Guyana chronicle e paper 02 24 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

Around 30 homeless in Plaisance 08 blaze PAGE

No. 105195

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

A section of the GTT, Pulse Entertainment band gyrating down the road (Samuel Maughn photo)

See pages 2,4,5& centre

Synching with the natural habitat, this Ministry of Natural Resources float was one of the standouts during Fridayâ€™s Mashramani float parade (Adrian Narine photo)

MASH ROCKS

MASH DAY SCENES

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

President David Granger, First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

Happy Guyana Chronicle staffers at the newspaperâ€™s booth on Vlissengen Road

Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn HastingsWilliams and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

President David Granger and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who is also performing the functions of prime minister, enjoying the scene at Dâ€™Urban Park (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

No decision on oil refinery … Min Harmon says gov’t still actively discussing issue

STATE Minister Joseph Harmon said while there is information in the public domain suggesting that oil refineries will be set up at different parts of the country, government has not been engaged, nor has it a made decision with respect to the establishment of an oil refinery. Responding to a series of questions on the budding oil-and-gas sector, and in particular about the news of an oil refinery being set up in Linden, Region 10, Minister Harmon said he too has been hearing about the establishment of oil refineries in different parts of the country. In a Demerara Waves article on February 10, 2018, Operations Director of GuyEnergy Steve Rowan said plans are moving apace for the construction of a modular oil refinery to produce fuels for the Guyanese and northern Brazilian markets. “The plan is to basically start construction at the end of this year and through next

year, so that the refinery is ready for operation early 2020 to coincide with first oil,” Rowan was quoted as saying. With the construction of the modular refinery expected to cost just under US$100M, Rowan reportedly said that the facility will be built in Linden with a capacity of 30,000 barrels per day. But Minister Harmon said government has not been engaged with respect to the construction of oil refineries in any part of the country. “Every week I am hearing about oil refineries, there is one to be done in Georgetown by somebody, there is one to be done in Essequibo, one in Berbice, now one in Linden,” he commented. The State Minister made it clear that government has not made any decision with regard to the establishment of an oil refinery here. “We have said that the question of establishing an oil refinery is

still an ongoing discussion. We haven’t made a decision on it at the level of government,” he said. Minister Harmon added that making such a decision is a critical one, and cannot be dealt with lightly. “These decisions require careful analysis and careful study and as far as I am aware, we have not made a decision in that regard that we are going to establish an oil refinery in any part of Guyana,” he explained. He added that what are being disseminated are basically expressions of interest by private citizens and companies. Speaking on the topic in December 2017, the Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman like Minister Harmon indicated that government has not made any decision on whether it will refine its portion of oil when the U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil begins production come 2020. A sub-committee formed by President David Granger has been

deliberating on the matter. The Cabinet sub-committee comprises Minister Trotman, the Ministers of State, Finance, Public Infrastructure, Business and the presidential advisers on petroleum – Joseph Harmon, Winston Jordan, David Patterson, Dominic Gaskin and Dr Jan Mangal, respectively. At the level of the ministries, there is also a Petroleum Sector Ministerial Committee comprising the Ministers of State, Natural Resources, Finance, and Public Infrastructure and Business. Trinidad and Tobago has made a formal request to the Government of Guyana to refine its oil after production commences in 2020. “…Of course, as the contract terms set out, Guyana may request the operator, that is ExxonMobil, to do its refining and just collect the proceeds therefrom,” Minister Trotman had said. Each option, the Minister of Natural Resources said, has advantages. “If we refine at home, of course

we’d provide jobs; if we refine in Trinidad, then of course there is regional consideration…and the ability to provide petroleum products to other CARICOM countries and perhaps take up the slack from PetroCaribe,” said Trotman. Moreover, he said if Guyana decides to send the oil farther afield to the Gulf of Mexico to be refined, the country will receive the proceeds. That aside, a decision was made by government to reconstitute a high-level committee between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to further deliberate on the matter. Additionally, that committee will also discuss avenues in the agricultural, engineering, infrastructural, and tourism sectors to name a few. Back in May, 2017, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners, Pedro Haas, who conducted a feasibility study, said the construction of an oil refinery here to process some

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon 100,000 barrels daily would be a political decision. He explained that it would cost up to US$5B to construct a local refinery, while noting that Guyana would likely see a negative rate of return on its investment at approximately US$3B.

Guyana, Haiti to sign pact to enhance cooperation GUYANA and Haiti are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the margins of the 29th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Minister of State Joseph Harmon has disclosed. He said the MoU will be signed by President David Granger and President Jovenel Moïseor or their designated representatives, when the Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is held in

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from February 26-27, 2018. The MoU will pave the way for greater bilateral relations between Guyana and Haiti. “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will provide a framework for a Guyana/ Haiti Joint Commission, that will seek to enhance bilateral relations between our two countries in the areas of tourism, agriculture, water management, forestry and food security,” Minister Harmon explained. President Granger’s delegation to the inter-sessional meeting in Haiti will include Vice-President and

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Meanwhile, the need for a more climate-resilient

community is among issues on the table to be discussed by the CARICOM Heads of Government when they meet next week in Haiti. Irma and Maria – two Category Five Hurricanes – left the Caribbean devastated after they ripped through several territories leaving many dead, homeless and even jobless. Dominica and Barbuda (Antigua’s sister isle) were decimated. Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands were also devastated. The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands were severely affected and Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis also

suffered damage. Additionally, the high incidence of crime and violence across the Community will also be examined. Regional Leaders have been analysing avenues that can be taken to effectively combat transnational organised crime, which remains one of the most immediate and significant threats facing the Region. The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the impact of blacklisting actions by the European Union (EU) against CARICOM member states will also be discussed.

CARICOM manager robbed after bank withdrawal A 59-year-old deputy programme manager at the CARICOM Secretariat was shot and robbed of almost $300,000 by a bandit after he had made a withdrawal from

the Republic Bank at Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday. Enquiries have revealed that the Atlantic Gardens ECD resident after with-

drawing his money, headed home in his motor car. On arrival, a white motor car came from the northern direction and blocked his path; a man then exited the rear seat and pointed

a handgun at the manager demanding the bag in his car with the cash. The victim was then shot above his knee and the bandit grabbed the bag containing the cash

before jumping into the getaway car and escaping. The manager was later escorted by the police to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is said to be in a stable condition.

A .32 spent shell was recovered at the scene. Police were able to identify the getaway car, which is registered to a High Street, Werk- en- Rust, Georgetown resident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Guyanese put on mega Mash

By Vishani Ragoobeer and Navendra Seoraj

ON Friday, Guyana celebrated 48 years of its republican status; a title which means that there is a government elected by the people as representatives to work for the people. And in just two years, in 2020, Guyana will celebrate 50 years of being a republic and also the ‘first oil’. As one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, Mashramani remains a candid illustration of the special colours that make Guyana distinctive, and Friday’s celebration was no different. The Ministry of Natural Resources was no-holds-barred in their design, and how could they not? With all the buzz surrounding Guyana’s forthcoming oil production and current gold production, the ministry needed to highlight this.

Speaking about the ‘buzz’, revellers of the ministry’s band was clad in black and gold -- just like the bee! This perhaps sought to illustrate the ‘sweet’ oil and gold, which cleverly could also be garnered from the colour scheme, since oil is often referred to as black gold, and gold is well… gold. Of course, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, could not let her ministry stand alone. She had to join in the procession and as the band crossed the stage, she was seen prancing in front as well. Mashramani this year was a perfect, yet subtle way, of reaffirming that Guyana is on the cusp of transformation -- or maybe even already transformed. Leaning on this idea of transformation was patron, Joshua Sam. He told the Guyana Chronicle, “As a youth I believe we need

to build on our parades and attractions, especially Masharamani.” At the same time

PRESIDENT IMPRESSED

The Ministry of Natural Resources Mash band with Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes (left)

however, he observed, “What I saw here was magnificent and worth travelling all the way from Berbice to see.” You see the revellers in their thousands, but there’s always something extra special about seeing familiar faces on the road. There’s something about seeing your government ministers on the road that fills you with some certainty that they are similarly proactive in getting the work done through their ministries.

