Guyana chronicle e paper 03 08 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

No. 105207

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Guyana key in Exxon growth plans ... company looks to double earnings PAGE

Fire rips through Pike Street

PAGE

GDF ranks to get training in disaster response 17 PAGE

Prisoner bolts from Suddie 23 lock-ups PAGE

Several persons are now homeless following the early Wednesday morning fire in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown (Travis Chase photo)

Charge recommended against Coen Jackson

PAGE

Barriers being removed for immunisation programme 15 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Public Service Dept launches scholarship website … to make administration of scholarship awards more transparent

GUYANESE in need of scholarships to further their education both locally and abroad can look forward to much more accessible opportunities, following yesterday’s launching of the Department of Public Service’s scholarship website. The site, designed only by Guyanese, caters for prospective scholars, current scholars and public servants, who will be able to access opportunities rendered by the government and other donor organisations. The Public Service Department partnered with the Ministry of Education utilising its smart classroom at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), to host the launching and to have demonstrations on use of the website. The new site will allow individuals to: see the programmes available for scholarship; download, fill out and upload application forms; log in to personal profiles to receive and send information; and upload and update their qualifications. The site displays the number of persons studying overseas along with a host of other features. Once an individual registers, any scholarship that becomes available to which an applicant meets the criteria. That individual will be notified immediately by means of email or phone and will not have to register once again. Delivering opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Public Service and Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson, said that the website will transform Guy-

ana in the area of scholarship application and attainment. He pointed out that Guyanese scholars, both past and present, have contributed to the local intellectual landscape and that this new systematic approach will open more opportunities for Guyanese, while transforming the former “poorly administered system” to one of “hope, inspiration and tremendous expectations.” “The trajectory of Guyana’s overall development must allow our young, brilliant, intellectual minds the opportunity to further their education in other universities such as those in the West Indies, in North America and the United Kingdom at the full expense of the Government of Guyana though us taxpayers,”Brotherson said. Data provided shows that within the last three years, prior to 2018, Guyanese were awarded scholarships for overseas training in 145 fields of study in 26 countries globally. Over the years there were 52, 76 and 104 scholarships awarded respectively in 2015, 2016 and 2017 for overseas studies while locally, 232, 357 and 442 for the same years were awarded, bringing the three-year total to 1263 scholarships. ?Locally, these scholarships were granted to institutions such as Air Services Limited, Carnegie School of Home Economics, Critchlow Labour College, the University of Guyana, Guyana School of Agriculture, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Texila American University and several others. ?Brotherson announced

Permanent Secretary of Department of the Public Service and Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson, addresses the gathering on the work of the scholarship programme over the years. (photo by Adrian Narine) that in 2018, Department of the Public Service will offer fully funded overseas scholarships to eligible Guyanese to Universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) “We do not [see] investment in the human resource development as burdensome, but rather a systematic approach and overall benefit transitioning our prized young people on a path to develop our economy to en-

joy the good life,” he said. Meanwhile, Adviser and Consultant to Minister of the Public Service, Vincent Alexander, delivered the feature address in the stead of Minister of Public Service, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and said that the website and its accompanying handbook contribute to good governance, which will further help to foster social cohesion. “What we’re seeing today being described as a launch of a website and handbook is

part of a necessary movement if our country is to move forward. Not only does it take our country into the 21st century in terms of technology, but it takes our country further into the modern world in terms of governance,” Alexander said. He added that the website would provide for greater transparency in government operations, stating that: “The website and handbook provide for greater transparency in what we do.

It allows the nation at large to know what criteria are being applied when one seeks to obtain a scholarship…transparency does not work where there isn’t openness.” Finally, Manager of Planning Analysis, Kandasia Kendall reported that the site, linked as ‘scholarships.dps.gov.gy’ will be constantly updated as the department aims to provide more Guyanese with equal opportunities to access scholarships.

‘I am Woman’ cultural programme to bring curtain down on IWD THE Ministry of Social Protection Gender Affairs Bureau under the patronage of First Lady, Sandra Granger, this evening will host a grand ‘I am Woman’ cultural programme in observance of International Women’s Day. The event, which will be held at Parc Rayne, will see the feature address coming from First Lady, Sandra Granger, remarks from Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, as well as from the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee The production of the cultural programme, which will utilise an all-female cast follows a script produced by actress and Press Officer for

President David Granger, Lloyda Garrett, and aims to celebrate the varying roles that women play throughout

their lives and in society. Garrett has been involved the local film/ play production industry from

a tender age and later began writing her own

The all-female cast for this evening’s production

See page 3

Guyana key in Exxon growth plans

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

... company looks to double earnings

A top executive of ExxonMobil on Wednesday listed Guyana as a key driver of its upstream growth where exploration success has added 3.2 billion gross oil equivalent barrels of recoverable resource even as it plans for development and further exploration here. The company also outlined an aggressive growth strategy to more than double earnings and cash flow from operations by 2025 at today’s oil prices. “We’ve got the best portfolio of high-quality, high-return investment opportunities that we’ve seen in two decades,” Darren W. Woods, chairman and chief executive officer, said at the company’s annual meeting of investment analysts at the New York Stock Exchange, ExxonMobil said in a release. “Our plan takes full advantage of the company’s unique strengths and financial capabilities, using innovation, technology and integration to drive long-term shareholder value and industry-leading returns.” Growth plans include steps to increase earnings by more than 100 percent – to US$31

billion by 2025 at 2017 prices – from last year’s adjusted profit of US$15 billion, which excluded the impact of U.S. tax reform and impairments. Woods said this plan projects double-digit rates of return in all three segments of ExxonMobil’s business – upstream, downstream and chemical – which are all three world-class businesses in their own right. In the upstream, the company expects to significantly increase earnings through a number of growth initiatives involving low-costof-supply investments in U.S. tight oil, deepwater and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Growth coming online from new and existing projects is expected to increase production from 4 million oil-equivalent barrels per day to about 5 million. The company plans to increase tight-oil production five-fold from the U.S. Permian Basin and start up 25 projects worldwide. Those startups will add volumes of more than 1 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. In LNG, the company expects to bring on new production to meet a projected increase

in global demand. Upstream growth will benefit from ExxonMobil’s industry-leading exploration success and strategic acquisitions. In 2017 alone, the company added 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels to its resource base in locations including the Permian, Guyana, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and Brazil. Key drivers of growth are in Guyana, where exploration success has added 3.2 billion gross oil equivalent barrels of recoverable resource and plans are in place for development and further exploration, and in the Permian, where the company has increased the size of its resource to 9.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels from less than 3 billion in the past year. Through its acquisition of several Bass entities in 2017, ExxonMobil added an estimated resource of 5.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels in the Permian. The original resource estimate of 3.4 billion barrels at the time of the purchase was increased through technical evaluation and successful delineation in the Delaware Basin, reducing the acquisition cost to just above US$1 per oil-equivalent barrel. The contiguous stacked pays from the New Mex-

Darren W. Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of ExxonMobil ico acquisition are now estimated to provide more than 4,800 drilling locations with an average lateral length of more than 12,000 feet, enabling capital-efficient execution of Permian volumes growth and the potential to further increase future volumes. “We are in a solid position to maximize the value of the increased Permian production as it moves from the well head to our Gulf Coast refining and chemical operations, where we are focusing on manufacturing higher-demand, higher-value products,” Woods said. ExxonMobil’s downstream business is projected to double earnings by 2025 by upgrading its product

‘I am Woman’ cultural programme ... From page 2

productions and being actively involved in their planning and coordination stages. Speaking on the driving force behind the produc-

tion, she said: “If you look throughout our history women have played significant roles in every aspect of society. They haven’t only been homemakers, even though that’s not a bad thing, they’ve been everything under the

sun.” “So, we want to show that a woman is just like a man with all those aspects of her personality and abilities and that she can really continue to play her part in Guyanese society.” The 20-minute produc-

tion is being described as a dance and spoken-word ensemble and will feature the National Dance Company, the Pakuri Dancers, the Dance School, the WIST (Worship In Spirit & Truth) Dance Ministry and a choral

slate through strategic investments at refineries in Baytown and Beaumont in Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Singapore, and Fawley in the U.K. These projects are expected to result in double-digit returns by enabling increased production of higher-value products, such as ultra-low sulfur diesel, chemicals feedstocks and basestocks for lubricants. As a result of these improvements, the company’s 2025 downstream margins are projected to increase by 20 percent. Expansion is supported by projected demand growth in emerging markets, and includes entries into new markets such as Mexico and Indonesia. It is supported by integration with chemical manufacturing and upstream production. In its chemical business, ExxonMobil expects to grow manufacturing capacity in North America and Asia Pacific by about 40 percent. That growth will be achieved in part by adding 13 new facilities, including two world-class steam crackers in the United States. These investments would enable the company to meet increas-

ing demand in Asia and other growing markets. “We are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the global demand growth for higher-value products in the downstream and chemical,” Woods said. “Our combined strengths in innovative technology, resource and market access, marketing product leadership and integration improve profitability and create significant shareholder value.” Woods said the company’s overall growth strategy is designed with a key goal in mind – fully leveraging our competitive advantages to grow shareholder value across all three of our worldclass businesses. Through higher returns from increased investments, the company has the potential to increase its return on capital employed to about 15 percent by 2025. “Our existing business and plans for growth are robust to a wide range of price environments, allowing us to maintain a growing dividend and a strong balance sheet while returning excess cash to our shareholders,” said Woods.

speaking group. Performances will also come from gospel artiste, Cherlyn Maloney; former Miss Guyana World 2016, Nuriyyih Gerrard, 2018 Calypso Monarch Onikha Joseph and others. “It doesn’t matter what religion, ethnicity, whether she’s from a rural community or she’s from the city, every single woman has a role to play in the development of our society,” said Garrett, who promised that the programme would

be one of enlightenment and excitement. The entire event organised by Senior Gender Affairs Officer, Ministry of Social Protection, Hymawattie Lagan; Senior Gender Affairs Officer, Ministry of Social Protection, Diego Alphonso and Director of Social Services, Wentworth Tanner. This evening also, the Directory of Women’s organisations in Guyana will be launched.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

‘Death by China’ economist ascendant as Trump pushes tariffs, hits China An economist who believes that Chinese goods are literally poisoning Americans, advocates ending Washington’s “One China” policy and says trade deals have weakened the United States economically with the connivance of U.S. business has emerged as the big winner from renewed turmoil in the White House. While Peter Navarro says he is not in the running to replace Trump’s top economic adviser Gary Cohn, who has said he will quit, he will be a big winner from the departure of a person seen as a bulwark against economic

protectionism. Sidelined under Cohn to whom he has reported since late last year, Navarro, who is Trump’s trade adviser, would now appear to have free rein. He has publicly backed Trump’s proposed steel and aluminum tariffs in a series of media appearances after being out of the public eye for months. Navarro has endorsed withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement as well as from a trade deal with South Korea. He believes the World Trade Organization allows unfair tax practices like value added tax that penalize American business. But his main target has been China. He has backed a 45 percent tariff on imports from China to combat what he says is Beijing’s policy of illegal export subsidies, currency manipulation, intellectual property theft and lax worker safety and environmental regulations. He has challenged Washington’s “One China” which recognizes Beijing and not

Thursday, March 8, 2018 - Friday, March 9, 2018 - Saturday, March 10, 2018 - Sunday, March 11, 2018 01:00 hrs

surplus. According to official data, China ran a trade surplus of $375.2 billion with the United States in 2017. Overall the U.S. trade deficit with other countries was $566 billion in the year. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that the issue had been raised with a Chinese delegation last week. President Xi Xinping’s top economic adviser Liu He held talks with the administration last week. Sanders said that she was not aware of any Chinese response so far. Navarro, 68, has a Harvard doctorate in economics and is a Democrat. He is the author of several books highlighting the danger of China’s economic and military rise, including “Death by China: Confronting the Dragon - A Global Call to Action”. He has also attacked Germany, saying its companies have benefited unfairly from an undervalued euro. Trump has threatened to impose hefty tariffs on Eu-

ropean car imports. Navarro’s ire isn’t reserved just for other countries. He believes American company executives have aligned themselves with China’s agenda due to their “narrow profit-maximizing interests”. “Indeed, with their bread now being buttered offshore, so-called ‘American’ organizations like the Business Roundtable and National Association of Manufacturers transformed from staunch critics of Chinese mercantilism into open, and often very aggressive, soldiers in the pro-China Lobby,” he wrote in Death by China. “Unscrupulous Chinese entrepreneurs are flooding world markets with a range of bone-crushing, cancer-causing, flammable, poisonous, and otherwise lethal products, foods, and drugs,” he also wrote in that book.

after years writing about energy regulatory issues as a professor at the University of California-Irvine. He and Ross in their campaign paper for Trump calculated that had the United States been able to eliminate its $500 billion trade deficit in 2015, it would have bolstered the economy by 3.38 percentage points and produced a growth rate of 5.97 percent. Those calculations were derided as “magical thinking” at the time by many economists, who noted that the trade deficit is determined by the difference between saving and investment, with rising imports caused by less savings and not by “perfidious foreigners and incompetent trade negotiators” as Trump has suggested, a report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics said at the time. Trump says that America will emerge as a winner in any trade war as its imports are so large that other countries will be forced to negotiate. “Our jobs have been stolen from us, our businesses have been taken,” Trump told a press conference on Tuesday. (Reuters)

ODDBALL OR VISIONARY Navarro’s economic views have been dismissed by most economists as “fringe” and “oddball” although Trump has hailed him as a “visionary”. He emerged unheralded as a China commentator in 2006

09:30 hrs 10:30 hrs 12:00 hrs 13:00 hrs

DATE: Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Taipei diplomatically. “Just as these Chinese leaders have been exploiting American weakness by cheating in the trade arena, they will acknowledge the strength and resoluteness of Trump and rein in their mercantilist impulses,” Navarro and now-Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross wrote in an economic paper for the Trump 2016 election campaign. Trump said on Wednesday he had demanded action from China on trade that appeared to align with Navarro’s policies. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin also chimed in on taking action on China, telling Fox Business Network the United States would get “reciprocal trade with China.” “China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States,” Trump wrote in a post on Twitter on Tuesday, mistakenly referring to a deficit where Beijing runs a

