Guyana chronicle e paper 03 13 2018

GCCI backs 12 Butters-Grant on UG Council PAGE

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018

No. 105212

Price: $80

Term-limit Act valid (VAT Inclusive)

…AG tells CCJ Chang, Carl Singh erred in applying Basic Structure Doctrine in third term case

PAGE

O3

US urges swift action on Sovereign 11 Wealth Fund PAGE

Guyana ideally placed to become a ‘solar state’ 02 PAGE

– President Granger

Mayor blocks motion 16 against King PAGE

(From left) Barbadian attorney Ralph Thorne, State Counsel Uteika John, Attorney General Basil Williams, Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas and Barbadian attorney Hal Gallop stand outside of the CCJ ahead of Monday’s hearing

Modi for Guyana visit PAGE

09

…as India commits to sugar, oil cooperation

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Guyana ideally placed to become a ‘solar state’ – President Granger tells world leaders at Summit in India PRESIDENT David Granger said that Guyana’s ‘green’ development thrust is not merely about environmental and economic security, but that it is also about energy security.

Speaking at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit, which was held on Sunday in New Delhi, India, the Head-of-state told world leaders about Guy-

ana’s strategic equatorial location, which puts it in an ideal position to become a ‘solar state’. “Its [Guyana] strategic location in the Tropic of Cancer, and a mere 6.8 degrees north of the Equator, makes it suited for solar energy generation. It enjoys an average of 12 hours of daylight, all year round, with consistently high levels of solar insolation,” he said.

President Granger told

the high-level forum that Guyana’s low population density of 3.5 persons per km2 and the fact that many of its hinterland communities are small and isolated, make solar energy a necessary response to the challenges of its demography and geography.

He explained that by developing solar energy generation options, thereby reducing the negative effects of the use of fossil fuels, will ensure im-

proved air and water quality while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

“Guyana has begun to transition to increased solar power generation and use.

Solar farms are being planned and established. Solar-powered street lights are being installed and Government

nologies, photovoltaic infrastructure, information-sharing and the dissemination of scientific and technological data.

He said that the ISA represents a leap forward towards ensuring that solar power becomes more accessible and more affordable to more people. “Small states are limited not only

solar energy sector. Guyana signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance on January 30, 2018.

The President described the ‘Alliance’ as an essential element in ensuring energy, economic and environmental security. The ISA Framework Agreement was launched on Novem-

President David Granger is among the heads-of-state and delegations who attended the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit in India

buildings are increasingly being equipped to use solar energy. Incentives are being offered to encourage this transition to solar technologies. Guyana has the physical conditions for increasing generation but needs technologies to develop capacity in the solar energy sector.

Much more needs to be done in other fields such as education, communication, transportation and housing,” the Head-of-State said.

In this regard, he called on the ISA to ensure that sun-rich states such as Guyana have access to the necessary solar technologies.

The President also urged this international body to ensure that small states benefit from investment, innovative tech-

in size but usually, also, in human resources, technology and capital. Small states need support in the form of investment, innovative technology, infrastructural photovoltaic systems and capacity-building in order to close the technological gap with larger and richer states.

The International Solar Alliance, from the start, should support the energy ambitions of the small, sunbelt states by promoting investment-financing mechanisms for solar technologies,” President Granger said.

He pointed out too that the ISA must promote information-sharing and technology transfer relating to solar energy and capacity-building in the

ber 30, 2015. It is an action-oriented international and inter-governmental organisation that aims to maximise the harnessing of solar-energy potential, modernise energy systems, universalise access to energy, accelerate economic development and alleviate poverty. This Solar Summit was hosted jointly by the Governments of India and France. On February 27, President Granger received a formal invitation to the summit from Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Mr. Antoine Joly.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Angry father-in-law confesses to killing fisherman LESS than 24 hours after being detained and grilled intensively by police detectives in ‘C’ Division, a man provided the police with a confession and later a caution statement confirming that he struck his son-inlaw to the head with a wood causing his death on Sunday night in Mahaicony.

On Sunday, Muneshwar Bisnauth’s body was found in the yard of his mother- and father-in-law. They, along with their daughter, who is Bisnauth’s reputed wife, told the relatives of Bisnauth that he fell and hit his head in the yard while being under the influence - an explanation the family took with a grain of salt.

Kamal Samaroo, the father-in-law of the dead man, told detectives during interrogation that they were imbibing on Sunday night and he and the man had an argument. He told the police Bisnauth cuffed him and he in return picked up a piece of wood and hit the man to the head.

On Monday he accompanied the Police back to the crime scene where he pointed out to them, the wood he used to deal his son-in-law the fatal blow.

Meanwhile, relatives of the now dead man are contending that Bisnauth never enjoyed the blessings of his reputed wife’s family as they were upset that the young

lady left her parents’ home to go and live with Bisnauth at his parents’ home.

Since then, the families have been divided, with Bisnauth not being invited to family functions of his wife and whenever she insisted that he accompany her, it would usually cause a crosstalking between him and them.

Bisnauth’s mother told the Guyana Chronicle that she was at home when her daughter-in-law came to call them. She reportedly told them that she was preparing to walk an intoxicated Bisnauth home when he fell and hit his head and that he was not responding.

Turn to page 3 ►

3

Term-limit Act valid GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

…AG tells CCJ Chang, Carl Singh erred in applying Basic Structure Doctrine in third term case

By Ariana Gordon ATTORNEY-General, Basil Williams on Monday told the full bench of the Caribbean Court of Justice that two former top judicial officers here had erred in applying the Basic Structure Doctrine in the ‘third term case’ even as he asserted that the term limit act is valid.

Williams and a battery of lawyers are challenging a Court of Appeal ruling in the case brought by the relatively unknown Cedric Richardson on the presidential term limit. The ruling was initially challenged by both the state and former Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman. Trotman has dropped out of the case. The state is being represented by Williams SC, Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas, State Counsel Uteika John and Barbadian Queen’s Counsel, Hal Gallop and Ralph Thorne. Richardson was represented by Douglas Mendes of Trinidad. The case is being keenly watched and many feel that former President Bharrat Jagdeo has played a big role in the challenge of the term limit, but he and his party have always denied.

Richardson of Laing Avenue, Georgetown in a constitutional challenge, just before the May 2015 General and Regional Elections contested the amendments made to Article 90 of the Constitution that were enacted in 2000 following a bipartisan Constitutional Reform Process.

Article 90 (2) states that, “a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.” He argued that that the term limit infringes on Articles 1 and 9 of the Constitution wherein Article 1 states that “Guyana is an indivisible, secular, democratic, sovereign state in the course of transition from capitalism to socialism and shall be known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana” and Article 9, states that “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.”

However, Williams, the first-named appellant had argued that amendments made to Article 90 are not unconstitutional. In his opening arguments on Monday the attorney general told the CCJ that the High Court and Court of Appeal of Guyana applied

the Basic Structure Doctrine in the case. He pointed out that the doctrine does not apply to Guyana and any other CARICOM country that has a constitution that mirrors the Westminster model. The Basic Structure Doctrine which is an Indian judicial principle that the Constitution has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments by the Parliament. The doctrine applies only to constitutional amendments.

But Williams argued that “where legislation is passed in accordance with prescription- in terms of manner and form, the court ought not to inquire as to the propriety; the substance of that legislation.”

Citing several authorities, Williams noted too that the Basic Structure Doctrine was applied in both the High Court and Court of Appeal.

He said the learned Chief Justice (as he then was) Ian Chang and Chancellor (as he then was) Carl Singh, erred when they enquired as to whether the restriction of the third term was constitutional. The Guyanese AG rejected outright the use of the concept of Basic Structure Doctrine noting that it does not apply to the Guyana Constitution and noted that the learned Chief Justice and Chancellor both overstepped their boundaries. “The Act was validly passed. The only question is whether it confirms with the constrictions on Article 164 (2) (6) of the Constitution. Our submission

Cedric Richardson the relatively unknown man who made the court challenge

is that it did,” he posited.

Williams then provided the court with the background to the amendments made to the Constitution in 2000. He explained that the amendments were passed unanimously as both the government at that time and the opposition agreed after con-

sultations with civil society and other stakeholders. “The Act was assented to by the then President Bharrat Jagdeo,” asserted Williams who noted that the amendment to Article 90 of the Constitution only allows a person to be president twice.

“The legislation came out of post-election trauma and chaos,” said Williams who noted that it was by virtue of the Herdmanston Accord that there was Constitutional reform resulting in the effected amendment. The Herdmanston Accord originated from CARICOM’s intervention via mediation here to ensure that the country returned to a state of peace and normalcy. It was as a

law where it was ruled that a litigant cannot sit idly by and then years after go to the court seeking redress.

She reminded that the court found in many instances that delay may defeat a constitutional motion. “The issue is how relevant is that question to what this court has to examine. It is very relevant because when one looks at the social and historical evolution of Act #17 of 2000 and the reason for the birth of this Act delay becomes extremely relevant and I ask this court to perhaps look at the question of delay as a factor when you consider a holistic view of this matter.”

She like Williams, noted the civil unrest which oc-

Trinidadian senior counsel, Douyglas Mendez

result of that intervention that the pact was signed. The Accord was not originally filed by the AG and his team but leave was granted for the AG to enter into an agreement with Counsel for Richardson, Douglas Mendes SC to have that document submitted as it may prove vital to the judges understanding of what occurred in 1997.

DELAY Meanwhile, SolicitorGeneral Kyte-Thomas in her brief presentation raised the issue of delay. She argued that while the issue of delay was not raised in the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal it is important. “We acknowledge your honours that there was no limitation in other Constitutions in respect to the bringing of constitutional claims and seeking constitutional relief.

However, the courts around this Region have spoken.”

She pointed to a case

curred in Guyana following the 1997 elections and the subsequent signing of the Herdmanston Accord. “Your honours; this is not just a question of third term. Mr Richardson your honour, decided to sit idly by after 14 years…and now to approach the court… [This] can certainly be a factor for this court to view as an abuse of the process of the court. ” Kyte-Thomas added that the court has “an inherent jurisdiction to protect itself from the abuse of its own process.” She posited that the Act was validly passed and that Parliament had complied with all of the pre-requisites for passage of the Act. NO ABUSE OF PROCESS But Kyte-Thomas’ argument was countered by Mendes who stated that the delay spoken of by the Solicitor-General could not be viewed as an abuse of the

Attorney General, Basil Williams addressing the court

court. “It is not an abuse of the process of the court. The passage of time does not purify a law that is unconstitutional. This Act infringes Articles 1 and 9… [And] delay cannot constitutionalise an unconstitutional statute,” he argued.

He reminded the court that the issue of delay was not raised in the High Court or the Court of Appeal and posited that for the Court to say that it will consider delay would prove “extraordinary”.

“It would be unfair for the court to determine the case on delay…that is just wrong, unfair and contrary to the rule of law,” Mendes said while adding that if the appellants had raised the issue of delay in the lower courts then it would have been properly raised before the CCJ. “…Delay cannot protect an unconstitutional law,” he declared. Additionally, the Trinidadian senior counsel argued that once a total disqualification for running for the office of president is created then “you are infringing the right of the electorate to choose someone of their choice.” “That right is located in the combination of Ar-

ticles one and 9. You either agree or disagree with that… that is the question in this case,” he said as he argued that sovereignty belongs to the people.

“The people have created a constitution by referendum by which certain rights are bestowed by Article 9… sovereignty of the people which they exercise through their representatives is immediately undermined as you begin to limit the persons they can choose as their representatives. The people must have a free choice as to who their representatives are.

– Sovereignty means they have complete control,” the attorney stated, as he asked judges to uphold decision of the majority of the Court of Appeal and dismiss appeal

by AG. FLAWED RULING Meanwhile, Gallop QC noted that the majority ruling of the Court of Appeal handed down by Chancellor Singh (as he then was) was flawed as the Chancellor “failed to come to grips with the meaning of sovereignty in Articles 1 and 9.”

Turn to page 9 ►

Angry father-in-law... From page 2 However, the dead man’s mother claimed that when she arrived at the scene, she was verbally abused by Bisnauth’s mother-in-law.

The father of Bisnauth said that he was aware from the inception that the parents of his son’s wife never liked him and that he was convinced that Bisnauth was indeed murdered on Sunday but was only awaiting the police to do their

work.

The family is now calling for justice and for the parents of the dead man’s wife as well as the dead man’s wife to be charged.

The man has left behind a baby girl. The police investigations are ongoing in the matter even as the dead man’s reputed wife and her parents remain in custody at separate police stations in ‘C’ Division.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Trump ditches initial plan --to raise age limit for buying guns US President Donald Trump’s plan to deter school shootings does not include his repeated calls to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21.

But he is moving ahead with his controversial proposal to provide firearms training to school employees.

The president tweeted that there was not much political support for raising the minimum age on weapons sales.

Americans must be 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun, and

21 to buy a handgun from licensed dealers under federal law.

Private, unlicensed sales are federally allowed at any age for rifles and shotguns, and 18 for handguns, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The White House unveiled its proposals on Sunday night, following an attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead in Parkland, Florida, on 14 February.

The 19-year-old suspect,

who allegedly used a legally purchased semi-automatic rifle to attack Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is charged with 17 counts of murder.

White House officials described Sunday’s plan as a fulfilment of the president’s call for action after Parkland.

It proposes to: * Fund programmes to train school staff to use firearms * Encourage military veterans and retired police officers to become teachers

* Improve background and mental health checks The White House said a new federal commission on school safety would examine the age limit issue.

Mr Trump tweeted on Monday: “On 18 to 21 Age Limits, watching court cases and rulings before acting.

“States are making this decision. Things are moving rapidly on this, but not much political support (to put it mildly).”

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who will chair the new federal commission on school safety, said the proposals were “meaningful actions, steps that can be

taken right away to help protect students”.

Speaking last month, the Republican president had suggested it was a problem that Americans can legally buy semi-automatic rifles from the age of 18, yet have to wait until 21 to buy handguns.

“I mean, so they buy a revolver - a handgun - they buy at the age of 21,” he told school officials.

“And yet, these other weapons that we talk about, they’re allowed to buy them at 18.

“So how does that make sense? We’re going to work on getting the age up to 21

instead of 18.”

He had also accused members of his own party of being “petrified” of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The Republican president said the NRA has “great power over you people”, but “less power over me”.

However, Mr Trump himself came under pressure from the country’s top gun lobby not to change existing legislation.

Following his repeated calls to raise the age limit, a representative for the gun lobby visited the White House earlier this month. (BBC)

Guptas lose bid to keep South African bank open

THE scandal-hit Gupta family has been dealt another blow after a court bid to keep an Indian bank in South Africa failed.

The Bank of Baroda is the last financial institution in the country which is still prepared to lend to Gupta-linked companies.

South Africa’s major banks turned their backs on the businesses two years ago, saying they brought with them too much risk to their reputation.

As a result, 19 South African companies which have links to the Indian-born family are reliant on the Bank of

One of many demonstrations held across South African by the very employees of some of the Gupta-linked companies

Baroda, which announced it was closing its South African arm last month.

But attempts to stop the closure failed yesterday when a judge in Pretoria ruled that the bank’s right to shut down overruled their rights as customers, according to EyeWitness News.

Reuters news agency says the decision will make

it all but impossible for the companies to operate in South Africa.

The Gupta family and their assets have found themselves under an increasingly harsh spotlight in recent years.

The three brothers have been accused of wielding enormous political influence in South Africa, with critics alleging they tried to “capture the state” in order to advance their business interests.

(BBC)

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 - 2:30 & 14:30hrs

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 10/3/2018 26/11/2016 12/3/2018

6 14 4 12 7 18 9 19 15 21 26 18 02 N J 11

06 22

13 4

14 1

21 19

24 6

12/3/2018 26/11/2016

04 0

07 6

03 0

26/11/2016 12/3/2018

05 6

04 8

01 7

26/11/2016 12/3/2018 02 19 09 1010 1711 20 13 3 141

21 18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

5

Grenada on high alert --as ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’ shows signs of heightened activity

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) Monday said it had raised the alert level for the underwater volcano, Kick ‘em Jenny from yellow to orange “due to increased activities”.

NaDMA said that it had been working with the Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in monitoring the situation and “with this increase in the alert level, ships and other marine op-

erators are asked to observe the exclusion zone of 5 km/3.1miles”.

“NaDMA in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center will continue to monitor the activities of Kick em’ Jenny and will update the public

as necessary, the statement noted.

