Guyana chronicle e paper 05 30 2018

WEDNESDAY 30th May, 2018

Not so soon No.105290

… Gov't to appeal court order to activate Judicial Review Act … says ruling raises serious questions of governance, separation of powers

Pressure mounts on Mae’s

… school denies evicting boy over attire centre page

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Mechanic charged with killing 13 Goldfields manager GWI to upgrade network with 03 US$1.3M CDB loan Justice Prem Persaud to 02 head GPSCCU PAGE

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Indigenous organisations in Guyana and other citizens rallied around Karen Small (left) as she picketed Mae’s Primary School on Tuesday over allegations that her nine-year-old son, Joshua Chacon, was rejected and condemned for wearing an indigenous attire for the school’s culture day. Samuel Maughn photo)

Paying the right price … some Pradoville home owners contacting SARA in bid to settle

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Justice Prem Persaud to head GPSCCU

FORMER Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PSU), Justice Prem Persaud has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) Limited, the Ministry of Social Protection announced on Tuesday, in addition to disclosing that an Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been set up.

The announcement came one day after the embattled GPSCCU Management Committee, led by Patricia Went, registered objection to its takeover by the Department of Cooperatives, Ministry of Social Protection. It was on Friday, May 25, 2018, that the Social Protection Ministry informed Went and team, that their services were no longer needed, and that the Chief Co-operative Development Officer (CCDO) would take immediate control over

the GPSCCU. Poor performance on the part of the old management team was cited as the reason.

On Monday, the Social Protection Ministry, in a statement, said as a consequence of the CCDO’s action, all operations were suspended. However, it assured that the office will be reopened for business today May 30, 2018 from 08:30hrs, with an Interim Management Committee (IMC) spearheading its operations.

Justice Prem Persaud has been appointed the officer-in-charge. Patsy Russell, a business consultant with a rich banking background; Trevor Benn, Commissioner and CEO Guyana Lands and Survey Commission; Rajdai Jagarnauth, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business; and Gillian Pollard, Deputy Director of the Budget, Ministry of Finance; Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Legal

Officer, Ministry of Public Telecommunications; and Patrick Mentore, Human Resources and Training Manager, Guyana Maritime Administration, are the members of the GPSCCU IMC. In addition to being the officer-in-charge of management of the affairs of the agency, Justice Persaud was appointed an ex-officio member of the management committee.

The Social Protection Ministry also disclosed that George Vaughn, an auditor, was appointed. He will commence his work today as well.

“The Ministry of Social Protection takes this opportunity to reiterate to the employees of the Credit Union

that the ministry thanks them for their understanding and cooperation during the past days and looks forward for their willing co-operation in the future,” it said.

The ministry assured that the jobs of workers at the Credit Union have not been jeopardised. All workers are required to report to work as usual at 08:30hrs on Wednesday May 30, 2018.

While the Ministry of Social Protection cited poor performance as its reason, Went told reporters on Monday that the decision was rooted in the demand by the Department of Co-operatives for “an undue payment of the Audit and Supervision Fund for the years 2002-2013 of an alleged balance of $449,691,682”.

“The Credit Union contends that the Department of Cooperatives’ claim to outstanding payments towards the Audit and Supervision Fund could not be justified, given that the already audited Accounts of the Credit Union for the years 2002 to 2010 reflected no such balance, as was claimed,” Went told reporters during a press conference at the Critchlow Labour College.

The Department of Cooperatives has reportedly refused to acknowledge waivers of contribution to the Audit and Supervision Fund which was authorised by then Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr Nanda Gopaul, and as such has asked that the moneys be repaid.

Justice Prem Persaud

Survey finds...

Four out of every 10 prisoners are parents –– with more than one child from multiple partners FOR every 10 prisoners, four have been found to be parents many times over and with multiple partners.

That’s a whopping 35.9 per cent of the entire prison population, according to a study titled “Guyana Prison Service Inmates Survey” released on Monday.

The total number of inmates sampled in the study was 2,043 across five penal institutions.

And what that survey found, was that a good many of those 2000-odd inmates came from broken homes.

They went on to become adults and live the same “unstructured” way they did back when they were children.

Thus, with abject poverty the order of the day, many an inmate particularly the males, were unable to support and sustain the various women with whom they had children. And, in the case of the women, it meant never having enough money to feed all those little hungry mouths.

During the course of the study, which was done under the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme, many inmates who admitted having

children were asked at what age they became parents.

And invariably, one out of every three said they were 18 or younger, though a good 55.9 per cent or so admitted having their first child at 21.

What this means in reality, according to the report, is that having children at such an early age might have limited the job opportunities for a good share of the inmates.

What was interesting, however, is that while most of the female prisoners (some 47.4 per cent) admitted having their first child at 18 or younger, by contrast, only 25.1 per cent of the male prisoners became fathers at such a tender age.

Meanwhile, of those inmates who admitted having worked a month or so before their arrest, over half of them (56.3 per cent) were working more than 40-hours-a-week shifts, while others were getting jobs here and there, pulling between 21 to 40-hour shifts, whenever the opportunity presented itself.

What this proved, the report noted, was that a very large share of the prisoners who were employed before being arrested, were either

working very long hours or were underemployed.

Underemployment, which is the same as work overload (and can be taken as indirect indicators of low wages and precarious working conditions), the report says, appears to be the working background of a good proportion of those who had a job when they committed the crime for which they were incarcerated.

Of those inmates who were working one month before their arrest and asked what other means of income they had outside of their job, a good many (67.7 per cent) said none. Only a small minority said that they had other means, from such illegal activities as selling drugs or dealing in other illegal goods.

There were some, however, 12.4 per cent or so, who got a “top-up” from time to time from either relatives or friends, or were on pension or welfare.

In summary, which is consistent with findings from other countries, most inmates are able to make a living although strong indicators show that earnings were not high and they worked in precarious positions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

… Gov’t to appeal court order to activate Judicial Review Act

… says ruling raises serious questions of governance, separation of powers GOVERNMENT has signaled its intention to appeal the High Court ruling ordering the Attorney General to bring into force the Judicial Review Act, questioning whether the judiciary can govern even as it said that the decision presents a great opportunity for the Caribbean Court of Justice to answer serious questions of governance and the separation of powers.

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on Monday ruled that Attorney General, Basil Williams’ failure to bring the act into force is unlawful and is in violation of the will of the people. In a statement issued by his chambers, Williams recalled that in December 2017, the PPP/C filed a High Court Action to compel him to commence the Judicial Review Act 2010.

He said that five months later the High Court has ordered,by way of a mandamus, that he must bring the Judicial Review Act 2010 into force.

“The decision of the court raises some important questions regarding governance and the separation of powers between the executive arm of the government and the judiciary,” Williams said. He questioned whether the judiciary can govern and can the judiciary order the government to create law? Thirdly,

he asked whether the judiciary can direct the current government to implement an Act that the PPP/C government deliberately failed to implement during its time in office.

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, who had brought the action against Williams, said in his application to the court that he was aware that the said Act was not previously brought into operation by him. He said it was because there were no complementary procedural rules of the court to accompany the said Act, as the Rules of the High Court 1955 made no provisions for judicial review. He argued that at that time, new Civil Procedure Rules were in draft form and these rules laid out the legal procedure in respect of how the court can be approached to access the remedies provided for in the Judicial Review Act. However, he said on the 5th day of February, 2017 a Practice Direction dated the 23rd day of January, 2017 and published on the 4th day of February, 2017 in the Official Gazette by the Honourable Chancellor (ag.) Mr. Justice Carl Singh directed that the Civil Procedure Rules 2016,

shall take effect from the 6th day of February, 2017; the said Practice Direction also provided that the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 shall govern the practice and procedure of all civil proceedings filed in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature after the 6th day of February, 2017.

EXPRESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE However, Williams argued that the people of Guyana have vested power in the Cabinet as an expression of the Executive arm to govern and manage the affairs of the country.

He said the judiciary has an equally important role to play to protect the rights of citizens but must exercise this responsibility with great care. He quoted the President Elect of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Adrian Saunders, when sitting as First Instances in the Eastern Caribbean Case of Benjamin et al v. Ministry of Information et al, an unreported case from High Court of Anguilla, Suit No. 56 of 1997, decided on the 7th January, opined: “…our democracy rests on three fundamental pillars, the legislature, executive and judiciary. All must keep within the bounds of the

Constitution. The judiciary has the task of seeing to it that legislative and executive actions do not stray outside those boundaries onto forbidden territory. If that occurs and a citizen withstanding complains, the court declares the trespass and grants appropriate remedies.

Within the constitutional parameters, the legislative and the executives are responsible for enacting and implementing such policy measures as they consider most appropriate for the people. The judiciary has to be careful that it too does not stray from its function and usurp the authority and role reserved for the other two pillars.”

Williams further stated that the Parliament vested the power upon the Minister as a member of the Executive arm of the Government to determine the commencement of the Judicial Review Act. “There has been no willful or malicious failure or refusal by the Attorney General to commence the Act as alleged in the case brought before the Court. The Attorney General is persuaded that an opportunity and consideration ought to be given to the Executive to set a reasonable date for the commencement of the Judicial Review Act, given that eight years have passed

since the passage of the Act. This would also allow the Cabinet the opportunity to engage in wide consultations with the Guyanese people before the Act is brought into law. This would ensure that improvements and amendments be made to cure existing lacunas in the current Judicial Review Act and to bring it in line with established regional and international best practices. Regrettably, the decision of the Court is premature as there has been no opportunity for consultation on the commencement of the Act,” the attorney general said.

PPP FAILURE Williams contended that the facts are that the Judicial Review Act 2010 was assented to on November 2, 2010. He said the Parliament and parties in Parliament in 2010 agreed and provided in Section 1 of the Act that “the Judicial Review Act shall come into operation on a date appointed by order of the Minister”.

“The PPP/C government up to May 2015 – five years after the passage of the Act refused to commence the Act. The PPP/C refused to pass the Act to prevent the Opposition and litigants from

Attorney General Basil Williams making claims under the Act which would give them a wide range of reliefs, including compensation for damages.”

According to Williams the Judicial Review Act was not dependent upon the passing of the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 as argued before the court, and it does not negate the fact that the former attorney general refused to bring the very Act into law, which he now argues must be brought into law.

Moreover, the reference to “rules of Court” in the Act contemplated rules that were already in force as there was already provision in the law for claims for judicial review.

GWI to upgrade network with US$1.3M CDB loan GUYANA’S Water Sector will undergo further upgrades now that the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan to the tune of US$1.3M. In a statement, the CDB said that the funds, which will be provided to the Government of Guyana, will be used to provide consultancy services to develop a national water policy, in addition to designs and estimates for the construction of water treatment plants and the upgrade of related infrastructure.

“The Government of Guyana is currently

seeking to enhance the management of its water resources, as well as increase the availability and access of water to communities.

We expect that these funds will be used to provide technically viable solutions for the improvement of water supply to approximately 68,000 people who live along in the coast as well as in the hinterland regions,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects at CDB. It was explained that of the construction of water treatment plants and the upgrade of existing infrastructure, under the Water

Sector Enhancement Project, consultants will conduct a study to determine the feasibility of using water from the Hope Canal for potable water purposes, prepare a national water policy, and develop recommendations for institutional strengthening.

“For many residents and businesses in the coastal regions of Guyana, water supply is characterised by low water pressure. In addition, the projected impacts of climate change are expected to result in more frequent dry periods, as well as more intense rainfall. The plans for new infrastructure will incorporate

climate resilient designs,” the CDB noted.

This aspect of the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

It is consistent with CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development within its Borrowing Member Countries, as well as the Bank’s corporate priorities of strengthening and modernising social and economic infrastructure; and promoting environmental sustainability (climate change resilience, environmental management).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

ABC drops Roseanne show after racist tweet ABC TV network has cancelled comedian Roseanne Barr’s sitcom after she posted a racist tweet likening an African-American former Obama aide to an ape.

ABC said: “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values and we have decided to cancel her show.”

Barr’s tweet said Valerie Jarrett was the child of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Planet of the Apes film.

The reboot of her hit ‘90s sitcom “Roseanne” has been a ratings hit.

The comedian deleted Monday night’s original post, but could not contain the backlash.

“I apologise to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans,” Barr wrote, after follow-up posts in which she defended her remarks as a “joke”.

“I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste.”

Barr’s initial tweet came in response to another Twitter user, who accused Mrs Jarrett of helping to conceal purported spying during the Obama administration.

Mrs Jarrett was a senior adviser to former US President Barack Obama, and worked with him during his early days in Chicago politics.

She was born in Iran to African-American parents.

Mrs Jarrett was not the only target of Barr’s Twitter tirade in recent days.

On Monday, the 65-yearold entertainer claimed Chelsea Clinton - daughter of former US President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton - was married to a relative of billionaire investor George Soros in a tweet.

Mrs Jarrett, centre, was one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving aides

Barr tweeted an apology to Ms Clinton on Tuesday.

Barr also alleged Mr Soros, who is Jewish, was a Nazi collaborator - a claim his spokesman labelled “an affront”.

On Sunday, the comedian criticised the Obama family for signing on with Netflix to produce TV programmes and movies.

Barr - who ran unsuccessfully for the Green party’s presidential nomination in 2012 - implied she was considering a White House bid someday.

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The comedian wrote on Tuesday she was “now leaving Twitter”.

Speaking at a prescheduled MSNBC town hall event on racism, Mrs Jarrett said the Roseanne Barr controversy was “a teaching moment”.

“I’m fine, I’m worried about all the people out there who don’t have a circle of

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friends and followers coming to their defence,” she said.

She added that Robert Iger, chief executive of Disney, ABC’s parent company, had called her to apologise and said he had “zero tolerance” for Barr’s tweet.

Following ABC’s cancellation notice, Barr’s talent agency, ICM Partners, dropped her as a client.

Entertainment media report an internal email to ICM employees called Barr’s tweet “disgraceful and unacceptable”.

Sara Gilbert, who plays daughter Darlene on the series, posted on Twitter that Barr’s comments were “abhorrent”.

Emma Kenney, who plays Darlene’s daughter Harris, said “the racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable”, adding: “Bullies do not win. Ever.”

Following Barr’s offensive tweet, one of Roseanne’s consulting producers, Wanda Sykes, said she would not be returning to the show.

