Issuu

THURSDAY 5th April, 2018

No.105235

US$150M to fix GPL …new CEO says money will address ‘urgent’ system problems

PAGE

Resume flights

to North Rupununi – residents urge villages private sector 02 PAGE

Drug trade

a blight to the 14 region – Ramjattan PAGE

Uree Varswyck was on police Lindo Creek team New CEO of GPL, Albert Gordon (left) and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson at the meet-and-greet session with members of the media at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown Wednesday evening (Delano Williams photo)

‘I’m on the side of the police’

…Ramjattan sticks with police version of seawall killings 02 PAGE

– CoI hears 09 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

‘I’m on the side of the police’ …Ramjattan sticks with police version of seawall killings By Rabindra Rooplall MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said he will be standing with the Guyana Police Force’s version of the shooting death of three suspected bandits at the Kingston seawall until the coroner’s inquest proves otherwise. “I am on the side of the Police Commissioner; I believe his version of what transpired. At this stage, however, there will be a complete investigation,” the

Security Minister told reporters on the sideline of the National Drug Observatories seminar held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Wednesday morning. 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 on March 15 last at the Georgetown seawall. 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. Ramjattan said a file is being completed pending three statements from alleged eyewitnesses who sought the counsel of Attorney Nigel Hughes. “He (Attorney) called me and indicated that they (eyewitnesses) are very fearful, and to that extent we would like to complete the file and send it to the DPP in accordance with regular procedures, then a coroner’s inquest will be ordered,”

Ramjattan said. Adding that all witnesses should come forward when the coroner’s inquest commences, Ramjattan said he was not clear on all of the circumstances surrounding the shooting but the inquest will shed more light on details. “I don’t want us to start demoralising our police. There is an extraordinary negative to that and I am going to support my policemen until such time that it’s proven that they did something wrong,” the Security Minister said. Acting Commissioner

of Police David Ramnarine had noted that the policemen were justified in “taking out” the suspected bandits, saying that they were fired upon first. However, subsequently an eyewitness surfaced and contradicted the police’s version. Devon Lyte, accompanied by lawyer, Nigel Hughes, told a news conference that he was a labourer working on the roof of the Guyana Softball Association building on March 15 at the time of the killings. However, police said they are in possession of three statements that revealed that Devon Lyte, who claimed he was on

the roof of the building, was actually a labourer who worked on the ground. The acting commissioner of police had called 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.

Resume flights to North Rupununi villages – residents urge private sector By Alva Solomon TOURISM is a big boost to the economy of the North Rupununi villages near Annai and residents

and villagers are pleading with the private sector to re-invest in flights to the area. Toshao of Annai, Mark George, told the Guyana

The rehabilitated airstrip at Annai Garnar Edwards

Chronicle that the 2016 cut-off of air service to the area dealt the villages which depended on the service, a severe blow. He said the situation resulted in residents having to resort to road travel to Annai from Georgetown or alternatively, by air to Lethem from the coastland and a three-hour drive to the village from the border town. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, said the operation of flights into the area was a private sector issue and suggested that the villages which depend on the aircraft service lobby the domestic airlines to resume operations. In 2016, a contract was awarded for works to be undertaken to the runway at Annai. Minister Patterson told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that rehabilitation works to the runway at the airstrip have been completed. The $56.9M contract was awarded to SYMS General Contracting Services Incorporated for works to be undertaken at the airstrip, which was also expanded.

In the past, domestic carrier Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) operated flights between the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle and Annai, with connections to Karanambo and Lethem. FINANCIAL LOSSES However, in 2016, the airline discontinued the service to Annai, citing financial losses. This week, a TGA official said he was not aware of any plans by the carrier to resume flights into Annai and according to him, the airline’s primary operations in the Rupununi are straight flights from Ogle to Lethem, using the company’s Beachcraft. The official also noted that there were few persons travelling to Annai prior to the service being discontinued. Last weekend, Toshao George told the Guyana Chronicle that the Village Council has signed an agreement with the authorities to provide maintenance to the runway and facilities set up there. “We are ready to do all we can do to ensure we have the flights here, because many persons would be able

to travel and also businesses would find it easier to transport goods,” he said. Toshao Garnar Edwards of the tourism-dependent village of Rewa, told the Guyana Chronicle that the airlines did not undertake a wide study of the impact discontinuation of the service would have had on the villages there. KILL TOURISM Edwards said Rewa village started its own tourism drive several years ago and according to him, it has catapulted the economy of the village. He said in 2017, the village raked in $77M through tourism, and according to him, this was a feat achieved through road travel from Lethem and Georgetown. “We really need the air service to return here to Annai; we need it because it is hard for our tourists to travel to and from Lethem by bus for three hours,” George said. Toshao Edwards said clients usually travel to Apoteri by air charter and they move onwards to Rewa, a trip which he said is costly to tourists. “Right now the major

challenge we have is that before, clients -- both local and overseas -- used to come into Rock View here at Annai and from there we take them to Rewa and it used to be cheaper,” Edwards said. He said since the air service was discontinued “we have to get the clients from Lethem and some would cancel their trips because it’s hard for them.” He said the service would provide an economic boost to Annai and nearby villages, even if the flights are undertaken twice weekly. Mike Williams of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), who also lives at Annai, noted that the service is “badly needed.” He told this newspaper that there are occasions when persons travelling to the area from the coastland are made to overnight at Lethem whenever there is no bus to transport them onward to Annai. He said there are businesses in the area which depend on the transporting of goods and these usually arrive by road, either from Lethem or along the trail from Georgetown.

Bulkan baulks at GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

interference claims …says municipalities must generate own funds WITH local government elections some seven months away, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan believes that the misconception that central government is required to provide financial and other resources to enable municipalities and councils to discharge their manifold tasks must be corrected. And he dismissed claims that he has been interfering with the operations of local authorities. During an interview Wednesday morning on Jump Start 94.1fm with host Gordon Moseley, the Minister of Communities made it clear that his administration is “committed to respecting the independence as well as the authority of councils.” “If we have a situation where the central government is the principal provider of resources and finances, then we could possibly end up in a situation where not only the independence, but the authority of those councils are compromised,” said Bulkan. He made it clear that it is not the intention of his administration to interfere in the autonomy of the councils and municipalities. “And, we don’t want to find ourselves in a situation like this. The laws provide that each council has the ability to generate and collect the revenues they need from within their jurisdiction,” he stated. The minister noted that monies could be garnered from rates and taxes on properties and real estate within the specific areas. He explained that central government, as part of its agenda to reform what he termed a “dysfunctional system,” is working to ensure that the financial bases of all councils are restored, so that “central government is not expected to be the main provider of financial resources, but working with councillors is to allow for the restoration of their financial base.” As it relates to the garnering of finances from property taxes, Bulkan gave a remind-

er that property rates and valuations have not been done since 1995; more than two decades ago. The Minister of Communities noted that with new property valuations, councils would be in a better position to receive considerably more finances than they currently do. “This is going to lead to the strengthening of their revenue base and equip councils and councillors with the resources they need to bring about the effectiveness,” Bulkan stressed. There are 71 councils, nine municipalities or towns and 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and according to the minister, “It would be hard pressed for anyone to make an objective accusation against this administration that it is seeking to control the work of our local democratic organs.” He reminded that the councils are largely made up, in the main, of representatives of political parties and “where it is that local democratic organs enjoy autonomy under the law, they are not immune from the influence of the political parties from which those councils arrive.” Bulkan posited that “there will always be the possibility of external considerations” and pointed to the Georgetown municipality as an example. He said Georgetown being the country’s capital, gives rise to a number of other considerations. The minister said the likelihood of central government being unconcerned about the impact of certain initiatives is non-existent. Meanwhile, the Communities Minister made it clear that seven years ago, local government and governance were not part of the national consciousness as it was not talked about or considered to be relevant. He reminded that it was following the November 2011, General and Regional Elections and the ascension of President David Granger as opposition leader in the 10th Parliament, that a system of local government

and the concept of local democracy was placed high up on the national agenda. Bulkan reminded too that in the country’s 51 years of independence, there were only three LGE. Those elections took place in 1970, 1994 and 2016. “This by itself informs us that local government was considered to be irrelevant. But even more important, was arising out of that philosophy or construct was that the system itself was placed under such enormous pressures that the councils that existed, existed mostly in form and not in substance,” the minister stated. He said the capacities of the councils were damaged and degraded, thereby causing them to be largely dysfunctional. “…So restoring functionality to such a system within such a framework, I think it becomes apparent to us that it is not an overnight job. However, what we have is an administration that is determined to rehabilitate and rebuild the system, to restore effectiveness within councils and to restore functionality,” he stated. That aside, Bulkan stressed the need for a massive education campaign. He believes there must be public and voter education, so that persons can understand how the councils, made up of persons they are electing , have the authority under law not to administer but to manage and develop their respective areas. “This is what local democracy is all about,” said Minister Bulkan, who noted that it is an unknown system which requires understanding and awareness. Something which he maintains will not happen overnight. “It is going to require continuous and dedicated efforts to educate not only citizens, but persons who are desirous of becoming candidates who eventually become councillors, who will have this awesome responsibility of leading the process and renewal and transformation of their communities. So it is

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

a work in progress,” he stated. While much work has been done, the minister made it clear that considerably much more has to be achieved. “What is clear is the commitment and determination of this administration to bring about the renewal

and rebirth and effectiveness of this system. We are convinced that these provisions that exist in our constitution and laws…they are there for a reason -- to bring about better management of our communities and therefore we will not be deterred nor dissuaded from continuing with the revitalisation of this system – it is going to take time.” Addressing the issue of low voter turnout, the minister said, when LGE is held in November, there would be 651 elections occurring simultaneously, representing 72 councils or nine towns and 62 municipalities. Within each of those councils, there are constituencies, within the system there are 580 constituencies which is a specifically demarcated geographically located area within each organ. Each of these constituencies has an election by and of itself.

In 2016, the voter turnout averaged 43 per cent but this year, Bulkan is optimistic that there would be higher turnouts. “The ministry is about to unveil an aggressive voter education and public education campaign- to help inform citizens about how critical it is to participate in these elections, either as a candidate or voter, given the fact that these councils that will come into being have this enormous possibility to impact on the conditions within those communities,” he stated. He said the minimum target set, is overall participation of 50 per cent, but that percentage would vary from constituency to constituency. “But our focus would be to bring the message acrossto citizens and residents about the importance and relevance of this system,” said Minister Bulkan.

Duo arrested at JFK for smuggling birds from Guyana TWO men were arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Wednesday when U.S. Customs officials found 26 finches smuggled in their socks and hair curlers from Guyana, officials said. There was no reason immediately given for why Victor Benjamin, 72, and Insaf Ali, 57, allegedly snuck the seed-eating birds into New York. However, a Fish and Wildlife Services

The finches were smuggled in socks and hair curlers

official wrote in a criminal complaint that the birds are prized for their singing voices that go feather to feather in public park singing contests throughout New York. While the winged vocalists can be found in the U.S., those from Guyana are believed to have better singing chops, according to the complaint. The bird

Over two dozen finches were smuggled into JFK airport. Photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

crowned competition winner can then be sold for in excess of $5,000. As for Benjamin and Ali, they were both arraigned and released on $20,000 bail from Brooklyn’s federal court. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison. And the undeclared birds will be singing their way to the United States Department of Agriculture for quarantine. (Brooklyn Today)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

US$150M to fix GPL …new CEO says money will address ‘urgent’ problems

By Alva Solomon AMID constant power outages, new Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Albert Gordon, says the company requires US$150M to address urgent shortcomings in the operating systems of the entity. “We need to do some major reconfigurations, “Gordon said on Wednesday evening during a meet-andgreet session with the media at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Gordon said while the company is working to provide service with its existing resources , it would require a sum of US$110M to first address system deficiencies and another US$40M to fix the generators at the power company.

He said during his first two days here in Guyana earlier this year, the system had shut down twice and according to him, he has identified the major challenge facing him, which is “keeping the

now there are serious deficiencies in the system that we need to address,” he said. He said that a simple deficiency in the system would be the configuration of the power lines which connect

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, second left, stands with the new CEO of GPL, Albert Gordon and staff of the power company

GPL CEO Albert Gordon as he addressed the media on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel

lights on.” He said that there are different contributors to the system failing, including configuration of the existing system infrastructure. “Right

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to homes in which he noted that in several instances the lines are connected directly to the generators of the company. “That’s not how

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

you normally configure a power system,” Gordon said. He said that the power is first generated, there is an increased voltage to power lines, the power is then sent to a sub-station and the voltage is then reduced and then distributed to homes. He said too that a number of lines leave the Kingston power station and if a tree falls on the lines, the entire system, goes down. He said another deficiency is that

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

there is not a lot of redundancy to provide back-up power. He said that because of the lack of redundancy in the network, if a line goes down or it is taken out of the system for maintenance, there would be a power outage.”So the first priority is to keep the lights on, “he said, noting that a simple malfunction can result in the entire system being shut down. Gordon noted too that the transmission system which is supposed to keep the power system stable is also configured in such a manner that if there is a fault, the generators will speed-up and trip or slow-down and trip and this would lead to a power cut. He recounted that last year the entire system had shut-down down 25 times, an occurrence which he noted shouldn’t be. “So that is something that needs immediate attention,” Gordon said. Gordon said that about 50 megawatts capacity of the power company’s generating capacity is also “very old” and in need of replacement. He said that this often results in failure of the generators

very regularly. He said that this results in a very small margin of error which leads to load-shedding. Gordon gave credit to the team at GPL for providing service to the nation, given the deficiencies with which they are working at the power company. On Wednesday evening, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that Gordon, who started in his new post in February this year, has been briefed on the requirements and high expectations government has of him. He said so far Gordon has “lived-up” to expectations and initial tasks. He said Gordon has been briefed also on the government’s mandate to be as close as possible to have 100 per cent renewable energy power by the year 2025. Patterson said too that there must have a board of persons to support the ongoing and future plans of GPL and according to him, the names of members of the new board should be at Cabinet. He said that board should be named within two weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Brazil’s Lula must start prison term, Supreme Court rules

