Guyana chronicle e paper 04 25 2018

WEDNESDAY 25th April, 2018

GRA to audit Exxon No.105255

… Special oil-and-gas tax unit staff being trained

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Photo by Samuel Maughn THE much anticipated Kitty Roundabout is about a month away from completion. This is according to Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Sherod Parkinson. “We’re presently in the phase where we’re closing off certain sections.

They are now preparing to pave the section from Kitty Public Road to Vlissengen Road. They are also

working to create the ‘island’ (the centre of the roundabout).” Parkinson added that light poles are also being installed.

“It [will then be] just a matter of determining what will be done with the ‘island’ the road markings [and] signs,” the engineer explained.

The design of the roundabout includes two traffic

signals which will control the traffic from Irving Street and Kitty Public Road. Earlier in the year, a $78.9Million contract was awarded to S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services for works on the roundabout. The roundabout will significantly improve the flow of traffic in the area, enabling motorists to reach their destinations faster.

‘PPP in leadership turmoil’ 14 PAGE

… PM says party making a mockery of legal system

DEMTOCO profits Lindener gets life pegged at $1.4B sentences 05 10 for raping child PAGE

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…company says not against tobacco regulations

No VAT on exports 02 PAGE

…GRA says PSC, other groups do not understand the VAT Act

No VAT on exports

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

… GRA says PSC, other groups do not understand the VAT Act

COMMISSIONER General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia, has refuted claims of VAT on exports even as he called on local companies to produce evidence of them being adversely affected by the amendments made to the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act. Statia’s comments came in the wake of a statement issued on Monday by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) expressing concerns about the amendments which came into effect in 2017.

Statia, however, said that members of the PSC, in particular, the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, the Guyana Forest Products Association and the Manufacturing and Services Association, do not understand the VAT Act. “So all I am asking is if you are saying that you are adversely affected prove it to me. Show me the facts. We are yet to see any facts. No one has brought any facts to show that they are adversely affected. I would like to rest that there is no VAT on exports and I am asking the Chairman of the PSC …to show me the facts. He who asserts must prove,” declared Statia.

The Commissioner-Gen-

eral maintained that his entity has been in constant discussions with all of the stakeholders, and he pointed to a letter dated April 9 and penned to the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan by the Guyana Rice Exporters, seeking clarification on exports. Jordan in response advised the association to supply the GRA with the empirical data to support their claims of significant losses on costs, due to the changes from zero-rated status to exempt status by the 2017 amendments to the VAT Act, so that remedial action can be taken.

Statia said the request was made in light of the previous initiatives taken to exempt the raw materials and other items used in this industry to reduce the burden of VAT. The items that are exempt include the supply of paddy, fertilisers, ploughs, import of raw materials and packaging materials among others.

Additionally, he said the Investment Development Agreements (IDAs) allow for substantial waiver in duty and VAT on imported items for the rice industry.

“Further, it should be noted that the VAT placed on electricity and water would rarely apply to the GREMA since they enjoy their own power generation and have

their own water supply. This data is yet to be submitted to the GRA,” Statia noted.

The refunds of VAT, he said, were paid in cases of exempt supplies through the IDAs. “Currently, the GRA is encouraging the strict adherence to the provisions of the law and the IDAs by encouraging the industries to apply for the tax exemption prior to incurring costs. This in fact assists with adequate monitoring and ensures cash flow for businesses.”

FISHERS GET RELIEF In the case of the fishing industry, Statia said after detailed submissions from the stakeholders and an analysis by the GRA, it was observed that the industry needed additional relief. As such equipment and spares for the industry were made exempt.

Meanwhile, in response to the contention that government has disallowed exporters the right to reclaim the VAT paid on inputs used to produce goods and services to be exported from Guyana, the GRA head said

that from the implementation of VAT in 2007, only exempt goods exported from Guyana are unable to reclaim input VAT and not all exports as alluded to in the PSC release. He said that in the past the Government used zero-rated goods to lower the tax burden on low-income households by zero-rating essential goods.

For items with no value-added or, that are the first in the chain, there is no difference to the consumer between exempting and zero-rating the items.

“Zero-rating breaks the VAT chain and invites revenue leakage and fraud (eg.

Submissions of fake invoices showing VAT paid in order to claim fraudulent refunds, or charging VAT and not remitting VAT due). Exemptions also break the chain but they pose much less of a revenue risk since they do not generate excess credit positions and applications for refunds,” Statia explained.

He told reporters that in order to ensure that local manufacturers of exempt products that were previously zero-rated whether for

export or local supply were not unduly affected; many of the products exempted were the first in the chain so they would not have attracted any value-added element. As a result, no significant input VAT is to be reclaimed via lumber and lumber products, poultry and fish.

Statia noted that GRA has been in discussions with the Aircraft Owners and while those discussions were had, the changes had fallen through the cracks. As a result, the Commissioner-General will be meeting with the Aircraft Owners today. “I do not understand where people are getting the impression that exports will be subjected to VAT. There is nothing in the VAT Act that says exports will be subjected to VAT,” he stated.

Turning his attention to the PSC claiming Minister Jordan would have misled manufacturers on the chronology of events and that the GRA was conflating two amendments, Statia said amendments to Section 17 and the repeal of Section 18(2) of the VAT Act were done to clarify the law since

it was an example of circular reasoning and was the cause for much confusion.

“Further, Section 18(2) was never utilised by the GRA from the inception of the implementation of VAT in 2007; as such this would have no impact on the industry.” In response to elements of the CARTAC Review and Duke University Study reports on VAT relative to the zero rating of exports of goods and services, the Commissioner General said the amendments to the VAT Act are consistent with the recommendations expressed in the Duke University Study and the CARTAC Review and Assessment of VAT Administration in Guyana Report which was done in August 2016.

The GRA head stressed that government has considered the impact of measures introduced and made all efforts to minimise production costs, by ensuring that VAT is not charged or payable on items first in the chain of production and other major expenditure items.

Over $20M in losses as fire flattens sawmill

A FIRE on Tuesday swept through a sawmill owned and operated by N and S Gumani & Sons, located at Grant 1651 CrabWood Creek, East Berbice, Corentyne.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the fire reportedly started from a generator located in the ‘power room’ and rapidly spread to various parts of

the sawmill. The fire reportedly started at 10:00hrs. The Guyana Fire Service was summoned to the scene and responded as every effort was made to contain the blaze.

This newspaper understands that the fire subsequently restarted later in the afternoon but was put out by firefighters. An investigation has been launched.

Police intensify probe into missing Prospect woman POLICE have reportedly intensified their investigation into a case involving a missing Prospect East Bank Demerara (EBD) mother of one close to two years since she has disappeared.

Missing is 37-year-old Shawnette Savory called “Shonette”. The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that a former boyfriend is now in police custody assisting with the investigation. Reports have also indicated that police investigators have been frequenting the former residence of Savory at Lot 222 Last Street, Prospect, East Bank Demerara in recent days.

Last Wednesday and Friday, investigators visited that residence as they

searched for clues and on Monday April 23, 2018, the police accompanied by the former boyfriend visited his Lot 186 Fourth Street, Prospect, EDB residence. During that visit, at least six holes were dug, reportedly in search of the mother of one. On Tuesday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revisited the residence of Savory’s former boyfriend.

The boyfriend lives at the Fourth Street, Prospect residence with his mother and sister. However, the two relocated after police visited the premises. When the Guyana Chronicle visited the former boyfriend’s residence, it was clear that no one was at home in the building which seems

to have been newly constructed or rehabilitated.

In the yard, six deep holes were visible three at the back of the house, and two on one side, and another on the opposite side.

On August 29, 2016, Savory went missing from her Lot 222, Last Street, Prospect residence.

She is the mother of a 20-year-old who resides in the US.

One of the holes that was dug on Monday, as investigators search for clues to the missing woman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

GRA to audit Exxon … Special oil-and-gas tax unit staff being trained

By Ariana Gordon

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has notified United States (U.S.) oil giant ExxonMobil of its intention to begin auditing the company’s operations, Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia told reporters on Tuesday.

Statia’s announcement comes at a time when the Authority is preparing staff for its soon-to-be-created Oil and Gas Unit. The creation of the unit is also coming just about a month after renowned economist, Professor Sir Paul Collier, had urged government to build capacity to scrutinise the taxes Exxon pays.

“Don’t assume that you can just trust them to pay the right amount,” he had warned during an engagement with members of the media. “Build a specialist team in monitoring,” he said, citing the example of Norway which has a team of 40 tax revenue collection professionals. “You don’t need as many as 40, you need some, who can learn gradually the intricacies of the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Statia disclosed that training for GRA staff will begin next week while noting that by 2021, he expects the Oil and Gas

Unit to be staffed with approximately 100 persons.

“We have already notified Exxon of our intention to commence certain audits and that is exactly where we are,” Statia told reporters at a press conference while making it clear that the audits would focus not only on revenues but also on assets, expenses, and likely per-wells.

The GRA head made it clear that as the need arises the aforementioned audits will be done. He said too that his entity has to take steps to maximise its taxes, noting that the audits would be done not only on ExxonMobil but also on their contractors.

“When we are looking at oil and what we get from oil, we don’t look to see the taxes that we are going to get from contractors, the economic activities we will get from mid-stream activities. These are some of the things we need to put our minds to. We need to look at all the other avenues where we are going to get taxes,” said Statia.

Statia pointed to reports of oil-producing companies in Trinidad and Tobago that are headquartered in the United States or Canada establishing subsidiaries in other Caribbean countries which are covered by the CARICOM Tax Treaty, thereby avoiding

withholding tax on dividends and interest.

As a result of the aforementioned, Trinidad and Tobago loses approximately $200M annually. “I would like to say that if that occurs here, it would not be under my watch. It means that the tax officers were not doing their jobs properly,” the GRA head stated while stressing that there is need for vigilance.

“You have to be able to pierce all of these veins if you have the correct staff doing your review, audits and investigations. You ought to be able to trace where the money ends up,” he posited while noting that Guyanese taxpayers have been guilty of similar acts.

He said oil companies have been part of inter-company transactions since the 1970s while quickly pointing out that developing the skill set here of auditors is critical to curbing such acts.

“What we lack is the people who have the competence to go and find these additional taxes, and that is what we are trying to do; equip our staff so that we would be in a position to find it,” the Commissioner-General said, while adding that sometimes desk audits produce more revenues that going on location and

doing an observation.

“You don’t have to be measuring barrel for barrel to do a proper audit of any oil company. There is adequate software to trace the funds all over the world. It is that we are not equipped as yet to do so,” he stated.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION Meanwhile, the tax boss stressed that access to information is critical to his entity’s job and noted that as the required information becomes available his entity will conduct its checks and balances.

“You cannot wait until the end of the period within which you are going to start an audit. I won’t say an audit … a review should be continuous. You should have persons on the spot specifically trained in these activities.”

He estimates that based on the latest estimates by the Ministry of Finance, during the first year of oil production some US$700 is likely to be pumped into the local economy. “…And don’t forget when we look at our taxes, GRA is probably set to collect for the first time US$1B in taxes from the entire country,” Statia stated as he stressed the need for adequately-trained personnel

in the Oil and Gas Unit.

He explained that there would be a need for a technically diverse staff which includes engineers, geologists as well as lawyers. The Commissioner-General disclosed that his entity would be sending eight persons to England to pursue studies in oil and gas. “We are trying to be in the forefront of it instead of waiting on the other departments,” he stated.

Statia also disclosed that Monday’s training is to be facilitated by a technical assistance group from the U.S. which comprises retired Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officers. IRS is the revenue service of the United States federal government. The Commissioner-General disclosed that an organisational chart for the Unit has been prepared and advertisements have been placed for suitably qualified persons to join the unit.

In the first instance, we are going to be training internal persons … give them a chance and so those internal persons would begin training from next week. There are certain technocratic positions that we cannot fill such as persons who are fully into petroleum audit and accounting,” he said.

Statia said instead of

GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia training his staff for those roles, GRA will employ experienced persons who “could hit the ground running”.

Additionally, several GRA staff will be heading to Trinidad soon to be trained while the British Government has provided a £100,000 grant to assist with training needs. The government of Guyana has also earmarked sums for training in the area of oil and gas.

Ten GRA officers are being trained on board ExxonMobil’s vessels and moreover the Revenue Authority says that it has a continual presence offshore so as to observe the company’s assets that are “going on and moving off”.

Bush Lot murder update...

Uncle warded at Suddie Hospital –under police guard

THE uncle who is the main suspect in the murder on Monday at Bush Lot, on the Essequibo Coast, is presently a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital, under police guard.

The man, 57-year-old Kenrick Armagon, also known as “Ricky”, is currently nursing injuries, among them a few broken ribs, owing to the fight he and his nephew had on Monday midday.

Though wracked with

pain, “Ricky” is already professing his innocence, claiming that he was provoked into doing what he did.

“I telling y’all, I ain’t just stab he like that; he aggravated me, and in self-defence, I did it,” the suspect said.

Now that he’s come to, “Ricky” recalled that he was first accosted by his nephew accusing him of saying something untoward about his daughter, and because both of them were intoxicated, an argument ensued followed

by a fight.

He is claiming to have suffered internal injuries, due to the aggressive behaviour of his now deceased nephew.

He also said that he is lucky to be alive, since his nephew might have stabbed him instead, and that the murder weapon is a knife he regularly uses to pick and peel mangoes.

The tragic incident has resulted in the death of 36-yearold Naresh Ramdass, of Bush Lot Village on the Essequibo

The deceased Naresh Ramdass

Coast. The deceased had a heated argument with his uncle, during which he was stabbed in the chest. His body was found on the Bush Lot foreshore, about 20 feet from where he lived.

He was discovered by his wife, Rehanna, who alerted neighbours and the police.

He was taken by the police to the Suddie Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, leaving a threemonth-old baby and a wife he’d only gotten married to three years ago.

His body is presently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post mortem exam-

ination.

The deceased had recently moved to the Essequibo Coast after residing for years at Wakapoa, on the lower Pomeroon River.

Residents in the area say that Ramdass and his uncle are habitual drinkers and would often get into petty fights.

It is alleged that the uncle usually smokes “weed”, and is in the habit of threatening passersby whenever he does.

Both men are fishermen and would usually spend most of their time at sea.

The suspect recently returned from a stint there.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Call the elections Trump threatens ‘big …Barbados Opposition leader calls problems’ for Iran on PM to announce election date US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of “big problems” if it resumes the nuclear programme it agreed to curb in a 2015 international accord.

Speaking at the White House with French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Trump called the Iran deal “insane”.

Mr Macron, who is lobbying Mr Trump to preserve the deal, said it was possible to forge a new Iran accord.

The US president has been threatening to reject an extension of the Obama-era nuclear pact by a 12 May deadline.

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to visit the US capital on Friday to make a last-minute bid to dissuade Mr Trump from potentially torpedoing the Iran agreement. “It won’t be so easy for them to restart,” Mr Trump said in the Oval Office on Tuesday when a journalist asked him about the possibility of Iran relaunching its nuclear programme if the deal is scrapped.

“They’re not going to be restarting anything. They restart it they’re going to have big problems, bigger than they’ve ever had before.”

Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, later told the Associated Press Iran would “most likely” abandon the nuclear accord if the US pulled out.

He told the news agency that Washington would only damage its talks with North Korea

Mr Macron, on a threeday visit to the US, is the first foreign leader to be treated to a state visit during the Trump presidency. At a joint news conference on Tuesday, he said he had had a very frank discussion with Mr Trump.

Mr Trump wipes away “dandruff” from Mr Macron’s shoulder (Getty Images)

by proving the US reneges on its promises. On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani threatened “severe consequences” if the US withdrew from the deal. Mr Trump said on Tuesday: “If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.”

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The French president also told reporters he believed it was possible to forge a new agreement to address concerns about Tehran. “We want sustainable stability and I believe the discussions we’ve had together make it possible to open the way, to pave the way for a new agreement,” said Mr Macron.

Under the deal, Tehran agreed to mothball its nuclear programme, which it maintains was for peaceful civilian purposes, in return for an easing

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

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of economic sanctions.

Mr Trump has long complained that the accord - signed by the US, Iran, Europe, Russia, China and Germany - does nothing to halt Iran’s support for militant groups in the region such as Hezbollah. The US president is also demanding that signatories to the pact agree permanent restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment.

