Guyana chronicle e paper 03 24 2018

Radio Orealla to be commissioned 17 Sunday PAGE

Our actions are 'legit' No. 105223

S AT U R DAY, M A RC H 2 4 , 2 0 1 8

Price: $80

( VAT I n cl u s i ve )

… gov’t defends issuance of production licence to oil companies

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Walking down the aisle in style What’s on offer this year to prospective brides and grooms at the annual Wedding Expo, as they contemplate making that proverbial walk down the aisle (Photo

by Delano Williams)

Gov’t doubles school cleaners’ pay …approves vacation allowance, other benefits

No measles outbreak: 20 Minister Cummings PAGE

–– health officers at border regions vigilant

Cable & Wireless eyes Guyana PAGE

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Put something aside for a rainy day 03 PAGE

–– Chilean economist urges gov’t to get SWF up and running ahead of 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

Our actions' are 'legit' … gov’t defends issuance of production licence to oil companies

THE Guyana Government on Friday assured that every action it took with regard to the issuance of a petroleum production licence met all legal requirements and brushed aside a proposed court challenge by groups here.

In a statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources said it notes an article in the UK Guardian of March 22, 2018, under the headline ‘Guyanese campaigners mount legal challenge against three oil giants’. “Firstly, the Government of Guyana wishes to emphatically reaffirm that it zealously guards and defends the right of every citizen to seek recourse in law in pursuit of interests they believe to be worthy.

Equally, the Government of Guyana is certain, as it is confident, that every action it took with regard to the is-

suance of the petroleum production licence met all legal requirements,” the ministry’s statement read.

It added that the Government of Guyana is prepared and willing to present all facts in this regard to any court with jurisdiction.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources notes that this sort of action is not unusual in emerging oil economies, particularly during the stage leading up to first-oil, at which Guyana currently is. The ministry is satisfied that its partners engaged in exploration and preparation for production and taking every precaution in ensuring that there is minimal effect to the environment and that they are diligently putting systems in place to guard against any spills or mishaps.”

The ministry further as-

sures all Guyanese, and the world at large, that it will continue to engage its partners – ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC Nexen – in ensuring that the interest of Guyana’s waters and environment remain top priorities as we pursue exploitation of Guyana’s natural resources with a view to fast track Guyana’s social, infrastructural and economic development. “The ministry calls on all Guyanese to remain vigilant and interested in ensuring that Guyana’s patrimony, in every regard, is protected and also to act in the best interest of the future development of this generation and generations to follow. No longer must Guyana be indefinitely consigned to Third World status and its people languish in less than desirable circumstances. We must join forces, as a nation, to ensure that every Guya-

nese enjoys the good life by the dint of hard work and the responsible exploitation of our nation’s God-given resources.”

Meanwhile, according to the UK Guardian article, lawyers acting for the Guyanese campaigners are to lodge the challenge in a court in Guyana this week.

The UK Guardian quoted Melinda Janki, one of the lawyers representing the Guyanese campaigners, saying that the granting of licences to drill by the government was illegal. “It is very simple. If you want to extract oil in Guyana, you need an environmental permit in order to get a petroleum production licence,” she said. “Only one of the three companies involved has an environmental permit.

We are seeking an order to quash the decision by the

minister to issue the licence because, we are saying, he acted illegally.”

Janki lodged an appeal earlier this month after the first attempt to quash the granting of the licences was rejected by a judge. Ramon Gaskin, of A Fair Deal for Guyana campaign, said: “In my opinion the government has sold off Guyana’s oil without a care for the environment, without a care for the people, without a care for fishermen and others who stand to lose everything from a spill, without a care for Guyana’s marine environment, which could be totally destroyed, without a care for future generations who might inherit nothing but an oil slick, and without any understanding whatsoever of the dangers of climate change.

People also have to un-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman derstand that an oil spill or a well blow-out could harm our Caribbean neighbours and Guyana could be liable for that damage.”

Put something aside for a rainy day –– Chilean economist urges gov’t to get SWF up and running ahead of 2020

By Svetlana Marshall CHILEAN Sovereign Wealth Specialist Eric Parrado is advising that Guyana put in place key legislation governing the managment of its oil resources ahead of 2020.

He also feels that the government would do well to put a little something aside for the proverbial rainy day, preferably into a Sovereign Wealth Fund, in the event the country experiences a fiscal shock.

One of the frameworks of which he speaks is legislation governing the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, Parrado told a corps of journalists here during an open forum on the subject at the Theatre Guild on Friday.

Though Guyana, with the expert advice of the Oceans and Natural Resources Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, has a draft legislation to govern the establishment and operation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Parrado, who is an authority on the subject, is emphatic that such

a legislation ought to be in place ahead of 2020.

He gave as his reason for so advising is that in 2020, Guyana will not only start pumping oil, but is also slated to hold General and Regional Elections.

In his detailed presentation, Parrado, who has a PhD in Economics from New York University, and was at one time International Financial Coordinator and Adviser to the Minister of Finance in his native Chile, noted that every government should have a sound economic framework in place.

And that framework, he said, should include a counter-cyclical fiscal policy, a counter-cyclical monetary policy, a flexible exchange rate, and a strong financial system.

Zeroing in on the importance of having a fiscal policy, Parrado, using Chile as an example, said there were times when the price for copper increased significantly resulting in major shocks, while there were also times when prices collapsed.

It is during those periods of major shocks, he said, that a country would do well to save the most.

“One of the fiscal rules is that when you have a temporary shock that would last one year, two years or a couple of years, you would save that money, because the rainy days are coming; you don’t know when, but they are coming,” he hinted darkly. “And it would be better for you get prepared.”

He, however, warned that a country should only inject monies into a Sovereign Wealth Fund if it experiences a surplus.

Said he: “If you are having a surplus, then you could put money aside in the Sovereign Wealth Fund, and that is simple.

“But you could only have a sovereign wealth fund if you run surpluses; if you don’t run surpluses, you cannot have a sovereign wealth fund, because you are cheating yourself. You are putting aside money that you don’t have.”

In the case of Guyana, he

Chilean Sovereign Wealth expert, Dr Eric Parrado in full flow Friday night said, it is more than likely to experience a fiscal shock of some sort come 2020, given that oil will be a relatively new commodity that will be generating revenues for the country.

He again warned that while he would advise investing in the country’s development in the areas of health, education and infrastructure among other sectors, an expenditure ceiling should be in place to guide government spending at the level of ministries.

He also warned against deficit bias; the increasing of deficit and public debt levels.

Whatever legislative framework or policy is instituted, Dr Parrado said, they should be flexible enough to respond to shocks, whether positive or negative.

Asked by former government minister Maniram Prashad whether civil society should be given the opportunity to assist in the management of the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, Parrado, who

from time to time advises governments the world over on fiscal policy and the implementation of sovereign wealth funds, responded in the negative saying that it should be managed by a small team of experts.

And the reason it is not advisable, he said, is that if a range of organisations form part of a management body, they would be pushing their own agendas, when the aim should be maximising wealth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

National honours for former presidents …President Granger stresses equity in printing of stamps THE Government of Guyana will announce shortly, national symbols to celebrate the lives and works of former Presidents of Guyana, Raymond Arthur Chung, OE and Dr Cheddi Jagan, OE, within the context of set criteria for honouring eminent Guyanese.

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the births of both former Presidents.

In a release, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said President David Granger said that the Cabinet has taken a decision that commemorative stamps, which are national symbols, must adhere to national criteria. He added that such symbols must not be used for private, partisan or political messages, but

ought to be used for national purposes.

The Head of State made these comments in light of press statements issued by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) and former Chairman of the Guyana Post Office Corporation, Mr Juan Edghill, regarding the printing of commemorative stamps to honour Dr Jagan as proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. According to the MoTP, President Granger said that there is no objection to honouring the life and legacy of Dr Jagan, whom he described as “one of the founders of the Guyanese nation”, but added that Cabinet is of the view that there should be equity in the printing of such com-

memorative stamps, which are national symbols.

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) had announced the launch of a Cheddi Jagan Commemorative Stamp to mark his 100th birth anniversary. At a news conference back in February, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes disclosed that the GPOC had entered into an arrangement with the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, to produce a philatelic stamp to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Dr Cheddi Jagan – one of Guyana’s founding leaders.

The former president was born on March 22, 1918.

“The stamp was designed and is being produced by the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation located in New Jersey, USA. This company is a long-time philatelic contractor with the GPOC, and I understand that it also produces stamps and related materials for postal services all across the Caribbean,” the minister detailed.

The special Cheddi Jagan Centenary stamp will be unveiled and made available to the public in March, she added, while stating that the corporation looks forward to continuing its relationship with the CJRC. Due to the delay in the printing of the stamps, the

centre says it “views this as a deliberate attempt on the part of the government to frustrate an activity planned on March 20 to launch the stamp.” It added that it was given all assurances both by the GPO and the subject Minister Cathy Hughes, that the stamp would be available on time for the launch, only to be told by the post office that it should contact the Office of the President for release of the stamps. “We find it strange that what should have been a routine transaction between the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the Guyana Post Office Corporation has now been politically interfered with.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

Gouveia rolls back the years

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--as Wedding Expo turns 10

By Shirley Thomas THE tenth edition of the annual event, Wedding Expo was on Friday launched at the Roraima Duke Lodge on Duke Street, Kingston with its founder, Roraima Airways’ Captain Gerald Gouveia looking back with pride and a sense of achievement on the tremendous success it has been over the years.

The event, steeped as usual in elegance, saw the participation of young couples and a dynamic and enthusiastic band of artisans and entrepreneurs who elegantly and professionally displayed samples of the kind of services they have to offer.

Commending stakeholders for staying the course over the years, and playing a key role in making the event the resounding success it continues to be, Gouveia said: “This event has transformed many a small artisan into thriving small business owners who capitalised on the exposure occasioned by their participation.

“And secondly, the event has served as a kind of ‘Wedding Planning 101’ practical class for young couples and their families.

“Further still, Wedding Expo has also catered to the ‘big’ companies whose sponsorship and participation have assisted in subsidising the participation of the young artisans and craftspeople.”

He said that as Roraima Airways celebrates the tenth anniversary of this flagship event, there is more work to be done, and more opportunities to exploit, especially if Guyana

One of the small entrepreneurial booths at this year’s Wedding Expo

Bridal radiance (Photos by Delano Williams)

were to put in place new laws that would provide for a shorter period for obtaining a marriage licence.

As things currently stand, said Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Donald Sinclair, a person residing outside of Guyana and wishing to secure a marriage licence here in Guyana is required to wait for a period of two weeks, which can invariably cause that person a lot of inconvenience.

