Guyana chronicle e paper 02 09 2018

CH&PA to build 1000 homes by year-end 12 PAGE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Price: $80

Greater output No. 105180

(VAT Inclusive)

…Gov't reports dramatic improvement in public sector investment programme

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Exxon O2 shore-base on course PAGE

–– first shipment of equipment for operation in 2020 here

Equipment being offloaded from a ship at the Muneshwers Wharf into the Exxon-Shore base (Adrian Narine photo)

Cops burn 03 huge ganja farm at Ebini PAGE

Weeping 10 pastor gets 40 years for raping minor PAGE

President tours seafood plant 08 PAGE

…reiterates support for small, medium scale businesses

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Completion of Exxon shore-base on schedule

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

– first shipment of equipment for operation in 2020 here

By Navendra Seoraj CONSTRUCTION of the ExxonMobil warehouse and onshore logistics base is expected to be completed before the scheduled time, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TotalTec Oilfield Services, Lars Mangal, after a tour of the facility on Thursday.

ExxonMobil – the company currently drilling for oil in Guyana along with

joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen – had awarded the contract to Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) which is a Guyanese joint venture made up of Muneshwers Ltd., Pacific Rim Constructors, TotalTec Oilfield Services and LED Offshore.

The area being developed by GYSBI is 28 acres, with a waterfront of 900ft by 1,600ft. The company is aiming to build a wharf of 600ft.

“We are ahead of sched-

ule, below budget and on track to exceed Exxon’s expectation and partners with Exxon,” said Mangal. He gave the completion date as March 2018.

General Manager of GYBSI, Glenn Lockwood, who was also a part of the tour, said the facility was constructed in “record time” and they are only finishing off a pipe wash and the 2,000 square meters warehouse.

The infrastructure of

General Manager of GYBSI, Glenn Lockwood (first right) speaking to members of the media as Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (second right), CEO of TotalTec, Lars Mangal and Second Vice President of TotalTec, Brian Chia look on the base also includes a large yard with pipe racks and staging places which they intend to use to put tubular (pipes) prior to sending them to the Floating See page 3

Tubular fittings being stacked before being washed

Greater output

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

…Gov’t reports dramatic improvement in public sector investment programme

PUBLIC Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) has dramatically improved, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said while attributing the recent success of the programme to a decision by Cabinet to have mandatory meetings on a monthly basis with permanent secretaries and key technical personnel from Government Ministries.

A critical analysis of PSIPs between 2014 and mid 2017 revealed that the performances of many projects left much to be desired. However, Minister Harmon said from June

2017, there has been a dramatic turnaround.

“Since Cabinet instituted monthly briefings by permanent secretaries to Cabinet, what I can say, there has been a dramatic turnaround in the performance of these projects in the PSIP and that by the end of 2017, all of the agencies…were reporting completions within the rate of 75 to 100 per cent,” he told reporters at Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday.

He explained that permanent secretaries and technical officers of Government are required to report directly to Cabinet.

With this system in place, Minister Harmon said the projections for 2018 are promising.

“The projections for 2018, when we look at them what we saw was that because we had an early budget in November of 2017 for 2018, that works started in 2017 for 2018 and the understanding that we have from almost all of the agencies was that

by April, May, June there about, that all of the work that has to be done on contracts would be advertised, tenders dealt with contracts awarded,” the state minister explained.

He said when Cabinet

Completion of Exxon ...

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Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

ExxonMobil had initially planned to use a shore base in Trinidad and Tobago before turning its full attention to Guyana. The base will service the needs of the FPSO which will be offshore Guyana producing oil. Fuel, water, cement, mud, and other materials will be available at the base.

Lockwood explained that the facility is practically operational already because the first shipment of equipment for operation in 2020 arrived Wednesday night. He said a popular shipping company, Inter Marine, delivered developing casing and other tubular fittings on its ship the “Industry Aim” which is docked here.

The shipment is the first of many and according to the General Manager the next shipment is expected in Guyana by this weekend. “Right now we are getting ready to take the pipe off the ship, wash it so that it will be ready to go offshore,” said Lockwood, adding that they are off and running.

So far 60 persons, 94 per cent of whom are Guyanese, have been employed by GYSBI and when the facility is fully completed they expect to have a staff complement of close to 300 persons.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said much more is in the pipeline for Guyanese and the shipment of equipment is a symbol of that.

“This is not a joke, not an illusion, it has started to happen… this is something to celebrate,” said the minister, who further noted that persons need to be educated about the industry and the government’s effort to get the first oil by 2020.

ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners, HESS and CNOOC Nexen, had discovered recoverable resources, including current proved reserves and additional resources, estimated to be 3.2 billion gross oil-equivalent barrels prior to the 2018 Ranger discovery.

Production from Liza Phase 1 is expected to begin by 2020, less than five years after discovery.

met on Tuesday last it engaged permanent secretaries, as well as key technical officers from the Ministry of Finance on Government’s spending under the PSIP. “It may be recalled that significant sums of money allocated under the PSIP in 2015, 2016 and 2017 were not efficiently and effectively disbursed and that several contracts had been poorly administered and had involved costly over-runs.

It was decided therefore that Cabinet would hold monthly statutory meetings with permanent secretaries to ensure efficient and effective disbursement of

PSIP funds and to monitor such spending,” Harmon said. He noted that Cabinet also resolved to institute whatever measures were necessary to ensure that contracts awarded under the PSIP would be executed within the budgets and time-frames prescribed and that appropriate penalties would be applied for default.

On Tuesday, the deliberations on the PSIP included a review of 2017 and a work plan for 2018.

The review of PSIP spending for 2017 included an overall analysis of the programme, the overall outturn for fiscal year, project

execution rate at half-year and PSIP expenditure by month (2014-2017).

In 2018, permanent secretaries have already established procurement plans for all agencies and have reinstituted a format for PSIP monitoring reports.

Prioritising disbursement for small non-technical projects, while planning for large technical contracts; compulsory training for relevant staff; institutional strengthening; and improved working relations between relevant agencies, were among other key areas discussed.

Cops burn huge ganja farm at Ebini

One of the camps being destroyed

The newly constructed warehouse at ExxonMobil’s onshore facility (Adrian Narine photo)

A TEAM of law enforcement officers commanded by a superintendent, on Wednesday conducted a drug-eradication operation at Ebini, Upper Berbice River during which several camps and plant nurseries were destroyed.

According to the police, the operation which lasted in excess of 15 hours saw an estimated 300,000 cannabis plants ranging between six inches to five feet in height, 150,000 kilogrammes of dried cannabis,

a number of nurseries with about 100,000 seedlings and four camps being destroyed by fire.

Police said a single-barrel shotgun, three live cartridges, a water pump and a chain saw which were found during the operation, have been seized and lodged.

No arrests were made but investigators are in the process of tracing the ownership of the approximately 10-acre plot of land.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Dow drops more than 1,000 points --twice in one week

WALL Street shares slid sharply again on Thursday, compounding losses on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 which started last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 1,000 points for the second time this week, plunging 4.15% to 23,860.

The S&P 500 dropped 100.6 points, or 3.75% to 2,581, while the Nasdaq slid 274.8 points or 3.9% to 6,777.1.

The moves follow a day of losses on all key European exchanges.

The 100 share index in

London closed down 1.49% at 7,170.69 points. Germany and France fell 2.6% and 2% respectively.

The dive extends a selloff that started last week, as investors started to worry that inflation might rise more quickly than expected, leading policymakers to raise interest rates.

On Thursday, the Bank of England seemed to offer support for that view.

The bank left interest rates where they were at 0.5% at its meeting, but said a strengthening economy meant interest rates were likely to rise sooner

than the markets were expecting.

Also worrying markets was a government budget proposal US lawmakers in Congress have announced, which raises spending caps and could fan inflation.

Bond yields in the US have also risen in recent weeks, typically a signal of higher rates.

Higher interest rates push up borrowing costs for companies and individuals, which can hurt corporate profits and curb economic activity.

At the same time, higher interest rates can make

investment alternatives to stocks, such as bonds, more attractive.

SHIFTING CONDITIONS The uptick in volatility comes as investors react to the shifting conditions.

Thursday’s declines mean the Dow and S&P 500 have now fallen by more than 10% from the record highs set in January, a threshold analysts call a correction.

Shares in financial, technology and consumer companies led the declines on Thursday, which infected

every sector. American Express and Intel were the two biggest losers on the Dow. Analysts, who have said for months that the financial markets were due a correction after a long period of rising prices, urged calm.

“The latest decline takes us back to where we were 17 November,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com, which tracks interest rates.

“We’ve just given back some recent gains, not wiped out anyone’s life savings.”

But the declines have led to questions for Presi-

dent Donald Trump, who had repeatedly boasted of the market’s rapid rise in value last year.

The White House said on Thursday markets were reacting to data that is good news for the broader economy, including low unemployment and signs of wage growth.

“The president like the rest of the White House is concerned about long term economic indicators and factors,” a White House spokesman said.

“The fundamentals in terms of the long term are very strong.” (BBC)

Emergency door falls off Nigerian plane NIGERIA’S Dana Air has blamed a passenger after one of its aircraft doors fell off shortly after landing.

The flight from Lagos to Abuja was taxiing on the runway when the emergency exit door came away.

Dana Air denied that it was caused by a mechanical fault, and said the door could not fall off “without a conscious effort by a passenger to open it”.

But one passenger told the BBC that everyone on board had denied tampering with the door.

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Dapo Sanwo, from Lagos, said: “The flight was noisy with vibrations from the floor panel. I noticed the emergency door latch was loose and dangling.

“When we landed and the plane was taxiing back to the park point, we heard a pooflike explosion, followed by a surge of breeze and noise. It was terrible.

“The cabin crew tried to say a passenger pulled the hatch, which everyone denied.

They also tried to get us to stop taking videos or pictures.”

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Ola Brown, who was also travelling on the flight, said on Twitter: “Did you hear [the door] rattling the whole flight? Was so unsettling. I just thought it was a screw loose; didn’t think it would actually just fall off.”

In a statement, Dana Air denied there were issues with the door during the flight.

“The emergency exit door of our aircraft are plug-type backed by pressure, which ordinarily cannot fall off without tampering or a conscious effort to open by a crew member or passenger,” the company said.

“When an aircraft is airborne, it is fully pressurised, and there was no way the seat or door could have been shaking as insinuated.”

The airline went on to say it had been inspected by engineers alongside a Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority team, and “no issue was reported”.

“The [return] flight was only delayed for eight minutes as we needed to demonstrate to the regulators that the safety and comfort of our guests is at the centre of our operations,” the statement added.

In 2012, a Dana Air flight crashed in a busy Lagos suburb, killing all 153 people on board.

Nigeria has historically had a poor air safety record.

Last year, Abuja’s airport was closed for six weeks while major repairs were carried out on its runway.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Colombian students don miniskirts --in protest against sexism A COLOMBIAN university has faced a backlash after advising female students not to wear miniskirts to avoid “distracting classmates and teachers”.

Branding the advice sexist, students mounted a campaign to encourage everyone, male and female, to wear short skirts on campus on Thursday.

Medellín’s Pontifical Bolivarian University, known as UPB, had posted the advice on its website.

After an outcry, it said the tips were only meant as general suggestions.

“The UPB respects the right to express personalities, and has never imposed a dress code on students,” said its statement, adding that the article had been mostly aimed at new students.

The original post, now deleted, appeared under a heading, “How should you dress to go to university?”.

Some of the advice was presented as unisex, but there were plenty of tips directed at women.

Dress discreetly, it advised. “There is nothing more uncomfortable than distracting your class mates or teachers. For this reason, we suggest you don’t wear low necklines, short skirts or tight-fitting clothes.”

It was posted on 30 January, and spread through students’ social media accounts, prompting an online campaign under the hashtag #UPBEnFalda (meaning UPB in miniskirts).

or low necklines are very wrong. What we are asking for is an end to messages that encourage disrespect of women.”

City councillor Daniela Maturana also joined in,

Political science students in protest gear

On Thursday, students shared pictures of themselves and classmates in shorts and skirts around the university.

Local journalist Jenny Giraldo tweeted [in Spanish] to say the idea of having to police your clothes so others can control themselves is akin to advising people not to get raped.

Student Helena Múnera tweeted: “Those who think that we are fighting for our right to wear short skirts

tweeting: “If a woman is wearing a skirt or shorts or whatever she wants to wear, it is NOT a green light for cat calls or harassment.”

Political sciences student, Mariana Duque Díez was among those deliberately wearing a skirt to class on Thursday, although she said she often does, and so does at least one of her teachers.

“The frustrating thing is most students and teachers

Government worried about negative vibes --state of emergency may have on tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government, worried at the “negative connotation” that the words state of emergency (SOE) may have on the island as a tourist destination, is now referring to the situation as “enhanced security measures”.

Said National Security Minister, Robert Montague as he addressed stakeholders here on Sunday, “We will no longer refer in St James to the state of (public) emergency.

“We are in the tourism capital; tourism is the lifeblood. A state of emergency has a negative connotation overseas, and therefore, we

do not feel represented by these old-fashioned institutional positions,” she told the BBC. “We feel much more plural.”

It is not the first time the university has been accused

would like to refer from henceforth to the enhanced security measures.”

He said the aim is to protect the tourism industry.

“The government has declared a State of Emergency; it is not a limited State of Emergency. Let, us make it very clear, it is a state of emergency in St James.

“But after today, we will make the reference as enhanced security measures; we must dance ah yard before we dance abroad.

“We have to get the language right, so that when we speak of it from henceforth, we speak to the market place, so we can protect the tourism

industry that, in turn, produces the dollar.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who sought the extension of the SOE late last month, said other significant operations will be pursued during the extension to May 2.

He said the operations are targetting the facilitators of the importation of guns, and the operators of illegal lottery scamming.

“We must take back control of our country; we must dismantle organised crime,” he said.

More than 200 people have been detained under the SOE.

of sexism.

In 2015, it launched a summer-school class aimed at girls aged five to 10, teaching them good manners. The course was called “Girls’ things”.

(BBC)

Five women in the lineup --to dethrone ‘Chalkie’

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Four former calypso monarchs and five women are among 15 artistes selected to challenge reigning Calypso Monarch and nine-time title holder, Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool as the Carnival celebrations heads towards the climax here next week.

The 15 were chosen following Saturday’s “Calypso Fiesta” held at Skinner Park in the southern town of San Fernando.