In a brief comment, President David Granger said that he was pleased with the massive turn out and extremely impressed with the creativity of the floats and energy of the revellers. “The floats are very good, they depict not only our cultural heritage, but also our economic prospects… This is a form of national and social cohesion where our people have come together; this is really a national celebration in which different people from walks of life are

celebrating as one,” he said. The President noted that the majority of the floats recognise ongoing programmes and initiatives by the government and represent economic progress and cultural and social cohesion. He also called for this level of creativity and celebration to be replicated in all of the other regions of Guyana. Similar sentiments were expressed by the First Lady, who was very happy that good weather had prevailed after the heavy showers during last evening’s flag-raising ceremony. She lauded the designers of the costumes and floats, noting that “it’s great how they are using their initiative and imagination to express national sentiments… It builds cohesion and helps people to express themselves.” Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said that he is one of those people, who, traditionally, would line the Vlissengen Road route to watch the parade and said how impressed he was at how much the parade has been transformed over the years, in terms of creativity

and variety. “It is an opportunity to show that we are part of one culture… Mash is a distinctive product of West Africa… but we have made Mashramani something special because we have added all the different cultures and for that reason it is a great platform and a great opportunity to show Guyana to the world,” the minister said. The minister reminded Guyanese that the country is on the brink of being able to achieve great things and said it is important that they recognise their responsibility to direct their energies and their enthusiasm to doing something better for Guyana. “It is your responsibility to help to build a national spirit and a national mood, so that we can achieve our destiny,” he said. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, when the Guyana Chronicle visited her ministry’s bands as the revellers lined up on Camp Street in preparation for the float parade, she was in front ready to hype her revellers. While supported greatly by her ministerial colleagues,

Saturday, February 24, 2018 - 11:00 hrs

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 21/02/2018 7 26/11/2016 22/02/2018 06

15 12 19 12 14 18 21 19 18 24 26 02 6 N F 11

13 11

14 15

21 22

24 24

22/02/2018 26/11/2016

04 8

07 7

03 9

26/11/2016 22/02/2018

05 1

04 6

01 8

26/11/2016 22/02/2018 02 1 093

10 8 13 11 15 13 16 14 19 18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Guyanese put on...

her track record shows that she is adamant about having Guyana stampede on the digital sphere. And of course by now, everybody would have seen Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton. If you haven’t though, just know that he was the most jubilant person on the road, aptly dressed in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead and showing why he has responsibility for culture, youth and sport. Not forgetting Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who also mashed down the town with her ministry’s band. SOCA JAMMED NON-STOP

became a republic in 1970. The festival, Mashramani, which has as its main attraction the February 23 costume and float parade in the capital, is preceded by several activities in the various regions. Mashramani is also known as a celebration after hard work and Guyanese did not fail to make use of the opportunity to celebrate by dancing, singing or even having a simple picnic with their families as they watched the floats make their way to D’Urban Park. It was all fun and games for the onlookers, but it was a bit more serious for the revelers, since the parade was also a competition. Judges were strategically placed at points along the parade route in order to get

tre and corners of the Park, flouncing and bouncing to impress the judges, President

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, leading her ministry’s band

The massive crowd that filled the bleachers at D’Urban Park on Friday (Adrian Narine (photo)

Meanwhile, along the route, popular Soca music filled the air and those at the edge of the road waiting to get a glimpse of the various floats could not help but shake to the beat. This year, as opposed to the past, the parade began at Thomas Lands and Camp Street then turned onto Vlissingen Road and straight to D’Urban Park. “I was skeptical about the route, but thankfully I decided to go out and enjoy the festivities… I think the route ended up being the best, because we had a lot of space on Irving Street, especially to dance along and watch the beautiful parade,” said one of the many spectators, Keisha Smith, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday. Smith was among the thousands of people who visibly enjoyed the popular cultural event which is held every year in Guyana to commemorate the country’s Republic Anniversary. Guyana

David Ganger, ministers of government, dignitaries and other distinguished guests. The floats paraded around the tarmac of the park, their performances reaching high points as they passed the judg-

Revellers in the band from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs were gyrating during their turn to woo the crowd (Adrian Narine photo)

a clear view of every aspect of the floats. “When they start reaching the judges, the people got more coordinated and the floats looked real good…I loved the different designs and patterns that I saw… hopefully next year we get more floats,” said Andrew Thompson, a spectator who was at the entrance to D’Urban Park. But after wooing spectators on the streets of Georgetown, bands took to the cen-

es’ stand. After doing their best, revellers will have to wait until the end of today or tomorrow to know the results of the competition, said one of the judges. Mashramani is a celebration after hard work, but when the celebration is done -- the hard work begins all over again. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, leading her ministry’s band.

Agriculture Ministry’s, Linden M&TC’s floats depict a green and bright future THE Ministry of Agriculture came storming down the road with a troupe of 60 revellers and floats which depicted Guyana’s green economy and the many opportunities that can come about from it. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, designer James Vanderhyden said the ministry’s float depicted the transformation of the agriculture sector and the simple things people can use such as pepper, pumpkin, coconut, cabbage, pine spices, along with poultry and cattle. The green in the costumes and float represents Guyana’s green economy, while the gold represents the golden harvest, the designer explained. The Mayor and Town Council of Linden was not left out of the parade as they showed up well with revellers in costumes and a float which took 14 days to design, according to its

Ministry of Agriculture float

designer,Eric Headley. He said the name of the colourful float was ‘Brighter Future, while the name given to describe the costumes was ‘Pick it up, clean it up and plant it up’. “If I were the judge I would give it [this band] victory, because it teaches the nation for a brighter future. There are some in-

sects like mosquitoes [and others such as] rats and roaches [on the float]; it shows you that when you keep your surroundings untidy, it would breed these [pests]. But if you keep your surroundings clean and tidy, these [pests) will be eliminated,” Headley said.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Mash is about Guyana, for every Guyanese EACH year since 1970, in the month of February, Guyana has been observing its Republic Anniversary by staging a series of countrywide cultural activities. These displays, reflecting the nation’s rich, diverse mosaic of cultural expressions, have become the embodiment of what has since been known as MASHRAMANI, an Amerindian word of Arawak origin, when translated, means “Celebration after work’’. There is hardly a state, anywhere, that does not have what can be described as a national revelry/celebration of some kind, which represents the sum total of its history/ customs and cultural traditions, and cohesiveness. Virtually every nation celebrates its national life in varied forms of art, music, and cultural expressions that reflect its existence as a people. For examples: Trinidad has its carnival, which is the most significant event on the island’s tourism and cultural calendar; Barbados, its annual Crop Over or Kadooment festival that celebrates the ending of its local cane harvest; Brazil, the gigantic Rio Carnival which dazzles the imagination; Canada, its Caribana, depicting the pot pourri of its Caribbean presence and cultural traditions; while in the United Kingdom, the Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating the West Indian experience, but also being able to attract Europeans from other parts of Europe. Over time, it has become Europe’s biggest street carnival.

From a very simple beginning in the mining town of Linden in 1970, when a few representations of working-class life were depicted, accompanied through its streets by Lindeners, Mashramani has evolved through the decades as Guyana’s premier national extravaganza. Markedly, it has grown from strength to strength, and has gradually evolved into a truly Guyanese affair, reflecting the dynamics of Guyanese experience. Let it be emphasised, again, that contrary to the misleading statements that Mashramani as an important national celebration, was an occasion for the particular political party and the then government; and its particular ethnic brand of supporters, has not only been erroneous, but divisive for its anti-national content. In fact, Mashramani was never conceived for any specific ethnic segment of our nation, or with any cultural-religious alignment. Given Guyana’s pluralistic cultural society and the richness of its diversity, it was meant to reflect the nation of Guyana -- ALL its peoples and their combined experiences as a people. Further, it is a national celebration that is representative of this country’s social journey, depicted through the creative arts, culture and the concept of citizenship within the republic in the various costume and band creations, its calypso and chutney art forms, steel pan in the form of Pano-rama; it even has a segment now for persons decorating

their homes and offices for the Mashramani celebration the, “Clean and Bright competition”. In fact, as a reminder, Mashramani has been celebrated in all the regions from its inception, with the result being that more and more Guyanese of all ethnicities have been joining the individual costume bands. This fact, is further supported by the staging of Mashramani activities in Regions Two, Five, Six, and Region 10, where it was first held. It was heartwarming that Essequibo was able to have such a large float band of a reported 2,000 persons. This was a clear no to the politics of division. This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48”, has been revealing for the increased multi-ethnic participation that is pivotal to the larger vision of a united Guyana. Of course, there are challenges pertaining to the latter coveted prize. However, we can begin, all of us irrespective of race and ethnicity, to start to see this grand national celebration, as a festival where all are welcome to participate in whichever activity is chosen to have fun as Guyanese, shouting with one voice – Mash is we own.

OAI has delivered to the government and people of Guyana Dear Editor AS a former minister of government, we thought that Mr Manzoor Nadir would have first endeavoured to properly inform himself of the facts before essaying to comment, in his letter to Kaieteur News of 16th February, 2018, headlined “The Ogle Airport Inc. saga”, on the development of the Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA) by Ogle Airport Inc (OAI). Mr Nadir begins his letter by making the unfounded accusation that a “monopoly position…is occupied by one family” at the EFCIA. What is the truth? In March 2000, the OAI was, in fact, incorporated with equal shareholders held by five operators. Trans Guyana Airways, Air Services Limited, Roraima Airways Limited, Kayman Sankar Aviation and Hinterland Tours Inc. On the 5th November, 2001, the government entered into a lease agreement with OAI, conditioned by mandatory obligations under a two-phase project requiring the construction of an 800-metre runway to meet

