Guyana chronicle e paper 03 27 2018

‘Help retool 05 sugar workers’ PAGE

…Trotman calls on oil investors to train former sugar workers

No. 105227

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Guyana measles-free – field team confirms after news report – but gov’t beefing up immunisation in border regions

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No shootout

…eyewitness account differs from police in seawall killings 10 PAGE

Bandits nabbed after robbing 11 businessman Local Gov't 03 Commission office to…Mingo be ready soon clarifies issues PAGE

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With the Easter holiday season upon us, kite makers have already begun to bring out their best products. This gentleman is one of the many around Georgetown making and sellings kites on the pavement (Adrian Narine photo)

surrounding funding

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Italian company expresses interest in drilling offshore Guyana AN Italian oil and gas exploration company could be the “new kid on the block”, if the Government of Guyana gives its ap-

proval for it to carry out exploration offshore Guyana.

ENI is a multi-national oil and gas company head-

quartered in Rome. It is considered as one of the world’s largest publicly owned oil and gas companies, also known as supermajor. It operates in 79 countries and is currently the world’s eleventh largest industrial company with a market capitalisation of 68 billion euros.

On Monday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman met the company’s Senior Vice President, Guido Zappala and his team at the Ministry of Natural Resources, where he received a packaged plan of action from the company’s representatives.

Speaking at the Department of Public Information (DPI) minutes after the meeting, Minister Trotman said the oil company had, since last year, expressed its interest to the government.

“So, we had a long discussion with them about their practices elsewhere, what they are looking for.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (centre) with officials from Italian oil company, ENI. (DPI photo)

And obviously Guyana’s basin has become attractive and they have assured us that they are not worried about the current issue between Guyana and Venezuela. They are prepared to pursue and should there be any cause for concern, they will manage.”

According to Trotman, ENI, which is partly owned

by the Italian government, has an excellent track record in terms of safety and good environmental practices.

The company, he said, has been lending its support to other countries, helping to develop their renewable energy capacity.

“Thirty per cent of the shares is owned by the government. So, you actually

have a company that is undergirded by the government and is a main driver of the economy of Italy,” he said.

His next move, he said, will be to prepare a report to present to President David Granger for his consideration.

The company has suggested another meeting in the next two weeks. (DPI)

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Guyana measles-free GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

FOLLOWING a field visit by a team of officials led by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, no case of measles was found in any Region 1 (Barima/Waini) village, but government is beefing up immunization against the disease in border regions.

The two-day visit saw the team paying visits to more than a dozen villages. The team comprised Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO ) and Public Health Ministry officials, a release from the ministry stated.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, the team visited Region One following an outbreak of measles in neighbouring Venezuela.

The team’s visit was also prompted by a “misleading newspaper report” of an outbreak in the Barima/Waini communities. “There were some reports made by the Regional Chairman about some concerns of the measles outbreak in Venezuela and the Ministry along with PAHO thought it wise to go

– field team confirms after news report – but gov’t beefing up immunisation in border regions into the various communities to detect if anyone was affected,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud explained during the two-day stay.

According to the release, Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley expressed disappointment that his statement was misinterpreted, leading to a misleading report of the alleged outbreak in the Guyana Times last week. “I’m very much aware that there isn’t any measles outbreak which I clearly stated to the media personnel,” Ashley said. He admitted telling the media that there was a spread of malaria in the region but that it was “under control” at the time of the query.

Over the weekend, White Water village toshao, Cleveland DeSouza, whose village was mentioned in the article, told the Guyana Chronicle that he knew nothing of any report of the disease being present at the village. The

joint team visit was undertaken to obtain a first-hand view of strategies to control any threat of measles being introduced from Guyana’s neighbouring countries, the CMO said.

The Public Health Ministry and PAHO/WHO are determined to ensure that the entire Guyanese population is fully immunised against measles and other contagious diseases, Dr Persaud said.

“We are using this opportunity for people who may have had vaccine many years ago or cannot remember, to re-immunize as we continue vaccinating the children,” he noted. MOPH and PAHO/ WHO will also strengthen the nation’s surveillance system to help detect any cross-border introduction of measles to Guyana and ensure rapid and effective response by the authorities, the ministry stated.

In 2016, Guyana along with the other countries in the Region of the Ameri-

cas, was certified as measles and rubella free having had no confirmed case of either disease for over 15 years.

Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by the measles virus. Symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry hacking cough. The Public Health Ministry stated that vaccination prevents many cases of measles around the world and WHO estimates that some 2.6 million unvaccinated people die of measles every year. There is no specific treatment for measles so ‘prevention is better than cure’.

It was noted that the influx of Venezuelans in Barima/Waini (Region One) and other hinterland regions has the potential to challenge this status. Currently, the Expanded Programme on Immunization within the Ministry of Public Health has active surveillance for all vaccine preventable diseases, including measles. Also, the Ministry

has weekly syndromic surveillance nationwide which is used for the early detection of diseases such as measles and rubella.

There are 105 surveillance sites across the 10 Administrative Regions which provide weekly reports on “rash with fever” which are characteristic of measles. All suspected cases are identified, interviewed and blood samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for testing.

Guyana’s international partners are supporting the country’s ongoing efforts “to help keep out the entrance of measles” Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Officer confirmed. Hamilton said the small population size of the Region and up-to-date record keeping make it easier for health workers to identify residents who need to be immediately immunised.

The illegal cross-border

movement of Venezuelans means they are not subjected to “appropriate monitoring… or medical screening” said Dr Vishal Ramjas, the acting Regional Health Officer (RHO).

The bourgeoning number of persons now needing daily consumption of drugs and access to medical services throughout the Barima/Waini area “will strain the financial stability within the Region” Ramjas warned in a recent correspondence to Dr Kay Shako, the Regional Health Services (RHS) Director.

Ramjas explained that the presence of the undocumented Venezuelans in Region One is a “potential public health threat” which is an event, condition or agent with the potential to harm vulnerable populations and can lead to a crisis. “We intend to target high-risk areas where there is an influx of Venezuelans,” Ramjas explained.

The Ministry of Public Health urges any person experiencing rash with fever to go to the nearest health facility immediately.

Local Gov’t Commission office to be ready soon …Mingo clarifies issues surrounding funding

By Svetlana Marshall A BUILDING to house the Local Government Commission (LGC) is being readied and although the constitutional body has not been functioning to full capacity due to a lack of funds, members are optimistic that things will be sorted out soon.

Chairman of the commission Mortimer Mingo told the Guyana Chronicle, that several requests have already been made for them to have full access to the 2018 subvention totaling some $110M. He said that to date the Ministry of Communities

has only released $26.1M to the Commission from its 2018 subvention. Efforts to get a comment from Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview, Mingo and his Deputy Andrew Garnett said amid the challenges, the commission has been forging ahead with its mandate. But there is only so much, the commission would do with the available funds. Detailing the commission’s five-month journey, Mingo recalled that after the eight-member LGC was sworn in by President David Granger on October 23, 2017, it began

working almost immediately. From October 31, 2017 to mid-February 2018, the commission operated out of a Committee Room at the Public Buildings.

Mingo said it was not long after being sworn in that the commission began crafting its budget for the period November 1 to December 31, 2017, after being informed by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Communities, Emil Mc Garrel, that a $20M subvention was available for 2017. However, in order to access the subvention, the commission was advised by the Permanent Secretary that it must first make a written

The building housing the Local Government Commission (Delano Williams photos)

Chairman of the LGC Mortimer Mingo and his deputy Andrew Garnett standing in the boardroom of the Commission

request to the Finance Secretary, Dr. Hector Butts for an account to be opened at the Bank of Guyana.

A formal request was made on November 21, 2017 and by December 4, 2017 approval had been granted

by Dr. Butts but under the condition that the accounting officer, in that case – the Permanent Secretary, be listed among the signatories on the basis that the subvention was being transferred from the Ministry of Communities.

Once the necessary requirements were met and Dr. Butts again wrote to the commission on December 18, 2017, disclosing the LGC account number at the Bank of Guyana, and the list of signatories. On December

19, 2017, Mingo said the commission then wrote McGarrel, and not only informed him of the setting up of the account but also furnished the ministry with the account number and the names of the signatories to the account. In that letter, the commission requested that the $20M subvention be deposited into the newly established account. It was on December 21, 2017 that the $20M subvention was transferred to the LGC’s account.

Additionally, information was sought on the 2018 subvention, and the commission was informed by the Permanent Secretary that a total of $110M was allocated– $90M for its recurrent programme and $20M for its capital pro-

gramme. That subvention was also catered for under the Ministry of Communities, Mingo explained.

In a letter dated January 22, 2018, the LGC informed Minister Bulkan that following due process a secretary and an accountant were appointed to the commission, during its 11th Statutory Meeting on January 11, 2018.

The secretary was identified as Nickolai Price. It was also in that letter, that a formal request was made for the 2018 subvention to be transferred to the commission in full.

“We further requested in that same letter that all the monies allocated to the Local Government Commission be transferred to the commission’s bank account… and all documents relating to our finances be handed over to the secretary, who we intend to designate as our accounting officer,” Mingo explained. Mingo added that a formal request has been made to the Finance Secretary for Price to replace the PS as the Accounting Officer on the basis that from 2019, the commission’s subvention would be placed under the Ministry of Finance. Approval is pending.

Nonetheless, since that Turn to page 12 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

Defence seeking High Court for extradition matter

…lawyer representing US asks for time to reply THE defence attorneys for Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted in the United States in connection with a 2011 murder, are

contending that the extradition matter should be heard by the High Court on the ground that the magistrate’s court does not have jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Attorneys, Nigel Hughes, Bernard DaSantos and Darren Wade made the contention during a three- hour long court inquest which is being presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in Court 1 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The three lawyers are contending that the magistrate’s court does not have the power to deal with the matter which is filed under the Fugitive Offenders Act. The act states that a “fugitive offender” is a person who is accused, or alleged to be unlawfully at large after conviction of an extraditable offence committed within the

jurisdiction of Guyana or any Commonwealth country or foreign territory and is suspected to be in any country or territory, other than the country or territory in which the offence was committed or where the person was convicted.

Additionally, a “treaty territory” means a foreign territory in respect of extradition to and from which, from or to Guyana, the provisions of this Act apply with or without modifications, limitations or conditions by virtue of section 4 and includes: (i) a colony, territory, protectorate or other dependency of any such foreign territory; (ii) (ii) a territory for the international relations of which any such foreign territory is responsible; and (iii) a ship or aircraft of, or registered in, any such

Troy Anthony Thomas

foreign territory.

Attorney DaSantos during his preliminary submission, told the court his client was being deprived of his liberty for the purpose of extradition to the USA, contrary to the prohibitive provision of the Fugitive Offenders Act 1988.

DaSantos further added that Thomas’ detention was

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - 2:00 & 13:30

unlawful and unconstitutional.

Stacy Gooding, a lawyer who is representing the Government of the United States of America, requested some time to reply to the attorneys’ submission.

The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for April 11 before Magistrate Isaacs.

Thomas, 31, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, was nabbed by police during an operation on Wednesday, March 14 which had commenced since January 31, 2018. According to reports, on December 11, 2011, 20-year-old Keith Frank was shot once in the torso in a flash of violence

outside a South Richmond Hill party. Frank, who moved to Queens from Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday.

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

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

Father of eight charged with forgery FOLLOWING the discovery of a forged cheque that was provided to a furniture store over two months ago, a father of eight was arrested and charged after an investigation.

Fifty-three-year old Christopher Connel, stood before Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied the allegations against him.

It was alleged that on January 16 in Georgetown, Connel with the intent to defraud, obtained seven flat screen television sets from Sarfraz Allicock of the American Store.

He had paid with a

check purportedly worth $1.1M that stated that it had been issued by the Bank of Guyana (BoG), knowing that the cheque was forged.

It was further stated that the accused on the same day also handed over another forged cheque to the store.

The store only picked up on the forgery when it attempted to have the cheques cashed.

Based on the police prosecutor having no objections to bail, the magistrate set bail at $300,000.

The matter was adjourned to April 6,

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 24/3/2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

‘Help retool sugar workers’

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…Trotman calls on oil investors to train former sugar workers “We have able-bodied men and women who can make a contribution to the oil and gas industry which will replace sugar,” said the minister.

