizing” is in the long run beneficial to the sugar communities. In ethnicised societies such as Guyana, it is important to address group concerns both as part of the larger national interest and as the direct group interest. That the ministerial teams sought to do precisely this demonstrates that the government is aware of the complexity of the situation.

The second task for the government is to explain to the sugar workers the politics of the situation.

Again, our ethno-political

Dangerous leadership Dear Editor,

POLITICAL leadership is aspired to for many reasons.

For some, it is for purely selfish and anti-national reasons, but in time, these charlatans are exposed; they are tested by events that herald a call and commitment that goes beyond mere talking.

For others, it is about being rhetorical; a constant flow of repetitive language which they have developed the ability to deliver, especially verbally, in the hope of convincing whoever may be their followers. They too will fade, for they cannot produce any practical works or contribute to the national cause.

The real leader is one who is tried, tested and proven by the love of country. His/her cause is associated with that of his/her countrymen/women, and their genuine desire for change and solutions towards improving the way they live, so that their livelihoods are better secured,

and those of their children better assured for future continuation of self and country. It is never about the grab of power for nefarious ends.

Even in times of uncertainty, this type of leader will show leadership of the highest calibre, which must be of inspiration, rather than one that will engender the perpetuation of division, of fear and of great apprehension because of historical circumstances.

Many states within the international community do have such problems that have in many instances engulfed their respective citizens with catastrophic consequences. The selfishness and grandiose dreams of this leader type is not only individually selfish, but ravenously ambitious with the obsession of power.

This type of leader is very dangerous; since all and every means at his disposal will be utilised for the quest for power.

Even when opportunities may

be present for a solution, there would be the frighteningly dishonest bell of denial, for the sole purpose of continuing and maintaining an environment which suits his anti-national design.

Such a leader would rather reduce his country to ruins, and his fellow citizens to frightening levels of destitution, rather than work together with others for the better good of all.

How can any person present himself as a national leader, with such a sole-mindedness that is inherently self-centred, and power-crazed, but which has destructive portents for his compatriots?

This is not even pretence at patriotism, to say the least; but a skewed and distorted understanding of national leadership and a dangerous misrepresentation of this noble quality that is the main characteristic for any genuine national leader.

Any political leader who refuses to make the interest of his fellow citizens paramount

on his list of priorities, and who refuses to work unselfishly for the alleviation of challenges that arise, not only betrays their trust, but also his country.

Guyana is in the midst of a seminal challenge, with regard to the “right- sizing” of the sugar industry. What has been witnessed thus far is a defined culture of leadership from the political opposition that leaves much to be desired, because of its grave misunderstanding of what leadership in times of national challenge means, and its insatiable lust for power. Many a leader has been defined at such seminal moments; and have therefore fallen at this most crucial moment, doing great harm to themselves, and bitterly disappointing their followers.

The PPP/C and its leadership should be cognisant of this well-known pitfall.

Regards EARL HAMILTON

architecture whereby ethnicity is linked to political affiliation makes it quite a challenge for parties not politically grounded in the sugar communities to explain the underlying politics. This is where the leadership of Nagamootoo and Ramjattan is pivotal.

As former members of the PPP and as products of those very communities, they are better equipped to address the complex politics of sugar. It is always risky to assume that because the workers are partial to the PPP, they cannot be reasoned with. Workers have political affiliations, but their primary concern is the livelihoods of their families and communities. The PPP’s narratives

should not be the only ones in circulation—there must be a counter-narrative that is grounded in reason and truth.

PPP members would protest and even try to disturb the meetings. That is to be expected—one of the objectives of garrison politics is to keep other voices and narratives from penetrating the communities.

It is also the party’s right to protest. But that should not daunt the spirts of the government ministers. As we suggested above, their task is not narrow partisan manoeuvring. It is to speak to workers on their turf about their concerns. Such a task assumes humility, fearlessness and steadfastness.

He was a great Caribbean man Dear Editor,

I WAS saddened to learn of the passing of Prof George Maxwell Richards, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies and later President of the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

I had the good fortune of knowing him personally while in my capacity of Director of Library and Information Services on the St Augustine Campus, for almost 10 years. I interacted with him as the Principal Administrator Of the Campus and I found him to be deeply committed to principles and operations of the highest standards. One of his notable characteristics was the fact that his erudition was never a barrier to him communicating with a cross-section of those who served the university. He was approachable, a keen listener and was noted for

his great strength of character. I clearly recall him chairing Academic Board meetings where the cut and thrust of debate, at times degenerated into hostility, and he was able to skilfully restore the situation to an acceptable level of normalcy.

It was evident that his interest was not restricted to academics solely. He fully embraced the culture of his country and was comfortable with Carnival activities with appreciation for the artistry of the Calypsonians. He has bequeathed to the campus community of St Augustine a rich legacy of true professionalism and nationalism.

He was a great Caribbean Man. It was no surprise therefore to those who knew him, when he acceded to the High office of President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

May his soul rest in peace.

Regards YVONNE STEPHENSON

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Bronze medalist Michael Parris ‘fit and proppa’ for statue in his honour Dear Editor, IS the achievement of an Olympic medal of any importance to the large mass of society in Guyana?

Via the Guyana Times dated March 5,2010, I was the author of a published correspondence captioned, ‘Make a Bronze Statue of

Guyanese Olympian, Michael Parris.’ To date, it is evident that my initiative which was put in motion via the press was never forthcoming or never materialised..

I am almost certain it was Dr.Frank Anthony who was Sports Minister.

I reiterate once again

that it is my belief that the gentleman has earned that accolade for such a brilliant accomplishment.

From where will the funding be generated for this project?

That is the million-dollar question.

Such a venture should be a collaborative one in which

we will need to have the government of the day, the GOA, the National Sports Commission, the Private Sector Commission, the Tourism Authority, THAG and someone from the boxing fraternity, all sit around the table for discussion. I am almost certain that they all can pool their resources

and this venture can become a reality.

A few days ago I noticed one R.Welch pen a correspondence via the KN, dated January 24,2018 and captioned ‘GOA’s gesture could not have been timelier’, and I was elated that after almost eight years, he followed my footsteps

with his suggestion and I quote: ‘Let us commence the journey to erect a statue of one of our sporting heroes.’ My initiative now seems to be catching on, even after so many years have gone by.

Regards T. PEMBERTON

Unfair treatment of the Rupununi Mining Association Dear Editor, DUE to the ongoing dispute between the small miners of the Rupununi, Mining District 6 and Romanex Guyana Exploration Ltd., the small miners have merged to form the Rupununi Mining Association so that we can have one voice. Mining activities in the Marudi Mountains are at a standstill since the displaced miners are out of work.

Romanex has acquired the rights for the concession for decades now, but has not started any mining. Since the apparent abandonment, the small miners in the area started working two mountains that contain gold, and where gold is found in the rocks, which means that it has to be processed with

crushers.

There are currently 70 crushers working, which employs a minimum of five persons each who all have families. Therefore,there are thousands of people directly and indirectly, who are now depending on that place to earn their daily bread.

Romanex has promised them that if they move the landing to another location, they would allow the people to work. As such, with great effort, the landing was moved to a new location and up to this date, Romanex has not allowed the people to recommence working.

President Granger himself had promised the people that he would see to it that they work (this is recorded on video; the Min-

ister of Natural Resources himself made promises to take action in favour of the small miners. Many GGMC officials and others have visited the area and made promises and it is now over two years that people have been waiting and suffering. Some persons have already lost their properties to banks because they are unable to repay their loans.

Many people have sold what ever little they had in order to invest in mining at Marudi and now the equipment are deteriorating and they are becoming frustrated and desperate. The way I see this situation, we are at a breaking point now, and everyone is getting desperate. There are talks of rioting against the company in order to recommence working.

It was published in the Kaieteur News last week Saturday that the government has given access to land to the small miners and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation, but those lands do not have any sort of gold potential -- that seems more like a joke to us. The only place that has gold potential is on the two mountains. As such, we are requesting one mountain be given to us and the other to Romanex in order for

everyone to earn a living.

Romanex owners are calling the small miners ‘savages’ and ‘hungry belly’ and other names to that effect, and as I have mentioned before, these people have really been stretched out, and they are at breaking point now. The miners have decided that if they cannot get the appropriate approval from the government by the end of the new week, they will go ahead and start back working, with or without

approval! They said, ‘we have families, and we have to eat and to live. It is over two years now and we are holding up ‘we side’, but all we getting from the government is ‘nuff sweet talk’.’

We are kindly seeking governmental intervention before the situation gets out of control.

Regards MARLON JOHNSON President, Rupununi Mining Association

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

Phantom killings probe …Jagdeo says ready to answer questions LEADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill have both welcomed the announcement by President David Granger to launch a full inquiry into the deaths of the hundreds of Guyanese, including the former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh.

Back in 2017, Jagdeo had said he welcomes a CoI into the extra-judicial killings that occurred during the period 2002-2009. Jagdeo reiterated his sentiments following Minister of State, Joseph Harmon’s recent announcement that there is a possibility that President David Granger will soon launch a CoI into those killings. “I would love for there to be a CoI into the troubled period, but it should be extended beyond the past and they should bring it up to the future…I even indicated to the president that I am ready to work with him on the terms of reference,” said the opposition leader.

Jagdeo went on to say that any member of the party would be ready to provide evidence once they can. “If there is something we know specifically then yes, we would… for instance, during my tenure as president, a confession statement was shown to me by a police [officer] who had received it from the girlfriend of one of the criminals who went to Sat Sawh’s place,” said Jagdeo.

