Guyana chronicle e paper 03 30 2018

Let’s help to reduce 09 unemployment PAGE

–– Min. Harmon urges at GCCI annual general meeting

Guyana goes to court No. 105230

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

Price: $80

( VAT I n c l u s i v e )

–– application to validate 1899 Arbitral Award between Guyana and Venezuela submitted to ICJ 03 PAGE

‘Rooftop 02 eyewitness’ worked on the ground PAGE

–– says police commissioner in preliminary report on seawall shooting deaths

TV stations red-flagged for breaching licence 03 PAGE

President David Granger hands over a kite to this girl during a distribution exercise on the Essequibo Coast on Thursday

Get ‘oil smart’, US ambassador urges Guyanese

Women accomplices sentenced to death 04 PAGE

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–– for 2012 murder of US citizen home on vacation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

‘Rooftop eyewitness’ worked on the ground –– police commissioner says in preliminary report on seawall shooting deaths –– other witnesses fearful to come forward, says Hughes

By Rabindra Rooplall

POLICE are in possession of three statements that revealed that Devon Lyte, who claimed he was on the roof of a building when he saw police shoot dead three men on March 15, was actually a labourer who worked on the ground.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine said, Lyte was “never” on any roof at the time of the shooting as he claimed.

Police shot and killed Dextroy Cordis, 46, called “Dutty” of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah, 37, of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and Errol Adams, 57, also known as “Dynamite,” of Buxton, ECD. The police in a statement had said the men had trailed a customer from a commercial bank and were about to commit a crime when they were confronted.

However, on Monday, Lyte surfaced and made statements contrary to the police’s statement.

Accompanied by lawyer Nigel Hughes, Lyte told a news conference that he was a labourer working on the roof of the Guyana Softball Association building on March 15, when he witnessed the police execute the three men on the seawall.

“Our investigators are in possession of several state-

Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine ments, three of which are very instructive to the extent that Mr. Devon Lyte was never ever, I repeat, never ever, on the building he claimed he was on at the press conference on Monday,” Ramnarine said.

Noting that one of the statements is from the contractor who hired Lyte, the top cop said the two other statements are from the sub-contractor and a security supervisor.

He said that on Wednesday, Attorney Nigel Hughes visited the location and inquired where specifically his client was on March 15 when the shooting occurred.

“On being told that his client is a labourer, not a

skilled worker, who worked on the ground floor with a mixer, he ( Hughes) left,” the acting top cop said.

Ramnarine also said that information revealed that Lyte last worked at the scene on Sunday last he has not returned to work since.

“The workers there are disappointed when they learnt and saw Devon Lyte on television talking the story.

This investigation is an investigation in progress, you should also note that Lyte at his press conference had a cap pulled very low and was not afraid to publicise himself, whether half or full, and was also in [the]company of a relative of one of the deceased that should be very informative for right thinking people,” Ramnarine said.

COME FORWARD The acting commissioner of police is calling on all eyewitnesses to come forward since “the Force is more opened now and there is nothing to be afraid of”.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) that is conducting this investigation is led by an exceedingly competent officer. I would like (the public) to know that it is a requirement in law that all unnatural deaths including fatal shootings be investigated and sent for legal advice,” Ramnarine told reporters.

Ramnarine said that the investigation is moving at a rapid pace with much dili-

gence, but unfortunately Lyte who claimed to be an eyewitness to the shooting has not shown up yet at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to give a statement.

In fact, Ramnarine said the attorney (Hughes) took his client to the CID headquarters and in discussion with the crime chief, it was arranged for him to return with his client the following day, which was Tuesday.

“That did not happen. In fact a senior detective having called the learned attorney on another matter involving someone else who had gone to CID headquarters, was then told by the attorney-at-law that they would not be there today (Tuesday) at CID because his client, Devon Lyte, had some family issues to sort out,” Ramnarine said.

On Thursday, the top cop said Hughes related to the crime chief that protection would be needed for his client, Lyte.

“But Devon Lyte did not have witness protection when he went on television on Monday, neither did he need witness protection when he came with his attorney at CID headquarters, how funny indeed.”

He noted that police investigators will reveal all their findings in the final report.

“I am not going to make any inference or reference made by the Head of State or by anyone in the government

Attorney Nigel Hughes for that matter, I am speaking in my professional capacity as the commissioner of police, acting on this matter,” Ramnarine said.

Government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances which resulted in the death of the three alleged bandits at the Georgetown seawall on March 15, President David Granger disclosed on Wednesday.

UNFORTUNATE Hughes in a statement reacting to Ramnarine, said it is unfortunate that Ramnarine who had previously supported the officers involved in the incident, would choose to publicly challenge a citizen who was

brave enough to come forward and provide a statement and who he has not had the benefit of interviewing.

“Needless to say, the absence of confidence which several eyewitness expressed to me and other independent investigators about the ability of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to protect their safety when their own officers are the subject of the allegation of murder, has been confirmed by the statements of the commissioner.

“I confirm that on Monday afternoon Mr. Lyte met with Mr. Paul Williams, Crime Chief in the Office of the Crime Chief, Eve Leary.

The sole purpose of attending the crime chief’s office was for Mr. Lyte to give a statement. The senior officer who Mr. Williams contacted was not available at the time and we agreed that we would return on Tuesday at lunchtime.

In the intervening period, Mr. Lyte contacted me and expressed the collective fear of his entire family about his safety and protection,” Hughes said.

He noted that in an effort to persuade Lyte that his fears were exaggerated, he (Hughes) went to his home and spoke with his (Lyte’s) grandmother and sister, both of whom were adamant that he (Lyte) would not be attending any See page 10

Guyana goes to court

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

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–– application to validate 1899 Arbitral Award between Guyana and Venezuela submitted to ICJ

GUYANA Thursday morning submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

The application was handed over to Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the ICJ by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who will serve as Guyana’s agent in the proceedings before the court.

In a statement to the media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the application follows the decision of UN Secretary General, Antonio Gueterres, in choosing the ICJ as the next means of resolving the age-old controversy that arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 regarding the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela was null and void.

According to the statement, Guyana in its application highlighted that Venezuela had for more than 60 years consistently recognised and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the award.

“Venezuela had only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the Independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new State, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory

Registrar of the International Court of Justice, Philippe Couvreur (left) and Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge (right)

west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some twothirds of Guyana’s territory,” the statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

Guyana contends that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award, “it has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.”

The UN Secretary-General’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained Independence.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General Guterres concluded that the Good Offices Process, which the parties had engaged in for almost 30 years, had failed to achieve a solution to the controversy and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement.

Meanwhile, Minister Greenidge said that Guyana, in filing its application to the ICJ, has respected the secretary general’s decision and placed its faith in the ICJ to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statute and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

TV stations red-flagged for breaching licence …GNBA notes sensational, lewd content

By Navendra Seoraj THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has reported that broadcasters continue to breach the amended Broadcasting Act. According to a press statement from the authority, their Monitoring and Compliance Department detected serious breaches of the Act, especially over the past three months.

“These breaches fall within the categories of the potential to mislead, promote

negative behaviour and offend public sensibilities,” the GNBA said.

Common examples include sensational content highlighting visible suffering and distress; close-up video footage of undignified images of the dead or those seriously injured; primetime programmes between 06.00hrs -20.00hrs which promote the use of alcohol; dangerous and self-harming behavior; violence and crime; offensive language; sexually explicit material; indecent language and nudity.

Body fished out of Pomeroon River identified

THE body of the man discovered in a decomposed state at Grant, Lower Pomeroon River, was on Wednesday identified as Orlando Naughton, 26.

He was identified by his father, Keith Naughton. Reports indicate that Orlando was an alcoholic and was last seen alive on March 23.

His body was discovered by a farmer on Monday who then alerted residents. The police were summoned and the body was fished out of the Pomeroon River.

The body is at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The authority also noted inaccuracies or imbalance in the presentation of political or industrial controversies; interpretation of current public policy; news and current affairs; and the use of personal views and opinions as if they were facts.

“On average, the Monitoring and Compliance Department records a total of 27 red lined (most serious) in-

fractions within a one-month period,” the authority said.

Broadcasters were reminded that such infractions have significant and far-reaching implications and can lead to severe penalties.

The authority cautioned broadcasters to take more care in ensuring that content is diligently screened before it is aired, especially music and movie.

“Ensure that immediate action is taken during live

programmes to correct, caution or disconnect callers who are abusive or who spew misinformation and disparaging remarks on others; make sure that callers’ IDs be displayed and a delayed broadcasting mechanism be introduced in their stations, so that information may be edited before

screening and malicious callers with unsavoury intentions be avoided,” the GNBA advised.

Broadcasters and the public can visit the GNBA website at gnba.gov.gy for any information and guidance necessary, in keeping with the broadcasting laws and guidelines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Women accomplices sentenced to death … for 2012 murder of US citizen home on vacation

JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon on Thursday imposed the death penalty on Hemwattie Abdulla, 42, of Ozone Park, Queens, New York, and Surojni Permaul, 48, Belvedere Settlement, Corentyne.

The judge handed down the ruling at the Berbice Assizes on Thursday afternoon, after noting that the killing of Abdool Shakeel Majid was well planned, and not a spur-of-the-moment thing.

Majid and Abdulla, his wife of four months, arrived in Guyana on April 22, 2012 with the intention of spending a two-week vacation.

Five days later, however, his battered, lifeless body, minus the scalp, was found on a popular Corentyne beach, while his wife, who has been named the Number One accused, boarded a plane and headed back to their Queens home.

In rehashing the evidence, the judge noted that the course of conduct involved cross- border communication between the two convicted women, whose single objective was to bring death to the victim.

He said, “The Number

One accused was not willing to contemplate such conduct in her adoptive place, in the United States of America, but instead involved the

Number Two accused, her neighbour from Belvedere Village, Corentyne, whose purpose was to kill the deceased.”

Hemwattie Abdulla, right, and Surojni Permaul at court yesterday

Continuing with his summation, Justice Kissoon said: “Abdulla entrusted US$5000 to Permaul, who gave [it to] Pooran Jaundoo, her son-in-law, who is the husband of Urmilla Devi Persaud. The deceased, at the end of the day, was taken to [the] Number 63 Beach, where he was murdered.”

Quoting a saying made popular back in the days, Justice Kissoon said, “But for a few pieces of silver, which in this case was US$5,000, Permaul permitted herself and family to be used as instruments.

“In addition, this Court had been privileged to evidence, which was not permitted before the jury because of the objections of Defence Counsel. However, it must be noted that Urmilla Devi Persaud, the daughter of the Number Two accused, was found to be in possession of the wedding ring belonging to the now dead man.

“Further, the victim was involved in an accident in the USA, and may or may not have received a financial award. We can only speculate if that was the reason for

his killing.”

Preparatory to making his decision known, Justice Kissoon said it is the mandate of the court to impose a sentence which will reflect a civilised society, even as he signalled to the Court Marshal who recited the death penalty.

Early into the trial, the court heard through Probation Officer Judith Vankennie that the Number One

accused, the mother of six, had met the deceased while living and working in the US. He was a cab driver and she was a nurse aide at a nursing home. After they’d struck up a friendship, she left her husband of many years to live with the deceased, with whom she claimed to have had a happier relationship, the court was told.

Hemwattie Abdulla and the deceased, Abdool Shakeel Majid, on their wedding day

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Trinidad breaks ranks with hurricane-ravaged Dominica PORT Of SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -- The Trinidad and Tobago government Thursday sought to distance itself from a position taken by its ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS) Anthony Phillip Spencer during a hemispheric meeting last week against a financial waiver for hurricane ravaged Dominica.

Instead of supporting the waiver on Dominica’s assessed quota contribution to the OAS for the 2018-2019 period, Spencer said despite the “goodwill” expressed by the other delegations, including those from the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), his country preferred to look at either the “deferral of payments of contributions by member states, or, where possible, the implementation of a payment plan.”

The Trinidadian envoy also told the meeting that while Trinidad and Tobago would like to reiterate solidarity with all member states that had been impacted by hurricanes Irma, Maria and the other devastating storms in the last hurricane season, it

was among the early responders to Dominica’s pleas for assistance.

“Trinidad and Tobago has had itself to explicitly express a position that it is unable to facilitate any increase in its own assessed contributions.

Given the explanations provided by the chair of the cap, this delegation must advise distinguished colleagues that at other multilateral fora in the hemisphere, Trinidad and Tobago has had to explicitly state its concerns for the overall impact of adjustments in the established arrangements for payment of quota contributions.

“In doing so Trinidad and Tobago has offered the proposal, the opportunity, the option for consideration of the deferral of payments of contributions by member states and where possible the implementation of a payment plan, subject to review of course, given that you never know how long an adjustment and capacity to return to the normal arrangements,” Spencer added.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Trinidad and Tobago ministry of foreign and CARICOM Affairs said it

“wishes to reiterate its unwavering support for Dominica, tangibly demonstrated in Trinidad and Tobago’s recent aid and expressions of empathy to that country”.