WIND OF CHANGE Looking on the bright side, however, Sinclair said there is hope yet, as the matter has been taken up with the Minister of Citizenship, and is to be sent to

Ready for the Bride and Groom

the Attorney-General.

He also pledged the necessary support to make the Wedding Expo grow.

The first Wedding Expo was launched ten years ago in 2008, and has so far had the support of about 50 businesses, Mr. Gouveia said.

Sinclair, who congratulated Gouveia and other stakeholders for making Wedding Expo what it is today, urged that they consider including a Honeymoon Booth, the purpose of which will be to give couples an idea of the possible places they can go to spend their honeymoon.

Wedding Expo is part of Guyana’s effort to develop its Tourism Industry,

Chairman of the proceedings, Mr.Wesley Kirton said, noting that the concept of a Wedding Expo would be a perfect feature for Guyana’s National Events Calendar.

Other speakers for the evening included Mr. Edward Boyer, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, and Ms. Sophie Ma-

konnen, Resident Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Meanwhile, the programme was spiced with rich music, both classic and otherwise, to the accompaniment of the energetic beating of the Tassa Drums and other musical instruments.

The programme culmi-

nated with the elegant and symbolic Bride and Groom Fashion display, with more than a dozen couples, beautifully and symbolically attired, gracefully parading around the swimming pool amidst cheer and words of encouragement from the gathering.

The event will continue today and tomorrow.

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Editorial West Indies Cricket

THE West Indies have managed to qualify for next year’s cricket showpiece in England after an intense fight among the minnows of the game in Zimbabwe.

As tempted as we are to downplay the significance of them emerging as the top team in the tournament, all cricket lovers of the Caribbean would have breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Windies sneaked through, compliments of the Duckworth/Lewis system earlier this week.

“A win is a win,” many followers of the game have argued, but for those who have been ardent fans of West Indies cricket, it was painful to watch the two-time winners of the World Cup battling it out with non-test playing nations for a spot in World Cup 2019. Worse still, we were at risk of being eliminated by Scotland, if the showers did not descend on the Harare Sports Club Ground on Tuesday.

Enough has been said about the state of the game in the Caribbean and the administration and for those who held out hope, this tournament was proof that both the sport and the administration need to be revamped if ever we are going to reclaim our place among the top teams of the world. During the preliminary stage of the tournament, comments to the effect that it would be best if the West Indies did not quality were heard. Many also predicted a first-round knockout of the tournament next year, among others. These were sentiments from a weary fan base that has grown impatient and carefree.

The crisis in the governance of cricket in the Region has been a major factor in the decline in the fortunes of our team.

Relations between the board and the players on the one hand

and between the board and the support staff on the other hand, have deteriorated to the point where the public is frequently treated to public quarrels among the various sides. Clearly, the present leadership has failed the Region and should be removed. But as we have seen in the past, a mere change of personnel has done nothing to stop the rot. Here in Guyana, we have a board which is unrepresentative of the country and is not accountable to anybody outside of itself. We have the tragedy of a small clique of governors which have been entrenched in power because there have not been any proper elections since 2009. Neither the West Indies Cricket Board (now Cricket West Indies) nor governments have thus far been able to settle the impasse. In the meantime, Guyana’s cricket, as is the case with West Indies cricket as a whole, continues to decline.

But all is not lost for amid the gloom, skipper Jason Holder has been a stand-out both with bat and ball so far in the qualifiers; Kemar Roach has found some rhythm - - two key men in the team’s bowling department. Young Guyanese Keemo Paul has shown tremendous promise as well as his countryman, Shemron Hetmyer, although the manner of his dismissal in the Zimbabwe game has caused a few heads to turn.

It has been over 22 years since the West Indies were dethroned as the champions of world cricket. An entire generation has grown up knowing and thinking of the West Indies as world beaters in a sport that holds pride of place in the cultural psyche of our society. This is in stark contrast to the previous generation, which was socialised in a Caribbean

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

which dominated the sport for almost two decades — the longest any team has dominated a team sport. Here was the Caribbean, the smallest Region in terms of land-space and the poorest in terms of economic indicators, beating the world and controlling the content of a game which was originally intended to subjugate its peoples. The West Indies cricket team of that time showed the world that when the playing field is even, our people could compete and win, despite our structural socio-economic challenges.

But this very society that produced cricketers who were able to combine physical skills with nationalist consciousness has for the last two decades failed to reproduce that brilliance. Our team has fallen from grace so badly, that we now languish at the bottom of the heap in the longer formats of the game and “blow hot and cold” in the shortest version. Tomorrow’s final against Afghanistan who defeated us in the Super Six fixtures, though largely insignificant to West Indies’ progress to World Cup 2019, is an important first step in this team’s mental preparation to take on the bigger teams at next year’s event.

Presidential commitment to effective protection of Guyana’s rivers welcome Dear Editor PRESIDENT David Granger has called on world leaders “to pay continuous attention and unceasing action” for the “preservation and protection of the Guiana Shield as a vital source of the world’s freshwater reserves.” Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) warmly welcomes this unequivocal recognition by President Granger that the Guyana Shield -- the source of almost one-fifth of the world’s freshwater resources -- has a vital role to play in a world of rising demands and dwindling sources of freshwater.

President Granger specifically stated, “Rivers must be protected from pollution, including that caused by environmental degradation and the discharge of effluent from industry, mining and agriculture.”

The seriousness of Guyana’s leadership role on freshwater will be measured by the steps taken by

the government to protect Guyana’s rivers. Not only are the Cuyuni, Puruni, the Potaro and stretches of the Mazaruni in Regions Seven and Eight, the Baramita, Barama, Aruca and Kaituma rivers in Region One severely polluted, but untold numbers of tributaries and creeks are heavily poisoned before they flow out into these major rivers.

Despite efforts by the current and previous governments to cease issuing river-mining licences below the 4th parallel of latitude, expansion of river mining by likely illegal, mainly Brazilian, miners is taking place in the South Rupununi at Marudi.

These activities are affecting the head waters of the Essequibo through the Rewa, Kwitaro and Kuyuwini rivers and their tributaries. These waterways are home to over 490 species of fish, rendering them globally significant levels of bio-diversity.

Moreover, they are a major spawning ground for many fish. They also support the wildlife of the area and

are a source of food for local communities. The area hosts spiritual sites and intact forests. Pollution of these waters has resulted in less fish and wildlife. Miners have diverted creeks and streams and freshwater has become scarce in some places.

These activities irrevocably threaten poisoning of the headwaters of the Essequibo, Guyana’s largest river. Mercury levels well above WHO levels of documented in the residents of Parabara– the only community directly settled on river waters and its ingestion by fish, effectively expose anyone consuming such fish caught along the entire length of the rivers.

Recent local presentation of studies undertaken by the Frankfurt Zoological Society of mercury in Colombia’s Amazonian rivers attested to massively high levels of mercury in communities which themselves have never engaged in mining. The implication of these studies for Guyana is that contaminated fish migrat-

ing from higher reaches of the rivers will socialise the hazards of mercury to communities far from those currently considered vulnerable.

Apart from the dangers posed by mercury, the contamination of rivers from decades of mining effluent renders rivers unusable for any domestic use by communities and interferes with river currents in ways that are dangerous to river traffic.

In the context of President Granger’s assertion that “river pollution impacts adversely on water quality, on health and the economic and social well-being of citizens”, nothing short of a ban on all river mining is required. Beyond halting on-going destruction, rehabilitation and restoration of rivers to meet the needs identified by the President require a range of legal and administrative measures. Recent statements by leaders of the South-Central Rupununi Development Association (SCRDA) have pointed to the intimate role rivers play in indigenous

cultures. A start in this direction was taken by six South Rupununi communities, who formed a mediation group hoping to engage with mining associations and government to counter illegal mining in the Marudi area.

More joint ventures engaging indigenous communities in the legal and administrative protection of rivers of this nature are urgently required across the mining districts. In recent years India, Colombia and New Zealand have all taken to devise forms of legal protection for rivers along with management arrangements, which recognise the historic role of indigenous peoples in maintaining the pristine quality of rivers.

Regards South-Central Rupununi Development Committee Policy Forum Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

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Gov’t and opposition will be held accountable by me Dear Editor THE right to respond is being exercised, pertaining to Milton Bruce’s letter, “The enemies within the gates of the republic” (GC 21st March 2018).

The reference to the quote by Bruce, which borrowed from Ronald Austin Jr’s article that dealt with Guyanese who took out a newspaper advertisement calling on persons not to invest in Guyana, shows clear misunderstanding of the application of the reference or recklessness in wanting to give the impression that I am against investment in Guyana or its development.

Having said that, attention is being drawn to two key positions he articulated, to which serious objection is taken. One, as a trade unionist I’m an activist, because trade unionism emerged from activism and involves daily activism to bring about changes in the lives of citizens/workers, in and out of the workplace. Activism is essential to trade unionism and any group or individual seeking to effect change.

On the other darker side, activism is evident in those who seek to silence progressive voices and suppress the masses. Right now Bruce can be classified as engaging in the dark side of activism.

Two, this notion that criticism of government’s performance is unacceptable in government’s newspaper. The government has no newspaper. The people own the Guyana Chronicle and all state media and it is their taxpayers’ dollars that fund these. With this comes corresponding expectation that the people will be free

to criticise the government and opposition, who they are paying as representatives to serve them.

It was activism on my part as General-Secretary, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on 1st May 2015 when I stood at the rostrum at that Labour Day rally and called on the workers/citizens to “fire the PPP/C and hire the APNU+AFC come 15th May!” That activism came with the expectation that should this group be elected to office it will be better than the PPP/C. It would be an abrogation of my responsibility not to continue my activism to ensure that this government or any future government delivers on expectations and promises. In addition to criticising, there has been support and proposals, but I’ll be damned to think that the latter two should disregard the former when all are important in bringing about a society of equity and public accountability the trade union strives for.

This matter of the subvention being returned was not a favour and to expect silence because it was returned, is to accept that the PPP/C Government was right to remove it because the trade union should not have criticised and hold it to account.

When the Forbes Burnham government and the GTUC agreed that labour will play a pivotal role in workers/ citizens’ training and education, his administration saw it as an obligation to assist in making it possible for them to be empowered. Burnham did this to establish the trade union (labour) as a social partner in the development of this country, knowing

full well that labour would always question or come into conflict with the employer or government.

When the current government was in opposition, it benefitted from my criticisms toward the PPP/C government. These were not partisan, though they rode high on them. Those criticisms were, are and will continue to be driven by wanting better for the workers/citizens.

