Guyana chronicle e paper 06 07 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

THURSDAY

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7TH JUNE, 2018

No.105298

Guyana, Venezuela for ICJ meeting PAGE

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…to fix schedules for written pleadings Gov’t plays no role in hiring of GECOM staff …President expects recruitment process to be above board 09 $210M in contracts signed for 19 countrywide development PAGE

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Mae’s says sorry 14

OAS resolution deplores Venezuela polls

…Caribbean divided on calls for suspension

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We’re sorry! : The parents of Mae’s student, Joshua Chacon –– Karen Small and Jason Chacon –– (third and fourth from left), meet with owner of Mae’s School, Stacey French (second from left) and administrator of the school, Lucinda Mc Curdy (left) following a meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education (MoE photo)

Surujdai Khan

Man kills wife, daughter

…hangs self in Berbice rampage

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02 Bindanattie Seetram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

Man kills wife, daughter …hangs self in Berbice rampage

By Jeune Vankeric A MAN went berserk Wednesday morning, killing his wife and daughter before hanging himself in a 30-minute rampage in the village of Glasgow, East Bank Berbice.

Dead are the killer, Jainarine Seetaram, called ‘Radio’; his wife Bindamatie, called Kameel; and their daughter, Surydai Khan, known as Aniela. The man

hanged himself under a dilapidated house about five hundred meters from the scene.

Guyana Chronicle was told that moments before the incident, Seetaram’s 11-year-old son, Mahesh Seetaram called Aaron, was watching television while his sister was asleep in a chair in the upper flat of the two-storey building while his mother laid in the hammock under-

neath the house as she had finished her domestic

saying ‘move from here’. I ran downstairs. My father

The hammer used during the murders

Survivor Mahesh Seetram and another relative

chores. “Suddenly I heard my mother raise her voice

took the hammer to lash me, but I run away. Aniela

came and he took the hammer and lashed her behind her head. I then ran to my grandmother’s house,” the young boy related.

Meanwhile, the grandmother, Omawattie Behrai, said her grandson came and called out to her to run and save his mother as his father was beating her and his sister with a hammer. “I hurriedly go on the bicycle. As I got to the scene, a car was already there and neighbours were ushering me to go inside, so we could be transported to the hospital. I saw my granddaughter’s bloodied face. She was motionless.

By the time we got to the

hospital she was dead,” Behari said. The woman said she did not know that her daughter had died and it was not until she returned from the hospital that she saw her daughter’s bloodied remains in the hammock. “I do not know what would have caused such an attack. My daughter never complained,” the grieving woman said.

A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recalled hearing the 11-yearold screaming through the streets. “So I looked and saw him (Jainarine Seetaram) hammering at the head of his daughter. I called out to him saying, ‘Uncle, nah do dah’. I started to scream. I ran towards them and again I screamed at him saying ‘Uncle, nah do that’, and he responded saying, ‘Dem tek dem eyes and pass me’.

The man then escaped through the back fence near the canefields.

Another neighbour, ex-policeman Trevor Marcus, recalled running to the scene as he responded to the shouts of neighbours.

At the time, Seetram was hitting his daughter with the hammer and on seeing him, he ran and was initially followed but Marcus and other residents lost track of him. However, as the hearse arrived and the undertakers were preparing to remove the woman’s body, word circulated that he was found hanging under an unoccupied, dilapidated house nearby.Both bodies were taken away and are at the Arokium Funeral home awaiting a post-mortem

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

Guyana, Venezuela for ICJ meeting

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…to fix schedules for written pleadings

GUYANA and Venezuela have both been invited to meet with President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on June 18, 2018 to fix a schedule for the filing of written pleadings in the border controversy case.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said following Guyana’s filing of its application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018, requesting the Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, the ICJ has invited representatives of both Guyana and Venezuela to meet at the Hague, Netherlands-based court to fix schedules for written pleadings.

“This is part of the Court’s normal procedure following the filing of a case.

The meeting with the President of the Court will be limited to the matter of the schedule.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Guyana

will be represented by its legal counsels.

On Tuesday, Venezuela announced that it has accepted an invitation by the ICJ to appear before it to sort out procedural issues. Venezuela has long claimed sovereignty over the Essequibo region of Guyana. According to that country’s Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Venezuela’s decision to go to the Netherlands to participate in the court proceedings followed a missive from the ICJ received on June 4, 2018.