In May last year, NaDMA warned Grenadians that they should expect more eruptions of the underwater volcano, noting that volcanic episodes at Kick em’ Jenny, since 1939, usually consist of several

eruptions lasting over several days before returning to repose.

NaDMA said it would be useful for those in coastal areas to be on the lookout for unusual material that might be ejected from the eruption.

Opposition legislator has change of heart --abandons plan to bring Pandays back into UNC fold

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Opposition legislator Dr. Fuad Khan said Monday he supports the leader of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad Bissessar in failing to meet with the daughter of former prime minister and UNC founder, Basdeo Panday.

Dr. Khan had been initiating moves to heal the rift between the Pandays and the party but said he was disappointed and “wanted to apologise to Mrs Persad Bissessar for putting her in that predicament with the Pandays.

“If I had the power to full stop it, I would full stop it now and move on and I agree wholeheartedly with Mrs. Bissessar,” he said on a radio programme here, after Mickela Panday had issued

a statement indicating that the Opposition Leader stated “unequivocally that she is unwilling to meet with me, or certain other members”.

Dr. Khan, the former health minister in the Persad Bissessar- led coalition People’s Partnership government, had been advocating for the return of the Pandays and other UNC stalwarts so as to give the UNC a better chance of defeating the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) in the next general election, constitutionally due in 2020.

In a statement, the younger Panday, a former legislator, who had been overlooked to contest the 2015 general election despite being screened by the UNC, said that she had been informed by Dr. Khan that he had spoken to “the political leader of the UNC…

regarding whether she would be willing to meet with various members of the party, including myself, in the interest of uniting the party” She said during that conversation Mrs. Persad Bissessar stated “unequivocally that she is unwilling to meet with me, or certain other members (and) according to Dr. Khan the reason given for her refusal to meet with me and other members is that the political leader is unhappy with what she perceives to be our “criticizing the Party”, in my case in my newspaper column.

“If this is the reason upon which Mrs. Persad Bissessar has made her decision not to meet with me or these other members, it is truly unfortunate for democracy and for freedom of speech within the party, as in effect the political leader is saying

that those within the party who choose to speak out against what they believe to be wrong-doing will be excluded. I do not believe that calling for transparency and accountability is criticizing the party.

“That being said, the political leader has made her decision and I will respect it.

At this juncture, with a general election constitutionally due in two years’ time, I intend to continue to meet with those who are willing to put country before self to improve the lives of all the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” she added.

Persad Bissessar has not

yet commented on the issue, but Dr. Khan told radio listeners “after seeing the method of approach of the Pandays that whenever you tell them anything there is a press release that is crazy.

“I cannot believe…as you tell them something without any negotiation…put out a press release and it reeks of something I don’t really believe in,” he said, adding that if negotiations are taking place “you don’t run crying to the press every minute.

“At the end of the day you just run to the press, send out releases…and (say) how they feel how they want to help the party. How can you want to help the party when you are focusing really

and truly on yourself,” Dr. Khan added.

Persad Bissessar last year easily retained the leadership of the party after seeking a fresh mandate one year ahead of the schedule election. In 2010 she defeated Panday for the leadership of the party.

The former prime minister who had said that the internal elections ought to be called only when constitutionally due, has in the past distanced himself from the party.

“No, no, no, that thing there is not my party. That thing is not my party, that’s not the party I formed. The party I formed had principles,” he added.

6

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

A question of self-value and worth WITHOUT being privy to statistics on the number of women to men now serving custodial sentences in the penal system of Guyana, it would be safe to conclude that more men offend the law, are caught and prosecuted, and are therefore jailed.

This observation relates to Guyana, where it is traditional for men to be seen as the perpetrators of the more serious crimes, such as murder and other felonies.

But this does not infer that such criminal extremities are at times not committed by females. The past fifty years would have recorded a number of women facing the capital offence, being sentenced to death, although eventually not being made to pay the penalty, because of commu-

tation to life imprisonment.

Memory will recall one of such a categorised female, eventually dying in prison, sometime in the 1990s.

In fact, if records are correct, Guyana may have had only about two to three females who were executed for murder, with the last recorded instance being in the very late 1940s.

But the laws are there, and are applicable with the same judicial sanction on either male or female, but are known to vary in instances where there may be mitigating circumstances. There can be no denying that women going to prison, for whatever reason, impacts on society in ways that do have far-reaching consequences; since many

of them are mothers, it means that their children, often very young or teenagers, and at school, will suffer emotional trauma.

It is known that the male child may vent his anguish by becoming involved in petty crimes; while the female child often becomes pregnant. This has resulted in the dismemberment of many a family facing the challenge of an absent mother who is a guest of the state.

The Caribbean experience, and Guyana’s have been the factual example of women being the traditional bedrock of the home, becoming the glue that keeps the family together. And since the reasons for this extant sociological fact of regional and national life are very well

known, they will not detain us, except to say that women are now the acknowledged and proven representatives of their families, even in instances where the father may be present.

It explains why President David Granger declared that women should be at home with their families, when he announced that there would be the granting of pardon to women in prison for non-violent petty offences.

He was absolutely accurate in underlining such a reason, as there were the very discernible effects of the single mother’s absence from her family, particularly during such prolonged periods as imprisonment, and the negative toll such exacted on her household.

For whatever reasons, there are women in prison, and they must be afforded the opportunities during their incarceration, that will prepare them in every way for eventual release and reintegration into society. However, given the emotional trauma that most women do suffer in such an unfortunate situation, coupled with the psychological apprehension of returning to society, a careful regime of mental preparation should be considered, even for males too. In this regard, we see Minister Simona Broomes visit to the women inmates at the New Amsterdam penitentiary on the occasion of the just observed International Women’s Day, as an example of the kind of heartened encouragement that such

Timely, prompt intervention by CDC Dear Editor IT should be obvious to all, including those who are mouthing the unfounded lies via the opposition mouthpieces that the overtopping that struck the villages of Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt, caused by the Spring tide, was unusual for the height of the waves that struck the communities.

So how can the government be blamed for what was certainly an extreme act of nature, or another manifestation of the ever present, gathering danger of climate change? Is it not contrary to former instances of such occurrence, during the former PPP/C administration, that when such did happen, that there were no complaints from such media?

How misleading, shameless, and unconscionable that the editor of such a print can carry journalism to such abysmal depths in frantic efforts just to sustain the ethnic hostility against the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change(APNU+AFC).

What the affected residents, especially from Stewartville and Uitvlugt, would have received was immediate response from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which mitigated the loss of lives and possible injuries to residents. In clock work time – shelters were identified and those in need of temporary refuge were properly accommodated and fed.

Ministers of the government were quickly on the spot, discussing further arrangements for aid with those who lost their homes, as to

future assistance. Editor, commendations must be given to the Civil Defence Commission and those joint services, particularly the Fire Service that ensured the Leonora Hospital was cleared of the silt that gathered from the incoming flood waters, and subsequently returned for public service.

Jealous of the well-organised operation that brought instant relief? Not surprising.

The fact that the Sea View squatting area still exist is an indictment of the former administration of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Housing policy, smack bang in its Region Three stronghold. I wonder how many of those squatters would have applied for houselots?

Obviously, those persons—

squatters--would have borne the brunt of the fierce giant waves that struck in an area that could not have been regularised for housing. This is what the detractors should have understood before playing politics over a very serious incident which involves people’s lives and livelihoods. Lying, for political support through resorting to race, is a well- known trick of the PPP/C; but it is empty handed, and void of any assistance for those affected community residents. This is a government for all the people, at any time, and in every situation, period!

Regards Troy Garraway

women in prison do need.

Speaking about the power of transformation, she encouraged “You can do it! None of you are failures”. In this regard, she is right, since many persons, inclusive of females, are in custody because of circumstances which may have been beyond their control.

We do subscribe to the inalienable fact that there is worth in everyone, inclusive of prisoners, whether male or female. It is a question of the “need to understand self -value, so that you can contribute meaningfully to yourself, family and country”, according to the Director of Prisons, Gladwyn Samuels, who also spoke to the gathering on International Women’s Day.

Let’s salute the women in the sugar belt Dear Editor AS celebrations and observances to mark IWD 2018 come to an end and our womenfolk have been feted, honoured and saluted in all walks of life, spare a thought for the many wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and other womenfolk of sugar workers.

These women, particularly those in areas of closed estates, toil every day to make ends meet in the home while providing guidance and sustenance under trying circumstances.

Let’s celebrate and salute these women too, who remain the bedrock of their family and community.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

7

Op-Ed

Prioritising a Sovereign Wealth Fund …preparing for prosperity now

By United States Ambassador, Perry L. Holloway AS Guyana welcomed hundreds of delegates to attend its most recent oil and gas conference in February, the world saw a nation poised to be transformed.

I am heartened to see that Guyana has now stepped fully into the limelight as one of the most important developing energy markets in the world. For the first time in its history, the Land of Many Waters is closer to seeing its potential realised. To echo the words of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman: Guyana’s time is now.

In spite of the often exaggerated gloom and doom pronouncements in the papers, Guyana is poised to be a very rich country for this region with considerable revenue streams in the future. The

development model Guyana now chooses will need to be a decision the people of Guyana make together through a process of public consultations and legislative debate.

I want to emphasise that, as Guyana considers its future, it will not be enough simply to have a “rainy day fund” or even an investment fund, but to institute a revenue and investment framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation. As the development of a long-term vision for a green, sustainable economy continues, I hope conversations will continue to prioritize implementation of a strong, comprehensive sovereign wealth fund bill, in the broadest sense, that is transparent, independent, inviolable, and non-partisan.

Let us be clear. When I speak of a sovereign wealth

fund, I am talking about a fund that will immediately begin to invest in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and security. I am referring to a concerted effort by all stakeholders to start a continuous conversation on how best to implement fiscal plans that directly address the needs of all Guyanese now. The urgency cannot be understated. Difficult decisions are ahead, whether that involves identifying the right talent to manage the fund (wherever it is found), or even making the difficult decision to borrow at concessional rates that will not be available tomorrow to develop the present.

However, the investment today will pay off tomorrow. The development of a comprehensive sovereign wealth fund is the opportunity

Guyana has been expecting to leverage the prosperity of the future into the development of the present. It is the right call and sends the right message to the Guyanese people and international donors and investors alike, that, above all else, Guyana is ready to come to the table with a plan that puts long-term, sustainable fiscal planning at the service of today’s progress, while protecting tomorrow’s future.

Anyone that follows the oil and gas industry knows that, whether Guyana is ready or not, the world is ready for Guyana to become not only a petroleum producer, but also a future example of what is possible with technological innovation, hard-working people, political vision, and an appropriate legislative

and regulatory framework.

Guyana has already exhibited hard work, innovation, and vision to get to this point in the development of the industry.

Now, Guyana can show the world that it is possible to get a legal framework right, even when many other countries have not. Too much is at stake, and decisions, albeit measured and well-considered, must lead to decisive action in the implementation of a fund. I know I am optimistic about Guyana’s potential success and so is the world.

In writing this, I do not intend to imply that work is not being done to develop a sovereign wealth fund. In fact, I strongly commend the Government of Guyana for working on a draft bill and preparing

to have a fund in place by 2020. Instead, I want my comments to encourage the people of Guyana to believe in transformative change as something that is possible. I want to inspire them to remain committed to the conversations ahead because they will be necessary and important.

The input of the Guyanese people into the process will be instrumental to ensure the appropriate funds and mechanisms are in place to protect prosperity and pave a pathway to long-term growth. Ultimately, that is what will mark success, not a specific type of fund, although excellent examples exist, but a fund that builds on a future aligned with prosperity and hope.

8

Guyana participating in IICA fora in Brazil and Argentina GUYANA is among several Caribbean countries participating in a oneweek mission to Brazil and Argentina sponsored by the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), and aimed at promoting a South South Co-operation (SSC) in areas of technology cooperation and trade diversification.

According to an IICA release, the delegation of ministers and deputy ministers of agriculture of various Caribbean countries participating in the event in Brazilia, under the theme “South-South Cooperation/ Brazil-Caribbean”, are part of a mission led by IICA’s Director General of IICA, Manuel Otero. The forum began on March 12.

The ministers and deputy ministers of agriculture of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Suriname are participating.

Others in the Region who are part of the mission include senior representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). Guyana is repre-

sented by Mr. George Jervis.

The participating Brazilian counterparts are from the ministries of social development, Osmar Terra; Blairo Maggi from agriculture, livestock and supply, and the President of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Maurício Antonio Lopes.

IICA said that the main purpose of the event is to facilitate access to new technology and cooperation and diversify the trade of nations that are vulnerable in terms of food security and the effects of climate change.

Mr. Otero said: “The mission in Brazil marks the fulfillment of a specific commitment I made at the start of my administration — that of making IICA an institution that serves as a bridge between countries, regions, international agencies and issues, developing a new solidarity within our continent.

We are determined to ensure that the Americas cease to be the continent with the lowest levels of trade among its countries” The event on Monday began with presentations by the Brazilian ministers of state and the president of EMBRAPA. Otero was due to provide details of “IICA’s New Technical Cooperation Model” and Brazil’s National Secretary for Food and Nutrition Security, Caio Rocha,

and describe his country’s public policies for family farming and how they relate to food and nutrition security.

On Tuesday (today), the Caribbean ministers and representatives are to visit a unit of EMBRAPA that operates a climate simulation chamber for the production of vegetables under different environmental conditions, and a station where organic fertilizer is produced. They will also attend a lecture on good vegetable production practices for family farming.

Today, too, the officials will visit the Federal District’s Wholesale Produce Market (CEASA), where they will learn about a food procurement programme, an example of a public policy for the purchase, distribution and marketing of the agricultural production of family farmers.

The ministers’ activities in Brazil will conclude with meetings with the Minister of Social Development, the Director General of IICA and the Brazilian parliamentary leaders heavily involved in the agriculture sector.

The Caribbean delegates will travel to Argentina after their visit to Brazil to complete the mission by this weekend.

After their visit to Brazil, the Caribbean ministers will travel to Argentina, the IICA release stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Aroaima bus driver robbed, residents continue to call for urgent road repairs FOLLOWING a robbery that occurred five miles up the Ituni/Kwakwani trail from Linden, residents of Aroaima, Ituni and Kwakwani are again calling on the relevant authorities to make good on their promises to have the road repaired urgently. On Friday around 12:30 hrs, a minibus driver transporting goods from Linden to Aroaima, as well as two passengers in the bus, were beaten and robbed by three men armed with a gun and cutlasses.

Speaking to this publication on Monday, the driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he is of the firm belief that if the condition of the road was better, he could have escaped the perpetrators. He revealed that around five miles up, he noticed a car parked alongside the road but did not think anything amiss until the car drove in front of the bus, blocking the path. He then noticed that the number plate was blocked and tried to escape the ordeal, but because of the huge holes on the road, his attempt to drive away proved futile.

“It was three of us heading to Aroaima and I had goods in the bus and when I saw the number plate blocked I told them man that we have problems here now and I tried to drive away, but the car drive behind us like five minutes more and

Ituni road in its present condition

there was a tyre on the road, so I ran over the tyre and got stuck because I didn’t want to run over the car in front of us,” the driver related.

Three men then came out and ordered them out of the bus. “The one with the gun had a kerchief over his face and start lashing the man up, so his father said why you lashing up my son and he already gave the phone, and the man start lash up the father too. They ransack the whole bus, took out what they want. I was standing at the driver side and then one said let us see what the driver get and they come and took away my wallet and two phone,” he related.

Despite what occurred, the driver continues to ply the route to make a living.

However, he is calling not only for the road to be repaired, but also for police patrols and lights to be installed, since the trail is very dark during the evenings. “I

feel the police them should put something in place to run the area in the morning time when we coming and times when we going in back,” he suggested. Commander of ‘E’ Division, Anthony Vanderhyden said that the matter is being investigated.

Meanwhile, resident of Ituni, Keisha Griffith, on behalf of the residents, continues to make pleas to the Minister of Public Infrastructure and the Regional Chairman to have the road fixed.

Late last year, a mother delivered her baby on the Ituni trail and while the ambulance tried to transport the team to the Linden Hospital Complex, it broke down twice.

Bus drivers had also increased the fare to $2,500, citing the condition of the road which they say is causing them to lose most of their income in purchasing bus parts and frequent servicing.

