Guyana chronicle e paper 05 21 2018

MONDAY 21th May, 2018

‘Fight back’ No.105281

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–– PNC chairman urges members to resist opposition propaganda –– party recommits to coalition politics

Youth Week opens

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Youths from the 10 administrative regions on Saturday kick started National Youth Week with a rally that culminated at D’Urban Park, Georgetown

Canadian company eyes partnership with local wood 08 producers PAGE

First couple in Trinidad for routine medical PM Stuart 05 examination 02

Barbados will leave CCJ, says

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

First couple in Trinidad for routine medical examination

Children with disabilities get free computer training

PRESIDENT David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger departed for Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday morning, to undergo their annual medical examinations.

According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), the couple will return to Guyana on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

“These checks are a regular part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and both the President and the First Lady remain in good health. The Ministry of the Presidency urges all Guyanese to implement measures aimed at ensuring their good health, which should include regular health checks, exercise and healthy eating habits,” the statement read.

In the interim, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is performing the duties of the head of state.

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger

THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) with financial support from the United Women for Special Children (UWSC), is currently implementing a three-month computer skills training programme for children with disabilities.

The initiative, fully funded by the UWSC Group, is underway at the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR, Port Mourant Centre in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

The UWSC Group has covered the cost for the instructors, provided a complete computer system to the centre and through one of its members donated another computer system to the centre.

The programme which began in April will conclude in the first week of July. The children are exposed to sessions in Introductory Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and basic computer use.

Approximately 17 students with varying types of disabilities are part of the programme and the sessions are taught twice per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The UWSC Group has reportedly been very supportive to the GCOPD and its member agencies over the years, funding a number of necessary projects. These include the ‘Independent Living Skills Day Camp’ for children with vision disabilities in 2017, and the conversion of hard copy textbooks into electronic formats to make the information accessible to children with vision disabilities.

The group has ongoing support programmes for a number of the special schools across Guyana and has also assisted a number of individuals and children with disabilities to improve their lives.

Chinoweing Toshao calls on President Granger TOSHAO Roger Roland of Chinoweing Village, Cuyuni-Mazaruni in Region Seven, on Friday informed President David Granger of issues facing his community relative to lands and untenable mining practices which

result in water pollution.

In response, President Granger has assured that the matters raised would be discussed and addressed with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Additionally, the head-of-state has tasked

Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, who was present at the meeting, with liaising with the regional and community leaders and regulatory authorities to ensure that the issues affecting the village are resolved as

quickly as possible.

The Toshao was accompanied to State House by the Chinoweing Village Council’s Assistant Secretary, Rhonda Austin and Community Development Officer, Kelly Andries.

'We support you'

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

– Gov’t pledges support for youth development as National Youth Week 2018 launched

By Vishani Ragobeer MINISTER of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton said youths have a critical role to play in transforming Guyana and pledged government’s support in fostering their development.

Addressing about 300 young people from across the 10 administrative regions who participated in the National Youth Rally that culminated at the D’Urban Park, Georgetown, the minister remarked, “Guyana has

an impressive youth population”.

He added: “This government recognises that… this administration is aware of your worth as young people and as is evident, we are doing all that we can to nurture your development to give you that opportunity and to celebrate your achievements.”

Dr. Norton said many activities have been initiated and are being conceptualised to continue helping youth “realise their dreams”.

The importance of “youth work” is unmistakable, said Youth Director Melissa Car-

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton (centre), Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce (right) and Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael (left), lead the march (Samuel Maughn photo)

A dance as part of the cultural show held at the rally at D’Urban Park (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

michael, to ensure they are the best leaders of tomorrow and also the agents of change and development partners of the present.

Government, she said is working to facilitate this change.

“We need to ensure that young people across this great land are adequately and effectively empowered through training and awareness initiatives that will serve to empower, develop and enhance their skills,

making them marketable and essentially putting them in a better position to make meaningful contributions in their personal and community development,” Carmichael said.

She noted that for major gains to be realised, much more work needs to be done to ensure careful planning, coordination See page 7

Possible air disaster averted – airline that crashed in Cuba was banned for operating here

By Zena Henry AN eyewitness was apparently instrumental in averting a possible disaster in Guyana, when he alerted the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) about the poor performing Boeing 737-200 aircraft that crashed in Cuba on Friday.

The air disaster has left 110 dead. Three persons who survived the crash have suffered severe burns about their

bodies and are in critical condition, the BBC reported on Sunday.

GCAA Director General Egbert Field, told Guyana Chronicle that the “concerned citizen” with aviation knowledge drew to the attention of the authority the condition of the aircraft which resulted in an investigation that barred the carrier that was being rented by Honduran company Easy Sky from operating here.

Last year, the GCAA had

Victims’ relatives have been helping authorities in Havana to identify their loved ones (BBC photo)

suspended Easy Sky’s four weekly flights between Guyana and Cuba, after it was found that the aircraft was being unsafely packed and experiencing operational difficulties.

Field said that apart from the onlooker, the authority soon received concerning notifications from the public when the aircraft experienced takeoff issues.

Information gathered indicated that the rented aircraft which bore the registration XA-UHZ was underperforming and was deliberately be made overweight with cargo.

Field said for the first time, the GCAA had demanded the flight data recorder or black box from any carrier operating here. He told this newspaper that the black box which records among other things, the flight’s parameter, speed, and height, was sent to Miami with one of the authority’s investigators to be decoded by FAA agents.

“Looking at that information, along with other con-

cerns, we took a decision to pull their operating certification immediately,” Field related.

Apart from the black box information, one spot inspection of the aircraft had also proven that the plane was overweight with cargo packed between seats, at the back of the plane, in between and under passengers’ feet. These issues made it difficult for the plane to safely operate and a decision was taken, Field said.

The BBC on Sunday reported that one pilot described how a plane rented from Damojh airlines had dropped off radar completely some eight years ago, while another in the person of Fields, had alleged poor maintenance.

Mexican authorities say they will carry out a safety audit of the company while Cuban authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, as rescuers continue to comb through the wreckage site some 20km (12 miles) south of the Cuban capital, the BBC said.

The plane crashed in a field near Havana international airport (BBC photo) It noted that the air disaster claimed the lives of 99 Cubans, six Mexican crew members, one Mexican tourist, an Argentine couple and two passengers from the Western Sahara.

When Easy Sky’s service was suspended in 2017, hundreds of Cubans who came to Guyana to shop were left stranded at the CJIA for a few days. Easy Sky was then allowed to charter a flight to return the Cubans to Cuba.

The banned plane bearing registration XA-UHZ was rented from Global Aerolineas Damojh, a Mexican com-

pany that wet lease aircraft for flight services.

When Easy Sky’s operation was banned, the plane would have likely returned to Global, only to be rented

by Cubana de Aviación S.A., the Cuban national airline to conduct internal flights on that Spanish-speaking island.

It is said that the plane experienced difficulty during takeoff around 12:08 local time. It made contact with a house, trees and a railway track before bursting into flames. The flight was going from Havana, Cuba’s capital to Holguin city in eastern Cuba.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

US to probe Trump campaign infiltration THE US Department of Justice will investigate whether FBI agents spied on President Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign for “inappropriate purposes”.

In a tweet, Trump said he wanted to know whether his predecessor’s administration ordered such a move.

The call comes after US media reports suggesting the FBI had an informant meeting campaign aides.

US Deputy Attorney-General Rod Rosenstein said action would be taken if any infiltration was found.

“If anyone did infiltrate or surveil participants in a presidential campaign for

inappropriate purposes, we need to know about it and take appropriate action,” Mr Rosenstein said in a statement.

There is already an investigation into all aspects relating to Trump’s campaign for the 2016 election and whether Russia tried to influence the outcome.

Trump’s latest demand came amid a series of tweets on Sunday denouncing a “witch hunt” that, he said, had found no collusion by his campaign with Russia.

This refers to the ongoing investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 US election,

Monday, May 21, 2018 - 09:30hrs.

whether there was any collusion between the Kremlin and Mr Trump’s election campaign and whether the president tried unlawfully to obstruct the inquiry.

Trump has constantly attacked the inquiry.

Trump first made the accusation that the FBI had sent a spy into his campaign team on Friday. “It took place very early on, and long before the phony Russia Hoax became a ‘hot’ Fake News story,” Trump tweeted, adding: “If true - all time biggest political scandal!”

The New York Times followed with an article that suggested there was, indeed, an FBI informant - whose identity it did not reveal who had been sent to speak to campaign aides but only after the FBI had received reports of “suspicious contacts linked to Russia”.

The informant - an American academic working in the UK - had made contact with George Papadopoulos and Carter Page.

The Washington Post reported a similar account.

Law enforcement officials have refused to provide evidence to Congressional leaders over the issue.

They have argued that doing so would put the informant’s life - or that of his contacts - in danger.

Trump could order the US Department of Justice - which has oversight over the FBI - to release the documents.

Robert Mueller appears to be expanding the scope of his probe, and Donald Trump isn’t happy about it at all.

A New York Times article that seems to have prompted the president’s Sunday tweet-storm: reports that the special counsel team is looking at attempts by Middle Eastern nationals, including citizens of Saudi Arabia and Israel, to offer assistance to the 2016 Trump campaign. Such foreign involvement in the US electoral process would be

illegal.

After denouncing the New York Times, the president lashed out at Democrats and turned his Twitter guns on his own justice department.

The president has tweeted similar official-sounding directives before with little follow-up action. If the president is serious, however, it could constitute an unprecedented attempt to influence a justice department investigatory process that has been insulated from presidential meddling since the Watergate scandal of the Nixon administration.

The president clearly believes the intelligence community is conspiring against him. In his mind they are bedevilling his friends and going easy on his enemies. He wants it the other way around.

According to the Washington Post, the informant has been aiding the Russia investigation since before Mueller’s appointment a year ago. The FBI opened the inquiry in the middle of the election campaign in July 2016.

But it remains unclear how the informant first came by the information that led to his meetings with Papadopoulos and Page and his wider role as an FBI informant.