Among the artistes making it to the final on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Savannah are former monarchs, Kurt Allen, Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna, Karene Asche and Sandra “Singing Sandra” Des

Vignes-Millington.

The other finalists are Aron St. Louis, Alana “Lady Watchman” Sinnette-Khan, Carlos “Skatie” James, Dexter “The Stinger” Parsons, Helon Francis, Joanne “Tigress” Rowley, Michael “Protector” Legerton, Myron “Myron B” Bruce, Rondell Donawa, Selvon “Mistah Shak” and Stacey Sobers.

The judges have also named former monarch, Roderick “Chuck Gordon” Gordon, as a reserve.

Among those not making the final cut is Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins, whose tune, “Belated”, takes a jab at members of t h e Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o g o v e r n ment, for turning their backs on him, was a crowd pleaser.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Young people and strategic national development Rock and roll icon Kurt Cobain, hailed as the voice of his generation, once said: "It is the duty of youth to challenge corruption." Indeed young people, who can take a fresh look at old systems, are best placed to challenge ways of doing things that have fallen short of lofty goals.

But what is also so critical about the perspective of youth is that looking at problems with fresh eyes can also yield new and bold suggestions. Young people have a duty to put forward innovations to help solve our country's development challenges. One current issue that illustrates this very well

is the student protest about increased administrative fees at the University of Guyana.

Anyone who has been following student issues at the University knows that almost every year there is an uproar about some sort of fee or tuition increase, and that these range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars students must pay out of pocket.

Tuesday, 6th February 2017 the University of Guyana Students' Society held a meeting to discuss the latest fee increase and students expressed frustration at this continuing trend. Former heads and senior members of that organisation were present in a show of solidarity

but this also reinforced the idea that the tensions around fees have continued over many years.

But another way of looking at this seemingly endless issue is that there is room for and really a desperate need for new ideas. The old politics of administration versus students is leaving neither party satisfied or at least bringing them together in the spirit of hope for a brighter future for the University. Instead, old patterns of approaching the problem are reinforcing old tensions.

It is in coming up with real innovations that students can offer so much to the University and really the entire national development

project. Students should not undervalue their ability to contribute ideas and do their best to train those fresh eyes on new solutions for multiple problems.

Innovations young people take for granted, like utilising online communication wherever possible instead of physically meeting can go a long way to resolving classic problems educational institutions face as they grow and begin to run out of space. Whatsapp groups to help keep in close touch with lecturers can also improve communication about testing or syllabi, and again are an example of technological tools taken for granted.

The older generations have an important role in guiding institutions throughout Guyana as young people develop and grow. But while they are growing more and more technologically savvy it is perhaps too much to realistically expect these older generations to be able to come up with many of the types of solutions that are second nature to our youth.

We also need to sup-

port youth so that their ideas are implemented, but that requires many more conversations. Rather, it is at least key that young people see how valuable they are to our society.

Instead of being spectators to processes or even participating in antiquated ones, they should give themselves the freedom to express the solutions that come to mind.

Shame on Wales’ cane harvesters’ severance pay demand covered by law these forces Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, I take the opportunity to commend the multitude of investors who have swarmed Guyana this week for seeing through the infantile attempt at scaring them away via a wicked newspaper advertisement.

The desperate, negativist forces have sunken to an alltime low.

They waited for the day when Guyana’s largest oil and gas conference opened in session to pay for a half page advertisement in local newspapers urging investors to spend their money elsewhere.

Anywhere else in the world this would be condemned as highly unpatriotic, anti-national and even economic terrorism. But these desperate forces of the dark care? Money and power by any means is their ambition.

Guyanese and visitors would have read the advertisement and it must have occurred to them that there is a wicked, unpatriotic and vile opposition force in the land that is prepared to chase away foreign investors simply because it would not have control

of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

Oil and gas have everything to do with that advertisement urging visitors to boycott our own country. How abhorrent!

Guyanese must take note of the depths and lengths the known forces are prepared to go just to disrupt the economy.

This includes encouragement for investors to boycott the country.

This strikes a familiar chord with previous salvos.

Who was prepared to give away some of Guyana’s sea space to Venezuela just to settle Venezuela’s decades-old claims to Guyana’s marine and land space?

These two alone should signal to Guyanese how unpatriotic and how anti-national these forces are. On the one hand there is an incessant drumbeat that the Government must find thousands of jobs for Guyanese and on the other hand dark forces are attempting to scare away investors who are here to seek opportunities to create thousands of jobs for Guyanese.

Shame on these forces.

Regards EARL HAMILTON

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has noted the comments made by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and GuySuCo CEO (ag), Paul Bhim in relation to the call by the 350-odd cane-cutters of Wales for them to be paid their severance payments.

The Wales cane-cutters are the only group of redundant sugar workers who are being denied their severance pay though they are entitled to such payments arising from the closure of Wales Estate in December, 2016.

The Agriculture Minister, in the February 06, 2018 Guyana Times, is reported to have said:- “…careful consideration has to be taken into account because[sic] making such a move, as it could potentially cost the Government to be placed in a bad situation”. We are at a loss as to the ‘bad situation’ the Minister referred to.

His reference in the Guyana Times article to the Rose Hall workers can only be likened to the invocation of a red-herring. The Rose Hall matter is distinct and, we believe, should not be convoluted with the situation at

Wales. The Minister’s stance that a judicial adjudication is necessary we see as nothing more than the Government and the GuySuCo’s intention to punish the workers for reason/s best known to them.

It seems, from the article, the Minister is not aware of all the relevant details with regards to the issue. Also, we expect that he deals with the matter impartially and possibly have knowledgeable person/s examine the matter carefully. We would want to believe that such an approach may very well cause the Minister to reconsider his stance.

Following the Minister’s statement, we saw in the February 07, 2018 Guyana Times, the GuySuCo CEO (ag) saying that the Wales cutters “…were at risk of self-termination… based on the Collective Labour Agreement signed between GuySuCo and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)”. We recognize the GuySuCo CEO (ag) is repeating a similar statement made during 2017 by a lower level Corporation official and which our Union had then pointed out was patently unfounded and false. We wish again to point out that should the Corporation deem that the concerned workers as having

self-terminated their services, then it would be engaged in contemptuous behavior, bearing in mind that the matter is engaging the attention of the Courts. But more than that, the GAWU/GuySuCo Collective Labour Agreement at no point mentions or provides that a worker is deemed self-terminated after some period [of]absence from work.

The CEO (ag) goes on in the article to say “…we require the workers at Uitvlugt… [w]e are still insisting that we need them to go…”. We could not help but wonder if it was the same person making this statement, considering that just a few paragraphs before in the same article we noted the virtual threats being made to the workers. Moreover, if indeed the Corporation is so desirous of having these workers going to take up work at Uitvlugt, then certainly a prudent management would have engaged the Union and the workers in discussions to examine its feasibility.

The GAWU suspects that the statement is not sincere but rather a ploy through a veiled threat to force the workers to leave the industry, thereby giving up their service and with it, their severance allowance; a rather wicked ploy.

We are not unaware that large areas of the Uitvlugt cultivation have been allocated to farmers and for the areas that remain under the estate’s supervision, the Uitvlugt labour force is obviously sufficient.

Mr Bhim, from the article, lamented the turnout of cane-cutters to work but, seemingly, fails to connect the obvious dots. At a time when workers real wages have declined about 7 per cent and their nominal wages have fallen by 15 per cent between 2015 and 2016 alone, the situation for the workers is not encouraging. The reality of no pay rise, no API, cutting down of benefits, disrespect of customs and practices, among other things, must have their effects.

Such a situation we saw and experienced in the last half of the 1980’s and was only corrected when the workers rates-of-pay were reflective of the cost-ofliving. Clearly, it seems the GuySuCo has not learnt from its previous mistakes and, therefore, from all indications, may be repeating them.

Regards Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Global Technology retraining retrenched sugar workers

RETRENCHED GuySuCo workers who are interested in moving into other fields are now being offered the option of computer training at Global Technology.

Minister Holder had a meeting with persons from Global Technology to discuss ways in which the entity can play a role in assisting retrenched GuySuCo workers as they transition into new careers.

During the meeting, CEO of Global Technology, George Melville indicated that the entity is prepared to offer training opportunities in Information Technology (IT) to interested retrenched workers from GuySuCo. Melville, who happens

Minister Holder with Global Technology CEO, George Melville; GuySuCo Corporate Planner, Tara Persaud (second right) and other Global Technology representatives to be a past employee of GuySuCo, added that Global Technology saw it necessary

to play a part in equipping persons to find better paying jobs after they would have

lost their jobs due to the closure of these estates. He also indicated that the certifi-

cation received from Global Technology is recognised globally.

Minister Holder encouraged the team to extend the offer to family members as some of the retrenched workers may have other immediate relatives who have more of an interest in the training.

Melville indicated that Global Technology’s current budget for this exercise is GY$8M. Global Technology will soon be collaborating with GuySuCo to commence a sensitisation programme to build awareness among the retrenched workers and their families about the programmes being offered.

The training exercises will be held at the different estates.

The line Town Clerk struts around, chest in the air must be drawn somewhere Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

ARE we really serious about abuse of women?

After attending the Junior Calypso Competition in Berbice, it left me wondering in disgust as to why the Ministry of Culture and parents of the newly crowned Junior Calypso Monarch would support such vulgarity in his lyrics under the guise of double meaning “ah put meh dog in she cat” and “she put salt fish in meh mouth” was downright disrespectful and demeaning to our women folks, including his mother. I watched in disbelief as women cheered and laughed. Heaven help us as a nation; how can this young man’s parents allow him to be used in this ridiculous way to tarnish his image for a few miserable dollars.

Where is the respect for our woman folks? Where are we taking our youths?

Who is responsible for that smut. This song must be condemned and removed from society. Surely we can do so much better for our youths.

The line must be drawn somewhere when it comes to our young people, especially

in our national competitions, what we do and feed to them.

Our Float Parade is already laced with too much vulgarity. In my sense of reasoning I ask myself the question; is this the road we are going to support our young men to take, to disrespect not only his mother as a woman but all women with those filthy lyrics?

Never in the history of Junior Calypso Competitions held in the Caribbean would you hear such filth coming out of the mouths of their juniors. The song should not have been accepted in the first place. Is this the trash he is going to represent his country with at the Caribbean Junior Calypso competition? Is this how we intend to promote and showcase Guyana? If we do not stop this now then this will be the trend for future competitions. Shame on the Convener, the Co-ordinator and especially the Ministry of Culture. I call on all women’s groups to condemn this bilge called lyrics and have it thrown in the garbage where it truly belongs.

Regards Name Provided

SINCE the year began, there has been a buzz about the likelihood of Local Government Elections being held again in 2018, which would give the indication that local democracy is alive and well.

Well, I can’t speak eruditely for the five other Municipalities or towns and the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that have been established in Guyana, but for our capital city Georgetown, I wish to state clearly that having any such election would be a complete waste of time and money if the Town Clerk and his cohorts in the

administration remain at their desks. This individual has shown nothing but contempt for the Councillors individually and collectively, he has shown disregard for the Minister and Ministry of Communities, he has shown scant regard for cabinet and central government and little respect for the Courts of Guyana.

This present Council has wasted its time and energy having meetings and making decisions for two years now; decisions that this gentleman has honoured in the breach almost every time. After the next elections, the new Councillors would be made to take over a municipality whose

Friday, February 9, 2018 - 12:30 hrs Saturday, February 10, 2018 01:00 hrs - 13:30 hrs Sunday, February 11, 2018 02:00 hrs - 14:30 hrs Monday, February 12, 2018 03:00 hrs - 14:30 hrs

books are still to be audited, a municipality that continues to provide guards, gardeners, etc. to a former Mayor--though the Council is supposed to be cash strapped, a Council that owes GPL well over a billion dollars, the Guyana Revenue Authority and National Insurance Scheme hundreds of millions of dollars with an administration that doesn’t care less when they will honour their debts and indeed continues to incur much more with each passing day.

They will inherit a City Council that is bursting at its seams with super salaried employees who are sons, daughters and other rela-

tives, friends, church pals, and paramours of senior officers. They will receive a municipality with the worst accounting system in the world. They will realise that they are mere rubber stamps, as the Town Clerk struts around with his chest in the air going about doing as he wishes, paying them no mind; undertaking projects such as building two storied attachments to the Stabroek Market, building presidential parks and petting zoos, etc. without their knowledge or permission.

Regards MODI SANKAR

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

President Granger receives courtesy call from TOTAL executives – notes that Guyana welcomes investors

PRESIDENT David Granger, Thursday evening, received a courtesy call at State House from Mr. Michel Hourcard and other executives of TOTAL Exploration and Production Americas, a subsidiary of a French multinational company, which has its chief office in Houston, Texas.

The executives are in Guyana for the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX), which is underway at the Marriott Hotel Guyana.

The exploration company is the most recent to join Guyana’s oil and gas sector as it announced on Monday that it has signed

agreements to acquire interests into two-exploration licenses offshore Guyana.

It also announced that it is seeking exploration rights to operate in Guyana. During the meeting with the Head of State, the company’s interest in Guyana and the country’s ‘Green’ State Development Strategy were discussed.

President Granger said that the country welcomes all investors and noted that even as Guyana works to develop the oil and gas sector, it is also focused on ensuring the protection of the environment and the promotion of the ‘green’ state policy.

“We are very concerned about protecting our environ-

ment and we want to cherish our ‘green’ reputation but we welcome investments and we want to build capacity within our small country. We want to work with our partners and we are very confident that you will be comfortable with your investment here,” President Granger said.

Mr. Hourcard, in an invited comment, said that Guyana has immense potential and his company is looking forward to doing business here. “We are looking for opportunities in this beautiful country and we are wishing to become an operator in this country. We are very happy to be here,” he said.

The meeting was also

From left: Mr. Bruno Courme, Vice-President, Exploration Services, Mr. Samir Oumer, New Business Lead Negotiator, President David Granger, Mr. Michel Hourcard, President and Chief Executive Officer, TOTAL Exploration and Production Americas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Mr. Frederic Linsig, Vice-President Country Delegate at State House attended by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Mr. Bruno Courme, Vice-President, Explora-

tion Services, Mr. Samir Oumer, Strategy Business Development Research and Development Division, New Business Lead Negotiator

and Mr. Frederic Linsig, Vice-President Country Delegate from TOTAL (Ministry of the Presidency)

President reiterates support for small, medium-scale businesses

– during tour of Global Seafood Distributors PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday visited Global Seafood Distributors, a seafood processing and packaging facility, which supplies products in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Speaking to the owner, Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant after touring the West Ruimveldt facility, the Headof-State reaffirmed Government’s support for small and medium-scale enterprises and said that the company’s operations are, “entirely in keeping with Government’s food security policy”.