Danny Zuker, a writer for the original 1988 Roseanne show, said it was “nauseating” to see what Barr had become.

Her hit sitcom’s cancellation comes just two months after it was revived.

The premiere in March pulled in more than 25 million people, with delayed viewing counted in.

It was renewed for a second season before the 10 episodes even finished airing.

The comedy series won conservative plaudits because Barr plays a Trump supporter, a group largely ignored by Hollywood.

US President Donald Trump, whom Barr also supports off-camera as well, had called to congratulate her on the success of the rebooted show.

The original Roseanne aired from 1988-97 and was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of working-class Americans. (BBC News)

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018 2

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

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Russia’s opposition journalist shot dead in Kiev

Arkady Babchenko was a prominent Russian journalist and veteran of the Chechen wars

Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko has died after being shot near his home in Kiev, Ukrainian police say.

Mr Babchenko, 41, was found bleeding at the entrance to his block of flats by his wife and died in an ambulance.

After writing about a crashed Russian military plane in 2016, Mr Babchenko said he received death threats and left his home country.

He first moved to Prague and later to the Ukrainian capital. He was an outspoken critic of the Kremlin.

A former war correspondent, he worked in Kiev as a presenter on Ukraine’s channel ATR TV. Speaking to the BBC, Ukrainian police spokesman Yaroslav Trakalo confirmed Mr Babchenko’s death.

The journalist was reportedly shot several times in the back.

Kiev police chief Andriy Kryshchenko told local media they suspected Mr Babchenko was killed because of his “professional activities”.

A criminal investigation is now under way.

Ukrainian lawmaker Anton Herashchneko said the journalist went out to buy some bread, and that the killer was waiting for him near his flat.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman described Mr Babchenko as a “true friend of Ukraine, who was telling the

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

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world about Russian aggression”.

“The killers should be punished,” Mr Groysman said.

Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement: “We demand that the Ukrainian authorities make every effort to promptly investigate” the killing.

The ministry also offered condolences to Mr Babchenko’s family and friends.

In his last Facebook post just hours before the attack, Mr Babchenko recalled how lucky he was four years ago - exactly to the day.

He wrote that he had planned to fly with Ukrainian soldiers on a helicopter in the war zone in Ukraine’s east.

He was not allowed on board, because there was not enough space. The helicopter was shot down by pro-Russian rebels, leaving 14 people dead.

“I was lucky. A second birthday, it turns out”, Mr Babchenko wrote.

A well-known Kremlin critic, he stood in unofficial elections organised by the opposition in 2012 and denounced Russia’s actions in Syria and eastern Ukraine.

In December 2016, Mr Babchenko wrote a Facebook post (in Russian) about a crashed Tu-154 transport plane, which fell into the Black Sea while carrying a Red Army choir to Syria. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Pregnant woman charged with Mother’s Day strangling A PREGNANT woman appeared on Tuesday in court before Magistrate Leron Daly charged with manslaughter.

It was alleged that on May 13, 2018 at 14 Soesdyke Back Road, East Bank Demerara, Melissa Silos unlawfully killed 32-yearold Julian Anthony Reberio The 28- year-old woman was not required to plead to the charge.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objection to bail.

However, he told the court that investigations were still on-going and a few statements were outstanding.

Bail was granted in the sum of $200,000 by the magistrate and the matter was adjourned for June 18, 2018.

Almost two weeks after she had lied to the police about her husband’s death,

Melisa Silos

Silos reportedly told detectives that she strangled Ribeiro on Mother’s Day. Ribeiro called “Yankee,” was laid to rest two weeks ago but relatives questioned the circumstances of his demise.

The crime was kept a secret until early last week when questions were raised about the various statements given by the wife, which did not add up. Silos accord-

ing to reports had initially claimed that the man had come home intoxicated on the evening of May 11, and he fell and hit his head. And, in another statement, she said she tried waking him up from the bed and he was unresponsive. But what raised eyebrows and blew the case wide open were the findings of an autopsy done by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, in which it was

found that the victim died of asphyxiation caused by compression injuries to the neck… in other words death by strangulation. There was no head injury listed on the autopsy report.

After hours of interrogation at the Timehri Police Station, Silos reportedly said that she and Ribeiro got into an argument and in anger she strangled him.

American held in Venezuela returns home A FORMER US missionary and his wife have returned to Utah following their release from a Caracas prison where they were jailed for nearly two years.

Joshua Holt, who was arrested in 2016, landed in Salt Lake City on Monday to a crowd holding signs saying: "We never gave up" and "Let Freedom Ring".

Mr Holt and his Venezu-

elan wife, Thamy Caleno, were greeted by his grandmother and seven-year-old daughter.

The couple returned to the US on 27 May and met President Donald Trump.

Mr Holt and his wife were jailed in the Venezuelan capital city on charges of concealing weapons.

His family, friends and supporters celebrated the couple's homecoming on

Monday with signs in Spanish and English and the Star Spangled Banner.

Malinda Holt, Mr Holt's grandmother, draped an American flag around her grandson's shoulders as onlookers sang the US national anthem.

Mr Holt briefly thanked his friends, family and supporters, and said he and his wife were exhausted, having gotten "maybe four hours of

Nicaragua using mobs to quash protests AMNESTY International has accused the Nicaraguan government of colluding with paramilitary groups to suppress weeks of student-led demonstrations against President Daniel Ortega.

It said the groups used semi-automatic weapons and co-ordinated their attacks with the security forces.

Around 80 people have died so far in the protests.

They began in April, triggered by welfare reforms but turned into a rejection of the

with the security forces,” the report said.

“Secondly, by the fact that the police did not pursue the perpetrators after the crimes were committed, but rather allowed them to flee the scene and disperse.”

The possibility of extrajudicial killings had already been highlighted in another damning report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an independent body ascribed to the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Anger at welfare reforms has turned into wider discontent at the government of Daniel Ortega

Ortega government.

The Amnesty International (AI) report said the armed groups were often made up of pro-government students and motorcyclists, sometimes identifiable by clothing linking them to the authorities.

“These groups appear to be acting with the acquiescence of the state, as is demonstrated firstly by the fact that most of the attacks were committed by private individuals in the presence of or in co-ordination

But AI’s report goes a couple of steps further by suggesting that lethal action was likely taken with the knowledge of President Ortega.

The pattern identified by AI - use of live ammunition often shot from an elevated position and aimed to the upper body - also matches the description given to BBC News by one of the surgeons who attended to the many injured during the first week of the protests.

“It was like being in a war zone,” said the doctor, who asked not to be identified because of a fear of reprisals.

And the situation remains quite volatile.

The AI team, currently in Nicaragua, was caught in an attack by pro-government gangs and security forces against one of the local universities involved in the protests.

Later, AI’s America’s director, Ericka Guevara-Rosas, said at least 41 students had been injured and one had died.

Amnesty International has called on the Nicaraguan government to permit the creation of an international commission of independent experts to begin investigating the killings.

Earlier this month, the IACHR visited Nicaragua and said it had seen grave violations of human rights during the protests - characterised, it said, by the excessive use of force by state security forces and armed third parties.

The government has responded by setting up a commission to look into the deaths of the demonstrators.

Congress speaker Gustavo Porras said the five-member panel of investigators would act independently of the legislature and be free to research where they wanted.

Street protests erupted last month when President Ortega approved cuts to pensions and social security.

He later revoked his plans but the demonstrations turned into broader unrest against his government.

(BBC News)

sleep in four days," according to the Associated Press.

On Saturday, Mr Holt and Ms Caleno returned to the US via Washington, DC, accompanied by Senator Bob Corker, who helped negotiate their release.

Mr Corker had held talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro the day before, but no details about the nature of the talks have been released.

The US had previously accused Venezuela of using Mr Holt as a bargaining chip towards changing Washington's sanctions policy on the country.

A spokesman for Mr

Maduro said the couple's release was a "gesture" aimed at improving dialogue between Venezuela and the US. Mr Holt's parents, Laurie and Jason Holt, were with their son when he met the president at the White House on Saturday.

Mrs Holt said her son is in good health, but that he is "not the same Josh that left".

"He just doesn't quite have that sparkle back yet in his eyes," Mrs Holt told the AP. "He'll come back, I know he will. We just have to give him time."

After meeting President Trump, Mr Holt said: "I'm just so grateful for what you guys have done, and for thinking about me, and caring about me, just a normal person."

Mr Holt had travelled to Caracas in June 2016 to marry Ms Caleno, also a Mormon, after the couple met online.

The couple intended that Ms Caleno and her children would move to the US with Mr Holt after the marriage, but they were accused of hiding weapons and detained at Ms Caleno's family's house in Caracas. (BBC)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Developing new trading partners THE issue of development has always been on the agenda of every nation and every generation. As a developing country, Guyana’s leaders and technicians have been socialised over the years, and dare it be said for far too long, to plan on the basis of the dynamics taking place in European and North American societies.

If, for any reason issues, such as rice, sugar or minerals have to be addressed, it is not uncommon to see a deference to and reliance on the business approaches and dynamics of Europe and North America form the centrepiece for guidance in discussions in framing policies, with apparently little or no regard for indigenous realities and needs. And this is not for want of ability on the part of Guyana or like countries, but more because of the sense of historical conditioning that others know what is best for us, and should, by extension, guide us.

This region, during the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, has seen some of its finest acts of self-determination and cooperation with allies in support of what was considered a common cause. The aeroplanes flying from Cuba to Southern Africa stopped over in Guyana to be refuelled, then onward to their destinations.

Apart from this significant contribution to the liberation of Southern Africa, what has happened is that this level of cooperation did not translate into activities to boost economic trade among the countries and regions.

For years, the air links between the Caribbean and Africa have not been direct.

Travelling to Africa from the Caribbean and Guyana requires first going to the United States or Europe in order to get a connecting flight to one’s destination.

This, in itself, makes travelling tedious, which could have a negative impact on the economy, both in terms of tourism and trade.

South-South cooperation has been on Guyana’s and many other countries’ agenda for some time now. It has long been recognised that the economic structures that are in place and maintained by international and transnational companies, supported by several governments from the developed world, have contributed to developing countries such as ours being stymied or denied opportunities of exploiting business for our benefit at cheaper costs.

As the society continues to deliberate on the state of the sugar industry and what ought to be done about its future, we continue to rely on technical assistance from Europe and North America.

And this reliance comes at the expense of tapping into the technical capabilities of immediate neighbours such as Cuba and Brazil, whose experiences are similar to ours. Cuba and Brazil’s experiences are more model-adaptable to Guyana’s experiences, given that these

countries produce similar primary products.

Cuba has been able to stabilise its sugar operation by putting in place various measures, inclusive of finding alternative means for the sugar produced, and the lands that have become available after the closure of some of its estates. What Cuba has been able to do, among other things, is to improve their confectionery industry. As that society opens its economy to trade, opportunities are presented to investors, local and foreign, to compete for a ready share of this new and improved industry. In Brazil, some of the defunct sugar factories are being converted into restaurants.

These restaurants then serve as employment and economic opportunities for the society and its tourist industry. Factories converted to restaurants have been able to maintain their historical legacy through storytelling, and leaving untouched aspects of its infrastructure.

For instance, a diner entering the restaurant is exposed, outside of fine dining experience, to educational opportunities through anecdotes about the era during which the factory operated, its activities and workers, and so forth. This is an innovative way of keeping alive the bitter-sweet legacy of sugar to the Brazilian society and its economy, as these converted factories simultaneously provide new income opportunities.

The majority of people who inhabit the Caribbean, South America, India and Africa have shared historical experiences of colonisation.

Recognising this reality, it augurs well for working

with these countries having the benefit of cultural experiences, including common value systems. South-South cooperation has its benefits, and can be exploited among the countries, providing that the beneficiaries to this process seek to be the initiators and executioners of any programme.

To make this a reality, Guyana and other countries have to move beyond waiting for the developed world to conceptualise and present to them an agenda, and recognise that the pursuit of economic self-efficiency requires taking the initiative, inclusive of risks, to control our destiny. (Reprinted)

PPP/C never trusted independent minded personnel Dear Editor,

I REFER to Demerarawaves May 26, 2018, “GECOM dominated by Afro-Guyanese; “PPP’S Robeson Benn calls for racial balancing in all institutions”.

Astonishing, would be my first reaction; but not really, for nothing that has emanated from this opposition party since its defeat in 2015, has been surprising, except its continuous brand of obnoxious deviousness, deception, misinformation, and the torrent of shameful lies that have now become a never-ending flow. For all the times when the PPP/C would have won at the polls, it did so with the same ethnic category of staff. But there were no complaints, because of victory. I am certain that the peddlers of this narrative, Robeson Benn and Donald Ramotar, are fully aware of this fact.

But the change of attitude towards GECOM began, with the holding of the 2011 national elections, when the then Chief Elections Officer was red-handedly exposed. Of course, it is now a matter of history that

Gocool Boodhoo’s contract was not renewed, but not after a tie-breaking vote by the then chairman.

It would seem that the defeat of the PPP/C, coupled with the removal of the CEO, shook the former to its core, thus opening a staccato of constant attacks against GECOM, its management,and staff - all misleading, with the latest coming from Benn. Therefore, one is not surprised with this latest piece of falsity and misleading statement intended to accuse the coalition government of racism with regards staffing at this key institution. He would be aware that the coalition government inherited GECOM, with its staff composition, in addition to the general public service.

Benn would know that the Public Service has always had a preponderance of African Guyanese; and this has been since before Independence. It is a tradition that has continued through the decades to the present. I do not see any decided pattern of racism in this, as Donald Ramotar so misleadingly has opined. There have been always

Indo-Guyanese entrants, but not in the same numbers as the former, since this ethnic category has a known preference for business and commerce. And there was no policy that kept them out of the ranks of the armed forces, either. The proof of this came with the change of government in 1992, when it was said that although there were some applicants to the Guyana Defence Force, most dropped out because of complaints surrounding food consumption because of religio-cultural reasons, and the rigorous training that is always necessary for would-be soldiers.

Ramotar especially, must be reminded that becoming a soldier is a call to national service, very special and patriotic, as it includes the ever-constant possibility of laying one’s life down in defence of one’s country. It is not child’s play. Soldiering is very serious business, even for the officers who have to lead their troops, as they too experience the same tough training with all the mental and physical harshness, coupled with the extreme deprivations. Hence, it is the fittest who will become

soldiers.

