Guyana Chronicle E-paper 03-18-2019

MONDAY 18th March, 2019

Court ruling likely this week No.105580

– gov’t maintains 03 three-month timeline directory not mandatory PAGE

Unite, set aside differences 02 PAGE

Water charges cut at all public conveniences 14 PAGE

DDL further diversifies 03 PAGE

––going into milk, dairy products in collaboration with gov't

–– Greenidge tells State House Phagwah celebration Acting President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge applies powder on US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch during the Phagwah celebration at the Baridi House, State House on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Bread vendor killed during home 04 invasion PAGE

Dead: Clairmont Telesford

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

Unite, set aside differences – Greenidge tells State House Phagwah celebration

By Lisa Hamilton ACTING President Carl Greenidge has called on Guyanese to embrace the true meaning of national festivals by setting aside differences and uniting as one.

He made the appeal at the annual Ministry of the Presidency Phagwah programme on Sunday. The celebration was held at the Baridi House at State House and saw attendance of several members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Hindu community and other invited guests.

Among those in attendance were Speaker of the

National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Minster within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton; Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma and Member of Parliament Michael Carrington.

Also present were US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch and her husband Dr. Kevin Healy and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam. The significance of phagwah was demonstrated in song, dance, prayer and drama.

Hailing the event as a

A skit telling the origin of Holi and Prahalad by members of ISKCON (Samuel Maughn photo)

Acting President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge play phagwah with other celebrants at the Baridi House, State House on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

celebration of Guyana’s rich multi-culturism, Greenidge expressed his pleasure to be a part of the “ancient and sacred festival” centred on the celebration of good over evil.

He reminded the gathering that the phagwah, also called ‘Holi’, also celebrates fertility and the season of love for all.

“Phagwah is intended to be a unifying festival. It is a time in which barriers of age, class, race and sex are disregarded and when everyone can come together and be happy,” Greenidge said, urging: “At this time we should therefore set aside differences and misunderstandings.”

The acting President told the visitors that the festival’s underlying message of harmony challenges persons to do away with disunity, disaffection and division.

He noted that President

David Granger, since his inauguration, has made it his duty to host various observances of the country’s major religions at State House, as a form of respect.

“Despite our problems

and challenges, we have been able to weld a united nation from these great cultural strands. Events such as the one we’re hosting today help to foster religious tolerance and to promote inclusiveness

by ensuring that every major religious and ethnic group is afforded respect and recognition,” the acting President said.

At the celebrations, sacred hymns were sung by Prabhu Dev and members of the Hare Krishna Study Centre; Dhanraje Haimraj and members of the Windsor Forest Arya Samaj Temple; Pandit Sunil Sharma and members of the Radha Krishna Mandir and the members of the Kala Niketan Temple.

There were also dances by students of the St. Joseph’s High School Hindu Society; a skit on Holi and Prahalad from ISKCON and

other presentations from the students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan.

Phagwah will be celebrated as a public holiday in Guyana on Thursday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

Court ruling likely this week –– gov’t maintains three-month timeline directory not mandatory

By Svetlana Marshall

THIS week, the Court of Appeal is likely to deliver its ruling on the validity of the No-Confidence Motion brought against the Government.

It can either overturn or uphold the motion.

If the panel of judges led by the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, upholds the January 31, 2019 decision of the High Court that the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed in the National Assembly as declared by the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, the Appellate Court has the power to extend the timeframe for the holding of General and Regional Elections in the absence of an extension by a two-third majority of all elected members of the National Assembly.

The three-month timeframe, as stipulated by Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, expires on Thursday, March 21, 2019, but there would be no constitutional crisis. In the Appellate Court this past week, the Attorney General, Basil Williams and a battery of lawyers, in a series of convincing arguments, submitted that the three-month provision in the Constitution, which provides for early elections, following a vote of No-Confidence, is not mandatory but rather directory.

The attorney general has argued that the Article 106(7) can only be interpreted as directory since the government has no control over elections. Under the current

construct of the Constitution, only GECOM can hold and supervise the conduct of elections independently. As it is currently, the Elections Commission is not in a state of readiness to hold elections and has long indicated that it is unable to reach the threemonth deadline due to a number of factors, including lack of technical expertise and financial resources.

Warning that if interpreted in isolation of other provisions of the Constitution, Article 106 (7) could lead to an absurdity, Williams, in defense of his position, turned the Court’s attention to Article 62, Article 161 (A) and (B) and Article 162 which insulate GECOM from political interference and outline its core functions and responsibility.

“What happened in the Court below was that Article 106 (7) was looked at separately and in isolation of the other provisions of the Constitution…Your honours when you read Article 106 (7) in isolation, what do you find? We find that the Government is given a task, that one could say is a task equivalent to Sisyphus, impossible of performance because of course the government cannot hold an election, it is an absurdity,” he told the court.

READINESS FOR ELECTIONS Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards, who appeared in association with the attorney general, in his submissions, made it clear

that only GECOM can determine when elections can be conducted, having regard to its state of readiness.

In the defense of government’s position, Edwards pointed to the case of Attorney General of Grenada v.

The Grenada Bar Association [2000] in which Chief Justice Byron, as he then was, underscored the principle of looking at other provisions of the Constitution in order to

Attorney General, Basil Williams glean what the framers of the Constitution intended.

“A purposive interpretation must be given to Article 106(7) to read that the President and the government continue in office and resign when a President is sworn in after an election,” he argued.

He said, in law, it is important for the Constitution to be interpreted as a whole, and failure to do such could result in error.

“Interpreting a section or part of a Constitution in isolation will likely result in the court not appreciating the impact that its interpretation may have in real life,” Edwards argued.

One of the country’s leading legal minds has said that the court, in keeping with the doctrine of necessity, has the powers to grant an extension to the constitutional deadline.

According to him, “like it or not, the court is in the driving seat” and will determine the way forward since it has the powers to do so.

“The court will determine what happens if the time runs out or is about to run out. It will make that determination.

No other organ in the state is capable of so doing… the court is the organ, the institution responsible for making that kind of determination,” he explained.

Given the circumstances, the legal luminary said the court could depend on the doctrine of necessity, and grant an extension.

“If it so happens that the court is in the process of resolving an issue or enquiring into an issue, and the time stipulated in the Constitution has been overshot, then the court could rely on the doctrine of necessity and give such extensions as are required in the circumstances,” he further explained.

President David Granger said he will be guided by the Court of Appeal and GECOM, in his latest address to the nation.

“I rely on the Commission’s readiness, the provi-

sion of funds and the expansion of time to conduct credible elections by the National Assembly. I rely on the outcome of legal challenges by the Court of Appeal. I rely, also, on public confidence in the institutions responsible for executing these processes. They demand political cooperation, not confrontation,” the President said on Friday.

Currently, the President is awaiting advice from GECOM but frequent walk-outs by the three Opposition-appointed commissioners are stymieing the work of the Commission.

CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT In putting the current political situation into perspective during the televised address to the nation, President Granger explained that the competence of the executive branch is essential to the viability of the state.

Alluding to Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, he said the President and Ministers remain in office as provided for by the Constitution. According to that Article, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

He emphasised that the

President David Granger Constitution contemplates continuity of the government.

“There is no legal impediment that restrains the government from exercising its functions or requires it to assume only ‘caretaker’ functions.

The government continues to protect the country’s borders, natural resources, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to fulfil its international obligations. Citizens will continue to be provided with public services at the central, regional and local levels to ensure their welfare. Life goes on,” the head of states asserted.

President Granger noted that the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is sacrosanct and supreme; the independence of the Judiciary and the Elections Commission is respected and the National Assembly is functional.

DDL further diversifies –– going into milk, dairy products in collaboration with gov't

GOVERNMENT is in the process of collaborating with the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) to manufacture milk and dairy products.

This was disclosed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan last Friday, at the commissioning of Distribution Services Limited’s (DSL’s) $1billion ware-

house at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. DSL is a subsidiary of DDL. The minister, without going into details about the project, added that the government looks forward to this partnership coming on stream soon, since milk and dairy products account for a huge chunk of the national import bill.

CARICOM countries, Guyana included, import more than US$4B annually in food and this has led to calls for diversified agricultural practices and increased outputs and for each CARICOM member state to reduce its food import bill.

For years the local dairy industry has been underproductive, moving from

a lucrative value-added industry decades ago, to a bottom-house business controlled by local cattle farmers, mainly in rural areas.

About 25 years ago, the Livestock Development Company (LiDCo) closed its door and its flagship enterprise at Moblissa — the 4,000-acre dairy farm which was complement-

ed by 25 private satellite farms.

Prior to the closure of the company, the Georgetown Milk Pasteurisation Plant, for the most part, produced composite products: blends of locally produced fresh milk and re-constituted milk from imported skimmed milk powder and butter fat.

Finance Minister Winston Jordon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

Bread vendor killed during home invasion POLICE are hunting for three bandits who allegedly shot and killed a 63-yearold Beterverwagting, East

Coast Demerara bread vendor, during a home invasion early Sunday morning.

Clairmont Telesford

called “Bread man” of 101 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD, was killed while his reputed wife, Shondell Emmanuel, was tied up by the perpetrators during the ordeal.

According to reports, the couple operated a shop in front of their Beterverwagting home and about 01:30 hours, on the day in question,

they were unpacking bread in their bottom-flat apartment when three masked men pounced on them. One of the men was armed with a firearm. Guyana Chronicle was told that the couple was tied up by the three bandits and ordered to hand over their valuables or be killed.

Emmanuel took two of the bandits inside of her home while the armed perpetrator stayed with her reputed husband. The woman handed over jewellery and cash but was still assaulted.

The men, during their escape, took Telesford into

Dead: Clairmont Telesford

the yard where he was later found motionless with injuries to the head by Emmanuel after she managed to free herself.

Telesford was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on

Monday, March 18, 2019 09:00hrs. - 12:00hrs.

arrival. His body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting post- mortem.

Emmanuel received medical attention at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for abrasions and was sent away. The police investigation continues.