Minister Trotman encouraged the investors to support Guyanese and the Government because they need “all hands on deck” to develop the local oil and gas industry.

Minister Trotman had conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for the TOTALTEC Academy building in February during GIPEX 2018, as the Patron of the newly established oilfield

service training academy.

The training will comprise some 60 courses and recruit 24 Guyanese candidates to become the future oilfield workers. Two highly-experienced international instructors with over 40 years of experience in the industry between them will coordinate the training. The programme will encompass basic safety, through to specific environmental practices and technical training on specialised lifting operations, rigging and slinging and forklift driving.

The programme will run for just under three months

and will allow recruits to be fully immersed in every aspect of basic operational and safety training required in the industry to ensure that they are given the opportunity to develop and perform to the world class standards that are expected in the international oil and gas industry.

The recruits will have the opportunity to be exposed to a number of highly-experienced oil and gas industry professionals and learn from them while determining and developing their own career aspirations and ambitions.

Recruits already engaged in the theoretical sessions

As TOTALTEC launches its oilfield Operator Training Programme on the grounds of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. on Monday, its Patron, Minister of Natural Resources, Ra-

phael Trotman called on investors to help “retool” former sugar workers to make them fit for the oil and gas industry.

At the inauguration of the academy, Minister Trotman

urged the investors to partner with local academic institutions like the University of Guyana (UG) in order to help Guyana “delink” and go through the “pains” of rightsizing the sugar industry.

Sol Guyana Inc. conducts maintenance exercise at manatee pond

The team from Sol Guyana Inc. during the maintenance exercise at the Manatee Pond at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday

AS part of fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, SOL Guyana Inc. conducted yet another maintenance exercise at the manatee pond at the Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.

A team of managers and employees from the regional

petroleum company which has a local office at Lot BB Agricola, East Bank Demerara, visited the Zoological Gardens between 9:00 am and 12:00 hours on Saturday.

They cleaned and painted the manatee pond and its surrounding areas.

General Manager of

Sol Guyana Inc., Liz Wyatt, said the company will continue to provide support to Guyana Marine Conservation Society and the Manatee Holding Pond at the Botanical Gardens, since it provides a vital link between Sol and the Guyanese public.

Some of the new recruits geared and ready to take on the practical aspect of the course

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

Equality, justice and love THIS week, Christians the world over will observe what is dubbed Holy Week. It is believed to be the period leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion.

According to the Christian faith, Jesus was sent to earth

by God--His Father--that the world through Him might be saved. His coming was born out of recognition that humankind has departed from the values prescribed by God and relations among fellowmen, and between man and God were not satisfactory.

This was a period when leaders -- religious and government -- were engaged in acts that did not lend themselves to relationships of equality, justice and love among fellowmen.

Christians recall the story of Christ’s visit to the temple, his condemnation of a practice he described as akin to that of a den of thieves. In pouring out the money-changers’ coins and overturning their tables, he remonstrated against the unacceptable practice in a sanctuary.

The teachings of Jesus are grounded in four principles: equality, justice, love among fellowmen, and redemption.

Children learn at a very early age concepts of love and equality in church songs with lyrics such as: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

The benefit of this early socialisation helps in shaping man’s outlook towards each other, in the sense that none can claim superiority. The history of man has seen this principle

used to topple oppressive systems such as slavery, indentureship and colonialism. The famed African-American Civil Rights for equality was grounded in this principle, which is also enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Guyana Constitution. Values of equality, justice, love and redemption have informed laws, universal declarations, conventions and charters.

Christ’s life exemplifies leadership by example. He preached the principle of doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you. The story of a woman, who had committed an unsavoury act, condemned by the masses and brought before him to be castigated, his words to the crowd were: “Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7 KJV). That none was befitting of this virtue, Christ told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11 KJV).

Spiritually, the application here is that everyone has shortcomings and if given an opportunity to plead with God for forgiveness, that person would be heard and accepted. Likewise, similar opportunity should be granted to others. At a societal level, the moral rests in opportunity for freedom, improvement, second chances.

Christ’s teachings embody the spiritual, social, political and economic well-being of humankind. He spoke to the importance of spiritual health and wellness, condemned the bad practices of earthly governments and man, inclusive of poverty, intolerance, inequity and injustice.

Obviously, his presence on earth and teachings disrupted the status quo. The religious-minded and politically inclined found his leadership unnerving as he disturbed the way they preferred things. Thus, those who did not condemn his actions schemed to have him killed. As they proceeded with allegations of blasphemy and deserving of death, even though the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate found no evidence to the effect, he handed Jesus’s fate over to the crowd, who called for him to be crucified.

And while man thought

that in crucifying him, they were killing his teachings for a new dispensation, he was in fact paying the ultimate price to bring about a new life for humankind on earth and in the hereafter. In the hereafter, it is the opportunity to have everlasting life and be with God. On earth, it is a life built on justice, equality, love and redemption. The upholding of these principles in our daily lives can ensure peaceful and harmonious relations among all, given that they are not constrained by religious or irreligious dispositions.

Caribbean Airlines: Treat us with dignity and respect Dear Editor, I AM appalled and disgusted by the atrocious ‘gutter treatment’ of Guyanese by the management of Caribbean Airlines.

This airline is pocketing billions of dollars from Guyanese and they are laughing at us all the way to the bank, while treating us like beggars and low-class people. The appalling way they treat us clearly shows that they think we are lesser beings who do not deserve top quality service.

On Friday March 23rd, the management of Caribbean Airline, also known as Bee-Wee, refused to allow Business Class and Economy Class passengers travelling on BW-601 to step out of the plane during a stop in Trinidad, en route to Guyana. I was one of the many Guyanese men and women, senior citizens, business people and oth-

ers, who were forced to sit on the plane for three long hours while the airline’s management ordered the plane to be cleaned at 3:00 am and simply did not care about keeping us disturbed and inconvenienced.

I was a Business Class passenger on that flight (not because I can afford it, but my children usually upgrade my ticket out of appreciation and affection). We were imprisoned there for three hours and the airline would not allow us to leave the plane to stretch our legs, use the lounge or browse the duty-free shopping section. I was told that the Caribbean Airlines’ management was afraid that the three business class passengers would want to eat the food if they let us off the plane to use the lounge. Let me inform them that Guyana is blessed with food, so they did not need to worry about us eating up whatever food

they had there.

The trapped and frustrated Guyanese passengers could not even use the washrooms because the airline ordered that the facilities must remain locked to be cleaned.

This would have been no problem if we were allowed off the plane, but since we were confined to the cabin, we had no choice but to restrain ourselves! Why couldn’t they allow the people travelling to Guyana off the plane rather than forcing us to wait on the plane in misery? Does the management of Caribbean Airlines think Guyanese are not worthy of basic humane treatment?

Caribbean Airlines decided to clean the plane at 3:00 am simply because that is what suited them.

Their position was clear: To hell with the tired Guyanese on board! If some had been travelling for several hours, so what? They did not care

that the Guyanese passengers could not even rest or use the washroom while they waited for the cleaning to end. Let me say that three hours on the plane under these circumstances is like three hours in hell. I say categorically that this is psychological pressure. I would actually classify it as terrorism against the Guyanese people.

This is not an isolated incident; it happens all the time. Not long ago, Caribbean Airlines took a group of passengers off a plane in Trinidad and forced them to go through customs and immigration needlessly, then, put them back to the very same plane to fly to Guyana! Get this; the passengers did not have to change planes. The airline hassled them to go through customs and immigration then put them back on the same plane again. This makes absolutely no sense. Is this airline’s

management incompetent, foolish, or mad?

Let me make it clear that my concerns are with the MANAGEMENT of Caribbean Airlines, not the staff. The airline’s staff members are actually very professional, polite and helpful, from the time I embarked at JFK Airport to the time of disembarkation in Guyana. The pilots, hosts, hostesses and everyone else are good people who, during our three hours of hell, even tried without success to make representation to the airline’s management for us to be allowed to disembark from the plane. I believe that were it not for the staff, Caribbean Airlines would have been out of business by now.

Furthermore, I also hold our Guyana Government officials partially Turn to page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

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Suicide prevention is two-fold Dear Editor, IN THE context of Guyana, suicide prevention is no longer about awareness building since no one can argue that Guyanese are not fully aware of suicide in all its ramifications. And telling Guyanese to ‘say no to suicide’ actually has absolutely no impact on suicide prevention simply because it offers no viable suicide prevention strategies.

Suicide prevention is two-fold - train people to develop high self-esteem and strong and extensive coping skills so they can handle challenges and stress, and ensure they have support networks around them. In the latter respect, lay counselors are critical as they proactively act to get the necessary help once they observe warning signs, which they are trained to do. Actually The Caribbean Voice (TCV) was able to access a lay counselor trainer from abroad but unfortunately we do not possess the required financial resources to accommodate that person for a year in Guyana. We are willing to pass the relevant info to the gov-

ernment hoping that they can make this happen. We guarantee that the cost would be a fraction of what the government would pay if they were to contract such a service.

Also, the second level in a support network is easy and quick access to counselors and psychologists, currently not a reality in Guyana. In this respect we join child activist, Nicole Cole and others in asking whether child psychologists are available to meet the needs as stipulated in the Juvenile Justice Bill, that children who are apprehended by police must undergo psychological evaluation. If that is not the case, as we suspect, then are urgent actions being taken to rectify the situation?

Meanwhile, TCV continues to lament the very limited, highly selective manner in which counseling is offered by the government.

We are thus calling for a policy that would ensure that all suicidal persons and all suicide survivors, as well as all abused persons have access to counseling. And we ask again whether the 30 psychologists who graduated from the American

University for Peace Studies in December 2017, have/are being appropriately employed by Government?

As well, we applaud the upcoming training sessions for probation officers to improve their ability to offer counseling. May we suggest that selected individuals from the health care industry as well as selected teachers be also included in this program? Such inclusion would be much more cost effective than to hold separate training and will simultaneously expand the reservoir of persons with some basic knowledge about counseling, no matter how limited. We also again repeat our appeal that teachers be facilitated to participate in the Psychology Programme at the University of Guyana, as far as is possible, as was done when a similar programme was launched in the 1970s.

Meanwhile, we continue to be concerned by the carefree attitude adopted by far too many with regards to suicide ideation. Over and over and over we hear or read about loved ones and caregivers not seriously taking comments expressing suicidal intention, and

Caribbean Airlines: Treat us ... responsible. I heard that Caribbean Airlines is more flexible with persons classified as “high-ranking officials” and would have allowed such dignitaries off the plane in similar circumstances. Our Government officials know this and they must not accept special and preferential treatment knowing that ordinary Guyanese have to endure being treated with utter contempt. Our Government officials must use their authority to insist that Caribbean Airlines treats ordinary Guyanese with due courtesy and respect.

Why doesn’t Guyana have its own airline? I marvel that many smaller countries, some that are known to be virtually bankrupt, like Suriname, have their own airline.

Little islands have airlines.

What is wrong with us?

We once had a famous and competent airline called Guyana Airways. Why can’t we have our own again? If we had our own airline, Caribbean Airlines could not take advantage of us. And what hurts most of all is that Caribbean Airlines is cushioned by Guyanese money. The

Guyana route is one of the most profitable of all the routes where the airline operates. In fact, I believe Guyanese travellers’ money is keeping Caribbean Airlines afloat.

If we cannot establish our own airline, we should invite African, Arab, Chinese or Indian investors to invest in an airline here or to partner with us. Star Alliance, one of the world’s largest global airline alliances has links in Canada, Africa, India and South America.

They were interested in partnering with Bee-Wee, but the deal fell through. Why don’t we approach them and get something going?

We need to prepare for the future, especially now that Guyana is on the brink of becoming an industrialised oil producing nation. We cannot sit down idly and let Caribbean Airlines make huge profits from Guyanese travellers while treating us disdainfully and disrespectfully.

It is my solemn wish that we will get our act together and set up an airline soon so that we would not have to depend on Caribbean Airlines and endure shoddy service. To the Government

of Guyana, I say: let us make our move now to do better. Let us end Caribbean Airline’s stranglehold on our jugular veins. Meanwhile, let us raise our voices in protest and make them pull their socks up and stop treating Guyanese as second class people.

To give the devil his due, I am fully aware that many airlines started up in Guyana then went bankrupt. It is good that Caribbean Airlines stayed with us and we have to compliment them for that.