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be imprisoned while he appeals his corruption conviction, the country’s Supreme Court has ruled. He is facing 12 years in jail on charges of accepting a bribe but had asked to remain free during his appeal. Lula claims the charges are politically motivated, and designed to prevent him from running in October’s presidential election. Polls suggest he is the top candidate Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the race. (BBC)

Two detained as police investigate disappearance of photojournalist POLICE SAY two persons are assisting their investigations into the disappearance of the photojournalist, Vladjimir Legagneur, who went missing since March 14. The spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Frantz Lerebours, said the mobile phone belonging to the journalist had been found in their possession. He also indicated that the human bones found on March 28 on a vacant lot locality in Sillon in the town of Palema in Grand Ravine on the outskirts of the capital, will be sent overseas for DNA

analysis. Media reports last week said that the police were investigating the mangled remains of a corpse to determine whether or not it is that of the missing journalist who was last seen near a gang-controlled area of the capital. Earlier this week, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) called on the Haitian authorities to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the disappearance of Legagneur. L e g a g n e u r, w h o

worked for the newspaper Le Matin and online news agency LoopHaiti before becoming a freelancer for local media and non-governmental groups, went missing since March 14 after going on an assignment to report on the living conditions in Grand Ravine, one of the most violent areas in recent years. The Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) has also called on the Haitian authorities “to deploy all the necessary resources to shed light” on the “worrying” disappearance of the

journalist and the National Association of Haitian Media (ANMH) has also expressed concern at the silence of the police and judicial authorities following the disappearance the 30-year-old Legagneur. Last month, hundreds of people including journalists took to the streets urging the authorities to continue the search for the 30-year-old photojournalist and his wife, Fleurette Guerrier, said she always stayed in contact with him whenever he went out on risky assignments. (CMC)

Region urged to uphold standards for imported products THE CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROS&Q) began a threeday meeting here Wednesday with Barbados Industry and Commerce Minister Donville Innis warning regional importers of attempting to bring in inferior products into the Caribbean. Outlining a number of guidelines for improving the quality of regional standards, Innis told the delegates to the 32nd meeting of the CARICOM body that stiffer laws are needed ensure the standards in the countries are upheld. “I see it quite often when importers bring into the islands items and then they are stopped at the border by vigilant standard officer and then politicians then “receive calls asking for importers to be accommodated. “May I suggest that all importers arm themselves with knowledge of our standards including acceptable labels prior to placing your

orders. “After all we would dare not think of exporting our products to developed countries without understanding their standards,” he told the regional delegates, adding “so why should we accept theirs…if they do not conform to our standards. CROSQ is the regional centre for promoting efficiency and competitive production in goods and services, through the process of the verification of quality. The organisers said the meeting here will discuss how standardisation, trade and trade facilitation, and international health matters, among other issues, fit into the quality agenda of the region. According to the organisers, the third day of the event, which is exclusive to the directors, will plan the direction and development of quality infrastructure for the year ahead. The Secretary General of the Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Sergio Mujica, is also attending the

meeting here. In his address, Innis said that some regional countries have a wrong priority and were not paying their dues. “I am deeply troubled for those member states that are not paying their dues to regional institutions. I have been a Cabinet minister for 10 years and have attended many CARICOM meetings, engaged in some of the most robust debates…only to find that those keeping the most noise have not paid their dues to the institutions. “I have also travelled extensively outside of the region…and I have to be frank, sometimes you see cabinet ministers and senior public officers from delinquent islands, delinquent in terms of their dues…and sometimes the fees due…are only about US$5,000 a year, but the front of the aircraft is filled with officers at the rate of almost US$7,000 per seat. Then you add to that accommodation…and I say we have wrong priorities”. (CMC)

Costa Rica’s newly elected VP of Jamaican descent KINGSTON, Jamaica — Costa Ricans on Sunday made history after electing their president, Carlos Alvarado and the first Afro-Costa Rican in that office as Vice President, Epsy Campbell Barr. According to media reports Campbell Barr is of Jamaican descent.

Media reports that Campbell is named after her paternal grandmother, who migrated from Jamaica to the Costa Rican Caribbean coast with her husband. Epsy Campbell Barr was born in San José on July 4, 1963. Campbell also joins a short list of women in

places of privilege in Costa Rica politics including Thelma Curling, who was the first Afro-Costa Rican legislator (1982-1986), Victoria Garron, the first female vice-president (1986-1990) and Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014) the first female president. (Jamaica Observer)

Cops kill man beating his mother

A M E N TA L LY c h a l lenged man found by police beating his elderly mother was shot dead by officers on Tuesday. Collin Roopchand, 26, was shot once in the chest as he lunged at one of the officers with a knife, police said. He died inside a bedroom of the family’s La Romaine home. Neighbours reported loud screams at the house at around 5.30pm. Two officers stationed at the San Fernando police station responded. Police said as the officers pulled up at the house 61-yearold Pamela Roopchand ran outside. The woman told officers her son was beating her and threatened to stab her with a knife. She showed the officers

bite marks on her arms and shoulder. Police said the officers entered the home and pleaded with Roopchand to drop the weapon. But he turned around and ran into a bedroom. The officers followed, police said, and Roopchand threatened to stab them. One of the officers fired a shot in the man’s direction. He was hit in the chest. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics arrived but Roopchand was dead. His body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James. The Express was told that the officers involved in the shooting were traumatised and would receive counselling. (Trinidad Express)

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Technology Transfer THE world is being described as a global marketplace. Each country has a responsibility to put its interpretation to this reality, hopefully a pro-active one, where that will see it working to be an active rather than passive player. In Guyana’s case, it could present multiple opportunities to be a player in any part of the world plying our products and aggressively competing with others. The potential of this nation’s natural resources could be harnessed for the benefit of the people of this country, and in so doing, realise in real terms the potential they offer. This nation is among few blessed with pristine forests, gold, bauxite, rice and sugar and should not be content with only exporting primary products, absent value-added. For instance, much of the furniture Guyanese use

is being imported. With the amount of lumber at our disposal at this juncture of our development, Guyana should have been a major contender at the market in the exportation of furniture made from our wood. For years, Guyanese have been told that the private sector is the engine of growth, but in development, the private sector is but one sector in the tri-sectoral economy of which all have a role to play in economic development. Any country that has become strong in manufacturing has seen research and development as an important factor in moving the process forward, and in the case of countries such as China, the government has led the way. The making of furniture in this country is long overdue for its deserving attention. As a matter of economic importance, pursuing with vigour the furniture-manufacturing

industry can reap dividends for country and citizens. It may be necessary to get this off the ground with investment made by the government in training artisans to become furniture-makers. This can be done by recruiting proficient trainers from countries that are successful in this business. From an economic standpoint, government may find it feasible to invest in kilns to dry wood to specific standards. Investment of such nature can create an industry, which can put thousands of people to work in an employment line which includes an array of skills from the felling of trees to that of marketing the product. There is also indirect employment and economic opportunities flowing from these activities, such as food-vending, which will rely on the farmers for produce, and so forth. Our forest must

be, in the first instance, of benefit to the Guyanese society for generations to come. What is required is an indigenous plan and not one that awaits the initiative and direction from foreign investors. As the government embraces the policy of a “green” economy as its developmental thrust, the society will look forward to the state providing leadership in the sustainable exploitation of our resources, human and natural. From the developed world, countries such as Guyana are being advised that free-market means that the state must keep its hands off of every business. Today, China is the world’s largest economy and has achieved this status rejecting the view of the hands-off approach of the state. China has overtaken the United States, which overtook Britain in 1872. The International Monetary Fund has esti-

mated that China’s economy will be worth £16.7trillion in 2019, compared to the United States, the economy of which is estimated will be £13.8trillion for the same period. China’s growth did not happen with the private sector leading the way, but by the government in a state-led economy. This country has created a model whereby its state companies are moving to other countries, primarily in the developing world, to invest, bringing their labour and returning monetary value to the Chinese economy. What China has done and continues to do, is to apply politi-

cal economics not only to meet the needs of its population, but also to become a major player in the global market place, creating various levels of dependency on the country, and by extension increasing its influence on the world stage. Guyana can learn from the best practices of other countries in ensuring that the nation’s resources are exploited for the benefit of the country and citizens. This will require a level of self-determination which involves the Executive, National Assembly, stakeholders and citizens. We can and must reach for our potential.

City constables need training in self-defence

Dear Editor WITH a La Penitence Market vendor being shot to his head on Easter Monday, reportedly while trying to ward off four bandits from robbing his wife as stated in the press, whilst a company of unarmed and hapless city constables screamed for help, speaks volumes of the profound mismanagement of the Georgetown municipality. What is the use of deploying unarmed city constables in the city? It shows a clear lack of trust and respect for their officers that they are not allowed to carry firearms. What is the City Constabulary doing with the firearms in their possession? Only making them available to the bodyguards and residential security that protect the King and Queen of the city? Just look at the City Constabulary training complex on

Water Street, which is in total ruins, but which was supposed to have been rehabilitated since 2016, with a promise that emphasis would have been placed on recruitment and training. One could have only hoped that this facility would have been used to provide police self-defence training to their recruits as a vital component of The Basic Recruitment Course. As a matter of fact, in order to be prepared for today’s dangerous and unpredictable world, city constables need to learn self-defence for both armed and unarmed encounters. And what about the promise that they would have been sending batches of ranks for overseas training? Was this just another pie-in-the-sky pipe dream by the town clerk? Or are all of the overseas trips reserved for the King, the Queen and their chosen few? Arming the city police

would be an effective deterrent to criminal behaviour in the markets and around Georgetown; most cities in Europe and North America routinely arm their police officers, in part to deter criminal acts. Armed criminals operate in many wards of our capital. Given this, a failure to routinely arm the city police gives armed criminals a strong advantage in terms of their ability to threaten and commit violence without any corresponding risk to themselves. Is it not time for the City Council’s Legal Affairs and Security Committee to make this rag tag, disrespected, poorly trained, poorly uniformed outfit into a professional, effective and esteemed police force? Regards Modi Sankar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Parents of Mae’s pupils protest ‘excessive’ fees hike HUNDREDS of parents of Mae’s Schools (Playgroup, Nursery, and Primary levels) have been angered by the school’s administration’s decision to increase tuition fees by some 42 per cent. The parents have since called on the administrators of the school to meet with them to discuss the hike in fees and to resuscitate the Parent Teachers’ Association. The parents have also called for the hike in tuition fees to be reduced to less than 14 percent across the board, as well as for the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee the operation of private schools. In a statement to the media on Wednesday, the group of 172 parents said they were shocked to receive notices just prior to the closure of school for the Easter holiday indicating that fees for the Christmas term will be increased by 42 percent. According to the notices issued to parents, the fees for children in the playground have jumped from $35,000 per term (three months) to $50,000 per term, representing a 42 percent increase. At the nursery level, there has been

a 33 percent increase with fees moving from $45,000 to $60,000, while at the primary Level, from Grades 1 to 4, the increase stands at 25 percent-- moving from $60,000 to $75,000. Parents of Grade 5 students are required to pay $70,000, representing a combination of $60,000 for tuition and $10,000 for lessons fees. The fees for this level have not increased. However, Grade 6 students are now being charged $80,000, which is a combination of $60,000 tuition and $20,000 lessons fees. Initially, that level paid $60,000 tuition and $10,000 lesson fee. “This was done without any explanation,” said the parents, who have since written the school’s administrator, Stacey French, asking for justification “for the excessive increase in lieu of the removal of VAT on Education”. The school in response said that its decision to increase fees was “necessary for a number of reasons, including the fact that our costs to do business have increased, in some cases quite substantially, over the last few years.” “Further, in an environ-

ment where hiring teachers who are both motivated and experienced has become a monumental task, we are at a point where we are placing an even greater focus on staff development/empowerment. Please note that as a part of this endeavour we are also looking at overall operations and ways to make them more efficient,” the school’s administrator, Stacey French stated. On the issue of VAT remittance, French said the school’s tax records are not for “public consumption,” but noted that VAT returns as specified by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were submitted for November 2017 and December 2017, with requisite liability payments. “VAT payments made as of January 1, 2018 were credited toward fees for August Term 2018, as indicated to affected parents. Please note further that we effectively “ate” the VAT charges for August Term 2017 without passing this cost on to parents,” French stated, adding that she is sure that GRA will advise the institution of any rebates due. French accepted that while the school’s decision to

hike the fees is not a popular one, the administration of the school stands firmly behind it “because it will benefit the school, which is always our priority.” “We look forward to your continued patronage, but understand that you need to make the right choice for your family at this juncture,” French said in conclusion to her response to the concerned parents. However, the parents have noted that in the school’s response to its letter to French dated March 28, 2018, there was no mention of the direct improvement to the school’s existing facilities such as poor ventilation and washroom facilities. “While many parents are not against a reasonable raise in the fees, we are very angry at the excessively high percentage. It may have been better to increase fees incrementally, starting below 14% to cushion the effect,” the parents stated. One parent said, “Increased fees have to be matched to better facilities,” while another stated, “ If the school fees are not paid on time or God forbid you didn’t

take in the bank slip in time. They remove your child from a class that is in session with their belongings and make them sit in the office.” Other parents have termed the move by Mae’s Schools as “outright robbery,” as many are struggling to send their students to the private institution. “This is nonsense....how could you increase school fees so excessively...what about parents who have two children and more going to the school?” another parent stated. Additionally, the parents noted that the school’s administration stood with parents who were against government’s imposition of 14 per cent VAT on private education last year. That VAT imposition has since been removed. “[They] are now adding more than double that burden to the shoulders of parents. We doubt this is what the Ministry of Finance intended as action by private schools when Minister Jordan announced the removal of VAT on private education, since the challenges faced by parents remain the same,” the parents noted. According to the state-

ment, the parents accept that they have the option to remove their children from Mae’s and enrol them either into other private schools or public schools. “Yes, we can move our children to other schools, whether public or private, but we wish to register our discontent and dissatisfaction with the school’s exploitative and rigid decision without any discussion or regard.” The school’s administration has failed to respond to a request by the parents to have had a discourse on the matter. “We call for a meeting to be held with the school’s administration and the parents to discuss our concerns and a resuscitated PTA; We call for a decrease in the percentage of the fee raised to under 14 per cent across the board; We call for a regulatory body to be set up by the relevant authority to oversee the operation of Private Schools in Guyana, since it is a highly unregulated sector with little or no consumer protection or relevant legislation,” the parents said, while noting that they are mulling their next move.