The Head-of-State also told Mrs. Butters-Grant, who was accompanied by her husband, Mr. Kerwin Grant, that the current administration will continue to support the development of value-added production across the country. “I would like to assure

that the Government will work with you to not only make the industry prosper, but also to provide cheap and healthy reliable food for our population,” he said.

President Granger has visited a number of medium and small scale enterprises and sees such visits as an ideal opportunity to interface with local entrepreneurs and listen to their concerns and challenges. “This is something that is adding value to Guyanese products and I would like to throw the Government’s weight behind enterprises like these, particularly since they are concerned with food security.

It is my belief that we do not make enough use of our fish and we have an obligation to not only provide food to people on the coastland, but the hinterland as well. So I am

President David Granger takes a look into the specially-designed room where fish is dried to be packaged

very interested in value-added, I am very interested in packaging and preservation,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Butters-Grant explained that upon her return to Guyana from the United States where she had resided for a number of years, she played around with several business ideas, which, for many reasons, never got off the ground. She recalled that back in 2012, she and her husband wanted to establish a school on the East Bank of Demerara, but that plan also fell through.

They eventually settled on the seafood business, an industry to which she was no stranger, since her parents were involved in fishing.

“I grew up in the industry.

I have a great passion for it. I think it’s in my blood,” she said.

With a keen focus on the local market, Mrs. Butters-Grant informed that the company supplies fish to Guyana Gold Fields, the Guyana Defence Force and from Monday, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. They also export fish to the United State, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Apart from packaging fresh fish, the company, which employs over 15 persons, is also famous for its boneless and skinless saltfish. This is filleted by staff members at the processing facility and is then placed on racks in a

solar drying facility, after which it is packaged.

The company’s product line also includes fish nuggets and pre-seasoned, pan-ready fish and Mrs. Butters-Grant also hinted at plans to make fish sausage. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Chief Executive Officer of Global Seafood Distributors, Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant presented President David Granger with a crystal fish paperweight, as a token of appreciation

Gov’t still has work for Dr Mangal MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon said though he cannot pronounce on Dr. Jan Mangal’s contract at the Ministry of the Presidency, Government still has uses for the petroleum expert.

Dr. Mangal is a Presidential Adviser on Petroleum. One day after Government had cause to state that Dr. Mangal is not authorised to speak on behalf of President David Granger, Minister Harmon, when pressed for answers with respect to the renewal of the expert’s contract, told reporters that with respect to the advisory services, Government has uses for Dr. Mangal.

“Whether in fact he makes statement in his own private capacity, that is another matter, but as far as the advice which he gives to His Excellency the President, it is on those terms that the contract, whether it is extended or it is brought to an end, it is on those terms and not so much what he says to whatever audience,” Minister Harmon said.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of the Presidency stated that Dr Mangal is not authorised to speak on behalf of President Granger or the Government. The ministry’s terse statement came hours after Dr Mangal made comments to the media at a forum at the University of Guyana on the oil contract with ExxonMobil. He stated that it is “natural” for contracts to

be reviewed with the availability of new information, provided that there is agreement between the parties.

Dr Mangal was speaking on the sidelines of a forum on Guyana’s petroleum sector held at the University of Guyana. He was at the time responding to questions regarding the many concerns raised by civil society and other stakeholders on the 2016 Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited.

The petroleum adviser said that he is pushing to have reviews of the PSA done by multinational agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Following the release of the PSA, a number of stakeholders, including the media, have made their criticisms clear on several aspects of the agreement – from the percentage of royalty to the signature bonus and on issues such as local-content provisions, among other issues.

Last year during an interview with the media, Mangal had stressed that there was need for Guyana to enforce legislation, policies and regulations in the emerging oil-and-gas sector that cannot be easily influenced by politicians.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

TotalTec inaugurates multi-million-dollar academy – over 500 Guyanese to be trained in the first few years –3000 applications already in the system

GUYANESE-owned Oilfield Services, TotalTec has turned the sod for its multi-million dollar International Petroleum and Maritime Academy with the aim of accelerating recruitment, development and employment of Guyanese into the oil and gas industry through career orientations.

It was literally a “ground-breaking” ceremony on Thursday when Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman did the symbolic sod-turning, opposite the Gafoors Complex at Houston.

TotalTec recently secured the lot to construct the first academy of its kind here, but had already acquired a small centre at the Gafoors complex from their partners, one of the largest oilfield services company in the world, Schlumberger.

“We estimate that over the coming year the investment to get this all up and running which includes the facility, the cost of setting up all the training materials and so forth will cost close to USD$3-$5 million,” said Chief Executive Officer of TotalTec, Lars Mangal, who is a Guyanese.

He said most of the finance will be spent on procuring training equipment, but a number of local and in-

ternational companies have signaled their interest in contributing models, simulators, training materials and even instructors.

The recent discovery of oil off the shores of Guyana

by ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen has created a new industry for Guyanese to invest in and be a part of. The investor as such believes that the facility will be highly beneficial to the locals.

“We expect to have around 500 Guyanese come through this centre over the next few years,” said Mangal.

SCOTTISH COMPANY A five-year contract has been granted to an experienced Scottish company--First Competence Limited Aberdeen--which will facilitate the training programmes.

According to Mangal, the team from First Compe-

of TotalTec, Brian Chia said the programmes will be ideal to train Guyanese to be ready for the industry.

“We want to train them, work with local companies to accelerate their participation in the oil industry and we will work with international companies that want to participate,” said Chia.

He referred to companies like Muneshwers that capitalised on the opportunity and got large contracts with Exxon.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman turns the sod to inaugurate the first ever international petroleum and maritime academy as CEO of TotalTec, Lars Mangal watches eagerly (Adrian Narine Photo)

An area behind the Gafoors Complex being cleared to accommodate practical training (Adrian Narine Photo)

CEO of TotalTec, Lars Mangal (right) shows Minister Trotman some of the modules and learning outcomes (Adrian Narine Photo)

tence is already in Guyana, but they are not the exclusive training partner because they are expected to have a lot of other companies which will participate in the training and delivery of programmes to Guyanese.

“First Competence is going to be providing us with three instructors to do training on the ground in conjunction with two/three Guyanese instructors that will be second instructors as we train them,” he said.

The CEO explained that they have already received 3000 applications from persons who are interested in working on ExxonMobil’s shore base at the Muneshwers Wharf.

“We will be diligent with who we recruit and how we train them… at the same time we will be open to putting on training programmes and sending them through the academy,” he explained.

There will be 120 basic operator training programmes and other training programmes that will look at health and safety.

Second Vice President

“Even our company is an example… we started about a year and a quarter back and Mangal decided that it was a good time to come back and we did and took a big risk because it was only one discovery of oil and no plan for development,” Chia explained.

As seen in other parts of the world, oil and gas is a long term business so, with that in mind, Mangal and his partner took the risk and got one of the largest contracts that ExxonMobil has given

in Guyana.

Similarly, their intent is to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the industry by starting the courses between March and April this year.

According to Chia, the first 25 Guyanese will be employed by them to go through a nine-week training course after which they will be deployed to various jobs in the industry if they successfully complete the course. He said if there are no immediate jobs, persons will remain on their payroll and will work on the shore base until they get a job.

TotalTec has already preselected the first batch of persons but they are awaiting the arrival of training equipment from the United Kingdom (UK).

SUGAR WORKERS TO BENEFIT Minister Trotman had urged the investors to partner with local academic institutions like the University of Guyana (UG) in order to help Guyana “delink” and go through

the “pains” of rightsizing the sugar industry.

“We have able-bodied men and women who can make a contribution to the oil and gas industry which will replace sugar,” said the minister.

Both Chia and Mangal acknowledged what the minister said and added that they intend to take in people like the sugar workers who are good technicians and mechanics.

They said they will work with the sugar workers to change their mindset to be more safety conscious and train them in other oil-specific skills.

Minister Trotman encouraged the investors to support Guyanese and the Government because they need “all hands on deck” to develop the local oil and gas industry.

He said the Government stands ready to ensure that there is a steady flow of applicants and persons who will work on the oil rigs and onshore in various aspects of the industry.

The space that will soon be transformed to the new academy (Adrian Narine Photo)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Minister Gaskin chairs CITUR meeting in Washington DC … in preparation for Guyana’s hosting of Tourism Ministers’ conference

MINISTER of Business with responsibility for Tourism Dominic Gaskin is currently in Washington, DC chairing a preparatory meeting for Guyana’s hosting of the XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism (CITUR).

The preparatory meeting takes place over two days from February 7-8 and will be attended by Heads of Permanent Missions to the Organisation of American States (OAS). Its purpose is for reporting on preparations for the XXIV Congress, confirming the Draft

Agenda and discussing the Draft Declaration and Plan of Action of Georgetown on the theme of ‘Connecting the Americas through Sustainable Tourism’.

The minister is accompanied by Director General of Tourism Mr. Donald Sinclair who is the focal point for the Congress. The Congress which takes place on March 21-22, 2018 at the Marriott Hotel Georgetown, would be the first OAS Ministerial Congress being hosted in Guyana.

The Ministerial Congress is a high-level forum that provides opportunity for policy and decision-makers

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and other officials at the meeting in the tourism industry to interface with experts and practitioners from a diversity of sectors including business,

academia, technology, rural and community development etc.

Challenges are dis-

cussed and strategies and solutions proposed. A key output is the ‘Strategy to Enhance Tourism Co-

operation and Competitiveness in the Americas’ subscribed to by all the Member States.

Guyana to support Mikuriya for WCO re-election GUYANA will be supporting the re-election of Dr. Kunio Mikuriya as Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said on Thursday

that Cabinet had approved a request by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge for the country to support the re-election of Dr. Mikuriya to the helm of WCO. The election is set for June 2018.

Dr. Mikuriya has held this post since 2009 and has accomplished tangible results for the WCO and its members. If elected at the council session of the WCO in June 2018, he will serve for a third and final term in

office,” Minister Harmon explained.

Minister Greenidge was advised to convey Cabinet’s decision to the Government of Japan.

The WCO, with over 180 members, is an interna-

tional organisation aiming to harmonise and unify customs procedures and to promote international cooperation.

It is the only inter-governmental organisation on customs matters and

has been making a significant contribution to the development of global trade and economy through ensuring security and facilitation in international trade and promoting customs cooperation.

Weeping pastor jailed for raping minor

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric A unanimous verdict by a 12-member mixed jury resulted in Pastor Andrew Hannibale being sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a child.

Presiding Judge Sandil Kissoon after listening to Defence Counsel Arun Gossai, State Prosecutrix Ms Tuanna Hardy and the convict, said parole will not be possible until a period of thirty years of imprisonment have been served.

“The victim has been grossly violated in every conceivable way. She had to face criticisms and publicity to take the stand and recount the event which led to you being before me,” the Judge remarked to Andrew Hannible as he stood in the dock, with tears streaming down his face.

Moments earlier, Hannibale in his address to the Court said, “Your Honour and members of the Jury. How sorry I am to find myself in such a situation, and experiencing such a decision as a commu-

There were tears for convicted child rapist Pastor Andrew Hannibale

nity leader and as a pastor for over twenty nine years. I never thought this day would come.

I am very sorry. It is very painful. I know the community has lost its confidence in the church because of the expectations of me. I will abide by the jury decision. All I ask for is leniency, so I can serve the time and resume back to society as a brand new man.”

He further stated: ”I want to say to the victim and family, how sorry I am . I know you are hurt. I pray you forgive me, as you go on with your life. Madame Prosecutor, I have no grievance against you. You have done your job. Whatever is the decision of this court I will abide,” concluded Hannibale.

Hardy noted that the now convicted man had betrayed that position of trust. “He breached that trust, Your Honour and he engaged in the acts not just once, but many times. He is a pastor and the Court must reflect on the nature of the offence when considering sentencing.”

In response, the Judge brought to fore, the harsh reality of the matter and high-

lighted the reasons raised by defence lawyer Arun Gossai who had highlighted the positive influence which Hannibale had on the community and his congregation and also he had made several attempts to show remorse but was rejected. But Justice Kissoon noted that the very reasons raised by the defence were the very reasons which allowed the victim to be violated. “This act cannot be treated lightly. You are a pastor of a large congregation. A community leader. Persons sought refuge to be nurtured and cared for. This child was without immediate family and you grossly violated her,” said Justice Kissoon to the convicted child rapist.

Hannibale was indicted with rape committed between Friday 29 and 30 January, 2016 in the County of Berbice. According to the facts, a sibling of the virtual complainant awoke and had discovered that the 15-yearold was not in her bed. As a result their guardian was informed and a search was carried out. The teen was seen in an outhouse. However, responding to questions, she

Pastor Andrew Hannibal being escorted from the Berbice Assizes to NA prison to commence his 40 year sentence confessed that she was with was handed down, there was the pastor. Further, a report loud wailing from female was made at the Blairmont members of Hannibale’s Police Station after which congregation. the virtual complainant was One woman was seen seen and examined by a on her knees with her arms medical practitioner who wrapped around the now indicated that the child was convicted man as he sat sexually violated. In the awaiting escorts to the New meantime, after the sentence Amsterdam prison.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Guyana poised to become model global economy ––CIG Guyana’s Dr David Singh forecasts

By Alva Solomon

WITH oil on the horizon and the enviable reputation of having one of the world’s most pristine forests, Guyana is well on the way to becoming a model for conservation globally.

This was told to the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) on Thursday by none other than Dr David Singh, head of Conservation International Guyana.

Dr Singh, during a panel discussion, said that a mapping of the country’s forest potential against its petroleum potential between 2018 and 2025 could see Guyana occupying “a very unique position.”

What this means in essence, Dr Singh said, is that 85% of the country’s land mass will have been covered with forests, while per capita, production would

exceed 20,000 liters per year per person during the period.

He told the gathering that with such a healthy prognosis, Guyana can become a model world-class economy, but will require the help of all hands on deck to see it come to fruition.

“This, I believe, is a challenge for the oil industry sector today,” Dr Singh said, adding that implausible though it may sound, it is achievable.