12 13 21 24 27 28 8

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Murdered archbishop to be made a saint Archbishop Óscar Romero, who was killed in 1980 while he was celebrating Mass in El Salvador, will be declared a saint, Pope Francis has announced. Pope Paul VI, who oversaw many of the reforms the Catholic Church underwent in the 1960s, will also be made a saint, the Vatican said. A statement said that Pope Francis signed decrees on Tuesday giving the green light for their canonisation. Óscar Romero is revered in his native El Salvador for denouncing repression. Archbishop Romero was beatified in May 2015 in a ceremony in El Salvador which drew huge crowds. The archbishop spoke out against the repression many of his compatriots suffered at the start of El Salvador’s civil war, which lasted from 1980

to 1992. When the US-backed Salvadorean army was using death squads and torture to stop leftist revolutionaries

come before any human order to kill. It is high time you recovered your conscience,” he said, calling on the National Guard and police to stop the

Pope Paul VI brought about sweeping changes as part of Vatican II but opposed birth control

from seizing power, he used what would become his last homily to speak out against it. “The law of God which says thou shalt not kill must

violence. “I implore you, I beg you, I order you in the name of God: Stop the repression.” One day later, on 24

March 1980, Archbishop Romero was shot dead by a sniper as he celebrated Mass in a hospital chapel. No one has ever been

to many in Latin America who saw him as a champion of the poor and the oppressed but is still considered by some conservative and right-wing

Archbishop Óscar Romero is revered in Latin America as a champion of the oppressed

prosecuted for his murder but it is widely believed a right-wing death squad was behind it. He has been an inspiration

critics as a subversive. Pope Paul VI, who was born Giovanni Battista Montini in the Lombardy region of Italy in 1897, was beatified

in 2014. Elected pope in 1963, he continued the reforms of his predecessor, John XXIII, until his death in 1978. The reforms, brought in by the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II, changed the relationship between the Catholic faithful and priests. Mass, which had been celebrated in Latin, was translated into the language of the congregation and priests faced church goers instead of the altar. During his 15-year pontificate, Pope Paul VI wrote seven encyclicals. One of them, Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life), published in 1968, was highly controversial due to its opposition to birth control and led to protests around the Catholic world. (BBC)

Min Norton salutes all women Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton has saluted all women on this International Women’s Day being observed globally. SEE FULL STATEMENT BELOW: Today, the Ministry of Social Cohesion salutes and celebrates the achievements of Guyanese women, and women all across the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Today, we remember women’s struggles for equality, for the right to education, for the right to vote, for the right to work, for the right to fair remuneration and access to support services. Today, I applaud their perseverance and accomplishments and commit to supporting initiatives that acknowledge their human rights. It has been said that a feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women. I am proud to sit at the helm of a Ministry that promotes and fights for women’s rights, and equality for both men and women. The Ministry of Social Cohesion was birthed by a vision to create a country where all are equal, regardless of race, religion, gender or any other demographic. We also recognise that in order to achieve gender parity the role of both parents is most important. Parents are a child’s first teacher and their influence on their choices, both as children and later, as young adults, and their role in nurturing children, who become productive members of society can never be over-emphasised. Proper nurturing of children in the home by parents cultivates positive values and virtues such as love,

respect, care, consideration, discipline and responsibility. It is important too for fathers to be positive role models for both their sons and daughters. In the absence of a father figure, the burden falls on the mother to ensure that boys and girls grow into young men and women who respect

Guyanese women, and those around the world are not only excelling in traditional fields of employment, but they are successfully forging their way into careers that were once male-dominated and considered unsuitable for women. Today, Guyanese women are surpassing their male coun-

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton

each other. As the Minister charged with the responsibility for Sport, I also want to underscore the importance of equal participation of girls and boys in sports as it teaches the values of perseverance and discipline. It only takes one determined effort to shatter barriers and create a level playing field, whether in the sport arena, in the classroom, in tertiary institutions, in the professional field and in the wider society. As a country, Guyana has made significant strides in in ensuring equality and equity. Women have taken charge of their households, although more often out of necessity rather than by choice; have taken charge of their education and their earning power and have inspired other women to do the same. Today,

terparts in education; they are taking the lead in higher paying, once male-dominated occupations, such as in Information Technology, Engineering and Finance and they are pursuing non-traditional careers such as auto electricians, minibus and taxi drivers, carpenters, farmers and so many more. Guyana also has a vibrant complement of female activists, law enforcement officials, social workers, journalists, politicians and other professionals. Importantly too, we have women working tirelessly with and without a second parent in the home to raise their children. Since women account for more than 50 percent of our population, it is clear to see that Guyana has a bright future. The Government recognises that more

has to be done to protect our women from gender-based violence and to strengthen the capacity of more women to take on leadership po-

sitions and become strong drivers of economic growth and social change. We will continue to work to achieve these goals. Women, today

we celebrate and commend you for your contributions towards building our beautiful country. Happy International Women’s Day!

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

The time is now GUYANA today joins the rest of the world in observing the United Nations (UN) International Women’s Day being held under the theme “The Time is Now: Rural and Urban activists transforming women’s lives,” is a call for sustained support of those who lead the struggle for women’s full empowerment. Rightfully, some will argue that every day is ‘women’s day’, given the multiple roles women play in the development of family and society. Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, in his message this year observed that we are at a pivotal moment for women’s rights, noting that the historical and structural inequalities that have allowed oppression and discrimination to flourish are being exposed like never before. He said from Latin America to Europe to Asia, on social media, on film sets,

on the factory floor and in the streets, women are calling for lasting change and zero tolerance for sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world, the UN SG said. He said too that activism and advocacy of generations of women have borne fruit. “There are more girls in school than ever before; more women are doing paid work and in senior roles in the private sector, academia, politics and in international organisations, including the United Nations. Gender equality is enshrined in countless laws, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage have been outlawed in many countries. But serious obstacles remain if we are to address the his-

toric power imbalances that underpin discrimination and exploitation.” Ours has been a history, or ‘her-story’, of gender inequality. This is in large part informed by the unscientific belief of a woman’s capability, or her ‘knowing her place,’ and where remnants of a patriarchal society remain. This is not to say that efforts have not been made, with measurable success over the years, to topple these beliefs. What this historical fact is saying is that there remains work to be done, not only in toppling more barriers, but in ensuring that those that have been toppled remain toppled. Where laws guaranteeing women’s rights as seen in the Women and Gender Equality Commission and List of Representatives, these are floor standards set, which ought not to be practised in the breach. Equality requires strengthening and deepening

of these foundations, the creation and implementation of policies and programmes that will secure women’s rights in every sphere of desired participation. Where sexual harassment and abuse continue to be present in the workplaces, homes, and on the streets, stamping these out must also allow for anonymous reports to be made and investigated, and for perpetrators to be dealt with condignly. No woman must be made to feel that the transgressing of her right to choose her partner/ mate is a precondition to securing and maintaining employment or certain positions. This nation faces a critical situation of single-parent, working, female-headed households. It matters not how such circumstances are created, but what can be done at a social level to ensure

that the care of unattended children should be pursued. The story of a female security guard returning home to a house destroyed by fire and children lost in the fire is heart-rending. The time has come when childcare (day and night) and child-friendly work environments should become national and corporate priorities. Whereas some societies have legally stipulated ages when children can be left alone or in the care of another, our small, communal society may, in addition to looking at the

feasibility of such a law, conduct national conversations on the importance of the extended family structure in addressing childcare and safety issues. Guyana, as a member of the UN, has an obligation to work to ensure that there is sustained support of those who lead the struggle for women’s full empowerment. More importantly, women are encouraged to ensure that this is achieved through their involvement in shaping the nation’s social, economic, political and cultural development.

Some things need fixing Women and girls still face harassment, in ‘D’ Field, Turkeyen abuse and violence--EU Dear Editor,

I AM a native citizen of Guyana. I took the option to seek a happy and comfortable abode in my country. I am part of the electorate. I pay all relevant taxes and abide by the laws of Guyana to the best of my ability. My country allows me the privilege of making contributions to its development in many ways. One of those civic ways is identifying areas that can benefit from social, security, environmental and infrastructural improvement. A few months ago, I identified some problems in the South Turkeyen area. Almost immediately, to the credit of the Guyana Police Force, one of the issues relating to traffic chaos at the junction of upper Dennis Street, ‘D’ Field, South Turkeyen and UG access road was addressed. Since then, traffic ranks have maintained an active presence and the previously prevalent traffic lawlessness there has been almost eliminated. However, the issues of absent road-lighting from that junction going South along the ‘D’ Field access road, untrimmed road parapets, and now emerging potholes continue to be a haunt.

Apparently, when street lights were installed in the Pattensen/ South Turkeyen area, there was inequitable distribution. My conclusion is drawn from observations that some sections of the community have concentration of street-lighting that can only be compared to a floodlit arena, while other sections remain in the dark. Compounding that malady is the general attitude that no one seems to be accountable nor interested in the state of affairs there. This is reminiscent of unchecked contractual works under the past administration, much to the disadvantage and disgust of citizens. I wrote the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, but there has been no forthcoming response nor action from that end. I also spoke to two City Councillors on separate occasions, one of whom promised to raise the matter at a Council meeting. I do not know if the matter was ever raised, but there has been no remedial action over the past three months to suggest that City Hall is in the loop. Recently, a young cyclist was struck down by a car on the ‘D’ Field road after he had swerved from a new pothole.

Fortunately, he sustained no injuries and apologised to the petrified car driver while frantically gathering himself from the fall. He lamented that his swerving was a belated reflex action, a consequence of darkness of the road, which severely limited his range of vision. There are several other experiences along that stretch of roadway, including some criminal activities. Reptiles have also joined in the action. One night I cited a huge alligator slowly gliding across that ‘D’ Field road, from one parallel canal to the next. The reflection of the moonlight in its eyes alerted me to its movement. Only God knows what would have happened if a pedestrian had intersected its path at that time. When, as a citizen of this country, you see and address certain things and yet nothing is done to correct them, it only creates apathy, disenchantment, and a sense of betrayal. I trust that the authorities will remember that, that section of the city is still a part of their responsibility to serve. Regards Orette Cutting

EQUALITY between women and men is one of the fundamental values of the European Union enshrined in our treaties. Our Union is a pioneer in tackling gender-based discrimination and we can be proud of the progress achieved: Europe is one of the safest and most equal places for women in the world. But our work is not over – the path to full equality in practice is still a long one. Women and girls still face harassment, abuse and violence. And women are still too often prevented from breaking the glass ceiling, receiving lower pay and fewer opportunities for career and business development. We want girls and women to achieve equality in all aspects of life: access to education, equal pay for equal work, access to top positions in companies and politics, as well as protection from violence. Advancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment is an absolute priority for us. The European Union has put forward new legislation to improve work-life balance

for working parents and caregivers, and an Action Plan to close the gender pay gap; and we are making sure that we lead by example: in February 2018, the number of women in managerial positions in the European Commission reached 36%, up from 11% when we took office in November 2014. President Juncker has committed to reaching 40% by 31 October, 2019, at the end of our mandate. We are also consistent in all aspects of all our policies, both inside the EU and in our external action by promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Our policy contributes to the successful global implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. This year’s European Development Days will focus on the vital role of women and girls in sustainable development, their equal participation and leadership in all walks of life. In addition, this year the EU has the leadership of the “Call to Action for Protection Against Gender-Based Violence”, which brings together over 60 countries and

organisations striving to ensure that gender-based violence is addressed in humanitarian crises. The European Union assists women and girls across the world who are on the move or displaced, who are victims of violence, such as through the Spotlight initiative, or who are excluded from education, equal access to health and family-planning services, the labour market, and political life more generally. Over 15 million girls of primary school age do not go to school around the world, so the EU is helping to boost access to education from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, to South-East Asia. Gender equality is not just about fairness and justice in Europe – it is also a necessity to achieve sustainable peace, security, development, economic prosperity and growth around the world. Investing in the potential of women and girls is an investment in our whole society and is the responsibility of men and boys, as much as women and girls.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

OP-ED

‘Globally, we’ve never had so many opportunities available to us’ By Lilian Chatterjee High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana

DO we still need to devote an entire day to women? Haven’t we already achieved enough? Women don’t just vote – we are heads of government; we don’t just participate in the workforce – we are titans of industry. We are leading political movements and “having it all.” Globally, we’ve never had so many opportunities available to us. And yet, gender equality is still elusive. Despite all our strides as a global community, we are still woefully lagging behind on equal pay, equal representation in decision-making seats, and equal responsibility in the home. Women suffer disproportionately from intimate-partner violence, sexual harassment, and discriminatory labour practices. The majority of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. Women and girls make up 60% of the global, chronically hungry population. Seventy-five per cent of the world’s illiterate adults are women. And when unpaid work is counted alongside paid work, women, on average, work four more

years than men during their lifetimes. At the same time, women are still more likely than men to live in poverty. International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present all around the world. It is also an opportunity to look to future achievements and hold ourselves and our communities accountable to pressing for even greater progress. Feminist Foreign Policy I want to address the taboo “F” word -- feminism. Too many people equate feminism with advocating for female superiority. Gender equality means just that -equality. Equality of rights, equality of access, equal pay for work of equal value. I am proud that my Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, says he is a feminist. When media questioned why he insisted that 50% of his Cabinet comprise women, he replied, “Because it is 2015”. Last week, Canadian Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, unveiled Canada’s first gender-conscious budget, entitled “Equality + Growth, A Strong Middle Class.” It has undergone the most thorough gender-based analysis

yet to be seen in a public budget in Canada, because Minister Morneau understands that gender equality is not just about fairness; it’s our best chance at a prosperous future. This is a future we envision for everyone. Last year, our Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, launched our Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP). FIAP is a first for Canada, placing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of our development efforts – in Canada, as well as globally. FIAP focuses on six interlinked areas: gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, human dignity, peace and security, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, and growth that works for everyone. It is rooted in the conviction that the best way to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world is to empower women and girls. #PRESSFORPROGRESS The IWD theme for 2018 is #PressforProgress in honour of the growing global movement of advocacy and activism for gender equality. This isn’t just for the bene-

CCWU pledges support to grassroots women Dear Editor,

TODAY, March 8, is International Women’s Day. As we reflect on the significance of this day and on the struggles and journeys of women, as a collective social group to end discrimination and human rights abuses, let us remember all those women who have given much as they demand justice for all and the protection of women’s rights as human rights. Let us also take time out to observe the International Women’s Day theme: “Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives.” Every day, the news media bring to us incidents

and situations in which the rights of women, men and children and of whole nations are constantly being violated with impunity. We must believe that “another world is possible “and continue to work towards making this new world a reality. This new world must be one free of domestic violence and sexual violence against women and girls. The Clerical and Commercial Workers Union pledges its solidarity with the millions of women in grassroots movement and trade unions around the world in saying Enough is Enough! No more gender-based violence in the

workplace.