The missive said the President of the Court will receive representatives of Guyana and Venezuela on June 18, 2018 “in order to know the points of view of the parties regarding the procedural issues.”

“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, faithful to its historical position and in accordance with Bolivarian Peace Diplomacy, reiterates its firm willingness to defend the territorial integrity of our

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

country based on the 1966 Geneva Agreement, the legal framework that governs the territorial dispute of Essequibo,” the Venezuelan statement said.

Earlier this year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres referred the Guyana/Venezuela controversy to the ICJ. Venezuela is claiming that the 1899 Ar-

bitral Tribunal Award, which had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana), is null and void. Approximately 118 years after that award was issued, Guyana remains resolute in its position that a juridical course of action is the only means through which this matter can be permanently resolved.

On Wednesday, President Granger reaffirmed Guyana’s position, noting that the border controversy has been ongoing for over 50 years, further noting that Guyana “struggled long and hard”. He believes that the decision taken by the UN Secretary-General to refer the matter to the ICJ “is the correct decision” and Guyana looks forward to moving forward in that process. “We want our future generations to be able to live in a country that is not under the shadow of Venezuela’s threats.

We feel this is the correct decision and we want to move ahead as quickly as

possible,” said President Granger.

Guyana in its application to the ICJ has highlighted that Venezuela had for more than 60 years consistently recognised and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the award.

“Venezuela had only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the Independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new State, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some two-thirds of Guyana’s territory,” a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry back in March had said.

Guyana has stated that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award, “it has used it as an excuse to occupy

territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.”

The UN Secretary-General’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained Independence.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said that Guyana, in filing its application to the ICJ, has respected the Secretary General’s decision and placed its faith in the ICJ to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statute and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

President accredits new Argentine Ambassador

President David Granger on Wednesday accepted Letters of Credence from His Excellency Felipe Alejandro Gardella, accrediting him as Argentina Ambassador to Guyana.

In his welcome to the Argentine Ambassador at State House, President Granger noted that Guyana and Argentina have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972. “Our relationship is founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security,” said the Head-of-State. President Granger thanked the Argentine government for the support provided to Guyana in the fields of culture, defence, health and sport.

“We look forward to the continued collabora-

President David Granger shares a toast with Argentine Ambassador to Guyana Felipe Alejandro Gardella on Wednesday. Also partaking are Minister of State Joseph Harmon (left) and Director-General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell (right). (Adrian Narine photo)

tion with the Institute of Research of the Cultural Heritage of the National University of San Martin of Argentina for the restoration of artwork in our National Art Gallery.” The Guyanese leader who was accompanied by Minister of State Joseph Harmon and

Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell noted Guyana’s transition towards becoming a ‘green state’ and noted that Guyana and Argentina, as parties to the Paris Agreement, are cognizant of the adverse effects of climate change on small-is-

land developing states and low-lying coastal states.

“Guyana, in this regard, welcomes the work of the White Helmets Commission of Argentina which is aimed at strengthening humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean, particularly in instances of natural disasters,” he said.

Guyana, like Argentina, the President said is taking steps to reduce its climate vulnerability and to promote greater climate-resilient development. Guyana looks forward to intensifying cooperation with Argentina in this important field. President Granger considers the accred-

itation of Ambassador Gardella as an excellent opportunity for the two countries to deepen and broaden relations for the mutual benefit of our two Republics.

Similarly, Ambassador Gardella spoke of strengthening bilateral relations while noting that the Argentine Government looks forward to the resumption of negotiations between the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to find a peaceful and definitive solution in the dispute over the Falklands Islands (Malvinas Islands).

He spoke of cooperation activities in the area of art and disaster reduction as well as humanitarian assistance. That aside, Ambassador Gardella said it is important to Argentina that the commercial ties between the two countries are strengthened. “Argentina could become a major provider of quality food for the Caricom countries,” he stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7 , 2018

Giuliani: Kim Jongun ‘begged’ for summit to take place Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani has said North Korea’s leader “begged” for their summit to be rescheduled after the US president cancelled it.

Speaking at a conference in Israel, Mr Giuliani said Mr Trump’s tough stance had forced Pyongyang’s hand. Mr Trump called off the summit in May, accusing North Korea of “tremendous anger and open hostility”. But plans for the 12 June bilateral in Singapore were revived after a conciliatory response from Pyongyang.

