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Good move to ICJ No. 105173

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

Price: $80

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…Sir Ron Sanders says ICJ “will cast O3 adjudication in structured, legal framework PAGE

Ambassador, Sir Ron Sanders

Embrace our spiritual heritage – telecoms minister urges as Inter-faith Harmony Week opens

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United Nations peace and development officer Srdan Deric interacts with participants at a booth during the opening of Inter-faith Harmony Week at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Top Cop neutral on CoI into Jagdeo-era killings O3 PAGE

Maternity wing Jamaican at NA Hospital O2 new CEO closer to reality of GPL 10 PAGE

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

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New GPL CEO, Albert Gordon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Maternity wing at NA Hospital closer to reality THE sod has been turned for the construction of the new $191million Maternity Ward at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said the new wing will significantly improve clinical and management services, contributing to the reduction of maternal deaths and infant mortality. According to the Public Health Minister, the ward will offer more theatre services, have a labour room, birthing room, post anaesthetic unit and an upgraded neonatal intensive care unit to ensure improved neonatal care surgery and aftercare for both mother and child. The minister said the upgrade aims to ensure that more obstetrics and gynaecology services through consultants are offered, there are adequate pediatric doctors and more space for private conversations with

women and girls about family planning. This initiative, she said is in keeping with government’s mandate of modernising and upgrading the regional hospitals to provide vital medical services. “We would like the entire Region Six and adjoining communities to know that whatever services are offered at the tertiary institution (Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation) will be offered right in New Amsterdam. So we are here today fulfilling part of that mandate so that there will be safe deliveries, dialysis, diabetes care and treatment of hypertension, among many other illnesses,” Minister Lawrence emphasised. Efforts are also underway to improve the working conditions for staff and provide new services, along with an additional complement of technical and supporting staff.

Ministers Lawrence and Bulkan being briefed by high officials of Region Six

Ministers Volda Lawrence (Public Health) and Ronald Bulkan (Communities) joined with regional health officials to turn the sod for the construction of a maternity wing at the New Amsterdam Hospital

This multimillion-dollar upgrade is a collaboration between the Ministries of Public Health and Communities. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan highlighted that his ministry is involved in the project since much of Central Government’s delivery of services is directed via local democratic organs. The minister revealed that as part of the project a monitoring committee will be established comprising of representatives from the Works Committees from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), regional administration and Ministries of Public Health, Communities and Public Infrastructure.

I would call a maternity hospital because it will be equipped with all the necessary rooms and facilities for deliveries and operations,” the regional chairman pointed out. The contract for the project was awarded to S and K Construction and Consultancy Services and General Supplies and works are expected to be completed before the end of 2019. When completed, the new one-storey rectangular ward will cater for 100 beds, parking facilities, two operating theatres, four delivery rooms, viewing areas for visitors, and a sterling nursing, and doors restrooms. (DPI)

Members of the audience at the sod-turning ceremony

“That committee will have the responsibility to ensure that the materials that are used and that the standard of works executed are to the contract specification and in accordance with the documents. “Too often we hear and read about public works that are being executed which suffer from a lack of proper supervision and from the onset we’re determined that this project does not suffer from this phase,” Minister Bulkan

related. He added that this investment is part of this administration’s investment both in infrastructure and regional development generally. Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman David Armogan lauded the initiative, noting that there will no longer be complaints of inadequate space at the present maternity unit. “I’m glad you’re taking the step to construct what

Police destroy Berbice marijuana camp

Some of the items found on the camp

RANKS of the Guyana Police Force have destroyed an estimated 200,000 marijuana plants measuring two to six feet, 100kg processed cannabis, together with two camps at Long Hook, Canje River, Berbice on Thursday. Police in a release also said one Baikay 12-gauge shotgun, an outboard engine, a chain saw, a mist blower and two grass cutters which were found in the camps have been lodged. Three males are in custody assisting with the investigation.

Good move to ICJ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

…Sir Ron Sanders says ICJ “will cast adjudication in structured, legal framework RENOWNED Caribbean diplomat and Antigua Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States, Sir Ronald Sanders has lauded the United Nations decision to refer the longstanding territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court of Justice. He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) in an invited comment that the decision “is most welcome” since the ICJ “will cast adjudication in a structured and legal framework.” “This is particularly important for small states, like Guyana, that depend on the international system and the rule of law to safeguard their interest” Sir Sanders pointed out. After years of attempts to resolve the controversy, including the use of the Good Offices Process, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Tuesday announced he is referring the matter to the ICJ. Sir Sanders expressed confidence in the ICJ

to settle the decades-old controversy between the neighbouring South American countries. “The ICJ has years of experience in adjudicating territorial and maritime issues between nations that can only benefit the specific settlement of the issue,” he stated. President David Granger has said that the decision by Mr Guterres should be respected by both countries, but his counterpart in Caracas, Nicolas Maduro, has rejected the decision, saying that it wishes to continue negotiations at the bilateral level. President Granger said that the decision to have the UN Secretary-General decide on a method of resolution to the controversy was mutually agreed by both countries. “Sending the matter to the secretary-general was a course of action that was mutually agreed on, so this outcome should be accepted by both sides,” President Granger told reporters on Wednesday. According to the facts presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Ambassador, Sir Ron Sanders

Venezuela after agreeing and honouring the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award for half of a century, the Spanish-speaking country in 1962 unilaterally and without any basis or evidence contended that the 1899 Award was null and void. The 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana). By February 1966, the Geneva Agreement was

reached. It was under that agreement that both Guyana and Venezuela in 1982 requested the intervention of the UN Secretary-General in deciding on the method to bring the controversy to an end. ‘The Geneva Agreement was signed in February 1966, even before we became Independent and we hope that Venezuela’s Government has the maturity to accept the decision of the secretary-general,” he said, while reiterating that the course of action was mutually agreed to by both countries. Venezuela in rejecting the UN decision stated that it remains firm in its position. “The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, faithful to its historical tradition and in accordance with the Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, reiterates its firm disposition to defend the territorial integrity of our Homeland and maintain political negotiation based on the 1966 Geneva Accord, as the only way to reach a

peaceful solution, practical and satisfactory for both parties and in favour of our Peoples,” a statement issued by the Government of Venezuela read. It said too that it will continue to defend its sovereign rights. President Granger has expressed the hope that the SG decision would not trigger negative behaviour by Venezuelans, noting that Guyanese have suffered enough. “We have already been victims of unwanted migration even by soldiers, by miners, we have been victims of violence, persons who are destitute looking for food, we have been victims of attacks by what they call Syndicatos, which are armed gangs,” he pointed out. Also on Wednesday former diplomat, Rudy Insanally, while hailing the UN’s decision said Guyana has a very strong case, emphasising that the matter was already settled by way of arbitration. “The matter was already settled by arbitration. It all depends on what the court has been asked

to do. There is one thing to do. Confirm that the result of the arbitration and to say that Venezuela’s argument that the 1899 Award is null and void is indeed null and void,” the retired Guyanese diplomat told this newspaper. He said Venezuela cannot change its position more than a half a century after agreeing to the 1899 Tribunal Award. He believes that once the case is properly put to the ICJ, then the matter could be settled. “A lot will depend on the cooperation of Venezuela but the procedure should be given a chance and Government (of Guyana) should be well armed to defend our position,” Mr. Insanally said. Also former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson said he too is happy that the UN Secretary-General has referred the matter to the ICJ. “I am glad at the end that this decision was made. We welcome it because it was the logical thing to do,” Mr. Jackson said.

Top Cop neutral on CoI into Jagdeo-era killings …says any actions by police will be tested at some time OUTGOING Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud said he does not have any feelings one way or the other as it relates to the launch of the first in a series of inquiries into the Jagdeo-era killings. The first inquiry will focus on the Lindo Creek massacre, which occurred when Persaud was the Crime Chief. Retired Judge, Donald Trotman was sworn in on Wednesday to head that inquiry into the slaying of eight miners. Persaud was asked about his thoughts on the CoI on the sideline of an evet on Wednesday to which he replied: “Any of the actions that we take in relation to our duties will be tested at some time; the public will want to know, the authorities will want to know.” Persaud said that he is aware that the government has taken a decision to ascertain what happened during that period and he does not have any feeling one way or the other as it relates to the reason for the CoI since it is what the Government thinks it ought to do. President David Grang-

er said the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek Massacre is pivotal in unravelling the tapestry of criminality that engulfed this country between 2000 and 2008. Speaking on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony for the new Cuban Ambassador at State House, President Granger reminded reporters that eight innocent lives were lost at Lindo Creek on June 21, 2008 and gave the assurance that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. He said while there were approximately eight massacres during the period of the “Troubles,” the investigation into the Lindo Creek Massacre is critical in exposing the intellectual authors behind the criminal network that wreaked havoc under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. “We feel that the way in which the investigation was handled indicated that there was a high level of collusion by the government of the day. We feel that this will be a pivotal investigation, which will unravel the criminal network, which was behind

the killings in what is now called the Jagdeo era, during the troubles,” the President said. He said the report of the Donald Trotman-led CoI will lead to other inquiries, including that of former Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh. “It is really beyond belief that a president of a country could have one of his Cabinet ministers assassinated and not even hold an inquest, not even hold an inquiry,” President Granger posited. NOT ABOUT LEGACY Meanwhile, Persaud told reporters that as he prepares to leave the force that he was never focused on leaving a legacy but rather, while serving the Guyana Police Force over the years he was more interested in doing the things and addressing issues which were all in keeping with the objective of the organisation. He however acknowledged that he feels pleased about the establishment of the Fallen Heroes Foundation. “The Fallen Heroes foundation providing welfare and education

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

assistance of police officers who were killed in the line of duty,” Persaud stated. The Fallen Heroes Foundation was established in 2015, several months after Persaud took over the reign of the Guyana Police Force. The foundation was launched to support the families of members of the Guyana Police Force who would have died in the line of duty. Its establishment came following consultations with the several partners both local and overseas and also after receiving the blessings of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Security. The Cops and Faith Network is one of the key part-

ners of the foundation as they would usually visit the homes and families of these officers whenever tragedy strikes. At its launching back in 2015, the foundation raised over $3.7 Million on donation from private companies and individuals. Added to that, Persaud on at least one occasion travelled overseas and met with several organisations and pushed the agenda of the Fallen Heroes Foundation which also saw him raising an additional sum for the foundation. Meanwhile, when it comes to having the pomp and ceremony of a farewell parade, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud seems very willing to accept and have such an event. He

was asked by the Guyana Chronicle if he was willing to accept a farewell parade as he walks into his pre-retirement leave to which he pointed to the custom of the organisation. “There are some traditional things that we do in the force and those are being considered” Seelall Persaud. Persaud is likely to make his final address to the Annual Police Officers Conference in March, just weeks before leaving the Guyana Police Force. He would also be leaving at a time when the Government is preparing to commission yet another Commission of Inquiry at which members of the Guyana Police Force are likely to take center stage.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Some 950 Kenya TV channels still off air --despite court order miners trapped in South Africa

ABOUT 950 workers remain trapped in a gold mine in South Africa Thursday after a storm caused a power cut, preventing them from getting out, Without electricity, lifts could not bring the night shift workers to the surface, but they “appear to be fine”, a spokesman for their employer said. He said about 65 miners have so far been rescued, and all are accounted for. Trade union officials said they feared that the lives of the miners, trapped since Wednesday night, were at risk. South Africa is a leading gold producer, but the industry has often been accused of a poor safety record. The Beatrix mine is in Welkom town, about 290km (180 miles) south-west of Johannesburg. It is owned by Sibanye-Stillwater mining firm. It has 23 levels, going down to 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) below ground “All employees appear to be fine; we are supplying food and water,” company spokesman James Wellsted was quoted as saying by the

AFP news agency. Engineers were struggling to get emergency generators to operate and to get the lifts working again, he added. “We are busy working on that issue at the moment,” Mr Wellsted said. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said the rescue process was “very slow”. “The problem is they are rescuing one mineworker at a time. It is worrying,” NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu said. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) said its concerns about dehydration and a lack of food had been heightened by “the sheer number of workers” trapped. “Mining is very unsafe, and mineworkers risk life and limb daily to put bread on the table for their families,” AMCU leader Joseph Mathunjwa said in a statement. South Africa has some of the world’s deepest and most dangerous mines. More than 80 fatalities were recorded in the country’s mines in 2017. (BBC)

DATE: Wednesday, January 31, 2018

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THREE of Kenya’s largest private TV channels remain off the air, despite an order by the country’s High Court suspending a shutdown. The government cut off KTN, NTV, and Citizen TV over plans to broadcast opposition leader Raila Odinga’s unofficial “inauguration” on Tuesday. The court suspended the ban for 14 days while the case is heard. There is no sign the government will comply with the court ruling, the BBC’s Gladys Kigo reports from Nairobi. Mr Odinga lost last year’s election, and his “swearing-in” was widely seen as a publicity stunt, but the authorities said it was an act of treason. Opposition groups have accused the Kenyan government of violating the public’s

right to information about important events. When asked about the matter, Joseph Mucheru, the minister of information, communication and technology told the BBC it was a security issue and that only the security minister could answer the question of when the stations would be able to broadcast again. The High Court also ordered the State not to interfere with the operation of KTN, NTV, and Citizen TV pending a full hearing. The channels were taken off the air on Tuesday morning ahead of the “swearing-in”, but continue to stream their content Online. The interior ministry said in a statement circulating on social media that broadcasting the event, described as an attempt to “subvert or overthrow” the government,

“would have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent Kenyans.” Kenyan journalists denounced the move as outrageous, and in a statement called for “respect of the constitution” and an end to the “unprecedented intimidation of journalists”. Some journalists have been camping out in their newsrooms for fear of being arrested. Linus Kaikai, the head of NTV, said: “We were informed by very reliable sources that policemen were downstairs, and what they wanted to do was to arrest us when we leave the building, so we have since that time not left the building.” BBC analysts say KTN, NTV and Citizen TV are perceived to offer relatively independent and balanced news coverage, though they

have been criticised by the opposition in the past. In their absence, some Kenyans are turning to newspapers and social media for their news. Others are going to the State-owned KBC and the private K24 TV. The two stations usually attract low viewership due to their pro-government bias. President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term last November after winning an election re-run in October that Mr Odinga boycotted. Mr Kenyatta’s initial victory was overturned by the Supreme Court, which cited “irregularities and illegalities”. The inauguration event in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park on Tuesday was attended by thousands of Odinga supporters, and passed off peacefully. (BBC)

Trump signs Guantanamo Bay order --to keep prison open

WASHINGTON, CMC – United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to keep open the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after pledging during his presidential campaign to “load it up with some bad dudes.” Signed moments before he presented his first State of the Union Address on Tuesday, Trump said: “In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds and hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet

Thursday, February 1, 2018

them again on the battlefield, including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi, who we captured, who we had, who we released,” referring to Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was released from Camp Bucca in Iraq in 2004. “I am asking Congress to ensure that in the fight against ISIS and al-Qaeda, we continue to have all necessary power to detain terrorists, wherever we chase them down, wherever we find them,” Trump

Thursday, February 1, 2018

said. “And, in many cases, for them, it will now be Guantanamo Bay. Trump’s order revokes one issued by President Barack Obama in his first days in office that called for the facility to close, which had been a key Obama campaign promise, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Although many prisoners were released from Guantanamo under Obama, NPR said Obama was unable to make good on the pledge to close it altogether, due to concerns over the fate of some prisoners deemed too risky for either being freed or moved to US soil. No new prisoners have come to Guantanamo in more than a decade. When Obama left office, eight years after signing the closing order, there were still 41 inmates. They remain, including

five who had been cleared for release by federal agencies when Trump took office. While the new directive does nothing to immediately resolve the legal quandary dating to the administration of President George W. Bush, it does require the secretary of defense to recommend within 90 days a method for determining the fate of individuals captured by the US forces. The order called the detention operations at the facility “legal, safe, humane, and conducted consistent with United States and international law.” It also said the risk of recidivism among the remaining prisoners was high, saying they represented “the most difficult and dangerous cases from among those historically detained at the facility.”