He said there were lots of reports from soldiers and the police that reached his office when he was president.

He believes that there were

political hands behind some of the extra-judicial killings, so the CoI would shed light on those issues. “We should have it by all means but again there should be proper terms of reference and credible commissioners,” said Jagdeo.

Jagdeo was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999, to December 3, 2011, during which there were three massacres: Lusignan, where 11 people were killed, Bartica, where another 12 were killed and Lindo Creek, where seven miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings, with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro-Guyanese males were gunned down. Back in 20032006, convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan had set up a criminal network here, including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests.

He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities. Although the PPP government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he was fighting crime on behalf of the Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device were pro-

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

Convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan

duced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

Meanwhile, Edghill expressed similar sentiments on Friday evening during a remembrance and inter-faith service hosted by the Indian Action Committee (IAC) to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Lusignan massacre, where 11 persons from the village were killed in their homes. The Opposition parliamentarian spoke keenly during his address about the statement made by President David Granger at the opening ceremony of the Annual GDF Officers’ Conference at Base Camp Ayanganna earlier this week. “I welcomed such a call and I want to herald that!

This country needs to know exactly what happened here!

This county needs to know who the intellectual authors of what transpired here are!

This county needs to know who gave supper [sic] and support -- and who provided the ideology of those who carried out his ghastly act that took place here 10 years ago,”

Edghill stressed.

He added that the inquiries into these deaths must be free from political interference and carried out by persons with a mandate to carry out their duties without fear and favour. “I look forward to an independent inquiry that is not directed by political influences for us to get to the bottom so that healing and reconciliation could come to our country,” the former Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission noted. Edghill explained that the country needs answers on what really happened and the reason behind these senseless killings, adding that it must not be left for mere political statements and to be used politically and conveniently by some.

“Those who came here predetermined for mayhem, murder and to drive fear into our country… by no means could any person in their right minds have said that this was for the purpose of a robbery, because the people who

lived here didn’t have much,” Edghill said as he emphasised on the persons killed during the Lusignan massacre.

He further called on the government to bring back the Ethnic Relations Commission which was off the grid for the past years and which he believes would help in addressing these situations.

Minister Harmon at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Friday recalled that at the 10th Parliament, the President, who was then leader of the Opposition, had filed a motion to investigate, among others, the killing of former Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh and the massacres at Lusignan, Bartica and Lindo Creek. “In that motion, he was asking the National Assembly to call on the government to establish an inquiry into these killings,” Minister Harmon recalled. He noted that up until now there is no closure for many of the cases.

According to him, it is important to bring closure to the wounds that have been opened.

While delivering the feature address at the Annual Officers’ Conference at Base Camp Ayanganna last Thursday, President Granger said his administration will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Society has been scarred by violence, which left a lingering legacy of distrust with the potential of fresh disorder. Monuments at Bartica, Buxton and Eve Leary have been erected to the victims of violence during the ‘Troubles’ be-

tween 2002 and 2009. We still have an obligation to investigate those troubles and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice,” he said.

During most of the decade referred to by the Head of State, Guyana witnessed its most intense, sustained wave of criminal violence since independence. According to the President, there were 1,431 murders during that decade.

In 2016, he had said that the previous administration never bothered to account to the nation for the hundreds of lives lost through criminal violence.

“It refused even to conduct inquests into the assassination of its own Minister of Agriculture at La Bonne Intention; of the Head of the Police Force’s Target Special Squad on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway; of the Deputy Head of the Customs [Anti]-Narcotics Unit in Buxton and of the attempted assassination of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kitty. "It refused to conduct inquiries into the massacres in Agricola, Bagotstown-Eccles, Bartica, Bourda, Campbellville, Kitty, Lamaha Gardens, Lindo Creek, Lusignan and elsewhere. A generation of Guyanese – which was an unwilling witness to criminal violence – has now grown up. The agony, anger and alienation caused by violence against citizens, especially the innocent and the young, still simmer.

The crimes have not been explained. The memories have not been erased,” the President had noted.

Cabinet approves new Argentine ambassador HIS Excellency Dr. Felipe Alejandro Gardella is Argentina’s new Ambassador to Guyana, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said.

He said Cabinet approved Dr. Gardella’s appointment to serve as a Resident Ambassador to Guyana when it met last Tuesday. Guyana and Argentina established diplomatic relations in October, 1972 and have since en-

joyed cordial relations. “Our two countries have engaged at the bilateral level in areas of trade, economic, technical and scientific cooperation, as well as at the multilateral level in such fora as the United Nations and MERCOSUR,” Minister Harmon said while addressing media operatives at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday.

He said with the ap-

pointment of Ambassador Gardella, it is expected that the two countries will have greater cooperation and enhanced relations. He replaces His Excellency Luis Martino.

Through the South/South Cooperation, Argentina has been fostering regional integration through art and culture. Last September, the Ministry of Social Cohesion

and the Embassy of Argentina hosted a reception at the Theatre Guild in honour of art restoration and preservation experts, Mr. Néstor Barrio, Dean of the Research Institute on the Cultural Patrimony; and Damasia Gallegos, Director of the “Taller Tarea,” who were visiting at the time. The team was in Guyana to give much-needed support to the restoration of

the pieces of art in the National Collection housed at the National Gallery of Art. It was explained that the visit was as a result of collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana and the Government of Argentina, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involving the restoration and conservation, over a period of time, of a number

of works of art belonging to the National Collection of Art housed at the National Gallery of Art, CASTELLANI HOUSE. The project is being implemented by the “TALLER TAREA” of the Cultural Heritage Research Institute (TAREA-IIPC) at the National University of San Martín (UNSAM) located in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

9

Health Ministry to intensify leprosy-control activities -Min Cummings urges more robust approach to dealing with the disease

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public of Health Dr. Karen Cummings has called for a more robust integration of leprosy-control activities into basic health care services, through the revitalised primary healthcare system.

Guyana joined the rest of the world to commemorate the sixth annual World Leprosy Day at the Palms Geriatric Home on Sunday.

Minister Cummings, who was one of the distinguished speakers at the event, spoke about the importance of recognising leprosy as a disease that still continues to be of public health importance locally, because of its potential to cause visible disabilities if not diagnosed early.

Leprosy is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the nerves of the extremities, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract. Leprosy produces skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness.

Data published by the WHO in 2017 revealed that although the overall number of cases is slowly declining, new cases do not align with global efforts and resources deployed to interrupt transmission.

Reports from 145 countries of WHO’s six regions show that of the total of

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings

216,108 newly diagnosed cases of leprosy during 2016, 18,472 involved children, representing almost nine per cent of all new cases reported annually.

The WHO says national programmes should boost active case-finding, strengthen surveillance, improve contact-tracing and focus more on early detection of leprosy cases among children to ensure achievement of the global target of zero child infection by 2020.

In recognition of the WHO’s goal, the theme for this year’s World Leprosy Day was: “Zero disability among children affected by leprosy.”

According to statistics, the prevalence of the disease has been on the rise locally and in order to counter the increase in the number of re-

ported cases, Minister Cummings believes that there is need for a new impetus in order to broaden activities that will include access to information and ways of prevention.

“More importantly, we have to foster social and occupations reintegration of those persons who have been cured,” she urged.

The minister pointed out that Guyana’s leprosy-control efforts have been patterned by low public awareness, and inadequate and late case reporting, which has led to complications such as deformities and disabilities.

Due to the lack of public awareness, she said, persons even believed that the disease was highly contagious, hereditary or even a punishment. Dr. Cummings went on to point out

A section of the audience gathered at the Palms Geriatric Home to commemorate World Leprosy Day, 2018.

that even persons who were cured are affected negatively because of the scars and deformities with which they are left.

In order to ensure that the years ahead are better, the minister made a commitment to ensuring that they intensify their efforts to eliminate leprosy, especially by building on their partnership with the WHO, which already provides free supplies of the treatment to the National Dermatology Programme.

She said that the ministry will also continue to offer free treatment to persons who are affected by the disease.

Director of the Leprosy

Clinic, Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson, had said that with leprosy being the fourth cause of blindness in the world, the clinic based at the Palms Geriatric Home compound will be doing all in its power to reach out to those who are affected and to provide education on the disease.

“The numbers started to rise because a lot more surveillance [is] being done and the team is getting into regions that are not easily accessible. More visits are being done and more people are becoming aware and coming into us,” she explained. The clinic recorded 30 cases in 2015; 54

in 2016 and 67 in 2017.

In an effort to boost public awareness, the doctor said a series of activities are scheduled for the near future, including a ‘leprosy heal walk’ on February 10 and a promotional booth in Giftland Mall on February 17 and 18.

Dr. Morris-Wilson and team will also be visiting a number of schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), during which the annual ‘essay and poster’ competition will be launched.

Three winners will be selected and given prizes by the end of March.

500 vendors to be relocated as City Hall moves to repair Stabroek Market wharf EVEN as some 500 vendors are to be affected by the rehabilitation project of the Stabroek Market wharf, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has not yet released any concrete information about where they will be relocated.

A number of areas have been identified by Town Clerk Royston King and the Markets Public Health Committee, but it is not clear which one will be able to accommodate the 500 vendors who were identified during a walk through by city officials.

“There is no concrete solution; no clear understanding

of how the project will go forward,” a source told the Chronicle on Saturday. In fact, the source said while the committee was tasked with finding relocation spots, the Town Clerk also on his own identified a location.