Government and opposition shall be held accountable by me as a citizen and leader, and it matters not who are the actors in either position.

My right to vote and civic responsibility to pay taxes and obey the laws carry the corresponding right and responsibility to freely express my views, to ensure that the laws protect citizens/workers and elected officials manage the affairs of state within the framework of.

No. 11 of the Editor-in-Chief’s (EiC) Job Description says, “Terminate the employment of the freelance staff mentioned at No. 10 (above) if they fail to perform satisfactorily within the framework of the editorial requirement of the department.” Appraisal is a day-to-day process and the appraisee, i.e. the freelance staff--according to industrial relations practice and this does not only apply in an unionised environment-- needs to be told whether his/her performance is satisfactory or not. At no time had the EiC ever discharged this responsibility and were I fighting this case for a worker, it is a clear violation of due process and can be litigious. The political interference in informing the decision to terminate my

Mashramani surpassed expectations Dear Editor,

I RESPOND to T Pemberton’s letter captioned, “MASH was better under PPP/C”, in the Stabroek News, on March 14, 2018.

Based on his reasons given, I would conclude that Pemberton had been struck with nostalgia, causing him to pen his letter, rather than practically finding some real fault with the entire MASH parade, and giving adequate reason(s) for complaint.

That Minister George Norton through his Social Cohesion Ministry, could have declared that this year’s ‘’Mashramani surpassed our expectations’’, was indeed well founded. I will agree that the presence of the large DIGICEL band and their creative costumes, had indeed

given the MASH costume parade added spectacle and colour. For whatever reason, this corporate body did not participate this year, as well as Jumo, as lamented, did not mean that the other bands as a collective did not rise to the occasion. They did, and in fine style!

In fact, this year’s MASH band parade exhibited rich colours that revolved around the nation’s economic expectations, and were each filled with revellers, transcending Guyana’s ethnic groups.

The latter representation had been reflected in the large thousands, that rocked to the beat of the passing bands.

It was the first time that so many from the other ethnic groups came out in their huge numbers to participate and be a part of Guyana’s biggest

cultural extravaganza.

Pemberton has to understand that changes are constant and should be accepted. The D’Urban Park stadium was just as good a venue as the former National Park, for adjudging the individual Mash bands; and Brickdam, an even more beautiful and picturesque avenue for the thousands gathered to watch the colourful bands.

Sure, the statement made

by Minister Norton and the director of sport were as official representatives of the government, to which they had every right. What these two gentlemen had done, was to have made a declaration of fact.

Regards Troy Garraway

and David Hinds’ contract guides my response to this issue. Further, criticism of government’s performance does not constitute non-satisfactory performance, it is the exercise of a civic duty and thinking by the staff, writer/ speaker.

Organisations, particularly government, are established on rules, conventions and principles and its effective functioning is reliant on these. The Guyana Chronicle has no exemption! The problem with this government and its enabling supporters is that they do not want to follow rules and respect fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. When they were op-

position and fighting to have access to state media, it was not to have access not to critique the PPP/C government.

It is naïve and irresponsible to expect that people should give up their right to criticise.

To the view that there is division in the movement, let it be made known that in 1988 when there was a walkout by seven unions, that was driven by a function of internal differences, which also respected the right to freedom of association. The 1999 scenario, though resulting from different reasons, the principle still obtains. It is the right of every union to determine whether it wants to

associate with a federation or not. The principle of solidarity does not deprive of rights; what it seeks is to ensure solidarity around fundamental rights, freedoms and time-honoured principles. Despite the different federations the trade unions, from time to time, have been able to forge unity on common issues, respect for collective bargaining and sugar being two such. This society needs an end to dark activism and an embrace and tolerance to more liberating and progressive thinking.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

US fugitive proceedings begin

ACTING Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus yesterday (Friday) was told

by Assistant Superintendent Eon Alonzo that on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, he was performing duties along with other ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) when he received information for the arrest of Troy Thomas, which was ordered by Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams.

Extradition proceedings began in the Magistrate’s Court for alleged fugitive Troy Thomas , the Guyanese-American man who is wanted in New York in connection with the 2011 murder of Keith Frank.

Asst Supt Alonzo, who was the only witness to take the stand, said that he went to Lot 34 Second Street, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, where he along with other ranks entered the gate which was open. He knocked

several times on the door and a female whom he later got to know as Lolita Calender opened the door. He identified himself and told her there might be a wanted man in the house .

He stated that the female turned on the lights of the house and he proceeded to search. When he entered the bedroom, he saw a male standing at the side of the bedroom in a Tshirt and underpants; the man fitted the description of a man in a mug shot photo which he (Supt Alonzo) had at the time.

He then arrested the said male and asked the man his name, which he said was Marvin Williams.

He asked the man for proof of identity and the man said he had none. He escorted both Troy Thomas and Lolita Calender to CID headquarters and on arrival he asked Troy Thomas, who give his name as Marvin Williams, if he has any form of identification to

present and he replied no.

According to a representative of the United States Government, Stacy Gooding, their administration produced statements with information pertaining to Thomas. The statements contained evidence relating to the murder of Frank. These documents were handed over to the court.

Gooding related that the statements were in favour of Armila Glasgow, who is responsible for the tendering of documents on behalf of the United States.

The court also heard that Simeon Reid and Eon Alonzo, two senior members of the Guyana Police Force, gave statements regarding the case.

Thomas is being represented by Nigel Hughes, Bernard De Silva and Darren Wade.

Hughes asked that the court provide a printed document in relation to the extradition treaty and the method-

Troy Thomas, second right, being escorted into court

ology that will be used.

He was being hunted by the New York Police Department, and a wanted bulletin was issued for him in connection with the murder of 20-year-old Frank

after an altercation outside of a South Richmond Hill party.

It was then disclosed by US law enforcement agents that Thomas had fled the country to Canada within

hours of his alleged crime.

Shortly after, the man reportedly travelled to Guyana before the wanted bulletin, which was issued by the US, had reached Interpol.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

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Gov’t doubles school cleaners’ pay … vacation allowance, other benefits approved

By Vanessa Braithwaite SWEEPER/ cleaners employed at public schools in Linden and other parts of the country on a part-time basis were in more than a celebratory mood when the news broke that they have been regularised and will now benefit from not only an almost double increase in salary, but also from other fringe benefits.

General-Secretary of the Region 10 Guyana Public Servants Workers’ Union Maurice Butters, held a meeting with about 50 employees and revealed to them a circular released by the Ministry of Education which stated

that the sweeper cleaners will now work for eight hours and will get an hourly increase of $312.00,as opposed to $208.00. The cleaners will benefit from a monthly allowance of $2, 400, a yearly vacation allowance which is a month’s tax-free salary and uniform allowances, according to Butters. They will now work 40 hours a week, their national insurance contributions will be deducted monthly and they will receive no less than 12 days of annual leave, which will be utilised during school breaks.

Butters, who was instrumental in fighting for the regularisation of Linden

cleaners, said that the decision is a stepping stone to better things. He is however calling on the regional administration of Region 10 to prioritise meeting with the cleaners and deciding when the decision will be effective, since the power is now in their hands.

The cleaners, most of whom are single parents, expressed gratitude for what they described as a long fight for regularisation.

They had even held several protests actions and are now happy that their voices have been heard. “We need to give God praise and thanks, we fight hard for this, to God be the glory,” Coret-

ta Braithwaite expressed.

“We move from twenty four thousand to forty something thousand, we are thankful and giving God praise and thanks,” another cleaner celebrated.

In discussion with the media, Butters expressed concern that the cleaners’ eight hours will now be respected by teachers, since they had previously complained of having to wait after the completion of after-school lessons to clean the classrooms.

The move to regularise the cleaners was made after a series of protest actions organised by the Guyana Public Service Union.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

Broomes stokes sweeping change

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–– among Linden schoolgirls @ ‘girl power’ rally LINDEN schoolgirls were on Friday fired up by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes to be the change they want to see in their respective communities, since they have the power in their hands to do so.

“Girl power” was the rallying call at a women and girls’ empowerment session hosted by the minister, and attended by several female regional officials, scores of female students and other regional officials.

The girls left motivated to bring about change, and to start a massive movement within their communities.

In her moving presentation, Minister Broomes encouraged the girls to use the power they have within in a positive way, and to advocate for change and to end social phenomena such as rape and violence.

Encouraging her young charges to be the best they can be at whatever they set their minds to do, Minister Broomes said: “Whatever you are doing, push! And do it to your best, because you can be the best young girl! You want to push to change society!

“I want to encourage you to use your power to dream, girls! Dream and dream big!”

She further encouraged them to “block and delete” all negative forces that may try to ruin their dreams and aspirations.

She urged that they see the session as the start of a massive “girl power movement” in the communities, since she has come

to realise while moving around the country that there are many feminine issues plaguing women.

“The cycle of dropping out of school, getting a baby, baby father left me, no job, mommy have to mind me and the grandchild,” the minister reeled off, has got to stop.

“You have the power to stop that, and stop it now!”she said. “You will go to school and finish school! You will give yourself the opportunity to be a girl and then a woman!”

The girls were encouraged to network and start social media groups, so that their peers who may be experiencing problems will not feel alone.

And with the country already feeling the pinch that comes with a brain drain, the pursuit of an education was also spoken of by the minister as she highlighted the need for educated and skilled young people to pilot the development of the oil and gas industry.

At the end of her speech, girls who wanted to discuss personal problems with the minister were invited to do so.

Mackenzie High School’s Zoe Sills encouraged her peers to push for success and to take up prominent roles in the world of work. Girls, she said, should play an integral role in community development, since the future of the country is in their hands.

Sills thanked Minister Broomes for being the perfect role model in encouraging young girls to push for success.

“Minister Broomes,” she said, “is now a house-

Trio accused of stealing boat parts valued $1.7M THREE men appeared yesterday (Friday) before a magistrate on a simple larceny charge. They are: Carlos Scott, 23 years old of the Pomeroon ; 23year- old Glendel Gonsalves, also of the Pomeroon and 22 year- old Fitzroy Calvan, a Venezuelan.

It was alleged that on March 19, 2018 at Friendship, Pomeroon River, the three men stole a 75 horsepower Yamaha engine worth $1.3 million, a gas pump valued $400,000, a remote worth $100,000 and other items which add up to a total of $1.7 million.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out to them in court.

Meanwhile, the police prosecutor objected to bail, based on the seriousness of the offence and he further added that the defendants gave caution statements.

Bail was refused by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and the matter was adjourned for March 28, 2018

hold name in advocating for women’s rights.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Madame Minister for not only being a role model, but for having the vision to host a forum like this.”

