Guyana chronicle e paper 06 05 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

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TUESDAY 5TH JUNE, 2018

No.105296

More roundabouts coming

…Min Patterson announces at opening of Kitty traffic circle 12 PAGE

Full liberalisation by year-end PAGE

10 Fire flattens West Ruimveldt home

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02 Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo joined Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson as she cuts the traditional ribbon to officially declare the Kitty Roundabout open on Monday. They were joined by Ministers of Public Infrastructure and Telecommunications, David Patterson and Catherine Hughes (left and second left respectively) and a representative of the National Front Alliance, Sheik Yassen (right). Also in photo is Deputy Mayor, Akeem Perter (Delano Williams photo)

Man dies as tractor topples in rice field

Mae’s to apologise to child …commits to working with APA to edify children on indigenous culture

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Fire flattens West Ruimveldt home

A MID-AFTERNOON fire on Monday ravaged the home of five occupants living at Lot 67 Front Road, West Ruimveldt, just yards away from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station.

The five occupants living in the house were husband and wife, Travis and Malinda Reid; their two children aged three and seven years and Malinda’s brother, Trevon Pitt.

While no one was at home at the time, Malinda was the one who received a call from her neighbour who told her that her house was on fire, after which she related the message to her husband and they hurried to the scene.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived, the wooden house was flattened in its centre with only its charred outer frames remaining.

Firemen from the neighbouring station, as well as the Central Fire Station, were seen utilising water from a nearby fire hydrant to suppress the existing smoke.

hydrant so that we could get adequate water to out the fire completely,” he said.

Asked about the time it took for the nearby fire service to arrive, the fireman said: “Our response time was good because if we didn’t have good response time the fire would have been hitting the two houses nearby.”

At the same time, residents of the home maintain that there were no electrical appliances left plugged in after they left, and that they know of no person with a

motive to commit arson on their home.

Malinda says that her only hope is to receive other copies of the documents she had completed with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), for a new ready-made home she recently secured at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara.

“What I’d like to know is if Housing would give me back my papers because I received the document only last month. The document is burnt. We got through with a

house in Perseverance. It was just for us to get the loan and move in…All I need is the document back, that’s all I’m asking,” she told reporters.

The family would have lost other documents such as their birth certificates, marriage certificates and passports.

Malinda is currently a Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Invigilator while her husband works at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and her brother is a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier.

Travis Reid and Malinda Reid and one of their children (photo by Delano Williams)

Questioned about the items that were lost Malinda said: “A lot. I can’t even estimate it, a lot! Everything that a home has, I had. My house wasn’t short of anything. As much as I’m just standing here, it’s really affecting me but what can I do? I have to thank God that I’m alive and nobody was in there.”

One of the firemen on

the scene told the Guyana Chronicle that the fire truck arrived with enough water as it could hold. “There was water available and as they say, the truck wouldn’t be able to put the actual fire out, it would be able to cool it down for a certain time. It depends on the amount of water that is in the truck. That is why we had to end up using the

The remains of the house on Lot 67 Front Road, West Ruimveldt (photo by Delano Williams)

Police constable under close arrest – in ‘sex for freedom’ investigation

ONE of three ranks wanted in connection with the escape of a female drug suspect from the Timehri Police Station last month is under close arrest after the 38-year-old woman was re-

captured in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara on Sunday.

Four other persons were arrested from the home where the suspect lives, while attempts are being made to locate the other po-

lice ranks allegedly involved in the escape.

The case is now being handled by the Major Crimes Unit, after the woman alleged that two police constables freed her in exchange for sex.

The woman, who had been under the scrutiny of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the police, was arrested on May 6 at Soesdyke, allegedly with some 400 grammes of marijuana and a quantity of liquor that she was unlicensed to sell.

She was taken to the Timehri Police Station and kept in handcuffs, while arrangements were being made to transport her to the East La Penitence Police Station.

However, because of a shortage of vehicles at Timehri, she was kept there until Tuesday, May 8, when she was scheduled for court. She allegedly escaped in the wee hours of the morning that day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Mae’s to apologise to child

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…commits to working with APA to edify children on indigenous culture ADMINISTRATOR of the Mae’s Schools, Stacy French, has reportedly agreed to apologise to nineyear-old Joshua Chacon, who was allegedly evicted from the school after his indigenous attire was deemed inappropriate during a recent culture day activity.

Little Chacon hopes of parading the corridors of the school in a traditional indigenous wear for Culture Day on May 25, 2018 were dashed when he approached the gates of the school. He and his mother, Karen Small, were told that his outfit was inappropriate. Chacon was wearing a traditional indigenous outfit made of straw accompanied by a headdress.

The school in a press statement said refuted the claims of discrimination saying that clear guidelines were given for the culture day, but Small said the school has been dishonest about the incident.

After two days of being picketed, the administration of the school agreed to meet with the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA) and the parents of Chacon on Mon-

one such inconsistency is the claim that Small did not engage any of the teachers, when she was told by the security that her son needed to put on a top. It was made clear that the APA has no reason to doubt the story told

by Small.

Despite having different views on what transpired that day, French agreed to apologise. “She said she would

the APA and his parents expressed concern about the trauma he has experienced as a result of the incident. In addition to agreeing to apologise, Mae’s has committed to working with the association to educate children on indigenous culture. Based on that meeting, those informative sessions are expected to be done before the End of Term exams commence. “We told

APA Executive Director Jean La Rose and APA member Michael Mc Garrell (Samuel Maughn photo)

day at the APA’s Charlotte Street office.

It was during that meeting with APA Executive Director Jean La Rose, that Mae’s Administrator, Stacey French agreed to apologise to Chacon. However, it is unclear whether the school will be issuing a public apology.

When the question was put to French, shortly after she and another colleague exited the meeting, this is what she had to say: “No comment at this time. You’ll see how it plays out.”

French, however, disclosed that the administration of Mae’s will be working

with the indigenous organisations to be able to move forward.

La Rose, in the presence of APA member Michael Mc Garrell and Chacon’s parents, Karen Small and Jason Chacon, told the Guyana Chronicle that during the meeting Small was given the opportunity to give her side of the story, however, it was disputed by the school to some extent.

“Nonetheless we thrashed it out, and we agreed that there were some inconsistencies in a statement put out by Mae’s,” La Rose said. The APA executive director said

Karen Small speaking to reporters on the picket line last week

apologise to the child, she is considering that.”

La Rose said while French has agreed to apologise to the nine-year-old,

her that this is a teaching and learning lesson, not only for the school but the wider community because I don’t know if you recognise the ex-

tent this has reached not only Guyana but internationally as well,” La Rose said.

Small, who was present with her husband Jason Chacon, told this newspaper that despite the negative impact the incident has on little Chacon, the schools’ administration never saw it fit to approach her on the issue, and she only attended the meeting because of the APA. “I really came to this meeting because of APA and the support they would have given me throughout the process and I wanted the truth to be told,” Small said.

Asked whether she was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, this is what she had to say: “I don’t want to say much at this point but I just feel that the school needs to come clear. I am not satisfied with their response because they made me out to be a liar, and I am not satisfied.”

Up to press time, the apology was not issued. Anchor and Television Producer Natasha Smith, who was instrumental in organising the picketing exercise, was also part of the meeting.

Former Management Committee member pleased with Government’s action on GPSCCU Jermain Hermanstyne, who sat on the embattled Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) Management Committee, said he is pleased with Government’s decision to take control of the credit union, contending that for years millions of dollars were allegedly doled out to Patrick Yarde and his allies.

Hermanstyne was among members of the Credit Union, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday about the Social Protection Ministry’s move to appoint Justice Prem Persaud as the Officer in Charge of GPSCCU, in addition to establishing an Interim Management Committee (IMC) over concerns of poor performance by the now defunct management committee, which was led by Patricia Went.

Pleased with the decision, the GPSCCU member is now calling on the IMC to conduct an extensive audit on the credit union’s operation.

“I expect them to do a comprehensive audit. That comprehensive audit will basically show us the discrepancies, and I would expect

GPSCCU Member Jermain Hermanstyne

that those responsible for the discrepancies would face the full brunt of the law,” he said.

According to Hermanstyne, who sat on the old management committee for approximately nine years, the Credit Union suffered at the hands of Yarde, who was also member of that committee and had strong support from at least five other committee members including, the chairman Patricia Went.

He alleged that prior to the takeover by the ministry, Yarde, who is the head of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), was given a million

dollars on a yearly basis by the credit union to offset his medical expenses.

To compound the situation, Hermanstyne said when a close relative of Yarde fell sick, $600,000 was deducted out of the Credit Union’s coffer to facilitate a trip to Cuba, although neither that family member nor the nurse who accompanied him were members of the credit union.

In 2016 and 2017, it is alleged that Yarde for both years received $700, 000 as Christmas bonus.

According to the GPSCCU member, when that relative died, Yarde was given another $100, 000 to assist with the wake and funeral expenses. Without offering any break down on how monies would be spent, Yarde, over the past three years, is reported to have requested one million dollars from the Credit Union for the May Day rally every year.

According to Hermanstyne, these monies were given to Yarde although at least five members including himself had objected on several occasions. He said the monies were doled out to Yarde,

although members have not received dividends for the past four years.

“For the past four years, members have not had their dividends but I could assure you that Patrick Yarde has been travelling and attending overseas conferences, sometimes four, five times

committee.

Audrey Kellman, another GPSCCU member said she had decided to go on a 100day hunger strike but now that an IMC has been installed she has decided to call off the strike.

Kellman questioned why the management committee

The Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) back in operation after being closed for a few days (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

per year,” Hermanstyne said, adding that these trips cost millions of dollars.

He is also in support of the government’s request for $49.6M to be paid over to the Audit and Supervision Fund for the years 2002-2013, on the basis that Yarde and Went abused their powers while sitting on the management

under Went was unable to pay members their dividends though dues were paid upto-date.

“We expect to see soon the functioning of the management committee until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held,” Kellman said, while expressing her confidence in Justice Persaud

and team. Attempts to contact Yarde on his cell phone proved futile.

Meanwhile, at the Credit Union Hadfield Street office business was ongoing as usual under heightened police presence. During a walk-through of the building on Monday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) could have been seen on each floor, in addition to security guards. Justice Persaud was not there at the moment.

Many of the members conducting transactions at the time were unaware of the new administration.

One woman, Diane Grey, who has been a member of the Credit Union for the past 25 years, said she had no major issue with the old management team. According to her, in recent years the process of acquiring loan from the credit union was significantly improved, and members are now able to secure loans within a period of three weeks. Prior to that, she said it took months.

Grey however noted that it has now been years since she last received dividends.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Linden CIIP workers storm LMTC – over monies owed them since 2015

OVER 40 Lindeners employed under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP) on Monday staged a protest at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC).

This was after being told that the $12, 500 owed to them for extra labour since 2015 will not be paid immediately.

Things became so heated during the protest that the police had to be called in to quell the situation and assist in getting the workers off the premises.

The workers initially refused to leave the building and threatened to remain until payment was made.

Town Clerk (ag) Orleena Obermuller later told this publication that payment could not have been made on Monday, and that the earliest the process would allow for it to be done is on

Friday. The workers allege that Obermuller told them that payment will be made ‘whenever’, which she vehemently refuted.

Avril Thom, one of the frustrated workers told the Guyana Chronicle that they were called to a meeting at the Council to discuss payment of the long overdue wages.