It also said that “an investigation was underway “into the briefing arrangements of the public official and the circumstances involved in the discussion”.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has requested a report on the matter.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s solidarity with the people of Dominica is without question.

The actions, cooperation – be it technical, financial or diplomatic – with Dominica and advocacy overtime, most recently in the advent and aftermath of hurricanes Erika and Maria attest to the strong and abiding relationship between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement stressed.

The ministry emphasized that the position presented at the OAS was “not aligned with the actions, policy or orientation of Trinidad and Tobago towards Dominica.

“The unswerving commitment of Trinidad and Tobago

is that the fraternal bond between CARICOM member states and peoples of the Caribbean continue to be further strengthened,” it added.

Dominica is recovering from the destruction caused by the passage of Hurricane Maria on September 18 last year and the island had gone to the OAS last week urging member countries to approve of the waiver.

The island’s alternate representative to the hemispheric body, Judith-Anne Rolle, told the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council on March 23 that the post-disaster assessment situation in Roseau, undertaken in collaboration with a number of regional and international organizations, including the World Bank and the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank, had painted a very dismal picture of the island.

“The post disaster needs assessment also concluded that Hurricane Maria resulted

in total damage of US$931 million and losses of US$382 million to the productive, social, infrastructure and cross cutting sectors, amounting to 226 per cent of the GDP [gross domestic product] for 2016, ” she told the meeting.

Rolle also reported that the cost associated with the reconstruction been estimated at more than US$1.3 billion, while recalling the words of prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit that “we have lost all that money can buy . . . and we would need help of all kinds”.

The diplomat pointed out that every sector of the Dominican economy had been impacted by the category five hurricane, with the greatest loss suffered within the agricultural sector at 33 per cent, followed by the tourism sector at 19 per cent.

She said that in assessing its international obligations, Dominica had identified as “a mitigating measure” a waiver of its annual contributions

over a specified period to address its commitment to international organizations.

“It is in this regard that we have forwarded a request for a full waiver of quota contributions assessed the Commonwealth of Dominica for the years 2018 and 2019 for consideration and approval of this Council.

“Let me on behalf of the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica record our profound appreciation to all member states for their continued and invaluable support to the Commonwealth of Dominica as we advance recovery efforts in our homeland,” she told the OAS meeting before the controversial position was taken by Spencer.

In response, a seemingly baffled Rolle, in thanking member states for their support of the request which was approved, said she was unsure of the concern by T&T and needed clarity.

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Good Friday lessons TODAY Christians will observe Good Friday--what many refer to as the ‘oxymoron of an unhappy celebration’--yet for Jesus’s followers, his death is a sacred pillar of their faith. The whole message of Christianity is premised on Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. For according to scriptures, without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins: Hebrews 9:11-28.

Good Friday reminds us also about the supreme sacrifice the Son of God made to redeem sinful man and though his crucifixion was tainted with political injustice, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.

History records that as

Jesus was being delivered to the people to be crucified, with shouts of triumph, he was weak and faint from weariness, pain, and loss of blood by the scourging and blows which he had received; yet the heavy cross upon which he was soon to be nailed was laid upon him.

Jesus fainted beneath the burden. Three times the cross was placed upon His shoulders, and three times he fainted. One of His followers--a man who had not openly professed faith in Christ--yet believed in him, was next seized.

Upon him the cross was laid, and he bore it to the fatal spot.

The mother of Jesus was also there. Her heart must have pierced with anguish such as none but a fond mother can feel. As Jesus hung upon the cross, some who passed by

reviled him, wagging their heads as if bowing to a king, and said to him, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself!

If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

Matthew 27:40.

The last lesson of Jesus was one of compassion and humanity. He looked upon the grief-stricken face of his mother, and then upon his beloved disciple, John. He said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then he said to John, “Behold your mother!”

John 19:26-27. And from that hour, John took her to his own house. And if that were not enough, in his dying breath he muttered the famous prayer: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

As we have editorialised before, the teachings of Je-

The magic of Guyana cross buns Dear Editor, EVERY year, as Easter approaches, something almost magical happens.

Bakers throughout Guyana prepare themselves for a particular phenomenon; in my opinion, a mystical phenomenon. It is the massive demand by Guyanese from all backgrounds for delicious, freshly-baked cross buns.

For many years, the original cross bun recipe has been tweaked in different ways to produce a wide variety of unique Guyanese varieties. Tips and tricks of cross bun preparation have been down from mother to daughter, father to son over many generations. Individuals and families who don’t have the time or skills to bake their own cross buns have to place their orders early with their favourite bakers and patisseries.

The demand is high; if you wait too late, there’s a good chance that they might be

sold out. And there is much debate over what cross buns taste best and where they can be bought.

Come Good Friday, some people eat only cross buns, sometimes with cheese or even peanut butter or jam. While the cross bun is associated with the Christian observance of Good Friday, Guyanese from all religious backgrounds pursue their share of this delicious treat that is essentially a sweet bun symbolically marked with a cross. There is a beautiful, silent contract among Guyanese where this the smooth, rich bun enhanced with dried fruit and spices is concerned. The contract is to make the bun only for Good Friday.

Known as the Easter Bun in some countries, the cross bun’s history is somewhat blurry. But it is said that a monk made the first one and marked it with a cross in observance of Good Friday. It is felt that if the bun is consumed bearing

in mind the solemnity of the occasion, miracles can occur. Some claim they have seen the Lord while others claimed they saw the Mother of Christ. The British, in the early days, felt the bun had healing or magical properties.

I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the bakers, consumers and peoples; [give] recognition to the bakers, consumers and all peoples of this country for their wisdom in preserving this recipe and the fact that they do not use it any other period of the year other that the good Friday. We as a people also know that good food brings good health and happiness to the human soul and human heart. Whether it’s cross bun or parsad, black cake or sirnie, food is a great tool of unification among people.

Regards Roshan Khan Snr

sus are grounded in the principles of equality, justice, love among fellowmen, and redemption. The history of man has seen these principles 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. Christ’s life exemplifies leadership by example.

He preached the principle of doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you. 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 pro-

ceeded with allegations of blasphemy and deserving of death, the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, even though finding no evidence to the effect, 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.

The printing of the Cheddi Jagan stamps Dear Editor,

AS our nation and people take a moment to pause and reflect on the massive contribution made by former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan on his centennial birthday, it is disturbing that the Government, by its actions or inactions, has sought to sully what should be a time of remembrance and celebration. There is no argument regarding Dr Jagan’s role in Guyana’s and Guyanese advancements and development, and he is rightly regarded as a foremost hero and patriot.

At this time when several celebratory activities are being held, the APNU/ AFC Government has chosen to renege on an arrangement, contractual I may add, to produce stamps in honour of a gentleman who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation. I recall Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, writing in his March 17, 2018 column in the Guyana Chronicle saying “I expected that as part of the national effort to remember the late President, that the Guyana Post Office Corporation will issue a commemorative stamp”. But Mr Nagamootoo’s Government says it seeks also

to have national symbols commemorating Dr Jagan and other leaders, which while welcome, cannot erase the fact that apart from breaching its contractual undertaking, it has sought to cast a partisan light on the celebrations of such a great man.

Certainly, if the Government was enthusiastic, as it appeared from its statement in the press, it would have ensured the symbols it promised would have been in place already.

But it seems the Administration, in its usual self, has woken up from its deep slumber and may be upset by the rightful adulation and reverence being paid to Dr Jagan. In pondering over this development, I also cannot see how such an act will contribute to national unity, which the country surely needs.

Regards Patricia Persaud Editor’s note:

THE Government of Guyana has said that it will announce shortly, national symbols to celebrate the lives and works of former Presidents of Guyana--Raymond Arthur Chung, OE; and Dr Cheddi Jagan, OE, within the context of set criteria for honouring

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

In a release, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) stated that President David Granger said that Cabinet has taken a decision that commemorative stamps, which are national symbols, must adhere to national criteria. He added that such symbols must not be used for private, partisan or political messages, but ought to be used for national purposes. The Head-of-State made these comments in light of press statements issued by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) and former Chairman of the Guyana Post Office Corporation, Mr Juan Edghill, regarding the printing of commemorative stamps to honour Dr Jagan as proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

According to the MoTP, President Granger said that there is no objection to honouring the life and legacy of Dr Jagan, whom he described as “one of the founders of the Guyanese nation”, but added that Cabinet is of the view that there should be equity in the printing of such commemorative stamps, which are national symbols.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Guyana needs humanitarian procedures for Venezuelans Dear Editor,

THIS statement has been prompted by our organizations having had an opportunity to interact with a delegation of Venezuelan citizens currently resident in Guyana. Guyana has remained remarkably untouched by the massive humanitarian crisis playing out across the Venezuelan border over the past two years. That situation has now changed; Venezuelans themselves estimate some 30 of their nationals are arriving in Guyana every day without visas--many of whom are of Guyanese origin whose family migrated during the 1980s. Guyana urgently needs to adopt sensible, humanitarian policies along the lines adopted by Colombia, Brazil and the majority of South American countries.

In making the proposals set out below, the signatories of this statement are conscious of the very limited resources Guyana can bring to bear on a refugee crisis. However, we are also conscious that providing Venezuelans with the assurance that they will not be treated as criminals and hounded out of the country is a humanitarian response well within Guyana’s capacity to implement. Venezuelan refugees already here are making clear that(1) they are not looking for free services. (ii) Many of the Venezuelan-Guyanese among them can make arrangements with former family & friends. (iii) The overwhelming need is security of being here long enough to earn some money in order to sort out a more permanent future elsewhere.

The World Bank estimates 655,400 Venezuelans left the country since 2015(more than five times the 125,000 who left Cuba in the Mariel boat exodus in the 1980s). The International Monetary Fund estimated that inflation reached 13,000% this year. A year ago a dollar was worth about 4,200 bolivars; today it is worth 213,200 bolivars.

The average monthly salary is USD3.00. The growing severity of the food shortage has contributed to the average Venezuelan losing 11 kilograms in 2017, compared to almost 8 kg lost on average in 2016.

A group of Venezuelans--some long resident in Guyana, along with returning Guyanese-Venezu-

elans--are appealing to the Government of Guyana. ”We know that the government and its people do not owe us anything, we only want a gesture of brotherhood of humility and help” in the form of “a renewable temporary permit of one year that allows us to have the right to work, to health, to education, to free transit; we do not want to be refugees, we just need to work“.

Other countries inundated by Venezuelans have devised a variety of schemes.

Colombia has issued a Border Mobility Card, a document to allow movement around the border without a passport, but with migratory control. Every day about 25,000 Venezuelans enter Colombia and an equal number leaves, in a circular transit to buy products such as rice, sugar, pasta or personal hygiene.

Indigenous communities on the Guyana borders have seen a substantial increase in numbers due to the return to their place of origin of people who left years ago. A local group has documented over a hundred undocumented Venezuelans. Many of them are Guyanese-Venezuelans; the second generation of those who fled in the 1980s when Guyana was experiencing conditions not dissimilar from what Venezuela is now passing through. Venezuela at that time opened its doors to them; they were allowed to work; they enjoyed the right to health, to education and basic services. Entire families followed professional careers, made investment and contributed to the cultural life of the country.

At the present time, they constitute complete communities and residential districts in San Felix, San Cristobel and other bordering States of Venezuela. During the Presidency of President Chavez, citizenship was extended to all who had remained undocumented.

Venezuelans of Guyanese origin are now a substantial part of Venezuelan life.

This description, contrasts sharply with complaints made by Venezuelans of their current treatment by Guyanese officialdom. Venezuelans complain of having to pay fines of $30,000 for being illegally in the country. They also are forced to bribe the police with similarly large amounts. Venezuelan families are being split up at entry points. One 14-year-old boy was returned to Vene-

zuela [for] being without a passport while other family members were admitted.

Most of the people deported are women. Many do not have passports, in part, because the effective cost of a passport is over USD1000. Moreover, all Mercosur countries allow citizens to cross borders with an ID Card, rendering passports unnecessary.

Numbers of undocumented Venezuelans are likely to increase because travelling overland costs roughly USD100 compared to the cost of flying to other more distant Latin countries.

A Guidance Note issued recently by the UN High Commission for Refugees calls on States receiving and/or already hosting Venezuelans to allow them access to their territory, and to continue to adopt appropriate and pragmatic protection-oriented responses, building on existing good practices in the region.

“Such arrangements”, the Note states“are guided by the principle that providing international protection is a humanitarian and non-political act” Such arrangements could, for example, include …temporary protection or stay arrangements, or alternatively visa or labour migration arrangements that would offer access to legal residence and to a standard of treatment akin to international protection.”

States should “ensure that persons benefitting from such arrangements are issued with an official document and such an arrangement should not be refused by virtue of the fact of irregular entry or lack of identity documents.”