Thursday, February 1, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Government to provide IDs --for State of Emergency detainees

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Andrew Holness-led administration says that it will be providing identification (ID) cards for persons who are in need of one and have been detained during the State of Public Emergency now under way in the western parish of St. James. According to Prime Min-

ister Andrew Holness, many those detained had no identification. “We have given instruction that when we have them in detention, once they can take in their birth certificate, then we will stand the cost of getting them identification,” he said adding that upon their release “we should be able to properly identify them (and) get them engaged

in a programme”. Most of the detainees are young men between 18 and 25 years of age. “They have no skills… and having these young men in detention, the idea is not to punish; the idea is to rehabilitate,” Holness told Parliament earlier this week. He said some have been detained on suspicion of murder, lottery scamming

and outstanding warrants. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said Parliament will be provided with the status of each person who has been detained, following the report of the Emergency Powers Tribunal. “We have put in place the Emergency Powers Tribunal, and I am going to suggest to the Tribunal, through the Minister of Justice and the

Ministry of National Security, that they give a report to the Governor-General. I am going to ask the Governor-General to make it available to me to bring it to Parliament about how the powers have been used and the status of each person that is detained,” he said. He also noted that provisions have been made for additional judges in the

parish and legal aid representation. At the sitting, all 51 members of the House who were present voted in favour of the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Resolution 2018, which extened the State of Public Emergency in the parish of until May 2. The State of Public Emergency was declared on January 18.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, was going to the country to "listen to those who want to submit information in their possession". He is known for prosecuting a number of cases for the Vatican's doctrinal body from 2002 to 2012. Bishop Barros has not been accused of abuse himself, but of being present when another priest, Fernando Karadima, molested young boys. Karadima was accused of molesting several teenagers in Santiago, starting in the 1980s.

The Vatican found him guilty and he was sentenced to a lifetime of “penance and prayer”, but did not face criminal prosecution in Chile. The Pope has been criticised since Bishop Barros was announced bishop of Osorno, in south-central Chile, in 2015 despite stiff opposition. His recent visit to the country was met with protests, and he was then sharply criticised for defending the bishop. “The day I see proof against Bishop Barros, then

I will talk. There is not a single piece of evidence against him. It is all slander. Is that clear?” the Pope had said. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a key papal adviser, accused the Pope of causing “great pain” with the words, and several of Karadima’s victims held a news conference saying it was “offensive and unacceptable to say that we need to provide concrete evidence”. On his way home, the Pope then apologised for upsetting any of the victims. (BBC)

Pope to send envoy to investigate Chile sex abuse claims

Pope Francis is sending the Vatican's top expert on sexual abuse to Chile to investigate accusations that a bishop covered up for an abusive priest. The Pope met the priest's victims on a recent visit, but then affirmed his belief that Bishop Juan Barros was innocent, and accused people of slandering him. He later apologised for the comments. Critics have insisted the choice to ordain the bishop should be reviewed, and asked for further action.

Critics have demanded action from the Pope, who has been criticised for his handling of Chile's abuse (REUTERS).

A statement on Tuesday said new information had

emerged in the case and announced that investigator

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Understanding their roles WHILE the tiers of local government have laws that give elected leaders the authority to raise revenues and govern the affairs of the communities, what the laws have not given them is the authority for the chairmen and mayors to instruct the town clerk or the clerk of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). These clerks, under the laws, are the chief executive officers of these local government bodies and they too must be reminded that their authority comes from the decisions of the council; and the decisions they make in the execution of the council’s decisions and the dayto-day management of the NDCs or city councils are expected to be done within the confines of respective by-laws and national laws. From reports coming out of meetings with the councils of different municipalities, particularly Georgetown, a full understanding of

the roles between the policymakers and the executives seems to be somewhat lacking. In the local government system, the policymakers are the councils and the executives are the clerks, having attendant staff and departments that are charged under the Local Government Law to ensure the day-today running of the towns’ and NDCs’ affairs. Under the previous administration, this nation had seen interference to the extent where councillors ascribed to themselves the roles of administrators; elected councils suffered at the hands of partisan politics; and some councils were disbanded, to be replaced by hand-picked Interim Management Committees, with no regard for the will of the people. Since the Local Government elections of March, 2016, there has been growing disquiet that a number of councillors and mayors as well as town clerks

are unaware of the roles of the council and the line of demarcation and authority between the councillors and the administrative staff. Recent reports out of the Georgetown City Council are highlighting this disquiet in that they indicate the existing gulf between the elected councilors, whose responsibility it is to be making decisions pertaining to policies and programmes, and the town clerk, who has responsibility for the implementation of same. The public spat between the mayor and town clerk and councillors which can be easily resolved, is exemplifying an unease that needs to be addressed in order to help councillors get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities. Considering that the current councils have been elected after an absence of more than a decade of local government elections, the situation invariably involves some newness, absence of institutional memory, good

precedence, and ignorance of how the local government system works. The Ministry of Communities may need to see the necessity of intervening to empower the councils through training and education. It would be a boost to the local government system and an advantage to society to emerge from the era where power triumps over universally acceptable principles, rules and laws. Additionally, the local government system has gone through recent amendments, to make it more responsive and representative of the people at the grassroots’ level. Given this combination of factors, if situations are not handled judiciously, a combustible environment can be created, and people can lose faith in this most basic form of democracy. An intervention by the Ministry of Communities can seek to address the clear demarcation of the roles of executives as against those

of policymakers. Where the society has, for some time, been operating at a level that indicates that substantive reading is not considered priority because ‘might is right’ rules the day, an understanding of and respect for the laws not held in esteem would impact the smooth functioning of local government organs. In the current environment, people, though well-meaning, can do the wrong things. As things move through what is evidently a teething phase, it may be apposite for the Ministry of Communities to recruit competent and experienced managers who served the public well, and endow them with specific authority to help these

elected officials and the clerks to discharge their respective responsibilities. Citizens have, for more than a decade, been clamouring for local government elections to be held. That the APNU+AFC administration has been able to hold local government elections and has set in train the pans for another round of these elections and the people, in their respective communities, were allowed to elect their local representatives in whom they repose confidence to manage their dayto-day affairs, the system must be allowed to work efficiently and effectively. What these leaders need now is a helping hand in the right direction.

Maurice Arjoon is an honourable man Dear Editor,

I AM overjoyed that Mr Maurice Arjoon has been finally vindicated in court. The court has determined that Mr Arjoon was wrongfully dismissed by the New Building Society (NBS). Now, he has rightfully collected the long-outstanding monies the court awarded him as compensation for the loss of his livelihood. Evidence accepted by the court has confirmed that this decent man’s life was turned topsy-turvy because NBS levelled false allegations of fraud against him, causing untold heartache to himself and family. Mr Arjoon and his family are dignified, honourable and elegant people who have lived upstanding lives in this society. They did not deserve the unimaginable pain

of public shame and other challenges that were thrust upon them by the untrue allegations. In fact, many persons believe that the enormous stress of the false allegations that were so cruelly unleashed on the family might have had such a deep and powerful negative impact on his son that he subsequently died. Mr Arjoon was accused of fraud and [was] fired. How could he find another job in this country or anywhere else with such a stain on his reputation? I have always known Mr Arjoon to be a professional. He personally intervened to help many Guyanese to acquire homes in this country. He did so legitimately, by using his professional expertise to help them understand and utilize the credit facilities and other financial services offered by the NBS.

Many persons I have spoken to have expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Arjoon for his personal intervention in their cases. I recall one instance when Mr Arjoon dealt with me professionally when I used my overdraft facility from another bank to acquire a property that was abandoned in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. I marvel at the mind-set of the person or persons who created the perverse plan to concoct false fraud allegations and put the infrastructure in place to destroy Mr Arjoon and his family’s lives. In my opinion, based on credible information from reliable sources, Mr Arjoon uncovered an internal fraud by a NBS staff member and was about to expose that person. However, the culprit activated political connections in a previous government to orchestrate Mr Arjoon’s

downfall. That employee has never faced justice, all because of political affiliation and protection. It is also common knowledge that certain politicians moved to use NBS money to help finance the construction of a major thoroughfare in Guyana, but Mr. Arjoon blocked it because he thought it was an abuse of clients’ money. This also caused his enemies to create the infrastructure to cause the destruction of a professional gentleman and the lives of a respected family. Historically, the NBS has done a lot of good for citizens of this country and for our beloved Guyana. The real estate that RK’s Group Guyana headquarters rests on was made possible in the early 80s through a $40 000 loan from NBS. The CEOs were always professional and caring personalities. Let me

emphasise that the current administrators of NBS were not at all involved in denying Mr Arjoon his rights and are not the persons who destroyed his life and family. That was done by political powerhouses and genuine tricksters and manipulators. Those who hurt others and damage their lives, please be warned that your actions are recorded in the universe. What goes around comes around. The very way you hurt people’s children, the very way your own will be hurt. The same way you hurt people mentally and physically, the very same way others will hurt you. This is the law of nature: What you put in is what you will receive; what you sow is what you will reap. So all those people who were involved in this man’s pain and trauma must realise that they will have to suffer pain

and shame and trauma. I am truly happy for Mr Arjoon and saddened that he did not get his compensation money earlier because it might have helped him save his son from dying and given him and his wife comfort to live in peace after a lifetime of service to an institution of worth. Had he not been tainted with the nasty scales of fraud, he could have developed another career locally or internationally. Trust me, someone has to pay. To Mr Maurice Arjoon, I want to take the opportunity to wish you health, joy, goodwill, peace and a good life. I hope that at some time, given the new energies flowing in the universe, you will be able to relax in divine serenity and enjoy the years of life left for you. Regards ROSHAN KHAN

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

We are not ‘savages’ Dear Editor,

OUR main objective is to conduct our operations in an environmentally friendly way. We are a humble group of people who are law-abiding citizens that obey the laws, rules and regulations of the country and the regulatory agencies. Our number one priority is safety; we will work in accordance with International mining practices and engineers from the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Department of Environment to adhere to those rules and regulations. We are not ‘hostiles’ and ‘savages’ as labelled by the management of Romanex; we are simple and humble human beings that are trying to work with dignity and integrity in the hope that we will earn a decent daily bread for our families. We are in the process of constructing a multi-purpose complex which will house our administrative office, where we can ensure compliance is being adhered to. We will ensure that we monitor the miners and that they are working in a respectable and responsible manner, giving first priority to safety. In our multi-purpose complex, we will also provide space and conditions to accommodate a police outpost, a medical health centre and an office for the GGMC officers. For our social and economic development programs, we aim to provide comfortable living conditions for the residents. Our concept for living does not mean providing food and adequate health facilities but we will be assisting in providing sponsorship to eligible students to further develop their academic qualifications. We aim to encourage those who are athletic and gifted in sports by upgrading the roads and infrastructure to encourage them further. We also plan to upgrade the bridges outside of the immediate mining areas to provide greater ease of access to and from communities. Working in an organised manner and following the rules and regulations of the

regulatory bodies, we will always sell our gold to licensed gold traders; also we will be paying our royalties and taxes in advance. It is estimated that by paying our royalties and taxes, the Government can have sufficient funds to rehabilitate the Moco-Moco Hydro Electricity Station and also build another hydro power station at Kumu. We all need better living conditions and opportunities to improve our living standards. With stable and cheaper electricity, we can industrialize our local products and create many other jobs. The benefits that we will be contributing to the Rupununi are beyond weight or measurement, once we are allowed to resume our operations. Currently, the fisherman can’t sell his fish, the farmer can’t sell his produce, the cattle rancher can’t sell his beef, the poultry farmer can’t sell his chicken, and the list goes on; all because there is no way for the miners to earn a living. The lives and livelihood of thousands are being affected and even though in the last statement from the Government they emphasized on the fact that the Ministry of Natural Resources is working assiduously to resolve this long and drawn out situation, it does not reflect any truth. The general feeling of the miners are that the representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources--Mr. Lawrence--does not care about the situation and Mrs. Watson is lazy and incompetent to handle this situation. Some pertinent questions we have: What are the longterm plans that Romanex proposes for the social and economic development of the region? What can the people expect from them, apart from employment of a minimal six to eight persons like they have now? We are calling on the Human Rights Association and the Ministry of Labour to visit and investigate the deplorable conditions these workers are being faced with. Most of the time there is little or no food for the few workers and that is no secret, even the GGMC officers are aware of that fact. After our last meeting

of the Rupununi Mining Association that was held at Marudi last Sunday, the miners suggested that the Government allot the two mountains to the small miners while Romanex can have

the other lands that the Government is proposing for us. ‘What is good for Peter is just as good for Paul!’ We are therefore calling on all the mining syndicates, associations, private

miners and stakeholders to support and stand with us in this matter. We are all miners and we know the difficulties faced, after all, gold is the main income source of Guyana’s econo-

my; why then are we being treated this way? Regards MARLON JOHNSON, President, Rupununi Mining Association