She said that some payment was made in the past, in that workers who did not work the extra hours received payment while those who did were left hanging.

An agreement was made at the meeting on Monday that 50% of the money would be paid to all the workers, since the Council was not in a position to pay all 53 of them the entire $12, 500.

Thom said it was after telling them that, that the Town Clerk broke the news that the money would be paid whenever the Council has

money. She said it was because the workers knew that the Council was in receipt of the money that they staged the protest.

“It is frustrating! They just get us here steady, steady,” Thom said, adding: “It is test time for children, and we need our money. We have children going to school; they have this money for us since 2015 and we can’t get pay! It is unfair!”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Simone Daniels, who said she’d worked a whole 32 hours extra after being instructed to do so.

“Maan, is since 2015, and we still waiting!” Daniels said. She also bemoaned the entire payment system at the Council, alleging that the workers have to wait until the middle of the new month to get paid for work done the previous month.

This, she said, should not happen because the ministry sends the payments to the Council in a timely manner.

“The payment system sucks for $23, 000,” Daniels said. “These people just

making the government look bad; we are not leaving here until we get our money.”

In an invited comment, the Town Clerk told the Guyana Chronicle that while it is still unclear who would have instructed the workers to work the extra hours, the payment was made available by the Ministry after some time.

There was then an issue with the time sheet, she said, and some workers who did

not work the extra hours were paid, while the 52 who did were not.

A balance of the money the Ministry sent remained, and the meeting was called to iron out matters with the workers. The monies remaining, however, could only allow for payment of 38 of the workers. A decision was therefore made for all 53 to receive 50% of the payment in the interim, until the Council decides on how all will be paid.

The Town Clerk further explained that while the

workers believed that the monies would have been released immediately, it is a process she would have commenced as soon as she left the meeting.

This, however, did not go down well with them. She said that meetings have to be held also with those who received payment but did not work for those monies to be recovered.

The workers are adamant that three years is long enough for the Town Clerk to still be processing funds.

Judge to rule on whether magistrate could hear extradition proceedings JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow will on or before June 15, 2018 rule on whether Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus could continue to hear the extradition proceedings against fugitive, Troy Thomas (Mervyn Williams), who is wanted in the US for murder.

The matter came up in the Georgetown High Court where submissions were heard from both sides of the bench; State Solicitor Kim Kyte-Thomas for the respondent and Prithima Kissoon for the applicant (Nigel Hughes).

Attorneys representing Troy Thomas had argued that the magistracy has no jurisdiction to hear the extradition proceedings initiated against the man. As such, they had moved to the High Court in a bid to block his extradition.

Thomas, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, USA, who it alleged mur-

dered Keith Frank on December 11th, 2011, was recently apprehended by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at a dwelling house at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Defence attorneys Nigel Hughes, Bernard Da Silva and Darren Wade had moved to the High Court, where, among other things, they have argued that their client as a Guyanese citizen is entitled to the protection of the provisions of the Constitution.

It is the view of Thomas’ attorneys that Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus who is presently hearing the extradition proceedings, has no authority in law or otherwise, to enforce the provisions of the Treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States of America for the mutual extradition of fugitive criminals, signed on December 22nd, 1931.

Meanwhile, the extradition proceedings before Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus were due to continue in the Magistrate’s Court but the matter has been adjourned until further notice, in light of the pending High Court case.

One of the cases that Thomas’ attorneys have cited for their challenge is that of Barry Dataram. In the wake of the Dataram case, the PPP/C government had announced that it would modify the law and in October 2009, it passed an amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Act 1988 to address the conflict that arose within the law regarding individuals here being extradited. The amendment also controversially included a provision which empowers the Home Affairs (now Public Security) Minister to decide whether to extradite or not.

Driver claims haversack, not drugs

A 41-YEAR-DRIVER was on Monday remanded to prison after he was allegedly busted by police with more than two pounds of cannabis in his haversack.

Ceon Barker of Independence Avenue, McKenzie, Linden appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied that on June 3 at 111 Miles, Madhia, Potaro River, he had

1,030 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to reports, on the day in question the police acting on information went to a hotel where the defendant was staying and conducted a search.

They reportedly discovered in a multi-coloured haversack, parcels wrapped in clear plastic among clothes.

Barker, however, admitted being the owner of the bag but denied knowledge of the ganja.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the defendant being released on bail on the grounds that no special reason was given to the court.

The magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Barker to prison until June 15.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Truckers to help finance reconstruction of South Rupununi bridge THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) will be looking to have the owners of the trucks that caused the collapse last week of a key bridge in the South Rupununi help finance its reconstruction.

According to the ministry, based on reports they received, the bridge collapsed when a flatbed truck carrying an excavator attempted to cross it.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the Kitty roundabout Monday, subject minister David Patterson said, “The issue that we have is the road users; you saw somebody with an excavator crossing the bridge.

I have already contacted the Ministry of Public Security and GGMC [Guyana Geology and Mines Commission] for them to help me in trying to find who are the owners of the

truck; whether it is excavators, a legal operation, a mining operation or what.

“I can say for sure, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had no project going on in that area; however, we will be seeking to try and recoup some of the costs for the repairs.”

The MOPI has since dispatched a team to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) where the bridge at reference, the Yamatwao Bridge, is located following reports of its collapse, in the hope of having a temporary one put in place as early as possible. The team has been tasked with assessing the severity of the damage and the cost to rehabilitate the bridge. “The overweight vehicle overextended the bridge’s capabilities, thereby causing the collapse,” the Ministry said in a statement Saturday, adding:

“This incident compounds the Ministry’s call to road users within the hinterland to strictly adhere to weight limits, especially during the wet season, since non-adherence can lead to structural failures, as demonstrated now. This incident is not the first of its kind and road users are reminded that they will be held accountable in instances of non-compliance to weight limits.”

Meanwhile, the Minister said the team dispatched to Region Nine has not yet given him an assessment on the situation, but he hastened to assure the media, “We will be building a temporary bridge so that the communities in the South Rupununi can be accessed, and then we will see exactly how we will be rebuilding the bridge to ensure it is safer.”

The Yamatwao Bridge in the South Rupununi which collapsed recently under extraordinary pressure

Female NA Prison inmates get cervical cancer screening FEMALE inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison, in Berbice, the lone penitentiary for women, have benefitted from cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), in an effort to prevent the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells.

The screenings were held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection

Sexual Offense and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) website, in Guyana 6, 518 cases of cancer were reported between 2003 and 2012, with an average incidence of 86.7 cases per 100,000 population.

The most common types were breast, cervical and uterine and prostate cancer.

Dr Unadai Rattan, Coor-

dinator of Women’s Health at the Ministry of Public Health, told local reporters that apart from the screening, physical and breast examination, general discussions will be held on women’s health and hygiene, the human papillomavirus vaccine, signs and symptoms of breast cancer, menstrual cycle along with signs and symptoms of menopause .

Further, inmates will be enlightened on family planning options as it was a burning issue for the women, whose ages range from 19 years to over 75 years.

Several are incarcerated for offences such as trafficking in narcotics and murder.

Meanwhile, Ms. Akelia Doris, Manager, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence, Counselling Unit of

the Ministry of Social Protection, noted that the ministry has had a long-standing relationship with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and as part of its rehabilitation programme they were invited to engage in a partnership regarding the female inmates’ self-development and empowerment, in an effort of improving their self-worth.

It is expected that the

key knowledge and skills garnered will be utilised even after the inmates would have completed their prison terms.

Apart from the discussions and examinations, 60 hygiene packs will be given to each inmate to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual health, so that they can feel inspired to take control of their lives.

[Jeune Bailey Van Keric]

Queen Victoria statue defaced

The statue of Queen Victoria

The statue of Queen Victoria, in the High Court compound has been vandalised by unknown persons. The statue was doused with red paint.

Commissioned in 1887 to mark the Golden Jubilee, this statue was unveiled in 1894 outside the law courts in Georgetown, Guyana. More than half a century later, in 1954, the statue was dynamited in an act of anti-colonial protest, and its head and left hand were blown off.

Guyana achieved independence in 1966 and became a “Co-operative Republic” in 1970. To mark the formation of the republic, the statue of Victoria was removed to Georgetown’s botanical gardens. However, in 1990, the statue was restored and re-erected in front of the Supreme Court of Judicature in Georgetown. The British artist Hew Locke, who was raised in Guyana, recalls the “shock” when the statue was returned to its original location.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 - 08:20hrs.-9:50hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Reaching good health must begin in the home

Guyana has to be the leading country within the Caribbean Community, as well as among those in the wider international arena that has adopted and put into practice, national health awareness programmes of a public kind.

These seek to draw to citizens’ attention not only an awareness of their physical well-being; but also the absolute necessity of being responsible for what they do to themselves – the lifestyle choices that are made, and the consequences thereof.

If these prior medical outreaches sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health were those that were done with the aim of encouraging citizens to be pro-active about their health, while offering treatment for well-known ailments; the just concluded four-day Health Expo 2018, the first of its kind in Guyana, not only continued this critical national awareness exercise, but also showcased the full gamut of medical services that the State medical institution has to offer citizens.

This has taken public health to several ascending rungs, with lectures for both males and females as to their respective physical peculiarities, physical examinations, diagnoses and treatment given, as an example. This means that citizens have been further encouraged to seek medical assistance, and not wish away what might be looming serious maladies.

The precursors to this four-day event would have been collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental bodies, and visits to Guyana by North American medical teams as they seek to render medical assistance to citizens needing of same. These, however, have assumed a greater urgency within recent years, given revelations about the increasing numbers of citizens falling prey to illnesses that could otherwise be prevented.

What has just been demonstrated was the taking of public health services to citizens, under the auspices of a key social ministry that has since 2015, been re-named – the Ministry of Public Health. One can understand this re-designation, since matters of health as administered by the State for its

citizens are of a public kind, as distinct from the private medical institutions.

There can be no debating or doubt as to the relevance of the theme of this seminal event, “Reaching for a better life with good health”. It is timely, as it is necessary given the very high percentage of cases of citizens who have been found to have either one of several of the known non-communicable diseases. It is also a reminder as to the critical necessity for citizens to embrace the necessity of good health, as their daily mantra and as a guide to daily living.

In seeking to inculcate such a disciplined approach to life, citizens must begin to make a conscious effort to depart from traditional patterns of personal choices, such as processed, and “junk foods”, sugary beverages, and alcoholic drinks; the types which are definite causes and contributors to bad health. It is a challenge that was so expertly and passionately referred to by President David Granger during his featured address at the inauguration of Health Expo 2018, when he cautioned about the dangers of abusing fast foods and alcohol. We all need to understand the importance of what good health is for a better living. It is simply reminding us that we as humans cannot hope, first, to have a good life, or secondly, enjoy it if our health is not at optimum levels.

For the family, an ailing member will undoubtedly cause worry and stress on the household, particularly if he/ she is the breadwinner and economic mainstay. And even if financially secured, the emotional/psychological value of that member to the spiritual growth and development of the family collective becomes impaired and diminished, because being ill means both the physical and mental reduction of active participation in family social activities. No family is happy when any of its members young or old are ill.