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications, associated taxiways, aprons and ramps and terminal facilities, including a state-of-the-art control tower demanding an initial investment of approximately US$3M in order to qualify the airport as an international port of entry. On 17th July, 2003, the Lands & Surveys department, concomitant with the conditions set out in the lease agreement, granted a 441acre lease of land (Master Lease) for 25 years, extendable for two further periods of 25 years. Phase I of the development under the lease agreement was successfully completed in 2009, when scheduled passenger operations commenced. Not a penny of state money was invested. In his letter, Mr Nadir describes the rates which his former government leased the land to OAI as “peppercorn lease rates” and accuses the airport of sub-leasing land at “astronomical rents to others,” but he conveniently ignores three (3) essential facts: 1. OAI’s rates for land sub-leased to all operators are founded on the substantial development of this land with roads, taxiways

and other infrastructure supporting the subleased lands. 2. The sub-lease rates are tied to a fixed percentage of the airport lease costs and, therefore, increase as the airport lease costs increase. 3. These rates were approved at board level by the same people who are now complaining to Mr Nadir for their own selfish interest. Mr Nadir asserts in his letter that “one family has dominated the business activities of the airport and grown to have virtually total control of the Ogle Airport”. This is patent nonsense and is unsupported by the facts. As cash flow was required from the private investors to meet the mandatory capital investment under the lease agreement, calls on funds were equally made from each shareholder when the airport’s income was insufficient to meet the demand. However, a number of the shareholders reneged on their commitments to the project’s development, choosing, at the time, to invest in the development of their own airline operations and business in-

terest. Unless, therefore, OAI could meet its obligations to develop the airport mandated under the lease agreement, the project would have collapsed, the airport closed and the operators required to move their operations to Timehri Airport or close down. In order to save the project to build and develop the airport, the Correia Group of Companies, along with Air Services Ltd, to a lesser extent, responded to the demand for funds. This decision was made with unanimous agreement of the shareholders and in accord with an agreement between the shareholders established in 1999, that should any investor be unable to invest, the remaining shareholders would have the first right to refusal. Mr Nadir inexplicably comes to the conclusion that the other investors were “all out-manoeuvred”. Yes, a single group of investors saved the airport project by investing the majority of the funds for its development and now hold some sixty percent (60%) of the shares, but, that group does not and Turn to page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Outgoing Argentine Ambassador calls on President

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday was paid a farewell courtesy call by outgoing Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Luis Alberto Martino. Ambassador Martino will be replaced by Dr Felipe Alejandro Gardella, whose appointment was approved by Cabinet last month.

During the brief meeting which was held at State House, President Granger told the ambassador that, “your tenure has immeasurably improved relations between our two States.” Meanwhile, Ambassador Martino, who spent the last six years in Guyana, said that of all his postings in his long career

as a diplomat, he has developed a close connection to Guyana, so much so, that he is sad to be leaving. He also said that he is pleased with the level of cooperation that the two countries have shared over the years, particularly as it relates to the Argentine Embassy’s work with the National Gallery and its involvement with

the restoration and conservation of artwork. Ambassador Martino also assured that he will, upon his return to Argentina, suggest a State visit to his government, in an effort to intensify exchanges between the two countries. Guyana and Argentina established diplomatic relations in October, 1972.

President David Granger and outgoing Argentine Ambassador, Mr Luis Alberto Martino at State House

Several things need clearing up at City Hall Dear Editor, WELL finally the sleeping giant has been awakened-and It Is angry. By this I refer to the very shocking, scandalous and unethical goings on that are being revealed at City Hall in Georgetown. For two and a half years, the administration at City Hall led by the town clerk has managed the capital city much worse than someone would run a cake shop, and have refused to even take the outstanding vacation leave that is due to them, and yet the Council just sat and con-

doned this unpleasant situation, much to the suffering of the citizenry of Georgetown. In circumstances that are coming to light at the moment, one can only ask why are these officers not being sent immediately on their leave to facilitate thorough investigations and a forensic audit undertaken? How is it that if junior officers do not take their leave each year, it is forfeited, whilst senior officers are allowed to sit at their desks for years without budging and in many instances are paid in lieu of leave? Clearly, recent discoveries

such as the works that are currently being executed by City Hall at Le Repentir Cemetery under a contract valued at over $100 million without any evidence of public tendering, and the missing financial statements for millions of dollars in funds provided by Central Government since 2015 being probed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at Parliament Buildings, are but the tip of the iceberg. A forensic audit by the Audit Office of Guyana on the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, which will include Council’s revenue streams including

OAI has delivered to the...

From page 6 cannot exercise control of the Airport. There are, at present, nine domestic independent operators that use the EF Correia International Airport and three foreign operators. There are four approved maintenance organisations and two commercial fuel-supply operations. There are five approved domestic cargo terminals, one main airport terminal for international and domestic operations and five companies capable of providing ground-handling services, all in open competition providing the main essential services of the airport. The airport functions as a public aviation facility subject to the Civil Aviation laws of Guyana and civil aviation international agreements. The obligations of the airport operators are comprehensively defined in the lease agreement. The airport is regulated and licensed by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and governed through its Airport Operations Manual approved by the GCAA. The airport’s licence is exercised

under OAI’s current Aerodrome Certificate issued by the GCAA. The fact is, therefore, that the airport is jointly managed between government-controlled agencies on a day-to-day basis such as Customs, Immigration, CANU, Port Health, Air Traffic Control and the Private Sector Company, OAI. There is no room, and never was, for the owners of OAI to do as they please in the management of the airport. Mr Nadir writes that “the state invested millions of dollars in equipment necessary for the proper operation of the airport” and “the state also on-lent a two million Euro EU facility to the OAI, interest-free”. Mr Nadir is either misinformed or is deliberately misleading. In fact, in 2007, a CARICOM initiated and led European Union funded Grant of 1.5M Euro was offered to the government for Phase II development of the airport for extension of the runway to 4,000 X 100 feet, qualifying the airport as an ICAO Code 2C operation to accommodate carriers such

as LIAT and CAL, complete with night lighting. The PPP/C government, however, improperly converted the grant to a repayable loan by the OAI. To complete the Phase II development, OAI shareholders invested a further US$1M on the terminal, taxiways and aprons. Again, not a penny of taxpayers’ money has been invested in the EF Correia International Airport. Today, OAI has over 500 employees, provides a 24/7 international air service, is poised for future expansion to meet the advent of our oil and gas industry and has delivered to the government and people of Guyana an international regional airport, second to none in the Caribbean and beyond. Mr Nadir is welcome, at any time that he wishes, to visit and be our guest at the airport and see and learn for himself. Regards Kit Nascimento Public Communications Consultant Ogle Airport Inc.

market revenue, property rates-- including all the illegal waivers of interest that were granted by persons in the administration-- and the sale of expensive equipment at rock-bottom prices, as well as its expenditure channels which has seen countless contracts being given to friends without any tender or bidding processes, purchase of equipment,

supplies, services and other items through methods that could not pass scrutiny, will more likely than not lead to earth-shattering revelations. It is my hope that there will be a human resource audit there also to clear up the considerable nepotism, cronyism, favouritism and overstaffing. That the Parking Meter Scandal would be thoroughly investigated,

that the land grab attempts in Bel Air Park, Subryanville and elsewhere would be investigated, that the misuse of Council’s resources, equipment and supplies would be investigated. We await a thorough investigation into the Council’s finances for the last 24 years. Regards Amber Valentine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Around 30 homeless in Plaisance blaze By Ariana Gordon

APPROXIMATELY 30 persons are homeless following a fire which destroyed three buildings and damaged two others located on Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday. The fire of unknown origin reportedly started at 14:19hrs in the lower flat of what used to be Abiola’s Hotel, but was converted to an apartment building. That property reportedly housed more than 20 persons, none of whom were at home at the time of the fire. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the fire quickly spread through the three buildings

Years ago, a previous place of residence occupied by Glasgow and her children was destroyed by fire. The woman who gave her address as 41 Ben Profit Drive, Plaisance, said she lives alone and estimates that the apartment building has about 15 different rooms, which are occupied by other tenants. That aside, she explained that there are two other buildings to the back of the apartment building which were also completely destroyed. “I am a seamstress and I had a lot of work for National Library and other places,” said the crying woman, who explained that her apartment was fully furnished but she could not estimate her losses.

Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder (Samuel Maughn photo)

A distraught Rowena Glasgow ponders her next move after learning that the apartment in which she lived at Victoria Road, Plaisance, was destroyed by fire on Friday. (Samuel Maughn photo) drinks for his friends whom he did not see for about five months. “A boy came to me and told me there is fire upstairs by me. I run upstairs trying to find out if is by my

Keith Chester, a resident of the destroyed apartment building (Samuel Maughn photo) by shop said she and other residents of the community were alerted by shouts of smoke and fire. They immediately collected buckets and fetched water to assist in outing the fire. Stacy Richards, who lives with her husband, was thankful that her flat wooden house located south of the destroyed

water damage. “I immediately called my husband…thank god he was home still. He was able to mobilise persons to save our home. There are a few minor damages [sic] internally,” Richards stated. Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder told reporters that the Fire Service received a report of a fire in Plaisance at 14:19hrs and arrived approximately six minutes after. “When we got here this building, a very old building that use to be a hotel and was converted into an apartment building, was fully engulfed. There wasn’t much to be salvaged from it. Immediately we went into firefighting mode, trying to save neighbours and nearby buildings,” he stated. However, the operation by the firefighters was affected by the lack of water, the direction of the wind and the growing crowd along the street. This resulted in the building immediately south of the properties located at lots 40-41 Victoria Road, Plaisance being severely damaged. That house reportedly belongs to the Hetsberg-

An anxious Stacy Richards looks on as firefighters and residents of Plaisance work to prevent her house from being damaged. She is being consoled by relatives and friends (Samuel Maughn photo) housed in the same yard and caught onto neighbouring buildings south and north of the destroyed premises. Rowena Glasgow, an occupant of the lower flat of the apartment building told reporters that she had just left home to travel to the city to observe the country’s 48th Republic celebrations. While in a taxi at the Kitty gas station, the woman, who is a seamstress, said she received a call from her daughter who told her the apartment was on fire. “I let the taxi turn right back and I came home. I lost everything, everything again for the second time,” the distraught woman stated.