Attempted murder accused now on Two remanded on separate drug two wounding charges charges ATTEMPTED murder accused, Leon Duncan, was on Monday charged for wounding two security officers attached to the “704 Sports Bar” during a party in the company’s parking lot on Mashramani morning.

Duncan, who operates a car wash service in front of his Festival City home, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with two separate matters.

The first charge alleged that on February 23 at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, Duncan unlawfully and maliciously wounded Kenrick Maynard.

The second charge read that on the same day and location, Duncan wounded Jeremy Adams.

Duncan denied both charges while his attorney, Mark Waldron, during a bail application, told the court that his client was wrongly

charged. He said it was a case of mistaken identity.

Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore objected to bail being granted to Duncan based on the seriousness of the charge.

The prosecutor said “704” employees were providing security at the “Sun Rise Fete” held on the eastern side of the parking lot on Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown.

A fight was observed several feet away from the bar and the security men approached the scene in an attempt to pacify the situation, when one of the persons fighting picked up a beer bottle and lashed the two security officer to their faces.

The magistrate released Duncan on $80,000 bail on each charge and adjourned the matter until March 26.

Duncan is currently on bail before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore for attempted

Former murder accused: Leon Duncan

murder. In 2017, Duncan was charged with attempted murder and discharging a loaded firearm with intent, in relation to two shooting incidents at the Rio Night Club and the Privilege Night Club.

TWO men on Monday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were remanded to prison for separate drug trafficking charges.

Adrian Nelson, a 40-year-old shop owner appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied that on March 7 at Pourderoyen, West Coast Demerara, he had 57 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question, the police stopped the motorcar the defendant was driving and conducted a search on the vehicle and his person.

Nelson, Mansfield added, was found with the drugs hidden in his pants pocket.

The magistrate, after hearing the police facts,

remanded Nelson to prison and transferred the matter to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court for March 19.

In another courtroom, Antonio Maraj appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, charged with having 57 grams of cannabis in his possession on March 6 at Ruimveldt for the purpose of trafficking.

Maraj of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, denied

the charge while prosecutor Alvin Moore told the court that the defendant was intercepted in a route 42 minibus with the drugs inside his haversack.

The prosecutor further added that the defendant, when arrested, told the police that he was making a ‘lil hustle’.

The magistrate remanded Maraj to prison until March 19.

Antonio Maraj

Adrian Nelson

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Modi for Guyana visit …as India commits to sugar, oil cooperation PRESIDENT David Granger and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi have pledged to strengthen the historical ties between Guyana and India through increased cooperation.

During a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, India yesterday, Prime Minister Modi told President Granger that India is willing to do whatever it can to support Guyana’s development and pointed out that there are many areas for cooperation, particularly in the sugar and oil sectors.

Guyana’s Head-of-State visited India to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the scale of Guyana-India relations and agreed to continue discussions when Prime Minister Modi visits Guyana later this year. President Granger also used the opportunity to update his Indian counterpart on the developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and expressed his appreciation for India’s support for Guyana on this matter, for which a final resolution will be sought

President David Granger and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi

at the International Court of Justice.

This meeting follows closely on a visit to India, in January of this year, by a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge during which Guyana and India signed three cooperation agreements--one on renewable energy, one on cultural exchange and the

framework agreement on ISA. Meanwhile, the President, on Saturday, met with the Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India, Mr. Raj Kumar Singh, during which he iterated that Guyana remains open to investment in solar energy. He noted that Guyana is keen to become a model of solar energy development. The Minister, in

Term-limit...

“That failure led to what may be considered as some element of flights of fancy which did not help us understand what should guide the court in interpreting Articles 1 and 9.” Gallop said too that Richardson’s written submission also posed difficulty as he contends that the responsibility of defining the meaning of the word sovereignty rests upon the court; something Gallop said the Chancellor failed to do. The Barbadian Queens Counsel lawyer argued too that the power bestowed on the people of Guyana was transferred to the Parliament by the people so that the sovereignty of the people remained guaranteed by their own Act. “In the absence of a properly defined concept of sovereignty by the learned Chancellor, it is our submission that the respondent has failed to show how Articles 1 and 9 had been amended or altered in any way to an extent that

the sovereignty of the people have been taken away.”

Gallop said too that the sovereignty of the people is being demonstrated by what they have committed the parliament to do. “The political directorate demonstrates what the people wish to have done and the remedy for failure in that regard is a political remedy I would respectfully submit. You vote them out but there can be no question that a parliament properly constituted in the manner and form of the constitution, making amendment to laws in the manner and form stipulated by the constituted is acting within the power of the constitution.”

Gallop contended that when issues of sovereignty and rights are not spelt out into the constitution, the court is invited “to take a flight of fancy”; to impose a number of subjected views on what may be constituted as rights. “This in our submis-

From page 3

sion of the court is the difficulty which the High Court and Court of Appeal found itself.” He stressed that in the absence of clearly defined terms in the constitution, “we are going into the realm of politics”. “A court should not bring its own interpretations and make its own interpretations so expansive as to trespass on that organ of the state to whom the right to legislate has been given by the constitution,” he stated.

He opined that in the absence of clearly expressed terms or defined concepts, a court should restrict itself to what the constitution says is allowable. In this regard, Gallop said the Chancellor confused himself by applying a faulty definition of sovereignty. The QC posited that given the conciseness of Article 9, which says that “sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by

response, indicated India’s willingness to send a team to assist Guyana in developing its solar energy plans. The President also met with Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, whom he briefed on plans to establish an international institute to help catalogue Guyana’s inventory of its flora and fauna and to undertake biodiversity research. President Granger responded favourably to the Minister’s request for a delegation from Guyana to be represented at World Environment Day celebrations in India on June 5, 2018.

The ISA Solar Summit, which was held on Sunday, brought together solar resource rich countries in order to help achieve the common goal of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of prospective ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.

The ISA has a potential membership of 121 countries located in the tropics, with 58 of those countries already signing the Framework Agreement establishing the ‘Alliance’. (Ministry of the Presidency) or under this Constitution”, the court is empowered to make a proper determination on what properly constitutes sovereignty.

“As long as a provision conforms to the manner and form of the constitution, Parliament can turn a man into a woman,” he added.

NO ALTERATION BY IMPLICATION For his part, Thorne QC stressed in his submission that Articles 1 and 9 of the Constitution cannot be altered by implication. He said too that the courts in Guyana have looked at Articles 1 and 9 selectively as the lower courts have extracted selective words. “There has not been a holistic reading of the articles. Articles 1 and 9 compose of political concepts, as embattled as they are…no one in the High Court, Court of Appeal nor written submissions from the other side has asked the question, ‘what is the definition of socialism?’”

Thorne went further to state that interpretation of

Linden man shot dead in suspected robbery THE community of Buck Town, Wismar, Linden, was plunged into a state of shock after a man was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head.

Dead is Romel Gomes also known as Eddie, of 53 Wismar Housing Scheme. He was discovered by a friend in his home around 18:00hrs with a suspected gunshot wound to his head. His hands were tied and his throat slit.

An alarm was raised and neighbours quickly converged at the home. Guyana Chronicle was told that Gomes, who lives alone, was still alive when he was found, but it took close to an hour before he was transported to the hospital, as those present were awaiting the arrival of the police. A neighbour then decided to transport him.

He was pronounced dead on arrival.

His car was missing and it is suspected that the perpetratorS made good their escape with it. While the police were unable to confirm the information up to press time, there are re-

ports that it was a robbery, since the victim operates a shop. “We just here the gunshot and then everybody ran over and I saw the blood, but he was already gone,” one neighbour related. Another said, “This boy is a quiet boy, don’t mix or anything. I don’t know who could have done this; I believe that he knew who was the person because of how they kill he. People working for their hard-earn money and people just want to rob you.” He would have been celebrating his 33rd birthday on the 22nd March. He leaves to mourn a son and other family members.

Articles 1 and 9 involves political judgment and noted that the court is entitled to make political judgments but outline the thin line between political and legal concepts such as sovereignty, and democracy. “I would like to submit that what the Guyana Court of Appeal did was to make political judgments with constitutional consequences…it is a constitutional consequence that is indeed undemocratic. The essential deficiency in the court of appeal judgment is that it has not cared to define indivisibility, secular… transition from capitalism to socialism…all it speaks of is sovereignty.”

Thorne declared that Article 9 of the Constitution does not define sovereignty but it locates sovereignty. He said while the Constitution has not defined the term the court has to power to so do.

“But when the court defines it, it must not define it in such a way that it has egregious constitutional consequences…this court may wish to caution itself against a ruling

of the majority of the court of appeal when it is clear that a limit of a term of the person who occupies the highest office is done to defend the integrity of a system.”

He said a term limit is instituted to give opportunities to many instead of one person as is the case in China. “The amendment is democratic,” he argued as is in the United States of America and Trinidad and Tobago. “There is in this part of the world revulsion of experiences of persons having indefinite stays in office. That is what Caribbean people are revulsed by when politicians who stay in office… let us stay indefinitely. Constitutions and the people try to safeguard the system so that one person does not occupy the office indefinitely,” the Barbadian lawyer contended. The court matter was presided on by Sir Dennis Byron, and Justices Adrian Saunders, Jacob Wit, David Hayton, Winston Anderson, Rajnauth Lee and Denys Barrow.

Dead: Romel Gomes

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Fashion icon, Givenchy, dies at 91 FRENCH fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created famous looks for Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, has died at the age of 91.

His partner, Philippe Venet, a former couture designer, confirmed the news.

The enduring appeal of Givenchy was showcased at this year’s Oscars, where Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman wore a custom design.

But the designer is best known for “the little black dress” worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

“It was an enormous help to know that I looked the part... Then the rest wasn’t so tough anymore,” Hepburn said of their partnership.

“Givenchy’s lovely simple clothes gave me the feeling of being whoever I played.”

The friendship between Givenchy and Hepburn endured for 40 years, and helped cement his place in fashion and cinema history.

She became his muse, and he designed her suits and woollen dresses for the musical, Funny Face, in 1957, and the light-hearted heist caper, How to Steal a Million, in 1966.

Givenchy came from an aristocratic background, and worked alongside the then unknown Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior after World War II. He was employed by the avant-garde designer, Elsa Schiaparelli before leaving to found his own fashion house in 1952. There he introduced the concept of “separates”, blouse, skirt, jacket and trouser combinations that could be mixed and matched.

The designer, who stood at a towering 1.98m (6ft 6in), won instant acclaim for his first collection at the age of 24.

“These dresses remind you of that first, best glass of champagne,” one admiring British fashion writer declared.

Givenchy swiftly ventured into menswear, and moved to New York to consolidate his success.

There, his celebrity customers included US First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore one of his designs to President John F Kennedy’s funeral in 1963.

Screen legend Grace Kelly, who would become Princess of Monaco, was another famous client.

In 1970, Givenchy

A young Givenchy with his muse, Audrey Hepburn, another legend, circa 1958

branched out into furnishing

Continental car.

fabrics, and designed interi-

A series of world-famous

ors for hotels and even a Ford

designers have held the cre-

ative reins at the fashion house since its founder retired in 1995.

They included talented mavericks John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, and, from 2005, Italian designer Riccardo Tisci, who introduced a more subversive aesthetic.

In March 2017, Clare Waight Keller became the first woman to be named the brand’s artistic director.

Givenchy remains a popular choice for actors seeking awards season glamour, including Wonder Woman star, Gal Gadot, who chose a gown from the label’s Haute Couture collection for the 2018 Oscars.

“Hubert de Givenchy was a symbol of Parisian elegance for more than half-a century,” his label said on Monday.

French business magnate Bernard Arnault, head of the luxury goods company LVMH which now owns Givenchy, called the designer “one of the creators who put Paris at the summit of world fashion in the 1950s.”

The designer had asked that his friends and admirers make a donation to the children’s charity, UNICEF in his memory, instead of sending flowers.

(BBC)

New film ‘flips the script’ on Mary Magdalene

--paints her in new, almost saintly light A NEW film about Mary Magdalene sets out to refute the commonly held assumption that she was a prostitute redeemed by Christ.

Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ are but just a selection of the films, television dramas and stage shows that have depicted Mary Magdalene as a fallen woman redeemed by the Son of God. A new film, though, flips the script to show Mary in a new light: As an independent free-thinker who bore witness to Jesus's death and resurrection and who deserves to be considered as an apostle in her own right.

This is deeply contentious territory that flies in the face of the commonly accepted orthodoxy that Mary of Magdala was a prostitute.

Yet, Rooney Mara and Garth Davis, the star and director of Mary Magdalene, are prepared for whatever controversy comes their way.

The claim that Mary was a sex worker comes from Pope Gregory I, who declared her to be a penitent

prostitute in the year 591.

It is a notion that has been perpetuated for centuries, partly thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber, who had Mary sing about the "many men" she's "had" in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Yet, there is no reference of Mary being a prostitute or a sinner in any of the New Testament gospels. Indeed, the only suggestions of ill repute come in Mark and Luke, which refer to demons being cast out of her.

Put all the evidence together, and it is easy to conclude that Mary has been the victim of 1,400 years' worth of character assassination.

(The Catholic Church "cleared" Mary's name in 1969, while Pope Francis formally identified her as the "apostle of the apostles" in 2016.)

"The more I got into it and the more I learned about who Mary really was, the more shocked I was that most people know her to be a prostitute," says Mara.

"All these men who are in this story have churches around the world in their

name, yet she is known as the whore. It made me kind of angry actually."

"To learn it was an invention of Pope Gregory was astonishing, and to learn that Mary's story had never been told in a popular way was tragic," says Davis "I felt that her story absolutely had to be told, and I felt even more impassioned to tell it once I knew it had been hidden for so long."

The Mary we meet in Mary Magdalene is a young woman from a Galilean fishing village whose talent for midwifery makes her an outcast.

When she learns of a charismatic missionary named Jesus preaching in her vicinity, she needs little encouragement to seek him out and become his follower.

This leads her to being present at the Last Supper, looking on as Christ is crucified, and being the first person to witness his resurrection.

"There were so many things about her that appealed to me," says Mara.

"She was vulnerable, yet she had this strength and this

A scene from the movie desire to really follow her true self.

"Her faith and her love of God were so important to her, she gave up everything in her life to follow that. I thought that was very brave."

"Mary has this otherworldliness and this spiritual calling," says Davis. "For me that was very critical in creating her as a character.

"Rooney's one of the most emotionally truthful actresses I know; in the silences she opens up universes. She's so unique and I felt she would bring the most compelling Mary to life."

Jesus himself is played

by Joaquin Phoenix, who - in

addition to being a three-time Academy Award nominee happens to be Mara's real-life boyfriend.

"I was determined to create a Jesus that was very relatable, that was both human and divine," explains Davis.

"Joaquin manages to summon a deep spirituality in his performances and he also manages to take us through light and dark with a great sense of compassion."

Compassion has been in short supply of late for disgraced mogul Harvey Weinstein, who was an executive producer on Davis's previous film Lion.

Like Lion before it, Mary Magdalene was to have been

released in the US by The Weinstein Company.

Yet the collapse of that company in the wake of the sexual harassment claims made against Harvey Weinstein has left its future uncertain.

Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.

"My focus is to make sure the film gets seen, and it would be a tragedy if it was never seen in North America," says Davis.

"Our producers are dealing with the ever-changing tapestry of the Weinstein situation and are looking at all options. Watch this space."

Mara, meanwhile, is hopeful that Mary Magdalene will connect with a broader demographic than "faithbased" projects tend to.

"I grew up Catholic but no longer consider myself part of any organised religion, so I wasn't that keen to make a religious film," says the 32-year-old.

"But I knew that Garth was setting out to make more of a spiritual than a religious film, and I think in that capacity it can reach a much wider audience."

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

City Hall submits outstanding vouchers – review of documents for AG to complete audit to take two months THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has submitted payment vouchers for the spending of $173.4 million to the Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma. The vouchers had been outstanding for over a year.

When asked by the AG and the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrell last year to present the documents, City Hall had said that they could not find them.

“The council handed over the vouchers on Thursday and Friday last week…we are not sure if those are all the documents, but my officers are down there right now checking off these vouchers,” Sharma announced during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Monday.

Members of the PAC were critical of the move

by City Hall to present the

documents despite claiming that they could not be found.

City Treasurer, Ron McCalmont left many questions unanswered, but apologised for the late submission, noting that the answers would be found in the AG’s report.