But it is from within the family where the theme “Reaching for a better life with good health” has to be given life, thus making it an everyday reality. In this regard, parents/ guardians especially, must begin to dialogue with their chil-

dren and other young family members about the reasons for bad health, and how these are best avoided; what bad health does to the body; and that unhealthy children do not enjoy being children as other children who are healthy do. They will also not become healthy adults. Hence, they themselves will not be able to become mothers/fathers of healthy offspring. Negative choices such as alcoholic intake and substance abuse must also be emphasised, since there is growing evidence that young people are increasingly affected by these two social scourges.

Parents must illustrate to their children that consuming too much sweet meats, inclusive of starches and sugary drinks can only lead to obesity, and further serious illnesses which in time, can become chronic and uncontrollable, leading to early demise. Further, parents/guardians must begin to inculcate the sustained practice of preparing meals that are of a nutritious nature, and not of the fatty, oily type that is inundated with processed ingredients and spices. Vegetables in the daily diet must be emphasised, and explained as very vital in defending the body against ailments. This was alluded to in an opinion piece, a while ago.

Since it is upon these children’s shoulders that the future responsibility of nation building will rest, then parents/guardians have the important responsibility of ensuring that their total well-being, inclusive of healthy choices for good healthy living, begin without delay.

This task must therefore commence in the home. Let us remember always, that a healthy nation means a healthy human capacity that is ready and available to undertake the mental, physical, and spiritual task and responsibility of socio-economic development, for their children, grandchildren and future generations.

Our security guards deserve better Dear Editor,

BASED on the recent picketing by the minibus operators, it's a relief to see the operators picketing for a reduction in gas prices instead of increase. I would not agree to one article in the dailies that for over a decade they have not been a raise in bus fares.

A short drop fare supposed to be $60 but during the PPP/C era, the fare was increase to $80 and sadly on the West

Coast of Demerara (WCD), it is $100. At a certain hour they demand that and some so called 'shine bus' they charge $300 instead of $200. However, instead of calling for an increase they are calling for a reduction which is fair enough because I am sure they are aware of the conditions of people's wages in society today.

Editor, not too long ago I penned a letter about the wages and working conditions in places especially on

the West Coast, and immediately after I heard that some officials visited certain places I mentioned. Now I am not hearing of any development at these places and it should be noted that many places are still underpaying staff with threat of things hard, people looking for jobs and people want work. Now, most shop girls are working above the seven or eight-hours shift for a measly $1,000 or $1,200. I know definitely $1,200 is the

most being paid all over, especially in Berbice and the West Coast of Demerara. What is even more disgusting is that they are forced to work the whole day on Saturdays and Sundays for the same day’s pay and they are given a day off during the week.

Now, that is not the only atrocities being committed against the working public, but in Guyana it seems as your job designation have a different meaning. Most

places you go to, including some government ministries, you will find the security guard querying your purpose, calling to verify etc. Some have to either direct or escort you. The only part short of them being called guard-receptionist is them not answering the telephones. Security has a whole new meaning here for me. You visit a store, the employees have to sweep and wipe. They have to fetch,

pack, measure, and do a lot of extra work that is extended beyond their duty of sales girl/boy. They should have been given the cleaners’ salary and also the handyman's/ porter's salary because they are doing those jobs. In fact, I know they would not get that and incidentally no one seems to take notice.

Regards Sahadeo Bates

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Fostering good ethical behaviour in the Police Force

Dear Editor,

WHAT is corruption?

What are the consequences of unethical and corrupt behaviour committed by law enforcement officials?

In Guyana these are good topical issues to start a conversation with or even an argument.

Rothlein (2000) posits, "Corruption is a corrosive element that will spread like rust if it is not contained and eliminated. Addressing unethical behaviour and corruption has become a top priority and major challenge for police administration.

The causes of corruption are complex. Many factors can contribute to corruption, including greed; personal motivators such as ego, sex, or the exercise of power; tolerance of the behaviour by the community; socialisation from peers and/or the organisation; inadequate supervision and monitoring of behaviour; lack of clear accountability of employees' behaviour and no real threat to discipline or

sanctions."

The real elements of corrupt behaviour are that the conduct (1) is prohibited by law or rule, (2) involves misuse of position and (3) involves a reward or personal gain for the officer.

The average police recruit or beat-duty cop is expected to conduct his or her private and professional life with more integrity and decorum than most other citizen, however difficult and unrealistic that may seem at times. One area in which the police’s conduct may be called into question is whether or not they accept gratuities. A gratuity is defined as a favour or gift, usually in form of money, given in return for service; for example a tip given to a waiter at a restaurant.

According to Whyte (2000), "Differentiating between gratuities and corruption is not a clear concept...

Department policies on gratuities vary from agencies and officers may question what exactly constitutes a gratuity. To eliminate confusion,

departments should ensure that their policies clearly distinguish what is acceptable."

Whyte explains that there are many common arguments for and against gratuities.

Some for are: Gratuities help create a bond between officers and the public, thus fostering community policing goals. They present a non-written form of appreciation and usually are given with no expectation of anything in return. Most gratuities are too small to be a significant motivator of action. The practice is so deeply entrenched that efforts to root it out will be ineffective and cause unnecessary violation of rules. A complete ban will make officers appear as though they cannot distinguish between a friendly gesture and a bribe.

Those against include: Accepting gratuities violates most departments' policies and law enforcement code of ethics. Even the smallest gifts create a sense of obligation.

Even if nothing is expected in return, gratuities will create

The Papageno Effect Dear Editor, WHILE it is well known that the manner in which the media reports suicide can lead to copycatting or the Werther Effect, thereby resulting in even more suicides, it has also been determined that media reporting can lead to the ‘Papageno Effect’ - the protective effect that can result in people been better able to cope with challenges and stress and thus not resorting to suicide.

In 2010, Niederkrotenthaler et al concluded that prevention of suicidal behaviour by media reports is possible if media publishes articles on individuals who adopted coping strategies, other than suicidal behaviour in adverse circumstances and if media also provides information about where to seek help and advice. The study found that the most important content that reduced suicide was focusing on suicidal thoughts rather than suicidal actions. This is because reporting suicidal thoughts, as opposed to actions, could help the individual engage with the concept of going on living.

The Caribbean Voice is aware that some sections of the media have undergone training in reporting on suicide, but the needed changes are often not evident in most coverage of suicide. To prevent the Werther Effect and

foster the Papanego Effect, such coverage should exclude information on suicide methods, avoid implying that suicide is “caused” by any single factor or event (such as bullying), and keep the word “suicide” out of headlines.

As well media should avoid: details of the suicide method, photo(s) of the deceased, admiration of the deceased, the idea that suicide is unexplainable, repetitive or excessive coverage, front page coverage, exciting reporting, romanticised and/or simplistic reasons for the suicide or approval of the suicide. Also media should not propagate myths and misinformation about suicide, such as, for example, that suicide is a selfish act. And media should refrain from using the term ‘committed suicide’; use instead ‘died by suicide’ or ‘a suicide victim’.

On the other hand, media reports should include: alternatives to suicide (such as counselling and other treatment), resource information for those with suicidal ideation (especially what is available at the local or regional level as easy and quick accessibility is important), examples of positive outcomes of suicidal crises (such as calling a suicide hotline, applying prevention strategies, prevention work done by NGOs), warning signs of suicidal behaviour, how to approach a suicidal person especially use of em-

phatic communication and strategies to build self-esteem and provide coping skills.

One piece of misinformation that continues to be propagated by the media is the 2012 rate of 44.2. TCV has pointed out many times that according to former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) admitted that that figure included the globally unreported 25 per cent, which is generally never factored into WHO statistical compilation.

TCV recalculated the 2012 figure and found that it fitted into the pattern of suicide rates for Guyana pre and post 2012 as per this chart below.

TCV also contacted WHO headquarters in Switzerland, requesting confirmation of their explanation to Dr. Ramsammy. Geneva referred us to Washington, which referred us to a lady in Guyana who referred us to PAHO/WHO’s Dr William Adu-Krow. The lady indicated that we must set up an appointment with Dr. Adu-Krow, at which point we ceased to put up with this royal run around, especially since Dr. Adu-Krow was quoted a number of times in certain sections of the media as stating that the 2015 rate is 20.6 whereas the actual rate is 30.8.

TCV did indicate to the WHO that a failure to respond to our inquiry would be taken as verification of

an appearance of impropriety. Although most officers can discern between friendly gestures and bribes, some may not. It is unprofessional.

Many contend that accepting gratuities is often the launching pad in officers engaging in unethical behaviour and from there plunge quickly into actual corruption.

Many persons provide ' freebies' because they expect preferential treatment from the recipient officers. Experience has shown that at times when the 'freebies' is not forthcoming officers will make demands-even demand by menace. These may include simple things like money to buy drinks for the birthday party of the boss, tickets to attend a show at the National Stadium, a Fish Fry or a Bar B Q. Research indicates that most scandals start with one employee doing relatively small unethical acts and grow to whatever level the leadership allows.

Strandberg (2000) notes, “Corruption takes on many forms, and some things seem-

ingly insignificant can put an officer on a slippery slope, leading to major crimes."

All is not lost. A good starting point to promote ethical behaviour and integrity is to eliminate the code of silence. The code of silence encourages ranks not to speak up when they see another officer doing something wrong.

McCarthy (2000) recommends seven steps to help prevent unethical behaviour and corruption: " (1) Recruit with great care. (2) Establish appropriate policies and put them in writing. (3) Adopt a good employee evaluation process. (4) Make sure your sergeants share management's values and philosophies.(5) Develop operational control. (6) Perform regular anti-corruption inspections and audits. (7) Implement ethics and integrity training into every training activity.

Ethical behaviour is that which is 'moral' and 'right'. Integrity refers to steadfast adherence to an ethical code. Therefore,

the police must inculcate ethical, integrity and anti-corruption training for all members of the force, more so paying special attention to the subordinate officers and junior officers.

The subordinate officers will not be able to change the department but they can change their squads.

The junior officers may not be able to change the department but they can change the large number of ranks under their control. Fast forward. In time to come these corporals and sergeants; inspectors, cadet officers and assistant superintendents will be the divisional and branch commanders, the senior superintendents and assistant commissioners upwards, where they will be able to foster an environment of excellent ethical behaviour and integrity, thereby enhancing greater public confidence in the GPF.

Dr. Ramsammy’s claim and of the figure we arrived at. However, we believe that the Guyana media has a responsibility to clarify this situation. After all, a 2012 rate of 44.2, which is almost 20 points higher than the 2009 rate, presents

an anomaly but so does a decline of almost 14 points from 2012 to 2015. Neither is there any logical or evidentiary explanation for this, nor does it make any sense in the context of suicide prevention in Guyana.

Besides, the 44.2 rate made

Guyana globally infamous as a nation of suicides, a reputation that was/is unwarranted and unjust and for which WHO has offered no justifiable reasons.

Regards Clinton Conway

Regards Caribbean Voice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

‘Orbis’ trains local healthcare professionals

– in various aspects of diabetic eye care ORBIS International, a foreign Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that provides eye-care training, has trained local health professionals during a hospital-based training programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from May 28 to June 1.

Over the five days, the NGO worked closely with the Guyana Diabetic Reti-

nopathy Programme to train ophthalmologists, nurses and biomedical technicians.

According to the GPHC’s ophthalmology department, the Orbis team was divided into three faculties to perform the training programme.

The first faculty included Retinal Specialist, Dr. Rosalind Stevens who trained two local ophthalmologists, Dr. Madeline Garcia Gali and Dr. Dhar-

The Diabetic Eye Centre at the Health Expo

macharya Ramkarak, to do laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Stevens also conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session for 42 general physicians.

