Guyana chronicle e paper 05 17 2018

THURSDAY 17th May, 2018

No kickbacks No.105277

…AG rubbishes PPP’s claims on out-of-court settlements

PAGE

03

Several 09 ex-cops respond to public notice PAGE

– as AG Chamber probes missing diamond

Sir Dennis 17 upbeat about future of CCJ PAGE

President to share green 02 state vision at World Bank PAGE

LEN pushing low 21 income home initiative PAGE

President David Granger interacting with officials from the World Bank who paid a courtesy call on him to discuss the Bank’s support for the local oil and gas industry (Adrian Narine photo)

Tremendous progress

…President talks up gains since Coalition assumes office 09 PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

President to share green state vision at World Bank

By Navendra Seoraj

REPRESENTATIVES of the World Bank were impressed by Guyana’s vision and agenda for a green economy and have invited President David Granger to present the country’s aspirations to the bank at its Headquarter in Washington DC, USA. “There is a lot that the bank can learn from what Guyana is aspiring to do, especially since they have a green agenda and an extractive sector, so it is interesting to know how they will be balancing both,” said World Bank Director for the Caribbean and Latin America, Tahseen Sayed Khan, in an invited comment after a meeting with President Granger at State House on Wednesday.

Khan believes that both

President David Granger (left) in discussion with World Bank Director for the Caribbean and Latin America, Tahseen Sayed Khan (Adrian Narine photos)

the bank and Guyana can benefit from knowledge-sharing once the President makes his presentation on the coun-

try’s aspirations.

The director was impressed by the government’s plan to take full advantage of its resources, and to also protect the environment in the process.

She said they also discussed ways that the bank could provide technical and financial support to Guyana in relation to the “green growth development”.

“Green State Development Strategy will be based on sustainable use of biodiversity and a decarbonised approach that endeavours to provide an inclusive and better quality of life for all Guyanese within the ecological limits of our country’s natural resources, and with the relevant physical and human capital,” said President Granger in the framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financing Mechanisms.

According to the framework, The Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) will guide Guyana’s economic and socio-cultural develop-

ment over the next 15 years.

“It will lay His Excellency President David A. Granger and the new coalition Government’s principle foundations for inclusive green economic and social growth, provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable development goals and related targets and outline a longterm vision for a prosperous and equitable future,” the framework read.

The objective of the strategy is to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and opening new sustainable income and investment opportunities in higher value-added and higher growth sectors.

The GSDS will also provide a platform from which Guyana can start the transition to a diversified green and inclusive economy and embrace sustainable development, become a leading example of a “Green State”, and serve as an inspiration to other countries in the region and worldwide.

Harmon discusses environmental matters with UNDP Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday afternoon, met with United Nations Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Mikiko Tanaka and representatives from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss environmental matters.

The meeting was held in Minister Harmon’s office at the Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release. The meeting was conducted to discuss the strengthening of the enabling framework for small and medium scale gold-mining in Guyana, the Enhancement of Biodiversity Protection

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and top officials of UNDP and the Department of Environment

through Strengthened Monitoring, Enforcement, and uptake of Environmental Regulations in Guyana’s Gold Mining Sector, the Government’s priorities for Global Environment Facility (GEF-7) with a focus on

biodiversity, ecosystems, and GEF Programmes, and Guyana’s possible involvement in the Regional Project focused on Jaguar Conservation and Habitat connectivity.

The meeting was attended by Regional Technical Advisor of UNDP, Ms. Alexandra Fischer, National Focal Point at the UNDP, Ms. Astrid Lynch, Head of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, and Acting Executive Director of the EPA, Mr. Khemraj Parsram.

No kickbacks 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

…AG rubbishes PPP’s claims on out-of-court settlements ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC. on Wednesday denied that his government has received “kickbacks” from out-of-court settlements since taking office in 2015, saying instead that the administration inherited a dysfunctional AG chambers, where most cases were outsourced and poor records kept.

Speaking during a media conference at his office, Williams said three years ago in what constituted a sea change in governance, the APNU+AFC Government took over from Presidents Ramotar and Jagdeo, a failed and corrupt state that was Guyana. “The inexperienced Anil Nandlall whom even his own Presidents recognised was not qualified to be awarded the dignity of Senior Counsel, had just demitted the office of Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, having served without distinction. Nandlall left, however, a broken and divided office, characterized by two warring camps, the latter because he had taken from the DPP’s Chambers, a Counsel whom he elevated to the rank of Deputy Solicitor General, paying her a salary over a million dollars a month, with allowances in the AG’s Chambers.”

Williams said, “There is nobody who could take kickback and all of that; not in our government. The matter has to be dealt with by the subject minister and then it has to go to cabinet. We have been saying that repeatedly.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had accused

the government of receiving kickbacks as a result of the out-of-court settlements. He contended that had the matters continue in the court, the state could have won them. “By now they would have settled cases that could potentially lead to about $85 billion of liabilities to the treasury. Already we are paying all of that,” Jagdeo told a press conference last week.

Jagdeo said that the several out of court settlements were in fact being used as a conduit to pay kickbacks.

However, the AG made it clear that his government has an anti-corruption stance and its operation in all matters has been “accountable and transparent.” “How is it a kickback? To whom?

To all the members of the Minister of Communities and his team, the AG Chambers and his team; the whole Cabinet?” he questioned as he made it clear that government’s decision to settle several court matters out of court is not as a result of sinister intentions. He explained that out-of-court settlements were necessary as many of the cases inherited from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration “were incurable”. Among the cases inherited from the former administration are the Rudisha Beverages vs the AG – G$7.2B; NH International L.T.D, Emile Elias vs the AG--US$11M plus G$403M; Toolsie Persaud Ltd vs the AG--G$1.7B; Ministry of Communities vs BK Int.-US$5.7M and the NDIA vs H.Sugrim--G$226.1M. In the Rudisha case, Williams said the former administration had imposed an

environmental tax on non-returnable beverage containers in breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its ruling said the Government of Guyana, represented by Nandlall, did not lead evidence to show that tax was transferred as was claimed.

In the NH INT, Emile Elias case which concerned a contract to build a road, which ended up at an adjudication which in 2003, the former government allowed to proceed without any representation, leaving Mr. Rex Mc Kay S.C alone to argue NHEE’s case before the Adjudicator.

“Nandlall confounded the problem by appealing the matter to the CCJ through Attorney-at-Law Mr. Roysdale Forde, on a point where the Government had appealed to the wrong Court.

The CCJ didn’t take five minutes to dispatch the appeal,” Williams said from a prepared text Wednesday.

Additionally, Williams pointed to the BK INT matter and noted that on assuming office, he was told Nandlall had taken a decision to pay BK $225M for services rendered despite repeated breaches by BK of the Haags Bosch contract. The court had ruled in favour of BK International, who had sued the Government for breach of contract, holding that he was entitled to remain on site. Williams refused to pay that sum and caused an appeal to be filed against that decision. “Due to the site being consumed by smoke which affected neighboring Communities, and IDB

wanted BK off, a settlement was agreed between BK and his team, Minister of Communities and his team and AG Williams and his team,” Williams explained. He made it clear that all of the out-ofcourt settlements received Cabinet’s approval.

Meanwhile, Williams said he relied heavily on the then Solicitor-General (SG) Sita Ramlall and her junior, Prithima Kissoon when he entered office. “In other words, when you appeal a matter, if the issue wasn’t argued below (in the lower court), we couldn’t raise it on appeal. What we found in many cases, you would have the defence stated but it was not argued or asserted before the court.”

The AG said too that when he took office, there was a handing-over engagement between himself and former AG, Anil Nandlall, who failed to hand over several cases which were outsourced. “Why didn’t Mr Nandlall hand over the cases that he has outsourced? Why didn’t he? If he didn’t hand over how can I go and look for cases” that were not mentioned. He reminded that the AG’s Chambers is comprised of the Solicitor-General, her deputy and a battery of lawyers “so if the SG didn’t know about the case, the Chambers didn’t know… [I couldn’t].”

Asked what would have prevented him from delegating his staff from checking the registry at the High Court, Williams said after losing the $446M Dipcon Engineering Limited case in November 2017, notices were sent to several attor-

Police introduce bicycle patrol unit in Linden THE Guyana Police Force ‘E’ Division (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice) has introduced bicycle patrols with the aim of helping foster good police public relations for fighting crime.

The navy blue t-shirt and short pants uniforms are now worn by the 10 bicycle ranks; 5 of whom are posted at Mackenzie, 2 at Amelia’s Ward and 3 at Wismar. They will be operating during the day.

E’ Division Commander, Anthony Vanderhyden, said

that the initiative is a new one for Linden and has prov-

en to be very effective thus far. “It’s a change for the

Division, where we look at back up our discipline with

Members of the of the ‘E’ Division bicycle patrol unit

Attorney General, Basil Williams (Samuel Maughn photo)

neys, asking whether they are working on cases outsourced by the former administration.

Lawyers written to included Roysdale Forde, Ashton Chase, Bernard De Santos, SC, Manoj Naryan, Neil Boston, Ralph Ramkarran, SC, Robin Stoby, SC, Sase Gunraj and Nigel Hughes. No response from the lawyers was forthcoming, Williams told reporters.

“After DIPCON surfaced, certain things were done. We wrote individual lawyers,… and then we wrote the court asking the court [Court of Appeal and High Court] to supply list of cases involving the AG,” said Williams, who disclosed that as a result of cases being outsourced without a trace under the former administration, an e-registry is currently being established at his office to the tune of $4M. He explained that the matter was also placed in the hands of the Guyana Police Force to investigate, while

noting that the former AG “has to be questioned by the police as to how many matters he outsourced because we cannot be discovering when judgments are made that these cases exist.”

“We asked lawyers, including the same Ashton Case, and he never disclosed that case. I believe that people need to start being charged now…anyone who continues to proceed with a case not handed over, I would take criminal action against them,” the AG said while declining to explain the grounds to which the charges could be laid. After the $1.7B judgment in the Toolsie Persaud case, Williams said Chase informed his office of the judgment. In his own defence, Williams said there was no system in place at his office indicating which attorneys were dealing with matters involving the state.

“Those cases were outsourced without a trace.”

members of the public, it’s a new-look so we can have that partnership with members of the public when we are able to deal with crime.”

The ranks will be tackling minor related crimes in all departments; traffic, CID, narcotics etc. “Let us say for instance there is a fight or a brawl or whatever, they are able to do the initial stage of those things,” Vanderhyden said. The motorcar and three wheel patrols will be on standby to assist the bicycle ranks whenever situations get out of hand. They will communicate with radio sets with which they were fur-

nished. “Very effective in the commercial bus and hire car area, they are able to deal with situations on the spot, congestions, accepting of reports and dealing with anything more than them, they would make contact with the main station, they are very effective,” he said.

Commander Anthony Vanderhyden was posted to E’ Division on the 19th February and he promised to do all in his power to keep the crime rate low in the Division. One of his strategies is to develop a good rapport with residents and stakeholders.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

‘He was my whole world’ -- Palestinians mourn killing of loved ones

NISMA ABDELQADER still can’t believe her 18-year-old son is dead.

Israeli soldiers shot Bilal al-Ashram, who was completing his last year of high school, in the head while he was participating in protests in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

With tears streaming from her swollen eyes, Nisma described her first-born as her “whole world”.

“He was my support system,” she said. Bilal was the eldest of her eight children and held the family together in the absence of her husband, who has been working in Jordan for the past six years.

Nisma said she tried to

stop Bilal from participating in the mass protests on Gaza’s eastern border along the highly militarised fence with Israel.

The rallies, which have been ongoing since March 30, call for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to the homes and villages they were forcibly expelled from to create the state of Israel 70 years ago.

This ethnic cleansing of Palestine by Zionist militias in 1948 is known as the Nakba - or catastrophe - and is commemorated annually.

While some 750,000 people were forcibly expelled from historical Palestine, many became internal refugees.

About 70 percent of the

DATE: Wednesday, May 16, 2018

G

6

8 14 15 25 27 28

Gaza Strip’s population of two million are descendants of Palestinians who became refugees in 1948.

They live under a decade-long land, sea and air blockade and cannot leave the Gaza Strip without hard-toobtain permits from the Israeli military. Leaving through Egypt - their only other option is restricted to a few days a year when the Rafah border is open.

Since March 30, the Israeli army has killed 111 Palestinians, including an eight-monthold baby girl who died of tear gas suffocation. More than 12,000 have been wounded since then.

A day before he was killed, Bilal wrote on Facebook he was heading to Bir Seb’a, a city in the south of the country that his family was expelled from during the Nakba.

“I was very afraid. He was very excited to participate in the protests. When the protests calmed down on May 15, I was relieved. I thought nothing would happen to him,” his mother said.

“I still can’t believe he’s gone.” (Al Jazeera)

US still hopeful about North Korea summit THE TRUMP administration is hopeful its summit with North Korea will go ahead, despite threats of cancellation.

A White House spokesperson said the US president remained ready.

Hours earlier, North Korea released an angry statement saying it might pull out of the meeting if the US insisted it gave up its nuclear weapons.

The highly anticipated meeting between Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is due to take place on 12 June.

“The president is ready if the meeting takes place,” said White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders. “If it doesn’t, we’ll continue the maximum pressure campaign that’s been ongoing.”

When asked if it would go ahead, Mr Trump later said: “We’ll have to see”.

He reiterated that the US would still insist on denuclearisation.

The groundbreaking agreement for Mr Kim and Mr Trump to meet came about as North Korea said it was committed to denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

Exactly what that would entail has remained unclear but North Korea has invited foreign media to witness the dismantling of its main nuclear test site later this month.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

-

05:00 hrs

Friday, May 18, 2018

-

05:00 hrs

Saturday, May 19, 2018

-

05:00 hrs

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

8

9

16

17

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

24

4

9

5

North Korea’s statement, carried by state media, said the country had had high expectations from the summit, but it was “totally disappointed” by recent reckless remarks from the US. It pointed the finger squarely at US National Security Adviser John Bolton.

“We do not hide our feeling of repugnance towards him,” said the statement, which was written by Vice-Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan.

In a television interview at the weekend, Mr Bolton said North Korea could follow a “Libya model” of verifiable denuclearisation, but this alarms Pyongyang, which watched Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi give up his nuclear programme only for him to be killed by Western-backed rebels a few years later.

After the North Korean outburst, Mr Bolton told Fox News Radio that the odds are still in favour of the meeting going ahead.

“We are trying to be both optimistic and realistic at the same time,” he said.

The whole reason the North Korean state has spent years building up a nuclear arsenal, at such a great cost, is for survival.

So to compare denuclearisation in North Korea with Libya

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

6

7

3

or indeed Iraq as John Bolton did on Sunday is not going to offer much comfort. Both regimes collapsed.

This is also a warning shot to the Trump administration.

They will be aware how much Mr Trump wants this summit and how it is being spun as a success brought about by his maximum pressure strategy.

There were signs this boasting irritated Pyongyang, but now it has decided to speak out through someone in a position of power.

North Korea wants the world to know that it is coming to the negotiating table from a position of strength, and they may feel that they are making all the concessions.

They’ve suspended all missile tests, released the three US detainees, Kim Jong-un met President Moon and the pair signed a declaration, and they’re about to dismantle a nuclear test site in front of international media.

So to hear the Trump administration claiming credit for a deal they don’t like has been a step too far.