Under the current deal they are set to expire in 2025.

At one point during Tuesday’s Oval Office photocall, Mr Trump wiped “dandruff” from Mr Macron’s shoulder. “We do have a very special relationship,” Mr Trump told journalists gathered in his office.

“In fact I’ll get that little piece of dandruff off. “Little piece! We have to make him perfect. He is perfect.” The Iran deal is not the only potential source of discord between the two leaders.

Also on the agenda is the Paris climate accord, the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and planned US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium. Earlier in the day, Mr Macron and his wife were welcomed to the White House with a military ceremony and a 21-gun salute. In welcoming remarks, Mr Trump thanked France for joining the US and Britain earlier this month in launching air strikes after an alleged chemical attack in Syria. On Tuesday evening, the White House will host an official state dinner for the Macrons, who will be served lamb and jambalaya, a traditional Cajun stew. (BBC)

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

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Leader of the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Mia Mottley says her party is ready for general elections and has called on Prime Minister Freundel Stuart to announce the date.

In a strongly worded letter released to the media late Sunday, Mottley said the country is “crumbling and grinding to a halt as a result of your tardiness, indecisiveness and inertia.” “While you refuse to set a date for elections, every artery in the country’s body is malfunctioning and many of our people are suffering as a consequence.”

remains nonetheless, that I am ready and my party is ready.

So, for us, an extra month can do no harm. It is our country Barbados that is hurting whilst you procrastinate.”

Mottley outlined several issues affecting the country including “sick buildings; mounting garbage and the Supreme Court shut down.” “Prime Minister, our country is drifting and our people are suffering.

Our institutions are reeling.

Problems abound and you appear indifferent to the realities of the plight of our people.

Our condition is just getting worse. I am not even minded to speculate now as to what these 90 days are all about. You and your Cabinet are not attempting to solve any problems”.

“I am asking you, in the name of all that is good and righteous, call the election and stop the bleeding. At this stage, what matters is not whether you or I emerge victorious, but that we stop the slide. That we breathe new life and hope into Barbados and Barbadians”.

The opposition leader said the average citizen “can make no sense of this inordinate delay”.

“They believe you are doing this only because you have the power to do so, as there is no other reasonable explanation, given the state of the country and that there is no attempt to solve anyone’s problems. Let us give our country a chance, let us get on with the business of fixing our country and allow our people to get on with their lives,” she said.

The Prime Minister recently defended his decision not to announce the date for a general election when his administration allowed Parliament to be dissolved automatically on March 6.

In the last general election of 2013, the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP), won 16 of the 30 seats with the remainder going to the BLP. (CMC)

Leader of the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Mia Mottley

The opposition leader noted that although the constitution permits the Prime Minister to remain in office for 90 days beyond the five year anniversary of the first sitting of parliament, the BLP is prepared for the polls. “As leader of the Barbados Labour Party, I have acknowledged and respected your right, in law and only in law to extend the setting of the date for elections…we (the BLP) have been (ready) for several months now as you would expect a serious and credible institution of 80 years to be.”

According to Mottley – the BLP has in place the full slate of 30 candidates and this was finalised and communicated to the public over one year ago.

“I gather that even with a new candidate named for St. John, there still could be adjustments to your slate of 30. The point

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Lindener gets life sentences for raping child

TRADE unionist Micah Williams was sentenced to two life sentences on two counts of sexual activity with a child, said a family member, when the matter was decided in the Sexual Offences Court in the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday afternoon.

In handing down her sentence, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow told the court that the life sentences will run concurrently and he will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years imprisonment.

According to the state’s case, on January 1st and 31st, 2016, the accused engaged in sexual penetration with a child under age 16 years when she was only eight-years-old.

The 34-year-old Linden resident when asked what he had to say to the court stated that it was the most terrifying day of his life and he claimed he did not commit these acts. He related that he cannot understand how a jury could arrive at such a verdict.

Trial judge, Jo-Ann

Barlow told the court that she cannot be lenient with the accused, since he did not take his role of a father as he should and be a role model.

She said, “You cannot claim ignorance of sexual abuse, but during the trial you testified that you were an advocate against these very acts, noting that you were involved in campaigns and knew of the impact it would have on victims and what it does to people.”

Justice Barlow added that the accused was aware

of the consequences of his action and it is a clear violation, since charity begins at home and he could have dealt with his home before going out there to advocate same. She however, ordered him to undergo any rehabilitation for sexual offenders while in jail that may be available.

Meanwhile, in his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Asa Stuart-Shepherd told the court that the trade unionist is the sole breadwinner of his home/ family and is an active member of his community.

He added that it was his first offence of its kind and asked the court for leniency and mercy in his sentencing on Tuesday afternoon, after a 12-member jury deliberated for more than two hours before arriving at the verdict.

The impact statement from the virtual complainant (VC) which was prepared by a counsellor from Child Link and was supposed to be read in court was not allowed by the judge because the VC did not affix her signature.

Trade Unionist: Micah Williams at the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday afternoon (Joseph Allen Photo)

Quick reaction from Region Three REO averted flooding at Hubu A BROKEN sluice at Hubu, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) caused panic among residents of the community, but the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region

Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) provided a solution to the problem, averting a major flood on Tuesday.

According to the Regional Information

REO of Region Three, Denis Jaikaran (second left) share a light moment with Hubu farmers after the flood was averted (RDC photo)

Officer of the region, Ganesh Mahipaul, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran received an emergency phone call from worried farmers at Hubu, concerning the sudden breakage of a sluice that controls the water level into their farmlands.

After recognising the urgency of the matter, the REO and the region’s engineer immediately left their offices and visited the site to assess the situation. “Stop logs

were within minutes sourced and put in place to stop the influx of water that was gushing through the sluice passage,” said Mahipaul.

He said farmers later expressed appreciation for the immediate visit by the REO and the timely intervention which averted a potential catastrophe. The structure is expected to be permanently rebuilt early next week.

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Why reparations?

CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) recently wrote a second set of letters to European governments seeking reparations from them for the part they played in the African Slave Trade and the enslavement of the African captives on the European-owned plantations in the Caribbean and the Americas.

The aftermath of the horrors of plantation slavery has continued over the last three centuries on the descendants of those who had been enslaved. Though none of the European governments has turned down the reparations claim, they have all been equivocal. Though the horrors of the Slave Trade and slavery on the plantations are well-known, it is always necessary to remind ourselves of them, since there are so many forces working to weaken or even remove our memories of them. Being fully aware of the Slave Trade and the slave system on the plantations would disclose to African descendants the reasons for some

of their struggles in today’s society and would help in freeing them of the aftermath of those conditions and bring about the total rebirth and reconstruction for which the Caribbean has been yearning over the years.

It is apposite, therefore, to remind ourselves of those conditions. Firstly, it must be realised that the continuous removal for over three centuries of the healthiest and most able-bodied people from any country stultifies development and Africa’s underdevelopment was largely due to this continuous removal of its people.

In the slave ships, the African captives were placed at the bottom of the boat, were shackled, had little fresh air, were poorly fed, were often beaten and had to remain in the most unhygienic of conditions. It is not surprising that the death rate among them was extraordinarily high. On the plantations themselves, there were unceasing work, little food, cruel beatings and torturous punishments.

Families and communities, wherever they existed, were destroyed. Children were separated from their mothers and coralled to be brought up as new slaves. But the worst punishments were psychological. The slaves were made to feel inferior, unwanted, inadequate and not fit to be in human society.

Their cultures and religions were ruthlessly destroyed.

It is this psychological destructiveness even more than the continuous barbarous physical harassments which has caused the plight of the African descendants.

The major European economies were built from the profits of African slavery and African slavery provided much of the capital which fuelled the European Industrial Revolutions. European nations became the wealthiest and most powerful in the world on the profits of three centuries of African enslavement. When the demand for reparations for slavery is being made by Caribbean governments, European politicians, governments and

even their intellectuals tend to say that slavery happened a very long time ago and that we should not be mired in the past, but should move on. Sometimes numbers of red herrings are thrown up such as that it was African chiefs who sold the slaves to European slave traders.

That red herring and others do not in the least exculpate Europeans from the horrors and tortures of the slave trade and plantation slavery and in no way negates the claim for reparations.

Europeans should always be reminded that the effects of slavery have not been dissipated into the past, since they continue to reverberate in Caribbean life and society. It must also be pointed out that it was only in the latter half of the 20th century that Caribbean people have had the possibility of making the claim for reparations since before that, they were entrapped in a colonial world where it was impossible to make such a demand. The points, in very curtailed summary,

of the Reparations Claim are the following:-That there must be a full and formal apology by the culpable European nations for slavery and its aftermath. That there must be Reparations which would include the financing of a Development Plan for the Indigenous Peoples; the building and strengthening of cultural institutions; confronting the public health crisis; helping to eradicate illiteracy; an African knowledge programme where in-depth knowledge of the Afro-Caribbean could be researched, including the content and meaning of African religions; transfer to the Caribbean of modern cutting-edge technologies; cancellation of the foreign debt owed by Caribbean

states; and lastly and most importantly, Psychological rehabilitation. Psychological rehabilitation would be expected to consider such matters as exorcising inferiority complexes, dealing with the negative stereotyping of Africans and helping to rediscover the entrepreneurial ethos.

The Reparations programme is modest and not unreasonable and is quite achievable and well within the capabilities of European nations. Reparations would go some way in bringing justice to an unjust situation, would be healing a festering wound and would be bringing closure to one of the most horrible episodes in human history.

MoF gives Peeping Tom lesson on economic forecasting Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Finance notes with grave concern Peeping Tom’s ‘The Guessing Game,’ which was published in the Kaieteur News on April 19th, 2018, in which the writer demonstrated an obvious lack of understanding of the nature of economic forecasting.

Such uninformed and lopsided articles are, quite often, the source of public confusion and disorder. As such, the ministry would like to offer the following clarifications.

First, any forecasting exercise requires the input of data, which are sourced from a range of entities.

Forecasting of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) requires inputs from both

the public and private sectors, across all four major sectors of the economy– real, monetary, fiscal and external. For example, the real sector consists of major industries, such as sugar and gold. Gold represented 9.7% of real GDP in 2017.

The forecasting of growth in gold is highly reliant on the data provided by the private companies as well as the Guyana Gold Board’s reports on small and medium-sized miners.

Therefore, the accuracy of forecasts by the Ministry of Finance is highly dependent on the ability of our private and public sector partners to accurately forecast their respective performances.

Given that this is just one tiny sample of actors across all sectors of the economy, one can appreci-

ate that the data used in the growth forecast and final out-turn is an indication of the challenges faced at the sectoral level.

Second, several articles have pointed to the difficulties of economic forecasting. Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/8-charts-proveeconomic-forecastingdoesnt-work-2016-1) has contended that even the most revered institutions, such as the Federal Reserve and the Congressional Budget Office of the USA miss the proverbial mark with respect to forecasting.

The Economist (https:// w w w. e c o n o m i s t . c o m / node/21685480) points out that even the International Monetary Fund’s projections from 1999 to 2014 varied, on average, by 1.5

percentage points, when compared with the actual data. The Ministry of Finance is well aware of what the Economist and others have been alluding, that is, that economic forecasting is nowhere close to an exact science. As such, expectations about accuracy should be managed rather than become melodramatic.

Third, in recognition of the need to improve data quality and the overall national statistical system, the Bureau of Statistics recently launched a workshop to start the process of articulating the National Statistical Development Strategy (NSDS) – a key feature of any national system that the previous administration failed to spearhead. The NSDS aims to improve data quality, sharing and

availability, amongst other things. Within the strategy, a major activity will be to significantly bolster the public sector data collection and analysis capacities. This is envisaged to allow for more accurate data to be fed into the GDP forecasting exercises of the Ministry of Finance. At subsequent workshops later in 2018, the private sector will also be sensitised on data and information management as part of government’s efforts to improve national data quality, timeliness and accessibility to support evidence-based engagements.

Finally, Peeping Tom reported that the 2016 actual GDP growth rate was 2.6%. This is a clear indication that the writer failed to validate his or her data with recently pub-

lished information. For the record, the updated sector-production numbers for 2016 had caused a revision of the 2016 GDP growth rate to 3.4%. This was reported in the End of Year Outcome Statement in April 2017. A similar occurrence took place in 2015. Contrary to the columnist-cited figure of 3%, the growth rate was revised to 3.2% (See Appendix I of the 2018 Budget Speech). The Ministry of Finance welcomes constructive interventions and dialogue in this and similar areas of the economy and public financial management. We invite readers to visit our website at www.finance.gov.gy Regards Wanita Huburn (PRO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Golden Grove Primary HM is an outstanding teacher Dear Editor,

I AM responding to a letter published in the April 24th, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption, ‘Major Concern about the Grade Six Pupils at Golden Grove Primary School.’

I am a parent residing on the East Coast of Demerara and I read the letter with great astonishment as I could not believe its content. To my knowledge, the head teacher of the school only recently started acting in that position after the previous head

retired.

Even though she is saddled with the administrative aspect of the school, I believe it is because of her love for the classroom and wanting to ensure that the children continue to perform at the Grade Six level, that she continues to work in the classroom.

The present acting head teacher taught both of my children at the Grade Six level and they were in high praise of her because of the extra work she did with them to ensure that they understood the various lessons. As a parent

I often visited her classroom or even called her at home to clarify various issues and was always impressed at her professional response. I was also heartened at how she broke down the contents of the lessons even to me, so I could have then assisted my children.

These were the same sentiments expressed by the many parents I have interacted with during that period, hence my shock when I read the letter under discussion.

This teacher does not make it compulsory for children

Hypocrisy of the private sector Dear Editor, IT is instructive to note, based on a Demerara Waves news report of April 18,2018, that there was not a representative from the private sector, or opposition party present at the anticorruption walk.

Even though there has not been any statement forthcoming from this important socio-economic sector as to its absence, it should be reminded that corruption is the “business of all’, and not confined to the public sector as may be the erroneous perception.

There must be no ambivalence about the stance against corruption, from any sector, since it is a disease that if not checked, destroys the capabilities of any country to develop. The absence of this sector can only send a message as to which side it has chosen. Not a surprise, for in fact, many of them would have been granted significant favours by the former PPP/C administration, and still feels great loyalty.

Thus, despite all the platitudes about working closely with the government for the

common good, the absence from the walk against corruption is an indication that contradicts such pledge.

The private sector is about making profits -- regardless; and what rich harvests did they reap for the past two decades! The tax waivers, and tax concessions were given bountifully, with many of the recipients found not to have utilised same for purpose as requested. Maybe, Jagdeo would want us to believe that the latter which amounted to a false declaration, was not a crime.

No doubt that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) caught many of them, flat-footed, and they decided, without any protest to pay the required sum that ought to have been paid in the first instance.

But such is only a peep-in into the vastness of the criminal state which had existed and flourished in Guyana.

And if the private sector would want us to believe that some of its sections were not involved, then it means that there was never such a socio-economic segment existing in Guyana!

Editor, I am not in any

way branding this entire body as being involved in the criminal state, which has since been exposed and now being gradually dismantled, and with its many participants facing prosecution. Of course, there are many honest business and commerce constituents who continue to make their contributions to the well-being of the Guyanese nation without being part of any criminal enterprise, and violating any of the country’s laws.

However, given the pervasiveness of the criminal landscape continuously being supported by further evidence, as with the recent revelation by SARA’s Head, Professor Dr. Clive Thomas of further evidence from international agencies, it was highly impossible for there not to have been levels of complicity by some private sector operatives.

Finally, as to the opposition party, what moral good has it ever supported in this country?

Regards Earl Hamilton

The valuation of properties Dear Editor, THE Republic of Guyana has an area of 83,000 square miles and a population of less than 750,000 citizens and if the land mass were to be shared among them, then mathematically, a little more than nine citizens would have been entitled to one square mile. It is a known fact that the country is subdivided into three parts namely: (1) The Coastal Belt, which is relatively flat and below sea level and consists of residential areas, swamp lands, reef lands, rice lands cane lands, pastures etc and is susceptible to flooding whenever there is

heavy rainfall. The main reason of flooding is mainly due to the failure of using the flushing system to clear silted channels. If tidal waves damage the seawalls during high tides, then those areas will be under three to four feet deep water and citizens will have to flee to higher ground.

Recently, high tides coupled with very high waves damaged seawalls on the West Demerara and Essequibo Coast and caused extensive damage to residences in those areas.