PAC members had expressed how difficult it was to access information from the council. Chairman of the PAC, Irfan Ali and a member of the committee, Bishop Juan Edghill said the council has failed to present financial reports to the Ministry of Communities and even the AG. “We cannot continue like this…the M&CC refused blatantly to provide the Auditor General with a report…they cannot verify any expenditure by this agency, so there is nothing in the financial realm and operations of this agency that can be really explained and verified because of the

City Treasurer, Ron McCalmont before the PAC on Monday

attitude towards not only the Auditor General’s Office but the Ministry,” said Ali during a previous PAC meeting.

In light of this, member of the PAC Nigel Dharamlall had called for intervention by the police and criminal charges to be laid against the Treasurer and the Town

Clerk, Royston King.

The projects that were under the radar include, Constabulary Training School, $23.096 million; City Engineers building, $13.594 million; Constabulary Headquarters building, $12.921 million; Kitty Market, G $60.121 million; and the Al-

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma informs the PAC about the situation with City Hall (Delano Williams photo)

bouystown Clinic, $21.580 million.

During the recent PAC meeting, the AG said it will take him at least two months to verify whether or not the payment vouchers are valid.

According to Sharma, he was told that the documents were stored in three different

locations, so logistical errors led to the misplacement of the documents.

Dharamlall and Edghill were critical of the responses from the City Hall but Chairman of the Committee, Irfaan Ali said the AG will give advice on the way forward.

US urges swift action on Sovereign Wealth Fund As Guyana’s petroleum sector evolves, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway while pointing to the country’s move into the realm of an important energy market stressed the need for a strong and transparent Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Ambassador Holloway noted in an OP-ED, that in spite of the often “exaggerated gloom and doom pronouncements” in sections of the media, “Guyana is poised to be a very rich country for this region with considerable revenue streams in the future.”

He said at the recent oil and gas conference at the Georgetown Marriott which welcomed hundreds of delegates, the world saw a nation poised to be transformed. The US Ambassador expressed hope that as the development of a long-term vision for a green, sustainable economy continues, “conversations will continue to prioritise implementation of a strong comprehensive Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, in the broadest sense, that is transparent, independent, inviolable, and non-partisan.”

He said that the fund will immediately begin to invest in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture,

and security sectors of the country. “I am referring to a concerted effort by all stakeholders to start a continuous conversation on how best to implement fiscal plans that directly address the needs of all Guyanese now,” the US Ambassador said.

He cautioned that the urgency cannot be understated and according to him difficult decisions are ahead, whether they involve identifying the right talent to manage the SWF or making the difficult decision to borrow at concessional rates that will not be available tomorrow to develop the present. Ambassador Holloway noted however, that the investment today will pay off tomorrow.

He said that the development of a comprehensive SWF is the opportunity the country has been expecting to leverage the prosperity of the future into the development of the present. He added that the opportunity is “the right call and sends the right message to the Guyanese people and international donors and investors alike, that, above all else, Guyana is ready to come to the table with a plan.” He said the plan puts long-term, sustainable fiscal planning at the service of today’s progress, while

protecting tomorrow’s future.

According to Ambassador Holloway, the development model the country chooses will need to be a decision of the people through a process of public consultations and legislative debate.

He emphasized that as Guyana considers its future, it will not be enough simply to have a “rainy day fund” or even an investment fund, but to institute a revenue and investment framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation.

Ambassador Hollo way noted that whether the country is ready or not for sector’s development, the world is ready for Guyana to become not only a petroleum producer, but also a future example of what is possible with technological innovation, hardworking people, political vision, and an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework. He said the country has already exhibited hard work, innovation, and vision to get to this point in the development of the industry. “Now, Guyana can show the world that it is possible to get a legal framework right, even when many other countries have not,” the US Ambassador

Ambassador Perry Holloway

said. Ambassador Holloway commended the government for working on a draft SWF Bill and preparing to have a fund in place by 2020.

Back in December last year Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman had said that details of the long-anticipated Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) could be released to the public as early as the first quarter of 2018. Guyana has been receiving economic advice from the Oceans and Natural Resources Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat on the drafting of laws and establishment of the institutions and fiscal rules for the SWF. Minister Trotman had

said the government was part of a workshop hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, where a framework for the SWF was settled upon. The next step, he explained, is taking the Bill to Cabinet and later to the public by the end of March of next year. Minister Trotman said he is confident of the steps taken thus far, particularly because Guyana is ahead of many countries in this process. “While Guyana has not yet produced, it has the beginnings of the framework so that when production comes, the country is ready. Every bit of legislation pertaining to the sector will be shared with the public before we attempt to pass [it]. Even in parliament, there will be a provision for more scrutiny,” he said.

Economic Adviser, Oceans and Natural Resources Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr. Daniel Wilde, had said he was impressed that the Government of Guyana is setting up a SWF so early in the process, even before there is any substantial production. According to him, there are many countries in the world that have been substantially producing for many years but have not set up SWFs until they were well into the process. “The

fact that the government here has had the foresight to look at the long-term and put the law and institutions and fiscal rules in place well before commercial production should be commended,” the adviser said.

Dr. Wilde said the team now has a solid draft which will see realisation of the three objectives of the fund, including short-term stabilisation, substantial inter-generational saving and having enough money for the long-term economic development and its ongoing spending commitments.

He said the workshop was well received and saw participants from the Bank of Guyana (BoG), Ministry of Finance, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Natural Resources and the Auditor General’s Office. A SWF is defined as pools of money derived from a country’s reserves, which are set aside for investment purposes that will benefit the country’s economy and citizens. The funding for a Sovereign Wealth Fund comes from central bank reserves that accumulate because of budget and trade surpluses, and even from revenue generated from the exports of natural resources.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

GCCI backs Butters-Grant on UG Council THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has thrown its support to Ms. Allison Butters-Grant of Global Seafoods Distributors Inc. who has been appointed to serve on the University of Guyana Council.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), has since criticised Ms. Butters-Grant’s appointment. In a statement on Monday, the GCCI said it has taken note of the recent negative press regarding the appointment of Ms. Butters-Grant to the University of Guyana Council. It stated that Ms. Butters-Grant is the immediate past-secretary of the Chamber and has laboured for the Chamber in this capacity as well as a past councillor. “She has served the Chamber in a positive way and has distinguished herself as a member of the Chamber. As such, we have

Businesswoman Allison Butters-Grant

full confidence in her ability to discharge the duties of a councillor of the University of Guyana.”

The University of Guyana Act 1963, Section 13, Subsection 2 (j) speaks to ‘four (4) persons to be nominated by such non-govern-

mental organisations as in the opinion of the Minister are most representative of the interests of Women, Farmers, Amerindians and Business.’

“Based on the current law, the Minister is within her authority to select a person that she sees fit to serve in the capacity of Councillor of University of Guyana representing the business community. Hence, the statement emanating from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) was unwarranted, the GCCI said.

On the weekend the PSC called on the government to remove Butters-Grant, as the business representative of the PSC sitting on the University of Guyana’s Council. “We urge that those responsible to correct this anomaly forthwith,” the PSC said in a statement. In the statement issued on Friday, the

PSC expressed great concern about the appointment of a Butters-Grant to the UG Council.

The body said Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Vibert Welch, had written the Commission on June 27, 2017 requesting the nomination of a representative of the PSC and according to the PSC, “we nominated the executive head of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Limited (CAGI) which we consider to be the private sector authority on education and human development matters to sit on the new council.”

The commission made it clear that this has been the practice over the last 25 years. “The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is extremely disappointed with regard to the appointment of the representative of business on the council of the

University of Guyana,” the statement said. Additionally, the body reminded that it is important that its voice as the umbrella private sector organisation for business, be represented on the council.

Earlier this month, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced that approval has been granted for the appointment of representatives to sit on the UG Council for the period March 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019. The council members are: Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris; Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; UG Academic Board, Jacqueline Murray; Committee of Deans, Dr. Paulette Bynoe AA; President, UGSS, Norwell Hinds; President, UGSSA, Dr. Jewel Thomas; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Vibert Welch; Budget Director, Ministry

of Finance, Sonya Roopnauth; APNU/AFC Representative, Vincent Alexander; Representative, Parliamentary Opposition; Women’s Interest, Jasmin Harris; Farmer’s Interest, Patrick De Groot; Indigenous Peoples’ Interest, Marian Andrew; Business Interest, Allison Butters-Grant; Guyana Trade Union Congress, Ivor English; Representative, Guild of Graduates, Lawyer’s Association, Timothy Jonas; Medical Council of Guyana, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran and Marissa Seepersaud.

The Chancellor’s Nominees are Major General Joe Singh (Ret’d); Myrna Bernard; Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, as well as nominees from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Burnt teen arrives in US for skin grafting surgery Guyana labour survey to be released – Shri Devi Mandir Global to the rescue on Thursday THE results of the Guyana Labour Force Survey, for the period July to September 2017, will be officially announced on Thursday by the Bureau of Statistics.

The figures for employment, unemployment, the size of the workforce, age, sex and salary scales are some of the labour force statistics that will be shared with the public. This is the first phase of a continuous quarterly labour force survey programme for which the resulting statistics would be published on a regular basis, a release from the bureau said.

According to the bureau, prior to July 2017 no such survey was regularly conducted in Guyana. This reality hindered the possibility of having up-to-date, objective information to inform evidence-based policy decisions. The bureau said continuous Labour Force Surveys (LFS) is one of the main tools used to track labour market dynamics such as unemployment, job creation and job destruction.

The LFS for the quarters July to September and October to December of 2017 were funded by the IDB and executed by the consulting firm, Sistemas Integrales

Ltd. in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistics and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The format of the LFS execution has ensured that the BOS develop the capacity to now conduct the subsequent LFS for 2018 and beyond. Funding for the 2018 LFS is provided by the Government of Guyana.

The bureau said that once launched the public will be able to access the 2017 July to September LFS bulletin at the Bureau’s website, www. statisticsguyana.gov.gy. All future LFS bulletins and reports will be published on the Bureau’s website.

The BOS is urging all Guyanese to support its survey efforts. All LFS selected households are asked to participate by providing the required information to the Bureau’s enumerators and other designated field staff. Individual information would be treated confidentially and would not be published nor shared with any person or organisation. Your information would assist the Bureau to construct the key labour force indicators which are crucial for planning both at the government and private sector levels.

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Foundation Inc. located in the United States of America

Susan Culpepper at Cheddi Jagan International Airport before she left for USA

has come on board to assist the teenager from Charity, Essequibo Coast, who was severely burnt by her ex-boyfriend due to jealousy.

According to President of the Humanitarian Foundation, Pandit Tillackharry Seerattan, the foundation members saw the teen’s story and came onboard to assist and give her a truly transformational life.

Pandit Seerattan said that

the teenager along with her mother, Cheryln Benn, arrived safely in New York on March 11, and will be going to Texas at the Shnider Hospital for her first surgery. The first one she will undergo is called the ‘Skin Grafting” and it will take close to four to six weeks. The president of the organisation said that they will be taking full responsibility in sponsoring her entire expenses including housing, meals, travelling and any medical cost throughout her treatment in Texas.

Susan Culpepper who arrived with her mother,Cheryln, is currently staying in Jamaica New York with Pandit Seerattan. According to the President, it was challenging to get Culpepper to the USA. However with the help of associate organisations such as SHEA foundation it was made possible. He related that the teenager did not have a passport or a visa but Lori Narine of the SHEA foundation volunteered and got all the documentations.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, also assisted in the process ensuring that the teenager acquired her passport as well as her medical visa.

Pandit Seerattan further explained that the teenager will have to spend about four to six weeks in USA and then she would return to Guyana to continue her treatment at the Burns Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In a year’s time, she will again revisit Texas where she will undergo

The teenager with her mother Cheryln Benn and President of the Humantarian group, Pandit Tillack Seerattan at JFK airport

her second surgery.

This is the second person who was severely burnt that the Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Foundation Inc. has assisted. Members say that one of the global duties of the organisation is to provide aid to the sick and needy.

Susan Culpepper was severely burnt by her ex-boy-

friend on February 3, at Charity Village on the Essequibo Coast. She was visiting her boyfriend when her ex lit them alight. She suffered severe burns about her body.

Kyle Goddette who is the main suspect was granted bail and is currently walking free while the teenager is seeking medical attention.

Members of the Humanitarian Organisation along with the teenager and her mother in New York

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

‘G’ Division steps up community Vincentian Justice Adrian Saunders is next CCJ president meetings … residents request street lights, police patrols JUSTICE Adrian Dudley Saunders, a citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been appointed as the incoming President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, with effect from July 4, 2018.

In a release, the CCJ said the Heads of Government of CARICOM, acting on the nomination of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commisison (RJLSC), made the appointment at its last meeting which was held in Haiti from February 26-27, 2018.

The RJLSC had selected Mr. Justice Saunders after a competitive merit-based process. Justice Saunders will replace Sir Dennis Byron, the current president.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the Right Honourable Sir Dennis Byron, said, “Justice Saunders’ appointment to be the incoming President of the Court has been greeted with pleasure by the entire

Incoming CCJ President, Justice Adrian Dudley Saunders

Bench of the Court. He has served with distinction and has exhibited qualities of excellence, sharp intellect, strong moral values, leadership skills and encyclopaedic knowledge for the law tempered by things Caribbean”.

Mr. Justice Saunders is Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO). He is also the

Course Director of the Halifax-based Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute.

Mr. Justice Saunders has also co-authored the book, Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) in 1975 and the Legal Education Certificate of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad & Tobago in 1977.

He was called to the Bar of St. Vincent & the Grenadines in that same year. Mr. Justice Saunders remained in private practice as a barrister and solicitor from 1977 until 1996 when he was appointed as a Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).

In 2003, he was confirmed as a Justice of Appeal of the ECSC and one year later he was appointed to act as Chief Justice of that Court.

Mr. Justice Saunders was appointed a Judge of the CCJ in 2005.

Two teens accused of stealing motorcycle TWO teenagers from Riverstown Village on the Essequibo Coast were on Monday granted bail on a charge of stealing a motorcycle.

Lochan Roopram, 18, and Rayan Brijohan, 17, both made their first appearance in the matter before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on March 7, they stole a motorcycle valued $270,000 from Mohamed Wahab. The teenagers pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted $75,000 bail each. The case will be called again on April 3.

POLICE ranks attached to G Division (Essequibo Coast and Essequibo Islands) have upped their face-the-community meetings and have been interacting with residents, as well as listening to their concerns.

Recently, ranks from the Division held a meeting with Zorg villagers where residents in that community requested more street lights, continuing of police patrols and the clearing of bushy areas.

Residents related to police that the area was usually pitch black in the nights and as such street lights would be beneficial to the community.

During the interactions

Police ranks from the Division along with residents

between the police and residents it was revealed that several young men in the village were imbibing openly, as well as getting involved in other illicit activities. They requested more vigilance in the area.

Speaking to residents was Assistant Superintendent Andrew Cumberbatch, who spoke about

team policing and the 911 system. He urged parents to get their children involved in the police youth groups as a way of getting them actively involved in activities.

Other ranks present at the meeting included the head of the crime division in the region, Shivram Murugaya, Corporal Dandrade and Sergeant Moore.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Sod turned for $132.2M Magistrate’s Court at Diamond/Grove ACTING Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan joined those sitting at the helm of the judiciary to turn the sod for a $132.2M Magistrate’s Court at Golden Grove on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The multimillion-dollar court, which when completed will be equipped with an elevator, will significantly reduce the thousands of cases being heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

On Monday, the Acting Prime Minister joined the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sueanna Lovell, to turn the sod for the construction of the Diamond/ Grove Magistrate’s Court, which will be erected in the compound of the Golden Grove Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara.

During the simple sod turning and tree planting ceremony, the acting Chief Justice noted that the construction of the court building is in direct response to the rapidly expanding housing schemes in Diamond and

Golden Grove. “We just had Providence Court that was serving this community but due to the development in this area, we have thought it fit to have another court to serve this area as we seek to ensure access to justice throughout our country,” Justice George-Wiltshire told those present.

In presenting an overview, the Supreme Court Registrar noted that the project is the brainchild of former

Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh. “Before the end of his tenure as Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh being cognisant of the need to make justice more accessible for the citizens of Guyana, had an idea to build another Magistrate’s Court on the East Bank of Demerara,” she said.

It was explained that the Providence Magistrate’s Court currently serves the entire East Bank Demerara

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, turning the sod for the court along with Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire (centre) and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards (right), as the contractor Subhas Rupee looks on

corridor, from Agricola to Timehri. The rapid expansion of housing schemes along that corridor has resulted in a significant increase in the number of cases being heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, and has created a burdensome situation for judicial personnel there.