Brazilian charged for unlicensed gun, ammunition A 48-year-old Brazilian, who was busted with an unlicensed shotgun and ammunition by police in Central Rupununi district, was on Thursday remanded to prison for the related offences. Antonio Alves, a handyman attached to a Government school in Brazil, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition. Particulars of the charge alleged that Alves on January 28 at Saparko Village, South Rupununi, had a 28 gauge double barrel shotgun in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence. It is further alleged that he also had five rounds of 28 gauge cartilages. Alves pleaded not guilty to the charges while his attorney, Jerome Khan, during a bail application explained that his client is a licensed firearm holder in Brazil. Khan further explained

Antonio Alves being escorted by police at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

that Alves and his family were at a picnic along the Brazil side of the Takutu River when ranks from the Guyana Defence Force allegedly pointed a gun at Alves and commanded him to cross the border. The attorney further alleged that his client was

beaten by the GDF ranks and as a result, suffered a broken rib and other injuries. However, according to police prosecutor, Arwin Moore, the defendant entered Guyana illegally by crossing the border at the Takatu River with a motorcycle. As such, he was later arrested by police from the Lethem police station, along with ranks from the GDF who were on patrol. Moore noted that Alves was seen on the motorcycle with the shotgun in his possession. He was then searched and the ammunition was found in his pocket. The prosecutor further objected to Avles being granted bail on the grounds that the defendant is a flight risk, since he might flee the jurisdiction if granted bail. Magistrate Latchman remanded Alves until February 6 when the matter will be recalled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Essequibo police to heighten – in bid to stamp out ‘backdam’ patrols ‘ganja’ cultivation By Indrawattie Natram POLICE in ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands) will be conducting more backland patrols in an effort to root out ganja cultivation and imprison those who are found guilty of the illegal act. This is according to Di-

Packets of the 42 grammes of cannabis recently found in Essequibo

‘G’ Division Commander, Khalid Pareshram

visional Commander, Khali Pareshram, who has reported that the division last year succeeded in unearthing as much as 14,979 grams of cannabis and 582 grams of cocaine during several stopand-search and intelligence gathering exercises. Those exercises have resulted in 58 persons being charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Pareshram said the accent this year will be on those cultivation plots, especially in the ‘back-dam’ areas, particularly with the recent acquisition of two All Terrain

Vehicles (ATVs) from the Ministry of Public Security. He said that the ATVs have thus far proven very useful, as cops from the various stations in the region can now traverse rough terrain to ferret out ‘ganja’ planters wherever they happen to be operating. Commander Pareshram said that ever since the two vehicles have been put into operation, the region has seen an increase in patrols in the Lima Sands, Mainstay, Tapakuma, Onderneeming and Mashabo communities; areas that were previously a challenge to access by regular vehicles. He said that besides targeting ‘ganja’ cultivation this year, the police will also be working on sharpening their information gathering skills by liaising more with residents of the various com-

munities. One of the major challenges for the Division, the commander said, has always been the rampant use of narcotics, especially among the youths. Just recently, Commander Pareshram said, three persons were busted with 42 kilograms of cannabis at Golden Fleece. It happened when ranks stopped the car in which the suspects were travelling and conducted a search. The drugs were found in two white bags, each containing 70 parcels wrapped with clear tape and brown cardboard. Each parcel, the commander said, contained leaves, seeds and stem suspected to be cannabis. The trio is currently before the court for the offence.

Father of three killed in Sarah Johanna accident A FATHER of three was killed after he allegedly walked into the path of route 42 minibus, BVV 852, on the Sarah Johanna Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday. Dead is 61 yea-old Persaud Hari, a labourer of 62 Sarah Johanna, EBD. Reports indicate that at about 16:45hrs Wednesday, Hari was taken to the East Demerara Regional Hospital and he succumbed to his

injuries at 22:30hrs. Police said the driver of the public transportation who passed a breathalyser test is in custody assisting with the investigation. Investigations revealed that minibus BVV 852 driven by a 50-year-old Yarowkabra Soesdyke/ Linden Highway resident was proceeding north along the western carriageway, reportedly at a moderate speed when the pedestrian who was proceeding

in the opposite direction on the eastern side of the road, suddenly began crossing from east to west into the vehicle’s path and was struck down. The driver immediately picked up the unconscious man who sustained injuries to the head and body and took him the hospital but he died while receiving treatment. The body is at Lyken’s Morgue and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Guyana, Cuba to enhance economic cooperation THE signing of agreement for export of Guyana’s rice to Cuba and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba has set the stage for increased trade and collaboration between the two States. President David Granger said that this level of cooperation is vital to advancing Guyana’s green agenda and overall economic development, declaring that this country will continue to stand in solidarity with Cuba. Speaking at the Accreditation of Narciso Reinaldo Armador Soeorro as the new Ambassador of Cuba to Guyana, the Head-of-State said that the cultural agreement signed between Guyana’s Ministry of Education and Cuba’s Ministry of Culture will also help to advance cooperation in the arts and sport. Moreover, he noted that Guyana welcomes the support of the Cuban Govern-

President David Granger and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon share a toast with newly-accredited Cuban Ambassador, Narciso Reinaldo Armador

ment for the establishment of a Regional Training Centre, which will cater to the needs of children, adolescents and young people with special educational needs associated with disabilities. “Guyana and Cuba share a close, cordial relationship characterised by friendship, frequent [and] fruitful ex-

changes, political and economic solidarity and tangible programmes of cooperation. Guyana’s national development, particularly in the fields of education, culture and health, has benefitted immeasurably from Cuba’s cooperation and contribution over the decades,” the President said.

The local health sector, in particular, has been boosted by the dividends of Guyana-Cuba relations. The President pointed out that Cuba continues to provide a large number of scholarships in the fields of agriculture, engineering and medicine to Guyanese students and young professionals.

Additionally, Cuban professionals, who work in the local healthcare system, continue to provide medical care and attention to Guyanese. “Guyana looks forward to deepening and expanding cooperation with the Republic of Cuba during your tenure as ambassador,” the Head-of-State told the new ambassador. The President also informed Ambassador Soeorro that Guyana looks forward to the full implementation of the Second Protocol to Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Cuba and the Caribbean Community, which was signed in Georgetown late last year. In 1972, Guyana led efforts by Caribbean states to break the diplomatic isolation of Cuba in this hemisphere; establishing diplomatic relations with that country. President Granger said that Guyana still holds firmly to that position, which it took 45 years ago. “Guyana stands in solidarity with the Government

and people of Cuba in its resistance to economic aggression. We stand in support of the right of Cuba to determine its own destiny, free from provocation and intimidation,” he said. Ambassador Soeorro replaces Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante, whose tour of duty ended in December last year. The new ambassador said that the Cuban nation will always remember with gratitude, the four Caribbean nations, including Guyana, who together, took the first fundamental step at ending the diplomatic and commercial siege against his country. “The Cuban Government and the people are deeply grateful to our Guyanese brothers and sisters for the permanent support for the resolution of the blockade against Cuba,” he said. Prior to the accreditation ceremony, which was held at State House, the new ambassador met with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who is performing the functions of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Embrace our spiritual heritage – telecoms minister urges as Inter-faith Harmony Week opens By Rabindra Rooplall TELECOMMUNICATIONS Minister Cathy Hughes sees Guyana as a treasure trove of intercommunion togetherness; a place where lifelong friendships have been forged in spite of attempts at ethnic division. The minister made this telling observation at the opening on Thursday of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana’s annual Prayer Breakfast to usher in the United Nations-led Interfaith Harmony Week 2018. A topic with which she is more than at home, given her

forte as a communicator, Minister Hughes said all society really wants to do is to live together, and to do so in peace with their friends, their neighbours and their colleagues. “Striving together,” she said, “all our people can hold such positives for a better and more inclusive society where there is a better sense of compassion.” As she went on to explain, in an interconnected world that is trying to find its way, advances in technology offer a leap in connectivity into a maturity where ethical and moral expectations are foundations of a just society. “Confrontation,” she said,

“is not a human inclination. What is needed is courage to go beyond ancient prejudices; we must cultivate a moral courage... “One thing is certain: We need to listen in an unbiased way to what has been handed down; our spiritual heritage, to allow those common threads to shine.” She explained that for the common good of the spiritual and material wellbeing, diversity can be channelled into oneness, which can result in a better understanding in which all humans share, rather than using their differences for promoting discord, hence conflict.

Part of the gathering at the commencement of Inter-faith Harmony Week

“The common values we hold far outweigh the differences we have,” Minister Hughes said, adding: “We must provide stronger doses of peace and harmony in all our communities. Locally, we are a rich mosaic of races of different beautiful cultures and religions, but not withstanding our diverse backgrounds, we have, with the passage of time and despite our challenges, been able to chart a common course for daily coexistence. “So much so that at times one is tempted to ask: What are our differences.” Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton couldn’t agree more. He made the point that even though some differences obviously exist in this multiethnic, multicultural society of ours called Guyana, he has always been proud of the fact that Guyanese practice a high level of religious tolerance. Said he: “I agree fully with President David Granger when he said last year that Guyana is a model of interfaith harmony. “And I am confident that if we apply the very tolerance and respect we have for religion to other areas of our lives, then Guyana can become the epitome of peace and love.”

Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes addressing the audience at the interfaith gathering at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday

Also weighing in on the twin subject of religious tolerance and respect was IRO Chairman, Reverend Ronald McGarrell, who said that freedom of religion is of such utmost importance, it was vigorously debated at a religious freedom and economic symposium held in Dominica last November. As UN peace and development officer, Srdan Deric observed, religious leaders normally work tirelessly to ensure their community is not left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDG). Deric, who resides in Bosnia, said division in his country has led to a bloody civil war which was due to lack of tolerance. “We are still unable to reach social or economic indicators that we had in 1989, the foundation of progress created sustainability and harmony,” he said, while noting that Guyana’s history shows that harmony has preserved the country, and this should always be an important aspect of the country’s development.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Jamaican new CEO of GPL

JAMAICAN Albert Gordon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company with effect from Thursday. The utility company in a brief statement said Gordon brings to the table many years of experience, having served at senior levels at the Jamaica Public Service Company, that country’s

electricity supplier. Gordon, who holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, also served as president of the Jamaica water authority. The appointment came at a time when GPL Chairman Robert Badal is moving on from the utility company. “Let me take this opportunity to announce that

my tenure as chairman of GPL has come to an end as I need every day of my time to focus on my companies’ expansion plans. I am now awaiting the appointment of a new board by the minister of infrastructure to execute a smooth hand-over,” Badal said in the statement. He had said that the power company is in a stronger financial position now than at the time he assumed the

chairmanship over two years ago. He noted that over the past two years the company had added more than G$8B in free cash flows through prudent management, better inventory control and scheduling of procurement, even after extending a 20 per cent reduction in electricity rates. Additionally, Badal had said GPL has repaid the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Jamaican new... Government $1B in interest last year, the first time the company has been able to do so. Government has allocated $2B in this year’s budget to the power company to improve the quality and efficiency of its electricity distribution network. Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said the Government will be examining the feasibility of using natural gas as a more affordable and cleaner energy

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source until such time Guyana is able to move to 100 per cent renewable energy. GPL has already invited expressions of interest for the installation of a 50MW capacity natural gas-fired plant. Similarly, Badal had noted that GPL’s focus this year is to complete the Public Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) and execute the IDP 2, build generation capacity through private sector partnerships, intensify the

reduction of losses, and improve operational efficiency and productivity. That aside, he said customer service has been found wanting, given the plethora of complaints but believes that with the hiring of a new director of customer service months ago, improvements will be made. “Strong leadership which a substantive CEO would bring should propel us to achieve these goals,” he had said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Members of the inter-agency group at the Inter-Ministerial and Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee launching

Guyana closer to charting a ‘green’ course – with launch of multi-stakeholder advisory committee SENIOR ministerial representatives and stakeholders of Guyana’s Green

State Development Strategy (GSDS) have renewed their commitment to the

initiative with the recent launching of the GSDS Inter-Ministerial and

Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Cara Lodge, and saw the formation of a group of representatives who have been tasked with providing political and technical advice; formulating policies and initiatives; and generally working in concert to ensure an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to the strategy. According to the Department of Environment in a press release, the Advisory Committee comprises senior representatives of the ministries of Natural Resources, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Education, Legal Affairs, Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Energy Agency. It is also made up of several private sector stakeholders, among them representatives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Women Miners Association, Transparency Institute, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association as well as representatives of the Mayor. At the launching, Director of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers established that the Advisory Committee was necessary if there is to be a participatory approach to the elaboration of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy. “The GSDS is not a government strategy; it is a strategy to be elaborated with and for all Guyanese,” Schwiers was quoted as saying in the release. Meanwhile, in expressing his gratitude to President David Granger, Regional Director of UN Environment’s Latin America and Caribbean Office, Leo Heileman, said: “The launching of the Inter-Ministerial and Multi-Stakeholder Advisory

Committee showed the commitment of the Guyanese.” This re-establishment of commitment was shared by several chairs and co-chairs, as well as PSC representative, Ramesh Dookhoo, who delivered a report from the Export Group on the ‘Green and Inclusive Structural Transformation’. According to the press release, Dookhoo acknowledged that in alignment with the government’s mandate, the PSC needed to be in the forefront of realising a “green” economy, and he therefore requested that they be represented within all expert groups. Recently, a total of US$1.5M (the equivalent of G$300M) was secured by the Ministry of the Presidency to finance the GSDS. This was approved by the Steering Committee of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund following the submission of a detailed proposal and work plan.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Gov’t takes ‘green conversations’ to Bartica – to raise awareness on GSDS TALKS on the Green Bartica Development Plan continued last Friday when the Ministry of the Presidency, through the Department of Environment, visited the town to host the second session of ‘Green Conversations’. According to the Department of Environment, the venture, which took the theme “From Green Towns

to Green Cities”, is a part of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS)’s regional consultation and awareness-raising initiative. Delivering the feature address was Regional Director of UN Environment’s Latin America and Caribbean Office, Leo Heileman, who drew regional examples from countries like Costa Rica to drive home his point.