Her money, jewellery, documents and other possessions were all destroyed in the fire. Glasgow told reporters that she had unplugged all of her electrical appliances before leaving home and as far as she knows, there were no prior electrical problems. Vernon Class, a barber who works upstairs of the Bourda Post Office, told reporters that he was at work when he got the call. The shocked man said he lived in a separate building to the back of the apartment building. He did not have many details about the fire, but indicated that his losses are substantial as he and his wife had just completed renovations to the

property and had bought new electronic appliances. “I got a call and my wife told me the house was on fire,” said Class, a now distraught father of three children aged five, four and nine. “I can’t estimate my losses-- I had everything…I moved in there for Christmas and made some new purchases,” the barber told reporters. Meanwhile, Keith Chester, a resident of the apartment building for approximately 10 years, explained that just before the fire started, he had just arrived from the interior. He told reporters that upon his arrival, he took his luggage up to his apartment and left to purchase

Residents lined Victoria Road, Plaisance, as firefighters battled to out a fire which destroyed three buildings and damaged two others. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Fire destroys a building located on Victoria Road, Plaisance (Samuel Maughn photo) apartment; there was no fire,” he said. But as Chester tried to access certain parts of his apartment, he realised smoke was coming from the lower flat. “I just collected my documents to put myself in order to get my money but I lost everything,” he stated. A neighbour, Shirley Cummings, who owns a near-

buildings was not completely destroyed. The woman told reporters that she was on Vlissengen Road observing the annual float parade when she received a call from a neighbour informing her that there was a big fire near her home. She had left her home an hour and a half before the fire started. Luckily, her house was only scorched and suffered

ers. According to reports, the destroyed two-storey concrete structure was recently renovated by that family. “What I can tell you for now is that three buildings are involved, two completely damaged, one slightly and we are now in mopping-up mode,” said Holder, who was not in a position to state the cause of the fire.

Firefighters spray water to a building located north of the destroyed apartment (Samuel Maughn photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Vendors grateful for new Mash route; foreigners vow to return

WITH this year’s Mashramani route commencing at Thomas Lands and going east along Vlissengen Road, many vendors who were accommodated said that the new set up allowed them to receive much business. We met up with sisters, Debra Cooper and Marva Adams, who said their sales of Bar-B-Que chicken, roti, puri, curry and much more were going so fast that they would have time to finish selling and join the party. “Our stand is going very good so far, business is great! We were preparing from 3 o’clock this morning. We set up our stands since 8 o’clock last night. It looks like what we bring out will sell out and this is our first time out,” Cooper said. With a number of beverages on sale, Malcolm Lewis, earlier in the morning said that although just a few persons were passing by he had hopes that his sales will eventually “pick up”. “There are not much people. Not as yet, they’re just walking, sometime later down in the afternoon it might pick up. This is the first time we come out selling, but I believe this will be a good Mash. I’m always feeling the vibes!” Lewis said. The Edge Prophetic Dance Ministry of Albouystown was also out on the road, selling food by means of tickets which Rhondel Weever said was going well. “Today has been going well so far and we’re expecting more sales. [The Mash route] is working out pleasant. Persons are coming out to buy. We came out here since this morning, very early…,” Weever said. Also on the road were a number of foreigners, many of whom were experiencing Mashramani for the very first time. A Brazilian working in the gold sector in Guyana, Ademir Krefta, told this newspaper that it was his first time. He had set up a bar and grill to sell during the Mashramani season, along with a group of his Brazilian friends. “I am here from 2002. [The Mash is] perfect, everything good! I like last year too but its only problem was the roads, it was too narrow. Here is better!” Krefta said

Rhondel Weever (Photo by Lisa Hamilton)

Hyoumi Accra (Photo by Vishi)

Chewynn Masur (Photo by Vishi)

Edwin Aalders (Photo by Lisa Hamilton)

Debra Cooper (Photo by Vishi)

Malcolm Lewis (Photo by Vishi)

as he turned to the meat steaming on his grill. We spoke with husband and wife Godis Accra and Hyoumi Accra. Hyoumi who is from the United States but moved to Guyana, said that it was her first Mashramani experience, one which she was enjoying thoroughly thus far. “I really enjoy it so far. I mean, I haven’t been here for more than an hour or so, but I’ve seen a number of really colourful costumes go by.

I love the fact that employees of different ministries are really getting into it because I just started working at the Ministry of Finance…I would love to be a part of it,” she said. “It’s been really great to watch. I love seeing the other side of people and knowing that it’s not all business here, but people can get really into it, have fun, let loose…I learnt that Mashramani means enjoying yourself after hard labour,” Hyoumi

Ademir Krefta's Friends from Brazil (Photo by Vishi)

Accra said. A group from the United States hailing from states such as California, New York, Alabama and Seattle, Washington, to name a few said that their first experience of Mashramani was a visually pleasing one. “I like it. I’ve been following these last three bands for the entire route now and I really like the Indigenous Affairs and their big eagle…that was pretty cool. I like all the speakers, I like the music!”

said Hunter Stafford. Meanwhile, his friend, Derick Matthew, said: “I love the first, third and 14th floats specifically. I like the designs mostly, for sure.” Coming all the way from Norway, but staying one day extra for the celebration, Edwin Aalders said that 2018 was his first Mashramani experience which he said was very interesting but could use a little more music. “It’s very interesting. I was expecting a little bit

more music, but it’s nice, it’s fun,” Aalders said, advising that Guyana bring out “more steel bands “for a livelier Mashramani!” “My favorite part is definitely the dancing. I would definitely come another year, for sure! Mash in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, Chewynn Masur said: “It’s a lot of fun, it’s my first time to Mashramani! My favourite part is definitely the dancing. I would definitely come another year, for sure!”

No money, no work

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

… ISS security guards down tools over non-payment of January salaries By Clifford Stanley

SECURITY Guards in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) attached to the Integrated Security Service are complaining that they were not paid for the Mashramani holiday and not even for the month of January. Only recently, the Ministry of Social Protection received complaints by residents of Berbice about the same security service. In New Amsterdam, guards attached to the service said they would receive varying sums every month and as such they do not know what their correct salary is. Meanwhile, the protesting guards who are responsible for providing security for government buildings in Region Five, including

Some of the affected guards in a picketing protest at Mahaicony those of the Regional Dem- week if they do not receive none of the company officials ocratic Council, the Health outstanding salaries due to had made any attempt to conCentres and schools among them. tact them to explain why they others threatened to stand They accused the man- were not paid for January and down from providing security agement of ISS of being cal- February to date. A reprefor these buildings later this lous and inconsiderate, since sentative explained that ISS won the contract for security services for publicly owned buildings in Region Five in December of last year. He said that the affected workers were employees of the previous company and ISS decided to employ them after winning the contract. They said their problems began since the takeover in December. “We didn’t get pay for work in December 2017 until mid-month January, 2018 and no explanations were given. This is coming to the end of February and ISS has not paid us for January or February to date,” one of the guards complained. The guards noted that many of them were females heading single-parent families and the dashing of expectations of a regular pay date was taking its toll in terms of economic hardships on their households. They complained that they were unable to meet their living expenses, unable to support their fam-

A guard displaying her pay slip which is devoid of details ilies and having to borrow money just to get by. Some employees mentioned that based on varying amounts of money they would receive, they do not know what their correct salaries were. One woman displayed a pay slip for December 2017, which contained merely her gross payments without any breakdown of how this payment had been arrived at or any deductions, for example, for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). She and others claimed that they were being deliberately short-changed by the ISS. “This security company is exploiting us and worse, nobody is telling us anything. We try to call them and their phones ring out. The supervisors say they

don’t know anything.” The security guards in Region Five say that they are also mulling seeking the intervention of the Department of Labour in the Ministry of Social Protection to get management of ISS to behave in a socially responsible manner. Throughout Friday, efforts by the Guyana Chronicle to contact the management of ISS proved futile. Calls to a cellphone said to be the number of the general manager, who was identified as Ms Pilgrim went unanswered. The ISS was in the news as recently as two days ago, when the Guyana Chronicle reported on similar complaints by guards of the ISS in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

704 security guards attacked at ‘Sun Rise fete’ THE police are seeking two men who attacked security guards attached to the 704 Sports Bar, resulting in one of the security men firing a gunshot into the air causing the crowd to disperse at 05:45hrs Friday morning. The 704 employees were providing security at the “Sun Rise fete” held on the eastern side of the parking lot on Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown. Enquiries disclosed that a fight was observed several feet away from the bar and the security men approached the scene in an attempt to pacify the situation, when one of the persons fighting, who is known as “Whistle,” dealt one of the guards a lash to his face

with a beer bottle. The 33-year-old security guard fell onto the ground and three other males, who were in the company of “Whistle”, attacked him with broken bottles. One of the security guards then discharged a round into the air that caused the crowd to disperse. Fellow security colleagues responded and were also injured in the melee. As “Whistle” and his accomplices were leaving, they also attacked another guard. The injured security guard was taken for medical attention. The police responded and the security guard’s firearm was lodged at the Brickdam Police Station as an investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Guyoil, Surinamese company pushing new ultra-low sulphur diesel

THE Guyana Oil Company in collaboration with the National Oil Company of Suriname, Staatsolie, last week hosted a series of forums on the benefits of ultra -low sulphur (ULSD) diesel in Georgetown, Essequibo and Berbice. These forums provided companies and persons who use diesel fuel technical information regarding GUYOIL’s recently

introduced ultra-low sulphur diesel, Guyoil said in a release. ULSD is a premium diesel fuel and contains 0.000003% sulphur. ULSD aids in reducing corrosion and maintenance of your engine and eliminates exhaust blockages and exhaust odour. Additionally, persons that switch to ULSD will experience a significant reduction in “black smoke” during warming up of the

vehicle. According to Staatsolie Marketing Advisor, Dyron Ellis, this type of diesel was designed to address environmental concerns relating to sulphur emissions. Ellis emphasised that ULSD will at least give the same performance in terms of mileage as the regular low-sulphur diesel. He clarified the fact that a reduction in sulphur will not affect mileage, since

Officials of GuyOil and the National Oil Company of Suriname, Staatsolie

it is the energy content of the diesel that influences mileage. Marketing and Sales Manager of GUYOIL, Eric Whaul, stated that ULSD is currently available at GUYOIL’s Kitty, Regent Street, Providence, Diamond and Palmyra Service Stations. Mr Whaul stated that GUYOIL is currently working to increase availability of the product across the company’s service station network. He added that customers can now purchase ULSD for the same price as the regular diesel at GUYOIL, thereby getting better value for the same price. The Environmental Protection Act of 1996 provides for the development of emission- control regulations to address a variety of contaminants, including sulphur. Discussions on these regulations have begun.

