Guyana chronicle e paper 03 21 2018

$4.6M fish 24 processing facility opens in Stanleytown PAGE

No. 105220

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

High-level oil caucus

…Cabinet for major engagement with global thinkers, 09 experts on natural resource management PAGE

Gold Board lab to be closed 03

Beating the dry season!

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…as part of temporary measures to address mercury exposure issue …Trotman says situation not life-threatening

Brazilian military closer to drilling wells in Rupununi

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17 With the dry season approaching, residents of Circuitville Yarrowkabra West are putting systems in place to ensure that they have access to water. In this Samuel Maughn photo, Jose DeRocha, a resident of the squatting community on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is clearing an area of unwanted vegetation in an effort to create a pond where water can flow into from a nearby spring

Woman dies after giving birth at LHC

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Fisherman dies in boat fire 12 PAGE

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Woman dies after giving birth at LHC THE Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) recorded the latest maternal death here Monday evening when 41-year-old Jennifer Gill of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, died following the delivery of a bouncing baby boy on Sunday evening.

Gill was scheduled to have a C-section, but delivered vaginally which triggered subsequent complications. She was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit where she died around 20:00 hrs on Monday. Chief Executive Officer of the LHC, Dr Mohammed Riyasat, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the hospital is currently awaiting a post-mortem to make a definitive pronouncement on the cause of death. While Gill’s daughter Sarah Gill was too emotional to speak, her niece Tashanna Gill said that the family is still in shock at the passing of her aunt.

She revealed that her

aunt had no prior complications and the only reasons she had to deliver via C-section was because of her age and the weight of the baby. “She had the paper and everything showing she had to get a C-Section and she went to the hospital around 7’o’ clock Saturday morning, when her water bag burst and she got the baby around 10 Saturday night,” Tashanna related. When the family questioned why she was not given a C-section, they were told that no doctor was present to perform it.

After Gill began to bleed profusely, she was taken up to the theatre to have a hysterectomy performed and it was then the situation got worse. “We were waiting for her to come out of the theatre and she looked lifeless when she came out; they took her down to the ICU and when we went back her eyes were dried and her nose looked like it had blood, it looked dried and they had cotton at her

Jennifer Gill passed away after giving birth

nose and they told us that she cannot get any sunlight.

They told us that she needed blood and a medication that is only available at Woodlands (Hospital), we rushed to get the medication and came back with it,” the grieving Gill said. Their efforts however proved futile, since the doctor related to them that nothing is working and if a C-section was administered, it would have been worse. “When they told us that she was dead and we went in to see her, she had already swollen and was blue, so we believe that she died since she came out of the theatre and they were waiting until after the 24hrs to make it look like it was not a maternal death,” Tashanna Gill related.

The family is calling on the Ministry of Public Health to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter. Jennifer Gill had two children prior to her meeting her demise. It has been nine years since the LHC recorded a maternal death.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Statements served on US murder accused

The lawyer representing the Government of the United States of America on Tuesday served statements on Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted in the US in connection with a 2011 murder.

The attorney, Stacy Gooding handed over the statements, before Senior Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, to Thomas to have him extradited to the US to answer to the murder charge. Thomas was represented by attorney Bernard DaSantos and Nigel Hughes.

The matter is adjourned until March 23 for additional statements.

Thomas, 31, of South Ozone Park, Queens, and

New York was nabbed by police during an operation on Wednesday. March 14 which had commenced since January 31, 2018. According to reports, on December 11, 2011, 20-yearold Keith Frank was shot once in the torso in a flash of violence outside a South Richmond Hill party. Frank, who moved to Queens from Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday.

The NY Police Department began looking for Thomas in connection with the shooting. However, within hours he allegedly fled the jurisdiction and crossed over to Canada from New York State.

In Canada, he used

Troy Anthony Thomas

travel documents belonging to a relative and boarded a Caribbean Airlines flight, arriving in Guyana in the early hours of the morning before the bulletin could reach Interpol (International police).

Youths create mental health awareness mural

By Vishani Ragobeer

YOUTHS joined hands with members of the Central Dharmic Naujawan of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Society (GHDS) to create an art mural on a segment of the Kitty seawall, aimed at raising awareness of mental health in Guyana.

Called “Painting with a purpose!”, the youths assembled at 15:00 rs on Sunday and left their message for all persons living with mental illness.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Chairman of the Dharmic Naujawan Kumar Kissoon, said the youth arm of the GHDS has worked on different social issues such as suicide, domestic violence and alcohol abuse.

“This year, however, we’re focusing a little bit more on mental health, because you find in this country, a lot of people are generally depressed and don’t know where to seek help or what to do,” Kissoon said.

In the recent past, statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) illustrated that Guyana had the alarming suicide rate of 44.2

The youths gathered at the Kitty seawall, opposite Pere Street, to paint a mural aimed at raising awareness about mental health in Guyana

deaths per 100,000 people.

Further, it was detailed that suicide was the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-44 and the second leading cause of death among the 20-24 age group.

In observance of World Suicide Day, 2017, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, told the Guyana Chronicle that awareness and sensitisation about mental health are critical in the fight against suicide.

As such, the mural created on Sunday came as a means of strengthening the efforts being fostered nationally to raise awareness on mental health issues.

“Our message today is to spread hope to anyone who feels they need help,” Kissoon said.

Other efforts to raise awareness on mental health by the youth arm of the Sabha will take the form of debates and discussions, the chairman said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Gold Board lab to be closed

By Ariana Gordon

GOVERNMENT will be taking urgent steps to remedy the situation of mercury emissions at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which includes the temporary closure of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) laboratory housed in the bottom flat of the GGMC compound.

The laboratory is used to burn amalgam to rid the gold of mercury. Mercury is mixed with gold, forming a mercury-gold amalgam which is then heated, vaporising the mercury to obtain the gold.

This process can be very dangerous and lead to significant mercury exposure and health risks. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, told Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the situation is a serious one and steps will be taken to ensure that all workers operate in a safe

…as part of temporary measures to address mercury exposure issue …Trotman says situation not life-threatening

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

environment.

“I will be taking some urgent steps including perhaps closing down the laboratory temporarily. I know that there have been some external reviews, so I am confident and comfortable that those are okay,” he told the Guyana

Chronicle. The minister said though he does not believe the situation is a life-threatening one, it must be treated seriously. “At my end, I am treating it very seriously and I do believe that it is indeed not life-threatening but the fact that any employee could be in a position of jeopardy is of great concern to me,” said Trotman, who noted that “If there is anyone that needs treatment outside of Guyana, we are going to arrange that.”

“We don’t want to play around with the livelihood or lives of anyone,” he told the Guyana Chronicle. Concerns were initially raised by the GGMC staff who have been tested for high levels of mercury in their bodies. The results of the tests according to reports indicate that the levels of mercury were high

in some workers as opposed to others.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement on Monday, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the GGB acknowledged that there was a problem with mercury emissions but refuted that the matter is at a crisis stage and that many of its staff are in danger. In fact, the joint statement said, the matter “is under control” as many measures have been taken to address the situation. “The GGMC and the GGB have collaborated in the past several weeks to enhance mercury management activities at the Brickdam Complex, so that there are no emissions of mercury during daily operations,” the statement said.

This, the two entities said, is in addition to the exist-

ing measures and part of the operational routines which had included regular testing of workers. Moreover, GGMC said there has been a comprehensive inspection of the entire emissions control system; timely refurbishing of all areas and aspects of related systems; physical extension of emissions chimney; satisfactory testing of work and resulting emissions; arrangements for written assurances (warranties) as to work performed; the continuation of an aggressive maintenance schedule; the recruitment of external monitoring parties for safety certification purposes; and continuous monitoring to detect any suspicious levels of mercury emissions.

That aside, the statement noted that there have been “frank and timely communi-

cations with GGMC staff.

“GGMC has communicated to those few staff members who have an elevated mercury level that all efforts will be made to have them evaluated and treated, in line with guidance shared by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).”

The statement, however, acknowledged that “the typical treatments are presently unavailable” but noted that the GGMC has made other arrangements to address that shortfall.

“The GGMC and the GGB wish to assure everyone that the matter of mercury emissions is of serious concern and engages the highest levels of attention from its senior administrators.

The GGMC and the GGB stand fully committed and involved through continuous monitoring to control the situation to meet all acceptable safety levels,” the statement concluded.

Families press for answers …as autopsies reveal seawall bandits shot six times each THE post-mortem results of the three suspected bandits who were shot and killed by police last week on the Georgetown seawall died from multiple gunshot wounds.

The post-mortem results according to relatives of the deceased, also reveal that the men, identified as Dextroy “Dutty” Cordis, 46, of Grove, East Bank Demerara, Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara and Errol “Dynamite” Adams, 57, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast and Buxton, ECD, were not shot at close range.

The three suspected bandits were killed by the police following a reported shootout on the Georgetown seawall.

Lawrence Assanah, brother of Kwame Assanah, told the Guyana Chronicle that the post- mortems were conducted on Monday, and while he did not witness them, he was informed that both his brother and Cordis died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.

“They told us that there were multiple gunshot wounds and that it was from a distance and all the bullets exited their bodies,” Assanah told the Guyana Chronicle.

“Both Kwame and Cordis got six shots each we were told,” Lawrence Assanah continued, while noting that

he finds it strange that his brother received six gunshots to the upper part of his body and all of the bullets exited his body, but none damaged his car, to which he was near.

“If they [bullets] exit, then they had to hit something that is nearby…if they were that close to the vehicle then the warheads would have had to hit the vehicle, but the vehicle was not hit,” the grieving man told the Guyana Chronicle. Assanah maintains that the police’s account of what transpired last Thursday is not adding up. “There is so much that isn’t adding up,” he remarked, while noting that his brother was not a criminal. “I know my brother.

I am not naïve…I am not trying to cover up for him,” he said, noting that there is no evidence to suggest that his brother was a criminal or had criminal intentions. The autopsies of the three men were done at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary

by Dr Nehaul Singh. Singh, according to the police, gave the cause of deaths as multiple gunshot injuries.

Asked whether his family intends to pursue the matter beyond where it is, Assanah said, “We are exploring our options.” He explained that the decision on the way for-

Kwame Assanah

Dextroy Cordis

ward will be made by his entire family. “There are grey areas and it is expected that the police [hierarchy] has to defend their ranks, but there are too many grey areas,” he declared. Assanah will be buried Friday. Attempts to contact Cordis’ family proved futile on Monday.

Meanwhile, Coleen Osbourne, sister of Errol Adams, told this publication that she was informed that her brother also died from multiple gunshot wounds.

She said from the information received, he was shot to his upper body in the region of his shoulder. “They didn’t state how many shots he received,” said Osbourne, who indicated that she did not

have any other information pertaining to the post-mortem.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnaraine, told reporters Monday that the killing of the trio was justified and noted that the men were not executed. “No police officer sets out to execute a citizen, based on training and capacity-building in recent years,” he said. “So, whatever specific actions they may have played on the day in question, thing is, you cannot escape the point that they were part and parcel of an arrangement to commit a criminal act with some serious consequences,” Ramnarine contended, while adding that the men had intended to

use deadly force.

He maintained that the police involved in last Thursday’s operation acted in keeping with the law and reacted when they were fired upon by the identified trio.

The police had initially stated that Assanah was known to the police and had a criminal record, but then accepted that, that statement was an error.

In a statement Thursday, the police said that following several incidents of robbery under arms committed on customers after completing transactions at various commercial banks, surveillance and collaboration with key stakeholders were improved.

The police said that based on information received from ‘Operatives’ performing duty in the vicinity of Scotia Bank on Robb Street, a motorcar with two suspicious-looking characters was in the vicinity and ranks of an anti-crime patrol in an unmarked vehicle were alerted. The ranks followed the vehicle which was observed following a customer who had exited the said bank and was in a motorcar.

Police said at the Kingston seawall, the customer parked his motorcar and the two suspicious- looking characters in the motorcar drove up to the customer’s vehicle and exited, one brandishing a small firearm at the cus-

tomer. Ranks of the police anti-crime patrol, which was in close proximity, called out to the suspicious-looking characters, but one who was armed discharged several rounds at the police who returned fire. Police said the initial exchange resulted in the deaths of Cordis and Assanah.

Shortly after the exchange of gunfire, two males were observed on a Honda CG motorcycle in close proximity to a Toyota Ist car owned and driven by Assanah. One of the two persons on the motorcycle discharged several rounds at the police, who returned fire and Adams, a known character to the lawmen, was killed. His accomplice sped away on the motorcycle.

A 9mm pistol,along with a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells, was found next to the body of Cordis.

The roof and windshield of the police anti-crime vehicle were damaged by gunfire from the suspects.

The police said a search conducted on Assanah’s car unearthed a number of items, including a supernumerary precept, one driver’s licence, 10 passports belonging to himself and family members, a key used by “trunkers”, two handcuff keys, a bandana and clothing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Edna Denny is Guyana’s latest centurion

Picture perfect!

Chronicle photographer Delano Williams visited Edna Denny’s home on Tuesday to capture her perfect smile as she celebrates her 100th birth anniversary, today.

EDNA DENNY, also known as `Gran Denny’, ‘Miss Edna’ and `Ms. Denny’ is today (Wednesday) celebrating her 100th birth anniversary.

Born on March 21, 1918 ‘Gran Denny’ is the only-surviving sibling for her parents. In fact, her mother, Louisa Greene, died one day short of the same milestone approximately 20 years ago.

A mother of two, to the late Patrick and Wallace Denny, and foster mother of Roy Spooner, Miss Denny as she is more popularly called in the family, has eight grandchildren, 11 great-grands, and two great, great-grandchildren.

Confined to a wheelchair for close to a year after an accident, she is still very much joyous and shows no signs of slowing down further.

She enjoys singing and praying, and reminiscing on her earlier years as a well-known seamstress.

India confirms killing of 39 workers kidnapped by IS INDIA has confirmed the deaths of 39 construction workers kidnapped by Islamic State militants (IS) in Iraq.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said the DNA of 38 workers matched with bodies found in a mass grave.

Since the kidnapping in Mosul in 2014, the Indian government had always maintained that they were alive. India was engaged in prolonged efforts for their release and even sought Iraq’s help in locating them after Mosul was recaptured last year.

Ms Swaraj added that it was highly like-

The workers were kidnapped in 2014 ly that the body of the there was no evidence 39th worker had also that the workers had been been found but she said killed by IS. Thirty-one that it was a 70% match. of those abducted were She confirmed the deaths from the northern Indian while speaking in the Ra- state of Punjab, while the jya Sabha (upper house of others came from Himparliament) on Tuesday. achal Pradesh and Bihar Last year, Ms Swaraj in the north, and West had told parliament that Bengal in the east. Ms

Swaraj’s announcement immediately caused the hashtag #39Indians to start trending on Twitter and among those who tweeted were Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Indian MP Shashi Tharoor.