Mackenzie High School students seize the moment for a photo opportunity with the firebrand Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

Police say Bloomfield man struck by drunk driver

A 54-year-old man lost his life after he was struck down on the Letter Kenny Public Road around 20:25hrs on Wednesday night.

Dead is Donovan Bharomasi, of 86 Bloomfield Village, East Berbice-Corentyne.This newspaper understands that Baromasi and his wife Kamilawattie Mohipot

were awaiting the arrival of their young son from work when he met his demise.

The wife recalled she sat on a truck as her feet were very tired, so her husband stood by the road shoulder as they waited.

“I see a car come right up to he and just pick he up pitching him in the air and drive away...I get up, but I

didn’t see he so meh start call for he but I didn’t get no answer. So I start walk up the road there I see an object a good distance away and meh run run till me reach”. She said as she searched for her husband she chased the car until it disappeared.

“When me reach my husband he lay ben up on

the road, his hands and foot break and he had a big cut on his belly, his ribs them bruk up”.

Kevin Mohipot, the son, said when he arrived he found his father barely breathing. In tears, the young man recalled he called out for help.

“After I called out [for] assistance nobody didn’t come out, so I run home for my

vehicle to drive to take him to the hospital, but by the time I returned my father died”.

The young man called for justice as he noted his father was thrown 192 metres from the point of impact and there were no brake impressions on the roadway to indicate that the driver made any attempt to render assistance.

Meanwhile, a police re-

port stated that hire car HB 7178, driven by a 33-yearold resident of Rose Hall Town, was proceeding east along the northern carriageway when a pedestrian reportedly walked across the road from north to south into the path of the vehicle. The driver who was intoxicated, remains in police custody.

Pensioner,daughter robbed at Albion

A PENSIONER and her daughter were robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday evening at their Sand Reef, Albion, East Berbice-Corentyne home. The

woman, Rookmin Roopnarie (85), said she was lying in her bed while speaking with her daughter, 64-yearold Sumintra Roopnarine, when four masked men

stormed the house armed with cutlasses and a gun demanding cash and jewellery.

“Four a them come in and me ask wha happen and them

put a cutlass on me neck and one gun on the other side, me tell them me nah get nothing that me just clean me eye and had to beg donation to do the operation, but them still insist

and me get frighten and give them 20,000 and $100US wha me bin get.”

The sobbing woman continued, saying that about 5 to 10 minutes after, her son who was at the Mandir opposite their home making preparations for the next day, came in and the men pounced on him, hitting him several times about the body.

The man, Hemlall Bhowanie 44, told this publication he was over at the Mandir when his son told him “thief man deh over by the house.”

He related that he did not take it for anything, since he had only left the home only a few minutes prior and residents were still on the street. He said upon the insistence of the young boy he decided to check what was happening.

“When me reach me see the door open, so me say “wha happen hay” and them man rush out to me and start

beat me up, but them tek them eye off me fuh like half a minute and me try fuh run away and jump over the fence, but it too high and them ketch me and hit me in me back hard and it bore.”

He continued that he raised an alarm and the men fired a shot in the air and ran out as residents started calling out for help. The police were was called and they responded promptly, but by then the men had already escaped.

The incident has left Rookmin and her family traumatised and fearful the men may return. Her relatives are worried for her health, since she recently cleaned her eyes and they have not yet fully healed; and with the amount of tears she has been shedding, they are afraid she may lose her sight.

No arrests have yet been made as the police continue to investigate.

18% decrease in serious crimes THE Guyana Police Force has recorded an 18% decrease in serious crimes at the end of February, compared to the same period last year.

There was a 39% decrease in murders; a 2% increase in Robbery Under Arms where firearms were used; a 41% decrease in Robbery Under Arms where instruments other than firearms were used; a 31% increase in robberies where no instruments were used; a 36% increase in Robbery with Violence; a 40% decrease in Robbery with Aggravation; a 33% decrease in Larceny from the Person; a 25% decrease in Rape; a 21% decrease in Burglary and a

19% decrease in Break and Enter and Larceny.

In a release, the police said too that 24 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets so far for this year, compared to 22 for the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, with respect to traffic management, there was an 18.1% decrease in fatal accidents recorded at the end of February 2018. There was a tie in respect of serious accidents and a decrease in both minor and damage accidents. Speeding, inattentiveness and pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles were the main causes of fatal accidents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

Tradewinds 2018 to focus on internal security challenges

INTERNAL security challenges will be the main focus of Tradewinds 2018, the multi-national and multi-dimensional maritime, internal security and disaster relief operation in the Caribbean, which will be held here from June 4-12.

According to Captain Kayode Sutton of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), who is also the lead planner for the event – Tradewinds is a United States Chairman of Joint Chief of Staffs approved U.S. Southern Command sponsored exercise that is usually broken down into two phases, the second of which is slated for The Bahamas from June 13-26.

“The main focus of the training is going to be strictly Internal Security (IS), because most of the Caribbean islands are faced with internal security challenges, so we are basing it on that,”

he said during an interview with the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS).

“Based on the programmes that we put together for training, it is to fine tune our skill sets, our operating standards, so that we can take out the best practices from all the participating nations and the major key players like the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada and other major countries.”

Sutton explained that all of the major countries will be able to bring to the table their experiences and tactics, and come up with best practices to help each of the partnering nations that will be participating in Tradewinds 2018. The lead planner noted that there are many benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis and the Region coming out of the training exercise, as Tradewinds

Accused plumber put on bail for robbery AN 18-year-old plumber yesterday appeared before a city magistrate on a charge of robbery with violence. He is Kevin Robert, who resides at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

It was alleged that on March 13 at Brickdam, Georgetown, Robert robbed Karen Basdeo of one gold chain worth $56,000, while using personal violence on the virtual complainant (VC) Robert pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read out to him in court.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who represented Robert, told the court that no caution statement was given and no ID parade was conducted. He also added that no gold chain was found in his client’s possession.

The attorney asked for a reasonable sum of bail to be granted his client.

Prosecutor Sanji Singh objected to bail due to the serious nature of the offence and based on the fact that personal violence was used. He also added that the VC had positively identified the suspect.

Bail was granted by Magistrate Leron Daly in the sum of $50, 000 and the matter was adjourned for April 13, 2018.

Policeman remanded A POLICEMAN of the Guyana Police Force appeared yesterday (Friday) before a magistrate on a charge of sexual penetration of a minor It was alleged that on May 15, 2017, Mark Atto committed the act on a 15-year- old.

Atto was remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and the matter was adjourned to March 28, 2018.

helps to sharpen the abilities of all the security forces within the partner nations.

“For St. Kitts and Nevis, we will be able to fine tune our skill sets; we will be able to learn better collaboration tactics that can be uti-

lised within the defence and police forces and we will also be able to network with the regional and international agencies,” said Captain Sutton. “We will also get exposure to some new tools and tricks of the trade…

so that we can better deal with our internal securities, because most of the Caribbean Islands have similar challenges; so this is going to help us as a Region.

Phase one of the training will involve training of

all of the security forces and partner nations in synchronising their skills and tactics, which will prepare them for successful execution during phase two in The Bahamas. (CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

National honours for former presidents … President Granger stresses equity in printing of stamps

THE Government of Guyana will announce shortly, national symbols to celebrate the lives and works of former Presidents of Guyana, Raymond Arthur Chung, OE and Dr Cheddi Jagan, OE, within the context of set criteria for honouring eminent Guyanese.

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the births of both former Presidents. In a release, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said President Da-

vid Granger said that the Cabinet has taken a decision that commemorative stamps, which are national symbols, must adhere to national criteria. He added that such symbols must not be used for private, partisan or political messages, but ought to be used for national purposes.

The Head of State made these comments in light of press statements issued by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) and former Chair-

man of the Guyana Post Office Corporation, Mr Juan Edghill, regarding the printing of commemorative stamps to honour Dr Jagan as proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. According to the MoTP, President Granger said that there is no objection to honouring the life and legacy of Dr Jagan, whom he described as “one of the founders of the Guyanese nation”, but added that Cabinet is of the view that there should

be equity in the printing of such commemorative stamps, which are national symbols.

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) had announced the launch of a Cheddi Jagan Commemorative Stamp to mark his 100th birth anniversary. At a news conference back in February, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes disclosed that the GPOC had entered into an arrangement with the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, to produce a philatelic stamp to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Dr Cheddi Jagan – one of Guyana’s

founding leaders. The former president was born on March 22, 1918. “The stamp was designed and is being produced by the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation located in New Jersey, USA. This company is a long-time philatelic contractor with the GPOC, and I understand that it also produces stamps and related materials for postal services all across the Caribbean,” the minister detailed.

The special Cheddi Jagan Centenary stamp will be unveiled and made available to the public in March, she added, while stating that the corporation looks forward to continuing its relationship with the CJRC. Due to the delay in the printing of the

stamps, the centre says it “views this as a deliberate attempt on the part of the government to frustrate an activity planned on March 20 to launch the stamp.” It added that it was given all assurances both by the GPO and the subject Minister Cathy Hughes, that the stamp would be available on time for the launch, only to be told by the post office that it should contact the Office of the President for release of the stamps. “ We find it strange that what should have been a routine transaction between the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the Guyana Post Office Corporation has now been politically interfered with.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

Guyana, New Zealand discuss UN decision on border controversy

FOREIGN Minister Carl Greenidge has lauded the efforts of New Zealand’s outgoing High Commissioner Jan Henderson to forward relations with the

Government and people of Guyana.

During a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henderson, who is also assigned to the Carib-

bean Community (CARICOM), discussed areas of mutual interest, including the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled to be held in

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to Guyana, Jan Henderson

Cable and Wireless eyes Guyana SUB Sea Systems, Cable and Wireless Networks, has noted an interest in investing in Guyana while expressing confidence in the country’s developmental agenda, as its Vice-President Dennis Waters paid a courtesy call on Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, on Thursday.

Waters during his meeting with Minister Hughes presented her with his country’s plans for potential investment in the local telecommunications sector, a statement from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications said on Friday.

The Sub Sea cable expert noted too Guyana’s potential for creating a vibrant, competitive telecommunications industry.

He said that Cable and Wireless is currently laying the groundwork for ‘serious investments’ such as a new local submarine network, and that the company has already engaged a local partner.

Cable and Wireless has been a steady supplier of telecommunications services across the Caribbean since before the 1980s. Today, the company operates under a number of brands, including LIME, Columbus’ FLOW and CWC Business, and it holds a minority stake in TSTT in Trinidad.