As for Mueller, the former FBI head has so far charged 19 people. Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the timing of meetings with alleged go-betweens for Russia.

But Trump and his supporters have multiplied their attacks on the special counsel’s work.

Without providing any evidence on Sunday, Trump demanded a stop to the inquiry - that he said was nearing $20m in costs and was composed of 13 “angry and heavily conflicted Democrats”.

Mueller is a Republican.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

PM: Barbados will leave CCJ ONCE the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is returned to office, Barbados will be withdrawing from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final Court of Appeal.

Stating quite clearly he was not taking issue with the decisions coming out of the court, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said however, he would not be changing his mind.

To loud applause from the crowd gathered for a national meeting at Eagle Hall, St Michael last night, Stuart said Barbados was the first to join and could be the first to leave.

Barbados joined the CCJ in 2004 and Stuart said even while in opposition in the Senate, he championed the cause of the court and urged the break from the Privy Council in England.

After 14 years, only Barbados, Guyana, Belize and Dominica have joined.

Stuart emphasised it was not the decisions because he knew the courts got decisions right and wrong and as a lawyer when he disagreed, he would appeal.

However, he noted Ja-

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart maica kept “a safe distance”, as did Trinidad and Tobago even though the headquarters were there and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, decided by referendum, to stay with the Privy Council. Other Caribbean nations have opted not to join.

Stuart said he spoke to outgoing president Sir Dennis Byron some years ago and he also raised concerns in Parliament before it was dissolved that judgement coming out of the CCJ were not reflecting positively on Barbados.

“I am not going to have Barbados disrespected by politicians wearing robes,” he said.

“I don’t subscribe to dis-

respect and I think that the attitude coming from Port of Spain leaves much to be desired in terms of how it is treating Barbados. And I am not going to have a situation where other countries in the Caribbean keep a safe, safe distance from that Court while Barbados supports it and Barbadians are treated with the kind of disrespect that I see,” he added.

He said it was not in relation to the situation to the Chief Electoral Officer and the rights of Commonwealth citizens living here to vote.

The Prime Minister also said Barbados would not be going back to the Privy Council. (Barbados Nations)

‘Mass irregularities’ in Venezuelia polls POLLS in the Venezuelan presidential election have closed with reports of a low turnout.

Unofficial figures say that only slightly more than 30% of electorate voted in a poll widely expected to see President Nicolás Maduro’s reelection.

Main opposition candidate Henri Falcón rejected the elections soon after the polls closed.

“We do not recognize this electoral process as valid... we have to have new elections in Venezuela,” he said Mr Falcón earlier complained of vote influencing via the scanning of state-issued benefits cards which are used for accessing food.

He said this was aimed at driving support for President Maduro.

Government officials said the polls were “free and fair”, although most of the opposition boycotted them.

The administration of the US President Donald Trump has said it will not recognise the result of the elections.

Official results are expected within a few hours. Mr Falcón says the only way to dislodge President Maduro is through elections, so he is running despite the boycott. He believes the majority of Venezuelans want to remove the controversial president - and that they should be given the chance to vote him out.

The rest of the opposition, however, has frowned on his breaking ranks - with some even branding him a traitor. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Positive activity to help nursing profession RECENTLY, when the Guyana Nurses Association celebrated its 90th anniversary, the occasion brought to the public’s eye the nursing profession and nurses. Nurses are so much a part of our normal day-to-day lives that the public takes them for granted. This attitude is ironic since the nursing profession worldwide has been growing in importance with its revolutionary extension into new skills and specialties, and its involvement in the use of new technologies and IT. It is appropriate at this point to say what nursing and the nursing profession is so that readers may have a more precise concept of it: “The nursing profession is within the health care sector and is focused on the care of individuals, families and communities so that they may attain, maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life.”

The Minister of Public Health recently identified

the main challenges facing the profession in her World Health Day message and in her charge to the General Nursing Council of Guyana (GNCG). She pointed out that the number of trained nurses in Guyana will have to almost be doubled to satisfy national requirements.

In her own words: “...We are in dire need of health care providers and skilled persons to deliver vital services and to provide quality and accurate health information to our residents in the communities and the regions. According to our data, there are 912 Registered Nurses in Guyana (862 from hospitals and 55 from health centres)... to deliver care where people live, there is need for 607 RN’s for the public hospitals and another 50 for the health centres with a greater need for midwives”.

The other challenge the Minister identified was the enhancement of nursing education: ...”The Ministry’s primary objective is to

advance nursing education and to ensure that a corps of quality and competent nurses is produced”.

The present facilities are unable to produce the number of Registered Nurses needed in Guyana, taking into account the annual loss from emigration. And the quality of training and education which exist at the moment, though satisfactory, are not as modern as to take in the use of various new machines, specialised training and the progressive use of IT in medicine.

The training and education of the nurses should not be confused with the activities of the General Nursing Council of Guyana (GNCG). The GNCG defines its activities as ...”conducting examinations for registration of nurses, midwives and nursing assistants; establishing and improving educational standards and practices; maintaining a professional register; conducting hearings to decide whether practitioners should

be removed from the register because of misconduct or illness; and prosecuting those who falsely claim to be qualified nurses, midwives or nursing assistants”.

The Ministry realises that training facilities are inadequate and is thus considering building a modern nurses’ college on 30 acres of land it hopes to acquire. The college will train all tiers of persons in the profession, and will be exchanging lectures and classes with foreign training facilities by the use of IT technology.

Synchronising with the Ministry’s plans and activities, we think a number of positive initiatives could be taken immediately which could improve the nursing profession.

The moral and humanitarian values of nursing should again be featured in the school system and in the media. In colonial times, beginning with the life and works of Florence Nightingale, children and

young people understood that nursing was a vocation and as such better educated middle-class young women were attracted to the profession, raising its general standards. Disseminating such knowledge of the essence of nursing could help in recruiting.

With some adjustments to the present system and also bringing on board the nurse-training facilities of the private hospitals, the training facilities of the country could be extended and would be able to produce more RN’s.

Male nurses seem to have becoming scarcer. An effort should be made to recruit more male nurses.

Male nurses complement the larger female segment of the profession.

The newly established

nurse-training facility at the University of Guyana should be supported and be well funded by Government, and bilateral and multilateral sources of assistance should be tapped so that the nursing school could quickly develop.

Nurse training at the more advanced levels has moved away from the hospitals and nursing schools to the universities. Master’s Degrees in nursing are now offered at several well-known universities abroad and many foreign governments as well as universities themselves, offer scholarships of which qualified Guyanese nurses may take advantage.

Improving the remuneration and conditions of service of nurses should never be lost sight of.

History of diverse groups in Guyana is not without struggle Dear Editor WE live in a society where the Supreme Law, i.e. the Guyana Constitution, in its preamble, expressly requires of us to “Celebrate our cultural and racial diversity and strengthen our unity by eliminating any and every form of discrimination.”

Ensconced in this instrument your right to equality is secured, not only in the instance of Article 146 that protects free expression which allows for the articulating of your reality in your pursuit for equality, end to persecution or other forms of discrimination in the workplace and wider society. This fundamental right is buttressed by Article

147 that protects the right to freedom of assembly and association, Article 149 which cements protection from being discriminated against on the grounds of your orientation, and Article 149D which deals with equality of persons before the law.

These fundamental rights and freedoms must not to be trifled with. For these are not only ensconced in Supreme Law, but moreso are informed by United Nations Declarations, International Labour Organisation Conventions, Organisation of American States Charters, etc, and commonly referred to as universally acceptable principles. Where Guyana is a member of these institutions, whether Government, on our behalf, has ratified

these tenets or not, Government is duty bound to respect them equally as all of us bear the civic duty and responsibility to agitate and advocate for legislation to reinforce their respect and implementation.

It should be noted, any law, policy or programme that runs contrary to these rights and freedoms, efforts must be made to have them nullified. As I say this, it’s not lost on me that ours is a culture seeped in the notion that some sexual conduct are not considered in a favourable light by God which serves as justification to discriminate against.

Let me pause to advocate here, equally as I do for the Guyana Constitution: Education must play a vital role

in our understanding of instruments in order that their spirit and intent are reflected in the shaping of laws, policies and programmes. In the absence of knowledge or in the presence of poor reading of the instruments, people will more likely be prone to mistreat the other and justify the mistreatment or abuse of the nation’s resources on the pretext that their action is written and permissible. I say to you, No. Where other progressive societies are moving forward, so too must Guyana get in line and proceed.

As a trade unionist, I can confidentially tell you, anything worth having is worth fighting for. I’m not going to stand here or pretend that as a group, acceptance as equal

members of this society won’t be fraught with challenges, ridicule and danger.

Neither am I going to say the innate desire to be treated with dignity and respect will be achieved without putting up a studied, studious, and determined fight.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the history of the diverse groups in this society has not been without a struggle for equality. It’s a struggle we must view with pride, not disdain; commit to continue, not abandon; for should any group defer to a life absence of vigilance and focus, that group will inevitably be marginalised.

Your right to exist, participate as equal members of society and to be so treated is equally important as oth-

ers. Respect for the heterosexual orientation of one must too ensure respect for the diverse orientation of others. I don’t have to like your orientation nor you mine in order to respect each other, consistent with protected human rights and freedoms.

Modern day pursuit for worldwide comity is built on a moral compass grounded in these principles, not religious doctrines or gut-feelings. And there is a reason for this, for were the compass to be set by such doctrines the Crusades would have still been raging and present-day religious extremists would have found acceptance. Likewise, should gut-feelings be the determinant for engagement CONTINUE OF PAGE 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Brazil fishermen rescue African, Guyanese asylum-seekers BRAZILIAN fishermen rescued two dozen migrants from Africa and Guyana found drifting near the northeast coast of Brazil after 35 days at sea, officials and local media said Sunday.

On Saturday, local fisher-

men found the vessel drifting off the Brazilian coastal town of Sao Jose de Ribamar, south of the Amazon River, the navy said.