In 2014, India had issued a travel advisory telling its citizens to not travel to Iraq, and those already there to leave. India has been active in negotiating the release of other citizens captured in the Middle East.

A group of 46 Indian nurses were freed in July 2014 by IS after being trapped in Iraq for more than a week.

(BBC)

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 17/03/2018 26/11/2016 20/03/2018

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06 06 13 10

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26/11/2016 20/03/2018

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26/11/2016 20/03/2018

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04 0

01 0

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09 21 19 10 09 11 12 13 05 14

01 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

President Trump bans deals in Venezuela’s crypto-currency PRESIDENT Donald Trump has signed an executive order barring US companies and citizens from dealing in Venezuela’s crypto-currency, the Petro.

Mr Trump said the currency - which was launched in February represented an “attempt to circumvent US sanctions”.

The Petro is intended to bolster Venezuela’s crumbling economy, which has been suffering from hyperinflation and devaluation for years. The Venezuelan government called the US move a “new imperial aggression”.

Mr Trump issued the executive order on Monday. It bans “all transactions related to, provision

of financing for, and other dealings in, by a United States person or within the United States, any digital currency, digital coin, or digital token” issued by Venezuela’s government since 9 January.

Last month, Venezuela said a pre-sale first block of 100 million Petro would take place between 20 February and 19 March.

In a statement released on Monday, the government committed its “absolute and sovereign decision to continue promoting Blockchain technology and make the Petro one of the most solid and reliable cryptocurrencies in the world”.

Critics said the crypto-currency was a desper-

ate attempt by President Nicolás Maduro to raise cash at a time when Venezuela lacked the ability to repay its $150bn (£107bn) foreign debt.

Opposition leaders said the sale constituted an illegal issuing of debt, while the US Treasury Department warned it may violate sanctions imposed last year. President Maduro has said each token will be backed by a barrel of Venezuelan crude. The Latin American country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

Venezuela’s economic crisis has largely been triggered by a slide in oil prices and production, which accounts for 96% of exports. (BBC)

PM keeps electorate guessing but warns ruling party is now awake PRIME Minister Fruendel Stuart has likened his ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to a “sleeping giant (that is) dangerous when awaken” as he continued to keep the electorate guessing as to the date for the next general election in Barbados.

Addressing the opening of a DLP office in the St. Peter constituency office on Sunday night, Stuart again referred to his decision not to name the date for the poll when the Parliament was dissolved earlier this month.

He told supporters that there have been several discussions regarding the date for the election that must be held within 90 days following the dissolution of Parliament and criticised the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) of telling the electorate that it has the answers to the socio-economic problems facing Barbados.

“Parliament stood dissolved from earlier this month…and there has been a lot of chatter coming out of the Barbados Labour

Party over the fact that no election date has yet been announced. As I said last Sunday…an election date is going to be announced and as I said in 2013, I don’t know what all the hurry is about and election day is going to come that election is going to be fought and it is going to be won,” he told supporters.

“Nobody understood what I was saying at the time. I am saying it again tonight, the date is going to come. The election is going to be fought and it is going to be won and I hope that when those who are calling for it end up gnashing their teeth that they would not hold me responsible for it,” he said, adding “those who do not have teeth can gnash gums”. He told supporters that when the DLP not yet entered the campaign “everybody was saying it is only a matter of the date, it’s over.

“I said again in 2013, the Democratic Labour Party is a sleeping giant (and) dangerous when awaken and that sleeping giant has now been awaken and will

clear everything away from its path as we go through the next election.”

Stuart said he remains confident that the party would win all the northern constituencies in the election. He said the new campaign office in St. Peter, the constituency which had been represented by former prime minister Owen Arthur for several years, would now be “the staging post from which our battles in St. peter will be fought …from which we will launch an assault on the northern part of Barbados.

“Not a hostile assault.

An assault to get these constituencies in the north in the fold of the Democratic Labour Party,” he said, urging supporters to ensure the party wins the six seats in the north of the island.

“We intend to change the political map of Barbados after that date you will hear about in the very very near future,” Prime Minister Stuart told DLP supporters.

In the last general election, the DLP won 16 of the 30 seats with the remainder going to the BLP. (CMC)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Sir Wilson Harris and the revival of literary culture THEODORE Wilson Harris, the greatest Guyanese novelist, died just about two weeks ago on March 8, 2018. The media dutifully carried reports of his death, but very little about his writings or the evaluation of his place in Guyanese and world literature.

Wilson Harris was born on 24th March, 1921 in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Berbice, despite its disadvantages as against Georgetown, has produced the best Guyanese writers. Georgetown, however, offered the best education opportunities and so young Wilson was sent to Queen’s College, which in those times was a boys’ school and in effect, an English Public School. In whatever field they entered, Queen’s boys, as a group, invariably distinguished themselves.

At Queen’s itself, and after he came down, he was involved in several literary groups which, at that time, were active in Georgetown. These groups discussed literature and experimented with writing.

When Harris was posted to the interior, he accordingly had a fair grounding in English Literature and in writing techniques. Harris was trained as a land surveyor, joined the Civil Service on certification, practised on the coast for a short time, after which he was posted to the interior where he spent many years before emigrating to Britain in 1959.

The Interior of Guyana, at the time Harris was posted there, was a world completely different from the coastland and there was very little physical and social

communication between them. The interior was a land of deep, primaeval forests, vast open savannahs, mountains and hills and rivers and magnificent waterfalls.

The flora and fauna were strange and the sparse population which inhabited this vast interior world were a few scattered Amerindian tribes, who still retained much of their pre-Columbian way of life. The most striking feature of this interior world was the deep silence which enveloped it and which invoked his dreams and streams of consciousness and created the mind and psyche which was the basis of Harris’s novels. The Hindu-Buddhist philosophy analyses the creativity and activity of such silence. It was this silence as much as the physical world which Harris encountered which was the basis of his novels.

He wrote 26 novels, all with the Guyana interior as background inspiration, and though he lived in England for most of his life, the fact of Guyana being so much part of his psyche and imagination implied that he always remained a Guyanese in exile.

Harris is considered one of the most respected and influential Caribbean writers and one of the innovative and original voices in post-war literature in English. Many may find Harris difficult to read, since he moves away from the normal literary conventions such as plot, story line, logical sequence and even rationality. He sometimes expresses himself in non-rational terms.

It seems to us that Harris was struggling to express in language the infinite and this

leads to the moving away from literary conventions, which are protective of, and indeed, products of the finite. The finite is expressed in positive terms; the infinite is expressed in non-positive terms. The very ancient philosophers were faced with this problem of knowing the infinite and expressing it. Over the centuries, they discovered and evolved techniques of grasping the infinite and have made available those techniques to those who desire to know them. The Hindu-Buddhist and Taoist traditions offer those techniques to all; and the realisation of the infinite is encapsulated in such terms as Moksha, Nirvana and Tao. Assimilating the teachings and techniques of these ancient philosophers would allow us to read Harris with enlightenment and joy. This is a very exciting field of literary criticism waiting to be explored.

From the 1930s to the 1960s, in Georgetown, there were regular meetings and contacts between the young intellectuals and writers and they met mostly at each other’s homes. Such persons would include Martin Carter, Eusi Kwayana, David DeCaires, Paul Persaud, Sidney Singh, the Jagans, the Westmaases, Arthur Seymour, Jodha Samaroo and Wilson Harris. This “Salon Culture” was very fruitful in throwing up new ideas and inspiring and perfecting writing. In the political embroglio of the 1960s and 1970s, this culture was destroyed. It was expected that as the University of Guyana grew and became more active, such a culture would be resuscitated but this never

happened, neither on the part of the student population, nor among the academics. An essential vehicle for the academics to meet and develop such a culture is an active Senior Common Room, but this never took off at UG. Another essential for the development of a literary culture and the production of writers are literary magazines, where writings of young writers could be published.

Kyk-over-Al was such a journal and Wilson Harris wrote for it between 1945 and 1961.

Arthur Seymour produced and published it for many years and on his death, Ian McDonald tried to continue it, but it unfortunately faded away.

Ameena Gafoor founded the Arts Journal, which has been published for several years now and to some extent has filled the gap left by Kyk-over-Al. It is a very high-quality magazine and though subsidised by the Gafoor Foundation, it is still expensive. The Guyana Chronicle for decades had published the Christmas Annual, which featured the works of young poets, prose writers, painters and photographers.

Edgar Mittelholzer, for example, was first published in the Annual. Then the Annual faded away in the 1980s. Serious attempts have been made over the last several years to revive it.

The death of Wilson Harris has brought to the fore the need for the revival of a literary culture in Georgetown, the university and at centres elsewhere in the country.

Mendez failed to provide credible interpretation of the terms 'democratic' and 'sovereignty'

Dear Editor,

IN reaction to Mr Sherwood Lowe’s letter appearing in the Stabroek News of the 20th March, 2018, I would wish to submit that in my respectful recall the learned counsel for the Respondent in Richardson v Attorney General and

Trotman, asseverated that, in the absence of a credible definition of the terms “democratic” and “sovereignty” in Articles 1 and 9 of the Guyana Constitution, the court was required to construe these terms.

Despite this self-motivated asseveration, the learned lead counsel for the Respondent

understandably made no attempt to employ the generally accepted canons of statutory interpretation normally employed in Commonwealth Caribbean jurisprudence to determine the juridical implications of Articles 1 and 9.

In this connection, the learned counsel for the Respondent egregiously ig-

nored the requirement to apply the principle exemplified in noscitur a sociis in construing “democratic” in Article 1 and attempted to rationalise the learned Chancellor’s faulty definition of “sovereignty” in Article 9 in concurring in the equally faulty determination of the learned chief

justice in the court below.

In the event the learned counsel for the Respondent, having failed to provide a credible interpretation of the terms “democratic” and “sovereignty”, was unable to establish that Act No. 17 of 2000 forfeited the protection of the proviso in Article 164 (2), thereby re-

quiring Act No. 17 of 2000 to be approved by a referendum of the electorate.

And herein lies the incoherent and “Cartesian illogicality” of Mr Lowe’s spurious conclusion.

Regards Professor Justice Duke E. E. Pollard

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

The enemies within the gates of the republic Dear Sir, I HAVE been following the discussions in relation to the discontinuation of Dr Hinds and Mr Lewis’ columns from the national newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle. I could not care less about the revocation, but I am somewhat amused at the defence put up by the twosome.

According to both of them, this manoeuvre has the fingerprints of the government written all over it. This big bad government directed their underlings (according to them) to cease and desist carrying their columns. Hinds in the Kaieteur News of 3/15 called on the Government to “cease being small-minded and spiteful.” He further iterated after learning of the board’s decision, “that not many people in Guyana has the courage to stand up for principle. And adamantly declared that “it’s a political decision.” A hatchet job in other words. Lewis on the other hand was less effusive: he claimed in the Kaieteur News of 3/11 that “it would be naive to think

that the editor-in-chief unilaterally disposed of myself and Hinds as columnists.”

And why not? I have been in the newspaper profession for quite some time and in that profession you learn that the editor-in-chief makes all decisions, including personnel and the news, in the newsroom. You are also reminded that the editor-in-chief has the pen, to either scratch or to write.

For both of them to think that it was a directive of the coalition, reminds me of my old grandmother Clar, Clar who, in a situation like that, would say “you think herring of yourself.” Yes they do.

Their egos are so large that they completely ignore what the editor-in-chief said, and steadfastly believes that it’s the order of the government that held sway. If the government is so perturbed by their writings, then this government should immediately shut up shop and slink away.

If the firing of cap pistols by these columnists so discombobulates this administration, what are they going to do when the real war starts. Remember, if “Jesus was here

he would recommend we vote PPP,” and” if the coalition wins the election, Black people are going to come into your homes and rob and kill them.” How soon we forget.

Hinds for one writings never impressed me personally; I think that he is a confused individual. He is all about criticising. This is what he said in Grenada while making a speech back in 2016.

“I argued that the Caribbean has stood still in DEVELOPMENT terms, partly because our governments have avoided REVOLUTIONARY changes, our independence leaders once in office, become reformist at best, never going beyond the confines of political and economic correctness.” Words from a man who with his cohorts in the WPA fought down the most revolutionary thinker we had in Mr Burnham. He and the other professional writers and TV analysts and activists in Guyana, are excellent at criticising; ask them for one coherent political idea to move this country forward, you will encounter mutes.

Hinds really believes that this spiteful and small-minded government was becoming

queasy because of his influential missives. If anything, the only people he influenced are the 10 remaining members of the WPA and his family in Buxton.

I have heard Lincoln Lewis, trade unionist by profession and activist by choice, complain strenuously that Stabroek News “Butchers his letters.” I am sure he knows that the editor has a pen in that. I would not want to put down his activism, but I would think that his activism would be connected more so with the unions. He was around when the PPP splintered the trade union movement. That unlikely episode never occurred during the time of the Burnham dictatorship. Lewis with all of his political activism, his trade union know-how like humpy dumpty could not put them back together again. Come Labour Day each union takes to its own excesses. And the irony is, unions are a synonym for “solidarity”: in Guyana, they could not be further apart.

He who could not put his own house in order, has the temerity to criticise how

another house is being administered. Oh, and by the way, the subvention was reinstated by this spiteful government.

The Stabroek News, a newspaper that I have always considered a Trojan Horse and who shamelessly ignores its birth, thinks it is its duty to take sides in the Town Council brouhaha and those who are against the parking meters. They think that they are supposed to turn the present Town Council into a buffoon, Stabroek news cartoons 3/11 and 3/14. In replying to a want to be town clerk, mayor, and activist, the present town clerk listed his academic qualifications, pointing to the fact that he is amply qualified for the position. However, that particular paragraph carried in the other dailies was conveniently omitted from the Stabroek. This surely could not have been done without the silent knowledge of the editor-in-chief. During the term of the previous town clerk, who gave grief to the council, with numerous no-confidence votes against her dismissed or disallowed, never was she

caricatured in the Stabroek News. No time was she personally insulted or demeaned.

Another minister in the PPP government prayed for an epidemic to befall Georgetown, (we all know the majority inhabitants of Georgetown).

Was he scolded for his utterances by Stabroek News? Of course not. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he could have been caricatured as a Nazi (Hitler) who gassed Jews to death. The double standards of the Stabroek News are nothing new.

The words of Ronald Austin Jr in the Guyana Chronicle of February 20th article, The Enemies of the Republic within the Gates of the Republic, sums up our present position.

