Guyana chronicle e paper 04 14 2018

SATURDAY 14th April, 2018

No.105244

Key sectors to rebound this year PAGE

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… Jordan says growth rate was 2.1 per cent last year

Freak storm shakes Lima PAGES

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Heavy winds ripped off the roofs of these two houses at Lima, Essequibo Coast on Friday

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

Guyana, Canada discuss trade, 12 security – Greenidge PAGE

Trotman wants expert review of Gold Board lab 10 Forum urges 11 speedy update of copyright legislation PAGE

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US$18M signing bonus … accrues US$36,169 in foreign account interest thus far

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Sexual offences court convicts nine – after five months in operation

By Ariana Gordon

SOME five months after the Sexual Offences Court was opened here, a total of 14 cases have been heard by the court, with some nine persons being found guilty.

This was revealed on Friday by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall during the opening of a two-day training course for members of the judiciary and magistracy, legal fraternity, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders on the work of the Sexual Offences Court and the Sexual Offences Act at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

Justice Morris-Ramlall said the court has been meeting expectations, while allowing victims the opportunity to testify in a comfortable environment. She said efforts will be continued to implement the sexual offences guidelines.

Of the 14 matters that have been completed, seven dealt with sexual activity with a child or family member, and four with the rape of a child under the age of 16.

All but one of the virtual complainants, she said, were female, and aged between three and 28 at the time of commission of the offence.

Ten of the victims, she

said, were 10 years old or younger at the time of the commission of the offence, while the ‘perps’ were over 30. Few were older than 40, Justice Ramlall said.

“All of the VCs utilised the audio-visual link, except for two, and those two were adults,” she explained. “One of the complainants testified via Skype from Barbados; 12 of the 14 virtual complainants had their support persons present and these were persons from Blossom Inc, the Child Care and Protection Agency and relatives.”

The matters, she said, originated from Ituni, North West District, Linden and Mahaica, with trials ranging from two to eight days. In terms of verdicts, she said nine came in guilty, and four not guilty.

One had a hung jury.

“The sentences imposed ranged from nine years to life imprisonment. The nine-year imprisonment was for sexual activity with a child and that child was not a family member and there was no penetration involved,” the judge reported during her statistical overview of the operation of the Sexual Offences Court.

ENHANCE EFFICIENCY Chancellor of the Judi-

ciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, told course participants that the aim of the Sexual Offences Court is to enhance the efficiency in prosecution and adjudication of cases of sexual offences, and more importantly to respond to the needs of victims.

As such, the hosting of this first training programme on the court and the legislation are of significant importance in the judiciary’s history.

“It is no secret that testifying in court would be a traumatic experience, and moreso in matters relating to sexual offences,” the chancellor said, while noting that support services are being provided witnesses to help reduce the secondary victimisation and trauma associated with the exercise.

Such assistance, she said, is being provided by the Ministry of Social Protection as well as non-governmental organisations, but was quick to note “even the trainer needs some sort of assistance, help or guidance in that regard.”

There’s also a dire need, the chancellor said, for the employment of psychological skills for the improvement of the services provided by the court, as well as the improve-

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards ment of the skills of court personnel.

“Our Sexual Offences Act, which was passed in 2010, itself provides for training in this regard. It is a comprehensive, forward thinking, integrated piece of legislation passed by our parliament,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said, while acknowledging the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) partnership with the judiciary not only for the two-day training programme, but also for the establishment of the court, which happens to be the first in the Region.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS Like Justice Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire said the programme will see discussions on the psychological skills needed to deal with sexual offence cases.

She said, too, that the training programme, as spearheaded by the chancellor, “seeks to enhance our capabilities, and to be more responsive to the issues that are very relevant in our communication and interaction with vulnerable persons, more specifically with sexual offences cases.”

Paolo Marchi, Deputy Representative UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, lauded the judiciary for taking steps in educating its members about the legislation and the operation of the court.

“The frequency and dreadful levels of violence demand action by all, and this court is one of the concrete, tangible steps the country is taking to address it,” he said. He noted that over the past three years, the number of cases of violence and abuse has been alarming, and to the point where it is worrisome for a country with a small population like Guyana.

“Undoubtedly, the court, through specialised services, will contribute to the elimination of violence against wom-

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall (Photos by Delano Williams) en, children’s voice and girls,” he said, adding that efforts such as the establishment of the Sexual Offences Court and the training of members of the judiciary and magistracy, represent concrete steps that “Guyana means business.”

Marchi said UNICEF will continue to partner with stakeholders, with the ultimate objective of reducing and preventing sexual violence here. Additionally, he said, his organisation is also partnering with the University of Guyana in delivering for the first time a full curriculum in psychology.

US$18M signing bonus in foreign account … accrues US$36,169 interest thus far

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan on Friday announced that the US$18M signing bonus received from U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil in 2016 has been placed in an overseas account which is accumulating interest. Jordan told reporters Friday that while the money has not been used, it has already accumulated US$ 36,169 in interest.

“I have the latest statement from the Bank of Guyana and it says that the account has a balance of US$18,036,169,” he stated at his Ministry’s boardroom.

He explained that the signing bonus which was originally deposited into an escrow ac-

count at the Bank of Guyana (BOG) has two parcels; one being US$15M which has been allocated for Guyana to fight its border controversy case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the other being US$3M which has been allocated for training and capacity building.

“All US$18 million is still in the account plus the interest of course. During 2018, since we did not know when the United Nations Secretary-General would make his decision, we did not put any amounts in the budget. So now, what we will have to do is go for supplementary. This supplementary will be based on Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ indication as to how much they think we will have to

pay the lawyers and others who provide services related to the ICJ matter,” explained Jordan.

Guyana two weeks ago submitted its application to the ICJ requesting that the court confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

He explained that a schedule will be provided to his ministry and he will then approach the National Assembly for a supplementary provision for that sum. He reminded that once the matter is taken to Parliament, then debates will ensue and government will be required to answer all questions posed.

“When finally it is passed by Parliament and signed into law by the President we will then approach the Bank of Guyana to transfer the said identical sum to the Con solidated See page 5

Finance Minister Winston Jordan displays the Central Bank statement on the signing bonus on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

Key sectors to rebound this year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

… Jordan says growth rate was 2.1 per cent last year

GUYANA’S economy has grown by some 2.1 per cent but has failed to live up to the robust performance that was expected, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan told reporters Friday at a news briefing. He is however predicting resurgence in rice, forestry and the bauxite sectors this year.

Growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2016 stood at 3.3 per cent, which was higher than the projected 2.6 per cent. Jordan noted that even at the halfyear mark, it was realised that the country’s growth rate would not increase, given the state of the country’s sugar industry. “At the end of the day, it turned out to be even worse than we predicted. Even though there was positive growth for last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent,” said the Finance Minister. He explained that 218,000 tonnes of sugar was budgeted for but only 137, 307 tonnes was produced. Rice on the other hand saw improvements as that came in at 630,104 tonnes, as opposed to a budgeted 600,000 tonnes while bauxite performed poorly again.

“Bauxite… that again did not do quite well; we had budgeted 1, 726, 008 tonnes [but] bauxite came in at 1, 459, 223 tonnes,” said Jordan. While describing the performance of the gold sector as “a major disappointment”, the minister said only 653, 674

ounces of gold was produced as opposed to an expected 694,000 ounces.

The forestry sector has started to rebound, Jordan said, noting that the sector is showing signs of recovery after a lapse over the past two years. Some 318,000 cubic metres was budgeted with 349,900 cubic metres being received. “As you can see, very indifferent performances in the sectors and I think I have been quite open with you when it comes to this economy. This economy has not changed much over 50 years; it depends on one or two products, which depend on what prices are,” the Finance Minister stated.

He reminded that the country’s “critical sectors” have always depended on “some grandfather” or a protectionist market. In the case of sugar it was the ACP market, for rice it was the Venezuelan and Trinidadian markets. However, the Venezuelan market is no longer available officially, he said, which explained why the rice industry’s performance had declined.

Notwithstanding the challenges in that sector, Jordan said it has been able to rebound and this year, significant improvements are expected, given signs from the first crop. “This has been boosted by reasonably good prices and new markets – Mexico was asking for as much as we

can produce, Cuba the same thing,” the minister said.

RUSAL TO CONTINUE In the case of forestry, Jordan said that sector is poised to do well, while as regards the bauxite sector, he received a note from Russian bauxite company RUSAL, which operates the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) through its representative Vladimir Permyakov, which indicated that Oldendorff Carriers Guyana Inc. informed RUSAL’s management that it will resume its on-loading and trans-shipping operations in Aroaima and other areas.

Permyakov said the decision came after talks between the two entities. As such, he told Minister Jordan that his company will resume its full-scale mining and production activities, while noting that RUSAL is committed to its business and social engagements here. “That should be some relief for Guyana, our workers, and our expectations for growth in 2018. I hope that allays all the fears that would have been expressed,” Jordan stated.

On April 6, the United States (US) treasury announced sanctions against 12 Russian oligarchs and 12 companies which they own or control on the grounds that they were engaging in “malign activities”. Among the

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan companies are En+ Group and RUSAL, both of which are owned by Russian billionaire, Oleg Deripaska, who was also sanctioned.

Since then, Russian stocks have crashed, aluminium prices have surged, international financial groups have distanced themselves from the company, and two non-executive directors have resigned. RUSAL has a 90 per cent stake in the BCGI, while the remaining 10 per cent belongs to the Government of Guyana.

Meanwhile, as it relates to fiscal matters and revenues, Jordan said, “We did exceptionally well. Revenues remain buoyant and continue to be exceptionally buoyant.”

“Expenditure has been held in line and the outcome has been a deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that was slightly smaller than we projected; which in any scenario is good news.” Additionally, the Finance Minister noted that the country’s debt continues to be kept in check and managed prudently, but noted that this year “we are looking forward to a better performance than 2017.”

He expects that all sectors with the exception of the sugar industry will perform well. “Sugar is going to do poorer than last year. Sugar is not slated to do anything better than that. In fact, it is going to be worse than that,” he stated.

Heath-London not GuySuCo chairman FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan has said that Colwin Heath-London has not been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of GuySuCo, despite an initial decision by a cabinet sub-committee to appoint him to the post.

The disclosure by the minister came just about a month after a full-page advertisement was published in the dailies announcing Heath-London, Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Fritz McLean, Rosh Khan (jr), George Jervis, Arianne McLean, Vishnu Panday, Annette Arjoon-Martins and two executives as representatives of the new board of directors.

“He is not the chairman of GuySuCo; the chairman of GuySuCo is still Dr. [Clive] Thomas. The board of GuySuCo ends this month. In keeping with his responsibilities, Minister of Agriculture [Noel] Holder has to bring to the cabinet a new board to be in place when this one is finished,” Jordan said.

The Finance Minister said he cannot speak to the

full-page advertisement placed in the daily newspapers as he was travelling frequently over the past few weeks.

“I don’t know what ad. NICIL put in the papers,” said Jordan, even as Heath-London said he was informed that he is chairman of the GuySuCo board via the media.

However, Jordan explained that a Cabinet sub-committee comprising himself, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Minister of State Joseph Harmon had unanimously agreed, “that committee decided unanimously that the life of the GuySuCo board comes to an end and a new board put in place headed by Mr London.”

“Mr Harmon being the secretary to Cabinet, obviously carried out the instruction and issued a Cabinet decision to that effect, but all sub-committee decisions have to be carried to the full Cabinet,” Jordan continued.

It was when the matter was raised at the full Cabinet, that there were objections and a decision was made to examine the selected persons carefully. “In essence then,

Cabinet deferred decision on that board…the decision that was written up by the secretary was null and void, once Cabinet did not approve the decisions made by the sub-committee.”