He said that the country is one that possesses 100% renewable energy, and that Bartica’s role in transitioning into a ‘green’ town should be viewed on a larger scale of Guyana’s overall transformation into a ‘green’ state. Heileman reportedy said that once fully realised, Bartica can become an example for the rest of the country. Also present at the event was Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, who presented

‘green’ spaces, structural transformation of the local market and plans to install solar panels on public buildings as some of the projects being undertaken by the municipality. These ‘Green Conversations’ are a part of the government’s strategy to engage the public in discussions regarding the Green State Development Strategy, and the ways in which they can be involved.

The visiting UNEP team along with Bartica Town Council officials

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

REDD+ training for indigenous, forest-dependent communities OVER the next two months indigenous peoples, forest-dependent communities and other key stakeholders will be engaged by a Spanish firm which has been hired by the Government to engage them on the Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest

Degradation (REDD+). According to a release from the Forestry Training Centre, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) hired Spain-based Centre of Partnerships for Development (CAD) to carry out consultations and outreach activities to support REDD+

readiness in Guyana over the next 24-months. “The aim is to ensure stakeholders clearly understand and are equipped with the knowledge to allow for their active participation in REDD+ activities including development of a REDD+ Strategy for Guyana,” the

FCPF Project Coordinator, Clayton Hall and CAD’s Fernando Casado officially formalise the contract in the presence of other PEU team members and CAD experts

release stated. The MNR and CAD representatives officially inked the US$768, 138 contracts on Thursday of this week and already, a CAD team comprising local expertise has started mobilising for their work programme here. The consultant is mandated to identify the most appropriate approach for the engagements, including development of a REDD+ Communication and Outreach Strategy and Action Plan and related support

materials for conducting the engagement sessions. The activities and materials will reflect the native language translations to ensure inclusivity, understanding, transparency and accountability in REDD+. According to the release, the consultancy is part of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF-REDD+) Project being executed by the Ministry’s Project Execution Unit (PEU) with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as local

donor partner. FCPF supports Guyana’s readiness of institutions, policies and framework for implementation and future REDD+ programmes. It was noted that CAD has worked on REDD+ with governments, communities and donors such as the World Bank, developing communication materials and documenting initiatives in various countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Liberia.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

CariSECURE holds first meeting MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday convened the first meeting of the National CariSECURE Task Force, established last November to bolster evidence-driven crime prevention. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Public Security; Guyana Police Force; Guyana Prison Service; Bureau of Statistics; Ministry of Public Health; Ministry of Legal Affairs; Ministry of Social Protection; Director of Public Prosecution Office; Ministry of Social Cohesion, Department of Culture, Youth and

Sport. Also in attendance was Paolo Del Mistro, Team Leader on the CariSECURE Project. At the meeting, officials looked at the 2018 Annual Work Plan which included the establishment of a table of equivalencies, adoption of the Caribbean Composite Citizen Security Indicator Framework, adoption of the Caribbean Composite Citizen Security Data Sharing Agreement, design and deployment of a Crime Information Management System, piloting of the Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey and the crime victimisation and perception survey, and Guyana

Delinquent youths to be re-integrated into society

Ministry of Social Protection, Director of Social Services, Wentworth Tanner

THE Ministry of Social Protection will be creating an independent unit that will be responsible for the reintegration of delinquent youths back into society after they would have left penal institutions such as the New Opportunity Corp (NOC)in Essequibo and the Juvenile Detention Centre in Georgetown. Director of Services, Wentworth Tanner explained that the unit will be established by the end of 2018. He said that the purpose is to facilitate the successful reintegration of not only youths, but other individuals who are in conflict with the law, thereby reducing the possibility of them re-offending. Tanner told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the ministry has recognised that the issue of

reintegration of juveniles requires special attention. He said that in order for it to be addressed holistically, a unit needs to be created. “… So even persons on parole from prison, they will be taken through that process, connected with different organisations for support and work closely with the ministry to identify any deficiencies or areas where they need help so that we can, as far as is possible, successfully reintegrate them into society,” Tanner said. The Director of Services pointed out that the ministry has already advertised for a Coordinator for Reintegration, After Care and Juvenile Justice Services. That person will head the unit. Tanner added that the unit will also be working closely with the community in that regard.

Guidance Note on Citizen Security Data Collection and Dissemination. According to a release, Ramjattan highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the Task Force. These included the best approaches and mechanisms for effective implementation of the 2018 Work Plan. Ramjattan reiterated Government’s national priorities and commitment to advance citizen security.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support in implementing project CariSECURE. Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making for Citizen Security in the Caribbean- CariSECURE, is being implemented in ten (10) Eastern and

Southern Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, with specific emphasis on Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia as priority countries. The project is geared towards improving the quality, comparability, reliabil-

ity and use of information management systems to inform citizen security policy and programme. 2018 is expected to see the arrival of a company to design the system to support an integrated data collection system for all the relevant sources and the acquisition of computers for the various stations and other offices from which the data will be sourced.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Large turnout at Patentia job fair THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) in collaboration with public corporations on Wednesday hosted a job fair at Patentia, West Bank of Demerara targeting retrenched sugar workers. The fair sought to link potential employers and the retrenched workers primarily from the closed Wales

Estate. Region Three Chamber of Commerce President Halim Khan said the event was a resounding success as 23 large and medium sized companies offered over 800 jobs to the some 1500 participants. Most of the attendees are unemployed as a result of retrenchment from the

Wales Estate. Some of them were employed for 25-30 years at the estate. “This job fair will alleviate some despair but I would like to urge the businesses of Region Three to be more proactive in helping and our Government to quickly device a plan to create lucrative industries

One of the many scenes at the job fair at Patentia on Thursday

‘Zipper’ remanded for cocaine trafficking FIFTY-SEVEN-YEAROLD Campbellville businessman Andre Gomes called “Zipper” was on Thursday charged for cocaine trafficking following a raid at his home earlier this week by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks. Gomes, the owner of D&D Pawn Shop appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that Gomes on January 30 at his Lot 32 Craig Street, Campbellville home had in 'his' possession 902 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Gomes’ attorney Mark Waldon during a bail application explained that the alleged drug was not found in his client’s possession but in an alleyway which separated his client’s home. CANU prosecutor Konyo Sandiford said there is an eyewitness who saw the accused handling and disposing the drug in a black plastic bag which was picked up by CANU ranks during the raid at his home. The magistrate remanded Gomes until February 13 when the matter will be recalled before Chief Magis-

to gainfully employ people who are capable and willing to work.” The PSC in a press statement reiterated that it

had advocated for the estates to remain operational, while being transferred to private hands, instead of closure. “It is our desire to con-

tinue working with the Special Purpose Unit to facilitate the privatisation and ensuring rehiring of staff. Given the closure, we are now advocating for a speedy privatisation so that the unemployed can be absorbed quickly.” The PSC also called on private sector companies to continue working hard to bring some semblance of economic viability to the affected areas across Guyana. The PSC also called on Government to work with the private sector to boost

investors’ confidence and expand investments. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Edward Boyer described the fair as the first of many to come. “This event is to get people back to work and we will not end here. We are starting here. If it’s 1200 people here today and 800 jobs, trust me, we will be back. This is an ongoing initiative and we will keep it at all the estates. It will not only be specific to the estates,” Boyer noted.

CDB funded sea, river defence works to progress this year

Andre Gomes called “Zipper”

trate Ann McLennan. In August 2017, Gomes’ reputed wife Naomi Persaud was sentenced to four years jail and fined $21M after 20 pounds of cocaine in a gas cylinder was found at the family’s Campbellville house. Their grandson, National Under-19 cricketer, Joshua Persaud was jointly charged with the offence but the charge was later dismissed after his grandmother took the rap. CANU had later issued a wanted bulletin for the arrest of Gomes in relation to the cocaine bust.

THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) funded US$30.9M Sea and River Defence Resilience project which was launched in 2016, will advance this year. The project is expected to provide for the reconstruction and improvement of approximately 5.4 km of sea and river defences in eight critical areas in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. In an interview with the Department of Public Information, (DPI), Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad said at the end of 2017, contracts were awarded for two Lots of works, under the programme. He explained that Lot One caters for work along the Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo Coast and at Success and

Endeavour, Leguan Island. Lot Two, however, caters for work at Crane, West Coast Demerara which will see 1200 meters of rip-rap construction being installed. Currently, rehabilitative works have commenced and are ongoing at Crane. According to Samad, a database has been established containing all the critical areas identified for upgrades. Some of these include Zeelandia and Belle Plaine in Wakenaam; Leguan Island in Essequibo; Canefield and Crabwood Creek in Berbice and areas on the West and East Bank Demerara. These projects will run concurrently with other programmes catered for in the 2018 budget which are nationally funded.

Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad

“In 2018, we have a budgeted approval of $1.3B from which $900M will go towards capital works and $400M for maintenance. Its capital budget is smaller than 2017 allocation which is because the CDB US$30M programme is currently onstream. But we have an increase in the maintenance budget, which is a key element in extending the life of existing structure. At

this point, we have already tendered works under the capital programme and we expect works to commence by the end of February 2018,” Samad underlined. Given that most of Guyana’s population resides in communities that lie below sea level, proper sea and river defence structures remain critical. Samad noted that over the years, it has been a challenge to maintain or preserve the mangroves vegetation. It is especially challenging with the advent of various illegal activities such as cattle rearing and cutting of mangroves for various reasons. Nevertheless, “we are aware of the impacts of climate change and sea level rise and we have factored in sea level rise in our designs of all coastal and riverain structures,” the Sea and River Defence Officer explained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Wales Estate workers demand severance – GAWU head wants to hear “positive word” from government before withdrawing court matter By Alva Solomon SEVERAL dozens sugar workers who worked at the Wales Sugar Estate on Thursday morning staged a picketing exercise outside the Ministry of the Presidency, as they called on President David Granger to intervene to ensure they receive their severance benefits. According to the workers, the exercise was staged against the backdrop that severance payments were paid to workers at estates in Berbice. In August 2016, approximately 100 workers of the Wales Estate signed a petition calling on the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) to withdraw a court order that effectively blocked them from receiving their severance packages from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Earlier that year, an agreement was made to commence payment of the severance packages by May that year to workers who opted not to work at the Uitvlugt

GAWU President Komal Chand as he addressed members of the media on Thursday

Estate, following the closure of Wales several months earlier. However, just before the scheduled date for payment of the severance packages, GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) sought and received an order of the court which stopped GuySuCo from making the payments. GAWU President Komal Chand who was on the picket line on Thursday, expressed hope that the courts will assign a date for the matter to be called.

However, a hopeful Chand said that if the issue is addressed by the Government “positively” the union will withdraw the matter from the courts. Chand said the union is aware that there are companies which are interested in purchasing the closed estates, including Enmore and, according to him, while the union is not supporting privatization, it is willing to face such a reality. “We are hoping that that will happen because there are not many jobs out there and many people who are trained in vocation that the Govern-

The sugar workers as they protested outside the High Court on Thursday afternoon

ment is advocating,” he said. He said for cane harvesters to become farmers, they will have to consider several factors, including markets and facilities. Chand said GAWU is not ruling out options put forward by the authorities, and he cautioned that it would not bring immediate relief to the workers to sustain their standard of living. “We have to see what flow from here, but we are not going to let down on the workers matters,” an optimistic Chand said, noting that GAWU will continue agitating for the Wales workers to be paid. Romeo Charles told Guyana Chronicle that he worked at Wales for over 20 years and according to him, his severance will bring much relief to him and his family. He said he is aware of the matter being before the courts but according to him, not much is being communicated to him and his colleagues. He said he was told that on Wednesday several workers who remained at Wales, including security and senior

Romeo Charles was one of several workers who protested on Thursday

staff, received their payments. Charles said since the closure of the estate, he has been undertaking various jobs but he noted that his severance will bring relief to him and his family of eight. “Many a days I can’t send my son to school and all we asking the Government to do is put a foot into it to see we get the severance,” the man added. Telicia (only name given) was out to support her husband. She said her husband worked at Wales for 16 years and according to her,

the family was depending on the severance to plan their next move. “We have to send children to school and it is usually be very hard for us,” she said. The union and workers later took their protest action downtown, outside the High Courts. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo noted in August 2016 that based on advice received from GuySuCo, the sugar company was prepared to pay the severance to the affected Wales workers. Money has been set aside for that purpose, but the company could not violate the court’s order. Similarly, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder confirmed at the time that GuySuCo was prepared to effect the payment, should the court order be lifted. On Thursday, several workers told the Guyana Chronicle that the option remains in the hands of GAWU and Chand, to withdraw the matter from the courts in order for them to receive their benefits.

Workers and their families during the picketing exercise outside the Ministry of the Presidency (Delano Williams photos)

$10M to rebuild homes for Kaibarupai, Chenapau residents THE government has set aside the sum of $10M to support the reconstruction of homes for residents of Kaibarupai and Chenapau, Region Eight. These communities were severely affected by floods during heavy rainfall in May 2017. Late last year, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie

Garrido-Lowe visited Kaibarupai village to discuss details of the project. The community is expected to receive the sum of $5M towards this venture. Minister Garrido-Lowe told the Department of Public Information (DPI) in a recent interview, that the monies will be spent to purchase generators, power saws and zinc sheets

for the residents. She encouraged them to establish ‘uniform housing’ where persons would be able to access electricity, internet service and water, among other amenities. The Minister said that the plan is to rebuild the homes in a ‘safe zone’ where the houses will be constructed in one particular design, to be agreed upon by

the residents. In the case of the Chenapau Village which will also receive $5M, the minister said she is yet to visit the community and engage the residents in discussions on the project. In 2017, several farmlands and homes at Kaibarupai, Waipa, Chenapau, Itabac, Kanapang, Kopinang and Sand Hill Settlement, Region Eight,

were flooded to a depth of 10 to 25 feet. A total of 521 households and 266 farmlands were affected during the flood, while 61 houses were damaged and 56 were washed away. Millions of dollars were expended to provide support to those communities in the form of food items, detergents and water tanks, among other things.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Music & Medicine ... Guyanese academic making musical waves

By Alva Solomon HE composed several “riddims”, including the dancehall artiste Vershon’s 2017 smash hit “Street Bun Off”. His newest project is set to drop soon; a collaboration featuring Jamaican dancehall breakout sensation Shenseea. Add his passion to pursue studies in Cancer Research and Ridwaan Razak is your all-rounded talented young visionary. A son of Skeldon on the Corentyne, who has only been involved in music for a mere three years, Razak grew up in Berbice and later moved to the West Coast of Demerara to continue his studies at the University of Guyana (UG)having completed a programme at the institution’s Tain Campus in Port Mourant. After studying International Relations and Biology at UG, Razak moved to the United States in 2016 and as his hunger to enhance himself continued, he enrolled at Hunter College in the Lenox Hill neighbourhood of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. He is currently in the final semester of reading for his

Degree in Biology and his plan is to immediately pursue his Masters in the Sciences. “My aim is to pursue a career in medical research, specifically cancer research,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine from New York. But the well-rounded Razak is also pursuing another passion; music.