In Faculty Two, Peruvian Ophthalmic Nurse of the Flying Eye Hospital, Nurse Elisa Urruchi conducted two workshops for nurses in the area of infection control.

This brings to seven the number of local ophthalmologists to have been trained to perform Diabetic Eye Lasers at the GPHC in the last two years.

Over the past two years, Orbis International has been collaborating with the GPHC to train nurses in various as-

pects of patient-care for eye patients, especially with regards to diabetes and the eye.

Training programmes offered by the NGO have evolved over the years, as evidenced in Faculty Three, which was spearheaded by Biomedical Engineer, Mr James Lester of the USA. He guided GPHC’s biomedical staff to care, maintain and troubleshoot ophthalmic instruments.

The Guyana Diabetic Retinopathy Programme is a multi-stakeholder initiative between the Ministry of Public Health and the World Diabetes Foundation to create a structured screening programme to guide the screening of per-

Dr. Garcia using the indirect ophthalmoscope on a patient with diabetes to detect the presence of diabetic retinopathy

Faked kidnapping trial adjourned …abductors had demanded US$ 700,000 ransom

THE trial against 33-yearold Trinidadian Sawak Maraj who is charged with faking his own kidnapping in Guyana, last October, is adjourned until June 28, 2018.

Maraj is on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, for allegedly giving the police wrong information and for conspiracy to commit a felony.

Particulars of the case indicated that on October 27, 2017 in Georgetown, Maraj knowingly gave false information to the police stating that he was kidnapped, and that his abductors had de-

manded US$700,000 for his release.

It is further alleged that on the same day while at the Madewini Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with two other persons to obtain the ransom money.

Testifying on Monday was Ram-Krishna Ram, a taxi driver and police witness Inspector Stephens.

Maraj is out on $1M bail and is being represented by attorney, Bernard De Santos, SC. According to the police, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 27, 2017 on the pre-

Trinidadian Sawak Maraj

text that he had come for a job interview. He was picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by two other Trinidadians, who it is said had arrived in the country earlier in the week.

Later that same day,

Maraj’s relatives in Trinidad reportedly received a call from an unknown person who claimed to have kidnapped Maraj shortly after his arrival here, and had demanded that a ransom be paid for his release.

The man’s family was also sent a photograph showing him clad only in his underwear and socks, and one of his alleged abductors holding a cutlass to his neck.

Local police and agents from the Police Major Crimes Unit, after being contacted by the man’s family in Trinidad, immediately sprang into action.

Remanded in the interest of public safety A DRIVER appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday on a robbery charge.

It is alleged that on May 29, 2018 at Commerce Street, Georgetown, Marlon Williams robbed Dashni Ram-

suke of one gold chain valued $50,000.

The 37-year- old man who resides at ‘B’ Field, Turkeyen denied the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and in the interest

of public safety.

According to the prosecutor’s facts, the virtual complainant was walking with a gold chain on her neck when the accused approach her and told her not to make a sound.

He grabbed the chain off her

neck and ran away. An alarm was raised and the defendant was arrested and positively identified.

Bail was refused and Williams was remanded to prison until June 25, 2018.

Dr Rosalind Stevens (centre) with Dr Ramharack (left) and Dr Garcia at the Health Expo

sons with diabetes for eye complications, and to provide free laser treatment to those patients who need it.

Under the leadership of Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, the GPHC has established a screening centre, where persons with diabetes can walk in off the road and have their eyes checked for diabetes-related retinopathy complications that can cause bleeding into the eyes and eventually lead to permanent blindness.

Doctors usually advise that early screening can de-

tect initial stages of the disease, so patients can be given laser treatment before the disease gets worse.

Patients can visit the Diabetic Eye Centre at the GPHC, or they can call 2275519 to make an appointment.

The Diabetic Eye Centre had a presence at the just-concluded Health Expo, where at least 24 patients were given the opportunity to have their eyes checked for eye complications.

Venezuelan remanded over stolen boat and engine A 21-YEAR-OLD Venezuelan man was on Monday remanded to prison by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on two simple larceny charges.

Moses Chapel is alleged to have on May 31, 2018 at Moura, North West District, stolen an outboard engine valued $631,000 from Orlando Charles.

It is further alleged that on the same day, he stole an aluminum boat valued $300,000, property of Terrence Henry.

Chapel denied both of the charges.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the defendant, who is a Venezuelan, came to Guyana two weeks ago.

He said too that all of the alleged stolen items were recovered.

However, he objected to the man being released on bail on the grounds that he posed a flight risk.

Chapel was refused bail and will make his next court appearance on June 11.

Case closed against ‘death’ driver POLICE Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves on Monday closed his case against 67-year-old rice farmer, Cromwell McDonald, who is charged with the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

The matter was adjourned until June 11 for the defence to lead submissions in court.

The trial is being presided over by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman while McDonald is represented by attorney-at-law Clyde Forde.

It is alleged that McDon-

ald on October 28, 2017 at Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, drove vehicle PHH 5516 in a dangerous manner thus causing the death of Narine Persaud.

According to reports, on the day in question McDonald was driving along the Grove Public Road when it is alleged that he swerved from a motor lorry that was in his pathway and collided with Persaud who was standing at the side of the road.

McDonald is out on $400,000 bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Region 2 minibus, car operators strike – leaving many commuters stranded

Region 2 minibus and car operators on the picket line

SCORES of commuters in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were left stranded Monday morning at the Anna Regina Car Park as minibus and hire car drivers parked their

vehicles in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices.

This caused a huge buildup of vehicular traffic at Anna Regina, with bus operators maintaining that if the government does not

intervene in the matter, then the consumers would have to face the consequences.

At the moment, drivers pay $1,054 for a gallon of gasoline at all Guyoil stations, which is an increase

Accused of stealing solar ….bail granted panels from GWI at $100,000

Kirkland France

Omar Castello

ACTING Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday released a 24-year-old miner on $100,000 bail for allegedly stealing solar panels from the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI).

Omar Castello is accused of stealing three solar panels from the GWI office at Kabura, Moruca, North West District, on May 21, 2018.

Castello denied the charge and his attorney Priyanka Sookraj made an application for bail, on the

grounds that her client was the single father of a fouryear-old child.

Prosecutor, Inspector Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail but requested that it be granted at a substantial amount.

The case has been transferred to the Acquiro Magistrate’s Court for hearing onJuly3, 2018.

Meanwhile, a 31-yearold fisherman was charged for receiving the stolen solar panels from Castello.

It is alleged that Kirk-

land France received the three stolen solar panels on May 22, 2018 at Kabura, Moruca. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $100,000 bail.

France was also charged with assaulting a police officer, who was acting in execution of his duties on April 23 at Moruca.

He also denied the charge and was released on selfbail. Both of France’s matters have been adjourned to July 3.

of $50 compared to the previous prices.

Kerosene is being retailed at $668, an increase of $31, while Diesel is being

retailed at $1,004, an increase of $50.

According to the operators, the increases have put an extra pressure on them, and commuters are reluctant to pay an increased fare.

“The government needs to waive the taxes on the gas so the prices can come down,” said minibus operator, Inshan Ali, better known as ‘Tiger’.

“Right now,” he said, “passengers are not paying the increase, and as such we are running at a loss.”

The operators are calling for gasoline prices to be lowered to an affordable rate of $800 per gallon, so that they could continue their trade.

“From Regina to Charity, they don’t want pay $200; and when you ask them for extra money, they are telling us that they didn’t receive an increase in salary,” Joan Peters related.

The placards the striking operators carried read: “Gas price too high”, “Gas must go down”, “Gas need to drop or fare must raise”, “Raise of fare”, “One overload $5000

very hard”, and “Pressure on bus and hire car men”.

President of the Region Two Hire Car and Minibus Association, Mohammed Nazmul said that operators were faced with several issues, among them the increase in price for spare parts as well as fuel.

He said that those factors are what fuelled the strike, and a call for government intervention. He said many of the operators took mortgages, and as such have a monthly target to reach to pay back the banks.

Nazemul said that the operators plan meeting with the head of the Regional Democratic Council, Devanand Ramdatt to voice their concerns.

Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina, Darshan Persaud, who came out in solidarity with the operators, said he, too, is calling on the government to review the fuel prices, as it’s unfair to ask operators to pay that much especially when they have loans to repay.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Full liberalisation by year-end –Min Hughes promises telecommunications sector

THE full liberalisation of the country’s telecommunications sector is expected to occur by the end of this year, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes told reporters Monday.

“The only date I would like to say, is that it would happen before 2018, which is long before 2020,” she said.

“But there are so many issues that have nothing to

do with my ministry. This is not just switching on a switch; GTT has had a contract since 1991. There are all kinds of issues including tax issues that have to be addressed that go back to 1991,” she said in response to questions posed by the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of the opening of the Kitty Roundabout.

Late last year, Minister Hughes had expressed hope

before her colleagues in the National Assembly that the sector would be fully liberalised by the first quarter of 2018.

The minister was asked at the time by this newspaper to provide a new timeline on the liberalisation, which is the subject of negotiations among the government and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and its parent company At-

lantic Tele Network (ATN).

She explained that her ministry is doing what it can to facilitate the full liberalisation of the sector, but it must be understood that there are matters outside of her reach.

“I could only push and continue to push as hard.

I am making that public commitment that I am doing that,” she’d declared, noting that on a daily basis as she

Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes briefing the media on Monday on the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector (Delano Williams photo)

travels across the country, she is greeted by a plethora of complaints and dissatisfaction about telecommunication service received by citizens.

“I was in Berbice on Saturday and Friday, and every day I travel this country, I meet people who have not had phone lines for the last 30 years.

“It is not since 2015; it is the last 30 years, and I am happy that we are making slow progress. But yes, I am the first to say we need to move faster,” said Hughes, who stressed the importance of liberalisation.

She called on members of the private sector to capitalise on “the great opportunity” which exists to provide service to citizens across the country, as the telecommunications legislation allows private sector persons to start a business and provide service in the “exciting digital age”.

“Consumers must have a choice; they can’t just have one service provider. We have two in terms of mobile, and as you know, in the land lines, we have to do better.

So I am well aware of the challenges; I am the first to explain that, so the only thing I will say right now is before the end of 2018,” Hughes told reporters.

Back in December 2017, she had told the National Assembly that the full liberalisation of the telecommunications sector would not be achieved then, as negotiations between the government and ATN were not complete.

During her 2018 budget debate presentation, Hughes

said her ministry was working on a number of preparatory activities for the commencement of the new regulatory regime, given the passage of the Telecommunications Act 2016.

The Public Telecommunication Ministry and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have been negotiating with GTT and ATN with the aim of ending GTT’s claim to a monopoly over international voice and data transmissions and domestic wireline service.

Hughes had said there are two main areas to be focused on, pointing to the ATN negotiations and preparing the regulations which will be managed by the telecommunications agency.

“Preparations for this new agency are moving apace, but as I said before, its ‘birth’ will come about when the negotiations come to a close with Atlantic Tele Network Incorporated, the parent of GTT. To date, we have completed the agency’s structure, job descriptions, financial regulations, staff manual administrative procedures for commencement in the first quarter in 2018,” the minister said in December.

Last October, the government had announced that Cabinet granted approval for the establishment of the Guyana Telecommunications Agency and the commencement of the Telecommunications Act 2016.