The Finance Minister made it clear that it is the full Cabinet that has to approve, disapprove or vary whatever is taken before it by sub-committees.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

U.S., Britain, France launch air strikes on Syria WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S., British and French forces pounded Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week, in the biggest intervention by Western powers against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

U.S. President Donald

Trump announced the military action from the White House late on Friday. As he spoke, explosions rocked Damascus.

Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until Assad’s government stopped its use of chemical weapons.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron said the

UK and France had joined in the attack.

Syria’s seven-year-old civil war has pitted the United States and its allies against Russia, which itself intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad.

Syrian state media said the attack would fail and called it a “flagrant violation of international law.” Russia’s ambassador to the United States said Moscow had warned that “such actions will not be left without consequences”.

In a televised address from the White House, Trump said he had ordered U.S. armed forces to launch “precision strikes” associated with Assad’s chemical weapons capabilities.

“The combined American, British, and French response to these atrocities will integrate all instruments of our national power — military, economic, and diplomatic. We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents,” Trump said.

Speaking of Assad and his suspected role in last week’s chemical weapons attack,

Trump said, “These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead.”

At least six loud explosions were heard in Damascus in the early hours of Saturday and smoke was seen rising over the Syrian capital, a Reuters witness said. A second witness said the Barzah district of Damascus had been hit in the strikes. Barzah is the location of a major Syrian scientific research center.

At a Pentagon briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford said the targets included a Syrian research facility and a chemical weapons storage facility.

The combined U.S., British and French assault appeared to be more intense than the strike Trump ordered almost exactly a year ago against a Syrian airbase in retaliation for an earlier chemical weapons attack that Washington attributed to Assad.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said twice as many weapons were used in the strikes on Saturday compared to last April’s strike.

Mattis, who U.S. officials said had earlier warned in inter-

nal debates against too large an attack that would risk confrontation with Russia, described the strikes as a “one time shot” to dissuade Assad from “doing this again.”

Asked what chemicals were used in the weekend attack, Mattis confirmed that chlorine gas had been used and did not rule out the nerve agent sarin.

Dunford said that manned U.S. aircraft were used in the military operation and that the strike was planned to minimize the risk of casualties among Russia’s military forces in Syria. A U.S. official told Reuters that Tomahawk cruise missiles also were involved.

Syrian air defenses shot down 13 missiles fired in the U.S.-led attack on the country on Saturday, Syrian state TV said. The missiles had been shot down in the Kiswah area south of the capital Damascus, it said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a total of three scientific research centers had been hit in the attacks, two in Damascus and one in the Homs area, in addition to military bases in Damascus.

In his televised address, Trump said, “The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons.”

The U.S. president, who has tried to build good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, had sharply critical words for Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad’s government.

“To Iran and to Russia, I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Trump said.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said she had authorized British armed forces “to conduct coordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability.”

She described it as a “limited and targeted strike” aimed at minimizing civilian casualties.

Trump made clear in his eight-minute televised address that he was wary of a deeper entanglement in Syria, where about 2,000 U.S. troops have been deployed to fight Islamic State.

Saturday April 14th, 14:30 - 03:30hrs Sunday April 15th, 14:30 - 04:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Freak storm leaves several villages flooded –– families seeking help with rebuilding

By Indrawattie Natram SEVERAL villages along the Essequibo Coast are currently under water due to Friday morning’s freak storm ocassioned by heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning.

Several vendors at the Charity Market could be seen, after the storm had abated, bailing out their stalls, as water had seeped in from the Pomeroon River and nearby drainage trenches.

A drive along the Essequibo Coast later would reveal that drainage trenches at Affiance, Queenstown, Perservance, Devonshire Castle, Anna Regina, New Road had overflown their banks, and that kitchen gardens as well as rice fields were inundated with water.

Even the C V Nunes Primary School at Anna Regina had not escaped the storm’s wrath, and teachers and pupils alike had a difficult time getting to school that day.

With several classrooms under water, school had to be closed and children sent home earlier than usual.

SEVERELY AFFECTED Meanwhile, two families who were severely affected by the storm are asking for help with rebuilding the roofs of their houses.

The families, who are from Lima Village, got the shock of their lives when heavy winds blew their roofs off, leaving them virtually homeless.

Head of one of the affected households, Mr Satanand Bissessar, is currently thanking God for sparing his life after narrowly escaping death. He is currently nursing wounds about his body due to injuries he sustained

from flying zinc sheets.

Visibly shaken, Bissessar related that it was around 10:30hours Friday morning when he heard a loud noise, and going outside to see what all the ruckus was about, he saw a number of zinc sheets flying every which way, as the heavy winds whipped up a frenzy all around him.

Scared out of his wits by the experience, Bissessar told the Guyana Chronicle: “I am very traumatised; the heavy wind just circle meh. The zinc just cut my forehead; blood was everywhere. I didn’t know if to scream or what to do.”

His sister, Netu Narine describes their situation as tragic, as everything they had in their house has been damaged.

“The entire roof gone! Everything wet up!

We don’t have a home anymore!” she wailed.

The Bissessar family consists of seven members, two of whom are children, and their only wish right now is to have a roof once more over their heads.

NOWHERE TO GO “All we wish for now is for our roof to rebuild; we have nowhere to rest our heads,” Netu said.

Their neighbour, Sultan Razul fared no better, as he said, tears in his eyes, that he doesn’t even know where to begin.

Sultan’s home was damaged when the roof of the Bissesar’s house crashed into their balcony.

His father, Naizoor Razul, is currently in hospital, nursing severe injuries. The Razul family consists of six persons, including a child and a pregnant woman.

Said Sultan: “We recently came from

Members of the Bissessar family

C V Nunes Primary after the storm Venezuela for a better life in Guyana, and now our future here is crumbling too.”

This family is also pleading with members of the public to render them assistance in whatever way they can.

Both families of 13 persons are currently homeless, and without food. Both estimate their losses to run into thousands of dollars.

Following the tragedy, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt along with

Government Councillor Hardat Narine visited the families and promised that the RDC will do everything possible to assist them.

He also said he will be arranging for them to get counselling, since many of them are still traumatised.

Ramdatt also used the opportunity to call on the business community to assist the families in whatever way they can.

Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt tries to console the Razuls

US$18M signing bonus ...

From page 2 Fund,” the Finance Minister stated.

Thereafter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request the release of the funds after which they will approach Central Bank to purchase the identical sum and then pay the lawyers and other service providers relative to the ICJ case.

“Everything will be on the revenue side, it will be on the expenditure side, balance of payments, reserves of Bank of Guyana, it will be in the monetary accounts. It is a million times more transparent than what

took place during the Suriname, Guyana issue where $10M or more was paid and not a penny was passed through any account at Bank of Guyana,” said Jordan.

Meanwhile, Jordan made it clear that the signing bonus given by ExxonMobil was never hidden. “It was there since 2016- it is a public account and not a private account.

These are government accounts and every government account that you want to know the balance, you could call the bank or the Accountant General because is your money,” the Minister stated.

The Bank of Guyana statement on the US$18M signing bonus

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Editorial CHOGM 2018

LEADERS from 53 countries will gather in London next week for the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

This year’s week-long summit is expected to attract around 5,000 participants from government, business, and civil society under the theme, ‘Towards a Common Future’.

Top of the agenda for discussion by leaders at CHOGM 2018, are: •A Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean governance; •A Commonwealth connectivity agenda for trade and investment; •A declaration on cybercrime and Revised Commonwealth guidelines on election observation in member countries. President David Granger again will lead this country’s delegation to this very important global forum and will undoubtedly use the occasion to promote Guyana as a destination open to do business with the world. Areas such as oil and gas and our expanding mining industry will be of particular interest to other countries looking into Guyana, as well as President Granger’s advocacy on climate change mitigation and the promotion of a “green” economy.

In fact, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told the media last week that the President, who would be joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddle and Guyana’s High Commissioner to London, Hamley Case, will emphasise Guyana’s role in and contribution to the green agenda. He also gave a reminder that 2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Iwokrama reserve and that Guyana recently dedicated approximately 700,000 hectares of the protected area of the Konashen Protected Area, home of the Wai Wai people, in the South Rupununi to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

Guyana will therefore use the opportunity of the heads of government meeting to continue its leadership role in the establishment of the “green” agenda of the Commonwealth, as we seek to establish a “green” economy and “green” state as our model of development,” the Minister of State added.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has been reported as saying that: CHOGM 2018 promises to deliver transformational change for the people of the Commonwealth. She said the presidents and prime ministers and other high-level government representatives from one quarter of the countries of the world are assembling and through consensus, they will reach agreement on collective action with the impact of their decisions likely to extend far beyond the boundaries of the Commonwealth. For Scotland, the immediate impact combined with wider influence make the Commonwealth an unparalleled force for building understanding and cooperation towards realising global goals for social and political progress, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable development.

The pre-eminence of the Commonwealth to this country’s protection and development can be traced to the Forbes Burnham PNC government, under whose leadership independence was attained on May 26, 1966. At independence, Guyana joined this institution, working with it as a platform in protecting and advancing our national interest. The importance of this institution to Guyana’s development saw the then government working assiduously to ensure its then Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Shridath Ramphal elected secretary-general (SG).

Serving from July 1, 1975, to June 30, 1990, Ramphal was the second secretary- general and thus far holds the distinction as the longest serving. Prior to being Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was the nation’s attorney general; a new nation whose legal infrastructure he helped to define and shape.

This was the period on the international front when young Guyana was navigating the Cold War conflicts, opting for the path of Non-Alignment, and experiencing aggression at its borders by its neighbours, Suriname and Venezuela. Simultaneously, on the domestic front, the country was engaging in efforts to forge a unified society on the aspiration of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” having come out of serious physical/ racial conflicts where lives were lost and communities were divided.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

Even as Guyana sought to make its mark in influencing and shaping global human development, this institution afforded us a fillip in doggedly communicating and advancing the case in various parts of the world on our stance, as it relates to the aggression that was taking place on our borders.

Our case was communicated not only through Heads of Government meetings, but other fora such as the Commonwealth Trades Union Congress forum which yearly brings together trade union leaders during the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Annual Conference.

Representatives of Guyana’s trade unions strengthened the country’s case at this forum by the utilisation of strategies built on the universal principle of solidarity, to lobby and gain the support of other external trade unionists and their organisations, which constituted support of the Commonwealth working-class for the protection of Guyana’s sovereignty.

Our presence in the Commonwealth and historical modus operandi has secured Guyana’s pre-eminence, solidarity of member states and the institution against every external aggression. Guyana has seen the Commonwealth not only as a place for speeches, but also the forum where world decisions are influenced, shaped and refined, consistent with the goals, dreams and aspirations of its members and their peoples. And where the world has shifted to sustainable development and a number of issues such as human rights, climate change and poverty are important tools in measuring growth, the Commonwealth is another platform for the English-speaking Caribbean, including Guyana, to pursue its collective agenda for the benefit of its peoples.

Realisation is better late than never in the interest of young drug addicts Dear Editor THE Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, is reported to be alarmed at the young age of ‘drug users’ while addressing a youth conference at Mahaicony recently, supported by the results of recent surveys done.

I started with the support of colleagues the ACDA-RESCU graphic information programme four years ago, based on visual and data gathered over 22 years ago. At that time I had a lone supporter, my friend Raymond Hall. Most of the others in the 90s were interested in benefitting from the financial rush evident of the marijuana and cocaine trades. RESCU visited schools -- both private and public -- and other locations. Many of the street children back then were the offspring of addicts; many of them

were made as offerings to dealers for drugs.

RESCU had also participated in lectures and meetings organised by a very vibrant young lady in the Ministry of Education. We lost Clarence Young recently,his rehab facility [Phoenix] had hosted 12-year-old addicts.