Ridwaan Razak

Razak said that music is new to his household and while his family’s support is aimed at him being successful

in his studies, he also receives support for his creative side. “They helped me to become involved in public speaking from an early age and they also provided whatever material I needed when I was focusing on art,” Razak said. He said that his love for the arts saw him venturing into various artistic expressions, including computer animation and even acting. “I would do short comedy sketches with my friends,” he said. But the creative outlet which he stuck with and explored was his love for music. HOW IT ALL STARTED “It started when I got my first MacBook and started exploring a programme called Garageband,” he said. More and more, he became interested in learning how music was made and the enthusiastic Razak decided to equip himself. As such, he purchased a professional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) Logic Pro X, equipment which he continues to use today. “I have always had a deep love for music,” he said, noting that he is often fascinated with the music of his idols

Diplo, Kanye West, Timbaland, Pharrell and No I.D. “This drove me to totally immersing myself in music self-education where I learned about music theory, sound design and production on my own, since I had no friend or mentor who shared the passion,” the independent young man noted. He said that it was at first, just a hobby that he would dedicate his spare time to and he would play music for friends “...but there was a tiny part of me that wondered if I could make it into a successful career one day,” he said. He said that one day he met Tevino Richards, the owner of YGF records in Jamaica. After playing some records for him in the studio, the two exchanged contact and from that point, his path to producing professional music began. HIS WORK AT YGF RECORDS To date, he has released records after working with Shatta Wale, Vershon, Shenseea, Devin Di Dakta among others. Razak was the producer for the 2017 Psychotic Riddim which included Vershon’s smash record “Street Bun Off”.

But there is more to come. Razak’s biggest project is set of drop on February 16.The official video which was shot in Jamaica is the collaboration between Shenseea and Shatta Wale. “It is a dancehall pop fusion record which was unchartered territory for the artists but the record came together perfectly and it will be Shenseea’s first track where she will be really showing off her vocal talent and singing and her sweet melodies are complimented perfectly by Shatta Wales’s rough melodic rhythm,” the ecstatic Razak noted. The song will be the leading single from the upcoming EP: Growth “The Rise of Dancehall Pop” which was executively produced by YGF Records. In addition to dancehall, Razak produces other genres of music from soca to pop, hip-hop and EDM (electronic dance music). FUTURE PLANS This year, he plans to establish Blue Lake Media & Entertainment with his partners. “I am aiming to launch my own record label and re-

cording studio,” he said, and this will provide him with an opportunity to develop talented artistes and let the world hear them, he added. The well-spoken Razak noted that he specifically aims to give talented artistes a platform on which they can grow and be heard. In addition, he said other pursuits include business ventures which will follow under the Blue Lake brand. He said the Blue Lake group will be launching their first event in May which will be called “Spring Fete” and it will be held in New York. “We intend on making it an annual event and we also aim to keep surprising the people with more and bigger artistes each year,” he said. He is 100 percent sure that fans will be excited when they discover the surprises for the event, noting that the event page is up and running on social media under the name tag “Springfete.” “I aim to one day be on a major international stage and contribute and give my sound to mainstream music and music that is heard all across the world,” the budding composer noted.

Proper craft ... Local singer turns to entrepreneurship, invests in craft store

By Michel Outridge MANY may know Shellon Garraway better known as “Shelly G”, for her years producing catchy tunes and performing on stage. But now, the songstress turned entrepreneur is looking in a different direction and has invested in a craft shopDivas Art and Craft Store located at Avinash Complex on Water Street, Georgetown. The business venture is a partnership between Shellon Garraway and designer Corwin Williams, whose innovative mind has created some elegant and showy pieces of jewellery which are of high quality and very much instyle. This store has many elegant and extraordinary pieces that are priced affordably too. Garraway told the Buzz that she ventured out as a businesswoman because singing was not always a lucrative

career and, she needed something to fall back on and decided to put her bit into the craft industry. She related that the idea of the craft store came from Corwin Williams and he was very convincing. After asking herself why not, Garraway said that she decided to invest and following the opening of the store two weeks ago, customers are pleased with their

purchases. Sales Representative Crystal Wayne told the Buzz that they have in stock various pieces which were recently made by hand and carved to perfection. She added that they import all the beads, shells, pearls, semi-precious stones, crystals and they also have glass jewels which can be transformed into pendants

and earrings and it comes in a wide range of colours. Miss Wayne stated that instore they have a wide range of shells, pearls, crystals, semi-precious stones, and beads to choose, from which earrings, chains, bands and pendants can be made to order on the spot. She pointed out that they have an in-house jeweller ready to create the piece of

your choice and customers can also visit the store and make their on-the-spot purchases of the pieces they have available in the showcases. Wayne said the business provides employment for four persons, including her and so far the response has been fair because customers are in awe of the colours, the quality and the creative pieces they have in the store.

the wide array of earrings to choose from at Divas Art and Craft Store. (Photos by Delano Williams)

Divas Art and Craft Store has bands, chains, necklaces, earrings, and pendants of all sizes, shapes, colours and designs. Wayne told the Buzz that the pieces of jewellery are made from imported Brazilian gold-plated products, so customers are getting quality pieces of jewellery that will not fade or irritate the skin for those who are allergic to costume jewellery. She stated that their jewellers use state-of-the-art equipment and some of the pieces are handmade as well and all done in-store or on the spot. Wayne noted too, that either gold or silver jewellery can be made based on orders and they have jewels which are sold both retail and wholesale. The store is opened from 09:00hrs to 16:00hrs from Mondays to Fridays and on Saturdays the business operates from 09:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

UG Pride! 19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

... University launches line of branded memorabilia

By Lisa Hamilton STUDENTS of the University of Guyana (UG) as well as alumni, staff and members of the Diaspora are being encouraged to share awareness and experience a sense of pride for their university by equipping themselves with UG-branded items.

“We want, if possible, every individual in Guyana to have a branded UG item,” she said. “We want Guyanese to become aware…it’s creating a sense of ownership within Guyanese and a pride for their university.” One of the branded items is the Guyanese-invented prolonged mug,

These and other items are available at the university’s Campus Store and other outlets such as Giftland Mall, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and Metro on Quamina Street and in New Amsterdam. Speaking to two students of the Faculty of Forestry, they gave their

Students of the University of Guyana with the branded items (Photo courtesy of UG)

the students. Some of our classes are at eight in morning so we can use [the mugs] to put coffee or water.” Making a final call to the public, English re-

Students of the University of Guyana (Photo courtesy of UG)

These items include t-shirts, bags, ties, caps, water bottles, mugs, pens and many more to be introduced. According to the Business Development Manager of the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the University, Caroline English, in addition to the groups previously mentioned, the university wants to involve other Guyanese.

by Professor Suresh Narine, which reduces the temperature of too-hot beverages within minutes to recommended temperatures preventing possible developments of cancer of the esophagus. Narine’s amazing invention has helped him cop the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in Science and Technology in 2015.

take on the newly introduced items. “It’s nice that UG’s publishing the logos on these items now so that people can know more about the university,” commented, Paul White, who added that he would definitely utilise the items. Meanwhile, his friend, Obeki Sobers said: “I think it’s great to have this product available for

Some of the University of Guyana’s branded items

marked: “ To t h e a l u m n i : You’ve been here. Continue to carry the UG banner; to the Diaspora: recognise that we’re here and support us and to

UG students, staff and fellow Guyanese: own the University of Guyana. It belongs to us as Guyanese. Feel a sense of pride in UG, get one of their branded items!”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

THE WRETCHED OF THE EARTH ... Guyana, unmasking the culture of entitlement

(In memory of Ronald Waddell) RONALD Waddell was assassinated on January 30, 2006. This is the 12th year since that sinister event. His death was enveloped in one of the most violent periods of our internal history

Avenue; we called him Solo, like Napoleon Solo, the character from ‘Man from U.N.C.L.E’. Our later conversations were rooted in defining the options of underprivileged urban youth, a vicious phenomenon that we inherited from the colonial area, that this country

the management of NBS, exhibiting temerity of entitlement that defies the acknowledgment and respect of the Law. From Parliament to NBS, the curse of entitlement based not on enlightenment but rather on the frailty of certified social connections is what has tormented and

extrajudicial murders with political support, initiated the grassroots retaliation that led to many innocent police and civilian lives lost and a criminalisation of Guyana. With a proliferation of arms brought in from across our borders that is still tormenting our society.

policeman had locked two suspects in a car trunk, parked and proceeded to consume some beers. This was reported to President Hoyte who wanted this policeman out of the GPF. “You would not believe the number of people who called and begged for this fellow, with no sensitivity

entitled not to pay taxes, while others by their ethnicity and political affiliation were condemned to carry the nation’s tax load. We spoke Ronald and I, around 2001 on the obvious impact on the old and South Georgetown areas. After the changes on the water-

since the emancipation of slavery in 1834-38. This country was managed by the most ineffective and uninspiring government it ever knew. The acceleration of social entitlement towards a criminal state reached levels that are now unmasking its ugliness with the behaviour of both the board of GBTI and the current NBS management. A false sense of entitlement was cemented in the day that Waddell’s life was taken, separating who was legally disposable by the death squad, the politically connected criminal businessman and who was by social and financial status above the law. I knew Waddell on Laing

from its independent status has not had the finance to address effectively. The South Georgetown area has always been the foremost urban scapegoat to define the status quo demarcation of ‘entitlement’ which in fact is a pretentious charade of the exposed to options as against the unexposed. For those of us without mere blink eye retention of memory, I can remember a gang-rape case in Albouystown some two decades ago, when the Magistrate Fung-A-Fat demanded: “Where are the women organisations, why aren’t they here?”. Ronald Waddell would have marveled at this time, not perfect, but much better, with the actions of the GBTI board and worse still with

tortured Guyana for the past 50 years. I can recall the incident when an obviously off, intoxicated by some substance, Corporal Beresford murdered Jermaine Wilkinson in 1996. The behaviour of persons linked to what law enforcement was back then, was as if this youngster was not even human. Along with Ronald and Jermaine’s relatives I watched them at the court, at the protest in front of Freedom House. They were laughing from the window. The only person who came out and spoke to us at Freedom House was Henry Jeffrey. These are the people whose twisted sense of entitlement with the consistent

I brought Desmond Hoyte into Albouystown, he almost didn’t come had it not been for the presence of Ronald Austin. Former President Hoyte confirmed to many of us after his link in Albouystown, that he regretted not reaching out to grassroots concerns due to his preoccupation with designing the economic reforms that Guyana needed to survive- which he was responsible for- and which the PPP had inherited and destroyed. He commented on the mood of entitlement without mentioning it, in reference to a police officer who then was responsible for having his ranks fire pellets into protesting nurses. During Hoyte’s governance, this

to what he had done,” the now-late past President said. It seemed that this peculiar familiarity in our small country had become counterproductive and that the past president had realised it. Recently, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine echoed Hoyte’s lament. That entitlement syndrome is also transferred to the politics of this country. A source at NIS was disappointed when he recommended that NIS conduct a cordon and confirmation to NIS payments from minibus operators. Roger Luncheon rejected it on the premise that “too many of our [PPP] constituency will be affected.” It was concluded that some were

front stripped thousands of their jobs, they received no severance pay. That was how the street sellers quadrupled, and the populations of some islands in the Caribbean rose, to include 25 percent Guyanese. The largely congested areas of Georgetown must now merit adequate attention; they have suffered longer; values have retrogressed, becoming the scorn of the entitled - their sources for gunmen and drug couriers. The sugar workers have always benefitted, all workers must be placed on the landscape of necessary needs and not based on political or otherwise entitlement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

the on to of g n i m It’s co where lots ns will n o seaso d celebrati r of n u a o ng in hon e are a lot e partyi c a l take p ni and ther oost you to b rama Mash ting events uzz on and i b of exc o get your g fun! S n i ! v a up h start

Today

Island Café and Juice Bar presents karaoke night. It’s karaoke, right? You request it and they will do their best to play it or you can just take the mic and do your own thing! Jamaican after work lime is still on at the Tower Suites Pool & Bar! Enjoy bucket specials on Red Stripe beer and Dragon Stout and Jamaican cuisine. Tomorrow Guyana Cancer Foundation invites you to their “Health Fair” in observance of World Cancer Day being celebrated on February 4, 2018 Worldwide. The Health Fair will be hosted at the Giftland Mall on the Second floor. World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. Persons can benefit from free clinical breast examination, free blood pressure, education and awareness on Cervical and Breast Cancer. Stag beer presents “Soca Bacchanal” at 123 Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt. Music by Super Ray and Fusion Sound. Unruly Entertain ment presents the dance called “Family” at Rio parking lot. Music by popular sounds! Admission (men) $1,000 and (ladies) $500 Sunday Head down to the 704 Sports Club for the Super Bowl game! Eat My Wing Competition is an annual wings eating sports event hosted in celebration of The Publik’s Third birthday. There are going to be some great prizes and crazy excitement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Friday, February 2, 2018 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, February 3, 2018 - 05:00 hrs Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 08:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Three Eighty Eight Race 2 Fashiononthesurge Race 3 Tiznoble Race 4 Gia Michael Race 5 Bar None Race 6 Distorted Admiral Race 7 Pioneer Spirit Race 8 Lake Party English Racing Tips Chepstow 09:10 hrs Don’t Ask 09:40 hrs Rolling Dylan 10:15 hrs Bill And Barn 10:45 hrs Market Road 11:20 hrs With Pleasure 11:55 hrs Allchilledout 12:25 hrs Remastered Catterick 09:20 hrs Spirit Of Rome 09:50 hrs The Last Day 10:25 hrs Peppay Le Pugh 10:55 hrs Kansas City Chief 12:05 hrs Iskabeg Lane 12:35 hrs Derrynane

Lingfield 09:30 hrs Assanilka 10:00 hrs Captain Lars 10:35 hrs Sociologist 11:05 hrs Watersmeet 12:15 hrs Lawless Secret South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 11:15 hrs Minaloushe Venture 11:50 hrs Victorious Diva 12:25 hrs Sovereign Soldier 13:00 hrs Elusive Wolf 13:35 hrs Raes’ Dyna Jet 14:05 hrs Lineker 14:35 hrs Orella 15:05 hrs Got Your Back Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 hrs Specific Gravity 13:30 hrs Kuraka 14:00 hrs So Sensible 14:30 hrs Turn On The Tears 15:00 hrs Palace Guard 15:30 hrs Downdraft 16:00 hrs Jon Ess 16:30 hrs Bluesbreaker

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Dhananjaya, Mendis lead Hobart Hurricanes beat Perth Scorchers strong Sri Lanka reply to reach BBL final Dhananjaya de Silva finished the day on 104 not out, after completing his fourth Test hundred.