But, trust me, they would not have stayed if they were not getting big profits from the Guyana route. So while we are grateful that they stayed, this does not mean that they have the right to prostitute us. We will not shut our mouths and let Caribbean Airlines’ management treat us anyhow they want.

To the management of Caribbean Airlines I say: stop treating Guyanese like second class citizens. We are your valued customers; you get good money from us. Treat us with dignity and respect. We will not keep quiet until you do.

Regards, Roshan Khan, Snr.

saying that they think the victim was joking or that they had heard that so many times that they simply disregarded it.

Here is an example relating to a recent suicide death: “After turning the television down, he asked her to get him a cup of tea, and when she came back with it, he reportedly told her, “Dis guh be de last day yuh guh see me”…Having heard words to that effect before, she wordlessly turned and headed to bed. But at around 04:55hrs when she got up to prepare to go to work, she heard Kumar vomiting at the back of the house.”

Kumar subsequently died as a result of the ingestion of poison.

Thus, instead of building awareness and ‘saying no to suicide’ efforts, resources should be employed to bring about critical changes by emphasising that citizens must always act on suicide ideation instead of treating it as a joke and/or not taking it seriously, and by debunking the myths and eliminating the taboo that currently surround counseling so that citizens would be comfortable accessing counseling, however it

may be available.

We do understand the lack of resources but one way around it is to piggyback: health care workers can chat with patients, a short module can be added to various training programmes, government officials can include messages in various public presentations, government and private sector ads can include short messages, similar messages can be included on billboards – physical and electronic, broadcast media can be asked to offer PSAs, sports, cultural and other entities can also be requested to share messages with their members and at public presentations and so on.

In effect political will and concerted organization are needed.

In this endeavor TCV is willing to collaborate with any entity – public or private sector. We can be reached at caribvoice@aol.com or via phone at 718-542-4454 (North America) and 664 1152/646-4649 (Guyana).

Regards, The Caribbean Voice

Adhere to the safety rules on the waterways Dear Editor, EVEN thou I don’t know the relatives of the late Latchman Benjie, my children and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to his family and relatives for their loss which I am quite sure will leave such small children traumatised for a very long time.

Over the years I have been travelling to many places in Guyana and using the waterways was the main way of travelling and based on my observation, I have concluded that citizens in the whole are very irresponsible with their lives and those of others. Most of them are accustomed to one way of life and even though it’s dangerous, they prefer that method instead of adopting changes that would be safer for them and others. With the change in Government, many rules that were there but were not being implemented were being re-enforced but those who directly would have been be affected protested against this move. Editor, the reason I say this is because most of my time at different locations, my attention would be drawn to the dangerous scenes around me and I would always point it out and many would ignore or they would defend these actions, saying that is what they accustomed to.

At many places, public and private water transportation could be seen traversing the waterways at night without any lights on the boat. On the waterways sometimes it’s very dark and visibility is very poor, one cannot see upcoming traffic until its close.

Many of these boats are owned by individuals for their own personal use, would be laden with various items and

sometimes the boats are overloaded causing the boat to sway in the water dangerously, especially when the water is rough. What is more dangerous is that sometimes they would have their families in the boat and sometimes some might be small children and not one life jacket could be seen in any of these boat that is being used for personal purposes. Go to Hubu koker and see many families loading their boats or discharging their goods and most of the boats are barely above the water. They prefer to make one trip to save gas and risk lives instead of doing the right thing. Everywhere that I have been is the same way everyone operates.

Sometimes you are lucky to see children as small as seven years old manoeuvring an engine boat. Whilst this is admirable, it’s also dangerous especially when the boat is laden with weights. As is the case of Latchman Benjie, if he had on long boots that should never have been on because many people would tell you that is a dangerous move especially if you have to go into water.

Editor, those responsible should ensure proper safety precautions are in place and private boats should have life jackets especially for children, lights on the boats for nights and emergency life rings on it.

There should be a limit to weights on the boats based on the boat size. In order to save lives, we must ensure these rules are in place. Over the years we’ve heard of many accidents on the waterways and most of them are deadly compared to the roadways.

Regards Sahadeo Bates

8

Thieves burglarise, ransack Bedford Methodist Church THE Bedford Methodist Church located at the corner of Camp Street and North Road was the subject of another break-in, this time the burglars carted off almost everything of value then ransacked the place.

The latest incident took place last week Thursday night into Friday morning.

The ransacked office of the Bedford Methodist Church after burglars carted off valuables

The kitchen area ransacked by burglars

It is believed that it is the work of a group of men who gained entry by removing the wooden wall boards on the southern side of the building.

According to Reverend Baron Hussey, the discovery was made by the cleaner who showed up on Saturday last.

She disclosed that the newly purchased equipment such as the flat screen television, the public address system with microphones included, amplifier with converter, vacuum cleaner, toilet cistern from the fe-

The empty spot on the wall where the flat screen television used to be in the church

male washroom, the wash basin from the male washroom, two tents, computer monitors with the multimedia system and kitchen utensils were taken.

The Reverend speculated that the burglars spent a lot of time in the building, selecting what they wanted and did not hesitate to leave a mess.

She related that they have suffered from several break-ins within recent times but this one is major, since they had several fund-raising activities in which funds garnered were used to make purchases of much-needed equipment for the church.

Hussey told the Guyana Chronicle their losses are costly and presently they are assessing the damage to the wooden edifice after which repairs will take effect to properly secure the building.

She stated that the police have been notified and a probe is underway. As such, anyone who has any information which may lead to the recovery of the aforementioned items taken from the church, can inform the police at the Brickdam Police Station.

Talks are also in the pipeline as it relates to employing a guard and it was reported that the watchman of a nearby building who saw the burglars was threatened to keep his mouth shut.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Windsor Estate residents, developer reach compromise – to meet shortly to resolve differences

By Zena Henry ACCESS has been restored to the few Windsor Estate residents who were locked out of the gated community for not paying their monthly maintenance fees,and a meeting is expected to be held with the private developer to iron out the differences between the two parties.

Olive Sinclair told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that since the staging of the hours-long protest outside the upscale community last Thursday, all of the residents who were prevented from accessing their homes via the compound’s main entrance have since had their electronic passes reactivated.

Sinclair was among the handful of Windsor Estate residents who’ve accused the estate’s American-based developer of resorting to “bullyism” to bring them around to his way of thinking.

Residents said that their contracts required them to pay a $10,000 maintenance fee when all the amenities that came with living in the compound were complete.

They were also told that after two years, the fee would be raised followed by other increases over time.

Retiree couple, David and Marva Parker said they were amongst the first group of persons to take up residence in the community, and that their contract included the maintenance fee.

They noted, however, that the estate’s management requested the maintenance payments despite all the amenities, which included swimming pool, basketball court, and adequate security, had not been installed. The couple said they were operating in “good faith” and start-

ed paying the fee, only to be asked for a more than 30 per cent increase six months later. The residents said other increases followed, as well as an impending increase of five per cent per annum over a five-year period, calculated at a rate of G$216 per US dollar.

Ms. Parker said the estate’s administration refused her cheque, because she had not used the imposed G$216 rate to calculate the maintenance fee.

A few months later, the couple was electronically prevented from entering the compound via the main entrance gate, and was ordered to use the unpaved and muddy back entrance.

Other residents expressed support for those residents who were locked out,claiming that the developer not only failed to fulfill his contractual arrangement before seeking the maintenance fee, but that the defects in many of their homes warranted some amount of reimbursement, given the large sums they paid for the properties.

Sinclair said her home cost over $20M, and already the roof is leaking, and it’s not even three years since she moved in. She also has issues with the flooring and the walls, owing to poor workmanship and the use of inferior materials.

After using her front gate pass to help a lockedout neighbour, Sinclair said her pass too was deactivated.

The Parkers also showed this newspaper similar problems in their home, while another male resident said he spent over $300,000 to fix two faulty toilets. He said the estate has not responded to his request for a reimbursement.

Sinclair said that resi-

dents are eagerly awaiting the meeting with the estate’s developer, Danny Sawh, but no date or time has been given.

She said Sawh has promised to prove to the residents that their contract does include the changes that are being made.

Residents had vowed to take legal action against the developer, with some saying that they were already in discussion with their lawyers.

When contacted, the Ministry of Housing’s Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul, said there is nothing he can do to help, as the Windsor Estate is a private entity.

“That is a private matter, and we have nothing to do with that,” Saul said.

Windsor Estate’s land was sold to the developer under the last administration.

The former government was touting increased availability of homes and gave a number of so-called developers land to invest in “private housing”.

Some of those investors have since lost those lands for failing to develop it as agreed with the government, or received the property under questionable circumstances.

Saul told this newspaper that while the ministry is not focused on issuing lands for private development at the moment, developers are given land, and depending on their request, will build private homes. Any disagreement between the homeowner and a developer has to be thrashed out between the two parties, Saul clarified.

He, however, noted that potential homeowners would want to exercise caution and total awareness as to what they are getting themselves involved in.

Went on driving and drinking spree … no money to pay A 30-YEAR-OLD man appeared before a city magistrate on Monday to answer three charges of incurring debts and simple larceny.

Oswin Randy Archer who resides at Third Avenue, Bartica, is alleged to have stolen one cell phone worth $30,000, the property of Jamal Dazzle.

It was also alleged that Archer obtained credit in the sum of $38,000 by travelling with Jamal’s motor car and refusing to pay, and too, on March 6 at Main Street, he incurred another debt at Palm Court by obtaining credit to the tune of $21,000 for the purchase of eight

Guinness stouts, four Maltas , three Hennessey shots, one serving chicken nuggets, one chicken fried rice and chicken with fries.

Archer pleaded not guilty to all three of the charges, According to the facts as presented by the prosecutor, the accused ordered the food and didn’t have money to pay. Also that he obtained credit by false pretence when he hired the motor car and went to the airport and Berbice. He refused to pay when asked for the money for the use of the taxi.

Bail was granted by Magistrate Judy Latchman in the sum of $160,000, the matters were adjourned for March 29, 2018.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

French to see a resurgence in schools – after years in near exile

Education Minister Nicolette Henry greets French Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Antoine Joly (Photos courtesy DPI)

DISCUSSIONS are underway to improve and increase the teaching of French in schools here, with a view to explore the possibility of exchanges for students and teachers between Guyana and France.

During a meeting Monday between Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and His Excellency Antoine Joly, Ambassador of the French Republic, the possibility of cooperation between France and Guyana to send teachers to France to improve their knowledge of French was also explored.

Ambassador Joly noted that that would be important since Haiti, a French-speaking territory, is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“It is my hope and plans to have Guyana send assistant teachers to teach English, and at the same time improve their interest in French through government relations,” Ambassador Joly said.

There were also expressions of interest for education to be further improved at the tertiary level to have the French Guiana University and the University of Guyana (UG) work together.

In response, Minister Henry said she regarded the proposals as good and useful opportunities to build capacity to teach and learn French.

She also noted that at her level, she will encourage and support the implementation at the opportune time.

Further, the Education

Minister said that her ministry is interested in the sixmonth exchange programmes for teachers, and will work on all other possibilities for education development of teachers and students towards a more balanced society.

Noting the already ‘in action’ Students Exchange Programmes, Minister Henry said that French and other foreign languages are taught in some secondary schools, and that she encourages and supports the exchange programmes which she says are ideal for gaining “experience and exposure”.

France is also looking for opportunities to improve the way English is being taught in their school system, and the ambassador was adamant that Guyana is as good an English-speaking territory as any other to field teachers to teach English.

The Education Minister said that with UG being a semi-autonomous entity, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for it to have a Department of French. On this subject, however, she noted that she would be happy to advocate and promote the idea to the University of Guyana executives for consideration.

During the meeting, there was also some talk about funding to support other education-related programmes.

In the public-school system, the teaching of French as a subject begins from the Grade Seven level.

Minister Henry also in-

formed her guest that she will have the Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson work as the point of contact for the Ministry of Education to work out the modalities.

Ambassador Joly said the President of the French Guiana Assembly, Mr Rodolphe Alexandre has much interest in Guyana and as such the ambassador has pledged to work with the French Guiana authorities to make bilateral relationships possible for an improved education sector among other areas.

He also said that President Alexandre has signalled his interest in meeting with the Guyana Government by way of an official visit later this year.