“While we look beyond our borders to identify and nullify threats to the republic, let us not rule out the possibility that the biggest threat to the republic may dwell within the gates of the republic, singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge.” . . .

Regards MILTON BRUCE

Sir Wilson Harris was the Caribbean Homer Dear Editor, THE sudden demise of Sir Wilson Harris is a great loss to the Caribbean, the literati here in Guyana and the entire world of literary greats. Sir Wilson Harris was the greatest poet, philosopher, fiction writer and literary scholar Guyana has produced.

He was one of the Caribbean’s greatest intellects and a distinguished literary personality, whose creative imagination left an indelible mark on the English- speaking Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere. He ranked among literary exponents such as Derek Walcott, V. S. Naipaul, Ian McDonald, A. J. Seymour, Kamau Braithwaite, Salmon Rushdie and also the greater classical poets such as Homer, Dante, Virgil, Shake-

speare, Lucan, Kant, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Harris’ literary scholarship can be clearly seen in his work; he was widely read in every field of knowledge. I believe he was one of the most educated contemporary writers of our generation, like a Shakespeare reborn in the Caribbean, but just lived in England because of a lack of literary exposure in Guyana and publishing houses in the Caribbean.

Many readers complained bitterly also -- English and Literature teachers -- that his books are very difficult to comprehend and this has created problems in schools and universities around the world.

They failed to comprehend Harris’ work because they lacked the literary aptitude to apprehend the great philosophy and poetic imageries in his work; that is because they hav-

en’t read widely and they don’t have the spiritual foresight to understand his profound philosophy and metaphysical density in his work.

I became acquainted with Harris’ work when he won the Guyana Prize for Literature in 1987 and I believe he was a true winner of that award with his magnificent book ‘’The Carnival’’. I also read many of his scattered poetry from the KAIE journal edited by A. J. Seymour. I read many of his great books of fiction, poetry, and literary criticism from the National Library in Georgetown. His novels are like epic poetry, he takes you on a spiritual journey from the natural world, then into the spiritual world of dreams, visions and reincarnation. He has a lot of Biblical imageries in his poetry and lots of Eastern mysticism, just like a flavoured

pot of ‘’cook up rice’’. He mixes his immense knowledge to take your breath away by just reading a few lines drawn from things of nature and some classics like imitating passages from Homer, Shakespeare, Dante, Vergil mixed with German philosophy. To read Harris’ work with that great love of it requires eyes within our soul to distinguish what he meant.I wish to quote a passage of his work here to validate the message of this thesis. Taken from his book:’’ The Guyana Quartet Book One THE COVENANT from page 123: ‘’The stars shone faintly in the stream on a windy night and they penetrated a flying cloud.The lights shining far across the river were uncertain and distant, close to the ground and one with glimmering heaven. The

shape of a cow loomed on the opposite bank, so enormous it blotted out the lights and invisible windows of the far scattered settlements.’’

This paragraph shows the exquisite beauty and immense poetic imagery in the work of a great literary master mastering his craft, who has an impeccable command of the English Language.

Sir Wilson Harris produced a library of books and literary documents that will remain forever in our history and for posterity.It is my sincere hope that our current administration will endeavour to have a faculty of this great son of our soil after his name at the University of Guyana and a research centre at the University of Guyana, where his son, the Hon Nigel Harris, is our current vice-chancellor.

He has been the recipient of

several awards including the Guyana Prize for Literature (1987 and 2002), The Premio Mondello dei Cinque Continenti award (1992), The Ainsfeld-Wolf Book Award (2014) and honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies (1984) and University of Liege in Belgium (2001). In 2010, he was awarded the Honour of Knighthood for services to Literature by Queen Elizabeth II. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on more than one occasion.

It’s unfortunate he was robbed of the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he rightfully deserves, but he now deserves a better place in heaven.

Regards Rev. Gideon Cecil

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Hinds uses the name of Walter Rodney, as a cover to promote his political views

Dear Editor,

DAVID Hinds’ sectarian politics is part of the political culture of our country and he needs to understand that his personal style has no place in a coalition.

I am quite unhappy about the way in which he and Lewis were removed as writers of the publicly owned Guyana Chronicle, but he and Lewis are mere critics of the coalition and have done very little, but criticising the government.

As petty bourgeois democrats, they criticise for the sake of it within a newspaper controlled by the state.

They have this wild illusion that no action will be taken against them. It shows how naive they are -- believing that they use the newspaper as their organ of propaganda and agitation.

This calls into question their limited knowledge of the state as an organ of oppression by the incumbent ruling class. And it follows on from that mindset that they expect to use this organ as a mobilising force. They live in a world of fancifulness.

David Hinds, in particular, has never understood how to operate within a broad-based coalition in the Guyanese context. While he

accepts that Guyanese vote along racial lines, he has done nothing, fundamentally, to address the racial divide. David Hinds, the de facto leader of his WPA group, did not include two prominent Indian political activists, who are associates of the Rodneyite ideas in the last meeting of the APNU coalition, because they were not part of his clique.

The test for David Hinds’ politics lies in his inability to interact with activists and people of Indian descent. He is no different from Ravi Dev, who manages the pro-Jagdeo “Guyana Times”. Both of them claim to champion the cause of the

respective racial group, but have no significant following for their ideology.

David Hinds uses the name of Walter Rodney, as a cover to promote his political views. But Hinds is far removed from the “racial unity” politics of Walter Rodney. Demerarawaves seems to revel in the politics of division promoted by David Hinds.

This news site has not asked Hinds about the dismissal of 4000 sugar workers at the hands of Professor Clive Thomas.

Why? Regards Jinnah Rahaman

Vincent Alexander thrashes Guyana Times’ article on IDPAD conference Dear Editor, IT would be remiss of me not to address the Guyana Times article of March 9, 2018: “Gov’t yet to receive report on $68M IDPAD conference”, since it is either a malicious article or one in which the author is wallowing in ignorance.

The former seems more likely, since the conference and the information pertaining to it was no secret; and Guyana Times, like all other media houses, was invited to, and covered at least the opening of, the conference. The first bit of mischief or ignorance is that: The government pro-

vided $68M in the national budget for the conference.

Nothing of the sort. The second bit of mischief or ignorance is that: The organisers were provided with the sum of $68M for the hosting of the conference.

That was not the case.

The summit was organised by an organisation bearing the title: IDPAD Summit. The Parliament appropriated a subvention for 2018, the whole year, of $68M for the International Decade for Peoples of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G), the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the UN-declared Decade. Not one cent of that subvention was

spent on the summit.

While the President (ag.), The Honourable Carl Greenidge did intimate his desire to be briefed on the outcome of the conference, as I am assured will be done, there is no nexus between any funds that the government provided and the requested submission of the report referenced. The insinuation of accountability issues is mischievous, just as the report of another like-minded media house was mischievous when its report on the summit referred to the re-emergence of the ghost, IDPADA-G, a tag that the PPP/C sought to attribute to the Country Coordi-

nating Mechanism for the UN Decade for People of African Descent, during the 2018 Budget Debate.

While we note the response of the PPP/C and allied media houses to the existence of IDPADA-G, we will not be deterred as we seek Justice, Recognition and Development, the United Nations` declared theme for the Decade for Peoples of African Descent.

Regards Vincent Alexander Chairperson, IDPADA-G The Country Coordinating Mechanism

Government should tread carefully on this matter Dear Editor, A DEMERARAWAVES article of March 11, 2018, reported that Head of NICIL’s Sugar Special Purpose Unit, Mr Colvin Heath-London, said to a meeting in New York that large swathes of lands in several locations along the coast, which are owned by the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), would soon be available for sale.

Mr Heath-London, according to the article, said that the lands would be available for real estate development to cater for the expected oil boom.

For me it is upsetting that the government has taken a decision to sell such valuable lands which form part of our patrimony and they were developed to the point where they are by our forefathers and foremothers and belong to the people of Guyana. More so, the lands to a large extent, the article intimated, would be sold to overseas-based Guyanese or foreign nationals. This is not the best approach. The world is replete of examples where such ventures have seen locals being on the losing end.

But important as that factor is, it also seems that no consideration is being given to provide displaced sugar workers with lands for them to engage in farming or livestock rearing, as it is seen that excess lands are to be sold. It has been widely reported that not necessarily all the displaced workers would be re-employed when the estates identified for divestment are sold. And in the case of Wales, the possibility of resuming sugar production is slim. The much-spoken-about GuySuCo training ventures are having negligible impact as was seen from the company’s presentation at the recent Moray House activity. Clearly, some special arrangement needs to be put in place to address this lot of workers.

It is accepted that some amount of work would be required, but isn’t it more costly not to do anything? The workers and their families are Guyanese and should not be left out in the cold. The government, GuySuCo and the SPU have an obligation to these people. The more one thinks about what Mr London is reported to have said in New York, the more I believe this government should tread carefully and not make mistakes.

I hope and urge people to take an interest in our patrimony and our future generations.

Regards Liebert Alleyne

Response to West Dem flooding commendable Dear Editor THE recent inundation at Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt, in Region Three ( West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) has left many citizens in discomfort, as they are slowly bringing themselves back to normalcy; but the response mechanism that was activated during this ordeal is worthy of recognition.

The Civil Defence Commission headed by Lt. Col. Craig, along with Major Welcome and Lt. Persaud

joined officials of the regional administration on that sad Friday morning, visited all the affected areas, coordinated emergency responses, advised residents of necessary precautions and opened emergency shelters for affected and displaced residents. Later that very morning, members of the Guyana Fire Service (Leonora branch) came out in their numbers and assisted the staff at the Leonora Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (Cottage Hospital) with the clean-up exercise. The Guyana Police

Force ‘D’ Division under the stewardship of Commander Rishie Dass, also came out in their numbers to lend support. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA-Engineer Lall) stood with us throughout and GUYSUCO (Mr. Mana) quickly responded in the affirmative when approval was needed to use the Community Centre as a shelter and their staff prepared the meals (three times a day) for occupants of the shelter. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure CORE (Charlene and team) and Sea Defence De-

partment were also with us throughout the ordeal. I believe the CORE groups that came from West Berbice, the East Bank of Demerara, the Essequibo Coast and Leguan deserve a special thank you and I therefore offer it here unconditionally.

Editor, seven ministers of government visited (Minister Karen Cummings, Minister Annette Ferguson, Minister Ronald Bulkan, Minister Carl Greenidge (who was acting prime minister at the time), Minister Raphael Trotman, Minister Joseph Harmon and Minister David

Patterson) the affected communities and every time one showed up, decisions were taken on the spot to complement the already existing system, thus making citizens more comfortable. Close to 500 homes were attended to by the team that responded to this unfortunate natural disaster and the regional administration is very thankful to all who played a role.

Editor, the response was tremendous and it proves beyond all shadow of doubt that the regional administration has a powerful, effective, efficient and well-coor-

dinated response mechanism in place.

The Government of Guyana through the regional administration headed by Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran, along with all the other players, did well and even though the NDCs of the areas limited their participation, we are still thankful for their intermittent presence.

Regards Ganesh Mahipaul Regional Information Officer

9

High-level oil caucus GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

…Cabinet for major engagement with global thinkers, experts on natural resource management THE Ministry of Natural Resources has organised a high-level caucus for Cabinet Ministers today to engage global thinkers and experts on natural resource management as part of government’s agenda to prepare for petroleum production in 2020, and beyond.

In a statement the ministry said the event will be facilitated by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, through its New Producers Group, and will feature world renowned experts Sir Paul Collier, noted Professor of Economics at Oxford University, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Caribbean Statesman and International

Centre.

Sir Paul has written for the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. His research covers the causes and consequences of civil war; the effects of aid and the problems of democracy in low-income and natProfessor Sir Paul Collier

are: Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary General, Commonwealth. Ramphal is a Guyanese barrister, politician, and international civil servant.

From 1975 to 1990 he served as the second Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

An architect of regional integration in the Caribbean, he has been instrumental in increasing the role of Guyana in world affairs.

Sir Shridath started his legal career as a Crown Counsel in the Attorney- General’s Office in 1953, becoming Solicitor-General and then Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation. After

Sir Shridath Ramphal

Advisor, Mr. Eric Parrado, former Manager of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Chile, Amb. Patrick Duddy, Lecturer, Duke University, Dr. Valerie Marcel, Chatham House Fellow, Prof. Matthew Andrews, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government, Prof.

Peter Harrington, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government, Mr. Patrick Heller, Advisor, Natural Resource Governance Institute, and Dr. Paloma Mohamed, University of Guyana.

The ministry said government’s objective is part of an ongoing effort to move preparations to a deeper level of engagement on issues such as prioritising spending on infrastructure, agriculture and social programmes, inter-generational savings, geo-political considerations, legal and institutional strengthening, benefit sharing and engagement and involvement of the people of Guyana, to name a few. The caucus is expected to lead to further similar engagements in a scheduled and programmatic way in the months ahead. Government in recent months has been forced to respond to numerous commentators on the oil and gas sector. It has however insisted that most of the commentaries are not grounded in facts or expert opinions.

TOP CREDENTIALS Among the top experts

Ambassador Patrick Duddy

a period in private practice in Jamaica he returned to Guyana in 1965 to be the Attorney General. Two years later he was also appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, later becoming Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has also served as the Chancellor of the University of Warwick from 1989 to 2002, at the University of the West Indies until 2003, and as Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

The other expert is Professor Sir Paul Collier of the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University. Sir Paul Collier is Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and a Professorial Fellow of St Antony’s College. From 1998–2003 he took a five-year Public Service leave during which he was Director of the Research Development Department of the World Bank. He is currently a Professeur invité at Sciences Po and a Director of the International Growth

American specialists with exceptionally broad experience in trade, energy, public affairs and crisis management. From 2007 to 2010 he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Venezuela for both President Bush and President Obama.

Additionally, Professor Matt Andrews of Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University is a senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a globally acclaimed thinker and practitioner in the areas of governance, institution-building and public sector reform.

He is Faculty-Chair of Executive Education at the Kennedy

Professor Matt Andrews

ural resources rich societies; urbanization in low-income countries; private investment in infrastructure and changing organizational cultures.

Sir Paul is a world leading thinker on the resource curse.

His books include The Bottom Billion; Wars, Guns and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places and The Plundered Planet: How to reconcile prosperity with nature.

The third expert is Ambassador Patrick Duddy, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Duke University. Ambassador Duddy is director of Duke University’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean studies. He

Mr. Eric Parrado

is also the Semans International Visiting Professor in Duke University’s Office of Global Strategy and Programs and serves as a senior advisor for Global Strategy.