These statements more than hint that North Korea is prepared to walk away from President Trump’s summit in Singapore until it does hear a deal it does like. (BBC)

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

5 11 15 16 17 18 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Venezuela seizes Kellogg cereal factory after closure AUTHORITIES in Venezuela have seized a plant owned by the American cereal manufacturer Kellogg.

It comes after the firm announced it was pulling out of the country because of the worsening economic situation.

President Nicolas Maduro, who has previously accused the US of waging economic war against his government, called the closure “absolutely unconstitutional and illegal”.

He said the factory had been handed to workers and would continue production.

Earlier, workers had said they had been prevented from entering the plant in the central city of Maracay on Tuesday.

The announcement comes ahead of Sunday’s presidential elections.

“We’ve begun judicial proceedings against the business leaders of Kellogg’s because their exit is unconstitutional,” Mr Maduro told cheering supporters in the central state of Carabobo.

“I’ve taken the decision to deliver the company to the workers in order that they can continue producing for the people.”

Venezuela’s battered economy has been hit by falling oil revenue and the plummeting value of its currency, the bolivar. It also has one of the highest rates of inflation in the world.

Kellogg is the latest multinational to close or scale back operations in Venezuela, citing strict currency controls, a lack of raw materials and soaring inflation.

It said it hoped to return to Venezuela in the future and warned against sales of its brands “without the expressed authorisation of the Kellogg Company”.

In 2016, Venezuela’s government took over a plant belonging to US-based hygiene products manufacturer Kimberly-Clark after it announced it was stopping operations because it could not obtain raw materials.

The Texas-based firm recently requested the start of arbitration proceedings against Venezuela at the World Bank.

President Maduro, who has been in office since 2013, blames Venezuela’s problems on an “economic war” being waged by foreign governments and businesses. His critics say government mismanagement is the chief cause. (BBC)

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes could now be in short supply in this Caracas supermarket

Mexico: Third election candidate murdered within a week investigate the killing.

Aguirre’s murder followed the killing on Tuesday of a state assembly candidate for the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party in Mexico’s western Guerrero state.

The killing took place four days after Morena’s mayoral candidate in the city of Tenango del Aire, in Mexico State, was murdered on May 4.

Scores of politicians have been killed in Mexico since September 2017, when campaigning for the country’s July 1 elections began.

The ballot will see voters elect a president on a six-year term, 500 members of the lower house Chamber of Deputies and 128 members of the upper house Senate.

Voters will also select local representatives. (Al Jazeera)

Relatives mourn the killing of Aguirre in Apaseo El Alto [Gustavo/Becerra/AFP]

GUNMEN have shot dead a candidate in central Mexico ahead of a July election, marking the third murder of a politician within the country in the past week.

Jose Remedios Aguirre, a mayoral hopeful for the leftist Morena party in Guanajuato state, was killed in the town of Apaseo El Alto on Friday, the state prosecutors’ office said.

Ricardo Sheffield, a Morena candidate for governor in Guanajuato state, told Al Jazeera that the party resumed campaigning on Saturday “to honour Aguirre”.

He had previously suspended all campaigning in the state until officials could guarantee the safety of all its contenders, according to a report by the Associated Press news agency.

“It’s very unfortunate what we are living through, particularly in Guanajuato, which is the state this year with more violence than anywhere else in Mexico,” Sheffield said.

“Our governor sticks his head in the ground like an ostrich and ignores what is happening; people are being killed every single day.”

The office of incumbent Guanajuato Governor Miguel Marquez denounced Aguirre’s murder in a Twitter post on Friday, adding that a special investigation had been set up to

6

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Lifestyle choices THERE is an aspect to our lifestyles whereby eating and drinking carry a sense of merriment, without much thought given to what is consumed, the quantity, health/nutritional value, the impact on our bodies and ultimately overall health and longevity.

Once it tastes good or makes one feels good, that is all that matters.

Physical activity is also not generally seen as important and vital to sustaining healthy lifestyles. Such outlook carries consequences.

In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) sounded a warning about the “health epidemic” facing Caribbean countries and urged governments to take urgent action to meet global targets to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the WHO, NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person.

NCDs are of long duration and generally slow progression, resulting in

82 per cent of premature deaths (i.e. before 70 years) due to four main types: cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma, and diabetes.

NCDs are prevalent in low and middle-income countries, the category Guyana falls in, and this in part has to do with poverty, lifestyle choices and access to quality health care. Where people are seen as pivotal to development and development is hinged on the environment (personal and external) within which the people operate, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, in launching the “Global status report on non-communicable diseases 2014” called for global efforts to tackle and change the course of NCDs epidemic.

In 2011, Guyana along with 189 countries, committed to global mechanisms to reduce the

avoidable NCDs burden, including a global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020. In 2013, the Ministry of Health prepared Guyana’s Strategic Plan, which is a public document. This document includes areas of Risk factors, NCDs progress indicators; Framework for action; Surveillance; Public policy, advocacy and communication; Project Management and Results log frame. The responsibility for achieving these goals requires collaborative efforts and commitment. For whereas the WHO 2014 report states premature NCD deaths can be significantly reduced through government policies reducing tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, and delivering universal health care, such success is reliant on the people’s involvement and support.

It is important to recognise that management of this epidemic requires proper planning that fac-

tors in the efficient and effective use of resources. To this end, fighting NCDs has to be holistic, inclusive of reliance on statistical evidence of pre-disposition to certain diseases among specific demographics (age, race, income, locale, etc). Government and corporate policies can take into consideration establishment of Health and Wellness centres at the workplace, where in addition to educating the workforce on healthy lifestyle practices, the facilitation of opportunities/incentive for engaging in physical fitness, screening for NCDs can also be done.

If we are talking human wellness as a prerequisite for development, it is cheaper to invest in preventive care (education, changed lifestyles, consult and testing services) rather than on sick care.

Where poverty is prevalent in our society, the State has to invest in healthcare centres, community centres, recreational facilities and so forth. This responsibil-

ity can also be shared through community and corporate citizenship.

Healthy dietary practices also go a far way in ensuring preventive care. This requires education to recognise and appreciate the nutritional value of food (including beverages). For instance, less sodium (salt) intake reduces/prevents high blood pressure, lower consumption of alcohol reduces the risk of liver disease, less intake of fat, oil, and LDL (bad cholesterol) reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and so forth.

Some societies have laws and policies whereby the restaurant/fast food industry empowers customers on nutritional value as part of the

menu card/board. This allows the customer to make informed choices.

There are also instances of control (ban, reduction) of ingredients in publicly prepared food. In the instance of tobacco, it has moved from health warnings on the packets, to being banned in certain public spaces, given that users and bystanders are susceptible to lung cancer.

Lifestyle changes are not easy. It requires will, commitment and determination; but ours is the collective duty and responsibility through public awareness, education and other forms of empowerment that would ensure Guyana plays its role in meeting the 2020 goal.

Someone must start questioning Janki and other oil development critics Dear Editor, AMONG the loudest critics of Guyana’s partnership with Exxon is the group-A Fair Deal for Guyana.

This environmentally-focused group is a subset of A Fair Deal for the Planet and has a predetermined bias against any oil and gas development, so it’s no wonder they have been campaigning against the project.

But their efforts to stop oil production do not come from any concern for the wellbeing of our country. Do

they care that a renegotiation could delay the project, and therefore revenues, that Guyana badly needs? No. Do they realize that contract sanctity is one of the key traits that other international investors will consider when looking at Guyana? Of course not. For them, Guyana is just another political point to score in a battle of ideologies.

But the saddest part of all is that local activists are getting involved. These people are from Guyana – they should care about the real impact that oil revenues, or a lack of oil revenues, will

have on our country. So who are these people, and why are they getting in on the action?

A key name, as we all know, is Melinda Janki. As a lawyer, Melinda has been a huge critic of the environmental permits awarded to Exxon and its partners for the work to be done offshore. Melinda claims that all three partners involved in Exxon’s work should be required to have environmental permits to operate, despite the fact that Exxon is the only actual operator. The other two partners are only financial partners. The sheer

ridiculousness of this claim reveals it for what it really is–an attempt to turn personal bias into a roadblock for oil development in Guyana.

Nevermind the fact that the revenues from development could make a real positive impact to our country.

She clearly considers herself a champion of environmental justice and a warrior against climate change. Melinda has taken every opportunity to paint oil production in a bad light. Janki is even representing A Fair Deal for Guyana pro bono. What? A lawyer working for free!

Which leads me to ask the question – why is Janki so opposed to energy development? Not only that, she also used to work at British Petroleum, the multinational corporation responsible for the Gulf oil spill. Although she has managed to scrub these experiences from her resume, it seems that she worked on matters relating to international financing and production. Pot calling the kettle black?

Clearly, this past experience is part of the motivation for her criticism of the contract in Guyana.

Did she become disgusted with big oil companies while she worked there?

Perhaps she was pushed out of the job for some other reason and carries a personal vendetta? Either way, Janki clearly operates based on personal bias and vendettas; not fact or reality. Janki, and other anti-oil development activists, are loudly questioning the Exxon permit. Maybe it’s time someone starts questioning their motives as well.

Regards Clement Smith

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Concrete follow up action needed to build on marches and rallies Dear Editor,

MARCHES and rallies are great activities to build awareness about abuse. However, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) and many others have continually pointed out that

one cannot build awareness nationally by focussing only centrally. So we would like to urge all those who have or will want to organize marches and rallies, to also please bear in mind that they need to move out of Georgetown

and engage in such activities in every region, since abuse is a national crisis.

As well, awareness building is a necessary first step in addressing abuse, but follow up is needed. Thus, we urge organizers of such activities

to build on awareness by instituting activities that would arm citizens with information and strategies to concretely deal with abuse, and offer a ladder of action that needs to be taken. Throughout Guyana there are NGOs,

FBOs and CBOs that engage in this level of activism and organizers of marches and rallies can reach out and collaborate with such entities to advance move from awareness building to redressive action. After all,

everyone, from President Granger downwards, has been beseeching collaboration to tackle abuse and other social issues.

Regards The Caribbean Voice

Guyana football never witnessed this transformation Dear Editor, FOR the past three weeks, Mr. Rawle Welch has found it fitting to author four letters to the press. In each letter, he attempted to sensationalise his opinions as shortcomings of the Guyana Football Federation, including the recent GFF Awards Dinner and Ceremony which was last held three years ago. Can you believe that? Even efforts to recognise and award a number of local players and partners for their dedication and performance is a platform for the hired pen of Rawle Welch to launch baseless attacks on Guyana’s football development programme. For example, on April 25, 2018, the Stabroek News published a letter authored

by Mr. Welch, captioned “The GFF leadership has failed.” Interestingly, an analysis of the content and language of Mr. Welch’s diatribes suggest that bitter rhetoric, opinionated criticisms and personal disputes are now measures of performance assessments.

Why would someone who has publicly endorsed the current GFF Administration

suddenly turn around and in a matter of three weeks, pen four letters attacking the GFF’s performance and that of Guyana’s football programme? What many readers may not be aware of is that ever since Mr. Welch, the former sports journalist turned street football organiser and promoter, joined the ranks of a tournament hustler, his opinion seems to be grotesquely tainted by financial interests and less about upholding the integrity of the sport and well-being of our elite players. I can point to several instances between 2016-2017 that Mr. Welch wrote favourably of the turnaround in local football development and leadership.

Take for example an article written by Mr. Welch in the Kaieteur News dated June 7, 2017 under the caption, “Junior Jags performance must assuage fears of major stakeholders.” Mr. Welch wrote, “The Junior Jaguars recent historic performance at the Soualiga Football Tournament which was held in St. Martin must assuage the fears of major stakeholders such as the corporate community and the Government. Those fears

which had arisen from years of unwarranted attacks by forces aimed at destabilising the football fraternity are slowly, but surely being removed by the current administration led by President Wayne Forde. The Forde-led administration has successfully been able to remain focused on the sport’s holistic development and not be swayed by the diversionary tactics of a few whose attempts to incessantly taint the image of the sport are losing credibility. The inclusive approach by the current administration which affords the general council and other related arms of the entity to function independently and work for the benefit of the game and its participants is a dispensation that was estranged to the persecutors of the sport. The task of managing this sport has time and again proven to be onerous and unappreciated, but Forde and his team have dug in their heels and seem hell bent on working assiduously to reverse the fortunes and image of the sport here.”

These are glowing remarks from someone who, in less than one year after penning them, have seemingly allowed other motives with corporate interests to super-

sede standards of fairness, ethical standards, accountability and evidence-based assessment in managing the business and technical development of local football.

What is also alarming, surprising and very disappointing is the fact that there is no light between Mr. Welch’s profit-driven agenda and a football promotion group he spent the better part of his sports journalist career chastising. Mr. Welch has now relegated himself to a common street hustler, armed with a pen. His plan is to use his access to the print press to malign the GFF and influence public opinion. Why? It appears that Mr. Welch thinks that his tournament should be given preferential treatment irrespective of the physical and security risks to Guyana’s elite players and the ethical position taken by the GFF and FIFA that no one company or organiser has a monopoly on third party organised football tournaments.

His reasoning and assessment seems to be further tainted perhaps, by his financial returns from the Guinness Greatest of the Street tournament and doing the bidding of his promotion team and corporate allies. It ap-

pears that he, inter alia, would like to take us back to those dark days of local football when greed, personal interests intertwined with corporate agendas nearly resulted in FIFA disaffiliating Guyana from its membership. Examining the local football development activities and visits to Guyana by the FIFA and CONCACAF Presidents over the past two years, it seems to me that the GFF is committed to the well-being of its regional member associations, players, coaches, referees, technical development team and administrators first, above business practices that seek to profit a few, while undermining football development. Contrary to Mr. Welch’s agonizing howling in the wilderness, Guyana has never witnessed the transformational football development strategy being implemented by the Wayne Forde-led Adminis tration. The following are some of the development strategies and programmes currently being supported and delivered: A Nationwide grassroots development programme supported by a Brand partner; a Nationwide U-15

Boys League supported by a Brand partner; a Nationwide U-17 Boys League supported by a Brand partner; introduction of the Nation’s first academy programme with 13 academy training centres (ATC) spread across Guyana and supported by a Brand partner; the nation’s first female development academy where the best young girls are coached on a weekly basis; a network of 36 full-time employed licensed coaches working within the ACT; winning Guyana’s first ever Regional Youth Tournament; building Guyana’s first National Training Centre after 30 years of failed attempts; introducing structured Football Development programmes throughout the hinterland communities; breaking continental barriers by taking the Golden Jaguars to Indonesia; registering one of the best showing at the 2017 CONCACAF U-15 Boys Championship.

In closing, I am suggesting that Mr. Welch consult the GFF 2016/17 activity report in the future.

Regards Mike Archer

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Significant progress made on CSME

-- but much more needs to be done, says CARICOM SG

By Svetlana Marshall CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said though there has been significant progress in advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), there is still a number of longstanding issues to be addressed, warning that the success of the CSME will largely be judged on the basis of full implementation of measures that allow for member states to reap the benefits.

Ambassador LaRocque, at the time, was speaking in the presence of Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration and Chairman of COTED, E.P. Chet Greene, and other ministers with responsibility for trade, during the opening ceremony of the 46th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the CARICOM Secretariat on Wednesday.

COTED, in overseeing the functioning of CSME, is responsible for promoting the development of the agricultural, industrial and services sectors, in addition to developing and facilitating policies and programmes for transportation, the environment, energy, science and technology. This council also promotes and develops external trade relations of the community.

Ambassador LaRocque said much more needs to be done to ensure the effective-

ness of the CSME. It was noted that while various challenges will arise which may have direct impact on businesses and individuals within the community; such would require effective and timely resolution.