At the Council’s most recent statutory meeting at City Hall, King informed the councillors that he has written to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on the project, but has not gotten a response as yet. He said the Council is ready to move forward with the project, but must now wait to hear from the ministry. The ministry is undertaking the project.

Last October, King had said that vendors plying their trade on the Stabroek Market wharf will be relocated to the area west of the Public Buildings. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen told the Guyana Chronicle, though, that not all of the vendors will be accommodated at this location. She said other places are still being looked at, and that the municipality has not yet decided where the rest of the vendors will be placed.

The Mayor had at one point lamented on the Markets Public Health Committee’s ‘lackluster’ approach to the relocation of the vendors. “I am not hearing from the com-

mittee, and I hope that we can start consultations with those persons, so that they will be able to give us ideas of where they can be relocated while the wharf is being constructed,” she’d said.

The mayor’s fear at the time was that should no action be taken about relocating the vendors, the money the government has set aside for it could be redirected. “Councillors, if we do not do that, we will not be able to get that wharf done, and the money will be relocated,” she said.

“And I don’t think, under my stewardship, I want that money to be relocated, when we had

been forewarned.

“We have to be very vigilant and very alert, and ensure that that market rehabilitation is not prolonged because of the lackadaisical way in which we approach the relocation of vendors,” she added. Approximately $400M is reportedly to be spent on rehabilitating the dilapidated wharf, King had said. He noted that the unsightly structure is soon to be torn down and replaced with a mall-like facility, complete with a boardwalk and entertainment area.

“Vendors ought not to worry, as they will be given first preference to return,

once the project has been completed. However due to the modernisation the vendors will be asked to pay a little more rent,” King explained. The portion of the stelling which faces the Demerara River has, for years, been an eyesore for the thousands who use the speedboat service every day. The collapse of a portion of the roof some years ago, however, did not deter vendors from conducting business there. “The facility is not only an eyesore; it is ruinous and dangerous to the health and lives of persons who use it,” King said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Cop fingered in ‘Sagga’ murder fired THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has taken a decision to dishonourably discharge embattled Corporal Derwin Eastman “in the public interest” in accordance with section 35 (1) of the Police Act Chapter 16:01.

The letter which is dated January 4, 2018 was signed by then Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine.

Eastman is presently before the court charged with the murder of businessman, Godfrey Scipio known as “Sagga” last year.

In December after he was charged, Eastman was written to by the Commissioner of Police (acting), to give reasons why he should not be discharged from the GPF. Eastman did respond to the

letter and cited several factors which should be taken into consideration by the force in ensuring his continued service to the organisation. But the letter of discharge seems to be having mixed reviews from both persons within the organisation and past senior officers including Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Contacted last evening for clarification on the term “discharge” as is stated in the letter, one past Assistant Commissioner of Police told the Guyana Chronicle that for a rank to be discharged from the force without being interdicted could have some serious legal consequences, as due process has to first be carried out. The senior officer also indicated

that one cannot be discharged from the force while he or she still has a matter pending, and has not yet been found guilty of any offence.

Another senior officer who is still serving explained that the discharging of a rank is at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police, be he acting

Former Police Corporal Derwin Eastman

or substantive. The officer

Godfrey Scipio

Tuschen, La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Schemes to be handed over to NDCs

By Shirley Thomas longest while. cratic Council is engaging in bring an end to the problem of THERE may be good news in the pipeline for residents of Tuschen Phase I Housing Scheme, who have been faced with an indiscriminate hirecar fare hike for travel in and around Tuschen for the

This is according to the Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, West Demerara-Essequibo Islands, Denis Jaikaran, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

The word is that the Region Three Regional Demo-

discussions with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) pertaining to the handing over of Tuschen and La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Schemes to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC).

This move is expected to

Police probe discovery of body on ECD roadway

By Leroy Smith

DETECTIVES in ‘C’ Division will today ascertain if the injuries which were found on the body of a Cummings Lodge man are consistent with that of a hit-and-run accident or if foul play is involved.

to his friends, that is how the young man operates, he would run off with male company for hours and days before resurfacing. At the time of his disappearance, he was out celebrating the birth anniversary of an older female friend who

Detectives removing items from the seawall close to where the body was found Dead: Hemchand Dalchand, also known as “Rakesh

The body of Hemchand Dalchand, also known as “Rakesh” or “Rakesha,” was found in a pool of blood on the East Coast carriageway in the vicinity of Oleander Gardens, just after midnight on Saturday. “Rakesh” was reportedly last seen at a BBQ at the Ogle Community Centre Ground where he and other friends had gone earlier on Saturday night.

The friends, when interviewed by the Guyana Chronicle, indicated that they indeed went to the event together but after spending sometime “Rakesh,” who was seen conversing with a male could not be found. They did not become alarmed, because according

lives in the same yard with him.

The Guyana Chronicle was told by police detectives that the initial examination of the young man’s body suggested that his injures might have been inflicted by an object, but it is a post-mortem which would have to confirm that.

After the discovery of the body, the police searched the area for clues that might help them in their investigations, since the young man was found shirtless and without shoes. His haversack which he left home with was also nowhere to be found. However, when the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene on Sunday and combed the area, a pair of green and black slippers along with a torn white vest, were found on the

seawall nearby. A friend from the yard where the dead man lived confirmed that the slippers is identical to one which he owns, and had lent to Hemchand just moments before he left his home to accompany them to the centre ground.

However, the red haversack and green jersey which the young man was wearing could not be found at the crime scene.

The police were informed of the discovery of the slippers and the vest and they arrived at the scene and removed same from the location.

VERY HELPFUL In the yard where Hemchand lived with his mother, there were approximately 15 other families who are living in make-shift shacks and for which they are paying a rental. Most of the persons in the compound spoke highly of the now dead man and recalled how helpful he was, as they could have called on him at any point for assistance with anything they wish to have done.

On Saturday while preparing to celebrate the birthday anniversary with his older female friend, “Rakesh” reportedly prepared most of the items for the meals which were cooked for those who lived in the yard.

Added to that, he is reported to have washed dishes and cleaned up the yard, jobs which were considered his last significant contribution to the environment which he lived. On Sunday his biological relatives were not willing to speak with the media pertaining to the incident.

the urgent need for road repairs, which hire-car drivers blame on their decision to hike fares.

Residents of Phase I Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, are peeved over what they call the arbitrary and unconscionable hiking of fares by hire-car drivers providing the service to commuters travelling from the Tuschen Main Road to inland Tuschen.

Residents claim that over the last several months, the fare has been increased from $100 to as much as $400 and $500 for short drops taking them anywhere in the scheme.

They contend that this move is unconscionable, especially when households with many travelling persons, barely managing to eke out a living, are forced to find $800 and $1,000 per person per day to cover the cost of transportation alone.

“So what we working for …only to pay hire-car drivers when we got other expenses?”One resident asked in indignation. The residents claim that even if they try to cut expenses by walking out in the morning, it is not the kind of risk they can take after dark.

Meanwhile, the drivers attempted to justify their steep hike of the car fares by claiming that many of the roads they traverse have deep and wide potholes, which they claim cause damage to cars and their parts, including shocks, springs, tyres and mag rims. One driver contended that on a monthly basis, it is more expensive to maintain and keep their cars on the roads than feed their families.

But there was another side to the story, as related by Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran (Snr), who told the Guyana Chronicle that time and again, the Regional Democratic Council had done work on roads in the Tuschen Phase I Housing Scheme, using their mini excavator and graders.

“Yes, we have done work.

But I would say to you that the Parfaite Harmonie and Tuschen Housing Schemes, those two

further said that based on the gravity of the situation at hand and the impact it is likely to have on the force and its image, the decision to discharge could be made in both the interest of the public and the image of the force.

However, despite being discharged from the force, Eastman is still providing evidence in several ongoing cases before the court and he is giving the evidence on behalf of the GPF, the organisation of which he is no longer a member. It was reported to the Guyana Chronicle though, that Eastman might have been the one who would have led those investigations hence his testimony to ensure successful prosecution is paramount.

Eastman, however, now not having any ties to the GPF, could take it upon himself to adopt a posture of non-cooperation as it relates to giving statements on behalf of the police which could see him turning out to be a hostile witness, something that can cause the cases he is providing evidence in to be in jeopardy with the State standing to be the bigger loser.

Eastman has since written to several government officials and even the head of an international body seeking their intervention into the circumstances surrounding him being charged. He called for an independent investigating team outside of the GPF to look into the matter.

... repairs to road, reduction in taxi fares on horizon schemes are still to be handed over to the Region Three Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) by the Central Housing and Planning Authority,” Jaikaran told the Guyana Chronicle. He said only after such handing over, would the NDC be fully responsible for infrastructural works in the areas.

REO, Region Three, Denis Jaikaran

This is so, he said, to the extent that whenever Council effects repairs, out of goodwill, it can probably be considered as trespassing on the grounds of the CH&PA. “We do this, only because it is part of Region Three, and so we try to assist because we consider Central Housing and Planning Authority as part of the region, and therefore we cannot leave them on their own,” the REO said.

GOOD NEWS However, on a very refreshing note, the REO declared: “We are negotiating with the Central Housing and Planning Authority, so that in quick time, (with due regard to their priorities and knowing them to be operating countrywide), we anticipate that they would be handing over the schemes.”

On a reassuring note, the REO continued: “I am told, and I very well believe that work would be done this year on those roads, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, albeit that we are still going to maintain, as far as we can, those roads.