An attempt by authorities to locate the migrant boat from the air failed, so the fishermen

towed it to port, while also feeding the stranded voyagers, the navy said. By the time they got in, the fishing captain reported he had “no more food and water to give, because provisions were ending,” the navy said.

Once ashore, they were “given medical attention and food,” before being taken for processing by the Brazilian federal police, the Maranhao human rights department said.

“The group will be put into temporary housing provided

by the state,” it said. “The federal police will investigate the possible committing of crimes against the foreigners in relation to their arrival in Brazil and evaluate their legal situation in Brazil.”

The migrants came from

the small South American country of Guyana and from Nigeria and Senegal on the other side of the Atlantic, the human rights department for Brazil’s state of Maranhao said in a statement.

(Telesur)

Gov’t pledges support for youth ...

From page 3

Children at the march on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Some of the participants at the rally and march at D’Urban Park on Sunday (Vishani Ragobeer photo) and critical programmes and services that administrative regions, participated in the first will ensure maximum results are achieved event representing the cadre of young people from the limited resources available. poised to take charge of Guyana.

National Youth Week 2018 is being The week will continue with a host of observed under the theme: “Empowering activities geared at fostering youth developyoung people to foster youth and community ment. A youth forum to discuss policies and development through innovation.” youth issues will be held in Region 10 today.

It began on Sunday with a march from the Aside from this, there will be a Career Parliament Building to D’Urban Park where Day fair at the Mahaicony Technical Inthe rally was held. stitute, Region Five on Tuesday; a Youth Youthful paramilitary organisations inclu- Business Summit at Pegasus Hotel on May sive of scouts, majorettes, pathfinders, and a 24 and 25; and finally, an exhibition and number of youth groups from across the 10 display on May 27 in Region Three.

History of diverse... Provocation is no justification for abuse FROM PAGE 6

and decisions, might would be right.

And this brings me to the issue of laws in our statute books that criminalise conduct which today has been decriminalised among consenting adults consistent with universally acceptable tenets. Evidently, you are aware of the clauses in the Criminal Offences Acts which run contrary to safeguarding your constitutional rights.

These laws were instituted by the British colonial authority. Britain has since excised them from their statutes yet Guyana holds on and justifies their existence.

Over the years I have observed voices raised in condemnation and highlighting their archaic nature. Your voice must not be still or grow weary until modernity is attained.

There is concurrence with the pursuit to eliminate discrimination against the LGBT community, in the

society and workplace, via laws, policies, programmes and practices. As an organised demographic, where you are not only citizens but workers and voters, you’re urged to intensify the use of your power to ensure the structural deficiencies in society are corrected.

Those who seek your vote must know support is contingent on moving to eliminate systems that militate against you. Where you are employed or provide of your labour as employer or self-employed, insist on being treated with dignity and respect for who you are, advocate for change, or lead the change.

As I take my leave, let me so reinforce what is already known…the fight for equality must continue.

Solidarity forever! Thank you and may God richly bless us all.

Regards, Lincoln Lewis

Dear Editor A domiciled Guyanese recently posted on Facebook that women should stop provoking men, since such provocation leads to domestic abuse. This victim-blaming is nothing new but it is indeed astounding that there are still women who propagate such a view, yet claim to be anti-abuse activists, as this poster does.

Experts have reached a consensus on several common characteristics among batterers -- they are controlling, manipulative, often see themselves as victims and believe that men have a pre-ordained right to be in charge of all aspects of a relationship. For some abusers, violence is a tool to keep their intimate partner from leaving the relationship, ensure that she ‘knows her place’ and ‘respect’ him, although respect is generally equated with fear. Abuse then is the continuous result

of power inequality between the partners and one partner is afraid of and harmed by the other, who feels powerful in the relationship context, with ‘provocation’ being a mere excuse to exhibit this power.

Yet the same individual who hits his partner or child would be quite angry if a police officer pulled him up for no reason and/or demand a bribe, but he would never chose to hit the police officer. Similarly, that person would put up with provocation, but never chose to hit a boss, a worker in a government office, someone in authority or someone bigger and stronger than him.

Yes, abuse is a choice, which means there are non-violent alternatives.

However, in a society where abuse has been normalized, women are still subservient to men, males are still socialized to see themselves as the ones with ‘power’ in a relationship (you a de maan) and citizens see abuse as

not their business, alternate choices are hardly ever considered. Such alternatives include: do not overreact but stay calm and take a walk if necessary; listen without interrupting but to understand; show respect instead of engaging in back and forth insults; be emphatic instead of judgmental and apologize when the situation so demands; give each other space; discuss issues to seek non-violent resolutions and even use humor in this process; recall the positives of the relationship as a way of recognizing what is at stake; seek the help of someone with mediating skills such as elder or a priest…

We know that the alternatives to abuse are easier said than done, but conscious effort is needed to deal with relationship issues without resorting to violence, so that not only do the relationships grow, but children in such relationships are taught by example to non-violently handle conflicts instead of

growing up to become abusers. This approach is generally included in workshops and outreaches by abuse prevention entities such as The Caribbean Voice. However, there is only so much that non-governmental entities can do and thus the need for lay counsellors/gatekeepers who would indeed be equipped to help partners deal with relationship issues in every community. And as TCV has continuously pointed out, gatekeepers training can piggyback on all sorts of other training, so that it does not become a massive or expensive undertaking.

As well those involved in abuse activism on the ground must be armed with the knowledge to help partners address relationships issues instead of seeking to justify abuse and engage in victim blaming.

Otherwise the harm can easily be multiplied.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

‘Be agents of peace’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

– attorney general urges religious bodies

MINISTER of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, encouraged religious organizations in Guyana to become “agents of peace” at the country’s second hosting of a Religious Liberty Congress on Saturday.

The event took place at the Central Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church and marked the closing of the session put on by the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) of SDA. Its conclusion was celebrated with a grand Festival of Liberty and Parade through the streets of Georgetown which included uniformed members of the Masterguide, Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs.

The some 600 marchers held banners and placards promoting religious harmony, impartiality and the congress’ theme: ‘Peaceful Co-existence: The Challenge of Diversity’.

Along with Williams, present to receive the hand salute were Junior Minister of Public Health, Karen Cummings and other CARU executive heads.

The conference began on May 16 with representatives visiting from some 10

countries to engage in discussions on religious tolerance, religious freedom, liberty of conscience and other pressing matters.

Delivering the feature address, Williams said that Guyana’s diversity should be seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage which can result in productivity and economic growth as all work together.

He told the gathering that even as the country is replete with a history of racial division and strife, it is the church’s duty to help eliminate these common forms of animosity for the benefit of future generations.

“It is the church’s role to foster a spirit of cooperation and tolerance; inclusivity must be the order of the day and the church must be at the forefront. Togetherness is the only way that the vision of a good life for all Guyanese will be realized,” he said.

Presenting scriptural reference, the minister added that the church is entrusted with a ministry of “peace and reconciliation” which is a mission the Government is pleased to assist all religious organizations in achieving.

“Peace cannot be limited to one group, one people or all those of one belief. The work for peace must be the agenda for all of us. The Government cannot do it alone…our Government is ready and willing to work with all religious organizations to build a society that embodies the aspirations of the Guyanese people.

“A society where everyone has equal access to health, social services and education… This Government will continue to work towards the wellbeing of all Guyanese and social cohesion will be made a priority,” he affirmed.

Williams encouraged the local and international visitors to continue their efforts towards transforming their societies for the better.

At the gathering, the Attorney General who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, received greetings in song from the audience.

Executive members of the Caribbean Religious Liberty Association then presented a list of resolutions emerging from deliberations at the congress which were accepted and approved by the attending delegates.

Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams at the Religious Liberty Congress on Saturday evening (Photo by Andrew Weekes)

Canadian company looking to partner with local wood producers CANADIAN precast concrete solutions company, TILT-UP Technology is looking to partner with local wood producing companies to start a “tiny home” project in Canada.

Officials of the Canadian company had an opportunity to peruse some of the local woods and wood products at the Guyana Timber Expo 2018 at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday.

“It was a beautiful place and we had an opportunity to meet companies like Woods Direct and Bulkan Timber Works; we want to partner with a company here because we are looking into investing in the tiny home community in Canada,” said Business Developer of the company, Anastasia Fedko, in an invited comment.

Their intent is to develop tiny homes which range from 115-330 square feet and also some larger ones which measure about 2000 square feet.

Fedko said they had an opportunity to discuss prices with the two aforementioned companies. Their aim for the initial phase of the project is to build 200 houses.

“We discussed the pricing and designs to see what we can come up with; for me

personally I like the purpleheart wood but I am not so sure about the quality of that and other woods... the companies claimed to have properly cured wood but I got some bad reviews, however we will check and make sure for ourselves that the quality is what they say it is,” said the business developer.

Canadians love wood and she believes that the partnership will work once the quality is good and up to standard.

Fedko also said that the prices are competitive so they will work on negotiating a good price to match the volume of items that they take.

Aside from the tiny home project, one of their aims is to establish a precast concrete manufacturing company here soon.

TILT-UP Technology designs and manufactures several types of precast solutions for any construction situations.

Their precast concrete technology is the affordable solution for projects of all sizes.

According to the company’s website, it is easy to install and is offered at competitive pricing.

They also have several different dimensions of precast concrete walls to accommodate all of their customers’ needs.

One of the prototype mini-houses made by Woods Direct, one of the companies that TILT-UP Technology approached at the expo (Samuel Maughn photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Lands Commission’s integrity, accountability to improve

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‒ Commissioner Trevor Benn

Commissioner Benn addressing land applicants and land lessees at a community meeting at Dartmouth.

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) on Saturday announced that it has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving services and integrity at the Commission.

According to the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Benn, after the completion of a twoday GL&SC outreach to the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), the establishment of regional and national land use policies is well underway.

“There should be National and Regional Land Use Policies… It is our expectation that these [Land Use] Plans will be prepared on a more frequent basis and updated more regularly… There is a committee that has been put together to begin work on a National Land Policy and that committee is also tasked with reviewing our Land Use Plans,” he said.