Teens confess to Rose Hall Town murder FOUR days after a 54-yearold security guard was brutally murdered and some $1.5 million was stolen from the store he was protecting, two teens held have confessed to planning the crime but they have denied any involvement in it.

scene on Wednesday. Monien’s lifeless body was found in a pool of blood with his throat slit at a back entrance to the store. From all indications, he had a struggle with his attackers, since he was also discovered with several bro-

Murdered guard: Munisperen Monien

Munisperen Monien, the security guard at Sukhram’s General Store, popularly known as “Fat Lady Store” was found with his throat slit last Saturday. The nine suspects held were taken back to the crime

ken limbs and a severe cut to the head. Checks revealed that the assailant(s) gained entry to the heavily-secured premises by way of a hole in the back fence of the premises and made their way into the store.

There was no sign of forced entry and the padlocks which were supposed to secure the doors were allegedly left unlocked, pointing to an in-

side job. The manager reportedly informed police that some $1.5 million which was hidden in the store was missing.

Seven persons were detained, including the manager and other members of staff. On Monday, two more persons were detained.

Monien, who is unmarried and has no children, has left to mourn two sisters, a brother and other relatives.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

President Granger commits support to St John’s Association of Guyana PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday said that his government remains committed to providing any necessary assistance to the St John’s Association of Guyana, particularly through the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, during a brief ceremony, when he received the association’s emblem for his staunch support of their work since his ascension to office in 2015. According to the association’s constitution, the Head of State is the patron of the organisation. In brief remarks after the ceremony held at State House, President Granger said that he does not regard the emblem as something ornamental, but it is purposeful and significant as the organisation’s values and motto are in tandem with his own personal beliefs when it comes to service to the people. “My engagement with the association has not been a simple chore of duty, because I was appointed Patron. It has been a reflection of my deep belief in the power of the association to bring about change and it is also a reflection of my faith in young Guyanese. I host-

becomes equipped to serve the average Guyanese. The President said that every region and capital town across the country must be able to deal with emergencies. He noted that the brigade has an important function, particularly in its handling of public events and as such, it is imperative that its capacity be strengthened. “The association has a

It is quite clear that this government is moving on a certain trajectory. I don’t see the association as a Georgetown association. I see it as a national association and I have asked the council to ensure that it walks step by step with the government,” the President said. Chairman of St John’s Association of Guyana, Mr Vibert Parvatan, in his remarks, said that this is a

President David Granger gets the emblem pinned on him by Chairman of the St John’s Association of Guyana, Mr Vibert Parvatan

ed, here at State House, the luncheon for St. John’s Day, which is June 25 and I would like to iterate my commitment to have a similar lunch this year and as long as I am President, to have an annual lunch here at the Benab so that it is not just talking the talk but demonstrating to the public that the Presidency is fully behind the association. I will wear this badge with pride. It is a symbol of my personal faith and my connection with the associ-

ation,” he said. President Granger reiterated to the organisation that its emergency medical service must be made available to citizens in every region across the country, as he noted that he is committed to ensuring that the brigade fulfils its obligations and performs its functions in the public’s interest. For too long, the Head of State said, the organisation has been neglected and it is his mission to ensure that it once again

President Granger and Mr Parvatan sharing a light moment before the start of the simple ceremony at State House

lot of work to do and I have been very impressed by the council’s proposals that I have seen. I pledge to give the council and the association every possible support.

significant and momentous occasion for the St John’s family, as the emblem is of historical significance and was being bestowed on someone who has had the

best interests of the organisation at heart since taking up office. “Thank you most sincerely for the support you are giving as patron to the St John association. This has been evident since you assumed office in 2015... The mottos of St. John’s are ‘Pro fide’ meaning ‘for the faith’ and ‘Pro utilitate hominum’ meaning ‘for the service of humanity’ and on that note, on behalf of all the members of the various branches, we wish you good health, happiness, success in all of your endeavours and most importantly, God’s richest blessings,” he said. Mr Parvatan said that the emblem symbolises several attributes, which are fortitude (determination, strength, endurance in difficult or painful situations), prudence (carefulness, care, caution, discretion), temperance (self-restraint in the face of temptation or desire) and justice (fairness, reasonableness especially in the way people are treated or decisions are made). The event was also attended by Vice-Chairman of the Association, Dr Jose Louis DaSilva along with other executive members of the organisation.

President urges Lions Club to extend reach into hinterland PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday, received a courtesy call from District Governor of the Lions Club, Mr. Sean Noel, who updated him on the organisation’s work in Guyana, particularly as it relates to health and education. Mr. Noel, who is visiting from Trinidad and Tobago, was accompanied to State House by Ms. Maxine Cummings, Mr. Matthew Langevine and Mr. SMV Nasser. The District Governor informed the Head-of-State that the organisation has been working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to support cancer and diabetes programmes, which include early screening and testing. He also expressed a willingness to enter into a formal programme of collaboration with the local health sector. Meanwhile, President Granger said that there is

need for the services that organisations like the Lions Club provide. However, he asked that they do not confine their work to the coastland, as they can be of great assistance to residents of hinterland communities. The President also urged the Lions Club to, through their work, ensure that they reach out to all segments of the Guyanese population in a way that will add to the national effort of fostering social cohesion and removing any form of alienation, discrimination and marginalisation that still exists. The District that Guyana is a part of includes Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. At present, there are 19 clubs in Guyana, 30 in Trinidad and Tobago and 11 in Suriname. In January 2016, President Granger was inducted as an honorary member of the Lions Club of Bel Air.

From left: Mr. Matthew Langevine, Mr. SMV Nasser, President David Granger, Ms. Maxine Cummings and District Governor of the Lions Club, Mr. Sean Noel

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Uree Varswyck was on police Lindo Creek team – CoI hears By Svetlana Marshall

EX-POLICEMAN and career criminal, Uree Varswyck, who was fatally shot by the police after escaping from the Camp Street Prison in 2017, was reportedly part of the Joint Services team that went into Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River in June 2008, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has disclosed. Varswyck, who was also known as Malcolm Gordon, had served and trained in the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) after being enrolled in the Guyana Police Force at age 18. He subsequently resigned from the Force, and years later, was fingered in a number of murders and robberies. On Wednesday, Attorney Hughes, who was admitted to the local bar in 1988, told the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry, led by Justice (retired) Donald Trotman, that based on classified information he has received from one of his clients, Varswyck was part of a Joint Services team that reportedly went into Lindo Creek in June 2008. The Joint Services had been pursuing Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins and his gang at the time. According to Hughes, his client would only allow him to identify Varswyck, who is now deceased. “He certainly did say that

I could indicate that part of the team was Mr. Varswyck. He also asked me to indicate that another senior rank of the Guyana Police Force, who is still in the Force, was also on that team that went into Lindo Creek,” Hughes told the Commission as he was fielding questions from legal counsel, Patrice Henry.

SAFETY CONCERNS Hughes’ client was reportedly providing guard at the time. The attorney told the Commission that if his client permits him to release the information in the future, he would, but expressed concern about his safety. “If that person passes away, it would be on my shoulders and I really am not in a position to provide him with the comfort that I can provide him with that guarantee. I have actually had a whistleblower taken to the police who ended up dead; that was George Bacchus. So I am extremely reluctant to disclose any information on anybody that can identify a serving member of the police force, given my actual experience, because I took Bacchus to the American Embassy, I then took him to the Guyana Police Force and Mr. Bacchus ended up dead” Hughes explained. Hughes was the attorney representing the interest of

the families of the eight miners whose charred remains were discovered at a mining camp at Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River (Region 10) on June 21, 2008 by the dredge owner, Leonard Arokium. Arokium’s son and brother were among the eight murdered. As the attorney representing the interest of the grief-stricken family members, Hughes said in addition to making representation at the levels of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and the Home Affairs Ministry, he had conducted four interviews – with Leonard Arokium, Courtney Wong and Yonette Torres, in addition to a man who had accompanied the police to Christmas Falls in June, 2008. Arokium, Wong and Torres had family members who were among those killed. Torres, the mother of 17-year-old Nigel Torres who was among the miners murdered, was the last person to see Leonard Arokium’s son, Dax, alive. Dax and her son were working together at the time of their demise. On June 5, 2008 during a conversation with Dax while at Kwakwani, Yonette Torres had sent a message to her son, pleading with him to be careful because the Joint Services was operating in the

area at the time. With permission from Commissioner Trotman, Hughes read Yonette Torres’ statement he had taken from her shortly after the discovery was made. A section of her statement read: “Later in the week I saw a police vehicle speeding down the road towards the waterfront. I went to the waterfront and spoke to a mechanic who had come up with the Joint Services. I asked him if he was working with Mr. Arokium and he said ‘yes’. I then asked him if he knew my son and he said ‘yes’. He was a very mannerly and helpful boy and he assured me my son was alright.” Days after, Yonette Torres reportedly saw another police vehicle heading to the “waterfront at Kwakwani” with the same mechanic inside. According to her statement, the police had frequented the area with drums of “fuel passing in and out”. A helicopter was also reportedly seen on a daily basis flying over the Upper Berbice River area. But it was a brief conversation with a “Black-clothes” rank that struck her. BACKDAM BOMBED “On Father’s Day (June 15), the Joint Services came down the river, i.e., the

Black Clothes, and I went and spoke to one of them. I told him I have a son in the backdam and he said, with his face very suspicious, that there was no one in the backdam. He then told me that they had ‘bombed’ the backdam, destroying everything in the backdam,” Hughes said as he read the woman’s sworn statement. She would then receive a number of phone calls from relatives and friends informing her that several miners were killed at Lindo Creek, her son included. Like Leonard Arokium and Courtney Wong, Yonette Torres in her statement questioned the theory put by the Guyana Police Force at the time that it was the ‘Fine man Gang’ that had carried out the mass murders. “I don’t feel it was ‘Fine man Gang’ that actually did this because ‘Fine Man’ is said to have cooked, eaten, then tied up, then burn the entire place and there was no smoke that was seen by the helicopter that was constantly flying above,” she posited. According to Hughes, a man, who had declined to sign the statement out of fear, had placed the police at Christmas Falls on June 7, 2008. The man and another individual were found with small portions of

Attorney Nigel Hughes

cannabis and were taken to the Christmas Falls. While there, the man reportedly heard gunshots further up the Berbice River and, as night approached, he walked back to a landing in the area. He reportedly arrived at the landing between 20:00hrs and 21:00hrs on the night of June 7, 2008, and was told that several men were killed at Lindo Creek. “So if you marry that information with that from Ms. Torres who saw Dax Arokium on the 5th June, 2008, it would seem to suggest that this event took place between the 5th and the evening of the 7th,” Hughes posited. Based on the information gathered, Hughes said that there were two groups of police searching for the criminal gang.

City Council clears parking meter by-laws THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council on Wednesday approved the amended parking meter by-laws by a majority vote. Thirteen councillors voted in favour of the amended parking meter by-laws while two voted against and two abstained from voting. The by-laws are to be posted up at several public buildings across Georgetown for 14 days for viewing by citizens before being sent to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan for approval and published in the Official Gazette. Before it is sent to the minister, citizens will be afforded an opportunity to review and give feedback on the amended parking meter by-laws.

PPP Councillors Bisham Kuppen and Khane Sharma voted against the by-laws, while Councillors Malcolm Ferreira and Carlyle Goring abstained. Kuppen and Sharma argued that the by-laws were in support of a contract that still remains unfair to citizens. “The fact of the matter is that we are attempting to pass or approve bylaws for a contract that has yet not being proven to come about in a legal manner, so there were indications made that this was approved by the previous council but there is no evidence that has been produced so far to prove that and the fact of the matter is that due diligence was being conducted after the fact, when

in fact it should have occurred before that contract,” said Kuppen. At the special meeting held on Wednesday, several councillors were absent but City Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen allotted two minutes speaking time for those who opted to speak on the matter. Four councillors, A Partnership for National Unity’s Heston Bostwick and Team Unity’s Malcom Ferreira along with Sharma and Kuppen,-spoke for the allotted two minutes on the subject of the amended by-laws. Ferreira called on councillors to await the ruling of the High Court before going ahead with the amended bylaws however, Mayor Green asserted that the contract

was binding and could not be wished away. Ferreira said, “We should not rush into any decisions and more so decisions that have proven to be unpopular and some of those decisions even had the government to intervene to protect citizens,” he told fellow councillors. The legality of the agreement between City Hall and Smart City Solutions, the company that was contracted for the parking meters project has been the subject of court action. Last December, the High Court quashed the parking meter by-laws which will bar the council from proceeding with the project. The council has since appealed the decision. The court action was filed by

the New Building Society in February, 2017. The bank had challenged the legality of the parking meter by-laws that had been approved by Local Government Minister, Ronald Bulkan. High Court Judge, Naresh Harnanan scrapped the legal validity of Bulkan’s decision to approve the parking meter by-laws. The judge found that the procedure to bring the bylaws into force was breached. Meanwhile, earlier this year it was announced that following discussions with Smart City Solutions, citizens would be required to pay a proposed fee $150 per hour (VAT inclusive) or $800 (VAT inclusive) for eight hours of parking in the city. The new parking fee was pro-

posed by the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee – a sub-committee of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council – after extensive renegotiation with Smart City Solutions. The significant drop in the fee from a high of $500 per hour was among agreements reached with Smart City Solutions – a foreign company – based on recommendations proposed by a Special Committee and approved by the Council. The change in parking meter fees is as a result of several protests. Those protests had even resulted in the government suspending the parking meter by-laws, No 1 of 2017, which allowed for a metered parking system in Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

New Linden mayor gets keys to town …promises transparency, accountability By Vanessa Braithwaite NEW Linden Mayor Waneka Arindell on Wednesday chaired her first statutory meeting at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) and promised greater transparency and accountability. With much pomp, former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland ceremonially handed over the keys to the office after both parties had inspected a guard of honour by ranks of the municipality who marched through Republic Avenue. Arindell and her deputy, Wainwright Bethune, were both sworn in last Wednesday in Georgetown by President David Granger. She is Linden’s 10th mayor and 3rd female mayor. She is married, a mother of three and the holder of a Certificate in Theology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography. She was secretary and president of the Section Youth Ministry for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), also a former journalist and teacher. She has also worked with Linden Care Foundation and NCERD. ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY TOP PRIORITY Mayor Arindell related to this newspaper that she will

be taking very seriously the responsibility of the council to remain accountable to the electorate of Linden, since it was they who have entrusted the councillors with the responsibility to serve. She spoke about the need to create a better rapport with the people and in doing so all financial information as well as future plans of the council will be made public. The works of the council are all public information, all works must be transparent and so the doors of the council are open to all residents of the township of Linden who pay their rates and taxes. You are allowed to come in to find out and to be informed,” Mayor Arindell stated. The Council will soon have a ‘public day’, where residents will be able to visit her office and voice their concerns. Being a lover of children and the elderly, Arindell said a number of programmes are in the pipeline to benefit these two groups. For the youths, one of her signature programmes is the initiating of a junior mayor programme geared towards secondary school students. “The main aim of the programme is to have continuity in leadership at the local level. It was birthed out of the struggles councillors faced following Local Government

Elections - entering without any prior training,” Arindell related. Children and youths, she explained, have always been her passion and she will be directing energies towards their education and academic training. “My passion has always been working with children and the importance of each child being able to read and write according to their age; for an educated population is a population that will survive … if we cannot train from the cradle, then we will lose them in their youthful stage and we will continue to have a stagnated population. “With the rise in oil finds, if we do not have an educated population, then, we will continue to have overseas investors and workers taking all our finances away from our country and town,” she outlined. The Linden mayor will be seeking the blessings of the council to establish literacy hubs all across Linden and in the future to establish a literacy school, in an effort to help slow learners. “While I just want to start with literacy hubs, I hope to see a school for remedial work where children who are unable to cope will be able to come into a setting, develop and then be replaced in the system.