These resolutions, he, however, posited can only be achieved if member states move expeditiously and decisively to resolve their dif-

table for a lengthy period, are resolved.

“A proposal is before this meeting aimed at addressing this particular problem. The council is also being requested to provide the necessary guidance on the steps to take in fully operationalising the dispute settlement mechanisms under Chapter Nine of the Revised Treaty.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

ferences, particularly those which have risen to the level of disputes.

“There are issues which remain on our agenda for far too long. For example, we have been grappling with both government procurement and contingent rights for more than a decade, going back and forth with seemingly endless consultations,” he further added.

RESOLVE OUTSTANDING MATTERS

He challenged the ministers to ensure that the outstanding matters, particularly those which have been on the

“This is not only intended to address matters related to disputes arising from member states’ non-compliance with their obligations under the treaty, but also the enforcement of decisions of the COTED, in order to further advance the implementation of the CSME,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

COTED chairman, in his address to the regional ministers, said while there will be international, regional and domestic issues that will impact the work programme and the agenda of the council, it must find an appropriate mix of methodologies and strategies to address its ever expanding

agenda.

Minister Greene, like the CARICOM Secretary General, said he was pleased that the Rules of Procedures governing the operations of COTED was up for discussion during the two-day meeting.

“As chair, it is my hope that we can finalise and approve the rules which will greatly assist us in dealing with

of procedure, we must also consider other mechanisms in between meeting of the COTED that would bring resolution to the long-standing issues, as well as treating with new and emerging issues on our agenda.

Because of the dynamics of the matters to be addressed by this council, we simply cannot wait to the regular meeting of the council to be informed and

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration and Chairman of COTED, E.P. Chet Greene (Samuel Maughn photo)

the long standing issues on our agenda, particularly those relating to non-compliance with provisions of the Revised Treaty and decisions of the COTED. I refer to the issues of market access for honey into Trinidad and Tobago and the intra-regional trade of frozen duck meat from Suriname,” the COTED chairman explained.

He noted that if member states are to seriously settle the long-standing issues in the interest of their respective private sector, then much consideration ought to be given to the provisions of the treaty.

“In reviewing our rules

take decisions. Therefore, an appropriate mechanism must be included in the rules of the procedure for the council,” Minister Greene added.

INCREASED COMMUNICATION

It was suggested that the secretariat increases the dissemination of technical briefs and updates on specific issues to be considered by the council to aid in the process.

That aside, the COTED chairman urged the council to pay keen attention to issues that can have significant impact on industries within

the community such as the impasse between the USA and China, reports of Turkish imports (particularly flour) into the region, and the importation of fake goods from various countries.

“Geopolitical decisions are causing changes within the external trade and manufacturing environment, which will certainly have an impact on our industries and market. The council must position itself to examine the real and potential impact of these matters, and take proactive, concrete steps to remedy them. Colleagues, we cannot afford to be reactive, our respective industries and businesses are depending on us to confront and deal with these issues in a decisive way,” he said.

Trade in goods, and external economic relations such as future trade with the United Kingdom and BREXIT were among other issues brought to the fore by the COTED chairman.

Last year, a review of CSME was completed with emphasis on its framework and supportive structure. The review was in keeping with efforts to consolidate, recalibrate and strengthen the CSME arrangements that are currently in place.

Based on the review, the heads of government have approved an implementation plan. That plan will be published shortly. Guyana was represented by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

I am totally dissatisfied with the outcome Dear Editor,

MY concern in writing you this letter is an ongoing matter I had with my former employer, Bosai Minerals, which the arbitrator found them guilty of not paying the premiums into my salary and have made a ruling that I should be paid on or before August, 2016.

The company refused to

accept the arbitrator’s decision and took the matter to court.

This matter was concerning short payment in my salaries. On March 7, 2018, this matter was called up in the Court of Appeal and the Court ruling was in favour of Bosai Minerals, stating that the lawyer did not submit the grounds of appeal. On April 27, 2017, Justice Beharry had

made a ruling that I must not be paid but had never given him any written documents as to the reason why, so my lawyer was waiting on that report from her, hence could not state any grounds for appeal.

The company, Bosai Minerals, breached the agreement that they had signed with the arbitration. Despite warnings from Social Protec-

tion Minister, Bosai Minerals continue to breach several labour rules. For instance, they are telling monthly paid workers that holiday pay was included in their salary, which was not so. Two persons were receiving $84,300.

I was getting $87,000 and the other person was receiving $92,000 on eight-hour basis> Mind you, all four of us were Senior Mining Technicians.

When the company switched to 12-hour, all four of us received $116,000 which was incorrect. If you add 75 per cent on the eight-hour salary you will see what I am talking about. So I would like to know who really running the Labour Department, if it’s Bosai or the Government?

The court ruled against the arbitrator’s decision.

Mr. President, I would

like you to do something for the Lindeners who have not received their full payment. Mr. President, I am totally dissatisfied with the outcome of this matter and hope you will look into it as my hardworking money is involved from my years of service.

Regards Lennox Stephens

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Several ex-cops respond to public notice – as AG Chamber probes missing diamond Several former police officers including former Top Cop Floyd Mc Donald have responded to a public notice issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers for them to make urgent contact to give a detailed account on some $54M worth of diamonds that have gone missing.

The diamonds belong to miner Ronald Khan who has since filed a civil suit against the State to recover approximately $54M, the approximate value of the missing diamonds.

Through his attorney Nigel Hughes, Khan has requested the return of the diamonds which he contends were wrongfully detained. The diamonds were reportedly lodged at the E&F Division of the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

It has been reported that the diamonds were seized by police from Khan’s mining camp at Ewang Creek sometime in 1994 and lodged initially at the Mahdia Police Station. Khan is also seeing an order directing the Commission of Police to pay him the $54M representing the value of the

“uncut diamonds” and has claimed damages in excess of $100,000 for the wrongful detention.

When the matter was heard before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln earlier this month, the State was given until May 22 to find the missing diamonds belonging to Khan. The State through attorney Joan-Ann Edghill-Stuart, said efforts are being made to contact the relevant police officers who ought to have knowledge of the diamonds.

According to a notice published in this newspaper on May 5, 2018, former Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald, who back in 1994 served as crime chief; Harley Davidson, deputy crime chief; Eon Sandy, formerly stationed at the Supreme Court Police Outpost; Alwyn Wilson, stationed at ‘E’ and ‘F’ Division headquarters, Eve Leary; Terrence Semple, last stationed at Mahdia Police Station; Courtney Ramsey, last stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), police Headquarters, Eve Leary; Desmond Leitch, last stationed at CID, Eve Leary; Constable Fra-

ser Reg#10881; and Ex-detective Sergeant Carl Wilson, Reg # 7797 were being asked to make contact with the AG’s Chambers.

On Wednesday, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC told reporters that the majority of those listed in the public notice have made contact with his office.

“They came… only Mr Davidson did not come in.

The statements are interesting but I don’t want to comment on that — but as a result of the statements given, everybody should come in,” said the AG. He said he was informed

by Attorney Edghill- Stuart that she was having difficulties contacting witnesses and it was he who suggested that a public notice be issued asking the identified persons to come forward, as is done by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“In this case, these witnesses are coming to support our case against the plaintiff and they are the persons who the information shows had dealings with the diamonds during that period,” Williams stated.

Guyana Chronicle had

reported that then Crime Chief Floyd McDonald who subsequently served as Police Commissioner and Harley Davidson, his deputy at the time were the last to handle to diamonds based on information received from a source.

UNAWARE Both men subsequently denied they had knowledge of the missing diamonds.

But Williams told reporters that he was surprised by the response given by McDonald and Davidson.

“I don’t know why Mr McDonald had the impression I had powers to lock up… or that it is something that would be egregious to him. But all we want is for him to come and help us with the evidence so that we could protect the State from having to pay $54M worth of diamonds,” the AG stated.

McDonald, along with a former Deputy Crime Chief Harley Davidson denied handling the diamonds in the said matter. In fact, they have all indicated that at the time the diamonds were discovered missing, they were either no longer serving in the force, or were attached to other departments.

In a statement to the Guyana Chronicle, McDon-

Tremendous progress …President talks up gains since Coalition assumes office PRESIDENT David Granger has said that he does not envisage any major addition or change to his Cabinet even as he stated that the administration has done tremendously well despite the odds.

Wednesday marked three years since the APNU+AFC Government has been in office. “Every person I appointed in May 2015 is still in the Cabinet; there have only been changes in terms of establishing the Ministry of Telecommunications and so forth, but I want to keep the Cabinet small,” said President Granger in an invited comment at State House on Wednesday.

It has been three years since the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government was elected to office and the President said he does not believe that there will be an expansion from 15 main ministries any time soon.

President Granger believes that the members of Cabinet are enough to deal with new and existing challenges. “It is just a matter of ensuring we overcome some of the challenges we faced in May 2015,” said the President, adding that commentators do not understand the

President David Granger speaking to reporters as Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, looks on (Adrian Narine photo)

difficulties they face in terms of finance and international relations, among other things.

Sober analysts would be able to see “tremendous” progress, he asserted, noting that for the first time since Independence, they have a situation where the territorial case with Venezuela will be going to the court. “In relation to the changes in wages and pension, if you

innumerate the improvements over the last three years, the Government has done a lot,” he said.

In addition, aside from the recent tragedy in Suriname waters, President Granger said they were able to suppress piracy in Guyana waters but, the recent incident involving Guyanese fishermen showed that they still have to ensure that piracy is uprooted.

The President also noted the problems in the prison service but said they are not of their making. However, they are working to overcome them with the assistance and advice of regional and international counterparts. For instance, he pointed out that the Security Sector Reform report is with Cabinet and will be revealed when they have completed their deliberations. “Once it is done, there is nothing to hide. There are serious security challenges but we are deeply concerned about the security conditions and the sooner we implement those reforms the better,” said President Granger. He maintained that government is confident that they would be able to deliver a better and safer life for all Guyanese.

ald said he joined the Guyana Police Force on July 19, 1967 and retired in 2004.

“During the period stated I never received, saw, examined, sent to examine any diamonds in relation to Ronald Khan,” he declared in his statement. He also refuted giving instructions or diamonds to Inspector Maison.

“Inspector Maison therefore never returned any diamonds to me. It is my view therefore that the article’s corrosive nature is aimed at my character,” the statement, said while calling on this newspaper to correct “his poisonous article with like coverage”.

Subsequent to his response to the article, McDonald told reporters at his Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home that from information he has received, the time when the diamonds belonging to Khan went missing, he was no longer in the police force.

“When I checked with the police, it appears as though when the diamonds were allegedly found missing some investigation was launched or investigations; I was out of the force then.

The police would have more information on it.”

Khan, who is being represented by the Hughes,

Fields and Stoby law firm, had initially started proceedings sometime in 2011 to retrieve his diamonds.

Meanwhile, the former top cop who now serves as chairman of the New Building Society (NBS) said he is concerned that after some 20 years the matter has resurfaced. “I am very concerned, because there is apparently a gap between the [Attorney General] AG’s Chambers and the police.”

“I was not even in the Force when the diamond [sic] was apparently discovered missing. I am just speaking based on my knowledge… it is not a matter I would deal with at CID headquarters; we don’t keep exhibits at CID headquarters,” he explained.

Similarly, “I wasn’t there and I wasn’t involved in any way. I am concerned that a person’s name is placed in the newspaper,” said a soft-spoken McDonald.

Former deputy crime chief at the time, Harley Davidson, told the Guyana Chronicle that he too was not involved in any such matter. “I am not happy at all with what I saw in the papers… I know nothing of the incident. I know absolutely nothing about it,” he stated.

President Granger to meet Jagdeo on key appointments

By Navendra Seoraj PRESIDENT David Granger will soon meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the appointments for the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Police Service, Public Service and Judicial Service commissions.

“I expect that I will be meeting with the Opposition Leader to deal with a range of appointments,” he said during an interview with reporters at State House on Wednesday.

A date for the meeting has not been set but the President said he intends to await the nominations from Parliament for the chairmanship of some commissions before scheduling a meeting. Nominations have already been made for the Police Service Commission (PSC).

“As soon as the Parliament has completed its work, I will ask the Leader of the Opposition to come,” said the President.

When asked about the appointment of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, he said all the legitimate means of doing so have already been discussed with Jagdeo.

According to President Granger, the Opposition Leader was offered advice but rejected it, so there has been no alternative as yet.

He intends to raise the matter with Jagdeo when they meet.

“He knows who my nominees are and I would like to ensure that the two main top judicial appointments are confirmed…. it is very unhealthy to have a Chancellor and Chief Justice who are acting; I would like to have them confirmed,” he said.

The President said his nominees are persons who have been through a process of interviews and were proven fit and proper to be appointed.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo said he will be willing to meet with the President once he receives a formal invitation.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Church plays crucial role in promoting peaceful co-existence – President tells SDA conference The church has a vital role to play in peaceful co-existence of the Caribbean region where cultural complexities can present challenges, says President David Granger.

The President related these sentiments on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the four-day Religious Liberty Congress being hosted by the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) of Seventh-Day Adventists.

Congregating at the Central SDA on Church and Oronoque Streets, several representatives mainly from the Caribbean gathered for the sessions being held under the theme ‘Peaceful Co-existence: The Challenge of Diversity’.

The congress is aimed at stimulating discussions on matters relating to religious freedom, religious tolerance, liberty of conscience and other religious issues influenced by the plural society. It includes presentations from

President David Granger addresses the audience of religious leaders at the Central SDA church (photo by Samuel Maughn)

different religious groups such as Hindus, Muslims and other Christian denominations and will utilized the input of lawyers and other specialists for discussions on matters of human rights.

In his address at the

opening ceremony, President Granger said that the theme of the congress reminds that even in the cultural complexity of the Caribbean, which can present challenges; there must be safe place for differing opinions.

Members of the audience stand as the colour party of Master Guides present the flags of the various countries represented at the congress (photo by Samuel Maughn)

“Left unattended, those differences could threaten mutual trust, could weaken people’s sense of belonging and could degenerate into antagonism and hostility. We cannot allow those [climates] to fester,” he stated.

He attributed the diversity of the region to its colonial past but added that while some nations are plagued with widespread of conflicts and shattered societies, the Caribbean has managed to remain relatively peaceful.

Speaking to Guyana’s own make up of six ethnic races and to the ease of travel in the region, the President acknowledged that the terriroty will forever be one which is multi-religious, multicultural and multi-ethnic.

As such, he stated that liberty among diversity is a

fundamental right and one which coincides with the Government’s interest in social cohesion.

“The Christian church by recognising all races, all religions, all cultures…can contribute to the quality of life and become the champion of social cohesion,” he said.

Remarks also came from President of CARU, Dr. Kern Tobias who said that even in the 21st century; peaceful co-existence remains one of the world’s greatest challenges. He stated that for this to change, religions must cease fighting amongst themselves, assume peaceful negotiations and promote respect for all members of society especially the most vulnerable of groups.

“It will not be easy to tear down religious walls that have stood for thousands of

years but these walls must come down if we are to advance into a world of peace.

“Religions and their factions must stop their meaningless fighting, find a middle ground for their differing opinions and develop concrete ways to advance to a world of peace,” he remarked.

Present at the ceremony were also Junior Minister of Public Health, Karen Cummings; Executive Directors of CARU; Directors of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the Caribbean Religious Liberty Association and Executive Members of the Guyana Conference of SDA. The congress will end on Saturday with a grand Festival of Liberty and Parade proceeding through the streets of Georgetown.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Integrity Commission pays courtesy Call on the Prime Minister

Members of the Integrity Commission paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at his office Wednesday morning.