The establishment of the agency is the first of two phases that would allow for the full implementation of the Telecommunications Act.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

More roundabouts coming …Min Patterson announces at opening of Kitty traffic circle about forms part and parcel of that project. Completed

by Hardware Supplies and Construction Services at a cost of $79M, the Minister said there are still a few outstanding items to be included within the environs of the roundabout.

“It is finished, but we have some outstanding items.

We have the landscaping to complete; an area in the centre of the roundabout.

upgraded to a commercial space, with kiosks among other facilities.

A consultant has been awarded the contract to conduct a study on this leg of the development, and according to Patterson, the first report is expected in October this year. That report is expected to detail, among other things, the cost to have the plan executed, and the scope of work to be done.

that his ministry is in receipt of some 1500 brand new LED street lights, which will soon be installed all across the country. A second batch of LED lights is expected in country next week.

Over in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the island of Wakenaam, and the stretch of road from Supenaam to Anna Regina will have their lights installed

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo joins Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson and other invitees at the opening of the Kitty roundabout on Monday

By Ariana Gordon THE $79M Kitty roundabout was on Monday declared open by Minister of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) David Patterson amidst calls for road users to adhere to the rules governing its use.

Speaking at a simple opening ceremony held at the roundabout site, the subject minister made it clear that the roundabout has been constructed with the aim of having traffic move quickly and smoother from one side of the road to the other.

“It is more efficient,” Minister Patterson said. “It allows a larger volume of cars to pass per minute, but that only works if you obey the rules. So, not because it is an intersection to help you speed up means you have to drive faster.”

Persons using the roundabout are not allowed to exceed the 30km speed limit, he said. “It will not work if people disregard the simple rules,” Patterson stressed while noting that there will be police supervision at the site for the next few months.

ALLOWANCES The roundabout allows for reduced delays, reduced travel times and fuel con-

sumption, and is also geared at reducing the severity of collisions. The current intersection at the roundabout has three stages of movement, and five stages of signalisation.

In the first stage of movement, vehicles turning right from Carifesta Avenue are allowed to do so, while vehicles heading west along the Kitty Public Road have to yield before making a right turn.

In the second stage, vehicles that were previously turning right from Carifesta Avenue onto Vlissengen Road will now have to stop and allow vehicles to go to Kitty Public Road.

In the final stage, vehicles heading north along JB Chandisingh Street and turning onto the Rupert Craig Highway will now be allowed to; as a consequence, vehicles heading west and east will be required to stop.

An analysis done by engineers has determined that there are now 30-second delays as opposed to the previous 80 seconds. The said analysis also recommends that traffic signals be installed west-bound to Kitty Public Road and north-bound to JB Chandisingh Street.

The lights will only be utilised during peak hours.

Accordingly, those found disregarding the rules will be charged. “My plea is use the roundabout responsibly,” Minister Patterson said.

He told invitees to the opening ceremony, among them Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, that Monday’s opening symbolises much more than that, as it’s part of “a long and wellthought-out programme”.

PRE-ROUNDABOUT Before the roundabout was constructed, Carifesta Avenue was upgraded. The project was completed in 2016 by H. Nauth and Sons to the tune of $147M. On completion of the Carifesta Avenue upgrades, the MOPI then began replacing all of the pipe works in the area in 2017. This project was awarded to Colin Talbot.

The contractor installed new culverts, along with pipes along Vlissengen Road, Kitty and Carifesta Avenue to assist with improving the drainage in the area.

That aside, the Minister noted that the signing of the contract for the road project from Better Hope to Belfield serves as part of his ministry’s road improvement project. The Kitty round-

The Guyana Fire Service in a simulation exercise just after the opening of the Kitty Roundabout on Monday (Photos by Delano Williams)

“After immense discussion, we have decided that the landscaping will depict flowers of the Caribbean in keeping with Carifesta Avenue,” Patterson said, adding that the government will be engaging suitable private sector partners to work with it on the project through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

ADDITIONAL WORKS Additionally, the Ministry has to install traffic lights, as well as paint the median and curbs. The final part of the project, Patterson disclosed, would be the waterfront development from Kitty to behind the Pegasus Hotel. He said the area at reference, which is a popular tourist attraction and hangout spot for Guyanese, will be

“We didn’t want to rush it; we want to do studies,” the minister said, indicating that he is hoping that the project will begin next year and conclude by late 2019.

MORE ROUNDABOUTS Meanwhile, the MOPI said that while the Kitty roundabout is the first one to have been completed, two others are expected to be completed during the course of this year and 2019.

One is to be located at the Timehri Junction on the East Bank Demerara (EBD), and the other at the Mandela-Sheriff Street area.

Work has reportedly begun at the Timehri Junction, with Geico being awarded the contract for $74M. Minister Patterson also reported

within the next six weeks, while other areas which stand to benefit are Vreed-en-Hoop to Philander, Bourda Market Square, Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Ithaca in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Mackenzie and Wismar in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and Palmyra in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Other communities will benefit from the second batch of LED lights.

Minister Patterson disclosed that due to the spate of road accidents, his ministry will only be using thermoplastic paints when striping the roadways. “We are doing it country-wide, and we will be re-striping the country,” he said.

Crime Chief, Red Thread discuss report on domestic violence within communities

CRIME CHIEF, Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams and senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have met with Karen De Souza and other representatives of Red Thread.

The discussion surrounded the “preliminary report” of a two-year project which commenced in 2016 and focused on “Engaging communities for improving implementation of Domestic Violence laws”.

The communities that were targeted were: Plaisance/BetterHope, La Parfaite Harmonie, Bartica, Lethem and Anna Regina.

During the research, police stations

within the mentioned communities were observed as it relates to how the members of the force deal with domestic violence and other related matters.

From the discussion, the positive and negative behaviour as well as action by the police were observed and these issues were addressed during the meeting.

Also, the officers in attendance pledged to continue to focus on strengthening their collaborative efforts, in addressing Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Offences and other aspects of crime prevention.

Crime Chief Paul Williams, centre, is flanked by Red Thread representatives and senior police officers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

PAHO upbeat about Guyana’s fight against malaria CASES of malaria in Guyana have dropped dramatically in recent years, and PAHO-WHO country representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow says eradicating the disease altogether is very possible.

Dr Adu-Krow said the mosquito-borne disease is part of the continued push

by PAHO-WHO to tackle the big three major communicable diseases in Guyana, the other two being the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that can lead to AIDS, and tuberculosis.

In the case of malaria, Dr Adu-Krow told reporters on Monday: “We see Guyanese cases falling from 45,000 (infected) every year to a mere 11,000, so it gives me hope that we can actually eliminate malaria with time. Barbados has done it, so we should be able to.”

President David Granger, during his presentation at the Malaria Summit in London back in April, proposed a four-pronged international approach to tackling the disease that kills millions annually. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among communicable diseases in Guyana, therefore, the president said the country is committed to halving the number of malaria cases and deaths by the year 2023.

From the 2015 baseline of 8,329 cases, the Guyanese leader said significant national progress has been achieved in reducing the incidence of malaria. “The total number of new cases declined by 60 per cent between 2010 and

PAHO-WHO country representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow

2015,” the president said while in London.

“Malaria, unfortunately, despite these gains, is highly resilient; a 5 per cent increase in new cases was recorded in 2016, and again in 2017,” he told world leaders.

The highest incidences of these cases, the Head of State informed the summit, were recorded in the forested areas of Guyana, where mining is the principal economic activity.

The president then proposed that the four-pronged international support strategy to combat the communicable disease be directed towards protecting citizens against the spread of malaria, by the transfer of technologies from developed to developing and

poor countries.

Said he: “It involves preventing and limiting vector-borne infections by the dissemination of quality health information; it involves providing improved tools for diagnosing and identifying active cases, if malaria, regardless of species; and finally by procuring high-quality combination malaria treatment to ensure full cure of infected persons, and to avoid drug-resistant malaria.”

In the case of HIV, however, Dr Adu-Krow says the news is less encouraging, as while its prevalence had been decreasing to a low of 1900 people taking anti-retroviral therapy in 2006, recent data shows an increase in new

cases.

“All of a sudden,” Dr Adu-Krow said, “new cases are rising, which means people are just tired about hearing of HIV, and they think it is no longer an issue. But it is still an issue, and we have to do something about it.”

Statistics provided by the Global Fund indicates that additional persons placed on anti-retroviral treatment for HIV have increased from 3800 in 2012 to 4800 in 2016.

With regard to tuberculosis, the PAHO representative says new cases are also on the rise from 270 in 2007 to 2210 in 2016. Dr. Adu-Krow indicated that this is also the most expensive of all the diseases, since the advent of multi-drug resistant strains.

“We are getting more and more people getting to what we call resistant TB. Those cases are very difficult to treat; and not only that, it costs about ten times more to treat those cases.”

Multi-drug-resistant TB cases develop when the bacteria that cause tuberculosis can withstand the effect of the drugs. This has become about due to infected people not taking the full complement of medication.

The PAHO-WHO Country Office in Guyana continues to work closely with the Ministry of Public Health to control and eliminate the prevalence of communicable diseases.

Fraud follows simple larceny ONE MONTH after a man was charged with simple larceny, he made another appearance before a city magistrate to answer two fraud charges.

Fifty-eight-year-old Michael Boodhoo of Covent Garden, E.B.D appeared on Monday before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

It is alleged that on December 11, 2016 in Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Boodhoo uttered to Latchman Singh a forged document (Republic Bank) cheque issued on Decem-

ber 11, 2016 and valued $844,000, knowing same to be forged.

It is further alleged that on the same day with intend to defraud, Boodhoo obtained from Latchman Singh, two arch panel doors and 18 square panel doors valued $844,000 by virtue of a Republic Bank cheque issued on 11, December, 2016 knowing same to be forged.

The unrepresented man denied the charges.

According to facts presented in court by the police prosecutor, on December 9,

2016 the defendant went to the virtual complainant’s store and ordered the articles. On December 11, 2016 the virtual complainant travelled to Georgetown to deliver the articles. The defendant paid with a cheque.

However when the complainant deposited the cheque it was returned showing the defendant did not have the amount to honor the cheque. As a result a report was made to the police and the defendant was arrested Bail was granted in sum of 400,000 by the magistrate.

The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2018.

Boodhoo during his previous court appearance was charged for stealing two boxes containing food items and beverages valued at $500, 000 on December 23, 2016 the property of Lisa McDonald.

He had denied that allegation as well and was granted his pre-trial liberty after posting $160,000 bail.

He is due back in court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on May 14, on that charge.

Home owner who lost house to fire dies HANOMAN Singh, 57, passed away in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday afternoon, two days after his house was destroyed by fire.

Reshma Singh, a relative, told the Guyana Chronicle that since the elder Singh arrived on the scene of the fire, he was unable to speak after seeing his house up in flames and rode off on his bicycle.

He was found in an unconscious condition at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday morning and was transported by ambulance to the GPHC, where he was hooked up on a life-support machine until he succumbed to what medical professionals said was a cardiac arrest.

The relative said the businessman was not known to suffer from any heart ailments prior to his death.

He, however, had a breathing problem and often complained about knee pains.

Singh related that the man was apparently distressed about losing his worldly possessions and took ill and never regained consciousness.

She added that the family is desperately trying to cope and following the fire they were slept in a bus until neighbours gave them a mattress which they used to sleep in their yard.

According to her, arrangements are being made to host a wake and a funeral will be held later.