Mayor Waneka Arindell (centre), Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune (left) and former Mayor Carwyn Holland (left) flanked by other councillors of the municipality

“For senior citizens, she will be looking at the renovation of the Dorfolk home located in Retrieve and also to pool resources in having activities available to keep them meaningfully occupied and entertained. “We cannot do it alone, I cannot do it alone, the council cannot do it alone. We need all stakeholders on board, both the local, governmental and the diaspora. While we call on the diaspora who have always been with us, we continue to covet that support, but more so to the residents of Linden to rise up and take ownership of your town, give the support, work for your town and help make Linden a town that we all will be proud of,” she said.

Meanwhile new Deputy Mayor Wainright Bethune said that the feeling is no different when he was a normal councillor, since he was always about service to the people. Bethune who focused on environmental protection and waste management as a councillor, said that he will continue to focus on this area. “The plans are no different, we have to ensure we are more efficient in terms of the way we will execute our plans for waste management. For this to be achieved, Bethune said that networking and collaboration with all the major stakeholders will be necessary. “We have to get all stakeholders on board and let them understand the basic status (of the council), we cannot achieve this alone.

We also need a big input from the residents,” During his two-term tenure as councillor, Bethune said that he would have extended some personal resources debushing a few acres as well as clearing drains for his constituency as well as making representation for the construction of Casuarina Drive. At the statutory meeting held on Wednesday, councillors and administrative staff of the LMTC presented former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland with a gift of appreciation, who in turn encouraged the new mayor and deputy mayor to work in unison and to put petty politicking aside as this would stymie progress.

Hughes wanted UK company investigate Lindo Creek Massacre – but former Gov’t settled for regional experts By Svetlana Marshall FAMILIES of the eight Lindo Creek victims, through their attorney Nigel Hughes, had made several requests for Forensic Science Service – a UK government-owned company which provides forensic science services to police forces and government agencies of England and Wales – to conduct an independent investigation into the mass murder, but to no avail. The charred remains of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong were discovered on or about June 21, 2008 at Lindo Creek in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice Region by dredge owner, Leonard Arokium. With strong suspicion

that the Joint Services--a team comprising members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force--had mistakenly killed the miners while in search of the ‘Fine man Gang’, Arokium, with support from other family members, retained the services of Hughes to represent their interest with the hope that an independent and fair investigation would have been conducted. Mr Hughes, an attorney since 1988, told the CoI that he dispatched a letter to the then Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, on June 30, 2008, indicating that he had been retained by Arokium in relation to the death of the eight miners. In that letter, Hughes said he reminded the Commissioner of Police of his public statements pertaining to a fair investigation, and used it as a basis to inform him

that Forensic Science Service (FSS) was willing to travel to Guyana to investigate the massacre. “You will no doubt appreciate that given your public statements that members of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force were not involved in this ghastly incident, then any independent review or analysis by persons competent to the arena of forensic examination would only serve to corroborate your exoneration of members of the Guyana Police Force and the Army,” a section of the letter penned to Greene read. Earlier in that letter, the fears of the families were also detailed. “Our clients are extremely concerned about the integrity and impartiality of any investigation conducted by either the Guyana Police Force or the Guyana Defence

Force into the deaths of their relatives, given the real and present fear that members of either the Guyana Police Force or Guyana Defence Force or both might have been involved in the deaths of their relatives,” another section read. That letter was carbon-copied to the then Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commander Gary Best and though Best never responded, Commissioner Greene acknowledged receipt of the letter on July 1, 2008. SOLICITING US ASSISTANCE It was also on July 1, 2008 that the Commissioner of Police indicated via a public statement that the government was soliciting assistance from the United States (US). Again, Hughes, on behalf of his clients, wrote the Commissioner informing him of FSS’ availability to conduct

an independent investigation. “We have noted in the press statement of the Minister of Home Affairs that he is unable to ascertain the date of arrival of the forensic experts from the United States of America. We have been in contact with the Forensic Science Service of the United Kingdom, government-owned company…. They have recommended a team of two pathologists, two forensic scientists, two scene-of-the crime officers and two mortuary staff to conduct a proper investigation,” Hughes said as he read excerpts from another letter which was written to the Police Commissioner. The letter had also included an estimated cost and contact information for Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Alfredo Eugene Walker, the point person. That letter was carbon-copied to the then Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee; the then British High Commissioner,

Fraser Wheeler; and GDF Chief-of-Staff Gary Best. On July 3, 2008, Greene acknowledged receipt of the letter. However, on July 2, 2008, shortly after the letter had been dispatched to the Police Commissioner, Hughes issued a press release, stating that he had proposed to the Commissioner of Police and the Government of Guyana that the services of Forensic Science Service out of the UK be retained. In that statement, Hughes said he pointed out that with the passage of every day, there was a degradation of the crime scene. AMERICANS UNAVAILABLE Upon acknowledging receipt of the second letter from Hughes and team, Greene disclosed that the Americans were no longer available and suggested that the Home Affairs Minister be engaged Turn to page 11 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

South Central Hotel murder trial begins

By Michel Outridge ON Wednesday, the ‘South Central Hotel’ murder trial began in the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury when several witnesses testified. According to the state’s case, between November 13 and 14, 2013 it is alleged that the accused, Brian Leitch called “Big Foot” murdered hotelier, Joseph Jagdeo called “Joey” at his place of business, South Central Hotel, located on South Road. In his opening address. State prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that the accused murdered the deceased and stuffed his body under a bed. The state is being represented by Mandel Moore and Lisa Cave while the defence attorneys are Lawrence Harris and Hewley Griffith. Asaf Ally took the stand and testified that the deceased was his step-dad and he recalled that on November 14, 2013 at about 6:50am, his mother received a call and they left for South Central Hotel and was shown Room 10. He stated that when they looked under the bed they saw the body of Jagdeo with his mouth, hands and feet bound, after which employ-

ees called the police. Ally told the court that on November 15, 2013, he went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary and identified the body of Jagdeo before a post-mortem was performed and was present at the Good Hope Crematorium for his cremation on November 20, 2013. The next witness, Wendell Eastman called “Buxton,” who was employed at South Central Hotel as the maintenance worker told the court that he knew his employer, the deceased, since Jagdeo was his boss. The witness added that he also knew the accused who used to stay at the hotel back in 2013 with a girl in Room 9, but he was called by his employer who told him to put the accused in another room because the girl no longer wanted him to stay in her room. Eastman recalled that he put the accused in Room 10 because the girl said the accused stole the deceased’s phone and the duo had an argument after which he went about his chores at the hotel. The witness told the court that on November 13, 2013 at 7am, he went to his boss’s office where he collected some soap liquid and $1,000 and went about

washing the yard until he saw another employee, Trevor (only name given) come in and had a bag with cups of porridge in it. Eastman stated that Trevor gave him a cup of porridge and then went upstairs to the boss for about 10 minutes before returning downstairs and left. The witness recalled that it began to rain and the accused came up from behind him and walked past. By then the bartender came to work and went upstairs to the boss’s office to collect the keys to open the bar. He said he went about his chores and then went to sleep and woke up about 3p.m. He then went to the bar where he saw the bartender speaking on her cellphone but did not know who was on the other end of the line. Eastman added that he went out to make a purchase of cigarettes and spent some hours away from the hotel since he was chatting with a friend at Charlotte and Wellington Streets after which he returned to the hotel and went to bed around midnight. He woke up the following morning and went about his chores of filling up buckets and was in the passageway of the hotel when he observed his boss’s pet cat was behaving strangely and

scratching at the door of Room 10. Eastman said he continued his chores and was still watching the cat and decided to call out to another employee (Bolai) and told him what he saw as it relates to the cat and he went on the shed and peeped in Room 10. He saw the room key on the bed and he managed to take it out with a piece of wire and Bolai opened the door of Room 10. He then knelt down and looked under the bed and saw the body of Jagdeo. The police were summoned and they were all asked to go to the Brickdam Police Station to give statements. Under cross-examination by defence counsel Lawrence Harris, Eastman said he wasn’t aware how his boss met his demise and he did not see the accused inflict any injuries on the deceased. Patrick Wilson called “Bolai” testified that he was employed at South Central Hotel in 2013 and knew the deceased who was his boss as well as the accused who was a tenant at the said hotel. On November 13, 2013, he reported for work at about 7:30pm and spoke to the bar lady and went about his job. On November 14, 2013, he was about to go home

when his co-worker “Buxton” came to him and told him that the cat was acting strange. They decided to investigate and “Buxton” climbed the shed and saw the room key on the bed in Room 10 and made a wire hook and got the key after which he opened the door and saw the body of their boss under the bed, Wilson said. It was then he took out his cellphone and called the police. He recalled seeing his boss alive the day before and did not see the accused at the hotel on the day in question. Police witness Sergeant Rawle Nedd testified that he was on duty when a reporter from Kaieteur News showed up at CID HQ with a woman and her son. They were identified as Sharmain Dover and her son, Brain Leitch for whom a wanted bulletin was issued for. He made some calls to confirm the information after which the accused was escorted to the Brickdam Police Station. The next witness, Paulette Hollingsworth who said she was the bartender at South Central Hotel in 2013, recalled that November 13, 2013 was a normal day and the following day she saw her employer who told her ‘something’ and he was

healthy. The next day, November 14, 2013, she reported for work and uplifted the key to the bar and the stock sheet from her employer’s office. She then opened the bar but did not see the ‘boss man’. Later, she tried contacting her employer via his cellphone but was unsuccessful until a voice answered in a short “hello” and she did not hear any background sounds. Hollingsworth told the court that she kept calling her employer because she wanted money to buy stocks for the bar and wanted to enquire about Trevor’s salary. She later got a text message from her boss’s phone which said “Are you a spy”. When her shift ended at about 8pm, she went to hand over the day’s sales from the bar and the key to Bolai and she left for home. Faye Carter testified that she purchased a cellphone for the deceased with her identification card as was requested by her late husband who was employed at the hotel back in 2013 and paid $7,500 for the cellphone for which she had a receipt. Several other witnesses testified before a voir dire was called to determine the admissibility of the evidence in the trial which continues today.

Moves afoot to tighten noose around issuance of gun licences MOVES are again being made to tighten the regulations regarding the issuance of gun licences and work on the implementation of a second version of the police force’s Firearm Licensing Management System (FLMS) has reportedly recommenced. The Guyana Chronicle has learnt that the second part of the comprehensive IT programme, which supports the application of the gun-licensing process is finally back on the table after much resistance in the past. A police source close to the system’s implementation told this newspaper that not only has work restarted on implementation of the soft-

ware, but training of police staffers is expected within a week’s time and hopefully the programme would become operational in June. The FLMS was developed to help track all information and activities surrounding the issuance of firearms and gun licences under then Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. Back in 2013, Rohee had said that the FLMS was designed to help improve accountability and efficiency in the procedure by supporting the application process. He said that it would allow police divisions to electronically record licence applications and use an activity-based methodology

to support the application process in terms of approval or rejection and the ministry would have full access to this system. The first version of the programme provided the police with the opportunity to record all information on gun arrests made and the identities of suspects and felonies committed. It also allows all police stations to access this information from their various locations, among other features. The second version of the programme relates however to the actual application and issuance process and provides a clear tracking system of the entire progression which would be available to the Public Security Ministry,

Hughes wanted UK company... with respect to the UK company. Hughes said he along with the families would later come to learn that the government was retaining the services of teams from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica

to assist in the identification of the remains. “I certainly remember the outrage that the family members felt that there was a concentration on identification of the remains, and they seem to have abandoned the

From page 10

investigation, and we wrote the Commissioner of Police somewhere around the 14th or 15th July, indicating that concern,” the attorney told the Commission. By August, Hughes said they received information

the police and /or any other relevant entity. This second version would show the date when a person had applied to the police commissioner for the licence, the date they had gone to the respective police commanders for the mandatory evaluation of the candidate to be made and whether the candidate’s application would make it to the gun-licensing board, among other important pieces of information relevant to transparency of the process. In other words, this part of the programme would show whether any shortcuts were taken in the gun-licensing procedure or whether the stipulations for issuing a firearm had been followed.