But we are negotiating and

will beg of them to assist in maintenance work to the road,” Mr. Jaikaran assured.

BENEFITS Ideally, there are benefits to accrue, following the handing over of the schemes, the REO outlined. “Two basic things will happen: Firstly, infrastructure will be undertaken by the NDC and the RDC and the second thing is that owners of lands/properties in the schemes will have to start paying taxes,” Mr. Jaikaran said.

The REO outlined that for the 18 to 20 years the Tuschen Housing Scheme has been in existence, property owners have not been paying taxes to the state. “None of these people have been paying taxes. None of them. Therefore, with the handing over of the schemes, it can be expected that they will commence paying,” he emphasised.

He explained too, that with the handing over of the schemes and with the authority given, payment of taxes will commence and those same taxes would serve to alleviate some of the difficulties and problems being faced.

As it relates to the hiking of car fares, the REO stoutly declared: “They [hire car drivers] have no authority to raise their fares/charges to commuters, doubling it or otherwise. That is irregular and can be considered illegal,” he cautioned.

And on this note, the REO was adamant and sent out a strong call to those hire- car drivers not contributing to the revenue by payment of taxes, to consider doing so.

“Those hire-car drivers [not paying taxes] should get themselves in order by paying taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority.

We have too many persons evading taxes at different levels and I think that the time has come for them to consider paying these taxes now,” the REO affirmed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

Two injured as gunman opens fire at Mahaica domino shop

The injured men: Marlon Brown and Teron Orwin Gordon at the hospital

LATE Saturday night, two Mahaica residents were shot while in the company of other friends at a domino shop in their community.

Injured are: 33-year-old Marlon Brown, a farmer of Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and his cousin, a labourer, 23-year-old Teron Orwin Gordon of Belmonte, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle from their hospital beds Sunday morning, the men said that they were at the shop when the suspect who is known to them as a troublemaker in the community approached them and got into an argument with Marlon. Marlon managed to calm the man down, or so it seemed, but the suspect whose name was given as “Andrew” went to his vehicle, drove back to his home and then returned to the shop.

It was at this point he opened fire at the men in the company of the others who were at the shop, forcing everyone to duck for cover. When the hail of bullets

ceased, Brown and Gordon were both injured. The men were rushed to the police station, after which they were immediately taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where doctors stabilised them and began operating on them.

The mother of one of the men told the Guyana Chronicle that she was home when she got the news and raced down to the location, where she was greeted with the chaos. She said that she went to the police station and was advised that the men had already been taken for medical treatment and she rushed down to the health facility. The police in a statement indicated that based on initial investigations, the suspect used a handgun to launch his assault on the men, firing several shots.

Marlon was shot to the left side of his chest while Teron was shot once to the upper forearm and one to the left side rib. Up to press time Sunday, the police had not arrested the suspect.

GTT celebrates 27 years with focus on customers THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will on Sunday celebrate its 27th anniversary of service to Guyana and will mark the occasion with several promotions to ensure its customers share in the celebration.

Among the several promotions is a ‘Saleabration offer’ of five selected handsets at special prices from as low as $14,499 and includes 4GB Data, 200 SMS and 100 minutes to call locally, the U.S. and Canada.

Twenty-seven thousand loyal GTT customers will also receive special handset offers for them and someone special to them.

For new customers, there are also ways to celebrate.

Every purchase of a SIM with a monthly bundle, a handset with a monthly bundle or sign up for blaze or DSL will get you an entry coupon to win an all-inclusive GTT Mash Package to revel with GTT on Mash Day. Justin Nedd, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), pointed out that, “During the 27 years, GTT has delivered innovative telecommunications to Guyana.

We are proud to be an integral part of the community and

culture of our people.

“Whether it is by being the first high-speed internet provider, and the first mobile services provider, by providing the digital backbone of e-commerce, or by being the leader in the fibre-optic technology, we are committed to the development of our country across the consumer and business landscape,” Nedd said.

As part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the company will present footwear to children in several children’s homes. During the next few days, customers visiting GTT’s stores will also be able to share their birthday cake.

Seven lucky persons who correctly answer questions in their Facebook trivia can also win costumes for them and their besties to be part of GTT's Mash Band. Plus, one lucky customer will win an iPhone for simply sharing how GTT has helped them over the years.

As a staff initiative, the company in partnership with the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central and the Georgetown Dental School extended free dental care to 120 staff over the last few days.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

Two injured as gunman opens fire at Mahaica domino shop

The injured men: Marlon Brown and Teron Orwin Gordon at the hospital

LATE Saturday night, two Mahaica residents were shot while in the company of other friends at a domino shop in their community.

Injured are: 33-year-old Marlon Brown, a farmer of Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and his cousin, a labourer, 23-year-old Teron Orwin Gordon of Belmonte, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle from their hospital beds Sunday morning, the men said that they were at the shop when the suspect who is known to them as a troublemaker in the community approached them and got into an argument with Marlon. Marlon managed to calm the man down, or so it seemed, but the suspect whose name was given as “Andrew” went to his vehicle, drove back to his home and then returned to the shop.

It was at this point he opened fire at the men in the company of the others who were at the shop, forcing everyone to duck for cover. When the hail of bullets

ceased, Brown and Gordon were both injured. The men were rushed to the police station, after which they were immediately taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where doctors stabilised them and began operating on them.

The mother of one of the men told the Guyana Chronicle that she was home when she got the news and raced down to the location, where she was greeted with the chaos. She said that she went to the police station and was advised that the men had already been taken for medical treatment and she rushed down to the health facility. The police in a statement indicated that based on initial investigations, the suspect used a handgun to launch his assault on the men, firing several shots.

Marlon was shot to the left side of his chest while Teron was shot once to the upper forearm and one to the left side rib. Up to press time Sunday, the police had not arrested the suspect.

GTT celebrates 27 years with focus on customers THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will on Sunday celebrate its 27th anniversary of service to Guyana and will mark the occasion with several promotions to ensure its customers share in the celebration.

Among the several promotions is a ‘Saleabration offer’ of five selected handsets at special prices from as low as $14,499 and includes 4GB Data, 200 SMS and 100 minutes to call locally, the U.S. and Canada.

Twenty-seven thousand loyal GTT customers will also receive special handset offers for them and someone special to them.

For new customers, there are also ways to celebrate.

Every purchase of a SIM with a monthly bundle, a handset with a monthly bundle or sign up for blaze or DSL will get you an entry coupon to win an all-inclusive GTT Mash Package to revel with GTT on Mash Day. Justin Nedd, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), pointed out that, “During the 27 years, GTT has delivered innovative telecommunications to Guyana.

We are proud to be an integral part of the community and

culture of our people.

“Whether it is by being the first high-speed internet provider, and the first mobile services provider, by providing the digital backbone of e-commerce, or by being the leader in the fibre-optic technology, we are committed to the development of our country across the consumer and business landscape,” Nedd said.

As part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the company will present footwear to children in several children’s homes. During the next few days, customers visiting GTT’s stores will also be able to share their birthday cake.

Seven lucky persons who correctly answer questions in their Facebook trivia can also win costumes for them and their besties to be part of GTT's Mash Band. Plus, one lucky customer will win an iPhone for simply sharing how GTT has helped them over the years.

As a staff initiative, the company in partnership with the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central and the Georgetown Dental School extended free dental care to 120 staff over the last few days.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

German consultant here to help identify, address regional trade issues OVER the past two days, Dr Dan Ciuriak of the German firm, BKP Development Research and Consulting, has been conducting in-country consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.

The purpose of the meetings, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is to identify whatever concerns CARICOM [Caribbean Community] countries may have with regard to doing business with Central South American countries under free-trade arrangements.

While here, the ministry said, Dr Ciuriak met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Business, Go-Invest [Guyana Office for Investment], the Guyana Revenue Author-

Dr Dan Ciuriak, is seated second left at the head of the table, during one of the several meetings he had here with local public and private sector officials

ity (GRA), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing and Ser-

vices Association (GMSA), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(GCCI), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Demerara Distillers Limited

(DDL), Banks DIH Limited, Sterling Products Limited (SPL), and the Edward Be-

harry Group of Companies, among other public and private sector entities.

BKP is an economic research and consulting firm owned and managed by five partners, and with a core staff of about 30 experts. The company was established in 2006 and is based in Munich and Berlin, with associates in Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana and the Netherlands.

Dr Ciuriak specialises in international trade, finance and development; has wide-ranging experience in the analysis and formulation of public policy, development of legislation, economic analysis in support of litigation (both private and state-to-state), and training and technical assistance in applied trade analysis and modelling.

Extension of Charity Secondary School completed IN an effort to create an environment conducive to learning, infrastructural works at the Charity Secondary School, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have been successfully completed. This was disclosed by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

According to Hopkinson, the extension of the school now allows for six additional classrooms including a smart classroom that is fully equipped with audio/visual equipment and internet access. He noted that “the regional administration has not set a date for the official opening of the school,[but] it will not deter the administration from allowing the students to attend their classes.”

Originally, the compound housed two buildings which were renovated and

A section of the Charity Secondary School

converted into a secondary school in January 1990. Hopkinson said that the present infrastructural works, which

cost approximately $16.8M, were necessary because the growing student population was being affected by sani-

tation and structural issues.

Moreover, the student population which stood at just over 100 increased rapidly

and in Year 2000 the former administration built a dormitory in the compound.