Meeting the Prime Minister were Chairman, Kumar Doraisami, Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud, Rosemary Benjamin-Noble and Secretary, Ms. Amanda Jaisingh.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo congratulated the Commission’s members on their appointments. He said he is keen on the formation and operation of the body, “since the establishment of the commission has been long overdue.”

He urged the members to not only view their function as a receiving agency but also be cognisant of their responsibility as a prosecuting body

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (centre), OPM Legal Advisor/Coordinator of Governance Office, Mrs. Tamara Khan (2nd from left) and members of the Integrity Commission

for “Non-Disclosure” from public officials, who are required to do so. The members of the Integrity Commission were sworn in by Chief Mag-

istrate Ann McLennan at the Ministry of the Presidency on February 22, 2018.

Also attending today’s meeting was OPM Legal

High Court to rule on Monday on application to halt case against Ashni, Brassington ON Monday, Justice Franklin Holder will decide whether an interim stay of proceedings will be granted in the case brought against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington for alleged misconduct in public office.

A team of lawyers, led by former Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, had filed a ‘Fixed Date Application’ for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to be issued, quashing the case brought against Dr. Singh and Brassington in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

In that “Fixed Date Application,” which is the substantive application, the legal team, among other things, applied for an “interim order restraining the learned Chief Magistrate or any magistrate within the Georgetown Magisterial District from hearing or attempting to hear or determine or taking any further steps in respect of the Information Upon Oath of Munilall Persaud, Corporal of Police of the Special Organized Crime Unit…”

In the High Court on Wednesday, Nandlall and team put forward their arguments in favour of the application while Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas argued against it. Their arguments were made before Justice Holder in Court 11.

After hearing the arguments for more than three hours in the high court, Justice Holder announced that he will make his decision on the stay application on Monday May 21, 2018 at 11:30hrs.

On May 8, 2018, Dr. Singh and Brassington were charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to the public law when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The first charge alleged that on Monday, December 28, 2009 by way of an agreement of sale and purchase, they “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, lands amounting to 103.88 acres, property of the State for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (Vat exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleges that the duo on Tues-

day, December 30, 2008 by way of agreement of sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation, land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the State for the sum of $150,000,000 knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

The final charge alleges that the former finance minister and the former NICIL CEO on Saturday, 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 located at Turkeyen, ECD, property of the State for the sum of $185, 037,000 without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The men were not required to plead to the charge as Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Special Prosecutor, Trenton Lake, explained to the court that additional investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The two defendants were placed on $6M bail each. The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2018.

Advisor/Coordinator of Governance Office Tamara Khan and the Director of the Department of Public

Information, Imran Khan. In May of 2016, Prime Minister Nagamootoo commissioned a sub-committee to review and strengthen the Draft Code of Conduct for Ministers, Members of Parliament and Public Officers Holders. The Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman chaired this sub-committee.

Following this the Integrity Commission (Amendment of the Code of Conduct) Order 2017 was published in the official Gazette on July 27, 2017. In 2015 the Government commissioned a review of the Integrity Commission Act by consultant Lance Carberry. Some of the recommendations emanating from this analysis

included the enshrinement of the Commission in the Constitution (by constitutional amendment); Commissioners should decide the status of gifts received by Public Officers; there should be additional Parliamentary oversight by way of a high-level Integrity Commission Oversight Committee; and this committee should be chaired by the Speaker and also include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister of Finance, among others.

The 2015 Review was laid before Cabinet by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on September 6, 2016 for careful evaluation.

(DPI)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Iconic educator Lyken laid to rest

By Shirley Thomas

HUNDREDS from the education sector, as well as mourners and sympathisers whose lives she had touched in diverse ways, on Wednesday bade a fond farewell as they paid their last respects to a fallen Guyanese educational icon.

Renowned academician, Olive Adriana Lyken and pioneer in the founding of the Robert Lyken Memorial Home died at her East Street, Georgetown residence on Thursday May

3, 2018, following a brief period of illness.

Her body was interred at Le Repentir Cemetery after

The late Ms Olive Adriana Lyken

a moving Thanksgiving Service at the Trinity Methodist Church. On High Street.

She was 94.

Lyken, with years of exceptional experience in the teaching profession, was the first woman to have held the prestigious position of Education Officer in Guyana, as well as the first Principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education, making an indelible impact on the education sector in Guyana.

It was in 1956 that she was assigned to the Essequibo Coast as an education officer with responsibility

for staff development in the Nursery and Infant Division.

The year 1974 was another breakthrough year for Lyken; for it was in that year that she was appointed principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education, functioning in that capacity for five years then retiring in 1979.

next 13 years until 1992.

She also developed and ran an Apprentice Scheme at GPC, doing it with a passion, since it was part of her career that she loved best.

She subsequently proceeded to the United Kingdom to continue her studies.

Applying herself diligently as always, she graduated

nephews, “She was the epitome of traditional values, an affectionate person, yet a strict disciplinarian and demanded strict moral values from her students, siblings and many nieces and nephews.” She was a stickler for discipline.

In other tributes by relatives, members of the teach-

Bereaved family members, other mourners and sympathisers at the Thanksgiving Service for Olive Lyken at the Trinity Methodist Church on Wednesday

Born in Georgetown on March 15, 1924, to Joseph Eleazor Lyken and Emily Mathilda Lyken, Olive was the youngest of four siblings.

TRAILBLAZER

There were many glowing tributes in her honour, and according to Audrey Goring who read the eulogy, Lyken’s passion was education. Goring recalled that at the tender age of 16, she entered the teaching profession, serving as a primary school teacher from 1940 to 1956. By 1947, she had already obtained her Trained Teacher’s Certificate from the-then Government Training College.

In 1967, she took up the position of lecturer in Geography and Infant Education at the Cyril Potter College of Education, and a year later, was appointed deputy principal of the college.

In 1979, she retired from the education sector and joined the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) as group training officer, a position she retained for the

with a Degree with Honours in Geography from Birbeck College at the University of London. Lyken lived in the UK for eight years during which she worked as a remedial teacher – special education, with the Greater London Education Authority before returning to Guyana.

FAMILY BUSINESS

Over the years, she was also very much involved in the family business, The Robert Lyken Funeral Parlour, founded by her father in 1922 after World War I and through the years, managed by his sons Robert, Arthur, Joseph (Big Joe) and nephew (Little Joe).

Subsequent to their passing, she took over the management of the business, by which time Olive had retired from GPC. However, in recent times she’d passed the mantle of leadership of the family legacy on to her nephew, Gordon Lyken.

Aunt Olive, as she was familiarly called by family members, was described as a remarkable woman.

According to her nieces and

ing profession and educational sector generally, Aunt Olive was eulogised as a sincere, dedicated woman with a strong personality and one who expressed her views without fear; one who helped to positively shape the character of those within her realm. She taught strong values and the importance of working together as a team.

Even though she had no biological children, Lyken was described as a ‘mother’ to many (whose lives she touched) in diverse ways: as a friend, colleague, teacher, educator.

Among those paying tributes from the congregation bidding a fond farewell and paying their last respects were members drawn from the 300-strong ‘41st Batch of the College of Education’ (1974 to 1976), which was led by Olive Adriana Lyken.

Others included Director of Public Prosecutions, Wilfred Lee, former chairman of the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Shalimar Hack, Noelle Richardson and Albert Bentick.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Roxanne Burnham Gardens residents up in arms against M&CC over green space

Leader of the Justice for All Party, Chandra Narine Sharma spoke to the group as they protested

RESIDENTS of Roxanne Burnham Gardens in South Georgetown are up in arms with the Georgetown Municipality after a parcel of land identified as a model in government’s “green agenda” in the city, was reportedly sold by the council to a businessman.

According to the residents, sometime last week, they were made aware by persons selling along the roadway near Mandela Avenue, in the vicinity of the Dynasty Night Club, that a businessman who operates a food business close to the East La Penitence Police Station, had removed two signs which were placed on the parcel of land by two entities including a private school in the area.

Deputy Mayor Akeem Peter, however, told the Guyana Chronicle that the specific plot of land adjoins another which has been upgraded by the council.

He said that a group of individuals approached the

council with a plan to setup a food-trailer business which will see children from the community benefiting from the project. He said the group plans to ensure the general maintenance of the area.

He said that the greenlight was given on those grounds, and according to him, he is familiar with the group of residents’ qualms.

However, he said that the plot of land belongs to the council.

Spokesperson for the residents’ group, Juliet Julian, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that no one was selling on the spot after the council decided to place barricades around the plot of land soon after the May 2015 elections. She said recently the businessman called her and mentioned his intentions to set-up a business but she noted that after she informed him of the group’s ongoing plans for the area, he was adamant that he will be placing a food court there.

“The thing about it is that he said he is enhancing the area , we don’t see that as enhancing, selling bar-bque chicken isn’t enhancing this area , we worked hard along with the city council to enhance this area,” she said.

She noted that the adjoining plot of land which the council converted into a playfield and which is now utilised daily by residents, especially children, was once earmarked for sale to a businessman several years ago but the residents fought against such moves. The group noted that the businessman moved the signs last Friday morning in order to place a container on the plot of land. Residents said they spoke to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and a councillor who represents the area on the issue, but according to them both officials noted that they cannot do anything about the move.

“They can’t do anything about it but we know we can do something about it.

Police issue wanted bulletin for Campbellville man JADOO Datt is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to a number of fraud and conspiracy allegations, committed on the Government of Guyana between December 2015 and April 2016.

In a release, police said anyone who has information that may lead to the arrest of Jadoo Datt is asked to

contact the police on telephone numbers 226-2870, 229-2655, 229-2289, 2271149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Datt is 40 years old.

His last known address is listed as Lot 64 Sheriff Street, Campbellville Georgetown.

Wanted: Jadoo Datt

Residents as they protested on Tuesday morning (Samuel Maughn photos)

We plan to stop it,” Julian said, noting that the group is awaiting a call from the mayor for a meeting. She said that if nothing is done at the level of the council, “we will take this at a higher level”.

Residents noted that in addition to the planned

business defeating the purpose of beautification, the specific plot of land lies between two busy corners, less than 30 feet in width and which are usually busy almost daily, since motorists use the roadways to enter and exit South Ruimveldt Gardens and Rox-

anne Burnham Gardens.

“We will ensure he does not put up his business on our green space,” a resident noted. “We have a green space and we need to keep that green space,” a former councillor declared as the group debated their next move.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

GDF loses bid to get Lindo Creek ‘main witness’ to testify CHAIRMAN of the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry, Justice (Ret’d) Donald Trotman, rejected an application by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) legal team for Dwayne Williams to appear before the Commission.

Williams, who was 15

years old when he was arrested at Ituni in Region 10, is alleged to have witnessed the Lusignan and Bartica massacres. Additionally, he had said that he was present at the Christmas Falls shootout with police.

Retired Colonel of the GDF, Fitzroy Warde, on

Monday, told the commission that when Williams was arrested at Ituni on June 16, 2008, he, in a caution statement, said he was present at Lindo Creek when the miners were murdered by the Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins gang.

However, reports supplied to the commission by

the Guyana Police Force showed no such record. It was after the June 21, 2008 discovery (of what took place at Lindo Creek) by Leonard Arokium that the police records showed Williams, in another caution statement, had told the Police on July 3, 2008 that he was there when

the mass murders occurred.

Williams is said to have given conflicting or different statements at different times.

GDF Attorneys Roysdale Forde and Leslie Sobers made repeated applications for Williams, who remains in police protection, to appear before the commission, even if by Skype, stating that his appearance was critical to the case.

However, when the matter was again raised on Tuesday, the Commission’s Legal Counsel Patrice Henry for the first time informed the GDF legal team that Williams was interviewed by the Commission. This did not sit well with the GDF legal team who expressed disappointment.

Nonetheless, in handing down his ruling, Justice Trot-

man said it would be “unnecessary and “inadvisable” to have Williams to appear before the Commission. He noted that the statement given by Williams, who should now be in his mid-20s, did not incriminate the GDF. The commissioner noted that all statements made by Williams, and which are in the possession of the Commission will be made available to the team representing GDF. Tuesday marked the end of public hearings for the Commission. However, Legal Counsel Henry informed the Commission that interviews are expected to be conducted with former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and former Chief of Staff of GDF, Mark Phillips.

Man admits theft of battery, bicycle TROY David on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a simple larceny charge.

It was alleged that on May 13, 2018 at Lamaha Street, David stole one bicycle worth $13,000 and one car battery worth $35, 000, property of Joseph Innis.

David pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was fined $50,000 or three months’ imprisonment.

Bird seeds on fence lead to felony charge A 19-YEAR-OLD teen appeared before a city magistrate, on Wednesday, charged with attempting to jump a police officer’s fence.

It was alleged that on May 14, 2018 in Georgetown, Mark Hermanstyne attempted to commit a felony - larceny on police officer Harold Deonarine.

The teen who resides at Success, East Coast Demerara pleaded guilty to the charge.

However the defendant explained to the court that he was catching birds on the day in question when he saw bird seed plants on a fence. He hopped off his bicycle and attempted to pick the said bird seeds when the complainant pulled up on a motorcycle and accused him of attempting to enter his property.

Mark Hermanstyne

Hermanstyne also informed the court that he was held and beaten before being handed over to the police.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore before whom he appeared entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and granted him bail in the sum of $25,000.

The matter was adjourned until June 6, 2018.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Second witness testifies in Labourer found with school teacher’s death gun and ammunition

THE preliminary inquiry into the death of secondary schoolteacher Kescia Branche continued on Wednesday with the second witness taking the stands before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Currently on remand for the indictable offence is 47-year-old taxi driver, Matthew Munroe.

On Wednesday, Police Officer Sergeant Rawle Nedd, who is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary and is attached to the Crime Lab testified.

The matter is adjourned until May 17.

Last week, Osafo Felix, a policeman who is attached to the Crime Laboratory as a photographer, testified.

Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown,

was last seen on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night out with her friends.

However, her unconscious body was found in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row the following day. Her left leg was broken and there was evidence that she had sustained multiple head injuries.

The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public Hospital two days after she was found battered. A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

During the investigation, three suspects were questioned and released. The father of Branche’s threeyear-old son was released on November 14 and placed on station bail, along with two police constables.

The constables were later charged departmentally for

neglect of duty, consuming intoxicating liquor while on duty, improperly entering licensed premises and acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the Force.

At the time of the trio’s release, the police were seeking to contact a taxi driver whose cell phone number appeared repeatedly on Branche’s mobile device.

His vehicle was subsequently

impounded at the Brickdam Police Station, When arrested, the taxi driver had claimed that his car was involved in an accident after he drove into a pothole, but according to a police report, the damage to the car was consistent with the injuries Branche received.

Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive.

RAYFIELD Pickering was on Wednesday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

It is alleged that on May 13, 2018 at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, Pickering had in his possession an unlicensed .32 revolver, along with two live rounds, a spent shell and an improvised pistol.

The labourer, who resides at 113 South Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge read out to him in court.

The defendant was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by Magistrate Alicia George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

In respect of the improvised weapon, investigators are compiling a case file for legal advice.

Ramadaan begins today The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to inform all Muslims that the crescent for Ramadan has been sighted; therefore fasting begins on Thursday 17th May 2018.