The last meet was at the PAHO building on Brickdam. A lot of information was exchanged by participants, including the fact of a popular character that was telling young students at a South Georgetown school that smoking marijuana would help them with their studies; there was a participant from the Ministry of Public Security at this meeting. I also reported that mature elders from Bachelor’s Adventure had a few years before asked for support against a character/s who were giving free samples of marijuana to the junior football team, cultivating clientele. That information I had passed to colleagues in

the region, who were aware of the situation.

At one city school, while conducting a talk with students on the dangers of ‘mind-altering substances,’ I began to explain the uses of cocaine paste given for consumption to human sacrificial victims in Mesoamerican cultures. I was interrupted by a teacher who informed me that the students don’t do ‘History’; however, at the same school, its very progressive head mistress as we were leaving showed us marijuana cigarettes that were thrown through the windows by students who thought we were probably going to do a search.

This information serves to define the timeline and prevalence of the infiltration into our society of marijuana, also Frankenstein marijuana, crack cocaine, black joint, ecstasy and heavy alcohol, even among our academic youth. This is not sen-

sationalism, the Guyana Police Force can verify the impact of drugs in both domestic and gun crimes, while the welfare people at education can add the horror realisations revealed among students of vulnerable age.

The irony is that I have covered this in several of my GNNL Friday articles over the past two years, and I have approached both the Ministries of Health and Education for a meaningful support engagement with the RESCU products and efforts we have created and conduct, with no response.

Thus, the only philosophical discourse that these young people are confronting is coming from the voices of the pusher men and women, and sometimes the stash in the house -- rather than a home.

Regards Barrington Braithwaite

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

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Ogunseye takes on Freddie over Buxton gang connections Dear Editor, I AM grateful to Stabroek News for publishing my letter of April 11th, 2018, captioned “Roopnaraine will remain a member of the WPA for as long as he chooses to do so” and for facilitating Frederick Kissoon’s response to it on Thursday, April 12th, 2018. My letter of April 11th was in response to Kissoon’s column in the Kaieteur News, captioned, “Roopnaraine is the most honest activist the WPA produced”.

Editor,notwithstanding the blatant lies, innuendoes and the deliberate misrepresentation of information contained in Kissoon’s letter of April 12, I wish to publicly assure you that it is not my intention, to pursue now or at any time in the future, legal action against your paper for the publication of Kissoon’s scurrilous remarks about me.

I propose in a subsequent letter to address Kissoon’s denial of his referencing of Mr. Moses Naga-

mootoo as the person whom he had claimed (in his letter detailing his dissatisfaction of his treatment by the then PPP/C government) had approached him to write the ‘Oceans 13 articles’ that were intended to negate the impact of Clive Thomas’ articles on the criminalisation of Guyana by the PPP/C government. Let me say here to Kissoon that my proof “of your covenant with the PPP/C government resides in your utterances that are contained in the letter/column that was published in your name”. I commit here to dig up that letter to expose his dishonesty and the lengths he was and I believe still is, prepared to go, for his mess of pottage.

In his effort to lessen the impact of my uncontestable exposure of his reprehensible behaviour, Kissoon, true to form and not unexpectedly, continued his tirade against me. In doing so, he unashamedly accused a now deceased member of the legal profession, Mr. Mortimer Codette,

(who is now incapable of defending himself against his vile accusations) of grave, unethical conduct during the period when he represented me in my legal action against Kissoon. While it may be true that Kissoon had enjoyed a close friendship with Mr. Codette, in the face of the grave allegations he has made against him, Kissoon to my mind, is legally and morally obliged to present irrefutable evidence to support his contention that Codette had acted improperly when he was my attorney in the legal action I had brought against Kissoon. Nothing else will suffice. Kissoon cannot, and must not be allowed to make these wild accusations against other persons and go unpunished, when he fails to support his accusations with the requisite evidence. It is not the first time he has levelled unsubstantiated allegations against some members of the legal fraternity and the public.

I am of the view that Kissoon’s allegations against Mortimer Codette are nothing but a figment of his imagination. Isn’t there a

Education Ministry should retender those bids Dear Editor SOMETIME in March 2018, there was an open invitation to bid for the provision of security services for three locations of the Ministry of Education in the Stabroek or Chronicle newspapers, or both.

It is important to note that only one publication for the provision of security services was advertised, if my memory serves me correctly and for unknown reason(s), this information is not on the ministry’s website.

Every time contact was made with the ministry’s staff, either personally or by telephone as regards the purchasing of the bid document, they would tell you that the document was not available, but the ministry would call bidders or bidders could continue to make contact with the ministry to find out if or when the document would be available to be purchased by interested bidders.

This back and forth was tiresome; the process ultimately took too long, which was probably designed to frustrate bidders; some bidders focused their attention elsewhere (Dependant’ Pension Fund and Ministry of Public Health) expecting that the ministry would have called them when the document was available but this never happened.

On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, bidders who went to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to witness the opening of the received sealed bids for the provision of security services for the Dependants’ Pension Fund, learnt by chance that there was another open competitive bidding for the provision of security services for the Ministry of Education. While perusing page 11 of Kaieteur News dated

Wednesday, April 11, 2018, I noted that on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, the Ministry of Education had received bids for the provision of security services from Neville Spencer and Inter Service Enterprise Security.

I just couldn’t wrap my mind around what I had read. There are currently 100 security companies -- give or take -- registered in Guyana and we conside only 12 of these companies as competition, because our representatives would rub shoulders with their representatives when they attend bid openings for government contracts at the NPTAB. I have never heard of Neville Spencer and Inter Service Enterprise Security is not a consistent bidder for government contracts. Let’s check the records.

Only the aforementioned two security companies attended the bid opening; the most casual observer would ask why was bidders’ interest for the provision of security services for the Ministry of Education so low. Was it a deliberate act to prevent all qualified bidders with a fair opportunity to enter the bidding process? In order to eliminate the perception of favouritism, fraud and corruption in the awarding of Ministry of Education contracts, I am respectfully calling on the Ministry of Education to repeat the tender procedure, this time ensuring that all qualified bidders participate. The bids that were opened on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 should be rendered ineffective.

I am also respectfully calling on the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to take note.

Regards Julius Williams

member of the legal fraternity, not one among you, who is concerned enough about Kissoon’s assault on the character of a now deceased member of your fraternity, to at the least, demand from Kissoon production of the evidence of Coddete’s alleged “unethical behaviour”, and, failing his ability to produce the evidence, a public apology from him for what could be considered a grave wrong on Codette’s character?

As far as my knowledge of this matter goes, it never reached the courts for hearing. I am also contending that I was never present in any of the courts in Guyana to deal with this matter. Kissoon wrote, “After the case had been called four times (on each occasion Mr. Ogunseye turned up but not Morty), on the fifth occasion the case was dismissed with a $45,000 cost to me. In an address to the court, I said I would never take a cent from someone like Ogunseye, but I would ask that he donate the money to the family of one of the

victims.” This as we used to say in an earlier age is nothing but “Anancy tory”. I call on Kissoon to name the judge who heard the matter and gave the judgement.

The government has stated recently its intention to have commissions of inquiries into the violent killings in the period mentioned in Kissoon’s letter. I hope that Mr. Kissoon will not disappoint the nation, by not taking the stand and under oath reveal his, “incontrovertible evidence” of my doings in Buxton.

In the face of Kissoon’s allegations against me, media houses are free to publicise all of the evidence Kissoon will provide on (a) my doings in Buxton or my connections with gunmen in any part of Guyana in the period he mentioned; and (b) evidence that I appeared before a magistrate or judge in any court in respect to my libel suit against him and the Chronicle.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

8

Bring money launderers to justice

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

… AG tells AML/CFT seminar as he warns of challenges in Fourth Round evaluation

By Svetlana Marshall ATTORNEY General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said supervisory bodies must up their efforts on a collaborative front to bring money launderers to justice, lest the country be left out in the cold during the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation, as he pointed to the challenges currently faced by Trinidad and Tobago.

During its 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation, Trinidad and Tobago was placed in

the “Enhanced Follow-up” category after being considered by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to be non-compliant or partially compliant as a result of low or moderate effectiveness.

On Friday during an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Coordination Committee Seminar at the Bank of Guyana, Minister Williams reminded representatives of supervisory agencies present, that major emphasis is placed on ‘Technical Compliance’

and ‘Effectiveness’ during the 4TH Round of Mutual Evaluation.

Williams, who is also Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), said although Guyana has the requisite AML/CFT legislation in place, it has not recorded a single prosecution or conviction to date, noting that such a scenario does not augur well for the country.

“We have to tighten up, otherwise we drown in a pool,” he said frankly.

Singling out the Finan-

cial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the attorney general made it clear that there is no way Guyana could graduate out of the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation without having convictions. Failure to show signs of effectiveness, when the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation is held in 2021, the new deadline set from the previous 2022, he further warned that such could result in FATF issuing a public statement calling on countries to adopt counter

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams

The AML/CFT seminar in session (Photos by Adrian Narine) measures, which include the option to cut ties with the default country or enhanced due diligence.

FATF conducts 4TH Round of Mutual Evaluations for its members based on its 2012 Recommendations and the Methodology for Assessing Compliance with the FATF Recommendations and the Effectiveness of AML/CFT Systems (2013), which is periodically amended.

SOCU Director Sydney James said while suspected cases of money laundering and terrorist financing are referred to SOCU by the FIU, its tasks become even more difficult due to the number of challenges it faces. Cases from other agencies such as the Guyana Police Force are also referred to SOCU. “One of the major challenges for us at SOCU has been the adequacy of staff,” James posited, while point-

ing out that for more than three years, its staff complement has not grown significantly.

“The major challenge we have is that most of these staff came over from the regular police service. They might be very familiar with the conduct of criminal investigations, but once there is a financial investigation that is when some of the challenges arise,” he explained.

James, however, noted that a number of his investigators are participating in the two-week anti-corruption training course being facilitated by British experts, Tony Crompton and Mark Dilliway, who both have over 30 years experience in serious and organised crime, as well as fraud with the City of London Police.

Finance and its budgetary allocation remain a challenge. “It is our expectations that all the areas…staff, training and equipment are addressed if we are really to support Guyana advancing of out the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation,” James posited.

Despite the current challenges the country faces, FIU Senior Compliance and Outreach Officer Alicia Williams said Guyana is scheduled to undergo the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2021, however, the evaluation could be brought forward.

Williams explained that once the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) is adopted, the country will move onto the ‘Follow-up Process.’ That

process entails two categories: Regular Follow-up and Enhanced Follow-up.

“If you have done exceedingly well during your Mutual Evaluation Report, you will be placed in Regular Follow-up. This is a defaultmonitoring mechanism for all countries and the first report to plenary after the adoption of the MER would be two and a half years, or after five plenaries,” the FIU officer explained.

However, the Enhanced Follow-up deals with members with significant deficiencies, and as such the first report to plenary would be one and a half years after adoption of the MER or three plenaries.

“Having satisfied the requirements to enter the enhanced follow-up, the country also meets the requirement for the FATF ICRG one-year observation,” she further explained. The FIU senior compliance officer said Guyana should aim to enter the regular follow-up process.

FATF Recommendations and Methodology, Requirements of the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation, Procedures of for the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation, Technical Compliance and Effectiveness, Requirement to collect and maintain AML/ CFT data and statistics were among areas covered during the one-day seminar.

It is the hope of the Legal Affairs Ministry that supervisory agencies will utilise the information in the interest of the country.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Let justice take its course –– Min Greenidge urges patience, caution as border controversy enters new phase

By Ariana Gordon FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Tuesday cautioned that while Guyana may have submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule in the age-old border controversy with Venezuela, citizens need to understand that the process is a long and drawn-out one.