It would also seem strange, that the PPP/C, through its mouthpieces, with Robeson Benn now coming on board, has suddenly realised that there is need for racial balancing in the public institutions. This, I find amusing, but again another attempt at racial aspersions against the government, now in office for just three years. It is a known fact, that as a government, it was the PPP/C policies that shaped and influenced what took place in almost every government department. As examples: Almost all of the 23 departments in the Public Hospital Georgetown Corporation were headed by Indo-Guyanese medical practitioners, although there were qualified and competent Afro-Guyanese doctors; virtually all of the post-graduate medical scholarships were awarded to Indo-Guyanese, beginning from the late 90s to about just before the change of government in 2015. This caused an exodus of many capable, competent Afro-Guyanese doctors to the CARICOM island states, then on to North America, and Europe

where many have since acquired post graduate opportunities that had been denied them in their homeland. Had one of those doctors, a very talented and promising would-be gynae-obstretrician not be forced to leave, because of denied post graduate opportunities he would not have been a wheel-chair bound cripple in Jamaica, as his physical state is, due to gunshot wounds.

I can go further, by saying that a certain senior medical head of department made it his duty to mark down black medical students on clinical rotation at the state facility, with always a concocted explanation when questioned. This is only a microcosm of how the PPP/C administration controlled the general dynamics of the Public Service and their institutions.

Of supersessions, there were many; and there was the shameful case of an acting, competent and adequately qualified, chief education officer being denied her confirmation.

Let it be reminded, that the PPP/C never trusted independent minded personnel. It explained why there were sur-

rogates and well-known PPP/C supporters that were heads of department, even though some were not qualified and experienced to hold such offices. Finally, how can Ramotar be so barefaced to accuse this government of removing Indians “en masse”? Those who were terminated, were found to have been engaged in activities that were definitely of a public mischief kind, and other activities inimical to the interests of the state. They were receiving hardearned tax payers’ money under false pretenses–and Ramotar cannot claim ignorance of such a fact.

The contradictory aspect of Benn’s view is that this is the very public service and its institutions that served his former government very well, with no complaints, even from himself. It has transitioned in the same capacity and functions in this new dispensation, except with elements being sent home in the public interest.

Regards Troy Garraway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Leroy Smith does write factual articles Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to respond to a letter to the editor which was published in the Kaieteur News on May 20, 2018 under the caption “Why is Motie Dookie being targeted?”

Reference was made about a series of articles I wrote in relation to Deputy Superintendent Motie Dookie, who once served as the head of the SWAT Unit and was the subject of an alleged whisky smuggling scandal. The author of that letter boldly called for me to write factual articles when in the same letter, she made a number of loose statements.

It is always unfortunate when journalists are starved for information when trying to report on certain issues but the moment we are able to break that barrier and gather the facts to do follow-up reports, we are accused of either targeting people or reporting inaccurately among other things. The conduct of Mr Dookie while he was a serving member of the Guyana Police Force was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions and a simple check of his personal file will confirm this. But there is something that Priya Persaud stated in her letter that seemed to have missed the eyes of the public, the Guyana Police Force and particularly its detectives.

“Did it occur to anyone

that Mr. Withrite placed the nation at a great risk? The revolver which was stolen is currently being used for the numerous robberies that are currently taking place,” Priya stated in her letter. She was at the time making reference to the alleged robbery committed on former head of the SWAT Unit Lonsdale Withrite, who was subsequently removed from his post that saw Dookie take over the supervision of the unit. It is evident that Priya Persaud knows who reportedly robbed Withrite, the real motive behind his being reportedly robbed, the exact robberies that are being perpetrated against citizens with the very gun that was misplaced during that alleged robbery committed on Withrite and where the next robbery using that very firearm would take place.

It raises a serious question as to what really happened on the night Withrite was reportedly robbed. Are we to believe that it was a well-orchestrated plan designed to see a particular outcome? Before Priya seeks to lecture me on how to do the job I am qualified to do, she should seek to work along with the police in pointing them to the criminals whom she obviously knows and, who are using the service revolver which was issued to Lonsdale Withrite and which is “currently being used for the numerous robberies that are currently taking place”.

I have done countless reports and follow-up reports on a number of issues and officers within the Guyana Police Force since my main area of focus is crime and security, and I never saw Priya Persaud pen a line about the subjects of those articles being targeted or calling for me to write “factual articles” I am the journalist who broke the stories with the Withrite alleged robbery, the corporal who was busted smuggling an AK-47 out of Eve Leary, the ASP who reportedly assaulted ranks at the TSU, the deputy commander who slapped a constable, the commander who was removed from his division amidst claims of inappropriate behaviour with junior ranks, the disappearance of narcotics from the office of a senior rank and so many others, all of which I did numerous follow-up stories on but Priya Persaud never considered my work then to be lacking facts or persons being targeted. But now with Mr. Dookie, she finds a voice. I guess every cow feels for its own. I have a job to do and I will continue doing so without fear, favour or ill-will, wherever the story leads, I WILL FOLLOW. Regards Leroy Smith Freelance Crime/ Security Journalist

Carnival road show was lacking Dear Editor, IS that it Hits and Jam? That’s the million dollars question I asked just after the revellers and music bands passed by during the just-concluded Carnival event.

Heading towards the Kitty Roundabout, my first expectation was to hear the loud sound of music from a distance, but unfortunately it was not so. That, to me was the first negative signal.

Upon arrival, it was my least expectation to witness a small number of revellers, marshalls and some onlookers gathered around waiting for the event to get kickstart. Nevertheless, I ventured off to have my independent coverage of Kodak moments, photos taken and the reception received from the revellers was warm and cooperative. Some even asked if I was with a particular media house which I responded in the negative.

I was blown away to witness a Jamaican national carrying her flag in the mix of everything.

I never thought Jamaicans are so deep with soca road parade.

I was totally off. I must add that this particular reveller was well-spoken and she knew how to work the lens of the camera while striking her vogue poses. I subsequently departed that venue because of an emergency phone call and relocated at another. I

thought perhaps it will give everyone time to get fully organised and more revellers will join in for the event to get kick started.

I was wrong with that because it was actually the same faces of persons I took photos of earlier.

They were all bunched together behind the Pulse music band and the others behind the second music band. Of course I know what road and party entertainment is, but my expectation was that each of the individual costume which I believe were five in total from advertisement, would have been separated and be behind a different music band. It was not so.

I understand Machel Montano was in town and had a show at the Providence Stadium the night before, and I left wondering why didn’t the organisers persuade him to join in the road parade and belt out some of his hit tunes.

Perhaps Machel Montano don’t come that cheap and it was way beyond the organisers budget to contract him for the day’s event.

As for the local performers such as Jumo, Brandon Harding, Big Red, Vanilla, Kwasi Ace etc., why weren’t they contracted for the day parade to join in with their respective entertainment?

So, Jumo was a no show at Mashramani and Carnival 2018 and I always expected him to be at either of the two events, to belt out his current hit tune ‘HARDER’ for the local market. I hope

this performer has something even harder, come 2019. Absent were government agencies and corporate Guyana. What the hell happened there? The thoughts came to mind. Perhaps the government of the day will never have its agencies participate because in doing so, it will overshadow the Mashramani event which they cannot afford to risk.

Perhaps with the current economic situation, corporate Guyana stayed away and some might consider joining in the Carnival 2019. That is if it materialises.

Hits and Jam, you need to return to the blackboard and contract some expertise with Carnival event planning. I make reference only to the road parade aspect apart from all other events.

Again, I am not sure if it will materialise for 2019.

Take it or leave it...

It will be wiser that you return to merging with the government of the day with your participation during the annual Mashramani celebrations as the entertainment section which you have done in the past. In doing so, you can still hold on to being the show stoppers.

No government of the day will ever allow any other event to overshadow the national event of Mashramani.

Regards Trevor Pemberton

Cats serve as social support during difficult times Dear Editor,

GUYANA holds the dubi ous distinction of being the suicide capital of the world.

According to the 2014 World Health Organisation report, the suicide rate in Guyana is five times higher than the world average rate. This does not even take into account the number of suicide attempts that go unrecorded. It seems that Guyana has a high percentage of depressed people. Cats help with depression and anxiety.

Cats serve as a social support during difficult times.

People in stressful situations, talk to their pets to work out their feelings since it’s easier to talk to something who can’t respond or judge you.

Cat owners are more relaxed and have lower stress levels than non-cat owners. Multiple studies have shown that having a cat helps us reduce stress and even lower blood pressure.

Some of us don’t even think

about our kids having anxiety or depression. Adolescents sometimes feel afraid about making or maintaining friendships at school. Having a cat changes that. Cats just love.

They don’t ask us for anything, they make no demands.

For an adolescent whose feelings feel out of control, a sense of routine and responsibility can create purpose and logic where there sometimes seem to be none. Adolescents with anxiety and depression sometimes feel lost and without purpose. Having a cat changes that. Taking care of another living being can give them a little direction and purpose.

Cats are a distraction. Who hasn’t been surprised into laughter by their weird antics?

Sometimes anxiety and depression require extra love and hugs. As parents or caregivers, are we always there for our children? A feline friend can give them extra furry attention and love. Purring has also been proven to help heal. Spending

time with your cat can in crease the hormone oxytocin.

Sometimes called the “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin increases the pet owners’ sense of wellbeing.

For people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), having a cat can provide them with mental health therapy and help them learn about emotional regulation. For people who don’t have the ability to calm themselves down, being able to rhythmically pet a cat and seeing how the cat responds, can be really helpful in helping them to focus and calm down. Similar to a person who needs glasses in order to be able to see, a cat serves to improve the psychological functioning of a person.

Please adopt a cat today.

Visit the GSPCA or call me anytime.

Regards Donna Lam Cat Rescuer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Goldfields says purchase of aircraft for ‘purely economic reasons’ … had paid over $168.7M to GRA

AS Canadian-owned Guyana Goldfields defends its decision to purchase a Twin Otter aircraft to aid in its gold mining operations, the company is holding firm that the air carrier was sought for “purely economic reasons.”

Meanwhile, in our lead story on Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle incorrectly stated that the company had paid over some $168.7B in taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) during

the period 2015-2018. The correct figure is $168.7M. Guyana Chronicle regrets the error.

Meanwhile, the gold mining company is battling against what it described as an “unwarranted and vicious attack” on the aviation aspect of its operations. The mining company is adamant that it was raking up a hefty flight bill that would have eventually had an adverse effect on its operations. In a full page advertisement,

Goldfields said it had expended over one billion dollars between Air Services Limited (ASL) and Wings Aviation in three years.

According to the information provided by the company, those two operators had benefited the most; providing charter flights from Ogle to the company’s Aurora Mine in the Cuyuni, Region Seven, to the tune of G$1,020,493,872. Goldfields noted, however, that it could not continue its

total dependency on the local companies and decided to “ease the financial strain” by acquiring its own aircraft, which is used mainly to transport its workers. Through the privately-owned Kaieteur News, a local aviation operator who opted to remain nameless, reportedly expressed disquiet with the mining company’s decision to service some of its own flight needs. The operator alleges that at their expense, the company is reducing its local content responsibilities to save millions of dollars spent weekly on charters.

The operator even suggested that the foreign investor ignore its exorbitant flight cost concerns and continue, “…to operate five flights a day for seven days a week for the (next) five years…” The Twin Otter was purchased back in 2017, Goldfields said, and concentrates mainly on the movement of workers, while local companies are continuously sourced to deliver cargo to the Region Seven gold mine. “This decision was based primarily on economic considerations.

The Twin Otter is owned

by AGM and is operated by Canadian Flyers, a company that manages and operates the aircraft with Canadian and Guyanese crews, pilots and mechanics,” Goldfields said.

Apart from charted flights, the company sought to cement its support for local content and social responsibility in detailing that it had also spent over G$31,654,494,568.23 on other locally provided services such as the provision of materials and parts, food, fuel/oils/lubricants, contractor services, and educational scholarships for UG students among many others. Goldfields said that

from 2015 to 2018, it used the services of 295 local suppliers.

The mining agency was also proud to highlight that almost 760 Guyanese are employed with the company and are covered by a more than $57M health insurance plan. The company said too that its gross salaries payment to local staff from 2015 to last April was almost G$5.8 billion.

In the full page advertisement, Goldfields pointed out its more than G$1 billion income tax payments from 2016 to last April; NIS contributions of over G$400 million from 2016 and G$820 million in maintenance fees for the Buck Hall to Tapir road and over $20million in donations.

Goldfields pointed to other large payments made to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other state agencies that have rendered services in ensuring the success of the company’s local venture.

Goldfields said they intend to, “continue to play a leading role in Guyana’s development through the modern and responsible investment in Guyana’s mineral sector.”

GPL customer, contractors clash over disconnection

THE Guyana Power and Light has assured the general public that the company does not condone violence in any form against its customers, staff and contractors.

On Wednesday, May 23, 2018 after 16:00hrs, an externally-contracted disconnection crew, attached to Noel’s Electrical, were involved in a physical altercation with a GPL Inc. customer residing at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara. The disconnection crew, at the time, were conducting disconnection and reconnection services on behalf of the GPL Inc. The State power company, in a press statement Tuesday, noted that conflict resolution strategies play an integral role in the service delivery and GPL will endeavour to better equip staff and contractors with the tools necessary to avoid incidents. The matter involving the disconnection crew has origins in the disconnection crew executing their duties in accordance with standard operating procedures.

GPL stated that the account from which the problem stemmed, had an outstanding balance for April’s billing period which remained outstanding as at the May 8, 2018 due date. A grace period of 14 days beyond this due date was extended to this customer and a disconnection order subsequently generated on the fifteenth day (May 23, 2018) and dispatched to the disconnection crew, as no payments were recorded within the grace period.

On May 23, 2018 the account was disconnected for nonpayment of the April balance. Additionally, during the afternoon of May 23, 2018, a payment was made on the account. The power company stated that the amount tendered liquidated the outstanding balance and the reconnection fee.

The account was then subsequently reconnected on May, 25 2018 in keeping with the company’s Customer Service Standards regarding reconnections.

An official police report has since been filed on the physical incident involving the disconnection crew and the customer and this matter remains with the La Grange Police Station.