Taraweeh prayers commenced Wednesday. The CIOG wishes to extend Ramadan Greetings to all Muslims.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Exxon spent $184M on community …particular focus on young groups, projects people and women AMERICAN oil giant ExxonMobil said it had spent some $184M here on community groups and developmental projects as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme.

In another edition of the company’s ‘Access ExxonMobil Guyana’ public en-

gagement, Public and Government Affairs Adviser, Kimberly Brassington said that the company had spent the money with particular focus going to young people and women.

“ExxonMobil has contributed millions of Guyana dollars to communities in Guy-

ana by way of grants.” She said community development and sustenance of the environment had also been given attention in the programmes rolled out in different parts of the country.

According to the information provided by Exxon, residents in communities located

in places like Leopold Street in Georgetown and Silver Sand, Waramuri Mission in Region One, are among organisations and institutions to have benefited from the programmes.

It was related that in Leopold Street, efforts were made during certain programmes to make the young people more competitive in seeking employment.

Modga Wills, part of the team to address the Leopold youths said that it was recognised that much assistance was not going to persons from that location and a decision was taken to contribute to the young people there.

She said even though some persons would have some amount of academic qualifications, they were finding it difficult to find jobs just because of their addresses.

Wills said youths were trained with the support of Exxon and taught different ways to compete within the particular market.

Silver Sand residents re-

ceived an upgraded sports club ground courtesy of Exxon.

President of the facility, Rowena Williams, said that the upgraded sport ground is much appreciated by the community since certain activities could not have taken place on the sand-covered location. Due to Exxon’s involvement, she said football, volleyball and cricket games can now be facilitated.

Some $17M has been invested by Exxon toward the development of a seed bank to protect locally cultivated plant generics and biodiversity in Region 9. Toshao Patrick Gomes said that the region had been looking for funding to support the project for some time until Exxon came to their assistance.

The project, he noted, was necessary as part of a mitigation programme to help reduce the negative impact of climate change on the region.

Over 2,000 youths have also benefited from Exxon’s support of the Youth Volunteer Corp’s science, technology,

engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes. Many of the young people are interested in the medical field and accounting among other areas The importance of STEM was explained to them, and they noted that every field of work in some way utilises an aspect of STEM. Iwokrama International Centre was also a beneficiary of Exxon’s CSR initiatives, as part of the funding from the company went to the formation of an international science committee at the non-profit conservation organisation.

Chief Executive Officer Dane Gobin expressed gratitude for Exxon’s contribution and highlighted the agency’s eagerness to continue to work with the oil company.

Brassington said that Exxon Mobil was committed to Guyana. She said that the company would be in the country for decades and one of the ways it will be giving back to communities is through grants.

Headteacher injured in Mabaruma following cutlass attack THE headteacher of a primary school in the Mabaruma sub-region in the North West District is counting his lucky stars after he managed to evade an irate man who fired several chops at his neck while making threats to his life on Wednesday afternoon.

Reports are that Deon Charles, the headteacher of the Wauna Primary School, was attacked by the brother of a student after the student informed her sibling of a matter which transpired during the morning session at the school.

A teacher at the school told the Guyana Chronicle that a report was made during the morning session that a student was engaged in sexual activity at the school. When the student was questioned, the report turned out to be false.

Reports are that the student went home at midday

The compound of the Wauna Primary School

and informed her brother what had transpired. The man then picked up a cutlass and barged into the school compound in a menacing manner.

“Is you I come for “, the man told the headteacher as he informed those present that he had killed someone before and that he was going to injure the school’s principal.

“He then dealt HM three chops with a sharp cutlass,” the traumatic teacher re-

counted. He said the headteacher managed to “bar” the chops and as such he sustained chop wounds to his hand and forehead; he also sustained a cut to his neck.

Reports are that police ranks in Mabaruma were informed of the incident and rushed into the area but the intruder fled the scene.

The headteacher is currently undergoing treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for the wounds he sustained.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Sir Dennis upbeat about future of CCJ The full bench of the CCJ sat at the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda for the special sitting in honour of retiring President, the Rt Hon Sir Dennis Byron

OUTGOING President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Sir Dennis Byron, has urged youths of the region not to settle for second best, asserting that the only limitations that, as a region, we have are those imposed by our own imaginations.

“Rid ourselves of mental slavery, rise up, stand up for our rights, imagine that the world would be a better place when we occupy our rightful and equal space,” Sir Dennis told a special sitting of the CCJ held in Antigua and Barbuda to pay tribute to him as he departs the court.

In a speech that was heavy on reflections, Sir Dennis hailed his stint at the CCJ as a wonderful experience. “Even with all my experiences of judiciaries around the world, sitting side by side with judges from every continent on the bench of an International Court, I am extremely proud to have been part of this outstanding court with judges of the highest calibre, work ethic and integrity.

The culmination of a lifelong dream to be part of a final Caribbean court has only been eclipsed by the sheer enjoyment of working in an environment of such high intellect and quality.”

He showered praise on the first President of the court, Michael De Labastide and Guyanese jurist Duke Pollard, who demitted office before he joined the court.

“The quality of their work lives on and is part of the foundation on which we have been building.”

Sir Dennis also mentioned that there are the two retired judges with whom he had the greatest pleasure in working along - the first female judge of the court, the distinguished Guyanese Desiree Bernard the former Chancellor of Guyana and the recently retired Justice Rolston Nelson.

“I am a witness to contributions the court and its judges have made to the development of a Caribbean Jurisprudence and to facilitating regional integra-

tion. It has been an honour to serve amongst some of our region’s finest men and women, all of whom take immense pride and diligence in discharging their duties.

“And I leave optimistic about the future journey of the CCJ under the able leadership of my brother, Justice Adrian Saunders, who has already distinguished himself over the last two and half decades with his scholarship, energy and leadership qualities.”

Byron said a court is like a chain, as strong as its weakest link and to this end he praised his staff “from our excellent and high performing court registry, IT and public education departments. But I also see parts of my personal support teams including my learned judicial assistant, my efficient and effective personal and executive assistants and even my close protector and driver.

“A key element of our support system, who are not represented today, are the security officers of the court.

I salute them. In addition to the performance of their work, I cannot resist sliding in the remark that they are the best-dressed division of our court and my daily personal interaction with them has been warm, comforting and encouraging.”

The CCJ President singled out Bevil Wooding, whom he described as a “tremendous visionary and resource in the development of Caribbean technology solutions for improved performance in the administration of justice and a key element in the realisation of one of my dreams through the establishment of APEX the CCJ agency for court improvement.”

Sir Dennis said Wooding has assisted in positioning the Caribbean Court of Justice as a world leader in court technology. “I believe that you all have had an opportunity to witness this over the last weekend when an important case relating to the impending elections in Bar-

bados was filed in our court around 17.00hrs on Friday afternoon, and the case was heard on Sunday at 11:00hrs with the bench in Trinidad and the litigants in Barbados.

We were able to conclude the hearing and make dispositive rulings. I doubt that there are many courts where the attempt at filing at that time would not have had to wait until the court opened on Monday.”

He also thanked the Caribbean people, noting that over the years his engagement in discussions with ordinary folk have made him realise that the holders of the higher echelons of power, authority and education are not the sole repositories of wisdom in our communities.

“These people have helped to keep my feet on the ground and sustain my belief that this region is more advanced and deserves higher credit that we are willing to give ourselves. I think that I have been buoyed up by friendships that have guided, protected and assisted me along the way.”

President-Designate Saunders lauded the retiring President saying that the region benefited from, “Sir Dennis’ boundless enthusiasm and indefatigable zeal, his visioning and careful planning, his bold leadership, his rapid absorption of new ideas and international best practices, and the adoption by him of creative and effective methods of overcoming formidable obstacles”.

Sir Dennis, who is 74 years old and who will be 75 in July, has been president of the CCJ since 2011. Justice Adrian Saunders of the CCJ is taking over from Sir Dennis as President of the court.

His legal and judicial career includes numerous postings in and outside the region.

Before 2011 Sir Dennis was President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

In 1999, Judge Byron was appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, having act-

ed in that position for two years. Sir Dennis Byron has been also President of the Commonwealth Judicial Ed-

ucation Institute in Halifax, Canada since 2000.

That same year, 2000, Sir Dennis was knighted

by Queen Elizabeth and he was later, in 2004 appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Parking meter project

Public inspection/comment ends Friday PUBLIC scrutiny and comment on the new set of by-laws governing the controversial parking meter project will come to an end

this Friday, Town Clerk Royston King disclosed on Wednesday.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has con-

firmed that the new by-laws have not been sent to his ministry just yet, with the Town Clerk explaining that such action cannot yet be

taken until the by-laws are ‘properly processed.’

So far, King said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in receipt of comments made on the bylaws by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), along with another organisation, and that after Friday, all such information will be forwarded to Bulkan as the law requires.

During last Monday’s statutory meeting at City Hall, the City Council took a decision to authorise that the terms and conditions of the ‘second amendment’ which were originally approved by the M&CC last January 17 and executed contractually on February 14, be re-executed to extend the period of their validity.

“The matter was brought up during the meeting of May 14, 2018 since the Second Amendment to the Georgetown Metered Parking Concession Agreement required that complementary By-Laws take effect within a certain period of time as a condition to the validity of the Second Amendment.

This period of time was due to lapse since the M&CC has given extra time for public review of, and comment to, the 2018 Georgetown Metered Parking By-Laws,” M&CC explained in a statement.

“More time was thus also required to be allowed for the pendency of the Second Amendment to the 2018 By-Laws in order to avoid that the Georgetown Metered Parking Concession Agreement reverts to terms and conditions absent in the Second Amendment, which, among other things, would mean higher parking tariffs, higher immobilisation fees, paying for parking spaces rather than parking time, and the negation of other terms and conditions desired to be amended by the M&CC, based on its consultations with the public and its review of the Concession Agreement,” the statement added.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharat Jagdeo on Wednesday said he is against the reimplementation of the

Town Clerk Royston King

parking meter project with Smart City Solutions (SCS), noting that if it is to be reintroduced by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), they should look at a new service provider and a new contract.

“If they want to do it, they should start a new contract with a new service provider but I believe that there are other ways the city could raise money by doing simple things; they should look at introducing the stickers like I had suggested before,” said Jagdeo during a press briefing in his Church Street office on Wednesday.

The opposition leader said the renegotiation of the contract with SCS will not be accepted since the company is involved in several controversies.

Just recently, the GCCI had said that it wanted to review the new set of bylaws so that “troublesome” sections can be dealt with and brought to the attention of authorities. “We have to get our experts to go through these areas that we believe are not good for the city,” GCCI president Deodat Indar, had told a news conference.

Indar had pointed out that during a number of walkabouts in the city the GCCI was shocked to learn that business had declined by some 30 to 70 per cent. “So we want to make sure we do as much as we can to serve our members,” he said.

Marcel Gaskin, a member of the Movement against Parking Meters (APM) had said it seemed the passing of the new set of by-laws was an attempt by the M&CC to correct flawed procedures.

He reiterated that the MAPM

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

is not against installing parking meters in the city, but rather the manner in which it was foisted upon citizens.

Last February, the GCCI joined calls for the revocation of the meter contract, and said it believes that the business community and other stakeholders should maintain their protest efforts until the desired outcome is achieved.

In a statement, the GCCI said it is “irresponsible” for the City Council to continue with the metered system, due to a lack of transparency during the implementation process, a lack of adherence to public procurement procedures and the absence of feasibility studies and citizen consultations.

“The M&CC should remember that one of the most important qualities that citizens seek in elected officials is transparency, and any attempts to bulldoze the populace with opaque contracts will not garner support, especially not from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce,” the GCCI said.

The Chamber said it has received numerous complaints from its membership regarding the metered system and its negative effect on customer traffic and sales, and was concerned that conditions will worsen if the system remains in operation.

The Chamber also said it supports the M&CC’s efforts to engage in public-private partnerships for the purpose of raising revenue for the city, but will not support the flawed and, in some cases, potentially illegal methods that the City Council has employed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Non-resident Guatemalan ambassador accredited

President David Granger receives the Letters of Credence from the new non-resident Ambassador of Guatemala to Guyana, Mario Estuardo Torres at State House on Wednesday

NON-RESIDENT Ambassador of Guatemala to Guyana, Mario Estuardo Torres, has said that his presence will help build on the existing economic relations between the two countries.

He expressed his expectations after presenting his Letters of Credence to President, David Granger at State House on Wednesday. Relations between Guyana

and Guatemala date back to 1992 when ties were first established but, the relationship has grown and according to the ambassador it will continue to grow.

The two countries are both members of Organisation of the States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean States (CLAC) President David Granger on that note said

the relationship between Guyana and Guatemala is founded on respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“We have cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international laws and the maintenance of peace in the region as a member of CLAC… We pledge to work to consolidate the region as a zone of peace in which differences among nations can be

President Granger and Ambassador Torres share a light moment (Adrian Narine photos)

settled through dialogue and negotiation or other peaceful means,” said the Guyanese Head of State.

In light of the similar commitments, he said Guyana remains willing to work with Guatemala to develop mutually beneficial programmes to strengthen cultural and economic ties.

President Granger said the two countries

should also increase collaboration in relation to the security of the Caribbean basin which they both share. President Granger told the ambassador that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a green state with emphasis on the protection of the environment; preservation of biodiversity; promotion of the use of renew-

able energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Since both countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement for Climate Change, President Granger believes that the shared concern for the environment remains a good basis to continue dialogue, particularly with CLAC and the OAS.

Construction of double-lane bridge at Moruca soon PREPARATIONS are underway at the Moruca sub-region in the North West district for the construction of a concrete, double-Lane bridge which will replace the existing iconic infrastructure.

Santa Rosa Toshao , Sherwin Abrams told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the major infrastructure project is expected to commence in June and will be undertaken over a three to four month period. A contract to the tune of $102M was awarded to a firm headed by one R. Ally to undertake the project. The new structure is expected to be built at a longer length than the existing structure, since the ap-

proaches to the current bridge has been prone to flooding in recent years.

Abrams said that this week, a meeting will be held with vendors and shop owners who have erected permanent and temporary structures close to the bridge which links the villages of San Jose and Kumaka within the Santa Rosa village lands at Moruca.

He said that in the 1990s when business persons setup their structures close to the current wooden bridge,, business owners had agreed that if there are any works to be undertaken in the area, they will relocate to facilitate such works.” So they know of this, it is just to discuss the tempo-

rary relocation with them,” he said.

It was noted too that the education department of the Ministry of Education, based

at Moruca, has been apprised of the meeting and the impending move. Abrams said that in the interim, an arrangement will have to be put in place

for schoolchildren to cross the waterway by boat as the project progresses. Residents are excited about the new structure coming into fruition.

The existing wooden bridge will be replaced by a concrete structure.

Meanwhile, Abrams said that Moruca is also awaiting the commencement of the resurfacing of the Bemichi airstrip in the area. He said that tenders for the project will close sometime this month and as soon as a contract is awarded, mobilization by the contractor will commence.

An excited Abrams stated that while the design for the runway is being finalized, the structure will be equipped with reflectors to facilitate nigh landings in the event of an emergency.

The refurbishment of the Moruca Bridge is one of several projects which were catered for in the 2018 National Budget.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

LEN pushing low-income home initiative

THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) is currently constructing a sample low-income house in the Amelia’s Ward New Scheme which will be used as a model primarily for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

The low-income housing initiative aims at convincing CHPA and mortgage-financing institutions that a modern two-bedroom concrete house can be built within the $3M to $3.5M range. CHPA will commence construction of housing units to the minimum tune of $5.1M in Amelia’s Ward.