According to Mr Waters, his company is pleased that the Guyana government is moving ahead with the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, stands with Dennis Waters at Colgrain House on Thursday

London next month, referral of the Guyana-Venezuela controversy to the International Court of Justice as well as renewal of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement.

Further, Minister Greenidge noted that Henderson “has been very active

in Guyana”. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and New Zealand occurred on September 1st, 1974.

Through bilateral relations with New Zealand, Guyana has benefitted

from scholarship opportunities afforded by New Zealand, in addition to a project fund which provided submersible freshwater pumps to the Mainstay/ Whyaka Village and which benefitted over 500 residents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

US$7.1 rehab of conference centre 85% completed

THE US$7.1 million rehabilitation work on the Arthur Chung Convention Centre is 85 per cent completed, despite major challenges with a sinking ground floor, said engineer in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Vaniar Gutierrez.

Rehabilitation of the centre started in November 2016, after management realised that fissures in the walls and uneven floors were becoming unsafe to work in and around. The centre was officially closed on December 1, 2016, to facilitate major rehabilitation, which was scheduled to be completed

within 18 months.

“We encountered some challenges during construction; the previous floor did not have reinforcement and the compaction work was poor, so the floor sunk,” said the engineer during a tour of the facility on Thursday.

He said they had to remove all the old material from the floor to do compaction, noting that it was well compacted and tested.

“We have used additional loads to test it to ensure that it does not sink again…we have really accurate calculations,” Gutierrez explained.

In addition to the floors, a canopy was installed with a

steel structure and new types of LED lights among other things.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, who was also a part of the tour said the centre which was opened in 2006 was a gift from the People’s Republic of China.

Prior to be being handed over to Guyana in 2006, an agreement between the two countries was signed in 2004.

Aside from the construction of the centre, the country also agreed to carry out repairs and maintenance after 10 years of use.

The company which received the contract to do the

Work on the back of the facility taking shape (Adrian Narine photo) work was the China Civil Engineering company. Like the initial construction, the rehabilitative work was also funded by the Chinese Government.

Although based on the contract it was time for the rehabilitative work to be done, the minister said it was indeed needed because in addition to the floor, there were leaking pipes, uneven floor boards and concrete that could have resulted in

injury if they did not close the facility for repairs.

Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huiyong Shen, was pleased with the work that was done and even commended the contractors for working towards completing the facility on time. The facility, which is expected to be completed

by May 27, will have modern meeting rooms and upgraded facilities, said General Man-

ager Nandcomar Ramdial.

Some features of the centre that were upgraded include the entrance gate, external walls, electrical lighting panels and the washrooms.

“When the contractors started, they found a lot more structural and other types of damage in addition to the initial problems,” he explained, adding that even See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

Radio Orealla to be commissioned Sunday ON Sunday, communities in and around Orealla and Siparuta in the East Berbice-Corentyne district (Region Six) will be able to switch on their radios to 95.1FM, as the government moves to commission Radio Orealla.

Equipped with the latest technology in radio broadcasting, this multi-million-dollar radio station will serve the villages of Orealla and Siparuta, as well as residents, farmers, and logging and mining camps located along the Corentyne River in the East Berbice – Corentyne region.

In addition to functioning as a stand-alone station, Radio Orealla is equipped to relay transmission of the

National Communications Network’s (NCN) “Voice of Guyana- 102.5FM” to its listeners, keeping them informed of current affairs, news, sports, and general developments in Guyana and around the world.

The community-oriented radio station was established via a partnership among the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Communications Network (NCN), the Orealla Village Council, and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), which is a corporate partner of the project.

Potential broadcasters from within the district are being trained by Dr Rovin Deodat, the coordinator of government’s Regional

Radio Project. The government considers connecting communities in the ‘hinterland’ as vital to improving people’s lives and creating more opportunities for them, and has already connected many communities in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), through the establishment of Radio Lethem, in May 2016, and in Barima-Waini, (Region One) with the setting up of Radio Maburama, in June 2016.

The Office of the Prime Minister commissioned Radio Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) on October 8, 2017, Radio Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) on November 17, 2017, and recently Radio Aishalton in Upper Taku-

The building that will house Radio Orealla tu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) on February 17, 2018.

President David Granger will be commissioning

Radio Orealla on Sunday, along with government ministers, regional representatives, communi-

ty leaders, and officials of GTT and the National Communications Network (NCN).

Security guard shoots aggressive mango thief AN alleged mango thief was shot Thursday afternoon by an armed guard attached to A. Ally and Sons General Store, at Sheet Anchor, East Canje, after he was seen in a fruit tree on the premises.

Dharmendra Etwaroo, 27, of Nandram Street, Canefield Settlement, also in East Canje, was shot in his left foot and had to be taken

to the New Amsterdam Hospital, and up to press time he was still there.

According to the shooter, he was manning the main entrance of the business entity, when a customer alerted him that someone had jumped over the back fence.

The man said that after telling his manager what he had learnt, he cautiously made his way to the back

of the building where he saw Etwaroo in the tree and confronted him, asking him to descend.

The shooter said that Etwaroo was in the process of complying when he threw the bag of green mangoes he was carrying at him and attempted to escape. And that’s when he shot him, the man said.

The injured man, who

is a known character, was recently released from the New Amsterdam Prison, where he served a sentence for break and enter and larceny .

Meanwhile, the shooter, who has been employed

by Senitel Security Service for over 10 years, has been detained and is assisting the police with their investiga-

tion.

A pistol and 10 live rounds of ammunition have been recovered, and are being processed by ballistic experts.

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US$7.1 rehab of conference centre ...

From page 16 some new features were added, because of the new problems that were

discovered.

Ramdial said some of the new items included a public address system in

the meeting rooms, projectors, electronic screens, video-conferencing equipment and Wi-Fi.

The main meeting room decked out with new seats and modern equipment (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018 In addition, the main conference hall has a new digital conference system that could accommodate three different languages spoken simultaneously and video-tracking capability, as well as 375 new chairs.

Aside from the main hall, which has a seating capaci-

ty of 500 persons, there are two other meeting areas, one on the eastern side of the room which could accommodate 220 persons and another on the western side that could hold 120 people.

The facility also has a computer lab, the con-

ference secretariat, a business centre, first aid clinic, a dining hall and a kitchen.

Ramdial said the rehabilitation has not been completed as yet, but they already have bookings from June into the first quarter of 2019.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huiyong Shen checking out some of the new features of the centre during the tour (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday March 24, 2018

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Lindo Creek CoI…

Brother of victims recalls soldiers discussing seeing fire at crime scene COURTNEY Wong, the brother of one of the miners killed at Lindo Creek, told the commission that he heard two soldiers conversing about a fire they had reportedly seen in the area days prior to the discovery of the charred remains.

Wong, the brother of the late Clifton Wong, reappeared before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) led by

his nieces fainted during the hearing. He had accompanied ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defence Force along with the state’s Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh and team to Lindo Creek on June 22, 2008.

“In the process of tying up the remains…there were two ranks, soldiers in uniform they conversing [and they said]… this had to be

ever discussing that they had seen a fire in the vicinity of the crime scene during their surveillance exercise. After assisting the Joint Services in locating the camp site where the miners were killed, Wong

and take them to the wrong camp,” he called.

According to Wong, he contacted a senior rank of the GPF to express his concern, and was told “you know how the media does put these

A relative of one of the dead miners breaks down in tears as she hears the testimonies on Thursday

Rhonda Fileen Hutson

Courtney Wong

Justice (Ret’d) Donald Trotman on Thursday, after his testimony came to an abrupt end last week after one of

the fire we saw when they were doing surveillance,” Wong recalled. However, the soldiers reportedly denied

said he was taken aback by a Kaieteur News article which had suggested that he and Leonard Arokium had colluded “to stray” the ranks that were en-route to the camp.

“I saw a headline…stating that Mr Leonard Arokium sent a guy to take the police and the soldiers and the pathologist to stray them

things over, come into my office.” He, however, did not visit the office of the senior officer.

Meanwhile, Rhonda Fileen Hutson, the niece of Compton Speirs, was among other witnesses who testified on Thursday. She told the commission that her uncle, who was a loving and selfless

person, did not deserve to die the way he did.

“He was a lovely uncle…

He was someone who looked out for you…he did not deserve a death like [that],” Hutson told the commission.

Clearly emotional and shaken, the woman questioned who could commit such gruesome murders.

“I question myself and ask, how? I can imagine when we get burnt how we feel. It’s like when you’re sleeping, and someone throws water on you, how you react when your eyes are open. I don’t know if they were sleeping

or whatever, but imagine you are sleeping and someone shoots all around you.”

Though it’s almost 10 years since her uncle was killed along with seven other miners, she said it remains fresh in the hearts of his family. Hutson said the pain is even greater, knowing that they were not given the opportunity to bid final goodbye to their uncle, contending that if the family had been given even a small “bone” of her uncle’s remains, they would have been satisfied.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

No outbreak of measles ––Minister Cummings – health officers at border regions vigilant

A MEASLES outbreak in neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela has resulted in an increase in the level of vigilance at the regions closer to the border, said Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings.

She also dismissed reports of an outbreak of the disease in Guyana. Measles is defined as an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash, typically occurring in childhood.

A Guyana Times report stated that Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One (Barima-Waini), Brentnol Ashley, confirmed that he was aware of an outbreak in the region. According to the report, he became aware of the ongoing situation after regional officials informed him within the last two weeks.

Ashley explained that the Public Health Ministry has already deployed systems and personnel to deal with the situation.

Minister Cummings however Minister within the Ministry refuted claims of of Public Health, Dr Karen an outbreak in Cummings Guyana, noting that there is indeed an outbreak in the neighbouring countries, but there has been no official report of the disease in Guyana. “Our borders are a bit porous, so the Brazilians and Venezuelans have been coming across, but there have been no reported cases here,” she said, adding that if there was to be an outbreak, the Ministry of Public Health is equipped with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Aside from having the vaccines, they have encouraged health care professionals and health centres in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to be vigilant and ensure that persons with the disease do not enter the country.

The minister admitted that the Venezuelans have been coming to Guyana because of the economic crisis in their country, but they have the situation under control.

She said they have been working closely with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to monitor outbreaks around the world.

“Every week we are informed about what is going on around the world…our Vector Control Unit is also well informed about diseases and so forth and they ensure that they have repellents,” Dr Cummings said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

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Stanikzai pushes Afghanistan to World Cup

Afghanistan’s players pose for photographs after sealing their place at the 2019 World Cup, Ireland v Afghanistan, World Cup Qualifiers, Harare, March 23, 2018

(REUTERS) - AFGHANISTAN qualified for next year’s cricket World Cup as captain Asghar Stanikzai played through the pain barrier to produce a heroic innings and lead them to a five-wicket victory over Ireland on Friday.