DHANANJAYA de Silva crafted a superb century and Kusal Mendis returned to form as Sri Lanka hit back on day two of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. Mominul Haque fell early yesterday for a brilliant 176, but stand-in captain Mahmudullah made an unbeaten 83 to get the Tigers up to 513 all out. Mehidy Hasan removed Dimuth Karunaratne without scoring to set the alarm bells ringing for the tourists, but Dhananjaya (104 not out) and Kusal took them on to 187-1 at stumps. Dhananjaya scored an unbeaten century as Sri Lanka batted out of a draw in the third Test against India in November and reached three figures for the fourth time in the longest format to frustrate the Tigers. Kusal was short of runs in

Sri Lanka’s tri-series success after being dropped for the Test series in India, but showed his class with a composed 83 not out after being sent in as an opener - taking advantage of being given a life with only four runs to his name. Mominul missed out on a Test-best score, adding only one to his overnight total before clipping Rangana Herath to Kusal at short leg and the veteran spinner struck again to remove Mosaddek Hossain. Mahmudullah played a captain’s knock, reaching his half-century after lunch with Mehidy (20) and Sunzamul Islam (24) providing support. With wickets tumbling around him, Mahmudullah raised the tempo, striking Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan for sixes, as the Tigers passed 500 before Suranga Lakmal (3-68) ended the

innings. Karunaratne edged Mehidy to Imrul Kayes at first slip before Sri Lanka had a run on the board, but the wicket-taker failed to hold on to a chance to see the back of Kusal after Mustafizur Rahman drew an edge. Kusal found his feet after

an uncertain start, growing in confidence in a new role at the top of the order, while Dhananjaya used his feet expertly in a fluent knock and struck Taijul Islam through extra cover for four to bring up a richly deserved hundred on a good day for Sri Lanka.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st innings (o/n 374-4) Tamim Iqbal b Dilruwan Perera 52 Imrul Kayes lbw Lakshan Sandakan 40 Mominul Haque c Kusal Mendis b Rangana Herath 176 Mushfiqur Rahim c Niroshan Dickwella b Suranga Lakmal 92 Liton Das b Suranga Lakmal 0 Mahmudullah not out 83 Mosaddek Hossain c Lakshan Sandakan b Rangana Herath 8 Mehedi Hasan run-out Lahiru Kumara 20 Sunzamul Islam stp. Niroshan Dickwella b Lakshan Sandakan 24 Taijul Islam b Rangana Herath 1 Mustafizur Rahman c Niroshan Dickwella b Suranga Lakmal 8 Extras: (nb-4, w-5) 9 Total: (all out, 129.5 overs) 513 Fall of wickets: 1-72, 2-120, 3-356, 4-356, 5-376, 6-390, 7-417, 8-475, 9-478. Bowling: Lakmal 23.5-4-68-3 (w-1, nb-2), Kumara 15-1-79-0 (w-1), Perera 27-4-112-1 (nb-2), Herath 37- 2- 150-3, Sandakan 22-1-92-2 (w-3), Dhananjaya de Silva 5-0-12-0. SRI LANKA 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne c Imrul Kayes b Mehedi Hasan 0 Kusal Mendis not out 83 Dhananjaya de Silva not out 104 Extras: 0 Total: (1 wkt, 48.0 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-0 Bowling: Rahman 7-1-31- 0, Sunzamul Islam 15- 1-52-0, Hasan 8-045-1, Islam 17-3-56-0, Hossain 1-0-3-0.

Kohli 112 bests du Plessis 120 as India go 1-0 up

India’s Virat Kohli celebrates scoring a century. REUTERS/Rogan Ward

DURBAN, South Africa (Reuters) - Captain Virat Kohli struck a stylish century to lead India to a comfortable six-wicket victory over South Africa in the first one-day international yesterday and end the hosts’ 17-match winning streak on home soil. India amassed 270-4 to reach their target with 27 balls to spare at Kingsmead after South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who won the toss, scored 120 of his side’s 269-8. A record 189–run third-wicket partnership between Kohli, who made 112, and Ajinkya Rahane (79) set up India’s victory at the start of the six-match series. Kohli reached his 33rd ODI ton off 105 balls, while Rahane’s flamboyant knock came off 86 balls. Their partnership was the highest for the third wicket in an ODI at the Durban venue, beating a two-decade-old mark held by Pakistan, and ensured India eased to victory with wickets and overs to spare. du Plessis carried his side as his team mates were strangled by India’s wrist-spinners, slumping to 134-5 with Kuldeep Yadav the pick of the bunch as he finished with figures of 3-34 in an economical 10-over spell.

Together with Chris Morris (37), du Plessis piled on late runs to take South Africa to a better-than-expected total, and hand a sell-out crowd hope but still significantly short of a defendable target. India have won eight of their previous nine ODIs chasing down a target and Kohli felt his side always in with a chance of doing so again. “It was a special knock for

me because the first game of a series is always important. When we restricted South Africa we knew we needed one partnership to effectively take us home,” Kohli said at the presentation ceremony. The second game of the series is at Centurion in Pretoria on Sunday. South Africa top the International Cricket Council’s ODI team rankings with India second.

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Quinton de Kock lbw Yuzvendra Chahal 34 Hashim Amla lbw Jasprit Bumrah 16 Faf du Plessis c Hardik Pandya b Bhuvneshwar Kumar 120 Aiden Markram c Hardik Pandya b Yuzvendra Chahal 9 JP Duminy b Kuldeep Yadav 12 David Miller c Virat Kohli b Kuldeep Yadav 7 Chris Morris b Kuldeep Yadav 37 Andile Phehlukwayo not out 27 Kagiso Rabada run-out MS Dhoni 1 Extras: (lb-3, nb-1, w-2) 6 Total: (50.0 overs) 269-8 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-83, 3-103, 4-122, 5-134, 6-208, 7-264, 8-268. Bowling: Kumar 10-1-71-1, (w-1), Bumrah 10-0-56-1,(w-1) Pandya 7-0 -41-0 (nb-1), Chahal 10- 0-45-2, Yadav10-0-34-3, Jadhav 3-0-19-0. INDIA 1st innings Rohit Sharma c Quinton de Kock b Morne Morkel 20 Shikhar Dhawan run-out Aiden Markram 35 Virat Kohli c Kagiso Rabada b Andile Phehlukwayo 112 Ajinkya Rahane c Imran Tahir b Andile Phehlukwayo 79 Hardik Pandya not out 3 MS Dhoni not out 4 Extras: (lb-6, w-11) 17 Total: (3 wkts, 45.3 overs) 270 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-67, 3-256, 4-262. Bowling: Morkel 7-0-35-1 (w-1), Rabada 9.3-0-48-0, Morris 7-0-52-0 (w-2), Tahir 10-0-51-0, Phehlukwayo 8-0-42-2 (w-2), JP Duminy 2-016-0-8 (w-1), Markram 2- 0-20-0 (w-1).

Matthew Wade cuts one in his knock of 71.

HOBART Hurricanes beat holders Perth Scorchers by 71 runs to reach their second Big Bash League (BBL) final. Matthew Wade led the Hurricanes with 71 in Perth and Ben McDermott was 67 not out as the visitors finished on 210-4. Seamer Tom Rogers (331) then removed the Scorchers' top three inside six overs before Dan Christian claimed 4-17 to bowl the Scorchers out for 139. Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan starred for the Scorchers, taking 2-40 before hitting 43 as they fell short. The former England Test player, 32, took the wickets of George Bailey (17) and opener Wade before Christian was run-out for 37 from the penultimate ball of the Hurricanes' innings. Sussex all-rounder Jofra Archer has caught the eye for Hobart in this season's

competition after being a late replacement for England's Tom Curran, but this time the Barbados-born seamer who will qualify to play for England by residence in 2022 - was outshone by Rogers and Christian. The Scorchers, who have won the Big Bash three times in the last four years, rallied with Bresnan's knock but he had little support from the tail. Hobart will play either Adelaide Strikers or Melbourne Renegades in the final on February 4. They face each other in the second semi-final at Adelaide Oval today. Before that game, the Strikers will face Sydney Sixers for a place in the Women's Big Bash League final alongside Perth Scorchers, who beat Sydney Thunder by 27 runs in the first semi-final in Perth. (BBC Sport)

from back page GFC makes big ...Continued

since their time in the proleague is extraordinary, their development has excelled at a rapid rate.” National goalkeeper Alex Murray also made his move to Bourda team, as Khan was keen to highlight: “For me, an absolutely brilliant goalkeeper who has been around the scene for a while now. I was lucky enough to watch Alex play in a number of international fixtures. We’re happy to include Alex in our goalkeeper menu.” Abassie McPherson, formerly of Alpha United, Khan

said, he will add the veteran touch to a young GFC side. Khan was also singing praises for the club’s sponsors, COPA Airlines and Moo Milk, whom he said played a significant role in helping them put together the side. GFC, once a member of the GFF’s Elite League, is now back to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Level, and is hoping to come out on top of the league, especially with last year’s winner Western Tigers moving to the country’s top-flight league.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Regional Super50

Superb Cornwall century leaves United States in tatters

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Rahkeem Cornwall slammed an imperious unbeaten century as Leeward Islands Hurricanes demolished United States by 162 runs in their opening match of the Regional

Super50 here Wednesday. In the day/night contest at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Hurricanes raced to 298 for eight off their 50 overs, with Cornwall marching to 132 off 92 balls, to mark a career-best

second regional one-day hundred. United States were never in the hunt and collapsed to 136 in the 39th over, as left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein claimed five for 26 while Cornwall returned

with his off-spin to pick up three for 27 and complete a fine all-round performance. Opener Jaskaran Malhotra stroked a top score of 43 while former West Indies Test batsman Xavier Marshall struck 40 but none of the other top eight reached double figures. The tone of the victory was set by Cornwall, whose innings made the difference for Hurricanes after they lost their way after opting to bat first. Captain Kieran Powell (4) and Windies star Marlon Samuels (5) both fell cheaply inside the first nine overs to leave the hosts stuttering on 27 for two before opener Montcin Hodge (58) and Devon Thomas (32) combined in a 72-run, third-wicket stand to repair the damage. Hodge faced 82 balls and struck six fours and a six while Thomas counted three fours and a six in a 37-ball knock. When both fell within 27 runs of each other, Cornwall led the second recovery of the innings in a 36-run, fifth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton (14). Once again, however, Hurricanes lost two wickets in quick succession as Hamilton and Hosein (4) perished in the space of 12 balls with six runs added, to leave Hurricanes uncertainly placed on 168 for six in the 35th over. It was then Cornwall took charge of the innings, blasting eight fours and nine sixes, and providing the impetus behind a robust 114-run, seventh-wicket partnership with Jeremiah Louis (30). The right-hander raced to his half-century off a mere 36 balls with three fours and three sixes before raising three figures off 76 deliveries. Louis, meanwhile, struck a four and a six in a 32-ball innings and such was the onslaught that he and Cornwall laid the platform for Hurricanes to gather 89 runs from the last 10 overs. Left-arm pacer Elmore Hutchinson was the best bowler with three for 44 while fellow left-armer Saurabh Netravalkar

(2-45) and leg-spinner Timil Patel (2-76) picked up two wickets apiece. Seamer Louis then continued his enterprise with the ball when he bowled Sunny Sohal with the first ball of the USA innings. Malhotra and Marshall then came together in a promising 81-run, second-wicket stand to deny Hurricanes any immediate further success.

The right-handed Malhotra consumed 72 deliveries and struck three fours and a six while Marshall, another righthander, was more adventurous in belting five fours and a six off 52 balls. Once Marshall was bowled by Cornwall in the 18th over, however, the innings collapsed in a heap as the last nine wickets tumbled for 55 runs.

All-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall slammed an unbeaten 132.

SCOREBOARD

HURRICANES innings M. Hodge c Khaleel b Netravalkar 58 K. Powell b Hutchinson 4 M. Samuels b Hutchinson 5 D. Thomas lbw b Kenjige 32 R. Cornwall not out 132 J. Hamilton c Sohal b T Patel 14 A. Hosein c & b T Patel 4 J. Louis c Marshall b Hutchinson 30 K. Cooper c M Patel b Netravalkar 3 J. Athanaze not out 1 Extras: (b-4, w-9, nb-2) 15 Total: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 298 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-27, 3-99, 4-126, 5-162, 6-168, 7-282, 8-295. Bowling: Hutchinson 10-1-44-3, Netravalkar 10-0-45-2, Bhatti 6-0-370, Kenjige 10-0-54-1, N Patel 5-0-38-0, T Patel 9-0-76-2.