(2) The Sand and Clay Belt, which is relatively high lands and is not susceptible to flooding, since water from high lands finds its way into creeks

and rivers and finally to the ocean.

(3) The Mountain Belt, which comprises hills of over 1000 feet high and where minerals can be found.

Now there are some simple things that have to be taken into consideration when lands in Guyana are to be valued: (a) Locality (b) Supply and demand (c) Infrastructure – ingress and egress, roads and bridges, schools, water supply, medical facilities, security services etc, to the area. (d) Neighbourhood (e) Inflation rates in relation to the US dollar

to attend her lessons, neither as far as I am aware does she deprive children in the classroom because they do not attend her lessons. The lessons are just a means of reinforcement of the work which is welcomed by most parents who are unable to work with their children in the afternoon, but long for them to have that extra push as they approach that critical examination.

As it relates to the children from Grade Five being promoted to Grade Six in the last term, Editor, should you do a survey you will find it

is a normal practice both in the public and private school systems. It is believed that the students would get a full year of Grade Six work instead of a few months if you wait until after the August holiday for them to be promoted.

A point to note as well is the fact that parents in the past have asked for their children to be taken out of the other Grade Six class and be placed in the head teacher’s class, but it is a practice she does not encourage as she believes all the children are being given a fair chance. This teacher in

the past as recent as last year, had children being placed in the top 100 in the country which speaks to her ability as a Grade Six teacher.

I hope this letter serves as a clarification to the misinformation that was peddled in the Kaieteur News letter and I would also like to appeal to persons to think twice before they attempt to besmirch the characters of others.

Regards Parent of students at Golden Grove Primary School

M&CC needs to cut costs in all areas Dear Editor,

WHEN one reads the statements and proclamations made by the mayor and town clerk of Georgetown, one is reminded of the children’s book written by Jon Scieszkait called ‘The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales’. The citizenry is just regaled with myths, propaganda, misinformation, or and in many instances downright lies, such as the recent declaration that the ‘City is running on shoestring budget’.

If the city were indeed running on a ‘shoestring budget,’ why did they take a large entourage on a junket to the town of Linden recently, to celebrate the official launch of the Linden Town Week 2018, costing the city a substantial sum? Would it not have been enough for this ‘poor’ city to have been represented by the mayor alone? But no, the bigwigs at City Hall never miss an opportunity to fete.

Why would a city supposedly being run on a ‘shoestring budget’ recently purchase an expensive high-end smartphone, outfit it with roaming capabilities and provide it to an officer and his spouse, who is also employed at City Hall and who will be spending time for the next few months on personal business in North America?

And this is not all, many, many of the senior staffers have been provided with all-expenses-paid cellphones which they abuse even whilst on vacation.

Why would a city on a ‘shoestring budget’ embark on luxury retreats at expensive resorts around the country, and have its senior administrators dining at expensive restaurants?

This money could have offset the wages of scores of sanitation workers.

Then in describing the city’s purported financial woes, it was suggested that they should look at new revenue-earning avenues, since they are unable to undertake revaluation of properties in the city.

Are these people for real? How could they have given away hundreds of millions of dollars in interest waivers and writeoffs, unlawfully I might add, as proper legal authority was never sought nor granted in many instances for this, and then turn around and place more financial burdens on law-abiding, tax-paying citizens by increasing their property values?

But how did the council’s administration, which employed close to 200 new persons, many of whom are the kith and kin of senior officials at City Hall in the last two and a half years, not know that this would have been unsus-

tainable? One can only hope that as they retrench, they do it in a last-in-first-out basis, rather than target the loyal hardworking staffers who have been committed to the municipality for decades.

But instead of just cutting costs by laying off workers, why is there no suggestion to lay off the contractors that are costing the city tens of millions per month, but which was not alluded to. And I am not referring to the garbage contractors who are providing a critical service, but rather the friends, relatives, in one instance the son of the high- ranking political official, all of whom have obtained weeding and cleaning contracts without adherence to tender procedures.

But if the mayor and town clerk are serious about cost-cutting, why don’t they stop jaunting around the world on those frequent useless, unnecessary luxury overseas trips and why don’t they shed themselves of all of the superfluity such as sports utility vehicles, bodyguards, chauffeurs, static security at their residences, assistants, messengers, and other large numbers of office and support staff.

(f) The dangers of living in low-lying areas, etc.

On several occasions I have been reading of properties valued by persons who are deemed to be valuation experts. Now if a person is earning $100,000 per month and has a spouse and two children to maintain, then in his life time he will never be able to purchase a plot of land valued at $100,000,000. To purchase a plot of land which has no gold, diamond field or copper mine below its surface, then that person has to be earning a super annual income, for no ordinary person can afford that exorbitant price for in most cases a non-income-bearing property.

Now can any person in Guyana or elsewhere who is a qualified competent valuator, or has experience in valuation of

properties, answer the following three questions below?

Properties on the Coastal Belt What is the market value of a normal size 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th house lots, each measuring 36 ft x 144 ft in rural and town areas? What is the market value of one acre of farmland for green vegetable farming? What is the market value of one acre of rice land? What is the market value of one acre of cane land? What is the market value of one acre of swamp land for rearing fish?

What is the value for one acre of pasture land?

Properties on the sand and clay belt What is the market value of a normal-sized 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th 10th

house lots, each measuring 36 ft x 144 ft? What is the market value of one acre of farm land for green vegetable farming?

What is market value of one acre of swamp land for rearing fish?

What is the value of one acre of pasture land?

Properties on the mountain belt What is the market value of a normal-sized 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th 9th 10th house lots, each measuring 36ft x 144 ft? What is the market value of one acre of farmland for green vegetable farming? What is the value of one acre of a mountain in Guyana?

A response to the questions posed will be appreciated.

Regards Melissa Chiu

Regards A. Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

No amnesty for Guyana Stores …GRA says company has over eight years of outstanding taxes

By Ariana Gordon

THE GUYANA Revenue Authority (GRA) will not be granting any amnesty to the Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) for outstanding balances owed the authority.

“There will be no amnesty for this particular tax payer. There would be none,” declared Commissioner General Godfrey Statia on Tuesday, as he reminded that the company has at least eight years of corporate tax returns outstanding for the authority.

Last month, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed an appeal by GSL to have among other things, the court rule that the GRA and the State violated its constitutional right to the protection of property. GRA had demanded that Guyana Stores pay to it some $3, 811, 346, 397 for the years of assessment 1985 – 2010.

However, Guyana Stores made a claim for constitutional relief in a tax dispute

with the GRA because the authority had failed to assess the taxes payable by the company in accordance with the provisions of Sections 70 and 78 of the Income Tax Act. GSL had approached the local courts in 2012 to declare that the GRA’s request for unpaid taxes represented a violation of its constitutional right to protection of property. The matter was first heard in the High Court by Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, who at the time granted Conservatory Orders (COs) without hearing the GRA or the Attorney General (AG) of Guyana. Justice Chang had subsequently discharged those orders on application by the respondents, after considering their written submission and the court file. In so doing, the learned Chief Justice (ag) struck out the entire claim on the ground that a claim purely for declaratory relief with no consequential and executory orders cannot be maintained.

GSL then appealed the decision of Justice Chang and the CCJ upheld the decision to strike out the action because there was no violation of the company’s constitutional rights, and as such, GSL was not entitled to a declaration of any sorts. On Tuesday, Statia said a shareholder of the company was called and was given a chance to submit all of the outstanding tax returns after which he was required to submit a settlement proposal. A period of thirty days was given to the entity and that time has elapsed. The company now has until Monday to file its returns.

The Commissioner General made it clear that it is not in the interest of the revenue authority to seize and close business and so every effort is being made to work along with all the tax payers who may owe sizeable amounts of taxes, to assess how the outstanding balances can be

Guyana Stores Limited paid off. “They also need to recognise that within that amount of $3.8B there is a sizeable amount of interest and penalties,” he said noting that the company’s behaviour is being assessed. “I keep saying all the time when you come to equity you have to come with clean hands and

if you have pushed us around for all these years – you cannot expect that we are going to give you the olive branch,” Statia remarked, while adding that a sizeable amount of the $3.8B represents penalties and interest.

GSL is required to indicate to the Revenue Authori-

ty how it intends to liquidate the outstanding principal taxes. Thereafter, the parties will decide on how the payment will be accepted. “ The least payment we are prepared to accept initially is just over $300M in the initial phase,” Statia told reporters.

New Good Hope Bridge unveiled IN JUST 14 days, the rehabilitation of the Good Hope Bridge on the East Coast of Demerara, was completed, transforming the former Acrow-panel structure to a concrete one.

A $23.5M contract was awarded to BK International for repairs to the bridge.

Richard Hardick, an engineer attached to the company, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that much of the time was spent tediously dismantling the old structure.

However, through determination, the upgraded bridge was completed in a timely manner, he added.

“We were put under pressure with the road being closed to traffic, so we were working hard to complete it soon. This [bridge] consists of seven beams and two sidewalks for pedestrians, which the other bridge didn’t have.

It is also a wider bridge as well and is more structurally safe for everyone. Despite the challenges we proved that bridges can be built quickly if people put their mind together and work as a team,” Hardick explained.

The engineer further stated, that prior to the works, the bridge was deplorable, rusty and unsafe and could have collapsed at any moment. This new structure will last for more than 40 years with only minimal work to be conducted on the asphalt, Hardick assured. Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Sherod Parkinson, commended the contractor for the timely completion, despite the fact that the repairs began later than expected.

“The contractor worked as much as possible around the clock to get it completed.

It was finished last Friday into Sunday but as we speak it’s completed with minor plastering works ongoing,” Parkinson explained. The government is committed to the continuing development of the country’s infrastructure in the construction/rehabilitation of bridges both on the coastal and in the hinterland regions, in order to foster growth and economic development.

In 2018, $840.4M was allocated in the budget for the works on the Demerara River Bridge among other bridge-improvement initiatives. (DPI)

The new bridge at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

City Hall owes GRA over $100M

By Lisa Hamilton TOWN Clerk Royston King had announced that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has accounts to settle with a number of agencies, including the GRA to which it owes over $100M. Speaking at Monday’s statutory meeting, King said arrangements are in place for the liquidation of debt owed to the revenue authority GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia has made it clear that these actions should not affect M&CC’s employees.

“I don’t know what used to happen in the past but it would be the City Hall that would be held liable.

It would be unfair for the employees to be held liable.

Don’t forget that if the GRA does not zealously proceed to collect its outstanding taxes, they (the employees) will also be negligent in their affairs. And the taxpayer, the ordinary taxpayer should not be the one to suffer because of the negligence either on

the part of the GRA or the negligence on behalf of the employer,” he said.

Statia added that the M&CC communicated with the revenue authority on the matter but until a clear plan has been identified, the commissioner general does not find further meetings necessary “City Hall has written us and has asked to meet but I don’t want to meet with any taxpayer unless they decide and they come with a plan as to how they will liquidate their liabilities,” he said.

Apart from these debts, the council has accounts to the tune of $1B to settle with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) as well as statutory payments to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Credit Union.

“Because street lighting is a function of national security, perhaps I would recommend to this council that we open talks either with the Ministry of (Public) Security or the appropriate ministry so that we can share that burden, that responsibility,”

Town Clerk Royston King he said on Monday.

However, King said progress is being made with regard to payments and account management in relation to NIS and the Credit Union.

CRISIS Meanwhile, it was also revealed that while the council’s monthly revenue stands between $78M and $80M, its monthly wages

Fuel-smuggling vessel must pay $36M in taxes before release A VESSEL containing over 200,000 gallons of fuel alleged to have been smuggled has been held by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia told reporters on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference at his Camp Street, office, Statia said the vessel “Jubilee” would only be released when an estimated $36M in taxes are paid to the Revenue Authority.

“The vessel has just over 200,000 plus gallons and the taxes would be just about $36M,” the Commissioner General stated, while recalling a case where the captain of a vessel was last year fined $20M for bringing in a vessel containing fuel and not declaring same.

This, he said, was in addition to taxes and fines.

He explained that the boat has not been seized but has been boarded until all taxes have been paid up. “We recognised that the fuel was not declared and … we decided to board the vessel,” Statia said, while acknowledging that there are some shortcomings at the “[Customs] boat house end” affecting his entity. He assured that GRA is working to iron out its issues. “Days after the fuel were not marked. We have now gone to look at the maritime records to see the frequency in which this boat would have or the fuel would have been coming into Port Georgetown. We are also checking with the Harbour Bridge to see the frequency with which these boats would be passing

through the Harbour Bridge,” Statia stated.

The Commissioner-General made it clear that based on the information garnered from the maritime records and from the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), the GRA would be in a better position to determine whether there was actually a hiccup in its system or “the person was actually trying to smuggle fuel”.

Statia made it clear that whatever the end result, fuel smuggling continues to be a problem despite efforts to thwart it.

He blamed the challenges faced by his entity on the lack of sufficient resources given the number of persons granted fuel import licences by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). There are approximately 100 licensed fuel importers, Statia told reporters, while disclosing that the GRA has signed a MOU with the GEA to work together.

“There is no use the GEA grants an import licence and GRA doesn’t know or things are not in place for us to actually check the fuel,” he said, pointing to the fact that fuel exempted from taxes and destined for Mabaruma and other hinterland locations have found its way into Georgetown and some parts of the Essequibo. “We have to be extremely vigilant.

It will always happen as long as there is cheap fuel at our border regions…people will always try to buy that cheap fuel and try to bring it into the country,” Statia noted.

bill stands at $112M, which means that its monthly wages bill exceeds its revenue collection.

The town clerk said that the issue ought to be looked into to determine whether there may be an issue with the number of staff employed.

“It is becoming increasingly challenging for us to sustain current staff levels and at the same time … to provide certain basic municipal services. I’m recommending that the council look at an approach that will allow us to properly and carefully rationalise current staff,” he told the council.

He recommended that the body move ahead with revenue earning projects such as the collection of container fees, littering fees and the revaluation of properties.

“We need to move ahead with this, Your Worship, because we really need add-

ed sources of revenue. We are managing this council on a ‘shoestring’ budget. I am appealing to you, Your Worship, and the council, for us to go forward with new revenue-earning projects so that we can have the kind of money we need to manage this city,” King said.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen responded by stating that past efforts to organise discussions on the matter of container fees were unsuccessful but the council will be making further attempts to formulate meetings with the private sector and the Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, she said when looking into issues relating to staffing, the council must do so carefully as opposed to the erratic dismissal of workers.

“It has to be carefully thought out, has to have proper planning on how to move forward with that ... so I know that’s going to

GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia take some time. Let us tread cautiously,” she cautioned.

She said, too, that to assist with the financial challenges, the council should increase its appeal to the business community to pay their taxes and to do so on time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

DEMTOCO profits pegged at $1.4B …company says not against tobacco regulations

By Svetlana Marshall THE Demerara Tobacco (DEMTOCO) recorded a profit before tax of GYD$2.5B in 2017 – a decline of 9.5 per cent when compared to 2016, its Chairman Marcus Steele disclosed when the company’s 84th Annual General Meeting

(AGM) was held at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday.

After paying more than GYD$1.105B in taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017, the tobacco company recorded a profit of GYD$1.416B. Steele said “undoubtedly” 2017 was a challenging year not only for DEMTOCO, but also for

Demerara Tobacco Chairman Marcus Steele addressing the company’s 84th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Pegasus Hotel in the presence of directors, and other officials of the company the Guyanese people. “In the first instance, the Guyanese economy experienced significant challenges, including a reduction in sugar and gold revenues, which invariably impacted employment levels and had a direct effect on the general level of disposable income among the country’s citizens,” the Chairman explained, while noting too that the country experienced a GDP growth rate of 2.1 percent.

Compounding the situation, Steele said, was the significant level of volatility in the foreign exchange market, which impacted foreign currency transactions, including DEMTOCO’s performance.

dividend payments totalling GYD$54.46 for the reporting period. At the AGM, it was agreed that a final payment to the value GYD$7.07 be paid per share. The tobacco company currently has the highest share price on the Guyana Stock Exchange, and according to Steele, it is a result of the strategy employed by the company.

Currently, the tobacco company is on the verge of instituting measures that would allow it to effectively transition into the new regulatory environment. The chairman made it clear that while DEMTOCO is not up in arms against regulatory measures, such he argued, should

believes that there is a better avenue that can be taken.