Saturday 16, March, 2019

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15, March, 2019

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03 05 13 15 18

18, 19, 20 24, 26

8, 8, 8

2, 4, 0

02, 03, 10, 13, 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

Child hospitalised Loggers feeling the squeeze –– call on RUSAL to take steps to end workers’ strike

By Vanessa Braithwaite

The car that hit the child leaving the GPHC on Sunday A CHILD is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was struck down by a motor car Sunday morning.

A hospital source said the child is in stable condition.

News of the accident went viral on Facebook after it was reported that the child had succumbed to injuries he received.

It is alleged that the child was at some point on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, when he made a sudden dash across the road and ended up in the path of motor car PVV 4932.

The child was knocked unconscious but regained consciousness on his arrival at the hospital.

The car was driven by a female who is now assisting the police with their investigation.

LOGGERS in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10, are losing millions of dollars as the longhaul strike by RUSAL workers, which includes the blocking of the river, continues.

The loggers are calling on RUSAL to sign on to the agreement which the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GBGW) proposes, so that the river can be cleared, earliest.

The Guyana Chronicle was able to contact two loggers who said the issue lies with RUSAL, which needs to come to an amicable agreement with the bauxite union.

Ford (only name given), the owner of a logging concession up the Berbice River, said he is losing hundreds of thousands daily, since his timber is stranded and cannot be transported to clients who have already made orders.

“I am hoping that this matter is solved so that the entire place can go back to normalcy; myself and other

loggers are affected, nothing can go out nothing can come in,” he said, during a telephone interview.

Ford noted that items such as food and fuel have to be transported via small boats and their services are very costly. Ford said he understands the situation facing the workers and supports their stand, but is hoping something happens earliest.

An official of Rong-AnInc timber company, who requested anonymity, said the company’s barge with timber reached Aroaima on March 5 and has since been stalled.

This, the official said, has seriously affected the company’s operations since the timber is for export, as well as for local buyers. The

company is also operating in the Upper Berbice River and estimated its losses at $2 million per day, since some 100 workers are affected.

The official noted that a managerial team engaged RUSAL employee Ephraim Velloza, who is also the president representing RUSAL workers on the issue and was told that unless RUSAL signs on to their agreements of reinstatement, the river will remain blocked.

Velloza noted that he understands the plight of the loggers and is hoping that

by Tuesday, the situation will be laid to rest when RUSAL meets with the union again.

RUSAL and the GBGWU are to hold another round of talks on Tuesday,

since no agreement on reinstatement of workers was made at last Friday’s talks.

General-Secretary of the union, Lincoln Lewis, said RUSAL managers which include company representative in Guyana, Permyakov Vladimir; Personnel Manager, Mikhail Krupenin; and Labour Adviser, Mohamed Akeel, said they will give a response on Tuesday to the terms of reinstatement of the 90 workers.

At Maple Town, Aroaima, the strike continues and workers too are hoping that the general manager on Tuesday places his signature to their proposals of reinstatement. In the interim, RUSAL continues to operate with a skeleton staff.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

Finally, justice is done

THE reported conviction of the Muslim cleric who had been on trial for the monstrous crime of sexual activity with under-age boys in 2012, means that justice has finally been done.

Though he has received what is definitely condign judicial punishment for only a single count of what had been read as a ninecount indictment, the severity of his conviction has again signalled the court’s very extreme displeasure with an offence that continues unabated. In stating this, one is mindful of the recent report in the press of in excess of 300 cases of child sexual abuse, so far, for 2019. And this may not reflect the true figure in terms of actual cases being brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.

There may be far more instances in excess of what has been officially stated.

There were many de-

lays, inclusive of several cases which were postponed at the level of the Magistrates Court; there was also the disappearance of original documents that had to be recreated. Nevertheless, the case of the accused cleric finally became scheduled for the High Court and justice has been served.

And though it has not been mentioned whether the lone conviction, thus far, is in respect of one of the young victims of the mother mentioned in the many complaints-- in the media -- as to trial delays, one must nevertheless pay the fullest tribute to this single parent; her consistent calls for justice to be done stands as a monument to the burden of responsibility that mothers often carry alone for their offspring, in terms of that very special and unique connection that is attributed to motherhood.

Her pleas were many, even reportedly going to

the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, from where she said she was chased. And if that had not been enough, further rubbing salt in her wound was the reported presence of persons in front of her home who intimidated the children by constantly taking photographs/videos; this was in addition to instances of persons mocking her. Even an offer to bribe her with several million dollars appeared not to have swayed her determination, or tempted her to abandon her stance that the accused must face the bar of justice for the licentious act that he had committed on the boys, including her young offspring. For this mother, seeking justice for her children and family, their dignity was priceless, and could not be bought. She must again be commended for taking both an indomitable, and heroic stand, and for not being tempted by “cheque book

justice.”

As to whether the convicted cleric will again have to face trial for the other indictments is not clear.

But one must focus on the current state of the nation’s children against the background of the threat of sexual abuse, that targets many of them, daily.

Again, it is a national tragedy that in our media, there are very frequent reports of children as young as three years old being sexually abused, often by relatives in whose care they are mostly left. It means that their innocent trust has been cruelly betrayed, not by strangers, but by those whom they know and love.

It is a scenario that has become very common; and it therefore points to what the family has become, in terms of its role in the growth and nurturing of young family members in an environment in which they are expected

to be confident of genuine protection from older family members, particularly males, and not made to live or dwell in an environment of threat to their psychological and physical selves. Every child has the right to be expected to be loved, shown affection, be cared for, be guided by, and be protected by, the senior members of their household. Such an experience results in mentally healthy and emotionally stable children, which redound to their becoming confident adults with very good prospects for a successful life, inclusive of that of a family.

Just recently, there was another instance of a hefty sentence being imposed on a father of 10 for child rape-44 years. Last December, a man incurred the wrath of the sexual offences court by receiving a life sentence for rape of a one-year- old child.

It would seem therefore that our very young daughters,

grand-daughters, nieces, and other female relatives are in danger.

This case involving the Muslim cleric has finally attracted a High Court trial and a condign sentence; this, despite what had looked like orchestrated attempts to slow its progress to its required destination, and perhaps to have it dismissed eventually. This should encourage all those who are suffering silently from this physical degradation to expose the evil fiends, thus ensuring that they are made to suffer the penalty that is prescribed by law. And for parents -- mothers especially -- we cannot relent in cautioning: they must be more careful and be selective in whom they repose the important task of supervising their young females, irrespective of how short a duration, or how temporary the period.

Sand trucks at Ruimveldt Public Road a danger to life and limb

Dear Editor,

KINDLY permit me space in your newspaper to voice my concern about a very dangerous situation on one of our roadways.

Editor, as you may be aware, sand truck drivers usually park along the edge of the East Bank Demerara highway stretching from National Hardware and Torginol Paints companies on the western side of the road and on the opposite, eastern side as well, while they go about their business.

My major concern here has to do with the manner in which these drivers

park. On most occasions, they are extremely close to the junctions of the road, which poses a great danger to other drivers who are attempting to get access to the highway, where our view is totally blocked by those high trucks being parked a mere metre or so away from the corners at times. From what I understand, it is an offence to stop or park a vehicle within the first 10 metres from a corner. The situation we have here is not only a daily breach of the traffic laws, but also a daily danger to other road users as well. In addition, when these big trucks are parked on the

road shoulders they force pedestrians to compete with the moving traffic for space to walk. What is worse, is that the police are often times right there at the traffic lights where they have a clear view of these breaches, but choose to ignore them.

Why is this? Why don’t the police ensure that at least these truck drivers do not park within that 10-metre distance from the corner?

Are we waiting until someone loses his or her life here before we fix this problem?

Editor, many times drivers coming out from the junction near Torginol are forced to take the risk of

going on the highway with almost half of the vehicle already on the road; but they are still unable to see vehicles coming to Georgetown because their view is blocked by these trucks. We are playing with death every time we attempt to get on to the highway, especially given the kind of drivers we generally have on our roads.

Coupled with this, there are numerous occasions when potential customers turn up in their vehicles and simply park alongside the trucks to begin negotiating their deals. This is insanity.

My other concern has to do with the fact that these

trucks oftentimes are parked on the shoulders of the road.

Many of us Guyanese keep complaining everyday about the poor infrastructure, and about roads being damaged mere months after construction, but we are failing to recognise all the causes of this. Those trucks are parked on the road shoulders -- sometimes for hours-with tons of sand, causing severe stress on the road foundation, which results in eventual damage to the road.

There are already huge sink holes on the western side of this area; isn’t the Ministry of Public Infrastructure doing anything about this?

I understand that the truck drivers need to earn a living, but at the same time, we need to look at the issue holistically. I would urge the commissioner of police, Minister David Patterson and Mayor Ubraj Narine to intervene immediately and bring some order and safety to this location. They need to identify an area off the main road where they can assemble and ply their trade, without endangering the safety of other road users.

Regards Rovin Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

A plea that ignores brutality victim suffered Dear Editor

THIS is in relation to a story in your edition, of 15.3.19, headlined: “Muslim cleric gets 45-year jail term.” Yes, like all citizens who believe that such lecherous acts should attract the most severe of penalities, – I fully am in support of the trial judge’s condign sentence, which befits a monstrous crime.

However, I could not contain my extreme shock and unbelieving eyes at reading the convicted cleric attorney’s comments that “the virtual complainant received no physical injuries or psychological trauma.”

I interpret this statement to be a plea of mitigation on behalf of his client.

Editor, I quite understand that every attorney’s first responsibility is to his/ her client; he is therefore

obligated to “pull out all the stops,” so to speak, in giving the best possible legal representation. In this instance, however, he is making a judgement that is best the domain of a medical professional.

However, it is the nature of his plea that is beyond belief, and moreover reprehensible; and I contend this, notwithstanding my remarks in the prior paragraph.

Such a plea speaks of total disregard for the victim who has suffered trauma at the hands of his convicted client; additionally, it seems directed to either reduce the severity of the sentence intended, by making a case that the offence is not a serious one, or both. For a jurist of such immense stature, a senior counsel as well, and also a former Judge, one would not, and should not expect such a statement that

appears to make short shrift of a very serious offence.