The two-day outreach was conducted to bring resolutions to a number of land issues brought to the commissioner’s attention by residents of Anna Regina and the surrounding villages. The Commissioner, flanked by a 10-person team with representatives from the Georgetown GL&SC office, the Region Two GL&SC office, and the Department of Housing, listened to the concerns of over 80 residents from Anna Regina, The Deep, The Jib, Dartmouth, Lima Dam, La Belle Alliance, and other surrounding villages.

Benn said that such community visits and outreaches and face-to-face contact with residents allow for more informed decision-making on land issues and disputes. “It is our principled position that,

as servants of the people, we are required to consult with them, to discuss with them their issues, and to get advice as is necessary…. From time to time, there are letters coming to us and instead of making decisions on those letters, we like to understand the circumstances that may have led to these letters… and one of our ways of doing that is to come on the ground… and see for ourselves… We are now better prepared to respond to the requests of those individuals,” he said.

In order to ensure President David Granger’s vision of an ‘unbribable’ public service at the level of the GL&SC, the commission has also taken measures to improve its integrity and accountability. “We have zero tolerance for corruption at the commission, which is another reason that we do these visits… If any [corruption is] happening, we will know.

We will hear first-hand from the people… Just recently, because of corruption, we’ve had to send home two staff [members]… We’re taking steps daily to ensure that our staff is sensitised. We are making our office more open to the public… We’re putting cameras in the building… and we are using [press] mediums… to let people know that they do not have any requirement to pay staff members for the service they provide and any payment made must be done on a receipt,” the GL&SC Commissioner told the Ministry of the Presidency.

To that end, Benn said the commission has an open mind when it comes to constructive criticism from citizens, “We are very open to members of the public in terms of how

we can improve the service [that] we deliver. Again, this is why we come to the field.

We don’t ever assume that we have the answers to all of the questions that are out there,” he said.

The commission will also be implementing an acknowledgement of receipt system to assure applicants that their applications have been received and are being processed. This is a suggestion made by Region Two resident and land applicant, Charles Gregory, during a regional community meeting conducted during the outreach.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Guyana National Co-operative Union Limited (GNCUL), Derrick Cummings, praised Benn for not losing touch with the people on the ground. “Commissioner Benn, I’ve known you for a long time and I’m very happy to see that you’ve never lost the common touch, and never lost the interest in trying to work with the down-trodden and to bring justice to those who need justice,” he said.

Chief Co-operatives Development Officer within the Ministry of Social Protection, Perlina Gifth, said that the GL&SC has been particularly helpful with land issues involving co-operative groups. “I want to thank the commissioner for the work that he is doing because the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has been in contact with us where persons have applied for land representing co-op societies…

[The Commission has] been checking to see the validities of the groups… [In] the interest of people who want to be involved in agriculture… he

Commissioner and CEO of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Mr. Trevor Benn and team, pay a courtesy call to Devanand Ramdatt, Regional Chairman of Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) during a two-day outreach in the Region.

Concerned citizens of Region Two air their grievances to the commissioner, during site visits to La Belle Alliance and The Deep.

[would] consider their applications and have the process done to issue titles,” she said.

The commissioner made

courtesy calls to the Mayor and Council Members of Anna Regina and the Regional Chairman of Re-

gion Two, and attended the dedication ceremony of the GNCUL’s office building.

(MOTP)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Raising someone else’s child

THERE are many caregivers who believe they are doing the ‘world of good’ for a child by letting the child stay with them rather than be in a children’s home.

While a family environment would always be a more fitting place to raise a child, some children still suffer. They suffer when a caregiver does not realise that children need more than a plate of food and somewhere to rest their head at night. So while they are helping the child in one aspect, on the other hand they are failing to provide the nurturing that a disadvantaged child may need to thrive healthily. These types of caregivers need to take a good look at their behaviour towards the child and ask themselves questions, such as : Am I making the child feel welcomed?

Am I connecting with the child on a positive level? Does the child seem happy and contented? Do I pick on the child too much? Do I treat the child fair? What may be some of the inner feelings and thoughts that the child is coping with?

When a child is taken into a household by relatives because they are orphaned or under other circumstances, they have already been through a traumatic ordeal therefore, they

need to be around people who will bond with them and bring some consistency and stability to their lives.

But contrary to this, some caregivers spend a lot of time and energy telling the child how fortunate they are to be with them, and how many sacrifices have been made on his/her behalf. When caregivers forever sing a song of negativity it can be very distressing for the child. Some caregivers do this without a thought of what type of impact their words are having: They do not realise, or do not care that the child has already been disadvantaged through abandonment and therefore carries a wound in his/her mind, heart and life. Living under these circumstances can affect a child’s emotional and social development. It can lower self-esteem and confidence and make the child feel unloved, not cared for and somewhat destitute.

The other thing that some caregivers do is threaten the child. They threaten the child not only physically and mentally (which in fact, is child abuse): But also with the reminder that they can or will put the child into state care or put the child ‘out’ to fend for him/herself.

How is a child ever going to progress into a

level-headed adult when the adult(s) who is meant to show care, love and concern is forever making the child’s life a misery?

Children in pain very seldom convey how they feel about their circumstances: mainly because they do not recognise it as pain.

They are somewhat adaptable and resilient: They have a need to get on with their lives even if they are a little unhappy inside. As children they are unaware of the far-reaching consequences that childhood events can have on them in adulthood. What children can do however, (sometimes in order to redress their ‘situation’) is express their discontentment through ‘adverse’ behaviour, and of course this only leads to even more derogatory things being said and done to them.

Children take their cue from the adults

around them. When caregivers are consistent and fair, thoughtful and reasonable, children usually respond accordingly. But when caregivers tend to moan at children, beat them and talk down to them, it triggers negative emotions in a child.

If you are a caregiver, take your role seriously.

Do a self-assessment, and answer truthfully: Are you honestly doing your best to help the child in your care, progress into an adult that you can be proud of?

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Government expresses condolences to Cuba

THE Government of Guyana on Saturday expressed condolences to the people of Cuba over the tragic Cuban airline accident, which occurred Friday and claimed the lives of over 100 passengers and crew members.

In a statement, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said, “All Guyanese share the loss and grief of the Cuban people and relatives of the victims who perished in this tragedy.

“We extend deep condolences to the Government and people of Cuba as they observe two-days of official mourning in our sister Caribbean state.”

Guyana and Cuba have, over the years, shared a strong and unbreakable bond of friendship, brotherhood and solidarity. In recent years, the two countries have forged ever closer ties through ed-

ucation, diplomacy, medicine and trade.

“Even as this loss affects us deeply, we are confident that the Cuban people and nation will rise and recover from this unspeakably devastating accident. Such has been the demonstrable fortitude of Cuba and Cubans for decades,” the government statement said.

The aircraft which crashed was operating on behalf of Cubana de Aviacion, performing flight CU-972 from Havana to Holguin, when it lost height shortly after takeoff. Most of the passengers perished.

Cuba’s Ministry of Transport reported the aircraft belonged to Global Aerolineas Damojh based in Mexico.

Cuba’s President, Miguel Diaz-Canel reported the aircraft carried 104 passengers and nine crew.

Guyana and Indonesia to explore trade, investment opportunities PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday received a courtesy call from Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, whom he assured that Guyana remains open to Indonesian investment, especially in value-added manufacturing, agro-processing and within the sugar industry.

The Head of State highlighted the long-standing good relations between Guyana and Indonesia and said that this forms the basis for strengthening ties between the two countries, which share a common history of colonisation.

President Granger, on behalf of the people of Guyana, also used the opportunity to convey condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia on the loss of life

resulting from a terrorist attack in that country on May 13.

Meanwhile, Minister Marsudi noted that her country is seeking to improve relations with Guyana, and said that she looks forward to Guyana’s participation in the Indonesia Trade Exposition slated for later this year.

The minister was accompanied by Indonesia’s Ambassador Dominicus Supratikto.

Guyana and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on August 27, 1999.

However, the two countries had been involved in engagements prior to that, within the Non-Aligned Movement which Guyana joined in 1970.

The meeting was held at State House.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

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‘Fight back’ 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

–– PNC chairman urges members to resist opposition propaganda –– party recommits to coalition politics

PEOPLE’S National Congress (PNC) Chairman Basil Williams, has urged the party’s members to be prepared to put up resistance and seek information that will equip them to rebut

the propaganda of the opposition.

The chairman issued the call at the second General Council Meeting for the year, held on Saturday at the party’s headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia

Williams said the task of members is to stand up and defend the party, the government and the coalition, before going on to list the many achievements of the government over the last three years.

President David Granger with members of the PNC executives at the General Council meeting A minute of silence was observed for party members who had passed away in the period between General Councils.

In her report to the General Council, Party General Secretary (GS) Amna Ally, brought the council up to date on the state of the

the PNC is the only party, in and out of season, that has committed itself to coalition.

“The way forward is based on certain principles, right now we are engaged in discussions with both the Alliance For Change and the other partners in

President David Granger addressing the congress on Saturday party and the work of the party’s secretariat over the last quarter. The focus of her report was mainly on membership, achievements, local government elections, projections and other related party affairs.

The feature address to General Council was delivered by party leader and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Granger. The party leader spoke on the celebration and importance of Chinese and Portuguese Arrival Days, and also that of Indian Arrival Day, African Emancipation Day and Amerindian Heritage Month.

The leader told the General Council that Guyanese were blessed to be living in a country with such diverse cultures and ethnicities; peoples from all over the continents of earth, living, mixing, loving and working together.

Granger also spoke of the many achievements of the government. He also highlighted the daily challenges faced by the coalition from some sections of the media. He said

the APNU… seeking consensus,” he said.

Reports for the last quarter were presented to the General Council by representatives of the National Congress of Women (NCW), the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM), the North American Region (NAR), the Georgetown District of the PNCR and the 10 administrative regions. The General Council concluded with a summation and charge which was given by President Granger.

The General Council was chaired by Williams.