He teaches in both the Fuqua School of Business and the Sanford School of Public Policy. Before joining Duke, Ambassador Duddy served as a U.S. diplomat for nearly thirty years. At his retirement he was one of the Department of State’s most senior Latin

Dr. Valerie Marcel

School, where he leads courses on leadership in developing country governments.

Andrews’ research focuses on public sector reform, particularly budgeting and financial management reform, and participatory governance in developing and transitional governments. He leads projects around the world on institutional strengthening, designing reform and economic growth and has worked with a variety of governments.

Before the Kennedy School, Andrews worked for provincial government in South Africa and at the World Bank where he was a Public Sector Specialist in the Europe and Central Asia Region. He has published several books, including The Limits of Institutional Reform, and Building State Capability.

Dr. Valerie Marcel, is an associate fellow at Chatham House, and leads the New Producers Group, a collaborative network of 31 emerging oil and gas producer countries.

She is an established expert on national oil companies and petroleum- sector governance, and has carried out extensive fieldwork in order to gain an understanding of the perspectives of producer countries.

She is the author of Oil Titans: National Oil Companies in the Middle East, and a number of publications on national oil companies and governance

Mr. Peter Harrington

of the petroleum sector. Dr Marcel advises governments on petroleum sector policy and governance. Dr Marcel is a member of Columbia University’s Executive Session on the Politics of Extractives. She was a member of KPMG’s advisory team for energy-sector governance and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Future of Oil and Gas. She previously led energy research at Chatham House, and taught international relations at Sciences Po in Paris, and at Cairo University.

Eric Parrado is an economist, scholar, researcher and consultant from Chile. He was Superintendent of Banks and Financial Institutions of Chile and manager of Chilean Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), with assets under management of US$ 22 billion He has also been a consultant for the central banks of Bolivia, China, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya and the governments of Colombia, Mongolia, Nigeria and Panama, among others, as well as the IMF, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He was particularly important to develop and promote the international code and principles of best practices for SWFs in the world. His active role in this international discussion helped to call this code internationally the “Santiago Principles”.

Peter Harrington, the other expert is a strategist, consultant and Fellow at the Harvard Center for International Development. With a strong emphasis on fieldwork, he has advised governments around the world (including Kenya, Albania, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Uganda, among others) on strategic communications – especially related to oil – as well as energy policy and economic growth. He has consulted on major oil infrastructure projects, and as a Senior Advisor to the Tony Blair Foun-

dation for Global Change.

Harrington spent several years advising the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, on communications and policy, and reform of the oil sector.

He has published various papers on institutional reform, government implementation and growth at the Harvard Center for International Development.

The final expert is Patrick Heller of the Natural Resource Governance Institute. Heller has worked on legal reform and governance initiatives in the developing world for more than 15 years for organizations including USAID, the U.S. State Department, the Asian Development Bank, Creative Associates International and The International Center for Transitional Justice. He is a research affiliate with the Program on Energy and Sustainable Development at Stanford University.

Heller manages NRGI’s legal and economic program team, which leads the orga-

Patrick Heller

nization’s work on legislative and regulatory reform, natural resource contracts, tax policy and macroeconomic management of extractive industries. He contributes extensively to NRGI’s programs of technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations throughout the world, and to NRGI’s capacity development efforts.

He has facilitated courses on oil, gas and mining legal frameworks with partner institutions including the University of Oxford, Columbia University, Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia), the Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon) and Externado University (Colombia).

Heller’s research work focuses heavily on the governance and management of state-owned oil and mining companies, oil sector institutional structure and the analysis of extractive industry contracts. He holds a law degree from Stanford University and a master’s in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

A case for term limits … power must be checked by laws and statutes

By Ronald Austin Jr

THE proponents of term limits argue that limitations on power are wholly necessary to be mindful of Lord Acton’s dire warning, ‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely’.

They argue passionately that the citizenry in progressive societies deserve diverse perspectives in government

and different choices. These advocates are adamant that one leader must not usurp power for such a long time, because this denies other aspiring individuals, a chance to lead.

They say after every two terms, new blood must be given a shot at leadership at the highest level. Some even posit that power, once possessed for a long period

of time, does something to the brain that we cannot explain, it leads invariably to the abuse of power. This represents the general thrust of the arguments for term limits.

On the other side of the argument, there are those who vehemently baulk at the suggestion that their choices must be limited by laws and statutes. Opponents of

term limits take the position that if a leader presents himself/herself at the ballot box on unlimited occasions, they should have the right to choose in any democracy.

Dissenting opinions on the need for term limits point to the fact that in times of crisis, a nation needs the best person who can provide this leadership. Term limits detractors argue that there is a loss of experience when the leader with so much institutional memory is denied a chance to lead. By doing this, I have documented the general theme that comes with the arguments against term limits.

As a student of history, it is extremely difficult for me to support unlimited rule by one individual or a president-for-life scenario. Two terms should suffice and no more. If you say, citizens must always have a choice to select who they wish at the ballot box, I will say

that choice means that the maximum leader must exit at some point to allow more choices to present themselves to the electorate. So choice must be taken into a broader perspective. If you say that in times of crisis, a nation needs the best leadership available and term limits prevent this, I will say ask, what is the point of talent when it comes with the abuse of power with all its concomitant negativities? If you say, it is a waste of institutional memory to deny a leader with 10 years of experience a chance to rule, I will say again, what is the point of a wealth of experience when it brings destructive rule?

The idea surrounding the need for term limits did not drop from the sky, nor was it plucked out of thin air; this is being advocated by some due to egregious examples available once you take a cursory glance at history. How about Ivan the Terrible of Russia,

who launched the massacre of Novgorod in 1570, thousands were slaughtered, based on a simple rumour that the city was plotting to assassinate him? How about Joseph Stalin, who embarked on an economic programme, The First Five-Year Plan that resulted in widespread famine and the death of millions? How about the scores of bad leaders who usurped power for their narrow ends to the detriment of their populations? I submit, the cases highlighted demonstrate the dangers of power, it is a weapon that teems with the potential for widespread destruction, once abused.

Please, do not lecture about magnanimous dictatorship or the case of good dictators, we must not leave such a thing of such consequence to the whims and fancies of man’s nature; power must be carefully monitored by laws and statutes.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

See yourselves as professionals – veteran social worker urges colleagues in the field AS the work of veteran social workers were honoured and remembered on World Social Work Day, the newcomers and youths who practise social work were encouraged to be proud of their profession.

The work of the persons who were honoured was used as an example to teach aspiring social workers what exceptional work should be like, especially when it concerns people who are in dire need of assistance.

Veteran social worker and representative of the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers, Arnold Mickle, said everyone with a desire to do good is not necessarily a skilled or professional social worker, but a philanthropist at heart.

“Social work is a profession, and we have professionals in social work, but sometimes I wonder if we see it as a profession…I suspect that sometimes we are not seeing ourselves as professionals like our counterparts

Director of the Child Protection Agency, Ann Greene (left), receiving an award on behalf of a colleague, moments before receiving hers for outstanding social work

who are doctors, lawyers and engineers,” Mickle said at a function at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday to mark World Social Work Day. He voiced his displeasure at the disparaging way in which some social workers view the profession, in that rather than be proud of their achievements and flaunt them like other professionals, they view them as inconsequential.

“I often talk about this.

How we can professionalise

the profession of social work and we are not proud of ourselves as social workers?” he said, adding that every year, hundreds of persons graduate from the University of Guyana (UG) with qualifications in social work, but the association has less than 20 members.

In order to address the shortfall, he believes that there needs to be a change of the perception and picture of the social worker.

Mickle suggests that change needs to start at the level of the university, so that persons would be taught that there is a noble profession ahead.

They also need to work with new social workers to change their mindset, because many of the persons who practise social work do not professionalise it.

“You must professionalise your service delivery, so that the world can know of the

Veteran social worker, Arnold Mickle, addressing the gathering at the Pegasus on Tuesday (Photos by Delano Williams)

magnitude of work they do,” he urged, adding that social workers are change agents.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Protection, Lorene Baird, echoed Mickle’s sentiments, adding that social workers are at the core of any society.

“As biased as this may sound, I really do not know of any other profession that is

as involved in addressing the needs of human beings across the life-cycle in so many diverse ways as social workers do,” she said.

Baird believes that the social worker enables individuals to strive and contribute to building equitable, inclusive and sustainable communities at local, national and international levels.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Fisherman dies in boat fire A 29-year-old fisherman died Tuesday morning during a fire in the hatch of a fishing boat, which was moored alongside the wharf of the Rosignol Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (RFCS) at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

Reports stated that Rahim Ali of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, apparently entered the fishing boat sometime during late Monday night through a hole in

the hatch, since he had been out with friends earlier in the evening. Investigators were said to have found signs that the fire may have started on a gas stove in the vessel.

The debris suggested that the man may have started to prepare a meal and then fell asleep. Guards at the Coop- society compound saw signs of fire on the boat around 02:00hrs, formed a bucket brigade and eventu-

ally extinguished the blaze.

They then broke into the hatch and saw the charred remains of the fisherman inside. Owner of the fishing vessel, Mr Abdul Subhan, said that the young man was part of the crew. “The boat was due to go to fishing grounds yesterday, so he apparently got into the boat intending to spend the night.”

He stated that the man may have bypassed the

The ill-fated boat ‘Miss Ameena’ moored at the Rosignol stelling

guards at the gate by using a side entrance into the compound, since they would have stopped him and turned him back from entering the compound so late at night.

“He may have been trapped in the hatch, since the hatch was locked and the hole through which he had forcefully entered may have been too small for him to exit,” he

surmised.

The boat was damaged and extensive works would have to be done to make it seaworthy, Mr Subhan said. Coworkers said that the dead man had been a very good fisherman and a very friendly and pleasant person. “This was a real shocker,” one fisherman said. “We gonna miss him,”

another one said. Ali leaves to mourn his father Safdar Alli, two siblings and a son.

The body is being kept in a funeral home pending a post-mortem. Firemen visited the scene and carried out investigations early yesterday. Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death up to late yesterday.

A section of the boat that was damaged by the fire

US gov’t helps beef up police strategic planning unit A DONATION of US$20,000 worth of electronic equipment to the Strategic Planning Unit of the Guyana Police Force is expected to aid in its crime-fighting mandate and efforts.

The donation was made on Monday to Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine at Eve Leary in Georgetown.

Present at the handing-over ceremony were U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway, British High ComTurn to page 18 ►

Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, receiving one of the many donated items from US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, at Monday’s handing-over ceremony

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Court hears of seven-hour surveillance of cocaine-in-lumber truck THE trial of motorcycle racer Stephen Vieira and three other men, including a former customs official, for trafficking cocaine continued on Monday with fresh evidence being led by a Customs Anti-narcotics Unit (CANU) officer.

Customs Officer Sherwayne De Abreu of Section ‘A’ Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown; Vieira of Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown; businessman Tazim Gafoor and his son, Nazim Gafoor, a motor car racer, both of Menzies Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, are on trial for aiding Hakim Mohamed to traffic 84.986 kilograms of cocaine between March 1 and May 2, 2017.

The men are being represented by attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, Everton Lammy-Singh, Glen Hanoman and Nigel Hughes.

The matter is being presided over by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court with ev-

idence being led by CANU Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford.

The officer (name stated) took the stand and disclosed that he had done over seven hours of surveillance on the vehicle with the drugs on May 2, 2017, from the time it transited from the West Coast of Demerara to the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

According to the CANU rank, on May 2, 2017, he was instructed by his subordinate officer and subsequently, he along with other officers left CANU headquarters about 09:35 hrs in a surveillance vehicle and proceeded to the EBD to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

He further stated that at 10:40hrs, while at Parika, he noticed a motor vehicle GSS 4748 in the village of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, transporting a quantity of lumber painted red with four men, including the driver inside.

The witness disclosed that at 11:00 hrs the vehicle stopped at the GUY-America store at Meten-Meer-Zorg Public

Road, WCD, for about 30 minutes and proceeded again across the Demerara Harbour Bridge at 12:35hrs and stopped at Bagotstown, EBD, for 40 minutes.

The vehicle, the witness noted, turned around and then proceeded back over the Harbour Bridge and stopped for one hour at the WCD side before heading to Windsor Forest, WCD, where because of rain it was forced to stop twice. About 15:00hrs, the vehicle stopped at Zeelugt, WCD, for about 40 minutes when Hakim Mohamed joined the vehicle. The witness revealed that they trailed the vehicle with the lumber inside to the home of Mohammed, where he saw the men offloading the wood.

The officer explained that he approached the men and identified himself as a CANU officer. He added that the men told him that the lumber was from Khan’s lumber yard at Parika. He explained that he searched the lumber then drilled a hole inside and

found the suspected narcotics in packets. The matter will continue on March 28 with the officer’s testimony.

The four defendants are currently out on $5M bail each, which was granted

by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire in the High Court. They were first charged and remanded on May 30, 2017.

According to reports, the bust was made after CANU officials had received a tipoff on May 12 last year.

When the ranks acted, dressed lumber boards were being packed onto a truck.

The truck driver and porters were arrested, but were subsequently released after it was discovered that the vehicle and its workers were hired to transport the lumber.

The anti-narcotics agency in a release had said that ranks conducted a search on the parapet in front of the premises of Mohamed and searched a truck laden with several pallets of 1×6 dressed lumber boards, prepared for

export. Several pieces of boards were drilled randomly by the ranks and a whitish substance was revealed (cocaine).

The lumber, belonging to Narine Lall, was packed at a sawmill located at Lookout, East Bank Essequibo, to be transported to a wharf in Georgetown and then shipped to the United States of America, CANU stated. According to reports, Vieira is listed on

the shipping documents as a representative of the shipper, Lall. An arrest warrant has been issued for Lall, according to CANU. Tazim was placed before the court, charged for his role in another cocaine matter.

The 43-year-old man was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice last September, following the discovery of over nine kilograms of cocaine.

Accused of raping 12-year-old relative A NORTH West District (NWD) man was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Senior Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on a charge of raping his 12-year-old female relative.

Peter George, called ‘Paul’ was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that during the month of September 2017 at Manawarin Village, Moruca, NWD, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

The matter was held in camera and he was remandPeter George called ‘Paul’ ed to prison until March 27.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Guyana commits to preservation of world’s water resources GUYANA is committed to the development and preservation of the world’s water resources even as the government views the importance of water as a part of its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

This was noted by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, during an address to delegates at the World Water Forum which is being held between March 18-23, 2018 in Brasilia, Brazil. Minister Trotman is part of a team accompanying President David Granger to Brazil to participate in the forum, organised by the World Water Council and held every three years. This

year’s forum is held under the theme “Sharing Water.”