One wonders how would he have dealt with similar matters, as a judge?

I am neither a legally trained person, nor a medical professional; but I have read very extensively on the psychological damage that such a dastardly act, as sexual abuse, usually causes its victims; also, the burden which they have to carry, especially when such a de-

bauchery has been experienced at such a young age.

Most times, according to data, and empirical knowledge – these victims’ lives become a hell hole.

Such a comment, irrespective of being a plea, is not only cold and callous, but a naked insult to all those who have been victims of such a depravity.

Regards Carla Mendonca

More humane approach to crime-fighting needed Dear Editor,

THERE are two issues pertaining to the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s engagement with citizens that recently appeared in the news media which compelled me to write this letter. The first incident is in relation to the fatal shooting of Mr Mark Johnson, a security guard in Berbice, who at the time of being shot by a police officer was reported to have been intoxicated.

The second incident has to do with the alleged brutal beating of Shaman Tanner in America Street, Georgetown.

Bearing in mind that at present, the force is in the process of implementing its reform agenda, the above-mentioned incidents could further tarnish the image of the force in the eyes of the public.

This concern was borne out In a letter written by Karan Chand, published in the March 12th 2019 edition of the Stabroek News, captioned: “Police must place more emphasis on non- lethal approaches in confrontations.” I wish at this time to pledge my support for the observations and recommendations contained in Chand’s letter. Mr Chand in his remarks presented a very objective description of the police’s dangerous and reckless use of deadly force. This is a chronic problem, which if not rooted out, can become a permanent characteristic of police behaviour in Guyana. It is my hope that more citizens, including members of the GPF hierarchy, will

lend their public support to Chand’s appeal for reform in this area of police/citizen relations.

The newspaper reports of the savage beating of young Mr. Tanner, allegedly by ranks of the police force on March 8th 2019 in America Street, and the explanation given in the official police statement which denied that the police was involved in the beating and attributed his facial injuries to a piece of iron thrown by a man, is not convincing.

I saw TV coverage of the incident. Tanner’s body displayed multiple injuries that appeared not to be consistent with the GPF story. Since the force has launched an investigation I am prepared to hold my final judgement on this “nasty story” until the completion of that investigation.

These two incidents have demonstrated how challenging is the task of reforming

the GPF, given its track record on the use of force, including deadly force, that has resulted in the demise of a number of citizens.

In closing, I wish to acknowledge the difficulties with which Commissioner of Police Leslie James and his team are faced in their quest to reform the GPF. Their success or failure to effectively curtail the deterioration in police/citizen relations depends on the extent to which they are able to instil in members of the force the need for a more humane approach to crime fighting and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens; qualities which are sorely lacking today.

Unless and until this is done, the reluctance by members of the public to cooperate with the police will continue to rise.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

Kato Secondary School finally commissioned RESIDENTS of North Pakaraima, Region Eight, finally have access to a high-quality and self-sufficient secondary school, located in Kato, which currently houses 350 students, teachers and auxiliary staff.

The Kato Secondary School, a flagship educational institution, located in Sub-District one, was commissioned on Friday by Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry.

The minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Adele Clarke; Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson; Director of

and transformation of lives.

“This is a classic case of dreams becoming reality.

Sustainable development is integral to what we do, and it is also the pathway to the future, and we want it for all. Today, the commissioning of Kato Secondary School marks the pathway for growth in this community, but more significantly, it represents growth in the education sector.”

Minister Henry further highlighted that in good professional practice, it is crucial to delivering on promises.

“I believe one of our more significant promises

Education Minister Dr Nicolette Henry applauds after the ceremonial ribbon was cut to officially mark the commissioning of the Kato Secondary School (DPI photo)

A section of the gathering at the commissioning of the Kato Secondary School on Friday (DPI photo)

NCERD, Jennifer Cumberbatch and Assistant Chief Education Officer, June-Ann Gonsalves. The education minister, in her remarks, underscored the importance of education in the development

as a sector and certainly as a government, is to reduce the disparities between the hinterland and the coastland and to bridge educational gaps and so we would like to ensure that we provide qual-

ity education for all of our students in all our communities,” Minister Henry added.

Toshao of Kato, Clifton Ferreira told the Department of Public Information that the school serves as an important training ground to produce

more skilled students who will contribute to their communities and by extension, the region.

Parents and residents are breathing a sigh of relief for the final completion and commissioning of the school which was initially constructed by the previous administration but was saddled with defects, hindering students from accessing quality education. This administration, through its Education Ministry, is committed to the development of all Guyanese children. In this regard, the ministry took seriously its responsibility of delivering quality education to all by rehabilitating the then derelict facility to create an environment conducive to learning.

The Kato Secondary School has been a sore issue for the Ministry of Education.

Although a contract was signed to construct the school

in December of 2012, the contractor began work in May of 2013 with an initial estimated time of completion set for 2015. However, after much delay, the school was finally declared fit for learning on September 10, 2018, with nine classes ranging from Grades Seven to Nine with a staff orientation session being held on August 28 to 30, 2018. It serves 17 Indigenous communities in the sub-district One area.

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson said that the state-of-the-art facility was completed to serve the community.

“In the current global setting, education is both a necessity and an investment which everybody should embrace with the seriousness that it deserves. Education is critical to the attainment of wealth creation and sustainable economic growth.

It is with such an understanding that the Ministry of Education has ensured the completion of Kato Secondary School with the view of intentionally placing the children of this community on a developmental trajectory,” Hutson explained.

The school is fully equipped with Internet access and has a photo solar power plant costing $37M. The facility also houses teacher’s quarters, a dining hall and kitchen, a student dormitory, a main teaching block with a library, a smart classroom, a home economics laboratory, a science lab, an information technology lab, and an industrial arts classroom.

The school’s commissioning was in keeping with the Ministry of Education’s mandate to create improved standards and equitable delivery of education nationwide.

It is also in keeping with goal four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is interested in inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning.

Additionally, the government has been working assiduously to fulfil its goal of linking the hinterland and the coast through infrastructure, agricultural production and industry, business, tourism and trade, education, health, telecommunications, and community development, in order to create equal access to improved standards of service in all sectors for all Guyanese. (DPI)

I am proud of where we are and how far we have come Dear Editor I THANK you for permitting me valuable space in your edition to share my opinion in the public domain.

The year 2020 -- at least as far as the information provided by our political czars indicates-- should be the year that I as a Guyanese will become a prince, such as the likes of those on the opposite side of the globe in the Arabian peninsula; I have already invested in a golden turban for this purpose. Until this time how-

ever, I am quite content and proud of where we are and how far we have come. I am proud as I am patriotic. I love those who have respect and decency for my culture and for my country. I have no tolerance however, for anyone who may feel that they are above me or superior to me as a Guyanese-- especially in my country.

A few Fridays ago, I took my family for a relaxing dinner at a dining establishment located on Quamina Street. I should mention that I support only local, home-grown restaurants, as I am not par-

ticularly fond of sending my country’s hard-earned foreign exchange towards the payment of international franchises or such. Myself and family proceeded to the garden dining area due to the fact that I have children below the age of four and they absolutely love to run and frolic beneath the big tree in the centre of the room. Within about half an hour of placing our order, we inhaled the characteristic cigar smoke which was seen coming from a couple, who appeared to be non-Guyanese.

Not wanting to spoil their Friday evening here in my beautiful country, I made a decision to move my family to another table within the inner dining room of the restaurant, since we wanted to protect our lungs (forgive me for being direct, but I am of the opinion that this makes it easier for the offenders to understand the rationale). About 15 minutes into waiting at our new, fresh table, two diners who were seated behind our table indulged in their craving.

As the smoke permeated the area, I felt an urge to cough.

I thought of gracefully walking over to their table to cough and empty my lungs over their dinner without the decency of covering my mouth as my mother taught me. After all, I will respect your apparent right to fill my lungs without my permission, as you should respect my right to empty them when I choose. But good sense prevailed and the waitress, sensing my frustration, apparently notified the manager. Not sure of the conversation but after many “whys,” the smokers were relocated.

Editor, I sincerely hope that you are not a smoker and if you are, I know that you will be professional in your approach to use the tools that you wield to shed some light as to where we are in this regard. With the influx of persons coming to our country in light of our new-found status, I am of the opinion that once the rules have been established, we will not be motivated to resist to guard our rights.

Sincerely, L. Evans

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

Help for kidney victims –– Gov't working to increase access to medical care, says Lawrence

By Lisa Hamilton

GOVERNMENT is working to reduce the financial burden on persons living with damaged kidneys and to increase their access to medication and care.

This is according to Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who spoke at a health walk for World Kidney Day on Sunday.

The walk saw the collaboration of the Public Health Ministry; the Chronic Disease Unit; the Kidney Foundation of Guyana and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Starting at Parade Ground, a number of persons marched along Water Street, Church Street, Irving Street, Lamaha

Street and finally to the dialysis centre at the GPHC where a small ceremony was held.

It was relayed that kidney failure can only be addressed through dialysis or transplant.

Kidney failure can distort the life plan of victims who, post-diagnosis, are no long able to function as they once did at work, school or play.

Apart from the physical disadvantage, Lawrence reminded the gathering that patients and their relatives can often be affected emotionally and financially.

To assist, over the years, the government has been providing $360,000 and more in yearly funds to individual patients.

However, Lawrence believes that more can be done

which is why, over the last 18 months, she has been examining ways in which more can be done.

“We have, last year, put in the newspaper an ad for expression of interest so that we can be able to work with private partners to offer dialysis not only at the Georgetown Hospital when you come in but to have walk-in clinics in Regions Two, Three, Six and Ten,” she said.

She added: “We believe that if we can have the services provided in those regions that we’ll be able to meet more persons and have them extend the monies that are presently given to them.”

Recently, Lawrence also met with all providers of dialysis to receive feedback

A number of persons participate in the health walk for World Kidney Day on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence addresses members of the audience at the GPHC Dialysis Centre (Samuel Maughn photo) on why the cost for such is increasing.