In addition, both Noel’s Electrical and GPL Inc. are assisting with this investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Steps being taken to curb statutory rape in Region Two

ALTHOUGH there has been a significant drop in crimes in Region Two compared to last year, there has been a noticeable increase in statutory rape of teenagers within the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

This was according to Divisional Commander Khalid Pareshram during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

According to Pareshram, there is a 50 per cent increase in statutory rape in the region thus far, as compared to the corre-

sponding period last year.

To get around the problem, the divisional commander said more lectures are being organised in schools, more educational TV programmes are being held and more youth groups are being formed.

He said ranks attached to the Sexual Offence Unit within the division, have been engaged in informative sessions with secondary school children, educating them on positive thinking as well as social ills.

The children are in-

formed about what to do if they are facing abuse or know of anyone facing abuse.

When asked what the division does when a child is raped, the commander said that the victim is referred to a counselling agency which helps the child in getting over the trauma.

Currently, Hope for All and Blossom Inc. are helping to provide free counselling for those who are victims of abuse.

The commander also said the division has seen

a decline in crime thus far as compared to last year.

He, however, said there are still a lot of unreported crimes, especially in the interior areas. He referred to these areas as the “dark window” of crime as persons are reluctant to report cases to the police.

However, the division remains vigilant and for the past weeks it has been involved in rigorous operations which include police patrols, road blocks and stop and searches. To date, over 100 stop and search ex-

ercises were conducted in an effort to stamp out crime in the division, he said.

The decrease in crime, he said is due to heightened police presence in the region.

Meanwhile, a hut has been erected at the Supenaam Stelling to accommodate at least two ranks.

Pareshram said the hut will ensure the wat e r f r o n t is p r o p e r l y monitored and residents do not have to travel to the Aurora Police Station to make reports.

`G’ Division Commander Khalid Pareshram

India introduces familarisation programme for elderly persons

THE Government of India is organising for the first time a special Know India Programme (KIP) for the elder generation to visit India and reconnect with their roots.

The Indian High Commission in Georgetown said the programme is available to seven Latin American countries including Guyana, for persons of Indian origin in the age group of 45 to 65, who have never been to India previously and fall in the low income group.

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India which familiarises youths of Indian origin with their Indian roots and contemporary India, through a 25-day orientation programme organised by the Ministry of External Affairs. The KIP, in the past, was only available to youths between 18 - 30

years.

“Persons of Indian origin, in the age group of 45 to 65, who may be interested to attend the KIP are asked to take note that the first KIP will be held in India with partner states Delhi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Behar, Tamil Nadu and Kerala from January 20, 2019 to February 10, 2019. It coincides with the Annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention for which applicants would also have to register.

The second KIP will be organised from January 31, 2019 to February 16, 2019. A formal announcement of the KIP for Elders will be made soon,” the Indian High Commission said in a release.

The High Commission of India will provide the registration details to the general public as it becomes available, the release said.

Guyana Goldfields signs open pit pact with Latin American firm GUYANA Goldfields Inc. has announced that it has signed an open pit contract mining agreement with STRACON GyM International S.A.C. (“STRACON”) in order to meet higher waste stripping requirements through to the end of 2021, as forecasted in its optimised life of mine plan.

In a release, Goldfields said that STRACON is a leading world class contractor focused on open pit and underground mining in the Caribbean and Latin America. It has extensive experience in providing efficient and innovative mining and earthworks services to international mining companies with the highest standards in safety, environment and community relations.

STRACON, along with Guyana Goldfields, is committed to the employment of local personnel and the utilisation of local suppliers of goods and services, the company said in its release. STRACON participated in a tender process along with other

mining contractors for mining of overburden at the Aurora Gold Mine. The mining requirement is to cover a three-and-a-halfyear peak in waste mining requirements, which is in excess of the company´s own mining fleet capacity, and will allow the company to focus on mining of gold-containing ore for processing.

STRACON is expected to commence work on July 1, 2018.

In addition, following the positive results from accelerating selective underground mining from the Optimised Life of Mine study, the company has initiated and continues to advance the bidding process for the contract mining of the initial underground development. A site visit for potential underground contract miners has been completed and the company has initiated the movement of the previously purchased underground mining equipment to Guyana.

The company is targeting the commencement of underground development in the fourth quarter of 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Paying the right price … some Pradoville homeowners contacting SARA in bid to settle

By Zena Henry SEVERAL former government ministers, officials or close associates of thethen People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration have been quietly making contact with the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) in a bid to settle accounts regarding their questionable acquisition of properties at Pradoville Two, located at Sparendaam on the East Coast of Demerara.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that some of the persons who visited SARA last month and have been seeking information on how they can correct the financial inadequacies regarding their properties include Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) executive member and former Private Sector Commission (PSC) chairman Ramesh Dookoo, Director of Public Prosecutions

President Bharrat Jagdeo shortly before he ended his two-term presidency in 2011.

Jagdeo’s property is easily the largest plot of land with the biggest mansion, equipped with a pool and other amenities.

The Pradoville Two matter became even more controversial when it was related that tax payers’ money was used to develop the land, remove a transmitter belonging to the National Communications Network at a cost of around $100M to develop the scheme for the prominent persons going to live there.

There was even more controversy surrounding the seafront properties since there was no advertising of the state lands and it appeared that all the recipients who got property were handpicked by the-then government.

When the matter surfaced last year, the former natural resources minister had made it clear that he was ready to pay the

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud (front), during a visit at SOCU’s headquarters back in March 2017 (DPP) Shalimar Hack, and former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud.

The controversial Pradoville 2 issue came to the fore when the Coalition government commenced several investigations into suspicious financial transactions of state officials that bordered or amounted to corrupt practices and/or abuse of office.

It was found that several persons close to the last government had received prime seafront land belonging to the state at extraordinarily low cost.

It was reported that the Pradoville recipients, the majority of whom held very high positions within private or state organisations, received and later built posh or luxury homes on the properties after paying as little as $114 per square foot, while citizens were being made to pay as much as $500 a square foot for ordinary land.

It was reported, too, that the Pradoville arrangement was made under former

true market value for his property. When contact was made with Dookoo yesterday, the businessman did not deny approaching SARA, but opted to make a comment on the matter at a later time.

Criminal charges were being contemplated for the Pradoville beneficiaries who were given the opportunity to make it right with the state; despite some of the homeowners selling the properties which they received at an extremely low cost for huge profits ahead of the legal time span that was required.

Those questioned over the Pradoville properties at the time were former Minister of Tourism Shaik Baksh; former Minister of Labour Dr Nanda Gopaul, former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford, Taslim Baksh, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA); former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; former deputy

Head of National Investment and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and Dr Gansham Singh, the son of former Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali; former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Lisaveta Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar.

Twelve charges were recommended for former Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; and former Head of the National

Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington for their roles in the unlawful land sale.

Both men are before the court for allegedly selling other state properties below market value. The recipients in those cases are again said to be close to the former government.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that following Singh and Brassington’s arrest and arraignment in court, more persons began contacting SARA to make the appropriate payments for their properties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Where are the gatekeepers? #harrywedsmeghan

By Ronald Austin Jr PRINCE Harry met Meghan Markle, an African-American actress,

in July 2016 on a blind date organised by a mutual friend.

The unsuspecting future Duchess of Sussex,

had no clue that her mild conversation with this nice young man was about to become the number one global romance that would

catapult her to universal fame. They met for a second date and this culminated in four months of dating. This relationship was revealed to the world on October 16, 2016 and the sentiment among

some was extreme doubt, some people of this once socially ordered and structured world were of the view that the gate-keepers will never allow an African-American into the highest gate of them all, the Royal family.

Gate-keepers are persons who ferociously protect families, organisations, academic institutions or any group of much consequence. They are normally of the old order, most likely in the form of patriarchs or matriarchs. These are the people who scrutinise every microscopic details about who can get through the gates. Let us say natty dread is coming to dinner at the home of a middle class conservative family, the gate-keepers will be the ones who object and boycott this encounter.

Some were adamant that Meghan would not get through these improbable gates. After all, the conspiracy theories of Princess Diana’s death are still fresh in the minds of many.

A cursory glance at history provides a firm basis for such skepticism.

Rome; Pebleians (lower class) and Patricians (ruling class), India; Brahmins and Sudras, the numerous caste systems of Africa and even as far back as the Feudal system. The ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’, the masters and slaves, this is the world we know. All these social systems that have existed have sent a message to the people of the world that even though we are born equal as humans, we are not on a level playing field when it comes to the social order and even though numerous revolutions and upheavals have destroyed and challenged these systems, they are still promoted and perpetuated in secret. So it is not

a surprise that some were negative about the idea of Meghan Markle marrying a Prince from the Royal family of Great Britain.

Some concluded that the guards will step in and stop this social improbability. When a parcel with suspicious white powder was sent to Kensington Place in February where they live and racist trolls started to appear, some concluded that this was the beginning of the campaign to derail this union, organised by the protectors of the social order.

So, some watched for months with admiration eclipsed by deep pessimism, waiting for the catastrophic moment to arrive where the gate-keepers would kick in a grand scheme of intricate design, it never happened, at least not yet. On Saturday, May 19, 1.9 billion people watched the royal wedding at the iconic St. George’s Chapel in the Windsor Castle. We keenly observed as the couple exchanged vows in the presence the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and yet some hearts were still filled with doubt. Global hearts that have faced oppression, hearts that did not believe such social mobility was possible. Was the negativity misplaced? Do we now live in a post-racial world?

Are we moving closer to a utopian society where love is love regardless of race, sex, class or the color of our skin? Maybe that is asking too much but make no mistake, this union represented some hope that in the age of social media, some barriers are slowly being chipped away and one day we will experience Marley-esque ‘Could you be love’ societies.

In the interim, when we see such unions, it is fair to ask: ‘Where are the gate-keepers?’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Mechanic charged with killing Goldfields manager

AFTER days of investigations, the police on Tuesday charged a 20-year-old mechanic of Middle Road, La Penitence, for the murder of the 42-year-old supply chain manager of Aurora Gold Mines.

Anthony Ragnauth appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and stood calmly in the prisoners’ dock as the indictable charge was being read to him.

The court heard that on May 21 at Thomas Street, North Cummingburg, Ragnauth murdered Neil Whyte of Ontario, Canada.

However, Ragnauth’s attorney Latchmi Rahamat, told the court that her client had his testicles squeezed with a baton by police officers who beat him while in custody.

The defendant was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Chief Magistrate for June 18.

According to reports, the body of Whyte of Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was found on Monday, May 21 in an apartment at Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown. The naked body bore several visible stab wounds to the neck.

Anthony Ragnauth According to the police, the victim was staying at the upper flat of an apartment of a three-storey concrete building located on Thomas

Street, after returning from the hinterland on Monday.

Residents said that earlier in the night, the man came downstairs and told a friend that he would be meeting someone at the corner of Thomas and Middle Streets.

He subsequently returned to the building with an ex-employee, who later left.

The guard at the premises, knowing that it was the protocol of the complex that a visitor of a guest must be

checked out of the building by the guest, later went up to Whyte’s room and saw him lying in a pool of blood on the bed. He appeared to be dead and was naked and bound. The guard informed his superiors who subsequently informed the police.

The murder is reported to have occurred between 22:22hrs and 23:45hrs on Monday. The police had arrested a 25-year-old ex-employee of Whyte at his Vry-

heid Village, West Canje, Berbice home but he was later released.

However, acting on information received, the police arrested Ragnauth and he reportedly confessed to killing Whyte. He then took the police to a house at Fifth Street, Alberttown where he handed over several items that belonged to Whyte. He also handed over a knife, which is suspected to be the murder weapon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Help’s on the way –– Min Harmon promises flood-weary Coomacka residents

By Vanessa Braithwaite DESPITE all that’s been done, residents of the former bauxite-mining community of Coomacka are still battling with flooding and erosion, but State Minister, Joseph Harmon has made them a solemn prom-

ise that it will soon be over.

“There is a project we are discussing that will make that something of the past,” he told Coomackans recently but didn’t go into details, except to say that Conservation International and the World Wildlife Fund will be stepping in to collaboratively

address the issue.

According to Regional Chairman Renis Morian, a complete overhaul of the community’s drainage system would cost somewhere in the vicinity of $550M. The erosion issue affecting Coomacka, the experts say, is as a result of decades

of unregulated bauxite mining, as was revealed when a multi-agency team visited the community on a fact-finding mission.

With Coomacka situated in a basin, and all of the mining activities occurring about 15 feet overhead, what this meant was that whenever

it rained, aggregates from these areas that are now mined-out, would have been channeled into the Demerara River.

Now, the build-up over time is threatening the livelihood of Coomackans, since they depend heavily on the river as a main source of transportation, as well as for domestic and recreational purposes such as washing, fishing, swimming, bathing and sourcing water.

The community is located some 15 miles from Linden and is home to approximately 2,500 residents who are predominantly Amerindians.

According to Wainright Bethune, Senior Technical Service Coordinator at the bauxite mining company, Bosai, theirs is a situation that was created by previous companies which did not have an environmental department.

CHEMICAL OVERBURDEN “So what happened is that the huge chemical overburden that were left, and they didn’t take reclamation into consideration so they have deep holes and some huge overburden piles remaining,” Bethune said.

“So, during the heavy rainfall when there is erosion, the sediments are transported with the water and goes to the river,” he added.

Minister Harmon recently announced that in spite of the inconvenience they may cause at times, these minedout areas still have their uses.

He said at the time: “Linden will be the beneficiary of projects under the International Solar Alliance Agreement that was signed by His Excellency a few weeks ago in India.

“The solar footprints of Linden is one of your greatest assets, and this is something that we have to explore; and you have to understand there’s a benefit for that.

“So sometimes when we cry about the way our mines have operated; that these mined-out areas serve as demotivators to us, we now have to recognise that that in itself is a positive.”

Early in March, President David Granger had travelled to New Delhi, India where he delivered an address at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit.

The ISA is an international and inter-governmental organisation which aims at maximising the potential of

Comacka resident, Dexter Harding solar energy.

Guyana, which is a founder member of the ISA which was formed in November 2015, also played an active role in ratifying its framework agreement.

HOPING FOR THE BEST Community leader and Coomacka resident,Dexter Harding was excited to hear about all that was in store for the community, and expressed optimism that the projects spoken about will come to fruition.

He, however, expressed concern over the state of the access road, as well as the non-use of the David Granger School Bus that was gifted to the community for children to be transported to schools in Linden free of cost.