Minister Trotman acknowledged during his address to the delegates on Monday, the important role the forum plays in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and the Paris Climate Agreement and, in also providing an avenue to engage stakeholders in support of the management and preservation of the world’s water resources.

During his address, he highlighted Guyana’s plans to advance management and the development of water as a resource in the context of the GSDS, the government’s

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

roadmap for the future development of this country’s resources. He also highlighted the establishment of

a Water Catchment Area in Region Nine, as a local example of ongoing efforts to find long-term solutions for communities during periods of drought or who still experience limited access to water and assured the gathering that plans are underway to better understand the opportunities and threats involved.

Minister Trotman noted that, “There is a need to fully understand the socio-economic vulnerability to freshwater availability and quality across Guyana, in order to design integrated water resources management interventions that enhance access to adequate and quality water

and plan for and manage incidences of flooding.”

This requires sound research and technical capacities in freshwater management. I am pleased to say that efforts are underway to map Guyana’s freshwater resources as well as to design water management interventions that are socially and environmentally appropriate”.

He spoke of this country’s commitment to the goals and ideals of the forum, stating that “the Government of Guyana reiterates its national commitment from its Nationally Determined Contribution that it will continue to work on integrated water resource

management infrastructure, which includes the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of conservancies, canals, sea defenses, water supply sanitation as well as the introduction of new water efficient agricultural techniques.

“In addition, with the expansion of our National Protected Area System whereby His Excellency President Granger has committed an additional two million hectares, critical watershed areas will be given consideration in the expansion process,” Trotman stated.

The 8th World Water Forum concludes on Friday, March 23.

Girl, 15, delivers at City hospital THE Schools Welfare Department and the Child Protection Officer in Region Two are investigating a teenage pregnancy case involving a 15-year-old from Perseverance Village, Essequibo Coast.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the teenage girl delivered a baby boy at a private hospital in Georgetown.

Reports indicate that the teenager allegedly gave her mother’s name instead of hers during the delivery.

She was earlier admitted to the Suddie Public Hos-

pital, Region Two, but was subsequently taken to a private City hospital by family members.

Family members are tight-lipped over the incident. The teen, who attends the Abrams Zuil Secondary School, has been absent from school a long time now and credible sources indicated that she was dating a boy in her community.

The fifth form student is expected to sit the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations in the coming months.

Four more charged for $4.6M sea piracy FOUR fishermen were on Monday charged with the alleged $4.6 million pirate attack in Corentyne and refused bail by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The case will come up again on March 27th at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

On Monday the court heard that Mahendra Sancharan, 25; Rajendra Parsaram, 19; Sanjay Gambir, 18; and Vishnu Gambir, 22, while they were all armed with guns and cutlasses, allegedly stole from the fishing boat ‘Ana Teresa’ a quantity of items including a 75 horsepower Yamaha outboard

engine, valued at $2 million. The vessel is owned by Vickash Balkisson.

According to the facts of the case, in addition to the engine the men are accused of having stolen 1 500 pounds of seine valued at $2 million; 11x 45-gallon plastic drums filled with gas, valued at $450, 000; food items to the cost of $150, 000 and two 24-Volts Power Master batteries valued at $60,000.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail on the grounds that the matter is very serious and the fact that weapons were used. A fifth man, Shameer Haniff, was also charged with the same crime last week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Holland talks up achievements as mayor

By Vanessa Braithwaite OUTGOING Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, has said that despite some notable achievements, he had to fight to get things done, but he is leaving the helm of the municipality after two terms in office as a stronger more determined individual.

On Monday, he hosted a dinner to say thanks to those who supported him and also honour workers and other notable individuals. Holland will be officially handing over the keys to Linden to his current deputy Waneka Arindell at the end of the month but will still remain a councillor and the President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities.

An emotional Holland, spoke at the ceremony which saw in attendance several religious leaders such as Pastor John Smith; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall; Deputy Mayor of Bartica Nageswari Kamal Lochandprashad; members of the Linden Youth Leaders; students of several schools; officials of the Region 10 Department of Education; and members of the Christ the King Senior Citizen Club, among other invitees.

Holland said throughout his tenure, he would have achieved much for Linden and would have selflessly given all that he would have acquired from his mayorship and from his own pocket to many residents, students, institutions and employees of the Council. He also contributed to and supported many causes in the area of sports, community development, youth development and the elderly. The outgoing mayor spoke of receiving opposition from day one, which came from councillors, and in many cases he used reversed psychology to deal with the issues. ‘Those challenges just made me stronger…” Holland said, to an astounding round of applause.

Some of his noted achievements were making the council economically stronger which made work-

ers happier, the reinstallation of the toll booth and the acquiring of more garbage trucks for a better garbage disposal system in Linden. “ They're many things we had to fight for...it was the worst functioning town when I took over, now according to the financial indicators Linden is right among those at the top...Linden’s spiral is going up with little government support...and I must say I'm happy with where Linden is,” Holland said.

He expressed gratitude to the councillors who would have worked hard and supported him in what he described as a major turnaround for Linden.

“Our councillors, they've worked hard and I must thank them…there are many things we had to fight for.”

Incoming Mayor Waneka Arindell in her tribute, thanked the mayor on behalf of the councillors for including her and teaching her along the way. “As a deputy mayor he would have really given me the privilege to learn a lot and to be involved in a lot and for that I am very grateful,” Arindell said. Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall asked Lindeners to keep Holland and the municipality of Linden in prayers.

A representative of Christ the King Senior Citizen Club speaking on behalf of the elderly, said that Holland was instrumental in putting a tent at the Post Office for pensioners to shelter when going to receive their pension. “We are very grateful for this, the senior citizens are very grateful, we would like to thank you very much,” he said.

The ceremony also saw Holland honouring several workers of the municipality with the Carwyn Holland Award, as well as journalists and other residents. Cash donations were given to Holland’s former schools including Blue Berry Hill Nursery, St Aiden’s Primary, Christianburg Primary and Mackenzie High School.

Holland is Linden’s ninth mayor and was sworn in after the 2016 Local Government Elections.

…despite internal fights from day one Outgoing Mayor Carwyn Holland speaking at the event

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AML/CFT committee discusses post-risk assessment plan THE National Coordinating Committee of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) met on Monday to examine a range of issues flowing from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary Meeting and Working Groups, held at OECD Headquarters in Paris, France last month.

Chaired by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, the meeting discussed post-Nation Risk Assessment Action Plan as well as a strategic plan for the mutual evaluation of Guyana which is set for 2021 and a work programme.

Additionally, the meeting proposed a seminar for the supervisory agencies and for

the training of assessors next month, and to examine FATF recommendations and immediate outcomes.

The coordinating committee comprises agencies such as the Bank of Guyana, Special Organised Crime Unit, Guyana Revenue Authority, Securities Exchange Commission, Financial Intelligence Unit, Guyana Gold Board

Attorney General Basil Williams SC chairing the meeting of the AML/CFT National Coordinating Committee

Gaming Authority, Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General Chambers; Chief Cooperative Development Officer and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. The council is chaired by Williams who is also chairman of the Caribbean Action Task Force.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that government intends to give this body more standing by repealing the legislation that establishes the AML/CFT Authority. Last week government delayed the establishment of the AML/ CFT Authority since according to Williams, the proposed body is against the recommendations of FATF. He said the National Coordinating Committee is more in keeping with FATF recommendations.

Minister of Social Cohesion and Chairman of the Committee on Appointments, Dr George Norton, instead of putting the motion forward for adoption as scheduled on the order paper, stood before the House to request that the report be deferred.

Those recommended by the Committee on Appointments to sit on the authority are Nicholas Deygoo and Captain Gerald Gouveia of the PSC; Wayne Eucaulton Fordyce of the Association of Bankers; Hance Manohar of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; Thomas Bissessar and Frederick Collins of the TGI; Mohamed Alli and Christopher Ram of the Bar Association; Melissa De Santos of the Insurance Institute of Guyana; and Sadie Amin of the Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers.

Dr Norton’s request prompted Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira to object immediately, noting that the Committee on appointments had worked tirelessly on putting the names together and she found it “highly irregular on the part of the Chairman to come to this House and ask for deferral without enlightening the House the reason”.

Teixeira argued that the process was held up twice before in the 10th Parliament and should no longer be de-

layed. “Is it that the ten names the Committee worked hard to bring to this House … are they no longer fit and proper?” asked the Opposition Chief Whip.

However, Williams informed the House that there is good reason for a request for deferral of the adoption of the sixth report on the Standing Committee on Appointments to address the appointment of members of the AML/CFT Authority. “The AML/CFT is a regime that is here to stay and it changes with each round - rules are made and rules are changed and the idea is to conform to the recommendations of the FATF and CFATF…,” said Williams.

He explained that the Authority was established on the FIU and that recommendations were initially made for 12 positions to be identified by the parliamentary committee to be appointed by the Parliament. However, there was a provision for 13 ex-officio members to be appointed, thereby bringing the total to twenty-five persons.

“Under the last Government the AML-CFT regime was the FIU. Guyana was the only country in the 25 nations in CFATF that had one element of a national coordinating committee… We now have Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), (and) Bank of Guyana (BOG)…,” he stated.

Williams reminded the House of the challenges Guyana faced just before exiting the third round of evaluation. “We took ourselves out of the hole. Therefore, we recognise that it is not a good thing to go into holes … the CFATF has written to us indicating that the national authority which is the FIU has no relevance,” said Williams who referenced a Memorandum he received from the executive director of the CFATF dated January 3, 2018. “If we keep the Authority, we could end up in the black hole again,” declared Williams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Brazilian military closer to drilling wells in Rupununi of Aishalton, Chukrikednau, Shea, Maruranawa, Awarawaunau, Karaudarnau, Achiwib and Bashraidrun.

Colonel Craig said that the drilling of the wells is an important part of the disaster response and preparedness, particularly during the El Nino season. Upon completion of the wells, the A Brazilian military contingent stands alongside Vice-Consul of Brazil in Lethem , Lisa Mary Reis on Monday at the Rupununi border town. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice-Consul of Brazil in Lethem)

A CONTINGENT from the Brazilian military departed Lethem on Monday for the South Rupununi to commence reconnaissance work for the drilling of eight wells at villages there.

The team from the Sixth Construction Engineering Battalion departed Lethem on Monday for Aishalton where the team will commence its work. The move came on the same day that Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, highlighted the establishment of a Water Catchment Area in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) at

the World Water Forum in Brazil, as a local example of ongoing efforts to find long-term solutions for communities during periods of drought or who still experience limited access to water.

He assured the gathering that plans were underway to better understand the opportunities and threats involved.

Earlier this month, a working group meeting for the project was held at the boardroom of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with the Brazilian Military AttachĂŠ to Guyana, Colonel Deni Da Silva; acting Director-General of the CDC,

Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig and stakeholders from the Ministries of Communities, Public Health, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, as well as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

The drilling of the wells, which is expected to commence in October, will be undertaken over a two-month period. During the drilling phase, the Brazilian army will be working closely with the GDF and this collaboration will see the drilling of artesian wells in the villages

commission will undertake the task of monitoring and evaluating the project to determine how it has impacted the communities, Col. Craig said.

This project follows President David Granger’s state visit to Brazil in December 2017, when the Complementary Agree-

ment to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region Nine of Guyana, was inked.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

US gov’t helps beef up police strategic... missioner to Guyana Gregory Quinn and senior officers of the Guyana Police Force.

Acting Commissioner Ramnarine said it was only recently that the force began looking at reforming the security sector, a report of which has already been submitted

to improve various sections of the force.

He said the force is striving to grow and develop its quality of service to the public, and training for members of the Strategic Planning Unit, which will lead to much- needed reform.

Noting that through its collaboration with the British and Americans, the GPF has had significant achievements, Ramnarine said the technological and electronic items they have received aided in the furtherance of the work done by the force.

“On behalf of our government and subject ministry, and in terms of the leadership of the force,” he said, “we are grateful for this timely donation in a continuing series of fruitful actions that will result in further efficiency of the GPF.” In response, Ambassador Holloway said the equipment is being donated to the SPU on behalf of the US government, is courtesy of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to further strengthen the capacity of the justice sector in Guyana.

He said the equipment will allow the SPU to operate more smoothly, since in today’s modern world, stra-

From page 12

tegic planning cannot be done without modern equipment and electronics.

The collaboration, he said, seeks to strengthen law-enforcement capabilities, combating transnational crime, and promoting the rule of law.

“Through donations like this and others in the future, the US commits itself to assisting the Government of Guyana and law-enforcement institutions to promote the development of accountable and a professional criminal justice system,” Ambassador Holloway said, adding: “We hold citizens’ security as paramount, and applaud the government and the SPU’s efforts to reform

Guyana’s security sector, as well as our UK friends who are helping out in providing technical assistance, so that the police can move forward.”

He however noted that despite the reported 11 per cent decrease in serious crimes, more effort is still needed, “because one crime is one too many.”

He noted that informed choice and policy decisions will increase effectiveness of the many who have received training and assistance from the US government, and will allow the leadership of the police force to make better decisions for the good of the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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CCWU’s Ann Anderson laid to rest

Seated from left are: Mr. Clinton Williams, CEO of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC); Ms. Sarah Finke and Ms Wilma Clement of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF); and CCWU Past President, Mr. Grantley Culbard

CLERICAL and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) General Secretary, Ms. Ann Anderson was on Sunday laid to rest, following a Thanksgiving Service at the Critchlow Labour College.

Anderson, who was also Vice-Chairman of the CCWU Credit Union, died on March 13 after a period of illness.She was 51.

Hundreds gathered at the Critchlow Labour College auditorium to join the bereaved family

Minister Keith Scott paying tribute at the Thanksgiving Service members in paying their last respects and getting a glimpse of a fallen hero who had made a significant impact on the trade union movement here in Guyana, and the lives of the workers both in Guyana and internationally by virtue of having had several key leadership positions reposed upon her.

Among those paying their last respects were Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott; local trade union leaders past and present; and representatives of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Sarah Finke of the UK and Wilma Clement of Barbados.

There were also many tributes coming from the international community, among them the ITF Regional Secretariat and Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Expressing deep shock at Ms. Anderson’s sudden passing, Minister Scott declared: “She has gone too soon.” He remembered her impact on the Trade Union Movement as phenomenal, noting that she walked in the footsteps of giants in the trade union movement.

“She was a wonderful

person to work with,” he said. “She was a keen listener, a shrewd analyst, and showed new concepts of cooperation. Her work in the trade union movement stands as a towering example.

“Moreover, she exhibited the ability to adopt to change over the past decades. Her passing leaves a great void in the movement.”