Chairman of the LEN, Orrin Gordon, said that the reason behind the initiative is to assist the small man who cannot pre-qualify at mortgage-financing institutions and so they are often left without a decent home to live in. The house is currently located in Amelia’s Ward and is still under construction.

“We are trying to stay within that range because small people earning less than $100,000 and so on, they should be able to access that housing solution …” Gordon told the Guyana Chronicle.

The financial institutions in Linden, such as the New Building Society, have also expressed interest into the initiative since low-income earners are often turned away for not meeting the requirement. “They are basically interested in the solution because people coming to them and cannot qualify so if you can’t pre-qualify it means then that you will be under pressure; we don’t want that to happen,” Gordon stated.

Linden has a high unemployment rate and most of those employed are public servants working for salaries between $60,000 and $70,000. With a $5M to $6M loan, the mortgage is often $40,000 to $50,000. This is deemed too much pressure on the public servants, more so those employed in the private sector working for the minimum wage of $44,200 and in some cases less.

In addition to qualifying, LEN is pushing for persons to repay a mortgage they can afford.

While CHPA’s $5.1M and $6.1M houses that are to be built in Amelia’s Ward are all gone, the CHPA bought into LEN’s initiative since more housing units will be built in Linden and around Guyana soon.

Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Yearwood, told this publication that all infrastructures are in place for the commencement of construction in Amelia’s Ward and the process of construction in Wisroc is at the helm of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission with the transfer of lands from the Wisroc Housing Corporation to CHPA.

LOCAL MATERIALS USED

Mr Gordon also revealed that the materials used to construct the low-income house are indigenous to Linden and the blocks made of laterite are being manufactured right in Linden by Linden Bricks Company. The company, which is located in Amelia’s Ward, has been in operation for close to two years and is owned by Mr. Robert Cameron.

He explained to this publication that houses constructed with laterite blocks are cheaper, durable and are built faster. The blocks are manufactured on spot..

Houses are built faster while cutting up to 20% of the cost, since most of the other material is not needed to plaster the blocks. The houses are also cooler since the bricks are very dense, thus heat takes a longer time to penetrate them. They are also said to be sound-proof.

Further, there is also no need to paint the bricks since they already have a natural artistic look to them, which is also a means of economising. “You don’t have to paint it, you can just add a nice clean lacquer to it,” Cameron advised.

One of the model low-income houses made with laterite blocks being constructed in Amelia’s Ward

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

GFC hosts timber expo this weekend GUYANA’s timber products will be showcased this weekend at a Timber Expo being hosted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The public-private venture aims to expand the market for Guyanese timber products through public education, awareness and sensitisation to promote a ‘Greener Guyana’.

now making an effort to target the local market … and we’re hoping that Guyanese can see [what]we can do”, Bulkan said.

Furniture manufacturer--NDS Furniture Establishment--is also participating in the exhibition. Director Sham Mahadeo, no stranger to expos, said this one provides the opportunity to showcase timber species.

GFC Commissioner, James Singh

The GFC hosted a press conference on Wednesday at the National Stadium Tarmac, the venue for the expo.

Some 30 exhibitors from the forestry sector will be participating in the threeday exposition beginning on Friday, May 18-20. “We strongly believe that Guyana has a product to offer. One of the things we want to achieve is to let us here in Guyana… be able to have exposure to what we have in the country”, Manager of the Forest Products Development and Marketing Council for Guyana (FPDMC), Kenny David noted.

Exhibitors will include sawmillers, lumber yard dealers, value-added producers and exporters. Managing Director of Bulkan Timberworks and Superior Shingles, Howard Bulkan, viewed the expo as an opportunity to market the company to Guyanese. “We keep a high profile abroad but a very low profile here. We’re

“We have some good timber here, beautiful furniture. I think some of our timber is shipped all the way to Japan and we don’t use it here. I think the expo is very good and I have to congratulate the commissioner”, Mahadeo noted.

Echoing Mahadeo’s sentiments was exhibitor and CEO of Floor It and Cummings Wood Products, Andre Cummings. “This exhibition is fantastic for the stakeholders, homeowners, architects and the value-added producers because it bridges the gap in proving what Guyana has to offer in terms of quality and for the export market as well,” Cummings said.

Acting Commissioner of the GFC, James Singh, said there will be live demonstrations of log preparation, timber grading, training in GIS and other best practices in timber production. “It’s a very hand-on experience as well,” Singh said.

There will also be sem-

inars on May 18-20 at the exposition on sustainable forestry mining. Facilitators include Conservation International Guyana, World Wild Life Fund, Iwokrama and The Central Housing and Planning Authority. (DPI)

Exhibitors preparing for the Guyana Timber Expo to be hosted at the National Stadium Tarmac, Providence, EBD from May 18-20

24

Caricom condemns use of force by Israel

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has condemned the use of force by the Israel Defence Force for firing on largely unarmed Palestinians protesting along the Gaza-Israel border.

In a statement, CARICOM said it has followed with increasing alarm the mounting toll of fatalities and injured among the demonstrators. On Monday 14 May, some sixty

protesters, mostly young men and boys, were said to have been killed and seventeen hundred wounded during the clashes.

“In the midst of these troubling developments, the Caribbean Community calls for restraint in the use of force and for a halt to this unacceptable escalation of death and violence. “ The Community also re-

iterates its position that the Israel-Palestine conflict can only be resolved by peaceful means and reaffirms its support for a two-state solution with the people of Israel and Palestine living in independent countries within secure and internationally recognised borders in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

Bandits beat, rob business couple

POLICE in “D” Division are investigating an alleged robbery under arms committed on a businessman and his wife at their home located at Recht-door-Zee, West Bank Demerara, early Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred about 02:00hrs and was carried out by three men--two of whom were armed with handguns--police said in a release. During the commission of the crime, the victims who were relieved of cash and other valuables, were assaulted and had to seek medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Divisional commander, Senior Superintendent Rishi Das and a team of officers have since visited the scene and assured the victims that all efforts are being made to have the perpetrators brought to justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

Trial of 8 GBTI directors adjourned

THE trial of eight directors of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), accused of failing to comply with a production order issued by acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, was adjourned until May 23 for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor to reply to preliminary submissions made by the defence.

Those on trial are GBTI directors, Edward A Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, Richard Isava, Carlton James and Basil Mahadeo; its chairman Robin Stoby and acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaleeza Shaw.

The accused being placed before the courts resulted from an ongoing Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation into the US$500M fraud at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The trial is being presided over by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, with evidence being

led by SOCU prosecutor, Patrice Henry.

The GBTI directors are being represented by Ian Chang, S.C., Roger Yearwood, Nigel Hughes, Steven Fraser and Edward Luckhoo.

The final witness–forensic financial analysts Sherronie James– who is attached to SOCU, testified on Wednesday; however, the defence attorneys made written submission to the court objecting to the woman testifying in the matter.

The attorneys contended that the witness’ evidence had nothing to do with the particulars of the charge. However, the matter was adjourned until May 23 for the prosecution to reply.

In a previous hearing, Court Marshal Nelisha Peterkin; Superintendent of Police, Robert Tyndall; Sydney James, Head of SOCU; and Superintendent Brian Vieira testified.

The eight directors are jointly

charged with failing to comply with a production order issued by the acting Chief Justice and served by a marshal of the high court, ordering them to produce certain named documents, within seven days to SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sydney James.

It is alleged that they contravened the order without reasonable cause.

SOCU, as part of its probe into the fraud case, had moved to the court to obtain an order instructing GBTI to produce all the required documents to aid in the investigation.

Under tough anti-money laundering laws, once court orders are granted, financial institutions are reportedly bound to provide information. In this case, the monies are not from private accounts, but rather from the U.S. dollar and other accounts of GRDB–a state entity.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 17, 2018

31

32

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

33

34

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

GCB is illegal, ...

“Yes, the minister appointed the Ombudsman, and should not appoint another Ombudsman, but that Ombudsman did not do his duties, and one of the arguments the GCB used against Minister Anthony (Frank) at that time was that no meaningful consultations were done with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) now Cricket West Indies (CWI), so when I took over, I found out that the Ombudsman did not perform his duties,” Minister Norton informed.

The minister went on to explain, “I reason that, it’s in my remit to appoint an Ombudsman that will do that first meeting, so I wrote to CWI (Mr Dave Cameron), telling him of my intentions because we want meaningful consultations.

“I did this to establish a paper trail. They did acknowledge the letters, and then they (Cricket West Indies), subsequently wrote and said, according to the so-

called GCB the minister had already appointed a Cricket Ombudsman, and as such the GCB will appoint an Ombudsman at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Guyana Cricket Board.

In fact Mr Sanasie did write me on the same day they had the Extraordinary Meeting, so they did inform me but at that point in time, that was water under the bridge,” the minister pointed out.

Two Thursdays ago, the GCB held an Extraordinary Meeting and appointed its own Cricket Ombudsman, Attorney-at-Law Stephen Lewis, but Minister Norton is of the view that the Extraordinary Meeting was called by a cricket board that was not established because of a proper appointed Ombudsman.

However, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), quickly filed two actions in court; challenging the legality of

Lewis’ appointment, seeking to prevent him from functioning in the capacity of Cricket Ombudsman.

Subsequently on Tuesday, the courts granted the BCB request against Lewis, preventing him from carrying out the functions of the Cricket Ombudsman.

This new development has again put the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana into further dismay, since many observers have maintained that GCB has not had a proper constituted or what many have labelled “free and fair” elections for the past ten years.

Meanwhile, Dr Norton maintained that the current administration remains firm to bring a swift resolution to the current situation.

He noted that communication with all the stakeholders can be seen as a significant step towards the appointment of the Ombudsman.

Vaal 08:25 hrs Big Myth 09:00 hrs Ossetra 09:35 hrs Sweet Pleasures 10:10 hrs Tandava 10:45 hrs Dragoon American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Stop Thinking Race 2 Strike Play Race 3 Hoffen Helm Race 4 High Moon Race 5 Morning Buzz Race 6 Baseline Race 7 Pas De Deuce Race 8 Avery Maeve Race 9 Freeload English Racing Tips Perth 09:00 hrs Subcontinent 10:05 hrs Hello Fellas 19:40 hrs Maid Of Milan 11:15 Ivan hrs Morning With 11:45 hrs Make It Happen 12:15 hrs Cooper’s Friend

FROM BACK PAGE

CWI believes historic Oval ideal for ...

Caribbean which was also played there,” CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, said.

“We know Barbadians are renowned for their love of the game and we hope that they will come out in their numbers and pack the stands, but we also urge Windies fans from around the region and, indeed, the world to come and make this a truly special occasion.”

Sri Lanka arrive in the Caribbean at month end for a three-Test series which will mark their fourth bilateral tour of the region.

They open at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad June 6-10 before travelling to St Lucia for the second Test from June 14 to 18.

Kensington Oval will then host the final Test from June 23 to 27, and Grave believes it will help offer a new experience to patrons.

“We have successfully

South Africa Racing Tips

staged day/night, first-class matches over the last few seasons in the Regional Four-Day tournament and we are thrilled to now be hosting the first day/night Test ever in the Caribbean, as a way to offer our fans a different experience and a chance to be part of the game,” the Englishman said.

Sri Lanka have toured the region three times and played six Tests but the match represents the first time they will play a Test at the iconic stadium.

The Asian side have won one, lost three and drawn two of their six Tests in the Caribbean.

West Indies have already played two day/ night Tests, the first against Pakistan in Dubai two years ago and the second against England at Edgbaston last August.

12:50 hrs Traditional Dancer York 09:20 hrs Edward Lewis 09:55 hrs Chain Of Daisies 10:30 hrs Wells Farhh Go 11:05 hrs Cape Byron 11:35 hrs Hey Jonesy 12:05 hrs True Belief 12:35 hrs Choclate Box Newmarket 12:10 hrs Point Hope 12:45 hrs Usain Bolt 13:20 hrs Ziarah 13:55 hrs Sporting Times 14:30 hrs Stylehunter 15:05 hrs Sportswriter 15:35 hrs Ostilio Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 12:20 hrs Blondes No More 12:55 hrs Visiomaan 13:30 hrs Drakaina 14:05 hrs Last Minute Man 14:40 hrs Stacks Mountain 15:15 hrs Cottonvale 15:45 hrs Condarcia

35

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

28 Days to go

England World Cup squad reflects Gareth Southgate’s principles SOUTHGATE had displayed his ruthless streak as England manager long before the confirmation of his 23-man World Cup squad and those left out yesterday were the latest examples of his determination not to be swayed by reputation.

Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere and Ryan Bertrand joined Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge and Chris Smalling on the list of players to be discarded

a second or third shot at redemption for those who failed before.

Whether England can win the World Cup remains to be seen and, with a potential quarterfinal vs either Brazil or Germany, a place in the last eight may well be the limit of Southgate’s ambitions. But at least this squad will go into the tournament without too many scars of the past, burdened by memories of abject failure and

signed to prepare for Qatar 2022, because football doesn’t work like that. Too many players come and go between World Cups - Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley, for example - so this is all about the here and now. Southgate believes the players selected are the best options; if they are also still around in four years’ time, so much the better.

It is difficult to question any of his selections. The omissions are the right call England manager Gareth Southgate

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is heading to Russia.

during his 18-month reign in charge. Billed as a safe pair of hands when appointed as Sam Allardyce’s successor in 2016, following the controversial departure of his predecessor after just one game in charge, Southgate was portrayed as football’s Mr Nice Guy. But, since taking on full-time a role over which he was initially hesitant, he has been bold virtually every step of the way with his decisions and selection and his squad for Russia, which has an average age of 26 years and 18 days, is all about potential and possibility, rather than

an inability to cope with pressure.

There are no survivors from those taken by Fabio Capello to South Africa in 2010 and only five of Roy Hodgson’s Brazil 2014 party - Gary Cahill, Jordan Henderson, Phil Jones, Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck - have made the plane.

Southgate has simply cleared out the old guard; he started with Rooney and Walcott during qualifying and completed the job by leaving Hart, Wilshere and Bertrand at home.

However, don’t fall for the suggestion that this is all part of a masterplan de-

and while the younger picks Trent Alexander-Arnold is uncapped and just 19 - may lack the experience of those they have replaced - Southgate is not exactly blessed with a variety of alternative options.

In goal, the big call was overlooking Hart, who has 75 caps but was farmed out on loan by Manchester City for the past two seasons. With Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland obvious choices, Southgate has taken a chance on Burnley’s Nick Pope on the grounds of form, which should, in reality, always be the first criterion.

Defensively, there are good options rather than great ones. John Stones has had a difficult season at Manchester City, but Southgate is a confirmed admirer and the 23-year-old is seen as crucial to plans to play three at the back.

The absence of a top-level playmaker in midfield is a problem that Southgate has had to grapple with since taking charge, so his options in that area lack the creative flair of the leading nations in Russia.

Wilshere may once have had the potential to tick that box, but the Arsenal midfielder now lacks the requisite fitness and finesse. Physically, he also struggles to compete against the most accom-

plished teams and players.

The decision to place Adam Lallana on standby is a surprise, considering Southgate’s admiration of the Liverpool player, but it is also a pointer to the manager’s determination to have a squad without pre-existing fitness concerns.

Lallana’s injury-ravaged season has cost him, with England also denied the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following the knee injury he sustained last month.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is Southgate’s biggest gamble but the Chelsea midfielder, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace, was outstanding against Germany and Brazil last November and so has earned the chance

to impress in Russia.