Almost five years on with the programme, the source said that deliberate efforts were made to frustrate the implementation of the second version of the programme at very senior levels of the police force. Now, it looks as though implementation of the programme is receiving “better support. Time will tell however whether they really want to stabilise the process and make it transparent,” the source asserted. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had said recently that “serious consideration” would be given to amending regulations regarding the issuance of

that Dax Arokium’s phone number was in active use. “We actually managed to get the print out of all the calls that had been made from his cellphone. We believed that the cellphone was actually utilised… in the region of Linden,” he told the Commission. However, when the Com-

missioner of Police was informed of the development, he denied that Leonard Arokium had informed the police that his son had a phone at the time of the murder. The family, however, maintained its position that the police were supplied with all necessary information. On September 20, 2012, in a letter addressed to the then

firearm licences. His statement had come against the background of former Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud applying to himself and then granting himself firearm licences for his firearm dealership business. Persaud had defended his action, saying that the same process was used by his predecessors to issue themselves firearm licences. He was however ordered to revoke the one he had issued himself for his gun dealership. It was noted that even with the presence of a Firearm Licensing Board, the police commissioner would still have the authority to issue licences. Police Commissioner Leroy Brummell, Hughes on behalf of his clients, expressed disappointment that the remains of the miners had been buried without their families being notified. Brummell responded and included a report of the investigation in his correspondence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Soldier’s use of firearm to kill wife ‘very unfortunate’ – Ramjattan MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has described the slaughter of travel agent Reona Payne as “a very, very unfortunate incident” and former army Captain Orwain Sandy should have been more civilised in his approach to a domestic issue rather than emptying his gun on the woman. Sandy, who served as Special Assistant to the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), went berserk on Saturday last emptying his gun on his reputed wife in First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown. After committing the act, he surrendered to police custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station. The Security Minister

Interdicted GDF Captain Orwain Sandy and Reona Payne in happier times

said on the sideline of the National Drug Observatories seminar held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Wednes-

day morning, that although the solider used his service weapon to commit the act, “we still have to trust that

service weapons will be used in the rules of engagement and what happened was obviously not in the rule of engagement.” Ramjattan said introspection must be done on best practices and the GDF and Police Force will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The police have confirmed that Sandy used his service revolver during the shooting. Police sources also related that the soldier had on one occasion lodged his firearm at the police station during a domestic dispute.

One source explained that the soldier had suspected Reona Payne was being unfaithful and was conversing with someone from overseas. It was reported that on Saturday, Sandy had planned to drop Payne off at her place of work when she received a phone call from the same person from overseas. When the soldier questioned her and asked her to desist from railroading their relationship, she became abusive and an argument ensued, and in the vicinity of the masjid in First Street, Alexander Village, Reona grabbed the

soldier’s firearm and threw it out of the car. According to the source, Sandy stopped the vehicle to retrieve the weapon and Payne exited too, and after picking up the gun he fired in her direction emptying the entire magazine. The Chief-of-Staff has ordered the Inspector-General of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)to conduct a Board of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The GDF sought to assure Guyanese that Sandy’s action does not mirror the behaviour of other soldiers.

Repairs commence on Moblissa Bridge REPAIR works have commenced on the Moblissa Bridge on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway where there was a complete collapse of the bridge’s barranca as a result of heavy rain. This was deemed an awaiting catastrophe and Regional Chairman Renis Morian sought out the ministry’s assistance and within a matter of days work commenced. Regional officials expressed appreciation for the quick response by Minister David Patterson. While the ministry has responsibility for roads, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman recently told Guyana Chronicle, that such cases also merit the attention of his ministry. He said one of the reasons the highway is breaking away is because sand trucks are not adhering to the weight limit and are traversing the highway. “Sand trucks are blamed for that and while I might say that is for the police, I take it that the Ministry of Natural Resources has responsibility. We want to make sure that if sand is being moved that it is being done in a lawful way. We have to respect weight limits and wherever this sand is coming from the sand pit must be authorised,” Trotman said. While the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has always readily made available resources for emergency repair works, calls have been made for the highway

Ongoing repairs being done at the Moblissa Bridge

to undergo major repairs rather than to be patched in the eventuality of an emergency. In 2017, during the rainy seasons, several sections of the thoroughfare collapsed due to erosion but these areas were repaired. The area in vicinity of Bamia was also repaired after three fatal accidents occurred on the same spot. Residents of Linden believe that it is time for the highway to receive a complete overhaul and even though this has been promised since 2017, major repairs have not started. One government official told this publication that funding is not available for

major repair works to be done. “Since 2017, we hearing that the highway repairing and all we seeing is patching here and patching there; once there is a problem them coming to patch, it is time to stop patching and start doing proper work,” one car driver plying the highway told this publication. Minister Patterson had revealed that $40M has been allocated for major repairs and lighting to be done in 2018. The two projects will be done simultaneously. Recently reflector lighting and signs were added to the turns on the highway in an effort to increase visibility at nights.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

APNU+AFC relationship ‘tremendously cordial’ – Ramjattan CHAIRMAN of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan says the leadership of his party and the A Partnership for National Unity is “tremendously cordial” and he restated that the two will be contesting the upcoming local government elections as a coalition. Former Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran did not receive support from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) representatives at the recent mayoral elections at the Georgetown City Council and instead nominated and seconded Councillor Akeem Peter of APNU to be second-in-command to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. When asked what is hap-

pening on the lower tier with APNU and AFC representatives, Ramjattan said “it’s personality types, you even have that in a homogeneous party, whereby the leaders of that party might not get along.” He continued: “But you can have members on the ground being very critical and fighting it out and being abusive, and that happens even in homogeneous parties. In our coalition government, I must say we have had our disagreements, but we dealt with them very professionally and we thrashed them out and came to a middle ground, and we debate very heavily in cabinet.” Ramjattan went further and praised President David Granger for his assistance

Accused of cellphone fraud A 28-year-old woman, Jessica Grant, was on Wednesday brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a charge of fraudulent conversion. It is alleged that on February 21 at Croal Street, Georgetown, Grant was solely entrusted with Digicel cellphone cards worth $93,000; GTT cellphone cards worth $43,000 and $40, 000 worth in ‘Top Up.’ She is accused of fraudulently converting to her own use and benefit, the property of Arissa Richmond. The unemployed woman pleaded not guilty to the charge. The police file is in-

Jessica Grant

complete so bail was granted in the sum of $50, 000 and the matter was adjourned to April 25, 2018.

No position to rent home APPEARING before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday was 48-year-old Michelle Cox, charged with fraud. Cox denied the charge which alleged that on January 5, 2018 at Princes

Street, Georgetown, she obtained $100,000 from Yvonne Edwin by pretending that she was in a position to rent her home. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not relate the police facts nor object to bail. The magistrate released Cox on $50,000 bail and adjourned the matter until April 18.

with security matters, noting that in the life of politics there will always be disagreements on a small and large scale. He said many are of the opinion that because the government is one of coalition in nature that there ought not to be disagreements. “It happened even when the PNC was there and even when the

PPP was there as one unit, ministers have arguments.” He said the recent Georgetown City Council elections provided a democratic decision which all will have to respect, and those who voted the way they did may not have liked the principled decisions of AFC representatives Sherod Duncan and Lionel Jaikarran. Ramjattan however, noted: “We had made a decision that we are going as a coalition, we have to thrash out a

number of issues in relation to candidacy, candidates and a number of other things, because we have seen an unfortunate development in the municipality and we indicated that the attitude of especially the town clerk has left a lot of things bothering us.” He said the party will indicate to the APNU officials these concerns and a letter has been dispatched to President Granger, who is leader of the APNU.

AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Pomeroon residents complain of poor drainage, electricity problems POOR drainage, no electricity and water woes were some of the concerns raised by residents of Pomeroon when Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson visited the riverine community to hear the concerns of residents there.

passage impassable at times, causing flooding, blockages and leaving residents with no other option than to dig other routes out of the canal. Meanwhile, speed boat operators must move meticulously though the waterway to avoid damaging their propellers and

the teachers send complaints [but] we tell them several times that… certain times we children does got to reach to school late because of the shallowness of the canal,” she explained. TERRIBLE STATE She added: “Our farm is in

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson listens as residents of Friendship and Martindale, Region Two, tell of their concerns

The minister has assured residents that attention will be given to their concerns. On a visit to the communities of Friendship and Martindale last week Wednesday, Minister Ferguson was told of several issues facing residents, many which arise as a result of the area’s main canal being clogged. The canal is the primary means of travel in and out of the communities to the community of Charity where many attend school and conduct business. However, overgrown vegetation and silt have made the

boat engines. These conditions were present in the Pomeroon prior to the APNU+AFC Coalition Government assuming office in 2015. Several residents were willing to speak with the minister and her team about the urgent need to de-silt and dig deeper the entire canal which, at the moment, causes a ripple effect on other issues. One resident, Yolanda Ashby said the canal woes affect not only the children but businesses. “When it is time for children to go to school in the morning, [they] reach to school late. Then

a terrible state because we can’t get drainage. We coconut dying out; that’s our livelihood, that’s we everyday business.” Another resident, Neelan Benjamin, who has been living in the Friendship area for 23 years, said that while access to the canal is an important issue, there is also no light, electricity and water in the community. Speaking to Minister Ferguson, Benjamin said: “I’m glad to see that you can look into us in these parts because it is very difficult for us to survive and live here. A lot of people have been moving out because the crisis is

Drug trade a blight to the region ILLEGAL narcotics in the Caribbean and Latin America have a nuclear effect on all parties involved, since it has been a platform for money laundering, trafficking in persons, robberies, murders, gun-running and prostitution. This is according to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Wednesday in his feature address at the regional seminar for National Drug Observatories in the Caribbean being hosted at the Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The two-day event saw the participation of 13 countries. Ramjattan said the results of drug-related crimes and murders have dire effects on a country, especially its economy. “When our economies are short-changed of foreign currency, that has damaging effects on our education, health and everything else, causing a nuclear effect,” he said in respect to legitimate agencies, organisations and businesses being driven away because of

the drug trade. Making a comparison, Ramjattan said based on a 2017 study, every 15 minutes an adolescent in Latin America is murdered, amounting to 400 killings a day.

“Between 2001-2014, roughly 26,000 civilians died as a result of the war in Afghanistan. Over the same period, 67,000 Hondurans were murdered and a lot had to do with drugs,” the security

very hard.” Community leader, Reginald Mannie said that a lot more can be done in the region if more persons worked together. Making a suggestion to help prevent flooding in his community, Mannie said: “We need it desilted and after we get it

minister noted. He said the Caribbean can cut back on these crimes through data-driven and evidence-based strategies focusing on areas where violent crimes are prevalent. He said a study done in Guyana based on the illicit drugs in schools has left the

UNSANITARY CONDITION Assisting the minister’s team with tours through the

local government which are all tasked with different responsibilities. She established that there are four areas which the regional government receives funding to manage on behalf of Central Government. These are: health service delivery, public works,

Thick vegetation clogs the canal, posing great danger to the engines and propellers of speedboats (Photos by Andrew Weekes)

desilt, if the government can afford, they can put two outlets to the sea because when the rain falls here… the waters of the Pomeroon River bank overflows and we are left stagnant.” When the area is not flooded, the high grass which grows on the river bed and extends to the canal, prevents school children and persons with medical emergencies from journeying out of the community in a timely manner. “Everybody suffers, especially in the morning time to go to school, the place does be very dry and when this grass

communities was Regional Councillor Juilian Cummings, who attested to insanitary conditions which arise due to flooding. “At least every school in this river has a problem where sanitary conditions are concerned… the water from the cemetery is flowing into the school compound. These are the conditions the school children have to face,” he said. Listening to the many concerns, Minister Ferguson took the time to explain the chains of leadership in the country which include central, regional and

-- Ramjattan authorities in shock. “This has a lot to do with many factors including the parents. Let’s not cuss down the Police Force or CANU; it will require a collective effort on behalf of parents and

Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan addresses the seminar (Delano Williams photo)

“A lot of those killings are as a result of drugs and the profit that it makes and domestic consequences,” he said. Ramjattan said the study revealed that even the world’s largest war zones can hardly compete with the murder rates in Latin America.

blocks it, [boat operators] have to pull the boat over,” Mannie said, adding that it takes over 30 minutes for the children to travel to school.

teachers to straighten things out,” he said. Underscoring that an essential question is whether the stakeholders such as the citizens and governments are getting the needed results of all the monies being pumped into security, Ramjattan said money is being poured into

all law enforcement agencies, but inefficiencies and beneficial alternatives need to be addressed. US Deputy Chief of Mission, Terry Steers-Gonzalez said with better data collection, analysis and reporting, countries can properly focus their efforts on policies, legislations, programmes and budgets to combat drug trafficking. “If we are to make headway in this endeavor, we must put drug observatories in as many places as possible. In addition, we must ensure that personnel have the proper training and equipment to perform their duties,” Steers-Gonzalez said. He said that the U.S. Government has and will continue to support drug observatories around the world. The seminar is part of the response under the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) component of the 10th European Development Fund Crime and security programme between the Europe Union and CARIFORUM.