In his welcome remarks, he spoke of the 60 years of light that the PNC has provided in this multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious country of Guyana and reminded members of the leader’s Congress speech in which he said members must stand up for the party and defend it.

The General Council is the second highest decision-making forum of the PNCR and meets once every quarter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Minister Holder hands over CRFM Chairmanship –– ban on catfish species from Guyana, Caribbean States discussed

MONTSERRAT’s Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Lands, Housing and the Environment, David Osborne Friday assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) during the 12th Meeting of CRFM Ministerial Council in Little Bay, Montserrat.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, while delivering his presentation to the delegates attending the ceremony, reflected on the numerous achievements Guyana gained while holding the chairmanship.

“Over the past year, Guyana has worked closely with other member states and was able to boost production in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Work was also done to boost risk management, the development of critical fishery management plans and other initiatives in our fisheries industry,” Minister Holder said.

Holder also spoke of the ban the United States has implemented on catfish species from Guyana and other Caribbean states.

“An important trade matter currently being addressed by the Fisheries Department is the United States-imposed ban on catfish species from Guyana and the Caribbean States since March 1, 2018. This situation highlights the need for us to be cognizant and act on revisions/changes in importing countries’ rules for exports. Guyana is currently revising its regulations and actively engaging with the US authorities to undergo all the necessary processes to have the matter resolved and be in compliance with the ‘Seafood Import Monitoring Program,” Minister Holder said.

During the year, the CRFM Secretariat worked on various projects and protocols such as the development of the regional protocol to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in fisheries and aquaculture into the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP). As a result, the CRFM has been designated the Competent Authority to implement the CCCFP. Minister Holder reiterated the importance of strengthening legislation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing), as this is one of the biggest threats to marine biodiversity and sustainable fishing.

“Estimates indicate that IUU fishing accounts for up to 30% of the total global catch. In the CARICOM region, an estimated 20% of catches are unreported and 5% of catches are illegal. If IUU fishing is not dealt with, it can lead to the collapse of fishery or seriously impair efforts to rebuild stocks that have already been depleted. The fight against IUU fishing must be prioritized in order to ensure food security, guaranteed income and livelihoods for legitimate fishers, as well as continued export earnings from fisheries. We have taken the step to accede to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Agreement on Port State Measures.” Minister Holder said.

During the day’s proceedings, the delegates participated in a series of meetings to discuss a number of important issues faced by the Caribbean’s fisheries sector.

High on the agenda were two fisheries management plans that the ministers was slated to approve - the Sub-Regional Fisheries Management Plan for Blackfin Tuna and the management plan for fisheries conducted, using fish aggregating devices (FAD), which is a growing fishery in the region.

The ministers were slated to also consider a protocol developed under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) to secure sustainable smallscale fisheries. The main objectives of the protocol are to enhance food security, improve the socio-economic situation of fish-workers, and achieve sustainable use of fishery resources, through the promotion of a human-rights based approach.

In addition, the ministers were due to discuss a regional policy aimed at mainstreaming gender equality in fisheries development, and management policies and programmes in CRFM Member States.

Milton Haughton, the Executive Director of the CRFM, said, “The focus of this Ministerial Council meeting is on building resilience and equity in the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The ministers will, therefore, discuss and decide on a number of policy instruments designed to

strengthen management and conservation of key fisheries and their ecosystems, and enhance governance through equity and equality, inclusiveness, and participatory planning and decision-making processes.”

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) was officially inaugurated on March 27, 2003, in Belize City, Belize, where it is headquartered, following the signing of the “Agreement Establishing the CRFM” on February 4, 2002.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

President’s green agenda visionary –– Prime Minister Nagamootoo

PRESIDENT David Granger has projected a broader vision for a green Guyana through his sincerity of purpose, passion for green growth and, even, green appearance, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said.

The prime minister’s comments come in the wake of the President being invited by the World Bank to address its leaders in Washington, USA, on his green state agenda.

“We may be amused, even cynical, about his green shirt, green folders, green greeting cards or a greenish presidential complex and State House. But we cannot fault President Granger for the discipline and determination with which he pursues the green agenda,” the prime minister said in his weekly ‘My Turn’ column published in Guyana Chronicle on Sunday.

Mr. Nagamootoo related that when he was in Tamil Nadu, India, two years ago, the Green World Foundation of India presented him with a plaque, with the inscription, “The Green Man of Guyana”.

The director, he said, disclosed that he had listened to an address by President Granger at the United Nations General Assembly, and he was assured that Guyana had embarked on a trail-blazing path in the interest of humanity.

In extending the World Bank invitation to President Granger, Tahseen Sayed Khan, DiPrime Minister rector for the Caribbean Moses Nagamootoo and Latin America, said she was impressed with Guyana’s green growth development and green state strategy, which could become an inspiration to the other 188 countries in the group.

“In the past we have had our own problems with the World Bank, some for ‘Cold War’ and territorial reasons, but the effect was that we could not secure funding for the Malali (Tiger Hill) Falls in the 60s, as well as the Upper Mazaruni Hydro Project in the early 1980s. Either of those projects could have helped to transform Guyana.

“Now, the World Bank sees Guyana through clearer lens. While in 2013 Guyana was deemed “the second poorest country in CARICOM”, last year’s report still saw us as poor but with prospects of being among the richest. In short, the World Bank noted, ‘Guyana is on the verge of unprecedented wealth,’” the prime minister said.

The positive observations by the World Bank representative, he noted, came on the heels of similar favourable comments by Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Baroness, Patricia Scotland, on Guyana’s new infrastructure for justice and good governance; and those from Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Akbar Khan, who not only commended government for promoting a green agenda but for making remarkable strides in fostering social cohesion.

“I submit that we should pay close attention to what the world is saying about us; how the world is willing to help us, and not allow ourselves to be lost in the daily cackle of disagreement and disenchantment, that is cloaked under a porous veil of dissent.

Our fight-back against a bad press and an ugly image is becoming evident to those who not only look at new or renovated public infrastructures but at the contours of an orderly, law-governed, stable democracy that has given Guyana a fresh face among the world’s democracies,” the prime minister said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

GGMC to zero in on safety issues –– following Minister Broomes’ visit to several mining operations

By Ariana Gordon SAFETY issues of sand, loam and stone operators (miners) will over the next few weeks be at the forefront of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) agenda.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes made the observation based on the multiple infractions observed on Saturday during an impromptu visit to BK International Quarry, Baracara Quarries Incorporated, Durban Quarries, Toolsie Persaud Limited St. Mary Quarry in the Essequibo River and a sand pit in Five Mile, Potaro Road, Bartica.

The Minister mandated officials of the GGMC present on the visits, to write each quarry, sand and loam operating company inviting each to a meeting to iron out the many deficiencies observed at the weekend.

She said while the non-payment of royalties to the GGMC is a major problem, the issue of operating in safe environments must be dealt with as a matter of priority. The minister, who holds responsibility for the quarrying sect of mining, disclosed that she was appalled at the risks being taken by the companies visited.

“What I have seen here is totally unacceptable. There are things we can work with and there are others we just cannot tolerate. The lives of workers are at stake…many of them are not wearing protective gear; many of them are mining in unsafe areas. This must not be allowed to continue,” Broomes told the Guyana Chronicle.

She made it clear that while “lawlessness” was allowed to exist in the past, under her watch it will not be allowed to continue. The minister disclosed that in addition to the operations visited, there are activities in Linden, Region 10, that are to be addressed.

Broomes explained that the issues faced in that location is similar to that of Bartica and Lethem town councils.

The minister noted that the authorities in Bartica have turned a blind eye to the GGMC’s attempt to clamp down on unsafe mining practices in the sand and loam sectors.

“What I have seen here is horrible; I was advised by the GGMC that in 2015, 2016 and 2017 they served cease work orders to the council, why they were served is because it is very unsafe. The road is just by the clearance, the sand wall—persons are in the face of the wall,” declared Broomes.

The minister, who is a gold miner by profession, said there has been a blatant disregard for rules and regulations in the 5 Mile, Potaro Road, in the Region Seven area. “The Commission has its role, the truck that just drove out of here got a chit from the council that they are

paying $3,500 and other prices, so this is an economic benefit for the council- it is a revenue-earning situation,” Broomes noted.

She made it clear that all persons involved in mining practices across the country must follow the rules and regulations laid down by the Mining Act. NO ONE EXCLUDED “The rules go for all. To know that the council has breached and shown that level of disregard is not pleasing at all. I have indicated that we will invite the council because no revenues have been paid for years,” she added.

Additionally, representatives of the GGMC, including the Mines Manager (ag) Khrishna Ramdass, has been tasked with engaging the Bartica Mayor and Town Council to bring to a halt the unsafe mining practices that currently exist there.

“It is amazing the level of disregard shown to the commission by such a major stakeholder. We recognise the land falls within the township but GGMC has a role to play.”

At the time of the visit on Saturday, two men were seen piling sand into a truck while standing on the face of the sand-pit wall. “To find the men digging, no structured pit—GGMC sent letters recently to meet with them and have the engineers work with the council so as to give guidance in terms of developing mines… sand and loam. This is an ugly situation which government intends to correct; so we are going to engage quickly the town council,” Broomes told the Guyana Chronicle.

In the case of Lethem, Ramdass said the Lethem Town Council has been written to and calls have been made for them to regularise their operations. “We have written the Lethem Mayor recently expressing our desire to have the sand quarrying operations regularised.”

He explained that it is challenging to deal with town councils as they are a bit different from the regular committee. “This has been happening for quite some time.”

“We have tried to use different channels to deal with this because the lands are not issued by GGMC. The lands and the minerals where it is located is under the jurisdiction of the NDC, however the royalty is vested in the State so the GGMC as the regulatory body has to go after that royalty because that is where the challenges are,” Ramdass stated.

Additionally, he disclosed that based on GGMC’s data, GGMC has not received any royalties from such communities. “My data up to 2017 has shown we haven’t [received royalties].”