“While the government views the introduction of tax stamps as a tool to protect and increase their revenues from the tobacco industry, the business had proactively implemented a tax code measure on its packaging to demonstrate to the authorities that there is a more robust and cost-effective approach to track and trace the validity and authenticity of our products. The adoption of this platform by the government for our products remains on the table as we do believe that much savings can be attained by the Government of Guyana if this recommended solution

DEMTOCO shareholders present at the AGM (photos by Delano Williams) On the legislative front, the chairman told the directors and shareholders present at the AGM that, 2017 represented a fundamental change in the local regulatory landscape of the tobacco industry with the passage and promulgation of the Tobacco Control Act, and the introduction of tax stamps for all tobacco products.

“As a result of these key macro-economic and industry-related realities, the company experienced a 5 per cent volume decline over 2016, with gross revenues also declining by 4 per cent when compared to the previous year. Profit before tax amounted to GYD$2.5B – a decline of 9.5 per cent as compared to last year,” Steele reported.

However, despite the economic challenges, DEMTOCO paid four interim

be balanced and enforceable.

“These measures will certainly impact the way we have operated our business and so we take this opportunity to urge the government to provide the requisite clarity and to exercise the comprehensive public education and raise awareness which is required to minimise dislocations and anxiety during the enforcement of the Act,” the chairman urged.

DEMTOCO is also putting measures in place for use of the tax stamps which are being introduced by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). By September 2018, all tobacco products being distributed in Guyana will be mandated to have the tax stamps. It comes after years of engagement and consultation between GRA and the tobacco company. However, Steele

is accepted,” Steele posited.

However, he emphasised that despite the challenges being faced in the local market, the company’s brands remain the choice for consumers.

That aside, it was proposed and agreed that Steele, who was appointed under By-Law 18(7) of the company’s By-Laws as a Director of DEMTOCO, be appointed director.

Managing-Director of Demerara Tobacco Company, Maurlain Kirton; Director – Country Manager for The BAT Group’s Interest in the Caribbean, Raoul Glynn; Director and Senior Vice-President of Laparkan Trading (Guyana) Company Ltd, Chandradat Chintamani; and DEMTOCO Secretary, Michael Partab were among the company officials present at the AGM.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Taxpayers will lose twice in TPL land claim …Gaskin urges gov’t to challenge $1.7B court ruling

ECONOMIST and public commentator Ramon Gaskin is adamant that government should challenge the recently awarded $1.7B in damages to Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) over a land dispute at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

Gaskin, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle the payment to the local company would be an added burden to taxpayers.

“I really believe that the government should challenge, vigorously, this matter to reduce the burden on Guyana’s taxpayers.”

The former government adviser told the newspaper that he believes government should “go back to the beginning” and carefully assess its position, based on the manner in which TPL had acquired the land, what happened after the acquisition and how the property ended up in the hands of its current owners.

Gaskin said that it was during the 1980s and after the death of former President Forbes Burnham that privatisation and liberalisation became prevalent and assets were being sold at very low prices. Toolsie Persaud, whom he described as being close to the government which was led by then President Desmond Hoyte, received properties under that arrangement. Gaskin opined that after receiving the said property, the land was supposedly held in “speculation” since nothing had been done to develop it, until the former

People’s Progressive Party administration sold parcels of the land to the current owners, again below market price.

Gaskin’s contention therefore is that taxpayers should not have to pay the massive damages awarded, when Toolsie Persaud reportedly acquired the land below market value, and now stands to receive close to $2B for property they paid little for and never developed. It was reported that in 2011, Multi-cinemas Guyana Incorporated purchased part of the land from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for over $150M, despite acquiring the lands through the Prescriptive Title process and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Justice Brassington Reynolds ruled that the government of Guyana should pay Toolsie Persaud the $1.7B in damages, as well as $500,000 for the defendant’s court cost.

But this ruling comes just after charges were laid against former Finance Minister Ashni Singh and former NICIL CEO Winston Brassington for ‘misconduct in public office, contrary to public law’.

Along with two similar charges, Singh and Brassington were charged that on May 14, 2011 by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-cinemas Guyana Inc. 10, 002 acres of land, property of the State for the sum of $185, 037,000 without first having procured a valua-

tion of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

Apart from the state, no longer owning the prime sea-front land, and losing proceeds because of the low selling price, Guyana will again lose if it pays the over $1.7B. Given these issues, Gaskin said the charged parties should prove their innocence in a court of law. He related that the disputed TPL land and other prime properties are very valuable. He opined therefore that, “These charges (against the former high- ranking government officials) are not frivolous.

It involves hundreds of millions of dollars.” He said the government believes it was improperly sold and charges were laid. “You should now present your case to the Magistrates’ Court,” Gaskin insisted.

He questioned why attempts were being made to quash the cases against the former officials. “If you are innocent, why are you running here and there and doing all of this?” He said the matters involving the former minister and Brassington are serious and in the name of transparency, they should use the judicial system to prove their innocence.

On Monday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration has “left some deep dark holes” for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government

Forty-five indigenous communities to be titled, demarcated THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has successfully completed the investigations for 45 hinterland communities identified for land titling and demarcation, the Department of Public Information has reported.

This was confirmed by Coordinator of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project, Enrique Monize. Sixty-eight communities were initially targeted and 23 villages were investigated in the early stages of the project. Monize also disclosed that the ministry is now in the process of surveying these villages and completing those reports and discussing the way forward with the relevant agencies.

“This process is a very long one [and] we had some setbacks. We have 10 villages that are not giving consent for demarcation, and so we couldn’t move forward, so we had to stop those 10 villages. This set us back a bit further, because we could have already completed some of those communities,” Monize explained.

“The issue with state lands is that Forestry has interest in terms of giving out land concessions, Lands and Surveys gives out leases, the Guyana Geology and

Mines Commission (GGMC) gives out mining concessions and we also have the Protected Areas Commission, which has an amount of land that is legally given to that commission to manage and so we have to take all of this into consideration.”

In Regions Seven and Eight, where there is heavy mining, the process for land application and extension takes a longer period. Under the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF), the Government of Guyana in 2013, signed a US$10.7Million agreement for the implementation of the Land Titling and Demarcation project.

This project is being spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The ALT project seeks to enable indigenous people to secure their lands and natural resources for sustainable social and economic development.

Titling and demarcation will strengthen land-tenure security and expansion of the asset base of Amerindians, enabling improved long-term planning for future development.

The Amerindian Land Titling project, has been ongoing for four years.

to fill, as he reacted to the High Court ruling ordering the government to pay over $1.7B in damages to TPL. According to Harmon, Cabinet has not deliberated on the ruling, and as such a position has not yet been taken on the way forward. ‘It is something which we will have to discuss as a Cabinet; but it just goes to show the levels to which this country had sunk

under the PPP and the huge amount of debt that they have created for us.

We have had no benefit whatsoever from that, the PPP sold the land to persons who are friendly to them at a price, so the benefit was with those persons, but now the burden becomes that of us that cannot be fair,” Minister Harmon lamented.

Political Commentator, Ramon Gaskin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Gold Board finally closes lab … miners to be advised of alternative places to sell gold

THE Guyana Gold Board closed its laboratory, located in the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission compound Tuesday afternoon.

In a release, the Ministry of Natural Resources said following consultations with the Chairman and General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, and being assured that the necessary arrangements have been put in place, Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources, has directed that the burning of raw gold at the Gold Board’s laboratory, Upper Brickdam, Georgetown, will cease as of close of business on Tuesday.

The release stated that miners will receive due notice of the alternative and authorised place or places at which they could sell their gold.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Gold Board thank the management and workers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Guyana Gold Board for their patience and maturity in addressing this matter, and commend them for their vigilant and strident action during this testing period,” the release noted.

Additionally, the release stated that the ministry and the Gold Board will continue to ensure that the health

and welfare of every worker will be treated with the highest importance and urgency. “The Government of Guyana also continues to work towards the implementation of the Minimata Convention that will see the significant reduction and subsequent eradication of the use of mercury by miners in the recovery and amalgamation of gold.”

The use of mercury negatively impacts the lives and environments wherever it is in use - whether in the Georgetown, or in hinterland communities, and must be eradicated. To this end, the various mining associations, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners

Association (GGDMA), the Guyana Women Miners Organisation ( GWMO) and the National Miners Syndicate (NMS) are called on to cooperate with the various government authorities to eliminate the scourge of mercury from our environment.

The Guyana Chronicle reported on Tuesday that GGMC has temporarily moved one of its operations to a location in Subryanville, as part of the measures put in place to address the concerns of mercury exposure at the agency’s Brickdam head office. The move follows a walkout by a number of staffers last Friday, resulting in a decision being taken by the Ministry of Natural Resources to re-locate the Guyana Gold Board’s laboratory from the GGMC compound.

A number of GGMC workers who had promised not to return to work if satisfactory measures had not been implemented, remained off the job on Monday, despite the efforts being made to rectify concerns regarding the mercury exposure.

Commissioner Newell Dennison told the Guyana Chronicle that some workers remained off the job following last Friday’s protest and walkout. He, however, said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and its sister agencies, the GGMC and the Gold Board, are committed to supporting the

affected workers.

Dennison said that since the walkout, work was done over the weekend by a special team to ascertain the way forward. This team, he pointed out, will submit a report to the Natural Resources Ministry and the outcome of that report will determine the answers to be given to the many questions being asked by GGMC staffers regarding their safety.

“What is important for the GGMC with this initiative,” he said, “is the outcome of the special team’s work to give a report to the workers on what is planned, and whether it would make them feel comfortable to return.”

Though cognisant that the move to Sybryanville will not solve the problem currently facing the GGMC, Dennison said it is an option to help address the matter. And, while he conceded that there isn’t much that could be said to convince workers to return to the job right now, he did hint that the efforts being made by the agencies involved should speak for themselves.

The Natural Resources Ministry said last Friday that it had convened a special meeting with officials of the Guyana Gold Board and the GGMC, and that a decision was taken to re-locate the Gold Board’s laboratory from the GGMC compound.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman “The critical decision was taken that the laboratory would be moved within the shortest possible time, so as to safeguard the health of workers of the GGMC and Gold Board,” the ministry said in a statement, and that its intention is to have the laboratory moved first, and then the administrative offices of the board, thereafter.

A number of GGMC staffers who’d been tested were found with unfavourable levels of mercury in their systems, believed to be as a result of emissions from the Gold Board’s laboratory.

Many have been treated and sent on sick leave, and as many as 70 other workers are expected to be treated and sent home to recuperate.

The staffers were, however, upset that enough was not being done to cater for them.

They were especially concerned that the Gold Board had continued burning mercury-laced gold in the compound among other issues.

Wearing face masks in silent protest, the staff said last Friday that they would not be working in the GGMC compound after managers, too, had decided that they would not be functioning in the environment.

Dennison said that the agencies are working so that the GGMC staffers, those who are currently on leave, those expected to go on sick leave, those out in the field and those staying away because of their own self-interest, would feel comfortable and safe enough to operate at the location.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Mae’s parents submit petition to Chief Education Officer

ONE-hundred-and-twenty-seven (127) parents who have children attending Mae’s Schools in Georgetown have signed an Online Petition against the massive fee hike the school announced recently.

The petition was submitted to Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson on Monday by Andrea Bryan-Garner, a parent, on behalf of the rest of parents.

“The parents of Mae’s Schools register our strong disagreement and opposition to the imposition of excessive fee hikes of up to 42%. While we are not against raising the price of fees as it is the prerogative of any business, we think it should be reasonable

and in keeping with the state of our economy,” the petition said.

It sought to remind the authorities that the school’s administrator was against VAT last year, and quoted her as saying: “Private school parents encompass a diverse social landscape, from market vendors to business owners to corporate executives - seemingly a group that has nothing in common, save for an overwhelming desire to provide the very best opportunities for their children.

In order to achieve this goal, significant sacrifices are already being made by most to meet tuition obligations.”

The petition said parents now feel coerced into signing and submitting letters

Wednesday April 25th,- 12:30hrs -02:00hrs Thursday April 26th, 13:30hrs -02:30hrs Friday April 27th, 14:30hrs -03:00hrs

due April 30 to secure a space for their child in September, when it is a known fact that other private schools may already be full or have already closed registration, leaving parents at a disadvantage.

Also worthy of note, the petition says, is that letters indicating whether they intend to continue at Mae’s were already submitted before school closed for Easter. “This would lead us to believe that these duplicate letters are to provide evidence to the Ministry that parents are not against the fee hike,” Bryan-Garner says in the petition, adding: “This is not the case. Some parents, especially those in the higher levels, may not be able to move their children at this time

due to various circumstances: Proximity to work, home, splitting up of siblings who may be in secondary and primary, preparing for national exams etc. In addition, we are all considering the impact of a move on our children, many of whom have already established close bonds with their friends and teachers.

“It is with the foregoing concerns in mind that the parents are petitioning for a reduction in the percentage increase to under 14 per cent across-the-board, a face-to-face meeting with affected parents and the formation or resuscitation of a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at the school.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

‘PPP in leadership turmoil’ … PM says party making a mockery of legal system

THERE is currently turmoil in the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo has said, adding that the opposition is making a mockery of our legal system and is trying to cast aspersions on the court proceedings in Guyana.

Mr. Nagamotoo was reacting to the private criminal charges laid against government ministers.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has since dismissed two of the charges and is expected to do the same in relation to three others that were filed on Monday. “I have never seen such an Opposition parading in such a manner before the forum of justice, and trying to make

our system less effective or less recognised among the world best practices for a judicial system,” he commented.

According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, the issues brought by the Opposition are ones that have been ventilated by the Parliament and have forced him to question the extent of the former attorney general’s knowledge “about legal proceedings in Guyana”.

The DPP, in dismissing the charges against Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, stated that the charges concern a “grave issue” under the criminal law in relation to two serving ministers.

And, in the interest of good governance in the State of Guyana, such allegations should have first been reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for an investigation to be launched and the advice of the DPP sought. The DPP discontinued the charges under Article 187 (1) (c) of Guyana’s Constitution.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said “the Constitution of Guyana had foreseen that there would be frivolous, vexatious and useless charges which would amount to waste of time of the court and then would amount to an abuse of the legal process. And so, it has provided that the DPP discontinue a charge whereby the DPP finds that there is no basis for

such prosecution nor had there been an investigation that would have satisfied the DPP that there is evidence upon which a trial can proceed.”

The charges against the ministers came a week after the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) brought charges against former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)/ Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington, for illegally selling three plots of land for over GY$900M. Prime Minister Nagamootoo described the counter-charges as a “titof-tat” and noted that the opposition’s actions are

an attempt to undermine the legal system and question the authority of judicial officers. This, he underscored, is “a grave situation”. “So, I don’t see a chance that any of these spurious counter-charges privately filed by the PPP MPs succeeding in the court. I think the mischief that is being created by the fact that charges being filed and the Jagdeo gang is creating as a smoke screen to hide the seriousness of allegation against the former government officials, and Guyanese can see through the smoke screen, the shenanigans, and these side-shows by the Opposition.”

Nagamootoo also observed that there is currently turmoil among the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo leadership of the Opposition; therefore, these charges are a massive diversion. He noted that the DPP acted in accordance with the Constitution to discontinue the charges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

GPE praises Guyana’s use of education grant –– as officials conclude mission here

AN independent consultancy group tasked with evaluating the Global Partnership for Education’s (GPE) contribution to strengthening national education systems, has concluded its Guyana country mission here.

According to a release, the group paid a courtesy call on Education Minister Nicolette Henry during which it conducted a debriefing session. The consultants who debriefed the minister were Katrina Rojas, Pearline Henry and Dr. Archi Rastogi Guyana has received a grant from the GPE to the tune of US$1.7 million to improve the Early Childhood Education Programme in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and remote riverine communities over a three-year period.

During their engagement with Minister Henry, the consultants heaped praises on Guyana for its use of the grant received. Though small by world standards, it was dubbed “impactful” for improving early childhood development, particularly for communities out of Georgetown.

Further, the project has been effective through the delivery of resource learning kits, which have been deemed as “impressive and impactful”.

Minister Henry while expressing gratitude, spoke of government’s emphasis on the importance of the gains and the sustainability

of such interventions.

The sustainability is already in progress, as this year’s budget has made provision for kits to be made available to schools on the coastland.