“They outlined to me that in most instances, the cost which they ask of patients doesn’t really give them a big profit or a profit at all,” she said.

DUTY-FREE PROPOSAL “I have written to the Minister [of Finance] asking that all of the medication; all of the items used for dialysis to be duty-free and I’m quite certain that that will have a great impact on the cost of dialysis.”

Added to this, Public Health Ministry has sought out the assistance of its partners to provide a two-year supply of items needed for treatment

Easier travel for Akawini students OVER 50 students from the village of Akawini, Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will now find it easier travelling to and from school.

This was made possible through the donation of a new boat engine along with other essential supplies by Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton.

The minister and his team met the Akawini Toshao, David Williams, on Saturday at the Charity Market to hand over the new 15 horsepower outboard motor engine.

Additionally, Williams collected 15 gallons of Castrol gasoline for the boat engine, bottles of engine oil and 12 brand new life jackets to assist with the safety of passengers in the boat.

“I’m not only overjoyed that the community is benefitting from it, but moreover the schoolchildren. This is the policy of the government, where all the children in this country should have access to quality education,” Minister Norton remarked.

This good gesture stems from a meeting between the minister and the residents of Akawini, who had indicated

which will be given to institutions providing the service.

Her announcement was met with the applause of many in the audience who understand the challenges of persons with kidney complications.

General practitioner in the GPHC Transplant Department, Dr. Kevon Tracey encouraged citizens break the culture of waiting until they are very ill before visiting the doctor.

Kidney failure, he noted, is a “hidden endemic” which often sees its first three stages going undetected.

“We need to ensure that we go to the hospital and get regular checkups,” he encouraged.

“You can have kidney failure and not show any symptoms. The only way for us to know that is to go check ourselves; do blood tests, especially if you’re hypertensive or diabetic as those are the leading causes of kidney failure.”

Meanwhile, Social Worker Telecia Dazziel spoke to the participants about the support available to patients and their families.

“Kidney failure, kidney transplant, the entire procedure cannot be done by the patient alone. It is a collective effort with yourself; your friends and your family. Your primary caregiver will also need support and that is where the social worker comes in. When it becomes too overwhelming for you and even your family, you offload on me.”

Representative of the Kidney Foundation, Dr. Arefah Aladin, also spoke to the gathering about the services available at the foundation while two dialysis patients give an account of the past or present experience with kidney failure.

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).

One dead in Lethem accident

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton, hands over one of the life jackets to toshao of Akawini, David Williams that they need a proper boat engine.

According to Toshao Williams, the engine will be a great help, since the children will no longer have to walk to the stelling. It will also allow the boat operators to meet them at various pickup points to transport them to and from their destinations.

It will also aid in trans-

porting of the three cooks who are commissioned by the “Hot Meal Programme” to assist in preparing meals for the children and teachers in the hinterland community.

Minister Norton noted that under the previous administration, the Hot Meal Programme was restricted to a small number of hinterland schools.

Today, he said, every

school in the hinterland has cooks who provide both breakfast and lunch to the students.

He also reflected that a few years ago, it was unheard of for students to “travel on quality roads to access quality education” in their regions.

“We can safely say that we have a bright future for Guyana,” he said. (DPI)

VIOLET Stephen, 28, of St. Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, lost his life in the wee hours of Sunday morning when the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling lost control of the vehicle, resulting in it turning turtle along the Tabatinga Public Road, Region Nine.

According to a police release, Stephen was travelling in motor pick-up PWW 9907, which was being driven by a 32-year-old resident of Belfield, East Coast Demerara, who is a clerk of court attached to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Inquiries disclosed that the pick-up was being driven south along the eastern side of the Tabatinga Public Road around 02:30hrs, at a fast rate of speed; three persons were seated in the cab and seven others,including Stephen, were sitting and standing in the tray.

It is alleged that the driver lost control and the vehicle turned over on its left side, causing the persons in the tray to be thrown some distance onto the road and sustaining injuries about their bodies.

The injured persons were all picked up in a conscious state and taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital. Stephen died while receiving treatment, while the others were treated and sent away.

The driver escaped unhurt and is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

How parents can help to prevent child abuse

THE most effective strategy there is, when it comes to parents preventing child abuse, is communication. Parents need to talk to their children every day to learn as much as they can about their child’s daily activities: their feelings, concerns or problems.

Adults must listen to their children with open minds: they must not be judgemental

or keep interrupting the child’s flow as he/ she speaks.

At an appropriate point, the parent can ask questions or even enquire of the child how he/she feels about anything that might have raised a ‘red flag’ for the parent. This way, parents can gauge how the child copes with and analyses, the things that affect the child

and the events that take place in the world around him/her: and where necessary, the parent can guide the child in the right direction.

Guiding children in the right direction does not necessarily mean just giving them good advice and information. Parents can lay out a set of circumstances in such a way that the child uses his/her analytical skills to work out the correct way to deal with the situation with very little adult input. Guidance can therefore be something as simple as pointing out the salient facts and allowing a child’s problem-solving skills to do the rest. (An occasional nod of agreement from an adult wouldn’t hurt though).

This is a parenting skill that encourages children to confide in their parents rather than their peers. It also allows children to find and fashion their own techniques when dealing with problems and making decisions. These are skills they will no doubt need throughout their lives.

Many parents do not care about how their children perceive the world around them or the events they may witness. In fact, the parents themselves sometimes, are very poor examples from which children are meant to learn. In these cases, children are left to form their own interpretations and opinions without any parental discussion, guidance or intervention: and day-to-day activities (be they negative or positive) are never dealt with, questioned or evaluated.

This type of upbringing can be a prelude to children becoming wayward teenagers, delinquents and/or participants in early sexual activity. It is important for parents to know ‘what’ and ‘how’ their children are thinking, especially if they wish to keep their children safe from sexual abuse and ensure that their children have, at the very least, a fair idea of how to react, in any untoward situation.

However, children will not speak openly with adults if they feel that they will either get into trouble, or upset their parent in some way. If a child feels that the adult is not really concerned about him/her and only pretends to be listening, eventually the child will desist

from telling the adult anything of substance; this, despite the fact that it is very important that young people have a reliable ‘sounding board’: someone they can confide in, rely on and trust.

Asking questions and getting other people’s opinions is normal for developing children, so parents should be prepared to answer their off-spring in an age-appropriate way. Sometimes parents are afraid that their child may either ask a question that they find personally embarrassing, or raise a subject that they are ill-equipped to answer. If this happens, it is better to find some space between the question and your answer. All you have to say is something like, ‘That’s a very good question…I think I will have to get back to you on that one.’

This will give the parent a little time to do some research and/or to find some choice words to use when explaining the answer to the question. Social workers at the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ministry of Social Protection, could also help parents with tips on how to give applicable answers to questions. But don’t leave it too long, or pretend that you have forgotten about the question, because you can be sure that the child has not forgotten and is awaiting your reply. Keep the interactions going between adult and child by all means possible.

It really is a parent’s responsibility to keep the lines of communication open. At some point, children will need to be told, that there are predators out there that appear normal, but who might want to hurt them or make them do things that are not right or may feel uncomfortable. The predator could be someone they trust, such as a coach, an uncle, an aunt, a religious person, a baby sitter or just about anyone, as child abusers come in different guises.

Whatever you tell your child, it needs to be effective and it can only be so if the communication between adult and child is good, or at the very least, is a work in progress.

Taxi driver jailed for unlicensed gun, ammo DEVON Porter, a taxi driver of West Ruimveldt, was on Friday found guilty for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to two years in prison.

An air of sorrow filled the courtroom as Porter was found guilty for having in his possession, on August 9, 2018, at Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, a .38 re-

volver and one round of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

According to reports, on the day in question, police ranks were conducting their usual patrol when they observed the occupant of a motor car behaving suspiciously.

Consequently, they began to pursue the car and Porter, in his escape bid, crashed into a tree stump. Porter then threw the gun out the window.

24 escape NOC

from the juvenile detention centre.

Information revealed that the females opened a southern door in their dormitory, tied five sheets, threw them over the western fence and escaped.

The males, on the other hand, wrenched open a southern window in their dormitory and climbed over the fence. At the time, three security officers were on duty alone with the dormitory fathers and mothers.

The police have launched a search for the students.

TWENTY-FOUR students escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, around 19:30hrs on Saturday.

According to information received, 17 males and seven female students ran away

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

There is no constitutional crisis – Minister Harmon tells Guyanese diaspora in New York

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addresses members of the Guyanese diaspora Sunday evening at the St. Stephen’s Church Hall, New York (Ministry of the Presidency photo) MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, Sunday evening, assured members of the Guyanese diaspora in New York that Guyana is not heading to a constitutional crisis.

“Guyanese people are smart and they know the type of political leadership they have had. So try to get the facts and analyse it for yourself. Don’t believe the fake news. Guyana is not in

a crisis. Guyana has a strong stable Government which respects the Constitution, respects the rule of law and will never damage that,” Minister Harmon stated.

The Minister of State who was at the time speaking to the large number of Guyanese gathered at the St. Stephen’s Church Hall in Queens, New York, said the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), since the no-confidence vote

in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, has consistently peddled misinformation, with the aim of driving fear into citizens.

“While the world is watching Guyana and seeing the developments that are taking place in Guyana, there are some people, internally, who don’t want to see that progress, who want to put a halt to that progress and who want to create confusion in our country. This is what is happening. So many things are happening in Guyana but this sideshow is taking away from how the people of Guyana are benefitting from a better life,” he said.

The Minister continued: “It is our belief that the Government is acting constitutionally and the President remains the President until such time that there are new elections and another President is sworn in. The Government continues to function,” Minister Harmon said.

He said Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, continues to misinform the public with the intent to confuse and create panic among

citizens.

“We have worked hard to change Guyana from a ‘narco’ state; we have changed the idea that life in Guyana was cheap, we have worked hard to show that every Guyanese life means something. So all of these talks about March 21 are not true. The President has made it very clear that there are four processes going on right now; the work of the National Assembly, the work of the executive, the judicial process and the work of the Guyana Elections Commission,” he said.