In the many other tributes, Ms. Anderson was described as a consummate professional; a tower of strength; a go-getter; a mother to the thousands whose lives she’d touched in diverse ways; loving, kind, caring and compassionate; and one who made an indelible impact on the lives of the workers who looked to her to champion their cause.

The service was officiated by Pastor Kerwin Mitchell of the Mocha Arcadia Church, while the Eulogy was read by Anderson’s daughter, Shonette Nelson-Jeffrey.

Following the Thanksgiving Service, Anderson’s remains were taken to Le Repentir Cemetery for interment.

Anderson’s remains being borne out of the CLC en route to Le Repentir Cemetery (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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LIAT to operate flights for CAL

LIAT has successfully concluded a commercial agreement with Caribbean Airlines to operate flights on the Trinidad and Tobago air bridge.

The airline will operate an ATR 72 aircraft to provide assistance in moving passengers on the air bridge, according to a release from LIAT. The agreement between the airlines is as a result of the challenges on the passenger sea bridge between the islands and, the increase in capacity

needed by Caribbean Airlines which has been requested by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, Julie Reifer-Jones, noted that this type of cooperation is an important part of maintaining connectivity. “We are happy to enter into this agreement with Caribbean Airlines to assist them in providing this integral service.” She stated that the LIAT aircraft will be operated and maintained by LIAT staff.

The CEO noted that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is also a shareholder in LIAT and the airline is happy to be able to assist at this critical time. The commercial agreement saw the first flight being operated on Monday afternoon from the Piarco International Airport.

LIAT’s regular schedule will be maintained as the airline continues to work to restore connectivity to its destinations affected by the hurricanes of 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

$4.6M fish processing facility opens in Stanleytown

THE West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society, in Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), dedicated a $4.6m salt fish processing facility on Tuesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

The project, which was funded under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme, saw the completion of the building and the procurement of a dryer and other equipment. The women also benefitted from training and other support from the Cooperatives Department and the Region Three’s Regional Administration.

At the dedication ceremony, Chairperson of the West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperatives Society, Loraine Hooper explained that the group began with four members. However, other women soon indicated their interest to join. Once fully operational, she anticipates that at least 40

The West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society salt fish processing facility, located at Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) women within the Stanleytown community will be actively involved in the project. Hooper noted that, “the Government of Guyana has made a statement.

They are saying that women will be the primary focus in this country and this is a testimony to that because this project was funded through the Government. We were funded through the SLED project and we are very grateful.”

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikran commended the women for bringing the project to its realisation and encouraged them to make full use of the facility. “What is important is how we use this building hereafter; to make that decision of what training is going to take place here…so that we can train other persons. So, I want to commend all the persons of the group,” Jaikran stated.

The REO expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Social Protection for choosing Stanleytown as one of the first communities to benefit from such a project in the region. Jaikran added that the group will be used as a model for others in the region. The West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society was formed in 2017, following a training exercise through the Office of the First Lady. They were tasked with creating a project that will see them utilising the skills gained, while creating employment for the women in the community.

The facility will be officially launched within a month.

The SLED initiative is designed to provide support for the expansion of the local economy in communities across the nation and, to aid small enterprises with the goal of stimulating youth employment.

The salt fish processing facility is run by one of 19 groups across the country that benefitted from the programme in 2017, at a cost of approximately $100M. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Draft GSDS nears approval

THE draft framework for the government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is expected to be approved in the months ahead as a full-fledged policy document.

This was disclosed by consultant, Andrew Bishop, on Monday during a media workshop hosted by the Department of Environment (DoE) at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara.

The workshop, which focused on the RIO Mainstreaming Project, was aimed at sensitising media operatives on the Rio conventions and the project and to gear them to be proactive in the coverage of environmental issues.

Bishop, a former Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) told the gathering during his presentation that from the standpoint of policies and strategies, the framework of the GSDS includes key provisions in the energy and forestry sectors that would control emissions.

He said it is expected to be approved in the months ahead as a full-fledged policy roadmap. Other plans, such as the

Consultants, Dr Patrick Williams, Patsy Ross and Andrew Bishop during the event on Monday.

Climate Resiliency and Strategy Action Plan which is being prepared under the Office of Climate Change, are still being reviewed to ensure alignment with the national plan, Bishop said.

In terms of Guyana’s reporting obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC), he said in forestry sector, inventory of greenhouse gases is ongoing.

In that process, satellite imagery is used and remote sensing techniques is being undertaken to map a carbon stock of the forest. Following this, the emissions can be calculated.

Bishop said effort is also underway to mainstream the conventions with national processe, starting with National Forest Plan, since it cross-cuts all the conventions.

The GSDS framework document represents a roadmap for Guyana’s development along a reduced emissions pathway and builds on the successes of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and several other national documents such as the Nationally Determined Contributions, Climate Resilience Strategy Action Plan (CRSAP), Draft National Energy Policy and National Adaptation Strategy for the Agriculture Sector (2009 -2018).

Nationwide consultations and stakeholders’ feedback will guide the development of the seven major themes of the strategy. These are: green inclusive, structural transformation; sustainable management of natural resources; transition towards renewable energy; resilient infrastructure and spatial development; human development and well-being; governance and institutional foundations; and international cooperation, trade and investment.

The DoE is working with other governmental and non-governmental entities on a massive education and awareness campaign to raise awareness of the framework document.

A section of the participants at the event. (Adrian Narine photos)

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Wednesday March 21th, - 05:00hrs Thursday March 22th, - 05:00hrs Friday March 23th, - 09:00hrs

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85 days to go …

GERMANY BOOKED TICKETS: Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels have emerged as Germany’s leaders since the 2014 World Cup. Those two not only are certain of a ticket but also have become the leaders of the squad. Kroos, in particular, has turned himself into Germany’s unlikely star player, and his influence on their game is invaluable.

Departure Lounge: He even went to Thailand, hoping things will improve. And they have, or so they say. Captain Manuel Neuer has not played in a football match since Bayern’s 4-0 win over FSV Mainz on September 16, 2017. A metatarsal fracture, his third in less than a year, ruled him out after that. Away from the scene for six months, the keeper will board the plane if fit enough to take part in the opening match.

Predicted preliminary 23: Neuer, ter Stegen, Ulreich, Hummels, Boateng, Kimmich, Hector, Tah, Rudiger, Max, Kroos, Ozil, Khedira, Gundogan, Can, Muller, Sane, Reus, Goretzka, Draxler, Brandt, Werner, Wagner.

BRAZIL

Booked tickets: Coach Tite inherited a side who were languishing in sixth place in South America’s World Cup qualifiers. Under his command, they put together a superb and stylish run of 10 wins, two draws, 30 goals scored and three conceded. It is only natural, then, that he is showing loyalty to those who turned the battle to get to Russia into a victory parade.

Fifteen players have been guaranteed a place on the plane, including attacking stars Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Phillippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. Meanwhile, Tite is promoting intense competition for the remaining slots.

Departure Lounge: The headlines have naturally focused on Neymar and his recovery from surgery for a metatarsal fracture. But unless something goes badly wrong, he should be back and full of gas by the time the World Cup begins.

A crueller blow has been struck to Filipe Luis, in contention for the reserve left-back slot. The fractured calf bone he suffered last Thursday gives him little recovery time, and after narrowly missing out on the two previous World Cups, he seems likely to sit out this one as well.

Predicted preliminary 23: Allison, Ederson, Cassio, Daniel Alves, Danilo, Marcelo, Alex Sandro, Marquinhos, Miranda, Thiago Silva, Jemerson, Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Renato Augusto, Fred, Phillippe Coutinho, Neymar, Willian, Douglas Costa, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Taison.

SPAIN

Booked tickets: Spain coach Julen Lopetegui retains a core of World Cup 2010 winners, led by captain Sergio Ramos and vice-captain Andres Iniesta, with younger players introduced through recent years, including David De Gea, Dani Carvajal, Koke, Isco and Alvaro Morata, who should travel once he regains his form at Chelsea.

Departure Lounge: After Atletico Madrid’s Marseille-born, versatile defender Lucas Hernandez was reportedly unable to switch allegiances to Spain, Lopetegui finally gave a first call to Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso for the March friendlies against Germany and Argentina. Diego Costa has hit the ground running on his return to Atletico. Valencia forward

HERE’S a look at who have booked their tickets for the plane to Russia (assured of a place in their World Cup squad), who are in the Departure Lounge (could make it, could miss out) and who are stuck in traffic (likely to miss out) as the race to reach the biggest show on earth heats up.

Rodrigo Moreno is a possible late arrival, while Real Madrid starlet Marco Asensio is a certainty.

Predicted preliminary 23: De Gea, Reina, Kepa, Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Nacho, Lucas Fernandez, Azpilicueta, Busquets, Illarramendi, Iniesta, Silva, Koke, Saul, Isco, Thiago, Lucas Vazquez, Morata, Costa, Aspas, Asensio.

ENGLAND

Booked tickets: Harry Kane - assuming he gets fit in time - has inherited Wayne Rooney’s long-held status as England’s talisman, while Tottenham teammates Eric Dier and Dele Alli will be key to Gareth Southgate’s plans.

Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling should feature heavily in Russia, and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is a Southgate favourite. Jack Butland is poised to be No.1 goalkeeper and will definitely make the squad.

In general, though, the number of players assured of their places is startlingly small.

Departure Lounge: The majority of Southgate’s squad remains in flux. Danny Rose, Gary Cahill and John Stones have all lost their starting spots at club level, while Joe Hart’s nightmare season for West Ham has diminished him from No.1 goalkeeper to fringe squad member.

Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana have probably shown just enough to give Southgate something to think about, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s revival at Liverpool has put him back in the discussion. Marcus Rashford’s case remains strong - and Southgate would have been delighted to see him score a brace in Manchester United’s win over Liverpool.

Predicted preliminary 23: Butland, Pickford, Hart, Walker, Trippier, Cahill, Stones, Maguire, P. Jones, Gomez, Rose, Bertrand, Dier, Henderson, Winks, Lallana, Sterling, Lingard, Alli, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kane, Vardy, Rashford.

FRANCE

Booked tickets: Didier Deschamps will already have the core of his 23-man World Cup squad mentally selected, featuring the likes of captain Hugo Lloris, defenders Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, midfielders Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi and Adrien Rabiot, as well as attackers Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.

Departure Lounge: On the fringes of Deschamps’ World Cup plans is an interesting cluster of players, featuring Anthony Martial, Benjamin Mendy, Alexandre Lacazette, Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Nabil Fekir and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Which players from this group make the cut could be dictated by fitness and versatility, not necessarily form.

Predicted preliminary 23: Lloris, Mandanda, Areola, Varane, Umtiti, Koscielny, Kimpembe, Sidibe, Mendy, Kurzawa, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Rabiot, Sissoko, Tolisso, Lemar; Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud, Coman, Fekir, Dembele.

ARGENTINA

Booked tickets: Some familiar names: Lionel Messi is obviously un-droppable. Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano (in spite of his recent move to China) and

Sergio Romero will also be off to Russia. Marcos Acuna, Federco Fazio and Eduardo Salvio are among the others reported to already have their squad places assured.

Departure Lounge: This is the interesting part. Willy Caballero and Agustin Marchesin are fighting it out be third goalkeeper; Nicolas Tagliafico’s fine start at Ajax, and former Independiente teammate Fabricio Bustos’ good form give both a chance of full-back spots, and Manuel Lanzini and Racing youngster Lautaro Martinez are in the running for the forward -- plus Paulo Dybala, of course.

Predicted preliminary 23: Romero, Guzman, Caballero, Mercado, Rojo, Fazio, Acuna, Tagliafico, Funes Mori, Mascherano, Salvio, Biglia, Banega, Di Maria, Paredes, Lanzini, Lo Celso, Pavon, Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Lautaro Martinez, Dybala.

BELGIUM

Booked tickets: Everyone hopes that Kevin De Bruyne can reproduce his club form when he reaches Russia. Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens are all set for key attacking roles, while Spurs duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are defensive lynchpins. Despite fitness concerns, veterans Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are nailed to travel.

Departure Lounge: The lounge is filling up due to lack of game time and poor form. Youri Tielemans and Nacer Chadli have hardly featured this term while Leander Dendoncker has struggled in a defensive role at Anderlecht. Christian Benteke is no longer a total certainty, whereas Michy Batshuayi is looking increasingly likely to travel following his goals in the Bundesliga.

Predicted preliminary 23: Courtois, Mignolet, Casteels, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Ciman, Kabasele, Meunier, Carrasco, Dembele, Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Tielemans, Chadli, T. Hazard, Mertens, Lukaku, Batshuayi, E. Hazard, Benteke.

PORTUGAL

Booked tickets: It’s definitely Pepe and Ricardo Quaresma’s last World Cup. Some say it could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s too, though his stated aim is to remain at the top of the game until he is 40, and, given his never-ending super-human achievements, who are we to argue? Bernardo Silva’s clash against Manchester City teammate David Silva in the opening match looks tasty.

Departure Lounge: Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Joao Mario, Adrien Silva, Ruben Dias. Absolute certainties during qualification, the first four names on this list have had seasons to forget with little playing time. Fonte left West Ham for China for this very reason, but conceding a penalty in an 8-0 defeat was not an auspicious debut. Should Fonte not make it or struggle in Russia, Benfica youngster Ruben Dias will look to seize his chance.

Predicted preliminary 23: Patricio, Lopes, Beto, Soares, Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Fonte, Dias, Guerreiro, Coentrao, Carvalho, Danilo, Moutinho, Fernandes, Adrien Silva, Joao Mario, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Quaresma, Martins, Guedes, Andre Silva.

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Gibson sure fiery Rabada will cool it Esau leads Regal ... in third Test after successful appeal

Continued from back page

By Nick Said CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa coach Ottis Gibson believes the world’s best Test bowler Kagiso Rabada has learnt from his brush with suspension and expects more mature on-field behaviour in the third Test against Australia starting in Cape Town tomorrow.

Rabada successfully appealed against an International Cricket Council (ICC) sanction for brushing the shoulder of Australia captain Steve Smith while celebrating his dismissal in the second Test, getting his punishment reduced from three demerit points to one.

That means he remains under the suspension threshold of eight in the last 24 months, freeing him to play in the remaining two matches of the acrimonious series which is poised at 1-1.

He has been made very aware of his on-field celebrations,” Gibson told

reporters yesterday.

“He’s not a bad kid; he is a bit over-exuberant at times. But there was not aggressive intent there apart from celebrating a wicket. He’s a smart kid

“The number one bowler in the world being allowed to play cricket is exciting for everybody concerned. We are very happy he is allowed to play. We all believe it is the right de-

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Steve Smith. (REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)

and I am sure he has learnt his lesson. I don’t expect he will make the same mistake.”