Short-term visas should provide access “on an equal basis with other foreign nationals who are legally resident on the State’s territory and, finally, under these protection arrangements “holders of complementary forms of protection, temporary protection or stay arrangements, or visa or labour migration arrangements will not be deported, expelled, or in any other way forced to return to Venezuela, consistent with international refugee and human rights law. This guarantee would need to be assured either in the official identity document received or through other effective means, such as clear instructions to law enforcement agencies.”

The signatory organizations of this press release

are calling on the Government of Guyana based on principles of decency, humanitarian imperatives and our commitments under human rights Conventions to undertake several tasks.

First, we are calling on the Judiciary and Director of Public Prosecutions to cease, with immediate effect, the practice of fining and jailing illegal Venezuelan immigrants. Secondly, we call on the immigration authorities to respect Guyana’s international human rights obligations to children who should not be separated from their families. Thirdly, we urge the Government of Guyana to give effect to the exhortation of the UNHCR to adopt more flexible procedures with respect to lack of documentation and to provide Venezuelans seeking temporary residence with security of tenure for a period of one or two years with permission to work. Fourthly, we propose urgent revision and publication of any procedures applicable to Venezuelan-Guyanese citizens which would facilitate their remaining in Guyana Fifthly, we propose that the immigration authorities devise a form of temporary ID card which can be provided to Venezuelans desirous of remaining in Guyana but not claiming refugee status. Sixthly, in liaison with Immigration authorities, Toshaos in remote border communities be authorized and empowered to implement a registration process of Venezuelans crossing the border. Finally, our organizations are appealing to all Guyanese as individuals or organizations to develop a positive and welcoming approach to displaced Venezuelans. The attitude of ordinary citizens, as demonstrated wherever mass movements of peoples have taken place in recent years, is as critical as official policy in determining a successful outcome.

Regards Signatories Amerindian Peoples Association Guyana Human Rights Association Transparency Institute Guyana Inc Roman Catholic Church in Guyana Policy Forum Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

US$18M signing Bonus for Consolidated Fund ‘at the right time’ – Harmon … Ministry of Natural Resources dismisses Newsroom report on signing bonus as mischievous and reckless

THE US$18M signing bonus received from US oil giant ExxonMobil in 2016 will be placed in the Consolidated Fund at an appropriate time, said Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Thursday, hours before the Ministry of Natural Resources demanded a retraction from a news site on the very issue.

Government had disclosed last year that the signing bonus was placed into an Escrow Account at the Bank of Guyana.

Harmon was at the time

responding to questions during his post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency. He said the signing bonus represents money that belongs to Guyana and will not be used to pay anyone unless deposited into the Consolidated Fund.

“That bonus, wherever it is, will be placed into the Consolidated Fund and it is from that fund that any team whatsoever would be paid; whether they work before or after, it is from the Consolidated Fund these funds will come from.”

Guyana on Thursday submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting the Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

In December, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman announced that of the US$18M signing bonus, US$15M would be utilised for the payment of legal and associated fees. However, Thursday, his colleague Minister Harmon made it clear Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman that once the money is placed into the Fund, then government would have to make applications to the National Assembly for its approval of the identified sums to pay persons for their services.

“It is not some private account that you go and you draw down from…the sums are to be placed in the Consolidated Fund and it is from the Consolidated Fund that anybody that provides a service to the government will be paid,” Harmon asserted.

Asked whether the move to have the money transferred to the Consolidated Fund is as a result of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) legal challenge to the money being placed in an Escrow Account as opposed to the Consolidated Fund, Harmon said, “No, it is not as a result of the PPP court action.”

“It is just prudent fiscal management. All sums of money under this administration… we don’t have any secret private funds anywhere. Anybody paid by this government, the sums come from the Consolidated Fund,” the Minister of State assured.

He noted that the Consolidated Fund is a consolidation of all funds owned by the government. “It is not a matter of the PPP going to court. They have no precedent where we have had monies outside of the Consolidated Fund and using it for any purposes like that.”

Asked when the money would be placed in the Consolidated Fund, Harmon said, “It is a matter of prudent fiscal management and it will be placed there at the appropriate time when the Minister of Finance recognises that it is the time for it to go.”

Last month, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma had acknowledged that the law

requires the government to place all relevant funds into the state’s account. Despite that, he insisted that there are several real issues being considered, given that the money received is needed for a major and urgent national issue.

Sharma was at the time responding to the Opposition’s decision to mount a legal challenge against the government for not placing the money into the Consolidated Fund. Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in January ruled as flawed, an application by head of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Troy Thomas, for the High Court to order Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, to immediately deposit the US$18M signing bonus into the Consolidated Fund.

When the matter was called, Justice George-Wiltshire said the application was procedurally flawed and told Thomas’s lawyer, Christopher Ram, to withdraw it or she would strike it out. The application which was filed

by Ram was seeking, among other things, an order from the court directing that the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, account for the bonus in the amended estimates of revenues of the public sector for the years 2017 and 2018.

He also argued, according to the newspaper, that failure to do so is a violation of the constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA). The PPP’s court challenge filed

by Attorney Anil Nandlall is along the same line.

President David Granger had made it clear that his administration acted legitimately by accepting the US$18M signing bonus from U.S. oil giant, ExxonMobil, and placing same into an escrow account at the Bank of Guyana. He said that the money was received to address national security matters. “I am the head of government, I am responsible, I am aware of it and it is a legitimate Government of Guyana exercise; and I am aware that it is [at] Bank of Guyana in Escrow; once it is an Escrow account, it means that it cannot be used for purposes for which it is not intended,” he said in response to questions on the issue.

The President maintained that there was nothing wrong or illegal done, stressing that “It is a legitimate Government of Guyana practice and the money has not been dishonestly acquired and has not been used for purposes for which it is not intended.”

He explained that the money was received at a time

Minister of State Joseph Harmon he believes that was necessary, given “some national security implications.”

“It is a legitimate exercise, it is to be used for certain matters which we perceive to be of national security interest and [at] that point in time it was the thing to do, so that we can have access in the event of a national security emergency,” he said.

MISCHIEVOUS AND RECKLESS Meanwhile, Minister Trotman slammed a news article published by Newsroom yesterday captioned, “Trotman, Harmon differ on spending of signing bonus” and called for the news site to “retract and correct their misleading article.”

“Contrary to what is insinuated in the article, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman at no time indicated to Newsroom or any other media, a position that differs to the one outlined by Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon,” the release stated.

According to the release, Minister Trotman explained that once the juridical settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela controversy had qualified for the International Court of Justice, it would have triggered a process. “That process saw the Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan asking Cabinet by way of a Memorandum, to release the ExxonMobil Signing Bonus into the Consolidated Fund to make payments to the legal team representing Guyana,” the release pointed out.

The Ministry said that for Newsroom to insinuate “that there is a controversy regarding the spending of the Signing Bonus is mischievous and reckless, given the purpose for which the funds are intended.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

WPO looks back with fond memories --as Region 2 pays homage to the Jagans

FOUNDER-leader of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and former President of Guyana, Janet Jagan was remembered at a moving wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday evening.

The event was held at the Cheddi Jagan Children’s Park at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to mark Mrs Jagan’s ninth death anniversary.

It was organised by the Region Two branch of the WPO, and attracted scores of well-wishers.

Addressing invitees and party supporters, First Secretary and former Regional Vice- Chair-

PPP stalwarts at the Janet Jagan Monument at Anna Regina after the memorial service

The late Mrs Janet Jagan

Let’s help to reduce unemployment -- Min. Harmon urges at GCCI annual general meeting THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Thursday held its 128th Annual General Meeting and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who addressed the gathering, talked up the need for more employment opportunities.

January 2019.

Also through collaboration between the government and the GCCI, Guyana’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business continues to improve.

“It is important that organisations such as the GCCI hold the government and the munic-

becoming a major oil and gas producer, the chamber has taken the responsibility to ensure Guyanese benefit from the sector by promoting local private sector development in and around the industry.

This, the GCCI president believes, will help to strength-

GCCI President Deodat Indar addresses the audience on the works of the chamber.

Seated from left are GCCI Secretary, Kester Hutson; Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman, Edward Boyer; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; GCCI Junior Vice-President, Timothy Tucker; and GCCI Senior Vice President, Nicholas Boyer

“We still have too high an unemployment rate in Georgetown and many parts of our country. So, sometimes when we choose business models, while it might be efficient and may be appropriate for us to choose the best models, please, I’m asking you sometimes to consider that if a model will involve the employment of more Guyanese people, I will ask that you be on the side of employment of Guyanese people,” Harmon implored.

He told the Duke Lodge audience drawn from the business community that the GCCI is an important member of the private sector which serves as the “collective voice of the business community”.

Since assuming office in 2015, the government has set out to create a policy framework that ensures a level playing field between foreign and domestic enterprises as well as small and large businesses.

An Automated Systems for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is set to be fully operational by

ipal government, their feet to the fire where these matters are concerned,” he said and urged the chamber that as more businesses become interested in Guyana, not to lose sight of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to citizens.

The GCCI serves as the premier voice of the business community in Georgetown.

GCCI President Deodat Indar reported that the chamber recorded a net surplus of G$5.609 M in 2017, a relatively stable position compared to the $5.700 M it registered in 2016.

Revenues for the chamber in 2017 totalled $72.450 M while expenses amounted to G$70.293M. In 2016, revenues amounted to $35.297M with expenses reaching G$32.571 M. Indar said future revenue stream of the GCCI looks promising as it hopes to increase its membership which now stands at 200.

Leading up to Guyana

en economic development and guard against “the Dutch disease” or negative impact on one or more sectors of the economy due to the sharp inflow of foreign currency to another.

In addition, the GCCI hopes to continue forging strategic partnerships between local and foreign companies to aid in the promotion of private sector development in Guyana.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with international associations geared at stimulating business partnerships.

“It is my fervent hope that this acts as a catalyst to private sector growth and by extension, economic growth by structuring trade, facilitating technology and skills transfer as well as allowing access to new markets,” Indar said.

The GCCI is in the process of raising funds to re-build its secretariat at Waterloo Street to improve provision of service to Guyanese.

man, Vishnu Samaroo seized the opportunity to reflect on the legacy Mrs Jagan would have left.

“Janet endured a lot of struggle alongside Cheddi Jagan,” he said. “She was a great woman; a great example of how women should be.

“She stood beside him throughout the trials and tribulations; she was one of Guyana’s most successful women.

Also speaking at the event was WPO General Secretary, Sheila Verasammy, who said that even though Janet and Cheddi are now long gone, their memories as well as the principles by which they stood will forever live on.

She said what was even more endearing about Mrs ‘J’, revered in some quarters as “one of the world’s 16 most rebel-

lious women”, was that despite coming from a “predominantly white nation”, she made herself right at home here in her adopted country.

Reference was also made to excerpts from Dr Jagan’s “The West on Trial”, which detailed how the two met and “fell in love at first sight”, and how they worked tirelessly for the betterment of all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Social Cohesion outreach taken to Karasabai

COHESION is realised when persons respect the views of others as they collaborate to develop the country. This view was posited by Programme Coordinator at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Sharon Patterson, at a sensitisation outreach held by the Ministry in Karasabai, Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

The visiting team was led by Patterson, who was

accompanied by Liaison Officer Shabbir Ali, by Toshao Elvis Edwards and District Development Officer Leroy Edwards. Patterson told the residents that it is important to recognise the undertakings of social cohesion. “It is not saying that you have to put away our political views, or you have to put away your religious views or your cultural views. Everybody still holds on to what they believe in

but cohesion and harmony allows you to still respect the differences. So, you do not have to change your way, you do not have to give up what you believe in, but what it does is that it helps you to have a deeper appreciation for the other person’s difference, what the other person believes in; but you can still work together.”

The Programme Coordinator said the ministry’s

A section of the gathering at the outreach in Karasabai, Region Nine goal is a unified Guyana and, as such, is willing to work along with communities to strengthen partnership and bridge gaps.

The residents were also informed of some of the activities the Ministry will be undertaking to foster social cohesion. Reference was made to the hosting of the second Harmony village which is scheduled to be held this year on April 12.

Patterson encouraged the Karasabai residents to come forward with similar ideas which will see the entire community benefiting.

Toshao of the village, Elvis Edwards, welcomed

the initiative by the ministry. He noted that there is a need for citizens to work together to develop the country. Edwards told the gathering that as residents of Karasabai and citizens of Guyana, they have a responsibility to promote and practise social cohesion.

“I never knew the meaning of the word cohesion but I think the work cohesion means together. For example, I think when you are building a structure, cement, mud, rock, sand, everything comes together and, make concrete and make a proper foundation.”

District Development

Officer (DDO) Leroy Edwards said that he is prepared to work with any ministry of the government for the advancement of the people. The DDO said that collaboration is the only way to ensure development within the region.

The outreach in the community is part of the Ministry’s work plan to promote social cohesion countrywide for a unified Guyana. It will be followed by a series of workshops aimed at providing residents with a clearer understanding of the methods to achieve social cohesion. (DPI)

‘Rooftop eyewitness’ ...