After residents and bus drivers held days of protests on the state of the road in 2017, major repairs were done, but because it was not asphalted or maintained, and due to the inclement weather, the road is almost in the same state as it was before.

As a result, the school bus continues to have mechanical problems because of the terrain, and the schoolchildren are still forced to find hefty transportation costs to attend school.

A few days ago, two of the regular minibuses that transport children to and from school were down because of the road, but at the intervention of ‘E’ Division’s Commander Anthony Vanderhyden, transportation was made available for the children free of cost.

Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon has promised to use the Moblissa school bus in Coomacka, since it is better suited to that particular terrain, and to use Coomacka’s vehicle temporarily in Moblissa, a community located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

“We have a deterioration of the road; it is not in good condition due to the rainy weather,” Harding said.

“It is the second term the bus is not on the route.

It is not a suitable bus for the route; the terrain is too rough,” he told the media.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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Interesting times ahead for aviation sector … GCAA official predicts at induction of new Board

NOW that a new Board is in place just when Guyana is about to strike “liquid gold”, the perception abroad is that the fortunes of the local aviation industry can only get better.

In the words of Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, “With the guidance of the minister and chairman of the board, I know we will rise from strength to strength.”

Field, a former pilot himself and ex-military man, made the foregoing observation on Tuesday at the induction of the new GCAA Board at the Authority’s High Street, Kingston headquarters.

The life of the new Board began on December 7, 2017 and will run until December 6, 2019, according to the March 24, 2018 edition of the Official Gazette.

Its Chairman is Lawrence ‘Larry’ London, another veteran pilot with a military background, with members being Field, Sharon Beverly Carrington, Sadie Amin, Leon Castello, Duke Pollard, Ramesh Ghir, Kenneth Jordon and Courtney Byrne.

According to the Director-General, while it’s a mammoth task to keep the skies safe and nurture the aviation industry at the same time, with stakeholder collaboration, anything is possible.

And that’s where the new Board comes in, as theirs is the enviable responsibility of guiding the authority in charting a new course for local aviation.

Noting that the safety and security of Guyana’s airspace

will see significant improvement with the coming on stream and development of the oil-and-gas sector, Director-General Field said the expanded airport with its extended runway by some 10,500 feet will cater to the rapid expansion of the aviation sector.

As Board Chairman, Lt. Col, (Ret’d) London said, theirs is a mission to ensure that the aviation authority does its work, and they will try their best to lend the business community the kind of support it needs with more speed and efficiency.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who was also at the induction ceremony, made the telling observation that when it comes to compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Guyana is right up there with the rest of the Caribbean at just six or so per cent shy of the regional average of around 70%.

Noting that Guyana has come a long way compliance-wise in the last two years, earning in the process the respect of the ICAO, Minister Ferguson said: “The only way our compliance would have grown was as a result of the many training programmes that the staff at the GCAA would have been exposed to, both locally and internationally.

“Millions of dollars would have been expended over the last two-and-a-half years to ensure that our staff get the quality and the right training in order to effectively improve in their daily operations.”

GNBA issues three more radio licences AT a recent stakeholder engagement meeting, hosted by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) last Friday, three broadcasters received licences for the first time.

The recipients are SKART TV Inc., HGPTV, and 21 Century Inc. In addition, the meeting, which included approved broadcasters and their station managers saw the issuing of licences to broadcasters from the year 2013 to 2017 by the GNBA. The body has stated that the meetings are the first in a series which it hopes will help to foster interactive and harmonious working relationships between the GNBA and its stakeholders.

At the first function held at the Herdmanston Lodge, presentations were conducted on the guidelines for broadcasters as well as monitoring and compliance procedures after which the attendees were engaged in constructive discussions.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, and incoming Chairman Lawrence London (both seated) and members of the new GCAA Board (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Tripartite committee finally meeting on container fees

THE tripartite committee dealing with the issue of an increase in container fees will meet today after many months, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green announced on Monday.

After complaining on more than one occasions that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) was stalling the process, the mayor is relieved that a meeting has finally been called.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she is heading into the meeting with

the $8000 and $10,000 figures in mind.

While the council is looking at $8,000 in fees for a 20-foot container and $10,000 for those that are 40 or 45-foot in length, the current amount being paid is a mere $5000 for a container leaving the wharf.

The $5000 was agreed to be paid in the interim before a decision could be taken by the tripartite committee, but approximately two years have gone by without any movement.

“The private sector has no intention of meeting

with us, in my opinion,” she said, adding that the Commission keeps requesting meetings on dates they know are days on which statutory meetings are held.

“The private sector is not interested in meeting with this council or moving it forward in any way; two years now and the issue cannot be resolved. We’ve only been writing and writing and writing,” the mayor has complained.

Chase-Green had said that if a meeting is not held between the two parties before the end of May, the

city council will proceed to take a decision with regards to increasing the fees.

“Why is it that this council has to bend to the private sector each time?

“We started discussions on the issue, and suddenly it went off the road. But we must not hold much longer, because we’re continuing to see the deterioration of our roads,” she said.

Big business owners are also continuing to take advantage of the city council, Chase-Green observed, and thus closure ought to be brought to the matter.

The mayor had also touched on the issue of huge fuel-laden bush trucks parked in front of people’s premises. According to her, the city council should no longer allow these bush trucks to pass Agricola and enter Georgetown because of the amount of damage they are causing to city streets.

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira had said: “People have to understand that a penalty

is a penalty; it’s nothing you can just pick up US $12 or US $50 and pay off. They (businesses) could put it (their containers) on the road for 10 days and pull out $25,000 out their pocket easy, because they have $50M worth in the container.”

City Hall had decided to implement a $25,000 container fee, but this attracted much flak from members of the business community and the PSC.

Prison escapee nabbed at ‘Water Dog Backdam’ AN inmate of the Lusignan Prison, who escaped from custody while performing duties at the home of a prison officer in April this year, was arrested on Monday afternoon at a mining camp at Water Dog Backdam, Potaro.

Deryck Oudkerk, age 22, and two other inmates of the Lusignan Prison were selected on April 8, 2018 to work at the home of a prison officer at Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara. At the time he was serving an 18-month prison term after he pleaded guilty to a charge of simple larceny.

Reports state that around 17: 00hrs on the day Oudkerk escaped, he had $300 in his possession. He made a dash for freedom and caught a Captured prisoner, Route 44 bus to the city.

Deryck Oudkerk Reports also state that the next day he caught another bus and travelled to Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) then to Micobe Backdam. He later walked for several miles to Water Dog Backdam where he sought work at a mining camp.

The Guyana Prison Service investigation revealed that under standard operating procedures there are guidelines whereby prisoners are selected for labour. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Third witness testifies in teacher’s murder trial

THE preliminary inquiry into the death of secondary schoolteacher Kescia Branche continued on Tuesday with the third witness taking the stand before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

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

On Tuesday, Police Officer Sergeant Keith Conway, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, testified.

The PI will continue today, May 30.

Last week, Osafo Felix, a policeman who is attached to the Crime Laboratory as a photographer and Police Officer Sergeant Rawle Nedd, testified.

Branche, a mother of one of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night out with her friends.

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

The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) two days after.

A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

American Airlines officials to visit GCAA in two weeks

AMERICAN Airlines officials will be visiting the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in two weeks as their application package is being processed, Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), Egbert Field said.

“We are moving forward to have a commencement hopefully on November 15.

American Airlines is very much on stream in coming to Guyana and the CJIA will be happy,” he said, during the induction of the GCAA Board of Directors on Tuesday at High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, He said there has been an increase in passenger carriage over the last few months when compared to last year.

“Other airlines stated their intent but nothing concrete and we will not disclose any names until an application has been made,” the director general said.

He explained that the airline had also expressed an interest in other destinations in the US. The aviation sector contributed $20.7 billion annually to the economy which is 3.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The sector also caters for 12,000 jobs.

He said services agreement have now been made with 11 countries, some of which includes Tanzania, Libia, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and India.

Field also noted that a framework which complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has been prepared.

ICAO, he said, will be hosting an international air transport conference here in November.

The GCAA has also established the National Aviation and Environmental group to promote the Green State agenda.

American Airlines had announced a new route between Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown, Guyana and

GCAA Director General Egbert Field Miami International Airport (MIA), starting from December 20.

“We are pleased to continue growing our presence in South America,” said Jim Butler, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President, International and Cargo.

“This new service adds a new international destination to American’s global network, promoting tourism in the country and offering the people of Guyana multiple connecting options through our hub in Miami.”

The new service will

operate four times per week with an Airbus A319, an aircraft that features eight seats in First Class, 24 seats in the Main Cabin Extra with more leg room, and 96 seats in the Main Cabin, in addition to more entertainment options and power outlets in every seat.

The airline’s statement noted that during the summer season in 2019, this service will be operated daily.

“The airline has a strong presence in South America.

It is the premier carrier to the region offering more flights to more destinations than any other carrier. From Miami, the airline operates more than 330 daily flights to 135 destinations around the world,” the statement added.

American Airlines has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. It is a founding member of the one world alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250 daily flights to over 150 countries.

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Pressure mounts on Mae’s … over culture day attire rejection

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

… parents, indigenous organisations hold picketing exercise

By Svetlana Marshall INDIGENOUS organisations in Guyana rallied around Karen Small as she picketed Mae’s Primary School, days after her nine-year-old son, Joshua Chacon, was rejected and condemned for wearing indigenous attire for the school’s culture day.

Holding a huge placard with the photo of her son at the centre, bordered by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Small said no child should be discriminated against for embracing his or her cultural heritage.

In the lead-up to the country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, Small received a letter from the school ad-

vising that Chacon was required to wear an ethnic wear for Culture Day on May 25, 2018. Proud of his cultural heritage, Small said her son was more than excited to wear an indigenous outfit.

However, his hopes of parading the corridors of the school in traditional indigenous wear were dashed when he approached the gates of the school. Chacon was wearing a traditional indigenous outfit made of straw, complemented by a headdress.

“The security told him to put on a top. I said no because he is embracing his indigenous culture and today is Culture Day,” Small recalled.

According to her, the security guard then sought advice from teachers who

were present at the time, but, they reportedly stood laughing. Determined to have her child participate in the day’s activity, Small made her way to his classroom where an Art teacher told her that it was improper for Chacon to be dressed like that.

“She said it is a school and he shouldn’t be dressed like this, it is inappropriate for him to be dressed like this,” Small related. Chacon in tears told his friends “I really hate how I look.” He was made to put on a top.

“This is a child that left home very proud as always to embrace his culture, and embrace his heritage only to come here to be shot down to say I hate how I look,” the aggrieved mother said.

When the matter was

Karen Small speaking to reporters

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Karen Small (left) and a relative holding up a placard with photo of her son at centre, bordered by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks

Natasha Smith brought to the attention of the head teacher of the school, she reportedly said that it was indeed inappropriate for the child to be dressed the way he was. Though the school has come in for major criticism in recent days over the incident, its Administration is yet to issue a statement or an apology.

In addition to demanding a public apology, Small said no other child should be discriminated against for celebrating his or her culture.

“No other child should endure what Joshua endured to embrace his culture, to embrace his heritage. No other child should have to cry to say, I hate how I look because of how the school made him feel. No other child should have to go through that in any school system,” she told reporters.

Chacon has been attending the school for close to two years following his return from Germany.

However, given the recent occurrence, his mother will soon be transferring him

to another educational institution.

NATION OF SIX RACES Outgoing Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredericks, who was among those that stood on the picket line, condemned the school’s action.

“The National Toshaos Council, we represent the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, and under the Constitution of Guyana, every race or every nation, six races, we have our right to our beliefs, our culture and spiritual beliefs,” he told reporters.

He said this incident is an indication that there is need for greater awareness on the indigenous culture, and the cultures of other ethnic groups. “We are the first people of Guyana, and we are proud of our culture and this is what we will teach our children, and they are proud of it,” Fredericks emphasised.

The NTC Chairman expressed disappointment that the school’s administration is silent on the issue, and has

more so refused to issue an apology. Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Official, Michael McGarrell told Guyana Chronicle that while a public apology may not solve the problem, it would bring about some amount of satisfaction first to Chacon and his parents, then to the indigenous community.

“What needs to be done: the school’s administration (members) need to be themselves exposed to some sort of training where they could learn about indigenous culture, because clearly, they don’t understand, and they cannot see that indigenous peoples See page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

APA official, Michael McGarrell, holding up a placard that told the story through the eyes of Joshua Chacon (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Pressure mounts ...

From page 19

make up part of who we are as Guyanese as well, and we have our own distinct culture,” McGarrell noted.

He said the APA is open to offering the necessary training to the school. In a statement, the APA condemned the actions of the school as it lent its support to Chacon’s mom. “The action by the school to single out and publicly humiliate the student, while other students were allowed to wear their cultural clothing is disgraceful.

“As a person of indigenous heritage the young student had a right to dress in his indigenous wear without discrimination from the public, but especially from an educational institution like Mae’s Schools,” the APA stated.

It said that traditional indigenous clothing should not be deemed inappropriate in a country that celebrates its rich cultural diversity. “It is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana that every citizen has a right to his/her religion, cultural beliefs and practices. The Constitution specifically states in Article 149G that indigenous peoples “have the right to the protection, preservation and promulgation of their languages, cultural heritage and way of life,” the association pointed out.

Additionally, it pointed out that Guyana is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Television news An-

chor and Producer, Natasha Smith, who was critical in organising the picketing exercise, said for far too long indigenous people of Guyana have been discriminated against. “People have to stop disrespecting us. Mae’s School is just an example of the daily discrimination that we receive in this country.

It may not be as blatant but 2018, the 29th of May we are still having this fight; it should tell you something about what is really happening,” Smith said.

According to her, there have been similar incidents in other parts of the country.

She emphasised that Mae’s and other educational institutions must teach children tolerance and respect for each other’s culture.

On a televised programme aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe said she saw nothing wrong with the way little Chacon was dressed.

She pointed out that Indigenous Heritage Month is celebrated every year across the country. Minister Garrido-Lowe posited that the school should have reconsidered its decision, and more so should issue an apology.

When Guyana Chronicle attempted to get a comment from the Head Teacher or Senior Teacher, the guard, after seeking advice on whether access could have been granted, was told to inform this newspaper that there is nothing to be said.