Minister Harmon reminded members of the diaspora that the Opposition and its leader, has a history of wanton utterances. He noted too that Mr. Jagdeo’s continued efforts

to create a crisis have serious implications on peace, race relations and national security.

These actions, Minister Harmon said, must be deplored by all Guyanese and even those living abroad.

Further, he said the Government is not afraid to call elections, while noting that the Constitution of Guyana states unequivocally that GECOM is an independent, autonomous body responsible for the hosting of free, fair and credible elections.

“President Granger cannot interfere in GECOM’s work.

He has to be advised by the Commission of its readiness to host elections. The President has repeatedly, over the past few weeks, said that he is committed to holding cred-

ible elections in the shortest possible time but he has to be satisfied that the Commission is in operational readiness to deliver credible elections,” the Minister of State said.

Minister Harmon also informed the gathering that President David Granger, on March 13, 2019 wrote to Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, requesting that the Commission presents him with a work programme in the shortest possible time.

This, he said, is testimony that the Government is prepared to adhere to the Constitution, the supreme law of the land. (Ministry of the Presidency)

A section of the packed St. Stephen’s Church Hall in Queens, New York

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday March 18, 2019

Leaders meet to advance development in Region 8

TOSHAOS and administrators from across 17 villages in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) gathered in Kato on Thursday to participate in a Regional Development Conference to discuss the crafting of the Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD).

PARD forms part of the Coalition Government’s efforts to make each of the ten administrative regions a generator of development, using its human, material and natural resources.

It is a well-articulated document that outlines the strategic direction and process for developing the economic, infrastructural, social and environmental future of the region, with specific goals and timelines.

It considers the natural resources, including gold, fertile land for agriculture, ecotourism potential, as well as human resources.

Thus far, the Ministry of Communities has supported the crafting of PARDs for

ment of their communities, whilst ensuring that all of the people in the regions benefit equitably from the resources of the State.

“Toshaos, councillors, administrators, your sons and daughters are entitled to a good quality education just as the child in Georgetown. The hospital in your region must have well-trained doctors, and be stocked with necessary drugs and medication like those in any other region.

This is what the president said is the vision of this administration, and what we are working towards,” Minister Bulkan stated.

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes addressing village leaders at the Regional Development Conference (DPI photo)

Regions Nine (Upper-Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In his feature address at the opening of the event at the Kato Community Centre,

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT In terms of hinterland development achievements, the communities minister said

among others.

Noting that the event is a historic one for the region, Minister Bulkan reiterated that the government believes that the region must be allowed to function independently, with the citizen’s views and opinions forming the basis for any programme or intervention. He told village leaders that the government takes their development seriously, and with the revenues that will come from the emerging oil-and-gas sector, the projects and programmes out of the PARD will form the foundation for priority funding.

Day One of the event saw the toshaos presenting programmes and projects they would like to see implemented in the Potaro-Siparuni region over the next

Minister Bulkan spoke extensively of the potential of the region, noting that it has contributed billions of dollars to the country’s national treasury, and has been a source

A scene from the Regional Development Conference in Kato, Region Nine (DPI photo)

of sustenance for many.

“Despite these tremendous endowments, the region, owing to years of neglect, its mountainous terrain, along with its sparse and scattered population, presents tremendous challenges to the effective delivery of services… These challenges are not unique to this region, but are similar to those experienced by the three other hinterland regions. The undeniable fact is that the regions, up until 2015, did not receive the attention and support needed to confront these challenges.”

Minister Bulkan noted that it is against this backdrop that the Coalition Government, in 2015, recognised the need for a fresh approach to how the regions and country are governed.

The government then embarked upon empowering the people and leaders to have a greater say in the manage-

that in less than three years, the government established towns in all four hinterland regions: Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem.

He underscored that this very significant, as it will ultimately ease the burden of residents having to travel to Georgetown to access critical services.

In 2018 alone, $2B was allocated for the rehabilitation of hinterland roads.

Minister Bulkan assured his audience that the road network in the North Pakaraima will soon be upgraded.

Additionally, the government has established projects geared at fostering economic independence in the hinterland. These projects include the Pakaraima Sun-Dried Tomato Project, the coffee project in Santa Rosa, the cassava processing factory in Kwebanna, and the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS),

ten to 20 years, while on the second day, ministers and agency heads updated the village leaders on projects to be executed in the region, especially in the areas of health, education and telecommunications.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; and Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry were among senior government officials who participated in the two-day activity.

The Regional Development Conference represents the continuation of a process that is aimed at equipping regional leaders and administrators with a comprehensive document that will propel and guide the region’s development and transformation. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

Bruce Vieira mulls new venture –– following closure of Houston fish plant

By Wendella Davidson

THE pressure on Guyana to be internationally certified in order to access key US and Europe markets is the main factor that has prompted Bruce Vieira, chairman and Managing Director of B.E.V Processors Inc., located at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara, to close his business.

According to him, Guyana is still to receive the certification.

“All of the agencies, in particular, the international ones are requesting numerous records and the work has become more difficult and tiring,” he said in an exclusive interview with Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

The businessman, after having spent 34 years of his life in the fishing and exporting of seafood business, is currently in the final stages of wrapping up after closing the operations on July 17, 2018, and has hinted that he is considering entering the food business with daughter Natalia, who had been helping

him to manage BEV. Vieira, whose business was considered as this country’s oldest privately-owned fishing company, expressed satisfaction with the successful closure as it relates to the union and workers who were paid a severance package.

The closure saw in excess of 300 persons being placed on the breadline, a situation with which he was not “very comfortable”, but according to him, he has personally been involved in negotiating with sister companies in the business of fishing to help secure employment for the affected individuals.

The fishing business icon said while several of his former employees were successful in gaining employment at Prettipaul Investments, Noble House Seafoods, Quality Seafoods, and Global Seafoods among other places, he is still trying to help others.

He noted that following the July 18 closure last year, he retained about 40 of the employees

to assist with some aspects of the operations, that included selling off some 600, 000 pounds of `broken shrimp’ that the company was having difficulty selling.

Vieira, in explaining the difficulty, said that the shrimp is “very fine and have very little application”, and that even after eight months of closing, the company still has some of the product on hand.

But according to him, should all go well, he expects that it would be sold in another couple of weeks to clients in Trinidad and Jamaica with whom he has been dealing some time.

ITEMS TO BE SOLD The businessman further disclosed that he has since trimmed the 40 staffers to about 20, pointing out that in addition to still having shrimp, there are still lots of stuff and equipment on hand to sell, such as freezers, packaging supplies, equipment and spares.

“The final 20 staffers will

assist in effecting the final shipment and sale of equipment,” he said as he disclosed intentions to keep about eight employees, inclusive of senior staff and skilled personnel like an electrician, a mechanic and drivers, as permanent staff.

“Even though I have relinquished the business, I have a family who would want to get involved in something, so I am looking into the possibility of doing something else, but definitely not in the fishing business.”

On this note, Vieira explained that in a goodwill deal he has entered into with a sister seafood company, Noble House Seafoods, he cannot compete in the shrimp business. Additionally, he reiterated that he has no intention of coming out of the shrimping business and going back into it.

Vieira said it was a “dramatic” situation to come out of the business because of his local and overseas customers, and noted that a lot of people have expressed their disappointment.

But he pointed out that while other companies are faced with the same problem with getting the “broken shrimp” sold, as had

been the experience with BEV, he said that selling it at a very low price is not the way he was prepared to go.

BEV, he said, was the only company that did not have its own fleet of fishing vessels but had been sourcing 100 per cent of its supplies from persons who sold their products to them, adding that the company had never encountered any difficulty in selling prawns.

NOT SHRIMP Alluding to new venture he is considering, the businessman said he initially thought of a reconstituted shrimp business, utilising the same broken shrimp, but said having thought of the cost and amount of work that it would entail, he likened it to “jumping from the frying pan into the fire”, as over the years he had been dealing with perishables, which is very time-consuming.

“Most likely my final decision will be with food, which could be in the area of processing or distribution, but definitely not shrimp,” as he reminded of the goodwill he made with Noble House.

“I am very familiar with the food business, I am not in a hurry as it will give me a chance to throw back and relax after all the years,” he added.

Touching on his fixed assets, Vieira said because of the location, which is considered prime property, he has recently been getting some offers to rent or sell, but added that he has not finalised anything.

He said that he has not ruled out selling if the price is right and conduct the new business he has in mind from another location.

“This is a very big place and it makes no sense utilising it to go into a small something. Talks that I have closed the business because I was selling is not true, as you can see after eight months, I am still here, I have not signed an agreement with anyone; yes, I am having some discussions, but that is as far as it goes, “ he said.

The businessman said the decline in the “catch” is another reason he closed the business in July, adding that had “catch” not returned, he would have incurred a huge debt.

Equip health centres with anti-venom injections –– relatives of snake-bite victim

AS the relatives of Leslie Valentine Seymour bury their dead, a call has been issued for Ministry of Public Health to have anti-venom injections available at health centres across the country.

Seymour’s Aunt, Yvonne Gudge expressed disappointment over the unavailability of the anti-venom drug, which should have been accessible,

as Guyana is home to several venomous snakes, including labaria, the snake which bit her nephew.

“Leslie should not have died because of the unavailability of the anti-venom. All health outposts, particularly in the hinterland areas, should be equipped with the drug which must be administered within three hours of the bite.

“Leslie’s death must bring about a change. No other person must die because of the lack of the anti-venom. This is an agricultural-based country and this country was recently recognised as the number one eco-tourist state. Such recognition will bring hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists to this country. And when they come and are bitten by one of

the venomous snakes, will they also die because of the unavailability of the anti-venom?” the British-trained health official asked.

She added: “I am issuing a call to the government to ensure that anti-venom medications are available at all health posts, so that another life will not be lost because of its unavailability.”

Last Friday, Seymour, 50, was cultivating his cabbage plot at Baramani, North West

District, when he was bitten on his thumb by a labaria.