Minister Henry also noted that multi-stakeholder engagements are community- based with a partnership approach via initiatives, such as town hall meetings with parents and local partners which have been very useful.

Referring to her predecessor, Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine’s commissioning of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) as a gain, Minister Henry said, “We [government] are looking at reviewing the education sector plan for the year towards 2019 when the information collected would inform the forward thrust of the education sector. We are also engaged and continue to interface with key sectors that don’t always have to be a formal setting to address the needs of all Guyanese to gather relevant information to inform decision-making.”

At that juncture, the minister was informed that the GPE also offers grants to fund consultations which could be tapped into, for which the minister expressed elation that the team has engaged the senior officers and other stakeholders.

“I believe that it will be beneficial to aid the process of education advancement from the coast to the hinterland,” the minister said.

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry and officials of the evaluation team Prior to the minister’s debriefing, a team of education officials, including Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and the Chief of the Planning Unit, Evelyn Hamilton, were part of a summative evaluation of GPE’s contribution to strengthening the national education systems.

The mission in Guyana was conducted from April 9-18, 2018. The purpose of the evaluation is not intended to assess whether Guyana has achieved the outcomes outlined in the 2014-2018 Education Sector plan (ESP). It was aimed at determining the extent to which GPE’s support has been relevant, ef-

fective and efficient in helping to strengthen Guyana’s education sector.

The debriefing focused on key messages that emerged from the interviews conducted during the team’s visit. These interviews are only one part of the team’s data collection.

These are being completed by a systematic review of relevant documents, sector data and literature.

Stakeholders engaged included officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, the Teaching Service Commission, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Guyana embraces ‘positive discipline’ in the classroom –– taking a bottom-up approach to the subject

“OUR children advocating for discipline sets the tone for a better society…Don’t use the cane is more than just music, but a teaching tool and motivator for all stakeholders.”

These were among the comments made by Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education, as the Government of Guyana and UNICEF hosted the world premiere of videos about ‘A story of positive discipline’ and ‘Don’t use the cane’ at the National Cultural Centre.

Coping with student discipline in the classroom is a concern to all administrators of education, and the Ministry of Education recognises this integral part of the UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child international treaty, which recognises the human rights of children.

In this regard, Minister Henry iterated at the videos’ launching that every school in Guyana is serious about nurturing children in safe, protective and friendly learning environments, where each child has the right to be disciplined in a manner that respects their dignity.

Further, the minister noted, “Outdated forms of discipline and corporal punishment have no place in our schools, moving forward. “It is essential to recognise and address the challenges teachers face daily, and give them the support needed to change the cultural modus operandi of discipline in schools.”

Ultimately, she said, the Ministry of Edu-

cation’s goal is to reverse the trend of corporal punishment, and together with all partners find and implement the right strategies that will encourage the nation’s children to be excited about school, and to participate positively and think analytically, hopefully to make sound decisions and build their self-esteem.

After a year of activism through national debates, jingles and poster competitions, our children advocates for positive discipline set the tone for systemic programming in positive discipline, nationally. They have also been able to use music, art, research and persuasive presentations catering to multiple demographics and levels of intelligence.

Ms. Sylvie Fouet, UNICEF Guyana-Surina-

me Representative and Minister Henry agreed that through a bottom-up approach to positive discipline in schools, the videos will actively engage teachers, parents and students for public sensitisation among the many strategies.

In 2016, a one-year multi-strategy child advocacy for positive discipline campaign in primary schools was launched through the use of various forums, moving beyond the classroom setting to music and video production with the help of key stakeholders such as Vision Sounds.

The results are to be seen via dissemination, moving forward to encourage buy-in and ownership of the programme. The hope is that the efforts thus far can serve as a motivator for everyone to want to be involved in what has great promise for the children and the education system in Guyana.

Advocates for ‘Positive Discipline’

In Guyana, 69 per cent of children between the ages of one to 14 experience violent discipline, and some of this violence occur in school, where bullying, aggression and other violent behaviour seem to be on the increase; where corporal punishment is accepted, often leading to some school-age children dropping out of school.

Ms Fouet posited that a child-friendly environment, respectful relationships among children, teachers and parents will bring about positive learning and increased results for children.

“If we are to change the situation for children,” she said, “we must do so with children, and as such, the partnership with the Minister of Education and team in nurturing an approach that promotes respectful, caring interactions among children, parents and teachers, resulted in a joint effort to promote “positive discipline’ in a model which focuses on positive points of behaviour.

“The production of the videos resulted from more than a year of working together with children to stimulate their creative nature to research and promote the benefits of positive discipline.

“There are 209 teachers who are already using positive discipline and engaging parents and children in 180 classrooms, from Grades 1-6.

“The results yielded are the establishment of PD committees, including members from the community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The 2020 Electoral Breeze is blowing: Disinformation and Misinformation are afoot

WE are, on average, about 24 months away from arguably the most significant elections since 1953, when Guyana experienced her first mass-based elections.

This significance derives from the fact that this will be the first elections in the context of an imminent oil-based economy. One would be hard pressed to find an example where the electoral stakes have been this high, the political party or parties that enjoy tutelage over the state apparatus 2020 and beyond will have access to a fiscal largesse that no previous government has had the luxury to enjoy. Based on the foregoing, it is not surprising that 24 months in advance, the 2020 electoral breeze blows with disinformation and misinformation worthy of Joseph Goebbels.

In 1933, when Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany, he wanted to reorient the minds of all Germans to programme them with the idea of the Third Reich. He was of the view that power is nothing without indoctrination. The ‘Der Fuhrer’ thundered in his biography ‘Mein Kampf, “…the broad masses…more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters, but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods”. This determined leader with evil intent appointed Paul Joseph Goebbels as the Reich Minister of Propaganda. He was tasked with remodelling the minds of all Germans to believe the unbelievable, deny the obvious, doubt what is certain, and question every existing fact once it is not consistent with the aims of the Nazi state. In other words, direct every thought and idea to the mission and objective of the Nazi Regime. This devotee and graduate of Adolph Hitler, who obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Heidelberg, set off on a mission that has set

the highest negative standard for the usage of misinformation and disinformation. This highly articulate and former Chancellor of Germany, first major move as Minister of Propaganda was the complete control of the German press by passing the Schriftleitergesetz (Editor’s Law). This law required all journalists to ‘regulate their work in accordance with National Socialism as a philosophy of life and as a conception of government”. He created the Reich Film Chamber, where all film makers were required to join and produce films that were in congruence with the mission of the Nazi regime. The goal was to cultivate and nurture and promote big-fact lies that are intended to achieve Machiavellian political objectives. All information at the exposure of the masses must be propagandised and fashioned to promote Nazism. Goebbels remains the chief exemplar of an agent who weaponises disinformation and misinformation to achieve political ends.

Fast forward to 2018 in a nation on the precipice of oil wealth, the English-speaking South American country of Guyana. It can be successfully argued that the spirit of Goebbels lives and has firmly planted its ghostly presence with anti-government political forces. This time around, the Goebbels-esque approach to politicking is armed with numerous sources through which it can communicate gargantuan distortions.

Modern technology and social media being the most pronounced of these sources. It is clear, the strategy is to bang falsehoods at every turn into the heads of the masses to the point where they are crystallised as truths. The most conspicuous exemplar of my contestation can be seen in peddling of the idea that we live in a time of widespread discrimination. The former President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, in a letter to the Guyana Times on April

25th 2016, declared, ‘Since the APNU+AFC assumed office, they have been carrying out massive discrimination campaigns against this particular ethnicity.

Hundreds of Indo-Guyanese have been purged from the public service and this continues to happen every day….many Indians are being threatened to have their house lots withdrawn…’. Any unthinking person who reads this whopper, would believe that this is Idi Amin’s Uganda of 1971-1979. When in truth, it is a nation that has an Indo-Guyanese as the second most powerful person who acts President on several occasions. The truth is not the business of Geobbels-esque power grabbers, they just say it and spin it as much as possible in the 24hour news cycle and hope it sticks with the masses. The second example includes an article from ‘Citizens Report,’ which had the bold headline, ‘Guyana Heading for Bankruptcy, Gold Reserves and Market Securities Plummet’. This article appeared on this website on Wednesday, April 18th 2018. This article was based on the Bank of Guyana’s ‘Statement of Assets and Liabilities at the close of Business on 11/04/2018’.

The disinformation agents seized upon the reduction of gold reserves by 2.1 billion and shouted fire in a crowded place with the headline, ‘Guyana heading for bankruptcy…’. The basic definition of bankruptcy is the occurrence of a country can no longer pay interest on its debt or convince anyone to lend it money. This article came on the heels of the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan’s trip to Tunisia, where the Islamic Bank (IsDB) committed to providing Guyana with a US$900 million loan. Further, on the cusp of oil wealth, bankruptcy is the last word that should be mentioned with the name Guyana. However, this headline is seen by thousands on social media

and without any attempt to apply a critical eye, some minds succumb to this canard. Therein lies the power of misinformation and ‘fake news’. This strategy also includes skewing the truth without a full context in which the truth emerged.

Disinformation is an ef-

fective political tool that manipulates minds, especially in the 24-hour news cycle.

If it is not countered, it can dwarf all achievements by a government. It can lead citizens in a particular direction that sometimes makes them immune to the fact that Leguan got asphalt roads for

the first time or Number 19 road, Corentyne, Berbice got lights for the first time in Guyana’s history. It was Lady Gaga who boastfully claimed.

‘I’m telling you a lie in a vicious effort that you will repeat my lie over and over until it becomes true’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Guyana, India ink pact for new Indian Arrival Monument THE completion of the Indian Arrival Monument is on the front burner of this government and a high-level ministerial team visited the site at Palmyra on the East Bank of Berbice on Sunday to kick start works.

The team, which was headed by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, also included Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton.

Minister Trotman revealed that a cooperation agreement signed between the Governments of Guyana and India will soon see the commencement of reconstruction of the historic monument. In April

last year, the monument collapsed while under construction. The coalition government had inherited a design from the former PPP administration and work commenced based on that plan. Minister Trotman said that the mistake was to assume that, that design would have worked.

Minister David Patterson said that a soil test showed that the 17-ton statue was too heavy to lay on the swampy land. The area was used as a canefield. Minister Trotman also revealed that the Government of Guyana has agreed to utilise Indian experts in engineering, architecture and sculpting for completion of the project.

The services of these professionals will be funded by the

Government of India.

Minister Trotman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the matter has been engaging Cabinet for some time. The issue was also raised back in February, when he and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, visited India.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Guyana before the end of this year and, according to Minister Trotman, the government hopes the monument could be completed before that time.

He said all relevant documents have already been sent to India and are being examined by the experts there. Minister Patterson also said the

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and his colleague Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, testing the strength of the crumbled monument results of the soil tests and other requirements have been provided to the gov-

ernment of India. Minister Norton said government is enthusiastic to see the

project completed. Overall costs for the reconstruction are still to be finalised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

OCC to finalise Guyana’s first NAMA document

THE Office of Climate Change (OCC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Guyana (GoG), facilitated discussions with key stakeholders to finalise the official guidelines for the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions for municipalities across Guyana.

The guidelines were defined in the final draft of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA): Greening of Towns in Guyana. The NAMA document was the focus of discussions, at the one-day validation workshop which was held last week at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Head of the OCC Janelle Christian said that the participation of municipality heads is crucial to the implementation process. “For Guyana, this is the first time that we are actually going to be preparing for this NAMA but the process that would have shaped this initiative started in 2016, September, when [in] collaboration with the UNDP we hosted the first NAMA workshop... It’s not by accident that we have chosen to focus on renewable energy… We felt that it was important for us to work with the leaders of the township because many times we elaborate national documents and implementation is being done at the national level… Climate change actions are required at all levels and principally at the local Government level because most instances it’s the communities that are affected as a result of the consequences,” she said.

Christian said that the validation workshop was a show of Guyana’s ambition toward becoming a ‘green’ State. “A great part of this requires resource mobilisation not only from Government, not only from budgeting, but also the ability for us to demonstrate to our development partners that we are serious about moving along this trajectory. We have great ambition, but it will remain ambition if we do not act… After today we hope to receive your input, conclude what the consultant would have captured over the last year and a half and [see] where there are gaps. We will be able to fill those gaps, address those gaps, and put our

hands together to ensure the successful implementation of Guyana’s first NAMA moving towards the greening of towns,” she said.

Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Shabnam Mallick, while delivering brief remarks, said that the validation workshop brings Guyana one step closer to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“As Guyana modernises, Guyana’s towns and cities will produce a growing share of greenhouse gases and other negative by-products of development. Thus, it is important that Guyana continues to make strides in addressing climate change.

These efforts will contribute [to] Guyana’s evolution into a green state by also progressing toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDC),” she said.

Ms. Shabnam also said that the UNDP is supportive of Guyana’s ‘green’ endeavours. “[The] UNDP has considerable international experience and stands ready to support you in taking the next steps in helping [to] formulate the actual project documents for intervention in specific areas in the NAMA framework, and helping to create favourable market intervention in the environment and scalable business models for investment in energy efficiency and rural renewable energy solutions,” she said.

Head of the Association of Municipalities, Mr. Carwyn Holland said that all levels of the Guyanese society have the power to make changes that will positively impact the environment.

“Implementation of mitigation actions requires changes at all levels of society… Our youth possess both the long-term interest and viability to become critically involved in the implementation process… I champion the call for all of society to become engaged in the consistent implementation of the NAMAs… The hopeful truth is that we are not powerless. The power and potential to curb the effects of climate changes still resides with each of us, and it requires collective effort and the will to incorporate often, small changes, that will add value to our lives” he said.

In an invited comment, Mayor of Bartica, Guyana’s Model ‘Green’ Town, Mr. Gifford Marshall said that sensitisa-

tion is a key factor in the participation of the town’s people. “It starts with the young people and we are working in the schools… We’ve had debates, Spelling Bee competition… we’re using those as forums to sensitise the young people and get them involved… Sensitisation is key and it is something that we have to continue to do…

This whole ‘green’… concept is something new to… the people. So… capacity build-

ing is very, very important,” he said.

International Development Advisory Consultant, Mr. Vladislav Arnaoudov, in an invited comment, shared his hopes for the implementation of the NAMA. “After I finish my work...the report that is produced remains just as a report…that stays on somebody’s shelf and collects dust. This is what I want to avoid…What I want to achieve…[for this] this

report [to be] owned by all the towns in Guyana, that they actually understand what is there, that they take over the initiatives that are described there… What I hope…is that the towns get this information, get this ‘greening’ initiative and they implement [the initiatives],” he said.

The NAMA validation workshop was attended by the mayors and regional representative from Maba-

ruma, Lethem, Bartica, Linden, Mahdia, and New Amsterdam.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Communities, Department of Environment, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Guyana Association of Municipalities, Guyana Water Incorporated, and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

UG gets $10M worth of refrigerant, equipment

By Lisa Hamilton

THE University of Guyana (UG) Faculty of Technology has received $10M worth of refrigerant and air-conditioning equipment and a new refrigerant management course to aid in the elimination of harmful ozone gases.

This presentation was held on Tuesday at the Faculty of Technology and was made possible through collaborative efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The kind gesture comes as a result of the HCFC Phase-Out Management Programme (HPMP) under the Montreal Protocol, which operates through the Hydromet Service of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs are gases used worldwide in refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam applications, which are known as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

In August 1993, Guyana ratified the Montreal Protocol which aims to sys-

tematically phase out the use of HCFCs and strengthen its global position on environmental protection.

By adhering to the Montreal Protocol schedule, the complete phase-out of HCFCs is expected to be realised by 2030.

However, in order for Guyana to successfully meet this goal, individuals must be trained in new and emergent technologies, which will replace the substances and equipment being phased out.

As such, the 8-10 week Refrigerant Management Course will target electrical and mechanical engineering students, as well as industry professionals who wish to acquire additional certification.

Meanwhile, the equipment donated, which include Visual and Automotive Refrigeration and Air-conditioning training units, as well as several other tools, will help students to better comprehend the course.

Support for this initiative was provided in part by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the

National Ozone Manager Odessa Shako explains the purposes for the tools donated (Samuel Maughn photo) Montreal Protocol, while the UNDP, UN Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture partnered to execute the project.

Delivering the keynote remarks was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd, who said that the undertaking is a part of the government’s long-term plan for

sustainable development.