And to do this successfully, he said there are three goals the country must strive to achieve. Firstly, Guyanese must remain connected to their eco-systems, and secondly, there should be incentives for the creation of “greener” jobs.

The third goal is a determined effort to secure and maintain eco-systems.

“This is highly important for us, even as we maintain our renewable

natural capita--our forests,” Dr Singh said.

A GREEN ENVIRONMENT Ndibi Schwiers, Director of the Department of Environment, who also sat on the panel during the discussion, noted that the production of oil in a “green” environment can be compatible.

She spoke of the firm posture adopted by the government to ensure Guyana becomes a “green” and efficient state in a short space of time. She identified the government’s Green State Development Strategy as the vehicle that would lead to such an achievement.

Schwiers said that the strategy presents an overarching vision for inclusive growth and development for the country.

She said that at this point in time, adopting such a strategy not only distin-

guishes Guyana from other countries globally, but it can also help it to leapfrog even the developed nations by building a framework that delivers more resources efficiently, less environmental damage, and more socially inclusive societies.

She said that President David Granger has stated time and again that the country has to walk on two legs by balancing oil exploration and sustainable developments.

Schweirs posited that the petroleum sector will play an important, facilitative role in building a diversified “green” economy by funding industrial and social development, including by value-added industries, by funding investments in a renewable base of energy, and enabling “green” transformation through investments in science and technology.

11

Dr. Chesney replaces Joe Singh on State boards

MONTHS after retired Major-General of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Joseph Singh resigned from the post of presidential adviser and from several State boards he has been replaced, at least on two of the State boards.

On Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that Cabinet has approved a request to appoint Dr. Patrick Chesney to replace the retired major-general on the Board of Trustees of the Protected Areas Trust and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Board of Directors.

Dr. Patrick Chesney Major-General Singh retired as a member of both boards in October 2017.

Trained in tropical agroforestry, Dr. Chesney has more than 25 years of research and development experience in the Americas. He is a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Programme Specialist and Assistant Resident Representative/Programme, with responsibility for Environment, Extractive Industry and Energy.

Additionally, he is the coordinator of the Guiana Shield Facility, an eco-regional initiative aimed at the long-term conservation and sustainable development of the Guiana Shield eco-region.

Deputy Chief Immigration Officer retires MEMBERS of the Guyana Police Force, both serving and retired, gathered at the Central Immigration and Passport Office to wish Assistant Commissioner, Dale Andrew Alves, farewell as he heads into retirement.

Assistant Commissioner Alves has an impressive thirty Four (34) years of service in the Guyana Police Force and functioned in many different areas of the Force such as: the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Commander ‘G’ Division and Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division.

The Deputy Chief Immigration Officer who also served as a drill instructor at the Felix Austin Police College during his earlier years in the Force, was referred to by many as the Assistant Commissioner Extraordinaire, and both senior and junior ranks from the Immigration Office fervently

Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Dale Andrew Alves flanked by Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Assistant Commissioner ‘Operations’ Nigel Hoppie and retired Assistant Commissioner, Brian Joseph. expressed admiration and gratitude to the outgoing Assistant Commissioner.

The evening began with laughter and quickly cli-

maxed to a greatly expressed night of elegance, gallanted with words of wisdom and reverberated notes, that the Guest of Honour, Mr. Alves,

is a man whose approach, work and character were worthy of emulation.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM,

noted that Mr. Alves remarkably transitioned from a background in the Tactical Field and was able to adapt and function incredibly well in the area of immigration which requires exceptional people skills and tolerance.

He posited that the outgoing Deputy Chief Immigration Officer will be missed and remarked that Mr. Alves was one of the Senior Officers he could have trusted as it relates to getting the job done.

Assistant Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ Mr. Paul Williams, Assistant Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr. Nigel Hoppie DSM, Director of Prisons (ag) Mr. Gladwin Samuels and other serving and retired senior officers of the Guyana Police Force, coherently described Mr. Alves’s thinking as critical and out of the box, they concurred with the nomenclature “The Most disciplined Police in the world” as was touted

by Assistant Commissioner ‘Administration’ Mr. Clifton Hicken.

But perhaps the most impacting remarks were those of the staff of the Central Immigration and Passport Office. Through dance and poetry, the ranks sent emotional waves across the room. Using bilingual skills, sharing past experiences and genuinely signaling goodbyes to a great man, in the end, he reciprocated as if he had not done enough….

Thank you artistically expressed.

Assistant Commissioner Dale Andrew Alves proceeded on pre-retirement leave on February 7 and will be officially retired on April 1, 2018.

He is succeeded by Senior Superintendent P. Langevine who served as acting Deputy Chief Immigration Officer and Deputy Commander of ‘C’ Division.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

CH&PA to build 1000 40jailyears for homes by year-end raping

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has announced it will be building at least 1000 housing units before the end of 2018.

Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul told the Guyana Chronicle that while the housing ministry has commenced the construction process, the building of another 200 homes is expected to commence in the next six months.

The units are to be built by a Trinidadian firm, Ramits and Sons, and will be located in Diamond, on the East Bank Demerara.

Saul said that at least seven foreign companies are slated to build 741 housing units in a public-private arrangement that will see firms out of Barbados, Dubai, Canada and as far as Malaysia taking part in the project, while the CH&PA will oversee the construction of 259 homes.

Saul had earlier an-

nounced during a media tour that 19 single-elevated and flat housing units will be constructed at Onderneeming, on the West Bank Berbice(WBB)before midyear.

The announcement had, however, caused the CH&PA to come in for some flak, as some opined that the housing authority seemed more bent on having exhibitions instead of actually building homes. One commentator had even contended that the CH&PA, and by extension the government, was proud of building 19 homes as compared to the 1900 homes built in 2013 by the last administration.

Saul countered saying that the last administration’s 1000 Homes programme not only failed miserably to meet their target, but has caused the current administration to expend more than $60M in remedial work on those said properties, which are mainly located at Perse-

CH&PA’s Mr Lelon Saul verance and Providence on the East Bank of Demerara.

He, however, conceded that indeed the CH&PA had been unable to construct the number of homes they would have liked to, owing to the backlog of housing applications that had to be sorted and cleared up, the

massive remedial work that had to be undertaken in the various housing schemes, and in some cases, the demolition and reconstruction of poorly built homes issued to beneficiaries.

Fixing the houses at Perseverance alone has cost the government over $60M, while another $20M had to be expended on those built at Providence.

The government also had to fix those housing schemes that were commissioned earlier, as they lacked water, electricity and other basic amenities.

“The houses had serious defects, and this mitigated a full roll out of the ministry’s projects,” Saul said, adding that where millions could have gone into additional development of the housing sector, it had to be used to fix existing projects.

He said that in the meantime, a few low and high-income homes, ranging in price from $4M to

$15M, will be constructed by the private contractors.

These will include two and three-bedroom single homes and elevated duplexes.

The CH&PA, Saul said, is currently in discussion with financial institutions to help make it easier for persons to access mortgages. He said moves are also afoot to engage more credit unions so they could be of help in this regard. He said, too, that the authority is also working on collaborating with the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions which has an interest in building homes in Guyana.

Persons attached to credit unions here will have first preference in purchasing these homes.

All lands will remain with the CH&PA until it is handed over to the beneficiaries. Saul said that the authority will set the rules regarding the construction of the homes, and they will identify the beneficiaries.

Demolition of St. Rose’s High School building soon

By Svetlana Marshall APPROXIMATELY $16.9M has been awarded to PD Contracting for the demolition of the St. Rose’s High School building, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has disclosed.

The multimillion-dollar contract was among three new contracts made public by the minister of state on Thursday during his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Rehabilitation of the Ruimveldt Police Station at the sum of $16.2M and $25.1M for the supply of multimedia equipment for the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) by Digital Technology were the two other contracts awarded.

Minister Harmon explained that the demolition will begin during the Easter Holidays when school is out of session. He said the displaced children will be accommodated in buildings within the school’s compound in the new school.

Chairman of the Board

of Governors of St. Rose’s High School, Kenrick Thomas had said that all options were explored before the decision was taken to demolish the school’s timber building which faces Church Street. The demolition will pave the way for a modern building to be erected.

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

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

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

Thomas has assured that the replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the

The St. Rose’s High School that will be demolished within days, paving the way for a modern structure to be erected (Adrian Narine photo) design of the Marion and other wings on the property, including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.

“The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the demolition and the project and is expected to last for approximately 24 months with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with

the National Procurement guidelines and procedures,” Thomas stated.

It was noted too that during the deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders, including the Nuns of the Convent, the Parent Teachers Association, the Alumni Associations, students, teachers, the National Trust, the Education Minis-

try, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of Finance.

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

woman

STUNNED and disgruntled was Julius Branker when he was on Wednesday sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for the knife-point rape of a mother of one at her home in 2014 in the county of Demerara.

The sentence was imposed by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Sexual Offences Court in the Georgetown High Court after a 12-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

The accused was clearly rattled by the sentence. In handing down her sentence, the judge said that the accused has failed to show remorse and did not even ask the court for mercy after she considered the nature of the offence.

The 40-year-old in response told the court that he was innocent and if he did it the police knew he could be found stating that his relatives can say where he was at the time of the incident.

In his plea of mitigation, defence counsel Maxwell McKay said that his client is a religious man who is a model prisoner and is a father of three and has a grandchild whom he supports.

The offence occurred on February 15, 2014 when the accused was armed with a knife and broke and entered the home of the victim while, she was in bed with her 18-month-old baby when he committed the act.

Halima Khan who appeared on behalf of the victim and is the Red Thread Support Officer in a statement told the court that the virtual complainant is tramautised by the incident which has left her feeling ‘nasty’. She has forgiven the accused but added that she relives the incident as if it happened yesterday and is unable to lead a normal life as it relates to relations with men.

The young woman stated that she simply cannot get over what happened and hopes the accused will reach out to Christ for what he did.

13

Drink responsibly, don’t blame rum indiscriminately

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

–DDL boss Komal Samaroo

By Lisa Hamilton THE international market for premium and super premium spirits are growing and as such the Caribbean rums are well positioned to take advantage of this growth.

This is according to chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association Inc (WIRSPA) Komal Samaroo, who addressed CARIFORUM Rum Producers at Pegasus Hotel Wednesday evening.

The chairman said WIRSPA producers in the region have begun

be enhanced as we start using our Geographical Indications in our marketing,” Samaroo said, pointing out that Guyana had acquired the same in April 2017 and Jamaica most recently.

On the global stage, the Caribbean rum industry is still relatively small and therefore with this disadvantage in mind several governments of the region have been deliberating on solutions to some of the challenges it faces.

One of these challenges Samaroo highlighted was outdated regulations and laws which need to be adjusted taking in to consideration that the

dinated approach at the CARICOM level,” the chairman said.

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Present at the event was Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who spoke in relation to the morning session of the forum which focussed on Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Responsible Drinking.

“I think it is very commendable that the producers of a beverage that is so powerful… should have committed themselves to working along with the rest of the society to ensure that the

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge (right), engages Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association Inc (WIRSPA) Komal Samaroo (centre) and Chairman of J. Wray and Nephew Limited in Jamaica Clement Lawrence (left) at the CARIFORUM Rum Producers meeting on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Executives of regional rum producers and special invited guests check out Guyana’s local products (Adrian Narine photo) to target the international market by producing high quality products and by securing Geographical Indication (GI) in attempts to highlight themselves as the “place where great rums come from”.

“I believe, over time, our marketing story will

industry has experienced significant changes over the years.

“I have personally started to engage the authorities locally and I think our members across the region should be doing that with their government and I hope that we can have a coor-

product is consumed in moderation,” Minister Greenidge said.

He further said that rum and sugar have been an integral part of the economy of the Caribbean and its culture and, therefore, they are difficult to separate.

Nonetheless, like all

commodities, there needs to be wise usage.

The minister reiterated previous charges for alcohol consumers to desist from drinking and appoint a designated driver, to consume in moderation while on an empty stomach, and to switch to premium quality spirits as the safer choice.

Adding to this, the DDL chairman said a parallel challenge faced by the region is that whenever there is a negative aspect of alcohol abuse, it is ascribed to rum, even when the spirit may not have been involved.

“I think that is a negative stereotype that, collectively, the industry in the Caribbean must work to overcome,” he said, adding: “We are working very hard to make rum

as fashionable and as sophisticated a drink as any other beverage drink in the world.”

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIRSPA Vaughn Renwick said the organisation’s main reason in coming to the sessions was to look at the impact their product has on society.

“Rum itself has a history in the Caribbean that is very, very positive but also has negative aspects.

Alcohol has an impact on the health of our people. So we wanted to see what we could do to start making a change to the way people drink so that they drink more responsibly. We want to engage stakeholders to talk about reducing harmful drinking and that was really the core of this session,”

Renwick said.

In addition, chairman of J. Wray and Nephew Limited in Jamaica, Clement Lawrence, told this newspaper that the CSR discussions for responsible drinking have been fruitful and his company remains dedicated to the cause.

“Our company is deeply committed to that and that’s why we brought a team here, a delegation of three, so that we could participate in this with our colleagues in the Caribbean.”

Rum is the largest agriculture-based export in the English-speaking Caribbean with foreign exchange earnings topping US$300 million, which contributes to national treasuries across the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Duo freed of ‘Turning Point’ murder EDWARD Skeete called “Pretty Boy” who was on trial for the alleged “Turning Point” murder back in 2015 bolted down the steps of the Georgetown High Court after Justice Navindra Singh told him he was free to go.

The elated Skeete did not waste any time to exit the Georgetown High Court where he ran onto the road before he was joined by his relatives. The matter was before Justice Singh and a 12-member jury whom he directed to return a formal not guilty verdict

resented by defence counsel Nigel Hughes while, Nabadingi Gobin called “Dangles” was represented by attorney Mark Waldron in association with Keoma Griffith.

The duo was on trial for the alleged July 14, 2015 murder of Ryan Clementson at Turning Point, Tucville, Georgetown. Leading the state’s case was Narissa Leander in association with Tiffini Lyken and Abigail Gibbs.

During her opening address Leander had told the court that on July 14, 2015

Freed: Edward Skeete and Nabadingi Gobin, as well as the deceased Ryan Clementson (Guyana Times photo) as a result of insufficient evidence in the trial. The other accused, Nabadingi Gobin called “Dangles” was not so lucky although he was discharged from this matter he was remanded to prison since he has other matters pending.