From page 2

police station as they were afraid for his safety and that of their family Hughes said he went to the Softball Association of Guyana ground on Carifesta Avenue on Wednesday morning and spoke with a person who described himself as a supervisor. The individual confirmed the presence of Lyte at the location on March 15, 2018 but said that he (Lyte) was not on the roof at the time of the shooting.

Hughes added that he subsequently learnt from another source that the contractor was interviewed by the police prior to his arrival and was in fear of losing his contract with the government to repair the building.

“Earlier this morning we delivered a letter to the Commissioner of Police expressing the exact fear of Mr. Lyte. Today, I have personally interviewed two additional eyewitnesses who were at much closer proximity to the shooting and whose line of sight was considerably more proximate than that of Mr. Lyte. I also spoke to both the Minister of Public Security and the Crime Chief about the fears of the witnesses about their safety. This was prior to the commissioner’s statements later this afternoon,” he said.

Hughes noted that in light of the considerable fear and apprehension felt by eyewitnesses who have provided him with

statements of the events of the March 15, the family of Cordis is of the opinion that it is beyond the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the death of Dextroy Cordis.

“These statements have disclosed a frightening chronology of events which have cast not only grave doubts on the version of events provided by the commissioner of police, but include a recount of one of the police officers turning his guns on a group of persons who were playing football at the Guyana National Service (GNS) ground when they were observed looking on at the events. Both of these witnesses have expressed little confidence in the ability of the GPF to protect them and in the light of the public statements and treatment of Mr. Lyte by the commissioner of police who commented without the benefit of an interview with him, the fears of the two witnesses along with that of Mr. Lyte are now fully justified. I personally telephoned both the minister of public security and the crime chief today to express these fears,” he said.

The family of Cordis, Hughes said, is of the firm belief that the GPF cannot be entrusted to conduct a fair investigation into the shooting deaths of the young men and are calling for a full independent investigation.

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Get ‘oil smart’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

… US Ambassador urges Guyanese not to be sidetracked by so-called oil experts

UNITED States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, is urging Guyanese to equip themselves with the facts on the oil and gas sector, and more so the Petroleum Agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its partners.

Critics of the deal have complained bitterly about the contract and have questioned the benefits to be derived from the industry under this current construct but the US Ambassador said Guyana’s earnings per day when it starts producing oil, come 2020, is no myth or fake news.

In an exclusive interview on the Jumpstart Show on 94.1FM Thursday morning, Ambassador Holloway told News Source Editor-in-Chief Gordon Moseley that there is information on the budding Oil and Gas Sector then there is misinformation on the sector that is being peddled in news; as such it is important for Guyanese to get “oil smart” and become knowledgeable by conducting personal research.

“Oil is a very complicated industry, there is a lot to know, a lot to learn. I encourage everyone, experts or not, to continue to learn … a lot of stuff is available online including the contracts, so I encourage people not just to take anyone, myself included at their word but to go out and investigate it and find out the truth,” the US Ambassador told listeners tuned in to 94.1FM. He noted that since the coming of oil, there has been a plethora of news articles aimed at comparing Guyana with other oil-producing nations that have fallen on difficult times. “Cherry picking of data, whether it’s to sell newspapers or for political means, I guess that’s what you do to sell newspapers or advance political agendas.

But I’ll just encourage everyone to go out and get the whole story,” he urged.

The Petroleum Agreement was originally signed

in 1999 between ExxonMobil and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government but was slightly adjusted after the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government took office. Under the revised agreement, Guyana will receive 50 per cent of the oil profits and two per cent royalty.

Analysing the agreement, Ambassador Holloway said the Government in 1999 signed the contract with ExxonMobil in “very good faith,” noting that it was a “good deal.” The renegotiated contract is also pleasing; he further posited, adding that the country’s GDP is likely to triple when oil production starts.

“2020 is first oil production (with) 100,000 barrels per day – that is not a myth.

That is not fake news. It is true, it is going to happen.

Probably within four or five years after that, Guyana will be doing 500,000 barrels (of oil) per day…and when Guyana does 500,000 barrels per day, even at very low oil prices…the money that Guyana will get will be in the neighbourhood of $10B. Guyana’s current annual GDP is about $3.5B - so almost a tripling of revenues coming in,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

He noted that what a country does with its oil revenues is entirely up to the Government and the people.

“So if the Government is corrupt then you could imagine the results you would get.

So while everyone should hold Exxon’s feet to the fire, everyone is going to have to, in the future hold whatever Government is in power, (their) feet to the fire.

“What happens to the money they get from oil revenues should be determined by the government and people, it is not determined by the company providing the money,” Ambassador Holloway further explained.

He expressed the hope that when the revenues begin to roll in, the Government in consultation with the people would invest heavily in infrastructure, education, health, security and agriculture in

addition to other sectors.

Ambassador Holloway noted that jobs will be created when the oil revenues trickle down to other sectors and industries. “The real job creation from petroleum is not going to be the millions of jobs created from petroleum because it will not create millions of job…. It would probably create thousands if not tens of thousands… the oil is offshore and would likely be refined somewhere else,” he said, adding that “real job creation” will occur in areas where Government pumps financial resources.

In an Op-ED earlier this month, the US Ambassador had underscored the importance of having a Sovereign Wealth Fund, stating that ‘it will not be enough simply to have a ‘rainy day fund’ or even an investment fund but to institute a revenue and investment framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation.”

As the development of a long-term vision for a green, sustainable economy continues, Ambassador Holloway said it was hoped that conversations continue to prioritise the implementation of a strong, comprehensive sovereign wealth fund bill, in the broadest sense, that is transparent, independent, inviolable, and non-partisan.

His statements, however, were met with objections by the Finance Ministry. According to the Ministry, the Op-ED sought to create the impression that the Government and by extension the Finance Ministry has not made significant progress on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill.

However, the US Ambassador clarified on Thursday that his Op-ED published in local newspaper on March 13, 2018 was intended to educate readers, stating too that he had given recognition to the Government for the significant progress made thus far. The foundation for the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund began in 2016. The draft Sovereign Wealth Fund legislation was compiled by the Ministry of Finance with support from the Commonwealth Secre-

tariat.

A green paper on the subject will be published in 2018 and consultations will

occur subsequently.

The legislation is intended to be laid in Parliament by the end of 2018.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

Major investors to start agro-processing at Wales

CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), Colvin Heath-London, has announced that within the next two months two major investors are to start agro-processing activities at the Wales Estate.

In an interview on Wednesday supporting the Ministry of Finance’s television programme, Dollars and $ense, Heath-London said, “We are hoping in the near future, within the next two months we should have two major investors in the Wales space, starting agro-production”.

Heath-London, who heads the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU), said the entity is looking at major agro-processing and cultivation activities at Wales.

He said too that his entity has received several expressions of interest and noted that between GUYSUCO and the SPU, arrangements have been made to re-employ some of the severed Wales Estate workers.

“So we are expecting within this week, re-employment to start which would see another 32-40 workers back at work,” Heath-London stated. Additionally, he noted that only some facilities at the Wales Estate were put on sale, including the senior staff compound; the administrative building, the old factory itself and some lands that are suitable for real estate.

“We had an expression of interest out for a period of one week…we were practically oversubscribed. The results and numbers people have offered for the land far exceeded our expectation,” he stated. Back in 2016, government and the sugar company had decided that in view of efforts to restructure the industry, the Wales factory would be merged with Uitvlugt. That decision resulted in widespread criticism from both workers and the unions that represent sugar workers across the country.

Notwithstanding the protests, GuySuCo had committed to paying severance to

those affected by the merger, but was barred from doing so after GAWU filed an injunction blocking the payment, which was to be made on May 13. GuySuCo has been operating at a loss for a number of years, as a result of the world market price for sugar; and as such, a macro approach was taken in relation to the Wales Estate, government stated.

Over the years, billions of dollars have been plugged into the sector, which in the past contributed significantly to the country’s economic stability. Government had announced that feasibility studies are being conducted in the areas of cattle rearing for dairy purposes, orchard crop cultivation, and aquaculture, to name a few activities proposed to be undertaken at Wales.

On Wednesday, Heath-London had disclosed that the SPU secured a $30B syndicated bond to aid in the revitalisation of the country’s sugar industry. “We have made strides in the international markets to secure a

Police searching for armed robbery suspect A BEL AIR, Georgetown resident who was on Thursday morning robbed by two bandits, quickly reported the matter to two policemen on motorcycle patrol who then confronted the men in the community.

One of the men, who was armed, began to run while the other escaped in another

direction.

The police gave chase behind the suspected robber who was armed but the man managed to escape in the heavy bushes in front of the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Sophia Training Centre. Police are continuing the search.

Police on Thursday searching for the suspected armed robber who jumped into these bushes

syndicated bond for $30B. I am pleased to announce we have been very, very successful and we have very

good rates,” Heath-London announced.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the entity

will be receiving the cash in two weeks’ time and will have a five-year repayment period.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Gov’t ready to start work on Stabroek Market wharf –– but City Hall still dithering on relocating vendors

GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has lamented recently that there are still some vendors who are living on the streets, “doing everything possible in the drains.”

“They got friends at City Hall,” responded APNU (A Partnership for National Unity)Councillor, Andrea Marks.

The Mayor, at the statutory meeting earlier this week, said the City Council will not permit vendors to live on the streets. “They are bathing and doing everything on site; everything

possible in the drains,” she said.

Town Clerk Royston King said the administration is still awaiting a policy decision from the Markets Public Health Committee, which would regulate street vending in Georgetown.

Noting that the current situation is getting out of control, King said: “We’re asking Council to allow administration to do its work by submitting that policy,” he said.

After two years, the administration is still waiting on the said committee for

that policy, and King has time and again lamented that while the committee fails to come forward with the policy and with suggestions for relocating vendors to facilitate certain projects, the administration is severely criticised each time it moves to take a decision.

But outgoing Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, who is heading the Markets Committee, offered recently that it is not easy to do a policy document.

While the committee benefitted from a policy outline from the mayor,

Jaikarran said that it’s a lack of cooperation from the town clerk which is holding up the process of relocating vendors so that the Stabroek Market wharf can be repaired.

But King pointed out that the street vending policy is not to be confused with the repairs of the Stabroek wharf.

Jaikarran said the town clerk should cooperate some more with the committee to identify available spots for the relocation.

“We shouldn’t shift our responsibilities. It is the duty and responsibility of the committee to walk through the streets and identify such

spots. It is not fair to throw it on the administration,” responded the mayor.

She noted that if the councillors continue to depend on the administration, then they will not be acting independently.

King said there are several activities which hinge on the creation of the street vending policy. He observed that while there has been no vending at the Stabroek Market Square, there has been “a slow but steady” increase of vendors on the parameters of the 1763 Monument, popularly known as the Cuffy Monument.

Councillor Welton Clarke suggested that the committee be more effective

and equipped with people who have the ability, capacity and a willingness to work.

Councillor Marks made it known that she has already suggested seven possible spots where the vendors can be relocated.

Meanwhile, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has indicated that it will be starting works on the Stabroek Market wharf before the end of this year’s first quarter, and the mayor has for the longest while been lamenting the “lackadaisical” attitude with which the Markets Committee has been approaching the relocation of the vendors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

Reflecting Values, Society and Religion

RELIGION and the politics of ancient society have always influenced and wrestled with each other in every season of the growth of human consciousness. Science is convinced that religion or instead the faculty to conceptualise our development and growth in the realm of symbolic language is ingrained in our consciousness.

There’s no collection of data that can point to the origin of our mystery systems, though it is evident that the continent of ancient Africa even before our recorded history so far, was the womb of the rituals of symbolic language that birthed the Khemetic mystery systems Hebrew doctrine - Christianity and Islam and influenced the Classical Greco-Roman era, thus, it was not by error

of the New Testament, and its possible interferences, it brings to our world, the profound reasoning of terms like ‘Blessed’ that has become a form of password today, but in the scriptures used in this singular context as “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Possibly the only place in the scriptures, that the term ‘Blessed’ is used. How do we compete with “He who is without sin cast the first stone,” as a deterrent to gossip-mongering assumptions based on feelings so prevalent in our sciety. And the reference to the ‘servants and their usage of talents given by their master’ and possibly the most profound lesson on responsibility, through

day “a generation of vipers.” This Easter, for those citizens who will be attending Church, when you have spare time, read the scriptures as you would a novel, digest and interpret the events, not as a church reading by the pastor, but as an engagement with your own mind and spirit.

My father used to say “treat your body as a temple and the gods will bless you”. He didn’t hear his own words, but I found that relevant message years ago in a reference to defilement, and have struggled to keep the temple secure, despite a fall to temptation here and there, I concede that the flesh is weak, now and again.

Religion is meant to be the personal awareness of knowledge, its simplicity and practice. In Guyana today

that the doctrine we now call Christianity found its root there. Easter embodies the epic of the death of the Christ, but even more, the concept of redemption, this is what our secular laws are based upon.