Between 2011 to present, more than 125 technicians were provided with training on good refrigeration practices and alternative technologies, while some 80 technicians are trained annually through the HCFC Phase-Out Management Programme This has contributed to

a significant reduction in the number of untrained service personnel operating in the sector.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to be partnering with the Faculty of Technology through this initiative, which is expected to accrue significant long-term benefits for both the environment and human

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of PACE, Dr. Paloma Mohamed (fourth left) accepts the donations presented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd (third right) and UNDP Representative Mikiko Tanaka (second right). Also present in the photo are Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Dionne Holder (first left); Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Vishal Persaud (second left); Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Elena Trim (third left) and Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (ag) Garvin Cummings (first right) (Samuel Maughn photo)

development in Guyana,” she remarked.

Nedd said Guyana’s strategy to phase out the importation of HCFCs includes the introduction of an import licensing system, as well as a national standard for the safe servicing of refrigerants and conditioning equipment.

Meanwhile, UNDP Representative Mikiko Tanaka, said implementation of the training programme and the acquisition of equipment will increase Guyana’s capacity to successfully manage and eliminate ODSs. She re-affirmed the UNDP’s support for Guyana and commended UG for incorporating the training in its curriculum.

Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Elena Trim, told the gathering that as Guyana moves steadily ahead into the oil and gas era, buildings which will spring up will require central air-conditioning systems.

As such, she said that both mechanical and electrical engineers must be fully aware of how to deal with the new equipment in the sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Ex-cops celebrate 51st anniversary in New York

GEPAOA President Charles making his presentation

By Frederick Halley THE Guyana Ex-Police Association of America (GEPAOA) is currently observing its 51st Anniversary.

Following a brunch at its association hall, East 53rd Street and Clarendon Road last Saturday, which saw an attendance of over 250 persons, members gathered at the St Augustine’s Episcopal Church on Avenue D, Brooklyn, for its annual church service. The officiating priest was Father Lawrence Womack.

In brief remarks at the church service, GEPAOA president Leroy Charles reminded members and invitees about the parable of the seed in the Bible.

According to Charles, “We all know of the parable of the seed; they were sown of four different grounds. Fifty-one years after, here we are, strong and united. So we can safely say that our founding-members seeds fell on good

ground, received the seed, and produced much fruit.

“As we look to the future, let us remember that song, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before’.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the St Augustine Church and all its members for allowing us to worship at your church.”

Charles also extended sincere thanks to the several sister Guyanese and Caribbean associations which were part of the impressive congregation. They included the Ex-Guyana Defence Force, Prisons, Guyana National Service, Guyana Unity Movement, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Belize, Guyanese Nurses Association and Queen’s College Alumni.

During last year’s historic jubilee anniversary, Charles paid homage to the founding fathers of the association,

GEPAOA president Leroy Charles (right) handing over a monetary donation to Father Lawrence Womack after the service praising them for their vision and ideals which saw the birth of the entity on April 16, 1967. Charles opined that many people were critical of the journey, but pointed out that “Men and women of goodwill and resilience were determined to prevail.”

He also urged members to “constantly rethink our tools, our systems, our responses. We must be wary of providing old answers to new problems, such as how we finance our organisation.

We must seize the windows of opportunity that open only once, such as the cohesion that represent all races who served in the Guyana Police Force and have migrated to these shores. Above all, we must continue to be at the centre of social and economic transformation, and in the creation of fair and inclusive

societies that provide opportunities for all, irrespective of their circumstances of birth.”

Pointing out that GEPAOA’s mandate remains as relevant as ever, Charles reminded his members that “no organisation has a divine right to exist. Indeed, an institution like ours must count as success that day when it puts itself out of business. As the winds of change, economic change, blow across our cities, we should stand steadfast to reach those challenges…”

At Sunday’s church service, the GEPOA also took the opportunity to make a monetary donation to the church.

Meanwhile, the association’s annual dinner and dance and scholarship awards is set for Saturday, May 19 at Glen Terrace, Avenue N, Brooklyn.

Missing man at GPHC mortuary A 45-year-old man of 115 Hunter Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, who was reported missing is at the mortuary of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, relatives have confirmed.

Dead is Khemraj Arjune called “Boy”. Relatives said Arjune was last seen on April 16 heading to the Georgetown Public Hospital for a medical check-up, but succumbed while he was there.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed today. A relative noted that on the day Arjune left home, he told someone that it would be the last day they are going to see him.

Dead: Khemraj Arjune called “Boy”

Attendees at the anniversary church service

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Golden Grove Secondary nears completion

From left to right: Site Supervisor Harry Persaud, REO Pauline Lucas, RDC Engineer Elon Austin and Project Engineer Wayne Newton during a tour of the school

A side view of Golden Grove Secondary THE construction of a new Golden Grove Secondary School, East Coast Demerara, is on track and is expected to be completed in another two to three weeks, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Four has said.

This was the assurance given by the Project Engineer of Ivor Allen Contracting Services, Wayne Newton, the RDC said in a release.

Newton disclosed that the final touches to the school, which is being constructed to the tune of $170 million, are being done.

“Right now we are just putting on the little fine, fine touching, but we definitely will be completed by the middle of May, so that the students at the old building can move over,” Newton assured.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas in an extensive tour of the facility with the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Engineer Elon Austin, said she is satisfied with the quality of work done.

When completed, the school will house 900 students.

“Currently, the old building has 300-odd students, but with this massive structure that has been constructed, it simply means that they can double their numbers because of the space that is available.

The school currently cares for 300-odd, but with this new facility it would be 900, which means that a lot more students can be accommodated,” she indicated.

The new structure will boast a modernised science lab, library, home economics department, home management unit, staff room and multipurpose hall, among other facilities.

He disclosed that the new school will be further boosted with an elevator, which he said would be primarily geared at providing the required assurance for those who may be physically and

or differently-abled.

“In the construction of the school, the region thought about building a structure that is friendly to all. Therefore, instead of having to place undue pressure and difficulties on someone who is physically and or differently-abled, we thought about ensuring that all systems are in place to cater to the various needs,” REO Lucas stressed.

She pointed out that the school will be only the second school in the country that has an elevator, following in the footsteps of Bishop’s High School.

“We opted to build an elevator as we recognise that with advancement in technology, we must be ready to enhance the delivery of education, while catering to the needs of all,” she declared.

The REO disclosed that the school is one that can last for a very long time but like anything, if it is not taken care of properly and preserved, it would certainly be destroyed.

“What is important is for each student to know that they have a very good building and keeping it nice requires great responsibility. As such, ensuring that the school is properly maintained would be a shared responsibility by all,” she declared.

Meanwhile, contractor Ivor Allen expressed happiness over the REO’s comments, stressing that his company always endeavours to provide the highest quality.

“We have been in the construction business for years and it is always our intention to ensure that the best quality is given to our clients.

As such, the construction of Golden Grove Secondary School is no different and we are happy that the regional officials who have been examining and touring the site during the construction have all expressed satisfaction with the quality and level of work being done,” Allen said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Burglars raid child protection centre

UNKNOWN intruders, sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, broke into the office of ChildLinK, a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which works towards protecting children from violence and abuse and carted off a number of items.

In a release, ChildLinK said its staff arrived at their 47 Croal Street and Austin Place office at approximately 08:00 hrs Tuesday, only to discover two windows on the first floor on the western side of the building were opened. Upon entering the building, the staff discovered that several items of technical equipment critical to the daily operations of the NGO

were missing.

The police were contacted and ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) responded promptly and combed the building for prints. A report was made to the Alberttown Police Station and their investigation is currently ongoing. Anyone with knowledge of the break-in is asked to submit a statement to the Alberttown Police Station or call ChildLinK on telephone numbers 231 7174 or 227 2023.

Only recently, Ambassador Jernej Videti?, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana and Ms. Omattie Madray, managing-director of ChildLink, signed a grant contract to

implement a project titled “Recovery, Safeguarding and Reintegration”. The objective of the project is the adoption of international guidelines and policies for children’s reintegration in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child [UNCRC] for 749 children living in institutions and 2500 children at risk of institutional care in Guyana.

The grant involves the support of a maximum of GYD $87.7 Million and will be funded from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) 2017 country allocation for Guyana. The project will run for the next 30 months.

ChildLinK has been working collaboratively with the

Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) for the past 10 years and has launched the Child Rights Alliance (CRA) with funding from the European Union to strengthen child-protection services to prevent abuse and increase care of children across Guyana. The Recovery, Safeguarding and Reintegration (RSR) initiative extends protection services and places emphasis on institutional strengthening of the CPA, children’s institutions and civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve reintegration services for 749 children living in institutions across Guyana. This is a fundamental right of children in line with the UNCRC, Art. 9 & 18, which clearly state

that children have a right to live with their parents or a safe family.

In brief remarks during the signing, Ambassador Videti? highlighted that, “Human Rights are one of the core values of the European Union and its member states. The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) provides the possibility to support civil society projects in this area, also in Guyana.

The rights of vulnerable groups, especially children are particularly important in this regard and this fifth ChildLinK proposal has convinced us again.”

ChildLinK Inc was established in the year 2009 and its mandate is to work

with its partners towards a Guyanese society, where every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure family and community.

ChildLinK Inc had previously received four grants totalling over GYD 200 Million, all funded from the aforementioned EIDHR initiative.

The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is a self-standing financing instrument that provides assistance for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide and specifically aims at assisting civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Former GDF officer further remanded for reputed wife’s murder …Court awaits psychiatrist’s report

UNLIKE his first appearance two weeks ago that saw him crying uncontrollably, a more composed Orwain Sandy, the interdicted army captain appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Judy Latchman as the murder case against him continued.

Sandy is facing the murder charge for the alleged shooting death of his reputed wife, Reona Payne. The woman

was reportedly shot multiple times to the body and left to die on the corner of the road in Alexander Village.

At Sandy’s first court appearance when he sobbed his way in and out of the courthouse, attorney James Bond who represented him had requested a psychiatric report.

However, during yesterday’s appearance, the Court was told by the Police

prosecutor that the investigations into the All Fool’s Day incident were still incomplete, as the investigative unit is awaiting a report from psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry.

The matter was adjourned to May 2, 2018, when it is expected that a psychiatric evaluation would have been completed and a report compiled. Sandy was further remanded to prison.

The former officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was arrested when he reportedly turned himself over

to the Police on April 1 and handed over his weapon, shortly after the reputed wife was shot dead.

According to reports, the couple was in Sandy’s car travelling in Alexander Village when an argument developed.

Moments later, gunshots rang out and the woman was spotted bleeding profusely at the scene.

The weapon that was allegedly used during the killing was said to be the one that was issued to Sandy as part of his work detail.

‘Cuss Bird’ Aubrey must do six weeks community service AUBREY Hodge, a 21-year-old man was taken before the court on Tuesday on two charges – one for abusive language and the other for assault.

It was alleged that on April 12 on Brickdam, Hodge assaulted and used abusive language to police constable Shawn Persaud.

He pleaded guilty to the charges.

According to the police facts, city constable Persaud was on patrol duty on Brickdam when he observed the defen-

dant in a confrontation with someone.

Hodge was using colourful expletives and even as the cop admonished him he did not stop.

When the constable went to arrest him he pushed the lawman’s hands away and continued his tirade.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan before whom Hodge appeared, ordered that he perform six weeks of community service or serve three months in prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Hysteria as Digicel’s Brand Ambassador Devendra Bishoo visits BHS

By Colin Bynoe

THE 2018 edition of ‘Digicel Youth Cricket Series’ is here and for the second year Digicel has teamed up with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to give high schools across six Caribbean countries the golden opportunity to be engaged in a coaching session with CPL coaches and players.

Digicel Guyana made a surprise visit to Berbice High School on Monday.

This social call created much excitement for students as well as teachers.

The Monday morning was set up to be a surprise.

The students were at assembly and under the guid-

ance of their Headmistress (ag) Ms Aeisha Wong, who was well decked in Digicel Brand colour (red).

Digicel Guyana Public Relations Manager Ms Vidya Sanichara, accompanied by Marketing Executive Jason Lampley, made the first appearance to address the over six hundred enthused students.

Ms Sanichara told the students that she had brought a guest along with her. Seconds later, Guyana and West Indian leg-spinner, also a proud Digicel Brand Ambassador Devendra Bishoo, stepped onto the Berbice High School auditorium stage to loud applause.

Bishoo interacted with

the students. He then gave them a brief rundown of the 2018 edition of Digicel Youth Cricket Series’ voting process and urged the large gathering of students to “vote www.digicelguyana.com/cplyouthseries”.

Voting ends Monday May 14.

Brand Ambassador Devendra Bishoo then made a public acknowledgement to one of his childhood coaches and teacher of BHS, Zahir Moakan.

Devendra Bishoo continued his sentiments when he imparted words of motivation to the students by saying, “One day I was like you guys, don’t ever make anyone tell you your dream is too big for you; not your

friends not your family, not your teachers.” He pleaded with the students to always aim high, and to follow their dreams.

In wrapping up his visit, Devendra Bishoo took pictures, signed autographs and distributed Digicel branded caps to lucky students of the school.

Chronicle Sport took the time to speak to a few lucky recipients of Digicel branded caps and caught up with successful Berbice Under-15 captain Zinul Ramsammy, who spoke of his delight on having such a personality present at his school’s assembly Yo u n g R a m s a m m y said, “To have a West Indies player at our school is

amazing and I know it will help to inspire some of the children to play cricket.”

He further stated, “It will inspire me more to follow up cricket and do my best.”

Faith Gajadar, a student of the school, expressed thanks to Digicel and Mr Bishoo for his advice and for the gifts they received.

How can you help your school to join this year’s Youth Series? Simply gather your friends at school and elsewhere, teachers, family and everyone else you know and get them to vote for your school.

The school with the highest percentage of votes per student population will win the full coaching session.

CWI plans to hold talks with exiled quartet after IPL PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive, Johnny Grave, plans to meet with a quartet of exiled players after the Indian Premier League (IPL), in an attempt to clear up the uncertainty surrounding their availability.

Neither Darren Bravo, older brother Dwayne, Sunil Narine nor Kieron Pollard has played for West Indies in recent times, leading to speculation over their future in the international arena.

But with West Indies facing a heavy upcoming playing schedule, Grave said it was important there was clarity for selectors regarding the four players.

“Darren Bravo has re-

fused selection on a number of occasions now so we can’t continually go back to him every time we have a match and ask if he wants to be part of it,” the Englishman told the Express newspaper here.

Dwayne hasn’t played for quite a while in any of our sides and said he does not see his future playing international cricket. So we’ve asked him for a meeting to see if that is his firm position.”

He added: “The problem we have at the moment is that there is a huge amount of uncertainty where some players say they are not available and then suddenly they are available.”

On the tour of New Zealand last December, selectors

found themselves faced with several headaches with the late withdrawals of players.

Off-spinner Narine pulled out of the Twenty20 squad followed by Pollard weeks later, with both citing “personal reasons”. Neither has played for the Caribbean side in seven months.

Dwayne Bravo, meanwhile, has been overlooked for the last 19 months while Darren has not played since ending an acrimonious eightmonth standoff with CWI president Dave Cameron last July.

Controversy flared recently when Pollard, Narine and Darren Bravo declined selection for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, indicating other commit-

ments.

Grave said the current situation which obtained was one which needed to be addressed in the interest of the overall development of the squad, and especially with the World Cup set for England next year.

“We can’t have a situation where players pick and choose when they want to play international cricket,” he pointed out.

“In any team you need to have a group of players that are committed to playing and winning cricket matches then build that cohesion to keep same group of players together for as long as possible.

“So we will hopefully be meeting with Dwayne,

Kieron, Sunil and Darren in June after the IPL to explain to them what the fixtures are between now and the World Cup in England and World T20 in Australia, who we are playing, when we are playing and if they want to be part of it or not.”

He continued: “What we can do is give them clarity in what it looks like to play for us. We know our tours all the way up to 2023. We’ve got an IPL window and a CPL window.

“Whether that is enough for them or whether they want to become T20 specialists and travel the world to play franchise cricket, that is kind of what we want to find out from them.”

Snubbed Root holds no grudge for England team mates in IPL (REUTERS) - England Test captain Joe Root is not bitter about his exclusion from this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes his team mates playing in the Twenty20 tournament will hugely benefit from the experience.