“While it [Providence Magistrate’s Court] may have been adequate… in the 70s, 80s and 90s, because of the rapid expansion of the housing developments on the East Bank over the past few years, that Magistrate’s Court simply could not adequately serve our citizens on the East Bank.

Against this back drop, his honour sought to identify a suitable location for the court and since this area in Diamond/Grove had become one of the largest and most densely populated housing developments on the East Bank, it made sense to establish the court at or near this area,” Lovell explained.

She said the then Chancellor was made aware of a plot of land near the Golden Grove Police Station and set about working to bring his idea to reality.

The Supreme Court sought and was granted ap-

Father beats daughter with Attempted murder charge scrubbing board, iron pipe – sister remanded A MAN was on Monday fined $100,000 or in default, one month’s jail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for beating his daughter because she came home late from school.

Ibeniko Fredericks accepted that on March 5 at East La Penitence, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted his 16-year-old daughter to cause her actual bodily harm.

The facts revealed that on the day in question, the girl came home late from school and when her father asked where she had been, she answered in a rude tone of voice.

The man became angry and held on to her hair and pushed her onto the ground and began slapping her.

He then armed himself with a wooden scrubbing board and dealt the girl sev-

Ibeniko Fredericks

eral lashes. He then picked up an iron pipe and lashed the girl about her body.

The next day the teen went to school and the teacher, who saw marks of violence on her, reported the matter to the welfare department and the father was arrested.

A 33-year-old woman who reportedly stabbed her brother with a knife was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus for attempted murder.

Hazel Gonsalves was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on March 11 at One Mile Road, Potaro River, she wounded Keron Gonsalves with intent to commit murder.

According to reports, on the day in question, there was a heated argument between the two siblings.

It was reported that the woman armed herself with a knife and stabbed her brother.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the woman being released on bail, based on the seriousness of the charge, since the victim is still hospitalized.

Hazel Gonsalves

The magistrate remanded the woman and adjourned the matter for April 3.

An artist’s impression of the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court (Photos by Adrian Narine)

proval from the Ministry of Public Security, under whose jurisdiction the plot of land fell, and the Diamond/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council for permission to construct the court in the area.

The contract was awarded to PD Contracting Services to the tune of $132.2M. The contractual agreement was signed on November 1, 2017 for a period of one year; however, there were some delays.

“Now since we have signed the contract and mobilised, we suffered some delays in relation to inclement weather, and because of the layout of this land we had some difficulties getting on the way. However, we hope to make up time during our

upcoming dry season to be able to keep the project on schedule,” she posited.

Upon completion, the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court will house two court rooms, a library, two magistrate’s chambers, two clerk’s offices, a complete registry, holding cell, briefing room, and a janitor’s room among other facilities. It is expected to be the first court in Guyana with an elevator.

The contractor, Subhas Rupee told reporters that this is the fifth court his company will be constructing. PD Contracting Services built the Family Court, the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, the Wales’ Magistrate Court and the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Nothing found in Linden carjacking investigation; police continue search

THE intelligence-led operation that occurred last Thursday in Linden where scores of hire cars were hauled in at the Mackenzie Police Station proved futile, since no stolen cars or car parts were recovered.

Commander of ‘E’ Division, Anthony Vanderhyden told the media on Monday that all of the cars that were checked had legal documentation except for one that was a cut-up vehicle, but further investigation revealed that it was bought that way.

He, however, revealed that officers will continue to remain vigilant as intelligence suggests that stolen cars are trafficked to Linden through the Bartica trail. This operation was done only a few weeks after two raids were done by officers in ‘A’ Division at Kuru Kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway. Police say that one of the key players in the operation rented out the stolen cars to young taxi drivers. Several persons were charged, including an ex-policeman.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Concert in honour of women draws large crowd SCORES of people last Saturday attended a concert in honour of women which was coordinated by the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission.

The concert was held at the Promenade Gardens.

The concert featured riveting performances from the likes of singer and former Miss World Guyana, Lisa Punch; Canadian jazz singer, Faith Amour; calypso winner, Onika Joseph and other female Guyanese talents.

Though a short downpour cut the proceedings, the

hundreds present ‘pressing for progress’, remained to revel in the celebrations.

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger was among those who braved the rains to enjoy the concert. Giving the feature remarks earlier, she highlighted the myriad of opportunities harnessed by women across Guyana.

“I must say that I am in awe of the women and children who have been beaten down by circumstances but have seized the opportunities offered to transform their lives,” Mrs Granger declared.

Through programmes

fostered by her office, many Guyanese women, children and men have been able to garner training opportunities and generally, empowered to transform their lives.

She shared successes garnered by the ‘Self-reliance and success inbBusiness workshops’ where nearly 900 women and a few men, drawn from every administrative region, participated.

“I have seen women who have completed the Self-reliance and Success in Business workshops conducted

by Interweave Solutions in collaboration with my of-

First Lady Sandra Granger; Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee; Acting President Carl Greenidge and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (seated L-R) enjoying the concert

fice, prepare their business plans and apply for loans and grants from the microenterprise organisations,” the First Lady noted.

Furthermore, she said, “I have seen one of our workshop participants, less than a year after completing that workshop, submit her business plan at the national Guyexpo competition and place third.” And some of these women, according to her, have even followed the necessary steps to sell their products in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). She also addressed various organiz-sations and

areas where women have benefitted and notably mentioned the work done by the Women Across Differences(WAD) and pioneer of robotics in Guyana, Karen Abrams.

While the First Lady and her office have been instrumental in fostering activities which promote women, she counted herself fortunate to be surrounded by people like her husband, President David Granger, and various governmental ministers, who also see the need to empower women and strive for gender parity.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle was Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, who noted that Canada has had a long history of promoting gender equality and was happy to see this fostered in Guyana. “We wanted to do something special for Guyana- for International Women’s Day--and what we wanted to do was celebrate Guyanese achievements,” Chatterjee said.

“The whole purpose of this event was to showcase Guyanese performers and to basically celebrate the progress of women.”

One of the performances during the concert

Dharmic Sabha hosts medical Jyoti Association building new Mandir at Craig outreach in Region Two THE Essequibo Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Saturday hosted a medical outreach for persons living within the environs of Affiance.

Approximately 100 persons were treated for the common cold while those with fever and major ailments were referred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

The medical outreach was part of the Praant’s ongoing efforts in reaching out to persons suffering from various chronic diseases. On-the-spot blood pressure and glucose testing were done by doctors and nurses attached to the Suddie Public Hospital.

According to President of the Essequibo Coast Praant, Pandit Kydar Persaud, the medical outreach was hosted at an opportune time, reaching out to those in need and he thanked the major stakeholders for making the outreach a grand success. Those who supported the outreach included the Suddie Public Hospital and local pharmacies. Drugs and medications were donated by Satro’s Pharmacy, Multi-care and

THE Guyana Jyoti Association on Saturday last held a small ceremony to mark the commencement of construction of a new Mandir to be established in the village of Craig, East Bank Demerara.

In attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting President, Carl Greenidge; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, former President, Donald Ramotar, mem-

bers of the opposition and other stakeholders.

Greenidge said, “Guyana as a multi-cultural society needs to continue to embrace diversity; especially in the way it markets itself internationally”. The minister commended the Jyoti Association for its dedication in ensuring that religion and culture remain evident in Guyana.

Minister Ally recalled the group first approaching her when she was appointed

Minister of Social Cohesion.

She said since then they have persevered in ensuring that the building of Craig Mandir was realised. The vision behind this venture is to assist in the fostering of social cohesion while developing the community and its peoples. As a part of the launch there was a cultural presentation and the ceremonial breaking of a coconut on the soil. Members of the Association and other persons present applauded the Government for its continued support.

Persons getting registered at the medical outreach

Shatrie’s Pharmacy.

The medical outreach was monitored by four doctors - Marlon Sooknarine, Christopher Beharry, Latchman Bharratt and Shewcharran Sookdeo, three nurses Mellese Bisnauth, Yougeta Singh, Madavi Persaud Bhola along with Nalini Bhagwandass, a lab technican from the Suddie Public Hospital.

Those who were treated thanked the religious organisation for hosting such a project within the Affiance community. However, they called for outreaches of such nature to be held more often.

The Essequibo Dharmic Nawjawan youths were also part of the outreach assisting with registration and assisting persons.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting President, Carl Greenidge, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma; former President Donald Ramotar, and other members of the opposition and other stakeholders at the ceremony

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAY, MARCH 13, 2018

Mayor disallows Duncan’s no-confidence motion – Councillors question wisdom of her decision

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Monday threw out Councillor Sherod Duncan’s Motion of no confidence against Town Clerk Royston King.

In doing so, she cited having had legal advice that King can only be disciplined by the Local Government Commission (LGC).

The motion, which was brought against King by the Alliance for Change (AFC) Councillor and seconded

by Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, not only spoke to a number of shortcomings on King’s part, but also accused him of acting outside of the interests of the citizens of Georgetown.

It also accused King of showing “total disregard” for the laws governing the municipality, which adumbrate the role of the Town Clerk and Council, and set the latter as the supreme decision-making body.

“I advise that the Motion, if passed in its present form, would be otiose, nugatory, incompetent, ineffectual and of no legal effect,” was the advice given by attorney-at-law and former magistrate, Maxwell Edwards.

Under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, a Town Clerk cannot be disciplined by the City Council; only by the LGC, which became operational on October 23, 2017, the mayor said in reading Maxwell’s advice to councillors.

And even if the no-confidence vote was carried, it would not have been binding on the LGC as the disci-

Councillor Carolyn Caesar-Murray

plinary authority.

“The proposed mover of the Motion is not a member of the LGC, nor is he to be presumed to be acting under delegated authority,” the lawyer advised, adding that Duncan’s Motion should be limited only to a discussion of his allegations.

Chase-Green, as directed by the lawyer’s advice, asked Duncan to amend his Motion by removing the “vote of no confidence” aspect of it. But he refused, resulting in the mayor ruling that the Motion will not be allowed.

DISSENT However, several councillors have criticised the mayor’s handling of the matter, on the grounds that she ruled on the advice brought to the Council by the very Town Clerk, against whom the Motion was brought.

One APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) Councillor who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on

condition of anonymity, said it is the Council, and not the Town Clerk, that should have sought legal advice on the matter.

Said he: “My thing is that if the Council wanted, it could’ve engaged an attorney; not the Town Clerk.

“Despite what you are getting may be legally sound, there may well be other ways of looking at it as well, and other ways of how you can support rather than throw out.

“So, really, if we wanted to have a legal opinion, then the Council should have solicited that. King seeking that advice is tantamount to a conflict. I might be wrong, but that’s how I see it.”

Team Legacy’s councillor, Carolyn Caesar-Murray told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that the City Council has its team of lawyers, and hence they should have been contacted.

“I totally believe that the city has its group of attorneys,” she said. “And for something of this magnitude, we should have gotten advice from our legal experts and not from an attorney that is dealing directly with the Town Clerk.”

Caesar-Murray went on to say that an independent lawyer should have been contacted in this instance to pronounce on the matter.

“We didn’t even need to use the information from the Town Clerk to look at this ‘No- Confidence Motion’,” she said, “because embedded in 28:01... it speaks to the power of the Council and says we don’t have the authority to discipline local-government officials.

“We had enough merit

Councillor Sherod Duncan (second left)

that we didn’t need King’s information to make a decision.”

HIGHLY PREJUDICIAL People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s councilor, Bishram Kuppen opined that the mayor’s decision to read the single opinion of an attorney that is favourable to the Town Clerk is highly prejudicial to the Motion.

“She should have circulated it beforehand to give the councillors, especially the councillor who moved the Motion, enough time to look at it and challenge it,” Kuppen said, adding: “Now the mayor went on the opinion of a single individual. What about competing opinions? This is not the ruling of a court of law; this is a single lawyer’s opinion.

It doesn’t mean he’s right, and no other lawyer was given an opportunity.”

Kuppen said he believes that the mayor may have had the lawyer’s advice for quite some time, but failed to share it with the rest of the Council.

“I think that is highly prejudicial, and Councillor Duncan should’ve been given an opportunity to ventilate on that issue,” he said. “I raised my hands several times to speak, and she would not al-

low me, but she would allow councillors from her own political party to speak.

“The mayor should’ve sought the opinion of an independent lawyer as opposed to taking the opinion of the Town Clerk’s lawyer as gospel.”

Chase-Green, however, pointed out to this newspaper that it was by a majority decision that the Council agreed to accept the lawyer’s advice.

Meanwhile, in a social media post, Duncan said he was not even allowed the courtesy to speak to his own Motion, even though it was placed on the agenda.

“The Town Clerk procured legal advice that the Mayor, Her Worship Patricia Chase-Green, admitted was not asked for by Council, but was read out before my Motion,” he wrote in his post.

“Her Worship said the Town Clerk procured the legal advice because the matter concerns him. The advice was later accepted by Council ahead of my tabled Motion.”

Duncan said he believes the legal advice is biased and against natural justice, as it was procured from the husband of a sitting Councillor, Noelle Chow-Chee, “who is clearly against any sanctioning of the Town Clerk.”

Town Clerk, Royston King on Monday

“So, in effect, the Mayor followed the advice of an individual who has no authority at Local Government; whose advice was not sought by the Council but by the Town Clerk who is the centre of the Motion in question.

“Also, what I find frightening and against the law of natural justice and democratic norms is the fact that the Town Clerk was allowed to guide the House from his chair, even though the matter concerns him centrally. Natural justice is clear, ‘nemo iudex in causa sua,’ no-one should be a judge in his own cause,” Duncan said.

WiPay, ‘PayPal of the Caribbean’, soon to be active locally – to empower small, medium-size businesses to be a part of e-commerce THE age of long lines and hours of waiting is slowly coming to an end, especially with the advent of Electronic Commerce (E-commerce) and online shopping which allow persons to shop from the comfort of their homes once they have resources like WiPay. WiPay is an online payment system that is geared at changing the local business landscape in order to afford small and medium-scale businesses a chance to play a role in the e-commerce industry, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WiPay Guyana and Consultant of WiPay Regional, Wystan Robertson.

Robertson, who was the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), believes that WiPay provides a way to democratise the business opportunities for all businesses, especially the small ones that are not able to access the internet to be a part of e-commerce.

WiPay is an e-commerce payment gateway that allows anyone who has a website and e-retail store to conduct a transaction.

Robertson said persons could conduct online transactions through WiPay using VISA and Master Card or any internally recognised credit

card.

Prior to the advent of the payment gateway, persons would have to setup a merchant account with the bank in order to conduct an online transaction. Most persons were reluctant to do so because the cost attached to it was high, said Robertson.

Businesses around the world have been modernising their operations by utilising the internet to conduct transactions, sell their goods and even offer a service.

“Persons have been transforming their businesses using the internet, technology and e-commerce…what we have started to look at are ways to

come up with applications that allow users to transact commerce and make purchases,” he said, adding that the internet makes the market for any business a huge space.

With WiPay, local businesses will be able to have access to almost two million Guyanese who live in the diaspora and other individuals who might have an interest in your goods or service, Robertson explained.

The company has already started its operations in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica and Barbados, among other countries. According to the CEO, their intention is to develop the PayPal of the

Caribbean.

It is also a platform that will enable countries in the English-speaking Caribbean to be less reliant on the United States of America (USA) currency to conduct transactions.

WiPay will allow persons to use local currency to conduct transactions instead of using US currency or a credit card.

Companies have already responded well to the initiative, said Robertson, noting that Massy Stores in Trinidad are already on board and they have even created a fast check out process. In addition, Caribbean Airlines allows persons to use WiPay to book their tickets.

“We are ready to go into Guyana as well… we already spoke with the Bank of Guy-

ana and they gave us a positive feedback…we are quite pleased with the feedback but we are just awaiting the yes from the relevant people,” said Roberston.

Asked how secure the system is, he said it is Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) compliant.

“We facilitate the movement of information between the e-commerce platform and the merchant…the back end providers are the ones who do the secure transaction,” he explained.

The CEO hopes that Guyanese, especially businesses will see the benefits of the payment system and utilise it to make online financial transactions easier.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

17

Guyana School of Etiquette to address social, cultural needs THE Guyana School of Etiquette’s Information Centre was on Monday launched and Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Miguel Nestor said as Guyana continues to develop, the country’s social and cultural needs will be addressed.