Of the $3.599 billion

allocated to Region Two in the 2018 Budget, $1.894B was put towards the education sector. This allowed for the establishment of the Liberty Primary School; living quarters at Hackney Primary, a landing at Jacklow Primary, extension works to the Suddie Primary, Annex and the Good Hope, Fisher and Kabakaburi Primary Schools, apart from the Charity Secondary School. Hopkinson said works have been completed at the Kabakaburi and Liberty Primary Schools and a date is to be set for the official commissioning of the two facilities. The REO mentioned that the regional administration has additional projects in the pipeline for this year and are also considering establishing a state-of-the-art school with the capacity to accommodate 1,500 students. (DPI)

Venezuelan drowns trying to reach Guyana

A 27-YEAR-OLD man of El Tigre, Maturín, Venezuela drowned while crossing the Wenamu River (Venamo River) from Venezuela to Guyana on Friday. His body washed up Sunday on the Venezuelan shore.

Venezuelan officials re-

portedly collected the body of the dead man who has since been identified as Chavo Daniel Diaz. Reports indicate that 31-year-old Angel Ramon Nunez Infante of Venezuela, said to be the dead man’s friend, made a report to the Kaikan Police Station on Fri-

day that he feared Diaz had drowned after he went under the water and disappeared while attempting to cross the river.

Meanwhile, Guyana had intensified its surveillance near the border with Venezuela, even as nationals of the

neighbouring country continue to seek medical treatment here for malaria. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) had, late last year, advised of an increase in the cases of measles in Bolivar State, Venezuela.

Reports indicate that 368

Venezulans out of about 1,000 persons have sought treatment at health facilities in the Barima-Waini (Region One) area.

The health outposts have been mandated to continue offering treatment to Venezuelans and Guyanese residing in Venezuela.

Venezuela is in the midst of a deepening political and economic crisis that has resulted in severe shortages of food and medicine. Quite recently, it was reported that a group of armed Venezuelan soldiers crossed into Guyana, seeking food.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

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Gov’t focused on the transitioning of sugar workers -Holder talks up leasing of lands to farmers

By Nafeeza Yahya WITH the payment of severance being confirmed for Tuesday the focus of government is solely on the transitioning of the redundant sugar workers and their families into entrepreneurs.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder. His comments were made on Friday at the Skeldon Community Centre Ground, where he along with a high profile team including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, addressed the workers and highlighted the plan that will see the consolidation of GuySuCo to becoming the catalyst to re-invigorate the sugar industry as well as the economy. “It is the intention of the government to get on with the business of the people that is what you put us in office to do.

Our efforts are focused on the transitioning of ex-employees into entrepreneurs including farmers, with the objective of determining the best operational model for transitioning redundant GuySuCo employees from Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates into independent, self-sufficient and sustainable successful businessmen.”

According to the Agriculture Minister, the plan includes leasing lands to workers so that they can get into agriculture and be more in control of their destinies by determining the scope and size of their farms. This however, he noted, will require some time to set up. With that in mind GuySuCo has embarked on a Sustainable

begin sometime between the 29th and 31st of January and will not only target the former employees but also their families as well.

Apart from the business aspect of the clinics/forums, long term planning such as medical and pension packages as well as insurances will be covered. For the social aspect of the plan, the minister stated that psychological assistance

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder

Communities Programme which is aimed at building the capacity of the redundant workers and is expected to run for the next two to three years. The programme seeks to target three main aspects: economic, social and environmental resilience.

As explained by the minster, the economic aspect of the plan will seek to re-skill the workers in fields of their choice where they will receive financial and technical support, to assist them into the launching of their own small businesses and or expand into a larger scale. To this end, government has made available $100M as a revolving micro loan for entrepreneurial endeavours.

“In addition to this, very shortly GuySuCo and the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Business will implement the ‘Business, Financial and Investment Forums’ and four ‘Coaching Clinics’ for ex-employees of GuySuco”.

These are projected to

will be provided for the employees and their families by building a network that will support them to help foster social cohesion. In wrapping up, the minster assured the gathering that the government remains committed to the well-being of the workers and their families, and will work with all stakeholders to help reform the industry and make it a more viable and

sustainable one. He called for continued cooperation to make it possible.

Meanwhile, in addressing the workers on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry, Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma said the issues affecting the industry were long-standing problems and despite the opposition knowing about them they continued to plug money into the industry without addressing the core issue of lack of funding, to curb critical situ-

ations that could have helped to turnaround the industry since then.

He lamented that the CoI showed that production in the industry declined since 2005, dropping from 325,318 metric tonnes in 2004 to 216,358 metric tonnes in 2014, and that the opposition refused to heed the recommendations from the many business plans that were prepared annually and which were found to be overly optimistic in their projections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 29, 2018

Banks DIH sales up in Essequibo

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By: Indrawattie Natram BANKS DIH Airy Hall branch in Region Two has recently hired a new manager with the intention of boosting the sales of the company within the (Pomeroon-Supenaam) region.

This announcement was made by Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday. Reis in his address at the company's 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), told hundreds of shareholders and persons from the business community that Premaul Ritney has replaced Munniram Singh, and will be functioning in the capacity as branch manager. The company almost one year ago had sent an interim manager from its head office to act in that capacity, after they had unearthed several irregularities at the branch.

Reis however said that despite the many challenges the branch now has a new manager, and he called upon the team to work in cohesion and to give each other support. Speaking on the branch’s success, Reis said that the agricultural region continue to record astonishing profits announcing that the Essequibo Branch made a sales revenue of $1.3 billion- a profit of $18 million with an increase of $12.2 million in sales. Speaking on the number of unit sales, he said Essequibo

Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis speaking at the Airy Hall AGM

sold 842,000 cases or units of products, an increase of 43,000 units of sales. He commended the Interim Branch Manager, Gavin Jodhan, for his efforts.

Reis also credited the branch increase of sales to the line of distribution services which he said is reaching every corner.

The company in the coming months intends to extend its marketing and merchandising capacity at the various supermarkets along the Essequibo Coast.

INVESTMENTS Additionally, Reis announced that works will be done at the wharf at Airy Hall to facilitate the offloading of the company's product.

According to Reis, the rehabilitation and extension of the branch's wharf is one of the biggest investments for the company in Region Two. He also said the company is looking at acquiring a new fleet of trucks for the Airy

Newly appointed manager, Premaul Ritney

Hall branch alluding to the fact that more jobs will also be generated. "We will be buying some more trucks and this means more employment for the people, work for drivers will be provided and we intend to create more jobs for young people in the field of marketing" Reis hinted.

Jodhan praised the “marvelous support” of staff dealers and customers and called on the business community to stand

by Banks DIH, alluding to the fact that the company is a "Guyanese" one.

Newly- appointed manager, Premaul Ritney said he was happy to join the Banks family. He vowed to give his best and to honour the challenge of the Chairman to boost sales within the Region. Ritney had served as a manager for the GuyOil, Region Two branch for over eight years. At the end of the AGM two schools

Banks DIH Executive Ramesh Dookhoo and other officials were part of the gathering

A section of the large gathering at the Banks DIH Airy Hall branch AGM

were gifted monetary donations. They are Zeelandia Primary, Wakenaam Islands and Wakapoa Sec-

ondary School. A teacher from Wakapao Secondary, Davin Misir thanked Banks for choosing the school. The

money will be used to construct a poultry pen which will supply the dormitory with chicken.

Guyana to participate in a number of high-level fora

GUYANA will be represented at the Seventh Annual Youth Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, set to be convened at UN Headquarters in New York on January 30.

Director of Youth within the Ministry of Social Protection Melissa Carmichael, will represent Guyana at the two-day forum. The forum will provide a platform for youths to engage in dialogue with member states and share ideas on innovation and collective action in response to global challenges to youth development and resilience.

In February, a delegation from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will represent Guyana at the First Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference bill for Beijing, China. It will be held from February 9-10.

According to Minister

of State Joseph Harmon, the conference will address current and emerging challenges presented by Cross-Border E-Commerce. Additionally, ways and means of making use of the opportunities offered by such commerce will be discussed. GRA Deputy Commissioner Lancelot Wills and Head of the Information Technology Department, Sese Jones, will represent the country at the conference.

Days after, another team will attend the Biennial Conference of the Network for Environmental Regulators across Australia and New Zealand (AELERT). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director (ag) Khemraj Parsram and Legal Officer Aminah McPherson-Damon will be attending the conference, which will be held in Syd-

ney, Australia from February 14-16. The 2018 Alert Conference will bring together environmental regulators from governments, service providers, researchers and policy-makers to share their knowledge and expertise.

“Guyana’s attendance at the conference will assist in developing new tools and approaches for environmental regulatory practice in light of the critical nature of environmental issues in the development of our green economy,” the State Minister explained.

Additionally, approval has been granted for Guyana to participate in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations on the Global Compact for Migration, which will be held from February 20-23 in New York, USA. Principal Foreign Service Officer and Head of the Diaspora Unit of the

Foreign Affairs Ministry, Michael Brotherson, will attend the compact which will address issues surrounding migration, diaspora affairs and refugees. It was noted that Guyana’s participation will ensure that those matters that are critical to the country’s circumstances and to those of the Region are adequately addressed.

Currently, a high-level delegation led by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, is participating in a Guyana-India Joint Commission and Inter-Ministerial Consultation being held in New Delhi, India.

According to the Minister of State, the visit will provide the opportunity for engagement and discussions on a wide range of issues, including the strengthening of political, economic and cultural relations and in-

ternational agenda such as climate change and global perspectives. It will also allow for meaningful economic exchanges and expanded collaboration in areas such as oil and gas, information and communication technology and agriculture and the “greening” of Bartica, Minister Harmon further added.