Regards Sherwood Clarke General-President CCWU

fit of women. Studies have shown that the full and equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of social, economic and political life, the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, and women’s economic empowerment are all critical to peaceful, democratic, and economically prosperous societies. This is why I commend the efforts of the Government of Guyana, local civil society organisations and other key enablers in pushing for the protection and advancement of gender equality in Guyana. I fully agree with His Excellency, President David Granger that we can, we must

and we will achieve gender equality. Every time the First Lady’s Office organises a vocational workshop for young teenage mothers, Guyana takes another step towards greater equality. When Guyana launched the Sexual Offences Court, Guyanese took a landmark stance against violence against women. The Ministry of Social Protection’s entrepreneurship and micro-financing schemes are a boon to women’s economic empowerment, increasing their access to and control over their own livelihoods. Although it will not happen overnight, we must continue to push for better standards, better policies,

greater recognition and greater respect for women. We must press forward toward greater progress. I invite you to join us on March 10 to celebrate our collective achievements. We are organising a concert featuring Canadian-Guyanese artiste, Faith Amour, and an exhibition of some of us here in Guyana pushing for gender equality, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations. Join us on March 10, 2018, at 15:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs to #PressforProgress in the Promenade Gardens to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

International Women’s Day: The Guyana Experience

TODAY, we embrace this opportunity to pay tribute to the women, as we recognise their roles, struggles and commitment to Guyana. Today, Guyana joins with the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day. It is an occasion when our womenfolk are recognised world over, not only for their achievements in a male-dominated world, but also for the emergent role they have been playing in the modern society and the numerous challenges still inherent in their daily battles for gender equality and parity against all forms of widespread discrimination which continue to challenge women. Guyanese women play significant roles in modern-day Guyanese society as home-makers, lawyers, engineers, farmers, market vendors, teachers, nurses, civil servants, and clerks. Many Guyanese women have become senior position holders in the Government of Guyana; there had even been one Guyanese who took the role as the President of Guyana. Education-wise, women in Guyana have outperformed male Guyanese in regional examinations. There are currently more women in Guyana who attend universities and other tertiary institutions of learning. This year, International Women’s Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. Sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women have captured headlines and public discourse, propelled by a rising determination for change. Background of 2018 observances It is significant that this year’s celebrations, held under the theme, “The time is now:Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives,” is being held exactly 100 years after Women in Great Britain had been granted the right to adult suffrage in 1918; and, against the backdrop of a groundswell of international protest against sexual abuse and sexual harassment on the worksite. Founded by Tarana Burke in 2017, the #MeToo movement encouraged women from all over world to share their experiences of sexual harassment. The Me Too” movement is a hashtag used to help demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace on social

The late former President Mrs Janet Jagan media. It followed soon after the public revelations of celebrity actresses of sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein. International Women’s Day 2018 is an opportunity to transform this momentum into action, to empower women in all settings, rural and urban, and celebrate the activists who are working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realise their full potential. STORY OF HISTORY MAKERS For Guyana, International Women’s Day, is the story of women whose contributions can be described as those of history makers, added to the perennial chronicles of the centuries-old struggle by women for dignity and human rights. Though it is an occasion when primary focus is on the more modern feminine, distinguished personalities, many Guyanese women living in urban areas of Guyana have taken roles as breadwinners for their families, particularly in working-class families. Early heroines and visionaries There are many women of substance in our society whose contributions over the years go unrecognised or simply are not duly highlighted. And there are many outstanding women of Guyana’s soil who are deserving of immense recognition. Their contributions understandably cannot be adequately portrayed in the limited pages of a publication such as this, for they are so remarkable. We ought to remember and salute those of an early period of our history; there is no doubt that freed African women

Government Chief Whip and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally had a profound impact on the society of British Guiana in the period after Emancipation, whose efforts, though part and parcel of the earlier historical landscape, were as significant as any of their successors. In this light, the names of Maria Grant, Belinda Hopkinson, Catherine Thom, Molly Archer, and Hannah Foster, are recalled as part of the visionary beginning of the Village Movement, for being among the purchasers of the historic Victoria Village in the 19th century. The struggle for Universal Adult Suffrage is also recognised, led by Janet Jagan, and Jane Phillips-Gay and Jessica Burnham were the first females elected as members of the British Guiana Parliament in May 1953, after the first universal adult suffrage elections were held in the same year. Winifred Gaskin, who was the first female president of the British Guyana Press Association, whose roles in the struggle for women’s rights were extraordinary for the courage and determination displayed in the battle for women’s rights in Guyana. The name of Kowsilla deserves to be among those women, who have contributed towards the struggle for improved workers’ livelihoods, synonymous with the struggle for workers. She was killed in 1964, at the Uitvlugt Estate, during a protest strike. THEIR SUCCESSORS There are other heroines as well, women whose roles in the positioning of their succeeding women folk on the social and political platform of Guyana should be mentioned: owing to their unselfish and

PPP Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira transformative contributions to Guyana. Hyacinth Godette, Claudette Masdammer-Humphrey, Agnes Bend Kirton-Holder, Viola Burnham, Shirley Field-Ridley, Verna Welshman, Yvonne Harewood-Benn, Sylvia Talbot, Magda Pollard, Urmia Johnson, Valerie Rodway, Dorothy Bailey, Joycelyn Loncke, Patricia David, Eileen Cox, Cheryl Sampson, Celeste Dolphin, Sybil Patterson, Edith Peiters, Olga Britton, Yvonne Stephenson, Vivienne Daniels, Sister Noel Menezes, Doris Rogers, Meighan Duke, Patricia Persaud, Hazel Halley-Burnett, Gem Nascimento, Justice Desiree Bernard, Philomena Sahoye-Shury, Rajkumarie Singh, Indra Chanderpal, Andaiye, and Karen De Souza. These are just some of the notable women whose contributions to the struggle for enlightenment of women, better womanhood and dignity, inclusive of the removal of gender discrimination; domestic violence, gender-based violence, sexual violence human rights; and parity. It is upon their shoulders that their succeeding women folk, who now continue their work, stand. They are owed a great debt as trailblazers, for their light has illuminated the path of those who now follow in their footsteps. There are other women of recent vintage, whose important efforts as women have been contributing to both the social and political spheres of Guyana, as examples for women’s rights. The names of Simona Broomes, Gail Teixeira, and Penda Guyan are among those mentioned. Coalition government advancing cause -- Women in positions of power and

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards influence The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government, recognises, “that women are the custodians of the fundamental values that sustain values and are critical for successes and are critical for success in generating social wealth and creating an environment of peace, justice, security and stability.” It has continued to advance the cause for gender equality, and improved status and empowerment of women. The women who hold portfolios as Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Dr Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, Cathy Hughes, Minister Public Telecommunications, Amna Ally Minister of Social Protection, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Patterson Yearwood, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Simona Broomes, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Jennifer Wade, member of parliament, and Rajcoomarie Bancroft, member of parliament, are striving to uphold and promote the dignity of all women and children within the broader society. Along with the nine permanent secretaries who manage the daily functions of their respective ministries. Those of a mature age will recall that it was during the Burnham administration that women began to be elevated to cabinet positions, the magistracy, the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, and other senior

PPP, MP Indranie Chandarpal public service echelons. The nation’s first two women aircraft pilots were also trained during this period. BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING Traditionally, women have a greater degree of tolerance and understanding, which persists even in the most difficult of times. The ability to hope, to transcend political differences, to shape peace agreements, and to do what is right for the greater good of our nation, are all the qualities we celebrate in our women today. Women engineers are now a presence in important institutions such as the Guyana Power Light Incorporated; Ministry of Public Infrastructure and other major construction engineering firms. Gone are the days when skills employment was seen to be the preserve of men, or beyond the comprehension and achievement of women. The Government Technical Institute (GTI), whose current principal, a woman Renita Crandon-Duncan is an example of their presence, seeking skills, apart from the fact that the University of Guyana has been having more enrolment of female students, and of course, more female graduates. State boards and constitutional commissions. There is also very strong women representation on important state boards, with many appointees being of a youthful age. This is in consonance with the government’s policy of opportunities to the younger segment of capable Guyanese. As representatives on constitutional commissions, for See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

International Women’s ... From page 8

example, there are four women commissioners out of the seven who have been appointed members of the Teaching Service Commission; two women commissioners, of the four that comprise the Integrity Commission; and three women commissioners, of the nine that is the directorate of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). A powerful judicial women presence Our judiciary is illustrative of the significant improvement in the lives of Guyanese women, in terms of gender equality and upward mobility. It has to be a first among the CARICOM member states, and even the Commonwealth, where at any time the distinguished offices of Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire and Chancellor of the judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, respectively, is held by women. Also, at this time of writing there are 11 women judges, inclusive of two land court judges, and three Court of Appeal judges. This constitutes the highest number of women Judges appointed to the local Judiciary at any time of its history. Another milestone has been the first admittances of women into the dignity of senior counsel, for the first time in the history of the Guyana judiciary. The Director of Public Prosecutions is also a woman. There are also now four women who have been clothed in silk. HIGH RANKING WOMEN IN THE MILITARY The important institution of the Joint Services has to be mentioned, for the role women have been playing in the seminal function of law and order and protecting the country’s sovereignty. There are now more high-ranking women officers in both the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Defence Force. It will be recalled that retired Lieutenant Colonel Brenda Aaron, became the first woman to be appointed to that rank in the Commonwealth. Women who make very vital contribution to nation and family “#the time is now:Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”; Rural women ensure food security for their communities, build climate resilience and strengthen economies. Yet, gender inequalities, such as discriminatory laws and social norms, combined with a fast-changing economic, technological and environmental landscape restrict

their full potential, leaving them far behind men and their urban counterparts. But we must not forget to herald the sterling, but unsung examples of ingenuity, industry, pride and dignity, that are daily displayed by the numerous females who are homemakers, farmers, market vendors, teachers, nurses, and clerks. Our market vendors especially, here a trailblazer Gertude Alsopp (Aunty Gertie) many of decades standing, inclusive of those of the itinerant category must be praised for their continuous contribution to satisfying the demand for agriculture and other products. Their labours and sacrifice, that occupy the greater part of any single day, have resulted in many of their children and grandchildren becoming lawyers, doctors, and other notable professions; have built homes, and acquired material comforts. THERE ARE STILL CHALLENGES Much has been achieved, it must be agreed; however, formidable challenges still exist in the path of our women, not only in Guyana, but elsewhere. Domestic violence and sexual abuse in all forms are a scourge in the lives of many of our women, of all ages. It is of endemic proportions that have been negatively impacting on the lives of the victims, their families, and on the general society. In many quarters, our women are not given the honour and respect due, in recognition for the labours/services they give; and unfair burdens many of them are made to shoulder in their personal lives, because of uncooperative and unfair partners. RECOGNITION OF PROBLEM; PLAN OF ACTION The contribution of women to development cannot be ignored, because it is immeasurable and for too long this has gone unrecognised in our society. According to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, “Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world.” There is still the need for many of our women and young girls to acquire the tool of education as a means towards enabling their empowerment. It is no strange coincidence, therefore, that this is the third year of the United Nations new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Gender equality, with the accent on the empowerment of women

and girls. The new Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically addresses the problem of discrimination and violence against women and girls, with the goal of eradicating both. Concomitantly, it also envisages equal participation and opportunities. ONWARD MARCH OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT Despite the challenges, the inescapable fact is that

women’s empowerment has gathered momentum, is in motion, ever since and will continue to move forward. The numerous achievements of women in Guyana, and in other regions, have confounded the chauvinists, whose once secured male branded enclaves are being occupied by women who are bringing a new and much appreciated breath of fresh air to the work environment. Not even the monsters of power can frighten them into

perpetual silence, for they have endured and are rising with new vigour. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in the history of their communities and countries. It is also an opportunity to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of

the Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Today we salute you Guyanese Women for your continued strength and fortitude; may you go forward with renewed tenacity for advocacy and activism towards accelerating gender parity. Collectively, let’s all Press for Progress; the international women’s day campaign continues every day! (DPI Feature)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Three Pike Street homes flattened by fire –– gov’t reaches out to victims By Ariana Gordon

FIRE of unknown origin early Wednesday morning completely destroyed three houses and left one uninhabitable in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown. The fire which started just around 03:30hrs has left several families, including a three-month-old baby, homeless. According to reports, the fire originated in the southern half of Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty, completely gutting an old wooden house which housed seven apartments. The fire quickly spread to nearby houses located both east and west of the said property. No one was injured, neither was there any loss of life. Residents said strong winds, the lack of water and proper firefighting strategies resulted in the total destruc-

spread to her home. In fact, she returned to her house and gathered her children, even as she tried to remove her valuables and some clothing. However, as she tried her best to remove items in the panic, she realised that her house was engulfed in the blaze. Firefighters, she said, mandated her and one of her daughters to leave the premises as the fire was spreading rapidly and posed a threat to their lives. The woman said she had called the fire service, but they took some time to arrive and by then, the situation had moved from bad to worse. ALREADY GUTTED “The breeze was blowing strong and the fire was getting wilder…” she said, noting that when the fire tenders arrived, the property where the fire is be-

at the time, she noted that her house was fully furnished. “Is everything burn up… I am getting a headache just thinking about it,” the housewife added. Until she obtains relief, Demonick and her children are housed by a neighbour obliquely to where she lived. Meanwhile, Marlon (only name given), who occupied and maintained Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty, the lot where the fire reportedly started, told the Guyana Chronicle that there were seven separate apartments within the premises. He said he operated two shops in front of the property, all of which were gutted. Marlon said he was watching basketball when he heard shouts of fire. The man said he ran out of the room he occupies and got a bucket and attempted to out the fire, which he

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, hands over relief to a victim of Wednesday’s Pike Street, Kitty fire (Adrian Narine photo)

Fire ravages one of the Pike Street, Kitty properties early Wednesday morning (Photo compliments of a Pike Street, Kitty resident)

City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green visits fire victims Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo) tion of the three houses and damage to the fourth property. Angela Demonick, a single mother of three children ages 10, 14 and 17 years old told the Guyana Chronicle that she was awakened to shouts of “Fire! Fire!” The distraught single parent said she was able to save only two documents, while pointing out that her house is located two yards west of where the fire reportedly began. “I could have barely saved two documents… I ain’t get to save no clothes,” the woman told the Guyana Chronicle, as her three children looked at their badly damaged home. Demonick said after she was alerted, she did not expect the fire to

lieved to have started was already gutted. “The fire just scorch this neighbour house and by the time they hustling to get water, it burn down my neighbour place and was hustling for mine,” said Demonick, who lived at her 191 Pike Street, Kitty home for 14 years. She told this publication that her 14-year-old daughter is preparing to write the national third form examination, while her 10-year-old son who attends the F E Pollard Primary School, is writing common entrance next year. “All I have is birth certificate and my ID,” the frustrated woman who lost all in her home said. And while she could not estimate her losses

said was located toward the back door of the two-storey building. “Them man call me and say is fire… by the time I could have reached out, I get one bucket of water--- by the time I throw it at the back—I come back with the second bucket—me room had fire-- fire been straight through. “I just run straight out because like the fire was running straight out to me,” said the upset man, who told the Guyana Chronicle he strongly believes the fire was an act of arson. “That ain’t look like electrical—somebody light a fire… The fire was coming down the back step as if it was a man coming down See page 14

Firefighters take statements from fire victims Wednesday morning (Adrian Narine photo)

Three Pike Street homes ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

From page 13

the back step. Me ain’t understand that -- this was a funny, funny fire,” he remarked, as he showed the remains of his property.