The facility is located on Lamaha Street. “The GSE is an institution in the cultural landscape of not only Guyana but through the region at large, and comes in the wake of an increasing need for sophisticated international diplomacy, advancing regional negotiations, local statecraft in the modern intercontinental

Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guyana School of Etiquette, Miguel Nestor

affairs, the Guyana School of Etiquette has been established to address these needs.”

According to Nestor, as the country progresses, one of the more important aspects of

development needs to be that of protocol. “The school aims to refine the nature of social discourse and elevate the status of requisite communication skills, enhance the meth-

od of transacting business, improve the equality of social savvy understanding, heighten awareness of social graces and professional ethics.”

Also present at the opening was the Senior Product Development Officer of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, who mentioned that this school will assist in boosting the tourism industry. “This institution will serve a wide cross-section of society as the refinement of one social and professional mannerism is needed as it [has] ever been.

The tourism industry is a very diverse and cross-cutting one where the success of the busi-

ness hinges on the ability of its employees to make a great first impression and to continuously enhance guest experiences,” Baksh said.

He added, “The industry has challenges regarding its human resource and because it is people-driven, there is a great need for quality etiquette training”. Representing the Ministry of Social Cohesion was the Executive Officer of the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana, Allister Collins, who posited the question, “in a budding tourism economy, how can we as Guyanese move forward without the basic social

grace?” He applauded the effort and gave an indication of the ministry’s support towards the school.

“A school of ethics and etiquette is needed and we at the Ministry of Social Cohesion are in full support and this is something that we applaud and we ask the general public to get on board with,” Collins said. The Guyana School of Etiquette’s mission is to provide universally accepted contemporary etiquette training in the highest professional manner for clients in Guyana. Their motto is “Ready to take on the world”.

Retiring Sir Dennis believes court can help change Caribbean social order PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The outgoing President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Denis Byron says the court, which was established in 2001, to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court, is currently poised to contribute to positive change in the social order of Caribbean societies.

Speaking at the 10th Annual CCJ International Law Moot Competition that was won by the Jamaica-based Norman Manley Law School on Friday, Sir Denis said that the CCJ’s contribution will be through the delivery of justice, which is “accessible, efficient and reflective of our values and mores”.

S i r D e n n i s w h o a nnounced that he would be replaced by St Vincent and the Grenadines jurist, Justice Adrian Saunders, who has been with the CCJ from its inception, said that the infrastructure is established and technology has been an agile resource.

“At Moot 2018 you have interfaced with our new case management system. All submissions were uploaded to CURIA and made accessible to the bench and opposing teams. This was a cursory interaction which will be more fully utilised at the next moot,” he said.

He said that the advent of the use of this new software system in the Court has contributed to heightened efficiency.

Curia is an e-filing and case management system that allows court users to file documents and manage their cases electronically through

the CCJ portal. It also allows users to access all documents filed on a case. It permits the court’s registry staff to electronically process and manage cases throughout their life cycle. It also carries a performance management and reporting tool which utilises numerous metrics to provide reports and data to designated court staff.

Sir Dennis said this development has positioned the Court to be more efficient and responsive in delivering justice to the region and builds on a process which he pioneered in 2013 with the introduction of filing cases and documents by email.

“The transition to e-filing was therefore a logical progression. This technological revolution has extended to other areas of the Court resulting in improved video conferencing capabilities as evidenced by the live streaming of our cases for public viewing and the introduction of financing and resources management systems.”

Sir Dennis, the second Caribbean national to head the Court since its inception, said that such advancements support the broader mission of the Court to facilitate access to justice by providing all interested persons with a front seat to witness the adjudication processes of the Court.

He said this increased efficiency has resulted in a tremendous improvement to access to the court. For instance, in the calendar year 2016, 18 cases were filed in the Appellate Jurisdiction, and 35 cases in the year 2017, resulting in an increase 94 per cent.

“This efficiency is also

illustrated by the disposal rate of cases. In the calendar years 2016 and 2017, an aggregate of 46 cases were disposed of by the court. The prompt

Sir Dennis Byron and efficient disposal of the court’s cases is supported by the court’s policy of actively ensuring that most cases are disposed of within six months, from the date of the case being filed until the date a final judgement is given by the Court,” Sir Dennis said.

He said that there have also been some significant achievements during his tenure as president, in which he takes great pride.

“The sponsoring of the Advanced Performance Exponents Inc (APEX), which is a special-purpose, not-for profit agency that is committed to delivering technology-based solutions and services to support court ecosystems is one such enterprise. APEX is owned by the CCJ, the regional judiciaries, and bar associations.

“I believe that it has the potential to further advance the justice landscape of the

region. As APEX develops, I envision it continuing to facilitate programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice systems of the region and improving the standards of efficiency of court -related service,” he said.

He told the ceremony that one project he was especially proud to be involved in was the establishment of the Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal, which is an independent institution focused on resolving disputes between employees and their Caribbean Community (CARICOM) institution employers who enjoy immunity from civil suits.

He said this tribunal finally fills a lacuna that has long existed in the constituent instruments of most CARICOM institutions for the settlement of employment disputes.

“By providing a proper forum for the ventilation of employment disputes, the tribunal is a transformative project not just for the Court but also for the further evolution and maturity of the Caribbean integration movement and regional rule of law.”

But he said it must await the final authorisation of the CARICOM governments for its implementation “Clearly the structures and operations that constitute and support the architecture of the CCJ are up and functioning. All modalities necessary for its operation exist.

Yet the most compelling matter for the Court is member states’ acceptance of it as the Court of final appellate jurisdiction.”

So far only Barbados, Be-

lize, Dominica and Guyana are signatories to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ, which also has an original jurisdiction and serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the 15-member CARICOM grouping.

Sir Dennis, who leaves office within the coming weeks, said that the CCJ is now positioned to acquire, analyse and understand good local knowledge for administering justice in the region.

“Our historical perspective does not have to define the future for us. It can inform and contribute where it is helpful to shape the narrative, but it does not have to be definitive or even prescriptive.

“Despite the challenges that our shared history presents or the barriers to acceptance that must be scaled, the CCJ continues, to position itself by its performance, to become the court of final appellate jurisdiction for all of CARICOM.” But he told the law students participating in the moot that “it is you who must convince your generation and the ones to come of the transformative nature of the law for the Caribbean.

“Broadening and deepening integration within the CARICOM context relies on becoming entrenched in issues and areas that reinforce our Caribbean bond. moot 2018 represents one such opportunity.

“Long after the moot is over, the lessons learned and the understanding that you gain can have impact on your future careers and aspirations.”

Sir Dennis said that the competition aspects of moot 2018 examined the insight into and analysis of the moot problem and the issues it raises; the relevance of the authorities and other legal texts cited, and the fluidity with which they are adduced; your ability to summarise facts, cases or law where appropriate; and the proper use of court etiquette.

“It has been an intense exercise for you. But, you must not come to the heart of Caribbean jurisprudence and not be touched and inspired to carry the pearl of aspiration for our Court and for deeper integration.

“Through the aegis of this experience, Moot 2018, we have advanced, just a little, the journey to a more enlightened acceptance of our law from a Caribbean perspective and a more enlightened awareness of our intrinsic and learned capacity to administer it.

“We have made many strides in advancing Caribbean jurisprudence but there are more to make. I have had the privilege to be a part of this great journey at the helm of this court and I wished to give you, the young ones at the beginning of your profession a charge that you must advance.

“This is a most wonderful and exciting time for you.

You are at the beginning of a journey that could take you to the most spectacular places on earth as it has taken me, and it may have its beginnings right here.

It is you and your generation that must take account of what has already been built and now carry the mantle,” he added.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 13, 2018

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

GDF take the lead, New Amsterdam United pick up first win

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) kept their unbeaten record intact, following their 2-0 win over rivals Victoria Kings, while New Amsterdam United not only scored for the first time this season, but secured the win over Milerock United, when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League continued at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground on Sunday.

In the night’s second match of the double-header, Victoria Kings and their supporters believed that the GDF team were the beneficiaries of unconvinced officiating by referee Sherwin Moore against their side.

However, Delroy Fraser (31st minute) and former Victoria Kings player Carlos Adams (90+ minute)

netted for the ‘Army’ and handed them an important three points, which moved them to the top of the 10-team table with 13 points (four wins and a draw).

For the Victoria Kings, the defeat was their second in six games and with the result they occupy the third spot on the table with 12 points.

It was also seen as a ‘morale-boosting’ win for the GDF, as they prepare for their Group B action in the Second Tier of the 2018 FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship, where they played alongside Grenada’s Hard Rock FC, Avenues United FC from St Vincent and the Grenadines and Real Rincon of the Netherlands Antilles.

Meanwhile, Jeremey Samuels and Jamaul Butts scored in the

59th and 75th minutes respectively to hand New Amsterdam United a ‘respect’ win over Milerock United.

Along with fellow Berbice side Cougars Football Club, New Amsterdam United were seen as the proverbial whipping boys of the league, since, prior to Sunday’s game, they had a ‘blank’ wins column.

Colric Beckles scored in the 79th minute for Milerock, who sank to their fourth loss in five outings. Milerock, the lone Linden side in the Elite League this season, achieved the win over bottom-of-the-table Cougars (1-0). (Rawle Toney)

Mahadeo, Adonis cop Kares Fitness games titles THEY came, they saw and they overcame. Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis were the male and female athletes left standing after Sunday’s Kares Engineer-

ing Fitness games at the National Park.

Mahadeo ran till the very end, half a sled push away from completing the final stage but still more than any other of his male counterparts.

Defending his title for a third successive time, Mahadeo posted a perfect 500 points at the end of the day ahead of Timothy McAndrew (408) of Elite Systems Gym, Junior Cornette (401) of the Guyana Defence Force, Raveendath Bajnath (395) of Suriname and Anis Ade

Thomas with 377 points.

On the distaff end, CrossFit 592’s Delice Adonis and defending champion Semonica Duke of Genesis Fitness/CrossFit 592 were tied with 480 points with the former advancing due to the tie-breaker.

Duke won the first and second events, 100 Double Unders, 25 Deadlifts 185lb, 400m Run) and 21 Toes to Bar, 50 Walls Balls 14lb, 13 Toes-To-Bar, 40 Box Jumps 20-inch, 8 Toes To Bar, 30 Kb Swings 35 lb, 5 Toes To Bar,

First GKC Grading ...

Dojo were extremely successful at their grading examinations as well, one skipping white belt to orange belt, while the other four skipped orange belt to blue belt.

Five senior black belt karatekas successfully sat an Instructors examination as part of their quest to become fully certified International Karate Daigaku Instructors.

They were Kenrick Cheeks, Aliya Wong, Somlata Bispat, William Grant (Sr) and Paula Louis-Grant.

Moving from white belt to white with yellow stripes were Amaya Mohamed, Kathleya A. Bacchus, Christian Manohar, Reneeka Laikhraj, Leanne Rodney and Kaiden Bobb.

Skipping white belt to orange belt were Raul Khan, Nicholas Welcome, Sanjana Rupchand and Neil Rafferty.

Moving from yellow belt to orange belt were Sarah Maraj, Ethan Muneshwar, Omari John, Aiden Gomes, Naveen Singh, Jared Rahman, Derick Easton, Saffiya Singh, Anushka Singh, Farha McWilfred, Kevin Seokumar, Makayla Sparman and Jonathan Phang.

Elevated from orange belt to green belt were Ameer Shariff, Jonothan Yong and

From back page ►

Darnell Klass, whilst those skipping orange belt to blue belt were Malcolm Sparman, Alicia Manikram, Navindra Singh, Kumibili Vggis and Curt Hendricks Promoted from green belt to blue belt were Jared Hurry, Janiya Lee, Justin Persaud, Roy Khadoo, Navita Gunraj, Smriti Devanand and Chitra Persaud.

Prosper Jacobs moved from blue belt to purple belt while Rehana Bascom skipped blue belt to brown belt and Jerome Blyden and Lemuel Wilson were promoted from purple belt to brown belt.

Omar Shariff, Micaiah DePeazer and Sharda Ranglall were promoted from 1st brown belt to 2nd brown belt.

Genoveva Buelna skipped 1st brown belt to 3rd brown belt and Laurence Baptiste, Laurie Baptiste, Randolph Scott, Nathanael Archer, Sarah Persaud and Sharda Persaud moved from 2nd brown belt to 3rd brown belt.

There will be one more grading examination in July of this year before Team GKC departs these shores to represent Guyana at the IKD World Karate Tournament in Barbados in August 2018.

20 Pullups, 3 Toes To Bar, 10.

Adonis snapped up the third stage which featured 24 Wall Burpees, 100m Atlas Stone Carry, 12 Wall Burpees, 100m Stone Carry and the fifth stage which featured a 750m Row, 3 Rope Climbs, 1 Sled Push, 1 Rope Climb, 1 Sled Push in a time of 15 minutes.

Robbie Singh of Pulse Entertainment won the male celebrity challenge while ‘The Remix Chick’ Macaela Cameron represented the ladies.

American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Stronghammer Race 2 Mastic Race 3 Goodzapper Race 4 To Theend Race 5 Colony Classic Race 6 Sly Ranger Race 7 Sheer Talent Race 8 Smartly South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:45 hrs Shall Be Free 09:20 hrs Hotel Cipriani 10:00 hrs Marion Belle 10:40 hrs Esteemal 11:20 hrs Fine Lady English Racing Tips Southwell 09:10 hrs African Trader 09:45 hrs Best Tamayuz 10:25 hrs Star Ascending 11:05 hrs Crosse Fire 11:45 hrs Last Page 12:25 hrs Kingstreet Lady 13:00 hrs Ochos Rios Sedgefield 09:20 hrs The Jam Man 09:55 hrs Lostnfound 10:35 hrs Rioxyfet 11:15 hrs Drums Of war 12:35 hrs Always Resolute Cheltenham 09:30 hrs Kalashnikov 10:1-0 hrs Footpad 10:50 hrs Knight Of Noir 11:30 hrs Buveur D’Air 12:10 hrs Apple’s Jade 12:50 hrs Rathvinden 13:30 hrs Barney Dwan

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

23

Afghanistan, Ireland and UAE complete Super Six line-up AFGHANISTAN, Ireland lowing the Event Technical Ehsan Khan 21, Babar Hayat and the United Arab Emir- Committee’s approval.

20; Sandeep Lamichhane ates (UAE) reached the At the conclusion of the 3-17, Basant Regmi 2-20, Super Six stage of the ICC group matches, Scotland Karan KC 2-35) Cricket World Cup Qual- and the UAE have retained Nepal 155-5, 40.4 overs ifier 2018 in contrasting their ODI status for the next (Rohit Paudel 48 not out, styles on the final day of the four years until 2022, while Sompal Kami 37 not out; group matches yesterday to the third Associate Member Ehsan Khan 2-34, Aizaz join defending champions team to keep the ODI status Khan 2-40) Scotland, two-time former will be confirmed following Player-of-the-match - Roworld champions Windies the seventh to tenth position hit Kumar (Nepal) and hosts Zimbabwe. play-offs.

Scotland v Zimbabwe In Group A, the Windies The Netherlands have match tied, Queens Sports beat the Netherlands by 54 already qualified for the new Club (Group B) runs on the Duckworth-Lew- 13-team ODI League comZimbabwe 210 all out, is-Stern Method when they mencing in 2020.

46.4 overs (Craig Ervine 57, scored 310 for six Brendan Tayin 48 overs and lor 44, Solothen left the Nethmon Mire 35; erlands struggling Safyaan Sharif at 167 for six in 5-33, Michael 28.4 overs in front Leask 4-37) of broadcast camScotland eras, to put the 210 all out, ICC World Cricket 49.1 overs League Champi(Richie Beronship winners out rington 47, of the Super Six Kyle Coetzer race.

39, George I r e l a n d e x- The Zimbabwe-Scotland game ended in a tie © (ICC) M u n s e y 2 9 , tended their Michael Leask unbeaten run 28 not out,; against the United Arab Scores in brief - Games Graeme Cremer 3-23, Tendai Emirates to six matches involving the Netherlands Chisoro 3-42) when they won by 226 runs and Nepal will be classified Player of the match on the Duckworth-Lew- as List-A matches as the Safyaan Sharif (Scotland) is-Stern Method but the two sides don’t have ODI

Asian side still progressed status coming into this tourGROUP PLACINGS with two wins as compared nament).