It is also expected that two memoranda of understanding will be signed during the visit to facilitate discussions on new and renewable energy and a cultural exchange programme.

“During the visit, Guyana will also sign and ratify the framework agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCC) in Paris back in 2015 by the President of France and the Prime Minister of India.

The ISA is the platform through which sun-rich countries collectively address common challenges in the use of solar energy.

Vice-President Greenidge is being accompanied by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Ambassador Audrey Jardine-Waddell; CEO of the Guyana Energy Agency Dr. Mahendra Sharma and Director of the Multilateral Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Troy Torrington. The visit will last from January 28-February 3.

Earlier this month, Guyanese officials represented the country at a number of regional and international fora including the Caribbean Telecommunications Union 21st Century Summit and Symposium and the 11th Cohort of the Caribbean Leadership Development Programme,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Federer wins sixth Australian Open and 20th Grand Slam title

By Martyn Herman

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Roger Federer survived a second set ‘freeze’ and an onslaught from Croatia’s Marin Cilic to claim a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

The Swiss maestro wobbled at times in the face of some fierce resistance before winning 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1.

With the stadium roof closed to keep out the withering Melbourne heat, the 36-year-old grabbed the first set in 24 minutes as a 20th grand slam title looked a formality.

But Cilic, who suffered a nightmare in last year’s Wimbledon final against Federer when blisters wrecked his chances, was not going to let his first Australian Open final slide by.

At times it seemed he was taking on Federer and crowd but when he reeled off five consecutive games to extend the champion into a deciding set, the match hung in the balance.

Federer recovered his mojo after saving two break points at the start of the fifth and was roared home to victory.

Despite all his titles and accolades, Federer was overcome with emotion during his victory speech.

FAIRYTALE CONTINUES “The fairytale continues for us, for me, it’s incredible,” Federer, who equalled Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson’s Australian Open haul, said on court as wife Mirka and Australian great Rod Laver recorded to the moment with their mobile phones.

year grand slam drought that had many people writing him off, Federer has enjoyed a glorious renaissance over the past 12 months by winning three of the past five majors.

“Getting number six here and number 20 overall, it’s just a very special moment,” he said.

Cilic, who will rise to a

been the best two weeks of my life,” Cilic said.

“I had the chance at the beginning of the fifth but he played a great match.”

Temperatures in Melbourne had hovered in the high 30s Celsius all day but the humidity felt less suffocating than during Saturday’s humdinger of a women’s final.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Croatia’s Marin Cilic. REUTERS/Issei Kato

”I got off to a flyer but I froze in the tiebreak and lost that second set and lost control of the match.

“I got a bit lucky tonight I think.”

After enduring a five-

career-high three in the rankings, won four points in the first four games, but despite a shamelessly pro-Federer crowd, he stuck to his guns.

“It was an amazing journey for me. It could have

So it was a surprise when the match started with the roof shut, a decision tournament organisers defended by issuing a statement saying “wet bulb globe temperature” readings had triggered the “extreme heat policy”.

While Melbourne Park cooked, Federer was as cool as a cucumber in the relatively benign conditions on court.

He broke in the first game when he hoisted a lob towards the roof and Cilic framed a smash into the net.

The 29-year-old Cilic dropped serve again two games later and gained sympathetic cheers when he finally registered on the scoreboard in the fifth game.

Cilic began to settle but still had to fend off break points in the second set at 1-1, 2-2 and 4-4.

He had a glorious chance to level the match against the run of play when Federer double-faulted at 30-30 in the 10th game, but he buried a routine backhand into the net.

Federer began the tiebreak with a couple of aces and broke with a forehand but Cilic ratcheted up the power to move 6-4 ahead with thundering forehand and levelled the match with another beefy winner from his favourite wing.

Team Guyana second and third at Dr Sanderinvitational in NYC THE Golden Arrowhead was flying high last weekend in New York, as Guyana’s overseas athletes took the track by storm at the famed Dr Sander Invitational, when the 18th edition of the competition was held at the Armory New Balance Track & Field Centre in Washington Heights.

Two years ago, Guyana claimed gold in the 4X200M relay, but, this time around, the ‘GT Women’ finished third behind winners, USA (1:32.67) and Jamaica (1:34.83).

The quartet of Shenika King, Iana Amsterdam, Natricia Hooper and Jenea McCammon ran the race in a time of one minute, 40.14 seconds (1:40.14), which saw them edging France (1:41.28) for the podium finish.

Meanwhile, the team of Jeremy Bascom, Winston George, Ken Nelson and Stefan Smith ran 1:28.08 to finish just behind winners Jamaica (1:25.63) but ahead of the USA (1:32.89).

In the individual races at the track meet, Bascom and Stefan Smith didn’t find much success. In the 60 metres race, Smith was 15th overall, running 7.33 seconds, while Bascom was 7th in the same race, clocking 6.83 seconds.

Over at the Razorback Invitational in Arkansas, Guyana’s 100M and 200M record-holder, Brenessa Thompson ran 17th in the 60m (7.58 seconds) and 19th in the 200m (24.09 seconds).

Avon Samuels, Onassha Rogers and Claudrice McKoy who are all on scholarship at Monroe College, competed at the Terrier Classic in Boston, Massachusetts.

Samuels was 8th in the 200m with a time of 24.76 seconds and 10th in the 400m with a time of 56.72 seconds.

The Guyanese also placed 3rd in the 4x400m relays and 13th in the Distance Medley Relay.

Rodgers was 3rd overall in the 60m (7.61 seconds) and also placed third in the 4x400m relays. McKoy competed in the 800m (2:18.21), mile (5:19.64) and Distance Medley Relay.

Another Guyanese, Travis Collins, was second at the Pittsburgh State Invitational in the 60m with a time of 6.67 seconds.

Natricia Hooper won her triple-jump event for Essex County College, with best jump of 13.20 meters being good enough for the victory. She was third in the open section with a jump of 13.28 (45th best jump in the world as of Saturday night).

Winston George was entered in the Elite Men’s 400m, and despite some bumping at the break in point, he was knocked off the track after winning 21.85 in his opening 200m.

Ken Nelson, running his second indoor competition of the season, ran the 400m at the Dr. Sander Invitational where he was firth in a time of 49.21 seconds.

Quamel Prince, in probably the most notable performance of the weekend, won the open section of the 800m in a time of 1:48.01 and was second overall.

According to information received, Prince has made several attempts at representing Guyana on the International stage, but was unsuccessful.

It was stated, however, that Guyana could miss out on landing him, since he is presently being heavily recruited by the USA, given the fact that he’s ranked 6th in the world presently.

Bravo accuses CWI ...

Continued from back page

help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.”

Browne said Dwayne Bravo had not been contacted because “he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies.”

In 2014, the 34-year-old Bravo was sacked as captain after 19 months in charge and also dropped from the squad, just nine weeks after playing a leading role in the team’s controversial decision to abandon the one-day tour of India.

Pollard was also axed but subsequently recalled for the Tri-Nations Series in the Caribbean in 2016 before being dropped again for the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe later that year.

Bravo said in the years when he was inexplicably kept out the squad, he was fit and available to represent West Indies.

“Out of the 15-member squad who was in India in 2014, Dwayne Bravo is the only player yet to play a One-Day International since then so people should calculate and see how many … ODI series have been played since then and I’ve been overlooked,” Bravo pointed out.

“All those years I was fit – apart from last year which is the biggest injury I’ve ever had and couldn’t play for eight months. But prior to that I was fit, I was performing but just overlooked.

“Now you seeing where again the commitment word [keeps being used loosely].

When you talk about commitment, commitment goes both ways. Cricket West Indies, the selectors and their policy, they never showed any commitment to players, they never showed any commitment to me.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Three long time sponsors make contributions to RHTY&SC 2018 List of Programmes

CORPORATE support for the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS list of activities for 2018 has started with three longtime sponsors making contributions to the Club and its ten cricket teams.

The Club for 2018 has set itself a target of 700 activities after registering its highest amount of 712 in 2017. The first on the list of donors were Mings Products & Services (MPS), John Fernandes Ltd and Caribbean Containers Inc. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, club executives Ravindranauth Kissoonlall and Mark Papannah who are all responsible for the day-to-day operation of the club received a large quantity of cricket

balls from Mings Products & Services while Caribbean Containers Inc and John Fernandes Ltd contributed financially.

Foster disclosed that the balls’ donation were the 10th successive year that MPS has done so and hailed the assistance of the company towards the promotion of sports. John Fernandes Ltd and Caribbean Containers Inc are both long-time sponsors of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports club and their contributions would be used in the club’s massive Say No/Say Yes Campaign which is organised by its ten cricket teams with the main objective being to get youths to ‘Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Tobacco,

Curran’s five-for seals 4-1 series win for England

Tom Curran’s five-for sealed a thrilling 12-run win Getty Images

By Joel Dubber

PERTH (Reuters) - Paceman Tom Curran claimed a career-best five for 35 to derail Australia’s chase in the inaugural match at Perth’s new stadium and help England win the fifth and final one-dayer by 12 runs on Sunday.

England squandered a strong start and were all out for 259 inside 48 overs. Curran then came up with a lethal spell of reverse swing to help England bowl out Australia for 247 and complete their 4-1 series victory after failing to win a single test in the preceding Ashes series.

“We’re spoilt for choice at the moment, guys are fighting for positions left, right and centre ... to win while we’re learning, I think is pretty special,” victorious captain Eoin Morgan told the host broadcaster.