Decrees and mystery philosophies that uphold the building of the human spirit along principles that make us better people are all we have to separate us from destroying each other. We humans do not have the disciplined instincts of the animal kingdom, possibly because, when we were cast out of the sphere of Eden, they remained in its bliss; they kill when they are hungry, attack in defence of their young, and with humans, show loyalty reciprocal to our understanding of their needs.

What makes the Easter event different is that it belongs to a group of reports of saviours among nations in the ancient world, which brought hope and promise to populations with a dogma of self exploring and the examination of current creeds and customs and the upward movement of rehabilitation towards a better existence.

Though the story and existence of The New Testament is still debated because of the lack of the irrefutable documentation, especially by the Roman colonisers of ancient Jerusalem, about the trial and existence of Christ, though there are more references to the conflicts of the Zealots, the Essenes against Roman forces. But the narratives of the apostles do reach out with a philosophy of incredible revolutionary doctrine, intent on redeeming what this branch of the Hebrew people had fossilised into, of rites, rituals and creeds through their priesthood and not entirely serving to uplift their population. It was as if the Christ (referred to as Maa Kheru –Truth speaker in the khemetic –Egyptian- religion) had come to undo the fixations on being the chosen people, with divine entitlement that possessed the Israelites in the lands they had, and still dwelt in. Regardless of the disputes about the authenticity

understanding that “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, lo here! or, lo there!

For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” The Gospels constitute an essential pool of knowledge that can be translated into day-to-day approaches to living without pretentions of self-righteousness, no doubt coming from influences across ages.

Our modern day relationship in many aspects is the rites and ritual traditional template that the Christ fought a battle for minds and souls against the masquerade of commerce in the temple, and in the busing language of the day called the runnings ‘Pastors, Bishops and Popes’’ of that

an effort of redemption to return this nation to sanity and collective responsibility is intended. This is tougher to do with the gift of deception that humans have nurtured over the ages. Treachery is the moon-child of callous ambition, political abuse and lies, insane obsessions with wealth, deceit by media writers, and people with corruption and murder ingrained in their nature.

We must see Easter as a metaphor of national redemption; that “we must do unto others as we would wish them to do onto us.” Strength people, resurrection begins with you and me, learn from the experience of others.

Don’t reinvent misery. Happy Easter!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

President surprises Regio –– takes them kites for the Easter holidays

THE look on their little faces said it all as President David Granger and his ministerial team paid the scores of children gathered at the Anna Regina Car Park a surprise visit.

And like every dot-

ing parent, they didn’t go empty-handed, as they took with them some beautifully-made kites to be distributed among the children, seeing that the Easter holidays are already upon us.

Addressing the mam-

moth gathering at the Anna Regina Car Park, President Granger said Region Two will always have a special place in his heart, and that whenever he visits he tends to get very nostalgic.

He said, too, that wher-

President Granger trying to gain the interest a toddler in one of his colourful little presents ever he happens to pay the region a visit, he does so for three particular reasons, one of which is to socialise with the young people.

And, speaking of young people, President Granger seized the opportunity to share with them the meaning of Easter and the purpose behind the

tradition of flying kites at this time of year.

Starting at the very beginning, President Granger said: “During the period of

Part of the gathering assembled at the Anna Regina Car Park to welcome the President and his entourage Lent, people denied themselves of meat, and fasted for 40 days and nights.

“Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, so Lent is a period of sadness and fasting. And this is the last week of Lent, which reminds us of the passion and the suffering of Jesus.

“Tomorrow Friday, you will remember His crucifixion, and on Sunday, you will remember His resurrection.”

With Easter being one of the most important fes-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

on 2 children

Children at the Anna Regina Car Park with their kites tivals in Christianity because of its association with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, President Granger said: “Children like to fly kites, and every child in Guyana, and even big persons, can look back and remember when they used to fly kites.

“So today, we have

come to share kites and spread the joy of Easter.”

Of course, the children were ecstatic, as what he said struck a chord with them.

One child named Marvin Pitman said he was delighted to have received a kite from the President himself, and thanked His Excellency and his team for making his day.

Another said that he

would be flying his kite at the Anna Regina Seawall.

President Granger did the honours of distributing the kites, with the aid of Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ms Annette Ferguson and Minister of Social Protection, Ms Amna Ally.

Rift between senior, junior constabulary officers to be investigated THE City Constabulary Department is battling grave issues between its female senior and junior officers, with the former being accused of ‘taking advantage’ of the latter.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green earlier this week raised concerns about the issue, saying she has been receiving complaints about it on a daily basis.

“Female constables are continuing to complain of the advantage being taken of them by senior female members of the Constabulary,” Chase-Green told councillors, in the presence of Chief Constable Andrew Foo. Foo had earlier stood up to explain that it had become necessary to fire two officers due to the number of absent and sick days that the two had accumulated.

According to Foo, the officers were warned, charged departmentally, and even suspended; that they’d gone through the entire disciplinary process in the Constabulary. This kind of performance has been ongoing for a number of years, he said.

But the Mayor began speaking about the treatment being meted out to some of these officers, noting how they are told the most horrendous things, and if

they respond, they are charged.

In some instances, Chase-Green said, the officers are deliberately sent to places that have no light and without any batons. They are also required to report for duty in the wee hours of the morning with no transportation provided.

“I get reports every day of how they are approached and spoken to by senior officers. Some are afraid to put the complaints in writing, because they may be further penalised,” Chase-Green said.

In one case, the Mayor noted how a female constable asked to be stationed at a place closer to where she lives, as she was walking with crutches, but was denied her request.

Councillor Andrea Marks posited that if the officers come forward, they will lose their jobs. “You can’t threaten a person looking for a daily bread,” she said.

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira said about five female constables complained to him in the past, but are fearful of losing their jobs.

Town Clerk Royston King said the welfare officer will submit a report on the issue by the next statutory meeting.

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Trade union movement needs ‘new blood’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

– says Christopher Ram

THERE is need for “new blood” in the trade union movement said Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, adding that the youths need an opportunity to make their contribution to the development of the country’s labour force.

“A labour movement is a critical part of a society but, it must bring new blood, new ideas and help to build courage,” said Ram at the launch of the sixth delegates’ conference of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on Wednesday.

The attorney, who was also the guest-speaker at the event, lambasted the veteran leaders of the unions for extending their tenures for far too long.

“Leaders have bent the rules in their favour that challenges at election time are invariably doom to failure,”

Some of the trade unionists and delegates singing together on Wednesday

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram he lamented, pointing out that heroic efforts change because the leaders cited a change in the constitution that guaranteed their longevity at the helm of the union.

Although Ram did not identify a particular trade unionist, he did advise them to retire and act in an advisory position and let new people have an opportunity to lead the union.

“Leadership makes the movement strong; the structure of the movement needs to change and age limits need to be introduced and new blood

nurtured,” the attorney said.

While he acknowledged that the changes might take some time, Ram encouraged them to add it to their agenda for discussion.

In addition, the issues of workers welfare and interest were also some of the things that he advised them to address.

“Let the debate be around a platform of sustainable development and based on the Latin American Region of the union movement,” Ram said.

According to the Latin American trade union movement, there should be strategies involving a new approach to the economy; decent jobs and good employment; universal public services; and a sustained strategy to redistributing income to the labour.

In order to achieve certain goals, veteran trade unionist, Grantley Culbert believes that they need to remain united, strong and they must do their best to build the country.

His sentiments were echoed by President of FITUG, Carvil Duncan, who added that they must bury their difficulties in order to move on.

Fisherman missing after boat capsizes in Pomeroon River INGESUS SIMONS, 56, a fisherman of Karwab, Upper Pomeroon River is feared drowned after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the vicinity of Labba Creek, Upper Pomeroon River on Tuesday.

According to the wife of the deceased, Evednay John, she and her husband, along with their fouryear-old son, Kenroy Simon, were heading home in their wooden paddle boat when a speedboat passed them, creating heavy waves that capsized their boat.

Luckily, John and her son managed to swim ashore but the father went missing. A number of searches carried out to locate him have so far proved futile.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

NABI Oil and Gas Inc. contract released … features production share pegged at US$100 per barrel price; 50/50 profit split up to 50,000 barrels per day

THE Ministry of Natural Resources yesterday released yet another Production Sharing Agreement, this time for NABI Oil and Gas Inc., the first company with an onshore concession whose contract was released.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources, in keeping with its commitment to release major contracts between the Government of the Coopera-

tive Republic of Guyana and companies in the extractive industries sector, now makes available the contract with NABI Oil and Gas Inc.,” the Ministry said in a press release yesterday.

The contract was signed in June 2012 by then President Donald Ramotar and Company Secretary/Director of Nabi Oil and Gas Inc., Rafael S. Nabi.

In June 2012, the com-

pany was granted a lease for 2,300 square kilometres onshore in the Mahaica-Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara area. This area is considered part of the Guyana Basin which encompasses both onshore and offshore.

The Ministry noted that during the last quarter of 2013, the company conducted a geochemistry survey and was in the process of analyzing the data it had gathered.

The company’s activities have, however, been dormant since that time.

The released PSA features a cost-recovery ceiling 70 per cent pegged on the price of oil being US$100 and above per barrel and 75 per cent should the price fall below US$100.

The remaining 25 per cent or 30 percent portion of profit oil will be split between the contractor and Government on a 50/50

basis if production remains below 50,000 barrels per day. Should it top that level, the production will be shared on a 55/45 in favour of Government. Royalty is one per cent payable from the Government’s share of the profits.

The PSA for NABI Oil and Gas Inc. does not have a signing bonus clause but does feature a Stability Clause not unlike those that have been

included in the other released PSAs. Since the release of the ExxonMobil PSA in late December 2017, the Government has released PSAs for CGX Resources Inc., Eco-Atlantic Oil and Gas and Tullow Oil and Ratio Energy Inc. NABI Oil & Gas Inc. is a locally owned company that started in 2010 as a project management, logistical support, drilling, energy and construction company.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Apologise to me, King commands Duncan

TOWN Clerk Royston King has sent a lawyer’s letter to Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Sherod Duncan demanding an apology for newspaper articles that King said have brought him into ridicule and contempt.

Attorney-at-law Maxwell Edwards prepared

the “Demand Letter” on behalf of King, in which three Guyana Chronicle articles were cited with the headlines, “Duncan signals no-confidence vote against King”, “King faces no-confidence vote,” and “Secret Ballot to decide King’s fate.”

The letter said the state-

Town Clerk Royston King

ments mentioned in the article conveyed the meaning that the town clerk was in serious jeopardy of administrative disciplinary proceedings and liable to disciplinary consequences as severe as dismissal from office of town clerk.

“The offending published statements and

comments constitute a most callous and disparaging libel of my client done with malice; and with the predominant intent to injure my client in his employment,” the letter said.

King wants a full apology from Duncan to be published in the Guyana Chronicle.

AFC Councillor Sherod Duncan

Some GGMC staff sent on sick leave for mercury poisoning THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has confirmed that a small number of its staffers have been sent home on sick leave as a result of suspected mercury poisoning.

GGMC’s Commissioner Newell Dennison told the Guyana Chronicle Thursday that “less than 10 persons” have so far been asked to stay at home based on doctor’s recommendation.

The natural resources agency has been conducting testing of its staffers for unusual levels of mercury poisoning and found that a relatively large number of persons, many not directly in contact with the substance, have been affected.

Dennison said, “There are indeed persons who have been evaluated and the need was felt for them to go on leave. We are following through on that,” he told the

newspaper. The GGMC head said that where any staff is required to go on leave for any health reason, the Commission will be in full support.

Dennison noted that currently, testing of the GGMC staffers does not only speak to mercury poisoning, but other possible on-the-job environmental hazards that might have an effect on them. In that regard, Dennison noted that while persons

have been sent on sick leave, he could not say precisely whether all were directly related to mercury poisoning.

GGMC sources have noted, however, that many of those sent home had extremely high levels of mercury within their systems.

While a normal whole blood mercury level is reported ideally at 10 ng/mL and 15ng/mL for professionals who work with small amounts of the chemical, some GGMC staffers were said to have as much as 20 and 21 ng/mL in their blood streams.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that some staffers were reportedly given 10 to 30 days off along with treatment. The GGMC is expected to soon have a shipment of medication which was ordered a few weeks early.

Dennison said he had not yet received information on the arrival of the drugs, but expected that it would be available “any day now”.

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has a facility in the GGMC compound where burning of gold is done to get rid of the mercury used to remove the impurities in the mineral. This lab, officials said, is responsible for the emissions that have affected staffers.

It was noted that while the GGMC conducts regular testing for various matters at the agency, the unusually high levels of mercury poisoning is a first. Dennison told the newspaper that GGMC has had a testing routine that allowed for regular testing of random staffers and various parts or areas of the

compound to get an idea of the mercury emissions within the space.

Given the current situation, the Commissioner said a broader testing scheme will have to be embraced. This, he said, will have to entail a general health and wellness arrangement.