The manager of mines (ag) noted too, that the Amerindian titled lands are totally different but still relates to land

ownership and “the argument is whether the Amerindian Act speaks to sand as a mineral, whether that mineral is vested in them and we are saying no. So this is quite an ongoing debate about that.”

The Guyana Chronicle reported on Saturday that for 2017, the estimated royalty generated by quarry operators stood at $14, 723, 400, however, only $6, 424, 900 was paid over to the GGMC. In the case of sand-pit operators, approximately 1, 733, 035 tonnes of sand was extracted from pits in 2017.

As a result, some $25, 995, 525 of royalty were generated but only $19, 563, 528 was collected by the commission.

Meanwhile, there are seven stone quarries across the country. In Region Seven alone there are five while there is one located in Region Six, and one near the old OMAI mining site in Region 10. Sand-pit operations occur along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway with six active sites, there are two sites in Berbice, with one sand-pit and one loam in the Essequibo River.

Additionally, on the Essequibo Coast there are three sand-pit operations linked to Amerindian titles while in Bartica, Region Seven, there is one sand-pit operation and one loam operation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Nadal is number one

(BBC) - RAFAEL Nadal survived a stunning fightback from Alexander Zverev to win a record eighth Italian Open.

Nadal cruised to the first set before defending champion Zverev won nine of the next 11 games to take the second set 6-1 and lead 3-1 in the decider.

But the Spaniard turned the match around following a lengthy rain delay and closed out a 6-1 1-6 6-3 victory.

The win will see Nadal regain the world number one ranking before the French Open which starts next Sunday.

Roger Federer had regained top spot in the rankings when Nadal lost to Dominic Thiem at the Madrid Masters last week, his only defeat on clay this season.

Nadal has now won three clay-court titles from four tournaments in the lead-up to his bid for an 11th Roland Garros title in Paris.

Nadal cruised to the first set in just 32 minutes and had looked on course for a routine victory against inform Zverev, who had won 14 matches in a row and 30 matches in total this season - more than any other player.

But the 31-year-old made a number of uncharacteristic errors in the second set while world number three Zverev upped his game to level at 1-1.

The German, 21, broke Nadal’s serve in the opening game of the deciding set and maintained that break to lead 3-1 going into an 11-minute rain delay.

Nadal won the game after the players returned only for play to be halted by a second, longer rain delay, after which he won four games in a row to clinch the match.

The win is Nadal’s 78th ATP Tour title and takes him clear of John McEnroe into fourth place in the list of most men’s titles won in the Open era.

It also extends Nadal’s impressive record in Rome where he has won the title more than any other player with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic second on four titles.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday May 21, 2018)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD--83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kevin O’Brien--118 (2) 9/110 (4/44 & 5/66) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was Ireland’s most successful bowler in the

recent Test?

(2) How many sixes were struck in the PAK/IRE Test?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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Race 8 Silly Simone English Racing Tips Towcester 09:25 hrs Pontresina 09:55 hrs Windspiel 10:25 hrs Starcrossed 10:55 hrs Riddlestown 11:55 hrs Atlanta’s Gold Carlisle 09:15 hrs Cosmic Law 09:45 hrs Seen The Lyte 10:15 hrs Katie Gale 10:45 hrs Aclimatise 11:15 hrs Arbalet 11:45 hrs Placebo Effect 12:15 hrs Sureyoutoldme 12:45 hrs Mishaal Windsor 13:15 hrs Come On Leicester 13:45 hrs Main Edition 14:45 hrs The Tin Man 15:15 hrs Agrotera 15:45 hrs Kirkland Forever

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

23 Days to go …

Costa Rica, led by Keylor Navas, hoping to repeat run to quarter-finals Captain: Bryan Ruiz Manager: Oscar Ramirez Nickname: La Sele FIFA rank (as of April 12, 2018): 25 HOW THEY QUALIFIED OSTA Rica won their group with 16 points to advance to CONCACAF’s Hexagonal phase.

In their first game of the round they defeated Trinidad & Tobago, and days later scored a resounding 4-0 win over the United States.

La Sele’s first loss came in their next game against Mexico, and they earned just two points in ensuing draws against Honduras and Panama. But in their final five games of the Hexagonal, Costa Rica again defeated Trini dad & Tobago and the U.S., vir-

C

tually punching their ticket to Russia.

The Ticos finished in second place with 16 points, despite not winning any of their last three games in the final round.

BIGGEST STRENGTH

Defence, first and foremost. Costa Rica had the second-best unit

of the Hexagonal, allowing just eight goals.

Centre-backs Kendall Waston, Giancarlo Gonzalez and Johnny Acosta showed a good

in his “wall,” as Keylor Navas is considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

risk arRussia s o m e rust to knock off.

riving in w i t h

complishment is being among the 32 teams that will participate in the tournament, since almatchu p s against Switzerland and Serbia. In case Costa Rica reach the knockout stage, they could face defending champion Germany or CONCACAF rival Mexico.

COSTA RICA’S PROJECTED STARTED 11

STAR PLAYER

level of play throughout the qualifying round.

And the c a s e could b e m a d e t h a t t h e t r u e strength of Osc a r R a m i r e z ’s back half lies

BIGGEST WEAKNESS

There is a consensus that despite the 14 qualifying goals, Costa Rica need a natural centre-forward. Betis’ Joel Campbell just returned to action in Spain after rehabbing an injury, and Marco Urena of Major League Soccer’s LAFC underwent surgery to repair broken bones in his face, sustained in an April collision. Both strikers

Keylor Navas, without question. He is Real Madrid’s keeper and also the leader of the Costa Rican side, and any shot at advancing out of the group stage will be tied to his performances. A good showing in the Champions League final with Real could result in some momentum.

WHAT THE LOCAL MEDIA SAYS

“The Ticos’ biggest ac-

most nobody in Costa Rica can imagine repeating the feat from four years ago: Losing on penalty kicks to Holland in the quarterfinals.” -- Luis Miranda, journalist for Depor

PREDICTION

Costa Rica sit in Group E with Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland. On paper, Brazil are virtually assured a berth in the round of 16.

The Ticos will be contenders for the second spot, but if they wish to advance it’s imperative they win their

Goalkeepers – Leonel Moreira, Keylor Navas, Patrick Pemberton Defenders – Johnny Acosta, Francisco Calvo, Oscar Duarte, Cristian Gamboa, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Ronald Matarrita, Bryan Oviedo, Jose Salvatierra, Michael Umana, Kendall Watson Midfielders – Christian Bolanos, Celso Borges, David Guzman, Ulises Segura, Yeltsin Tejeda, Rodney Wallace Forwards – Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz, Marco Urena, Johan Venegas

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Mo Farah wins FIFPro writes for Cuerrero Manchester 10k run ( B B C ) - B R I TA I N ’ S Olympic and world 10,000m champion Mo Farah said he felt “tired” after his first victory in the 10km Great Manchester Run. Farah, who finished third at the London Marathon last month, raced past Ugandan Moses Kipsiro with 100 metres left to win in 28 minutes 27 seconds.

Abel Kirui of Kenya finished third, 25 seconds behind Farah.

Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba won her third straight women’s race, well ahead of Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei.

In the men’s wheel-

chair race, Britain’s David Weir beat Johnboy Smith and Simon Lawson to win in 21 minutes 28 seconds.

In the women’s wheelchair race, Britain’s Liz McTernan was victorious in 34 minutes 20 seconds ahead of Heather Gilham and Lucy Keyworth.

Farah, who was appearing in the race for the first time since 2007, took part in a minute’s silence before the race in tribute to the 22 people who died in last year’s Manchester Arena bombing.

For most of the race, the 35-year-old looked

comfortable in warm conditions as he kicked past Kipsiro with 100 metres to go.

But he said he was still recovering from breaking the British record at last month’s marathon - his first event over the distance since switching his focus to road racing.

“I’ve got great speed and I know that at the end of the races I can use it if the guys haven’t hurt me enough, so today was a matter of hanging in there,” he told BBC Sport.

“I was pretty tired.

Having competed in the marathon not so long ago, today was hard work.”

(Reuters) THE world players’ union FIFPro said it had written to FIFA to request that Peru captain Paolo Guerrero, banned from the World Cup over cocaine contained in a cup of tea, be allowed to participate in the tournament.

FIFPro said on Twitter that it was “hoping for a breakthrough in the next 24-48 hours”.

G u e r re ro h a d j u s t completed a six-month ban after testing positive for cocaine, contained in a tea he drank, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) increased it to 14 months on Monday.

The extended ban, imposed after an appeal to CAS by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), means the 34-year-old will miss next month’s World Cup where Peru have qualified for the first time in 36

Paolo Guerrero (The Indian Express)

years.

CAS increased the ban despite accepting that Peru’s all-time leading scorer did not intend to enhance performance and that he had not knowingly ingested the substance.

FIFPro has already criticised the ban as being disproportionate and said that

the WADA code had been imposed on football without properly consulting the players.

Tea infused with coca leaves, which are used as the raw ingredient in cocaine, is popular in Andean countries and a traditional treatment for altitude sickness.

Barcelona bid Inesta farewell with 1-0 win

Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta is thrown in the air by teammates during a tribute at the end of the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou stadium. Iniesta, who joined Barcelona’s academy 22 years ago, played his final game for the club.

(Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - LA Liga champions Barcelona ended their campaign with a 1-0 win at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday thanks to a sensational distance strike from Philippe Coutinho as the Nou Camp paid an emotional farewell to departing captain Andres Iniesta.

Coutinho drifted inside from the left and held off two defenders outside the area before rattling the ball in off the far post with a venomous shot, breaking the deadlock in the 57th minute.

The league’s top scorer Lionel Messi started the game on the bench but replaced Coutinho in the 67th minute. Iniesta was substituted in the 82nd, hugging most of his team

mates as well as some Real Sociedad players and the referee as he left the Nou Camp pitch for the last time as a Barca player.

Barca’s fans held up a mosaic before the game reading “Infinite Iniesta”.

They later revealed a banner saying “Thanks for so much” in tribute to a player who came through the club’s academy and spent 16 years pulling the strings in midfield, winning nine Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six domestic Cups.