USA innings S. Sohal b Louis 0 J. Malhotra c & b Cornwall 43 X. Marshall b Cornwall 40 I. Khaleel b Berridge 4 N. Patel b Hosein 9 M. Patel b Hosein 3 T. Patel b Cornwall 3 A. Bhatti lbw b Hosein 0 E. Hutchinson lbw b Hosein 0 S. Netravalkar b Hosein 15 N. Kenjige not out 10 Extras: (b-6, w-1, nb-2) 9 Total: (all out, 38.5 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-81, 3-94, 4-98, 5-101, 6-110, 7-110, 8-110, 9-111. Bowling: Louis 6-0-26-1, Cooper 5-0-25-0, Cornwall 10-1-27-3, Berridge 5-0-15-1, Hosein 8.5-3-26-5, Athanaze 4-0-11-0. Man-of-the-Match: Rahkeem Cornwall.

Unique golf tournament on tomorrow THE Lusignan Golf Club has planned a unique tournament for tomorrow. Hole-numbering would be rearranged where hole 8 would now become hole 1, and what was previously hole 7 would now be hole 9. Secondly tee-off for the new hole 1 will be from the traditional Back Nine teebox, which is nearer to the Clubhouse. The rationale for this is the greater competitive-

ness offered from having a 9- or 18-hole that is Par 5, as well as the great view these two holes still offer spectators. Five prizes are up for grab during the Medal Play Club Tournament – 1st to 3rd Best Net, Nearest-to-thePin and Longest Drive. Golfers will tee off in groups of four, and can choose convenient starting time between 07:30hrs and 11:30hrs. Interesting golfers can

make contact with the club on 220-5660 for participation. This new initiative was taken at the club’s executive meeting held last January 29 based on review of the request by some members. The executives have also decided to have an annual club champion. The winner of the most points in club tournaments during the year will be honoued as the LGC Club Champion for the year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

West Coast/East Bank Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

ESPN, Ballers Empire rebound while Agricola falter By Michelangelo Jacobus

ACTION continued on Wednesday night in the West Coast/East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Zon,e in which ESPN rebounded from their previous loss with a convincing win. Winning also were Ballers Empire while Agricola and Front Line Ballers went down for their second successive game. Playing at the Pouderoyen tarmac on the West Bank of Demerara, ESPN took on Front Line Ballers with both teams desperately needing to win. However, ESPN proved to be the stronger of the two as a Pernell Schultz brace and a single strike from Trevon Lythcott ensured they had a comfortable 3-0 victory. While ESPN dominated possession for the greater part of the game, they found it a

tough task to break down Front Line’s defence. However, a three-minute blitz in which all three goals were scored soon put that to bed. Schultz began the assault in the 13th minute before Lythcott made it 2-0 in the very next minute while Schultz added his second and ESPN’s third goal immediately after. Ballers Empire needled Mocha to grab valuable points as they earned a hard-fought win in their second game. The Ballers began aggressively and after just six minutes they breached Mocha’s backline through Collin McCalmon who scored with aplomb. Mocha recovered and took the fight to the opposition but without any success. The Ballers had done just enough to hold on to their one-goal lead and secure their win. Agricola Gas team slipped into further trouble

losing to Cayenne Massive on penalty kicks after the two sides ended normal time

ing their nerve to edge Agricola 2-1 on sudden-death penalties.

of the game meaning it counted as two. Parfaite Harmony also

Part of the action at the Pouderoyen tarmac, West Bank Demerara, on Wednesday night

at a stalemate. Both sides failed to penetrate the other’s defence and the game was settled from the spot with Cayenne’s players hold-

Earlier in the night Harmony Warriors put two past Police-A without response, through a Cordis Paul ‘Guinness Goal’ in the final minutes

needled Gold Getters with Ural Armstrong netting in the eighth minute. After playing to a stalemate in normal time, Hus-

SCA president describes 2017 as ‘memorable and defining’ year … Arslan Khan is lone newcomer on executive board By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Barring a lone newcomer in Highland Creek’s Arslan Khan, all other executives of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) were returned unopposed when the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the body took place at the Agincourt Community Centre, Scarborough here last Sunday. Khan was elected as the association’s Public Relations Officer (PRO)/Marketing, a post held by Abhinav Kavuru who is now solely responsible for association’s website. Previously, Kavuru held all three positions but decision was taken to delink them. Those returning in the Guyanese-dominated entity include president Shiv Persaud, vice-president Bisham Singh, secretary Eon Gunraj, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Junior Coordinator Vish Jadunauth, Grounds Coordinator/Women’s Division Coordinator Deo Samaroo, Registrar/ Statistician Abigail Rajkumar, Assistant Secretary/Assistant to the CFO/Assistant Junior Co-ordinator Matthew Franis and Assistant Grounds Coordinator Fareed Mohamed. Singh and Francis were the only two executives whose posts were not contested at the

elections. In his presidential report, Persaud described 2017 as “a memorable and defining year in which the association underwent several changes to enhance the level of competition, providing a pathway for our players to achieve provincial and national opportunities to further their cricketing career and advance our use of innovative technology”. According to Persaud as the SCA continued to strive forward with positive momentum, the body became a member of Cricket Ontario, the Provincial Sports Organisation for Cricket in Ontario and a body recognised by

Cricket Canada, the National Sports Organisation for Cricket in Canada. Persaud posited that the decision to become a member of Cricket Ontario “was a step taken to ensure our players, especially the women and juniors were being recognised at the highest level possible. We had eight players who represented SCA at the Cricket Ontario Central T20 competition and six players at the junior level. We are anxiously expecting planning and development meetings for the women players as we move forward in 2018.” Touching on the improved technology which allows for

real time scoring, Persaud disclosed that for the first time in the association, live online scoring was available for a wider platform of supporters to follow but acknowledged that while the SCA had experienced positive feedback, it is still an area that “we continue to work on diligently as there are improvements to be made”. Persaud congratulated the several teams and various awardees on their accomplishments in 2017 which saw an increase in outstanding individual performances across all categories. “This bodes well for our association going forward as it is both encouraging and rewarding for our players

SCA executive members - president Shiv Persaud is third from left (front row).

to focus on their continued growth and development.” The board of executives also came in for high praise as Persaud said they stuck to their task and ensured “we fulfilled our objective of finishing everything we started. For example, we wanted to play our regular season finals at different times and finish our season by October 1. Owing to excellent weather and cooperation, we were able to accomplish both”. The generous sponsors were also lauded for their positive impact for the sport of cricket and building stronger communities through their philanthropic contributions. “We are optimistic that our planned initiatives for achieving funding will help us to make a larger impact in the Scarborough community,” Persaud assured. Persaud urged all executives to continue to put the SCA and cricket first before their individual opinions. “During my term as president, we ran our tournaments without any major dispute and ensured that teams were awarded. I am delighted to say that we have done a great job in following our constitution and playing conditions which have drastically reduced the number of issues raised.”

tlers and Brothers United settled the match from the penalty spot with the latter winning 1-0. Boom-Bang also edged West Side Ballers 2-1 on penalties while Jetty Ballers had a 1-0 victory from the spot over Young Ballers. The trend of penalty victories continued with Asylum Youths prevailing 2-0 over Agricola and Patentia Money Team overcoming Bagotville All-Stars 2-0. Up Like-7 trumped Nismes Ballers 3-0 through strikes from Terry O’Brian (Guinness Goal) in the 18th minute and Anthony Darlington in the ninth. In the final clash of the night Dream Team netted two late Guinness Goals to sink Police-B 4-0. Dellon John in the 19th and Kester Doris in the 20th minute ensured that the Dream Team gained a solid victory.

ICC Under-19 World Cup

Pakistan awarded third spot after rain ruins play

PERSISTENT rain forced the match officials to call off the ICC Under-19 World Cup third place play-off game between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Queenstown yesterday. The result meant Pakistan took the third spot having finished ahead of Afghanistan in the group because of net run rate. Pakistan lost their tournament-opener against Afghanistan but posted a big win against Ireland and a narrow victory over Sri Lanka to top Group D. Afghanistan had a chance to top the group but their loss against Ireland in the last group encounter hurt their chances. Overnight heavy showers delayed the toss, before rain returned to play spoilsport. Afghanistan had maintained a good run against Pakistan - beating them thrice in Asia Cup and once in the World Cup ahead of this encounter. With this match done and dusted, there’s just one clash remaining in the tournament with India taking on Australia in the final on Saturday. (Cricbuzz)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Carter, Chase give Barbados Pride second win CAVE HILL, Barbados (CMC) – Jonathan Carter and Test batsman Roston Chase carved out half-centuries as title-holders Barbados Pride marched to their second win of the Regional Super50 with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over English County Hampshire here yesterday. Asked to chase an uncomplicated 228 at 3Ws Oval, Pride overcame a stuttering start to reach their target in the 47th over, and follow up their convincing win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Tuesday’s opening day. Left-hander Jonathan Carter, adjudged Man-of-theMatch, was at the forefront of the run chase, stroking a classy unbeaten 92 while Chase was also in fine nick with an unbeaten 87. The pair put on 168 in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand which pulled Pride around from the discomfort of 63 for three in the 16th over.

Sent in earlier, Hampshire rallied from 29 for three in the 14th over to reach 227 for seven off their 50 overs, with Zimbabwean Sean Ervine top-scoring with 63, Joe

Man-of-the-Match Jonathan Carter hit an unbeaten 92.

Weatherley getting 51 and Lewis McManus, 47. Fast bowler Miguel Cummins extended his excellent wicket-taking form with three for 27 from eight overs. Hampshire had a less than ideal start, losing Calvin Dickinson (9), Thomas Alsop (12) and James Adams (3) cheaply

inside the first 15 overs. However, Ervine and Weatherley combined in a 112-run, fourth-wicket partnership to prop up the innings and push the visitors towards a competitive total. Ervine struck five fours and a pair of sixes in a positive 68-ball knock while Weatherly faced 78 balls and belted two sixes. Pride clawed their way back into the contest when they removed both in successive overs. Ervine pushed a return catch back to off-spinner Chase while Weatherley cut veteran left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn to Chase at point. Tottering again on 147 for five at the end of the 37th, Hampshire were revived by McManus and Bradley Taylor (20) who put on a valuable 48 for the sixth wicket. McManus struck three fours and sixes in an entertaining 42-ball innings before becoming one of two wickets to fall to Cummins in successive overs late on.

Pride then suffered an early setback in their run chase when Kevin Stoute nicked a catch behind off seamer Bradley Wheal, to fall for two with five on the board in the second over. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite added 33 with Shai Hope (34) but failed for the second straight innings, bowled middle stump by former West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards for 12 in the 10th over. And for the second successive innings, Hope got a start but failed to carry on and was caught at cover in the 16th over, driving left-arm seamer Christopher Wood. However, Carter arrived to put any lingering doubts about the result to rest, dominating the Hampshire attack in an innings which required 113 balls and contained seven fours. Playing with quiet assurance, the out-of-favour Windies limited overs batsman brought up his half-century off 67 balls with three fours in the

30th over, but ran out of time with three figures beckoning. Chase, meanwhile, was no less authoritative, counting seven fours and two sixes in a 93-ball innings.

Pride will chase their third straight win when they take on Windward Islands Volcanoes in their third match at Kensington Oval tomorrow.

SCOREBOARD

HAMPSHIRE CCC innings C. Dickinson c wkp. Hope b Cummins 9 T. Alsop b K. Brathwaite 12 J. Adams b Nurse 3 J. Weatherly c Chase b Benn 51 S. Ervine c & b Chase 63 L. McManus lbw b Cummins 47 B. Taylor c wkp. Hope b Cummins 20 G. Berg not out 5 C. Wood not out 5 Extras: (b-3, lb-7, w-1, nb-1) 12 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-27, 3-29, 4-141, 5-147, 6-195, 7-218. Bowling: Roach 7-1-28-0, Cummins 8-2-27-3, K Brathwaite 10-0-43-1, Nurse 7-0-25-1, Benn 10-0-45-1, Chase 6-0-35-1, C Brathwaite 2-0-14-0.

PRIDE innings K. Brathwaite b Edwards 12 K. Stoute c McManus b Wheal 2 S. Hope c Berg b Wood 34 J. Carter not out 92 R. Chase not out 87 Extras: (lb-2, w-3, nb-1) 6 Total: (3 wkts, 46.2 overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-38, 3-63. Bowling: Edwards 9-0-39-1, Wheal 6-0-29-1, Berg 6-0-28-0, Taylor 10-0-47-0, Wood 8.2-0-50-1, Weatherly 7-1-36-0.

Narine, Lewis destroy CCC Marooners BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – It was carded as a day/night affair but Trinidad and Tobago required

less than three hours to dispose of a listless Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners by

Premier League clubs spend record £430M in January (REUTERS) - Premier League clubs spent £430M in the January transfer window to shatter the previous mark of £225M set in 2011, said a report by the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. The January window closed on Wednesday after a frantic month of activity during which Barcelona completed the most expensive deal by signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool for a transfer fee reported at about £142M.

Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho (REUTERS/Albert)

“International trade has flourished, with the highest ever January gross overseas outlay in Premier League history (£260M), but also the highest amount of January receipts from abroad (£185M),” said Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.