agriculture and educational delivery. Although the matter does not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ferguson said she would engage further with the executives of the RDC and ministers of government on the issues highlighted. “What is not in my remit, rest assured that when I get back, various ministers will be brought up to date,” she said, adding: “I will have a discussion with the RDC to see exactly what they have in train for 2018 and whether we can work collaboratively to address the immediate needs of the people here in Friendship.” Apart from this, the minister said the region, which is heavily dependent on agriculture, is full of possibilities. “Based on what I saw here this morning, the Pomeroon, this particular area has a lot of potential.” “With us bringing some sort of relief, I know that we would see more activities, more farming, more of the produce heading towards the market [and] to be exported,” she said. During the interaction, Minister Ferguson heard cries about lack of cooperation between residents in upkeeping the canal when community efforts are made. On this score, she told them that “It is not only the initial works, but in order to keep the canal free from any further silting, you have to ensure that there is proper maintenance. Maintenance is the key.” While the government may not be able to undertake a project of desilting and clearing the canal all at once, Ferguson said this could be done in phases. She promised to relay the information gathered to the Ministries of Communities and Agriculture so they too can help solve the challenges facing the region.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Herstelling NDC chairman in ‘pickle’ for delaying payment of workers REGIONAL Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Region Four, Genevieve Allen has launched an investigation into the non-payment of fortnightly salaries over the Easter weekend to staff at the Little Diamond Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council. The investigation was ordered after Vice-Chairman of the RDC, Earl Lambert and Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) Ramnarine Singh disclosed during the monthly Regional Communities Committee that the employees had not been paid. It was disclosed that the Chairman of the NDC, Madan Singh, refused to sign the vouchers to effect payment, thus resulting in the 13 employees being forced to spend the Easter holiday without their salaries. “This

is unacceptable and I am launching an immediate investigation as this nonsense cannot and will not continue,” Allen said. She disclosed that it is not the first time that the NDC in question has encountered such problems, noting that the chairman continues to run the NDC’s affairs as if he is running his home or own business. “These persons have worked and by law, they are to be paid, not when the chairman feels ready and happy to, but paid within the stipulated time frame of when salaries are due,” she said. It was disclosed also that the chairman refused to attend the NDC meeting and when contacted by the AREO, he had indicated that he would be coming. However, after several hours and his failure to turn up he informed

Overseer Candace Atherly sits at left, while her colleague overseer from the Caledonia/Good Success NDC makes a point during last month’s meeting at Triumph, E.C.D

the meeting that he would no longer be coming. “We cannot allow our RDCs and NDCs to be made political tools and I will not sit by and watch politics ruining the livelihoods of our hard-working employees. Mr Madan Singh has taken

PwC still evaluating GuySuCo’s assets MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon, while providing an update recently on developments in the sugar industry and the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), said PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is still conducting an evaluation of the sugar company’s assets. The company, he noted, is advising the government about various management models. Reference was made to the agreement with the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for the operationalisation of the Enmore Estate, primarily to provide molasses for the rum company’s operations and to a lesser extent for cosmetic purposes. Minister Harmon reminded of the administration’s plan of bringing the remaining three estates up to the highest level possible, while the others will be divested for value-added and other uses. Financing,

Minister Harmon said, is available for keeping the other estates functional so that companies which have expressed interest can see what they are investing in. “If you were to get the best price for the estates to be divested, then it’s best they come to a certain state of operationalization; so that is taking place,” he noted. It was also agreed that the remaining three estates will have a specific target of some 150 thousand tonnes of sugar annually. The State Minister said the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and its Special Purposes Unit (SPU) have superintendence over these matters and were able to leverage from the bank, a grant in the sum of $30M. This, he highlighted, will help in making the three estates under GuySuCo fully functional, “so that the breakdowns and so on that

we are having, those will be things of the past”. In addition, some of the leftover canes at the closed estates were harvested and taken to the estates that are grinding to prevent loss, Minister Harmon said. GuySuCo consists of three estates and three sugar factories. The estates are Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice, and the Uitvlugt-Wales Estate in West Demerara. In the White Paper on Sugar presented to the National Assembly, the proposed courses of action to salvage the ailing industry included one to amalgamate Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate was operating at 50 percent capacity. The plan was to divest GuySuCo of the Skeldon Estate and have the estates of Albion and Rose Hall amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall closed. (DPI)

matters into his own hands in refusing to sign the vouchers and the other NDCs that were present were informed about the circumstances surrounding his refusal; and I have launched an investigation after which we as a region will certainly have to take the appropriate action. Politics and politicking should be left for election time and has no place in professional organisations and environment,” the visibly upset regional chairman said. AREO Singh said that

this problem arose after the chairman’s unilateral decision to impose a 15 per cent increase in his monthly stipend. “He [chairman] has been receiving $10,000.00 each month. However, he imposed an additional $15,000.00 increase to his salary, thus making it $25,000.00 and because the overseer has refused, he, in turn, refused to sign off on the salaries for the workers,” the AREO disclosed. Overseer Candace Atherly, who was unable to attend the meeting due to illness, said that she has been having this fight with the chairman for a while now. She said that he has taken the stance that once things are not done in his favour, then he refuses to discharge his responsibilities. “We told him that the vouchers were to pay the salaries, but yet he told us that if he ain’t getting his $25,000 then nobody ain’t getting paid, because he ain’t signing nothing,” she related. However, when contacted, Singh said that he had not refused to sign the vouchers to protest not get-

ting his $25,000, but noted that all the vouchers were not ready, so instead of signing some last week and some this week, he opted to wait until this week when he would sign all. He dismissed what he dubbed as ‘misguided statements’ by the overseer, whom he said is following the directives of some councillors. However, when told that the accusations and comments being made by Atherly have been made on numerous occasions publicly at meetings and in his presence, Singh said that he would not be bothered by what she has to say, adding “this is no big deal as the workers will be paid.” Allen stressed that the “callous and uncaring” approach by elected officials cannot continue, adding that appropriate action will be taken when the investigation has been completed. Up to late Wednesday, the staff had not been paid and based on the accounting process, it is unlikely that they would be paid before Friday of this week, the RDC said.

Essequibo Coast fatal accident

Driver remains in custody FAMILY members of seven-year-old Jadesh Mohanlall, who tragically lost his life Tuesday evening on the Aurora Public Road on the Essequibo Coast, are still in a state of shock at the manner in which the child’s life was snuffed out. According to the father of the deceased, Balaram Mohanlall, his son was playing in their yard earlier in the day before he met his demise. “We didn’t even know something happened, all we heard was a loud noise and when we looked out we saw persons gathered and our son lying on the ground, I am really stressed out,” the father related. He said his son’s body was picked up in a semi-conscious state from the road then rushed to the Suddie Hospital. “It was a real shock to

see my son on the road, he was talking and so but was crying out for pain, we really don’t know what happened and why my son’s life had to be taken away so early,” the father said. The deceased was the youngest of three. The family is currently preparing for his funeral while the driver Gobin Chandrika of Lot 64 Hibernia remains in police custody. According to the police report the motorcar was proceeding south on the eastern lane of the road when the pedestrian ran from a yard on the eastern side unto the road and into the path of the motorcar. The driver in response applied brakes but still collided with the pedestrian who fell on the road. He was taken by the driver to the Suddie Hospital in a semi-conscious state and later in the eve-

Seven-year-old Jadesh Mohanlall when he graduated from Aurora Nursery School

ning he succumbed to the injuries. His body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

North Rupununi group urges protection of wetlands RECENT calls by North Rupununi communities

for adjustments to the Inter-American Develop-

ment Bank (IDB)-funded Sustainable Agricultural

Development Programme must be heeded and steps taken to address their concerns, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and the Guyana Policy Forum have warned. In a statement, the bodies said that on March 19, 2018, IDB representatives and high-level government officials met with residents at Nappi during which several issues were raised, including the construction of a massive reservoir in the middle of the portal that links the Essequibo and Amazon watersheds during the rainy season. Understandably, residents are concerned about the impact on the wetlands and the range of biodiversity they support and upon which they depend. According to the statement, the groups say it is encouraging that the IDB has undertaken to provide the residents with more information and has promised greater involvement of residents, moving forward. “However, it is worrying that it was only when residents passionately spoke up about their concerns at the Nappi meeting that the above-mentioned decisions were made,” the groups stated. They said too that it is noteworthy that since last year, the IDB recognised that consultations done during project preparations were ‘not meaningful’ and in its own assessment, the IDB noted that one reason for this was that consultations for the agricultural research centre in Region Nine were done, considering Manari as the project site. However, the project site was subsequently shifted to Pirara, located approximately 40 km north of Manari. “Because of this, main stakeholders such as the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and the 20 communities it represents were not consulted.” According to the statement, the IDB also recognised that construction of the reservoir might sig-

nificantly convert and/or degrade a critical habitat due to its extension. “Even at the original project site, the IDB recognised that the project is in the Rupununi wetlands, an area with high biodiversity value and which provides a range of ecosystem services to the over 8000 indigenous residents who live in and around the area. How project managers deal with the shift to an even more sensitive site remains unclear,” the statement read. It added that the value of the North Rupununi wetlands has been recognised by the people of the region, who, for over two decades, have called for its special recognition and potential designation as a RAMSAR (Convention on water sites of international importance) site. However, official pronouncements of support from successive governments notwithstanding, little has been done to make this a reality, the statement noted. More recently, the groups said residents have been alarmed at proposed plans to expand large-scale agriculture and other landuse activities in the North Rupununi and the communities of the North Rupununi. Consequently, in February 2017, residents presented to the government a position paper making a case for its protection. In June 2017, in a letter to President David Granger, the communities, re-emphasised the urgent need to protect the wetlands. “They have proposed that the wetlands be declared an Area of Conservation Interest and the imposition of an immediate moratorium on the granting of new concessions or land-use permits for mining, commercial logging, industrial agriculture or any other activities incompatible with conservation in the said area,” the release stated. However, the groups said to date, despite expressions of support, little has been done to move this forward. “The North Rupununi Wetlands has been shaped over millennia into the world-re-

nowned, biodiversity-rich area it is today, and the importance of such areas are increasingly being recognised. The Inter-governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), recently highlighted that human destruction of nature is rapidly eroding the world’s capacity to provide food, water and security to billions of people. Wetlands have been particularly hard hit with 87% of wetlands lost globally in the last 300 years.” According to the release, residents of the North Rupununi recognise well the role of wetlands as important sources of recharging, filtering and storage of freshwater, thereby ensuring water security for the 20 communities and over 8000 inhabitants of the North Rupununi. Communities are dependent on this area for food, medicines, materials for building, cultural practices and cash incomes. “The government has been making all the right noises on the international front regarding protection of water resources. President Granger has recognised that the world’s freshwater supplies are under threat with water stress increasing in many parts of the world. At the World Water Forum in Brasilia several days ago, the President called for conservation of water resources and the protection of the environment everywhere in order to maintain the integrity of the earth’s rivers and lakes. Wetlands are important in this regard,” the groups stated. They added that extractive industries such as mining, have already poisoned many of Guyana’s rivers with mining effluent and already such activities are harming pristine areas in the Rupununi. “Should this continue, the rivers of the Rupununi could end up [being] destroyed as has already happened in other regions of Guyana. It is time that the government move beyond lip-service and implement the sustainable solutions proposed by the indigenous people of the area,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Remanded on Accused of fraud two armed robbery charges JEROME Smart on Wednesday appeared in t h e G e o r g e t o w n M a gistratesâ€™ Court slapped with two armed robbery charges. It is alleged that on March 29 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while in the company of others and being armed with a gun, Smart robbed Jamal Angst of US$200, one cellphone worth $26, 000, $100,000

and personal documents. The 40-year old man pleaded guilty with an explanation. He told the court that he didnâ€™t rob anyone; he had found the phone on the road. After listening to his explanation, Magistrate Fabayo Azore entered a not guilty plea. It is further alleged that on the same day at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, in

the company of others and while being armed with a gun, Smart robbed Donald David of a cellphone worth $40,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and due to the fact that a gun was used. Bail was refused and Smart was remanded to prison until April 25, 2018.

A 40-year-old miner on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a fraud charge. It is alleged that between February 15, 2018 and March 30, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Shawn Fitz obtained $170, 000 from James Daniel by pretending he was in a position to obtain boat engines for Daniels, knowing same to be false. The miner was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and the matter was adjourned for April 25, 2018.

Shawn Fitz

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Cricket very much alive and well in Guyana, says Cox By Rajiv Bisnauth

DIRECTOR and Fire Manager at Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Howard Cox, believes that Guyana’s cricket performances on the field of play signify that the game is very much alive and well locally. Cox made the statement yesterday during the launching ceremony of the third edition of the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand Insurance Inter-county Under-19 competition, set to start on April 10. The launching took place in the sponsor’s Boardroom of its main branch situated at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. Cox said the company was pleased with the execution of the tournament last year, and since Guyana’s cricket

has been the highpoint at all levels, it was easy to once again renew the contract with the board. “Cricket is very much alive and well in Guyana,” Cox said. He added, “Our senior team continues to dominate, winning the Regional Fourday title four years in a row. They say winning is a habit and losing is a habit, and it’s very pleasing to us (because) Hand-in-Hand likes to back winners and it seems like the Guyana cricket teams no doubt, by the urgings of the board, have developed this winning habit.” Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie, said that both parties viewed the tournaments as an ideal grounding for players. “The GCB views this

tournament as critical to the growth and empowerment of our young players, in that it serves as the main domestic catalyst for the mobility of players to the senior level. Two recent products of this Under-19 programme are Shimron Hetymer and Keemo Paul who have graduated to the West Indies senior team,” Sanasie declared. He added, “After last year’s tournament five Guyanese - Bhaskar Yadram, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, Raymond Perez, Joshua Persaud and Ashmead Nedd - were a part of the West Indies Under-19 World Cup squad, so the tournament is clearly an invaluable one, and will also enable the national team to adequately prepare to defend their Regional One-day and three-day championships title.”

The tournament commences with the three-day format on April 10. In round one the Select Under-17 team will oppose the defending champions Demerara at Everest while Essequibo face off with Berbice at Lusignan. Round two is billed for April 14-16 with Demerara up against Berbice at GCC while the Select Under-17 team come up against Essequibo at Everest. The third and final round will be played from April 18 to 20. Essequibo will face Demerara at Tuschen while Berbice and the Select Under-17 team clash at GCC. The one-day format will commence with the first round of matches on April 22. After three rounds of cricket the two top teams will meet in the final on April 28.