They continued to sing Iniesta’s name long after he had gone off the pitch.

The captain returned with his team mates after the final whistle to lift the club’s 25th Liga title and also show off the King’s Cup trophy which they

won in April, beating Sevilla 5-0 in the final.

“Today is a difficult day.

I have spent 22 marvellous years here and I’ve been so proud to defend and represent this badge, which for me is the best in the world,” Iniesta said, addressing the Barca fans from the pitch.

“Thanks to all our fans, for the support you’ve shown and the respect you have given me. I came here as a boy and I leave aged 34 as a man. I’ll always carry you in my heart.”

Barca end the season on 93 points, 14 more than second-placed Atletico Madrid and 17 above last year’s champions Real Madrid. Ernesto Valverde’s side lost only one Liga match, last week’s 5-4 defeat at Levante.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Windies trio out of IPL (CMC) - CHRIS Gayle’s involvement in this year’s Indian Premier League came to an unflattering end on Sunday, when he failed yet again as Kings XI Punjab crashed to a five-wicket defeat to Dwayne Bravo’s Chennai Super Kings.

Needing a victory on the final day of preliminary matches to stay in contention for the playoffs, Kings XI failed to defend 153 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, and plunged to their eighth loss of the season.

The defeat left Kings XI seventh in the eight-team standings on 12 points while CSK booked their spot in the playoffs, finishing second with 18 points.

Once again, Gayle failed to spark and was an early casualty without scoring, facing just two balls before gloving a leg-side catch behind off exciting South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.

WEST INDIES OPENER EVIN LEWIS. The 38-year-old West Indies opener finished with

368 runs at an average of 40.

He hammered an unbeaten hundred and three half-cen-

turies in his first five innings but his form tailed off badly, and only 64 runs came from his last six outings.

West Indies opener Evin Lewis.

Ngidi, who finished with four for 10 from four overs, produced an early burst which

left Kings XI reeling on 16 for three in the fourth over before Karun Nair top-scored with 54 from 26 balls and Manoj

Tiwary chipped in with 35, to rescue the innings.

Tiwary added 60 for the

third wicket with South Africa’s David Miller (26) before Bravo yorked Miller in the 13th over. The West Indies seamer also accounted for Nair in the penultimate over as he finished with two for 39.

In reply, CSK reached their target off the first ball of the 20th over, courtesy of Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 61 off 48 deliveries.

At the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, Kieron Pollard and Evin Lewis suffered contrasting fates with the bat but joined Gayle on the sidelines of the tournament as Mumbai Indians went down by 11 runs to Delhi Daredevils, to also miss out on the playoffs.

Chasing 175 for the crucial victory, Mumbai were dismissed for 163, with three balls remaining in the innings.

The left-handed Lewis top-scored with 48 from 31 balls, dominating a 45-run, second wicket stand with Ishan Kishan who made just five.

Lewis clobbered three fours and four sixes before he was third out in the ninth over, missing a charge at leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3-19) and going stumped.

P o l l a r d ’s c a m p a i g n , meanwhile, ended in the same miserable fashion it began. Inserted at number four, he made only seven before superb work in the deep saw him caught by Trent Boult off 17-year-old Nepalise leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, the New Zealander completing the catch after Australian Glenn Maxwell relayed it to him while falling over the ropes at long off.

Lewis finished with 389 runs at an average of 29 in his first IPL season while Pollard ended a disappointing campaign with a mere 133 runs at an average of 19.

Earlier, Delhi chalked up 174 for four off their 20 overs with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 64 from 44 balls.

Henry to continue as coach Afridi gives assurance of World XI following talks with hierarchy charity match participation

(CMC) – SASHER-Gaye Henry is set to continue as Sunshine Girls coach following clear-the-air talks with Netball Jamaica.

The former national player resigned nearly a week ago but the local governing body said in a statement it had met with Henry to discuss the matters surrounding the decision, and had managed to smooth over the issues.

“Sasher-Gaye Henry met with the Human R e s o u rc e C o m m i t t e e of Netball Jamaica and subsequently, with the president, Mrs Paula Daley-Morris. The meeting facilitated open discussions about the factors surrounding the resignation,” Netball Jamaica said.

“We are pleased to inform the public that all parties have agreed that what is most common among us is the love for netball and our unwavering commitment to netball to work together to move the sport forward.

“Given the above con-

Sunshine Girls coach Sasher-Gaye Henry.

sensus, the board of directors has voted not to accept Miss Henry’s resignation.”

Henry quit abruptly just a month after she and fellow coach, Marvette Anderson, guided Jamaica to bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Initial media reports said Henry was dissatisfied with her financial arrangement with Netball Jamaica but she subsequently rubbished those claims.

“There were two bases.

One was related to the personal needs of my family, which I regard as a priority at this time,” Henry said earlier in the week.

“The other related to my increasing concerns about continuing professional weaknesses in the administration of the sport.”

Henry and Anderson were appointed to oversee the Sunshine Girls following the departure of Jermaine Allison-McCracken last August.

Afridi has committed to Windies charity match at Lords despite not fully recovered from injured knee.

(SPORTSMAX) - PAKISTAN all-rounder Shahid Afridi has given assurances that he will be playing in the Windies versus ICC World XI charity match set for Lords on May 31, despite the fact that he is not yet recovered from a long-running knee injury.

The 38-year-old former Pakistan captain tweeted on Thursday that the knee he injured during the Pakistan Super League in March would require three to four more weeks to heal, putting in doubt his ability to show up

at Lords.

“Went to see my doctor in Dubai, knee hasn’t recovered fully yet. I’ll need another 3-4 weeks. Hoping to regain full fitness after that, keep praying for me,” he posted on Twitter to his one million followers.

However, on Friday, Afridi posted another tweet saying he was committed to playing in the match.

“I will be playing @ICC World XI vs @westindies as I feel strongly to support this as a cricketer & Muslim. I am following the

rehab plan my doctor gave ?%. My Allah recommends to help people in need with all the power I have. C u @ HomeOfCricket on 31st and let’s keep #HopeNotOut.” Shakib Al Hasan had recently withdrawn, for personal reasons, from the match being played to raise funds to restore facilities in the Windies that suffered heavy damage during the passage of hurricanes in 2017.

His place has been taken by promising Nepalese wrist-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Jeffrey up to provisional third Success Village makes it three wins in Unity Cup in MSVR Radical Challenge

By Stephan Sookram

AFTER round two of the MSVR Radical Championships in England, Guyanese Kristian Jeffrey is provisional third in the overall standings.

Round two took place last weekend at the famous Brands Hatch Circuit in the United Kingdom with Jeffrey earning a third and two fourth placed finishes in what he dubbed a learning week-

end.

He told Chronicle Sport, “I’m closer to where I want to be. It’s in my competitive nature to aim to be the best at what I do. So getting closer to the front runners means I have a good chance of winning. There are a lot more rounds remaining.

Hopefully, we can fight to win the championship.”

He continued, “After the first round at Donington

Park, I ended up 5th overall.

I’m trying my best to stay consistent and this weekend, although I didn’t get 3 podiums, judging from not the best qualifying, I’m happy with my race pace and results at Brands Hatch.

“It’s a very competitive field of experienced drivers and you’re literally on the edge every lap. Brands Hatch has a lot of history as a race track, very fast corners with loads of elevation. It’s like

you’re on a roller coaster.

The track, even though it’s very fast, its super tight, so passing takes a lot of commitment. I managed to stay out of trouble and the team was really happy with the result,” he concluded.

He thanked his team for the dedication that they continually show as well as his supporters in Guyana and the rest of the world who continue to wish him well.

Part of the opening ceremony of the Daniel G Richmond Memorial and Al Sport & Tour Promotions End of School year Primary Schools Windball tournament

Tense action as Daniel G Richmond Memorial Windball competition continues ACTION in the Daniel G Richmond Memorial and Al Sport & Tour Promotions End of School year Primary Schools Windball tournament continued across the country last weekend with several matches.

At the CJIA Ground- Upper East Bank Demerara, Soesdyke Primary batting first posted 25-6 with Deon Scott being the chief destroyer with 4-7. In response, Supply Primary cruised to 28-1.

In game two, Hauraruni Primary clobbered their way to 41-0, against Saint

Mary’s thanks to Jedediah with 20. The Defending Region #4 champions however responded with 43-2 thanks to Dylon Jaisingh 21.

At the National Gymnasium Lower East Bank Demerara, Covent Garden got off to a flyer, posting 117 without loss thanks to Mick Mohammed 58 and Devin Roopnarine 48. Craig could only respond with 68-1 thanks to Navindra Chuniram 19.

Game two saw a close contest Between Grove and Mocha. Grove who batted first and made 81-3 through

Randy Springer’s 34 and Mocha who replied with 73-3 thanks to Branson Phang 39 and Stephen Phugsley 30.

In girls action, Peters Hall, playing Mocha won by one run after making a first innings total of 96-0 thanks to Khadja Bowen 54 and Amelia Scott 26. Mocha, in response could only make 95-2, thanks to Matasia Innis 39 and Jessica Heywood 23.

New Diamond/Grove in their game against Grove managed 77-1 with Shonia Denzil making 19 and Jada Gordon 16. Grove respond-

ed with 74-2 off the bat of Emmily Bissoon 30 and Allia Scott 10.

Peters Hall game two saw them making 107-1 thanks to Amelia Scott 71 and Khadja Bowen17 while their opponents Craig only managed 99-1 thanks to Renetta Amstrong 42 and Alia Mc Pherson 34.

Meanwhile the Georgetown Champions Trophy which is being Organized By sports Officer A Munroe will bowl off on Monday May 21, Inside the National Gymnasium.

Exxon U-14 football tournament…

Team briefing on tomorrow The selected teams for the upcoming Exxon Mobil U-14 football tournament will have their first team briefing tomorrow at the National Library.

According to a correspondence yesterday, organisers Petra have opted to hold the briefing to allow the teams a chance to ask questions relating to the rules.