Stanikzai returned to the team last week for the closing stages of the qualifying tournament after having surgery to remove his appendix.

He batted in obvious pain and with a heavy dressing under his shirt, to score an unbeaten 39 off 29 balls, as he and Najibullah Zadran saw their team home with five balls to spare.

Ireland scored a modest 209 for seven in their

50 overs in the winnertakes-all match, to decide who would join the West Indies in securing a place at the World Cup from the qualifying tournament.

The West Indies booked their spot in next year’s tournament in England earlier in the week.

Afghanistan reached their target as Stanikzai squeezed a boundary with the first ball of the last over as they scored 213-5.

Ireland opener Paul Stirling top scored with 55 and Kevin O’Brien hit 41 runs off 37 balls near the end of their innings, on a slow wicket as they sought to accelerate the run rate but managed only 81 runs in last 15 overs.

Rashid Khan, who had

skippered Afghanistan through most of qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, took 3-40.

Afghanistan made a positive start in their chase with openers Mohammad Shahzad (54) and Gulbadin Naib (45) putting down the platform for victory.

Shahzad was named Man of the Match.

They will now play the West Indies on Sunday in the final of the qualifying tournament in Harare.

It will be Afghanistan’s second World Cup appearance after their debut in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand, where they beat Scotland by a single wicket but lost their other five matches.

Hamilton happy with close battles

(BBC) - MERCEDES’ Lewis Hamilton said he enjoyed his “exciting” battle with Red Bull and Ferrari after posting the quickest time in a second practice at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

little bit, but that’s exciting anyway,” he said.

“It’s more challenging for me to eke out more from the car, discover whether I have lost something or they have all gained, but I enjoyed driving.”

Hamilton was 0.127secs Lewis Hamilton

The Briton led the way as just 0.283 seconds separated the top three teams.

“The gap closed up a

clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, although the world champion looked as if he had more potential

had he not lost time on his quickest lap.

The world champion’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third, from the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.

Rain is expected across the weekend for what would be only the fourth wet Australian Grand Prix in 34 years of the event.

“The car is quicker than last year so it feels better everywhere,” added Hamilton.

“Turn 11 and 12 is crazy - we are not even braking into that corner; it is insane.

It is going to rain, as far as I am aware, so it is going to be interesting.”

Raikkonen’s team-mate Sebastian Vettel was fifth, 0.237secs behind and appearing to struggle a little.

Haas’ Romain Grosjean was an impressive sixth, ahead of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 201

South Africa maintains control after Morkel dominance World Cup 2018

(REUTERS) - SEAMER Morne Morkel claimed his 300th career wicket as South Africa edged ahead in the Third Test on Friday when they reduced Australia to 245 for nine at the close on the second day, still 66 runs behind their hosts’ first innings score at Newlands.

Tim Paine (33) and Josh Hazlewood (1) will resume on the third morning, seeking to reduce the deficit further on a wicket with bounce and some seam movement, and in the knowledge that Australia will have to bat last in a series that is poised at 1-1.

Morkel (4-87) reached his landmark 20 minutes before tea when Shaun Marsh (26) slashed at a wide delivery and was comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de

Kock, a poor stroke from the left-hander.

The tall fast bowler,

Morne Morkel claimed his 300th Test wicket, South Africa v Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town, 2nd day, March 23, 2018

who has announced that he will retire from all forms of international cricket after this series, had earlier removed Usman Khawaja (5) and claimed the key wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith (5).

Khawaja was caught at fine leg by Kagiso Rabada attempting a hook, while Smith played at a rising delivery well-outside his off-stump and edged to Dean Elgar in the gully.

It continued a poor run of scores for Smith, who is averaging just 27 from five innings in the series, and he looked out-of-sorts having been roughed up by some fierce fast bowling from Rabada before lunch.

Vernon Philander (2-26) struck either side of the tea break to remove innings top-scorer Cameron Bancroft (77),

Williamson sings Crowe praise

(REUTERS) - KANE Williamson believes the late Martin Crowe remains the greatest batsmen New Zealand has ever produced despite surpassing the former captain as his country’s highest test century-maker on Friday.

After resuming on 91, the 27-year-old Williamson took about 30 minutes to reach his 18th test century on a rain-affected second day of the first match against England at Eden Park.

With a dab through gully for a single he moved ahead of the 17 centuries accumulated

by Crowe, who died from cancer in 2016.

Williamson’s team mate Ross Taylor also has 17 centuries and will likely pass his former mentor Crowe in the near future.

“Martin was a fantastic, world-class player for New Zealand,” Williamson told reporters in Auckland after he was dismissed for 102. “Our best player, or batsman, certainly, of all time.

“The respect is certainly there for Martin and what

he’s done for the game.”

Like Crowe, Williamson was tipped for greatness at an early age and was backed to potentially become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer while still a teenager, including

by Crowe.

His celebration after reaching the milestone, however, was typically understated. A raise of the bat and removal of the helmet was about the limit of his joy.

The mark it seems was just a statistic. What was more important for him was how it positioned his side in the context of the match.

New Zealand finished the second day on 229 for four, a lead of 171 runs, after they had dismissed England for just 58 in 90 minutes on the opening day.

Williamson’s contribution ended early in the second session, after Jimmy Anderson finally got some movement with the second new ball and exploited the fact that the pitch had been under covers due to the first rain

break.

“For me personally, I haven’t focused too much on stats,” Williamson said.

“It’s always been about trying to do my best for the team, that’s why today it was frustrating to not still be out there.

“In saying that it was a fairly good delivery and you walk off and that’s part and parcel of the game. You want to keep going and try to contribute more and more.”

While his side have control of the game after the first-day destruction by bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, Friday’s rain and the poor forecast for the rest of the match has changed its complexion.

New Zealand now needs to push the game on more quickly than they had planned. Williamson believes it is unlikely England will bat as poorly again.

“The English team have a really long batting lineup,” he said. “We know in the second dig it’s going to be a lot harder and we’ll have to put in that same effort plus more.”

who was trapped leg before wicket, and Mitchell March (5), caught by De Kock.

Australia sunk deeper into the mire when Rabada (3-81) returned to claim the wickets of Pat Cummins (4) and Mitchell Starc (2), both caught by AB de Villiers at third slip.

But Nathan Lyon (47) led a rally from the visitors as he frustrated the home side with his highest score in tests, adding 66 for the ninth wicket with Paine before he skied a Morkel delivery and was well caught

by Elgar. They could yet be crucial runs in the contest.

Elgar earlier carried his bat for the third time in his test career as he finished 141 not out when South Africa were bowled out for 311 on the second morning.

SCORECARD

South Africa 1st innings Dean Elgar Not Out

141 Aiden Markram c Steven Smith b Josh Hazlewood 0 Hashim Amla c Pat Cummins b Josh Hazlewood 31 AB de Villiers c David Warner b Pat Cummins 64 Faf du Plessis c Steven Smith b Pat Cummins 5 Temba Bavuma c Steven Smith b Pat Cummins 1 Quinton de Kock c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 3 Vernon Philander c Tim Paine b Mitchell Marsh 8 Keshav Maharaj c Cameron Bancroft b Mitchell Starc 3 Kagiso Rabada c Steven Smith b Nathan Lyon 22 Morne Morkel c Steven Smith b Nathan Lyon 4 Extras: 13b 11lb 3nb 0pen 2w

29 Total: (97.5 overs)

311 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-6 Markram, 2-92 Amla, 3-220 de Villiers, 4-234 du Plessis, 5-236 Bavuma, 6-242 de Kock, 7-254 Philander, 8-257 Maharaj, 9-307 Rabada, 10-311 Morkel Bowling: Mitchell Starc 21-3-81-1-3.86-2nb, Josh Hazlewood 23-4-59-2-2.57, Nathan Lyon19.5-6-43-2-2.17, Pat Cummins 26-6-78-4-3.00-1w, Mitchell Marsh 7-2-26-1-3.7-1w-1nb, Steven Smith 1-1-0-0-0.00 .............................................................

Australia 1st innings Cameron Bancroft lbw Vernon Philander

77 David Warner b Kagiso Rabada

30 Usman Khawaja c Kagiso Rabada b Morne Morkel 5 Steven Smith c Dean Elgar b Morne Morkel 5 Shaun Marsh c Quinton de Kock b Morne Morkel

26 Mitchell Marsh c Quinton de Kock b Vernon Philander 5 Tim Paine Not Out

33 Pat Cummins c AB de Villiers b Kagiso Rabada

4 Mitchell Starc c AB de Villiers b Kagiso Rabada

2 Nathan Lyon c Dean Elgar b Morne Morkel

47 Josh Hazlewood Not Out

1 Extras 1b 5lb 4nb 0pen 0w 10 Total (67.0 overs) 245-9 Bowling: Vernon Philander 15-5-26-2-1.73-1nb, Kagiso Rabada 19-1-81-3-4.26-3nb, Morne Morkel 20-6-87-4-4.35, Keshav Maharaj 12-3-35-0-2.92, Temba Bavuma 1-0-10-010.00

Bravo not seeking ‘comeback’ to WI

(CMC) - WEST Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, has refuted international media reports suggesting he is actively seeking a return to the regional side for next year’s World Cup in England.

The 34-year-old, currently in India preparing for next month’s start of the Indian Premier League, was quoted as saying, “hopefully I would get to play in the World Cup as well”, after congratulating West Indies for clinching their spot at the showpiece at the ongoing ICC Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

But Bravo told Line & Length Network his comments had been meant as a “simple joke” and not a “comeback request”.

“Some reporters take things and run with it,” the dynamic Trinidad and Tobago player said.

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Nother Russia 08:55 hrs Shortstop 10:05 hrs Sammi Moosa 10:40 hrs Inn A Million 11:15 hrs a p Chanel American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Mineralogy Race 2 Virtual Machine Race 3 Throw The Fade Race 4 Split Time Race 5 Freudian Analyst Race 6 Ucantcatchmybreath Race 7 Lightning Buzz

“I was asked how I felt about the Windies making the Finals and I responded by saying, ‘I am so happy for the guys because they worked hard and deserve to be in England, hey, maybe I will comeback,’ and laughed. But it was in no way a comeback request.”

Bravo has been overlooked for selection in One Day Internationals ever since his crucial role in the controversial abandoned tour of India, in a players pay dispute with Cricket West Indies.