His reputed wife Dianne Henry, who witnessed the incident, immediately evoked traditional Amerindian treatment for snake bites, before assisting him in a canoe, and paddled some 40 miles to Moruca to seek medical attention.

When they reached the Moruca Hospital, there was no anti-venom medicine and they subsequently travelled to the Kumaka Regional Hospital but

there was none there either.

Henry paddled to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital at Charity, Essequibo Coast, where she arrived on Saturday at sunset, and again no treatment was available.

Seymour, who was unconscious at the time, was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

He was buried on Saturday, at his hometown, Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

Gold board commences mobile buying

THE Guyana Gold Board will commence mobile purchasing of gold in various communities as it seeks to not only maximise its gold declarations by year end, but also ensure compliance with the country’s anti-money laundering law.

The first stop of this mobile gold purchasing initiative is the town of Mahdia, Region Eight. The Guyana Gold Board will set up a temporary operations centre on the ground floor of the Region Eight Regional Guest House.

It is envisaged that the gold purchasing exercise will

be conducted on a bi-weekly basis in Mahdia. The gold board also plans to visit a number of other gold mining communities including Puruni, Lethem and other parts of Region Nine as well as communities such as Imbaimadai and Port Kaituma, among others.

Guyana Gold Board Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Johann Earle, pointed out that the exercise is in no way meant to encroach on the business of the authorised gold dealers.

“We have renewed the licences of eight gold dealers

for 2019. They operate as our agents. However, for those miners who want to benefit from some of the advantages of doing business with the Guyana Gold Board, we are simply offering them a chance to do so,” Earle said.

He added that many small miners find it challenging to travel all the way to the Guyana Gold Board locations in Georgetown and Bartica with small amounts of gold to sell.

Earle is urging especially small miners to take advantage of the opportunity of selling their gold to the Guyana Gold Board, where they will

be assured of fair prices and just weights.

“We pay according to the London Bullion Market Association which issues two daily fixes: a morning fix and an afternoon fix. In addition to this, our scales are all calibrated and certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards,” he said.

With regard to mercury concerns, Earle assured that the board has taken steps to ensure that there is no threat of mercury emissions during the gold purchasing exercises.

“This is a good opportunity to remind the public that

the Guyana Gold Board does not use mercury in its operations. However, ‘raw gold’ comes to us with mercury in it as part of the amalgam process after it is mined, and when we burn the gold, as required to establish its authenticity, the mercury can be released. To prevent the mercury from escaping however, we use a mercury abatement system,” he said.

For the purpose of the mobile buying exercise, the Guyana Gold Board fabricated a

miniature mercury abatement system. This system has been tested and is functioning as it was designed to.

Earle said according to the feedback the board has received, miners and residents of Mahdia are calling for the semi-autonomous regulatory agency to establish a permanent home there. However, because of the lack of a commercial bank, a permanent gold board office will not be possible at this time.

Businessman recovers stolen car BUSINESSMAN Robin Busjit was relieved after finding his Toyota Carina motor car less than 24 hours after it was stolen as he was unlocking the gate at his Lot 173 Bermine Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice residence on Saturday.

The vehicle, bearing registration number PGG 8582

car with wife Jenny.

However, on arrival home, Jennifer Busjit exited the car to open the padlock which secured the gate. As she was doing so, a bandit came from behind and grabbed her handbag, while the other snatched the car keys which were in her husband’s hand. Robin Busjit had exited the car to protect

Businessman Robin Busjit’s car, which was recovered on Sunday and valued $G3.7M, was driven away by two bandits who snuck up on him in his yard. The robbers also relieved him of local and foreign currencies totalling $400,000, along with a cellular phone.

Earlier, Busjit, a stallholder at the New Amsterdam Market, had closed his business on Saturday afternoon and headed home in his

his wife, who was under attack.

At that moment, the men quickly entered the couple’s car and sped away.

On Sunday, a search was launched for the car and it was eventually found abandoned aback Savannah Park, commonly referred to as Tannery.

Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Water charges cut at all public conveniences WATER service for all public conveniences will now be free of charge in towns and municipalities nationwide, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said on Sunday.

The GWI in a release said the decision to extend this concession to all municipalities follows a meeting between its management and the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.

In the case of the capital city, Georgetown, sewerage charges will also be cut for these facilities.

In addition, GWI Man-

aging-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles informed the M&CC that GWI will perform an assessment of the internal plumbing of the public restrooms and share the reports with the council.

To avoid water wastage, GWI said it is willing to pursue discussions with municipalities pertaining to interventions that may be necessary to optimise water consumption at these facilities.

GWI will be installing meters at the identified locations in an effort to consistently monitor consumption.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

20 Broad Street families get house lots –– others to be relocated to Cummings Lodge

By Navendra Seoraj SATURDAY was described as a blessed day by 20 families who were squatting in the Broad and Lombard Street area, as those families finally received their house lots after being deferred for months.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) hosted a lottery for the families who were able to pick their house lots at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

“The process to relocate the residents of lot 17 and 18 Broad Street and have resettlement for them started in 2017,” said Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Yearwood, during her remarks on Saturday.

Persons who were squatting at Broad Street were forced to move as a result of a court order in 2017.

“We know it was a time of turmoil for those people because 140 persons including men, women and children were affected,” said Minister Yearwood.

In an effort to find a solution to the problem, government decided to partner with Food For The Poor Guyana to build houses for persons who were displaced.

The government entered into a 50/50 partnership to construct houses in Prospect and Cummings Lodge.

In 2017, the CH&PA had hoped to relocate the residents to an area in Mocha- Arcadia. However, that plan fell through when the efforts to relocate the squatters there were met with resistance from residents and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of the community. The Mocha NDC contended that the land which was allocated to the squatters was ancestral land.

Subsequent to this contentious period, the CH&PA had explored the possibility of relocating the squatters to Barnwell on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE), but that area was deemed inappropriate because of the poor soil condition.

“Many people talked you down, but the talk down must force you to prove them wrong, because people have put you down… they felt you were

not good enough to live where they live, so show them you are better than what they believe,” said Minister Yearwood.

TAKE UP FARMING She believes that the families will create a community which will be a force to reckon with. The minister encouraged the families to take up farming.

“You have a powerful area…a nice community where we will put you all… we upgraded your lives to bring development, not to put you in a similar situation,” said Minister Yearwood, adding that the families, when relocated, will automatically do things to improve their lives.

Instead of being isolated, the families will be moved to the community which has low, moderate and middle-income families.

The minister said the initiative could not have been possible without the intervention of other key ministries and organisations, such as Youth Challenge and Child Link.

While only 20 families will be moved to Prospect, the remaining persons will be moved to Cummings Lodge where 72 houses are being constructed. Some $43 million was allocated by the CH&PA in 2017, to have 72 houses erected for the squatters.

“We got the approval from Cabinet to go ahead with the development of Cummings Lodge, but you have to be patient because we have to do land-clearing and build roads and so forth,” said Yearwood.

Construction of the houses in Prospect will begin in April and is expected to be completed in two months.

Although it was good news for everyone who beneffited, it was extra special for the five families who were displaced after a fire destroyed their homes early in March.

The beneficiaries were elated, noting that they thought it was all over, but getting the house lots has given them new hope.

“I gon be able to put my children them in a better place,” said Charmain George, a mother of six who

benefitted from the lottery.

In addition to getting the house lots, 40 women were honoured on International Women’s Day, which was celebrated recently.

The 40 women received a grocery voucher worth $4,000, which could be cashed at any Bounty outlet.

Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood (third from right) and other officials of the CH&PA and Food For The Poor flanked by families who benefitted from the housing lottery (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 18, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, March 18, 2019

Bottas creates history in Melbourne ( R E U T E R S ) - VA LTTERI Bottas won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes with the fastest lap on Sunday and in the process achieved a Formula One first, while also ignoring team instructions to play safe.

AAP/James Ross/via REUTERS The Finn was the first driver since the 1950s to win a point for the fastest lap, under a new rule introduced this year, and also the only one ever to score more than 25 points in a race on more than one occasion.

MARCH 17: Race winner Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 17, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during the Formula One F1 Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, March 17, 2019.

The only other race in which drivers have been able to score more than the maximum allocated for a victory was the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when double

points were handed out for the first and only time.

Bottas finished third in that race at Yas Marina for Williams, behind winner Lewis Hamilton and now-retired Brazilian Felipe Massa, and banked 30 points. On Sunday he scored 26.

A point for fastest lap was awarded between 1950 and 1959 but in those days a win was worth only eight points.

The Finn said he had been determined to get the maximum score, despite the risk of trying to set a fastest lap on worn tyres and being told before the race not to try and get it if in a podium position.

Bottas pulled it off on the penultimate lap of the race to deny Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

With 21 races, and therefore an extra 21 points available so long as the fastest lap is set by a driver finishing in the top 10, the tweak to the scoring system has become an important consideration.

Team bosses agreed it had added something to the show.

Pierre Gasly finished 11th and out of the points.

Had he been able to go fastest, he would have been credited with the best lap but the point — which is also valid for the constructors’ championship — would not have been awarded to anyone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, March 18, 2019

Three centuries recorded in GCA U-19 draw

THREE centuries and a few big partnerships underlined a solid batting performance in the latest action of the Noble House Generation Next U-19 100-Over cricket competition which was recently played between Eco Champs and Queen’s College at the GYO ground.

Eco Champs won the toss and batted first, but were in quick trouble at 15-3 with Vikash Jaikaran picking off the batsmen.

1 8 - y e a r- o l d S a i e e d Persaud then joined fourteen-year-old opener Mitra Dhanraj and they put on a batting display for the fourth wicket; the pair added an Eco Champs record of 290 runs.

Persaud struck 11 fours

Fourteen-year-old captain Mitra Dhanraj (left) and 18-year-old Saieed Persaud blasted centuries for Eco Champs.

and five sixes in his innings of 116 before he was bowled

by Jayden Alves.

Eco Champs skipper, Dhanraj, and national female cricketer Cherry-Ann Fraser then put together a quick 40-run partnership, with Fraser hitting five fours and a six in an explosive 26.