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Parents, relatives and friends of Joshua Chacon picketing the Mae’s Primary Schools with support from indigenous organisations in Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Mae’s denies putting out schoolboy over attire … Calls for national conversation on acceptable social standards

THE Administration of Mae’s Schools said clear guidelines were provided for its Culture Day as it refuted claims of discrimination against a child who had dressed in an indigenous wear. The school is also calling for a national conversation on what are acceptable social stan-

dards.

In a statement, hours after the mother of Joshua Chacon and members of the indigenous community picketed the school; Mae’s said students were verbally informed of the dress code ahead of the May 25, 2018 Culture Day. “Closer to the event each class was ver-

bally briefed on the activity.

Each class pulled from a bowl what ethnicity they would represent.

Approximately one-sixth of our student population was to portray the Amerindian culture, one-sixth African, etc. All children were told that plain t-shirts and tights/shorts should be worn

under clothes that would otherwise expose them,” the school said in a statement.

According to the school, Chacon’s class was expected to dress as Portuguese. Mae’s said when the nine-year-old arrived at the school dressed in a traditional indigenous wear with his mother Karen Small, they

were informed at the gate that there may be an issue on the basis that he was exposed.

Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter the school as is. “The student then ascended the stairs to continue to his classroom. However, we speculated that he may have been subjected

to gawking by students, because shortly after he exited the school building and met with his mother, who helped him don a t-shirt already in her possession,” the school said.

However, the school’s administration refuted all claims that the teachers including the head teacher informed Small that her son’s attire was inappropriate.

“At no point was any teacher engaged on this issue either by the child or his mother. The child settled into his classes without incident. There was no crying or other discernible upset displayed by him that warranted the attention of the class teacher, head teacher or administration of the school then or at any other time throughout the school day,” the school said.

The administration said it is regrettable that the student is made the subject of national headlines, while maintaining that it has never and will never engage in discriminatory behaviour.

“We recognise that our first duty is to look after the best interest of the children we serve. We are particularly conscious of fostering social cohesion and encouraging children to be proud of their heritage, as well as learning of the different ethnicities that make us one Guyanese family, hence the willingness to host Culture Day. “There is, however, no clear-cut national policy that is consistently enforced on what is acceptable in terms of exposure for both boys and girls when representing our very diverse culture, especially in this climate where gender equality is being promoted, and specifically in a school environment,” Mae’s said.

However, it said the incident lends itself to a larger discussion amongst schools and government entities about what truly is the acceptable social standard in the evolving country.

Small and indigenous organisations in Guyana have called for Mae’s to issue a public apology. It is clear that, that apology will not be issued now that the school’s administration is discrediting the reports made by Small.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

TIGI dismisses PPP claims of racial bias TRANSPARENCY Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) has challenged the PPP’s claim of racial profiling in relation to charges brought against former government officials in that party’s administration and pointed out that the first case filed and which is still ongoing, is against two individuals–former Minister Jennifer Westford and the Chief Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings, both of whom are of African descent.

The PPP has been accusing the coalition government of witch-hunting and also racial bias over charges brought against persons who worked in their administration. However, in a wide-ranging statement issued on Monday, TIGI said both the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was established subsequent to the 2015 change in government and the legal framework for the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) was finalised more recently.

According to TIGI the first set of cases that SARA was expected to address were those that would be based on the findings of the forensic audits that were done post-elections. “Given that the forensic audits focused on the operations of the previous government it would seem illogical to expect that the first (and perhaps several subsequent) set of charges would not be against members of the former government,” TIGI pointed out.

It added that prior to the charges, the PPP/C had used the very fact that no charges were filed to criticise the current government and to claim vindication.

“The current PPP/C rhetoric therefore appears to amount to taunting the government about its inability to take action then

crying foul when action is taken,” TIGI reasoned.

RACE On the matter of race, TIGI said one only needs to ask who the holders of public offices and of senior posts in the public service in the period covered by the forensic audits were.

“Of course, this does not mean that only people of a particular ethnicity held all the offices, but probability would seem to be in favour of individuals of East Indian descent.

It is therefore likely that when former public officials are charged, many would be of East Indian descent without automatically evidencing racial profiling,” TIGI noted. “This does not mean that there is no racial profiling.

Instead, it merely means that a charge of racial profiling would require more substantive justification that that provided to date and should not involve omission of the fact that the first case filed and which is still ongoing is against two individuals – former Minister Jennifer Westford and the Chief Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings – who are of African descent.”

The local transparency watchdog said one of the issues cited in the argument is the fact that SARA and SOCU have not addressed more recent matters that have emerged under the current government. This, TIGI said is a reasonable argument which it is inclined to support. “In fact, TIGI has formally requested of the SARA director that the matter of the ExxonMobil signing bonus be addressed by SARA. However, we note that it took nearly three years for the charges against Dr. Singh and Mr. Brassington to be formally filed and

this should help to put into perspective the timeframe within which we might expect more recent matters to be addressed. That notwithstanding, SARA and SOCU are not absolved of the responsibility to deal with current matters and we take note of the fact that it has not indicated that the more recent matters lack merit. TIGI will hold SARA and SOCU accountable for handling matters that have arisen under the current government, as much as we support it in dealing with matters that arose under the PPP/C.” Turning their attention to SARA, TIGI said the agency needs a clear and transparent policy on case selection and on the basis for

deciding whether to pursue civil or criminal prosecution, and on the circumstances under which it will allow individuals to return assets and avoid prosecution. “The transparency component of this recommendation means that the policy should be publicly available so that decisions made can be checked against the policy. The director of SARA has indicated that such a policy is forthcoming and we therefore call for urgency in this matter.

In the absence of an appropriate and transparent policy, SARA will be unable to address suspicions of partiality,” TIGI declared.

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Correction IN our lead article on Tuesday we incorrectly stated that

Guyana Goldfields had paid over some $168.7B to the Guy-

ana Revenue Authority during the course of 2015-2018.

The actual figure is $168.7M. Guyana Chronicle regrets the error.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Tampering with City manholes giving King headache TOWN Clerk Royston King has warned citizens to stop tampering with the manhole covers in Georgetown, saying that such illegal acts only plunge City Hall into deeper financial woes.

From all reports, the manhole vandals have been versatile in their acts.

“When we make them of wood, people use them for fire; when we make them of metal, they take them to the scrap metal dealers,” King lamented.

According to him, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has already engaged Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF) Limited to make covers with some other kind of material, and with locks, so that they cannot be stolen.

King also lamented that motorists have been driving into City rails causing severe damage to them and often get off scot-free,

leaving the M&CC to foot the repair bills.

The town clerk, who was at the time speaking at the fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, said one of the bridge rails on Avenue of the Republic had been broken and repaired twice in the past.

It has remained in a broken state after it was hit the third time.

King said people are also in the habit of destroying the rails by tying their animals to them.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green suggested that the M&CC should collaborate with the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force so that the Council can be informed of certain accidents and the drivers made liable for damages.

Contractors who repaired the bridges during the ‘Jubilee’ celebration period are yet to be paid for their work, King said.

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CWI, Digicel sever sponsorship agreement prematurely BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and telecommunications giant Digicel have severed their sponsorship agreement prematurely, ending a 13-year commercial relationship.

In a statement, Tuesday, CWI said an agreement had been reached to end the relationship with one year still to run on the contract.

“It has been a great and successful partnership for both Cricket West Indies and Digicel,” said CWI’s director of commercial, marketing and communications, Dominic Warne.

“We are now primed to take on a number of new initiatives as part of our recently announced strategic plan to make cricket the heartbeat of the Caribbean. We hope to make an announcement on our new long-term principal partner soon.”

CWI penned a new deal with Digicel two years ago, with the Irish company sponsoring the senior men and women’s international sides along with the Under-19s.

Digicel struck up its partnership with West Indies cricket in a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal, which took effect on the 2004-05 tour of Australia.

The move followed the withdrawal of Digicel’s telecommunications rivals, Cable and Wireless, who had been long-term sponsors of West Indies cricket.

Digicel Group chief financial officer, Raymond Leclercq, praised the benefits which had been derived from the partnership.

“Over the years, we have been very successful in forging sponsorship partnerships with the things we know our cus-

tomers love most,” Leclercq said.

“This approach has helped us to grow the Digicel brand to be the number one brand in the region and to make a lasting impression on our customers.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket West Indies for 13 years of amazing partnership and for the opportunity and privilege of helping to bring the fun, thrill and excitement of the game of cricket to a wider audience and in new and engaging ways.”

The announcement of the termination comes just a week before the start of the Home Series against Sri Lanka, with Tests scheduled for Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia and Kensington Oval in Barbados, from June 6 to 27.

GFF remains committed to Mexico vs Guyana 2012 investigation – Forde

By Michelangelo Jacobus

AFTER the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Ordinary Congress on Monday, it was revealed that plans for the implementation of the GFF’s ‘Federation Cup’ are on stream.

GFF president Wayne Forde, in a briefing, after the Congress noted; “We shared with the members (Executive Committee), the launch of the 2019 Federation Cup which will be played in August of 2019. During the Federation Cup there will be no other football played in Guyana, it will be our very own World Cup. That is going to be a big project and we are hoping to make some specific announcements on the format, the time-

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line and everything. It is a tournament that will be played in August of each year.”

MEXICO VS GUYANA INVESTIGATION In addition, another topic that was touched on was the updating of members of the ongoing investigation into the 2012 Mexico vs Guyana matter.

The Golden Jaguars had lost 3-1 to Mexico at the Azteca and local fans were anxious about their mouth-watering return game at the Guyana National Stadium during their historic run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, but the GFF sold the hosting rights for the game, which was then hosted at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas 10:25 hrs Hey Jude English Racing Tips Beverley Go Annie Go 09:00 hrs Eeh Bah Gum 09:30 hrs Only Spoofing 10:00 hrs Nature Boy 10:30 hrs Club Wexford 11:00 hrs Almunther 11:30 hrs Elerfaan 12:00 hrs Onefootinfront Cartmel 09:10 hrs Wood Breeze 09:40 hrs Flow With Eve 10:10 hrs Frankie Ballou 10:40 hrs Oh Land Abloom 11:10 hrs Man Of Steel 11:40 hrs The Compeller 12:15 hrs Tonto’s Secret

on October 12, 2012.

It has been one of the biggest kept secrets in Guyana’s football since, and at the 2017 GFF Ordinary Congress, the affiliated members passed a motion which was unanimously supported, for the Executive Committee to thoroughly investigate how much money was made from the ‘shift’ and whether or not an agreement was made to pay the players a percentage of what was received from the deal.

O n M o n d a y, F o r d e pointed out that the Committee remains committed to resolving the matter. He also revealed that the work done by a consultant was shared with the members so that they can now appoint a Board of Inquiry.

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31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

15 days to go …

Remembering South Korea’s tarnished run to the 2002 semis SOUTH Korea were far from new to the World Cup in 2002 having qualified for the first time in 1954. They had also been part of every instalment since 1986, though in their 14 total games, spanning five separate tournaments and nearly half a century, they had never managed a win.

South Korea were to host jointly alongside Japan - the first World Cup to be played in Asia. But given their poor previous record, the country was desperate to put on a good display, as at that time no hosts had ever before exited the World Cup at the group stage. To be the first would be embarrassing.

The Korea Football Federation turned to Guus Hiddink, whose world class reputation as a coach had been built by successes with PSV Eindhoven and the Dutch national team going back to the 1980s.

Hiddink was named head coach towards the end of 2000 and began his new job the following year with a little under 18 months to prepare for the World Cup. Hiddink didn’t get off to the best start, and was not a popular choice with the Korean media. He was often seen as ‘bland’ and was criticised for seemingly not taking the job seriously enough. Results on the pitch also did him no favours after humiliating 5-0 defeats against both France and Czech Republic in 2001.

The Koreans were then invited to take part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup - part of an odd tradition of sides from outside the region participating. The team finished fourth, but failed to win a single game, including losses against Costa Rica and Canada.

Behind the scenes Hiddink was working on a plan. He had brought in his own conditioning coach to get the players to an elite level of fitness, while he had chosen not to adhere to an old Korean system which placed an emphasis on seniority.

Instead, he focused on building a team around younger talents like wingers Park Ji-sung, who would also go on to earn the nickname ‘Three Lungs’ due to his endless stamina, and Lee Chun-soo, and full-back Lee Young-pyo.

In Poland, Portugal and the USA, South Korea had been handed an incredibly tough group and expectation weighed heavy on the team, encapsulated with a banner at their opening game which read, ‘Hiddink make our dreams come true’.

However, the worries were soon cast aside as the Koreans blew away Poland with a convincing 2-0 victory. It was the country’s first-ever win at the World Cup in 48 years of trying, but rather than a pinnacle, it was the beginning.

Afterwards, Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek remarked how the atmosphere in the stadium had driven South Korea on.

In the second game, a late strike from Ahn Jung-Hwan earned a 1-1 draw against the United States, leaving the final match against Portugal between the Koreans and the promised land of the second round. In an electric atmosphere, Hiddink’s team could sense glory was near and went at their opponents right from kick-off.

It proved to be too much for Portugal, who, with two players sent off, couldn’t hope to match the energy of the hosts. Park’s well taken goal in the second half secured the win, as well as top spot in the group and a place in the last 16.

By winning a game and avoiding embarrassment, the South Korea team had reached their target at their home World Cup, but their journey was still far from over.

Up next were Italy, who were weakened by the absences of Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro. Backed by a once-more-deafening crowd, South Korea were presented the chance of a dream start when a penalty was awarded after just four minutes. However, Ahn’s strike was saved

by Gianluigi Buffon. The Italians then took the lead, with

Christian Vieri ‘shushing’ the home fans in celebration.

But South Korea kept coming and despite a frustrating lack of penetration, snatched a late equaliser through Seol Ki-hyeon to sensationally send the game to extra time. It was in the additional 30 minutes that the fitness levels Hiddink had instilled in his players began to pay off. And when Francesco Totti was sent off, the game looked to be heading to penalties.

But then, with just moments remaining, came one of the all-time World Cup shocks as Ahn - with the same aerial prowess that Poland had failed to combat, climbed above Paolo Maldini to score a remarkable ‘Golden Goal’. It was pandemonium as a whole country was reduced to tears of joy.

That Ahn was contracted to Italian side Perugia at the time and was sacked by the club’s controversial president Luciano Gaucci for ‘ruining Italian football’ was an odd sideshow.