LOST EVERYTHING Marlon, like the other victims, lost everything. He said all of his documents, money, as well as his motorcycle were all destroyed in the Wednesday morning inferno. “I said I ain’t gonna dead now and I run out of there,” he recounted, while noting that members of the Guyana Fire Service took about 40 minutes to respond to the fire. “Three fire tenders come… is a reporter had to tell them go to the trench on Vlissengen Road,” the man who occupied the premises told this publication. He could not estimate his losses, but noted that he has to start all over again. Another resident of the said premises laid some blame at the feet of the Guyana Fire Service. The young man who requested anonymity said the fire tenders did not arrive with much water and the firefighters struggled to find water sources. “They came about 40 minutes after they were called… they got to prepare for these things man… they just show up like they come to look at a movie,” the angry man who lost all of this items told the Guyana Chronicle.

The situation for the Browne family of 185 Pike Street, Kitty (a neighbouring lot) which lost everything just after burying their father recently was no different. The distraught family told the Guyana Chronicle that the fire could not have come at a worse time . ANOTHER TRAGEDY Brian Browne, 57, described the fire as “another tragedy”. He said it was just before 4 o’clock Wednesday morning that he received a call indicating that there was a fire in the neighbouring Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty. “They were trying to out it but they couldn’t,” he recounted, pointing out that firefighters arrived late on the scene and were ill-prepared to put out the fire. “They could have saved other houses, mine and the other two,” he said as he explained what transpired. The man said he lived alone with his sister, but his brother who travelled to Guyana for their father’s funeral was also an occupant of the house. The two-storey building he occupied also housed another family, the Guyana Chronicle understands. Browne was too distraught to estimate his losses, but like the other fire victims, indicated that he had everything in his home.

He chided some of the firefighters for what he considered to be lackadaisical firefighting measures. “One chap was standing by this mammee tree with the hose and asked for water to shoot at the side of the buildings… they didn’t give him any… they are concentrating on this one which already burn,” he told this publication. His family was able to save a few items, but nothing substantial. Meanwhile, Onika Jonas, an employee of Massy Security had left home around 19:00hrs to go to work. She told the Guyana Chronicle that it was while working her 19:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs shift that she was told the house she lived in was burnt. “I wasn’t home,” the woman said, as she thanked God her children (18 and 13 months) were safe at their aunt’s house. But though her children are safe, the woman who lived at the Lot 185 Pike Street property said she has lost everything. Another fire victim, only known as “Rani,” when contacted via telephone was too devastated and traumatised to speak. The house she and her family occupied at Lot 191 Pike Street, Kitty, was completely flattened by the fire. Meanwhile, a resident told the Guyana Chronicle that just before the fire started, there was an

argument with persons who occupied the Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty property where the fire reportedly started. Shortly after, an explosion was heard followed by shouts of fire. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT As word of the fire spread, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, visited the scene and interacted with the victims. The ministers committed government’s support. Minister Broomes provided breakfast to some of the affected victims who were taken to her home. Similarly, Ministers of Social Protection Amna Ally and Keith Scott visited the victims later Wednesday morning and provided them with clothing, particularly for the children affected. Minister Ally also pledged government’s support to the affected families and will be providing much-needed relief to the victims today. City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green also visited the victims.

Marlon (only name given) shows the Guyana Chronicle where his life’s savings were stashed Wednesday as he searched the rubble for valuables (Adrian Narine photo) two other persons, while the adjoining Lot 185, Pike Street property consisted of seven apartments, which housed an unknown number of persons. The other property located at Lot 191 Pike Street,

Kitty, was occupied by 46year- old Angela Demonick and her three children. It should be noted that there are two lots 185 and two lots 191 Pike Street, Kitty. The lots are side by side.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, consoles victims of the Pike Street, Kitty fire Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

POLICE FORCE Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force in a statement said firefighters responded to a report of a fire of unknown origin, which occurred between 03:30hrs and 05:00hrs and completely destroyed three buildings located at Lots 185 and 191 Pike Street, Kitty. Fire tenders from Central, Campbellville, Ruimveldt and Alberttown fire stations were dispatched and the fire was extinguished at 05:00hrs, police said. One of the Lot 191 Pike Street, Kitty properties was owned and occupied by 61- year-old Hansraj Manbodh and five other persons. Lot 185 Pike Street, Kitty, was owned and occupied by 69-year-old Jeanette Browne and occupied by

Lots 185 Pike Street, Kitty properties are completely destroyed (Adrian Narine photo)

Lots 191 Pike Street, Kitty properties destroyed in the blaze (Adrian Narine photo)

A distraught Onika Jonas, mother of a three-month baby and an 18-monthold infant (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Barriers being removed for immunisation programme By Svetlana Marshall

THE Public Health Ministry is taking strategic steps to remove the barriers hindering the country from achieving universal vaccination coverage, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings said on Wednesday. At the time she was delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Review Meeting – a two-day conference being held by the Public Health Ministry’s Maternal and Child Health Department, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Guyana, Minister Cummings said, established a Multi-Year Plan 2017–2021 for achieving improved immunisation coverage across the country. However, she said key to achieving universal vaccination coverage is the availability and optimal utilisation of adequate human resources.

“In this regard, strategic efforts are being undertaken to strengthen our human resources through continuous capacity-building initiatives that will ensure our immunisation staff are properly trained, adequately skilled and capable of effectively executing their duties,” the junior health minister explained. While significant strides have been made on the coast, easy access to remote areas of the country remains a hindrance in the process, the minister reported. However, she said the Public Health Ministry is working to address these challenges as well. “Through better inter-sectoral coordination, enhanced transportation and logistical systems, supported by a robust public communication strategy, more persons will have access to vaccines and be sensitised to the importance and benefits of immunisation,” she assured. Moving forward, Minister Cummings said that the Expanded Programme on Immunisation will include a comprehensive assessment

of the status of the current cold chain equipment countrywide. “Increasing and improving our cold chain capacity is a priority and will remain as such as Guyana aims to achieve universal vaccination coverage in the near future. Careful attention will be placed particularly on our hinterland regions where most of the challenges of cold storage exist,” she explained. Further steps, the junior health minister assured will be taken to enhance the Maternal and Child Health Department’s monitoring and evaluation capabilities relative to the earlier identification of dropouts and the need for follow-up visits.

MORE HOME VISITS According to her, this strategic plan will trigger more home visits and other outreach activities, inclusive of social mobilisation initiatives, utilising appropriate public communication channels. Guyana is among countries that have benefited significantly from the GVAP initiative in procuring vac-

Health officials at the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Review Meeting

cines for children. Currently, 17 vaccines exist in the Public Health Ministry’s vaccination schedule to which every child has equal access. Minister Cummings informed that the most recent vaccine added to the list was the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), noting that though there were implementation challenges, the barriers are being broken down through public education. MCH Director Dr Ertenisa Hamilton and her team were singled out by the junior heath minister for the outstanding work being done despite limited resources and other logistical problems. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen PAHO/WHO Representa- Cummings delivering the keynote address tive, Dr. William Adu-Krow; He further pointed out support is being offered. and Sylvie Fouet, UNICEF The health experts toCountry Representative, that between January 2016 were among health officials and January 2018, seven day will continue analysthat attended the opening countries and territories of ing the work being done the region of the Americas within the administrative ceremony on Wednesday. According to academic reported confirmed cases regions with respect to the research, immunisation is a of yellow fever - the Pluri- Expanded Programme on proven tool for controlling national State of Bolivia, Immunisation with the and eliminating life-threat- Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, view to improving services ening infectious diseases French Guiana, Peru, and and removing obstacles that could prevent the and is estimated to avert two Suriname. These situations, he country from achieving to three million deaths each said, are of great concern to the universal vaccination year. Dr Adu-Krow, in deliver- PAHO/WHO and technical coverage. ing brief remarks, told those present that the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases remains a threat, as he pointed to the Americas which had proclaimed to have achieved elimination status for measles in 2016. “As of February 26 2018, regarding the measles situation in Boa Vista, Roraima State, Brazil which is our bordering country, there was a total of 13 suspected cases of measles, including one laboratory-confirmed case. These have been reported among children aged five months to 10 years and five of the cases have been hospitalised,” Dr Adu-Krow PAHO/WHO Representative Dr William Adu-Krow pointed out.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

GECOM tightens against voter fraud

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has as one of its priorities the “tightening up on the slippage that would cause the elections process” to be perceived as flawed in the past. Chairman of the elec-

tions body, retired Justice James Patterson has been at the helm of GECOM for less than six months. He observed during an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) that there have been echoes of

malpractices that “everybody has read about,” at GECOM. However, while Justice Patterson has not found anything of this nature at the election agency, he is seeking to move against any possibility of this

happening in the future. According to Justice Patterson, the only way to do that is by “looking at the past, see what has gone wrong in the past and remedy it and to see what we can anticipate in the future and block that.” He said it is more of a “trial and error thing.” “The human brain can always fabricate some scheme to hit at the proper running of the voting process. We have to anticipate that and block it.” The Chairman said there are several situations that are under consideration right now as regards voting, pointing out that GECOM is not the “Chairman only”, but that he is one among seven equals. Justice Patterson said he has been taking advice from his commissioners. Meanwhile, as the

commission moves into the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE), the Chairman said most critical at this juncture is the education and sensitisation of the public about their need to cast their ballot. Justice Patterson said one of its priorities for LGE is voter education. Another, he said, is to convey to the voting public their obligation to vote responsibly and according to their conscience, “whatever their colour is,” he said. “We have to sensitise the general public of their civic obligation to vote and we have to educate that same population to put Guyana before party,” he told the DPI. The commission is currently “steep” in the tenth phase of the voter registration process. He said following the final phase of the

registration, in the near future, the commission will then await word from the government on a date for the election. “Right now, we get reports every day about registration. So, what we have been doing so far has borne fruit. So, we would not “rock the boat by changing it. I think the prognostications are that as we get closer to voting time, registration will increase.” According to Chairman Patterson, the Commission’s public education programme has already begun, although not in a very big way. He said the programme will intensify as it gets closer to the election. “You see if you anticipate it too early, people forget by the time the election comes,” he said. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

GDF to benefit from disaster response expertise of Mexican Army

WITH an already strong defence cooperation programme with several bilateral partners, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is now set to benefit from the expertise of the Mexican Army in the area of disaster response and management. This was confirmed on Wednesday when President David Granger met with Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Ivan Robero Sierra Medel. The meeting was held at State House. The Ambassador said that the move to strengthen military-to-military relations between the two countries came out of discussions at the CARICOM-Mexico Summit, which was held in Belize in October 2017. Upon the invitation of the Mexican Army, two GDF officers are to be identified to be part of a four-month training programme, which is scheduled to commence later this month at the National Defence College in Mexico City. The Mexican Army has over 50 years of experience and expertise, particularly in the area of disaster response, an area in which the GDF can benefit significantly. Ambassador Sierra Medel explained that in Mexico, the military has a comprehensive strategy consisting of six pillars to deal with natural disasters. These include: search and rescue, evacuation of at-risk commu-

nities, interaction with the population during a crisis, protection of families and securing communities and these are the areas in which the two GDF officers will be trained. Expressing his appreciation to the Ambassador and the Mexican Government, President Granger said, “I see this as the start of a relationship that we will continue to build on and over time we will be able to develop our own disaster response capabilities.” Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon; Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West; Acting Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel Kester Craig, and several other senior officers of the Force were also present at the meeting. Guyana and Mexico established formal diplomatic ties on March 1, 1973. Since then, the two States have collaborated in a number of areas, particularly in the area of agriculture. Last year, Guyana exported 113 tonnes of paddy to Mexico. Additionally, eight Guyanese students received scholarships and are currently pursuing studies in various fields including agriculture, water management, science (Masters programme) and oil and gas. Mexico is also assisting Guyana with the resuscitation of its coconut industry. (Ministry of the Presidency)

From left: Deputy Chief of Mission, Mexican Embassy, Mrs Rocio Maciel, President David Granger, Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon and Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

APNU councillor says Duncan’s motion against King flawed … mulls tabling counter motion By Svetlana Marshall

A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) Councillor, Heston Bostwick, is currently mulling tabling a motion to quash the no-confidence motion brought against embattled city Town Clerk Royston King by Alliance

For Change Councillor Sherod Duncan on the basis that it is flawed. Stating that the motion submitted by Duncan is highly flawed, Councillor Bostwick said the content of the Order Paper for Monday March 12, 2018 Statutory Meeting will determine whether he will

file the motion. That Order Paper is expected to be submitted to Councillors of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council by Friday. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Bostwick said that he has sought legal advice, external to City Hall, on the matter. According

Embattled City Town Clerk Royston King

to him, his legal advisers have indicated that it is not necessary for him to submit a motion identifying the flaws within Duncan’s motion, on the basis that the existing flaws in Duncan’s motion should see it not being placed on the Order Paper. Explaining one of the flaws, Bostwick said that a councillor cannot discipline a local government officer, only a Council as a single body can do such. Bostwick also took umbrage with the manner in which the motion was submitted, contending that it was unethical for Duncan to release the motion to the media just seconds after it was submitted to the town clerk. According to him, Duncan’s action was an infringement on the natural course of justice. The APNU Councillor pointed out that motions are firstly submitted to the town clerk, in this case, Royston King, and it is the town clerk who checks them against the Standing Orders. If a motion is in keeping with the Standing Orders, Bostwick said the town clerk is duty-bound to place it on the Order Paper, but if it is flawed, he can omit. In both cases, however, Bostwick said the town clerk would be duty-bound to inform the full council of his decision with supporting explanation. At this stage, it is unclear whether King will be placing Duncan’s motion on the Order Paper for Monday’s sitting. Attempts to make contact with him were unsuccessful. Bostwick is maintaining that based on advice from “legal luminaries,” the motion should not be entertained. DIVISION However, the Guyana Chronicle was told that if the no-confidence motion is allowed, it is unlikely that Bostwick’s motion will receive the support from of some of his coalition colleagues, especially those from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) arm of the coalition. A reliable source close to the PNC/R told the Guyana Chronicle that some