Minister Henry also expressed pleasure at the proposed visit, and stands ready to interface with the French President to ensure that discussions are had on a commonly agreed path for education development.

The importance of the youth population understanding the Guiana Shield was also a matter discussed as it relates to sustainability and opportunities for exchange programmes for cultures, tolerances and climate change, environment and education-related interfaces for present and future development.

The concept of a ‘green’ economy as well as government’s plans were also discussed at the meeting.

(DPI)

MoTP cites Guyana Times, Stabroek News for mischief THE Government of Guyana has no intention of ‘scrapping’ or ‘scuttling’ the issuance of commemorative stamps, the Ministry of the Presidency assured on Monday.

The ministry said despite a release it issued on March 23, 2018, when it was stated that “The Government of Guyana will announce shortly national symbols to celebrate the life and work of former Presidents of Guyana, H.E. Raymond Arthur Chung, OE and H.E. Cheddi Jagan, OE, within the context of set criteria for honouring eminent Guyanese”, the Stabroek

News on March 24 erroneously stated in an article headlined “Planned Cheddi Jagan centennial stamps scrapped” that “The Ministry of the Presidency appears to have scuttled an arrangement between the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) for the production of stamps commemorating the centenary of the birth of late President Cheddi Jagan.”

The Guyana Times also carried a similar misrepresentation in an article on the same date headlined “Ministry of the Presidency scraps commemorative stamps”,

stating that “The Ministry of the Presidency has scrapped the commemorative stamps project that was initiated by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) to celebrate Dr Cheddi Jagan’s birth centenary.”

While both articles quoted the MOTP release assertion where “President Granger said that there is no objection to honouring the life and legacy of Dr. Jagan, who 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 headlines and lead paragraphs of the articles seemed aimed at stirring up strife and creating controversy.

The Ministry of the Presidency reasserts that commemorative stamps, which are national symbols, must adhere to national criteria and must not be used for private, partisan or political messages, but ought to be used for national purposes. The Government has stated clearly and has iterated its decision to ensure that the stamps will be distributed within that context.

In municipal budget …

Chase-Green defends monies allocated to King GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green finds it ludicrous that people would think that $66M would be set aside for the Town Clerk Royston King’s office only.

“I mean, can you imagine in your own mind spend-

ing $66M in one office on furniture? I mean, it’s unbelievable. Come on!” she said following Monday’s statutory meeting.

She explained that under the Town Clerk’s office, there are many sub-heads, meaning that the Public Relations

Department, the Information Technology Department, the registry and a number of other departments fall under the office of the Town Clerk.

The Deputy Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk also fall under King’s office, Chase-Green pointed out.

“The budget is not out as yet, so I will not make any comment on anything in the budget. But when it is being read sometime in the near future, you will hear exactly how those monies are being allocated,” she said.

Accused of wounding drinking buddy ACTING Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday remanded a 19-year-old fisherman on a charge of attempted murder after he allegedly wounded his drinking buddy during an argument.

Ronell Mark was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on March 14 at Morawhanna village, NWD, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded 22-year-old Henry Santiago of Smith Creek, Barima River with intent to commit murder.

He was remanded to prison until March 29 after prosecutor, Police Inspector Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted on the ground that Santiago was still hospitalized and said to be in a critical state.

According to reports, on the day in question, Santiago was stabbed about his body with a broken bottle following an argument with Mark.

It was reported that the two men were consuming al-

Ronell Mark

cohol when Santiago took up a cutlass and chopped Mark on his right foot.

Mark reportedly retaliated by breaking a bottle and stabbing the victim to his right abdomen and several times to his right hand.

Santiago was picked up and rushed to the hospital and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Tattoo artist accused of stealing clothes A 21-YEAR- OLD man has appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a simple larceny charge of breaking and entering.

Dwayne Peters, a tattoo artist of no fixed place of abode, is alleged to have between March 16 and 17 at Mandela Avenue, broken and entered the house of Delwin Booker and stole a Samsung phone worth $80,000, property of Michael Taylor.

It was further alleged that he also stole from Booker’s house, a quantity of clothes worth $15, 000 and a heat gun valued at $8,000.

Peters pleaded guilty to the offence but with an explanation.

He told the court that he used to live with Peters and he was evicted without any

explanation. However, he went back to the house but to retrieve his clothes and his tattoo machine.

Peter told the court he did not steal any phone and explained that the only phone he had was a `cheap’ one which was given to him by the virtual complainant.

He further stated he did not break and enter the home since he had entered through the front door.

After listening to his explanation the magistrate entered a not guilty plea.

The prosecutor objected to bail because of the high possibility he would not return to court since he did not have a fixed place to live. As such the magistrate remanded Booker to prison and adjourned the matter April 16, 2018.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Seawall killings…

Eyewitness account differs from police …says men were executed, no shootout

By Rabindra Rooplall POLICE executed the three suspected bandits at the Kingston Seawall two weeks ago and there was no fierce gun battle, according to a man claiming to be an eyewitness to the shooting.

Accompanied by lawyer Nigel Hughes, the eyewitness, Devon Lyte, told a news conference on Monday that he was a labourer working on the roof of the Guyana Softball Association on March 15 at the time of the killings.

Lyte, armed with a signed statement, was taken to CID Headquarters by Hughes on Monday when it was submitted. Hughes said his services were retained Sunday evening. Police later acknowledged that Lyte submitted a statement Monday and it was agreed that he will return today to be interviewed by a senior detective in the presence of his attorney.

Police on March 15 shot and killed 46-year-old Dextroy Cordis, called Dutty of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara; and 57-year-old Errol Adams, also known as Dynamite, of Buxton, ECD. The police said in a statement that the men had trailed a customer from a commercial bank and were about to commit a crime when they were confronted. Police said the

men shot at them first and they returned fire, killing the men. Autopsies last week confirmed that the men were shot at close range with at least two of them sustaining some six bullets.

MAN WAS BEATEN Lyte told the news conference that he was working with two other men on the roof when, just before midday on March 15, he noticed that the police had blocked off the road at the top of Camp Street. Moments later, he said sounds of gunshots rang out and upon looking across to the seawall, he saw two cars driving along the seawall road. “A black car was in front and it was being followed by a silver car. The shots were coming from the silver car. The black vehicle which was in front, stopped, then I saw one person come out of the black car and stood up at the front driver side door (Kwame Assanah). I then saw one person come out of the silver car; he walked towards the black car. I then saw the person from the silver car start to beat the person who had come out from the driver’s side and was lying on the ground. He beat the one person while he was on the ground. Then after twenty minutes I heard rapid gunfire,” Lyte related.

He continued: “About ten to fifteen minutes after the shooting, policemen from Camp Street started to

run up the road. There was a photographer with them.

They went to the scene and I also saw the ambulance arrive.” The eyewitness also said that at the time when he heard the rapid gunfire, there was one person standing over the same person who was lying on the ground.

Further, he said that he did not see any motorcyclist fleeing the scene during the shooting as claimed by the police.

Police had claimed that its ranks who were trailing the black car had come under fire from the occupants and during the confrontation, the men were killed while two other men who appeared on a motorcycle, opened fire on the police.

The police further said that ranks managed to shoot one of the men on the motorcycle, but the rider was able to escape while only one handgun was recovered at the scene.

NO EXCHANGE OF GUNFIRE When asked if he noticed any exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspected bandits, Lyte said “I won’t be able to say whether the guy shot at the police or the police shoot at their own vehicle.”

Lyte further noted that before the shooting there was no other vehicle at the scene, other than the police vehicle and the black car.

Dead: Kwame Assanah

Dead: Dextroy Cordis

Hughes said more statements are being secured but much will not be disclosed as in the event there is reluctance on the part of the State to take the appropriate action, “we will take it.”

Acknowledging that from the information presented to him, it appeared as though the men on the seawall were executed by police. Hughes questioned that even if there is a mass murderer walking down the seawall with his dog, is the police entitled to execute him because he is a mass murderer?

“Because if you allow us to drift to that stage, it means that when people who may not possess that sort of reputation end up as the victims, then it may be justifiable, and that is the real issue here,” Hughes said.

He explained that the rule of law is there to be implemented and if someone is acting suspiciously or committed a breach of the

law, they should be brought to justice and not left in the hands of someone who has a gun. “I understand that the police force want to spend their time on the issue of the reputation of the men, but that is not the issue here. The point is that the state is not entitled to execute people at random, whatever their reputation may be,” Hughes explained.

Hughes said that Guyana does not have a good history with protecting eyewitnesses and only certain information will be shared. The attorney also questioned the police’s account of a customer withdrawing millions from the bank and heading to the seawall with a female friend at that time of the day.

“Even the best of customers don’t use that location… and the fact lead to an execution.”

WE WANT JUSTICE Three sisters of Dextroy Cordis who have also re-

Attorney Nigel Hughes (in suit) flanked by three sisters of Dextroy Cordis and eyewitness, Devon Lyte

tained Hughes’ services, said they are seeking justice for their brother’s killing. “It is our belief that the story that was told by the police is one that is not true…it is my desire that the policemen be brought to justice; it is my belief that all three men were murdered and probably there may be untold stories that have not come to light as yet and may probably will,” said Allison West, one of the sisters.

According to the police, seconds after the initial exchange of gunfire which led to the killing of Assanah and Cordis, two males were seen on a CG motorcycle in close proximity to the motorcar of the now dead suspects. One of the two persons on the motorcycle reportedly shot at the police several times who again returned fire which resulted in another person, Adams, being shot dead.

Assanah’s wife, Claire, has vehemently denied that her husband had any previous criminal history. She said that the Toyota motorcar, PTT 9034 which he was using, is registered in both their names and that her husband would work taxi from time to time.

She believes that this may have led to his demise, as she and relatives believe that the man may have inadvertently been at the wrong place when the shooting occurred.= Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine stated that the police ranks were justified in killing the three men, insisting that, “You’re dammed if you do, and dammed if you don’t.”

“The policemen acted in keeping with the law. They were fired upon and as with law enforcement officers who are authorised to use deadly force, as long as deadly force is justified to defend themselves…were those policemen who found themselves in that situation expendable? Come on, let’s be real, we have to applaud what happened,” Ramnarine had stated.

US passport fee to increase for citizens Some American citizens will see a fee increase the next time they apply for their American passports and the change will go into effect worldwide on April 2, 2018,

the US Embassy here announced on Monday.

The “passport execution” fee will increase

by US$10, from US$25 to the new fee of US$35.

The new US$35 fee is

applicable to all first-time passport applicants and certain other applicants who must apply in person, such as minors under the age of 16 years. American citizens who apply for a

passport renewal by mail will not see a fee increase.

According to the embassy, there are no other changes to fees for consular services at this time. Further information

is available at the Embassy’s website, http:// gy.usembassy.gov/, and on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, travel. state.gov.

To make an appoint-

ment to renew their passport in Georgetown, American citizens should contact the Consular Section via the Embassy’s website http:// gy.usembassy.gov/.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

D’Urban Backlands fire Destitute man brutalised at leaves man homeless Stabroek Market A FIRE suspected to be deliberately set by a ‘strange-looking man’ on Sunday afternoon completely destroyed a furnished three-bedroom wooden house at Lot 76 D’Urban Backlands, leaving the owner homeless.

The owner has been identified as dumpsite employee, Corwyn Harry, who was

not at home when the blaze consumed all his worldly possessions.

It was reported that the fire engulfed the cottage-style wooden house very rapidly, but three fire tenders from the Guyana Fire Service responded in a timely manner and extinguished the raging flames.

The nearby house was

saved although water-soaked and the windows shattered.

Neighbours said that about three weeks ago, two women who are said to be friends of the owner and who were staying at the said house, tried to set it alight but villagers managed to douse the flames.

The police have since launched an investigation.

Bandit snatches $200,000 from businessman A 51- year- old businessman of Providence, East Bank Demerara, was robbed of almost $200,000 over the weekend while standing on the roadway leading into the Meadow Bank wharf.

Reports indicate that the victim visited the wharf to conduct business and while

standing on the southern side of the street the suspect who came from an eastern direction approached him, pulled out a handgun from his pants waist and demanded that the businessman hand over all his belongings.

The businessman in an attempt to walk towards a

crowded area was pushed onto the ground by the robber, who discharged a round into the air before relieving the man of cash and cellphone and escaped on foot.