”While another record-breaking season catches the eye, Premier League clubs’ expenditure continues to be well within their means in the context of revenue generated. “The estimated 2017-18 net spend of £755M represents 17 percent of forecast 2017-18 Premier League revenue, in line with the average over the 15 years since the first transfer window in January 2003.” The January window also saw the total expenditure by the Big Six -- Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal -- come to £265M, representing 62 percent of total gross spending. This contrasted against last season’s trend where half of gross expenditure came from the bottom-six clubs in a bid to retain their Premier League status. “Such is the level of competition for a coveted top-four position in the Premier League, as well as ongoing European battles, that top clubs have been willing to break with more traditional summer investment strategies to steal a march on their rivals mid-season,” Jones added.

nine wickets in their second match of the Regional Super50 here yesterday. Off-spinner Sunil Narine was brilliant; claiming five for 10 from 7.4 overs, to sink Marooners for 101 off 25.4 overs after the Barbados-based unit opted to bat first at the historic Kensington Oval. Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell picked up three for 40 while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre took two for 15. Veteran left-hander Ryan Hinds top-scored with a stroke-filled 32 from 19 balls and was just one of two batsmen to reach double figures, as Marooners went from being dominant in their opening win against Windward Islands Volcanoes, to dreadful all in the space of three days. West Indies opener Evin Lewis then added to the Marooners’ woes, blasting a breathtaking unbeaten 70 from just 42 balls, as Red Force raced to their paltry

target in the 12th over. The aggressive left-hander showed little mercy, smashing nine fours and four sixes as he raced to his half-century off 28 balls. He was particularly severe on Aaron Daley, taking 20 from the medium pacer’s third over – the 10th over of the innings – by belting a pair of fours and sixes. Lewis put on 37 off 31 balls for the first wicket with Tion Webster who made 15 before going bowled by Daley in the sixth over. Left-hander Amir Jangoo, who struck three fours in an unbeaten 12, was more or less a bystander as Lewis dominated an unbroken 65-run, second-wicket stand off just 37 deliveries. Earlier, Cottrell produced a lethal new-ball burst to knock over captain Kyle Corbin (0), Kjorn Ottley (8) and Oraine Williams (7), and reduce Marooners to 22 for

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 02, 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) Shamar Springer-285 runs (2) Alzarri Joseph-13 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest individual score by a WI player in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2016? (2) Which WI had the best bowling figures? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

three in the fifth over. The left-handed Hinds then paired with Yannick Ottley (17) to rebuild the innings in a 53-run fourth-wicket

Man-of-the-match Sunil Narine returned magnificent figures of 7.4-2-10-5.

partnership. Hinds scored all his runs in boundaries – eight of them – while Ottley held up the other end in a 39-ball knock which included a single six. There was no sign of the imminent collapse as the pair navigated the Red Force attack but the introduction of Narine and Pierre changed the complexion of the game. Pierre broke the stand when he removed Hinds in the 11th over and Ottley followed in the 18th when Narine trapped him lbw. Narine then worked his magic as Marooners lost their last six wickets for 13 runs.

SCOREBOARD

CCC MAROONERS innings K. Corbin c Imran Khan b Cottrell 0 K. Ottley b Cottrell 8 O. Williams c wkp. Ramdin b Cottrell 7 Y. Ottley lbw b Narine 17 R. Hinds c Lewis b Pierre 32 V. Mohan c Pierre b Narine 9 C. Maynard b Pierre 4 K. Pennyfeather c & b Narine 0 A. Daley lbw b Narine 6 O. Shields c Pooran b Narine 0 J. Levy not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-15, nb-1) 18 Total: (all out, 25.4 overs) 101 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-10, 3-22, 4-75, 5-88, 6-93, 7-93, 8-101, 9-101. Bowling: Cottrell 5-1-40-3, Primus 5-0-34-0, Pierre 8-3-15-2, Narine 7.4-2-10-5.

RED FORCE innings E. Lewis not out 70 T. Webster b Daley 15 A. Jangoo not out 12 Extras: (lb-1, w-4) 5 Total: (1 wkt, 11.2 overs) 102 Fall of wickets: 1-37. Bowling: Levy 3-0-21-0, Shields 3-0-19-0, Daley 3-0-35-1, Mohan 2-0-21-0, Pennyfeather 0.2-0-5-0. [Man-of-the-Match: Sunil Narine.]

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 2, 2018

Unlimited ‘mega-sport’ group added to CMRC Championships World Cup 2018

… Group One added, Group Four re-merged

By Stephan Sookram TWO new classes have been added to the annual Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) for the year 2018. The much-touted ‘Group Five’ for unlimited machines and a special Group One ‘BMW Cup’ have now been introduced into the fray for the four-leg championship which begins in March. According to the rulebook, “The purpose of this group is to allow cars, primarily purpose-built racing sports cars, not being based on any production car for which a minimum of 2500 units were manufactured in any single year to compete in the CMRC. Other cars that cannot meet the minimum weight of the other groups, can also race in this group.” This class will encompass both four-wheel-drive (4WD) and two-wheel-drive (2WD) machines. During the last two years, there have been several backand-forth discussions between drivers and organisers regarding the eligibility of several cars in the group four class, with some claiming that purpose-built racecars that entered posed an unfair advantage to those modified locally.

GROUP FOUR ‘RE-MERGED’ Again another buck-bearer for officials, the 2018 rules feature the re-merging of the group four class from an AWD and 2WD class into what it was in 2014 one standard group. The reason for the slit was that the AWD cars were substantially faster than their 2WD opponents and often had an unfair advantage.

with the Mazda Rotaries being pegged at 1146cc for the 12A, 13B at 1308cc and the 20B at 1962cc. This year the weight standards will remain the same, with car and driver weights being calculated in lb. per cc values. The maximum weight is 2763 lb. Those cars that exceed these factors can opt to run in the group 5.

CMRC Superstock rules now allow for alternative aftermarket brake cylinders. (GTRidez photo)

This time around, the body has opted to curb that with the introduction of a data logger - “all forced induction engine must have a data logger fitted that monitors the boost and other engine parameters. This will allow boost levels to be monitored and adjusted to ensure fair performance between all cars”. It also features a ceiling of 5000cc naturally aspirated engines or a 2600cc force induced (turbo-charged or supercharged)

GROUP THREE ‘TUNNEL’ ISSUES The major change in group three governs bodywork which states “The transmission tunnel may be modified or replaced with one fabricated from steel of original thickness as well as the housing and brackets for a rear axle. The floor structure between the front windscreen and the point on the floor that the front

Group Two could see more Mazda cars with the 13B rotary engine being made legal for competition. (GTRidez photo)

Group Four has undergone another shift with the dissolution of the 4WD and 2WD systems and a single championship up for grabs. (GTRidez photo)

Packed year ahead for GBBFF and Guyana’s bodybuilders By Michelangelo Jacobus THE Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) has unveiled their proposed calendar of activities for 2018 and it is set to be a packed one especially in the months of July and September. However, the first activity of the year will commence in April. From the sixth to the eighth of that month there will be a course targeting the judges in Guyana. Immediately after that course, on April 8, the Federation will host its first competition of the year - the Novices Championship in which fresh blood will be introduced to the sport. It is also the aim of the GBBFF to send a team of Guyana’s finest bodybuilders to Mexico June 22-23, to fly the Golden Arrowhead at the Pro League Super Show. Following the Mexico trip, the federation will then turn its attention to the Health and Fitness Expo at the Marriott Hotel on July

14. The very next day (July 15), the senior bodybuilders will take the stage at the same venue as they vie for the title of Guyana’s best senior athletes in the sport.

GBBFF’s Intermediate Championships will kick off while the Darcy Beckles Classic is set for Barbados on September 29. Closing off the GBBFF’s

2018 will be a packed year for the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation.

Just a little over a week after the senior championships, a Guyanese contingent is scheduled to fly to the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships in Mexico scheduled for July 27-29. On September 23, the

calendar of activities will be the Eddy Wilson Classic in Suriname and Sports World Classic in Trinidad and Tobago. The dates for those two competitions will be announced later. Speaking to Chronicle Sport>exclusively, GBBFF

of the back seat would be can only modified to accommodate exhaust systems, roll cages, battery boxes, seats, fuel and oil tanks. Any material removed to accommodate the above items must be replaced with material of the same type and thickness. The floor area between the front of the rear seat section and the rear of the car may be replaced with a lighter

president Coel Marks maintained that the main aim of the federation is: “Building greater awareness and securing finances to achieve our goal of enhancing the athletes in Guyana”. He also pointed out that the GBBFF will be looking to make the marquee events more entertaining and attractive as well as to promote health and fitness along with raising awareness of violence against women. “Based on the feedback we’ve gotten about the shows last year; they were more entertaining and attractive. It seems that we have the formula. This year our flagship event; the Senior Championships will be a weekend event which we intend to incorporate multiple platforms along with the bodybuilding and fitness, for example, awareness of violence against women. This will be done as a means of highlighting the importance of maintaining overall wellness not just in sports.”

material but must still remain sealed. Original brackets inside the body structure can be removed. Lightening of the interior panels above the floor level can be done There have also been restrictions on the wheel arches, bumpers and other aerodynamic devices to not exceed a 6-inch extension beyond the original car plan GROUP 2 ‘ROTARY INSIDE’ The biggest change to the group two class will be the introduction of the 13B rotary engine. According to the rulebook,

Modifications are unrestricted but must retain production block and cylinder head castings. The12A rotary engine porting is free while the 13B rotary engine should have no peripheral porting. The out of family engine-body swap continues to be outlawed in this group GROUP ONE This group makes its way into the series as a low power, low budget option to those who want to enter a regional battle royal. It primarily features no force-induced engines and utilises the BMW M44b19 engine type, mirroring the rules of the popular ‘Bimma cups’ of Barbados. The modification to the actual body work of the car is limited and not many changes can be made to the engine parts except with standard OEM parts. SUPERSTOCK MOTORCYCLES While the rules in this series remain primarily the same for the 2018 season, the regulations now allow for an alternative aftermarket brake cylinders for both the front and rear master cylinders. According to the rulebook, this was made in the interest of safety as many standard production bikes were not made for racing purposes and may fail. The new regulations also allow for the sprocket cover to be modified but a guard must be present to stop trapping between chain and sprocket.

Stokes named in England one-day squad LONDON (Reuters) - England included all-rounder Ben Stokes in their squad for the five-match one-day international series against New Zealand starting later this month.

Ben Stokes

Stokes is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Feb. 13 to answer a charge of affray following an incident outside a nightclub in September. England are scheduled to play New Zealand in a Twenty20 international in Wellington on the same day. Stokes, who has not

played for England since the incident in Bristol, was cleared for selection by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month. Fast bowler Jake Ball has been dropped from the squad along with batsman Dawid Malan who was called in as cover for Stokes during last month’s 4-1 one-day series victory over Australia. “Our ODI side has made excellent progress over the last three years and it’s encouraging to see with the 2019 World Cup on the horizon,” chairman of selectors James Whitaker said in an ECB statement. The first match in the one-day series against New Zealand is in Hamilton on Feb. 25. England squad - Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Unlimited ‘mega-sport’ See group added to CMRC Page 31 Championships

24-team Corona Futsal football tourney launched By Stephan Sookram TWENTY-four teams will do battle at the National Gymnasium over eleven days following the launch of yesterday’s Corona Fustal football tournament. The tournament, which will feature a cash prize of $600 000 for the winner as well as several other earnings, is set to begin on February 24. D u r i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s launch, the organising body Petra through co-Director Troy Mendonca contended that the tournament is aimed at being community-based. “A decade ago we conceptualised a football tournament that involved these community teams; we went into the communities and sought out individuals and sold an idea to them,” he told media operatives during brief remarks. “I said that to emphasise the role sport plays in your communities. It creates leaders, social cohesion and helps

to develop individuals as a whole,” he added. The tournament, which is expected to culminate with a grand final on March 31, will feature Alpha Warriors, Pro Kleaners Campbellville, Showstoppers, Mocha, Agricola, Plaisance, Sparta Boss, Ol Skool Ballers, Leopold Street, Albouystown, Kingstown, North East La Penitence, Back Circle, West Front Road, North Ruimveldt, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Channel 9, Bent Street, Tucvllle, Alexander Village, Future Stars, NK Ballers and Sophia. Corona Beer Brand Manager Marvin Wray contended that the company is onboard with the tournament because of its community-based approach. Wray said, “Because of the direct approach to the community development, we saw this not only as an opportunity to be part of the event, but an avenue to be a part of the everyday life of the community.”

Sales Manager Rishi Rampersaud hands over the trophy to Petra representative Jacklyn Boodie in the presence of co-director Troy Mendonca (left) and Corona Brand Manager Marvin Wray (extreme right). (Adrian Narine photo) “We’ve been partnering with Petra for a few years and we have been pleased with how they organise themselves. They are an effective, organised company that manages the

workload,” he added. The tournament will take a round-robin knock-out style of play with groups of four. The top two teams in each group along with the best four third-place finishers will ad-

vance to the knockout round. Meanwhile as an incentive for teams in the group stage, the top finishers will get an additional $40 000, second-place $30 000, thirdplace $20 000 and fourth-

place $10 000. In addition, the tournament is giving away one motorbike each to the MVP of the tournament and a special fan. Details of that are to be released shortly.

Jamaica track boss issues GFC makes big ‘splash’ warning to predatory coaches during transfer window PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Dr Warren Blake has warned coaches who prey on their

Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday. The warning came on the heels of a recent arrest of a “30-year-old St Cather-

JAAA president Dr Warren Blake athletes that there is no ine-based coach” accused of room in the sport for them. sexually assaulted a female Dr Blake issued the warn- student-athlete in his care. ing while addressing an “Unfortunately, we notaudience at the launch of ed in the media this week the 2018 Digicel Grand that a local coach was acPrix at the Spanish Court cused of abusing a young

lady under his charge. I am very distressed that this should happen to our fraternity. We have heard stories all along but we have never had any evidence. And, I would call on people who feel that they are being abused that they need to come forward,” he said, stating that his administration will not tolerate such behaviour. “When you have young charges in your trust you cannot violate that trust. The JAAA will be taking a no-nonsense approach to this, and we are putting protocols in place,” he said. “We are also modifying our rules and regulations to remove anyone found guilty of this from the track and field fraternity because track and field will have no place to support anybody who behaves in that fashion. (Sportsmax)

… Vurlon Mills, Abassi McPherson added THE Georgetown Football Club (GFC) made good use of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) transfer win-

dow, with several top-signing, including that of Golden Jaguars player Vurlon Mills. Mills, one of Guyana’s

Vurlon Mills

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

most gifted players, had recently signed with Trinidad and Tobago Pro-league outfit San Juan Jabloteh, but Faizal Khan, GFC’s General Manager, told Chronicle Sport “Vurlon will be playing a part in both the playing and coaching side.” “We had a lot of meetings with sponsors and supporters and we’ve decided to make some signings before the transfer deadlines closed. Vurlon in my opinion is one of the best young coaches coming up in the CFU and still is one of the most feared potent strikers in the land,” Khan pointed out. Apart from Kareem Knights, GFC also returned Kelsey Benjamin and Ralph Parris on loan from another TT Pro-League side, Morvant Caledonia United, adding, “the level of technical proficiency these two players have gained

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