Councilor Heston Bostwick party members are dissatisfied with King’s performance. It is the belief of this source, who is also a long-standing City Councillor, that King’s actions will cost the party when Local Government Elections are held later this year. But King seems to be unmoved by the motion of his critics. One day after the motion was filed by Duncan, he told reporters that the motion will not succeed as it represents a personal attack on him. “I am unbothered, because if you look at the contents of the motion, you will see that all the things Duncan has filed against me are the things that actually improved the city,” King told reporters. Duncan’s motion, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, cites a number of shortcomings on the part of King and will be tabled at the next statutory meeting on March 12. However, King believes that he has the support of the majority of city councillors. “I enjoy the confidence of the majority of councillors, and I also enjoy the confidence of the citizens of Georgetown,” he said. “And I am very positive about that.” The town clerk made it clear that the motion cannot advance beyond where it is, as he has been fulfilling his mandate as town clerk. “My own view is that the motion will go no place, because all I am doing is getting my job done. Citizens are paying me to do my job, and I am getting it done,” said King, who has been the subject of much controversy over the past few months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Charge recommended against Coen Jackson

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that a charge be laid against a former Bishops’ High School teacher on the allegation that he had sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust. Public Relations Officer attached to the office of

the DPP, Liz Rahaman, on Wednesday confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the DPP has completed the file on Coen Jackson and as such, legal advice has been given to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for him to be charged. According to Rahaman, the DPP recommended that

the charge of sexual activity with a child under age 16 by abusing a position of trust be instituted against Jackson. The former Bishops’ High School Business and Economics teacher stands accused of sexual predation. He was arrested when the matter first came to light

Couple, child attacked by armed robbers

A 43-year-old financial director and his 30-year-old spouse were on Wednesday morning the victims of an armed robbery. According to a police report, about 02:30hrs, the two were attacked by five males--two of whom were armed with handguns--at their Republic Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. They were robbed of a quantity of jewellery, several electronic gadgets, documents and other valuables. Investigations revealed that the male victim had responded to a sound from the house alarm which he had

activated before retiring to bed. He was confronted by one of the men who struck him on his head with an instrument. Soon after, the suspect was joined by his accomplices who held the couple and their 10-monthold daughter at gunpoint while they ransacked the house. They then escaped via an eastern glass-door. Police promptly responded and combed the area but the suspects were not seen. The scene has been processed. No arrests have been made as yet.

and later released. Jackson has always denied the allegations levelled against him, but admitted to having two relationships with former students of the senior secondary school. The matter was brought to the fore by Cultural Policy Adviser, Ruel Johnson, who penned a letter to the Ministry of Education about Jackson’s alleged behaviour, which resulted in an investigation. Several persons have reportedly given statements which

indicate that they are victims of Jackson’s sexual grooming. The matter was investigated at the level of the Ministry of Education and the Childcare and Protection Agency (C&PA) and was handed over to the police. The Ministry of Education had also found that head teacher of the school, Winifred Ellis’s chiding of the female students on the matter was out of place and recommended that she be reprimanded.

Coen Jackson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Vendor in court for allegedly robbing cop A YOUNG street vendor appeared in the Georgetown Magistratesâ€™ Court Wednesday charged with attempting to rob policeman Shawn Beharry. It is alleged that on March 2 on Brickdam and in the company of others, Gavin Ali of Alberttown attempted to rob the cop. Ali initially plead-

ed guilty to the charge, stating that along with a friend, he was walking in the Brickdam area when the policeman passed and asked him if he wanted to snatch his phone. The policeman then left and he and his friend went away from the area. The next day, along

with his girlfriend, he was standing next to a man who sells coconut water and he saw the same policeman. The policeman called him and asked him for some money. He took out $5,000 cash and gave it to him and the lawman said it was not enough. He then advised the policeman to take him to the

Accused of stealing $500,000 gold chain OZAY Barker, a 30-year-old vendor who resides at Middleton Street, Campbellville, appeared in The Georgetown Magistrateâ€™s Court on Wednesday charged with simple larceny. It is alleged that on March 6,

at James Street, Albouystown, he stole one gold chain worth $500,000, property of Jessica Farina. He was placed on $75,000 bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore and will return to court on April 25.

station. Magistrate Fabayo Azore entered a not

guilty plea after his explanation. Bail was granted in the sum of

$25,000 and the matter was adjourned to April 4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Remand prisoner bolts from Suddie Police Station lock-ups POLICE are investigating the circumstances which led to the escape of a prisoner on remand at the

Prison escapee, Leon Price

Suddie Police Station, Essequibo Coast, Wednesday. According to reports, the prison escapee, Leon Price, 24, of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, escaped from the Police Station lock-ups between 04:00hrs and 05:15hrs on Wednesday. Price was remanded to prison after being charged with simple larceny and three other offences. He was required to make another court appearance on Wednesday at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court. Police said stringent efforts are being made to recapture the prisoner.

‘Otisha’ remains in custody on allegations of paedophilia WELL known transgender personality, Otis Pearson, better known as ‘Otisha’ remains in police custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers. Police Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan told the Guyana Chronicle that Pearson who is the person of interest in the matter of paedophilia, remains in police custody. He related that Pearson was arrested on Tuesday after accusations were levelled against him as regards to him having sexual relations with underage boys. The police indicated that

the Child Care and Protection Agency was assisting with the probe and a file was compiled and sent to the DPP Chambers for legal advice. Reports stated that the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) back in February closed its investigation into the alleged misconduct by Pearson, who was very vocal on social media and a television newscast that he “has a young for every day of the week”. According to CC&PA’s

Director, Ann Green, who conducted the interviews, the alleged victims are under age 16. In a recent television newscast, Pearson, accompanied by SASOD leader Joel Simpson, said that his statement “He has a boy for every day of the week” was misinterpreted and he denied having sexual relations with “little boys”. However, a photograph later appeared with Pearson in the company of a young boy.

Otis Pearson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

New Amsterdam gets new deputy mayor WINIFRED Haywood has been re-elected unopposed as mayor of the township of New Amsterdam, but her deputy George Tucker, who assumed the position following the resignation of Mayor Kirt Wynter, was let go. He did not receive a seconder to his nomination, which was made by one of the two People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillors, Elijah Timmers. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillors Kirk Fraser and Patricia Lynch nominated and seconded Councillor Compton Grant to be the deputy mayor and their nomination went unopposed. The mayor noted the council’s dependence on a Supreme Being for guidance and her deputy pledged his support to her, but former Mayor Barbara Pilgrim Roberts was in a different mood. She lambasted the Council for their lack of respect for time. ‘Some things that transpired here this morning

do not augur well for this Council. In the first place, 10 ‘o’ clock is 10 ‘o’ clock. And if I say I am not upset over what I saw as an ordinary person, for I had to come and sit and wait for councillors to walk in at their own time. Comrade Mayor, I would expect that you would let your councillors know… we got this thing about Guyanese time, we have to come out of that, for time is money,” she posited. Pilgrim reminded the councillors of the upcoming municipal elections which are to be held later in the year, noting that they will have to give an account of their stewardships. “You will either be rejected or be retained as councillors. We have got to realise that there is a thing called due process,” she said. The elections were presided over by Town Clerk Sharon Alexander, in keeping with Chapter 28.01of the Municipal and District Council Act.

Man found dead in city hotel POLICE were called in to a city hotel on Wednesday afternoon after a guest was found motionless in his room. Up to press time, the name of the man was unknown, but according to persons who work at the hotel, the individual is said to be an elderly man. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the man had checked into the hotel on Tuesday, requesting to stay for one day. It was after his time had expired and he made no effort to return the keys to the room that the hotel staff became concerned. They then went to his room and called but got no answer. It was at that point that

management decided to access the room using a spare key. When the employees entered the room, they discovered that the man was dead and that a cup with a suspected poisonous substance was discovered in the room he was renting. Police were called in and have commenced their investigation. There was no information given as to when last the man was seen alive or if he had any person(s) visiting him during his 24hours stay at the hotel. Police are said to be reviewing the security cameras at the hotel as they look for clues that can help them solve the matter.

Remanded after explanation A 19-year-old boy was yesterday remanded to prison on a simple larceny charge He is Amstel Bacchus, a bus conductor of Sophia. It is alleged that on March 4 at Camp Street, Georgetown, in the company of others, he robbed Susan Griffith of one leather bag which contained one umbrella, one Samsung Galaxy phone worth $20,000 and $10,000 in cash. Bacchus pleaded guilty to the charge with an explanation.

He said he and a friend were walking along North Road when two strange boys came in front of them and took the items. The woman began to scream for help and some men armed with cutlasses chased after them. After Magistrate Fabayo Azore listened to the explanation, she entered a not guilty plea. Bail was refused and Bacchus was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned for March 28.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Guard gets nine years for sexual activity with a child TROY Jackson was on Wednesday sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Sexual Offences Court at the Georgetown High Court, after a 12-member jury found him guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. He will be eligible for parole after serving eight years. In handing down her sentence, the judge told the court that having considered the nature of the offence and the circumstances under which it was committed, there was a breach of trust in which the grandmother of the victim trusted the offender. Justice Morris-Ramlall however, considered the prevalence of the offence and the age of the child who was just

seven years old at the time, noting that the Child Care and Protection Agency reported that 841 children were sexually abused in 2017.

The accused: Troy Jackson

The judge also took into consideration the offender attorney’s plea of mitigation, but noted that there was a lack

of remorse in which he did not want to express himself to the court. Justice Morris-Ramlall stated that even though the offence did not involve any penetration, the maximum sentence was 10 years and as such, she gave him nine years. Meanwhile, in his plea of mitigation, Adrian Thompson told the court that his client was 23 years old and was living at Republic Street, Newtown, Kitty, before the incident and got married on February 26, 2018. He added that from his conversation with him (Jackson), he realised that the offender had mental issues, a speech impediment and was a bit slow. His mother died when he was only six years old and his father passed away when he was 11 years old.

The offender grew up with foster parents and he had benefited only from primary education. He worked as a security guard, had no ‘priors’ and was employed as a porter at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Thompson told the court that the offender was of good character before the incident and had an unblemished record, which should be considered. His client was unable to express himself to the court, but indicated that he was remorseful and asked for mercy. Celeste Mullins, of Child Link Guyana/Court Support who spoke on behalf of the victim, said that she felt hurt by the incident and was afraid of seeing the offender again after what he did to her. The victim is often reminded of the incident and

feels that the offender should be punished for what he did to her. On Tuesday, a 12-member jury after deliberating for more than two hours, had found Troy Jackson guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. After the verdict was announced, a crying Troy Jackson was escorted out of the courtroom in shackles and handcuffs to jail. However, his attorney Adrian Thompson was not present at the time the verdict was announced. As such, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall told the court that sentencing would take place today (Wednesday) at 11:00hrs in the Sexual Offences Court Six. The foreman said the ver-

dict was in the proportion of 10 to 2, after which they arrived at a guilty verdict. It is alleged that on October 20, 2016, the accused engaged in sexual activity with a child under age 16 years old in the county of Demerara. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge. It is alleged that on the day in question, he committed the act with a child who was only seven years old at the time. The accused Troy Jackson was a family friend of the child’s family and had resided with them for a few years, but at the time of the incident he was not living with them. The state was represented by Seeta Bishundyal, Orinthia Schmidt and Narissa Leander, while the defence counsel was Adrian Thompson.

Driver granted bail for fatal accident REION Alphonso, 23, was on Tuesday slapped with three charges for causing the death of Nandranie Singh, 54, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast. He appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to answer to the charges. It is alleged that on February 27, around 18:45 hours while driving motorcar HB 5965, he struck down Singh on the Affiance Public Road. He also failed to render assistance to her. The court also heard that

he was on his mobile phone at the time of the accident. Alphonso pleaded not guilty to the charges of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to render assistance and driving a motor vehicle while using a mobile handset. His attorney told the court that Alphonso is currently in a common-law relationship, is the sole breadwinner for his family, and urged the court to grant him reasonable bail. Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack did not object to bail and Magistrate Sam

Mentally ill man turns cutlass on mother A 21-year-old man was captured by the police immediately after he chopped his mother Tuesday morning at Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice. Bisram Sookram of Sisters Village,EBB, dealt his mother two chops to her head and left arm shortly after she had requested him to assist in washing his clothes. Rajwattie Sookram, 45, told reporters that about 10:00hrs on Tuesday, she asked her son to do some washing but saw him a few minutes later with a cutlass in his hand heading down the steps. The mother explained that Sookram came out of the house with the cutlass and began weeding the yard but she objected since the yard was sprayed with chemicals. “He say he ain’t get clothes to wear, so I tell he come down to wash it. He come down and start chop chop the weed in the yard. I deh in the back cooking and I see he coming with the cutlass, not knowing he coming to me...he fire two shots to me.” The woman said she tried to block the chops to other parts of her body and called out to the police who were stationed close by. The woman was picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was treated and sent away. Responding to calls for help, officers from the Sisters Police Station promptly pursued the suspect who jumped into the Berbice River with the weapon in his hand. Reports are that the lawmen also jumped into the river in a bid to subdue the 21-year-old who is said to be of unsound mind. He was subsequently placed in police custody and charges are expected to be laid shortly.

granted him bail on condition that he reports to the Charity Police Station every Monday at 09:00 hrs. For the causing death by dangerous driving charge, he was granted $400,000 bail and for the two others he was released on his own recognisance. He is expected to return to court on March 28.

Relatives of Singh were displeased with the court’s decision to grant Alphonso bail, contending that it is unfair for a driver to kill someone and walk free the next day. A post-mortem examination conducted on Singh on Monday revealed that her death was due to multiple injuries.