Up front, Southgate possesses a world-class striker in Harry Kane, while Jamie Vardy once again proved his credentials for Leicester with 20 league goals this season. And with Sterling and Jesse Lingard offering a goal threat from midfield, the concerns over Marcus Rashford’s form and Danny Welbeck’s ability to avoid injury are not quite as worrying.

Indeed, another noteworthy aspect of the squad concerns the versatility offered by many players. For example, Alexander-Arnold, Ashley Young, Fabian Delph and Eric Dier can play in defence and midfield, while the attacking midfielders included also offer certain fluidity.

There can be no escaping the fact that this squad is largely unproven at international level, with the shadow of Euro 2016 and the defeat against Iceland still hanging over the team at a major tournament.

But Southgate’s selection has brought a freshness and sense of realism to the England set-up; the big question is how long that will last before misplaced optimism takes over.

Wayne Rooney has not made the cut in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.

36

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

Boston Celtics charge to 2-0 lead over Cavs BOSTON, Mass. - Jaylen Brown totalled 23 points and seven rebounds to help the Boston Celtics take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals with a 107-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.

Terry Rozier scored 18 points, Al Horford added 15 points and 10 boards, Marcus Morris had 12 points and both Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart contributed 11 for the Celtics, who were 108-83 winners Sunday in Game 1.

LeBron James recorded 42 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, marking his NBA-record 17th career playoff game with 30 points and 10 assists.

Kevin Love added 22 points and 15 rebounds, but Kyle Korver (11 points) was the only other Cleveland player to score in double figures.

James, who managed just 15 points in the Game 1 loss, has won five consecutive East playoff series after los-

ing the series opener.

Boston, who improved to 9-0 at home this postseason, have never lost a best-ofseven playoff series when leading 2-0.

“We just play hard,” Horford said. “We go out there, we compete. It’s Celtics basketball. We’re really embracing Celtics basketball. We’re playing hard.

“We’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s it.”

Game 3 is Saturday night in Cleveland.

“We have an opportunity to go back home, protect home court,” James said.

“We’re going to use these days to really dive in on what needs to be done to help our ball-club be successful.

“They did what they had to do, and that was to protect home, and now it’s our time to try to do that as well.”

Smart’s 3-pointer with 4:34 left in the third quarter gave the Celtics a 72-71 lead after they had trailed by 11. It was their first lead since they

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL

Cummings Lodge humble Bladen Hall

Andrew Samaroo (left) and Daveanand Khemraj

CUMMINGS Lodge Secondary School whipped Bladen Hall Secondary School by 107 runs when the Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) continued in the East Coast Demerara Zone.

At the Enterprise ground on the East Coast of Demerara, in a shortened match due to rain, Cummings Lodge won the toss and elected to take first strike and compiled 160-4 in 20 overs.

Andrew Samaroo slammed 66, while Daveanand Khemraj made a pol-

ished 53. Bowling for Bladen Hall, Shawn Cudjoe, Roberto Thomas and Travis McPherson took a wicket each.

In reply, Bladen Hall Secondary were bowled out for just 53 in 13 overs.

Roberto Thomas was the only Bladen Hall batsman to reach double figures, with 13. Bowling for Cummings Lodge Secondary, Andre Geer grabbed 3 wickets, while Andrew Samaroo and Daniel Gulab took two wickets each.

Action in the Zone continues tomorrow with Annandale Secondary opposing Institute of Business Education (IBE), at the Enterprise ground, commencing at 10:00hrs.

were up 3-2 only 49 seconds in. Boston were on top 84-77 entering the fourth quarter.

Greg Monroe’s cutting layup with 11:14 remaining put Boston up by 11. Neither team scored again until James’ reverse layup with 9:08 on the clock.

Tensions boiled over when Cleveland’s JR Smith shoved Horford on a drive to the basket. Smart and Smith exchanged shoves and had to be separated, with each player being whistled for a technical foul.

Horford’s jump shot with 2:54 remaining pushed the Celtics’ advantage to 103-89.

After a James layup, Rozier tossed in a layup to make it a 14-point game. Cleveland waved the white flag and emptied their bench after that.

The Cavaliers led 55-48 at halftime.

James briefly exited with 3:48 remaining in the second quarter after being hit in the face by an inadvertent

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, right, shoots against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown during the first half in Game 2 of the NBA basketball .Eastern Conference finals..

shoulder from Tatum under the basket, but he returned with 1:57 to play in the half.

James was diagnosed with a strained neck.

James and Brown combined for 35 of the game’s

first 50 points as the Cavaliers jumped out to a 27-23 lead after one quarter.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens said of the team’s approach to defending James, “I think the biggest thing is

we’re just trying to make it as hard as possible. We’ve got a lot of different guys guarding him.

“Jaylen started the game on him, Morris is guarding him a ton. I thought Semi (Ojeleye) did a good job on the couple of possessions he guarded him, which is really hard to just come off the bench not in the flow of the game and put a body in front of him, but he’s unbelievable.”

Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said, “We’ll be better going back home. We know that. They played well in that second half, and we’ve got to be ready to go on Saturday.”

Before the game, the Cavs landed this year’s eighth overall pick as the NBA held its draft lottery.

Cleveland acquired the selection, which originally belonged to the Brooklyn Nets, in the trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston last offseason.

Alexander-Arnold named in youthful England World Cup squad LONDON, England (Reuters) - Liverpool’s 19-year-old right back Trent Alexander-Arnold received a surprise call-up for England, as manager Gareth Southgate put his faith in youth with his final 23-man squad for next month’s World Cup. Chelsea’s out-on-loan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 22, was also given a seat on the plane to Russia after impressing for Crystal Palace this season.

Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill, whose place had been in doubt because of poor form, also makes the trip east.

However, experienced goalkeeper Joe Hart and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere were both omitted from a squad announced yesterday via a social media video, featuring young recreational players from around the country shouting out the names.

Southgate broke with convention by declining to name a provisional 30-man squad, opting instead to select his preferred 23 well before FIFA’s June 4 deadline.

“I believe this is a squad we can be excited about,” Southgate, who put five players on standby, said. “It’s a young group but with some really important senior players.

“The balance of the squad is good, both in terms of experience, character and the positional balance. We have a lot

of energy and athleticism in the team but also players equally comfortable in possession.

“I think people can see the style of play we are looking to develop.”

Former national Under-21s manager Southgate has championed young players since taking over in the wake of Sam Allardyce’s dismissal and has named one of the most callow England squads ever to travel to a major tournament.

The uncapped Alexander-Arnold is the youngest squad member after an amazing breakthrough season with Liverpool, which will culminate in next week’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.

“It’s not just because he’s young, it’s because his performances merit it,” Southgate said.

Apart from Cahill, there were a few other players breathing a sigh of relief. Among them is Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck, who missed a chunk of the season through injury but was named alongside Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford in the striking department.

Left back Danny Rose was also selected despite playing only 10 Premier League games for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

NUMBER ONE VACANCY With Hart’s international days now apparently over after being his country’s senior keep-

Liverpool’s 19-year-old right back Trent Alexander-Arnold

er for the past three tournaments, Everton’s Jordan Pickford is expected to start in goal in England’s opening match against Tunisia on June 18.

He will be joined by Jack Butland, whose domestic season ended in Premier League relegation with Stoke City, and Burnley’s Nick Pope.

“I was faced with the decision do I keep Joe in and have experience around the group or give the three who have had better seasons a chance,” Southgate said.

With four out-and-out strikers and Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard all named as midfielders, the squad appears to have plentiful goal-scoring options.

In Brazil four years ago England managed two goals in three group games and crashed out before the knockout phase.

There was no place for Liverpool’s Adam Lallana, though he is one of the players on standby, along with keep-

er Tom Heaton and defender James Tarkowski from Burnley, Bournemouth’s 21-year-old midfielder Lewis Cook and West Bromwich Albion’s Jake Livermore.

England will play friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica on June 2 and June 7 before leaving for Russia on June 12.

After starting against Tunisia, England will also face outsiders Panama and a dangerous Belgium side.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley).

Defenders: John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Phil Jones (Manchester Utd), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Manchester Utd), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Jesse Lingard (Manchester Utd), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

37

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

Bill Lawry confirms commentary exit CRICKET icon Bill Lawry has confirmed his commentary career has officially come to an end after four decades behind the microphone.

After Channel Nine lost the Australian television rights to broadcast cricket for the first time since the late 1970s, Lawry was approached by new rights holders Seven Network and Foxtel to join their commentaries teams.

But having been with Nine for more than 40 years, Lawry said he couldn’t leave his “home” and decided now was the right time to walk away.

“I’ve had 40 great years at Channel Nine,” Lawry said on SEN’s Whateley programme. “I’ve been very, very lucky and I think the time is just right.

“It’s just been such

a wonderful journey and I don’t want to spoil the great journey.

“I’ve seen the best cricketers of the last 40 years, I’ve been through the Packer years, I’ve commentated with guys like Ian Healy and Mark Taylor and all the new boys.

“It’s just been a wonderful journey I never really expected.

“I had a phone call or two (from Seven and Foxtel), which is fair enough.

“I said no because Channel Nine has been my home and I’ve been very happy there.

“When you’ve had such an enjoyable trip, and at 81 years of age, I think it’s time to call quits. It’s almost a dream come true.”

Lawry recalled with fondness his first meeting with Kerry Packer, the former head of Nine who revolution-

Bill Lawry looks on during the Boxing Day Test. ( Cricket Australia/Getty Images

ised cricket coverage through World Series Cricket.

“The time Packer called us together in 1975-76, I remember (former Australia batsman) Keith Stackpole and I went to the first meeting or two and said this will only last a couple of years, let’s enjoy ourselves,” he said. “We

were way off the mark there!

“It was a nervous time.

When Keith Stackpole and I fronted up to the first game, in the commentary box were Richie Benuad and Freddie Trueman, the great England and Yorkshire fast bowler.

“We sat at the back of the box and listened to Richie

who had been 11 or 12 years with the ABC, so he was an experienced campaigner and Freddie Trueman was a great story-teller.

“I looked at ‘Stacky’ and said, ‘We can’t do this’. But we did and we enjoyed every minute of it.

“We had the best seat in the house to watch the best cricketers.

“The success of World Series Cricket was purely due to the quality of the cricketers; the World XI, the great West Indian team and Ian Chappell mustering an Australian team, and of course the good coverage.

“Keith and I go out regularly and can’t believe we were part of such wonderful times.”

While his time behind the microphone for Wide World of Sports has come to an end, Lawry cheekily indicated he

might not be completely lost to the Australian public.

“I’ll certainly stay connected to Channel Nine,” Lawry said. “That will be my home forever; I’m not going to leave Channel Nine.

“I’ll probably pop up and give the pigeon results once or twice.”

Both Foxtel and Seven have wasted little time assembling their commentary lineups.

Foxtel have recruited Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Mel Jones, Isa Guha, Mike Hussey and Michael Vaughan to join stalwarts Brendon Julian and Allan Border, with legendary spinner Shane Warne reportedly set to sign on with the pay TV provider. (Cricket.comau) Meanwhile, Seven have secured the services of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

CWI president offers TT matches from England, India tours

TRINIDAD and Tobago have been offered the chance to bid for matches in the Windies upcoming home series against England and India next year.

England are scheduled to tour the Caribbean in February/March 2019 for a series of three Test matches, five ODIs and three T20s. And, following the World Cup in England, India will embark on a tour that is to include three Tests, three ODIs and three T20s.

According to a report in the Trinidad Guardian, CWI president Dave Cameron made the offer to newly-minted Minister of Sports Shamfa Cudjoe.

“We have two very good tours next year with England and India visiting, so I have been going around the region to meet with

the governments to show them the value of these games in terms of boosting their sports tourism sector,” Cameron said.

“I met with the minister, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Tourism, Vidia Ramkhelwan and Adrian Winter, as well as Jeffrey Guillen, who was representing SPORTT. I must say that we had a very productive meeting as I was able to show the benefits of staging matches here in Trinidad and the boost it could have on tourism.”

The CWI president said he has met with governments across the region about the opportunities that exist in hosting matches and what they need to deliver in terms of their bids. “We have met with Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica and

CWI President Dave Cameron

we have already gotten some positive responses in terms of hosting the matches. We are happy that the governments are showing this great interest,” Cameron said.

TT had failed to bid for any of the matches in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup much to public consternation. However, Cameron said the meeting with the TT sports minister was a positive one. ”We had a very good meeting and the minister understands what’s needed. She has asked that we send her all the relevant details and we have done so. We also received an email from the ministry stating that they had received our package. I guess they will now meet to discuss the value in coming on board and will contact CWI after.”

Europe angered by FIFA’s new football tournament plans

By Brian Homewood LYON (Reuters) - Europe’s top leagues, players and clubs lined up on Wednesday against FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plans for two new global competitions saying his approach was rushed and lacking in detail.

UEFA’s Professional Football Strategy Council (PSFC) said it had “serious reservations” about the

whole process and criticised the speed and lack of consultation from the sport’s global governing body.

FIFA has proposed creating a 24-team Club World Cup tournament, to be staged every four years, as well as a Global Nations League which would culminate in an eight-team tournament — effectively a mini-World Cup — every two years.

According to a FIFA

report seen by Reuters, the two tournaments, backed by a consortium of private investors, are expected to generate at least $25 billion (18.5 billion pounds) over a 12-year cycle.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been trying to push through the proposals in the already hectic period leading up to this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Following a meeting in Lyon, the PFSC said its

members had not been properly consulted and added in a statement that it “unanimously expressed serious reservations about the process surrounding the FIFA Club World Cup and Global Nations League proposals.”

It criticised “the hasty timing and lack of concrete information and underlined the need for a clearly defined procedure, which respects existing structures and decision-making bodies

and which involves all key stakeholders.”

“Such proposals must be considered as part of a global reflection on the overall international match calendar and cannot be decided upon in isolation,” the statement added.

The PFSC comment suggested an increasing split between FIFA and European football body UEFA. Lars-Christer Olsson, the chief executive of the

European Leagues group which represents more than 30 domestic leagues, said he could not judge the merits the proposed tournaments themselves because he did not know enough about them. “We need to have more information to decide where we stand ourselves,” he said.

“We don’t know what we need to know to have an agreement.”

38

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

Brilliant Bumrah , Pollard 50 keep Mumbai’s IPL defence alive JASPRIT Bumrah was the hero as Mumbai Indians kept their Indian Premier League (IPL) hopes alive with a dramatic three-run win over Kings XI Punjab, for whom another brilliant KL Rahul innings proved in vain.

Needing a win in their penultimate group game to retain a chance of making the top four, Mumbai were indebted to the brilliance of Bumrah as they just about defended a total of 186-8.

The India seamer returned 3-15 from four brilliant overs and crucially dismissed international team-mate Rahul in the penultimate over of the chase, after the Kings XI batsman compiled a superb 94.

Rahul and Aaron Finch (46) looked to have laid the foundations for a Kings XI win with four overs remaining, but Bumrah removed both set batsmen and Marcus Stoinis while also keeping runs to a minimum

took 4-16 from four overs, his third four-wicket haul in four matches.

In Rahul and Tye, the Kings XI boast the competition’s leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively, but they are nevertheless staring at a likely groupstage exit.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and

Chennai Super Kings are already assured of qualification, but the battle to join them remains tough to call.

Kolkata Knight Riders have 14 points with one game left to play, while Mumbai and the Kings XI are two of three teams - along with Rajasthan Royals - two points further back.