Dennison noted that so far, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Social Protection have been paying attention to the situation and are working with the Commission to address the matter.

Dennison reiterated full support for the GGMC staffers who have been affected and reminded that the Commission has taken up its responsibility in addressing the health needs of those workers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30 2018

Timely boost –– Food For the Poor donates equipment, supplies to Port Mourant Hospital, West Demerara Chest Clinic

By Shirley Thomas

FOOD for the Poor Inc. on Wednesday donated a large quantity of medical equipment and supplies to the Port Mourant Maternity Hospital, Region Six, and the West Demerara Chest Clinic, Region Three.

The items were handed over to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings by

of Public Health and said he was pleased to have the minister visit on this occasion.

“Food for the Poor, as you know, is interested in the health of the nation and always pleased to make these donations. Every month we give medical items, pharmaceuticals and other medical equipment to the Ministry of Public Health for hospitals and today we are very

Mahfood who initially donated to the poor, using profit from his own flourishing business to his fellow Jamaicans.

Over time, Mahfood wanted to extend this aid to the poor in other countries, which he did, and became famously known as a ‘Beggar for the Poor’, Dr. Cummings recalled.

The Food for the Poor Inc. has expanded and now serves in several oth-

Chief Executive Officer, Food For the Poor Inc., Kent Vincent (centre) presents token of donations to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings at the handing-over ceremony at FFP. Looking on are health and Food for the Poor Inc. officials. a wheelchair programme that has distributed over 550 wheelchairs to the needy of Guyana.

The organisation has also expanded in other

lishment in 1991.

The items for the West Demerara Regional Hospital have come in rather timely since work is now apace on having the

furnishing. The timeliness of the items such as hospital beds and vital signs monitors to the unit as donated by Food for the Poor Inc. will allow

Incubators and other supplies donated by Food for the Poor Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor Inc., Kent Vincent at a simple ceremony held at Food for the Poor, Festival City, Georgetown.

Others present at the handing-over ceremony include head of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Programme, Dr. Joann Simpson; head of the Regional Health Services, Dr. Dinelli Dripal; Co-oordinator of the National Desk, Ministry of Public Health, Denroy Tudor; Regional Health Officer, Region Three, Dr. Ravendra Dudhnath; Director of Regional Health Services, East Berbice, Corentyne, Jevaughn Stephens; adviser to the Senior Minister of Public Health; and FFP representative for Berbice, Alex Foster.

In presenting the items to Dr. Cummings, CEO Vincent referred to the healthy collaboration existing between Food for the Poor and the Ministry

happy to be able to do this again,” the CEO said.

Dr. Cummings expressed gratitude to the donor organisation for the items received on behalf of the Port Mourant Hospital and West Demerara Chest Clinic.

Items donated to the Port Mourant Hospital include 13 baby basonettes, two incubators, eight recliner chairs, two infant warmers, four vital signs monitors, and two patients’ chairs, along with a quantity of pallets of assorted medical items.

The West Demerara Chest Clinic received eight electronic hospital beds and two vital signs monitors, along with other assorted medical items.

Dr. Cummings, with a sense of pride and appreciation, traced the development of Food for the Poor Inc , noting that it all began with and was founded by a Jamaicanborn Christian young man by the name of Ferdinand

er countries around the world including Antigua, Belize, Peru, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua and even the United States of America.

Dr. Cummings recalled that in Guyana, the organisation was established on June 3, 1991 and has quickly grown to become one of the largest existing non-governmental organisations in the country.

“Some of its more notable achievements in Guyana include the construction of over 3,400 housing units -both in the coastland and hinterland Guyana and has donated in excess of 159 containers of food, medical supplies, educational supplies and sporting equipment,” the minister recollected.

Moreover, the Food for the Poor has established the ‘Angels of Hope’ Programme that attends to approximately 244 children in 12 orphanages and

areas, including water and animal husbandry and agricultural projects.

Dr. Cummings said the Ministry of Public Health is extremely appreciative of all the hard work and donations made to the residents of Guyana over the years since its estab-

hospital house the TB Step Down Care Unit that will offer superior care to patients who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Being in the final stages of construction, the Tuberculosis Step Down Care Unit is in need of

the health care professionals to offer efficient and effective care to the patients who will be treated at that facility.

To this end, she reiterated thanks to the management and staff of Food for the Poor for the donation.

Dr. Karen Cummings displays her riding skills, using one of the motorised wheelchairs from FFP while other doctors and FFP officials look on

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

GNNL on board with Berbice Cricket Board THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) has confirmed its support towards the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) educational posters programme, which will be unveiled at the board’s annual Awards Ceremony, scheduled for April 21, 2018, at State House in New Amsterdam.

The company made a financial contribution to assist with the publication of two of the posters.

The BCB is expected to publish six posters during 2018 and these will be distributed only to Berbice cricket clubs and players.

During the simple presentation ceremony, Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited’s Board of Directors, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, stated that she and fellow directors were impressed with the work of the BCB and as such the company was pleased to assist in the effort to educate youths.

She noted that while natural talent is important, knowledge of cricket is crucial as it would allow cricketers to become well-rounded individuals.

The Chairperson extended best wishes to the BCB and expressed confidence that the posters programme would achieve all of its objectives.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, extended gratitude to the directors for their investment into Berbice cricket and pledged that his administration would work hard every day to make sure that every potential in Berbice is fulfilled.

The board, Foster stated, has turned around the status of the game in Berbice in just six weeks and predicted that by the end of 2018, Berbice cricket would be in a class of its own in the West Indies.

The main objectives of the multi-coloured 11’ x 17’ posters would be to educate youths on the history of the game, rules of cricket, the art of batting and bowling, Test cricketers produced

by Berbice and also to encourage them to work on their own game on a full-time basis.

Members of the BCB Cricket Development Committee would be responsible for the contents of the posters.

Guyana dominate Windwards, title-holders Barbados lose to T&T

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Title-holders Barbados started their campaign on a losing note when they went down to eighttime champions Trinidad and Tobago, in the opening round of the Regional Under-15 Championship here Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 109 for victory at Sabina Park, T&T romped to their target in the 40th over, to complete a fairly comfortable five-wicket victory.

T&T looked in dire straits when they declined to seven for three early in their innings but Nick Ramlal struck a crucial unbeaten 38 and Sachin Emrit, 22, to pull their side out of trouble.

They put on 59 in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand after the innings had further slumped to 50 for five.

Earlier, Barbados experienced a similarly dodgy start, slipping to 18 for three before Tariq O’Neale (28) and captain Numar Bolden (20) repaired the damage.

Andrew Rambaran Ramlal (3-13) and fellow left-arm spinner Ramlal (3-39) also claimed wickets.

At Kensington Park, Guyana put their strong batting on show to whip Windward Islands by 70 runs.

Sent in, Guyana posted 224 for nine off their 50 overs, with opener Shamar Yearwood stroking a top score of 75 and Mavendra Dindyal getting 59.

The pair put on 141 for the second wicket after Guyana found themselves in trouble at nine for one. Leg-spinner Ackeem Auguste finished with five for 33.

In reply, Kervyn Gangadeen struck 34 and Stephan Pascal 23, but Mahendra Gopilall (3-25) and Chanderpaul Ramraj (3-28) grabbed wickets to send Windwards tumbling for 154 in the 45th over.

Hosts Jamaica also made a positive start to their campaign when they beat Leeward Islands by 73 runs at Melbourne Oval, thanks to 51 from Sanjay Walker and a four-wicket haul from Jordan Johnson.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

CHRONICLE WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN

Brazil get ‘revenge’ vs Germany:

Seven observations from Berlin

Brazil’s team prior to their clash with Germany in a FIFA Friendly International

A

NTICLIMACTIC as it was for those expecting a highcharged game, Brazil’s 1-0 win against Germany in Berlin on Tuesday nevertheless offered some interesting observations about the Selecao’s state of affairs for Russia 2018.

But apart from the fact that the absence of Neymar did not throw the team into meltdown mode, what else was learnt? In the spirit of pure football banter, we list seven observations: 1. BRAZIL CAN DO “PERSPIRATION OVER INSPIRATION” IF NEEDED.

Never mind that Germany fielded a second-string team at the Olympiastadion. Brazil manager Tite put into practice a game plan that pretended even Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phillip Lahm were still around: perspiration over inspiration.

By stealing balls more than trying to create spaces, the Selecao disturbed Joachim Low’s team and could have actually scored a couple more goals in the second half.

The most interesting aspect was their obsession with making Toni Kroos uncomfortable.

The Real Madrid midfielder was followed like a shadow

by Paulinho as a part of their collective attempts to deny him

space to participate in starting Germany’s attacking moves.

“We wanted to neutralise Kroos’ vertical passing. I don’t mind if he gets 56 passes right as long as they are all lateral,” joked Tite. Being able to change approaches is something that Brazil definitely lacked in the last two World Cups. In Russia, it could prove crucial and there is no shame in eating a bit of humble pie.

2. SILVA IS CLOSER THAN EVER TO A RETURN Had he not engaged in a post-match outburst in which he demanded “more respect for the Selecao”, Thiago Silva would have had a perfect night in Berlin. After losing his place on the starting XI and the captaincy during the Dunga days, spending most of the time since as an understudy for PSG teammate Marquinhos, the veteran defender is back into contention. Two safe displays against Russia and Germany left the impression that Tite could favour his mileage and experience over Marquinhos’ youth.

Silva might not be the unanimous pre-2014 World Cup pick and there are still doubters around, but he is edging his way back into the mix in the only way possible:

by playing good football.

Speeches and sound bites are not really the things needed now.

3. THE CLASS OF 2014 IS ALIVE AND WELL

Silva’s tale, as a matter of fact, is exhibit A in the argument that the Class of 2014 is not at all dead and buried.

If you consider all the players already indicated by the manager to have made his final list to Russia 2018, barring injury or a horrendous loss of form, seven veterans of the last World Cup are starters for 2018: Dani Alves, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Willian, Silva and Neymar.

In Brazil, there are fans and pundits who see that as a sign of scarcity when it comes to unearthing new players, despite the emergence of names such as Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. Others, such as 1970 World Cup winner Tostao, believe the seasoned survivors make this Brazil’s strongest crop of players in 12 years.

“Brazil’s chances of doing well and winning the World Cup are good,” wrote Tostao in his Folha de S. Paulo column after the Berlin friendly.

4. COUTINHO IS A HEADACHE FOR TITE In his post-match news conference, Tite said that the Selecao were “learning to play without Neymar.” But before anybody could pounce, the manager quickly referred to the PSG forward as “our main player, a world top 3.”

What Tite cannot do is simply wait to see how Brazil’s talismanic player will recover from a foot injury and therefore, the key to making up for his absence is Philippe Coutinho. Against Russia, the manager tested a more attacking formation, in which Douglas Costa filled in for Neymar and Coutinho paired up with Paulinho in a midfield anchored by Casemiro -- a formation much more likely to be deployed against teams who could try to “park the bus.”

I n B e r l i n , h o w e v e r, Coutinho was deployed up front on the left and looked more comfortable, while a midfield with Fernandinho and Paulinho applied more bite. Coutinho’s success could be tricky when Neymar, his old mate from Brazil youth team days, comes back.

5. ALISSON IS CRUISING The goalkeeper is behind Roma’s defensive success in Serie A and looks set to become the first goalkeeper to start for a Brazil in a World Cup without previous experience in the tournament, even as a bench player. The last time it happened was in 2002, with Marcos. Despite Manchester City’s incredible season in the Premier League, Ederson looks set to be an understudy.

In 25 Selecao games, Alisson kept 15 clean sheets.

While Low’s tinkered Germany XI didn’t really threaten him with a barrage of shots, the goalkeeper was quick on his feet when needed.

6. ‘ALVES AVENUE’ REMAINS A CONCERN There is not a better rightback in Brazil than Daniel Alves. That’s not up for debate here. However, the spaces he leaves while going forward are tempting for opponents something Leroy Sane threatened to exploit in the Germany friendly. In the same game, Willian tried to help close the

space down, but Brazil will have to be aware of it moving forward.

Another complication is that the 34-year-old Alves had lukewarm displays in the latest internationals. His immediate replacement is Danilo, despite not getting many minutes under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

7. THERE IS NOT TOO MUCH SPACE LEFT ON THE PLANE

Brazil still get to face Croatia and Austria before kicking off their World Cup campaign on June 17, but that will happen almost at the same time they and the other 31 nations taking part in the tournament need to present a final list of 23 players.

Brazil’s squad looks fairly full already with regard to players who have a realistic chance of getting on the plane. The biggest doubts (if you can call them that) are the name of the third goalkeeper and the possibility of Tite bringing a youngster to get a whiff of the World Cup atmosphere, just like Kaka rounded out the 2002 squad and Ronaldo enjoyed the trip in 1994.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

No British referee chosen for World Cup 2018 tournament

Howard Webb was the referee for the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain.