Since then, he has struggled with injuries. He underwent major hamstring surgery after picking up a serious injury in the Australia Big Bash in December 2016, and also recently nursed an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain of his right knee, which kept him out of the Pakistan

Super League this year.

In announcing the squad last January for the ongoing ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, chief selector Courtney Browne said Bravo was not considered because “he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies.”

Bravo rejected this assertion but said he believed selectors should keep faith with the contingent who helped the Windies qualify.

“I want to make it clear though that I never retired from playing for the West Indies, I have been available but just not selected,” said Bravo who has taken 199 wickets in 164 ODI’s and has a batting average of 25.36.

Bravo is expected to turn out for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL which bowls off April 4.

Race 8 Missle Bomb Race 9 The caretaker

12:55 hrs Attain

English Racing Tips Doncaster 09:50 hrs Lancelot Du Lac 10:25 hrs Original Choice 11:00 hrs Zabeel Prince 11:35 hrs Lord Glitters 12:10 hrs Arthur’s Spirit 12:45 hrs Proschema 13:20 hrs Bit Of A Quirke 13:50 hrs Tagur Lingfield 10:00 hrs Branscombe 10:35 hrs Night Castle 11:10 hrs Chevallier 11:45 hrs Encore D’or 12:20 hrs Inuk

Newbury 10:05 hrs Wotzizname 10:40 hrs Oistrakh Le Noir 11:15 hrs Kalahari Queen 11:50 hrs Sametegal 12:25 hrs Pacific De Baune 13:00 hrs Brigade Of Guards 13:35 hrs Mystifiable Irish Racing Tips Thurles 10:10 hrs Turcagua 10:45 hrs Tombstone 11:20 hrs Artic Appeal 11:55 hrs Winter Soldier 12:30 hrs Call The Taxie 13:05 hrs Ballea Fox 13:40 hrs Eagle Roque

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

“LADY JAGS” BEGIN TRAINING FOR CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL UNION (CFU) WOMEN’S CHALLENGE SERIES TOURNAMENT

THE senior women’s national team, commonly known as “Lady Jags” began training sessions on Wednesday as preparation gets underway for their participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Challenge Series Tournament, scheduled for April, 2018.

Training is scheduled for Wednesday and Friday with a practice match every Saturday. GUYANA’S MATCH SCHEDULE: ¤ 25th April – vs Grenada @ 16:00hrs ¤ 27th April – vs Suriname @ 16:00hrs ¤ 29thApril– vs Trinidad and Tobago @ 17:30hrs.

BELOW ARE SOME IMAGES FROM THEIR TRAINING SESSIONS HELD YESTERDAY:

EXTRATIME TV TUNE INTO GFF EXTRATIME TV THIS SUNDAY ON NCN TV @ 11:00HRS IN FOCUS: CFU Women’s Challenge Series Tournament & Concacaf D License Programme

GFF ELITE LEAGUE ON AT GDF GROUND TOMORROW

WAYNE DOVER, INTERIM

HEAD COACH PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 201

Sports an essential part of youths upbringing, says Sheriffudeen - Harper says tournament holds skill development for young cricketers

By Rajiv Bisnauth CHIEF Executive Officer of longstanding, local communication provider, VNET Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, believes that sport is fundamental in the early development of children and eventually contributes to the holistic development of young people.

Sheriffudeen made the comment on Thursday afternoon during the official launching ceremony of the Fourth Edition of the VNet Communications/ Georgetown Cricket Association Under-13 tournament at the company’s Delph Street, Campbellville, location.

The passionate cricket supporter and fan also believes that through participation in sport, young people learn about the importance of key values such as, honesty, teamwork, fair

VNET Communications CEO, Safraz Sheriffudeen (Delano Williams photos)

play, respect for themselves and others and adherence to rules of the game.

According to Sheriffu-

Flood-light football for Charity and Anna Regina Community Centre Grounds

By Elroy Stephney

EXCITING Flood-light Football action is slated for today, March 24th, at the Charity and Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, respectively.

Over to the Northern end of the Essequibo Coast, ‘Lil Indian Promotions’ will host its Annual Football Extravaganza at the Charity Community Centre Ground, commencing from 4:30 pm. Several top clubs from the Region have already entered up including: Charity Extreme, Mainstay Gold- Stars, Queenstown United F.C, Good Hope F.C and Dartmouth F.C, among other teams.

Included in the range of heated action will be a feature match between Bartica F.C and Moruca F.C which is anticipated to be a thriller. The first prize for the competition is $100,000.00 while the Runner-up will pocket $50,000.00.

Among the sponsors are Stag Beer, Sun Flower Hotel, MultiCare Pharmacy and Gutty Variety Store. Admission to the ground is $500.00.

Meanwhile over at the Central end of the Essequibo Coast, Henrietta United F.C will host Dem Amstel F.C in two evening matches commencing on today, March 24th at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

The host will be keen to take advantage of home soil and will be banking on the likes of Captain Devon Romeo, Sheldon Pitt, Christopher Livan and Morrison Bowen to be among the goals. The coach is Joseph Livan. The club is embarking on a strategic developmental programme and the visit by the Dem Amstel F.C is part of the calendar of activities for the year. G and P Jaigobin and Sons are among the sponsors of the matches which will kick off from 5:00 pm on both evenings. Entrance fee to the ground will be $200.00.

deen, sport also provides a forum for young people to learn how to deal with competition and how to cope with both winning and losing.

“Sport is an essential part of any kid upbringing,” he said.

Sheriffudeen further mentioned that his company has been actively involved in sport and community development for a number of years, and the latest investment is a demonstration of the company’s commitment towards the future of cricket locally.

Meanwhile, over the years the GCA played a

critical role in providing appropriate opportunities for the city’s junior cricketers and speaking at the launch, GCA President Roger Harper, a former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner, said the objective of the tournament is to get the youth involved and to start them at a young age, with the aim up filtering their talent to the upper levels of the game.

Harper thanked VNet Communications along with the four co-sponsors; Cerulean Inc., Guyana Trading Company, Eco Atlantic

International Investment Inc.; and Give Another Chance Foundation for their support.

GCA’s Vice-President Neil Barry in brief remarks, pointed out that the tournament will be used as a foundation to develop the skills of young cricketers and, at the same time allow players to defend their wickets and going through the basics of the game.

Playing under the theme “Cricket our game our culture”, the tournament will feature seven teams that will compete on Saturdays at various venues in Georgetown.

The seven teams that will be gracing the field when the competition commences on April 7 are; Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Transport Sports Club (TSC), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Everest Cricket Club, Diplomats and Queens College.

According to the playing conditions, the pitch shall be 21 yards in length and matches will be a 25-oversa-side affair.

Players must be under 13 years and must be born on or after June 1, 2005 to be eligible to compete.

According to the tournament rules the batting side will be divided into pairs.

Only five pairs will bat while no bowler will bowl more

than three overs.

A minimum of 10 overs per side will comprise a match, that is, each pair will bat for a minimum of two overs and each bowler will bowl a minimum of one over. Ten points will be allocated for the winning team of each match, while five points will be allocated for a no result.

The playing conditions also states that the fielding side shall be awarded one point for every four dismissals, while the batting side shall be awarded one point for every 20 runs, in excess of the 200 runs scored after all deductions have been made for dismissals.

Prior to the official handing over of the sponsorship cheque, VNET Communications ambassador and West Indies ODI all-rounder, Keemo Paul, shared a video message where he encouraged the youngsters to make full use of the opportunity.

Messages from the co-sponsors were also read by Sheriffudeen.

Also, present at the launching and press briefing were former Guyana middle-order batsman Mark Harper, officials from the co-sponsors, GCA’s executives and a number of Under-13 cricketers who will participate in the tournament.

Sizzling Quarter-final action on tonight in Corona Futsal The best of the best will be decided tonight when the Quarter final stage of the Corona Futsal tournament gets going at the National Gymnasium.

Tiger bay opens up the proceedings against Bent Street at 20:30 with a win securing a spot in the next round. Tiger Bay must be wary of the attack that their opponents can pull out of the hat and must guard against the counter that could come off the slightest mistake.

The second game will pit West Front Road against

their Leopold Street opponents with both teams being verse in the attacking style of play. Both teams had previous matches where they won by considerable margins and it could be goal fest when they meet at 21:45.

Game three has Alpha Warriors against California Square with both teams playing impressive futsal thus far. However, there can only be one winner in the contest which is going to have a very close outcome.

The final game of the night sees Future Stars, who have been phenomenal in

the tournament thus far as a new comer playing the old heads in Sparta Boss.

Sparta is no stranger

to do or death games and they are going to be going all-out against the new bloods from 23:15.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday March 24, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Marlon Samuels-173 runs (2) Jason Holder-8 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) Who made the highest individual score for the WI in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Sixes?

(2) What were the best bowling figures for the WI in the Super Sixes?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 2018

NSC refutes KN article over audit reports

Wiltshire continues dominance in Toucan Distributors Junior tournament

Director of Sports Christopher Jones

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) wishes to respond to an article appearing in the Kaieteur News of Wednesday, March 21, 2018 headlined “GPHC, three other state agencies fail to submit financials for several years” in which it lists the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The NSC in a statement said “it wishes to state for the record that the audit for the financial year 2014 of its financial statements ended on the 9th June 2015 and the draft report was sent by the Audit Office and received by the National Sports Commission on the 8th July 2015. That report is

still in its draft state and to date the Audit Office has not finalised the 2014 Audited Report.

“The NSC was again audited for the financial year 2015 and that audit ended on the 13th October 2016. That audit report has not been submitted to the NSC nor finalised by the Audit Office of Guyana.

“The NSC was audited for the financial year 2016 ending 11th August 2017 and yet again the Audit findings have not been submitted to the NSC nor finalised by the Audit Office of Guyana.

“The NSC wrote the Audit office on the

12th December 2017 to ascertain the status of the Audited Reports for 2014, 2015, and 2016. To date there has been no reply nor even an acknowledgement of the correspondence sent. A follow-up letter was sent on the 23rd January 2018 and again there has been no response from the Audit Office of Guyana.

“The National Sports Commission has written the Audit Office on the 23rd January 2018 inviting Auditors to audit the financial statements of 2017.

There has been no response and calls to the office have been responded to indicating that they cannot facili-

tate the Commission at this time,” the statement stated.

According to the NSC, it is rather baffling to read in the Kaieteur News the damning allegations levelled by the Audit Office.

Also, it is rather unfortunate that such accusations have been levelled against the NSC when the records prove to the contrary.