However, before Skeete was freed of the alleged 2015 murder Justice Singh told him that he is being given a second chance to turn his life around and he should make use of the opportunity. After which he was un-cuffed and allowed to walk out the courtroom as his relatives and others were clearly overjoyed at his acquittal. Skeete was rep-

Clementson was shot and he was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. She stated that there was a police investigation and the two accused were charged for the offence. It is alleged that Clementson, of Mocha, East Bank Demerara was on the bridge at Turning Point, when a man rode up on a motor cycle and discharged several rounds in his direction and escaped.

Clementson was shot to his right leg, while Adoyele Solomon, 32, of Tucville, who was in the vicinity was hit to his right shoulder. Clementson subsequently died.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

A move in the right direction –– Canadian lawyer commends gov’t for adopting global best practices to govern oil sector

By Alva Solomon THE incorporation of global best practices to govern the development of the country’s petroleum industry is a move in the right direction.

This is according to Canadian lawyer and former politician, Ms Alison Redford, QC, who said Thursday that while the government is working quickly on the management of the sector, they have enough time on their hands to create

and identify the regulators.

One of the guest speakers at the inaugural Guyana international Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) held at the Guyana Marriott, Redford, among whose forte is constitutional and legal reform, said she believes 25 years is good enough time for politicians to determine how they wish to develop their country, based on the natural resources at their disposal, and as such it is of

utmost importance to lay down the rules which will govern the sector.

“As long as companies understand the rules, they will find a way to make the rules work and fit into their business model,” she said. And while on the subject of the roles of governments, industry and civil society, she said that everyone needs to understand the rules.

She said that once those rules are laid out properly,

there will be discussions such as those ongoing here in Guyana as regards the expectations of how companies can assist the local economy, royalty payments, local content requirements and environmental issues.

“Until those rules are clear,” she said, “there will be confusion and debate.”

‘TREMENDOUS PRESSURE’ And where political lead-

Canadian lawyer, Ms Alison Redford, during her presentation at the inaugural Guyana international Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Thursday ers are concerned, Redford said there will always be “tremendous pressure”, once the conversation surrounds new oil money and what benefits it can bring regarding the provision of services for the development of communities.

According to her, “immediately, people who may not understand a lot about that commercial relationship, begin to ask questions about the financial terms of that agreement.”

Redford, who is widely regarded at home in Alberta as the first ever female premier in the province’s history and the eighth woman to serve as a premier in the history of Canada, told her GIPEX audience that after looking at the petroleum legislation that has been put forward by the Guyanese government, she is happy that a number of elements contemplated for are being regulated by the imminent petroleum commission.

She also noted the significance of industry and civil society’s reliance on the regulator in protecting the resource and the community, as she expressed hope that the petroleum legislation would be passed.

Last May, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman tabled the Petroleum Commission Bill which makes provision for the establishment of a Petroleum Commission to serve as a regulatory agency for Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

In December 2017, and in light of criticisms that the Bill makes provision for too much government control, government announced that it will revisit the legislation with the aim of ensuring that there is transparency and inclusivity.

At the time, Minister Trot-

man told the National Assembly, “Government has chosen to pause the implementation of the Petroleum Commission Bill so that we can receive all fit and proper proposals that may be out there.”

Redford noted Thursday that the passage of the legislation provides all stakeholders with a framework in which they can operate, and that its absence can lead to confusion as to who is responsible for enforcing the rules.

IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP During her presentation, Redford also noted the importance of partnership by relevant stakeholders, in that if there is no partnership between government, industry and community, then there would be no trust for economic development to occur.

Redford stressed that while at the moment, everyone in Guyana is focused on ExxonMobil’s plans for the country, “others will come when they understand that there are clear rules and framework in place.”

Redford said sessions such as those ongoing over the past three days at GIPEX 2018 are valuable, noting that they are “so helpful in terms of promoting dialogues and transparency in the development of the industry.”

Lauding the work of the authorities in pushing for the development of the sector, Redford said, “It’s incredible to see how much has developed and how quickly Guyana is responding to it.

And while there may be daily challenges faced by the authorities, clearly, over a year I can see you are moving beyond those challenges.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Artistes Old & New ready for Soca Monarch Competition

By Lisa Hamilton TOMORROW, 15 individuals will go head-to-head in the semi-finals of the 2018 Carib Soca Monarch moving one step closer to winning the grand total of $1.5 million.

With the air thick with excitement, The Buzz met up with five of these competitors, both experienced and rookies, at a recent practice session at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

Performing ‘Ah Playing Mas’, which is all about Mashramani and promises to be of high energy, is Samantha Grant.

Although she has been singing for about 20 years, Grant told The Buzz that it is a first time for her participating in a competition.

The young woman says she will maintain a positive mindset despite the outcome and described the other newcomers, like herself, as bold with a lot of ‘attitude’ and ‘sass’ which adds to the excitement of the competition.

“As a professional singer, I’m always a little scared until I hold the mic,” she chuckled. “We have a lot of newcomers, including myself. Of course, our aim is for one thing, but so far everybody’s doing their best and even though I’m

Colwin “Lil Colwin” Blair – Leave Me Alone (photo by Samuel Maughn)

Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds – De Money Power Dance (photo by Samuel Maughn)

in the competition I would still encourage people to still put forward their best.”

Meanwhile, well-known Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, will be performing her piece, ‘We Run Things’ and she says that even with a significant number of newcomers, the title is available for anyone to snatch.

“What I love about Soca Monarch is that it creates the opportunity for persons to excel whether you are a newcomer or a veteran, the stage has been created for you to shine,” Vanilla said, adding that she was enjoying performance preparations.

“I love the thrills of preparing for a competition! Sleepless nights, rehearsals, Turn to page 21 ► planning, laugh-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Mashramani and Carnival What the People say...

TO someone who has never travelled to Guyana, the word ‘Mashramani’ or ‘Mash’ may carry little to no meaning.

To Guyanese, say no more, we all know that the Amerindian word means ‘Celebration after hard-work’ and scores of citizens look forward each year to doing just that!

Annually, on the anniversary of the country’s Republic Day on February 23, thousands of Guyanese of all races take to the streets to celebrate while demonstrating costumes depicting cultural pride and unity.

For several days leading up to the celebration there are competitions for the young and old, testing their skills in poetry, masquerade, physical display, dance, calypso, soca and the works.

Guyana is the only country with a festival with this name while many others observe what is known as ‘Carnival’. This practice has its roots in Western Christianity and Orthodox practices.

It usually occurs just before the season of Lent, a period of fasting, moderation and self-denial and, in times past, was a combination of circus-like parades, masks and a public street party.

In contemporary times, many countries around the world, especially in the Caribbean, are known for their own transformation of the festival.

These carnivals are categorised by colourful costumes, live performances of drums and steel pans, soca music and not forgetting streets filled with miles upon miles of revellers.

Although Guyana’s Mashramani celebrations are mostly

Mashramani “For me, everything is ok. The route is a bit different because everybody accustomed to one route every year.

They put it back to Vlissengen Road but it’s also on the other side of the road…so even if we were to do business this year, we have to do it on the other side…so we don’t know how that is going to work out. [But] we’re hopeful that it will work out.”

similar to Carnival, it is hinged on a wider cultural perspective.

The most recent happenings in Mash is a change in the parade route which now begins from the National Park to east along Thomas Lands, then south into Vlissengen Road and into Durban Park.

But, many may have also heard of yet another development that is bound to see locals having more time to revel and have fun.

In May 2018, Carnival is coming to Guyana for the first time ever! It is being introduced through a combination of entertainment bodies, the government and other key stakeholders.

With this in mind, we went out into the streets to find out what Guyanese think about the change in the Mashramani route and the upcoming Carnival celebration:

Mashramani “I think that they should use the seawall [as the route] because there’s no traffic there, people can be on both sides, plus, after the Mash, people who want to relax have the park right next door...I think that’s the safest route to go. There, people can make money as well as enjoy themselves.”

-Collin John

Carnival “I think it’s a good idea but we have to wait until then to see what it turns out to be. We’re hoping that a lot of foreigners come in because we’re doing arts and craft. We’re from the Craft Association, so we’re only hoping for the best.”

-Elizabeth DeSouza

Mashramani “Is D’Urban Park we normally go and do Mashramani “I don’t attend Mash because, as far as tradition goes, it’s not really the same.

From the [previous] procession, when you go to the National Park, you have your picnic, you walk around and the entire place is family oriented. A lot has changed and just bringing back the pathway is not enough.”

Carnival “Usually the first time for these things don’t be all of that. Because a lot of people are now being introduced to it, so you never really know what will be the outcome. If it becomes annual, then it will become more progressive and more people will attend. Also, [Mashramani and Carnival] have to be a certain distance [in time] apart.”

-Stephen Bacchus

business so, it’s fine because people will be traversing up and down, all over.”

–Telisha Clarke

Mashramani “I think it’s a good idea that they change from Brickdam to Vlissengen road because, to me,

Mashramani “For me, I like Mash. Life is about changes and if change comes around, people need to adapt and accept change because you can’t live one way all the time. And, if there’s a change and is a positive step, I think people should accept and enjoy themselves.”

the road is wider and it’s more

Carnival “I hope it don’t take away from the Mashramani and we just come together and come out and celebrate. We’re trying to boost and improve tourism so we need to come out and participate in these activities and help to boost our economy.”

-Rawle Barrington

Carnival

spacious and with the distance, people will get to put down their stands ‘long side the road from the National Park right through.”

“I think it would bring in more tourism in the country. I support it 100 percent.”

-Clavia Liverpool

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

The Secretariat of Cultural Industries Breaking the recycling stables of street crime from old Georgetown to now...

THE paradox of the Sugar workers brings to light the twisted politics of race hate and vindictiveness; of using an ethnic workforce in the party power line to their own detriment; to strike, burn the cane; to undermine the administration of ‘the other’. Now, as the pendulum swings, their future is to be addressed without malice by the same ‘other’ in the twilight of the forewarned fall of Sugar. But such is the invisible laws that time and time again manifest before us, yet we seem not to learn that Karma exists. But in the context of the concerns of populations trapped by history in subculture stables and in the UN Decade of the Persons of African Descent, it is the social construct of old Georgetown that must now be re-examined, because Georgetown is the home to almost 30 per cent of the population of Guyana, and home to a large youth population.

Let me offer some background to what I’m referring to.

The town of Stabroek that became Georgetown emerged from the Shipping Wharves waterfronts and trade of the 1760s to the 1890s, from La Penitence to Cummingsburg (Tigerbay-Kingston) before Hubert Nathanial Critchlow, (a National hero and stevedore) to the decline of the stevedores in the early 1980s.These waterfront areas provided a major income sustenance for the congested wards of Georgetown.

Like all waterfront areas, these were tough areas. Critchlow himself was a stick-fighting champion among tough men and women like Doris Schoreder, who fist fought robust sailors.

They worked and fought hard.

The congested reservation-type wards they lived in inhibited their ambitions and expectations narrowing their

worldview, where physical prowess and street cleverness became the tools of survival. Not to say that there were no exceptions that reminded the wider society that this was a human pool of talents and skills beyond physical toughness.

They were also the keepers of grass root culture- Bill Rogers came out of Charlestown.

Many of the youth passing through the courts today hail from these areas. A social mythology has long developed to say “What they are, is their choice,” yet the prisons publish the talents of prisoners, within the confines of that controlled environment, but when they step out of the system, there is no interception, no platform to engage. Thus they return to the same stables with its hovering devils of hopelessness.

This is where the broke, hemmed in souls are recruited for hit jobs. A classic example is the killer of Godfrey ‘Saga’ Scipio, Aubrey Bobb of Kitty, who with confidence said “I didn’t want to do this. I had planned when ah come out ah jail fuh sell weed.”

The other reference is “Mazaruni Prisoners graduate from groundbreaking courses.” That is where the Cultural Industries Secretariat comes in. A secretariat to develop markets and economic directions for the Arts, Crafts, Artisans, Culinary products, and to educate on techniques and product competitiveness. This idea I had written about before, and recently in discussion with the current Acting Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain, we both concluded that it was a positive and necessary development. An ideal interception to make good with what we have, the ‘interception’ in relation to our focus on lawbreakers does not only involve these citizens but the wider arts community, who have not had a min-

ister and team in the third of the ministry dedicated to culture.

Not to say that the ministers were not capable in their own career fields, but culture though revered in all the countries we hold in high esteem has failed to inculcate its relevance in subsequent administrations beginning in the Hoyte era. The most distant been the PPP’s 23 years, they were coerced into doing and to comply with certain cultural regimentations but without any holistic intent. I have long advocated that culture deserves its own realm, which it had post-Independence. That period laid the foundation for all that still exists now, though fragmented and populated with hunter-gathering cultural practitioners. With the reality of an inevitable transforming economy (oil or no oil) based on adherence to copyright and the decline of the traditional GOP earners, no potential should be left unattended.

Culture, like oil, belongs to worlds of their own. Popular academic accolades (except for those honed in contract and IPR procedures) are not the criteria for the engagement and enhancement of culture towards cultural industries. This requires specific intellectual and ‘burnt fingers know how’ acquired through experience. The setting up of the Cultural Secretariat will not solve crimes but will ease the annual $150,000,000 spent on feeding ‘yard fowl’ remand prisoners, (our entitled prisoners will have food delivered). This secretariat will enable the expansion of talents, including mine. The 2018 Budget proposed building a Creative Institute. I can’t get any information from anyone in authority on what it’s supposed to do. I, however, have outlined (with many ideas retained) what the Cultural Secretariat will achieve.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Jason Shurland wows with Wire Bras for Mash

By Tamara Tucker THEY say that fashion makes a statement and turns heads. This is exactly the intention of young and upcoming designer, Jason Shurland who is currently in full gear and hype for the Mashramani festivities with the release of his wire bra collection called “Nudes”.

The idea for the collection was inspired by an eyeshadow palette from Maybelline makeup which is filled with nude shades for all skin tones. So Shurland’s wire bras are available in rose gold, silver, gold, black and blush pink. He added that there are no colourful wire bras as we would see in other countries. “I wanted to brand Guyana very different! So we can make an impression,” the designer told The Buzz. And, based on sales, it seems as though they have already begun to do so since the first set of wire bras from the collection is sold out already. Shurland said that he has received queries from potential clients the USA, Jamaica, Guyana, England, St Vincent and Barbados and they continue to ask for more, which he is currently working on.