After Fraser departed LBW to Brandon Jaikaran, the 14-year-old continued his brilliant strokeplay to carry his team to 373-5 off 55 overs.

In his four hours at the crease, Dhanraj mixed aggression and level-headed strokeplay to finish with a chanceless 138 not out.

He struck 19 fours and four sixes in his innings.

Although Eco Champs

Brandon Jaikaran scored a century for Queen’s College.

were favourite to win the clash, Queen’s College responded brilliantly.

Brandon Jaikaran and Bhedesh Persaud put on an opening partnership of 201 off 29 overs, before Persaud (13x4s and 4x6s) fell for 88, caught off the bowling of leg-spinner, Farhan Hoosein. Hoosein grabbed another scalp before Jaikaran was joined by his brother, Vikash, and the pair put together 50 runs, with the latter hitting 13 before departing.

In the end, Brandon held on to his wicket to reach an unbeaten 137. He struck 14 fours and six sixes in the process.

Ryan Seecharran ended with figures of 3-22, while Hoosein took 2-20.

Jacobs bowls career-best to lead Malteenoes to innings and 25-run victory FORMER West Indies U-19 captain Steven Jacobs bowled a career-best of 8-23 from 11.3 overs to lead the Malteenoes Sports Club to an innings and 25-run victory against the Transport Sports Club (TSC) over the weekend in their 2019 GISE/ Star Party Rental/ Trophy Stall First Division two-day cricket match.

Needing just four wick-

Steven Jacobs finished with a match haul of 10-52 from 21.3 overs.

ets on Sunday morning, after a dominant opening day, Malteenoes wrapped up the game at the Police Sports Club ground within the first hour.

Transport, who were precariously placed on 51-6 at the close of play on Saturday afternoon, could only add 16 runs to their total in 7.3 overs before they succumbed for 67 in 25.3 overs, still 25 runs short of forcing Malteenoes to bat for a second time.

National all-rounder Jacobs, who was on target with his offspin bowling, got three of the last four wickets. The Malteenoes skipper finished with a match haul of 10-52 from 21.3 overs, given that he had taken 2-29 in TSC’s first innings.

TWENTY-FIVE WICKETS On Saturday, 25 wickets fell, including 15 from TSC. Transport won the toss and opted to bat first, but were undone by fast bowler, Keon Morris, who dismantled the top order to finish with 4-22 from nine overs. Only Charwayne McPherson, who struck seven fours, got on top of the bowling. The opener

struck 47 runs to help his team to 101-9 before they declared in 34.4 overs. Jacobs and leg-spinner, Wayne Bollers, supported with two wickets each.

Malteenoes then reached 193 in their first innings, before they were bowled out in 53.3 overs.

Jerimiah Scott led the attack in the middle with a game-high 61 runs (9x4s, 1x6), while Morris added 36 (3x4s, 1x6) batting at nine.

Skipper Kevin Ross, Joel Spooner, Redmond and A. Clark finished with two wickets each for Transport.

Jacobs then spun his way to five wickets, three of which were LBW, to restrict Transport to 51-6 by the end of play on Saturday.

R. Singh, who had an overnight score of 14, finished with a top score of 20, while 13-yearold Demerara U-15 skipper, Alvin Mohabir, added two more runs to his overnight score of six.

Delon Dalrymple, who bowled Mohabir, and Ntini Permaul supported Jacobs with a wicket each.

Christiansburg-Wismar end MILO group stages undefeated Linden’s Christian burg-Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) continued its unbeaten streak in the ongoing Milo schools Football tournament.

The side produced a 4-0 rout of Friendship Secondary to close off the round-robin phase of the 2019 tournament with a brace from Tyrese Lewis (12th and 57th).

Single strikes from Felix Innis (1st) and Andre Meyers (9th) ensured that the goals were never in short supply.

Friendship was unable

to muster up a serious challenge to goal.

In the second game of the day, it was a back and forth affair between Vergenoegen and Charlestown.

Ronaldo Macey of the West Demerara side opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Anthone Vascancellos 22nd minute-goal brought the scales back level.

Two minutes later, as if on cue, Macey scored his second in the 24th.

As the game wore on, things seemed to be going all Vergenoegen’s way before

Vascancellos’ 43 rd -minute strike brought things level.

Carlos Agard’s 48th-minute strike tipped the game in favour of the Georgetown side which held to the final whistle.

The scoreline was the same as Tucville beat Tutorial 3-2 with Shawn Lewis’ brace in the 12th and 32nd and Klem Semple’s 15th- minute strike being the deciding factors.

Dellon Harry’s 27th-minute strike coupled with Stephan Millington’s 52nminute goal were Tutorial’s strikes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, March 18, 2019

Windball one-day champion of champions clash set for next Saturday TOP schools from Regions Three and Four will battle in a One-day National Sports Commission-organised Clash of the Champions Day and Night Windball Cricket competition this Saturday at the National Gymnasium.

The competition, which will be the third for the term, comes after the Forbes Burnham Foundation, NSC, Al Sport and Tour Promotions 28th Annual Easter Term Schools Windball Cricket Championships and the NSC, Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) -organised and sponsored Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket Championships.

A number of the teams that battled over the last two competitions will return.

Organiser Alistair Munroe said that the top schools that took part in the recent competitions would be in action.

He said that Regions 5, 6 and 10 need not worry since another competition will be played for schools in those areas in the near future.

According to Munroe, windball continues to create a bond than transcends the action between the wickets.

“Over the last two competitions, we have seen a high level of sportsmanship from our schools. I think these tournaments

transcend sports, they promote unity and harmony and we will do everything to keep that unity among our young Guyanese.”

In the Forbes Burnham Foundation competition, which was played a few weeks ago, Mae’s Schools (Secondary Division) won the male title, while Region Three winners, Zeeburg Secondary, were crowned female champions, while in the Cheddi Jagan Memorial competition, Carmel Secondary School female team and the Beterverwagting (BV) Secondary School male team were crowned champions.

Andre “Padlock” Greene wins Courts cycle road race

By Colin Bynoe Jr

ANDRE “Padlock” Greene secured his second victory of the season on Sunday last, wheeling away dominantly with the spoils of the Courts 50mile road race in Berbice.

The riders had to endure a tough afternoon sun in their quest for victory.

Greene, in familiar territory, bested a quality field of wheelsmen which included winner of the historic inaugural Bartica Cycling Challenge Road Race, Brit-

Narine and Christopher “Chicken Legs” Griffith completed the top six positions.

Junior Niles (veteran), Mario Washington (Juveniles) and Sheneika Texeira (ladies) rounded off the top finishers in their respective

Andre “Padlock” Greene receives his cash incentive from Courts Berbice Branch Manager, Stanley McKenzie, while the other winners shared the moment. (Colin Bynoe Photo)

“Padlock” locked in a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes and 59 seconds.

The race commenced at 13:30hrs in front of Courts Furniture Store at Main and St Ann Street, New Amsterdam with an estimated 30 starters.

on John, who had to settle for 6th.

Junior sensation Ajai Gopilall followed up his previous day win with second place, Team Evolutions Paul DeNobrega registered a quality third place while Balram

categories.

Greene has been showing more signs of maturity in his cycling this season, competing in most of the races thus far with eye- catching successes. He is currently placed fourth in the 2019

senior points classification.

At the presentation,

Courts, the furniture giants, doled out cash incentives for the top six

overall finishers, first three veterans, three Juveniles and top female.

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Six swimmers to represent Guyana at Carifta Aquatic Championships SIX swimmers, three of whom are new faces, will represent Guyana at the Carifta Aquatic Championships, which is scheduled for the Barbados Aquatic Centre in Wildey from April 20-23.

Leon Seaton, Raekwon Noel and Nathan Jackson will be joined by Aleka Persaud and siblings, Patrice and Paul Mahaica.

Team manager/head coach Haresh Bhagwan told the Guyana Chronicle that although the squad is small, the swimmers are very capable in the pool.

“The new faces to the team had all participated at the Goodwill Championships 2018 [in] Barbados and have now excelled and decided to take the challenge to the next level of Carifta.”

Bhagwan added that the squad number is an improvement from last year.

“Our team will not be the largest contingent to compete.

We are sending only six swimmers while others are sending a full team of 36 and some just under that mark. This six, however, is an improvement to last year’s four. The two females are a great addition and have started to set the standard for other female contenders of their age group.”

The team will continue to train until they depart on April 19.

Chelsea beaten by Everton

(BBC) - CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri says his side have reached their mental “limit” after a poor second-half performance saw their top-four hopes dented with defeat at Everton.

The visitors dominated possession in the first half with Eden Hazard striking the post and Pedro wasting a chance from close range.

But their profligacy was punished four minutes after the break as Richarlison headed in following a corner for his 13th goal of the season.

And the visitors’ woes increased on 71 minutes when Richarlison was brought down in the area by Marcos Alonso, with Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring the rebound from his own penalty.

As a result, the visitors failed to capitalise on their game in hand, and still sit sixth in the Premier League table, a point behind Manchester United, who they would have leapfrogged had they won. Victory would also have taken them level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal.

“We played probably the best 45 minutes of the season and then suddenly at the beginning of the second half we stopped playing; I don’t know why,” said Sarri.

“It is impossible that the situation is a physical problem because if it is, you can go down gradually, not in one second.

“It is very difficult for me to explain the change. Probably it is a mental block.”

When asked how worried he was that Chelsea’s mental situation has not been solved, Sarri said: “At the moment, this is our limit.

“If we are able to play like in the first half with consistency, then we are in another position in the table.”

For Everton, a first home win since 13 January was a much-needed response following last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle in which they lost 3-2 having led by two goals.

In that game, Jordan Pickford was an erratic presence in goal, but this time where there was no dip from Marco Silva’s side and the England goalkeeper made a remarkable save to stop Gonzalo Higuain’s deflected shot shortly after the hosts went ahead.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, March 18, 2019

Berbice Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ …

Trafalgar are Champs!