This was a World Cup of the underdog, as elsewhere Senegal had done the same to a talented Sweden side having earlier beaten reigning champions France in their opening game. At their first World Cup since 1954, a Turkish golden generation went all the way to the semi-finals.

There were, however, enormous cries of foul play. Totti’s dismissal, the result of a second yellow card for alleged diving was questionable, while prior to Ahn’s winner, Damiano Tommasi had scored a Golden Goal for Italy, only to see it incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Whether it was bad luck, sheer refereeing incompetence, or something darker, that game and that elimination has never sat well with Italy, while many still view South Korea’s win with an asterisk. Had it been a one-off, it might simply have been forgotten about with time.

But South Korea’s subsequent quarter final against Spain was similarly drowned in controversy.

Their extra fitness once again proved beneficial as the Koreans found themselves playing extra time for the second game in a row. However, during the 90 minutes Spain had seen a goal disallowed after alleged shirt pulling in the penalty area. A ‘Golden Goal’ was then incorrectly chalked off in extra-time when young winger Joaquin was deemed to have run the ball out of play before crossing for Fernando Morientes to score. Spain also hit the post and were wrongly flagged offside countless times. There is no point denying that Hiddink’s team were lucky to still be alive when the game entered a penalty shootout.

Joaquin, only 20 years of age at the time, missed the decisive kick and captain Hong Myung-bo took full advantage as he slotted his away to win it 5-3 for South Korea.

Again, sparks flew in the aftermath. Spanish defender Ivan Helguera had to forcibly dragged away after confronting Egyptian referee Gamal Al-Ghandour, describing La Roja’s exit as ‘robbery’. That theme persisted in the Spanish media, with Marca labelling the match officials ‘thieves of dreams’.

Aided by their vociferous home support and marathon levels of fitness, South Korea simply rode the wave of good fortune. To suggest match fixing on their part, as has always been the accusation of Argentina in 1978, seems wrong.

Instead, the blame lay with FIFA over its appointment of match officials not fit for purpose on such a stage. Their inexperience and inability to handle the spotlight and crowd noise showed. Conspiracy theorists, meanwhile, have suggested that South Korea were deliberately favoured in a corrupt bid from president Sepp Blatter and other FIFA officials seeking personal gain to curry favour in Asia.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Warriors sink ice-cold Rockets, head back to NBA finals (REUTERS) - Behind another extraordinary third quarter from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors erased a 15-point deficit and claimed Game 7 of the Western Conference finals with a 101-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday at Toyota Center in Houston.

Curry scored 14 of his 27 points in the third period as the Warriors secured their fourth consecutive berth in the NBA Finals.

“This is a situation we’ve never been in before ... to win a Game 7 on the road, keep our composure for the whole series,” Curry said postgame on TNT. “All those hurdles and obstacles, we got over them, so it’s an unbelievable feeling, man. Winning a championship is hard, so this is a testament to that.”

The championship series begins on Thursday in Oakland, Calif., with the Cleveland Cavaliers representing the Eastern Conference. The same two teams met in the previous three Finals, with Golden State winning the title in 2015 and 2017 and Cleveland emerging as the champ in 2016.

Golden State, after trailing by 11 points at the intermission, outscored the Rockets 33-15 in the third period. The Warriors posted a plus-68 scoring margin in the third quarters

for the series.

“The second half was unbelievable,” Curry said.

“This atmosphere is crazy.”

The Rockets fashioned their halftime lead on effort, both defensively and on the glass, but when their offence collapsed in the third quarter, their verve dissipated. Houston shot 24 percent (6 of 25) in the third and while missing all 14 of their 3-point attempts.

Curry, meanwhile, finished the frame 5 of 6 from the floor while draining 4 of 5 from beyond the arc as the Warriors shot their way to the lead.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “I’m proud of our guys for the way they held together after almost coming completely unglued in the first half. But that second half was something, a lot of amazing shot-making from some talented players. And I don’t know what the hell else was going on out there, but we did fight and we got it going in the second half.”

The Rockets missed 27 consecutive 3-point attempts an NBA playoff record - before PJ Tucker drilled a corner trey with 6:28 left that cut the deficit to 10 points. Houston went 7 of 44 from deep, 15.9 percent, while Golden State made 16 of 39 3-point attempts, 41 percent.

Kevin Durant totalled 34 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Warriors, and

Klay Thompson chipped in 19 points despite early foul trouble. Curry also produced nine boards, 10 assists and four steals.

playmaker. If we had Chris, if he was out there, we’d have been playing on Thursday. It’s just tough.”

Harden had a different

ished 12 of 29 for the game.

Gordon shot 2 of 12 from 3-point range, slightly better than Harden’s 2 of 13.

While Clint Capela (20

Stephen Curry scored 14 of his 27 points in an extraordinary third quarter as the Warriors secured their fourth consecutive berth in the NBA Finals.

James Harden posted 32 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Rockets, who again were without guard Chris Paul (right hamstring strain).

Rockets guard Eric Gordon, who scored 23 points, said of the impact of Paul’s absence, “It sucks because you know you could win this series if we just had one more

viewpoint.

“We don’t even think about that,” Harden said of playing without Paul. “We had an opportunity tonight and last game without Chris. Obviously, he’s a big part of why we’re here, but we had opportunities, especially in that first half both games.”

Harden opened the game 4 of 5 from the floor but fin-

points, nine rebounds) and Tucker (14 points, 12 rebounds) delivered on the interior, the Rockets were undone by their ineffective perimeter options. Trevor Ariza finished 0 of 12, including 0 of 9 on 3-point tries, while Gerald Green made just 1 of 7 shots.

Harden, who gave the Rockets a 48-33 lead with a transition dunk at the 4:54

mark of the second quarter, fed Capela for an alley-oop layup for a 61-55 lead with 5:38 left in the third.

The Warriors followed with a 17-2 run that included five 3-pointers, four from Curry, whose finger-roll with 3:29 left in the period was the lone basket from inside the arc during the decisive run.

“First of all, they’ve done that all year against everybody,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said of the Warriors’ third-quarter surge. “That’s what their trademark is; we know it and it’s not like it’s a secret. Just seems like they came out a little more determined than we were in the beginning. The juice was flowing on their side. When they get it going, it’s tough to turn them off.”

Durant praised the Rockets, who fell short in the playoffs after posting a league-high 65 wins in the regular season.

“Much respect to the Houston Rockets for bringing the best out of us and making this an incredible series and pushing us to the brink,” Durant said.

“You’ve got to give respect to them and the great season that they had. But I’m glad that we’re going back (to the Finals) and I’m excited that we’ve got this opportunity.

I look forward to taking advantage of it.”

South Africa must prepare for tricky transition, says Smith … following the retirement of ‘irreplaceable’ AB de Villiers

By Sudipto Ganguly MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - The untimely retirement of ‘irreplaceable’ AB de Villiers is a big loss for South Africa and the team must prepare for the challenging transition they face in the next couple of years, former captain Graeme Smith has told Reuters.

The South African batting talisman announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket last week after a glittering career spanning close to 14 years.

T h e 3 4 - y e a r- o l d ’s audacious batting style and breathtaking fielding have made him one of the sport’s leading lights and there is barely a dull moment for the spectators when de Villiers is on the cricket field.

“I think AB’s thought about it a lot,” Smith, who himself made a shocking retirement at the age of 33 four years back, said in an interview.

“I thought definitely he

would retire after the 2019 World Cup. But when he made his comeback and did so well in the home summer in South Africa, had a really good IPL (Indian Premier League), I didn’t even think about it.” de Villiers retired with a Test average of 50.66 and as the fourth-highest scorer for South Africa with 8 765 runs. In ODI cricket, he holds the records for the fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) and 150 (64 balls) with those innings exhibiting his 360-degree batting ability, much to the amusement of the fans.

“Ultimately people will be very disappointed because they are going to miss him, just because he was that brilliant. They wanted to see him play more,” Smith said at the sidelines of the Ceat Cricket Rating awards.

“But the guy has played international cricket for around 15 years. More than anything he has the right to decide when he’s had enough. He will have

his own reasons for that, you got to respect that.”

Left-handed opener Smith was a veteran of 117 Tests, 109 of those as captain, and is the world record holder for the most Test wins as skipper of a five-day team

CRICKET’S CHALLENGE Smith does not expect de Villiers to make himself available to play in different Twenty20 leagues across the globe but hoped the batsman will continue entertaining

AB de Villiers retires with a Test average of 50.66.

with 53. He remains the most capped Test captain in the history of the game and was handed the reins of the South African side at the age of 22.

fans for at least a couple of years more.

“It’s a challenge international cricket really does face,” Smith said. “The way world cricket is at the mo-

ment, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and administrators have to be really at the top of their game in terms of player workloads, creating context in our cricket.

“There are not many players who have played for 14-15 years that can travel nine, 10, 11 months a year, deal with the pressures, plus the family pressures, it’s very, very difficult.”

Smith said de Villiers’ retirement robbed South Africa of more than just a batting mainstay.

“To lose a player like AB, he’s irreplaceable,” Smith said. “There are also quality players there but it’s like taking Virat Kohli (India captain) out of the Indian team.

“Everyone will say it’s a big loss. More than anything the South African team loses a X-factor player, who can single-handedly win you a game.”

South Africa have lost players to English counties in recent past with cricketers like fast bowler Morne Morkel registering as Kolpak

players. A player becomes eligible for a Kolpak deal when he gives up the right to play for his country and is not classed as an overseas player in county cricket.

Smith also had doubts about the future of long-serving players like Hashim Amla and current captain Faf du Plessis.

“I think South African cricket is going to find itself in a very interesting phase in the next year or so,” Smith said. “I don’t think the talent pool is quite as good as what it has been for a period of time.

“If a couple of players walk away after the 2019 World Cup, it’s going to take a little bit of time for the team to rebuild.

“It’s going to be interesting to see players like Hashim and Faf if they play for another year or two after the World Cup. If they don’t, it’s going to be a challenging period and something South African cricket needs to be aware of.”

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

George Weah’s son scores for USA on full international debut TIMOTHY Weah - the son of former AC Milan and Liberia striker George - scored on his full international debut as USA beat Bolivia 3-0 on Monday.

Weah, 18, who was born in New York, struck 59 minutes into the friendly at Philadelphia’s Talen Energy Stadium.

The Paris St-Germain forward and Josh Sargent, another Europe-based teen, were two of several new faces selected

by caretaker coach Dave Sarachan.

Sargent, 18, made it 2-0 after Walker Zimmerman gave USA a half-time lead.

Weah, who has played three league games for PSG, previously represented the USA in the Under-17 World Cup and made his senior debut as a late substitute during a friendly win over Paraguay in March.

His goal came seven min-

utes after Sargent, who is yet to make his professional debut for German side Werder Bremen, pounced on a blunder by Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra to score on his international debut.

Earlier, centre-back Zimmerman, 25, headed the USA into a 37th-minute lead, powering in his first international goal from a Joe Corona corner.

Everton’s 20-year-old defender Antonee Robinson, who

Prominent Kenyan coach offers to train Indian marathon talent Budhia Singh

By Anupam Pratihary

(REUTERS) - No one in the history of marathon has won nine out of 10 races, including an Olympic gold, except Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge.

Considered by many as the greatest marathon runner ever, Eliud was discovered by the accomplished coach Patrick Sang at the age of 16.

After less than two years of training under Sang, Kipchoge stunned the world by winning the 5 000 metres at the Paris world championships in 2003, beating greats like Hicham El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele.

Having stunned the world himself by running 65km in 7hrs 2min at the age of six, India’s Budhia Singh, now 16, is a picture in contrast. He has been forgotten and abandoned.

Without a coach, the youngster trains six days a week, all on his own, and still dreams of Olympic glory. “I want to win Olympic gold for India in marathon at the 2024 Olympics,” Budhia told Reuters.

When asked about the importance of making sure promising talent is nurtured correctly, Sang tells Reuters: “The role of a coach in handling young runners like Budhia is critical. Workload for an age like his must be

monitored so that they’re not over-trained, exposed to injuries and burn out.”

In fact, Sang goes a step further and says he is willing to help Budhia. Having trained Kipchoge for 17 years, and several other champion athletes, Sang is known to choose his words carefully when discussing prospective students.

ning at that tender age is a sign of potential,” says Sang.

“To me ideally it’s a case where medical experts should intervene a little bit to assess and see the status of this boy physiologically and psychologically.

“If it’s clear clinically and there are no other factors pushing him in that direction

TCS World 10K race - Bengaluru, India, . Kenya’s coach Patrick Sang (L) and Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor pose after Kamworor won the race. Picture taken May 27, 2018. REUTERS/Abhishek N. Chinnapp

After hearing about the extraordinary childhood of Budhia, where he ran marathon-equivalent distances more than 25 times by the age of six, the 54-year-old coach takes a cautious approach.

“We could be looking at a potential athlete, depending on when he is put to the test to see what distance he can do. Run-

to do what he is doing, then we can move towards testing his potential to see what he is capable of.

“If everything is normal then some of us can come in and contribute. He can be helped if potential is there,” adds Sang, who was in Bangalore for the recent TCS World 10K event.

Morgan ruled out of high-profile T20 against Windies with fractured finger

LONDON, (CMC) – A fractured finger has forced Eoin Morgan out of the Hurricane Relief Twenty20 International against West Indies at Lord’s on Thursday.

The England white-ball captain was expected to lead the ICC World XI but sustained the injury while fielding for Middlesex against Somerset in domestic match at Taunton on Sunday.

Subsequent x-rays revealed a crack at the top of the ring finger on his right hand.

“It is not a bad crack but it is bad enough to keep him out of tomorrow’s Middlesex game and the World XI game,” said Andy Flower, who is standing

in for Andrew Strauss as England’s director of cricket.

“It is not a huge concern, it is one we can hopefully manage past in about a week.”

Morgan has been replaced as captain by veteran dashing Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi while Englishman Sam Billings takes his place in the squad.

S u r re y ’s 1 9 - y e a r- o l d all-rounder Sam Curran along with England fast bowler Tymal Mills have also been added to the World XI squad.

Billings arrives in the squad fresh off a stint in the Indian Premier League for eventual champions Chennai Super Kings.

The 26-year-oldwicketkeeper-batsman has played 13 one-dayers and 17 Twenty20 Internationals, and 142 T20s overall.