The 27-year-old led England on their gruelling tour of Australia, where they suffered a 4-0 Ashes defeat, followed by another Test series loss in New Zealand in March.

Root went unsold in the IPL players’ auction in February but does not grudge several England players who are in India to showcase their talents in the ongoing tournament.

“It’s not frustrating, watch-

ing the other guys,” Root told Sky Sports Cricket. “... I went into the IPL

materialize. It would have been nice to be involved in that but I’ve got no bitter feelings to-

England Test captain Joe Root

auction to get a bit more exposure to T20 cricket, it didn’t

wards the other guys, I think it’s great.”

Root is instead watching his England team mates, including all-rounder Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, play in the eight-team league and believes their experience would only strengthen the team.

“They’ll benefit hugely from it and we, as a side, will benefit hugely from it. Look at the way Jos and Ben and a few guys came back from it last year and what it has brought to their games ...” Root said.

“Hopefully that can happen on a wider scale with more and more players going out there from English cricket, playing under scrutiny and in the high-pressure situations that that tourna-

ment brings. It can only be a good thing for us in the long term.”

Root has completed a little over a year in his captaincy role and following the underwhelming results over the last few months, the skipper is predicting significant changes to his team.

“Looking forward, there will be changes, especially long-term and then it is up to guys to come in and take the opportunities,” Root said. “... I want us to keep searching for ways to be a really effective side in a number of different conditions.”

England take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series beginning next month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

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World Cup abse 50 days ntees: Players who will miss R ussia 2018 and major doub ts

HE 2018 World Cup is about three months away and national team bosses are beginning to figure out and finalise the best possible squads to bring to Russia.

In the coming months they will be paying close attention to the health of their players because, with plenty of football to be played, injuries will happen, which can throw their plans into disarray.

No footballer - not even the best - is completely invulnerable and sometimes fate can deliver cruel blows to individuals whose talents deserve to be showcased on the world stage. That is simply an unfortunate hazard of the profession.

As well as that, personality clashes, bans and other issues can end up preventing players from taking part.

As 32 teams get set for the big kick-off in June, Chronicle Sport casts an eye over those stars who are major doubts for the World Cup as well as those who have been ruled out completely.

The question of which players are definitely out of the 2018 World Cup will yield a much clearer answer as we get closer to the tournament in June, with coaches generally keen to give their playing pool the best possible chance of making the final cut. However, the cases of some players missing out are understood, if not officially communicated.

France are hoping to claim their second world title when they compete in Russia this summer but one man who is almost certain not to be part of that journey is Karim Benzema, who has not featured for his country since October 2015.

The Real Madrid star does not hold much hope for the prospect of a recall ahead of the World Cup though, explaining his view that he will not be picked as long as Didier Deschamps is head coach.

Major doubts for World Cup 2018

Five-time winners Brazil head to the tournament as one of the favourites but one of their star players finds himself in a desperate race to recover full fitness in time for the kick-off. Neymar underwent surgery on his foot in March after suffering a fractured metatarsal and a sprained ankle while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

According to the national team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, the 26-year-old will be out of action for three months, which means, even if he recovers on time, he will be sorely lacking match fitness at the World Cup. Neymar isn’t the only concern for Tite, with Juventus full-back Alex Sandro sustaining a hamstring injury.

Fernando Gago was part of the Argentina squad that finished runners-up at the 2014 World Cup but the chances of him making Jorge Sampaoli’s final 23 for Russia 2018 do not look good.

Now playing for Boca Juniors and aged 31, the former Real Madrid midfielder is expected to be out of action until this month (April) after sustaining a serious knee injury towards the end of 2017. The Albiceleste are also unlikely to feature Mauro Icardi among their number. Despite his impressive form for Inter, Icardi’s presence in the squad could potentially have a disruptive effect given previous disagreements with key players.

Iceland will be taking part in the World Cup for the first time in their history but they may have to do so without Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The 28-year-old is undeniably one of the best talents at Heimir Hallgrimsson’s disposal, but a knee ligament injury in March has cast serious doubts over his availability for the tournament in June. Sigurdsson remains optimistic that he will be back to full fitness in time, but history has shown that knee injuries can be particularly problematic.

Peru’s Paolo Guerrero was set to miss the World Cup after being hit with a 12-month ban from football in December for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (including cocaine) but that ban was reduced to six months after an appeal. As such, the former Bayern Munich striker could potentially make the tournament, but he would have just a month to prove his worth.

Potential doubts for World Cup 2018

A key member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, Manuel Neuer, has had a season to forget thanks to successive injuries curtailing his involvement for Bayern Munich. The 32-year-old has returned to light training after fracturing his metatarsal and an April return has been mooted, which doesn’t leave the goalkeeper much time.

Joachim Low has indicated that Neuer is still in his plans for the tournament but, after missing so many games, as well as the form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, he may not necessarily be number one.

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus was not a part of Germany’s 2014 heroics in Brazil, after suffering an agonising ankle injury on the eve of the tournament and his involvement in Russia 2018 is far from guaranteed. A knee injury laid him low for inside of a year and he has struggled to regain full fitness since the turn of the year.

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, will have a decision to make over whether or not to bring the likes of Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata, who has been struggling with persistent back and thigh problems this season, and Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin. The latter, in particular, has not featured for La Roja since 2016.

England manager Gareth Southgate was dealt some bad news midway March when Harry Kane suffered an ankle injury while playing for Tottenham against Bournemouth. The initial prognosis suggested that Kane could be out for two to three months but the recovery time has been improved and he is expected to return in just over a month. Southgate will be hoping the striker’s recovery goes smoothly, considering that he is the Three Lions’ only world-class option up front.

France could have to make do without the services of left-back Benjamin Mendy for the World Cup, with the Man City man currently on his way back from a serious cruciate knee ligament injury. Mendy is expected to be back in action by mid-April, but whether or not that leaves him enough time to push for a place in Les Bleus’ squad remains to be seen.

Florian Thauvin also has emerged as a potential doubt after suffering a hamstring injury during the March international break.

Marseille expect the forward to be back at some stage this month (April), but it is a blow to Thauvin who has just returned from an ankle injury.

Colombia could find themselves without the services of Juventus attacker Juan Cuadrado, who has been out of action since December with a persistent groin injury. He underwent surgery in January and could well be out of action until May, which leaves little time to prove his fitness.

Portugal and Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo is currently on the side-lines nursing a hamstring injury and is not projected to return until this month (April) if everything goes well in his recovery.

to go …

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Mumbai Indians equal lowest ODIs, T20s will help India adjust total of 87 in defeat to Sunrisers to English conditions - Shastri

MUMBAI Indians equalled their lowest Indian Premier League (IPL) total as they collapsed to a 31run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday.

The Indians came into the fixture with only one victory from five matches and the Sunrisers’ modest total of 118 offered hope that they could claim a much-needed win.

However, that figure became the second lowest total ever to be defended in the competition as the Indians’ chase lacked bite, the hosts posting just 87.

With the exception of Suryakumar Yadav (34) and Krunal Pandya (24), no other batsman reached double figures, Siddarth Kaul feasting on that lack-lustre display with three wickets for 23 runs.

Sunrisers’ batting display had not been too much better; captain Kane Williamson and Yusuf Pathan top-scoring with 29 apiece.

But they will be happy

When Kaul took the wickets of Mitchell McClenaghan and Mayank Markande in the 16th over, leaving the Mumbai Indians 80-8, the history books appeared set for a rewrite.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mustafizur Rahman did manage to haul the side level with their previous worst, but this result will come as a huge knock to a side already severely lacking in confidence.

Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson leap for joy with Kieron Pollard’s wicket. (BCCI)

to collect two points that pull them level with second-placed Chennai Super Kings, while the Indians remain locked with Delhi Daredevils at the bottom.

INDIANS’ LOWEST TOTAL For a spell, the Indians looked likely to set a new marker for their lowest total in the competition.

TRIPLE SKITTLE Another rarity for the IPL was also achieved yesterday, as all 20 wickets fell in one match for only the third time in the competition’s history.

Sunrisers’ innings was cut eight balls short, while the Indians’ unsuccessful chase lasted only one delivery longer.

The two previous instances occurred in a 2010 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers, and a Kolkata Knight Riders versus Royal Challengers Bangalore clash in 2017.

(REUTERS) - Playing limited overs cricket ahead of their Test series in England will serve as the ideal platform for the Indian team to get used to conditions away from home, coach Ravi Shastri said.

India coach Ravi Shastri

India begin their tour of England in July with three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals.

They then take on the hosts in a five-Test series starting in August.

“We will be there (in England) almost a month before the first Test match.

That gives us that much

more time (to prepare),” former India all-rounder Shastri said.

India will come into the contests against England high on confidence after beating hosts South Africa 5-1 in ODIs and 2-1 in T20 competition earlier this year.

India had earlier bounced back after losing the first two Tests against the Proteas to finish the series 2-1.

“What our boys did in South Africa makes me proud as a coach because there were 21 days of cricket and on each one of those 21 days, India competed,” Shastri added.

“The one-day series we won after 25 years. And so, from a coach’s point of view, you have to just stand up and say ‘well done, guys’. Simply magnificent! You have raised the bar’.”

India lost the five-Test series 3-1 when they visited England four years ago, but prevailed 3-1 in the ODI competition. The hosts won the sole T20 match.

Cook says there has to be a place for Test cricket Amir to arrive in England today after visa delay … ‘understands’ proposals for new format ENGLAND batsman Alastair Cook says he understands the proposed 100-ball competition but that Test and first-class cricket should be “protected”.

The England and Wales Cricket Board wants to introduce the format into its new city-based tournament from 2020.

“There has to be a place for five-day or four-day cricket,” former England captain Cook, 33, told BBC Sport.

“The difference, for me, is the satisfaction of a long game compared to the thrill of a shorter game.”

The concept could see innings consisting of 15 traditional six-ball overs and a final 10-ball over, with the Telegraph reporting that up to three players could bowl the last over.

Speaking at a Chance to Shine event, Cook said: “There’s a bit of caution with me. I still think you have to protect the traditional cricket.

“It’s obvious to see how every tournament of that is thriving where Test cricket isn’t thriving as it was, say 10 years ago.

“At the moment, all the money is in the shorter

formats of the game. There must be a way of combining the two and protecting Test cricket because of all that it stands for.”

Cook has played 154 Tests, scored 12 028 runs, made 32 centuries - all England records - and captained the side in 59 Tests between 2010 and 2016.

tioned what impact it will have on the four-day County Championship.

Test captain Joe Root said players and governing bodies must find a way to ensure other formats “don’t suffer” from the new competition.

“It has a place in the game and hopefully over time we will see that,” Root

Alastair Cook has played 154 Tests, scored 12 028 runs with 32 centuries for England.

IT HAS A PLACE IN THE GAME England director of cricket Andrew Strauss has said the 100-ball proposal is aimed at “mums and kids in the summer holidays”.

England bowler Stuart Broad praised the concept’s “unique selling point”, but BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew ques-

told BBC Sport.

“The more people we can get into the sport the better and we’ve got to be very careful that we don’t measure it against the other formats.

“It’s something to gather a new audience, gain interest and make it really simple for everyone to understand and not see it as a threat to the other formats.” (BBC Sport)

MOHAMMAD Amir will make a belated arrival in the United Kingdom today after the Pakistan paceman was granted a visa.

The left-arm quick was a notable absentee when Pakistan landed at Gatwick Airport on Monday for a tour that will include a oneoff Test with Ireland, two against England and a pair of Twenty20 clashes with Scotland.

Amir was unable to travel with his team-mates due to a visa not being issued in time, but has now been cleared to make the journey to the UK. Pakistan face Kent at

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37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Salah stars again as Liverpool beat Roma 5-2

By Simon Evans LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool, inspired by two-goal Egyptian Mohamed Salah, took a big step towards the Champions League final with a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their semi-final, first leg at Anfield yesterday.

Two late Roma goals, however, will give the Italians, who came back from 4-1 down to beat Barcelona in the previous round, some hope of an upset in the return game next Wednesday.

A pair of superbly-taken goals from Salah, against his former club, gave Juergen Klopp’s side a 2-0 lead at halftime and Liverpool simply ripped Roma apart after the break.

A Sadio Mane goal then two Roberto Firmino goals put Liverpool 5-0 up and Klopp felt comfortable enough to take off Salah, who had been outstanding.

Yet Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to generate some tension for the return in Rome.

Liverpool fans left Anfield

with some of the shine of a wonderful attacking display removed by the two late goals and they may wonder why Klopp decided to take off Salah and why their team took the foot off the gas.

surely be heading to Kiev for the final on May 26 to face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, who meet in the other semi-final today.

Roma began brightly, unfazed by the Anfield atmo-

appeared to be a serious injury after a sliding tackle on Aleksandar Kolarov.

Liverpool looked edgy and they came close to falling behind when Kolarov unleashed a fierce drive from 30 metres

Mohamed Salah and Liverpool celebrate

Just as against Manchester City in the previous round, Liverpool had shown the sheer potency of their attacking trio.

If Roma’s defence struggle half as much at the Stadio Olimpico, Liverpool will

sphere, as they closed down Liverpool and attacked with intent down both flanks.

The mood of the home crowd worsened in the 18th minute when midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was taken off on a stretcher with what

which keeper Loris Karius rather unconvincingly got a hand to as the shot thundered against the crossbar.

That served as a warning for Klopp’s side, who responded in devastating fashion.

Jazz, Rockets move closer to Western Conference semis

THE Utah Jazz are poised to advance to the semi-finals of the NBA Western Conference playoffs after accounting for the Oklahoma City Thunder 11396 in game four.

Utah’s balanced scoring attack beat Oklahoma City’s star-studded unit, with all five of their starters scoring at least 13 points as the Jazz took a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round series on Monday.

Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 33 points and seven rebounds.

Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles combined for 36 points, while Derrick Favors had 13 points on sixof-nine shooting.

Falling behind 30-24 after the first quarter, the Jazz rallied back to take a 17-point lead entering the final period.

Utah came into the postseason winners in six of their last seven regular-season fixtures, and they have continued their success during the playoffs.

Paul George scored 32

points to lead the Thunder, and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook added 23 points and 14 rebounds, but their supporting cast did not do enough to stop Utah in the chippy matchup which heads back to Oklahoma City for Game five.

HARDEN STARS AS ROCKETS SOAR TO COMMANDING LEAD James Harden scored 22 of his 36 points in the third quarter to help the Houston Rockets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-100 on the road. The Rockets outscored the Timberwolves 50-20 in the third quarter to take a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference firstround matchup. Chris Paul added 25 points, and Clint Capela scored 14 points with 17 rebounds.

The Rockets’ 50 third-quarter points were the second-most in a quarter in NBA postseason history, behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ 51 against the Detroit Pistons in 1962.

STUNNING FINISH Mane should have scored in the 29th minute when put through after brilliant work from Firmino but the Senegalese forward shot over the bar with only keeper Alisson to beat.

Moments later Mane was set up again by his Brazilian team mate but blasted wildly off-target from a promising position inside the area and his frustration was enhanced when he had a close-range effort correctly ruled out for offside.

It was Salah who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a stunning finish, cutting in from the right and then leaving Alisson helpless as he floated a perfect left-foot shot into the far corner.

Defender Dejan Lovren should have doubled the lead but hit the bar with a free header from a corner and that was the last let-off for the Italians.

Salah made it 2-0 with his 43rd goal of the season when Firmino sent him clear. With Alisson advancing he beat the Brazilian with a deft chip that was straight out of the repertoire of former Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish.

Some teams might have

considered a 2-0 halftime lead a scoreline to be defended.

Klopp’s side, however, are far from cautious and they took full advantage of some awful Roma defending.

Mane was rewarded for his persistence in the 56th minute, sliding a low finish into the net after the unstoppable Salah had broken down the right and put the ball on a plate for his team mate.

Salah then danced past Juan Jesus and played a similar low cross into the path of Firmino, who made no mistake to make it 4-0.

Firmino made it 5-0 in the 68th minute when the shellshocked Roma defence left him unmarked at a corner and he headed in.

Bosnian Dzeko pulled a goal back for Roma nine minutes from the end after he collected a wonderful floated pass from Radja Nainggolan and drove past Karius.

A single away goal would probably not have been enough to give Roma any real hope for the second leg but when James Milner was ruled to have handled in the area, substitute Perotti slotted home the penalty to keep some tension in the tie.