The police who later visited the scene, recovered a .32 spent shell and took statements. An investigation is ongoing.

Bandits nabbed after robbing businessman THREE bandits were caught on Monday after allegedly robbing a popular cooking gas retailer from Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

Police recovered the cash that was stolen when the robbers attacked the retailer at Windsor Forest, another village on the WCD around 12:00hrs. As a result of alert residents pursuing the bandits, they were subsequently caught.

The robbers, according to reports, in an attempt to escape headed east into an area with dense vegetation but they were eventually cornered and caught in Ruimzeight as they sought to hide in a silo.

The three bandits who were captured

The police were notified and they responded promptly.

Decomposed body found floating in Pomeroon River THE body of a decomposed male in his mid- twenties was discovered floating in the Pomeroon River on Monday morning.

According to reports, the body was seen by a farmer floating next to a boat in a bend of the river.

Ranks from the Charity Police Station were summoned to the scene and they retrieved the body.

Up to press time, the man’s name and address remained unknown. Also, no one has so far come forward to identify the body.

Police are continuing their investigations.

2 grammes of cannabis - $5,000 bail TELVIN Fraser, a 24-year-old labourer from Better Hope, East Coast of Demerara was on Monday charged for the possession of narcotics. He made his first appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on March 23, 2018 he had in his possession two grammes of cannabis during a visit to the Henrietta Housing Scheme in Region Two. Fraser pleaded not guilty and was granted $5,000 bail. He will make his next court appearance on May 2, 2018 at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

A VAGRANT who was accused by a Stabroek Market vendor of stealing a tin of milk, was brutally beaten by the man late on Sunday night.

Reports are that the vendor grabbed a piece of wood and clobbered the homeless man who did odd jobs around the market. The man’s left leg was broken in the process while he sustained Medical personnel attending to the injured man a large gash to his head. An eyewitness The injured man was slipping in came to the aid of the man and summoned and out of consciousness following the an ambulance to take the man to seek beating. It is unclear if the vendor was medical attention. arrested by the police.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Three more suspects in Albion robbery surrender to police THREE more suspects who were identified as accomplices in the recent spate of robberies on the Corentyne, surrendered to police in the presence of their lawyer on Monday afternoon.

Police sources have confirmed that at around 16:50 hrs, the three suspects identified as: 20-year-old Viashal Ramdas called ‘Michael’ and `Mikey’; Suraj Kowlessar, 21, called ‘Ravi’; and Matthew Ganga called ‘Abel’ 26, presented them-

selves to the police in the company of their attorney Charrandas Persaud.

Ramdas is a said to be a US-based Guyanese who reportedly returned to Guyana in November last year.

Both he and Kowlessar are employed as labourers and are from the community of Ankerville, Port Mourant, while Ganga who hails from Corriverton, is a painter by profession.

The men were allegedly identified as accomplices by Premchand Ramsohai called

‘Akash’ , 22, of Ankerville and who was captured shortly after the armed robbery and subsequent shooting of a labourer at Sand Reef Albion on Saturday night.

According to information, Ganesh Jagdeo, called “Chucky” and “Tony”, along with other relatives were sitting under his house in High Reef, Albion, when three masked men, one armed with a handgun and two with cutlasses pounced upon them, demanding cash and jewellery.

Local Gov’t Commission office...

January 22, 2018 letter, the chairman said the commission’s secretary had been in constant contact with the both the PS and DPS in the Ministry of Communities

concerning the release of the $110M subvention. It was after some time, that Price was informed that the commission must make a request for $26.1M under the recurrent

From page 3

programme and $10.2M for its capital programme.

“They (Secretary and Accountant) were informed that all of the monies cannot and will not be transferred in

During the attack, it is alleged that Jagdeo resisted the bandits and the armed suspect discharged four rounds at him in the process. He sustained close range, gunshot injuries to his right hand and right side hip.

Relatives have reported that the suspect had to undergo emergency surgery and had one of his kidneys removed due to the extent of the damage caused by the gun shot.

The victim remains in a serious condition at the New Amsterdam hospital.

Following the incident, the police were alerted responded promptly. Acting upon intelligence, the ranks went to a location at Topoo, Albion, Corentyne, where they arrested the 22-year-old suspect who had in his possession a black t-shirt resembling one which one of the bandits had used to hide his face during the commission of the crime. The t-shirt was found in Jagdeo’s crotch.

He reportedly subsequently confessed to the crime and led investigators

to an area not far from where he was arrested where they retrieved a .32 revolver with two live-rounds, four spent shells, two bicycles and a cutlass.

Jagdeo is said to identified the three men, who have now surrendered, as his accomplices and in addition reportedly confessed that they were part of the gang that was responsible for at least three robberies within the past weeks. The investigations are continuing.

block to the commission’s account,” Mingo told this newspaper. Based on the advice of the PS, the commission submitted its proposal on March 16, 2018. However, only $26M was made available.

“On the 20th March, the commission received a Bank of Guyana cheque reflecting the recurrent amount of $26.1M…To date we have not received any monies relating to our capital request,” Mingo pointed out.

It was explained that the initial $20M was used to cover emoluments, rental of a building, initiate the purchasing of a vehicle for the commission and the purchase of a few furniture. It was noted too, that while the Commission has hired a secretary and an accountant, additional staff is needed to investigate and report on complaints lodged based on issues affecting various local government organs.

“As you know we have to hire some staff, and when these complaints would have been received, our administrative staff will go and address these complaints on behalf of the commission, put up a report and recommendation, and it comes back to the commission for deliberation for us to take action…So the fact that we don’t have access to resources, we cannot really advertise to hire these staff that would facilitate us to carry out these functions,” Mingo explained, while stating how the lack of resources is crippling the commission.

Additionally, it was noted that the $20M allocated under the capital programme for 2018 is needed to furnish and equip the building rented to house the commission.

systems made by people because of what is going on. We have identified the Minister of Communities to be the man who is retaining authority that does not belong to him and because of that we are stymied and appear to be under some type of strangulation where this man is concerned,” Collymore – a former government minister told reporters.

Whittaker said despite the challenges, the commission has been making progress.

“As we sit here, the commission has engaged the services of a secretary and an accountant…In spite of the attempts to impede our progress we have been able to move forward though not at the pace we would have wished,” the former local government minister said.

Sooba, former MCC town clerk, told reporters that though a building has been rented, no provision has been made for the “PPP and AFC Commissioners.”

And while, the chairman declined to comment on the accusation of political interference, he clarified the issue surrounding the building. He explained that initially, the Minister of Communities had offered to accommodate the commission at the ministry until a building was identified but the trio had objected on the grounds that the commission should be independent of the government. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was approached by the chairman, and without hesitation, approval was granted for use of Public Buildings.

“The Clerk of the National Assembly quite graciously made available the space for the commission to operate temporarily, and also would have made available a personnel from his staff to perform the studies and functions as secretary to the commission, until such time the commission was able to advertise, interview and appoint the secretary of the commission,” Mingo said.

of the Committee Room, and during that period that a sub-committee was formed in December, 2017 for the identification of a building to house the commission. Several buildings were shortlisted, and the sub-committee had later identified a Queenstown building.

“One building in Queenstown was recommended, however, the rental price for that building was considered way beyond what we had budgeted for…and so the commission took a conscious decision,” Mingo posited. According to both Mingo and Garnett, the cost to rent the Queenstown building was well over one million Guyana dollars.

The search was subsequently extended and the commission landed an agreement with an individual who owns an Eping Avenue building. The Chairman stated that it was an issue of affordability and the Eping Avenue building rent is within the budget of the commission.

“The commission met and approved this building…,” Mingo pointed out.

However, he confirmed that subsequently commissioner Sooba raised concerns about the accommodation for all commissioners. Though the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams did not respond to a letter from the commission last year which sought to clarify whether or not it is a full time commission, Mingo said based on his understanding it is not, and as such, offices are not provided for all commissioners.

“What we have here, we have an office for, and this is what the building can accommodate, a chairman, the deputy chairman, we are required to be here full time, the secretary, the accountant, the human resources manager, and we are also have to hire other staff, and so we will put the place in cubicles, there is a board room, and which by and large the commission can conduct its business in the board room,” Mingo explained.

PPP COMPLAINS Last week, the three commissioners recommended by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – Clinton Collymore, Norman Whittaker and Carol Sooba – laid the blame at the feet of the Minister of Communities, contending that he is interfering in the work of the commission and starving it of resources. “We are unable to physically and efficiently respond to complaints in local government

HIGH RENTAL From October 31, 2017 to mid-February 2018, the commission operated out

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Mayor buckles under pressure – gives councillors more time to peruse amended parking meter by-laws

By Telesha Ramnarine MAYOR Patricia ChaseGreen and Town Clerk Royston King on Monday wanted the City Council to vote on the amended version of the parking meter by-laws without first giving councillors the stipulated three days to peruse the new document.

The three councillors who stood up to vehemently

PPP’s Councillor Bishram Kuppen

argue for more time to be granted to examine the 76page document forced the Mayor to rule in favour of granting until April 4 for continuation of the matter.

After APNU Councillors Ivelaw Henry and Heston Bostwick moved for the suspension of the Standing Orders to consider the controversial parking meter contract, Team Legacy Councillor, Malcolm Ferreira was the first to request more time.

Ferreira, who headed the first re-negotiating committee, said that having received the package with the document last Saturday after 20:00h, it would be unfair to the citizens of Georgetown if he voted on something he has no knowledge of.

Team Legacy’s Councillor Malcolm Ferreira

Noting that the parking meter issue is a very touchy subject, which already caused mass protests in the City, Ferreira said that in order to prevent this from happening all over again, he must be afforded the opportunity to carefully scrutinise the changes made to the by-laws.

Ferreira also pointed out that the document is one with several legal terms, which is why he needs ample time to peruse it properly.

People’s Progressive Party’s Councillor Bishram Kuppen said he received the document at precisely 19:55h last Saturday, and was surprised that the matter was placed in front of other pressing issues affecting the City Council.

Kuppen, who also noted that it is a legal document and would require careful consideration, said he has no idea how many changes were made to the by-laws. “Let’s go about this the right way,” he urged.

And while Councillor Welton Clarke is neither for nor against the new set of by-laws, he said it has now become a ‘habit’ with the administration to be late in providing councillors with their documents.

He said that he, too, re-

Town Clerk Royston King on Monday. Standing at right is APNU’s Councillor Heston Bostwick who argued in favour of proceeding with the amended parking by-laws

ceived his copy last Saturday, which, incidentally, is his “festive” night, and hence did not have adequate time to go through it.

As Clarke noted, the City Council is working dilligently to recoup the respect it lost as a result of this project, and this latest development is not a good reflection of the Council’s efficiency.

Councillor Oscar Clarke,

however, is of the opinion that those councillors who are seeking more time are really seeking time to mobilise their friends to come and make noise outside of City Hall.

The Council, he said, has a right to install parking meters, and install them it will, come what may.

Chairman of the latest re-negotiating committee,

Councillor Akeem Peter said that the document in question is the same 76-page document councillors received since last year, and that apart from the cost and a few other things, nothing has really changed.

He questioned why councillors could not just trust the committee, since the document emanated from here and not from the administra-

tion. He also wondered what ulterior motive councillors might have had in refusing to proceed with the document.

But Councillor Ferreira denied having any ulterior motive, and noted that he was acting in the best interest of citizens. He said he will not allow anything to be ‘forced down his throat’, and that if some councillors around the horse-shoe table used their conscience, they, too, would request more time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, March 27, 2018

Palms now boasts new-look infirmary, out-patient clinic – with doctor on duty round-the-clock

By Lisa Hamilton SOME 194 residents at the Palms Geriatric Home

now have access to a brand new G$18M infirmary and medical out-patient clinic, allowing for in-house ob-

servation and treatment of diseases and communicable infections.

A ribbon-cutting cere-

mony was held on Monday morning to mark the official opening of the new facilities, which are located at the bottom floor of the Home on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Speaking at the launching, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally said that A room at the new infirmary

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, being taken on a tour of the new facilities by Director of Social Services within the Ministry of Social Protection, Wentworth Tanner

Turn to page 17 â–ş

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 27, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, March 27, 2018

Palms now boasts new-look... works are still ongoing for the construction of elevators at the Home so as to make it easier for porters

The trestle-like housing in the foreground is where one of the three elevators will be installed (Photos by Adrian Narine)

the improvement of services provided to the elderly are developments which the government takes keen interest in, and something that it cannot ignore.