2019 winners of the Berbice Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ leg, Trafalgar, receives the championship trophy from a Banks DIH representative. Also in the photo are Guinness Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste (right); Berbice Brand Manager, Bradford Peterken (left) and other Banks DIH staff. (Colin Bynoe Jr Photo)

By Colin Bynoe Jr.

TRAFALGAR made it two in two years, defeating a stubborn New Amsterdam Kings 1-0 in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Competition Berbice Edition which was played at the New Amsterdam Stelling Tarmac last Saturday evening.

As if to say that their win in last year’s competition was no fluke, the men from West Berbice showed skills and determination in their 2019 journey of the 10th Edition of the most exciting street football competition in Guyana.

Their journey to the finals started with a 6-2 mauling of Rose Hall. With their confidence high, they then disposed of Hopetown 3-0 while they were held to a 1-1 draw by NA Kings; nevertheless, the 2018 champions prevailed on penalty kicks 2-0.

Watched by a massive turnout of football followers who showed no biases, the final got underway in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

An Olvis Mitchell 13th-minute goal from the left flank placed his team high and mighty in the first half. Receiving the ball from the left, Mitchell sprinted his way through the challenge of the NA Kings players to hit the back of the net with ease. The second half saw Trafalgar playing a smart phase of touch plays while it was evident that they had a close eye on time. From this point, NA kings started an aggressive assault on the defending champs. A move that led them to a fair amount of scoring opportunities in the closing stages of the encounter.

Kings failed to penetrate as the final whistled was heard, and Trafalgar, the team from the West Coast of Berbice, prevailed once again as the ‘Greatest of the Streets’. They received $400,000 and the championship trophy at the presentation. In addition, Trafalgar will have the opportunity to up their stakes when they represent Berbice in the national competition.

NA Kings came second best to receive $150,000 and a large trophy. Winning the third-place playoffs was Edinburg Gunners, they pocketed $100,000.

MYO make light work of New Amsterdam in Inter-Jamaat softball cricket THE MUSLIM Youth Organisation (MYO) registered an eight-wicket win over the New Amsterdam Central Mosque in the Inter-Jamaat Softball Cricket competition which continued yesterday at the Woolford Avenue ground.

New Amsterdam, who won the toss and batted first, reached 114-7 before their allotted 15 overs expired.

Middle-order batsman Safraz Kassim led the attack for the visitors.

His 27 not out included a six and a four. Richard Kellowan, who scored 23 (1x4, 1x6) and opener Keon DeJesus, who also struck a four and a six in a score of 20, also had

starts.

Timur Mohamed and Cheddie finished with two wickets each for the home side.

Needing to score at 7.66 runs per over, MYO raced to the target in 13.1 overs. Chien ‘Shaheed’ Gittens and Javed Kayume led from the front. Gittens, who hit two sixes and a four, finished with 29 runs, while Kayume, who exploded with four sixes, three of which were consecutive, finished with a game-high 37.

Richard Latiff and Mohamed continued the attack after the departure of the openers to add 22 (1x4, 2x6s) and 23 runs (1x4, 2x6s) respectively.

A New Amsterdam bowler in action.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, March 18, 2019

Matthews’

career best 7-wicket haul hands Barbados dominant victory Haley Matthews produced a breathtaking allround performance with bat and ball to run riot over the Leeward Islands as Barbados claimed a seven-wicket victory in their first outing in the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Championship.

Playing at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Barbados skittled out Leeward Islands before lunch and then needed just 13.1 overs to overhaul their target.

Matthew’s had a career-best haul with the ball, claiming seven scalps for just 27 runs off her 8.4 overs, to bowl out Leeward Islands for just 88, while her opening knock of 23 from 18 balls (4x5) set the foundation for Barbados’ successful run chase.

Only three Leeward Islands batters managed to reach double figures with the highest score being 25 while the other

Trinidad and Tobago start campaign on winning note

highest scores were 13 and 11.

Three of Matthews’ victims were bowled while the rest were LBWs and catches; her support came from Shakira Selman who claimed one wicket from 5 overs, conceding just 8 runs.

In their chase, Barbados were given a flying start from Matthews before she was out, caught for 23, Captain Deandra Dottin then marshalled her side home, ending unbeaten on 34 (4x4s, 2x6s) to help Barbados win by 7 wickets in just 13.1 overs.

Barbados are the reigning champions of the tournament and their next opposition will be Windward Islands at the Providence National Stadium, while Guyana will face Jamaica at Everest and Leeward Islands will take on Trinidad and Tobago at Bourda.

By Rajiv Bisnauth TRINIDAD and Tobago women’s team started their Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup on a winning note, beating Guyana by 69 runs yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.

It was a complete performance from the visitors, as they first piled up a challenging 221 before their bowlers did the finishing touches, restricting the Guyanese to 152.

Earlier, an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 74 between vice-captain Reniece Boyce and Samantha Bissoon gave the visitors a challenging total. Boyce ended with an unbeaten 65 off 90 balls, inclusive

Haley Matthews produced a career-best bowling performance, grabbing 7-27 which landed her the player of the match trophy. (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

of eight boundaries while Bissoon was left not out on 35 off 29 balls with five boundaries.

The visitors lost their way upfront after they were asked to bat first, losing both openers, Felicia Walters and Britney Cooper, to Erva Giddings without scoring, at 2-2.

At that point, Stacy Ann King and Rachel Vincent then put up a fight, adding 51 runs for the third-wicket. The pair tried to keep the innings together, but the innings then suffered a mini collapse, as the visitors lost three quick wickets for 17 runs.

Akaze Thompson removed both King (28) and Vincent (17) before Merissa Aguilleira went leg-before to Sheneta Grimmond.

Lee Ann Kirby (25) and Anisa Mohammed (20) then staged a spirited fightback, before Kirby went, off the bowling of Plaffiana Millington while Mohammed was removed by Kaysia Schultz. Thereafter, Boyce and Bissoon added some vital runs to the end.

The run-chase was not what was expected from the hosts, with Captain Shemaine Campbelle top-scoring with 45, while Grimmond (25), Cherry Ann Fraser (20), Giddings (18), and Millington (10 not out), all reached double figures in a disappointing batting display.

Mohammed (3-32) and Felicia Walters (3-22), were the main destroyers.

Persaud, Pynandy are most improved players of Toucan Junior squash THE Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament closed off on Sunday with Shomari Wiltshire keeping the top spot of Category A. Samuel Ince-Carvalhal earned the runner-up spot with Michael Alphonso and Nicholas Verwey taking third and fourth respectively.

It was a busy Sunday afternoon at the Georgetown Club and the crowd was not disappointed as some close matches captivated the audience. The Alphonso/Verwey anticipated battle played out with both boys exhibiting a superior level of squash. Passions were as high in the audience as on the court as they rallied through a 4-set match. Each of the boys executed a whole range of shots that tested the other and pushed them beyond their usual capabilities. It was a pleasure to watch the outstanding performances from the youngsters as Alphonso managed to keep ahead for a 7/11, 11/8, 11/8, 11/8 victory.

The most thrilling match came from Category C as Zachary Persaud and Louis DaSilva battled for first and second place.

Persaud seemed to come into his own during this tournament as his previous training manifested itself and he turned out a solid basic game of good lengths and sharp drops. DaSilva rose to the challenge and showed improved retrieval skills as he answered Persaud. The five-game match showed both boy’s enhanced level of play, but it was Persaud who reigned triumphant with a11/9, 11/7, 9/11. 9/11, 11/8 victory.

Cousins Grant and Christiana Fernandes had another close bout in category F. They went on court with a mission and it was a real fight for the win from the young athletes. Grant just pipped the post for a 9/11, 11/9, 11/9 win.

Special awards were given out to some of the players: Most Improved Girl-- Chritiana Fernandes; Most Improved Boy-- Kayden Pynandy; Most Outstanding Girl-- Shriya Persaud; Most Outstanding Boy-Zachary Persaud.

OVERALL RESULTS Category A ● Winner - Shomari Wiltshire

● Second place - Samuel Ince-Carvalhal ● Third place - Michael Alphonso ● Fourth place- Nicholas Verwey

Category C ● Winner - Zachary Persaud ● Second place - Louis DaSilva ● Third place - Shiloh Asregado

Category B ● Winner - Abosaide Cadogan ● Second place - Ethan Jonas ● Third place - Mohryan Baksh ● Fourth place - Lucas Jonas

Category D ● Winner - Nathan Rahaman ● Second place - Joshua Verwey ● Third place - Lajuan Munroe ● Fourth place - Teija Ed-

wards Category E ● Winner - Dhiren Persaud ● Second place -- Rayad Boyce ● Third place - Lucas Persaud ● Fourth place - Arvin Seelall ● Fifth place - Aishani Persaud Category F ● Winner - Kaden Pynandy ● Second place - Grant Fer-

nandes ● Third place - Christiana Fernandes ● Fourth place - Matthew Spooner ● Fifth place - Noah Rahaman Category G ● Winner - Romero Muniram ● Second place - Abinav Singh ● Third place - Brenno DaSilva ● Fourth place - Tristan Seereeram Category H ● Winner - Shriya Persaud ● Second place - Matthew Daby ● Third place - Tiana Gomes ● Fourth place - Solomon Ince-Carvalhal ● Fifth place - Jnae Singh

The winners of the recently concluded Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament

► Most Improved Girl Chritiana Fernandes ► Most Improved Boy Kayden Pynaendy ► Most Outstanding Girl Shriya Persaud ► Most Outstanding Boy Zachary Persaud

Trinidad and Tobago start campaign on winning note Page

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Trinidad and Tobago players celebrate.

Anisa Mohamed is bowled by Kaysia Schultz (Adrian Narine photos)

Six swimmers to represent Guyana at Carifta Aquatic Championships Page

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Leon Seaton and Aleka Persaud are two of the six swimmers set to represent Guyana at next month’s Carifta Aquatic Championships.

Christiansburg-Wismar end MILO group 20 stages undefeated

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Part of the action in the Milo schools Football tournament. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Persaud, Pynandy are most improved players of Toucan Junior squash → 23

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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019