Guyana open Commonwealth Games today with boxing, squash, swimming and table tennis NATHAN ‘Superman’ Lewis will step into the ring today. The squash team, swimmer Andrew Fowler and table tennis players will also swing into action when the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games get on the way in Australia’s Gold Coast. Guyana will be represented by twenty athletes, in the disciplines of track and field, swimming, ta-

ble tennis, rifle shooting, squash and badminton, with the hope of adding to the country’s 15-medal tally (three gold, six silver, six bronze) at the games. Light welterweight Lewis will face a familiar foe in St Lucian Nathan Ferrari in his first fight at the Commonwealth Games. Today’s encounter marks the third meeting between the two, with Lewis, the Caribbean Champion, winning the first two fights in the first round via knockouts. The winner of today’s contest will face Sinethemba Blom of South Africa. Meanwhile, Youth Commonwealth Games silver medallist flyweight Keevin Allicock will lace up his gloves on April 9 against Scotland’s Reece McFadden – the 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. We s l e y C h r i s t mas (bronze), Winfield Braithwaite (gold) and C. Atherly (bronze) are the only fighters to ever medal at the Commonwealth Games for Guyana. Over in squash, Mary Fung-A-Fat comes up against Canada’s Sam Court, Sunil Seth plays Barbados’ Shawn Simp-

son, Jason Khalil plays Campbell Grayson of New Zealand and Taylor Fernandes matches racquet skills with Tesni Evans. Meanwhile, Fowler is down to take the pool in the 50 metres butterfly, where he’s aiming to add to Walter P. Spence’s silver which is the only medal so far for swimming in the games’ history. Jamila Sanmoogan is the other swimmer. Sean Baksh travelled as their coach. Table tennis players Trenace Lowe, Priscilla Greaves, Christopher Franklin, Natalie Cummings, Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan and Joel Alleyne will come face-to-face

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Flexible Fugitive 08:50 hrs Kissmeinmydreams 09:25 hrs Written 10:00 hrs Trip To Paradise 10:35 hrs Premier Show 11:10 hrs Alex The Great American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Sonido Race 2 Take Your Place Race 3 Southern Greatness Race 4 Barbados Kitten Race 5 Mr Bridger Race 6 Schmiss Race 7 Miss Contessa Race 8 Salsalida

with their counterparts from England today in men’s and women’s actions. In track and field, Guyana will be represented by Troy Doris, Winston George, Emanuel Archibald, Leslain Baird, Natricia Hooper and Natrena Hooper. Narayan Ramdhani is the lone badminton player in the squad and his father Gokarn Ramdhani will serve as his coach. The rifle-shooting team comprises Paul Slowe (coach), Ransford Goodluck and Lennox Braithwaite. The Commonwealth Games opened on Tuesday and will conclude on April 15.

English Racing Tips Wolverhampton 09:10 hrs Culloden 09:40 hrs Flying Sparkle 10:15 hrs Lexington Times 10:45 hrs Sunshineandbubbles 11:20 hrs Berlusca 11:50 hrs Adams Park 12:20 hrs Ghost Chelmsford City 12:45 hrs Dancing Brave Bear 13:15 hrs The Juggler 13:45 hrs Great Order 14:15 hrs Tom’s Rock 15:15 hrs Related 15:45 hrs City Dreamer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

70 days to go …

FIFA rule threatening to dash Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 2018 World Cup dream Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be about to see his World Cup dreams dashed by a FIFA rule which prevents him from coming out of international retirement with Sweden. The former Manchester United striker, who is now on the books of the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer, has previously expressed a desire to grace this summer’s finals in Russia.

having stakes, either actively or passively, in companies, concerns, organisations, etc. that promote, broker, arrange or conduct such events on transactions.” Ibrahimovic has claimed that “if I want to go I’m there”, as he prepares to make himself available for his country once again. He has, however, agreed to be a Bethard

ferent issue handled by the Swedish Football Association, that is, it has nothing to do with FIFA’s regulations and ethical code. “They are two areas that are isolated from each other and handled separately.” There is still time for a solution to be found which suits all parties, with Sweden not due

to open their 2018 World Cup campaign until June 18 against South Korea. They are also set to face Mexico and reigning champions Germany at the group stage, as they prepare to return to the grandest arena in football for the first time in 12 years.

FIFA WORLD CUP FUN FACTS

Billions will watch Russia World Cup for free

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish striker, flies through the air to smash a volley into the back of the French net. He played no part in qualification, having stepped away from the fold after Euro 2016, but is open to re-joining Janne Andersson’s ranks at the global showpiece. Ibrahimovic has, however, recently entered into a commercial partnership with Malta-licensed gambling operator Bethard. That association could prevent him from gracing a third World Cup, with the 36-year-old now in breach of FIFA regulations relating to betting. Chapter Four, Rule 25 of FIFA’s code of ethics states: “Persons bound by this code shall be forbidden from taking part in, either directly or indirectly, or otherwise being associated with, betting, gambling, lotteries and similar events or transactions connected with football matches. They are forbidden from

ambassador, stating after that partnership was announced: “I have obviously been intensively courted by betting companies throughout my career, but up until now I have not been presented to anything that has triggered me. With Bethard, there was something different. It’s a company with Swedish roots, the founders are from my home town and they are true challengers who really want to do things differently.” Ibrahimovic may have found the Bethard offer enticing, but it could now present him with an unfortunate obstacle. The Swedish Football Association are, however, hoping that a compromise can be reached, with general secretary Hakan Sjostrand telling Aftonbladet: “If a player advertises in different contexts, it is a completely dif-

A RECORD global audience of 3.4 billion is expected to tune in to at least one match either on TV or the internet, according to a new survey. Latin America will have the largest number of viewers, followed by the Middle East/Africa, Asia Pacific and then Europe. The survey of 80 000 internet users across 42 countries found 47% of Europe’s population will see some action, while only 25% watch the Premier League. Globally, 55% of men will tune in along with 37% of women. Viewing figures are expected to trump those from previous tournaments thanks to the wider global reach of the internet. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil reached 3.2B with 1 billion watching the final, say organisers FIFA. But the growth of social networking platforms now allows fans in far-flung places to keep up with the action. YouTube is the favourite medium to watch matches. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter are also set to be popular. The smallest audience will be in North America with less than a quarter of the population expected to tune in after the U.S. failed to qualify. The survey was conducted by London-based data tech company GlobalWebIndex. FIFA announced yesterday 1.7 million tickets have been sold – but only 24 000 have gone to England supporters. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is “deeply concerned” about how England fans will be treated in Russia following the diplomatic row over the poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury last month. Among 23 British diplomats kicked out of Russia was the official tasked with looking after fan safety.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Gold Coast event starts with colourful opening ceremony THE 21st Commonwealth Games are officially under way after a spectacular opening ceremony on the Gold Coast. More than 4 500 athletes from 71 nations and territories will be competing for 275 gold medals over the 11 days of competition. A crowd of 35 000 packed into the Carrara Stadium, normally the home of Australian Rules football side Gold Coast Suns. A heavy downpour of rain greeted the start of proceedings but that failed to dampen spirits. The crowd and athletes were then treated to a ceremony showcasing music and dance drawing on Australia’s history and traditions. The Games were officially declared open by the Prince of Wales, representing the

Former Australian athlete Susie O’Neill arrives from a Camper van and carrying the Queen’s baton into the stadium. (Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters)

Smith, Bancroft will not contest CA ban

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Former captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft will not contest the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month’s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, the banned duo said yesterday. Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed

Queen, the head of the Commonwealth. However, there were protests outside the stadium by indigenous rights activists who earlier disrupted the Queen’s baton relay as it made its way to the stadium. The first gold medal of the Games will be awarded in women’s triathlon today. The delegations were led out in Glasgow four years ago by Scottie dogs, but this time they were led by a ‘Nipper’ - a young Australian surf lifesaver aged between 5 and 14 years old - while members of Surf Life Saving Queensland marshalled the teams around the stadium. Scotland - the first team out into the stadium - were led by athlete Eilidh Doyle, while triathlete Alistair Brownlee, who will be defending his men’s title today, was at the head of the English team. Swimmer Jazz Carlin and netballer Caroline O’Hanlon carried the flags for Wales and Northern Ireland respectively. However, the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the record 473-strong Australian team, headed by hockey player Mark Knowles. In Glasgow, England dislodged Australia from the top of the medal table for the first time since 1986 - winning nine more gold - but Australia are keen to regain top spot on home soil. The athletes were welcomed to the Gold Coast by Commonwealth Games chairman Peter Beattie and president of the Commonwealth Games Federation Louise Martin, with Australian lawn bowler Karen Murphy, coach of the Australia netball team Lisa Alexander and technical official Des Johnston taking the Games oath on behalf of the athletes, coaches and officials. After the baton made its way around the stadium via some iconic Australian sportspeople, including hurdler Sally Pearson, it was presented to the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles, who also opened the 2010 Games in Delhi, said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were delighted to be in attendance and read a message from the Queen. “The ancient stories of the Aboriginals remind us that even though we are half a world away, we are connected and the Games show the potential to connect,” she said. “I continue to be inspired by all those taking part and I send my warm wishes to every individual and team.” Later a giant replica of Migaloo, the white humpback whale which has become a symbol of environmental matters in Australia, floated gently into the stadium before the ceremony finished in a blaze of fireworks. (BBC Sport)

Cotton Field win 10/10 Fun Day championship

Cameron Bancroft (left) and Steve Smith

12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third Test in Cape Town. “I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,” Smith said on his verified Twitter account. “But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as captain of the team. “I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.” Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment. “Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down,” tweeted the 25-year-old. “I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public: thank you to all those who have sent messages of support.” The players have until today to appeal their bans with Warner the only player left to announce his decision.

AN EXCITING five-team 10/10 competition was staged at the Reliance ground last Sunday with Cotton Field emerging as champions against Young Achievers in the final. Witnessed by a colourful and vocal crowd, Cotton Field first got past Bush Lot Trendsetters by 18 runs. Batting after winning the toss, the eventual champions posted 112-7 from 10 overs then restricted Bush Lot to 94-8 when their overs expired. The second match saw Reliance Hustlers, aided by a star-studded line-up, humbled by Young Achievers. Batting first, Young Achievers rattled up 139-7 in their 10 overs with Tameshwar Dhanpaul smashing an entertaining 86 (7x6, 4x4) while Boodram Laldass supported with 30 (3x6, 1x4). They were the principal scorers. In reply, Reliance Hustlers, despite fluent knocks from Shivnandan Mandolall 25, Ravindra Persaud 22 and Rovendra Parasram 20, fell behind the asking rate and were eventually restricted to 115-6 from their 10 overs. They lost by 24 runs. Reliance Masters then entertained Cotton Field and were easily beaten by 9 wickets. Batting first, Reliance Masters strolled to 67-3 from a reduced 8-overs match. Cotton Field raced to 68-1 in the 4th over with Asgar Khan remaining unbeaten on 33 (3x6). The final was also reduced to an 8-over affair due to time with Young Achievers taking first strike. They were able to amass 76-4 with cameos from Lochin Persaud 25 and Tameshwar Dhanpaul 22. In reply, Cotton Field batted solidly and were timely and excitingly rewarded after needing 17 runs from the final over which they achieved with one delivery to spare. At the presentation, chairman of the Reliance Grounds Committee, Tevis Simon, thanked the participating teams and the large crowd for supporting the fund-raising venture. He added that the proceeds will go towards enhancing the facilities at the ground including the erection of a main pavilion and wash rooms for patrons. The winning team collected $15 000 and a trophy while the runners-up received $5 000. (Elroy Stephney)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Liverpool stun Man City with 3-0 win at Anfield By Simon Evans

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool ripped apart Manchester City with three goals inside the opening 31 minutes as they won their Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie 3-0 on Wednesday. Anfield has witnessed many memorable European nights over the years and this will take its place among the most spectacular as a simply devastating, first-half display was crowned with goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane. The tie may not be over, with 90 minutes remaining at the Etihad on Tuesday, but Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, who has enjoyed more wins over City counterpart Pep Guardiola than any other manager, will be delighted as his commitment to attacking football

was amply rewarded. Liverpool are the only team to have beaten City in the Premier League this season, with a thrilling 4-3 victory in January, and they

Liverpool put the Premier League’s champions-elect under intense pressure from the first kick and it took just 12 minutes for City to crack. After a City corner,

His shot was blocked by City keeper Ederson but Firmino pounced on the loose ball and slipped it to Salah, who fired home. City responded with

Liverpool players celebrate after beasting Manchester City 3-0 at Ainfield.

repeated the formula of that success by attacking City’s defence from the outset. Roared on by a particularly vocal home crowd,

James Milner launched the ball forward, Salah broke from the halfway line and played the ball inside to Roberto Firmino.

a swift counter-attack of their own but Leroy Sane, who had broken from deep, screwed the ball wide when he could have played

in team mate Kevin De Bruyne.

UNSTOPPABLE DRIVE Liverpool were rampant though and harrying City off the ball in midfield when Milner won back possession and moved it straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Arsenal midfielder unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 metres to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute. City were now reeling and looked nothing like the team that has marched so convincingly to a 16-point lead in the Premier League and it was not long before Juergen Klopp’s side made it 3-0. Salah floated a teasing cross from the right towards Mane, who rose above the City defence to power a header past Ederson and send the Anfield crowd into delirium. City came out brightly after the break though, finally managing to find some composure with their passing. Liverpool were unable to

get back into their first-half rhythm and they suffered a blow when Salah went off injured in the 52nd minute. Guardiola’s side were back in their familiar role of controlling possession, but were struggling to create chances with Sane wasting a promising opening at the back post, one of a series of frustrations for the German left winger. A miserable night for Sane, who was superbly handled by young Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, was completed when he was ruled offside as he broke down the left and crossed for Gabriel Jesus to put the ball in the net. Yet the fact that City’s late pressure was accompanied by audible tension from the Liverpool fans was a reminder that the tie is not over. Few teams could overturn a 3-0 deficit against Liverpool but Guardiola’s side is certainly one of them.

Australia’s Mitchell Marsh Broad back to best, but top-order issues remain - Agnew to undergo ankle surgery By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

Mitchell Marsh remains a doubt for Australia’s next Test series.

(REUTERS) - Australia’s fast-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will miss the start of the English county season with Surrey as he needs an ankle surgery which also makes him a doubt for the national team’s next Test assignment against Pakistan.. Surrey confirmed yesterday that Marsh, who was expected to join the squad for the start of the County Championship this month, requires an immediate ankle surgery. “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing the start of the season,” the 26-year-old said in a statement. “I was looking forward to heading over and joining the Surrey family. I’ll be doing everything I can to get myself fully fit and hopefully join the side later in the season.” Marsh has been in fine form since his recall to the Australian side for the third Ashes Test, averaging more than 45 with the bat against England and South Africa. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Marsh is targeting a return for the start of the Australian summer, suggesting the player will miss the limited-overs tour of England in June. He will also face a race against time for Australia’s next away Test campaign against Pakistan, which is expected to be held in September or October this year.