“It is a long process; a difficult process… This is the first time that a referral to the court has gone from the secretary-general(SG) in this way,” he told the media during a briefing at his office here Tuesday.

The minister also made it clear that Guyana has to be very careful how it treats with the matter, as should there be any breach of protocol, it could be found in contempt of court, something he said Guyana cannot afford at this or any other juncture.

He said, too, that the ICJ may very well refrain from hearing the case put before it by Guyana, if it is found that it has no jurisdiction to hear the matter, or that there is an established mechanism by which the matter before it has been addressed.

Noting that there are no end of circumstances that could result in the ICJ refusing to hear the matter, Minister Greenidge said: “We as a people are at a point that is a little tricky.

Yes, the matter is before the court; we have to fight the matter before the court, and what comes out of the court will depend upon what we do, and what Venezuela does.”

The minister noted that while Venezuela’s position on the matter is unclear, the ICJ has already invited it to respond to Guyana’s application. And once the ICJ goes ahead with hearing the case, Guyana will be called to submit further arguments in support of its contention.

Venezuela will be given an opportunity to respond.

Guyana two weeks ago submitted its application

to the ICJ, requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

WHAT GUYANA WANTS Guyana in its application to the ICJ dated March 29, 2018, requested that the court, among other things, confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the award regarding the boundary between British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela of October 3, 1899.

Additionally, Guyana called on the court to declare that Guyana enjoys full sovereignty over the territory between the Essequibo River and the boundary established by the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, that Venezuela should immediately withdraw from and cease its occupation of the eastern half of Ankoko Island, and every other territory recognised as Guyana’s and to have Venezuela refrain from threatening or using force against any person, company licensed

by Guyana to engage in economic or commercial activities in Guyanese territory.

Guyana also wants the ICJ to declare Venezuela responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence.

“Pursuant to the Treaty of Arbitration between Great Britain and the United States of Venezuela, signed February 2, 1897 at Washington, the 1899 Award was ‘a full, perfect, and final settlement’ of all questions relating to determining the boundary line between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela,” Guyana’s application states.

Further, Guyana is contending that between November 1900 and June 1904, an Anglo-Venezuelan Boundary Commission identified, demarcated and permanently fixed the boundary estab-

lished by the 1899 Award; and that on January 10, 1905, the Commissioners signed a joint declaration and accompanying maps in accordance with the 1899 Award.

“At all times following

cation states.

CHANGE OF POSITION However, Venezuela changed its position in 1962, as the United Kingdom was making final

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, until the independence of Guyana in 1966, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accepted that the Award and the Agreement finally settled all territorial claims and permanently fixed the land boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela,” Guyana states in its application.

The argument is being made that at all times since independence in May 1966, Guyana has accepted the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement as valid and legally binding on both parties, and that the boundary has always been and remains that which was fixed by the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement.

“For its part, between 1899 and 1962, Venezuela consistently and repeatedly expressed its unconditional acceptance of the legal validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, and respected the boundary with British Guiana that was fixed thereby,” Guyana’s appli-

preparations for the independence of British Guiana.

“Sixty-three years after

the 1899 Award was issued, Venezuela formally asserted for the first time that the Award was ‘arbitrary’ and therefore ‘null and void’,” Guyana stated, while noting that Venezuela threatened not to recognise the new state, or its boundaries unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement and cede to it (Venezuela) all of the territory west of the Essequibo River which was awarded to British Guiana in 1899.

Negotiations between the UK and Venezuela led to an agreement to resolve the controversy between the two countries. That agreement was signed at Geneva on February 17, 1966 and is referred to as the Geneva Agreement. It provides for recourse to a series of dispute-settlement mechanisms to finally resolve the controversy. Guyana acceded to the Geneva Agreement after gaining independence on May 26, 1966.

Guyana and Venezuela have for more than 50 years after signing the Geneva Agreement failed to resolve

the controversy. “Throughout this period, until the present day, Guyana’s sovereignty, security, and development have been jeopardised by Venezuela’s refusal to recognise the long-settled boundary, and its claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s land territory, which is home to more than one-quarter of Guyana’s population.

Guyana maintains that Venezuela has never produced evidence to justify its “belated repudiation of the 1899 Award.” By virtue of the Geneva Agreement, which authorises the UN Secretary-General to decide which means of dispute settlement must be employed to end the controversy; Secretary-General Antonio Guterres determined that the Good Offices Process failed to achieve a peaceful settlement of the controversy.

Between 1990 and January 2018, Guyana has been involved in several processes, all of which failed.

Nearly 52 years after the signing of the Geneva Agreement, the SG decided that the controversy shall be settled by the ICJ.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Trotman wants expert review of Gold Board lab … monitoring study finds mercury levels in keeping with safety standards

By Svetlana Marshall AN Air Quality Monitoring study conducted by Kaizen Environmental Services (Guyana) Limited has found that the Mercury (Hg) levels within the compound of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which also houses the Guyana Gold Board and its lab, is in keeping with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US OHSA) standards.

Despite the results of the study, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman is recommending that an “expert review” of the Gold Board’s laboratory be conducted, in the light of additional findings that from a total of 130 GGMC staff tested, 60 persons had higher than the normal level of mercury.

Kaizen Environmental Services (Guyana) – a sub-

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson and the Guyana Gold Board Chairman, Gabriel Lall (Photo by Adrian Narine) sidiary of Kaizen Environmental Services Trinidad Limited -- conducted the Air Quality Monitoring tests at the Gold Board’s laboratory and its environs at the

GGMC compound, Brickdam, on March 28, 2018. According to the report which was compiled by Kaizen and released by the Natural Resources Ministry on Fri-

day, 10 locations within the compound were monitored and were found to be within the norm.

“The Mercury (Hg) levels monitored at all ten (10) loca-

tions were within the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US OSHA) eight-hour Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL),” the Kaizen report concluded.

Notably, the waiting area, laboratory, smelting room, burning room, mercury abatement site, GGMC parking lot, GGMC HR Department, Main Security Hut, GGMC Hadfield Street Security Hut and Conway’s Enterprise, Hadfield Street, were the areas covered during the monitoring exercise conducted by Kaizen.

The report was released hours after the Guyana Gold Board held a joint press conference with the Ministry of Natural Resources at Duke Lodge in Kingston to discuss the concern that GGMC and Gold Board staff may be exposed to high levels of mercury.

From the outset of the press conference, Minister Trotman; the Guyana Gold Board Chairman, Gabriel Lall; and the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson, stated that the health and safety of persons utilising the compound, primarily the workers, are of paramount importance.

“It is a priority and our actions have been geared towards addressing the situation toward resolving the situation satisfactorily,” Lall told a corps of reporters on Friday.

He said it was on that basis that the Gold Board contracted the services of the Trinidad company to carry out an independent exercise to determine the air quality within the compound of GGMC, where the lab is being housed.

According to Lall, the report is “comforting.” It was noted that the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) assisted in the process, working in conjunction with Kaizen.

The Gold Board General Manager echoed Lall’s sentiments. Thompson said once the Gold Board realised that there was a problem, it utilised a “multi-pronged” approach to rectify the situation. Thompson noted that Kaizen Environmental Services is now in the process of doing a “mercury analysis.”

Representatives from the company reportedly revisited the area on Thursday to initiate this second phase of its examination.

In addition to Kaizen, the Guyana Gold Board also contracted the services of Activation Lab on the East Coast of Demerara, which conducted its own assessments. Recommendations have already been handed to the Gold Board to improve on its operations at the laboratory.

According to the Gold Board officials, over $300,000 has been spent thus far to facilitate the monitoring exercise.

But although the findings of the report by Kaizen maybe “comforting,” Minister Trotman said the long-term implications of the processing of gold by the Gold Board must be considered.

According to Minister Trotman, an expert’s review with recommendations on the future of the lab should be facilitated to determine if it is to be continued where it is to be housed, emphasising that safety and security are key concerns. “I am proposing an expert’s review for the functions of the Gold Board’s lab to see how it could be made to better function, where it should be situated, what scientific and other methodology should be used and deployed to ensure that safety comes first for both the workers in the lab and those who are around the lab,” Minister Trotman proposed.

He said government is looking strongly at the possibility of building a gold refinery here while adding that within a couple of days, representatives from a South African company are expected in Guyana to explore the possibility.

However, he warned that such long-term decisions would have implications and repercussions.

“The longer-term decisions have impacts and repercussions on state revenues and so decisions can’t be made in a day, they can’t be made in a second, they have to be made over time,” he emphasised.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Forum urges speedy update of copyright legislation

AS the discussions regarding implementation of copyright legislation in Guyana were put to the fore on Friday, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, believes that the issue should be addressed nationally in the form of a campaign.

At the same time, stakeholders attending the forum on intellectual property rights, which was hosted by the American Embassy at Castellani House, were assured that copyright legislation to protect the arts are on the cards for this year.

The panellists included singer, Miriam Williams, rock musician Gavin Mendonca , cultural advocate Ruel Johnson , private sector member Vishnu Doerga , and artist Dominique Hunter.

During the discussions at the forum which was attended by a number of invited guests including Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and members of the diplomatic corps, Minister Hughes said that indeed protecting one’s material in Guyana is a challenge.

She suggested that there should be a programme that addresses what she termed “cultural misinformation”.

She explained that she had personal experiences in the past with content being stolen and according to her, there exists a culture of stealing others’ content.

Minister Hughes noted that it is a challenge which has to be addressed at all levels of society and according to her, a process of campaigning has to be undertaken in order to get the ball rolling.

During the discussions, Johnson said that the creative arts are critical to the issue of cohesion within the society. He said that several individuals have been campaigning for copyrights here and according to him, in the

past, the current government had committed to ensuring copyright legislation is implemented. He said too that one of the key bugbears to the development of the arts here is the non-allocation of resources to the cause; and later Minister Hughes noted that government will be allocating funds in the 2019 budget in that regard.

Doerga said that “I think the time is now, there is need for urgency “as he noted that Guyana is expected to improve its standing in the coming years economically and as such, the property right legislation is needed as time evolves. Mendonca said that he had a dream when the minister said in the past, that the archaic legislation which exists should be updated rather than having conversations, that this will be made a reality. He said that there should be an education drive from the level of children in which the younger generation should be taught not to download materials without permission from the internet.

“So we need to re-evaluate our moral grounds in the industry, and fix it,” he said.

“This thing has been around too long, we have to move forward,” moderator, Enrico Woolford said regarding the existing legislation being updated.

During the discussions, Senior Counsel Charles Funga-Fat, the chief parliamentary counsel attached to the Attorney General’s Chambers, noted that on this year’s legislative agenda is the copyright bill. “The bill is being worked on,” he said.

He said the incomplete 2005 bill which never made it to Parliament , is applicable to modern times.

For years, persons in the creative industry have complained that the absence of copyright legislation

The panellists at Friday’s forum: from right are Gavin Mendonca, Dominique Hunter , Vishnu Doerga , Miriam Williams and Ruel Johnson . Moderator Enrico Woolford is at left. (Adrian Narine photo) was making life difficult for them. Last December, during the budget debate, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil

Williams, told the House that several pieces of legislation will be tabled in the National Assembly this year.

Among those pieces of leg-

islation is a Copyright Bill.

He also said that existing legislation, which dates back to 1966, will be amended to meet the

government’s policy objectives for the laws to be more effective for the benefit and well-being of the people.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Guyana, Canada discuss trade, security – Greenidge

By Rabindra Rooplall in Lima, Peru FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said Guyana discussed issues of trade and other Caribbean leaders highlighted security and other issues with Canada during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday at the Hilton Hotel in Lima.