England openers Jason Roy (49) and Jonny Bairstow (44) capitalised on the fast outfield, putting on a 71-run opening stand in quick time.

The middle and lower orders failed to make an impact though, as Andrew Tye (5-46) and fellow paceman Mitchell Marsh (2-24) restricted the tourists.

Man-of-the-series Joe Root ensured his team reached a defendable total with a determined 62.

Marcus Stoinis anchored Australia’s reply with a fluent 87 but it was otherwise a disappointing batting performance by the world champions.

Glenn Maxwell and Tim Paine both scored 34 but it was not enough in the end and Australia collapsed in the penultimate over.

Curran and spinner Moeen Ali (3-55) were England’s chief destroyers, ensuring that Australia’s first win at Perth Stadium will have to wait at least another season.

The dazzling $1.3 billion Colosseum-like stadium is now Western Australia’s premier sporting venue for cricket and Australian Rules football, taking over from both the WACA Ground and Subiaco Oval.

Crime and Yes to Education, Life, Sports, Religion and Culture’.

Foster stated that apart from organising hundreds of

activities under a wide range of sub-headings, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club receives dozens of requests from clubs, schools, churches

Executives and representatives of Mings Products & Services pose with their donation

and less fortunate families for assistance.

The club, as a matter of policy, tries to assist as much as possible but with an increasing amount of requests being received, it is getting beyond the capacity of the club. The long-serving Secretary expressed gratitude to Stanley Ming and Colin Ming of Mings Products & Services; Patricia Bacchus of Caribbean Containers Inc and the Management of John Fernandes Ltd for their donations.

Meanwhile, the Cricket Development Committee of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is inviting youths between the ages of 13 to 18 years old to join the club’s

cricket section.

The club from the 1st February, 2018, would be opening its membership for a threeweek period for new cricketers. Membership of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is free but members are expected to be drug free, disciplined and dedicated.

Members of the club would have to be in school and be prepared to get involved in making positive differences in the lives of others. The club would also provide all necessary gears.

Interested players can call 337 4562 for more information or visit the club’s office at the Area ‘H’ Ground during working hours, Monday to Friday.

Pakistan on top of T20 World after beating Black Caps PAKISTAN beat New Zealand by 18 runs at Mount Maunganui on Sunday to wrap up a 2-1 Twenty20 international series victory and return to the top of the ICC rankings.

The Black Caps had whitewashed the five-match ODI series between these sides but Sarfraz Ahmed’s men will leave New Zealand with their heads held high after coming from behind to win this contest.

After Fakhar Zaman (46) and Sarfraz (29) had laid the foundations, Pakistan punished their hosts for a string of late drops, and Umar Amin’s seven-ball onslaught for 21 runs boosted them to 181-6 from their allocation.

Close boundaries at Bay Oval helped Martin Guptill to a typically bludgeoned 59 off 43 balls, but no other batsman could hang around for long enough to reel Pakistan in as the hosts finished 163-6.

Shadab Khan with 2-29 was Pakistan’s best bowler, which earned him the Player of the Match The crucial stage in the contest was the final four overs of Pakistan’s innings as New Zealand’s sloppy fielding allowed them to add 58 runs in 24 balls.

Amin scored 20 of his runs off four consecutive Ish Sodhi deliveries, the second of which was dropped in the deep by Colin de Grandhomme, although the bowler had the last laugh with the final delivery of the over.

However, Kane Williamson’s side remained

their own worst enemies and Aamer Yamin was dropped over the rope for four by Tom Bruce before hitting the last ball of the innings for another maximum to give Pakistan the momentum.

Williamson fell for just nine off 14 deliveries, and Guptill’s attempts to get New Zealand up with the rate fell short, despite him hitting four sixes and two fours.

Anaru Kitchen ate up 19 deliveries for just 16 runs to put the pressure on the lower middle order and Ross Taylor was unable to wrest back control, despite three maximums as his 11-ball 25 was not enough.

(Omnisport)

Shadab Khan was the Player of the Match as Pakistan won the third T20

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Berbice cyclist Romelo Crawford Sri Lanka beat Windies U-19s to win Plate final wins GCF’s season opener BERBICE cyclist Romelo Crawford rode tactically to win the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) 2018 season-opener 65-mile points’ race which was held yesterday.

Having placed second in Saturday’s Ricks and Sari Agro Industries-sponsored 35-lap race in the National Park, Crawford used that warm-up event as a feeling-out process for yesterday’s 65-mile race.

Sensing that the event was one that would have been a testing one and involved flat and hilly terrain, the Berbician bided his time among the chasing pack while on the upward journey to Long Creek on the Linden Highway.

This was after Andrew Hicks, Deoraj Garbarran and Hamza Eastman had set the pace from the start of the race on Homestretch Avenue and the trio worked in tandem and between them, they won seven of the 20 prime prizes that were on offer.

On turning back to finish on Homestretch Avenue, the three cyclists

for a number of miles, but Crawford decided to jump the others. He was however

HOME ALONE: Berbice’s Romelo Crawford cruises past the finish line all alone to win the GCF’s 65-mile points’ race yesterday

kept pushing , but as they approached Splashmins Resort on the Highway, they were wheeled-in by a chasing pack of five cyclists which included Crawford.

The bunch of eight started to play `Cat and Mouse’

caught up by Jamal John, last year’s top cyclist of the year, and the duo worked in tandem and kept extending their lead.

As the peloton turned onto Mandela Avenue, Hicks jumped the chasing pack and closed in

on the leading duo, but his effort was too late and Crawfrord and John found a second wind and propelled away from him.

In the end, Crawford started the sprint to the finish line from approximately 250 metres from the line and won comfortably ahead of John. Hicks finished a comfortable third, while the sprint for the minor positions was a battle between four cyclists and in the end, Curtis Dey, who won Saturday’s Ricks and Sari 35lap race in the National Park, prevailed over Hamza Eastman, Paul DeNobrega, Deoraj Garbarran and Briton John, respectively. John was the first junior cyclist to cross the finish line.

In the Masters’ category, GCF’s president Horrace Burrowes finished first, ahead of Ralph Williams and Junior Niles, respectively.

Overall, Eastman won 13 prime prizes, while Garbarran won five and Hicks two.

(Michael DaSilva).

IPL draft tough on Windies talent IT took an eleventh-hour bid to rescue Windies star Chris Gayle from the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction block but some of his compatriots were not quite so fortunate.

This weekend’s IPL draft was not a friendly place for West Indian talent, as only four of the 23 players entering the draft found places with any of the eight teams.

Gayle was eventually

picked up by the Kings Punjab XI, while Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard predictably went back to Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians respectively.

Windies T20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite went to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Another West Indian-born player, all-rounder Jofra Archer, who now resides in England, fetched a king’s ransom in signing for the Rajasthan Royals after commanding a figure of US$1,133, 624.

The players joined Andre Russell and Sunil

Narine who were both retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders weeks ago.

Surprisingly there was no room for the likes of Samuel Badree, the top-ranked T20 bowler in the world in 2015 or a trio of World Cup winners in Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons and Darren Sammy.

Windies ODI and Test captain Jason Holder also found no takers as was the case for Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stars Rovman Powell and Keswick Williams. (Sportsmax. com).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday January 29, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (2) Australia & Afghanistan; Pakistan & India Today’s Quiz: (1) Who were the losing semi-finalists in the last ICC Under 19 World Cup? (2) Who top-scored in the last World Cup final?

No place for leg- spinner Samuel Badree.

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

LINCOLN, New Zealand, (CMC) – Left-hander Alick Athanaze struck his second hundred of the ICC Youth World Cup to set West Indies Under-19s up nicely but Sri Lanka Under-19s survived a late order wobble to snatch a nerve-jangling three-wicket win, in the Plate final here Sunday.

Sent in at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, the Windies side tallied 254 for five off their 50 overs with the enterprising Athanaze stroking a runa-ball, unbeaten 110.

target remained uncomplicated but with wickets suddenly falling, the Sri Lankans panicked.

West Indies capitalised to snatch three more wickets in the space of 18 balls and without warning, Sri Lanka were tottering on 249 for seven in the penultimate over.

Off-spinner Barnes released the pressure, however, when he conceded a boundary off the last ball of the over, leaving Sri Lanka with a single run to get off the last six balls of

Alick Athanaze struck his second hundred of the ICC Youth World Cup

Brad Barnes got 37 not out, Bhaskar Yadram scored 31 while Keagan Simmons chipped in with 24.

Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama (233) and fast bowler Nipun Malinga (2-63) finished with a couple of wickets each.

In reply, Hasitha Boyagoda struck 116 and Dhananjaya Lakshan, 98, in an outstanding opening partnership of 218 which put Sri Lanka on course for an easy win.

Boyagoda facced 124 deliveries and struck 17 fours and a six, but once he holed out in the deep off fast bowler Jarion Hoyte in the 38th over, the complexion of the contest changed dramatically.

Seven balls later, Nishan Madushka was run out for one and with nine runs added, Jehan Daniel (6) also perished in similar fashion, to leave the Sri Lankans perched on 231 for three in the 44th over.

Lakshan, who struck a dozen fours and a single six off 112 deliveries, fell off the very next ball, missing out on a well-deserved hundred.

Still, with only 14 runs required from 36 balls, the

the match.

Even then, Hoyte kept Hareen Buddila (5 not out) scoreless off the first three balls to increase the tension, before the batsman scrambled a single off the fourth delivery.