By Mandeep Sanghera THERE will be no British referee at the World Cup this summer for the first time since 1938.

FIFA has chosen 36 officials for the tournament in Russia but none from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Mark Clattenburg was the only Briton on FIFA’s long list of officials, collated in summer 2016, from which it would choose the final selection for Russia.

But he left his job with the Premier League and forfeited his place.

Clattenburg, who took charge of the Euro 2016 final when Portugal overcame hosts France, quit his job as a top-flight official in February 2017 to become Saudi Arabia’s new head of referees.

The Football Association (FA) did ask world governing body FIFA to replace him with another official but it rejected the request.

There are also no British officials among the 63

assistant referees selected, while video assistant referees (VAR) will be chosen from the pool of officials at the tournament.

VAR is being used at the World Cup for the first time.

The World Cup did not take place for 12 years after 1938 because of World War Two, and since it resumed in 1950 there has been at least one English referee at each tournament.

E n g l a n d ’s H o w a r d Webb was Britain’s sole representative at the last two World Cups in 2010 and 2014. He took charge of the 2010 final when Spain beat the Netherlands in South Africa.

In terms of FIFA’s international list, the Football Association and referees’ association PGMOL work together to put forward their choices.

The final decision is taken by the FA Referees’ Committee and they nominated Martin Atkinson, Stuart Attwell, Robert Madley, Michael Oliver, Craig Pawson, Anthony

Taylor and Paul Tierney for 2018.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been a vociferous critic of Premier League referees this season and said they “don’t work enough”.

He also said some referees are living in the “dark ages” with the way they treat players and described disputed refereeing decisions against his side as “concerning coincidences”.

The Frenchman was also given a three-game touchline ban and fined £40 000 for his behaviour in referee Mike Dean’s changing room after a 1-1 draw at West Brom in which the Baggies were awarded a controversial late penalty.

Atkinson was accused of making a “fundamental error” by former Stoke manager Mark Hughes, while Manchester City recently asked to meet the body responsible for Premier League referees - the PGMOL - to discuss their concern at tackles being made against them.

(BBC Sport)

Bacchus XI, Jaguars to battle for T20 supremacy AN EXCITING climax is anticipated on Sunday when the indomitable Bacchus XI face the roaring Jaguars in the South and Central Committee-sponsored T20 final, at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

Hosts Bacchus XI will be banking on former national youth players Yogeshwar Lall, Latchman Rohit, Parmesh Parsotam and Nathan Persaud to bolster their strong batting line-up which will also include Wayne Osborne and

Rovendra Parasram.

On the other side of the coin, Jaguars will heavily rely on former Essequibo senior inter-county opening batsman Norman Fredericks to lead the charge with stern support from Javed Azeez, Elton Bishop and Chandi Jairam.

Sixteen teams between South and Central Essequibo participated in the preliminary round of matches in the knock-out tournament which is being coordinated by Essequi-

bo Cricket Board (ECB) executive member Ramnarine Raghoobar. The first ball will be bowled at 13:30hrs, with Wazeer Dhanraj and Deva Dass as the officiating umpires.

Cash incentives and trophies will be available for the winners and man-of-the-match, along with the batsman scoring the most runs and the bowler taking the most wickets in the tournament. Entry to the ground is free. (Elroy Stephney)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

U-17 T20 tournament CA loses major sponsor over GCA/GDA Semi-finalists confirmed players’ ‘conspiracy’ to cheat

By Rajiv Bisnauth

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - The Australian cricket team lost a major sponsor and a host of large companies tore up branding deals with individual players yesterday, as the fallout of a ball-tampering scandal tore into the financial core of the country’s favourite pastime.

Fund manager Magellan Financial Group Ltd binned a three-year team naming rights deal, which was only seven months old, while sports apparel giant ASICS Corp and Commonwealth Bank of Australia joined other firms in dropping players caught in the scandal which has shaken cricket.

The quick financial fallout to the ball-tampering last Saturday in South Africa, 11,000 km (6,835 miles) away, shows the eagerness of the corporate sector to distance itself from scandal at a time when the internet and social media can keep public criticism alive seemingly indefinitely.

“A conspiracy by the leadership of the Australian men’s Test cricket team, which broke the rules with a clear intention to gain an unfair advantage during the third Test in South Africa, goes to the heart of integrity,” said Magellan CEO Hamish Douglass in the statement.

“These recent events are so inconsistent with our values that we are left with no option but to terminate our ongoing partnership with Cricket Australia.”

A day earlier, Cricket Australia slapped captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David

Warner with 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket for their role in an episode that has earned condemnation from leaders all the way up to the prime minister.

engages in conduct that might negatively impact on the image, goodwill and reputation of its partner.

More than 52 percent of Australians thought suspend-

Sacked Aussie cricketers Steve Smith (right) and David Warner

Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on camera attempting to scuff up the ball with improvised sandpaper during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town, was banned for nine months. All three were sent home from South Africa.

Magellan has not put a price on the sponsorship deal and did not immediately return calls seeking more details, but Australian media reported it was worth about A$20M ($15.30M).

The relatively low profile company’s 2017 annual report said it struck the Cricket Australia deal to improve its familiarity with Australians and forecast a “material increase in its currently modest marketing expenditure” in part because of the sponsorship.

Morals clauses are commonplace in sports sponsorship deals, allowing both parties to exit if the other

ing players for a season was the most appropriate punishment for ball-tampering, a poll

by Australian cable television network Sky News found.

Nearly a third supported a lifetime ban.

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS ALSO WALK Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s biggest lender, said it was dumping captain Smith as an ambassador “in light of recent circumstances”. It also did not disclose the price of that relationship.

Breakfast cereal maker Sanitarium Australia, which is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, also fired Smith as a ‘Weet-Bix brand ambassador’.

“Weet-Bix ambassadors represent our brand values of trust and integrity, and they speak to everything that is good about being Australian,” said Sanitarium executive

general manager Todd Saunders.

“Based on the ball-tampering incident and the findings of Cricket Australia’s investigation, we are unable to continue our relationship with Steve Smith,” Saunders added.

ASICS cancelled sponsorship deals with both vice-captain Warner and Bancroft, describing their actions as “not something that ASICS tolerates and are contrary to the values the company stands for”.

ASICS was the second sponsor to abandon Warner in two days, after electronics maker LG scrapped a newly-inked sponsorship deal with the 31-year-old.

Specsavers, a Cricket Australia sponsor, said it was “shocked and disappointed” and “in no way condones the behaviour of those involved”, but did not comment on its future with a sport seen by most Australians as the embodiment of fairness.

Other Cricket Australia sponsors stood by the organisation.

A spokesman for Yum! Brands Inc., owner of fast food chain KFC, a Cricket Australia sponsor, said it was “pleased that Cricket Australia has dealt with this incident swiftly for the benefit of the game and its fans” without commenting further.

A spokesperson for Toyota Corporation said the carmaker supported “Cricket Australia’s decision to initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of the Australian men’s teams”.

New Silvercity Secondary swamp Private Schools 10-0, MHS ease past Harmony 3-1

By Joe Chapman VINTAGE New Silvercity Secondary hammered the Private Schools Combined 10-0 and Mackenzie High School (MHS) coasted to a 3-1 win against Harmony on Wednesday afternoon, when the round-robin play in the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Linden Schools Under-18 football championship continued at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

Playing in the first game of the double-header card Mackenzie High took the lead as early as the 6th min-

ute when Kemuel Batson found the back of the net.

His team mate Lebron Deflorimonte doubled it for the MHS boys in the 28th minute before the halftime whistle.

After play resumed, Mackenzie High continued their dominance. Lorenzo Miller sent them further ahead in the 46th minute before Harmony reduced the lead when Lennox Profitt scored in the 65th minute, but the final score was still in favour of Mackenzie High who won 3-1.

New Silvercity Secondary took full advantage of a seven-man Private Schools

Combined unit and crushed them 10-0, in a savage display.

Ojani Whittington and Shane Haynes produced hattricks in the assault which read 6-0 at halftime.

Whittington netted in the 8th, 10th and 57th minutes while his team mate Shane Haynes registered his in the 18th, 20th and 34th minutes. A brace came from the boot of Emmanuel Atkins in the 14th and 38th minutes and Huey Fraser scored in the 23rd minute with Malachi Todd polishing off in the 70th-minute 10-0 mauling.

In other results on Wednesday, Wisburg Secondary trounced Linden Foundation Secondary 4-0 at home, while Harmony Secondary blanked Linden Technical Institute 1-0.

Wi s b u r g S e c o n d a r y gained all their goals in the first half of play. Joel Isaacs executed a double strike in the 16th and 32nd minutes and Leyon Jones in the 20th and Quacy Cadogan in the 31st minutes.

In the 1-0 win by Harmony Secondary over Linden Technical Institute, Osafo Paul made their lone strike in the 18th minute.

AFTER three rounds of intense action, the semi-finalists have been confirmed for the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) T20 tournament.

According to the playing conditions, the top two teams in each zone will progress to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for April 5.

Transport Sports Club (TSC) will face Everest Cricket Club (ECC) in the first game, which is billed for the GCC ground from 12:00hrs, while Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will host Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) from 18:00hrs under lights.

Bowlers in both departments dominated the third and final round, which concluded Wednesday afternoon with four games around the city.

They were mainly responsible for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), DCC, TSC and ECC registering contrasting wins.

GCC defeated Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) by five wickets in a relatively low-scoring encounter.

GYO fielded a nine-man team and were left ruing the decision to bat first on a wicket that provided variable bounce. They suffered a batting meltdown right from the start, and despite an even 50 from Dwain Dick, they were eventually bowled out for 71 in 14.2 overs. Medium pacer Thaddeus Lovell and leg-spinner Keon Wright sparked GYO’s batting capitulation with figures of 3-15 and 3-14 respectively.

GCC lost Aryan Persaud and Rahaul Singh early in their reply but then recovered from the initial setback to reach 74-5. Rivaldo Phillips held the inning together with a top score of 29.

The game between GNIC and DCC ended with the latter winning by five wickets.

GNIC decided to take first strike on a good batting pitch, but barring tail-ender Trevon Jones (23), middle-order batsmen Jeremiah Benjamin (13) and Raymond Bandhu (15), the remaining batsmen had a tough time negotiating the DCC bowlers.

Running between the wickets and rotating the strike were the main issues in GNIC’s innings, as they put together only 77-6 when the allotted overs expired.

It was a total bowling effort from the Queenstown-based team, but it was left-arm spinner Daniel Mootoo, who caused the most damage with figures of 3-3 in his four overs.

Jeffrey Blair and Romeo Brown then engineered a batting collapse with two wickets each, as DCC slipped to 31-4. However, Sachin Singh continued his good form with the bat and played cautiously for an unbeaten 29 to secure the victory.

TSC defeated MSC by 29 runs while ECC whipped St Stanislaus College by seven wickets.

The final is billed for April 7.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Lehmann to quit as Australia coach

By Nomvelo Chalumbira, Nick Mulvenney

JOHANNESBURG/SYDNEY, (Reuters) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann said yesterday he would step down after this week’s Test match against South Africa, as he took ultimate responsibility for the culture of a team embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport.

Lehmann, who had previously told reporters he would not stand aside, said that his decision was due in part to the abuse his family received after three Australia players conspired to scuff up the ball with sandpaper during the third Test against South Africa.

Cricket Australia had cleared Lehmann of wrongdoing this week following an investigation that saw sacked captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner banned for 12 months. Batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

In an emotional media briefing, Lehmann, who had also come under fire for what critics called a toxic culture

within the team, said his decision was voluntary.

“Ultimately I’m responsible for the culture of the team.

I’ve been thinking about my position for a while, despite telling media yesterday that I’m not resigning,” he told reporters in Johannesburg.

ers at the centre of the Cape Town scandal made apologetic returns to Australia yesterday.

Smith was unable to complete his news conference at Sydney Airport and was ushered out of the room after a short display of raw emotion during which he

An emotional Darren Lehmann at the briefing

“My family and I got a lot of abuse over the last week. Speaking to my family, it’s the right time to step away.”

His resignation came after former Test captain Smith broke down in tears of remorse as the three disgraced cricket-

repeatedly apologised for his misjudgement.

Batsman Bancroft spoke of his shame on his arrival in Perth and former vice-captain Warner, scheduled to land in Sydney later in the evening, took to social media to apologise for his role in the

cheating.

‘FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP’ “To all of my team mates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to Australians who are angry and disappointed, I’m sorry,” Smith told reporters in a prepared statement.

“It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership, I’ll do anything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused,” he added, breaking down for the first time.

“Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.”

Warner, who was identified as the instigator of the attempt to cheat by the Cricket Australia probe, broke his silence via Instagram, apologising and taking responsibility for his “part” in the scandal.

“I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans,” the opening batsman wrote.

“It’s a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.”

Bancroft confessed to having lied about using sticky tape rather than sandpaper to scuff the ball in Cape Town in the news conference immediately after the incident last Saturday.