The NSC said it is requesting an “immediate retraction” of the statements made by the Office of the Auditor General, and wishes to remind the entity of its mandate of providing timely reports of the results to the legislature and ultimately the public.

Harvard Rugby Club ready for Hairoun Beer Sevens tournament today TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Harvard Rugby Club arrived in Guyana on yesterday afternoon all ready and excited to play in today’s Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Hairoun Beer Sevens tournament at the National Park, which will ‘scrum off’ at 11:00 hours.

Visiting Guyana for the first time in their club’s 75year history, Harvard will face Pepsi Hornets, Yamaha Caribs, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Panthers and Guyana Police Force (GPF) Falcons and the winner will

cash in on the tournament’s $200,000 first-place prize.

The event is organised to start the GRFU’s 2018 Rugby Season, but Claudius Butts, one of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s top rugby players said Harvard came to the country to not only win, but do so convincingly.

Butts is the lone Guyanese on the Harvard team, and the winger told Chronicle Sport that the team has been preparing for some time, especially taking into consideration Guyana’s dominance in Regional Rugby.

According to Butts, all

the Harvard players are very familiar with the Guyanese players, given the fact that Guyana would’ve won 10 Regional Sevens championship and is the Caribbean’s most decorated Sevens-playing country.

Wayne Kelly, Shaquille Dyte, Keston Earl and Nigel Barrington were named by Butts as the other key players along with himself on the Harvard side.

Meanwhile, the local clubs are also anxious to hit the National Park, with the Pepsi Hornets being boosted with the likes of Kevin

McKenzie, who plays out in Australia.

The Guyana Defence Force by virtue of having the bulk of the national players, will be favourites to win today, and will turn to Dwayne Schroeder, Avery Corbin and speedster Patrick King to take them over the hill.

Panthers, the preverbal ‘bad boys’ of Guyana’s Rugby, will be one of the toughest teams to beat today, while the Police Falcons, the usual whipping boys of local Sevens Rugby, are expected to step up their game in order to compete.

THE Toucan Distributors Junior Skill level tournament saw more great matches at the Georgetown Club on Thursday evening at the Georgetown Club courts.

In an interesting Category ‘A’ bout, top contender Wiltshire met a much improved Michael Alphonso.

The younger boy fought hard and fast for his wellearned points, and played an outstanding match, but was unable to make headway against the exceptional Wiltshire who reigned successful with an 11/4, 11/2, 11/3 victory. The two left-handed contenders of the tournament, Gianni Carpenter and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, met in the other Cat A match with an close first game ending in an 11/9 win for Ince-Carvalhal who then picked up the pace to secure an 11/4, 11/0 finish.

Surprisingly long rallies came from the Category F match between Grant Fernandes and Malia Maikoo where the two youngsters showed outstanding retrieval and ball placement.

Fernandes had to use his speed and recovery skills

to move ahead of Maikoo when they reached neck and neck at 8 all in the first game to win 11/8. Maikoo came out strongly to secure a 9/2 lead, before conceding only two more points on her way to an 11/4 conquest.

She then went on to dominate in a similar final game with an 11/3 win.

In Category C Kamir Khan and Zachary Persaud fought down to the wire in a 5 game battle which saw the lead switching back and forth in games 2 and 3 before a thrilling climax in the 5th that looked to be in Persaud’s hands when he clawed his way back from being 9/6 down to win 4 straight points to hold match ball until a determined Khan took the final 3 to triumph 12/10.

Ethan Jonas put up a valiant effort in his Category B match against Abosaide Cadogan but her improved technique, swift court movement and power allowed her to continue her winning streak with a close match score of 12/10, 11/9, 15/13.

The tournament will end with have a full day’s play today.

RESULTS FOR THURSDAY EVENING: Category A Shomari Wiltshire beat Michael Alphonso 11/4, 11/2, 11/3 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Gianni Carpenter 11/9, 11/4, 11/0 Category B Madison Fernandes beat Lucas Jonas 11/6, 12/10, 8/11, 11/9 Abosaide Cadogan beat Ethan Jonas 12/10, 11/9, 15/13 Category C Kamir Khan beat Zachary Persaud 4/11, 11/9, 11/9, 4/11, 12/10 Louis DaSilva beat Jason Gomes 13/15, 7/11, 11/9, 11/1, 11/6 Category F Manisha Persaud beat Demetri Lowe 11/2, 11/7 Keenen Naraine beat Christiana Fernandes 12/10, 8/11, 11/5 Noah Rahaman beat Kaden Pynaendy 12/10, 10/12, 11/2 Malia Maikoo beat Grant Fernandes 8/11, 11/4, 11/3 Category H Mya Dean beat Jnae Singh 6/11, 11/1, 11/4 Mathew Daby beat Solomon Ince-Cavalhal 11/8, 3/11, 11/6

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 24, 201

Minister Norton donates sports equipment to Batavia

Sharima Khan ready for National Race of Champions

Sharima Khan and her Pink Honda Del Sol.

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton handing over the tennis rackets to Batavia’s Toshao, Eyon Boyal.

DURING a recent visit to Batavia, Region Seven, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton was informed of the need for more sporting gear in schools there.

Just hours after returning to the coastland, Minister Norton made swift arrangements to have equipment donated to the community.

These included footballs, cones, cricket bats and balls, helmets, pads, tennis rackets and balls, among other items.

An official handing over of the equipment was made to Batavia’s Toshao, Eyon Boyal, at Minister Norton’s Main and Quamina Streets office. Boyal expressed gratitude for the equipment and added that they will go a far way in the promotion and development of sports

in Batavia, starting from the school level.

Dr. Norton has always been a firm believer that sports form an integral component of any school’s curriculum, and is monumental in the efforts of grooming great athletes of any country.

“Sports help our young ones to stay physically and mentally active, make friends, have fun, learn to play fairly as part of a

team, and improve self-esteem,” the Minister said.

Minister Norton believes too that while academics are important, it is necessary for children to be well rounded.

“Sports play a role in this. It empowers children to become well rounded.”

Dr. Norton is confident that sports also play a critical role in promoting the Government’s Social Cohesion agenda.

East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition - Playoffs set for tomorrow at Haslington

THE East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition seems to be following the record breaking trend that was witnessed in the preceding two zones that were completed not so long ago.

The organisers of the event have enjoyed a surge in teams requesting to participate in the Guinness phenomenon, with Georgetown and West Demerara easily surpassing previous records of participating teams and judging from the feedback received to date, the East Coast version will follow suit.

Tomorrow the playoffs to select teams to join the automatic qualifiers will be conducted at the Haslington tarmac, and fans are being urged to come out and witness what is shaping up to be some hotly contested clashes as teams battle each other to enter the main draw.

Over $700,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs in the competition which will feature 16 teams to be played over three days, commencing next Wednesday, March 28, at the same venue.

FLASH BACK! Action in the East Coast Guinness Greatest of the Streets

The competition will resume on March 31 and conclude with the final and semi-finals on Easter Monday, along with the Plate final which carries a first prize of $50,000.

The winning team in the competition will receive

$400,000, while second, third and fourth place finishers take home $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.

Among the teams listed to compete are: BV-B, Melanie-A, Melanie-B, Plaisance-B, Buxton Diamond, Belfield Warriors, Turkeyen Champs,

BV-A, Paradise, Plaisance-A, Haslington North and Victoria Church Yard United.

In last year’s final, Melanie-B defeated Plaisance –B 1-0, while Buxton Diamond finished third following a similar margin of victory over BV-B.

WITH less than 48 hours before the first National race of champions, Sharima Khan has signaled her intent to be a front runner for 2018.

Competing in both the Street and Sport tuner class of action come Sunday, the lone female competitor wants to show her male counterparts that she is a force to be reckoned with.

“The last race which was November CMRC leg, we didn’t get to complete the project we had in mind. The car was here to run but we had some engine problems.”

She stated that back them, the 1500cc engine that was supposed to make her eligible

for both the street and sport tuner class had developed issues.

“We had some engine malfunctions so we ended up throwing in back the stock 1600cc engine just to run that race. It wasn’t as good as we thought it would have been so we’ve continued the project.”

This time around, she says that she Is ready for the competition and sent a warning to all competitors to be mindful of the pink Honda Del Sol. The twenty-one race program of the event, sponsored

by Mohamed’s Enterprise, STAG and Tropical Shipping begins at 10:00.

LABA/ Malta Supreme semifinals on tonight

AFTER safely maneuvering through the preliminary rounds, the number one and two ranked clubs in the Victory Valley Royals and Half Mile Bulls will be action in the semifinals of the Malta Supreme ‘March Madness’ basketball tournament.

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association sanctioned tournament is being played at the Mackenzie Sports Club hardcourt.

The first game will pit second-ranked Half Mile Bulls, seeking to reach the final against Retrieve Raiders who seem to be going through a transition.

The Bulls, as always, will be led byTerron Welch, a streak shooter who can also penetrate inside and create havoc for the opponents.

Welch and Travin ‘Babylon’ Dryden provide a combination that can propel this side to victory, with adequate help coming from the experienced Kevin Easton and the young guns in Jamar Bethune and Immanuel Rose.

The Raiders on the other hand, have a new look side and leading them of recent has been Dauwin Lovell while Coel Winter and Derron Montrose have been steadying them inside. They also had help from Sheldron Noel in their last appearance.

Missing of course are their best players over the past decade, in Neil Marks and Dwayne Roberts who have migrated. It will be interesting to seehow they fare in this their first semifinal without these players.

For one, the Royals still have in their line-up a dependable scorer in Harold Adams, but his supporting cast of Chris Williams and Orlando Glasgow were missing in the run-up to this semifinal as youngsters Yannick Tappin and Daniel Lee came through splendidly.

There are others like the experienced Marlon Pollydore and Linnel Warden and Kobe Pappin waiting to showcase their skills for this Royals challenge as well.

Their opponents the Jets should not be a pushover as their middle remains potent where Adrian Webster, and his brothers, Joel and Adrian, are stationed with Donnel Benjamin and in front they have Akini Wilson and the former standout shooter, Orin Rose.

Sharima Khan ready for National Race of Champions

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Sizzling Quarter-final action on tonight in Corona Futsal

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The Quarterfinal of the Corona Futsal tournament gets going tonight

Sports an essential part of youths upbringing, says Sheriffudeen - Harper says tournament holds skill development for young cricketers See

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GCA President Roger Harper, collects the sponsorship cheque from a young Sheriffudeen. Co-sponsors, cricketers and GCA executives also share in the moment.

Harvard Rugby Club ready for Hairoun Beer Sevens tournament today

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The Harvard Rugby Club upon arrival yesterday\ at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018