In a rushed interview immediately after the meeting, Minister Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle that Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his commitment to the Caribbean, emphasising the historical links and depths of cooperation between Canada and

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and other officials at the Eighth Summit of the Americas (Rabindra Rooplall photo) the Caribbean.

He explained that countries were given the opportunity to intervene and raise topics of common interest on which Caribbean leaders spoke.

Trudeau, in his opening remarks, said the meeting was an opportunity to continue to deepen the friendship between Canada and the Caribbean, as he invited the current and former heads of the regional trade and integration bloc CARICOM to the G7 Summit in Quebec, Canada, in June.

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal bloc of industrialised democracies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—that meets annually to discuss issues such as global economic governance, international security, and energy policy.

“Over the past decade, Canada has always been close in working with our Caribbean friends and partners on a broad range of issues, such as the development of the economy, to a broad range of other issues that have come up recently,” the Canadian Prime Minister said.

He continued: “Whether its [the] issue of climate

change, small island states and regions particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, to looking at how better we can protect our oceans, to looking at how we can work together as countries with similar approaches and values looking at opportunities for citizens.”

Trudeau said that Canada is the host of the G7 this year and it was important to bring forward leadership from the Caribbean and the next head of CARICOM will be joining the meetings at the G7 confab.

The prime minister noted that it was an opportunity to use Canada’s voice on the world stage to bring forward issues that matter to friends, which is one of the most important things to Canada in its international relations posture.

Trudeau is expected to meet with more than 30 Western Hemisphere countries at the VII Summit of the Americas. Minister Greenidge earlier Friday met with his counterpart as a precursor to the meeting between President David Granger and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in London next week. The Canadian High Commission was

opened in Guyana in March 1964. Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada is also Canada’s Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM. The two countries have good bilateral relations, resulting from political ties through the Commonwealth, commercial links, development assistance, and immigration.

The VII Summit of the Americas draws together the leaders of North, Central and South America. The summit’s theme is “Democratic Governance against Corruption”. The political and economic crises in Venezuela are expected to be a dominant theme at the summit. The U.S. and other critics have blasted upcoming elections in Venezuela as a sham.

And Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been barred from attending the summit.

Guyana submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month, requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. Faced with hyperinflation and an economy in free-fall, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have fled to neighbouring countries such as Colombia.

The U.S. has imposed economic sanctions on Venezuelan officials, but has stopped short of blocking oil shipments.

The Summits of the Americas are institutionalised gatherings of the heads of state and government of the Western Hemisphere, where leaders discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values and commit to concerted action at the national and regional levels to address continuing and new challenges faced in the Americas.

The Eighth Summit of the Americas is being held on April 13 and 14, 2018 in Lima, Peru.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

NOC girls recaptured at Adventure Sands –two males still on the run after escaping weeks ago

STAFF members of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming village on the Essequibo Coast, as well as police from ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast/Essequibo Islands) on Thursday recaptured the three females who had escaped the facility on April 7.

They were found roaming the Adventure Sands area.

The teenagers had escaped custody after a 16-year-old inmate allegedly opened the chain link from the fence close to the female dormitory.

The three recaptured girls had been committed to the institution for the offences of wandering and unlawful wounding.

The girl who allegedly instigated the act was recaptured Monday evening at Airy Hall Public Road; she was escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital where a medical examination was conducted. Two males who escaped weeks ago are still on the run.

13

The pressure washer that had no owner THREE men yesterday appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on a charge of having a stolen pressure washer in their possession.

It was alleged that on April 10, 2018 at Georgetown, the men had in their possession a pressure washer, either stolen or unlawfully obtained from Darian La Rose.

Jermaine McLeod, of Meadow Brook, Kenrick Charles of 110 Eccles Park (E.B.D) and Michael Hore all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to facts given in court

by Prosecutor Sanj Singh, on the day in question the police were on mobile patrol when they stopped a motor car in which the defendants

were travelling. A search was carried out in the car and the pressure washer was found in the trunk. The defendants were questioned about ownership of the item, but none gave a tangible explanation.

Bail was granted by the senior magistrate in the sum of $50,000 each .The matter was adjourned to April 27, 2018.

Body of drowned man identified THE lifeless body of an East Indian man, fished out of a trench in the vicinity of the National Psychiatric Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, has been identified as Lakers Beharry of Lot 20 Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice.

He was identified on Thursday by his younger brother Parmand Beharry at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary, where the body awaits a post-mortem.

The 52-year-old had been a patient at the mental health institution since

February last, but had gone missing on April 9.

Consequently, a missing persons’ report was made at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam by mental health officials.

Investigations are continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Scotiabank in move to set up $2M smart-classroom at UG

Scotiabank Country Manager Raymond Smith presents Dr Paloma Mohamed,Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement with a cheque for $2M to construct a smart-classroom at the university as Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Lilian Chatterjee (second left) and Central Bank Governor,Dr Gobind Ganga,look on. (Delano Williams photo)

By Alva Solomon AS Scotiabank celebrates its 50th Anniversary in Guyana, University of Guyana students will benefit from the financial institution’s celebrations in the form of a smart-classroom.

This was announced on Friday afternoon at the Pegasus Hotel by the bank’s Country Manager Raymond Smith, during a simple ceremony.

Smith who was flanked by Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee , Central Bank Governor Dr Gobind Ganga and UG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement , Dr Paloma Mohammed, told the gathering that the bank’s “signature “ corporate social responsibility project here will

be the partnership with UG to install the smart-classroom within the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

He said that the project, which he noted is in alignment with the bank’s digital focus, will be undertaken at a cost of $2M and will provide students with an international learning environment. “It is being funded through Scotiabank’s community programme,” he said and expressed hope that there will be many such partnerships with the university.

Dr Mohamed expressed appreciation to the bank on behalf of the university. She said that these are exciting times for Guyana, noting that everyone is charting the best path for the country in the next few years. She said that UG is cognisant of its role in the development of the country. She said that the faculty is thrilled to receive its first smart-classroom.

She said that the university is pleased to be a part of the continued partnership with the bank, one which she noted is growing. Earlier, Smith announced too that as the bank celebrates its anniversary, it has also launched another initiative in the form of its 2018 Young Achievers Programme business plan competition, in which the prize-winner will receive a sum of $1.5M to start or operate a business.

The programme is being implemented in association with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

“At Scotiabank, we speak about building an agile organisation,” he said, noting that it is one that adapts to the environment within which it operates. He said the next 50 years, the bank will continue its commitment to staff and corporate /social responsibility and the country. “We are intent on supplying our

customers with a superior banking experience, “Smith said. Among its plans is the implementation of a suite of digital solutions. The bank will introduce a next generation of automated banking machines as well as new card products and additional online solutions.

The Canadian High Commisioner Lilian Chatterjee lauded the bank’s commitment to Guyana. She told the gathering that the bank came to Guyana a mere two years after Guyana attained independence in 1966. As she congratulated the bank , she commended the bank for being a ”pioneer in the market” and not abandoning the country during the tough times , a move which she described as a reflection of true Canadian values.

“Your 50 years reinforce your status as an important partner in the financial framework of Guyana to which you would have helped to realise a myriad of investment opportunities in Guyana “, she said.

Dr Ganga in remarks at the ceremony, said that the bank “is a believer “ in Guyana’s potential, its people’s destiny and in good corporate practice.

He said that the bank will go down in the history of the country as a resolute leader in the industry, as he thanked the bank for serving Guyanese faithfully.

He said that the bank has participated in the transformation of the country’s economy, noting it has witnessed significant upward mobility in the living standards of Guyanese.

Dr Ganga said that the bank has been successful and he noted that the Bank of Guyana will continue to support Scotiabank as an important player and partner, because of its drive for efficiency and diffusion of relevant international best practices.

A section of the gathering at the event (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Freak storm sends Essequibians cowering

–– disrupts electricity along entire coast HEAVY winds accompanied by lightning, thunder and heavy rainfall mid-morning Friday sent many persons living along the Essequibo Coast cowering in fear.

Such was the intensity of the storm, that not only was there a disruption of electricity, but several trees were uprooted, and many houses either lost their roofs or were severely damaged.

The incident reportedly occured around 10:30hrs, and lasted for almost half-

an-hour.

Word is that those living at Lima Village fared the worst, with as many as four persons claiming to have lost their roofs.

Melly Lall said she was sitting in her veranda when she saw her neighbour running pell-mell out of their yard.

“My neighbour house top flew off,” Lall said. “Then two houses away, more zinc sheet flew off. Persons were running out of their houses helter skelter.”

GECOM warns against fake ID cards … says recent discovery may just be the tip of the iceberg THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has warned against the surfacing of fake identification cards, saying that the discover of a recent one in Berbice may just be the tip of the iceberg.

The discovery of the fake ID card was first reported by the People’s Progressive Party. In a statement on Friday, GECOM said “It has come to the attention of members of the Guyana Elections Commission that a “fake” Identification Card has surfaced in Region Six. The commissioners have conjectured that this may just be the “tip of the iceberg.”

The commission warned the public “that this may also just be the beginning of mischief that is afoot, a fifth column lurking and running about, biding its time to come forth.

Please, should any such misconduct come to your notice, as members of the public you have a civic duty to inform the nearest police station, as well as the GECOM Headquarters at 41 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, or any of its offices countrywide for onward transmission to the investigating authorities.”

AA formally approaches ‘Civil Aviation’ –– about servicing Guyana

AMERICAN Airlines (AA)has engaged the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regarding procedures to operate commerical flights here.

GCAA Director-General Captain Egbert Field, told the Guyana Chronicle that the US-based carrier “initiated” contact with the authority on Friday, requesting information on how they can go about applying to operate here.

Noting that the relevant information has been relayed to airline representatives, Captain Field said: “They now have to send us their information, and we’ll take it from there.”

AA’s wanting to come here is welcome news, given the limited airlift choices the Guyanese public has.

In March, AA announced that it was adding three new cities to its already long list of destinations, and that Georgetown was one of them.

The airline said it wants to commence flights between Guyana and Miami by the end of the year.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, many have suffered tremendous losses due to the storm, and the entire region has been plunged into darkness ever since.

When contacted, officials at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) confirmed that the storm had caused some damage at the Lima plant, but that technicians were doing their best to remedy the situation.

A resident’s home at Lima after the storm

Pay or leave

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…Mae’s gives parents until April 30 to respond to hike in school fees

By Telesha Ramnarine MAE’S Schools continues to deny parents a meeting to discuss their massive hike in tuition fees and has now given parents April 30 as a deadline for saying whether or not their children will continue at the school in the

new term.

Parents are unsure what their next move should be. Instead of moving their children to a different school, many of them are hoping that a decision will be taken to reduce the fees when the Ministry of Education meets with the school again in two weeks.

Parents were not told exactly when the meeting between the two parties would take place and if that date will run into the new month, by which time the deadline for responding will have expired.

The ministry had reported that it had “fruitful” discussions with the

school’s administrators and that a decision agreeable to both the school and parents would be worked out.

The school is now essentially asking parents to ‘pay or leave.’ “Your failure to complete and return this letter will result in the assumption that your child/ ward will not be continuing when the new school year commences in September 2018,” read a letter dated to parents April 11, 2018.

“Your compliance with the above-named advice (to respond by April 30) will ensure your child/ward’s advancement to the next level at Mae’s,” the letter said.

Parents are now saying that should they respond in the affirmative, the school can continue to argue against decreasing the fees when it meets back with the ministry, citing

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018 parents’ willingness to keep their children there despite the announced increases.

One parent, a member of Facebook’s “Mae’s Parent Group,” said last February 26, she had received a letter asking if she was interested in allowing her child to move on to Grade One, the deadline being March 23, 2018.

“Today (April 13), my child has once again received the same letter dated April 11 and the deadline is April 30. This sends a very clear message: my failure to respond would mean I am not interested; if I respond, it means I am willing to pay $75,000; they have no intention of dropping the fees; and my failure to respond can also mean my child can be disbarred from attending the school,” the parent expressed.