The family of five were rendered homeless when fire, believed to be electrical in origin, destroyed their concrete two-storey house at Lot 360 Block 12 Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, on Friday night.

Singh, speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on behalf of the displaced family, said no one was at home when the conflagration started.

She related that the family was at their business place at Lot 100 Gandhi Street, Enterprise, also on the East Coast Demerara, when they received a telephone call from a neighbour stating that their house was on fire.

It was before 09:00hrs and by the time the home owners arrived on scene the building was engulfed in raging flames, as such they could have done nothing but look on as millions of dollars of their worth turned to ashes.

Singh said that shortly before the blaze the area had experienced a power outage and it was when the village was re-powered that neighbours saw “fire” running from the electrical wire to the house. The fire which reportedly started from the upper flat quickly ripped through the entire edifice.

The house in which the family of five had been residing for the past 23 years was renovated about three years ago. The lower flat housed a fully-stocked shop which was expected to be opened soon, as the family had recently acquired a licence for the business.

The family are unsure as to their next move since they did not get to save anything from the building and are left with just the clothes on their backs.

Childless bachelor to stand trial for alleged rape of five-year-old FIFTY-TWO-YEAROLD Glendon Alexander, who has been charged with the alleged rape of a minor, was committed to stand trial at the next sitting of the Berbice Assizes, after Senior Magistrate Alex Moore ruled that a prima facie case has been made out against him.

In the New Amsterdam Court, evidence was led

through a paper committal, in which it was stated that on January 26, in the County of Berbice, Alexander, a childless bachelor, is alleged to have engaged in sexual penetration with a five-year-old nursery school student.

He was not required to plead and was placed on $200,000 bail pending his trial before a judge and jury.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

Man dies as tractor topples in rice field

A TWENTY-year-old man lost his life Monday morning after being pinned by the tractor he was operating when it toppled in a rice field at Philippi, on the Corentyne.

The young man, Alvin Dubaria, called “Tiger daag”, of Kilmonack, East Berbice Corentyne was preparing rice fields for cultivation some three miles in the Philippi Backlands when the tragedy occurred at around 10:00 hrs.

According to the man’s employer, Heera Nauth, called “Bomber”, they left early in the morning with two tractors to plough the fields when the one he was operating encountered some mechanical problems. He stopped at a camp to fix the problem, leaving Dubaria to carry on. But after some time had passed and he did not see Dubaria passing back, he decided to take another

DEAD: Alvin Dubaria

worker with him to see what had happened to him. And that’s when they saw that the tractor Dubaria was driving had toppled and pinned him in the process.

Said Heera Nauth: “After he didn’t pass back, me and another worker decided to check up on him and we see the tractor topple over.

So we hurry, and when we reach, we see he hand and foot in the air, but the rest of his body buried down. He did

done dead already, and how he did pin down, we could not get he out.”

Heera Nauth said after seeing what had befallen Dubaria, he immediately called the man’s relatives and other persons and asked them to notify the police, who arrived and did their investigations. It would eventually take three tractors and several hours before they were able to upturn the tractor and remove the body, sometime after 16:00 hrs, and take it to the Port Mourant Hospital.

Dubaria’s sister told the Guyana Chronicle that her brother had been working in the rice industry for over five years doing various tasks, but started operating tractors around two years ago. An investigation into his death has been launched.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 5, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5 , 2018

Former Jamaican...

FROM BACK PAGE

The ‘Golden Jaguars’ will roar into action in September when they host Barbados in the qualifiers for the newlyestablished CONCACAF Nation’s League.

The CONCACAF Nations League begins in September with a one-off qualifying phase, while the group phase, consisting of three-tiered leagues will kick off in 2019.

The top league will end with a final to crown the Nations League champions and the competition will also serve to unify the qualifying path for the region’s national teams to the newly-expanded Gold Cup. With matches being played on the FIFA dates between September

2018 and March 2019, Guyana, after their clash with Barbados, will then travel to Turks and Caicos for a meeting between the two countries in October, followed by an encounter against French Guiana in November before hosting Belize in March, 2019.

ABOUT MICHAEL JOHNSON COACHING QUALIFICATIONS ∙UEFA Pro Licence; UEFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licences; FA Youth Module 1, 2, & 3; FA Coach education course; League Management Association Diploma in Football Management COACHING

EXPERIENCE: ∙2015 - Cardiff City U21 Assistant Manager ∙2012 - Birmingham City Academy Coach ∙2010 – Interim Notts County Manager ∙2009-11 Notts County Youth Team Manager ∙2008-9 - Notts County U16s Manager PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES ∙Former England m a n a g e r S v e n Goran Eriksson ∙The FA Technical Director Dan Ashworth ∙League Managers Association Chief Executive Richard Bevan ∙Premier League Executive Director William Bush

Ninvalle cops U-15 title...

FROM BACK PAGE

En route to the final, Ninvalle defeated Johnathan Van Lange in straight sets of 11-1, 11-9 and 12-10, while Bissu took dispatched of club mate Isiah Layne 11-5, 1012, 11-1 and 11-9.

On the distaff side of

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the Under-15 category, Navaeh Clarkston, produced a superb performance against Thuraia Thomas (U13 winner) to claim top honours.

Clarkston won in sets of 11-2, 11-7 and 11-

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5. She also claimed the U-18 trophy which in which she dispatched of Thomas yet again. She won that match 11-8, 11-6 and 13-11.

In the Boys’ U-13 final, Van Lange managed to upset Ninvalle. It took five sets to eventually decide a winner.

Van Lange took the first two sets 11-9 and 14-12, but allowed Ninvalle to claw his way back with two set wins of 11-5 and 12-10. In the fifth and final set, Van Lange showed just enough determination and grit to defeat Ninvalle 11-9.

The U-18 Boys category had some upsets as title favourite Miguel Wong was knocked out by Bissu in the quarter-finals.

However Bissu went on to lose to eventual champion Nickolas Romain in the semi-final.

Romain won the final against Jamal Nicholas in sets of 11-5, 11-7, 8-11 and 11-4.

Other winners of the threeday event which began last Friday (June 1) were Colin Wong (U-11), Jasmine Billingy (U-9 and U-11), Emmanuel Jeffery (Male Novices) and Shania Narine (Female Novices).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5, 2018

9 Days to go…

The Underappreciated Genius of Romário When God created man, even he wouldn’t have expected one of his creations to possess as much ability with a football as Romario. The boy from Rio de Janeiro took liberties on the field of play, truly making the 1994 World Cup his own, but Brazil’s number 11 very nearly never made it to the tournament...

With just one qualifying game to go, the Selecao needed to avoid defeat against Uruguay inside the Maracana Stadium to progress to the World Cup finals. Romario had been left out for the entire qualifying campaign by Carlos Alberto Parreira - the national team boss at the time - after expressing his discontent at being left out of a friendly fixture against Germany.

With their chances of qualifying for the tournament in peril, fans and journalists alike were crying out for Romario’s inclusion in the game against the Uruguayans, and at last, Parreira gave in.

Romario was recalled for the pivotal clash, returning to his now iconic number 11 strip with a vision.

Brazil beat Uruguay by two goals to nil with the man in focus grabbing a double, and parity had been restored. A rather foolish looking Parreira simply said after the match, ‘God sent Romário to the Maracanã’.

After their initial conflict, Parreira and Romario found common ground through the fact that they were both invaluable to each other. Parreira held the forward’s World Cup fate in his hands, whilst Romario held his manager’s chances of success in the U.S. in his.

Partnering the Selecao’s number 7, Bebeto, in attack, Romario took the tournament by the scruff of the neck, reinvigorated by his return to the national team.

A goal in each of his first three group games set the tone for the forward’s future exploits, as Romario also struck in the quarter final win over the Netherlands as well as the game-winning header against Sweden in the semifinals.

An injury-stricken tournament four years earlier meant that Romario couldn’t show the world his skills to their full potential, but he was wasting no time in making up for his 1990 woes.

Romario had a chance to win his first World Cup, and his country’s fourth; only Italy stood in the Brazilians’ way. For a showpiece event blessed with the attacking abilities of Romario and Roberto Baggio, it was of great surprise to many to see the scoreline stay goalless after 120 minutes.

So, penalties it was. The chance to bring football’s greatest prize home to one of their respective nations rested on the shoulders of the Brazilian and Italian players from the spot. The pressure was truly on.

For all his unearthly footballing ability, Romario had never taken a spot kick for the national team.

Surely, for a player of his talent, that wouldn’t be a problem, right? After Marcio Santos missed the opening spot kick, the pressure had been ramped up a notch for

Romário

Romario. Miss, and the Selecao would’ve missed their first two efforts and given the Italians a major advantage.

Just as God had sent Romario to the Maracana for their crucial play-off encounter, the Selecao’s number 11’s appearance before the ball in this shoot out also had a holy presence to it. It was Brazil’s star man vs Italy’s in Romario vs Baggio, and it felt inevitable that the man in yellow would conquer.

Romario scored, and Baggio missed to send the iconic trophy back to Brazil once again.

We’re talking about one of the best players of his generation here, a true inspiration. Almost every successful national side needs a star man to lead them, and Romario was that and more. When you have a player who made flicking the ball over a defender’s head and volleying home a trademark skill, you know there’s something special going on.

It goes without saying that Romario departed the US that summer with the World Cup Golden Ball under his belt, awarded to him for being the tournament’s most valuable player, whilst he was also named in the World Cup All Star team.

To this day, Romario is the only player to win the Golden Ball and the World Cup in the same tournament, a truly astonishing achievement.

679 goals in 886 games at club level. 55 in 70 at international level. Romario will always be remembered as one of the game’s greatest forwards. Just take a look at some of the names who have covered him in praise...

Ronaldo: “Romário was the most decisive player who I played with, he was a great goal scorer, finisher, skilful, opportunist. I think I learnt all of that from him”.

Roberto Baggio said: “Romário is one of the greatest players of all time. He has good technique and personality.

He is a master of art in the penalty area.”

Diego Maradona on who was the best player he ever saw play: “It is between Romário and Van Basten”.

Paolo Maldini: “Romário was incredible in the penalty area.”

Here’s to you, Romario. One of the greats.

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Why the bloody-minded Cavaliers aren’t dead in the NBA finals just yet

By Les Carpenter The Guardian THERE will be a time in these NBA finals when the shots fall for the Cleveland Cavaliers, their players remember the score and big calls go their way.

When that happens the series can start.

Indeed, you would be mistaken if you think the finals are over just because of JR Smith’s blunder in Game 1 or because a blizzard of Stephen Curry three-pointers buried the Cavaliers in Game 2.

Yes, the first two games were bad for the Cavaliers but a couple of losses on the road do not end any hope of winning a title. Not yet.

The Warriors are a great offensive machine but the Cavs are the more rugged defensive team. They can knock the Warriors around below the rim, frustrating shooters and making the pretty look ugly. “They’re a team that’s great at home,” Golden State’s Klay Thompson said on Sunday night.

And the Cavs will be on home turf for the next two games. Lost in the Smith debacle and Curry’s shooting is the fact that Cleveland actually won half of the eight regulation quarters that have been played so far in Golden State’s arena.

They terrified the Warriors for much of the first game behind LeBron James’s 51 points, turning their misses into second shots with 19 offensive rebounds, compared to the Warriors’ four. Had the charge call made against Kevin Durant late in the game not been reversed, the Cavaliers probably would have won Game 1.