Staatsolie Marketing Adviser Dyron Ellis, comparing the regular diesel to GUYOIL’s ULSD

SARA in Mash Day anti-corruption workshop

EVEN as the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) works to recover stolen assets, the organisation Friday morning opened a training series on corruption which targeted almost 300 law-enforcement recruits at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown. The workshop focused on equipping the participants with the knowledge needed to be professionals with integrity in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). SARA’s Clayon Halley of the media communications department, said the event was a result of an invitation by Assistant Commissioner (Administration) Clifton Hicken to enlighten the recruits on issues of corruption, bribery and the need to be profession-

The recruits who participated in the workshop al and career-driven. He said this is to ensure that the recruits understand that corrupt acts will not be tolerated or allowed in the Police Force, while teaching them that public perception and building public trust in the GPF are essential in their daily activities. Press Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan in an invited comment noted

that building and maintaining community trust is the cornerstone of successful policing and law enforcement. The building and maintenance of trust takes a great deal of continuous effort and as such, new recruits must be educated on such topics. “Law-enforcement officers have accepted a position of visible authority within their communities and are

held to a tremendously high standard of honesty, integrity, equity, and professionalism. Public trust in law enforcement may be fleeting if police officers do not continually reinforce sound, ethical policies and procedures to agency personnel and to the public,” Ramlakhan noted. The superintendent continued: “Law-enforcement officers therefore, bear the responsibility for demonstrating proper behaviour, informing the community about their department’s role in maintaining honour and integrity within the organisation, and building and sustaining a trusting, working relationship between the public and the police.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

$230M contract cleared to repair Doctors’ Quarters

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Doctors’ Quarters, which have been in dire condition for several years, will soon undergo massive rehabilitation to the tune of more than $230M. Contracts for the rehabilitation of the housing facilities for the doctors were recently awarded, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said on Thursday, while noting that Cabinet has taken note of these and several other contracts which were approved by procurement agencies. The North Block of the Doctors Quarters, situated on Quamina and Waterloo Streets, Georgetown, will be rehabilitated to the tune of $131.3M by International Import and Supplies while the South Block, also situated on Quamina and Waterloo Streets, will be renovated by A&N Enterprise at a cost of $100.8M, the State Minister announced. Several years ago, the GPHC administration had issued doctors with eviction notices because of the poor state of the living quarters, but they had objected on the basis that they needed to be provided with alternatives before being asked to move. In the area of education, $34.1M has been awarded to the Guyana National Printers Limited for the procurement of exercise books for the 2018 Easter term. Additionally, the access road to the Rose Hall landfill in Region Six will be rehabilitated by Chung’s Global Enterprise at a cost of $58.6M. The project falls under the Ministry of Communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

GuySuCo Training Centre to remain open … gov’t eyes facility to provide local content for oil-and-gas industry

THE Ministry of Natural Resources is examining how it can develop the capacity of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Training Centre Port Mourant (GTCPM) to provide local content for the oil-and-gas industry. On Thursday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, met with the management of GTCPM in Port Mourant, Berbice, to conduct a needs assessment. “I believe that the school and the region, in particular, could play a role in the oil-and-gas industry,” the minister told the GTCPM School Programme Coordinator, Zamin Ally, in the presence of instructors and other staff. Minister Trotman pointed out that there is expected to be an increase of exploration activity in the Berbice area towards the Suriname border.

The minister added that he is examining how Berbice can become part of the industry. Berbice is one of the locations identified by the government to land a gas pipeline. The administration is examining the possibility of bringing the natural gas found with oil to shore to meet the country’s energy needs. There is also consideration for the establishment of an onshore supply base in Berbice. Minister Trotman noted this base could also support oil explorations in neighbouring Suriname, who currently relies on Trinidad and Tobago for onshore services. “So, there are good prospects,” Minister Trotman said. At least one oil company and one foreign company have indicated their willingness to partner with the training centre to enhance its capacity to provide training

suitable to the oil and gas industry standards, Minister Trotman disclosed. The GTCPM is considered the first technical training school in Guyana. It has been around for some 62 years training staff for GuySuCo and was commended for its “fantastic reputation” by Minister Trotman. GTCPM provides a four-year apprenticeship programme for persons who will eventually end up working on GuySuCo’s estates. The certified training programme offers courses in engineering such as industrial electrical insulation, an instrumentation programme, automation, an agricultural mechanic programme and welding and fabrication, among others. The school also provides training courses to members of the community and companies of the private sector.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, meeting with staff of the GUYSUCO Training Centre Ally noted that the minister’s has renewed our confidence. need to be updated for the visit and intentions could not We are going to engage you oil- and-gas industry, he have come at a better time. and work with you to ensure gave the assurance that With the down-sizing of the that not only Port Mourant the GTCPM provides a sugar industry, the institute training school prospers, but solid foundation that can will not have any students in our country as a whole and be applied in any industry. Minister Trotman will June, leaving much staff un- [our] county.” certain of the school’s future. Ally pointed out that meet again with the school’s “I just want to say that we’re while some equipment and management in March for happy that you’re here…it teaching techniques will additional follow-up. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Thousands celebrate Mashramani in Region Two THOUSANDS of persons lined the roadways of Region Two on Friday to witness the spectacular displays and colourful costumes put together by both the public and private sectors in celebration of Mashramani. A colourful, excited and unified atmosphere was created within the township of Anna Regina as persons, joined the road parade participating in the celebration. Revellers made their way from Three Friends to the Anna Regina Car Park. They were richly clad in colourful, creative designer costumes which caught the eyes of many spectators. What was noticable was the spirit that was captured from those viewing the floats; persons were seen from a distance with the Golden Arrowhead waving and gyrating to sweet soca music. The large contingents of revellers ea-

gerly competed with each other showcasing Guyana’s rich cultural diversity. Leading the Large Band Category was the Department of Education; they marched under the theme “From the Farm to the Pot”. They were followed by Queenstown “United we stand, divided we fall”, followed by VISG, “Uniting for peace”.Then came the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) then, Ramlakhan Rice Mills,A & C Beauty Parlour and Dynamic Revellers. Entering the Small Band category was ‘G’ Division, the Policing Youth Group and VIP Special group. At the Anna Regina Park, all the floats came together and competed for top prizes as they did their final dance off.

The ‘G’ Division Youth group float was one of the many bands on show

The Queenstown float at the Region Two Mash created quite a stir

Revellers of the A and S Beauty Palour band parading down the street in Anna Regina

MASH RO

Photos by Adrian Narine & Samuel Maughn

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

OCKS GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Region Four RDC holds flag-raising ceremony

Dr Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, flanked by Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen (L) and Regional Executive Officer, Pauline Lucas (R)

THE Regional Democratic Council of Region Four on Thursday held a flag-raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 48th year as a republic, in its compound at Triumph, East Coast Demerara. In brief remarks, Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen said the observance come at a time when the region has much to celebrate. “Today, we reflect on our achievements and we celebrate. As a region, we have been able to have great achievements in all of our sectors, in the field of education, in the field of health, in the field of our infrastructure, in our administration… We

A section of the parade at the flag-raising ceremony have been successful. At the close of the year, we achieved a 97% overall expenditure of the funds that were given to us by central

government to run the affairs of the region and I feel that is a great achievement.” Additionally, the chairperson challenged the regional officials to improve the delivery of services in keeping with their mandate. “I want to challenge us, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Regional Administration of the Demerara-Mahaica region, that at the end of December this year, that we should work towards achieving a 100% expenditure of the funds that are given to us, so that we can truly celebrate the developments within our region, Demerara-Mahaica. We were given a task and I would like to appeal that we take our mandate and execute what was given to us.” Further, the regional chairperson called on students to take full advantage of opportunities created by the installation of ICT hubs in communities within the region. “These hubs are, especially, to facilitate the persons in the various communities and I’d like also to ask our students to take full advantage of these facilities where you can do assignments and research, so that our education sector can continue to achieve the successes that we have been achieving.” The regional chairperson also called on Guyanese to put aside partisan differences and celebrate as one people, truly working toward a socially cohesive society. Allen said citizens should reflect on the country’s achievements from that period to present-day. “We need to reflect on our achievements; where are we, what were our challenges and it is those challenges and experiences that would have paved the path for us to sit here today as Guyanese to celebrate this 48th Republic Anniversary.” Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of