Windies (A1), Ireland to the Netherlands’ one Windies beat the Neth- (A2), UAE (A3), Netherwin, while in Group B, Ne- erlands by 54 runs (Duck- lands (A4), PNG (A5) pal did a massive favour to worth-Lewis-Stern Method), Afghanistan (B1), ZimAfghanistan when they beat Harare Sports Club (Group babwe (B2), Scotland (B3), Hong Kong by five wick- A) Nepal (B4), Hong Kong (B5) ets which meant AfghaniWindies 309-6, 48 overs SUPER SIX: Classifistan moved on because of (Evin Lewis 84, Marlon cation match fixtures fola better net run-rate de- Samuels 73 not out, Rovman lowing minor adjustments spite losing their first three Powell 52, Chris Gayle 46; (matches start 09:30hrs matches.

Roelof van der Merwe 2-46, local time; games involving In the final Group B fix- Paul van Meekeren 2-37, the Netherlands and Nepal ture, Zimbabwe stretched Peter Borren 2-55) will be classified as List-A their unbeaten run to 28 The Netherlands 167- matches as the two sides matches in the history of the 6, 28.4 overs (Ryan ten don’t have ODI status comtournament when they tied Doeschate 67 not out, Wes- ing into this tournament): their last match against Scot- ley Barresi 64) Thursday, March 15 – land at the Queens Sports Player-of-the-match – Windies v Afghanistan (S6), Club.

Evin Lewis (Windies) Harare Sports Club; UAE Chasing 211 for victory, Ireland beat the United v Scotland (S6), Queens Scotland had the game in Arab Emirates by 226 runs Sports Club; PNG v Nepal hand when they needed two (revised target 318 runs in (play-off), Old Haraians; runs to win off seven balls 44 overs), Old Hararians Netherlands v Hong Kong with two wickets left. But (Group A) (play-off), Kwekwe Sports they lost both their remainIreland 313-6, 44 overs Club. ing wickets for one run as (Paul Stirling 126, William Friday, March 16 – Ireboth sides finished on 210.

Porterfield 92, Kevin O’Brien land v Zimbabwe (S6), HaYesterday’s results mean 50 not out; Mohammad Nav- rare Sports Club the Windies will carry maxi- eed 3-84, Imran Haider 2-73) Saturday, March 17 – mum four points in the Super UAE 91 all out, 29.3 7th/8th play-off, Kwekwe Six stage, Ireland two and the overs (Boyd Rankin 4-15, Sports Club; 9th/10th playUAE zero, while Zimbabwe Simi Singh 3-15, Barry Mc- off, Old Hararians and Scotland will carry for- Carthy 2-26) Sunday, March 18 – Ireward three points apiece and Player-of-the-match – land v Scotland (S6), Harare Afghanistan none.

Paul Stirling (Ireland) Sports Club The sides will also retain Nepal beat Hong Kong Monday, March 19 – their pre-event group seeding by five wickets, Bulawayo Windies v Zimbabwe (S6), in the Super Six stage, whose Athletic Club, (Group B) Harare Sports Club fixtures, which were finalised Hong Kong 153 all out, Tuesday, March 20 after minor changes and fol- 48.2 overs (Nizakat Khan 47, UAE v Afghanistan, Old

Hararians Thursday, March 21 Windies v Scotland (S6), Harare Sports Club

Friday, March 22 - UAE v Zimbabwe (S6), Harare Sports Club Friday, March 23 - Ire-

land v Afghanistan, Harare Sports Club Sunday, March 25 - Final

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

93 Days to go …

Should the Super Eagles be worried for the World Cup? VICTOR Moses’ wild finish against Manchester City in a recent English Premier League match summed up the wideman’s frustrations in recent fixtures, and encapsulated the struggles of the Super Eagles’ key players around the world.

Indeed, with 93 days to go before the World Cup kicks off, too many of Nigeria’s star performers are delivering sub-par showings, falling short of their regular standards, or are side-lined at their club sides.

Nigeria’s preparations, on the surface, may appear serene, but Gernot Rohr’s side are hardly gathering momentum as the tournament approaches.

Moses remains the team’s most naturally gifted player, and his fine performances during the qualifying campaign - as he carried over the momentum from his unexpected renaissance at Chelsea - were a joy to behold.

However, the attacker’s overall output in a Blues jersey this term has prompted concern, with his statistics declining amidst a broader malaise at

Stamford Bridge.

Fatigue - a natural consequence of Moses’ demanding duties after 18 months as the Pensioners’ right wingback - is a very real threat, and one that ought to be of grave concern to Rohr.

Youngsters Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi have been tipped as the future of Nigeria football, and they represent the figureheads of the German coach’s new young Super Eagles team, but both are in the midst of troubled campaigns.

However, the former has flopped at Leicester City after moving from Manchester City before the season - he’s yet to break his duck in the top flight and has only started three Premier League games all season.

Will the 21-year-old - arguably Nigeria’s chief goal threat - be able to pick himself up from his toil in the East Midlands to thrive in Russia?

Iwobi hasn’t fared much better in North London, and could be fighting for his future at Arsenal next season on the evidence of his disappointing displays for the Gunners.

Increasingly over the past couple of months, Iwobi has struggled for consistency although, as with Moses, perhaps his team’s broader troubles have affected his confidence and automation.

It’s hard, however, to blame Arsenal’s malaise for the attacker’s increasingly poor touches in dangerous areas, his weak finishing and underwhelming defensive contribution.

Iwobi’s lack of discipline could also cost Nigeria dearly against well drilled opposition like Croatia, Iceland or Argentina.

Recent red cards for defensive duo William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun hint at their fallibility, while the goalkeeping dilemma remains unresolved.

Gernot Rohr’s decision to dispatch trainer Enrico Pionetti to Spain to work with youngster Francis Uzoho is both a nod to the stopper’s quality and a potential sign of desperation for the German head coach.

While Uzoho is certainly talented, the World Cup is not the kind of environment in which an inexperienced stopper with only 45 minutes of international experience under his belt should be pitched into action.

Despite the troubles, there are certainly positives for the Eagles.

The squad depth has significantly improved Nigeria’s English Premier League wonder kids Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi

with more options, notably at fullback, where Ola Aina, Brian Idowu and Tyronne Ebuehi are all pushing for a spot. Elsewhere, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi continue to improve and represent strong midfield options for Rohr.

The morale within the camp and the squad’s attitude are both excellent and have propelled the team to greater heights - notably against Cameroon and Argentina - and the example of Africa’s previously success stories at the World Cup suggest that unity and teamwork are particularly important.

Certainly, the Super Eagles have the potential to set an all-time potential new best performance at the tournament, but the lingering concerns that surround so many key men ought to represent an increasing concern for Rohr and his staff.

The Swiss-based independent study centre CIES Football Observatory has conducted a study to find out the youngest and oldest teams that have Victor Moses will be Nigeria’s main focus at this year’s World Cup. qualified for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

11.4 percent of Nigerian players were The study revealed that the Eagles born abroad, the likes of Ola Aina, fielded the youngest team during the Carl Ikeme, William Troost-Ekong and qualifiers, with an average age of 24.9 Leon Balogun, and 91.4 percent of the years. players represented foreign clubs.

The Leicester City current young player-of-the-Year, Wilfred Ndidi, was The World champions, Germany, have the youngest player who represented the second youngest team (25.7).

Nigeria in the third round of the Panama (29.4 years) and Iceland African World Cup qualifiers, aged 19. (29.0), as well as 2014 FIFA World The average height of players that Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica represented Nigeria is 181.2cm, (29.0) fielded the oldest players making them the 19th tallest team. during the qualifiers.

WORLD CUP FACTS

The 1950 World Cup was the fourth edition THE 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16 1950, was the fourth FIFA World Cup. It was the first World Cup since 1938, the planned 1942 and 1946 competitions having been cancelled due to World War II. It was won by Uruguay, who had won the inaugural competition in 1930. They clinched the cup by beating the hosts Brazil 2-1 in the deciding match of the four-team final group.

This was the only tournament not decided by a one-match final. It was also the first tournament where the trophy was referred to as the Jules Rimet Cup, to mark the 25th anniversary of Jules Rimet's presidency of

FIFA. Having secured a host nation, FIFA still dedicated some time to persuading countries to send their national teams to compete.

Italy were of particular interest as the long-standing defending champions, having won the previous two tournaments in 1934 and 1938. However, Italy's national team was weakened severely as most of its starting lineup perished in the Superga air disaster one year before the start of the tournament. The Italians were eventually persuaded to attend, but travelled by boat rather than by plane.

Brazil (the host country) and Italy (the defending champions) qualified automatically, leaving 14 places remaining. Of these, seven

were allocated to Europe, six to the Americas, and one to Asia.

Both Germany (still occupied and partitioned) and Japan (still occupied) were not permitted to participate in qualification. The French-occupied Saarland had been accepted

by FIFA two weeks before the World Cup, several months before the German Football Association (DFB) was reinstated, while Soviet-occupied East Germany had not yet founded a football association.

Italy, Austria, and other countries that had been involved in World War II as allies of Germany and Japan, were not subject to international sanctions, and Italy qualified au-

tomatically as defending champions of 1938.

Finland, despite being on the Axis side from 1941-1944, were allowed to qualify, but withdrew before qualification was complete and FIFA declared their matches as friendlies.

The British nations were invited to take part, having rejoined FIFA four years earlier, after 17 years of self-imposed exile.

It was decided to use the 1949-50 British Home Championship, as a qualifying group, with the top two teams qualifying.

England finished first and Scotland second.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

25

Rabada’s 11-for helps Proteas to series-levelling win PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took 11 wickets in the match but may yet turn from hero to villain, as South Africa beat Australia by six wickets in the second Test yesterday to level the four-match series.

South Africa made heavy work of reaching their modest target before captain Faf du Plessis (2) and Theunis de Bruyn (11) guided them to 102 for four.

The victory, however, is likely to be overshadowed by a ban for Rabada who was handed a new charge from the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday after already having a disciplinary hearing on Sunday.

His presence in the remainder of the series remains under threat with match referee Jeff Crowe set to announce the outcome

The fourth day’s play began with Kagiso Rabada rattling Mitchell Marsh’s stumps. (Getty Images)

of a hearing into a level two charge against the seamer for brushing against Steve Smith after dismissing the Australian captain in the first innings.

If found guilty Rabada, who has 15 wickets at an average of 16.80 in the series, will miss the final

Dates confirmed for eighth Guyana Softball Cup THE eighth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup has been confirmed for October 26 to 28 in Georgetown.

This edition has been organised by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) and teams from Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, New York and Canada will join a number of local teams in this prestigious tournament.

Competition will be held in Over-45, Over-50 and Open categories.

GFSCA and Ariel Speedboat are the defending champions respectively. Both created history last year, becoming the first teams to achieve back-to-back championships since the first tournament bowled off seven years ago.

While it was a resounding nine-wicket victory for GFSCA over nemeses and archrivals Regal Masters in the Over-45 category, Ariel Speedboat showed great resilience to overcome opponents Booths All Stars in a tense and tight finish in the Open category, a game that was decided off the last delivery of the riveting 20-over affair.

two games, after accumulating eight demerit points to trigger an automatic suspension.

Rabada was also slapped with a lesser level one charge yesterday for his exuberant celebrations when he dismissed David Warner in the second innings.

“It’s a disappointment for the series because you want to have your best players in the series,” said captain du Plessis, suggesting he already knew the outcome of the hearing which is due to be made public later.

The 22-year-old Rabada was the outstanding performer yesterday as he ripped through Australia, who started on 180-5 with a 41-run lead.

He completed figures of 6-54 and a match aggregate of 11-150, the fourth time he has taken 10 or more wickets in a Test.

“Australia were never going to give in easily so you had to go to the reserve tank and give of your best,” Rabada said after being named man-of-the-match.

UPROOTED STUMP The tourists lost Mitchell Marsh (45) in the first over as Rabada uprooted

his middle stump before Pat Cummins (5) was well caught in the gully by de Bruyn.

Rabada got his third in quick succession as Mitchell Starc (1) edged a drive to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Lungi Ngidi (2-24) had Nathan Lyon (5) caught by de Kock, before Tim Paine (28 not out) and Josh Hazlewood (17) added 28 for the final wicket as Australia were dismissed for 239.

South Africa lost wickets regularly with opener Dean Elgar (5) going cheaply to be followed after lunch

by Aiden Markram (21), Hashim Amla (27) and AB de Villiers for 28.

“We were outplayed in all aspects,” Smith said.

Australia won the first Test in Durban by 118 runs. The final two matches in the series will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Laldass’ unbeaten half-century sets up T20 win for Young Warriors THE Essequibo Coast T20 Invitational tournament which is being co-sponsored by the South and Central Cricket committees got underway on Sunday with two matches at the Reliance Sports ground.

In the first encounter Young Warriors secured a 7-wicket win against hosts Reliance Hustlers.

Winning the toss and batting first after the game was reduced to 17 overs due to a late start, Reliance Hustlers rallied to 121 all-out in the last over with opener Suresh Persaud top-scoring with 49 including 7x4s and 1x6, to be the only batsman showing any significant resistance.

Penetrative bowling from Danesh Narine with 3-18 from 3 overs and Kishan Jaikarran 3-29 from 4 overs strangled their opponents. In reply, an impressive unbeaten half-century by Boodram Laldass, whose 74 was

studded with 12 fours and 2 sixes, was mainly responsible for Young

Boodram Laldass’s unbeaten 74 contained 12 fours and two sixes.

Achievers raeching their target of 122-3 in the 15th over for a comfortable victory.

Fast medium pacer Sherwin Fraser bowled steadily to claim 2-27 from three overs in a losing cause.

In the second game

which was allotted the full complement of 20 overs, Crown XI proved superior against Reliance Masters.

Crown XI, batting first after winning the toss, amassed 154-8 from their allotted 20 overs with Beesham Dasrat stroking an impressive 61 (5x4, 2x6) while he was supported by Ramsingh Tageballie, who made 35 containing 3x4.

Former Essequibo inter-county player Elroy Stephney produced figures of 2-24 from 4 overs while Premnauth Persaud had 2-31 from 3 overs.

In reply, despite a steady start, Reliance Masters were eventually subdued by some penetrative bowling and were restricted to 104-9 when the overs expired.

A last-wicket unbeaten partnership of 45 between Dhaniram 28 (5x4) and Dhanpaul Bennie 23 (2x4) delayed the inevitable as Crown XI convincingly won by 50 runs.

An accurate spell of

swing bowling by Tamesh Deonarine whose 3-15 from 4 overs and Shastri Persaud’s 2-18 from 2 overs spearheaded the destruction of their hosts.

Meanwhile the competition will continue with a number of other matches along the Essequibo Coast. According to one of the organiser, Trevis Simon, the tournament is being played in four zones comprising four teams in each zone.

Among the other teams in the competition are Cotton Field, Affiance No.1, Imam Bacchus XI and a Masters XI. Simon disclosed that trophies and other incentives will be at stake.

He also indicated that it is the intention of the two committees to decentralise cricket across the Region as well as having the players experience different playing conditions and scenarios.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 243 SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (382) AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 238 (o/n 181 for 5) Cameron Bancroft b Lungi Ngidi 24 David Warner b Kagiso Rabada 13 Usman Khawaja lbw Kagiso Rabada 75 Steven Smith c Quinton de Kock b Keshav Maharaj 11 Shaun Marsh c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 1 Mitchell Marsh b Kagiso Rabada 45 Tim Paine not out 28 Pat Cummins c Theunis de Bruyn b Kagiso Rabada 5 Mitchell Starc c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 1 Nathan Lyon c Quinton de Kock b Lungi Ngidi 5 Josh Hazlewood c Lungi Ngidi b Keshav Maharaj 17 Extras: (b-2, lb-10, w-2) 14 Total: (all out, 79.0 overs) 239 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-62, 3-77, 4-86, 5-173 a, 6-186, 7-202, 8-204, 9-211.

Bowling: Philander 18-5-56-0, Rabada 22-9-54-6 (w-1), Maharaj 23-2-90-2, Ngidi 13-5-24-2, Markram 3-1- 3-0.

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings Aiden Markram c Steven Smith b Josh Hazlewood 21 Dean Elgar c & b Nathan Lyon 5 Hashim Amla c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 27 AB de Villiers c Cameron Bancroft b Nathan Lyon 28 Faf du Plessis not out 2 Theunis de Bruyn not out 15 Extras: (b-4) 4 Total: (4 wkts, 22.5 overs) 102 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-32, 3-81, 4-81.