The penultimate over by Jasprit Bumrah was the turning point as Mumbai went on to win with three balls remaining ©BCCI in a wonderful display of death bowling.

Earlier, Kieron Pollard justified his recall to Mumbai’s XI with 50 from 23 balls, while the hosts also received useful contributions from Suryakumar Yadav

(27 off 15), Ishan Kishan (20 off 12) and Krunal Pandya (32 off 23) in a stop-start innings.

Like Rahul, Andrew Tye could feel hard done by after ending up on the losing side.

The canny Australia bowler

Kieron Pollard went on a rampage and hit a six over long-off to get to his half-century... ©BCCI

Crucially, Mumbai’s net run rate is far superior.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are not out of it either. They are on 10 points with two games to play and could yet sneak through with wins in their last two matches.

Mumbai’s innings was a curious one - featuring two stints of rapid scoring and two periods where runs proved much harder to come by.

Fifty-seven runs came from the first five overs, but the hosts only mustered another 22 in the next five as Tye excelled in claiming 3-5 from 12 balls.

After a delay brought about by floodlight failure, Pollard and Pandya reignited the innings with a flurry of boundaries, lifting Mumbai to 151-5 from 15 overs.

The pace slowed again following Pollard’s exit, but a total of 186 proved just enough for Mumbai. (Omnisport)

Sri Lanka trio to have workload managed on Windies tour

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Former captain Angelo Mathews and veteran spinner Rangana Herath will be placed under strict workload management for the three-Test series against

West Indies starting in the Caribbean next month.

Cricket Sri Lanka said this week that Mathews will play as a specialist batsman instead of a fast-bowling all-rounder, and could miss the third Test

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 10, 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) 3 (Chris Gayle 2011; Sunil Narine 2012; Andre Russell 2015) (2) 4 (Shane Watson 2008 & 2013; Adam Gilchrist 2009; Glen Maxwell 2014; Ben Cutting 2016) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many games were scheduled in the inaugural IPL? (2) How many games were scheduled in 2017?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Rangana Herath has taken 415 wickets from 89 Tests.

depending on his form in the opening two matches while Herath, a left-arm spinner, will only play the first two Tests.

Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will also have his workload closely monitored

during the June 6-27 series.

The move by Cricket Sri Lanka is an attempt to keep both players fresh for next year’s ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

“Depending on the

intensity of the games he (Mathews) plays, we will decide whether or not we want to play him in the third Test,” said chief selector Graeme LaBrooy.

“If Mathews doesn’t score runs and gets out without spending sufficient time in the middle, we will play him in the third Test.

“But if he gets two big hundreds and spends a lot of time in the middle, we will keep him out of the third Test.

It is the same with Lakmal.”

The 30-year-old Mathews, who averages 44 from 72 Tests with nearly 5 000 runs, is coming off a long injury layoff.

Herath, meanwhile, has been Sri Lanka’s leading spinner since the retirement

of the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan eight years ago and at 40, his age remains a concern of selectors.

“Rangana will only play two matches in the series,” LaBrooy said.

“At 40, there’s only so much his body can handle and we need to manage his workload if we want to prolong his career.”

Herath has taken 415 wickets from 89 Tests.

Sri Lanka will open their tour with a three-day warm-up match in Trinidad and Tobago before playing Tests at Queen’s Park Oval, the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia and a day/night affair at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Banks DIH 7th Annual Powerade 11-race programme set for Saturday COMPETITIVE cycling is set to return to the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday (May 19) with the Banks DIH-sponsored Powerade 11-race cycling programme organised

by National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

The event is being sponsored for the seventh consecutive year by the beverage giant through its Powerade sports drink brand and is set to pedal off at 09:00hrs.

The programme is set to showcase

some of the best young talent and possibly the next generation of Guyanese cycling.

Young boys and girls will compete in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, Open and BMX Boys and Girls.

The more experienced riders and cream of the crop of Guyana’s cyclists will then take centre stage in the Juniors/ Juveniles, Veterans Under-50 and Over50 and Mountain Bikes.

Meanwhile, following the United We Stand CC 3-Stage meet, the feature

35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational race should attract some of the big names such as Jamual John (Coco’s), Paul De Nobrega (Evolution), Curtis Dey (Trojan PSL), Alonzo Ambrose (Team Alanis) and many others.

John is in red-hot form, having copped the overall title for the United We Stand CC 3-Stage race. However, De Nobrega and Dey will be looking to go one better this time around, as the race for the number one cycling spot in Guyana heats up.

39

CHRONICLE, Thursday May 17, 2018

GFF names 26-member provisional squad for CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers A 26-MEMBER provisional squad, consisting of nine Guyana-based and 16 overseas-based players, was unveiled by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday.

The international-based players are scheduled to arrive in Guyana tomorrow (May 18) and they will have their first training session in the evening.

The release of the squad followed the announcement that the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers Tournament, scheduled for May 23-27 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, is included in the calendar of events of the Guyana Independence Carnival.

This was revealed at a press conference held at the GFF Secretariat by GFF president Wayne Forde, who shared the head table along with Ian Greenwood, GFF Technical Director and Kerwin Bollers, Director – Guy-

ana Carnival.

Greenwood said 26 players are part of the provisional squad facing tough opposition: “We’ve got Bermuda in the first game which we feel will be our toughest opposition.

“They’ve got some strong players they’ll be bringing in from the UK as well. We played Suriname recently and we feel we missed a few golden opportunities to put that game to bed so we know a lot about Suriname. We are very confident going into that game.

Our final game is against Barbados. They will be fairly strong with an influx of some players from the USA as well.”

“The squad is being developed through the new coaching staff,” Greenwood continued. “The players based in Guyana are coming through the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres (ATCs), which is something

Local-based player Tiandi Smith (right) has been named in the 26-member provisional squad to play the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers at home.

we have never had before, that is, having this number of Guyana-based players in the squad.

“We also have to stress that these players are in on merit as opposed to being tokens and coming along for the ride. We have players now that can start international fixtures. We’ve proved that a few weeks ago in Trin-

idad, so we’re confident in what we’re trying to put together.

“We’re very confident that the players will represent Guyana extremely well and it’s a great mix of players, playing professionally, in college and also in Guyana as well.”

The tournament will feature double-headers on

`Coolie Bully’ Dharry to be tested

by Mojica on tomorrow night … seeking world title shot before year-end GUYANA’S bantamweight professional boxer Elton Felix `Coolie Bully’ Dharry will take on Oscar Mojica in a ten-round bantamweight contest tomorrow in Queen’s New York as he sets his eyes on a world title fight.

According to reports emanating from New York, USA, the Guyanese promotional team, Havoc Boxing, are 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 (CASH) here in Guyana.

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

The Guyanese (Dharry) who is also the International Boxing Federation’s Inter-Continental bantamweight title-holder and the World Boxing Council’s Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) bantamweight champion will be using tomorrow night’s fight as a stepping stone for securing a world title shot.

Dharry, born on December 26, 1985 at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, made his professional debut 19 years later and secured a unanimous points-decision win in a four-round contest against Mark Fernandes at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

He then migrated to the United States of America (US) and on December 8, 2006, knocked out

After a four-month hiatus from the `square jungle’, Dharry, Guyana’s national bantamweight champion, faces Texas’ Oscar Majica, in a 10-rounder.

Stanley Childers in round one at the Florentine Gardens, El Monte and on July 6, 2007, Dharry was held to a draw by Manuel Surabia in a fourround contest at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The Guyanese then suffered four consecutive losses. The first was against Jose Alboquerque in a six-rounder on August 24, 2007.

Then on November 2, the same year, he lost to Cesar Grajeda in another six-rounder.

Twenty-three days later, Dharry took on Leo Santa Cruz in a fourround contest and lost by a unanimous points-decision and this was followed by another similar decision when he fought Sergio Herrera in a four-round contest on May 29, 2008 at the Swiss Park, Chula Vista.

Five months later, another Guyanese fighter, Wilmut Hutson, made his debut and agreed to fight `The Coolie Bully’ in a four-rounder but was stopped in the third round. This fight was contested at the CASH. From then, Dharry has been on a winning streak, winning 19 consecutive fights which included five knockouts, six technical knockouts, six unanimous points-decisions, two split decisions and two that saw his opponents retire within the distance.

In the process of winning the 19 consecutive fights, Dharry won the CABOFE bantamweight title through a seventh-round victory against his Guyanese counterpart Dexter Marks on May 28, 2011 at the CASH. On April 20, 2013, Dharry had the referee stop his contest against another Guyanese fighter, Orlando Rogers, in the fourth of the 12-round title fight at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara then on December 6, 2014, he secured a unanimous decision win against Jose Rios to win the International Boxing Federation’s Inter-Continental bantamweight title.

Dharry’s latest victory was recorded on January 20, 2018 when he secured a unanimous points-decision victory against Jesus Vargas.

So come tomorrow night, Mojica will have his work cut out.

Stats on Mojicas’s career will be published in tomorrow’s edition of Chronicle Sport.

match days at 17:00hrs and 19:30hrs respectively. The complete schedule follows: May 23 - Barbados vs Suriname (17:00hrs), Guyana vs Bermuda (19:30hrs) May 25 - Bermuda vs Barbados (17:00hrs), Suriname vs Guyana (19:30hrs) May 27 - Suriname vs Bermuda (17:00hrs), Barbados vs Guyana (19:30hrs) The 26-member squad is as follows: Taylor White (Oshawa Kicks Canada), Natalie Nedd (Fruta Conquerors FC Guyana), Aneesa O’Brien (FC Durham Academy Canada), Sasha James (Fruta Conquerors FC Guyana), Odessa Romeo (GDF FC Guyana), Nikkita Persaud (Pickering SC Canada), Sydney Cummings (Brown University USA), Brianne DeSouza (Carleton University Canada), Alicia Zaban (Ontario Regional Canada), Allison Heydorn (Central Mich-

igan FC USA), Collette Hope (Fruta Conquerors FC Guyana), Brittany Persaud (Westside Timbers USA), Mariam El-Masri (Warriors FC Singapore), Tiandi Smith (Foxy Ladies Guyana), Jade Vyfhuis (Markham SC Canada), Ghilene Joseph (Arcardi University USA), Lakeisha Pearson (Fruta Conquerors FC Guyana), Horicia Adams (Foxy Ladies Guyana), Brianne Desa (FC Durham Academy Canada), Hannah Baptiste (AFC Wimbledon England), Calaigh Copland (Woodbridge Strikers Canada), Ashlee Savona (Alumni FC Canada), Annalisa Vincent (Silver Sands Guyana), Cameo Hazelwood (University of Pennsylvania USA), Jalade Trim (Kwakwani Strikers Guyana), Otesha Charles (West Ham Ladies England).

Michigan State to pay $500M to Nassar sex abuse victims (REUTERS) - Hundreds of women sexually abused by disgraced gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar have tentatively agreed to a $500 million (£370.4M) settlement with Michigan State University, Nassar’s former employer, attorneys for both sides said yesterday.

The deal calls for the school to pay $425M to the 332 victims represented in current litigation, with another $75M set aside in a trust fund that could go to future plaintiffs who allege they were abused by Nassar, the attorneys said in a joint statement.

The sexual abuse settlement appears to be one of the largest of its kind, reflecting the sheer number of victims, including well-known athletes such as 2012 Olympic gold medallist McKayla Maroney. Many of them gave emotional testimony during Nassar’s sentencing hearings.

Nassar, who had worked as a doctor for the USA Gymnastics Federation and also served at an on-campus clinic at Michigan State, earlier this year received a prison sentence of up to 175 years after pleading guilty last year to criminal sexual conduct.

Many victims testified that Nassar, 54, sexually abused them under the guise of medical treatment while on his examination table, sometimes hiding it from view of parents waiting nearby.

The revelations of the long-running abuses sparked investigations into possible abuse at U.S. athletic federations and schools by Congress and the U.S. Department of Educa-

tion, and led to the resignation of the entire USA Gymnastics board. The head of the U.S. Olympic Committee also resigned, citing medical reasons.

“This historic settlement came about through the bravery of more than 300 women and girls who had the courage to stand up and refuse to be silenced,” plaintiffs’ attorney John Manly said.

Brian Breslin, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, released a statement welcoming the end of the litigation and apologising to Nassar’s victims and their families.

The attorneys stressed that the settlement, which was agreed to by the university’s board of trustees late on Tuesday, was still not final.

It applies only to plaintiffs who have sued the university, and not those who have filed claims against the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics, gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi or anyone else, the attorneys said.

The dollar amount is on a similar scale to settlements paid by some U.S. Roman Catholic dioceses as a result of its clergy sex abuse scandal. The Los Angeles archdiocese in 2007 paid $660 million to 508 victims.

Michigan State is a publicly funded school with an annual budget of about $1.3 billion. Interim president John Engler last month told state lawmakers that settlements should not lead to an increase in tuition fees, the university newspaper State News reported.

GCB is illegal, says Minister Norton … Appointment of new Cricket Ombudsman still in process

By Rajiv Bisnauth POLITICS over the years has played a negative role in Guyana’s cricket. The personal rivalries and nepotism, to name a few factors, have marred the game in the past, and with the country’s Sport Minister Dr George Norton, confirming that the present Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is illegal, the end of the cricket saga could definitely bring some fresh air.

Dr Norton is of the opinion that the life of the present members of the GCB has long expired, based on the Cricket Administration Act 2014, and as such, the appointment of the Cricket Ombudsman will pave the way for a properly constitut-

ed board, truly representative of the real stakeholders of Guyana’s cricket.

This has been the first time that the new administration has strongly spoken out against the so-called GCB, which has sharply divided the administration of cricket in the country.

“As far as the Cricket Administration Act 2014 is concerned, we don’t have a Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), because that first election never took place, and that first election was to create a Guyana Cricket Board, so this Guyana Cricket Board (the Anand Sanasiecricket board) is illegal, because they were appointed for a certain time, and that time has

passed by years, so this Ombudsman is to create that cricket board after, of course, verifying the legitimacy of the clubs in the various counties,” Dr Norton reckoned.

Minister Norton’s comments came after Chronicle Sport sought some clarity on the way forward regarding the legitimacy of the appointment of the Cricket Ombudsman.

During the exclusive interview, the Minister reaffirmed his stance concerning the appointment of a Cricket Ombudsman saying that such appointment is still within his remit.

To this end, the minister is seeking legal guidance from the Attorney-General

Dr George Norton

Chambers.

“The Guyana Cricket Administration Act was passed and assented to in 2014, as a result of that the minister then appointed

Anand Sanasie

the Cricket Ombudsman.

He appointed the Ombudsman with specific duties, and during his term in office (the Ombudsman), an injunction prevented him

from doing much during the period, and subsequently he resigned, and as such, he did not complete his job which he was appointed to do. Turn to page 34►

CWI believes historic Oval ideal for maiden day/night Test ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) believes historic Kensington Oval is the ideal venue to host the Caribbean’s maiden day/night Test.

The Oval, located in Bridgetown, will be the stage of next month’s ground-breaking third Test between West Indies and Sri

Lanka which will be played under lights.

“It could not have been played in a better venue than the iconic Kensington Oval and it will be an extra special occasion, as the match starts on the 90th anniversary of the first-ever Test in the Turn to page 34►

Historic Kensington Oval is set to host the region’s first-ever day/night Test.

Europe angered

by FIFA’s 37 new football tournament plans PAGE

Chief executive of the European Leagues Lars-Christer Olsson,

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

FIFA president Gianni Infantino THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018