Health Dr Karen Cummings, said that after almost 50 years of struggles, the country is poised for success and its citizens can look forward to enjoying the good life. “Guyana is firmly set on an undeviating course to prosperity and development that will significantly enhance the quality of life of all Guyanese. Through a series of transformational programmes, bold efforts are being made at poverty alleviation and the creation of a broader middle-income bracket that will flourish under the establishment of a green economy. While government will continue to put measures in place to achieve the “Good Life” for ALL Guyanese, you must do your part at engineering your own success, while carefully managing your expectations.” Minister Cummings also encouraged those gathered to embrace the Green Agenda as touted by President David Granger. “Guyana’s economic potential is vast and its importance as a trading partner will continue to grow, especially in the area of hydrocarbons. We are also placing renewed and sustained emphasis on our agriculture sector. To spur development and create jobs, we must work together to help Guyana transform its farming sector to achieve a green agricultural revolution.” The flag-raising ceremony, which began at 10 am, saw a route march by schools, military and para-military organisations and social activists within the region. Cultural items were performed by students of the Plaisance Secondary School, New Diamond Primary School and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) / Buxton Steel Orchestra. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

SENT PACKING! CMC – TYRONE Theophile stroked a high-class hundred while all-rounder Kavem Hodge produced an electri-

fying all-round effort to stun Guyana Jaguars and thrust Windward Islands Volcanoes into Saturday’s final of the Regional Super50. Playing in the second semi-final under lights at Coolidge Cricket Ground, St John’s Antigua, on Thursday, the aggressive Volcanoes marched to a 52-run victory on the Duckworth/Lewis system, and will now face defending champions, Barbados Pride in the championship finale. They held all the aces once they piled up 286 for seven off their 50 overs, with the right-handed Theophile lashing 107 off 104 balls – his maiden List A hundred – to turn the page on a wretched run of form. Hodge carved out an attractive 57 while Test batsman Kirk Edwards scored 27, and veteran opener Devon Smith, 25. Left with the burden of completing the highest successful run- chase of the tournament, Jaguars’ target was then revised to 284 off 47 overs, following the final of several rain breaks during the innings. But they never found momentum and lost wickets steadily, collapsing to 231 all out off 44.2 overs. Sherfane Rutherford, batting at number seven, top-scored with 49 runs while Veerasammy Permaul arrived at number nine to chip in with 37. Veteran, Shiv Chanderpaul made a breezy 34 and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, 27, but left-arm spinner Hodge’s three for 39 left Jaguars with too much to do in the latter stages. Languishing at 108 for seven in the 22nd over after losing two wickets in successive deliveries to Larry Edward’s left-arm spin, Jaguars were handed a lifeline, albeit narrow, when Rutherford and Permaul posted 71 in a valiant eight-wicket stand. However, once Permaul swatted a swirling catch off a short ball from left-arm seamer, Obed McCoy, and was well taken at deep mid-wicket by Hodge in the 36th over, all hope evaporated. Surprisingly asked to bat, Volcanoes found themselves 50 for two in the ninth over with both openers Johnson Charles (8) and Smith dismissed, before Theophile came to their rescue. With previous scores of 10, 6, 5, 1 and 1 in his previous five innings, Theophile showed little sign of that anaemic form as he dominated the Jaguars attack from the outset. Dropped on 10 by Romario Shepherd at mid-off, off leg-spinner Ramaal Lewis

(3-54), Theophile made the most of the reprieve, striking nine fours and four sixes in an authoritative knock. He brought up his first fifty off 55 deliveries and required a further 45 ball to reach three figures. The 28-yearold cruised into the 90s by depositing Lewis over long on for six in the 35th over, before reaching his landmark in the 41st with a cover-driven boundary off left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul. Along the way, Theophile added 73 for the third wicket with Edwards and a commanding 107 for the fourth wicket with Hodge, who hit four boundaries in a busy 65-ball knock. Theophile was eventually yorked by left-arm spinner Chandrapaul Hemraj in the 42nd over, leading to a slide where the Volcanoes lost four wickets for 19 runs, to plunge to 249 for seven in the 46th over. Kyle Mayers (18 not out) and captain Shane Shillingford (16 not out) then put on 37 in an unbroken eighth wicket partnership to ensure the tail wagged somewhat. Jaguars’ run chase suffered an early blow when Hemraj (4), nicked the fifth ball of the innings from fast bowler Ryan John to be caught at the wicket with seven runs on the board. His opening partner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul followed in the fifth over in the most tragic of dismissals. His father’s firm drive richochetted off John’s boot on the follow through and onto the stumps at the

non-striker’s end, with the 21-year-old short of his ground. Jaguars, however, looked to be rebuilding when Shiv Chanderpaul and captain Leon Johnson (4) put on 30 for the third wicket. Chanderpaul resorted to unusual aggression, smashing four fours and two sixes off 40 balls, to put Volcanoes temporarily on the back foot. Hodge, operating with the new ball, then crippled the innings with a key strike. He induced a false stroke from Johnson and had the lefthander caught and bowled in the 10th over and two overs later, removed the dangerous Chanderpaul to a catch at square leg, sweeping. Bramble counter-attacked in a 23-ball cameo, punching a four and three sixes, in adding 37 with Chris Barnwell (25) for the fifth wicket. But Hodge intervened yet again, getting Bramble to hole out to McCoy at long off, leaving the Jaguars in tatters on 102 for five in the 20th over. The near fatal blows, however, were struck by Edward (2-37) in the 22nd over. Off the very first ball of his spell, he claimed Barnwell to a catch at cover by Edwards, and then spun the next delivery past new batsman Romario Shepherd’s outside edge to rattle off-stump.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES D. Smith c S. Chanderpaul b Wintz 25 +J. Charles b Shepherd 8 T. Theophile b Hemraj 107 K. Edwards c & b Lewis 27 K. Hodge c Permaul b Lewis 57 K. Mayers not out 18 R. Cato c Permaul b Lewis 9 R. John run out 0 *S. Shillingford not out 16 Extras: (lb5, w13, nb1) 19 TOTAL: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 286 Did not bat: L. Edward, O. McCoy. Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-50, 3-123, 4-230, 5-238, 6-248, 7-249. Bowling: Wintz 10-0-53-1, Shepherd 5-0-38-1, Lewis 9-0-543, Rutherford 7-1-27-0, Permaul 10-0-53-0, Hemraj 6-0-35-1, Barnwell 3-0-21-0. JAGUARS (target: 284 off 47 overs) T. Chanderpaul run our 12 C. Hemraj c wkp Charles b John 4 S. Chanderpaul c Smith b Hodge 34 *L. Johnson c & b Hodge 4 C. Barnwell c Edwards b Edward 25 +A. Bramble c McCoy b Hodge 27 S. Rutherford run out 49 R. Shepherd b Edward 0 V. Permaul c Hodge b McCoy 37 P. Wintz c (sub) Alick Athanaze b Mayers 9 R. Lewis not out 17 Extras: (lb7, w6) 13 TOTAL: (all out, 44.2 overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-20, 3-50, 4-63, 5-102, 6-108, 7-108, 8-179, 9-204, 10-231. Bowling: John 4-0-37-1, Hodge 10-1-49-3, Shillingford 9-1-30-0, Mayers 9.2-0-55-1, Edward 7-1-37-2, McCoy 5-0-16-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

WI taking nothing for granted CMC – CAPTAIN Jason Holder says West Indies will be taking nothing for granted during the upcoming ICC World Cup Qualifiers, despite entering as the highest-ranked side. The Caribbean side, twotime, former World champions, are the favourites to grab one of the two remaining spots for next year’s World Cup in England, especially up against the likes of minnows United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea in the preliminary round. However, Holder said it was important not to underestimate any of their opponents in spite of the apparent gulf in experience. “In a tournament like this we know the opponents will be fearless, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” the all-rounder said. “I believe every side in this tournament is dangerous and we must not take any team lightly. We will take every game as a final.”

West Indies arrived here last week for the March 4-25 tournament and have been undergoing their final preparation before their campaign in Group `A’.

Following warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Nepal, West Indies open their bid on March 6 against UAE, who recently won the ICC World Crick-

et League, Division Two tournament in Namibia, before taking on PNG two days later and Ireland on March 10. They wind up their group

Windies celebrate the fall of another wicket.

action against the Netherlands on March 12. Holder said his players were all entering the tournament on the heels of the Regional Super50 and coupled with the upcoming warm-up matches, he expects them to be well prepared. “Leading up to the first match against the United Arab Emirates, we should be more than ready when that challenge comes,” he pointed out. “We have two warmup matches before the first tournament match, so we have been preparing well. We should not be short of cricket when that first match comes around.” Windies boast the likes of veteran batsmen, Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who among them have played a combined 467 OneDay Internationals, and also include the youth of Shai Hope, Rovman Powell and 20-year-old former Youth World Cup skipper, Shim-

ron Hetmyer. Experienced seamer, Kemar Roach has been included for the trip with all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also recalled, and Holder said the squad possessed the quality to be successful in the tournament. “We have a very good balance. We have guys who can bowl the new ball very well and others who can take wickets in the middle overs and finish off well,” he noted. “In our batting we have power at the top of the order and power at the end. We also have players in the middle, who can consolidate and take over when necessary.” The top three from each group will advance to the Super Sixes, where they will each play three matches against teams they did not meet in the preliminaries. The finalists will secure the final two berths at the ICC World Cup scheduled for England next year, from May 30 to July 15.