It will also feature the final list of teams expected in the inaugural edition of the competition, launched last week in Georgetown.

Tomorrow’s briefing

will take place at 14:00 The round-robin knock-out tournament will feature 24 male and 8 female teams when it gets going in early June.

THE Unity Cup organised by the Guyana Softball League saw the village of Success staying on top, having defeated their neighbouring village, Better Hope, recently.

The weather only allowed two matches to be played. The first saw Success Young Guns displaying an abundance of talent to defeat Strikers by 63 runs.

Batting first, Success chalked up 110-9 in their 10 overs with Amit Ramnarine making 20 (2x6) and Asif Mohamed 19 (3x4). Omedat Khemraj was the pick of the bowlers with 2-7.

When Strikers batted, the wicket seemed to be different, as the Young Guns bowlers were almost unplayable, with all the bowlers contributing. Strikers were eventually bowled out for just 47.

In the other match to be played, Enterprise Youths got the better of Better Hope by 41 runs.

Enterprise batted first and made 110-3 in 10 overs with Rohan Beepat top scoring with 31 (3x6; 2x4) followed by Gary Andrews with 26 (2x6; 1x4).

Better Hope in their turn could only muster 69 all out in 8.4 overs with only Raj Rooplall getting into double figures with 16 (2x4).

Rohan Beepat was the pick of the bowlers, claim-

ing 2-5 in 2 overs, supported by Clive Roberts with 2-14.

Meanwhile, more areas are expected to get into the action.

Additionally, more incentives have been added to the tournament. Prizes will be given for highest score in the tournament and the best bowling figures. In case of more than one person achieving this, all will be given prizes.

The tournament will also have programmes beyond the boundaries and fans are urged to take advantage of these opportunities.

Incentives include the highest score in the tournament, the best bowling figures and lots more.

Teams still have a chance to register and can do so with the following representatives.

Berbice- Pinky Arthur – 615-2493; Ravi Ramnarine – 642-1206/ Celeb Morris - ; Upper East Coast – Herman Persaud – 643-3033; Rafman Ally – East Bank/Linden/Lower East Coast/ Georgetown – 654-2233; West Demerara615-2874 – Premnauth Bimchan – 670-9982’ Ravendra Ramgobin276-1381;Rawle Higgins667-6374; In case teams are unable to contact reps they can call Mortimer Denny on 687-3326; 4421562.

Full series still ...

Continued from back page

financial losses with the two low-profile tours on the schedule.

“We will lose a significant amount hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh,” the Englishman indicated.

“We knew 2018 would be a tough financial year and the back-to-back surpluses over the last three years would never be enough to take us through this year.”

Sri Lanka are set to leave on Friday for the Caribbean where they open their tour with a threeday warm-up match at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

Bangladesh are scheduled to follow the Sri Lankans and will play two Tests, three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals from July 4 to August 5.

The two last T20Is have been carded for the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, United States.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 21, 2018

Sports associations are not owned by individuals - Assistant Director of Sport

By Rajiv Bisnauth ASSISTANT Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson, is of the opinion that sports associations are not owned by individuals, and as such, the Ministry of Sport has overall responsibility in ensuring that each association implements a good governance principle.

Dow-Richardson made the disclosure during an interview with Minister of Sport, Dr. George Norton, recently, after Chronicle

Sport had sought some clarity on the way forward regarding the legitimacy of the appointment of the Cricket Ombudsman by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

The GCB went ahead and appointed its own Cricket Ombudsman, Attorney-at-Law Stephen Lewis, but the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) filed injunctions in court against the appointment, which was subsequently upheld.

The GCB’s move came even after Dr Norton had in-

formed the public that he is in the process of appointing a Cricket Ombudsman.

“This is a good governance issue. The functionaries who are in place are the ones whose term have expired, and so they (GCB) cannot manipulate the process that is there to legitimize. It is like an ownership situation and sport associations are not owned by any individual and so that transition is essential. So this is like a clog, and has to be defused by an entity that has that

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL....

Chase Academy delivers hat-trick THE 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sports Commission/National Secondary Schools Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/ NSSCL) continued this weekend with its District play-offs.

Chase Academy once again showed their dominance in the league, when they defeated an ambitious North Georgetown team by 28 runs in a challenging encounter.

Wayne Bollers

Chase Academy, batting first in a match reduced from 30 to 20 overs per side, rallied to 117 for 7 off their allotted overs.

Challenged by excellent bowling and superb fielding by the North Georgetown players, Chase Academy seemed set to face their first defeat in a Georgetown District final in three years.

A fighting 23 from middle order batsman, Halley; 19 from all-rounder Dwain

Nail-biter finish!

- Pepsi Hornets win STAG Guyana Carnival 7’s 12 – 10 over Yamaha Caribs CLAUDIUS Butts’ last second kick to tie the game after scoring a try, went inches wide of the goal and Pepsi Hornets celebrated winning the inaugural STAG Guyana Carnival Sevens tournament following the 12 – 10 finish at the event of 15 minutes of contest.

so perfect’ conditions due to overnight showers.

Featuring most of the players from the country’s National Men’s Sevens team, popularly known as the ‘Green Machine’, it was the clash of the titans and Rickford Cummings put the eventual

MOVE! Panthers’ Rondel ‘Bull’ McArthur was caught by Chronicle Sports’ Samuel Maughn being bullied by a GDF player during the STAG Guyana Carnival Sevens Rugby tournament.

After ending their round-robin stage of the tournament with three wins and loss each, the two star-studded sides, Pepsi Hornets and Yamaha Caribs, thrilled the large crowd at the country’s lone Rugby facility with some brilliant display of Rugby, despite playing in ‘not

winners in the lead (5 – 0) with his try and the team’s Captain Ryan Gonsalves scored the conversion to extend his side’s advantage 7 – 0.

Not to be outdone, however, Richard Staglon, one of the many overseas-based players in the tournament, brought Caribs

back into the mix (7 – 5), but his team failed in the conversion which would’ve brought them levelled with Hornets.

Cummings was once again successful getting by the Caribs defence, but Gonsalves’ kick sailed just wide of the goal but the Hornets still held on to advantage (12 – 5).

Abdullah Silverton (Trinidadian), Blaise Baily and Ronald Mayers marshalled the Hornets’ defence well but the Caribs with Staglon, butts and Vallon Adams (USA), kept their relentless pressure on the eventual winners.

With the crowd tense on the side-lines, Butts broke down the Caribs defence with his trademark footwork and sudden burst of speed, to bring his side just two points shy of forcing extra time.

But as the ball sailed from the goal, Hornets celebrated winning the tournament’s US$750 prize while Caribs had to settle for the second place purse of US$450.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Panthers and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Flacons were the other participating teams who contested the tournament sponsored by Ansa McAl (STAG), Ramps Logistics, FireSide Grill ‘N’ Chill and Guyana Carnival.

(Rawle Toney)

Melissa Dow-Richardson (DPI, Guyana photo)

responsibility, which is the Ministry of Sport,” the Assistant Director of Sport opined.

During that interview, Minister Norton reiterated the government’s position in the appointment of the Cricket Ombudsman, which will eventually help bring closure to a long-running dispute, which has affected the game since 2011.

Dr Norton is of the view that the current GCB is illegal, based on the Cricket Administration Act of 2014, and as such, he says

the current administration remains firm in ensuring that a properly constituted board, truly representative of the real stakeholders of Guyana’s cricket, would be in place.

Currently, the Minister is seeking legal guidance from the attorney general chambers on the way forward, but whatever is the outcome, Guyana has been earmarked to host a series of international games this year, and as such, the GCB always plays a pivotal role.

Dick; 18 from opening batsman, Tameshwar Permaul; a courageous 15 from tailender Thirnys Payne and 17 from national youth player, Sachin Singh, combined to take Chase Academy to 117 and an outside chance of winning the 2017/2018 GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL Georgetown District title.

Bowling for North Georgetown, Shivanand Go-

sian returned figures of 3 for 11 from 4 overs; leg-spinner Wayne Bollers 2 for 26 from 4 overs and Mervin Permaul 1 for 20 from 4 overs. Bowling for Chase Academy, Dwain Dick had the valuable wicket of opening batsman Gosain for 6, to end with 1 for 18 from 4 overs, while Orlando Giddings sent back Mervin Permaul for 4 to finish with figures of 1 for 13 from 4 overs.

Michael Pooran, batting at number 2, was run out for 6.

Chase Academy won by 28 runs to lift the 2017/2018 GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL Georgetown District title.

Chase Academy will now enter the countrywide playoffs, with their next encounter being against the East Coast Demerara/ Mahaichony District champions.

Nail-biter finish!

- Pepsi Hornets win STAG Guyana Carnival 7’s 12 – 10 over Yamaha Caribs

See Page 23

CHAMPS! Pepsi Hornets crowned Champions of the STAG Guyana Carnival Sevens Rugby tournament after defeating Yamaha Caribs 12 – 10 in the finals at the National Park.

See Page 22

Jeffrey up to provisional third in MSVR Radical Challenge Kristian Jeffrey and his third place trophy

Full series still on schedule, assures Grave

(CMC) – Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave, says no decision has been taken to reduce matches for Sri Lanka’s three-Test tour of the Caribbean.

Media reports on Saturday said with CWI experiencing a cash crunch, a Test was likely to be sacrificed in favour of a couple of One-Day Internationals, which would be more profitable.

“At this stage though, full tours for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are still on,” the Nation newspaper here quoted Grave as saying.

“With England and India coming for international home series next year, we anticipate better fortunes.”

West Indies and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns

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

from June 6-27, with Tests carded for Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia and Kensington Oval in Barbados.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive, Ashley de Silva, said he had been in communication with the CWI, and a Test was likely to be scrapped because of the host board’s financial challenges.

Neither the Sri Lanka nor Bangladesh tour will be financially viable for CWI, with the cost of staging the games outweighing anticipated revenue.

Grave said CWI had been already bracing for

Turn to page 22

MONDAY, MAY 21, 2018