She congratulated the Director of Social Ser vices within the Ministry of Social Protection, Wentworth Tanner and other departmental heads for working at the forefront of the project, and called on staff members to provide the very best of service to the elderly.

“Today, this is a manifestation to show that we really do care for the elderly of the Palms… For those residents of the Palms, this government wants to ensure that you have a comfortable life, and that we can provide good services as far as practicable,” Ally said.

The medical outpatient clinic includes a waiting area, doctor’s office, dispensary, washrooms and beds, while the infirmary is equipped with an “infectious ward”, medical epoxy flooring, a doctor’s office, and washrooms with special bath rails and stools.

A total of six persons can be accommodated at a time at each of the facilities, and a doctor will be on hand to provide aroundthe-clock service, with the aid of three nurses.

Asked whether other geriatric homes around Guyana can expect similar amenities, Minister Ally said: “We’ve started at the Palms, and I can assure you that as time unfolds, we are going to look at other institutions where we

have facilities.”

According to Tanner, now that the project, which has been in its planning stages since 2016, has been completed, residents at the Home will receive the additional care they need.

“Before now, all cases had to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital,” he said. “But we found it necessary to reduce the amount of referrals, because in some cases, they are not serious enough to go to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“The quality of care can definitely be better, because, of course, there are smaller numbers. And with smaller numbers, you can give more attention,” he added.

Due to age, some of the main ailments residents suffer from are respiratory infections, diabetes and hypertension, which previously resulted in approximately eight to 15 referrals monthly.

In addition, Tanner says that the facilities will help to ensure that cautionary measures are taken with residents when underlying concerns remain, even after their visits to the hospital.

“Many times,” he said, “there are cases where when persons come back from the hospital, they’re not yet at a place where we feel comfortable taking them back to the ward.

“So now we can bring them here for observation, and complete their recovery before we send them to the ward.”

Meanwhile, separate

to move wheel-chair residents in and out of the building, especially in the case of an emergency.

From page 15

The bases and frames of the three lifts have already been constructed, and are currently awaiting the in-

stallation of the elevators for the completion of the project, which is also being funded by the government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

Seebarran continuing golden form

By Stephan Sookram World Cup countdown RAYMOND Seebarran continues to impress on the local racing circuit with another rich vein of form in the Street Tuner class on Sunday.

He picked up two wins in three races at the First National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit, making a positive start to his title hunt.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport after the meet, Seebarran said, “The car was working well all weekend so I have to thank my team for the excellent work they did.”

“The competition was stiff yesterday and it meant that I had to do a lot of driving. I knew I probably had the best launch of the front

three and I used that. I got in front and stayed there.”

“It took some work but I was able to do it well.

It called for a lot defensive driving and being able to cover the main passing zones.”

He noted that he gained confidence to up himself to the Sport tuner class where he also attained podium finishes.

“The car was working so well, I felt I could have been sizeable competition for the Sports Tuner group and I feel I did pretty well,” he said.

He also thanked his sponsors Ramps Logistics, El Dorado Offshore, Orbis Caribbean, Ray’s One Stop Auto Parts, The Publik, Twist Juice and Clearview Windshield Repair.

From back page ►

Cricket Australia vow answers ... superpower’s best-selling English daily, called the Australia side ‘Repeat Offenders’, listing six other controversial incidents they have been involved in the past.

The news of the step-

ping down of Smith and Warner from their leadership roles was the top story for the daily and prominently placed on the front pages of most newspapers in India yesterday.

In more trouble for the game Down Under, Australia’s major cricket sponsors, including Qantas Airways, breakfast cereal-maker Sanitarium and brewer Lion have said they were assessing their relationship with Cricket Australia.

It could not have come at a worse time for the governing body, as CA are at the climax of talks about a five-year broadcast rights deal with Australian television networks.

Independent media analyst Peter Cox said the ball-tampering scandal could prove disastrous for cricket’s reputation and negotiating clout in Australia.

“It could not have possibly come at a worse time,” Cox told Reuters in a phone interview.

“The individual incident will eventually blow over but they will lose a segment of the viewing market because of this.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

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78 Days to go ‌

Pre-World Cup Player Power Rankings

1 1. Lionel Messi - Argentina WHY he's here: Messi has reached the 25-goal mark in La Liga for the ninth straight season, in what is supposedly a down year for the 30-year-old. The Argentina international is on pace for a decidedly average (by his standards) 34 goals in the league but is on track to assist on 16 more -- tied for the third-most of his career, behind only the marks he set with Barcelona's treble-winning team of 2014-15 and Pep Guardiola's great double winners of 2010-11.

Despite his goal-scoring numbers dipping this season, Messi has arguably never been more influential at Barcelona. If he can pull Argentina's strings in Russia this summer, as he has done for the Blaugrana in 201718, he could finally be the player to decide a World Cup.

6

6. Harry Kane - England Why he's here: England's great hope, Kane, has 38 goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this season, leading him to be regularly linked with a world-record transfer to Real Madrid.

2

3

2. Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Why he's here: Ronaldo didn't score his first goal in La Liga until October 14. By the turn of the year, he had only four. Since, he has potted 18 -- in just 11 appearances. He got similarly hot last season after Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane insisted on regular rest for the 33-year-old, and he led Los Blancos to a second straight Champions League.

Of course, Ronaldo's form wasn't enough to ensure Portugal a successful Confederations Cup in Russia last summer. He scored two goals and an assist in three matches, but the Euro 2016 champions lost to Chile in the semifinals. Leading an ageing Portugal that is light on game-changers, Ronaldo will need to be more of a difference-maker than ever for his country.

7 7. Luis Suarez - Uruguay Why he's here: Suarez had just five goals across all competitions in the season's first four months, as a knee injury made it look as though the 31-year-old is entering the backside of his career. He has scored 19 and added nine assists in 23 appearances since, and he trails only teammate Messi by four goals in La Liga's Pichichi race.

3. Neymar Brazil Why he's here: Neymar has been recuperating from a broken foot for nearly a month and might not return to action until Brazil's training camp begins, but that shouldn't take away from what the 26-year-old has achieved in his first season at Paris Saint-Germain: 26 goals and 16 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.

8 8. Antoine Griezmann France Why he's here: Griezmann was another striker in Spain who got off to a sluggish start, in the wake of ultimately fruitless flirtations with a move to Manchester United over the summer, scoring just eight times across all competitions before the calendar turned to 2018. He has amassed 16 goals and six assists in the 18 appearances he has made since.

4 4. Kevin De Bruyne Belgium Why he's here: Pushed into a deeper role in Guardiola's tactically cutting-edge Manchester City, De Bruyne has become one of the best midfielders in the world. His place in the heart of midfield has necessitated him to add the graft that was missing from his game in the more advanced positions he took under Manuel Pellegrini and at Wolfsburg and Chelsea, but he has still been able to score seven goals and assist on 14 more in 30 Premier League appearances this season.

9 9. Robert Lewandowski Poland Why he's here: Bayern Munich are sitting comfortably atop the Bundesliga, 17 points clear of second-placed Schalke. Lewandowski has played a huge role in their form this term, with the striker tallying 33 goals and three assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.

In a group containing Colombia, Japan and Senegal, a Poland at the height of their powers should be aiming to reach the knockout rounds as group winners, but the round of 16 beckons so long as Lewandowski can continue to score at the impressive rate he has with Bayern this season.

5 5. Mohamed Salah - Egypt Why he's here: Salah might be enjoying the best season of anyone on this list: Since joining Liverpool last summer, the Egypt international has racked up 38 goals and 10 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. He's already four goals clear of his nearest challenger (the now-injured Harry Kane) in the Premier League Golden Boot race. Did we mention it's his first season with the club?

10 10. Willian - Brazil Why he's here: Willian's form in the past month pushes him into the top 10, more so than anyone else on this list. In his past seven appearances, in the midst of slumps from fellow Chelsea attackers Hazard, Pedro and Alvaro Motata, the Brazilian has registered five goals and an assist.

Combined with his tireless work rate and defensive nous, Willian is the sort of indispensable wide man Chelsea and Brazil can't do without.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

NZ complete innings victory over England NEW Zealand pulled off a dramatic win by an innings and 49 runs over England in Auckland yesterday, wrapping up the rain-affected first Test with 18.5 overs to spare.

It is only the 10th time New Zealand have beaten England in the 102-Test history between the two countries.

As fortunes fluctuated on the final day in scenes reminiscent of the cliffhanger finish the last time the two sides met at Eden Park, five years ago, Ben Stokes lined himself up to be the hero England so desperately needed.

But with his dismissal for 66 on the stroke of dinner in the daynight Test, New Zealand went into the final session with the task of mopping up the last three wickets, while England still needed 69 runs to makes New Zealand bat again.

Five days after all seemed lost for England when they were rolled for a paltry 58, in their first innings, New Zealand settled the outcome with the tourists all out for 320.

For three consecutive sessions in England’s second innings, New Zealand changed the flow of the match with a wicket in the final over.

ets.

Trent Boult

Joe Root went at stumps on day four to have England 3-132, Moeen Ali fell at tea on day five after adding 36 runs with Stokes, and then Stokes went at dinner ending an 83-run stand with Chris Woakes.

Five years ago to the day England lost Ian Bell in the last over before tea to be seven down going into the last session, but then they had battling Matt Prior to save the day as they survived until stumps with one wicket remaining.

This time there would be no such heroics as Stokes, returning

from exile after being dropped before the Magellan Ashes series following a nightclub altercation in England, saw his effort to snatch an unexpected draw end after 188 deliveries.

A stubborn stand for two sessions folded when he lost patience during a lengthy spell of shortpitched bowling from Neil Wagner – New Zealand’s go-to bowler when wickets are hard to come by – and clipped a rising ball to Tim Southee at point.

Wagner, Todd Astle and Trent Boult all finished with three wick-

When New Zealand declared their first innings at 8-427 on Sunday, after almost two full days were lost because of rain, England faced a target of 369 to avoid an innings defeat.

They resumed the final day needing 237 and lost Dawid Malan early in the fifth over.

Stokes and Jonny Bairstow cautiously advanced the score to 181 in a partnership of 39 off 128 deliveries before Bairstow was out to another acrobatic catch by a flying Williamson for 26.

Ali was lbw to Boult with the umpire initially ruling in favour of the batsman before the decision was overturned on review.

Craig Overton could only manage three, Woakes went on to 52 before he fended a Wagner delivery to Henry Nicholls and the match ended when Astle had James Anderson caught at mid-off

by Boult.

The second Test starts in Christchurch on Friday.

GCA Youth Cricket Festival to bowl off on Thursday RACING TIPS American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Raging Saint Race 2 Springtime City Race 3 Half Ton Of Fun Race 4 Red Hot Suzy Race 5 Baronial Boy Race 6 Valiant Princess Race 7 Maybe Lily Race 8 Tavrida South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs River Ayre 08:55 hrs Moss Gas 09:35 hrs Stop And Stare 10:10 hrs Tirzan 10:50 hrs Savannah King 11:225 hrs Streetwear English Racing Tips Southwell 09:00 hrs Monks Stand 09:30 hrs Kion 10:00 hrs Archimedes 10:30 hrs Acker Bilk 11:00 hrs Mister Music 11:30 hrs Zaeem 12:00 hrs Lily Ash ` 09:15 hrs Salix 09:45 hrs Rolling Dylan 10:15 hrs Jurby 10:45 hrs Mrs Burbidge 11:15 hrs Braventara 11:45 hrs Uncle Percy 12:15 hrs Outrageous Romana Newcastle 12:40 hrs Volpone Jelois 13:10 hrs The Glasgowwarrior 13:40 hrs Ghostly Arc 14:10 hrs Amuletum 14:40 hrs Samharry 15:10 hrs Lucky Lucky Man

AS part of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) Easter Youth Cricket Festival, the association in partnership with the New York Tri-State Youth Cricket Development Inc. will run off its Under-19 50-Overs cricket competition from Thursday.

The competition will see ten teams play in two

zones, with the top two teams in each zone progressing to the semi-finals and the winners of those matches to the final.