When you look past the flash of Golden State’s fourth quarter on Sunday, the one in which Curry seemed unable to miss, this has been a very close series. It may be about to get a lot closer.

Just two years ago,

LeBron James

Golden State were in the same position: up 2-0 in the finals after crushing victories over the Cavs. That year, the Cavaliers came back, winning Game 3 and eventually overcoming a 3-1 deficit to take the championship. And while beating the Warriors in seven games may be too much against a team loaded with some of the best players in the league, Cleveland are capable of winning the next two and making this a great finals series; probably the last between these two teams.

After Sunday’s loss, LeBron James talked about “being uncomfortable,” this next week, that the Cavs can’t simply expect to win just because they are playing at home . But there was also something revealing in his words, something that cuts to the heart of Cleveland’s ability to get this far in the playoffs, despite facing elimination against Milwaukee and Boston. The

Cavs are better when they are uncomfortable. They play best when they are doubted.

Smith, who was taunted with chants of “MVP” by the Golden State fans for his error at the end of Game 1, had just five points and one rebound on Sunday, but seemed unfazed as he spoke afterward, knowing this is still a long series.

He pointed out that Cleveland’s players did a poor job of switching on screens to defend Curry and the Warriors’ other shooters.

Such lapses probably won’t happen on their home court.

In 2016, the Cavaliers blasted Golden State in Game 3, winning by 30 points. And while the Warriors came back to win Game 4, a tone had been set – one that carried through the rest of the series. Yes, that was a better Cavs team – they had Kyrie Irving – and Durant had yet to join Golden State, but many of the same players remain on both teams. The thought of what happened then lingers.

And while the brilliant Irving has left the Cavs, they are stronger in some areas compared to 2016. Incredible as it is to say, James is playing at a higher level this season while Kevin Love, who looked lost for much of the 2016 series, has been quietly efficient with 43 points and 23 rebounds over the first two games.

His dominance has been missed in the Smith and Curry storylines but it will probably play bigger now that the series moves to Cleveland.

“We feel like we feed off our crowd,” Love said on Sunday night. “We really get up to play at home ... we know that come Wednesday we have to be better.”

Usually the Cavs are in such situations. After the differing disasters for them in the first two games, Game 3 may just be the start of these finals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5 , 2018

BCB hosts successful two-day Coaching Programme

Participants and coaches after the end of the two-day Coaching Programme

THE Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh two-day Coaching Programme organised by the Berbice Cricket Board concluded on Sunday last at the Skeldon Community Centre.

The Camp was described as a big success by the Coaches. The young cricketers were taught the art of batting, bowling, wicketkeeping among other aspects of the game.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster visited the camp on both days and spoke to the participants on a wide range of topics.

The top cricketer was Vittori Latchman, while Christopher Clark, Anthony Hussain, Shamar Blair, Alina Sinclair and Akeel Sinclair, were also honoured for their performances.

Sane misses out, Neuer makes Germany World Cup squad

(REUTERS) - Attacking midfielder Leroy Sane was a surprise omission from Joachim Loew’s final Germany squad for the World Cup finals on Monday as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was named among the 23 players heading to Russia for the defending champions.

Neuer made the squad despite playing in just one official game, a friendly against Austria on Friday, since breaking a bone in his foot in September but talented 22-year-old Sane was the highest-profile player excluded.

The Manchester City midfielder, goalkeeper Bernd Leno, forward Nils Petersen and defender Jonathan Tah were the four players that failed to make the cut from Loew’s provisional list.

Sane, who joined the English champions in 2016, had been a surprise addition to Germany’s Euro 2016 squad two years ago but this time he was overlooked by Loew, who opted to take the more physical Julian Brandt to Russia instead.

“It was a very tight decision between him and Julian Brandt which went in favour of Brandt,” Loew said. “There are better days in the life of a national team coach, when you have to send four amazing players, who deserve to be at the World Cup, home.

“It’s like being at the airport check-in counter en route to Moscow and you are not allowed to board the plane.”

Germany captain Neuer, who won the World Cup four years ago, will also be their first choice keeper for the tournament, ahead of designated number two Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Kevin Trapp.

“The clinical tests were really good,” Neuer told reporters.

“I always had the goal in front of me. I stayed positive through the injury and had I not been positive I would not have been included.

“I feel good and now my focus is on the World Cup.” Loew announced his squad at the end of a training camp at the Italian Alps. The Germans play their last warm-up game against Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen on Friday before the start of the tournament on June 14.

Germany are in Group F along with Sweden, Mexico and South Korea.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris St Germain).

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Ruediger (Chelsea), Niklas Suele (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris St Germain), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal).

Forwards: Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Bhagwandin, Khan triumph at weekend Golf tournaments

(From left): Kassim Khan, Torginol Marketing and Sales Manager - Rudy Jairam, another Torginol Executive, Rabindranath Persaud, Kalyan Tiwari, Satrohan Tiwari, Fenton Persaud, and Aleem Hussain.

(From left): Aleem Hussain, Roy Cummings, Kevin Daby (CEO), Mahendra Bhagwandin, Richard Haniff and Miguel Oviedo.

M A H E N D R A Bhagwandin and Kassim Khan put up sterling performances to emerged champions in the Grand Coastal Golf Classic

and the Torginol Paints Annual Golf Tournament respectively.

Both tournaments were played over the weekend at the Lusignan Golf Club.

On Saturday, Bhagwandin, (65/20) narrowly edged past Richard Haniff, 66/13.

Aleem Hussain, 70/11 came in third, while Miguel

Oviedo finished fourth with 70/28 score line.

Longest Drive was won

by Roy Cummings, while the Best Gross was won by Haniff.

At the presentation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Coastal Mr Kevin Daby congratulated the winners and thanked the Club for the opportunity to support the sport.

Club President Aleem Hussain thanked Grand Coastal for their support, and at the same time extended Honorary Membership to Mr Daby.

Meanwhile, Khan ended 68/10 ahead of Rabindranath Persaud 69/17 and Nazeem ‘Papo’ Haniff 72/9 on Sunday. Kalyan Tiwari and Maurice Solomon tied on fourth position with 73/13.

Satrohan Tiwari won the Longest Drive (the only golfer who drove his ball onto the fairway - 200 yds) while Khan won the Best Gross.

Production Manager of Torginol Paints, Fenton Persaud in congratulating the winners at the brief prize presentation ceremony, again reiterated Torginol’s commitment towards the support of the Lusignan Golf Club and the sport.

In response Hussain expressed the Club’s gratitude towards Torginol Paints.

Injury wrecks Williams’audacious French title bid

By Martyn Herman

PARIS (Reuters) American Serena Williams’ audacious attempt to win the French Open for a fourth time ended in crushing anti-climax on Monday as injury, rather than an old foe, forced the 36-year-old to admit defeat at Roland Garros.

The scene had been set for Williams in her ‘superhero’ catsuit to take on Russian ice queen Maria Sharapova in a fourth-round clash that had assumed top-billing.

But shortly before the two old warriors were due on court, the 23-times grand slam champion instead stepped into a news conference room to announce she was pulling out.

Williams, playing in her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia last September, said she had suffered a pectoral muscle injury in her impressive third round victory against Germany’s Julia Goerges.

“Unfortunately I’m having some issues with my pec muscle. Right now I can’t actually serve it’s kind of hard to play,” she told a room packed with reporters.

“I’m having an MRI (scan) tomorrow, I’m going to stay here to see the doctors and see as many specialists as I can. I won’t know (how serious the injury is) until I get those results.”

Williams had worked hard to get back in shape and, despite starting the tournament with a notional

ranking of 451 and having played only four matches this year, she actually looked capable of going all the way.

AMERICAN SUPERHERO Dressed in the black bodysuit with a red band around the waist she resembled a superhero — not just a supermum — and was playing as if she had never been away.

Williams beat Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round and turned on the style against 11th seed Goerges.

However, on Sunday she took part in a third round doubles match with sister Venus, losing 6-4 6-7(4) 6-0 to Andreja Klepac and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, and apparently aggravated an injury she had first felt the previous day.

With an 18-match winning streak against twice French champion Sharapova in her favour, Williams said she was “beyond disappointed” not to be able to play on Monday.

“I gave up so much to time with my daughter and my family and put everything on court for this moment,” she said.

“It’s really difficult to be in this situation, but... for now in my life, I just always try to think positively and just think of the bigger picture and hopefully (I can play in) the next events and the rest of the year.

“I’m going to continue to get better. I had such a wonderful performance in my first Grand Slam back.”

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL…

Charles powers District 2 to Essequibo Zone Champions title

Sheldon Charles

NATIONAL youth player, Sheldon Charles produced an excellent all-round effort to power Essequibo Coast Combined (District 2) to a 78-run victory over Essequibo Islands, Bartica, East Bank Essequibo Combined (District 3), when the two teams met last Thursday

at the Imam Bacchus Ground.

The game was the Essequibo Zone final of the Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League.

After excellent work by the ground staff to get the venue in a playable condition following heavy overnight and early morning rain which had threatened abandonment of the game, the host batted first on a good track and sluggish outfield.

Komesh Lall (26) and Charles (22) produced another half-century opening stand, while Raphael David (17) was the only other batsman to reach double figures, as Essequibo Coast Combine ended on 119-9 in a game reduced to 25 overs.

Wazim Mohammed (2-

13), Ryan Atkinson (2-17) and Fitzroy Reythmyer 2-11) bowled well for the District 3 unit who were bundled out for 41 in 15.1 overs.

Trevor Andries (37), Charles (2-6) and Romel Dario (2-6) did the damage with ball in overcast conditions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5 , 2018

Veteran Devon Smith not putting himself under any pressure to perform …as he prepares for his first Test match in three years

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Veteran lefthander Devon Smith says he is putting himself under no pressure to perform, as he prepares to play his first Test in three years starting here tomorrow.

The 36-year-old said in the past he had often placed too much pressure on himself but had since matured and learnt how to enjoy his cricket, and

this was the attitude he would be taking into the three-match series against Sri Lanka.

“I’ll just go out there and enjoy my cricket. I think now I enjoy my cricket more than before,” Smith told reporters here Monday during a practice session.

“I used to put much more pressure on myself, thinking about [being dropped] and if I was going to make runs

and whatever was going to happen, but I’ve put all that behind me and I just go out there and be positive.”

He added: “There’s all to gain, nothing to lose.”

An opener, Smith has averaged 24 in an underwhelming 38-Test career but forced his way back into the selectors frame with heaving scoring in the last first class season, when he carved

out a chart-topping 1095 runs at an average of 84 with six centuries.

He was also the leading batsman in the 2015-16 campaign with 719 runs and one of only seven batsmen to pass 600 runs the following season.

Smith said nothing much had changed about his game other than his hunger for big scores and trying to capitalise on starts.

“It’s just that when I get starts I try and carry on and try to bat for as long as possible,” the Grenadian explained.

“I scored six centuries – you score five you try to get one more. Scoring runs, it motivates you to push for more.”

He continued: The first thing I have to do is get a start.

Once I get a start I can, I can consolidate and so on. Scoring runs is a matter of occupying the crease and once you occupy the crease, there’s the

possibility that runs will come and I’ll take it from there.

“I’ve been hitting the ball good in the nets so far so I just hope to continue from where I left off in the four-day [championship].”

The series for West Indies will be first one since the disastrous tour of New Zealand where they failed to win a single match across all three formats.