Singh was struck down in the vicinity of Imam Bacchus Supermarket. She had visited the supermarket to do shopping with her daughter, Reema Singh. Information disclosed that the motorcar was proceeding south along the eastern side of the Affiance Public Road at a fast rate when the driver saw the pedestrian next to the

crossing and applied brakes but still collided with her. The mother of five was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but later succumbed to her injuries. Police conducted a breathalyser test on the driver but the results showed negative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Region Five gears up for significantly increased expenditures in 2018 By Clifford Stanley

THE regional administration of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is gearing up to spend significantly increased allocations in the public works and education sectors this year. Regional Executive Officer Mr Ovid Morrison earlier this week, pointed specifically to major increases in allocations for the region in the two sectors, saying that pupils, residential communities and farmers in the crops and livestock sector can expect

significant improvements in the related services. He said that the sum available for expenditure on capital works in the education sector in Region Five this year is $145M, compared to $85M last year, a 70% increase on 2017. The sum available for expenditure on capital works in the public works sector in Region Five this year is $155M, compared to $107M last year, an increase of 45% on 2017. Public works will include upgrades of several

community roads in villages in West Coast Berbice and in Mahaicony from earthen dams and crusher run roads, to asphaltic surfaces. This will allow residents easy access to the main road and public and recreational facilities and connecting streets, especially during rainy weather. To further enhance its service in providing good-quality roads, the regional administration will spend $16M on a semi-pneumatic roller and $8M on a bitumen distributor, which will facilitate

quick maintenance of the many upgraded community roads in the region. The rationale, the REO said, is that the RDC has been plagued with complaints of potholes on numerous streets throughout the region and as such, had decided to request approval for the purchase of a roller. The equipment will execute minor works to prevent deterioration that would subsequently require major capital equipment. The bitumen distributor will also add to the current

fleet of a mini excavator and a bobcat. In the area of education, sums allocated will be spent on major rehabilitation works on schools throughout the region. Sums will also go towards two new nursery schools and reconstruction of the primary school at Champayne, Mahaicony, among others, Morrison disclosed. The total amount of money available for current and capital projects in Region Five this year is $3.2B. The sum of $2.8 B is going towards current expenditure, and $415M will go towards capital expenditure. The allocated sums under current are education delivery ($1.6B) regional

administration and finance ($174M), agricultural development ($212M) public works ($174M), health services ($689M). The sums allocated to capital expenditure are: education delivery ($145M), regional administration ($2.2M), agricultural development ($60M) public works ($155M) and health services ($2.6M). Morrison disclosed that contracts have been awarded for several projects and contractors have begun work on their projects. He said that bids will be invited from qualified contractors for many other current and capital projects, during the course of this month.

‘Satan’ not guilty of beauty queen’s murder …14-year-old brutally strangled and dumped alive in canal

M A G I S T R AT E P e t e r Hugh, presiding at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday freed Alvin Reid, called ‘Satan’ of the murder of 14-year-old Malika Hamilton, whose body was found floating in the Hope Canal, East Coast Demerara in August 2016.

was launched and the accused was arrested and charged for murder. Reid was considered the prime suspect in the death of the Ann’s Grove girl. Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehal Singh conducted an autopsy on the body of Hamilton and found that she was brutal-

FREED: Alvin Reid, called ‘Satan’

DEAD: Malika Hamilton

Reid of Ann’s Grove, (ECD) was discharged after the Magistrate ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. Reid was on remand for allegedly killing Hamilton. According to reports, the deceased and the accused were known to each other and on August 8, 2016, they went to swim at Hope Canal and the teenager was not seen again until her body was discovered the following day in the canal. A post-mortem examination revealed that the teen died of asphyxiation due to drowning. An investigation

ly bludgeoned to her head, strangled and dumped alive in the canal. The second-year Hope Secondary School student died of ‘asphyxiation’, a condition of severe deficiency in the supply of oxygen to the body as a result of abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking. The ‘Miss African Calabash 2014’ beauty queen had left her home at Two Friends Village, Ann’s Grove, ECD, but never returned. Her body was fished out of the canal the following day, when it was spotted by the canal’s ranger.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Golden Jaguars to ... American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Take A Stroll Race 2 Amaluna Race 3 Tizatude Race 4 Octopythius Race 5 Aces For John Race 6 Julia’s Pride Race 7 Nikki’s Cause Race 8 Salutation South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:10 hrs That’s Life 08:50 hrs Sirtain 09:30 hrs Schippers 10:10 hrs Oh My Darling 10:45 hrs Savannah King Irish Racing Tips Thurles 10:15 hrs Fintara 10:45 hrs Spare Brakes 11:15 hrs Lareena 11:50 hrs Lets High Five It 12:20 hrs Caltex 12:55 hrs Sir Carno 13:25 hrs Voix Des Tiep English Racing Tips Southwell 10:00 hrs Stealth 10:30 hrs Essential 11:00 hrs Dixieland Diva 11:35 hrs Jack The Truth 12:05 hrs Da Capo Dandy 12:40 hrs What Usain 13:10 hrs Star Ascending Wincanton 10:10 hrs Breaking Ground 10:40 hrs Mobait 11:10 hrs Muffins For Tea 11:45 hrs Storm Home 12:15 hrs Secret Investor 12:50 hrs Clondaw Westie Carlisle 10:20 hrs Red Danaher 10:50 hrs Pinch Of Ginger 11:25 hrs Strait Run 11:55 hrs Caraline 12:30 hrs Louse Talk 13:35 hrs Shantaluze

the CONCACCAF Nations League opens a consistent level of competition to further develop the standard of international football in the region. Meanwhile, Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, speaking at the draw in Miami, USA, told the gathering of journalists and other representatives from the 34 participating countries, that “the launch of the CONCACAF Nations League, conceived over the last two years and guided by the ONE CONCACAF principles of unity and access for our region’s football, is the defining moment marking the completion of our transition into a new era for our 41-member CONCACAF family.” The CONCACAF boss posited, “The Nations League assures that all our members will have the opportunity to play more and compete more, which in turn will propel greater development of the sport at every level.” The inaugural CONCACAF Nations League competition will be played in the official FIFA match windows in September, October and November, 2019 with a Final Championship to be played in March 2020. All eligible CONCACAF member associations will be assigned by sporting performance into three leagues: A, B and C. Each league will be sub-divided into groups, in which the participating member associations will compete in a home-andaway, round-robin format over the course of the group phase. Nations League scheduling will be centralised in a fan-friendly, evenly-distributed “week of football” format, allowing viewers across the region to enjoy

quality international football matches at a variety of kickoff times each day for the entire match window. League A will contain four groups of three teams. The winner of each League A group will qualify to the CONCACAF Nations League Final Championship, which will determine the champions of the new competition. The teams at the bottom of each League A group will be relegated to League B for the next edition of the tournament. League B will contain four groups of four teams. The winner of each League B group will be promoted to League A, and the bottom team of each League B group will be relegated to League C for the next edition. League C will consist of the remaining MAs divided into four groups. The winner of each League C group will be promoted to League B. The first edition of the CONCACAF Nations League will begin with a one-off CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying phase, which will determine which teams are assigned to each league. By virtue of having qualified for the Hexagonal Round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Russia 2018, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, the United States and Trinidad & Tobago have earned the right to be seeded directly into League A, and therefore will not participate in Nations League Qualifying. In view of the ongoing suspension imposed by FIFA, Guatemala will not be able to participate in CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying.

COURTS Guyana ... office yesterday, COURTS reaffirmed its commitment with sponsorship to the tune of $300 000 to coordinators Noshavyah King and Jordana Ramsey-Gonsalves. Digital Marketing Officer Roberta Ferguson told the gathering that the event is in keeping with COURTS commitment in the area of healthy living and fitness. Ferguson said COURTS is happy to see the growth and interest in the areas of health and fitness in Guyana and will continue to support

From Back page►

initiatives in efforts to bring value home to Guyana. King and Ramsey-Gonsalves thanked Ferguson on behalf of COURTS for the continued support then encouraged fans to attend the event which promises to be the best one yet. Fitness Challenge 2018 will see 34 turbo-charged gladiators try to outrun, outlift, outjump and outlast one another for the prestigious titles of ‘Guyana’s Fittest Man’ and ‘Guyana’s Fittest Woman’. It will not be easy as it

From Back page► will require maybe some blood, a lot of sweat and perhaps even tears. Survival of the fittest will also require speed, coordination, aerobic and muscular endurance, and experience with Olympic lifts, raw strength, skill, and a healthy serving of guts, determination and power. The CrossFit-style challenge which kicks off at 11:00hrs will be the ultimate test of fitness and athleticism. Tickets cost $1 000. Children under 10 years of age will be admitted free.

Forty-six goals scored... Dexroy Adams (13th) and Jermaine Samuel (18th). Earlier, Opara Benjamin’s brace (4th and 8th) had given the Warriors an early lead before Delroy Fraser added the other goal. Sophia were also winners on the night, getting past YMCA by a 4-3 margin. Shavane Seaforth’s double (8th and 14th) along with Frank Crandon’s 7th minute strike helped YMCA make three, but they were two goals two short for the win. Desmond Cotton’s hat-trick, the first of the night (2nd, 5th and 20th) spurred Sophia with the win while Dwayne Love’s lone goal gave them the edge. Bent Street obliterated Channel 9 Warriors 13-1 in game four. Ryan Hackett (2nd, 9th and 12th) was the chief destroyer with a hat-

trick for Job Caesar (8th, 12th and 15th) and a brace for Kelsey Benjamin (10th, 16th) also adding up. There were single strikes from Pernell Shultz (9th), Solomon Austin (4th), Andrew Murray (11th) and Sheldon Profitt (14th). Channel 9 had Javier Cort (13th) on target. West Front Road also joined the winners’ circle thanks to a 3-1 win over Albouystown. Hubert Pedro (12th and 13th) and Jamal Pedro (16th) were responsible for the win while Moses Gittens (14th) was on target for Albouystown. Back Circle and Leopold Street played to a five-goal draw in the last game of the evening. Stephan McLean (5th, 6th and 16th) scored a hat-trick to help the cause

From Back page►

of Back Circle while Adrian Aaron (12th) and Josiah Charles (6th) were the other marksmen. For Leopold, Darren Benjamin had a brace in the 1st and 7th while Eon Alleyne (17th), Otawie Fraser (18th) and Tyrese Forde (14th) were on target. Matches continue this evening with six more fixtures. Tiger Bay will open the evening against Mocha with Ol Skool Ballers and Xtreme Campbellville playing in game two. Future Stars and New Market Street are the next two teams to clash while Back Circle and Alexander Village will follow them. Sparta Boss versus Plaisance is the next game with Alpha Warriors and Tucville set to close off the evening.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

South Africa, Australia resume battle after tempestuous first Test PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa and Australia resume their battle, while looking to temper hostilities and histrionics, in the second Test of the four-match series at St George’s Park tomorrow, just four days after the visitors won the opener by 118 runs. It was a result that maintained Australia’s long-standing Test dominance on South African soil but was overshadowed by spats both on and off the field that have left the participation of Australian vice-captain David Warner in doubt. The feisty opener is to answer an Inter-

national Cricket Council (ICC) charge for a staircase scuffle with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after they traded barbs out in the middle and continued the conflict on the way to the changing rooms. Warner faces a level two charge that could see him suspended for the second Test, while South Africa’s de Kock faces a lesser offence. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings is not likely to be known until the eve of the Test and overshadows the build-up after a good Australian victory at Kingsmead. The bowling of Mitchell Starc and a strong batting performance by the tail in their first

innings proved the difference between the sides in Durban, where the wicket was slower than anticipated but made for a gripping contest. Much the same is predicted for Port Elizabeth with Starc ominously warning that Australia’s bowlers could do better. “The reversing ball is going all right this season but there’s maybe a little bit of work to do with the new ball and getting a few more early wickets,” he said. South Africa were poor in the opening innings but put up a good fight in the second, where they were set a mammoth 417-run chase and fleetingly looked capable of achieving it

before their resistance crumbled. “We would have liked to start the series on a positive note. There are quite a bit of learning opportunities for us to take going forward,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said. “We will need to take a lot more responsibility with the bat. We didn’t have a great start with the bat but saw great character - from the young guys -which started their series off well.” The 23-year-old Aiden Markram was the only centurion in the Test, his 143 confirming his potential at the top of the order for the home team.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

98 days to go... Ahead of World Cup, fans are warned about homophobia and racism in Russia EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands - An summer’s Confederations Cup, the major anti-discrimination organisation that tune-up event for the World Cup, a group has partnered with FIFA to control fan of fans wore blackface in an official parade behaviour at the World Cup has issued in Sochi. Several also had bananas hanging warnings to gay and transgender fans around their necks. and people of certain races and ethniciWhile the Russian authorities have ties for next summer’s tournament, high- worked to stamp out violent behaviour ahead lighting ongoing concerns about threats of the World Cup, fears of discrimination they may face in Russia. - or attacks - continue to make some fans Speaking ahead of the publication of his wary. Powar said some British and German group’s guide for the tens of thousands of fan groups had asked FIFA to clarify if they spectators expected to travel to Russia for could carry gay-pride rainbow flags into the tournament, Piara Powar, the executive stadiums, but had yet to receive a response. director at Fare, warned that some fans will Federico Addiechi, FIFA’s head of have to be cautious because there are parts sustainability and diversity, the division of of Russia that are not welcoming to the gay world soccer’s governing body that oversees community or to darker-skinned people. human rights issues, said FIFA had received “If you have gay fans walking down the assurances from the Russian organising street holding hands, will they face danger committee and the Russian government in doing so?” Powar said. “That depends on “that everyone will feel safe, comfortable which city they are in and the time of day.” and welcome”. The warnings are similar to concerns raised before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, which took place a year after Russia passed a so-called “gay propaganda” law. The legislation essentially prohibits the public mention of homosexuality. Europe’s top human rights court declared the law illegal in June, but Russia, vowing to appeal, said it would not honour the ruling. But the fact that a debate about fan safety is even taking place highlights the ongoing concerns around homophobia and racism in Russia. Attacks Protests against Russia’s so-called “gay propaganda” on gays are not uncommon, and law flared before and during the 2014 Winter Olympics efforts to embrace multicultur- in Sochi. In advance of next summer’s World Cup, gay alism have at times led to em- fans and people of certain races are being warned barrassing incidents: Before one about what they might encounter in some areas of of Cameroon’s matches at this Russia. (Credit Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters)

Racism has been something against which FIFA has taken a strong stance.

It’s called the beautiful game but ever so often, the game of soccer is tainted by ugly incidents of racism.