Off-spinner Yadram (2-42) and Hoyte (2-44) picked up two wickets apiece.

Athanaze had earlier made headlines with a knock that helped rally the Windies innings which appeared in danger of collapse at 63 for three in the 13th over.

He crunched five fours and a couple of sixes, adding 59 for the fourth wicket with Kallicharan and a further 102 with Barnes in an unbroken fifth wicket stand.

Barnes faced 36 balls and counted three fours.

Yadram had earlier stroked five fours in a breezy 20-ball cameo, putting on 53 off 45 deliveries for the first wicket with Simmons, before three wickets perished for 10 runs in the space of 29 balls.

Athanaze finished the tournament with 418 runs, just shy of the West Indies record of 421 set by Donovan Pagon 16 years ago.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 29, 2018

Rupununi Football Association opens office … GFF president Wayne Forde recommits support to the Region PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde declared open the regional office of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) last Thursday, following an official ceremony held at the 107 Middle Street, Lethem, location and attended by, among others, the community’s Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock; Mayor, Carlton Beckles and Acting RFA president, Curtis Buckley.

“The RFA has done exceptionally well in the eyes of the GFF. The GFF has supported this association in every possible way we can.

Everything that I do, everything that President Grant and his team do in the RFA, every project that the mayor does and every funding and logistical support that the chairman brings is a fine example of what is possible when the right people come together for the right reasons,” said Forde in his remarks at the opening ceremony.

While congratulating the RFA on a monumental step, Forde emphasized the importance of increased

administrative capacity to realise the development of football in the region and affirmed the GFF’s continued support, stating “There is no doubt in my mind about the talent here, but what I do know as a football administrator is, unless you have the administrative machinery supporting and maintaining that talent, that is exactly where it will remain, as talent. “ For his part, Acting RFA President, Buckley, highlighted some of the RFA’s achievements since its election on October 30, 2015; chief among them, the expansion of the membership and the number of national players emerging from the region.

“I thought the furthest club that’s a part of the RFA would’ve been the Titan Warriors located in Aishalton Village, but the furthest club is the GoGetters from Mahdia, Region 8. I must recognize our 30 footballers that were chosen for the national camp; eight senior females, eight Under-17 males, eight Under-15 males and six Under-13 males.

As a result, three of the Under-15 males went on to represent us at the international level. They were Kenneth Salvador from Moco Moco FC, Orville Daniels from

tournaments, including the Frank Watson U-15 and the NAMILCO tournaments respectively.”

Mayor Beckles reflected on his migration to the Region

When I got here, there were other referees here before me.

I did a comprehensive report on the talent they have here and recommended that the Rupununi

From left, Mayor Carlton Beckles; Acting RFA president Curtis Buckley; GFF president Wayne Forde, and Regional Chairman Brian Allicock.

Paiwomak Warriors in Annai and Wayne Da Silva from Saint Ignatius FC. Within our two years we have promoted youth football and have participated in national

Seventeen goals scored on day two of Milo U-18 football

while reminding the audience of the talent present, telling the gathering, “In 2001, I got a call from the then General Secretary of the GFF to referee a game in the Rupununi.

should be the ‘Mecca’ of women’s football in Guyana. Coming out of that report, the next year Guyana was represented in Antigua by no fewer than nine fe-

males from the Rupununi, including the vice-captain.

There was no turning back in representation of the Rupununi.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Allicock, said he was proud of the strides made by the region in football development.

The opening ceremony of the office, which will serve as a hub for football administration in the region, was followed by the official ribbon-cutting and tour of the building. The occasion was commemorated with two novelty matches played at the Wadapna Community Centre Ground.

The first match featured an U-15 game between the Guyana Rush Saints FC and Tabatinga FC from Brazil. Tabatinga FC won 2 goals to nil. The Tabantinga FC has the highest concentration of ATC players in the region.

The second match was a master’s game between Guyana’s President’s XI and Brazil’s Veterans, Bonfim XI. Bonfim XI won 1 goal to nil.

Gayle sneaks into IPL at third time of asking

Chris Gayle will now turn out for Kings X1 Punjab in the 2018 IPL. Part of the action in the 2018 Milo Schools football tournament

By Stephan Sookram SEVENTEEN goals were scored on the second day of the sixth annual Milo schools U-18 football tournament played yesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

In the opening game of the day, Charlestown Secondary drew with South Ruimveldt secondary 2-2.

Raymond Bhandu opened the scoring for Charles-

town in the 8th minute with Robert Downes doubling in the 21st. However, a comeback effort, started from South Ruimveldt’s Negal Mc Bean in the 25th was followed up by Jamal Nedd in the 41st minute.

Game two was a one-sided affair with Masters Academy drubbing Queenstown 10-0 with Calvin Peters accounting for six of the 10 strikes with goals in the 4th, 8th, 26th, 29th, 34th and 69th minutes.

Tyrone Khan in the 16th and 44th, accounted for two more goals while Merriheo Eastman and Isaiah Anderson scored in the 15th and 69th respectively .

Sir Leon Lessons were also winners on day two with Julian Bamfield (4th), Zian Grey (30th) and Shamar Carrington (63rd minute penalty) being responsible for the drubbing of Uitvlugt.

Matches continue next weekend.

THE unthinkable was close... the IPL without Chris Gayle. But Kings XI Punjab ensured the ‘Six Machine’ will take part in 2018.

Chris Gayle almost missed out on a place at the IPL, but Kings XI Punjab offered the explosive West Indian a deal, although fellow Twenty20 icon Lasith Malinga went unselected on day two of the player auction.

Gayle’s 3626 runs are the seventh-most in the competition’s history, while his 175 not out scored for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in 2013 remains the record score across the world in the

T20 format.

The West Indian was released by RCB and had gone unselected on day one of the auction - which saw Ben Stokes once again the top-paid star at $2million - and Gayle also went unselected when the free agents were up for grabs again on day two.

However, with a third pass Gayle was picked by Kings XI for around $310,000.

Two players moved for seven-figure sums on Sunday. Shortly after taking a five-for for Australia against England in Perth, Andrew Tye moved to Kings XI for $1.1million, while Indian seamer Jaydev Unadkat

was a $1.8m capture for the Rajasthan Royals.

Murali Vijay ($310k to Chennai Super Kings), Parthiv Patel ($265k to RCB) and Mitchell Johnson ($310k to Kolkata Knight Riders) were big names to get a deal after being overlooked on day one, although there were surprise snubs for Martin Guptill, Dale Steyn, England ODI captain Eoin Morgan and Malinga.

Malinga has taken 154 wickets in 110 IPL matches - the most of any bowler - at a stunning average of 19.01, but the 34-year-old Sri Lankan has battled fitness issues for much of the past year.

Rupununi Football Association See e opens office Pa2g3

Team Guyana second and third at Dr Sander Invitational in NYC See Page 20

Guyana’s male and female 4X200m relay team that competed at the Dr Sander Invitational.

Bravo accuses CWI of using senior players as ‘scapegoats’

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Discarded all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has accused Cricket West Indies of using senior players as scapegoats for its muddled selection policy and the team’s subsequent failure to qualify automatically for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Further, the experienced campaigner said these players, who in the past were repeatedly overlooked by selectors, are now having their commitment to West Indies cricket falsely questioned, simply to find excuses in case the Windies flop at the ICC World Cup qualifiers in March.

He argued that CWI had made it clear prior to the 2015 World Cup that they were moving on to younger players in order to build a team for the 2019 edition, but were now attempting to blame senior players for the disarray in the ODI setup.

“The West Indies knew they had to play the qualifiers since [last September] in England,” the outspoken Bravo told I95FM Radio from Australia where he is currently playing in the Big Bash League.

“They knew for a while

they had to play the qualifiers so I think they just trying to shift the blame for their failures, shift the blame towards the players by using these three

the qualifiers and they don’t get through that stage and they don’t make it to the World Cup, then they have somebody to blame. [They

Discarded West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo … says Cricket West Indies lacks commitment to players.

players (Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo) – and even including myself – by saying they have reached out to the senior players and the senior players turned their backs on West Indies cricket.

“So therefore, if it is that the West Indies go there in

would then say] ‘the big boys didn’t want to play, the senior guys didn’t want to play so what do you expect’.”

He continued: “In 2015 when the team went to the last World Cup when Pollard and myself got dropped, the president (Dave Cameron) and

chairman of selectors at that time (Clive Lloyd) said they were taking the ODI team in a new direction, they were going to invest in the youngsters and build for 2019.

“So their aim in 2015 was to build for 2019 – that was their aim and their vision.

So why now in 2018, going into 2019, the same team that they were building for the next World Cup, why all of a sudden [do] you need all of these drastic changes now.

“These are the same [players] you invest in and the guys who were not in the squad, are the same people who were available to play for you and you did not select.”

Last Thursday, in announcing a 15-member squad for the qualifiers in Zimbabwe, CWI said it had reached out to Pollard, Darren Bravo, Narine and Andre Russell, but all declined selection in favour of fulfilling commitments in the Pakistan Super League.

Chief selector Courtney Browne said in a statement that the four players had indicated that they were “unavailable to

Turn to page 20

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Anand Ramchand displays his winning trophies.

Ramchands Wreckers take 1st Endurance ANAND Ramchand and his Wreckers team produced another memorable performance to take the season opening endurance meet of the Guyana Motor Raging and Sports Club (GMRSC) The team of Ramchand and Co driver Adrian Fernandes took the title after completing 83 laps. They also won the 1501-1600 class. (Details in tomorrow’s edition) MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018