The second part of the collection will only be 20 bras, he said, adding that these will be sold on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Shurland also related that many countries over the years such as Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela and other countries cause attention around the world with the unique wire bras and Guyana can be added to that list.

The ambitious designer describes himself

Shurland said that as a designer who’s emerging on the local scene he has his sights set on other Caribbean territories but first, he wants to mark his name in Guyana and then from here he can go bigger and better.

He shared with The Buzz that someone from Paris has already found interest in his

Wire bra worn by a client

as passionate, driven, creative, feisty and self-motivated. He also describes his wire bras as not too revealing but made to provide a great sparkling look on individuals. He also described the bras as more of a piece of jewellery which can be worn as a statement piece.

“We have our own culture and [Mash] is about having fun and being comfortable in whatever we choose to wear and this wire bra is not just a bra but an elegant piece that also lights and glitters in the night,” he said.

Wire bra worn by makeup artist Lola

pieces and wants him to do a runway show, however, he admitted that it was too costly.

He said in the next five years he will be able to start doing things for Paris and Europe

Artistes Old & New ready for... ing, the mishaps and all, so I would say preparations are going well,” she said. “Once Guyanese are exposed to my music they always connect to it, whether it’s through the instrumental, the lyrics or my personality, Guyanese people generally connect to me in a loving way.”

A rookie with a lot of potential participating this year is Colwin “Lil Colwin” Blair who said that preparations for Saturday evening are taking “a lot of hard work [and] a lot of energy”.

The soca competitor hailing from the mining town of Linden says the idea behind his piece ‘Leave Me Alone’ stems from a scenario where someone does not want to leave or be called away from a party when the enjoyment sets in.

Blair says that although this is first time in a Soca Monarch competition, he is not intimidated by the experienced performers and receives a wonderful amount of support from his home town.

“Linden people support everyone from Linden. They support you 100 percent [whether you’re] new, old, middle class, it don’t matter, once you’re from Linden they support,” he said.

At the same time, a ‘veteran’ to the stage and bringing his ‘A Game’ is Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds with his soca

Jonathan “Lil Red” King – Water, Paint & Powder (photo by Samuel Maughn)

but for now he will just start off with the Caribbean.

He said his way to persuade other men to get involved in designing is to look at the bigger designers that are international, from Europe, Paris, England and also the United States. “Think about how much you can do; how much you can influence someone; how much the world will be better if you come as a Caribbean designer and add something and brand your name.

There are so many male designers out there that we do not know that make brands that we wear in the Caribbean,” he said.

Designer Jason Shurland

From page 18

Meanwhile, feeling very confident is Jonathan “Lil Red” King who will be performing ‘Water, Paint and Powder’.

King, who is not a first-time performer, told The Buzz that the idea behind his song was to incorporate body painting, the Indo-Guyanese festival of Phagwah and Mashramani together in one song to unite cultures.

Being able to assess his past experience while planning for his next is one of the many reasons the young man feels that he can most definitely win the title.

“It’s quite a confident feeling having this experience, being able to watch all of my previous years and to be able to see all my weak points. So, going in this time, I’m pretty confident,” King expressed, leaving a final encouragement:

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts – We Run Things (photo by Samuel Maughn)

song, ‘De Money Power Dance’ which he says is about the sheer happiness and joy of having money.

He, too, has observed the rookies in the contest and said that he was happy to see that the culture of Guyanese and Caribbean music was continuing. “I’m glad for the newcomers; it’s good that they’re having new blood into the competition.

It shows that it has its links and that it keeps going on all the time whether it’s a calypso, a chutney or a soca, new blood is coming in,” he remarked.

However, the well-known performer says that experience also plays an important role and his will help him to some extent in the competition.

Hinds, whose first performance was a calypso competition in 1992, says that many Guyanese artistes aren’t being marketed well enough but the present competition proves that there is much local talent which needs to be properly promoted.

“We have quality music. We’ve been producing good music for the past 10 years or more and I think that Guyanese music has been going places, we just need to market ourselves so that we can be known to the people, the youths that are coming up and the Guyanese population,” he said.

Samantha Grant – Ah Playing Mas (photo by Samuel Maughn)

“Mashramani over the years, I think, has been losing flavour, but the people are the only thing that can keep the flavour. So if the people of the nation really come out and support our true Guyanese culture that’s the way we can keep the fire burning.”

The 2018 Carib Soca Monarch Semi-Final Competition will be hosted at the Linden-Georgetown Municipal Bus Park.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Hackney Primary gets dining room

SEVENTY students will benefit from a newly-constructed dining room at Hackney Primary School, Pomeroon River, Region Two, after British businessman Duncan Turnbull started his first community outreach and donation there.

Turnbull is CEO of Pomeroon Trading, a Guyanese-registered company which is leased some 700- acre of farmland in the Pomeroon.

Financed by investors from the UK and the Caribbean, the company is working to restore a neglected estate to its former glory.

The development at the school was celebrated with over a 100 guests, some of whom were investors from across the world. They were treated to a programme that featured songs, dances, speeches and prayers.

Pomeroon Trad-

focused on education and empowerment of women and girls.

Prior to the construction of the dining room, pupils used to eat outside in the sun or inside the classroom. The new dining room connects to a kitchen and has extensive seating and facilities including a hand-washing station.

A former pupil Ted English, now a carpenter, who worked on the project, said it is a reflection of good corporate social responsibility.

“All children deserve a nutritious lunch in a clean and safe environment. This improves educational attainment and reduces truancy. We’re delighted to do our part and work with Hackney Primary School to foster education in the Pomeroon,” Turnbull said.

He added: “And to the girls out there, know that education gives you the opportunity to

A student of Hackney Primary School cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance of the dining hall in the presence of headmistress Verna Naomi Jack and Pomeroon Trading CEO, Duncan Turnbull (left standing), among others guests

The Hackney Primary School

Students utilising a section of the dining area ing is working in partnership with National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI) to develop the Caribbean’s largest coconut seedling nursery in the Pomeroon.

According to Turnbull, the company has a strong community outreach programme

go out and be a new generation of working women. Girls do better than boys, on average, at school. Girls work harder and are more naturally intelligent. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t go out and rule the world. My female classmates have gone on to be doctors, creators of innovative companies, and inventors building technology products.

My country, the UK, has a female prime minister, the most powerful politician in the land.

But girls, to make this happen, you need to finish school. When you finish school you gain skills, independence and confidence. You are the empowered to go out in the world and improve your lives and the lives of those around you. I urge you from the bot-

tom of my heart to finish school.”

Headmistress of Hackney Primary School Verna Naomi Jack welcomed the initiative, pointing out that the kitchen was donated by a church and the dining hall complements the needs of the school.

“Pupils will be afforded the privilege of dining in comfort in a well-ventilated natural

air conditioned dining hall,” she said.

The guests at the simple handing over ceremony include representatives of the government, the Director of NAREI and CARDI, and 20 international visitors from England, America and New Zealand.

Hackney Primary has a population of 70 students and is one of several government schools

in the Pomeroon. The school is a 30-minute drive from the Charity Wharf.

Prior to the new dining room, the children had to eat outside (in the sun) or inside the classroom as there was no dedicated dining area.

The room is constructed in local traditional style using local materials and local craftsmen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

President to receive legal advice –on top judicial appointments PRESIDENT David Granger will soon receive legal advice on the appointment of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice following the rejection of his nominees by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday.

Though Jagdeo rejected Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards for the posts of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice respectively, the Constitution provides for the President to appoint them in acting capacities after consultation with the Opposition Leader.

The Constitution also requires that the nominees for the two top judicial positions be appointed by the President, after agreement with the Leader of the Opposition.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, while speaking at his post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, reminded reporters that the President in conformity with the Constitution invited the Leader of the Opposition to consultations on the appointment of the Chancellor

Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Chief Justice.

A consultative meeting was held on January 3, 2018, and President Granger had furnished the Opposition Leader with the Curriculum Vitae of the nominees, while outlining the process for selection. The nominees were selected and recommended to the President by a panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh, Justice James Patterson, and Professor Harold Lutchman.

But now that the Opposition Leader, in exercising his Constitutional right, rejected the nominees for

the post, Minister Harmon said President Granger will move to capitalise on other provisions catered for in the Constitution. “Constitutionally, there is a provision now which will have to kick in, which will allow for another level of consultation, before appointments are made,” he told reporters.

According to him, President Granger has committed to writing the Opposition Leader on the matter after the Opposition failed to show at a planned meeting on Wednesday.

“There is a constitutional provision which we will look at, if in fact there is no agreement for them to be appointed in the substantive position then as I said there is constitutional provision for them to be appointed otherwise,” Minister Harmon added. He would not say whether the appointments would be substantive or for the purpose of acting but made it clear that Government will not allow for the work of the judiciary to be held in abeyance or to be stymied.

According to Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana, “the Chancellor and the

Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Guyana has been without a substantive Chancellor since 2005, when the then Chancellor, Desiree Bernard, retired and took up the post as judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) the same year.

The non-appointment of a substantive Chancellor

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

and Chief Justice is a result of the government and opposition sides not agreeing to the candidates for the post.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, during the Bar Association dinner in November, had underscored the importance of having a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice in place soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

‘Jackie Chan’ versus Wilson clash to mark return of GFF Elite League on Sunday THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League will make a return for the second round on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with an interesting double-header.

League leaders and newcomers Den Amstel will collide with defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the opening game from 17:30hrs then make way for the highly anticipated clash between the new-look Fruta Conquerors and Western Tigers.

Following the GFF’s Transfer Wind o w, s o m e t e a m s made some major changes to their initial roster with Western Tigers and Fruta Conquerors going after the ‘big guns’ to boost their chances.

The Elite League will see a return of the star of their inaugural season, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, who was picked up by Fruta Conquerors while former Alpha United talisman Daniel Wilson will now suit up with Western Tigers.

Both players are familiar with each other, having played on a star-studded Alpha United team as well as on the country’s National senior team, the ‘Golden Jaguars’.

Conquerors finished behind champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) last season, and had vowed to make the necessary changes needed to not only compete with the ‘Army’, but also to stake their claim as the best club in Guyana.

Richardson, touted as one of the most talented players of his generation, had taken the Elite League by storm in its inaugural season while playing for his foundation club Pele.

H o w e v e r, a f t e r Pele, along with Alpha United, Slingerz FC and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) had pulled out of the Elite League in protest of the GFF’s expansion from eight to ten teams, calling the move “unconstitutional”, the club (Pele) found itself back at the ‘association’ level, playing under the Georgetown Football Association (GFA).

Fruta Conquerors, headed by Guyanese-born Canadian football star Alex Bunbury, had made several notable signings this season, also adding National player Anthony Benfield, and Golden Jaguars national ’keeper Akel Clarke to their line-up.

Richardson, 35, is the first Guyanese-born player to be signed and featured in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS), following his move to the Colorado Rapids in 2009.

The forward, who sits behind Nigel ‘Powers’ Codrington (18) as the country’s second highest goalscorer on the international stage, with 15, is well known for his ability to get goals and at Fruta Conquerors it will be expected of him to live up to his billing, even though he’s one step off the player he used to be.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Razzak stars but Sri Lanka edge Bangladesh as 14 wickets tumble SRI Lanka lead Bangladesh by 166 runs after both teams struggled with the bat on the first day of the second Test in Dhaka, where the returning Abdur Razzak (4-63) starred for the hosts.

The tourists had recorded a huge score of 713-9 declared as the first Test was drawn, but they were all out for 222 in the opening innings at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, before recovering some momentum in the field to take four wickets before the close of play.

Kusal Mendis kept Sri Lanka on track early on, notching a half-century to help his team reach 96-2, following the dismissals of Dimuth Karunaratne (3) and Dhananjaya de Silva (19) to Razzak, making his first appearance since 2014 following a surprise recall, and Taijul Islam (4-83) respectively.

However, Sri Lanka crumbled as Danushka Gunathilaka (13) and skipper Dinesh Chandimal (0) were dismissed from consecutive deliveries.

Gunathilaka chipped Razzak to Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-off but it took a better delivery to dislodge the captain for a duck, Chandimal’s off stump removed by a length ball that beat the outside edge, as Razzak shone in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who was ruled out of the first Test with a finger injury.

And the 35-year-old was at it again soon after lunch, a similar delivery finally dislodging Mendis (68), before Niroshan Dickwella (1) also departed to Taijul.

Sri Lanka’s middle order and tail offered some resistance, the partnership of Roshen Silva and Dilruwan Perera (31) lasting for 52 runs.

Silva ultimately went for 56, having continued to chip away alongside Akila Dananjaya (20) and Rangana Herath (2), and left Bangladesh with an achievable first-innings target.

But the home side made a shoddy start to their chase, losing Tamim Iqbal (4) and Mominul Haque (0) inside the first two overs, with Suranga Lakmal (2-15) taking his 100th Test wicket as he caught and bowled the former.

Mushfiqur Rahim (1) went, too, after a series of near misses, and Sri Lanka piled the pressure on in the final 30 minutes to take Imrul Kayes (19) lbw, Bangladesh limping to 56-4 at stumps.

Liton Das (24 not out) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (five n.o.) will resume today.

Sanjay’s Jewellery 5th annual pre-Valentine’s Day golf tournament on tomorrow

Abdur Razzak tied up Sri Lanka’s batsmen in his first Test infour years to finish with four for 63.

(Raton Gomes/BCB)

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings Kusal Mendis b Abdur Razzak 68 Dimuth Karunaratne stp. Liton Das b Abdur Razzak 3 Dhananjaya de Silva c Sabbir Rahman b Taijul Islam 19 Danushka Gunathilaka c Mushfiqur Rahim b Abdur Razzak 13 Dinesh Chandimal b Abdur Razzak 0 Roshen Silva c Liton Das b Taijul Islam

56 Niroshan Dickwella b Taijul Islam 1 Dilruwan Perera c Mominul Haque b Taijul Islam

31 Akila Dananjaya c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mustafizur Rahman 20 Rangana Herath c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mustafizur Rahman 2 Suranga Lakmal not out

4 Extras: (lb-5)

5 Total: (all out, 65.3 overs)

222 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-61, 3-96, 4-96, 5-109, 6-110, 7-162, 8-205, 9-207.

Bowling: Mehedi Hasan 13-0-54-0, Abdur Razzak 16-2-63- 4, Taijul Islam 25.3-2-83-4, Mustafizur Rahman 11-4-17-2.