Bowling: Starc 3-0-15-0, Hazlewood 6-0-26-1, Lyon 9- 0-44-2, Cummins 4.5-0-13-1.

England’s Stokes denies affray charge, faces August trial

Ben Stokes

LONDON, England (Reuters) - England cricketer Ben Stokes yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges of affray, following an incident in Bristol last September and he will face trial on August 6.

All-rounder Stokes, 26, was not present at Bristol Crown Court and denied the charges via video link from New Zealand where he is on duty with the England squad.

Two other men charged along with Stokes also pleaded not guilty to the same charges.

England’s second Test against India at Lord’s starts on August 9.

The Bristol incident and the legal process that followed kept Stokes out of England’s Ashes tour of Australia but he returned to the team last month for the one-day international series against New Zealand.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Lewis, Samuels strike half-centuries as Windies remain unbeaten HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Both Evin Lewis and Marlon Samuels found form in time for the all-important Super Sixes, stroking half-centuries as West Indies beat the Netherlands by 54 runs under Duckworth/Lewis to end the preliminaries of the ICC World Cup qualifiers unbeaten here yesterday.

Short of runs for the tournament, Lewis top-scored with 84 and Samuels, an unbeaten, 73, as West Indies piled up 309 for six in a contest reduced to 48 overs per side at Harare Sports Club.

Rovman Powell followed up his maiden hundred against Ireland with a cameo 52 while veteran opener Chris Gayle struck 46.

Faced with a mountain of a run chase, Ryan ten Doeschate lashed 67 and Wesley Barresi, 64, but Netherlands found themselves on 167 for six and short of the required par score, when the rains arrived in the 29th over.

West Indies will now carry four points into the Super Sixes stage where they face a tricky clash with Afghanistan in their opening fixture on Thursday at Harare Sports Club.

Chasing a clean sweep of their preliminary campaign, the Windies were given a strong start by the left-handed pair of Lewis and Gayle who put on a rollicking 85 off 51 balls for the first wicket, after they were sent in.

Gayle appeared set for his 49th ODI half-century but he mistimed a stroke of seamer Paul van Meekeren (2-37) and holed out to Roelof van der Merwe running around from mid-off.

Lewis then anchored two small partnerships, putting on 38 for the second wicket with Shimron Hetmyer (10) and another 41 for the third with Samuels.

He raised his half-century off 41 balls in the 14th over by depositing 21-year-old seamer Shane Snater over the

ropes at square leg but perished to a one-handed stunner

needed a mere 38 balls for his knock, slamming two fours

Opener Evin Lewis pulls during his top score of 84 against the Netherlands yesterday. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

by Pieter Seelar at point off pacer Peter Borren (2-55) in the 28th over.

Three wickets fell for 41 runs to leave the Windies on 205 for five in the 36th over but Samuels and Powell posted 99 from 69 deliveries for the sixth wicket to re-energise the innings.

While Samuels faced 84 balls and counted five fours, his fellow Jamaican Powell

and three sixes.

Netherlands, needing to win to stay in the competition, were quickly in trouble when they lost two early wickets to slump to 29 for two in the seventh over.

Scott Edwards fell in the sixth over for one, run-out after being sent back by Barresi following a mix-up over a single.

And in the following

Hain, Parkinson guide England Lions to consolation win ENGLAND Lions achieved a consolation seven-wicket win at the end of their disappointing tour of the Caribbean, thanks to an unbeaten 50 from Sam Hain

against West Indies-A in Antigua.

Once again, the Lions had to overcome a batting slump, as they lost three wickets for four runs, but Hain and Sam

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday March 13, 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) Stefanie Taylor & Affie Fletcher-3 wickets each (2)

Shimron Hetmyer

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the justconcluded WI/NZ women’s ODI series?

(2) Who scored centuries in WI first game of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Matt Parkinson impressed with his legspin. Getty Images

Northeast came together to put on 80, to take their side home at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire leg-spinner, was the pick of the Lions bowlers, taking four wickets, while Richard Gleeson and Sam Curran took two apiece with the new ball.

Roston Chase’s 67 had helped the hosts set 166, but once Alex Davies and Nick Gubbins put on 87 for the first wicket, the match was firmly in the Lions’ grasp.

After West Indies won the toss and chose to bat, they were quickly reduced to 28 for 3, with Kieran Powell hooking Gleeson to fine leg before Jermaine Blackwood holed out to third man.

Curran then bowled Devon Thomas for 5 to keep up the pressure, and though Chase found support in a fifty-run stand with Jahmar Hamilton, Parkinson returned to mop up the tail.

The Lions started their response positively, with Gubbins and Davies both latching on to any loose deliveries from the Windies bowlers.

Gubbins eventually pulled a Cornwall half-tracker straight to Blackwood on the boundary before Davies miscued an attempted ramp off Reifer, and when Jennings was trapped lbw by Cornwall for a duck, the pressure was beginning to build.

However, Hain and Northeast carried the Lions over the line to record their first win in any of the unofficial internationals on this tour, following a clean sweep for West Indies-A in the Test series. (ESPN Cricinfo)

over, seamer Kemar Roach removed Ben Cooper’s offstump as the left-hander missed a booming drive for two. ten Doeschate and Barresi then revived the Netherlands’ hopes in a 113-run, third-wicket stand, which kept the game open.

The 37-year-old ten Doeschate struck four fours and a six off 62 balls while Barresi faced 77 deliveries and counted eight fours.

However, the partnership ended in the 24th over when Lewis threw down the stumps at the non-striker’s end running in from deep mid-wicket, and found Barresi short of his ground, scrambling to complete a second run.

That wicket was the first of four to tumble for 25 runs in the space of 30 balls, as the Netherlands found themselves way behind on Duckworth/Lewis when the rain arrived.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c van der Merwe b van Meekeren 46 E. Lewis c Seelaar b Borren 84 S. Hetmyer c Kingma b van der Merwe 10 M. Samuels not out 73 S. Hope b van der Merwe 7 J. Holder c van der Merwe b Borren 8 R. Powell c Seelaar b van Meekeren 52 C. Brathwaite not out 1 Extras: (lb-10, w-17, nb-1) 28 Total: (6 wkts, 48 overs) 309 Fall of wickets: 1-85, 2-123, 3-164, 4-186, 5-205, 6-304.

Bowling: Kingma 6-0-67-0, van der Gugten 7-0-57-0, Snater 6-1-37-0, van Meekeren 9-0-37-2, van der Merwe 10-0-46-2, Borren 10-0-55-2.

NETHERLANDS innings (par score: 222 runs) W. Barresi run-out 64 S. Edwards run-out 1 B. Cooper b Roach 2 R. ten Doeschate not out 67 P. Borren run-out 1 R. van der Merwe stp.

Hope b Nurse 2 P. Seelaar c Gayle b Williams 7 Extras: (b-1, lb-7, w-12, nb-3) 23 Total: (6 wkts, 28.4 overs) 167 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-29, 3-142, 4-147, 5-151, 6-167.

Bowling: Roach 5-0-37-1, Holder 5-0-18-0, Williams 6.4-0-45-1, Brathwaite 6-0-34-0, Nurse 6-025-1.

Points: West Indies 2, Netherlands 0.

Osaka ends Vickery’s amazing run at Indian Wells

Sachia Vickery during her match against Naomi Osaka at the Indian Wells

SACHIA Vickery’s amazing run at the Indian Wells came to an end when she went down in straight sets to Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday evening.

The Indian Wells is considered as tennis’ fifth ‘Grand Slam’ because of its magnitude and Vickery bowed out in the third round but not before producing the most exciting match and biggest upset of the tournament with her comefrom-behind win against world #3 and defending Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza in the second round.

Against the 20-year-old Osaka who is currently ranked 44 in the world, Vickery opened by winning the first point of the match, but then things went downhill, as some suggested that she might still be feeling the effects of her gruesome match with Muguruza, which truly stretched her to the limit.

Vickery, 22, told reporters after the game that though she wanted to win the first meeting with Osaka, she’s overwhelmed for the support she has received from fans since making the main draw.

Up next for the World 100 player is the Miami Open, which is a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Premier Mandatory tournament.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, March 13, 2018

27

Drepaul excited about Guyana’s ‘talent pool’ of cricketers

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE local governing body for cricket here, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), has just concluded two youth Inter-county cricket tournaments, at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, and, based on some personal performances, there is definitely a promising future for Guyana’s cricket.

According to chairman of the GCB’s junior selectors, Nazimul Drepaul, there’s no shortage of cricketing talent within Guyana’s junior ranks, adding that Guyana’s cricket looks good for the future.

Drepaul made the com-

ment on Sunday in an exclusive interview following the conclusion of the Inter-county Under-17 one-day tournament.

“Talent’s not our problem in Guyana. We’ve got plenty of talented young cricketers as you can see during the Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments,” Drepaul said.

He added, “While there were a number of players we see have that raw talent, I feel that Mavendra Dindyal, Jonathan Rampersaud, Isia Thorne, Mahendra Gopilall and Nicholas Rajpat, just to name a few of the Under-15s, are extremely talented cricketers,”

Further Drepaul point-

ed out that from the Un-

Nazimul Drepaul hands over the man-of-the-match trophy to Seon Glasgow for his hundred against the National Select Under-15 team during the just concluded Inter-county Under-17 tournament.

der-17 tournament the likes of: Sachin Singh, Navendra Persaud, Andre Seepersaud, Nyron Bissu, Jevon Schultz, Nigel Deodat, Seon Glasgow, Badesh Parsotam and Sylvain, Williams are all for the future.

Meanwhile, a 14-man national Under-15 squad is expected to be released shortly for the regional tournament, which will run from March 26 to April 5 in Jamaica.

Drepaul is optimistic of Guyana’s chances, saying while there’s plenty of talk about a ‘war on talent’, preparation is the key.

“What the GCB has done over the years is to include

the national Under-15 squad into the Inter-county Under-17 tournament in order for continuous preparation. This has definitely helped us in terms of domination at the regional level.

The Guyana Under-15s have reached a high level, winning the regional tournament in Jamaica 2014 and in Guyana 2015 while ending as runners-up in 2016.

The Under-15 tournament – in its 23rd year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

You made us proud Sachia, good luck in the future on behalf of Guyana – Dr Norton

By Rawle Toney FOLLOWING her straight-set loss to Naomi Osaka on Sunday, Sachia Vickery waved goodbye to the Indian Wells, but Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, who also holds the responsibility for sports, said the tennis ace’s run at the tournament should be heralded by all Guyanese as he extended congratulations to the US-based player.

Despite being born in the USA, throughout her tennis career, Vickery identified herself with the ‘roots’ of her parents Paula Liverpool and Rawle Vickery, who hail from Kwakwani and Linden respectively, in Region 10.

“I might not have been born in Guyana, but I tell people I’m Guyanese. All my family, my parents are from Guyana and people from here support me a

Sachia Vickery, along with her mother Paula Liverpool, brother and manager Dominique Mitchell, is seen with Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, during her recent visit to Guyana. (Samuel Maughn photo)

lot whenever I play. They would reach out to me personally, or to my mom, so it’s only right that I return,” Vickery told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Dr Norton, during her visit to Guyana in January.

The Golden Arrowhead was seen being undulated passionately by her family as she stunned the world with a sensation come-from-behind victory over 2017 Wim-

bledon Champion Garbiñe Muguruza (2-6, 7-5, 6-1) in the second round of the tournament.

Before facing the world’s third-ranked Muguruza, Vickery easily disposed of Canadian Eugenie Bouchard (6-3, 6-4) in the first round.

In fact, Vickery had to play two qualifying matches before making it to the main draw for Indian Wells, which is considered one of

Tennis’ biggest tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open).

Minister Norton, speaking on NCN’s Vybz 100.1FM yesterday, that it was imperative for him to congratulate the budding tennis star on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, since she has shown an interest in representing

the ‘Land of the Mighty Kaieteur’ at the Tokyo Olympic Games and other international tournaments.

Minister Norton stated that Vickery should serve as an inspiration to young Guyanese women in the sports fraternity, since because of her diminutive stature, she is oftentimes out-matched by her opposition, but she uses her strength, both physically and mentally, to find her way to success.

“I want to say to Sachia, on behalf of everyone in Guyana, ‘congrats and well played. This is just the beginning to the great things in place and once you keep working hard, many more doors will be opened’. I watched the match, I saw her really digging deep and I said, ‘that’s the Guyanese spirit’, so I hope she continues to do well,” said Dr Norton.

Vickery, during her visit, also spoke with the president of the Guyana Olympic

Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin about the process of representing Guyana, and Dr Norton hopes all systems are put in place to accommodate the 22-year-old.

“I believe that can also open the doors for others who are out there and playing at a high level. We see it happen with other Caribbean countries, especially Jamaica;, so it’s important that we (Guyana) are accommodating in whatever way with those kind of athletes, since others will be looking on to see how we really deal with professional athletes, playing at a high-level and signalling their intention to represent us,” Norton added.

Vickery, who is also a former USTA Girls U-18 National Champion, will next suit up for the Miami Open, another Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) mandatory tournament, which serves off on March 20.

Pakistan gets Windies boost with T20 series in Karachi

(REUTERS) - International cricket’s slow trickle back into Pakistan continues with West Indies set to play a three-match Twenty20 series in Karachi in the first week of April, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has announced.

The south Asian country

has remained largely starved of international cricket since the 2009 attack on a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, wounding six players and a British coach and killing eight Pakistanis.

The incident forced Pakistan to play nearly all of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan have since hosted Zimbabwe, a World XI, and a Sri Lanka team for limited overs matches, all at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

“Good news! West Indies have agreed to play 3 T20 matches in Karachi on April 1, 2 and 4,” Sethi tweeted.

Karachi will also host the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on March 25.

“Lahore had Zimbabwe, PSL2 Final, ICC XI and Sri Lanka. Now it is Karachi’s turn to rise and shine with PSL3 Final and WI,” Sethi added.

International Cricket

Council’s security consultant Reg Dickason will visit Karachi during the PSL final to assess security arrangement for the Twenty20 series.

“Their expert will stay back for seven days and conduct the security for West Indies series. This is part of our agreement with

the West Indies board,” Sethi told reporters, adding PCB was unlikely to make any profit from the series.

“This will be a oneoff series ... it will be a loss-making enterprise.

The idea wasn’t to make money, it was to bring cricket back, so this is a step in that direction.”

Drepaul excited about Guyana’s ‘talent pool’ of cricketers 27 PAGE

First GKC Grading a success under Master Woon-A-Tai THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) on February 28 held its first grading examinations for the year under the instruction of Chairman and Chief Instructor of the International Karate Daigaku, Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Degree Black Belt who was assisted by other senior officials of the Canada headquartered International Karate Daigaku.

The other officials included Shihan Maureen Woon-A-Tai 8th Degree Black Belt, Shihan Bernice Hughes 7th Degree Black Belt and Senior Instructor and Vice Chairman of the Guyana Karate College Shihan Jeffrey Wong 7th Degree Black Belt.

Headlining the examinations was teenaged karate sensation Hannah Farinha from the Marian Academy, who earned her third degree black belt or Sandan rank with a scintillating display. She was followed by Jonathan Robinson who, in a gritty display of karate, moved from first degree to second degree black belt or Nidan rank.

Angelina Campayne, Jadon Lee, Gavena Doodnauth, Vanita Chulie, Banesha Doodnauth, Jayanti Ram, Najuma Gibbs all had the honour of earning their first degree black belt or Shodan rank after rigorously going through their paces.

Sixteen karatekas who were graded were from the Guyana Karate College Shakties Dojo – West Coast Demerara and were under the instruction of Sensei Kenrick Cheeks. Four of these karatekas earned their Shodan Rank or 1st degree black belt.

All five karatekas from the Guyana Karate College-Sophia Turn to page 22 ►

Young white belt karatekas go through their paces. (Samuel Maughn photo)

GDF take the lead, New Amsterdam Mahadeo, Adonis cop United pick up first win 22 Kares Fitness games titles PAGE

PAGE

22

GDF’s goalscorer Delroy Fraser in a battle with Victoria Kings’ Shameer Nazeer during their Sunday March 11 clash at the GFC ground in the GFF Elite League. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis were the Male and Female champions of the Kares Fitness Challenge.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018