Stanlake leaves IPL 2018 with fractured finger

CARMELO STRUGGLES … AGAIN Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony scored just 11 points on fiveof-18 shooting (0 of six from three-point range) with six re-

Billy Stanlake (left) towers over the rest of his teammates as he is congratulated after taking a catch in the IPL. (BCCI)

bounds.

Considered the third member of Oklaho- Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 33 ma City’s ‘big points and seven rebounds three’, Anthony has struggled to Boston Celtics fits. With find his shot this season.

Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward out of the lineSTOP HIM IF up, Boston have lacked the YOU CAN! firepower that once threatHarden is nearly imened to doom the Eastern possible to guard when Conference. in rhythm as the TimberThe Bucks were inwolves found out. consistent during the regular season but have won BUCKS (2-2) AT two straight in this series.

CELTICS (2-2) If Khris Middleton and The Milwaukee Bucks, Eric Bledsoe can hit from powered by Giannis Antedeep, Milwaukee boast a tokounmpo, have given the potent line-up.

BILLY Stanlake, the Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler, will miss the remainder of IPL 2018 because of a fractured finger.

He sustained the injury during Sunrisers’ game against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday and has flown back home to Australia for further treatment.

“Indian and Australian orthopedic specialists have advised that Billy Stanlake should not play the remaining part of IPL 2018,” a Sunrisers release said.

“Billy sustained a displaced fracture on his right hand fifth finger whilst fielding and surgical reduction and fixation was required to restore function to that finger.”

Sunrisers have not named a replacement for Stanlake yet and are already grappling with injury concerns to their pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They do, however, have a strong Indian pace-bowling contingent with Sandeep Sharma, Basil Thampi, T. Natarajan and Khaleel Ahmed waiting on the bench.

Stanlake finished the tournament with five wickets in four matches at an economy of 8.12. He impressed with his ability to generate steep bounce and at over 140kph consistently. He also hit the winning runs for Sunrisers in a dramatic game against Mumbai earlier in the tournament.

Stanlake, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017, was bought at the auction by Sunrisers at his base price of INR 50 lakhs (US$78 000 approx.). (ESPN Cricinfo)

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Denied the opportunity to help Caribbean people - Bravo

By Colin Benjamin

SOME of West Indies’ bestknown players are claiming they were “denied the opportunity to help Caribbean people” by being omitted from the teams involved in the Hurricane Relief game at Lord’s.

The charity T20 match between West Indies and a World XI is being staged on May 31 to raise funds to repair five major cricket venues damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria.

West Indies named a 13man squad last week and it did feature some big names - Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels - but Dwayne Bravo insisted he, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo had all hoped to be involved as well.

None of them was picked.

“We were denied the opportunity to be a part of something to help Caribbean people in a charity game we wanted to play in and were looking forward to being a part of,

Bravo told ESPNcricinfo. “We weren’t contacted or selected, so we just want people to know that we were fully available for the game and are seeking answers behind our non-selection.”

This led former West Indies captain Darren Sammy to suggest Cricket West Indies (CWI) has missed an opportunity to build bridges between it and the players.

“What better chance could the board want to engage players?” Sammy said. “They could have swallowed their ego and pride and brought the World Cup-winning side together, even if it’s one last time.

“I have personally done fundraisers, sent food and water supplies to Dominica, played and helped organise previous charity game in Trinidad. I was looking forward to this game.”

During last October’s hurricane relief charity game between Trinidad & Tobago and a West Indies XI, all the senior

players were picked despite the Trinidad players having a similarly poor relationship with the local TTCB board.

Bravo has also requested bank details from the board so he can make a financial contribution. “They’ve given the public the false impressions we don’t want to play in the World Cup qualifiers because we went to play for money, but now we’re available for free for a good cause they don’t pick us,” he said.

“Caribbean people need to know the truth. What we will do also is to ask CWI to provide bank account details, so we the players who are not part of the game can still make a contribution towards it.”The players had enquired whether they could represent the World XI side, but were told it was not possible.

“It’s a Rest of the World XI not a World XI,” CWI chief executive Johnny Grave told ESPNcricinfo. “And it’s a fully accredited T20I so counts for stats, hence the

reason Caribbean players can’t play for opposition team. It needs to be a proper game of cricket for people to buy tickets to go and see it at Lord’s.”

However, Grave said he would like to meet the players to discuss their international futures.

“They weren’t invited to take part,” he told Trinidad Express. “Darren Bravo has refused selection on a number of occasions now, so we can’t continually go back to him every time we have a match and ask if he wants to be part of it.

“Dwayne hasn’t played for quite a while in any of our sides and said he does not see his future playing international cricket. So we’ve asked him for a meeting to see if that is his firm position.

“The problem we have at the moment is that there is a huge amount of uncertainty where some players say they are not available and then suddenly they are available.

Dwayne Bravo

“We can’t have a situation where players pick and choose when they want to play international cricket. In any team you need to have a group of players that are committed to playing and winning cricket matches then build that cohesion to keep the same group of players together for as long as possible.

“So we will hopefully be meeting with Dwayne, Kieron, Sunil and Darren in June, after the IPL to explain to them what the fixtures are between now and the World Cup in England and World

T20 in Australia; whom we are playing, when we are playing and if they want to be part of it or not.

“What we can do is give them clarity on what it looks like to play for us. We know our tours all the way up to 2023. We’ve got an IPL window and a CPL window.

Whether that is enough for them or whether they want to become T20 specialists and travel the world to play franchise cricket, that is kind of what we want to find out from them.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Guyana’s ‘Coolie Bully’ to tackle Mojica Ambris cops SVG top sports award KINGSTOWN, St Vincent from four innings.

Williams, meanwhile, was on May 18 in Queen’s New York (CMC) – Test batsman Sunil one of the Windies best bowlGUYANA’S national bantamweight professional boxer Elton `Coolie Bully’ Dharry will take on Oscar Mojica in a ten-round bantamweight contest on May 18 in Queen’s New York as he (Dharry) sets his sights on a world title fight.

According to reports emanating from New York, USA, the Guyanese promotional team, Havoc Boxing is staying true to their word

of making 2018 a busy year for the bantamweight champion, following a bruising unanimous decision win against Venezuelan Jesus Vargas on January 20 this year at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall here in Guyana.

The May 18 card in Queen’s New York is dubbed `Making of a Champion’.

Dharry, who has a string of 19 consecutive victories

to his name, was originally down to face Miguel Cartagena last month for the International Boxing Federation Continental bantamweight title but that fell through.

According to reports, Dharry is in fine condition and good shape and will be using his May 18 fight against Mojica as a stepping stone to a world title fight early next year.

Elton Dharry (right) and Oscar Mojica

Ambris has been crowned St Vincent and the Grenadines’ senior male Sports Personality-of-the-Year.

The 25-year-old beat out challenges from fellow Windies player Kesrick Williams, footballer Myron Samuel and long distance runner Junior Ashton, to claim the honour at the National Sports Awards last Saturday.

Ambris enjoyed a stellar season last year, piling up 608 runs for Windward Islands Volcanoes in the first class tournament, including a career-best 231 against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

He also dominated in the Regional Super50, blasting 423 runs, with six half-centuries in eight outings.

That form was good enough to book him a place in the Windies one-day side where he scored an unbeaten 38 against England in the fifth and final match at Hove – his only innings of the tour.

A couple of hundreds for West Indies A against the touring Sri Lankans saw him force his way into the Test squad for the New Zealand series last December.

Despite a sizzling 153 against New Zealand A in a warm-up fixture, he endured a nightmare tour, however, twice dismissed hit-wicket before exiting the series with a broken forearm and 25 runs

Test batsman Sunil Ambris

ers in the Twenty20 format, snatching 18 wickets from 10 matches last year.

National striker Samuel also proved outstanding, scoring four goals last year including a hat-trick against Barbados in the Windward Islands tournament. He also helped Avenues United win the Premier Division of the National Club Championships.

Meanwhile, long distance runner Linda McDowall captured the senior women’s Sports Personality-of-the-Year award, nudging out cricketers Cordel Jack and Juliana Nero.

In 2017, McDowall clinched her maiden win in the South America 10k in Guyana, clocking 39:50 minutes. She also won the NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10k.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday April 25, 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) Brendon McCullum-158* (KKR vs RCB, 2008) (2) Chris Gayle-104* (Kings XI vs SH, April 19) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many centuries were struck in IPL 2017?

(2) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2017?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Lady Jags to open CFU Women’s Challenge Series against Grenada today

HEAD coach of the National senior women’s football team, commonly known as the Lady Jags, Dr Ivan Joseph, said the players are ready for their first match of the CFU Women’s Challenge Series against Grenada, scheduled for the Ato Bolton Stadium at 16:00hrs today.

The Lady Jags arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday and will play two other matches in the tournament against Suriname on April 27 at 16:00hrs and hosts Trinidad and Tobago two days later at 17:30hrs. All matches will take place at the Ato Bolton Stadium.

Dr Joseph pointed to the team’s readiness, but said the focus will be on identifying the tactical and technical aspects of the players.

Following the team’s almost hour-long first technical session held on the lawns of the team’s hotel today in Trinidad and Tobago, the recently-installed Lady Jags coach stated that as the country’s most successful National team rebuilds, the focus of the tournament is on development.

“I’m really concerned with whether our players can execute

the established systems. The outcome and the results of that game are irrelevant.

Does our right back stay wide? Does our centre back hold the centre of the park?

Does our goalkeeper collect the balls in the air? Do our team have speed that I don’t know

towards finding those answers.”

Dr Joseph said he is “pleasantly surprised about the technical ability of the team” so far and is very impressed about the team cohesion established. “I am impressed with how well and how open the players are to

to how these elements will blend and really drive the programme going forward,” the Lady Jags coach said.

The Canadian also stated that “there is a mix of players who have experienced international football before; some have played U-17 international

Guyana National Senior Women’s team

of? Are the players fitter than I thought? Those are the things that I’m looking to really find out and no matter the opponents, I’ll be able to draw those conclusions at the end of the game or, at least, be a long way

really mingling and getting to know each other. I can see them making a concerted effort to get out of their traditional groups. We see a nice inter-mingling and mixture of players trying to build a

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance U-19 50-Over Tournament

Berbice continue dominance with victory over Demerara; Select Under-17 beat Essequibo IN brilliant sunshine yesterday at the Lusignan Community Centre and Everest Cricket Club grounds, fans witnessed Berbice hammer Demerara and the Select Under-17 thrash Essequibo in round two of the 2018 GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance Under-19 One-Day Inter-county tournament.

Demerara won the toss and inserted Berbice to bat. Berbice compiled 224 all out in their allotted 50 overs.

Junior Sinclair top-scored with 61 off 101 balls; Javid Karim and Alex Algoo also added 45 and 23 respectively to the scorecard while Kevlon Anderson and Garfield Benjamin scored 22 runs each.

Bowling for Demerara, Qumar Torrington picked up 3 for 20; Ashmead Nedd 2 for 37, while Jeremiah Scott, Stephon Wilson, Dwain Dick and Saadiq Khan collected a wicket each.

Demerara, in reply, folded for only 105 in 38.1 overs. Adrian Hinds scored 32, Sephon Wilson 18; Robin Williams 16. Bowling

cohesive and tight team.”

Meanwhile, GFF’s Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said he was pleased that the priority areas of the women’s national programme are being achieved: “The GFF has established key performance indicators for the women’s national

Part of the action in the Berbice vs Demerara match at the Lusignan Community Centre ground.(Delano Williams photo)

for Berbice, Keith Simpson dominated, grabbing 4 wickets for 18 while Kevin Sinclair supported with 3 for 15.

Berbice won by 119 runs.

Junior Sinclair took the man-ofthe-match award for his brilliant knock of 61.

At Everest, Essequibo won the toss and decided to field. The Select Under-17 put up an acceptable 131 all out in 47.4 overs.

Marvin Prashad top-scored with a solid 63 off 85 balls, hitting four

Man-of-the-Match Junior Sinclair receives his prize from Hand-in-Hand representaive Sachin Kanhai (at left)

sixes and five fours. Support came from captain Sachin Singh with 20 runs and Nigel Deodat 15.

Essequibo struggled to reach their target and crumbled for 60 off 40.5 overs. The Essequibo batting lineup fell cheaply, with only number ten batsman, Beesham Moses, able to reach double figures with 12 not out.

On the bowling table, Nigel Deodat was the most outstanding player, collecting 4 wickets for 17 runs, while Sheldon Charles and Seon Glasgow supported with 2 wickets for 12 and 5 runs respectively.

Select Under-17 won by 71 runs; Nigel Deodat was awarded the man-of-the-match trophy for his excellent restrictive bowling effort, which gave him 4 for 17 against the Essequibo team.

In the the third round Select Under-17 will battle with Demerara at the Everest ground while Berbice will face Essequibo at Tuschen ground.

All matches will commence at 09:00hrs.

team, including integration of the new staff structure (international and Guyana).

“I think this is the first time we’ve had such a comprehensive, qualified and experienced staff so we are looking forward

football and, for others, it’s a brand new experience so we will be looking at how they blend and adapt to the rigours and requirements to play senior international football.

Standards are being set by

the National team very early so all the players understand what’s expected of them. The key message to all of the players is to earn the right to wear the badge.”

While no physical training session was conducted on the first day of the team’s arrival, there were player and technical staff familiarisation group sessions and an excellent large group team-bonding session the first steps to build a strong and competitive team.

Team cohesion is among the priorities of the head coach, with Dr Joseph highlighting “a strong indicator of how important this is. We’re about to have our first practice and our first practice isn’t with the ball; it’s just about getting to know our team mates and building relationships.

“You don’t put it at the front if it isn’t the most important thing, and to me, if your team isn’t willing to play for each other, if they are not willing to follow your coach and support each other, especially when you’re bringing such a diverse background of ladies together, then we’re down before we even get started.”

Benjamin continues his benevolence to Berbice cyclists

… Chameshwar `Satesh’ Dhanai is latest to benefit TWO weeks after donating a brand new racing cycle to Berbice cyclist, David Hicks, and similar donations recently, former Guyanese national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin continued with assistance to ensure cyclists from the ancient county are well equipped with the necessary tools to make a name for themselves, both in Guyana and in the Region.

Recently, Benjamin who owns and operates the Benjamin Sports Store, Fitness Gym and Car Wash at his local residence, situated at 320 Courtland Village, Corentyne, Berbice and who also has a similar business in Canada, donated an aluminum Louis Germau road bike to 15-yearold Chameswar Dhanai, a student of Corentyne Comprehensive High School.

Dhanai started his cycling career two years ago at the National Schools Cycling Championships and placed second in two events and this performance motivated him to take up a sport career in cycling. Since then he has been training very hard to realise his dream.

At the time of the National schools championships and thereafter, Dhanai was riding an oversized bike. Benjamin saw the potential and determination in the 15-year-old so he decided to render assistance.

Hence the Dhanai rode a new bike two Saturdays ago in a junior event at the National Park

inner circuit and placed fourth.

According to Benjamin, the new bike suits Dhanai’s height and size and he will do better in the future.

Over the past few months, Benjamin has donated several bikes, parts and gear to a number of Berbice cyclists.

Two weeks ago, David Hicks the 2017 national juvenile champion, was presented with a new racing cycle.

Romello Crawford of Ber-

bice was the recipient of a Fuji Carbon Fibre road bike and spare wheels, Curtis Dey, another Berbice cyclist received a new bike also, female cyclist Shenika Teixeira was presented with a pair of cycle wheels, while the FACC got a new set of uniforms.

Hicks, who also rides for Team Rigtech Sonic of Trinidad and Tobago, represented Guyana in Barbados last year at the Junior Caribbean Championships.

Former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin (left) presents a new racing cycle to the promising Berbice cyclist Chameshwar `Satesh’ Dhanai (centre) recently.

Hysteria as Digicel’s Brand Ambassador Devendra Bishoo visits BHS See page 34

Devendra Bishoo poses with schoolchildren who were recipients of Digicel branded caps.

Devendra Bishoo strikes a pose with enthusiastic students. (Colin Bynoe photos)

Lady Jags to open CFU Women’s Challenge Series against Grenada today

See page 39

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CWI plans to hold talks with exiled quartet after See page IPL 34 Trinidadian Darren Bravo has not played for West Indies in nearly two years.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018