Archer explains Windies snub CMC – FAST-bowling star, Jofra Archer says his snub by West Indies selectors for the 2014 Under-19 World Cup fueled his desire to represent England, and has once again shot down any suggestion of representing the Caribbean side. The 22-year-old Barbadian featured in three matches for the Young Windies on Bangladesh Under-19’s tour of the Caribbean in 2013, but failed to make the final cut for the World Cup staged in the United Arab Emirates the following year. “It wasn’t really anything to do with injuries,” Archer told the Times about his being overlooked. “I wasn’t selected, so I had to think about what to do next. Once I knew it was an option, it was an easy decision to move to England.” He added: “I was angry with the West Indies, so that helped me with my decision to come and try to play for England.” Though born in Barbados, Archer has a British father and after overcoming a back injury, he moved to England where he landed a deal with Sussex, emerging as their leading bowler last season. He struck 638 runs and took 61 wickets in the County Championship, while scoring 764 runs and grabbing 84 wickets across all three formats, to be adjudged the club’s Player-of-the-Year and Young Player-of-the-Year. Archer was an instant hit for Hobart Hurricanes in the recent Australia Big Bash and promptly

re-signed for two years. Indian Premier League franchise, Rajasthan Royals, last month paid US$1.13 million for his services in a surprise acquisition. With the meteoric rise in his career, West Indies have also taken note, with Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave saying they were hoping to lure the all-rounder, especially ahead of next year’s ICC World Cup in England.

West Indies.” However, Archer said he was well aware of the wait involved but said the volume of cricket to be played in the interim would help to properly equip him for the demands of international cricket. “I can play in the T20 competitions and in county cricket until the time comes,” he pointed out. “The T20 leagues are giving me good experience. If I can

Jofra Archer

“He could play for the West Indies tomorrow and my personal view is that from a career point of view, he would have a better career playing for the West Indies,” Grave was quoted as saying last month, while pointing out that Archer would not qualify to represent England until 2022 under England and Wales Cricket Board regulations. “In sporting terms, 2022 is a lifetime away and he knows that the only way he can play at the 2019 World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup is for the

keep doing this for another five years, it should stand me well if I get the opportunity to play for England. “It’s teaching me about pressure and hopefully means I won’t be nervous if I play international cricket, and I will know my game inside and out and can make an impact immediately.” As for Grave’s suggestion of changing his mind on representing West Indies? “No, I’m fine thanks,” Archer said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Confident Pride takes on underdogs Volcanoes in today’s final

CMC – A confident Barbados Pride will be eyeing a successful defence of their Regional Super50 title while Windward Islands Volcanoes will be targeting their first success in five years, when they meet in the final at Coolidge Cricket Ground here, today. While Pride have been steady throughout the tournament, Volcanoes have struck form at the back end and will be extremely dangerous opponents in the day/night affair, which bowls off at 2 pm. Both teams are familiar with each other, having emerged from Group `A` staged in Bridgetown, with Pride topping the standings and Volcanoes finishing second. Pride’s head coach Emmerston Trotman told CMC Sports that though his side are confident, they are also very wary of the threat posed by their opponents. “The guys are confident, they’re having fun and they’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game. They’re prepared and have been having some good fun planning, and

the mood is good,” he said. “We always plan for players. We have discussion about players. You’ve got the [likes of] Devon Smith, he’s always a dangerous player. We’ve got to work on him, plan well, bowl to him tight and allow him to make some errors so we’re working on him. “They’re other players in the team like the youngster (Tyrone Theophile) who got a hundred [in the semi-final], he’s quite an attacking player. We just have to be sure we don’t [allow them to free] their arms to hit many sixes and fours so we’re monitoring them quite closely.” Pride secured their berth in the final when they despatched off Kent Spitfires by 13 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis system in Wednesday’s first semi-final. Despite having lost as many as seven key players because of senior team duties with West Indies in Zimbabwe and Windies `A` in the England Lions series, Pride have remained a formidable unit with the likes of cap-

tain Kraigg Brathwaite and Roston Chase, showcasing their quality with a hundred and a half-century respectively in the semi-final.

day’s semi-final when they clinically dismantled Guyana Jaguars by 52 runs, and head coach Andre Coley said his side is prepared for the challenge of

the way we wanted to play, and we are looking forward to another good contest. “Barbados … have lost a few players to internation-

Batting all-rounder Kavem Hodge will be key for Volcanoes, while the West Indies pair of Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite (inset) will lead Pride.

Volcanoes’ run, meanwhile, has been somewhat of a fairytale. They lost their first three matches of the preliminaries before bouncing back to win their last five and reach the final four. They were at their most aggressive in Thurs-

the title-holders. “Last year’s competition has no bearing on this year’s competition and we decided early up we wanted to play our brand of cricket,” he told CMC Sports. “Yes, we were off to a slow start but in the main we have actually played

al tours but they’re still a good side and any team can win on the day, especially in limited overs cricket. “The main thing for us is that we’ve played as a unit and we’ve communicated well on and off the field. We’ve had some trying times but we’ve

pulled through [them] because we’ve played for each other.” Much of the batting responsibility will rest on veteran opener Devon Smith, Theophile, Kavem Hodge and Kyle Mayers, all of whom have been among the runs at some stage. Captain Shane Shillingford, the former West Indies off-spinner, leads the attack, with Hodge expected to play a key role with his left-arm spin. SQUADS: BARBADOS – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Bishop, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Aaron Jones, Omar Phillips, Shamar Springer, Kevin Stoute, Tevyn Walcott, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kenroy Williams. VOLCANOES – Shane Shillingford (captain), Roland Cato, Johnson Charles, Kirk Edwards, Larry Edward, Kavem Hodge, Ryan John, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile, Josh Thomas, Alick Athanaze.

15-year-old takes OAR’s first gold (BBC) - FIFTEENyear-old Alina Zagitova won the first gold for the Olympic athletes from Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics in the women’s single figure skating. She followed her short programme world record 82.92 with 156.65 points in the free dance to finish 1.31 points ahead of compatriot, Evgenia Medvedeva. Skating last, Medvedeva, 18, looked to have done enough to overhaul Zagitova but the judges scored their free dance routines equally

in Pyeongchang. Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond took bronze. OAR have now won 14 medals at these Games, while Zagitova is the second youngest women’s figure skating champion in history after American Tara Lipinski in 1998. “I need some time to understand that I won the Olympic Games,” said Zagitova. “I knew I didn’t have any room for errors. My hands were shaking, but my body remembered what I’ve been doing many times in practice.”

Alina Zagitova put in a superb performance to win Olympic gold. Photograph: Damir Sagolj/Reuters

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

National Sports Policy...

We are still at the point of consultation, says Dr. Norton By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE National Sports Policy is one of this current administration’s main focal points upon assuming office in 2015, and has been the topic of discussion ever since. However, according to Minister responsible for that sector, Dr. George Norton, the long-awaited National Sports Policy is still at the consultation process. Dr. Norton made the disclosure recently in an interview with Chronicle Sport, saying that the wid-

est form of consultation is part of the government’s plan in order to complete the much-needed document. “We are working on it, I can tell you that our chairperson and members of the National Sports Commission were given a copy of the draft of the National Sport Policy, as well as the different sporting organisations,” Dr. Norton said. He added “We are still at the point of consultation because we want the widest consultation as possible, but we already have a

white paper out. Soon we begin the process to move into a green paper and we might be able to take it to the national assemble in a very short space of time”. To this end, the first in a series of consultations with Sports Federation and Associations was conducted last July. Consultations are scheduled for hosting in the various administrative regions over time. The National Sports Policy is imperative to attaining the goal of promulgating Guyanese sport-

ing potential. Once the policy is completed, it would essentially monitor the course of sports for the next 15 years. Just recently President David Granger had said that the National Sports Policy remains government’s top priority since it aims at utilizing sport to harness the personal, social and economic development of our peoples and to become a guidebook for cooperation among regions and improving relations with external states.