“Everyone should be welcomed to the World Cup in Russia, the same as it was the case for everyone to be accepted and welcomed at previous World Cups,” Addiechi said after speaking on a panel at a conference in the Netherlands. “This is what we expect.” FIFA has added a human rights element to its statutes, he noted, the first in the organisation’s 113-year history. “If there are any cases of abuse, or even possibility of human rights defenders or journalists being forced into a difficult corner, then according to our statutes and human rights policy

with spotting any displays of that breach regulations on racism, political extremism and homophobia. Among the chants they will be on the lookout for is the chant of ‘Puto’, a slur that roughly translates as ‘male prostitute’ and has become customary among the fans of Mexico and some other Latin American nations. The Mexican federation earlier this month managed to overturn on appeal a fine issued by FIFA over the matter, but that punishment was one of about a dozen related to the chant in recent years. The punishments, and even a public-relations campaign that included Mexican players, have had little effect on stopping the practice. Addiechi warned fans considering repeating that or other offensive chants that referees could take action during games, which could include abandoning matches in the worst instances. FIFA threatened to do that ahead of last summer’s Confederations Cup in Russia, but after the chant took Fans and players have been warned about homophobic place at Mexico’s first behaviour ahead of the Russian World Cup this year. match, it issued only a warning. FIFA will intervene,” Addiechi said. Under regulations that will be used again Still, the potential for things to go wrong at the World Cup, a referee can stop a game remains a serious concern, according to pending an announcement on the speaker Minky Worden, the director of global ini- system calling for fans to stop the offensive tiatives at Human Rights Watch. behaviour. If the behaviour persists, players “There’s a profound problem with ho- will be led off the field and to the locker mophobia in Russia,” she said. “Fans have rooms, while another warning is read out. to feel safe, and you cannot feel safe in a Should a game be stopped for a third time, country that has bad laws and policies that the match would be abandoned, Addiechi discriminate against you.” said. Fare will have in-stadium crowd moniHe added: “These are things that are tors at each of the World Cup games tasked not tolerated.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Hobbling Taylor sends NZ, England to ODI series-decider DUNEDIN, New Zealand (Reuters) - A hobbling Ross Taylor scored an unbeaten 181 to guide New Zealand to a thrilling five-wicket victory over England yesterday at University Oval and level their five-match series 2-2. Taylor, who missed the third game in Wellington with a quadriceps injury, was limping badly after he appeared to suffer a similar strain but still combined with Tom Latham (71) for 187 runs as New Zealand scored 339 for five in 49.3 overs to chase down England’s 335 for nine. “It was nice to be there at the end,” Taylor said. “There were a lot of little partnerships in there and ... we were able to get there. “We just had to give ourselves a chance. We knew

that we wouldn’t win it in the first 10 overs but you can lose it and we just tried to take it as deep as we can.” England’s big total was set up by a rollicking start between Jason Roy (42) and Jonny Bairstow, who were scoring at almost eight runs an over before Ish Sodhi broke the partnership at 77 in the 11th over. Bairstow (138) and Root (102) then continued the attack as they put on an impressive 190-run partnership. Bairstow, who scored his third one-day century, was dismissed to leave the tourists on 267 for two with 12.2 overs remaining and well set for a score challenging 400. England’s high-powered batting lineup, however, slumped to 288 for seven

before Root completed his 12th century. The visitors had been in danger of not seeing out their full allocation before Tom Curran scored an important 22 not out, which included four successive boundaries in the final over. “We were in a really commanding position until the 37th over and then had that collapse,” England captain Eoin Morgan said. “But we thought 330 was still a reasonably competitive score.” The hosts’ run chase had looked to be doomed at two for two in the third over after both Martin Guptill and Colin Munro were dismissed for ducks before captain Kane Williamson (45) and Taylor combined for 84 runs. Taylor and Latham, who

Smith, Lehmann culpable in Warner episode - Chappell AUSTRALIA captain Steven Smith and coach Darren Lehmann should be held accountable for encouraging David Warner’s aggressive on-field behaviour, former captain Ian Chappell has said. Smith, Lehmann and the Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine emphatically defended Warner and the way the Australian team plays, insisting the vice-captain did not enter into personal sledging of Quinton de Kock before the South African made a disparaging comment about Warner’s wife. Chappell said a ban would be appropriate, not only for Warner but for his captain and coach. “A suspension would be appropriate because you need to stamp it out from the top down,” Chappell told Channel Nine. “But Warner gets the suspension, and while he’s responsible for his own actions and words, he’s being allowed to do it by people above him.”I’d like to see those above him suspended for sanctioning it. If you start taking strong action like that then you’ll get some sanity. It’s always the same - the players pay the penalty for the stupidity of those above. Warner is being encouraged to be the attack dog. “The laws of the game state (that) the captain is responsible for the onfield actions of his players, so if Steve Smith is not stepping in, he’s just as culpable.” Chappell said that administrators needed to act now to prevent the onset of violence on the field. “I’ve been saying for 15 years that there’ll be fisticuffs at some point, and it must have come close in that stairwell. It’s pretty obvious to me that the more you allow to be said on the field, the higher the chance that something personal will be said, and if it gets personal, you’ve got a situation on your hands.

Steven Smith “How stupid is it, when I read before the Test that the Australians might bait Kagiso Rabada because he’s close to being suspended! Surely if you’re the officials and you see that, you call the coach and captain in the day before the game and explain it won’t be tolerated, and the first bloke who puts a foot out of line will be suspended. “I don’t want it to sound like nothing was said on the field when I played, because things were said. But it wasn’t premeditated. It wasn’t discussed in team meetings beforehand. Sometimes in the heat of the moment things were said. “I wouldn’t be trying to stop gamesmanship, because that’s an important part of the game of cricket, and it’s responsible for a lot of the humour in the game. But the inane chatter, abuse and comments trying to unsettle players, you don’t need them. Are you saying you don’t have enough faith in your bowlers to take 20 wickets?” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Ross Taylor celebrates his century, an innings which won the game for New Zealand.

had a 178-run partnership in the first match, then rebuilt New Zealand’s run chase only for Taylor to hurt himself again while diving to make his ground after he had passed 100 for the 19th time. He was then restricted from running anything other than easy singles and

instead looked to hit the ball to the fence. Colin de Grandhomme added a quick-fire 23 before Henry Nicholls hit a six in the final over to give the hosts a remarkable victory. The deciding game is at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings Jason Roy c Mitchell Santner b Ish Sodhi 42 Jonny Bairstow c Tim Southee b Colin Munro 138 Joe Root c Tom Latham b Tim Southee 102 Jos Buttler c & b Ish Sodhi 0 Eoin Morgan c Colin Munro b Trent Boult 5 Ben Stokes c Henry Nicholls b Ish Sodhi 1 Moeen Ali c Tim Southee b Ish Sodhi 3 Chris Woakes c Trent Boult b Colin Munro 3 Adil Rashid b Trent Boult 11 Tom Curran not out 22 Mark Wood not out 3 Extras: (lb-1, w-4) 5 Total: (50.0 overs) 335-9 Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-267, 3-267, 4-274, 5-276, 6-280, 7-288, 8-305, 9-313. Bowling: Southee 10-0-87-1, (w-1), Boult 10-0-56-2, (w-1), Colin de Grandhomme 2-0-23-0, (w-1), Santner 10-0-57-0, Sodhi 10-1-58- 4, (w-1), Munro 8-0-53-2. NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Martin Guptill c Ben Stokes b Chris Woakes 0 Colin Munro lbw Mark Wood 0 Kane Williamson c Jos Buttler b Ben Stokes 45 Ross Taylor not out 181 Tom Latham c Moeen Ali b Tom Curran 71 Colin de Grandhomme c Chris Woakes b Tom Curran 23 Henry Nicholls not out 13 Extras: (lb-4, w-2) 6 Total: (5 wkts, 49.3 overs) 339 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-86, 4-273, 5-303. Bowling: Woakes 8-2-42-1, Wood 8-0-65-1 (w-1), Rashid 10-0-74-0, Curran 8.3-0-57-2, Stokes 7-0-45-1 (w-1), Moeen Ali 8-0-52-0.

ICC considers radical plan to curb power of Twenty20 and save Test cricket THE International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to consider a series of radical proposals, designed to stem the talent drain caused by domestic Twenty20 and protect the sport from being cannibalised at all levels. Cricket is at a crossroads and there is a growing acceptance among its administrators that the primacy of internationals - Test cricket in particular - is being diminished by the proliferation of short-form tournaments that, if unchecked, could cause irreversible damage. To that end, the chief executives of the full member national boards will come together at the next ICC meeting in Kolkata in April to debate a discussion paper on the possible future landscape for domestic Twenty20 cricket within the world game, and recommendations that include: • Restricting players under 32 to three domestic T20 leagues per year • Regional T20 windows that leave six months of the year clear for international cricket from 2023 onwards • All leagues to pay 20% of a player’s contract value to their home board as mandatory compensation • Capping the number of overseas players in each domestic T20 league • Standardised conditions that guarantee player welfare and payment This push to bring in greater global regulation for Twenty20 is being led by West Indies – the ICC full member most affected by the Twenty20 player exodus over the past decade – and is understood to have had input and support from England and Australia.

The global players’ union, FICA, will welcome the elements that provide its members with greater security. India could well be persuaded by some or all of the proposals too, given it does not allow its cricketers to feature in overseas T20 competitions and its Indian Premier League already pays the 20% compensation figure for players it imports; the IPL’s status as the outright market leader, by virtue of its £1.97B broadcast deal, would likely be consolidated. Indeed, the intention is not to diminish the established T20 leagues but to ensure a balance is struck that means both domestic and international cricket can coexist and thrive when the ICC introduces Test and ODI leagues from 2019. It stems from a fear that, unless the governing body brings in tougher rules that guarantee league revenues go back into player development rather than to private owners, the grassroots of the sport could wither. West Indies, for example, estimate that for every junior cricketer who reaches international level, around $1M has been invested. But once they get there, a number (of them) disappear into the domestic leagues – of which five fall during the traditional Caribbean season from October to March. The result has left a trail of bad blood between players and their board and though two World T20 titles have come during this time, the West Indies 50-over men’s team are playing qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup while some of their biggest names compete in the Pakistan Super League. West Indies have been a lone

voice of protest but other major nations are beginning to wake up to the challenge as more and more players become globetrotting guns for hire, diluting the competitions and national teams they leave behind. Compensation paid by T20 leagues to a player’s country of origin fluctuates greatly and is not mandatory. Making it so and standardised to 20% a player’s value (paid by the tournament) would ensure money is put directly back into the systems that developed them. By limiting the number of ICC-accredited Twenty20 leagues that cricketers under 32 can play in each year – one at home and two abroad is a suggested formula - it is believed a balance can be struck that sees workloads managed and cricketers less torn between international and domestic careers. Perhaps the toughest proposal to get over the line – and one already seen as unlikely until 2023 – is regional windows for Twenty20 leagues. The idea is for the map to be split up into three zones – Asia, Europe/Americas and Africa/Pacific – and restrict each to two-month blocks in April/May, mid-July/mid-September, December/January respectively. T20 GRAPHIC This would allow international cricket to breathe during the remaining six months. It would also see the likes of the IPL going up against the Pakistan Super League and the Bangladesh Premier League in the Asian block, for example, and cooperative TV scheduling would be required. (The Guardian)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

Windies-A hold on to win despite Hain’s 144 ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Part-time off-spinner Roston Chase had century-maker Sam Hain caught in the deep with three balls left, as West Indies-A snatched a dramatic five-run victory in the opening day/night one-dayer of the threematch series against England Lions here, Tuesday night. Chasing a competitive 273 at Coolidge Cricket Ground, debutant Hain struck a brilliant 144 to rescue Lions after their innings lay in shambles at 165 for nine in the 36th over. He staged a last-wicket stand of 102 with Matthew Parkinson (15) which left Lions requiring eight from the final over with nine wickets down. However, the 22-year-old Hain then lofted the third delivery of the over to Raymon Reifer on the long-on boundary to end the innings with Lions just short of their target. Hain, batting at number three, produced a brilliant effort which required 122 balls and contained a dozen

fours and five sixes. He was supported by opener Nick Gubbins who made 54 but Lions suffered a massive batting failure and the only other batsmen to reach double figures were number 10 Richard Gleeson (13) and last-man Parkinson. The visitors were undone by 20-year-old seamer Keemo Paul who just missed out on a hat-trick as he finished with five for 49, while off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed two for 38. Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood had earlier fallen short of a hundred with 99, while Cornwall made 44 and Andre McCarthy 33, as Windies-A rallied to 272 all out with a ball remaining, after opting to bat first. Captain Kieran Powell (24) lost opening partner Chandrapaul Hemraj to injury in the first over with the score on eight but combined with Blackwood to put on 54 for the first wicket. The left-handed Powell had faced 25 balls and counted four fours when he picked out his opposite number Keaton Jennings at short cover in the ninth over off seamer

Sam Hain continued his impressive one-day form. (Getty Images)

Paul Coughlin, (2-55) and Chase fell to the very next delivery courtesy a brilliant diving catch by wicketkeeper Alex Davies. However, Blackwood played responsibly, anchoring a series of partnerships to get Windies-A up to a creditable total. He added 44 for the third wicket with McCarthy, put on a further 68 for the fourth wicket with Cornwall before also posting 38 for the fifth with Jahmar Hamilton (14) and 40 for the sixth with

21st Cheddi Jagan Memorial three-stage cycle race gets underway in Berbice CONTRARY to a previous report, the first leg of the 21st Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle race will be contested on the roadways in the county of Berbice on Sunday (March 11) then will head to West Demerara the following week on March 18. The cyclists will assem-

ble at the starting line in front of Freedom House, New Amsterdam for the official send-off at 09:00hrs. They will proceed to Number 55 Village in the Corentyne before heading back to Port Mourant for the finish. Defending champion Shaquel Agard will be looking to make it two in a row

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 08, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

3 ODIs

(2)

Group A

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many T20 Int’ls the WI women are set to play on the current tour of NZ? (2) Who are the other members of WI group in the current ICC World Cup Qualifiers? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

after winning the Open category in 2017, clocking two hours six minutes 54 seconds (2h:6m:54s). Dey and Niles were champions of the Juniors and Veterans respectively, while Shane Bourne won the Mountain Bikes and Shenika Teixeira was the top female rider. The first six finishers in the Open category, as well as the first three in the Juniors, Veterans, Mountain Bikes and Females will be rewarded. Meanwhile, national coach Hassan Mohamed is reminding cyclists and officials that transportation to Berbice will depart Freedom House, Robb Street, at 05:00hrs on Sunday. Following the completion of the first leg, cyclists will head over to the West Bank of Demerara on March 18. The second leg will pedal off at 08:30hrs from the Demerara Harbour Bridge (West Bank) and proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, before finishing at the point of origin. Top quality riding is expected from the cyclists.