“I lied. I lied about the sandpaper,” the 25-year-old told reporters. “I panicked in that situation and I’m very sorry. I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia.”

UNIVERSAL CONDEMNATION After four days of almost universal condemnation for the trio in Australia, the severity of the punishments brought some support.

S p i n - b o w l i n g g re a t Shane Warne, while condemning the cheating, said the hysteria whipped up by anti-Australian feeling around the cricketing world had led to overly harsh punishments.

“The hysteria has gone worldwide, and everyone that dislikes the way the Australian cricket team has played ... has been given the opportunity to lay the boots in,” he said.

One of those was former Australia and current Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur, who wrote that the scandal was an inevitable result of an unwillingness to improve the culture in the country’s entire cricket set-up.

“An incident like this had to happen for the necessary cultural shift to take place.

Australian cricket has been in an ivory tower for too long,” he said.

The incident has also triggered an International Cricket Council (ICC) review of the players’ code of conduct to curb on-field misdemeanours.

“What happened down there has certainly created additional urgency that something needs to be done as quickly as possible,” chief executive David Richardson said yesterday.

Better behaviour will be expected when Smith’s replacement Tim Paine leads out the team in the fourth Test in Johannesburg today, looking to even up the series at 2-2 but most importantly starting to restore the good name of Australian cricket.

Windies legend Walsh to be included in ICC ball-tampering review committee WEST Indies bowling legend Courtney Walsh is expected to be part of a committee of former players, appointed by the ICC to review its code of conduct in light of the recent ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport.

Courtney Walsh

Cricket Australia (CA)

has banned captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner from international and domestic cricket for a year with opening batsman Cameron Bancroft exiled for nine months in light of the incident which took place during the third Test in South Africa.

Under current ICC regulations the maximum punishment handed out would have consisted of a full-match fine and a one-Test ban on Smith, a wide disparity when compared to the harsher penalty since levied by Cricket Australia.

Based on the reaction to the incident, ICC chief executive David Richardson

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 11 matches (PAK 8; WI 3) Babar Azam-238 runs (7 matches)

(1) (2)

Today’s Quiz: Who has claimed most wickets in WI/PAK T20 Int’ls to date?

What is the highest individual score made in WI/PAK T20 Int’ls to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

believes the executive body’s punishment would not have been enough and that it was time the current rules were examined.

“We´ve come to realise that the world - not only Australia - regards ball-tampering in a very serious light.

It goes to the spirit of the game,” Richardson said.

“I must admit this has been an eye-opener for me personally. We need to look at the penalty imposed, specific to ball-tampering.

“Around the world, ball-tampering is considered cheating ... I think we need to look at it again, and this is what has prompted this review.”

In addition to West Indies´ Walsh the other former players, Australia´s Allan Border, Indian Anil Kumble, Shaun Pollock of South Africa, would have an opportunity to “draw a line in the sand” and address fans´ concerns.

“The reaction all around the world shows us that if we neglect the way the game is played, cricket is itself in danger,” he said.

Stephens beats Azarenka again to reach Miami Open final US Open champion Sloane Stephens

(REUTERS) - U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens again ended former world number one Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of a fairytale comeback by beating her 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 yesterday to reach the Miami Open final.

Three-time champion Azarenka, playing as a wildcard in her second event after an eight-month absence because of a custody dispute involving her son, showed glimpses of the form that took her to the top of the rankings but she ultimately ran out of gas against her 13th-seeded opponent.

Stephens, who also beat

Azarenka in the second round at Indian Wells this month, took control of the match early in the second set and never looked back as she raced through the decider with ease.

“I just knew I had to keep fighting. In the first set I was down but I battled back so I knew if I did that in the second, I’d be right in there,” the 25-year-old American said in an oncourt interview.

“I ended up winning a lot of games in a row and I just tried to keep the momentum going.”

Stephens will face either French Open champion Jele-

na Ostapenko, the sixth seed, or American qualifier Danielle Collins in tomorrow’s final at Crandon Park.

Azarenka’s initial comeback after the birth of her child in December, 2016 was short-lived, as she played two tournaments before a custody battle with her son’s father prevented her from travelling with her child.

The Belarusian may have played little competitive tennis in recent years but she enjoyed a respectable run in Miami, including victory over Czech world number six Karolina Pliskova in the quarter-finals.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 30, 2018

Depleted Windies squad for Pakistan T20s BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies selectors yesterday belatedly named a 13-man second-string squad for the historic three-match Twenty20 tour of Pakistan, with several of the leading stars opting out because of security concerns.

Captain Carlos Brathwaite, the hero of the Caribbean’s side T20 World Cup triumph two years ago, headlines the absentees, with superstar opener Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard all failing to make the trip.

However, veteran Marlon Samuels, along with regulars Samuel Badree, Kesrick Williams, Rovman Powell and Andre Fletcher have all made themselves available, while seasoned wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin returns to Windies colours for the first time in 17 months.

Four uncapped players have been included in the squad with Youth World Cup star Keemo Paul, along with Andre McCarthy, Veerasammy Permaul and Odean Smith, all poised to make their debuts in the shortest format.

Chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said his panel had “fully accepted” the position of those players opting out of the tour but believed the replacements were fitting.

“We had a few players that opted not to tour Pakistan, due to their or their

families’ security concerns and CWI fully accepted their position,” Browne said ahead of the Windies arrival in Pakistan tomorrow.

“This series, therefore, provides opportunities for new players to state their claim for a regular place in the team, plus gain vital experience in different conditions. We expect the series to be highly competitive.”

now coming three days before the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday.

In an effort to further assuage fears over the security situation, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said the regional governing body had been assured by experts that the risk was “manageable” and could be “mitigated to an acceptable level.”

Youth World Cup star Keemo Paul

The Windies series in Pakistan is the first by a major Test-playing side since the now infamous terrorist attacks on a Sri Lankan bus in 2009 which injured several players and left members of the security forces dead.

And while the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed the tour as early as last month, Cricket West Indies remained silent, with their first public acknowledgement of the series

“This tour is a further major step for our friends at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bring their cricket back home, and we are pleased that our players and support staff have recognised this and supported this venture,” the Englishman said.

“Independent security advisers, Eastern Star International (ESI), have confirmed to both CWI and

WIPA that they are satisfied that the risk is manageable and can be mitigated to an acceptable level.

“We have made it very clear to the players and support staff that had personal reservations about this tour that we fully understand and accept their position.”

The squad will be led by Jason Mohammed, who has just six T20s to his name,

Marlon Samuels … the highest profile member of the Windies touring party

following his debut last April.

He is fresh off the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe where he served as vice-captain on the ODI side but featured in only two matches.

Browne said he expected the 31-year-old to bring his experience to bear on the leadership role.

“Jason is our One-Day International vice-captain,

teammate Permaul, who has already played six Tests and seven ODIs, along with the Jamaica Scorpions pair of McCarthy and Smith.

“Smith and McCarthy are currently in our Windies ‘A’ programme and we believe this experience will be of benefit to them,” Browne pointed out.

“Smith has good pace and has shown good potential as a

fast bowler. McCarthy is a talented batsman who has made progress in white-ball cricket.”

He added: “Paul has really grasped his opportunity following a strong showing in the Super50, the Windies ‘A’ series victories against England Lions and he has grabbed his opportunity at international level.

“His performances during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers were both exciting and composed and he gets a chance to build on these with his selection for Pakistan.”

Ramdin, dropped from all formats of the game in 2016, returns following a prolific first class season and Browne said the series offered the 33-year-old Trinidadian a new chance in Windies colours.

“Denesh brings a lot of experience and an opportunity to restart his international career.”

Ramdin played the last of his 58 T20 Internationals in the World Cup final against England two years ago in Kolkata.

The series also features matches on April 2 and 3.

SQUAD – Jason Mohammed (captain), Samuel Badree, Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Andre McCarthy, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels, Odean Smith, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.

Thompson rules out Commonwealth Games sprint double

Bulls, Royals to clash in LABA Malta Supreme basketball final tomorrow night

By Joe Chapman

THE Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/ Malta Supreme Open basketball semifinals were played last Saturday night with top-ranked Victory Valley Royals eliminating Amelia’s Ward Jets 60-47 and the Half Mile Bulls knocking out Retrieve Raiders 68- 50, to secure a place in the final.

The Royals should be confident with their buildup to this final as they have continued to show their versatility. Harold Adams remains their best player with former junior national Marlon Pollydore showing glimpses of his past outstanding role for this club.

Yannick Tappin is a promising player and an emerging force and, with the experienced Dwight Cooper and Trevor Profitt back, they will be key to Royals carting off another title.

The Bulls, however, will be hoping to turn back their opponents. They remain dependent on Terron Welch, who is now a national player and who has blossomed from the junior ranks.

But, if power forward Travin Dryden an outstanding former youth national is absent from the Bulls lineup, forwards Vibert Benjamin and Kevin Easton and guard Jamar Bethune will be hard-pressed to turn back the town’s top club Royals.

When the semifinals were played last Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court, the Bulls were led by Vibert Benjamin and Terron Welch both netting 13 points and Jamar Bethune 10.

In their losing cause the Raiders’ best scorers were Omally Sampson with 16 game-high points and Deron Montrose with 11.

In the second semifinal Royals overwhelmed Jets 60-47, as Harold Adams and Marlon Pollydore each registered 17 points.

For the losers, Joel Webster had a game-high 25 points and his brother Allister 11.

The championship final tomorrow night will be played after the first game featuring the losing semi-finalists Raiders and Jets at 18:30hrs while the final is set for 20:30hrs featuring Royals and Bulls.

and he has been asked to step up and lead the team with the unavailability of Carlos.

He has lots of captaincy experience at first-class level.”

Paul, meanwhile, has continued his quick rise in the senior ranks, following his recent call-up for West Indies A and subsequent ODI debut in the qualifiers.

The 19-year-old fast bowler is joined by Guyana Jaguars

Olympic champion Elaine Thompson

OLYMPIC champion Elaine Thompson has declared she will not double at next month’s Commonwealth Games at Australia’s South Coast opting to contest just the 200m instead.

The 25-year-old sprinter made the announcement f o l l o w i n g We d n e s d a y ’s Queensland International Track Classic in Brisbane where she

contested the 100m. Thompson looked impressive as she crossed the line in comfortable fashion after clocking 11.71 seconds – in windy conditions, well clear of second place Corinne Humphreys of Great Britain. She later stated, however, that fans should not look forward to see her contest the event next month.

“I will just run the two this

time,” Thompson said.

“It is there to get me prepared for my outdoor (season), which is the Diamond League,” she added.

“Everything is going great so far ... that felt great tonight.”

Thompson is expected to contest the 100m on May 4 at the Diamond League in Doha, a race which will also feature

Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers.

The 200m at next month’s Commonwealth Games is expected to be a competitive affair which will also feature England’s Dina Asher-Smith.

Asher-Smith clocked 11.30 into a 1m/s headwind to win her heat finishing ahead of another Jamaican, Christania Williams who clocked 11.63 for second place. (Sportsmax)

New Milo champs to be crowned tomorrow

By Stephan Sookram THE stage is set and the battle lines are drawn for the 2018 final of the Milo schools football tournament, when Sir Leon Lessons play Buxton Youth Developers at the Ministry of Education ground tomorrow commencing at 18:30hrs.

New champions will be crowned, following the booting of defending champions Chase Academic Foundation.

During a press briefing recently, Shemar Carrington of Sir Leon Lessons stated that there is a strong feeling of confidence as they go into the final but nothing that will cloud the team’s judgement.

“We defeated the three-time champions so you know everyone would want us to go forward and win this competition which I am expecting that we will do tomorrow.” “(Our plan is to) come out, do what we executed in training. Play hard, play as one and play for each other and win the game,” Carrington added.

His namesake Shemar Scott was less talkative but promised fireworks when the teams meet in the middle of the Ministry of Education ground.

Tournament co-director Troy Mendonca pointed out that the tournament continues to see the advancement of school football and at the start of the quarterfinals, it was almost impossible to pick a clear winner.

It is for this reason, he noted, that the body continues the tournament through a partnership with Beepats and their Milo brand as well as the Ministry of Health through its gender-based violence campaign.

The final will be preceded by the third-place playoff between Annandale and Lodge Secondary from 16:30hrs.

GNNL on board with Berbice Cricket Board See Page 26

All or nothing! Sir Leon’s Shemar Carrington and Buxton’s Shemar Scott pose with the Milo 2018 trophy earlier this week.

Only one team will take it home. (Adrian Narine photo)

Regional Under-15 cricket

Guyana dominate Windwards, title-holders Barbados lose to T&T See Page 26

GNNL Chairperson Geeta Chandan-Edmond hands over the sponsorship cheque to BCB president Hilbert Foster in the presence of other directors and staff.

CA loses major sponsor over players’ ‘conspiracy’ to cheat

See Page 29 Chanderpaul Ramraj claims 3-28 in Guyana’s 70-run win. (WIPA photo)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018