Gibson acknowledged that having Rabada available is a massive boost to South Africa’s chances of winning the series.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday March 21, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Carlos Braithwaite-5/27 (vs Papua New Guinea) (2) 5 Today’s Quiz: (1) WI women and NZ women have now completed three of the

five T20 Internationals of the current series. What are the results?

(2) How many games have been scheduled for the ICC WC

Qualifiers 2018?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

cision at the end of the day.

“We have made him aware of responsibilities for the team; he is a very important player.”

Gibson added that Rabada is raring to go in the third Test as he seeks to add to his 15 wickets in

the series that have come at a cost of just 16.80 runs each - the best return from a bowler on either side.

“He’s a strong character. He came after six hours (in the appeal hearing) yesterday and all he wanted to do was practise,” Gibson said.

“He being available lifts everybody, he is the best bowler in the world.”

Gibson revealed that all 17 members of an expanded squad are available for selection and fast bowler Morne Morkel, who was dropped for the six-wicket second Test win in Port Elizabeth, remains in contention as he sits three wickets shy of 300 in what is his last Test series before retirement.

“We are still putting together the final XI at this stage; we don’t know where we will try to make a change. That will become a lot clearer this afternoon after practice.

We are trying to win a series; we will select a team to do that,” he said.

Ramirez-Merlano and Hyles ...

Continued from page 39

nament.

In the Men’s Singles, Ramirez-Merlano came out victorious without losing a single leg in this category.

He started the first round with a bye then faced A. Damon, whom he defeated 3-0 and moved on to play Anil

Lachman in the semi-final, blanking him 3-0.

He then played National champion Sudesh Fitzgerald whom he thrashed 4-0, without losing a single leg.

However, Fitzgerald managed to take home the most 180s and shortest game incentives; scoring one 180 and a 17 darts finish.

Ramirez-Merlano mentioned that it was a great night of darts. However, he was disappointed that the youth tournament was not played due to poor participation.

Nevertheless, this is a category he will continue to place high emphasis on to encourage participation of youths.

He would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who made a special effort to come out and make the tournament a success.

to a catch at the wicket off Prem Singh (2-41).

However, Esau came to the crease and immediately took the attack to the opposition on the relatively big outfield. In all, he hit three sixes and seven beautifully-timed fours in a quick 67-run second-wicket partnership with opener Navin Singh.

When he was dismissed at 68 for 2, Singh took over and dominated a 47-run stand with Rafeik who made 16 (1x6) before he was dismissed with just 17 runs required for victory.

Singh continued to hit the ball sweetly and remained unbeaten on 45 (3x6; 2x4) as Regal reached 132 for 3 off 14.2 overs to win by 7 wickets with 5.4 overs remaining.

Sewchand Budhu was not out on one.

Regal took the winning Orlando Cup and US$4 000 while Esau was named man-of-the-match in the final.

Regal bowler Delroy Perreira was adjudged the tournament’s best bowler and Latif the best batsman.

In the Masters Over-54 years old, Ramesh Narine singlehandedly took Floodlights Masters to victory over nemeses Regal Masters.

Narine, also fondly called the ‘Little Master’, took six balls to get off the mark due to excellent bowling first up from the Regal opening bowlers.

However, after getting his eyes in, he then used his next 50 balls to reach a well-compiled century in the final over of the innings.

His heroics of 100 not out from 56 balls (9x6, 3x4) was really the difference in his side’s winning by 12 runs in a tantalising affair.

At 34 for 3 in the seventh over after winning the toss and batting, Floodlights needed a miracle and they got it through Narine.

The Essequibian featured in a 74-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ravi Lutchman who made 31 (2x6, 2x4) that really rescued Floodlights. When Ravi Lutchman was bowled by Fazleem Mohamed in the 14th over his brother, Akash joined Narine and continued the slugfest. Akash made 14.

After losing two wickets in the 15th over, Narine motored along to help Floodlights core 63 runs off the next five overs including 18 off the last over to bring up his hundred.

Floodlights ended on 192 for 9.

Opening bowler David Harper picked up 2 for 28 and his opening partner Parsram Persaud 1-25. Throy Kippins with 2 for 46 (4 overs) and Fazleem Mohamed 1-22 (2 overs) also got wickets but were not spared the assault.

Regal Masters captain Mahendra Hardyal bowled impressively despite not picking up a wicket. His first three overs yielded 18 runs but he was taken to the cleaners in his final over which went for 18 to finish wicket-less for 36 runs.

In reply, the Regal Masters needed to score at just under 10 runs per over to win but were hot and cold in the chase and eventually ended on 181 for 8 falling short by 12 runs.

Opener Mahesh Chunilall, with 147 runs in three innings before the final with two half-centuries, was first to go in the fourth over at 12 for 1.

Rudolph Baker then joined his skipper Hardyal at the crease and blasted 38 from 21 balls (3x6; 3x4) before he was run-out. His cameo brought the contest back in the balance until Eon Abel (7) and Hardyal were dismissed in quick succession to hand the momentum back to their opponents.

The pendulum swung in Regal’s favour once again when Eric Thomas smashed 56 off 26 balls (4x6; 5x4) and shared in a 65-run partnership with Mohendra Arjune who made 15.

When Thomas became another run-out victim in the 19th over at 169 for 6, there were still 23 runs to get from almost two overs, which turned out to be a tall task for the lower order and eventually Floodlights took the championship.

Akash Lutchman (2-18) and Ramesh Narine (2-20) were the pick of the Floodlights bowlers.

At the presentation ceremony, Narine was named man-of-the-match while Bhim George was the MVP and Masters Over-45 tournament’s best batsman. Hardyal won the best bowler prize and collected the purple cap and shirt along with a trophy.

In the Masters Over-50 category, Orlando Masters were adjudged champions after a high-scoring final with New York Masters Premier.

In all, the three-day tournament attracted 25 teams in the three categories and was held at two venues.

The next stop on the international softball calendar is New York for the Independence Cup in July.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Stokes shakes up England side for pink-ball Test against NZ

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - All-rounder Ben Stokes’ probable return is likely to be a major determinant in the makeup of his under-fire England team, as New Zealand enter the pink ball era with their first day-night Test at home at Eden Park starting tomorrow.

Stokes missed the 4-0 Ashes series loss in Australia while he awaited the outcome of an investigation into an alleged assault. The 26-year-old entered a plea of not guilty via video link with a Bristol court on March 12.

England have retained much the same squad that lost the Ashes and Stokes’ absence for that series was evident not just across the Tasman but when he returned to England’s oneday side against New Zealand earlier this month.

He was a major influence in the field, with several stunning catches and diving stops while he provided additional fire-power as the batting all-rounder with 141 runs at an average of 47.

“It’s just having him in the side,” off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali told British media. “Knowing we’ve got a much stronger side when he’s playing, it gives everyone else a good lift.

“I know he’s ready to go, and ready to perform, and give back to the team.”

Stokes, however, has been battling a back injury sustained while diving when fielding during the one-day series, and, pending a fitness test may just play as a batsman, necessitating the need for an extra bowler.

Craig Overton and Mark Wood are then likely to be competing to join Chris Woakes, Jimmy An-

derson and Stuart Broad.

Anderson and Broad’s new-ball partnership, however, looks like it could be broken with Woakes and Wood

Ben Stokes missed the 4-0 Ashes series loss in Australia.

sharing the responsibility with Anderson in a warm-up match in Hamilton that was played with both a pink and a red ball.

Anderson told Britain’s

Grant-Stuart’s uniform.

The differently-abled cyclist expressed his gratitude to Ansa McAl for the support.

Businesses or individuals wishing to support Grant-Stuart financially can make contact with him on 684-6625.

pared West Indies side 2-0 in December.

The 26-year-old then produced arguably career-best form with the bat during the one-day series against England, scoring 216 runs in four innings at an average of 108 and his absence lengthens the home side’s tail.

Either all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme or returning wicketkeeper BJ Watling will be forced up the order, with leg-spinner Todd Astle likely to bat at number eight if conditions do not tip the selection to going with four seamers.

Astle has played just two previous Tests and bowled only four overs when he last played a Test match against Pakistan in November, 2016.

The second match in the series, a traditional red ball match, is at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from March 30.

… Winners of today’s match between Scotland and the Windies will qualify for the World Cup

… Seeking corporate Guyana’s financial support

Walter Grant-Stuart

combined 922 Test wickets and consistently opened the bowling for the last decade.

“Obviously he’s disappointed, he’s a very proud bloke and we have opened

the bowling for a number of years,” Anderson said.

“He’s bowled first change in the past and I can see what Joe wants to do with looking to the future, but also having that experience, coming on first change….”

The 31-year-old Broad had a poor 2017 and took just 30 wickets in 11 matches last year at 38.80. However, he has 399 Test wickets and should become the 15th player to pass the 400-milestone at Eden Park.

New Zealand’s lineup will also undergo a shakeup with all-rounder Mitchell Santner ruled out for the next nine months due to knee surgery, while top-order batsman Ross Taylor is battling a thigh injury sustained during the one-day series.

Santner had occupied the number six batting slot and was the team’s first-choice spinner as New Zealand beat an under-pre-

Rashid spins Afghanistan to victory over UAE

CCC’s Grant-Stuart for UCI C1 Paro-cycling event GUYANA’S differently-abled cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart, a member of the Continental Cycling Club (CCC), has been invited to represent the Golden Arrowhead at this year’s Union de Cycling (UCI) C1 Paro-cycling event scheduled for April 28 and 29 at Circuit Gilles – Villengeneuve, Montreal, Canada.

According to reports, the CCC’s member said he has to raise $400 000 in order to cover all his expenses including airfare, accommodation and meals for the two-day activity.

According to Grant-Stuart, to date, Ansa McAl, under its ICool range of products, has already made a contribution towards his participation in the time trials and road races, while Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) president Horace Burrowes committed the federation’s sponsorship for

Sky Sports the decision appeared to be, because captain Joe Root was contemplating a future without the pair, who have a

the Windies today, the UAE beat Zimbabwe tomorrow and Afghanistan beat Ireland on Friday.

The winners of today’s match between the Windies and Scotland will qualify for

RASHID Khan, the world’s number-one-ranked bowler, took a big leap towards becoming the quickest bowler to 100 ODI wickets when he took his fourth five-wicket haul, as Afghanistan overcame a top-order batting collaps,e to prevail over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a Super Six fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Old Hararians yesterday.

Rashid returned figures of 9-0-41-5 as the UAE, after electing to bat first, were bowled out for 177 in 43 overs. Afghanistan, in their run-chase, plunged to 54 for five before an unfinished 124run sixth-wicket partnership between player-of-the-match Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran helped them reach the target for the loss of five wickets.

The victory in the 35th over also helped Afghanistan to narrow the gap with Ireland and the Windies on net run-rate, which will come into play if Scotland beat

the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2019 and if Zimbabwe beat UAE on tomorrow, then they will claim the second qualifying spot.

Rashid handed over the captaincy to a returning Asghar

Rashid Khan celebrates the wicket of batsman Chirag Suri during Afghanistan’s World Cup Qualifier victory over the UAE. (Courtesy ICC) 10:40 hrs Verdier 11:15 hrs Fire Song American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Mrs. Met Race 2 Our Girl Abby Race 3 Brilliant Dial Race 4 Conquest Dynasty Race 5 Gran King Of Kings Race 6 Fashion Break Race 7 Commissioned Race 8 Chief Exchanger Race 9 Slim Shadey Race10 Rule Yourself South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:20 hrs Seattle Silva 08:55 hrs Moon Bird 09:30 hrs War King 10:05 hrs Summer In The City

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Stanikzai and immediately produced his best bowling performance of the tournament when he finished with five for 41.

This lifted him to 96 wickets from 42 ODIs and the 19-year-old now has Mitchell Starc firmly within his sights. The Australia leftarm fast bowler had reached the 100-wicket milestone in 52 ODIs. Upcoming matches: Wednesday, March 21 – Windies v Scotland (S6), Harare Sports Club Thursday, March 22 UAE v Zimbabwe (S6), Harare Sports Club Friday, March 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan (S6), Harare Sports Club) Sunday, March 25 – Final; Harare Sports Club 10:50 hrs The Last Day 11:25 hrs Garran City 12:00 hrs Market Road 12:30 hrs Brynmawr 13:05 hrs Beallandendall Haydock 10:40 hrs Chicago Lady 11:15 hrs Bollin Ace 11:50 hrs Snougar 12:20 hrs Until Winning 12:55 hrs Champagne George Kempton 13:45 hrs Derek Duval 14:15 hrs West Wing 14:45 hrs Warburton 15:15 hrs Deadly Reel 15:45 hrs Unforgiving Minute 16:15 hrs Sparkalot 16;45 hrs Major Assault 17:15 hrs Aumerle

38

Toucan Distributors Junior skill level squash tourney underway

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) got things on the way for 2018 with the Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level tournament at the Georgetown Club courts.

Play kicked off on Monday night with matches in six of the eight categories.

In category B, Demetrius De Abreu and Ethan Jonas played out a thriller. Jonas easily won the first game 11-6 but Demetrius bounced back to win the second game 11-7.

The third game could have gone either way but Jonas held his nerve to win it 11-9.

Demetrius showed his fighting qualities by winning the fourth game 11-7.

With games level, the fifth game went back and forth and at 10-8, with the match ball in favour of Demetrius, it seemed all over for Ethan.

However, he showed grit and determination to win the next four points to claim the fifth game 12-10.

In category D; Chad De Abreu had a competitive match when he came up against Osmond Mack. Chad won the first game 12-10 but then lost the second game 8-11 to Osmond.

Both the third and fourth games could have been won by either of the two players but Chad managed to win both of them 14-12, thus winning the match by three games to one.

RESULTS OF ALL THE MATCHES PLAYED ON MONDAY ARE AS FOLLOWS: Category G Safirah Sumner beat Tianna Gomes 11-4, 11- 6.

Brenno Da Silva beat Thandi Dean 11-4, 11-7.

Category F Christiana Fernandes beat Malia Maikoo 11-3, 11-6.

Noah Rahaman beat Demetri Lowe 11-9, 11-8.

Keenan Naraine defeated Grant Fernandes 8-11, 11-2, 11-7.

Monisha Persaud defeated Kaden Pynaendy 10-12, 11-9, 11-4.

Category E Rayad Boyce beat Angel Rahim 11-9, 10-12, 11-6.

Arvin Seelal beat Aram Chan 11-9, 11-4.

Category D Chad De Abreu beat Osmond Mack 12-10, 8-11, 1412, 14-12.