ENGLAND’S new national selector - whoever that may be - has got a real job on his hands after the team’s performances this winter. We all know England lost 4-0 in Australia, and their 1-0 series defeat in New Zealand makes it 13 matches without a win away from home. The person appointed to pick the team - alongside two others, one of whom will be Trevor Bayliss - has got a number of decisions to make, beginning with the top order and Mark Stoneman as opener and James Vince at number three. Then there is Alastair Cook who, apart from a double hundred at Melbourne, has not had a good winter. I’m not for a moment suggesting he’s going to be dropped but there is concern over his form. I suspect the national selector will lean quite heavily on England coach Bayliss, who gave Stoneman and Vince a pat on the back after the drawn second Test

against New Zealand in which they put on 123 together in the second innings. But Bayliss did also say the door is open for people who get runs at the start of the county season. It’s a great opportunity for somebody to get some large scores in April to give them a chance to be recognised before England

land is perhaps the best part of the winter for England’s Test side. It is always tempting to say when somebody who has been struggling gets a few wickets that they are all right again, but Broad does seem to have genuinely returned to his best - bowling at 87 mph and getting the ball away from

Stuart Broad took 11 wickets in the two Tests.

face Pakistan at Lord’s on May 24. The best thing about England’s winter overall was their white-ball cricket. They beat both Australia and New Zealand in the one-day international series and will probably start next year’s World Cup at home as favourites. I did not see all of the Ashes but the reinvigoration of Stuart Broad in New Zea-

right-handers and into the left-handers. In the two Tests, he took 11 wickets at an average of 18.54 and looked like his old self - all that hard work he put in between the Ashes and coming to New Zealand has been really good. I know he’s thrilled with the way he’s bowled. James Anderson looks set to continue and I’m sure he’ll get a load of

wickets this summer. But the bowling behind Broad and Anderson is a real worry. In the seven Tests across the Ashes and New Zealand, those two took 47 wickets at 29.82, while everyone else got 34 wickets 72.85. Ben Stokes obviously didn’t play in the Ashes and couldn’t bowl properly in New Zealand because of a back injury. Mark Wood spent most of the second Test in Christchurch banging it in halfway down the pitch and his fitness will be an issue. There doesn’t seem to be an awful lot coming in behind. England will need to look at their tactic of shortpitched bowling, because their bowlers lack the venom of genuine quicks like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. You have to really give New Zealand’s lower order a lot of credit in drawing the second Test - Colin de Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi and Neil Wagner batting 60 overs between them was a very good effort. But England bowled a lot of short balls at Sodhi and Wagner in particular that seemed to have no impact. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

Three-match series was good opportunity to assess young players, says Law KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – West Indies head coach Stuart Law believes the three-match series against Pakistan provided an excellent opportunity for the assessment of players on the fringe of international selection. The Caribbean side was without several of their leading players and suffered a humbling whitewash in the short Twenty20 series at the National Stadium, but Law said the benefits of the series went beyond the result. “It is a great opportunity for our young players and a great opportunity for me to see what the young players have got as well and not just

in a practice regime or in domestic cricket, but in international cricket against a quality outfit like Pakistan,” the Australian said here. “That’s the thing we’ve got with this team here, everyone is learning. It’s very difficult to learn in an atmosphere like this. We’ve struggled but at least we’re showing some fight.” The 13-man squad included four debutants – Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Odean Smith and Andre McCarthy – while several other members of the squad had only played a handful of matches. Veteran Marlon Samuels was the most senior member

of the squad while Denesh Ramdin, while also experienced was returning to the squad for the first time since

being dropped from all formats in 2016. The likes of captain Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle,

West Indies head coach Stuart Law

Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine all opted not to travel for the series, which marked the return of high-profile international cricket to the country following a nine-year break. Law said while the series result had not been in the Windies favour, the fact international cricket was back on Pakistani soil represented a success. “I’m a big believer that if cricket came back here it would be well received,” he pointed out. “There were close to 30 000 (spectators) for the first two games and we probably passed that (for the final match). People of Pakistan

have been starved of cricket … so it’s been a success from that point of view.” West Indies will have some time off before their next engagement, when they take on Sri Lanka in three Tests in the Caribbean in June. Law said rest and preparation would mark the Windies schedule in the coming weeks. “We’ve got a bit of time off. We’ve got the IPL window so mostly the international boys will be having some rest and then we have a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka coming up in June so there will be a bit of preparation for that.”

Barcelona secure big win as Roma self-destruct By Richard Martin

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp yesterday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years. Roma captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched

the runaway La Liga leaders’ advantage. Barca defender Gerard

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates (Photo: Reuters)

Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma’s top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg. Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side’s fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year. Five-time European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di

Francesco’s side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final. Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well until De Rossi’s untimely own goal. Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half

when they were only a goal down. The visitors suddenly came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however. Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later.

Dzeko’s close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games. The Uruguayan’s strike all but cemented Barca’s place in the Champions League semis for the first time since winning the competition in 2015 after quarter-final defeats by Atletico Madrid and Juventus in the last two seasons.

Grant-Stuart receives assistance to compete at UCI C1 Para-Cycling event Hassan Mohamed (left) hands over the donations to Walter Grant-Stuart in the presence of national cyclist Geron Williams in the compound of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

AS the days wind down for his departure, Guyanese differently-abled, cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart’s quest to shine on debut for Guyana at the UCI C1 Para-Cycling event on April 28-29 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada, has been boosted. Yesterday, the Continental Cycle Club (CCC) member was presented with cash donations from the Guyana Cycling Association of North America (GCANA), Rudolph ‘Duckie’ Appiah, Kevin Jeffrey and Andrew King towards expenses associated with the trip.

Some of the members of the GCANA, all former cyclists, are Monty Davis, Gavin Lowman, Victor Rutherford, Aubrey Gordon and Cecil ‘Dallas’ Bernard. In handing over the donations, Guyana Cycling Federation’s racing secretary Hassan Mohamed who also works as a cycle coach attached to the National Sports Commission, told Grant-Stuart that he was fortunate to have the support of the persons who all want to see him succeed on his debut trip in national colours. “I would like to wish you well on behalf of the donors as

you endeavour on this mission in Canada. Like anything else, the battle would not be easy but you have been preparing well over the past few months and I am sure you will compete with a lot of heart.” Grant-Stuart, in a bid to get attuned to the conditions in Canada will be leaving Guyana on April 14. He expressed thanks to donors and has promised to represent the Golden Arrowhead with pride, come April 28 and 29 next, when he competes in the Time Trials and Road Race.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 5, 2018

CARICOM pressing ahead with WIPA boss hails Caribbean side’s plans to restructure governance role in Pakistan resurgence of Windies cricket - PM Gonsalves KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – CARICOM is pressing ahead with plans to ensure the restructuring of the governance of West Indies cricket, undeterred by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) request to have Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron present at any meeting between the two bodies. In fact, chairman of CARICOM’s cricket subcommittee, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said the proposed meeting with the ICC was intended be an open discussion and he expected that CWI would have a presence. Cricket’s world governing body told CARICOM last week it was prepared to meet but would only do so with Cameron present, since “Cricket West Indies is our member.” “I have no problem with that because what we have to say to the ICC and what we have to discuss with them, we’ll discuss it openly,” Gonsalves told WE FM Radio here. “There’s no problem with that, I’d expect them (CWI) to be there.” That meeting, requested by CARICOM to convey the “desperate urgency” of the need to have West Indies cricket governance restructured, will not take place as

hoped on the sidelines of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in London later this month, because of a scheduling conflict.

two-day Intersessional in Haiti, CARICOM leaders strengthened their position on the proposed governance overhaul, affirming legal advice which validated their concerns over CWI’s right to manage the “public good” of West Indies cricket. According to CARICOM,

public good and it just can’t be managed by a private entity,” Gonsalves pointed out. “It has to involve all the relevant stakeholders and this is how it has to be structured, complying with all the best practices of good governance and transparency.”

Chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial sub-committee oncricket Dr Ralph Gonsalves

However, Gonsalves said the rescheduling of the ICC meeting would not prevent CARICOM from continuing to lay the groundwork for the implementation of a new governance structure. “A few days ago I spoke to the CARICOM Secretary General (Irwin LaRocque) and we discussed the question of getting the consultants to provide a broad framework through which legislation could be passed in our respective countries. So we are proceeding with our work,” the St Vincent and the Grenadines leader said. A t l a s t F e b r u a r y ’s

CWI president Dave Cameron

“a legislative approach” was required if West Indies cricket was to be turned around, and best practices of governance achieved. Gonsalves, who assumed the chairmanship of the cricket subcommittee two years ago, also re-stated CARICOM’s stated position, contending that “good governance and transparency” remained paramount. “What the CARICOM Heads decided is that while we are not going to get involved in the management of West Indies cricket, it’s a

CWI has fiercely resisted any overhaul of its governance ever since the 2015 CARICOM-commissioned Governance Report – authored by prominent regional academic and UWI Cave Hill principal Professor Eudine Barriteau – called for the “immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board.” Cameron has since argued that CWI leadership must be “selected free of interference from governments”.

Jamaica Sports Minister says CARIFTA success a sign of bright future KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Sports Minister Oliva Grange has hailed the achievement of Jamaica’s track and field team, which dominated the 47th CARIFTA Games in Nassau over the Easter weekend. The regional powerhouse finished top of the standings with 82 medals overall – 44 gold, 27 silver and 11 bronze – to once again set themselves apart from their rivals. Grange said the performances were a reflection of the resources committed to track and field, and also highlighted a bright future for the island. “I watched with elevated pride as we won medal after medal,” said Grange. “I want to congratulate the athletes and the coaches for the tremendous work that they have been doing to keep

Jamaica firmly in the top ranks of world sport. “We are seeing a wonderful transitioning as some of our senior athletes leave the track and what I have

States-based Briana Williams who completed the cherished sprint double in Girls’ Under-17 division. She broke a two-decade old record in winning the

Jamaican star sprinter Briana Williams

seen at CARIFTA tells me that the future is secure.” The standout of the weekend was 16-year-old United

KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president, Wavell Hinds, says he is proud of the role West Indies cricket has played in returning international cricket to Pakistan. The Caribbean side’s three-match Twenty20 International series which wrapped up here Tuesday was the first visit by a major Test-playing nation in nine years, following the terrorists attack on a Sri Lankan team in 2009. Since then, Pakistan played their home series in United Arab Emirates. “It feels good to be playing a role in bringing cricket back in Pakistan,” said Hinds, who along with director of cricket Jimmy Adams travelled for the historic series. “The people of Pakistan deserve to see their national players, their stars playing in front of them and of course to see the stars of West Indies come over and play in Pakistan. “For the game of cricket to grow and for the world cricket to take its rightful place in the world of sports then playing cricket in Pakistan is one step towards achieving that.” The tour was hastily arranged and was without several of the leading T20 stars but the three matches saw capacity crowds pack the National Stadium. And buoyed by the vociferous home crowd, the Pakistanis dominated the series winning 3-0, taking every game by handsome margins.

100 metres and had a hand in another as she helped Jamaica win the sprint relay, to notch her third gold, and take the

Austin Sealy Award for the Most Outstanding Athlete. Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State for Sports, said Jamaica’s athletes were fine examples of investments well placed. “When we see Christopher Taylor, Brianna Williams, Shiann Salmon and the relay teams executing almost perfect races we can say that any investment by the government or the private sector in developing sporting facilities and programmes is money well spent,” he said. “I think we have an exciting time ahead and I am looking forward to being a part of this exciting development.” Jamaica swept the 1500m finals, the sprint hurdles and the sprint relays while winning three of four of the 100m finals and the 4x400m relay finals.

WIPA president Wavell Hinds

Hinds, a former Test batsman, said the series would serve as an inspiration to young players. “The way in which Pakistan play is pretty similar to the way West Indies play,” he explained. “And when international cricket is played and stars are on show then it motivates young kids and it can help the game improve.” He added: “I know the passion the fans here have. I came to Pakistan 23 years ago as an Under-19 player, played in this very ground (National Stadium), went to Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad and all other grounds and played against top players.” There were concerns over the security situation in Pakistan but these were allayed after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully staged the Independence Cup last September which involved a three-match series against a World XI, and also hosted the last two finals of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore and Karachi respectively. Some leading Windies players, including captain Carlos Brathwaite, opted out of the series because of security concerns but Hinds said Windies cricket authorities had been reassured by the report from independence security advisers. “Once the Eastern Star International, the independent security firm, gave the undertaking that the risk is manageable then as a cricket association back in West Indies, we wanted all our players in West Indies the best opportunity to show their skills around the world, and by doing that they also bring back smiles to the faces of Pakistani people,” Hinds said. While West Indies were outclassed in the series and were bowled out in the first T20 for their lowest-ever total in the format, Hinds said the importance of the tour went beyond the results. “Our performances aren’t what we expected. There are quality players in the squad but the performance has been down,” Hinds noted. “Players are hurt because they are losing but in the end, they understand the value of coming to Pakistan and what they are doing for world cricket.”

Cricket very much alive and well in Guyana, says Cox See Page 22

… Hand-in-Hand renews sponsorship for Inter-county U-19 tournament

Director and Fire Manager at Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Howard Cox (third right), hands over the sponsorship cheque to secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie. Also sharing the moment are (Bhaskar Yadram, Joshua Persaud, Ashmead Nedd and a staff member from the insurance company. (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana open Commonwealth Games today with boxing, squash, swimming and table tennis See Page 22

Super Effort Team Guyana at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Australia Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

GUYANA and Caribbean light welterweight champion Colin `Superman’ Lewis today begins his quest to become the champion of the Commonwealth. Lewis weighed in at 63.8 kilos for today’s bout against St Lucian Nathan Ferrari. Here, Lewis pounds the hand pads held by AIBA Three Star coach Sebert Blake hours before facing his St Lucian opponent. THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018