The teams in Zone A are: Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Bel Air RUBiS (BAR) Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Demerara Cricket Club (DCC)

St Stanislaus College (Saints) The teams in Zone B are: Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Transport Sports Club (TSC) Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) GNIC New York Tri-State Youth Cricket Development Inc. (NYTS)

The competition bowls off on Thursday at 09:30hrs with the following four matches: MSC vs BAR at the MSC ground ECC vs DCC at the ECC ground GCC vs TSC at the GCC ground GYO vs GNIC at the DCC ground.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings Alastair Cook c Tom Latham b Trent Boult 5 Mark Stoneman c BJ Watling b Tim Southee 11 Joe Root b Trent Boult 0 Dawid Malan c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 2 Ben Stokes b Trent Boult 0 Jonny Bairstow c & b Tim Southee 0 Moeen Ali b Tim Southee 0 Chris Woakes b Trent Boult 5 Craig Overton not out 33 Stuart Broad c Kane Williamson b Tim Southee 0 James Anderson c Henry Nicholls b Trent Boult 1 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (all out, 20.4 overs) 58 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6, 3-16, 4-18, 5-18, 6-18, 7-23, 8-23, 9-27.

Bowling: Boult 10.4-3-32-6, Southee 103-25-4.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Jeet Raval c Jonny Bairstow b James Anderson 3 Tom Latham c Chris Woakes b Stuart Broad 26 Kane Williamson lbw James Anderson 102 Ross Taylor c Chris Woakes b James Anderson 20 Henry Nicholls not out 145 BJ Watling c Jonny Bairstow b Stuart Broad 31 Colin de Grandhomme c Jonny Bairstow b Craig Overton 29 Todd Astle b Stuart Broad 18 Tim Southee c & b Joe Root 25 Neil Wagner not out 9 Extras: (b-4, lb-9, w-6) 19 Total: (9 wkts decl, 141.0 overs) 427 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-92, 3-123 4-206, 5-260, 6-309, 7-341 Astle 8-413.

Bowling: Anderson 29-10-87-3, Broad 349-78-3, Overton 25-7-70-1 (w-1), Woakes 33-9-107-0 (w-1), Moeen Ali 17-1-59-0-3.47.

ENGLAND 2nd innings Alastair Cook c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 2 Mark Stoneman c Trent Boult b Neil Wagner 55 Joe Root c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 51 Dawid Malan c Tom Latham b Tim Southee 23 Ben Stokes c Tim Southee b Neil Wagner 66 Jonny Bairstow c Kane Williamson b Todd Astle 26 Moeen Ali lbw Trent Boult 28 Chris Woakes c Henry Nicholls b Neil Wagner 52 Craig Overton lbw Todd Astle 3 Stuart Broad not out 1 James Anderson c Trent Boult b Todd Astle 1 Extras: (b-8, lb-2, nb-1, w-1) 12 Total: (all out, 126.1 overs) 320 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-94, 3-132 t, 4-142, 5-181, 6-217, 7-300, 8-304, 9-319.

Bowling: Boult 27-9-67-3, Southee 26-4-861, Colin de Grandhomme 24-10-40-0 (nb-1), Wagner 32-11-77-3, (w-1), Astle 16.1-5-39-3

Akmal left out of Pakistan squad for historic Windies T20s KAMRAN Akmal has been left out of Pakistan’s squad for the Twenty20 international series with West Indies, but Asif Ali, Hussain Talat and Shaheen Shah Afridi could all make their international debuts.

Pakistan will host another Test nation in more than one international match for the first time since May 2015 when they face the Windies in Karachi in three T20s.

The fixtures had been scheduled for November 2017, only for the Windies to decide not to travel to Pakistan, reportedly due to security concerns.

Akmal, who has 58 T20I caps to his name, misses out despite scoring 425 runs in the Pakistan Super League for Peshawar Zalmi - only Luke Ronchi (435) enjoyed a better tournament with the bat.

Middle-order batsman Asif and all-rounder Talat helped Islamabad United to PSL glory, scoring 213 and 201 runs respectively.

Asif smashed three sixes in one over to aid Islamabad’s cause in the final against Peshawar.

Afridi, meanwhile, took seven wickets for Lahore Qalandars, the seamer posting figures of 5-4 in a win over Multan Sultans this month.

Rahat Ali, who has 34 caps across Tests and ODIs, is in line for his first T20 international appearance, the 29-year-old having taken 15 wickets at an average of 21.46 for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL. Imad Wasim and Rumman Raees both miss out through injury.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain),

Kamran Akmal

Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shoaib

Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Ahmed Shehzad, Usman Khan Shinwari, Hussain Talat, Fakhar Zaman.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

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Keepers must get used to new World Cup ball: Spain coach

By Joseph Cassinelli MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has said goalkeepers will have to get used to the World Cup ball before the tournament starts in June rather than complain about it, following criticism from Germany’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Spain’s Pepe Reina.

“I know what the boys have told me, but it’s the ball that’s going to be used and anything else is merely to stomp your feet and make a fuss,” Lopetegui, a former Barcelona and Real Madrid keeper, told a news conference yesterday.

“What we need to do is make the most of the positives, get over it and nothing else,” he added ahead of today’s World Cup warm-up match between his side and Argentina and after Spain

drew 1-1 with world champions Germany in a friendly on Friday.

National teams are using the Adidas Telstar 18 for the first time during the current round of internationals and the lack of grip and excessive movement through the air has been criticised.

Napoli keeper Reina, who is likely to be in the Spain squad for the Russia finals, was apoplectic, telling Diario AS: “There’s still time to change it” before the event kicks off.

“I bet you any money that there will be at least 35 goals scored from long range, because it’s impossible to work out, not to mention it’s covered in a plastic film that makes it difficult to hold on to,” Reina added.

Local media reported that the view was shared by the other keepers in the Spain squad, David de Gea and

Munroe returned as GTTA president, Daly senior vice-president

Godfrey Munroe returns to the helm of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) after elections on Sunday.

FORMER national player Godfrey Munroe will continue his run as the president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) following the body’s 2018 elections on Sunday.

The re-elected Munroe will lead an executive body of senior vice-president Andrew Daly, junior vice-president Gary Pratt, treasurer Diedre Edghill, secretary Linden Johnson, and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Royston Alkins.

The new executive body will be tasked with continuing the work Munroe initiated in his previous term.

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui during training yesterday. (REUTERS/Juan Medina)

Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the former saying simply “No” when asked if he was a fan.

Germany forward Thomas Mueller scored against Spain on Friday with a long-range strike that appeared to deceive De Gea mid-flight, while German goalkeeper Ter Stegen branded the Telstar as “complicated”.

“Even though the ball’s not always at fault, it’s true that this one is a little bit complicated. You saw it in the goal we scored. It moves a lot and could be better,” he said.

“We’ve got no other option but to get used to it, though,” Ter Stegen added in agreement with Lopetegui.

Eastman will be hard-pressed to defend 2nd Chin Chan cycle road race title

IN-FORM cyclist Hamzah Eastman will be hard-pressed to make a successful defence of his title, which he won in last year’s edition of the Chin Chan Bicycle Shop road race.

Eastman can expect keen competition from Jamal John, Andrew Hicks, Christopher Holder, Curtis Dey and a host of other riders who are all in good form at the moment and are all seeking to ride away with the $60 000 first prize.

During the course of the event, there will be eight $5 000 prime prizes up for grabs and the registration fee is $2 500 which includes lunch and refreshments.

This second edition of the event is being sponsored by Ian Q.B. Davis of Team Coco’s, T. Chung Auto Repairs of New York, USA and Mark Duke (McKay Auto Repairs of NY).

It wheels off from Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, proceeds to the Coca Cola sign on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway and turns around, finishing at the place of origin.

Five categories of cyclists - seniors (open), juniors, veterans, mountain bikers and females - will be vying for the top prizes.

Hamzah Eastman

Jaguars roar into T20 final with win over Cotton Field JAGUARS Sports Club of Central Essequibo will compete against Imam Bacchus XI of Central Essequibo in the South and Central Essequibo Cricket Committee’s sponsored T20 competition final on Sunday, April 1, at the Imam Bacchus ground.

Last Sunday, the Jaguars cunningly defeated Cotton Field Sports Club by 48 runs at the Anna Regina Secondary School ground. Winning the toss and batting, Jaguars got off to a solid start posting 52 within 6 overs.

Former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman, Norman Fredericks, played aggressively for his 25 (4x4) and laid the foundation for his side. Consistent batting thereafter, thanks to valuable contributions from Elton Bishop who top-scored with 38 (4x6, 1x4) and Javed Azeez 31 (2x6, 2x4), propelled the Jaguars to 170-5 from their allotted 20 overs. Off-spinner Boomesh Ramdahin had 2-37 from 4 overs.

The hosts then found the Jaguars to be too hostile and never recovered from a poor start losing three early wickets within the first 3 overs. Despite valiant efforts from Kazim Khan 21 (3x4), Sanjay Rajkumar 19 (2x4) and Parmanand Persaud 19 (4x4), Cotton Field Sports Club succumbed for 122 all-out in 17 overs to concede defeat.

Consistent and accurate bowling from Faizal Mohamed 3-34 (3 overs), Javed Azeez 2-14 (4), Wazim Kamal 2-19 (4) and Norman Fredericks 2-21 (4) roared successfully for the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, over at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, hosts Bacchus XI posted 164-8 in their 20 overs then bundled out Aurora Knight Riders for 120 in 16 overs to win by 44 runs and secure a place in the final against the Jaguars.

Cash incentives and trophies will be distributed at the end of the competition which is being coordinated by ECB executive member Ramnarine Raghoobar. (Elroy Stephney)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

Wiltshire is king of the Toucan Distributors Junior Tournament IT was all about excitement as the Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Squash tournament came to a close last Saturday at the Georgetown Club.

The 42 players who took part in this year’s annual tournament all fought hard and passionately for a spot in their respective categories and in many of the groups it was a close competition.

In Category H, the youngest contender, Matthew Daby, was triumphant after his win over Maya Dean 11- 5, 11-7, which kept him unbeaten in the tournament.

Serving his way to victory in Category G was enthusiastic Brenno DaSilva. In his match against Tianna Gomes he displayed powerful almost untouchable serves which led him to secure first place, 11-3, 11-1.

Monisha Persaud took the top spot in Category F, while Lajaun Munroe earned himself not only the win of Category E, but also the accolade for the most improved boy of the tournament.

The absent Chad DeAbreu, who had played out

all his matches earlier in the week, remained unbeaten in his category, while Jason Gomes fought a long and hard battle against Zachary Persaud to decide the winner of Category C. The match went to five games as both boys refused to let up, but Gomes’ power shots proved too much for Persaud and Gomes finished his final match with a 13-15, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-7 win.

Category B gave the match of the night when Abosaide Cadogan took on Kirsten Gomes to defend her unbeaten record. Gomes had other ideas as she stormed the court to match Cadogan’s brilliance and dominated the first game to win 11-7.

The battle continued as Cadogan executed breathtaking killer shots to inch past her opponent in an equaliser 11-9. The ensuing three games displayed outstanding squash from the girls, who won another game each, before Cadogan took the final game and match 11-7. Cadogan earned the well-deserved Most Outstanding Girl title.

Top seed Shomari Wilt-

Shomari Wiltshire

shire was crowned king-ofthe-tournament after defeating Samuel Ince-Carvalhal in great style 11-3, 11-1, 11-1 in the last match of the night.

Other special awards were given to James Mekdeci who performed extremely well after being moved up to a higher category and Christiana Fernandes was bestowed with Most Improved Girl for her development this year.

Scores and results: Category H Matthew Daby beat Maya Dean 11-5, 11-7 Jnae Singh overcame Solomon Ince-Carvalhal 7-11, 11-4, 11-9

Honours shared once more in Berbice, Demerara volleyball series THE honours were once again shared when the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) engaged their counterparts from Demerara in a one-day tournament last Saturday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

When the two associations first met in Berbice in the first of a two-test series, Both Berbice and Demerara shared the spoils and it was no different last Saturday, as the Berbice male team once again emerged winners in that category and the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday March 27, 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) Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (AFG) (2) Safyaan Sharif (Scotland) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the WI players with two half-centuries each in the recent Super Sixes of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers?

(2) Which one failed to take a wicket in the Super Sixes?

Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Braithwaite Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Demerara females repeated their dominance over the lasses from Berbice.

The Berbice male team defeated their Demerara opposition by three sets to two, the same margin of victory that the Demerara girls recorded over their Berbice opponents.

In the male competition, the Berbice male dropped the first set 15-25. However, the visitors (Berbice) `blocked’ the hosts from going two sets up by winning 25-17.

The third and decisive set was played at the same level of intensity as the first two and saw Demerara prevailing 25-20 to once again gain the lead.

Berbice, though, held on to win the fourth 25-20 and take the momentum into the final set, leading 15-11, before winning it and the match 25-23, after the score was tied at 23.

The tournament is being used to select Guyana’s team to participate in the South American Olympic Qualifiers, which will serve off in Bolivia from May 26 to June 4 this year.

Category G Brenno DaSilva thrashed Tianna Gomes 11-3, 11-1 Leshaunte Berkley whipped Thandi Dean 1113, 11-9, 11-7 Category F Monisha Persaud beat Chtistiana Fernandes 11-8, 11-7 Keenan Naraine whipped Demetri Lowe 11-7, 11-3 Kaden Pynaendy beat Malia Maikoo 16-14, 13-11 Category E Lajuan Munroe thrashed Rayad Boyce 11-4, 11-8 Arvin Seelall beat Angel Rahim 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 Jared Saul defeated Aram Chan 11-9, 11-6

Category C Jason Gomes got the better of Zachary Persaud 13-15, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-7.

Kamir Khan beat Louis DaSilva 9-11, 7-11, 11-5. Da Silva retired at 5-7, Category B Abosadie Cadogan overcame Kirsten Gomes 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, Ethan Jonas beat James Mekdeci 11-5, 6-11, 11-4, 11-6, Category A Michael Alphonso bettered Gianni Carpenter 11-7, 11-6, 11-4.

Shomari Wiltshire trounced Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11-3, 11-1, 11-1.

Winners Category A Winner Shomari Wiltshire Second Samuel Ince-Carvalhal Third Michael Alphonso Category B Winner Abosaide Cadogan Second Demetrius DeAbreu Third Ethan Jonas Fourth Kirsten Gomes Fifth Madison Fernandes

Category C Winner Jason Gomes Second Kamir Khan Third Zachary Persuad Category D First Chad DeAbreu Second Osmond Mack Third Teija Mack Category E First Lajuan Munroe Second Arvin Seelall Third Rayad Boyce Fourth Angel Rahim Category F First Monisha Persaud Second Keenan Narine Third Christiana Fernandes Fourth Kayden Pynaendy Fifth Noah Rahaman Category G First Brenno DaSilva Second Safirah Summer Third Tianna Gomes Category H First Matthew Daby Second Mya Dean Third Jnae Singh Most Outstanding Boy: Lajuan Munroe Most Outstanding Girl: Abosaide Cadogan Most Improved Boy James Mekdeci Most Improved Girl: Christiana Fernandes

Jordan heroics unable to stop Islamabad United lifting title KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC) – Barbados-born England all-rounder Chris Jordan produced a solid all-round performance but was unable to prevent Islamabad United from lifting the Pakistan Super League title, with a three-wicket victory over defending champion Peshawar Zalmi in Sunday’s final.

Opting for first knock at the National Stadium, Zalmi could only get up to 148 for nine off their 20 overs, with Jordan top-scoring with 36 from 26 balls after being promoted to number four.

Englishman Liam Dawson struck 33 while number 10 Wahab Riaz smashed a pulsating unbeaten 28 off 14 deliveries, and West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher chipped in with 21.

Zalmi were wobbling on 38 for three in the sixth over when Jordan helped revive the innings in a 52-run fourth wicket stand with Dawson.

Man-of-the Match and Man-of-the-series Luke Ronchi smashed 52 from 26 balls.

He struck a four and three sixes but once he holed out to long off in the 13th over, the innings collapsed with six wickets falling for 31 runs.

Captain Darren Sammy was sixth out in the 16th over for six, deceived and trapped lbw by a Shadab Khan googly.

In reply, Man-of-theMatch and Man-of-the-Series, New Zealander Luke Ronchi, top-scored with 52 from 26 balls in a 96-run opening

stand off 53 deliveries with Sahibzada Farhan (44), to put Islamabad in command.

Seamer Jordan got rid of Ronchi and then later claimed captain JP Duminy for two to end with two for 22 from three overs, as six wickets perished for 20 runs to leave the game open.

However, Asif Ali blasted three sixes in a six-ball unbeaten 26 to break Zalmi’s hearts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 27, 2018

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National cricketers depart for Regional Under-15 tournament THE Guyana National Under-15 cricketers departed yesterday morning to hunt for honours in this year’s Regional Under-15 tournament which will be played in Jamaica.

The squad, who benefited from exposure in the GCB Under-17 Inter-county tournament and also a week’s pre-tournament camp, appeared high in confidence and well prepared for their competitive regional encounter.

The 14-man team, trained

by CWI Level 3 coach, Winston Smith and managed

by Latchman Yadram, underwent a week of intense training and preparations

National Under-15 team along with manager Latchman Yadram (far left) and coach Winston Smith (far right).

and seem ready to face Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and host team, Jamaica.

Guyana Under-15 will commence their efforts to secure the 2018 CWI Regional Under-15 title against the Windward Islands.

The Guyana team reads: Zeynul Ramsammy (captain), Jonathan Rampersaud (vice-captain), Mahendra Gopilall, Nicholas Rajpat, Mavendra Dindyal, Shamar Yearwood, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Romel Datterdeen, Jeremey Sandia, and Zachary Jodah

BCB, Sueria Manufacturing launch Broadcaster says Bancroft might have got Magic Moments T20 tournament away with plot had he not panicked … Second Division cricket promises to excite Berbicians

Magic Moments Brand manager Edward Layne hands over trophies to BCB secretary Robby Saywack.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Sueria Manufacturing Ltd of Eccles Industrial Site last Saturday teamed up to bring exciting cricket to the county.

The official launching took place at the Albion Community Centre Conference Hall. Present at the launching were the Executive members of BCB, Edward Layne, Brand manager of Magic Moments, representatives from the clubs taking part in the tournament, cricketers and media personnel.

The tournament bowled off on Saturday in the Upper Corentyne while the Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje zones started on Sunday.

The West Berbice zone will start on April 1 and the BCB has agreed to allow

the West Berbice Cricket Association to complete an ongoing cricket tournament.

Berbice Cricket Board president Hilbert Foster stated that over 70 teams would be playing throughout the four zones, under the Magic Moments brand.

The tournament would result in four different 20/20 Champions being crowned in the West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower and Upper Corentyne areas.

At the end of the four tournaments, the four champions would play each other in another tournament for the right to be called Berbice Second Division 20/20 Champions.

Foster urged the teams participating in the Magic Moments tournament to be disciplined at all times. He advised firms to invest in

youths, as they are the future of Berbice cricket and to assist the BCB to promote the game at the grassroots level.

Foster further expressed confidence that the Magic Moments Tournament would play a major role in the rebirth of Village Cricket and the formation of a cricket team in every community in Regions Five and Six. Foster lauded Managing Director of Sueria, Frank Sanichara, a Berbician by birth, for his investment in Berbice cricket and assured representatives of the company that the tournament would be well organised.

Brand manager Edward Layne said “Sueria is investing in Berbice cricket because of confidence in the current leadership”. (Colin Bynoe)

By Nick Said

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft may have got away with his now infamous attempt to alter the condition of the ball in the third Test against South Africa at Newlands had he not panicked and stuffed the evidence down his trousers.

That is the belief of Alvin Naicker, the head of production at host broadcaster SuperSport and the man in the director’s chair who broke one of cricket’s greatest scandals.

Bancroft was caught on camera placing sticky yellow tape, which he used to pick up rough granules off the pitch, into the front of his pants when he believed his cheat had been spotted by the umpires.

The fall-out from the incident has cost captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner their positions for the remainder of the match at least, and thrown both players’ future in the baggy green cap in doubt, leaving a nation seething.

“We initially just saw that he had something in his hand and he put it in his pocket, but we didn’t know what it was,” Naicker told Reuters yesterday.

“It was only when he later panicked and put it in his underpants that we got sight of the yellow tape.”

After the images of Bancroft putting something in his pocket appeared on the big screen at the ground, umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth called the player over.

He produced a black piece of cloth used to clean sunglasses from his pocket and the umpires were, at the time, satisfied.

Naicker believes that had Bancroft kept

the piece of yellow tape in his pocket and still produced the black cloth for the umpires, giving him the opportunity to dispose of the tape later, nobody would have been the wiser.

“The moment he tried to dispose of it in his pants, we knew that this was a major incident. Until then, we were not sure what we were looking at.”

FOLLOW THE BALL Naicker adds they had not been tracking Bancroft specifically, but it is standard for the broadcaster to follow the ball from player to player, even when it is not in play.

“We have seven cameras that stay with the ball always, whether it is in play or not,” he revealed. “But there are a lot more cameras; we had 30 at the ground.”

Naicker says they broadcast the footage of him rubbing the ball with the-then unknown object almost immediately after the incident.

“He (Bancroft) probably saw it two minutes after it happened and very smartly our cameraman focused on the coaching staff and we saw the coach (Darren Lehmann) get on the walkie-talkie to the player down on the field (Peter Handscomb), who ran on to speak with Bancroft. It was then he panicked.”

The ‘follow the ball’ policy is something Naicker says is done in every Test and they were neither asked to do it, nor were driven by any other previous suspicious behaviour.

“We don’t want it to seem like we are going after the Australian team,” he said.

“If that was a South African, we would have broadcast the footage for sure.

“We have a responsibility to entertain, but just like journalists we have a moral obligation to provide unbiased editorial.”

National cricketers depart for Regional Under-15 tournament

PAGE

Cricket Australia vow answers by tomorrow after tampering probe … Sponsors put Australia cricket on notice

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Cricket Australia (CA) are hoping to share the results of their investigation into the ball-tampering scandal within a couple of days as they look to take control of a story that has plunged the country into turmoil.

Steve Smith stood down from his post as captain and was banned for one Test match by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday after admitting conspiring to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The incident has been met with astonishment in Australia, with the protagonists - Smith, his vice-captain David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft - lambasted in the media under headlines almost universally trumpeting the word ‘Shame’.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland said he would be heading over to South Africa later yesterday to join integrity chief Iain Roy, who is conducting the investigation.

“I am travelling to Johannesburg this evening and I will arrive Tuesday morning local time, to meet Iain to understand the findings of the investigation to that point, and to determine recommended outcomes,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“We know Australians want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings and next steps, as a matter of urgency.”

Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever said the body expected to be able to “fully update the Australian public on the findings” tomorrow morning Australia time.

Smith, Cricket Australia said earlier yesterday, would remain in South Africa until the investigation was concluded even though he would be unable to play in the fourth Test in

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Cricket Australia’s CEO James Sutherland speaks after the team was caught ball tampering.(Source:AFP)

Test cricket was front page news across the world over the past two days, for all the wrong reasons. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)

Johannesburg later this week.

The story continued to dominate the major newspapers in Australia and abroad with Australia’s belief of playing the sport ‘hard but fair’ in complete tatters.

TRAIN WRECK Smith, widely accepted as the world’s best batsman of the current generation, has been

reduced to a villain, with former Australian cricketers deeming his return to lead the team as untenable.

“Steve Smith’s time as Australia’s captain is surely up,” former fast bowler and possible future Australia coach Jason Gillespie wrote for Guardian Australia.

“It is impossible to envisage a scenario where he stays in the job. This is a train

wreck.

“This was pre-planned cheating. It may have been implemented by a junior player in Cameron Bancroft but it came with the backing and knowledge of ‘the leadership group’, a core of senior guys in the Australian set-up.”

The Times of India, the cricketing Turn to page 22 ►

Seebarran continuing Floodlights Masters celebrate golden form PAGE

22

Raymond Seebarran in the Street Tuner class

IN the recent Orlando Cup tournament played at the Hogshead Park in Florida, Ramesh Narine struck a blistering

century to lead Floodlights Masters to victory over nemeses Regal Masters in the final of the Over-45 category.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

His unbeaten century came off 56 balls with nine sixes and three fours. In photo Floodlights Masters celebrate their victory.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018