Another parent commented: “It is clear that they have no intention of meeting or reconsidering their fees. Even though there was hype about the meeting with the officials from (the ministry), there were absolutely no detais pertaining to what had transpired in that meeting.

My gut feeling is that the school wouldn’t budge and there is nothing that the [ministry] can do about it.”

Andrea Bryan-Garner,

who formed the Facebook Group, said she sent a final request to Mae’s on Friday for a meeting to be called.

“In light of the negative media coverage and picketing exercise on the issue of hiked fees, the members of the Mae’s Parents Group would like to know if the school’s administration is at all willing to have a meeting with affected parents and/or if parent representatives of the group can be present at the next Ministry of Education’s meeting with the school,” Bryan-Garner wrote.

She added: “We would also like to discuss forming a PTA if none exists.

Kindly let us know the procedure to do so. We believe as the sole contributors of income to the school, your consumer, we should at least be given a forum for face-to-face discussion and negotiation.

“We feel as if we are being treated unfairly when our initial request for a meeting was ignored, as if we are all replaceable, and we do not believe this is good customer service. Some parents have already indicated they are looking for other schools which seem to be the message being communicated to us -- pay or leave.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

New PNCR Region 10 chairman pushing community development NEWLY appointed Chairman of the People’s National Congress (PNCR) Region 10,(Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Deron Adams has his eyes set on community development and has embarked on a Community Awareness Programme (CAP) to achieve this goal.

Adams, who hails from Linden, is an entrepreneur but has always been active in community service and has always rendered support to the political party.

While in opposition, Adams said that he still had hope in its revival and never gave up that hope. “I have dedicated both time and resources over the years ensuring that the party remains strong,” he said. He is not only focusing on wearing the title on his shoulder, but putting the work out though challenges may arise.

Under his guidance, CAP has obtained many strides and several communities have already benefited. “The position is a challenging one but with support from our leaders locally and sponsors in the diaspora, we are receiving the tools and resources needed to get the job done,” he related. CAP has targeted senior citizens through the party’s ‘Adopt a Grandfriend’ Ini-

tiative. Several seniors have benefited from discounts, among other things. The ‘Feeding Angels’ programme has touched the lives of those underprivileged children in the school system around Region 10. The PNCR has also organised training seminars for the use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs across Linden, which have seen many youth being beneficiaries. The party has also been engaging and working with special needs children in an effort to make a positive difference in their lives Working along with Adams is Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who has been integrally involved in the party’s mission to transform the township of Linden from the community level. “The aim and vision of the PNCR Region 10 is to consolidate and strengthen our people from the community level through information, education, training and opportunity. These are being fulfilled through interactive sessions with various youth groups, networking our strength to access resources.

We have to initiate innovative ways to increase turn out and participation among the youth; and so I have been engaging

and Chairman Basil Williams for their vision, support and contributions made over the years.

Deron Adams has re-

Newly appointed PNCR Chairman Deron Adams youth groups all across Region 10. Our popularity with our youth must be one of the key elements of our message and putting economic resources in the hands of our youths is the best way to accelerate development and sustainably reduce poverty,” Adams posited.

Some of the communities that the PNCR Region 10 has targeted in 2018 are Kwakwani, Ituni, Ebini, Develdt, Haruru, Wiruni, Kalkuni, Kurupukari and Rockstone.

Community outreaches were held in Retrieve, Christianburg, Block 22, Kara Kara, Wisroc and Blueberry Hill.

Adams expressed appreciation to Central Executive members of the PNCR such as President David Granger, General-Secretary Amna Ally

placed Sandra Adams, who passed away in January of 2018. Sandra Adams was elected Chairman at the Regional Conference

which was held in October 2016. A newly renovated PNCR building was commissioned in October of 2017.

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Gunmen held at roadblock further … cops ask for more time detained to interrogate them

By Clestine Juan

THE six alleged gunmen who were nabbed earlier this week during a roadblock at Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara in a stolen motor car were further detained in police custody as investi-

gators moved to the High Court for an extension to further interrogate them.

The men who are in custody have been identified as Steve Hercules, 30, of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara; Nabidigi Gobin,33 of Charlotte Street, Bourda; Rey-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

nard Khan,31, of Cooper Street, Albouystown; Mark Prince, 39, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara; Edward Skeete, 30, Independence Boulevard; and Marvin Blackman, 27, of South Ruimveldt.

The police had applied for the extension on Thursday and the six men are expected to be brought before the court in the new week.

On Tuesday, April 10, the six men were intercepted at the police roadblock with two 9 MM Glock pistols along with 22 live rounds, one Beretta pistol with 11 live rounds, a .32 Taurus pistol with six live rounds, one sledge hammer, two pairs of latex gloves and trade plates.

These items were found on the floor of the car by the police and upon examination, the police observed that the number PVV 6204 was engraved on the windscreen and lights of the car. The motor car was reportedly hijacked on March 25, 2018, at Princes Street, while its owner was working it as a taxi.

According to reports, the men earlier were in the act of robbing the residence of a Chinese man at Supply, EBD. However, the man’s son who was at home at the time heard a suspicious sound coming from outside and made checks.

Investigations uncovered persons trying to break into the property and when an alarm was sounded, the men ran from the area.

Later at the checkpoint, the above-mentioned items were found on the floor of the car by the police.

The six men in police custody are no strangers to investigators, since the

detainees had been charged with offences similar in nature and were recently freed of murder in the High Court.

Skeete, called ‘Pretty Boy’ and Nabadinghi Gobin, called ‘Dangles’, were freed last February at the High Court for the murder of Mocha, EBD resident Ryan Clementson, who died at the GPHC after being attacked in the vicinity of Turning Point in Tucville, Georgetown, on July 14, 2015.

Meanwhile, Black man’s rap sheet for charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court dates back to 2009. He is currently before the court for the $1.5M armed robbery committed on the Wild Caught Fresh Fish Depot in 2016.

However, in August 2017, he was charged for possession of a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and eight live rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was also charged with a series of armed robberies committed around Georgetown.

Additionally, in 2011, he was charged with the $5.4M heist from the office of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Mark Prince called ‘Fine Man’ and Renard Khan were jointly charged earlier this years for robbing a 66-year-old pastor of $1.8M as he left a city bank

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Linden delegates to participate in ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ march … following cancellation of LTW Pageant in light of sexual offences allegations

IN light of the decision made by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) to withdraw the Linden Town Week Pageant from this year’s calendar of Linden Town Week 2018 activities following allegations of sexual misconduct, the delegates will in turn lead a ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ march slated for Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Linden.

A statement from the LMTC on Friday said that a decision was made by the council to crown each of the seven delegates for their outstanding resilience. The young women whose initial platforms focused on the “green” economy, made a decision to change their platforms to reflect the social issues that are affecting young women.

“These young women….have pledged to speak on their individual platforms about their reasons for being a part of this movement of thousands of Lindeners, who refuse to be cowed by any adversity,” the statement said. They will all become Linden’s ambassadors to stand against all forms of abuse against women. “We call upon stakeholders in the community, social protection agencies, youth groups, the Ministries of Education, Social Protection and [Public] Security; major policy-makers, religious organisations, community-based organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations to participate.”

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell, said that this case will not be like other cases where sexual abuse in the pageant industry is usually

characterised by shortterm attention and with the passage of time is forgotten. “This time will be different, no more shall our women, the best and brightest of our nation, be left to face the burden of such actions on their own.” Arindell posited that the LMTC has already taken steps to protect future delegates by imposing stringent guidelines for fund-raising and by asking families and friends to be more involved in supporting contestants through every stage of future events. “As Mayor of Linden, a mother and daughter, I take this personally and I will not ask these courageous young women to cower and disappear from facing the harsh reality of this incident. LMTC is asking everyone to allow justice to run its course and for all persons found culpable to be brought to justice, regardless of place and position” the mayor said.

It is alleged that a popular businessman in Linden made inappropriate sexual advances to one of the delegates who sought his sponsorship on March 3rd at his home in Amelia’s Ward. It is also alleged that bribery and coercion were used to have the victim settle the matter out of court, not only by the perpetrator, but by an Alliance For Change (AFC) member. The AFC has launched an investigation into the matter and the police have sent the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking advice on the way forward.

All other activities for LTW 2018 remain, including the Big Bold and Beautiful Pageant, slated for April 25th.

Linden delegates

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Essequibo business community raises key issues with minister –– during recent walkabout in Region Two MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin on Thursday paid a visit to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam, where he seized the opportunity to interact with the business community.

The visit, which was facilitated by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC), commenced at Supenaam early in the morning where speedboat operators as well as residents took the opportunity to interact with the minister.

Welcoming him at the Supenaam Stelling were ECC President, Mr. Deleep Singh; Regional Executive Officer, Mr Rupert Hopkinson and members of the business community.

The minister had a very interactive session with the business community at Anna Regina, where the chamber president formally welcomed him to the fabled Cinderella County, and used the opportunity to solicit his help in getting the region improved telecommunication services, as well as a reliable supply

Minister of Business, Mr Dominic Gaskin and his wife, right, being received by members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce at Supenaam on Thursday morning

Minister Gaskin with members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce of electricity.

Singh told the minister that while Essequibians are talented and have many business ideas, they need technical help from the Ministry of Business.

Businessmen at the meeting raised with the minister key issues affecting them,such as poor access dams and roads leading to their businesses, and the poor ferry service. They also asked that the government consider rehabilitating the Mainstay airstrip.

After the meeting, the minister and his team were taken on a tour of the Morning Glory cereal factory at Anna Regina, where they saw technicians at work

on the manufacture of rice cereals.

Fully dressed for the occasion, in gown, hairnet, mask and shoe-cover, the minister inspected the stateof-the-art packaging facility, and was filled in on the necessary information about the process and operation

by Deputy Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) Mr Deonarine Jagdeo.

The team then journeyed to Samaroo Investment’s aquaculture farm at Lima Sands, where they were taken on a tour of the facility.

The minister’s visit has set the tone for the upcoming Agro Trade Fair, which is slated for April 20 and 21.

Minister Gaskin during his tour of the cereal plant at Anna Regina

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 14, 2018

Linden Workers observe Occupational Health and Safety Month with march

LINDEN’S Mayor Waneka Arindell said that as the country observes Occupational Health and Safety and Month, Guyanese not only need to be further edified on its importance, but there is a clear need for a shift in persons’ attitude toward safety and health.

On Friday, at the Occupational Health and Safety Month Awareness and Fitness Walk in Linden, workers took the street, marching under the theme, “Generation Safe and Healthy by improving the safety and health of young workers.” The Linden Hospital Complex, the Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society Limited, the LINMINE Secretariat, the Guyana Police Force, BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Inc., Linden Mayor and Town Council, Guyana Water Inc. and the Guyana Forestry Commission were among entities represented.

The walk commenced at 07:00hrs at the Linden Hospital Complex and concluded at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Mackenzie, Linden. It was followed by a workout session and a programme.

Arindell, in her presentation, said that the causes of accidents must be dealt with, so that the suffering resulting from them can be prevented.

“It must be emphasised that the participation of every worker is also essential in order to implement solutions to effectively improve worker health and safety, and not just physically, but more and more we must also begin to pay attention to workers’ mental health and well-being. “The best prepared guidelines will have little impact unless the young workers themselves see the need to cooperate, adhere to these guidelines and are also on the other hand able to express themselves on issues and make proposals based upon their own experiences in the workplace,” the newly elected mayor highlighted.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, stated that for too long, employers have considered safety functions as too expensive, consequently, exposing young workers who are usually vulnerable to unsafe practices.