Also, the Caribbean side will be facing Sri Lanka for the first time since their drubbing three years ago when they lost by an innings in Galle and 72 runs in Colombo.

However, Smith said the mood in the side was upbeat and they were very motivated heading into the series.

“The mood is very good.

I think the guys are up for it,” he noted. “The guys are very motivated. The guys are just waiting for the day to reach to go out there and

Devon Smith

execute their skills.”

The first Test will be played at Queen’s Park Oval, with the second carded for the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground from June 14-18.

Kensington Oval in Barbados will host the final one, the first-ever day/night Test to be played in the Caribbean, from June 2327.

GBA to host two junior tournaments per month ahead of Schoolboys & Junior Championships THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will increase their focus of the development of its junior boxers in the next two months in the buildup to an international junior tournament to be held in Guyana in August.

The increased focus will see two Under-16 and junior competitions being staged each month as part of its preparation for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament to be staged here from August 1719.

It was revealed to the media by GBA president Steve Ninvalle, that AIBA Three Star coach Seabert Blake has been put in charge of organising the competitions the first of which is scheduled for Saturday (June 9) at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym. These tournaments will also see the participation of newly installed gyms such as

The GBA will be stepping up preparations ahead of the Schoolboys and Juniors Championships in August

‘Hands in Glove’ (Mahdia), ‘Savannah Gym’of Lethem and the Moruca Power Right Boxing Gym along with Bartica’s Blazing Rocket.

A special novice and beginner’s category has been added to the GBA’s programme specifically tailored to facilitate the participation of the newcomers.

The preparation competitions will commence at 13:00hrs on the stipulated

days.

The GBA is preparing to host at least seven countries in August at the Schoolboys and Juniors championships.

The likes of Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica are confirmed to attend the championships while the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Suriname and French Guiana are also expected.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5, 2018

GRFU shortlists players for CAC Games, Americas Rugby Challenge Championships and RAN 7’s

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday announced the names of the shortlisted players for the CAC Games (Sevens), the Americas Rugby Challenge 15’s Championships, and the Rugby Americans (RAN) Sevens Championship, as they for a busy 2018 on the International stage.

The Men’s Rugby Sevens Team forms part of the Guyana Olympic Association GOA) Contingent to the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games, with the team set to depart July 29 for Barranquilla C o l o m b i a , playing in an eight team championship before returning August 4.

Guyana Men’s sevens team were 2010 CAC

Champions and the only team sport at this level to date to have captured Gold for Guyana.

Guyana, ranked at 48th in the world, will play Paraguay (40th), Colombia (41st) and Mexico (54th), who were chosen over Trinidad and Tobago (52nd), over a one-week duration with rest period of three days apart on August 25, 29 and September 2.

The shortlisted players are made up mainly of the RAN 2017 Finalists who lost to Jamaica in the final, will be without the services of three of its main players Rickford Cummings, Dominic Lespierre and Vallon Adams due to work commitments.

The President of the GRFU is expected to serve as Manager of the Team.

Shortlisted players asked to report to Coach Adonis immediately are: Dwayne Schroeder (Captain), Richard Staglon (ViceCaptain), Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, Rondel

With this in mind the National Selectors have released a long list of 53 players from whom the touring party of 29 will be selected.

The Green Machine

McArthur, Osei McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis and Ryan Gonsalves.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHALLENGE Guyana National 15’s team will take on arguably

the biggest challenge in their history to date, participating in the newly formed Americas Rugby championships, featuring the top two teams from RAN (North) and SARS (South) with the aim of advancing

towards promotion and participation in the top tier group featuring the likes of World ranked USA (15th) and Canada (21st) in the North and Argentina (8th), Uruguay (18th) and Chile (29th) in the South.

Players listed are asked to report to Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart and Assistant Coach Oslen Olivierre. Unlisted Players are welcome to present themselves for training and possible selection.

Curry breaks multiple Sir Viv eagerly anticipating ICC 3-point records in Game 2 Women’s World T20 tournament

Stephen Curry also passed LeBron James for the most 3-pointers made in NBA Finals history.

STEPHEN Curry is known as the best shooter of his generation for good reason.

In Game 2 Sunday night he reminded everyone why.

The 30-year-old hit nine 3-pointers in the Game 3 which sets the record for the most shots made from beyond the arc in Finals history.

He was tremendous,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “Nine 3’s and seemed to hit a big shot every tie we needed one.”

Curry finished the night 9 of 17 from 3-point range with 33 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

He broke Ray Allen’s previous record of eight which he set in 2010 with

the Celtics.

“As I’ve gone through my career I’ve been blessed to play, Reggie (Miller) and Ray Allen are always two names that pop up on that list, and all the 3-point shooters out there,” Curry told ESPN after the game. “So it’s an honor to be mentioned with all those names, that’s pretty special.”The two-time NBA MVP finished the night with a game-high 33 points with eight assists and seven rebounds. He was 11 of 26 from the floor.

Curry also passed LeBron James for the most 3-pointers made in NBA Finals history with 90.

James finished Game 2 with 85 3-pointers made in his NBA Finals career.

(Sporting News)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards says he is looking forward to “hosting the cricket world” when the ICC Women’s World T20 tournament comes to the Caribbean in November.

The iconic batsman, who is rated among the five greatest players of all-time, said the event promises to be a great boost for women’s cricket in the region as well.

“I’m really excited about it and I know we will do a fantastic job of hosting the Women’s World T20 later this year. I want to see the grounds full and I look forward to hosting the cricket world in Antigua for the final,” said Sir Viv, the legendary former West Indies skipper.

“Our Windies girls are the defending champions and I’m sure they will be looking forward to playing at home.

I’ve seen them play and I like the way they look.

“Women’s cricket around the world is growing at a rapid rate and the standard is very high. We’re in for a great tournament in the West Indies.”

Sir Viv was speaking recently as part of the promotion of

Legendary former Windies captain, Sir Vivian Richards.

the tournament as well as being part of the West Indies charity match at Lord’s last week. During his promotion drive, he was joined by members of the Women’s World T20 organizing committee, as well as former women’s cricket stars Isha Guha of England and Mel Jones of Australia.

The ICC Women’s World T20 will be played from November 7-24 at three venues – the Guyana National Stadium, the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia and the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The Vivian Richards Cricket Ground will host the semifinals and the final.

“Playing at home should be something special for our team. It was wonderful to

see what there did in India two years ago, and I know

they will want to put on a good show for the folks back at home,” Sir Viv said.

This is the first stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20 tournament and all matches will be broadcast live to the global audience for the first time.

West Indies have a good track record in the event.

They won in 2016 and reached the semi-finals 2010 in the Caribbean, 2012 in Sri Lanka, and 2014 in Bangladesh.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday June04, 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) Mohammed Abbas (PAK) (2) 8 Fifties Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches the WI & SL have

contested against each other to date?

(2) Who were the captains involved in the first WI/

SL Test?

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 5 , 2018

CONCACAF chief hails ...

Former Jamaican International Michael Johnson is new ‘Golden Jaguars’ head coach

By Rawle Toney

New Golden Jaguars head coach Michael Johnson

WITH the CONCACAF Nation’s League set to kick off in September, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday announced former Jamaican International Michael Johnson will be the new Head Coach of Guyana’s senior National Men’s football team, popularly known as the Golden Jaguars.

The GFF in a release stated that the 44-year-old was the standout candidate from more than 200 applicants worldwide, with the defender who turned out 13 times for Jamaica between 1999 – 2003 being the holder of a UEFA Pro-Licences, making him the most qualified to lead the ‘Golden Jaguars’.

Johnson, a British national, according to the GFF, “brings a wealth of professional coaching and playing experience to the role, alongside sparkling recommendations from the English Football Association, former England manager SvenGoran Eriksson and the English Premier League.”

Lewis blocks Venezuelan -wins Guyana’s second medal

Colin `Superman’ Lewis

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Colin `Superman’ Lewis single-handedly blocked a Venezuelan invasion when he defeated Christian Madena in a light welterweight boxing fight Sunday night at the South American Games in Bolivia.

The lanky Lewis recovered from a shaky first round to dominate the second and third stanza of the quarter-final bout, leading to a points victory over the Venezuelan Madena. The win assured Lewis of at least a bronze medal at the Games.

Team Manager/Coach Terrence Poole disclosed that Lewis proved to be a true warrior and should improve in his next fight. On Saturday bantamweight Keevin Allicock won Guyana’s first medal at the game when he defeated Lucas Garcia of Uruguay 3-2 in another quarter-final fight.

Both Lewis and Allicock, the only two boxing representatives from Guyana at the Games, are scheduled to participate in semi-final action tonight.

“I just can’t wait to get started - I’m really looking forward to the project the GFF President and the Technical Director have set out,” Johnson said.

“The attraction of the role was the direction of Guyana: The GFF is looking to really make strides: to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and to break into the FIFA top 100.

But it’s not just about results, it’s also about helping to grow the infrastructure of the country regarding coach education, youth talent, and the possible links between our nations - that’s what’s exciting.”

All but one of the shortlisted candidates selected by the GFF following a rigorous recruitment process had obtained the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification in global football.

“The GFF team is delighted to welcome Michael Johnson on board – the best qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars. With his professional expertise and top-level experience as a player, Michael will set

a new gold standard for the football in Guyana,” says GFF President Wayne Forde, while adding, “the GFF is determined to elevate Guyana to the level it belongs – a Caribbean football powerhouse at the top of the regional rankings.”

“I also would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks and respect to former interim coach Wayne Dover for his ongoing service to football, and to the many impressive applicants for the huge interest generated by this role,” Forde said.

Johnson will visit Guyana shortly to meet the GFF team, players, football stakeholders and the national media, and to observe progress in the construction of the GFF National Training Centre at Providence. Full details of his visit will follow.

Johnson was part of the Jamaican national squad that competed at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup and boasts a professional playing career spanning two decades in the English Football League Championship and the English Premier League with

clubs such as Derby County and Birmingham City.

His coaching career includes successful stints at Cardiff City, Birmingham City and Notts County. He is currently an ambassador for Derby County, and it is expected that this connection will bring benefits for Guyana, including technical development exchanges, player scouting, and the hosting of training camps and international friendlies in England.

“Michael comes with outstanding references from the very highest level of the game, including former England manager SvenGoran Eriksson and the English FA. He fits perfectly with the profile we were looking for as we look to build for the future and prepare young Guyanese talent for success at international level,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“With Michael in charge, we are confident we can qualify for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, on our way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Greenwood related.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 18

Ninvalle cops U-15 title at GTTA National Junior Championships …-Romain is U-18 Champion

Kaysan Ninvalle got the best of Niron Bissu to claim the Boys’ U-15 Title.

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THE culmination of by the other, however in the the Guyana Table end Ninvalle prevailed to Tennis Association claim the title winning the (GTTA) Junior National match 3-2. championships at the The first two sets were National Gymnasium on claimed by Ninvalle at 11-7 Sunday saw the best saved and 13-11. for last with the match of Bissu, who represents the tournament, the Boys’ the Titans Table Tennis U-15 final between Kaysan Club, took the next two Ninvalle and Niron Bissu. sets 11-6, 11-8, but went It was end to end action as on to lose the final set at a both gladiators with the disappointing 11-4. racquet strove to seize upon the least advantage allowed CONTINUE ON PAGE 18 TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2018