McCullum, Lynn, Amla for CPL 2018 draft THE final list of players who have made themselves available for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League, has been sent to teams ahead of the draft which will take place in London on 1st March. The number of players that have put their names forward for the draft has increased, as has the number of countries from which the overseas players are from. There has been a 36% increase in player registrations overall and a 50% uplift in overseas players who have shown an interest in playing in Hero CPL in 2018. A total of 227 overseas players have registered for the draft, an increase from 151 from last year. There are 121 West Indian cricketers who have put their names forward for selection, an increase from 107 from last year. There are cricketers from

18 countries who will be in the players’ pool on draft day, with the most coming from Pakistan (53) and Sri Lanka (32). There are also

cricketers from England, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland, Canada, USA, Oman, Hong Kong, Scotland, Nepal, UAE and Kenya. Some of the players

who will be available for selection or retention this year will be Brendon McCullum, Chris Lynn, Mohammad Amir, D’Arcy

Short, Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, Shahid Afridi and Usman Khawaja, as well as, English players Alex Hales and Adil Rashid. This year the tournament window means that all the

West Indies national team players will be available for the tournament. In addition to the players who have registered for the draft, or those who have been retained from last year, teams will also select a player from the ICC Americas region. These players can either be retained from last year or from the USA Cricket squad that has been taking part in the current Super50 competition. Speaking about the interest from the international and Caribbean cricket community, Pete Russell, COO of the Hero CPL, said: “We are delighted with the response that we have had to the Hero CPL draft this year. Every year we have seen an increase in the standard of players who want to be part of the biggest party in Sport, and 2018 is no different.” 12:30 hrs ACDC

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:45 hrs Let’s Twist 09:20 hrs Sha-Boom ShaBoom 09:55 hrs Artica 10:30 hrs Blazing Winter 11:05 hrs Sirtain Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Anina 09:05 hrs Magnificent Seven 09:40 hrs Looking At Stars 10:15 hrs Friendly Tibbs 10:50 hrs Elusive Heart

11:25 hrs Mambo Mime 12:00 hrs Love Happens American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Jacqueline D Race 2 Milaya Race 3 Beautiful Buzz Race 4 Desert Affair Race 5 Valyrian Race 6 Pirellone Race 7 March Two Madness Race 8 My Man Mo Irish Racing Tips

Fairyhouse 09:35 hrs Mitchouka 10:20 hrs Brosna George 10:55 hrs Drumacoo 11:30 hrs Bellshill 12:05 hrs Cadmium 12:40 hrs Sizing Coal 13:10 hrs Stay Humble English Racing Tips Newcastle 09:35 hrs Chateau Marmont 10:10 hrs Lady Buttons 10:45 hrs West Of The Edge 11:20 hrs Raised On Grazeon 11:55 hrs Cool Mix

Lingfield 09:30 hrs Mandalayan 10:05 hrs Orvar 10:40 hrs Grandfather Tom 11:15 hrs Clear Skies 11:50 hrs Goring 12;25 hrs Island Brave 13:00 hrs Pivotal Flame Kempton 09:15 hrs Monbeg Legend 10:25 hrs Redicean 11:00 hrs Humphrey Bogart 11:35 hrs Theatre Guide 12:10 hrs Kayf Blanco 12:45 hrs Danny Kirwan

‘Foster has the right idea how to run cricket’ - Nagamootoo

Hilbert Foster

By Rajiv Bisnauth FORMER national wicket-keeper, Vishal Nagamootoo, believes the game in the Ancient County will definitely move in the right direction under newly-elected president, Hilbert Foster.

Vishal Nagamootoo

The 41-year-old, who played 61 First-Class games, pointed out that Foster has the right idea of how to run the game, and as such his election to oversee the affairs of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) was the right choice.

“I think Mr. Foster will be a good leader. He knows how to run cricket, he has the right idea,” posited Nagamootoo, who also represented Guyana in 31 List A matches. The younger Nagamootoo, who is the brother of former West Indies leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo added, ”Since my time as a cricketer, he always demonstrated that quality of a good leader, and today it’s testimony that his club (the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club), is one of the best in Guyana, so I always had that respect for him”. Foster, was on Sunday last, voted in as president of the BCB following that body’s election at the New Amsterdam Town Hall, defeating former president Dhierandranauth Somwaru, 18 votes to 16. His election has signalled a way forward after the board’s image was tarnished by a number of court actions which eventually stalled the proper administration of the game.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday February 24, 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) Barbados, Guyana, Windward Islands & Kent (2) Barbados vs Kent; Guyana vs Windward Islands Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in the preliminary round of the CWI Regional Super50 Tournament 2018? (2) Who made the highest individual score in the preliminary round? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 24, 2018

Prem’s Electrical supports Corona Futsal kicks off tonight Regal for Orlando Cup 2018 ONE of the nation’s leading electrical store, Prem’s Electrical have thrown their support behind the country’s leading softball teams, Regal Masters and Regal All Stars, for the upcoming Orlando Cup 2018. At a simple ceremony on Thursday at the company’s Alexander Street, Georgetown location, Darshani Narine on behalf of Prem’s Electrical, said that the company is always willing to shed light to anything that will make a positive impact in society especially involving sport and youth. The company’s assistance will help the Regal teams to prepare and compete in the tournament which is scheduled for March 16 to 18, in Orlando, USA. In 2017, Regal Masters and All Stars swept the tournament and are looking for a repeat. In accepting the sponsorship, team manager Parmanand Persaud expressed his appreciation on behalf of the teams and said that it will help the players to focus solely on playing, rather than thinking how to get to Orlando. The Orlando Cup is a softball tournament that is shared annually with the Florida Cup on a rotation basis. It features male teams with players over 45 years old competing in the Masters’ category, and players of any age rubbing shoulders in the All Star category.

Darshini Narine (left) handing over the timely sponsorship to Parmanand Persaud

THE wait is over for the Corona Futsal tournament which begins this evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. In the first of the 11-night tournament, six matches are carded. Plaisance will open against Mocha at 19:00hrs with Future Stars and Xtreme Campbellville clashing at 19:50hrs. YMCA gets down to business against Albouystown at 20:40hrs with Alexander Village and Leopold Street playing 50 minutes later. The final games of the evening will see Back Circle playing Broad Street and Sparta Boss against Tiger Bay. In group `A’, the teams are Alpha Warriors,

Tucville, Show Stoppers and Kingstown; while Group’B’ is where Sparta Boss, Tiger Bay, Plaisance and Mocha are classed. In Group `C`, Old School Ballers, Future Stars, Xtreme Campbellville and New Market Street are slated to compete, while West Front Road, YMCA, Sophia and Albouystown are down for action in Group `D’. Group `E’ features Bent Street, North East, Channel 9 and California Square, with Back Circle, Leopold Street, Alexander Village and Broad Street playing in Group `F’. The tournament is sponsored by Corona Beer and Namilco under its Wheat Germ brand. (Stephan Sookram)

Crawford wins Courts 50-mile cycle road race By Colin Bynoe Jr.

TROJAN Cycle Club of Berbice is having a dream start to its 2018 cycling season taking three top racing victories thus far for the year. Curtis Dey rode to victory in the National Park’s feature 35-lap contest last month, while Romello Crawford pedaled to victory in the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) season opener Points Race. The 19-year-old Crawford continued his red-hot form as he emphatically pedaled his way to win in a time of two hours 9 minutes and 53 seconds. This event signaled the 10th edition of Courts New Amsterdam Branch Cycle road race. The race commenced in front of Courts, then proceeded to Nand Persaud rice mill, No. 35 Village after which they turned back to the place of origin for the finish. A field of 44 starters commenced the challenging 50-mile pedal. Crawford led the charge from the onset that separated him from the pack on the course of the upward journey.

Nine riders were in a ding-dong attack on each other as they staged some form of excitement for the outlining supporters. The

resulted in Crawford developing a fresh approach distancing him from the pack as he broke away at Port Mourant.

surge earned him a pleasing third place. Closing off were Andrew Hicks with fourth, 5th Junior Niles, 6th Deraj Ghabaran,

saw two riders, Jonathan Ramsuchit claiming the win and David Hicks second. While for the female riders, Shenika Tiexeira,

Winners and Courts representatives pose for a photo

riders steadily staked their claim for a rousing finish in the downward journey, which saw several mini breaks. United’s Hamzah Eastman started the attack on the pack of riders. At this point, Crawford was in a conservative mood but the challenge of Eastman

In the closing stages of the race, Eastman, Paul DeNobrega and Andrew Hicks were Crawford’s closest challengers. Crawford sped to victory at the finish in an exciting manner to much delight of his supporters Hamzah Eastman did his best for second while Paul DeNobrega’s late

7th Walter Grant Stuart with Jamal John 8th and rounding off the top 8 finishers. In the veteran grouping, Junior Niles took the top spot even as Jaiaaran Sookhai and Paul ChooWee-Nam were second and third respectively. The Juvenile category

rode to victory, as Maria Carrington had to settle for second. A special incentive was awarded to Monty Paris for his valiant efforts in participating in various races. Paris is 71 years old. There were also prizes for Flying Ace club cyclists, Balram Narine, and Ralph

Seenarine. The little ones were on show also in the BMX 6-9 and 9-12 age groups. Nashun Rigby was the lone cyclist in the BMX 6-9 age group. In the BMX 9-12, four young and exciting riders were on show as Jaheme Henry, who travelled all the way from Linden hurried his way to victory. In second position were Nehum Rigby, third was Shaquille Dow and fourth, Munish Bhowandin. Speaking at the simple presentation of trophies and cash incentives, Courts Berbice Branch Manager, Stanley McKenzie showered words of thanks to the cyclists and all the spectators who were present. “Courts is here to fill the needs of our people within the community with the services we extend, the products and also the social needs, we see sports as one of the medium to promote a strong community,” he said. He went on to urge the riders to continue to support the Courts races and promised that this event will be a calendar one in New Amsterdam every year.

Corona Futsal kicks off tonight

See Page 31

SENT PACKING! See Page 27

The Guyana Jaguars collapsed to a 52 run loss in their semifinal match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on Thursday night (CWI Photo)

-Guyana Jaguars lose semi-final against Windward Islands Volcanoes

We are still at the point of consultation, says Dr Norton See Page 30

National Sports Policy... President David Granger

Dr George Norton

Confident Pride takes on underdogs Volcanoes in todayâ€™s final 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

See Page 29

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018