BANGLADESH 1st innings Tamim Iqbal c & b Suranga Lakmal 4 Imrul Kayes lbw Dilruwan Perera 19 Mominul Haque run-out Dhananjaya de Silva 0 Mushfiqur Rahim b Suranga Lakmal 1 Liton Das not out

24 Mehedi Hasan not out

5 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1, w-1)

3 Total: (four wkts, 22.0 overs)

56 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-4, 3-12, 4-45.

Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 7-3-15-2 (w-1), Dilruwan Perera 8-325-1 (nb-1), Akila Dananjaya 3-1-4-0, Rangana Herath 4-0-11-0.

Edwards, Fletcher steer Volcanoes to easy win HALF-centuries from discarded Windies opener Kirk Edwards and Andre Fletcher guided the Windwards Volcanoes to an easy six-wicket win over Hampshire CCC on Wednesday in the CWI Super50 Competition at the Kensington Oval.

Edwards scored an unbeaten 71 and together with Fletcher (53) they put together a 94-run third-wicket stand that helped the Volcanoes recover from 35 for 2 and eventually set the foundation for an easy run to 204 for 4 off just 36.2 overs.

However, former West Indies paceman, Fidel Edwards, made things uneasy early for the Volcanoes batsmen. Devon Smith and

Johnson Charles had begun the chase well, scoring 24 from the first 14 balls before Edwards bowled the former for 14.

Two overs later he returned to have Johnson Charles, caught by Adams for 13. Edwards eventually got Fletcher’s wicket to end with 3 for 52 but by then the Volcanoes were well in sight of victory.

Earlier, James Adams scored a 75-ball 83 as Hampshire CCC set the Volcanoes a modest target of 201 to win.

Adams struck 11 fours and two sixes but his teammates had a hard time keeping out the bowling attack, led by Shane Shillingford who bagged 4 for 32 from

his 10 overs.

Shillingford was responsible three of the top-five batsmen and together with Kesrick Williams, who dismissed Adams, snuffed the life out of Hampshire’s in-

nings after they won the toss and elected to bat.

Williams ended with 2 for 39. Kavem Hodge also had two wickets as Hampshire were bundled out for 200 in 48.2 overs.

Opener Kirk Edwards

AS sponsors race to secure their spots for golf tournaments, Sanjay’s Jewellery has booked its spot to sponsor a pre-Valentine Day medal play tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC) tomorrow.

According to a release, Sanjay said that he wanted this spot on the Club’s calendar since Valentine’s Day is a special day for the business in light of the fact that Sanjay’s Jewellery offers elegant and exquisite designs of clothing and jewellery at affordable prices.

Members of the LGC are encouraging all their clients, friends and families to support this sponsor who has always been there for the club in the past years.

Sanjay’s Jewellery Classic will offer prizes to the top four golfers,

Nearest to the Pin, Long Drive and for the first time ever, anyone who makes a Hole-in-One will win $100 000 for a charity.

Sanjay’s Jewellery indicated the desire to continue to support the LGC for many years to come. Sanjay said that he is happy about the direction that the club is going and urges everyone to visit the club tomorrow to witness the changes for themselves. He is especially excited about the Wine Tasting and Tea Party being held on Sunday on the lawns of the Club.

For more information on the LGC’s 2018 calendar of events and activities, and how you can become a member of the club, visit its Facebook page or call 220-5660 or simply stop by for a tour of the facilities.

GCA second division tournament continues this weekend

SECOND division cricketers in Georgetown can gear themselves for action tomorrow when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCB)-sponsored New Building Society (NBS) 40-over second division cricket tournament continues with five games.

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will host Malteenoes Sports Club; Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) will also host Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC); UG play Transport Sport Club at Malteenoes; Ace Warriors meet Police at Eve Leary while Diplomats and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) clash at Camp Ayanganna.

All matches start at 11:00hrs.

SCOREBOARD

HAMPSHIRE innings T. Alsop c Edward b Johnson 0 J. Weatherley stp. Fletcher b Shillingford 8 J. Adams c Edwards b Williams 83 S. Ervine c Mayers b Shillingford 8 L. McManus c Edwards b Shillingford 28 F. Organ c Edwards b Williams 0 B. Taylor c Shillingford b Hodge 24 G. Berg b Shillingford 2 A. Hart c and b Hodge 21 C. Wood not out 9 F. Edwards c Fletcher b Mayers 5 Extras: (lb-2, w-7, nb-3) 12 Total: (all out, 48.2 overs) 200 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-41, 3-77, 4-115, 5-117, 6-140, 7-142, 8-183, 9-188.

Bowling: Johnson 6-0-27-1, Hodge 10-1-42-2, Shillingford 10-132-4, Mayers 5.5-0-29-1, Williams 6.3-1-39-2, Edward 10-0-29-0.

VOLCANOES innings D. Smith b Edwards 14 J. Charles c Adams b Edwards 13 A. Fletcher c Weatherley b Edwards 53 K. Edwards not out 71 K. Hodge b Wood 11 R. Cato not out 17 Extras: (b-2, lb-7, w-15, nb-1) 25 Total: (4 wkts, 36.2 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-35, 3-129, 4-161.

Bowling: Edwards 7-0-52-3, Wood 10-1-30-1, Hart 5-0-40-0, Berg 6.2-0-36-0, Weatherley 3-0-18-0, Taylor 5-0-19-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Shane Shillingford.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Mike’s Wellman lift RUBiS’ Bel Air Softball title

Barca reach King’s Cup final for record fifth year as Coutinho strikes

By Richard Martin

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Barcelona reached the King’s Cup final for a record fifth year in a row on Thursday with a 2-0 second leg win at Valencia in which Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the club as they secured a 3-0 aggregate semi-final success.

final. ”I have been trying to score since my first game and I‘m happy to have done that, although the most important thing is that the team won the game and we are able to leave here happy.

“Everyone told me we could be the first team to reach five finals in a row, we all knew it and it’s a great

Mike’s Wellman captain Wayne Jones accepts the winners’ trophy from Mrs Neeto Persaud, in the presence of members of his team.

MIKE’S Wellman were crowned champions of the RUBiS’ Bel Air Softball competition by defeating Fisherman XI by 26 runs in the final which was played last Sunday at Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo.

Mike’s Wellman took first strike and compiled 117 all out off 15 overs. Nandram Samlall made 31, recording two fours and two sixes, while Latchman Kallicharran contributed 20

which included two fours and one six.

Bowling for Fisherman XI, D. Thomas picked up three wickets while Raymond Harper and Romo Malone took two wickets each.

In reply, Fisherman XI were dismissed for 91 off 15 overs after losing two early wickets.

However, R. Persaud and Malone offered some resistance, adding 45 runs for

the third wicket to steady the run chase, but when they were both dismissed in quick succession, Fisherman X1’s innings went downhill.

Earlier, Fisherman X1 beat Savage by eight wickets after Savage took first strike and were dismissed for 94 with Uniss Yusuf top-scoring with 40. Bowling for Fisherman XI, Zameer Hassan claimed four wickets for six runs.

Fisherman XI replied

with 96 for two off 10 overs.

Malone was left unbeaten on 40.

Mike’s Wellman overcame Parika Defenders in a match that had to be decided by a super over after Parika Defenders were bowled for 188 off 20 overs and Mike’s Wellman replied with 188-6 off 20 overs also.

In the super over, Parika scored 14 and Mike’s Wellman replied with 18.

Demerara, Berbice to clash in GCB Under-15 final … Demerara beat President’s X1; Berbice whip Essequibo

DEMERARA and defending champions Berbice will play the final of the Guyana Cricket Board/Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY Inter-county Under-15 50over tournament tomorrow at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

Both teams secured victories in their final round matches yesterday to make sure they play in what will be an intriguing match-up with Berbice having already defeated Demerara in the earlier rounds.

In Demerara’s final round match against GCB President’s XI at Lusignan, they rocketed to a commanding four-wicket due to a disciplined bowling effort up front.

Batting first in the rain-affected match, the P r e s i d e n t ’s X 1 w e r e bowled out for 88 in 42.2 overs Only Tameshwar Mahadeo (17) and Yohence Anjoy (13) reached double figures in an abysmal batting performance. Extras contributed 33 to the total.

Medium pacer Rom-

mel Datterdeen and leftarm spinner Zachary Jodha were the most successful bowlers with figures of 2-12 and 2-17 respectively.

In the run chase, Berbice reached the revised target of 80 with four wickets in hand. Datterdeen (17), Nicholas Rajpat (15) and Mavindra Dindyal (13), were the principal scorers for Demerara.

Meanwhile, over at Everest where the other third round game between Berbice and Essequibo was also affected by rain, Berbice easily disposed of

their opponents by 71 runs.

Berbice reached 111-8 in 36 overs. Zeynul Ramsammy top-scored with 36 and Jonathon Rampersaud contributed 16 runs to the total.

Essequibo in reply were bowled out for 49 in 28.5 overs. Mahendra Basdeo scored 14. Rampersaud bowled exceptionally well for the Berbice team picking up 4-13. He was awarded the man-ofthe-match award.

Boodram Lakeraj and Latchman Dhanna collected two wickets apiece.

Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates after scoring the first goal against Valencia. (Reuters pic)

Valencia bossed the first half at a packed Mestalla as the hosts chased down a 1-0 deficit but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Brazilian Coutinho slid in to turn home a cross from his old Liverpool team mate Luis Suarez in the 49th minute.

Coutinho, who joined Barca from Liverpool for a club record 142 million pounds in January, had been on the pitch less than three minutes when he scored, while Ivan Rakitic stretched the visitors’ lead eight minutes from time.

I feel very happy to be able to play in a final while being at the club for only a couple of months,“ Coutinho told reporters. ”We still have to play it and we’ve got a lot of things to do before the

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Man-of-the-match Jonathon Rampersaud collects his trophy from owner of Dave’s West Indian Shipping, Dave Narine.

Match referee Totoram Ramnarine hands over the man-of-the-match award to Rommel Datterdeen.

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achievement.”

Valencia were looking to reach the final for the first time in a decade and coach Marcelino deployed an attacking 4-3-3 formation which helped his side put Barca on the back foot in the early stages of the game.

Rodrigo Moreno came closest to scoring for the hosts when he crashed a header against the bar in the 13th minute and the Spain international was thwarted again later in the half by Barca goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

“We played a very good first half and we had some very good chances to score and level the tie, but when you’re playing against these teams if you don’t score the chances you get you pay a price,” said Valencia keeper Jaume Domenech.

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30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Seebarran looking to build on pre-season heights

By Stephan Sookram

COMPETITORS are gearing themselves for a packed weekend of racing action with many into their fine-tuning stage ahead of the King of the Strip Drag meet.

One such driver is Raymond Seebarran, a competitor in the 11-second class at the helm of a Nissan Pulsar.

Seebarran, the reigning Easy Cup Light Champion of the GT Motorsports 2017 year and a podium finisher at the season opening Endurance Meet of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club is hoping to transfer this success onto the quarter mile.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he contended, “This time out I’m looking for my podium spot. I won 6 of my last 7 races out here on the strip so I’m going one better

this time.”

“I know there are a lot of guys in that 11-second bracket where I will be, but I’m not go-

see an unofficial practice on tomorrow that will precede the official qualification and knockout on Sunday.

Auto Spares, BM Soat, Palm Court, Samaroo Investments, Windjammer, Nexus, E-Networks, JR Burgers,

Raymond Seebarran’s Nissan Pulsar

ing to focus on that. I want to focus on doing me, getting everything down-pat and getting across the line first,” he added.

The one-day event will

The sponsors are Tropical Shipping, STAG, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Rent A Tent, Perms Electrical, Paul Jiwanram, White Boy

Toucan Industries, Trans Pacific, Ramchand’s Auto Body Shop, Special Auto, A and R Jiwanram Printery Inc., Infinity Imports and Japarts.

West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Zone

Showstoppers, ESPN win big in final group stage matches … Knockout round kicks off tonight

By Michelangelo Jacobus ON the final night of group stage action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Zone played on Wednesday night at the Pouderoyen tarmac, West Bank Demerara, the Showstoppers and ESPN produced big wins to progress to the knockout round.

ESPN, who have rebounded nicely after their opening night loss, dispatched the Dream Team 3-0 with goals from Trevon ‘German’ Lythcott and Pernel Schultz.

‘Guinness Goal’ meaning that it counted as two.

The Showstoppers put on an offensive show to stop Zeelugt Warriors, thrashing them 5-0. Four goals in four consecutive minutes highlighted the game; Marvin Josiah opened the scoring in the sixth minute with Trayon Bobb netting immediately after.

Dexroy Adams made it 3-0 in the eighth minute before Bobb netted his second in the ninth, with Marvin Frank rounding off proceedings in the 12th minute to ensure his side progressed to the next round in emphatic fashion.

kicks were Facebook Ballers who defeated Veterans from the spot after a 1-1 stalemate in normal time. Scoring for the Veterans was Kacey John while Jalen Williams netted for the victors.

After regulation time failed to produce any goals between Zeelugt FC and Harmony Ballers, the winner was decided from the spot with Zeelugt FC triumphing with maximum points.

The Hustlers also won from the spot in their game against Mocha-B while the Gas Team defeated Brothers United 2-1. It was a come-from-behind win for

The knockout round of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/ East Bank Demerara Zone will kick off tonight at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

Despite Dream Team’s initial resistance early in the game, their resolve eventually broke with Lythcott calmly slotting home, following a well-coordinated team move in the 13th minute.

Schultz’s effort came in the 20th minute which was deemed a

In other results Up-Like-7 beat Bagotville All-Stars 2-0 courtesy of an Anthony Darlington ‘Guinness Goal’ in the 20th minute while Patentia Money Team defeated Nismes Ballers on penalty kicks.

Also winning via penalty

the Gas Team as Leon Yaw had put Brothers United into a 1-0 advantage after just two minutes.

However, a late ‘Guinness Goal’ from Bilaal Abdul Jabbar in the 19th minute snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for his team.

Parfait Hardball defeated Police-A via penalties while Harmony Warriors won via the same method in their game against Goal-Getters.

The Rising Stars needed a Daniel Abrams ‘Guinness Goal’ in the 20th minute to beat Admiral United who had an early 1-0 lead courtesy of Lexroy Mansfield who found the back of the net in the fourth minute.

Meanwhile, Frontline Ballers scored a walkover victory over Police-B. The knockout round of the tournament will commence tonight with a number of high octane clashes anticipated at the same venue.