“Generally, workers enter the world of work physically fit and healthy and they expect that they should leave the

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

Participants of the march in a workout session

Workers during the Occupational Health and Safety Month Awareness and Fitness Walk

same way…They participate in industry, government and enterprise, to make meaningful contributions to society and to enjoy a good life, but a good life cannot be attained and sustained if the work environment and conditions of work for which employers are mostly responsible are unsafe and even perilous,” Minister Scott added.

To the participants of the walk, he urged, “get involved in OSH committees in your work place…let us help to educate the younger ones on the importance of practising safety at the work place.

“Youths are the future leaders in our community. We need them so that we can carry our country forward in getting to the best life and to get the best life you must have the inclusion of occupational health and safety,” said Scott.

Police to beef up security in Region Two

–– with heightened police presence in every community RESIDENTS of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as well as those living on the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam will be able to sleep better at nights, thanks to a heightening of police presence in every community.

According to Commander of ‘G’ Division, Khali Parsashram, specially attired ranks will be placed at various police stations along the coast, and will be using bicycles to patrol the various villages.

He said it is hoped that in this way there would be an improvement in the relationship between the police and residents in the various communities.

The 24 ranks who have been handpicked for the job received their new uniforms on Thursday, and will be easily identified from afar by the word ‘POLICE’ emblazoned in white across their chest.

Commander Parsashram said bicycle patrols are not new, as they were first introduced years ago in an effort to enhance the relationship between community and Force, as well as to ensure safety and security.

Team-policing, which plays an integral role in the force, Parsashram said, will also be enhanced with ranks riding through the villages.

Ranks all ready for the road in their new uniforms “Ranks with the uniforms will be more visible in the communities; persons will have them within their reach.

“It’s all part of the force’s efforts of ehancing it’s crime-fighting strategy,” the commander said.

Many of the ranks will be seen espe-

cially in and around the commercial areas safeguarding businesses.

Ranks recently benefitted from local training by force trainers who were trained in the United States of America.

They are now better equipped with the necessary knowledge to deal with crime.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday April 14, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Rajasthan Royals (2008)

(2)

Shane Watson (CSK)

Today’s Quiz: (1) In which two IPL tournaments were most matches played?

(2) Who is the only player to score a century in an IPL final to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

South Africa Racing Tips

Irish Racing Tips

Turffontein

Leopardstown

08:35 hrs Long Pond

08:40 hrs Conclusion

09:15 hrs Glider Pilot

09:45 hrs Alpha Centauri

09:50 hrs Exquisite Touch

10:15 hrs Knowing You

10:30 hrs Regal Graduation

10:50 hrs The Pentagon

11:10 hrs Dressed To Impress

11:25 hrs Christopher Robin

American Racing Tips

11:55 hrs Thiswaycadeaux

Keenland

English Racing Tips

Race 1 Big Blue Magic

Newcastle

Race 2 Ruler Of The Nile

08:30 hrs Granard

Race 3 Seeking Blame

09:05 hrs Whiskey Chaser

Race 4 Bee Jersey

09:40 hrs Rivabodiva

Race 5 Extricate

10:20 HRS Pistol Park

Race 6 Just Whistle

10:55 hrs Grand Morning

Race 7 Chip Leader

11:30 hrs Bulls Head

Race 8 Lady Aurelia

12:00 hrs Little Jimmy

Race 9 My Boy Jack

12:45 hrs Tomahawk Wood Aintree 08:45 hrs Louis ‘Vac Pouch 09:25 hrs On The Blind Side 10:00 hrs Petit Mouchoir 10:40 hrs Rocklander 11:20 hrs Sam Spinner 12:15 hrs Carlinford Lough 13:20 hrs Michael’s Mount Lingfield 08:55 hrs Sonnet Rose 09:30 hrs Betty F 10:05 hrs Mouille Point 10:35 hrs Silent Attack 11;15 hrs Dorian Gray 11:50 hrs Dream Warrior 12:40 hrs Zephyros

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

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RCB opens IPL account with four-wicket win THE chasing team continued their streak of winning full-length matches at the 2018 IPL, with Royal Challengers Bangalore collecting the two points on this occasion. Umesh Yadav’s three wickets in one over set the game up early, after which the South African duo of Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers brushed aside a slight hiccup to take the hosts to a comfortable four-wicket win. RCB’s victory helped the franchise arrest their five-match losing streak at the Chinnaswamy.

At one point, it didn’t look easy for RCB, especially after they lost both Brendon McCullum and the captain Virat Kohli inside the Powerplay. But the 54run partnership between de Kock and de Villiers did

enough to take the pressure off the chase, after which Chris Woakes and Washington Sundar saw the team through to the win.

In the first innings, Kings XI made 155, but should’ve made more after a blazing start courtesy KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. At the end of the match, the losing captain R Ashwin confessed that Kings XI was “twenty runs short”, and that - one could say - was the eventual difference between the two sides.

Despite the batsmen getting RCB across the line, it was their bowlers who set the game up. Umesh Yadav returned figures of 3 for 23, which included a triple-wicket over and was assisted by useful spells from Kulwant Khejroliya and Sundar.

Chris Woakes and Washington Sundar celebrate the win.

Hamilton Fastest in China

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Free practice one of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend (Fox Sports Photo)

(REUTERS) - FORMULA One world champion Lewis Hamilton edged out Kimi Raikkonen at the top of the timesheets, as Ferrari ended the opening day of practice for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix hot on pacesetter Mercedes’ heels.

The Briton lapped the 5.4 km Shanghai International Circuit in one minute, 33.482 seconds in the afternoon session, beating Raikkonen to the top spot by a mere

0.007 seconds.

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was third and 0.033 seconds off the pace, with Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel fourth, 0.108 seconds short of his rival’s best.

The top three finished the afternoon in the same order as they had ended the opening 90 minutes of practice.

“We got through all the laps that we needed and got some

good feedback about the car,” said Hamilton after a cold afternoon.

“The balance of the car is good but we have some fine-tuning to do on it tonight. Ferrari was quick and Red Bull looked really fast on the long run.

“It’s good to see all the times so close, but it means that we really need to bring our A game.

We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it is a joint effort,” added

the Briton.

The best Vettel had managed in the morning had been sixth, 0.862 seconds off Hamilton’s pace.

Hamilton has an impressive record in China and is determined to claw back at least some of his 17-point deficit to Vettel in the overall standings after the German powered to victory in the opening two races in Australia and Bahrain.

Real to face Bayern in UCL semis Arsenal to play Athletico in Europa (BBC) - LIVERPOOL will play Roma in the Champions League semi-finals, with Bayern Munich facing Real Madrid.

The Reds, who beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate in the last round, will host Roma on Tuesday, April 24 with the return leg on Wednesday, May 2.

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals, while Red Bull Salzburg meets Marseille.

The Gunners will play the first leg at home on Thursday, April 26, with the second leg a week later on May 3.

The Europa League final will be in Lyon, France on Wednesday, May16, with the winner guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions’ League.

The Champions League final will be held in Kiev, Ukraine on Saturday, May 26.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

MEET THE “LADY JAGS”

T

he Guyana-based Senior National Women’s Team, commonly referred to as the "Lady Jags", has been engaged in intense training as preparation heats up for the CFU Women's Challenge Series later this month in Trinidad and Tobago.

The team has been coached by Akilah Castello and Goalkeeping coaching has been provided by National Senior Goalkeeping Coach, Eon De Viera.

Support the "Lady Jags" in their campaign GUYANA’S MATCH SCHEDULE: • 25th April – vs Grenada @ 16:00hrs • 27th April – vs Suriname @ 16:00hrs • 29thApril – vs Trinidad and Tobago @ 17:30hrs

Ruth George - Goalkeeper

Izannah Rogers - Midfielder

Jimmaica Hunte - Midfielder

Annastacia Horsham - Defender

Lakeisha Pearson - Midfielder

Annulisa Johnson - Midfielder

Tiandi Smith - Defender

Horicia Adams - Midfielder

Shennel Daniels - Midfielder

Natalie Nedd - Goalkeeper

Shamika Marcus - Midfielder

Sasha James - Defender

GFF EXTRATIME TV TUNE INTO GFF EXTRATIME TV THIS SUNDAY ON NCN TV @ 11:00HRS IN FOCUS: CFU Women’s Challenge Series Tournament.

Get a chance to know some of the members of the National Senior Women’s Team – The ‘Lady Jags”. In studio will be Tiandi Smith, Lakeisha Pearson, Sasha Matthews and Natalie Nedd.

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

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

37

61 Days to go…

Who Will Be Top Scorer at the World Cup? The 2018 World Cup in Russia is going to bring together the finest players in the world, and some of the finest attacking forces on the planet, together. So, we have selected who we think will be the top-scorer for the tournament. In no particular order, we start off with Messi.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) Messi is on great form this year, and he is so crucial for Argentina’s chances that it is more than likely he will get on the scoresheet during the tournament. In a tough group alongside, Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria, Argentina will have to play well, and Messi always rises to the top when necessary.

enough, he can create something out of nothing and is Brazil’s talisman, but he broke his metatarsal for PSG so it is a race against time to be 100% fit and on form when mid-June comes around. They do have an exciting squad though and should score plenty.

Thomas Muller (Germany) Germany are one of the favourites for the tournament, and with no Miroslav Klose up front, we expect Muller to pick up the goal-scoring flak in Russia. He clearly loves the World Cup too – in 2010, in his first major tournament he scored five goals in six appearances as Germany finished in third. In 2014, he helped guide the side to glory with another

Genius: Supposedly in a down year, Ronaldo can still find the net (Getty Images)

how far they get in the tournament. With players like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Dries Mertens behind him, he will get chances, the question remains can he finish them? If he does, he will score plenty, if he doesn’t, then Belgium could struggle.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) His last shot probably at World Cup glory, Ronaldo is a pure goal-scoring machine. He is supposed to be having a down year, but he scored 15 times from nine games during qualifying for the World Cup. For Real Madrid he has found the net with regularity, and scored one of the greatest Champions League goals ever with a bicycle kick against Juventus. In terms of pure goal-scoring, there is no one better and he loves the world stage – expect him to score plenty.

Isco (Spain)

Neymar (Brazil) Main question here will be if he is fit

Muller has scored five goals at the last two World Cups (Getty Images)

five goals, including the first one against Brazil. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him on top of the tree when the tournament is finished.

Antoine Griezmann/Kylian Mbappe (France) We expect France to do well in Russia, but we were torn as to who to go for between Griezmann and Mbappe. Griezmann was France’s best player at the European Championships in 2016, leading the tournament with six goals too, so clearly he can play on the big stage. Mbappe has not played in a big tournament before, but he looks to be a class act and 2018 could be his tournament.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Isco scored a hat-trick against Argentina (Getty Images)

Lukaku, attacking wise, will lead an extremely talented Belgium side in Russia. And his goal scoring ability will probably decide

He may not be playing up top for Spain, that role will probably go to Diego Costa or Alvaro Morata, but he is unquestionably the creative force for the Spaniards. Given a licence to roam, Isco is just so difficult to defend against, and has the ability to find the net, as shown by his hat-trick against Argentina recently.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) His form in 2018 has been truly ridiculous, seemingly scoring in every game he played for Liverpool and Egypt. And his Egypt side does not have a difficult group this summer. Alongside the hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, they are an outside shot at getting into the knockout stages. Regardless, if he can carry on his form, he will be tough to stop as always.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland) Lead everyone in qualifying with 16 goals, scores all the time for Bayern – Poland may not go far in the tournament, but with Senegal, Colombia and Japan in their group, Lewandowski will surely get on the scoresheet in June.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

Ramesh Sunich birthday T20 softball…

Floodlights prevail over Savage Masters

ON a beautiful Friday evening under lights, Floodlights defeated Savage Masters in a friendly T20 softball game in honor of the 64th birth anniversary of popular businessman,Ramesh Sunich, of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

Savage Masters won the toss and took first strike scoring 176 for 6 off their allotted overs. They lost two early wickets in Patrick Khan bowled by Reyaz Hussain for 13, and Troy Ramsaywack run out for 9. N. Baksh also followed shortly for 1 leaving Savage Masters in some trouble at 47 for 3. R. Perriera then joined opener Seeraj Bheemsain and blasted the ball to all parts of the ground in a partnership of 77 before Perriera was run out for 27.