Reifer (16). All told, the right-handed Blackwood faced 115 deliveries and struck five fours and three sixes, before driving leg-spinner Matthew Parkinson (2-33) to Jennings at short cover in the 44th over. Cornwall had earlier blasted six fours and one six in a 37-ball cameo before missing a heave and being sharply stumped in the 30th over. In reply, Lions had a strong start as Gubbins added 31 for the first wicket with

Davies (6) before posting another 52 for the second wicket with Hain. The innings lay in good stead at 83 for one in the 14th over but Paul’s introduction triggered a sensational collapse which saw five wickets tumble for just 10 runs in the space of 27 deliveries. Cornwall claimed Gubbins to a catch by Odean Smith at short fine leg but it was Paul who broke the back of the innings in the 16th over when he knocked over Sam Northeast (1), Jennings (0) and Sam Curran (0) in quick succession. Curran survived the hat-trick delivery only to fall to the next ball, top-edging a pull, to be caught by Powell. Slumping at 128 for eight in the 26th over, Lions were spared embarrassment by Hain who put on 37 with Gleeson for the ninth wicket before producing a valiant last-wicket effort with Parkinson.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES-A innings K. Powell c Jennings b Coughlin 24 C. Hemraj c Bess b Curran 12 J. Blackwood c Jennings b Parkinson 99 R. Chase c wkp. Davies b Coughlin 0 A. McCarthy c Curran b Gleeson 33 R. Cornwall stp. Davies b Parkinson 44 J. Hamilton c Coughlin b Curran 14 R. Reifer run-out 16 K. Paul c Northeast b Gleeson 9 O. Smith not out 2 J. Warrican run-out 1 Extras: (b-1, lb-5, w-11, nb-1) 18 Tota: (all out, 49.5 overs) 272 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-54, 3-98, 4-166, 5-204, 6-244, 7-247, 8-268, 9-270. Bowling: Curran 9.5-0-52-2, Gleeson 10-0-44-2, Coughlin 8-0-55-2, Parkinson 10-0-33-2, Critchley 7-0-40-0, Bess 5-042-0. LIONS innings N. Gubbins c Smith b Cornwall 54 A. Davies c Paul b Smith 6 S. Hain c Reifer b Chase 144 S. Northeast lbw b Paul 1 K. Jennings lbw b Paul 0 S. Curran c Powell b Paul 0 P. Coughlin b Paul 3 M. Critchley c wkp. Hamilton b Smith 9 D. Bess c (sub.) b Cornwall 4 R. Gleeson b Paul 13 M. Parkinson not out 15 Extras: (b-3, lb-3, w-8, nb-4) 18 Total: (all out, 49.3 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-83, 3-87, 4-87, 5-87, 6-93, 7-123, 8-128, 9-165. Bowling: Reifer 5-0-52-0, Paul 10-0-495, Smith 10-2-39-2, Cornwall 10-2-35-2, Warrican 10-0-55-0, Chase 4.4-0-31-1.

BCCI hands massive hike in player fees with new retainer structure (REUTERS) - The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new A+ category in the retainer fee structure for its top players, who will receive a huge pay increase under the new Annual Contracts for the 2017-18 season. The retainer structure now features four categories - Grade A+, Grade A, Grade B and Grade C - compared to three in previous years. The uppermost category features five players - skipper Virat Kohli, opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, pacemen Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah - who have been put on a retainer worth 70 million Indian rupees (£793 307.37). The amount is a significant increase from last year, where players in the uppermost ‘A’ category were handed retainers of 20 million Indian rupees. “The CoA (Committee of Administrators) was of the view that the performance and position of Indian Cricket needs to be recognised with the fee structure comparable to the best in the world,” the BCCI said in a

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been placed in the top bracket alongside the likes of Virat Kohli. (Getty Images)

statement yesterday. Last year, senior players expressed dissatisfaction with the pay rises they received, leading Vinod Rai, head of the Supreme Court-appointed CoA, to announce that a further hike would be considered for the current season. The world’s richest cricket board handed seven players Grade A contracts this season, including former captain M.S. Dhoni, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who will receive 50 million Indian rupees each. Top Indian cricketers also receive a match fee for each international appearance and many benefits

from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). Grade B players, including fast bowler Ishant Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, will earn 30 million Indian rupees each while Grade C players will receive 10 million Indian rupees each. The CoA, which supervises the operations of the BCCI, said that it had sanctioned the creation of a Players Revenue/Compensation Equalisation Fund (PR/CEF) to insulate player compensation. The BCCI will contribute approximately 1.25 billion Indian rupees per annum to the fund.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 8, 2018

GCB Inter-county U-17 tournament

Demerara spinners defend 143 against Essequibo … Berbice make light work over National Select Under-15

By Rajiv Bisnauth ON a sluggish Lusignan Community Centre ground outfield, and a venue where the washroom facility was made unavailable by the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Demerara capitalised on limp batting effort from Essequibo to pull off an easy 65-run win yesterday in round one of the GCB’s Inter-county Under-17 one-day tournament. Defending 143, Demerara managed to restrict their opponents to 78 off 31.2 overs. Left-arm spinner Hrithik Singh, leg-spinner Niron Bissu and off-spinner Dwayne Dick claimed eight wickets between them which crippled the Essequibo innings. Singh finished with 3-27, Bissu claimed 3-6 to earn the man-of-thematch honours while Dick had 2-8. Pacer Travon Charles (1-11) was the other successful bowler for the winners. Earlier in the day, pacers Sylvan Williams and Sheldon Charles combined in a devastating new-ball spell

to reduce the hosts’ innings to 21-5 in the tenth over. True to what both captains had estimated, the pitch assisted pace upfront. The bowlers could extract bounce and batting first against some quality fast bowling wasn’t easy. Decided to bat first, the hosts twice dug themselves out of holes to reach 143-9. Andre Seepersaud produced a resolute effort in a composed 42 while Yeudistir Persaud got 29, and Bissu 17, in an ordinary batting display. The 15-year-old Williams, who finished with 3-19, removed Navindra Persaud (8), Andrew Samaroo and Dick without scoring in the seventh over, while Charles had Himnauth Dindyal (0) and Sachin Singh for eight. However, the hosts recovered well through a 56-run stand between Persaud and Seepersaud. Persaud appeared in good touch, hitting a four and a six off spinner Mahesh Ramnarine before he was taken at the wicket off Charles, who finished with 3-21 off his ten overs. The left-handed Seepersaud,

Pacers Sylvan Williams (right) and Sheldon Charles combined in a devastating new-ball spell, but their effort went in vain.

meanwhile, began to flourish and with Bissu combined in an eventful 66-run, seventh-wicket to prop up the innings. Seepersaud struck two fours and a six in an innings which spanned 121 balls before off-spinner Badesh Parsotam (2-7) claimed both batsmen. Jason Holder was the other batsman who was dismissed, bowled by Azim Mohamed without scoring. The visitors never came to terms with the challenging run chase and wilted early.

Inspector Beaton comes good at Frank Woon-A-Tai Cup LAST Sunday Inspector Keith Beaton of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) participated in the Frank WoonA-Tai Cup, which was held at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall in honour of Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai, who has been teaching traditional Karate in Guyana for over fifty years and is the head of the International Karate Diagaku (IDK) and the Guyana Karate College. Scores of Karatekas of all ages attended and some of them even participated in the tournament. Inspector Beaton walked away with the following medals 1st place individual Kumite (Fighting), 2nd place in team Kumite (Fighting), 2nd Place in team Kata (Forms), 2nd place in team Embu (Demonstration), 2nd place in team Bunkai (Defence against multiple attackers). The 2014 Sportsman-ofthe-year started practising Karate some twenty-eight years ago and has judged many competitions countrywide. He is also a Karate instructor and has travelled

Inspector Keith Beaton poses with his medals won at the Frank Woon-A-Tai Cup.

to many countries, performing his art, including the Pan America World Karate Tournament in Curacao, the Caribbean Karate Federation in Suriname and the International Karate Diagaku in Jamaica. When asked how Karate influences his life and career choice as a member of the Guyana Police Force, Inspector Beaton explained Karate helps him to stay focused as it promotes calmness of the

mind and by extension, the body. The second degree Black Belt Karate champion also attended a Karate and Tai Chi course at the Guyana Defence Force in 2003 and spent some 15 years as a Presidential Guard, where he also shared his skills and knowledge in Unarmed Defence and Combat with his colleagues. He is currently stationed at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) where he also imparts his knowledge in Karate to ranks. Karate can be used as an instrument of lesser force when dealing with crime and offenders. It prepares the user’s mental capacity and enables him to defend himself and possible victims of crimes without the use of force. Inspector Beaton competed in the Male Open Black Belt Kumite and Male Open Kata in February, where he placed second and third respectively, earning silver and bronze medals.

resurgence, but when Bissu claimed the wicket of Williams for 12, the visitors folded soon after. Meanwhile, in the other firstround game Berbice defeated the National Select Under-15 team by 115 runs at Bourda. Scores in the match: Berbice 267-9. Seon Glasgow stroked 110, which included five sixes and nine fours. Nigel Deodat scored a patient Seon Glasgow collects his man-of- half-century, while opener Fawaz the-match trophy from chairman of Gafoor made an aggressive 35. Junior Selection Panel Mr Nazimul Bowling for the National Select Drepaul. Under-15, Isaiah Thorne was the most destructive, grabbing 3-30 Wasim Mohamed departed while Jonathon Rampersaud and for four, caught at the wicket off Travon Charles, while his opening Zachary Jodah took 2-50 and 2-36 partner Ameer Singh (11) was respectively. In reply, the National Select Uncaught on the long-on boundary der-15’s were bowled out for 152. off Singh. Charles (13) was then trapped Mavendra Dindyal top-scored with leg-before-wicket to off-spinner 32, off 71 balls. Revoldo Phillips Dick before Singh removed Azim supported well with 29. Bowling Mohamed (1) and Mahesh Ramna- for Berbice, Saif Amoi grabbed rine (3), to leave Essequibo strug- 3-30 while Jevon Schultz and Nigel Deodat took 2-36 and 2-21 respecgling at 46-5 in 15.1 overs. Captain Lance Roberts and Wil- tively. Round two is scheduled for liams then temporarily halted the slide, offering hope of Essequibo tomorrow.

Champions League

Higuain, Dybala stun Spurs to send wily Juve through By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - There is simply no substitute for experience in the highest tier of European football as Juventus proved by coming back from the abyss to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 and reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday. The Italians, finalists in two of the last three seasons, were outplayed by Spurs in a 2-2 first-leg draw in Turin and were on the ropes at Wembley but goals by Argentine strike duo Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala in three minutes sent them through 4-3 on aggregate. Son Heung-min’s firsthalf goal had Spurs in control and dreaming of a famous scalp but they paid for two defensive lapses as their 17-match unbeaten run came to an end. Higuain, who scored twice in the first leg, levelled in the 64th minute before Dybala burst clear of a static

Spurs defensive line to curl the winner past Hugo Lloris. Tottenham will rue missed chances and Harry Kane’s last-minute header against the post but Massimiliano Allegri’s streetwise Juve side proved they are still one of the toughest of European nuts to crack. “In less than three minutes we conceded two goals - two big mistakes - and that is why we are out,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters. “In both legs we deserved more. “We played fantastic football until that first goal and we dominated. Of course we are very disappointed but it is part of growing. We will keep going.” Giorgio Chiellini, part of a Juve back-four packing 175 Champions League appearances, said experience had been key. “We said keep calm and the chance will arrive,” he said. “Experience is important and we used ours tonight.” Son was given the nod

ahead of Erik Lamela on the left side of Tottenham’s attack and fully justified Pochettino’s faith as he ran Juve’s defence ragged before halftime. His stinging shot tested Juve’s 40-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon in the third minute and another lightning burst into the box ended with Chiellini making a crucial block. Kane should have scored his 36th goal of the season in the 14th minute when Dele Alli played him in but the England striker fired into the side-netting. It was not one-way traffic, though, and the hosts had an enormous let-off shortly after Kane’s miss when Douglas Costa drove into the area and was tripped by Jan Vertonghen. Juve’s furious players surrounded Polish referee Szymon Marciniak who opted against pointing to the spot despite replays confirming Vertonghen had taken Costa’s legs and not the ball.

Demerara spinners defend 143 against Essequibo Page 35

CONCACAF Nations League qualifier

Golden Jaguars to roar against Barbados, Belize, French Guiana and Turks & Caicos

GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars (senior men’s national football team) will roar into action in September when they host Barbados in the qualifiers for the newly-established CONCACAF Nation’s League. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACF) yesterday announced the details and structure of the Nations League, a new centralised men’s national team competition representing a new era of national team football for CONCACAF member associations (MA). The CONCACAF Nations League begins in September with a one-off

qualifying phase, while the group phase, consisting of three-tiered leagues will kick off in 2019. The top league will end with a final to crown the Nations League champions and the competition will also serve to unify the qualifying path for the region’s national teams to the newly-expanded Gold Cup. With matches being played on the FIFA dates between September 2018 and March 2019, Guyana, after their clash with Barbados, will then travel to Turks and Caicos for a meeting between the two countries in October, followed by an encounter against French Guiana in November before hosting Belize in

March, 2019. Ian Greenwood, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), described the draw as a positive and competitive one for the Golden Jaguars, stating that “we (GFF) feel we have the ability to perform against each opposition”. “We’re excited for our tough visit to French Guiana but feel we have the players to rise to this occasion and come out on top. Belize should be an interesting game but with home advantage and the support of a packed stadium that will help us over the line,” Greenwood said. Greenwood also pointed out that the Technical Director of GFF Anthony Greenwood launch of Turn to page 30►

Forty-six goals scored as Corona Futsal continues

COURTS Guyana Inc. supports Kares Fitness games

Bent Street were in a no-nonsense mood against Channel 9 Warriors. FORTY-SIX goals were scored as the Corona Futsal football tournament continued on night four at the National Gymnasium, Tuesday evening. In the night’s opening game, Tucville were the first team into the winners’

circle after beating Kingston 3-2. A Jamal Greaves double (5th and 7th) coupled with Trevon Lythcott’s 9th minute strike accounted for the win, while Kingston had Simon Emanuel (6th) and Nigel Denny (15yj) on the scoreboard.

Alpha Warriors and Showstoppers were deadlocked at 3-3 when the final whistle went in game two. Showstoppers’ comeback from 3-0 was facilitated by Tyrone Bobb (11th), Turn to page 30►

COURT’s Digital Marketing Officer, Roberta Ferguson (left) handing over the sponsorship to Jordana Ramsey-Gonsalves and Noshavyah King.

FURNITURE giant COURTS joined the bandwagon ahead of this weekend’s Kares Engineering fitness games, continuing its

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

support of the event for another year. During a brief ceremony at its Main Street Turn to page 30► THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018