Winners of the tournament will claim $400 000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will receive $200 000 and the corresponding accolade.

The third-place finishers will receive $150 000 and a trophy, while the fourth-place unit will walk away with $100 000 and a trophy.

Tonight’s Fixtures: Round of 16 West Side Ballers vs Patentia Money Team - 19:00hrs Boom Bang vs Up-Like-7 19:30hrs Ballers Empire vs Brothers United - 20:00hrs Mocha vs Hustlers - 20:30hrs ESPN vs Parfait Hardball 21:00hrs Harmony Warriors vs Dream Team - 21:30hrs Zeelugt FC vs Rising Stars - 22:00hrs Showstoppers vs Harmony Ballers - 22:30hrs

Kent coast to third Super50 victory NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Joe Denly missed out on three figures as Kent coasted to their third win on the trot with a comfortable 27-run victory over USA Cricket here yesterday.

Sent in at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in the Group B affair of the Regional Super50, Kent rattled up 215 for nine off their 50 overs, with the experienced Denly top-scoring with 96 from 109 deliveries.

Joe Denly

Zak Crawley supported with 27 while Will Gidman and Adam Rouse both chipped in with 22 apiece.

In reply, USA were restricted to 186 for nine of their 50 overs with captain Ibrahim Khaleel leading his side’s batting effort with 61 off 114 balls.

Opener Jaskaran Malhotra with 28 was the only other batsman to pass 20 as USA lost wickets at vital times to

watch their run chase slowly fizzle out.

He punched five fours in a brisk 32-ball knock, dominating a 35-run second-wicket stand with Sunny Sohal (7) which pulled the Americans around from 19 for one in the fifth over.

However, both Malhotra and Sohal perished in successive overs with two runs added to leave USA on 56 for three in the 14th over.

It was left to Khaleel and Timil Patel (19) to add 64 for the fourth wicket and dig USA out of trouble, taking them past the 100-run mark.

Khaleel struck five fours but was one of six wickets to fall for 56 runs as off-spinner Adam Riley (3-36) and leftarm spinner Imran Qayyum (2-40) triggered a collapse.

Denly had earlier taken the headlines as he held the innings together in a knock which contained 10 fours.

With the English county struggling on 22 for two in the 10th over, Denly posted 52 for the third wicket with Crawley, 42 for the fifth with Gidman before adding 79 for the sixth wicket with Rouse.

Roy Silva was the best bowler with three for 42 while fellow seamer Elmore Hutchinson picked up two for 33.

Kent have not lost since their opening match of the tournament.

SCOREBOARD

KENT innings D. Bell-Drummond lbw b Hutchinson 0 Z. Crawley lbw b Bhatti 27 S. Dickson c Sohal b Netravalkar 18 J. Denly b Silva 96 .A. Blake stp. Khaleel b T Patel 3 W. Gidman stp. Khaleel b T. Patel 22 A. Rouse b Hutchinson 22 C. Haggett not out 10 A. Riley c Netravalkar b Silva 1 Imran Qayyum c (sub.) Prashanth b Silva 3 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, w-5) 13 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 215 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-22, 3-74, 4-80, 5-122, 6-201, 7-201, 8-204, 9-215.

Bowling: Hutchinson 10-3-33-2, Netravalkar 9-3-36-1, Silva 7-0-42-3, Bhatti 8-0-31-1, T Patel 10-0-35-2, Kenjige 6-1-30-0.

USA innings J. Malhotra run-out 28 S. Sohal lbw b Haggett 7 X. Marshall lbw b Denly 18 I. Khaleel c Blake b Riley 61 T. Patel c Blake b Imran Qayyum 19 R. Silva c Blake b Riley 1 M. Patel c Haggett b Imran Qayyum 10 E. Hutchinson c (sub.) Hunn b Riley 15 A. Bhatti not out 15 S. Netravalkar run-out 5 N. Kenjige not out 4 Extras: (lb-1, w-2)

3 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-54, 3-56, 4-120, 5-121, 6-143, 7-147, 8-166, 9-176.

Bowling: Haggett 6-1-30-0, Thomas 8-0-29-0, Denly 9-0-37-0, Gidman 8-0-13-0, Imran Qayyum 10-1-40-2, Riley 9-1-36-3.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 09, 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) Alick Athanaze-418 runs (WI) (2) Anukul Roy (IND), Qais Alman (AFG), Faisal Jamkhandi (CAN)......14 wickets each.

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest individual score in ICC Under 19 World Cup 2018?

(2) What were the best bowling figures?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 9, 2018

Naming the stands at the National Stadium to honour Guyana’s cricketing heroes World Cup 2018

- Minister Norton says will love to leave it as legacy

By Rajiv Bisnauth

RENOWNED Guyanese singer, Dave Martins, once asked, “Where are your heroes, Caribbean; show them to me!” Naming the stands at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, is a great opportunity to showcase some of Guyana’s Cricketing Heroes to the World.

However, the previous administration was not interested in such an initiative, and while Minister of Social Cohesion with the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton says he will love to leave the naming of the national stadium as a legacy, it seems that this present administration is also reluctant in doing so after almost three years in power.

“I am in agreement that the stadium, the stands, the scoreboard, press box … you name it, should be named after famous cricketers or persons who have made significant contributions to the game, but (as) regards to the persons who should be, I have given it no thought,” Dr Norton

said recently in an exclusive interview.

The Minister added, “However, when that time comes I want it to be as broad a consultation as possible …

Asked if naming the stadium will be a reality anytime soon; Minister Norton said, “I wish we could, I will love to leave that as a legacy … a reality”.

50th Independence anniversary in May 2016.

Touring journalists, who have covered cricket at our national stadium continue to laugh at us. Cricket pre-

The Guyana National Stadium was built in time for the 2007 World Cup.

everyone who has an interest will have an opportunity to participate and have an influence in the outcome but it must be above board. It must be a system used where everyone should have their say”.

In January 2016, Director of Sport Christopher Jones had confirmed to one section of the media that a panel was tasked back then to identify these icons and the goal of naming the stadium should be completed before Guyana’s

senters at the Kensington Oval in Barbados can refer to the Hall and Griffith Stand, the Greenidge and Haynes Stands.

In Trinidad and Tobago we hear of the Gerry Gomez Media Centre. What about

Sir Wes Hall to deliver keynote address at Rotary Club of Georgetown dinner WEST Indies cricket legend Sir Wes Hall will this evening at the Guyana Pegasus deliver the keynote address at the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s commemoration of ‘World Understanding Month’, under the theme: ‘Lessons learnt from the noble game of cricket’.

World Understanding includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, and as a chance for every Rotary club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service - Rotary’s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among peoples of the world.

Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Foundation Director and former West Indies player and coach, Roger Harper, told Chronicle Sport that the theme of the dinner fits perfectly into the gentleman, the former Barbados Senator.

“I thought that someone like Wes Hall is perfect for this occasion because of who he is; being an example to so many people, especially our young generation,” Harper said.

Harper, who played 25 Test matches for the West Indies in his 10-year career in the ‘gentleman’s game’, said,

“Wes is an accomplished man of the game, both on and off the field, a director in a number of companies around the Caribbean, he’s a Minister, so he’ll be sharing, like the title said, his lessons learnt from the noble game.”

wickets, and never looked back.

He toured England in 1957 with only one first-class game to his name, but he struggled for form and with his run-up and looked unimpressive.

Called into the side to tour Sir Wes Hall

For over a decade Wes Hall terrified batsmen the world over. Muscular and tall with a classical action, Hall presented a fearsome sight. A long, lithe approach ended with a fast and well-aimed delivery.

He started his cricket career as a wicketkeeper-batsman but converted to a bowler when the regular opener for his club side failed to turn up. He took the new ball, six

India and Pakistan in 1958-59, he took 46 wickets in eight Tests, and he was a regular thereafter. In the classic Tied Test on 1961 at Brisbane he took 9 for 203, and bowled the last over with six runs needed for victory with three wickets left.

Hall took one wicket, dropped a crucial catch, and there were two run-outs.

Against India in 1961-62 he

grabbed 27 wickets at 15.74 and in 1963, partnered by Charlie Griffith, he blasted England to defeat.

At Lord’s, in another epic finish, he bowled unchanged for three-and-a-half hours and took 4 for 93 (as well as breaking Colin Cowdrey’s arm).

In 1964-65 his 16 wickets were instrumental in guiding West Indies to their first series win over Australia, but by the time he toured England in 1966 the signs were there that he was on the wane.

Hall retired, along with his partner Griffith, at the end of the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 196869. An immensely popular man, he played two seasons for Queensland and the bulk of his career with Barbados (although that amounted to 13 matches in 15 seasons) with a few appearances for Trinidad in his twilight years.

In retirement he became an ordained minister as well as a Minister of Tourism and Sport in the Barbados government. He also managed West Indies touring sides and in 2001 took over as president of the West Indies Cricket Board.

Guyana? The Green Stand!

The Red Stand! The Orange Stand! The Media Centre!

The time has come; we must name the stands at the stadium. It is not only an honour to our heroes, but also motivation for our youths playing the game. More so Guyana will host a number of international cricket matches this year, including the Women’s World Cup. My humble suggestions are as follows: What about the Lloyd and Kanhai National Stadium?

Why not let us name the Green Stand, Kallicharran and Fredericks stand?

Alvin Kallicharran, a left-handed batsman played 66 Tests and 31 One Day Internationals, scoring 5 225 runs altogether, while Roy Fredericks, also a left-handed batsman played 59 Tests and 12 One Day Internationals, scoring 4 645 runs altogether.

The Red Stand should be named the Hooper and Chanderpaul Stand.

Carl Hooper represented the West Indies in 102 Tests and 227 One Day Internationals, while Shivnarine

George Norton

Chanderpaul, West Indies is the most prolific Test player, with 164 Tests, and 268 One Day Internationals. Together the two players scored 32 168 international runs.

The Orange stand can be called the Camacho and Butcher Stand.

Basil Butcher and the late Steve Camacho have played 55 Tests between them, scoring 3 744 runs together.

Name the southern stand the Gibbs and Croft Stand!

Lance Gibbs and Colin Croft played 79 and 27 Tests respectively. Gibbs, an off-spinner took 309 Test wickets, while Croft, a fearsome fast bowler took 125 wickets.

What about the Reds Perreira Media Centre and the Dave Martins Grass Mound?

Built by the Indian firm Shapoorji Paloonji ahead of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, hosted by the West Indies, Providence has a seating capacity of 16 000 and is mainly used to host local, regional or international cricket or occasionally football matches.

Richard Pybus appointed High-Performance Director by CWI RICHARD Pybus, Cricket West Indies’ former director of cricket, has rejoined the regional governing body as High-Performance Director, CWI announced yesterday.

In this new role, Pybus will work alongside the Chairman of Selectors and all the technical coaches in the region to improve the high-performance programmes and standards within franchise cricket.

His role will also include, but not limited to standardising coaching and preparation for regional teams and overseeing a talent identification programme from the Under-19 level all the way to the WINDIES International level.

P y b u s ’ re c o r d w i t h h i g h - p e r f o r m a n c e p ro grammes is well established.

He is the most successful South African franchise coach having won nine championships across all formats.

The two-time South African Coach-of-the-Year was a member of a system that developed the likes of current South African captain Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and AB de Villiers.

The High-Performance programme aims to support the continued development of CWI’s regional franchise

cricket and put systems in place to close the gap between regional franchise cricket and International cricket.

“I am delighted to be re-joining Cricket West Indies in this newly created role. I am looking forward to working with Jimmy Adams and the rest of the cricket department to improve standards within a system that I know well. My focus will be on developing our high-performance programmes and helping to identify and coach the most talented cricketers in the Caribbean,” he said.

Pybus’ appointment is for an initial term of two years.

In his previous role as Director of Cricket from October 2013 to December 2016, Pybus oversaw Windies victories in two ICC World T20s, an ICC Women’s World T20 and an ICC U-19 World Cup. Along with International head coaching roles with Pakistan and Bangladesh, Pybus has coached extensively in South Africa for Border, Titans and Cape Cobras, as well as Middlesex CCC in England, at domestic cricket level.

He will be based at the CWI Headquarters in Antigua.

nal Naming the stands at the NatioSee Stadium to honour Guyana’s Page 31 cricketing heroes

NAMILCO on board with Petra Futsal

By Stephan Sookram

Jacklyn Boodie, Petra Coordinator watches as co-Director Troy Mendonca collects the sponsorship cheque from Finance Controller Fitzroy McLeod. Extreme right is Marketing Consultant of NAMILCO Affeeze Khan.

(Adrian Narine photo) See Page 27

‘Jackie Chan’ versus Wilson clash to mark return of GFF Elite League on Sunday

FLASHBACK! Daniel Wilson (left) and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson during their time as teammates with Alpha United FC. 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

THE National Milling Company, NAMILCO, has joined the Annual Petra Futsal tournament. This was announced at a press briefing yesterday at the company’s East Bank office.

Speaking at the ceremony, the company’s Finance Controller and football enthusiast Fitzroy McLeod, stated that they are elated to be on board.

“NAMILCO is concerned that young Guyanese citizens should always have options which allow them to make positive choices and pursue healthy and productive pathways,” he said.

He added, “We further support this in the development of our youth through sport and education programmes, through health and wellness projects and as we are now doing by facilitating healthy competition.”

The company has committed to cover the first and second prizes of the competition to the tune of

$750,000.

Also speaking at the event, co-Director of the Petra organisation Troy Mendonca contended that they are glad for the company’s support.

The tournament 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.

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 fourthplace $10 000.

In addition, the tournament is giving away one motorbike each to the MVP of the tournament and a special fan.

No evidence of Ashes match-fixing, says ICC LONDON, England (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday that it had found no evidence of match-fixing in the third Ashes Test between Australia and England last year.

An investigation was launched following allegations in The Sun newspaper that underground bookmakers from India had offered to sell undercover reporters information about spot-fixing ahead of the game in Perth.

Spot-fixing occurs when corrupt players agree to manipulate part of a match by, for example, bowling a wide on a particular

delivery or ensuring a particular run rate.

“We have carried out an extensive global investigation with anti-corruption colleagues from Member countries based on the allegations in The Sun and the material they shared with us,” said Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit in a statement yesterday.

“I am satisfied that there is no evidence to suggest any match has been corrupted by the individuals in the investigation nor is there any indication that any international players, administrators or coaches have been in contact with the alleged fixers.”

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018