Bheemsain rallied with rest

of the batting order to end on 94 not out and his team 176.

Hussain, Rakesh Arjune and Petambar Maharaj took one wicket a piece.

In reply, Floodlights lost the prolific Uniss Yusuf early via the run out route for 2.

Ramo Malone then joined Anil Beharry. Beharry started with a flurry of boundaries but struggled in the latter part of his innings. Malone took over and spanked the bowlers to all parts of the ground in making a robust 66 consisting of 3x6 and 7x4. Floodlights lost Malone and Beharry in quick succession causing the run rate to drop. However, Ramesh Narine, teamed up with Imtiaz Mohamed and took their team to victory with one ball to spare in an unbroken partnership of 60.

Narine clobbered 4 sixes and 2 fours in a rapid unbeaten 44.

Bibi Sangster of the USA handed over the winning trophy to captain Ricky Deonarain in the presence of the smiling birthday boy and others

Mohamed was not out on 15.

ed best bowler and Malone

batsman and Perriera best

best fielder and best catch

At the presentation cere-

best batsman for Floodlights.

bowler for Savage Masters.

on both teams. Malone was

mony, Steve Narine was vot-

Bheemsain was the best

There were also trophies for

Man of the Match.

President commissions playpark in Victory Valley

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Linden community of Victory Valley came alive yesterday, Friday, with the commissioning of a community play park by President David Granger, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes.

The play park for children which was donated by Dr. Hardat Singh and Annie Narine is situated aback of the community centre. Almost the entire community came out to what was a historical event and didn’t fail to express their appreciation to the donors, as

well as the President and his Government, for turning their attention to their community that was deemed a ‘ghetto’.

President Granger in his address to the crowd said that this time is Victory Valley’s time. “This is a special day for Victory Valley….pride has come back into the Valley…today is a time for Victory Valley,’ he exclaimed.

His Excellency affirmed that community development such as this symbolises empowerment, made possible by Local Government elections which occurred in 2016.

“This little park here symbolises empowerment…..people are now seeing that their

communities have started to live, this is a living community where people interact with each other,” His Excellency said.

President Granger encouraged the residents to see the venture as a start of tourism development, not only in the community but in Linden and Region 10.

The residents were encouraged to plant trees and have animals on display to attract tourists, which will also add to the economy of the community. “We now have the option of attracting friends to add that private attraction of the community participation….this is for peo-

ple outside and inside to work for the common good, we now have the opportunity to develop our communities as tourist destinations, let us make not only Linden but the whole of Region 10, a destination for tourist.”

He added, “I see this play park in being the first step in opening more play parks in more communities, in Kwakwani, in Ituni and other parts of this great region. This play park is starting to make you think of all sorts of economic possibilities, to make Linden a tourism hub for other parts of the country and other Guyanese. This is a happy

day for me, not because of a handing over, the giving of a small park but because it is starting to make you think of what else could be done in the rest of this country.”

The President said that the play park is a blessing and it is a happy day for him as it is for Victory Valley.

Minister Amna Alley noted that during a previous outreach, the residents expressed the need for a play park and today that need has been made a reality. “Now, today I am here to deliver,” Ally said.

Chairman of Victory Valley’s Community Development Council, Anthony Roberts, expressed appre-

ciation for not only the play park but for every other infrastructural development that has occurred within the space of months. Special thanks were extended to Minister Simona Broomes for playing an integral role in transforming Victory Valley into a recognised community.

In addition to the play park, the community recently gifted with three bridges, a fenced community centre ground, street lights, an ICT hub, and also benefited from food and clothing distributions.

GT Callouts, GTRidez ‘Storm’ on today

By Stephan Sookram

CAR enthusiasts and petrol heads alike will have a chance to meet and discuss possible projects with the ‘Storm’, a collaborative effort of several local car clubs and modification companies.

GTRidez, GT callouts, Inifinity Imports and Car Culture have teamed up to host a car show in the parking lot of the Giftland Mall VIP parking lot, this afternoon.

According to one member of the

team up, GTRidez’s Rohindra Mahase, “Essentially it’s an exhibition which recognises cars that stand out in the automotive scene and to give car enthusiasts the opportunity to see these machines up close and also meet the owners.”

GT Callouts member Sean Charles continued, “[we thought about] getting the public to see cars they don’t usually get to see on a daily basis and get to meet the people who actually built these vehicles.”

“So far, we’ve been able to attract 11 cars and their owners, including the famous Team Mohamed’s Enterprise, Nissan GTR Nismo, as well as the Automotive Art Evolution of Stefan Jeffrey, and a few other surprise packages,” Mahase said..

While the idea is one that is relatively new to Guyana, it has been in the prenatal stages for some time, Charles added.“Well we, [myself, Rohindra and a few others], were in conversation for about five years

now and never got around to it. I decided that it was the time to make the move. It actually started last year with the GT callouts brand doing meets but this is our first major collaboration.”

According to Charles, the Giftland Mall was the logical choice to host such an event, adding, “It’s location, it’s a high traffic area and that will maximise viewership for people who missed the advertising.”

Mahase said, “Initially we wanted to do the display inside the mall

but the space is too limited.”

Admission to today’s event is free of cost to the public with special giveaways all evening. The event begins at 14:00 and goes until 21:00.

The event’s sponsors include AR Jiwanram Printery, Cristal Products, West Coast Customs Wash Bay, Bhagwan’s Trading Enterprise, Fast Lane Auto Spares, Rama Jama Racing, 28 Degrees Clothing & Accessories.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 14, 2018

39

John hard-pressed to defend Powerade title on Sunday CYCLING action returns to the West Demerara roadway for the 8th annual Powerade 46-mile race on Sunday. Action will pedal off at 08:30hrs from Schoonord (Demerara Harbour Bridge) and proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, before returning

to the point of origin for the finish.

Jamual John, was the 2017 Open race champion, while other winners were Jason Cameron (Juniors), Junior Niles (Veterans), Keon Thomas (Mountain bikes) and Denacia Welch( Female category).

Apart from the top six finishers of the Open race who will be rewarded, prizes are also set for the top three riders in the other categories.

Eight sprint prizes would be up for grabs during the 46mile event.

Meanwhile the inner circuit of the National Park

will come to life today, Saturday, for the staging of the 14th edition of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme from 09:00hrs.

Hamzah Eastman will be defending his title in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational event.

He won last year’s race in one hour, 17 minutes, four seconds, while Nigel Duguid Jr. who took the Junior division then has upgraded to the senior category. Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson took the Veterans Under-50 title.

Ryan Canterbury took top honours in the Moun-

tain Bike race last year, while David Hicks will defend the 12-14 Boys race.

Managing Director of Universal Auto and General Supplies and veteran rider, Shameer Baksh, will present the prizes to the winners at the conclusion.

BCB launches Ramnaresh Sarwan Fitness 53 U-17 Tournament THE Berbice Cricket Board officially launched the Ramnaresh Sarwan Fitness 53 Inter-Club Under-17 Cricket Tournament for Clubs in the Ancient County last week.

President of the Board, Hilbert Foster visited the No. 73 Cricket Ground to officially launch the tournament which is being sponsored by former West Indies Captain and batting master, Ramnaresh Sarwan. The launching consisted of members of the No. 73 and Muslim Youth Organisation Under-17 teams.

Foster, who is spearing a massive restoration of Berbice Cricket recalled that he had promised Berbicians that Junior Cricket would be the foundation of his administration.

In less than two months, cricket has started at the U-17, U-19, U-21 levels while play in the U-15 tournament would

RHTYSC Asst. Secretary, Simon Naidu, makes a donation to the MYO and No. 73 Cricket Teams

commence shortly.

In a lengthy presentation, the BCB President stated that special emphasis would be placed in the Upper Corentyne areas, as over the years the sub-association had been

somewhat neglected.

He assured the youths that every effort would be made to develop the game and that the BCB would invest heavily, not only in cricket tournaments, but also in the area of

coaching and their personal development.

The Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 tournament, Foster stated is a bridge between the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 and New York Business

Group Under-19 Inter-Club tournaments.

The young cricketers were urged to perform at a high level and were assured that their performances would be recognised by the BCB.

The former Guyana captain was commended for his investment into Berbice Cricket, with Foster stating that it is pleasing when a cricketer gives back to the game, especially when that player has no association to those players that he is assisting.

Foster expressed confidence that the relationship between the Berbice Cricket Board and Sarwan would be strengthened in the future.

Sarwan is also sponsoring the 40-Over Second Division tournament for teams in the Upper Corentyne area.

President of the No. 73 Cricket Club, Lakeram Latchman, who welcomed Foster to the venue, informed the members of both teams that it was very rare for a Berbice Cricket Board President to be present at a cricket match in Upper Corentyne.

Corona Champs to be crowned tonight

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance Inter-county U-19

Sparta face Bent Street in Final

Demerara vs Berbice moved to Lusignan, to be contested on Sunday

THE top prize of the Corona Beer Futsal tournament sponsored by Namilco is up for grabs tonight when the final takes place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Longtime rivals Sparta Boss and Bent Street take the centre stage with the two renewing a rivalry dating back just over three years.

Sparta, as more often than not, has been considered winners especially considering their strong line-up in the past, but whether a number of

their newer players are able to step up to the plate is left to be seen.

Their relaxed style of play may be something that many pundits don’t favour much, but it has gotten them to the finals so something must be working.

On the converse end, there is Bent Street. They will be eager to show their fans and those in attendance that they can cast the jinx plaguing them against their longtime rivals.

But they must be wary and not put themselves under too much pressure for tonight’s final; their natural game of attacking play has worked well for them thus far.

Both teams must also be wary of their opponents’ ability to counter attack and a fire cracker is expected when things get going from 23:00.

The third place play off is also billed for this evening with Leopold Street and Alpha Warriors.

-Essequibo clash with Select U-17 today

THE second round match of the 2018 GCB/Hand in Hand Insurance U-19 Inter-county between Demerara and Berbice has been moved to the Lusignan Community Centre Ground.

The game was scheduled to be played at GCC today, Saturday, April 14, but the GCC ground is in an unsuitable condition for play.

The match will now commence from Sunday, April 15 to Tuesday, April 17.

Meanwhile, the Board has advised that the match between Select Under-17 and Essequibo remains as per schedule at the Everest ground and will be played from today, Saturday April 14 to Monday April 16.

In their first game against the Select U-17, Demerara

notched up an impressive innings and 13-run victory, with a record knock of 301 not out from skipper Bhaskar Yadram, while Ashmeade Nedd and Dwain Dick were outstanding with the ball.

Essequibo in their first round encounter with Berbice was steamrolled by the latter.

All games begin at 10:00hrs.

President commissions playpark in Victory Valley Page 38

President David Granger (third from left) joins Ministers Amna Ally (second from left) and Simona Brooms (Left) to cut the ribbon to declare open the Victory Valley Community park.

GT Callouts, GTRidez ‘Storm’ on today

John hard-pressed to defend Powerade title on Sunday

Page 38

Stefan Jeffrey’s Automotive Art Evo will be on show today.

Page 39

Jamual John will want to successfully defend his title on Sunday in the 8th annual Powerade 46-miler.

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SATURDAY APRIL 14, 2018