Category B Lucas Jonas defeated James Mekdeci 11-8, 11-3, 13-11.

Demetrius De Abreu beat Kirsten Gomes 11-7, 11-6, 11-5.

Abosaide Cadogan beat Madison Fernandes 11-5, 114, 11-4.

Ethan Jonas defeated Demetrius De Abreu 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10.

Matches continue daily at the Georgetown Club courts starting at 18:00hrs with the finals scheduled for Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 17:00hrs.

Race of Champions

Prem’s Electrical sponsors Group Two class

Action got underway on Monday evening.

… Thrillers highlight opening night

Windies slump to another series defeat on New Zealand tour NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies Women lost a last-over thriller to New Zealand Women, as they slumped to another series defeat on their wretched tour here yesterday.

Chasing 134 at Pukekura Park, the Caribbean found themselves requiring five runs from the final over but lost three wickets and managed just three runs, to come up short by one run and fall behind 0-3 in the five-match series.

their 20 overs, with captain Suzie Bates carrying her bat for an unbeaten 52 and opening partner Sophie Devine supporting with 41.

Together they posted 52 off 33 balls but it was Devine who dominated the stand, pummelling three fours and three sixes in an 18-ball cameo before missing a cross-batted heave at off-spinner Hayley Matthews and having her stumps rattled in the sixth over.

Bates then held the innings together as wickets tumbled

Wicketkeeper/batsman Merissa Aguilleira … top-scored with 38 not out in a losing effort.

They needed three runs off the final delivery but Merissa Aguilleira, who finished unbeaten on 38, could only scramble a leg bye.

The defeat was the sixth straight on tour for the Windies Women who also suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the preceding threematch One-Day International series, which was part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Sent in earlier, the hosts were held to 134 for seven off

regularly around her, finishing with five fours in a 53-ball stay at the crease.

Matthews was the best bowler with three for 24 while seamer Deandra Dottin claimed two for 23.

Presented with the ideal opportunity to clinch their first win of the tour, Windies Women lost three wickets cheaply to slump to 43 for three in the seventh over.

Captain Stafanie Taylor struck a pair of fours in 14 before perish-

ing lbw in the fourth over, playing back after misjudging the length of one from off-spinner Leigh Kasperek (3-31).

In Kasperek’s next over, Chedean Nation was given out caught behind down the leg-side for eight, after losing her footing in attempting a sweep.

Windies Women were in trouble when Matthews followed in the seventh over for 14, holing out to a juggling catch on the mid-wicket boundary by Maddy Green off leg-spinner Amelia Kerr.

However, Aguilleira then orchestrated two stands which appeared to put West Indies Women on course for the win.

She put on 30 for the fourth wicket with Dottin, whose 24 required just 17 balls and included four boundaries, before adding a further 57 for the fifth wicket with Kycia Knight who struck 27.

Knight, who faced 21 balls and counted two fours, fell to the first delivery of the final over from off-break bowler Anna Peterson (2-25), slapping a short ball to Devine at cover.

Britney Cooper was kept scoreless from the next delivery but picked up a couple off the third before falling to the fourth, stumped down the leg-side.

Akeira Peters was run-out off the penultimate delivery attempting a suicidal single in order to give Aguilleira the strike for the first time in the over, but by then the momentum was with the White Ferns.

THE Group Two class for the upcoming first National Race of Champions will be exclusively sponsored by Prem’s Electrical, following the ceremonial sponsorship handing-over on Monday.

The company has inked its name to the group two class specifically for this event, with an eye to possibly sponsoring the year.

A statement from the company said, “We (Prem’s) are happy to be on board with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for the first National Race of Champions 2018.”

Meanwhile, the club believes that the continued support of corporate Guyana is testimony to the work that is being done locally.

“Prem’s Electrical has al-

Prem’s Electrical representative, Darshanie Narine (right), hands over the sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC’s Desiree Lee.

ways been a stalwart sponsor of motorsport locally and we (GMR&SC) are happy that they continue to stick with us moving forward,” the club stated.

“We cannot thank the management of Prem’s Electrical for the continued support.

They’re belief in us remains

an important faucet in moving forward.”

The first National Race of Champions is scheduled for this Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit with STAG, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Tropical Shipping as the title sponsors.

Amazon Level 3 Shoot – Suriname

Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson keeps Guyana on podium GUYANA’S most active handgun shooter, Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson has once again done his nation proud when he won a silver medal in the Open Division at the Amazon Level 3 Shoot held in Suriname and sanctioned by USPSA/IPSC, this past weekend.

Dr Hi of Suriname claimed the 1st place with Brian Armstrong of Trinidad and Tobago, third. Hopkinson, the IPSC Regional Director for Guyana, using a Shay Akai Custom 2011, 9mm major, with a 171 power factor also placed 3rd to the Open World Champion, Christ Tiley in Stage 12 of the 14-stage shoot.

Nine countries took part in the competition, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Germany, French Guyana and host Suriname. A total of 15 shooters competed in Hopkinson’s category.

The Suriname competition was the second for 2018 for the

Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson at the Amazon Shoot in Suriname

self-sponsored ‘Topguin’, having already competed at the Florida Open.

He now has his gun aimed

at competitions in Aruba, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Lady Jags to roar into action at CFU Women’s Challenge Series Tournament … GFF calls 21 local-based players to camp

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has shortlisted 21 local-based players as preparations begin for Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Challenge Series Tournament, scheduled for April 18 - 29.

Guyana have been placed in Group E of the five-group tournament with Suriname, Grenada and hosts Trinidad and Tobago, with all matches being played at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

The Lady Jags, as they are more popularly known, will open up their campaign against Grenada on April 25, followed by a clash with rivals Suriname two days later. The Guyanese women will then close things off with a match against one of Caribbean’s leading female side and hosts Trinidad on April 29.

Tricia Munroe, GFF’s Women’s Development Officer, said Guyana will be using this tournament as preparation for the CONCACAF Qualifiers, scheduled for May 2018, and the final squad will include overseas-based players.

“In keeping with the Technical Development Strategy, the provisional

Team Guyana has 21 locally based females, many of whom were taken from the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres (ATCs).

To increase our competitiveness in the tournament, Guyana will put forward the

International Team Coordinator, Paul Beresford, said the international ‘Lady Jags’ programme was relaunched last weekend and he is looking forward to have integration of the international players.

best team possible so the final 18 will comprise the most-talented local and overseas-based players. Guyana will also use this tournament as preparation for the CONCACAF Qualifiers so ensuring match readiness is key at this moment,” Munroe said.

Meanwhile, Women’s

According to Beresford, “This past weekend, as part of the Lady Jags relaunch, a mini camp was held in Toronto, which was attended by 19 international-based players. We are looking forward to integrating our international-based players with our Guyana-based players to produce a team that

C O LT S a n d P l a i s a n c e Guardians took 1-0 leads in their respective three-match 1st and U-23 Divisional finals, defeating Nets and Pacesetters respectively, when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) ‘Knockout Championship’ continued on Monday.

Hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch

Avenue, Colts downed Nets 68-59. From start to finish Colts led in the contest, with the opening period setting the tone at 22-9.

Colts built on their advantage in the second quarter, registering 15 points while restricting Nets to 12 points to enter the halftime interval firmly in control at 37-21.

Nets fought back in the pivotal third stanza, reducing the deficit after outscoring Colts 20-14 to trail 51-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

However, any hope of Nets staging a comeback was thwarted, as the Mandela Avenue-based outfit marginally outscored Colts 18-17.

Domair Gladstone recorded a game-high 14 points in the

Tricia Munroe, GFF’s Women’s Development Officer

will not only be competitive and exciting to watch but will truly represent the diversity that is Guyana football.”

The local-based squad will train twice weekly beginning tomorrow and will focus on technical and tactical skills and fitness.

The format includes four teams each in five groups. The matches in each group will be played in round-robin format, each team playing one match against each of the other teams in the same group.

The tournament will be held from April 18 to 29, and will be played in St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago.

The groups are as follows: GROUP A: St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia GROUP B: Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Cuba GROUP C: Haiti, Martinique, USVI, Dominican Republic GROUPS D: Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Curacao, Montserrat GROUP E: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Grenada.

GTTA appealing for corporate support THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is appealing for support from corporate Guyana to send a team to the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Championships scheduled for Cuba.

The tournament will take place in Havana, April 2-8 and is for girls and boys between the ages of 15 and 18 years.

The signature activity on the GTTA’s calendar of events represents the basis for regional supremacy and serves as an incubator to develop talents and learn cultures.

The championships will be used as a qualification for the best four Boys’ and Girls’ teams at that age group from the region to participate in the Pan American Table Tennis Championships scheduled for July 2018.

Further, the championships will also be used to secure ranking points which are critical to the future development and success of national junior teams and players.

U-18 Boys’ team will feature Miguel Wong, Jamal Nicholas, Yeudistir Persaud and Terence Rausche while the U-15 Boys’ side has Niran Bissu, Isaiah Layne, Jonathan Van Lange and Kaysan Ninvalle. The U-15 Girls are Neveah Clarkston, Thuraia Thomas and Nkechi McRae. The association, through its efforts, has managed to acquire some funds but is still short $3M in order to ensure the team’s participation.

The players have been engaged in recent competitions and are very enthused to participate in the games. Their prospects for qualification are very real. Added to that, many of the players are below their age-category which augurs well for the success of teams in the future.

Persons or companies desirous of supporting the association efforts can contact the president Mr Godfrey Munroe 686-7473, treasurer Mrs Deirdre Edghill or General Secretary Mr Linden Johnson 621-7630

Ramirez-Merlano and Hyles dominate Safari Inn Colts, Plaisance Guardians draw first blood in GABA ‘Knockout Championship darts tournament

Part of the action between Plaisance Guardians and Pacesetters in the GABA ‘Knockout Championship’ at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. (Delano Williams photo)

victory, with Stanton Rose the next best scorer with 12 points.

Shelroy Thomas supported with 10 points.

For the losers, Pelham Doris tallied 14 points, while Hodyah Stewart chipped in with 10 points. Meanwhile Plaisance Guardians defeated Pacesetters 73-59.

Trailing 17-15 at the end of the first period, Guardians equalised heading into the halftime interval at 31-31, after outscoring Pacesetters 16-14 in the second quarter.

The East Coast Demerara outfit took the lead in third stanza, recording 22 points to Pacesetters’ 19 points to lead 53-51 in the final period.

Guardians then completed the hard-fought win, as they outshot their opponents 20-9.

Akeem Crandon top-scored in the rout with 23 points.

He was assisted by the duo of Terrence Daniels and Jared Sears, who netted 14 and seven points respectively.

On the other side, Quincy Dos Santos battled to 13 points, while Jude Corlette and Kwesi Roberts chipped in with 10 and nine points correspondingly. The event continues today at the same venue.

Some of the winners of the recently concluded darts tournament

RAMRIREZ-Merlano came out unbeaten at last Sunday’s dart tournament which was held at the Safari Inn Hotel.

The tournament was co-sponsored by Ramirez-Merlano and Ruth Avilar.

The games started with the Women’s Singles, where Shondell Hyles was

crowned champion from a round-robin knockout, with Mary Correia ending in second place.

Hyles also managed to take away the most 100s for the female category while Victorine Chandro secured the highest checkout of 116 points for the entire tour-

Turn to page 36

Lady Jags to roar into action at CFU Women’s Challenge Series Tournament

See page 39

OSCL/ Orlando Cup II

Esau leads Regal All Stars to coveted Orlando Cup ... Ramesh Narine hits unbeaten century for Floodlights Masters

Champions Regal All Stars took the winning Orlando Cup, US$4 000.

A BLISTERING knock of 53 off 23 balls from Sarfaz Esau saw Regal All Stars knock over Assassins by seven wickets in the final of the Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Orlando

Cup two on Sunday at the Hogshead Park in Florida.

In brilliant sunshine and in front of a huge crowd, Regal skipper Esau first won the toss and took the field.

In the preliminary rounds

on Friday, Regal bowled out their opponents in the final for just 69 runs and were on course for a repeat; but some lower-order resistance saw the New York-based team rally to 131 for 9 from 20 overs.

Roger Parsram hit one six and three fours in Assassins’ top score of 29 and was supported by Prem Singh with 18 not out (1x6) and Pooran Beria with 17 (2x4).

Once again the Regal All

GCA, Toucan Distributors revive U-15 league

GCA president Roger Harper (right) collects the sponsorship from Toucan Distributors’ Lenny Shuffler for the GCA U-15 league. In the background are several U-15 participants and GCA executives. (Delano Williams photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Man-of-theMatch Ramesh Narine celebrates his century Stars’ bowling was led by lost the tournament’s Most Rohit ‘Beast’ Dutchin with Valuable Player (MVP) Rich2 for 20, with Fazal Rafeik ard Latif without scoring halfwith 2 for 36 supporting well way through the opening over as were the other bowlers and excellent fielders.

Turn to page 36 In reply, Regal All Stars

By Stephan Sookram

AFTER two years of dormancy, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will recommence its U-15 league with the support of Toucan Distributors.

The 100-overs competition will also see the return of the format where the first batting team will play 55 overs maximum and the second team, 45. Should the first team be bowled out before the allotted 55th over, the difference would be added to the second team’s overs.

For instance, if the first team is bowled out in 40 overs, the remaining 15 overs will be added to the second team’s total, taking it to 60.

At the semi-final and final stages of the tournament, that format will be replaced with the 50/50 format of the game, in the interest of having a definitive result according to GCA president Roger Harper.

There will also be bonus points awarded for both batting and bowling. A point shall be awarded when a team reaches 100 runs and one point each for every 25 runs scored until 200 runs, thus giving a total of 5 batting bonus points.

However, the team must win in order for these points to be awarded. Bowling points will be awarded for every two wickets

taken.

During yesterday’s launch, Lenny Shuffler, Toucan’s representative, contended that they are happy to be a part of the tournament.

“Our contribution is not only because of our friendship with cricket, it is more importantly for the development of youths in sports,” he added.

The company, which is a longstanding supporter of motor-racing, squash and volleyball as well as cricket, says that it wants to see good efforts and sportsmanship.

It will also provide lunch on game days for the players.

Meanwhile, GCA president Harper added, “The tournament could not have come at a more opportune time. We’ve seen the importance of this tournament with players moving on to represent the club, the county, country and region.”

Chairman of the GCA competitions committee, Shawn Massiah, echoed Harper’s sentiments, adding “They (U-15 tournaments) have helped in producing several stars of today, most notably Keemo Paul, Ashmead Nedd and others.”

The tournament gets going this Saturday and includes two zones of eight teams, six of which are club units while two schools have also been invited.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018