Curran, meanwhile, is the brother of England seamer Tom Curran, and is highly regarded, having already played 104 wickets in 38 first class matches.

Mills is a T20 specialist who has campaigned in the Big Bash, Pakistan Super League and the IPL, taking 94 wickets from 85 matches.

Thursday’s match will raise funds to repair stadia in the Caribbean damaged by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.

has an American father, also made his USA debut in a starting line-up with an average age of 22 years and 160 days.

Sarachan replaced Bruce Arena in October, after the USA failed to qualify for the World Cup. George Weah - who also played for Manchester City and Chelsea - is now the president of Liberia. (BBC Sport)

Timothy Weah (left) became the fourth-youngest player to score for the United States while Josh Sargent (right) also scored on his full international debut.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

‘Universe boss’ Gayle has no plans to quit IPL DESPITE narrowly missing out on selection for this season’s campaign, Windies star batsman Chris Gayle has no intentions of bringing down the curtain on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career.

Gayle, who was released

by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) earlier this season, was not picked up by Kings XI Punjab until the third round of the draft and for the minimum price.

The 39-year-old, however, did turn out to be a bargain at that price as he had a big impact with the team only narrowly missing out on the playoffs. In 11 matches Gayle made 368 runs, which was only second to KL Rahul who had 659 in

14 appearances.

The batsman never made it to the final but believes his selection was crucial to the IPL even stating Kings XI had saved the competition by doing so. The batsman did

register several eye-catching performances, particularly a 104-ball 63.

“Without a doubt! It was superb to be part of the IPL once more. It is the best tournament in the world. I

KL Rahul (left) and Chris Gayle

played for a new franchise, the reception there was fantastic. We had a good start but we lost the momentum in the final stages. Hopefully, next year,” Gayle told the Mumbai Mirror.

“It was not a joke (saving IPL), I am serious. You have said IPL needs stars and you have answered the question.

I have done so much for the IPL. You look back and see what I have done for the IPL. I had two centuries and won a trophy, still active and playing.

You can still see what I have to offer to the game.

“I love to continue playing in India. This is where a lot of passion lies. There is some fuel in the tank.”

(SportsMax)

Powell captains President’s XI against Sri Lanka today ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Test opener Kieran Powell will get the opportunity for valuable match practice ahead of the upcoming Test series while Sunil Ambris and Jermaine Blackwood have been given a chance to impress selectors again, after being named in a 13-man Cricket West Indies President’s XI squad to face Sri Lanka starting today.

The left-handed Powell will captain the side, which also includes fast bowler Miguel Cummins and uncapped batsman Jahmar Hamilton, both of whom were last week named in the squad for the first Test.

Though Powell was included in the Test squad, he has been short of runs of recent, and the contest at the Brian Lara Stadium offers him the ideal chance to find some form ahead of the three-Test series.

An attractive stroke-maker, the 28-year-old managed just 142 runs from six innings on the three-Test series against England last year, and a mere

82 on two-Test tour of New Zealand last December where he suffered the ignominy of a dreaded ‘pair’ in the last match.

He got two half-centuries against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last October but has not scored another half-cen-

ries win over touring England Lions four months ago, his returns were again disappointing with 128 runs from five innings.

Meanwhile, Blackwood will hope to catch the eyes of selectors after being axed for

Test opener Kieran Powell

tury since his return to international cricket, following a three-year self-imposed break.

While he captained West Indies-A to a resounding se-

the upcoming series. With just 15 runs from his last five Test innings, the attacking righthander can keep himself in the selection frame with healthy scores against the Sri Lankans.

Ambris will taste high-level competitive cricket for the first time since fracturing his arm on the ill-fated tour of New Zealand.

Last year he forced his way into the Test squad with heavy scoring but then astonishingly trod on his wicket twice in scoring 25 runs in four innings against the Black Caps, to complete the most forgettable of Test debuts.

All-rounder Raymon Reifer, who made his Test debut against New Zealand, is also in the President’s XI line-up.

The match is the only warm-up fixture before Sri Lanka take on West Indies in the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad starting next week Wednesday.

SQUAD – Kieran Powell (captain), Sunil Ambris, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Miguel Cummins, Jahmar Hamilton, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh, Jomel Warrican.

John finishes sixth overall in U-23 category at French Guiana’s Grand Prix

Jamual John finished sixth overall in the U-23 category in French Guiana.

AFTER hours of gruelling riding along the roadways in French Guiana and Suriname, Guyanese cyclist Jamual John managed to finish sixth overall at the Grand Prix Regional Cooperation Road Race.

In the U-23 category John rode over 411km in less than favourable weather conditions to finish the individual segment sixth overall.

First place was copped

by French Guiana’s Robert Vercellino with the other top four places also being taken

by Vercellino’s countrymen.

Michel Cadet was second while Dihan Will, Myron Stanis and Jean-Emmanuel Laurendot were third, fourth and fifth in

that order.

Guyana’s other U-23 rider Curtis Dey had a couple of mishaps during the races and as a result could not finish.

He crashed once in the second stage and twice again during the third.

Due to injuries sustained in the crashes, Dey complained of pain and was unable to continue racing.

Meanwhile, Paul DeNobrega, Paul Cho-wee-nam and Walter Grant-Stuart all finished their respective races.

Manager of the Guyanese contingent, Marc Sonaram, commended the riders for their valiant efforts noting that it was a good outing especially for John.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday May 30, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chennai Super Kings (2.)

Sunil Narine (KKR) Today’s Quiz: 1.

Who was voted Man of the Match in the recent IPL 2018 final?

2.

Who are the only two players with centuries in IPL finals to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

New mum Serena back in the Grand Slam groove in Paris

By Ossian Shine

PARIS, France (Reuters) - Even the Parisian stormclouds cleared for Serena Williams yesterday, as the new mother’s baby-steps back to Grand Slam tennis became a stride into the second round of the French Open.

Krystina Pliskova, who shared the Wimbledon winners’ stage with Serena back in 2010 - the Czech was junior champion as Serena won the real thing that year - played her part across the net on centre court, but there was only one star.

Dressed in a skintight, all-in-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest to its 7-6(4), 6-4 conclusion.

“Two years has been a really long time,” she told the crowd in French, referring to her last match on clay. I am just so happy to have won a match here... thank you all.”

The last time the American had appeared in a Grand Slam tournament was at the Australian Open in 2017, when she won it while preg-

nant with daughter Alexis Olympia.

This time there was a little rust to shake off - she only gave birth in September - and she didn’t quite move as when at her best. But all the same Serena was too strong, too good, simply too Serena for her world 70-ranked opponent.

It was a match-up that, in some respects, made a mockery of statistics. The American started the match ranked 9 999th in the race to the annual season-ender. Pliskova sits 52nd.

But in the data that counts,

Serena is a giant of the tennis court. Her haul of 23 Grand Slam singles crowns beats Steffi Graf’s total by one, and is just one shy of Margaret Court’s record 24.

Coming into this tournament her career prize money stood at more than $84 million.

That she is currently ranked 451 in the WTA rankings is an irrelevance - more pertinent is that she finished 2017 ranked 22, having played only two events all year.

In every category, Serena’s achievements dwarf her opponent’s, bar one - Pliskova holds

the WTA record for aces in a single match: 31 at the 2016 Australian Open.

She cracked 15 past Serena on Court Philippe Chatrier, but even then saw 13 fly past her as the American gave as good as she got.

“I don’t know how many aces there were,” Serena smiled courtside after the match. “But I think money goes to charity, so donate!

“I think we raised some real money,” she laughed before making her way to the exit, stopping for selfies and to sign autographs for an appreciative

French crowd.

Next up for the three-time champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty.

It won’t be an encounter Barty will relish. She could be considered the most unlucky of seeds in a Grand Slam, for there can never have been a more dangerous floater in the draw.

French Open organisers stick rigidly to the WTA rankings so would not seed Serena.

That is already beginning to look like a mistake Wimbledon - which allows itself some ‘wriggle-room’ - would be wise to avoid repeating.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Modest finish for Vieira in CSBK round one

CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers..

Dominant T&T, cautious Antigua, Bermuda reach final round

Elliot Vieira gets to the corner ahead of Will Hornblower in the first round of the CSBK championships in Canada last weekend. (CSBK photo) Tasha St Louis … scored a brace for Trinidad and Tobago.

By Stephan Sookram ELLIOT Vieira opened his Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) account with a modest sixth place finish in Shannonville, Ontario over the weekend.

The Guyanese, who had a stop and start series last year started this year aboard a Yamaha R6 sponsored by Aventura Gold, Fly Jamaica, Snow City Cycle, Brooklin

Cycle Racing, Roadsport Auto Group, Riedmann Racing and Dunlop.

The Guyanese qualified in seventh on Saturday but had a section of his times removed by race control as the penalty for refuelling in the pit lane.

He put down a fastest valid time of 1:08.294 in lap four of the session across the 2.45km facility with the pole sitter Tomas Casas posting a best time of 106.323.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he said, “All in all it was a decent ride. I feel that there are some areas that we can correct moving forward but I had gun out there.”

“I want to thank my sponsors of course, without them, I couldn’t have even been out there so kudos to them. I also want to thank my parents whose support has been phenomenal, my dad especially who is out here all weekend

as part of my crew.”

“Speaking of my crew, I can’t forget to mention them, the excellent work they have been doing with the bike to get it to where it is.”

“I see this as a plus because even though I finished off the podium, I was able to get up one place from qualifying. It’s all about remaining positive and moving forward to round two in a couple weeks’ time.”

ICC cricket committee saves the toss THE tradition of the toss will stay during the World Test Championship scheduled to start July 2019. Also, there will be no points for series wins, but a draw will earn teams a third of the available points.

These were the recommendations from the ICC cricket committee, which also said ball-tampering and personal abuse should carry serious penalties. The chief executives’ committee will deliberate on these suggestions in June before final ratification by the ICC Board.

Here is the lowdown on the most important topics covered by the cricket committee, headed by former India captain Anil Kumble, in a meeting this week.

THE TOSS STAYS The ICC has had serious concerns about pitch-doctoring in the recent past and, in an internal paper it prepared on the playing conditions, suggested doing away with the toss to bring balance to the game.

An ICC release on yesterday said the cricket committee “discussed whether the toss should be automati-

cally awarded to the visiting team but felt that it was an integral part of Test cricket which forms part of the narrative of the game”.

of the points reserved for a victory.

“Based on the principle of simplicity and every match needing to count,” the ICC

ICC Cricket Committee Chairman Anil Kumble

The ICC paper had recommended that the best way to discourage the preparation of unfit pitches would be to award points to the opposition should the match be abandoned. It is not yet clear whether the cricket committee supported such a radical step.

release said, “the committee recommended that points should only be awarded for each match and not a series win. As part of this, it was proposed that there was a draw-win ratio of 0.33:1, so a draw gives each team a third of the available points.”

POINTS FOR MATCHES, NOT SERIES Although the committee did not fix the exact points for wins, losses or draws in the Championship, it wanted draws to be worth a third

HEAVY SANCTIONS FOR BALL-TAMPERING AND PERSONAL ABUSE The “line” wasn’t crossed so much as erased during Australia’s tour of South Africa recently. The ICC was left em-

barrassed with various players flouting not only the spirt of cricket but also the code of conduct. David Warner, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada were charged for poor behaviour in an incident-filled series which culminated in Warner, Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft receiving bans from the ICC and Cricket Australia for ball-tampering.

After reviewing those events, the cricket committee voted in favour of raising the sanctions associated with ball-tampering and having penalties for “personal, insulting, offensive or orchestrated abuse”. It also recommended giving the match referee the authority to “down or upgrade a level of offence or sanction”.

“The group felt that excessive personal abuse and ball-tampering were serious offences in the game and that should be reflected in the way in which they are dealt with,” the ICC release said. “There was also strong support for giving the match officials more authority and subsequently greater support around their decision-making.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago crushed Grenada 13-0 on the final match-day here Sunday, to win Group C of the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers and reach the final round of the championship.

They led 6-0 at half-time at the Ato Boldon Stadium and continued their rampage afterwards, to ensure they finished ahead of St Kitts and Nevis on goal difference, after both teams ending on 10 points.

Forward Alliyah Prince netted a hat-trick while captain Tasha St Louis, Jonelle Cato, Janine Francois and Maria Shade all scored braces.

Entering the contest unbeaten but needing to win by at least six clear goals after St Kitts had earlier trounced US Virgin Islands 7-0, T&T started on a high when Kedie Johnson netted in the 10th and Jenelle Cunningham, three minutes later.

Shade scored her first in the 33rd minute before T&T banged in three goals in the last four minutes before half-time, to end the first half impressively.

The second half was another blowout as as Francois and Cato both scored to extend T&T’s lead and even though Grenada kept them scoreless until the 80th minute, the powerhouses netted five times in the last 12 minutes to enhance the rout.

For Grenada, the defeat was their third in four outings, and it saw them finish bottom of the fiveteam standings with a single point following a 1-1 draw with Dominica last Friday.

In Group D in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda also booked their place in the final round of Caribbean qualifiers when they edged St Lucia 1-0 to finish top of the standings.

Britney Edwards’s second-minute goal was enough to decide the contest at the Antigua Recreation Ground and leave the hosts unbeaten and on nine points.

St Vincent and the Grenadines had earlier lost their third straight match when they went down 1-0 to Curacao.

And in Guyana, Bermuda also booked their passage through to the next round with a similar 1-0 victory over Suriname at the Synthetic Track and Field Facility.

The Bermudians entered the final match-day alongside the hosts on four points but Akeyla Furbert’s goal, four minutes before half-time, earned them a precious three points.

Guyana and Barbados drew nil-all in the other match at the venue.

T&T, Antigua and Bermuda will be joined in the final round of qualifiers by Cuba and Jamaica who won Group A and B respectively, earlier this month.

The final round runs from August 25 to September 2.

CWI, Digicel sever sponsorship agreement prematurely See Page 30

West Indies Women were also sponsored by telecommunications giant Digicel.

GFF president Wayne Forde

See Page 30

New mum Serena back in the Grand Slam groove in Paris See Page 34

GFF remains committed to Mexico vs Guyana 2012 investigation – Forde

Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates winning her first round match against Czech Republic’s Kristyna Pliskova. (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)

… Federation Cup set for 2019

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018