Mr Giuliani was speaking

Rudy Giuliani

at an investment conference in Israel when he made the remark.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that Mr Giuliani said: “Well, Kim Jong-un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you

want to put him in.” Mr Giuliani is an attorney for the president tackling the Russia collusion inquiry.

There was no immediate response from the North Koreans to his comments.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday that plans were “moving along very nicely”. The anticipated summit nearly was derailed in May when US National Security Adviser John Bolton compared the North Korea situation to Libya. Mr Bolton had said Pyongyang could follow a “Libya model” of verifiable denuclearisation, alarming Pyongyang, which watched Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi give up his nuclear programme only for him to be killed by Western-backed rebels a few years later. North Korea’s foreign ministry released an angry statement singling out Mr Bolton. Mr Trump later distanced himself from his adviser’s remarks. (BBC)

Trump commutes sentence of Alice Marie Johnson

President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender, a week after Kim Kardashian West pleaded her case during an Oval Office meeting with Trump.

Johnson has already served 21 years of a life sentence after she was convicted on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine and attempted possession of cocaine, according to the nonprofit CanDo, which advocates for clemency for non-violent drug offenders. She is expected to be released from prison soon.

“Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades. Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow

inmates,” the White House said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“While this administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance,” the statement added. Kardashian West hailed the commutation, tweeting, “BEST NEWS EVER!!!!” and expressing gratitude to Trump and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

The 63-year-old great-grandmother will be released from federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama, where she has been serving a life sentence since 1996. Johnson’s commutation is the sixth act of clemency Trump has issued since taking office, and the second granted by Trump after a celebrity appealed to him. (CNN)

Women outnumber men in Spain PM Sánchez’s new cabinet

Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has given 11 of his 17 cabinet posts to women, a higher proportion than anywhere else in Europe.

A self-styled feminist, Mr Sánchez’s choice was in marked contrast to the male-dominated executives of ex-PM Mariano Rajoy, ousted last week. Women are given some of the biggest jobs including the defence, economy, finance and education portfolios. An ex-astronaut, Pedro Duque, has been given the role of science minister.

Mr Sánchez’s mix of party colleagues and experienced figures from outside politics is being described in Spain as a “feminist cabinet”. In a

televised statement, he said his new government was made up of people who “shared the same vision of a progressive society that was both modernising and pro-European”.

He spoke of Europe as “our new homeland” and said he saw his cabinet as a faithful reflection of a change in Spain that had emerged on 8 March through a feminist movement.

An estimated five million women across the country staged a “feminist strike” on that day against wage inequality and gender violence. It marked, said the new prime minister, “a before and an after”, in Spanish society.

One of the biggest jobs has gone to Carmen Calvo, a Socialist who will become deputy prime minister and take charge of a reinstated equality ministry. Some of the other new ministers are: María Jesús Montero, a former Andalusia councillor,

will be finance minister, Nadia Calviño, the chief of budget at the EU Commission, will be economy minister; Dolores Delgado, a prosecutor specialising in anti-terrorism, will be justice minister; Margarita Robles, a close aide to the prime minister, gets the defence ministry; Isabel Celáa, a Socialist with long-standing experience in education becomes education minister; Josep Borrell, the former European Parliament president, will be foreign minister ; and Fernando Grande Marlaska, an openly gay magistrate and former high-court judge, becomes interior minister.

Spain’s new government of 18, including Pedro Sánchez himself, is 61.1% women - the highest proportion in the country’s history. Only a handful of countries have governments where at least 50% of ministers are women.

They include France, Sweden and Canada. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Jamaica holding discussions with US as sanctions could affect local bauxite industry KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jun 6, CMC – The Jamaica government says it will intensify discussions with the United States Treasury Department in a bid to secure a waiver for the island as it moves to address any fallout from US sanctions against Russian-owned bauxite company, UC Rusal.

“The talks are progressing favourably, but we cannot offer any guarantees at this time,” Mining Minister Rob-

ert Montague told the House of Representatives in a statement on Tuesday. Earlier this month, the Andrew Holness government announced it had established a task force to address any fallout in bauxite operations from the decision of the United States to place sanctions on imported steel and aluminium.

The sanctions, which were applied by the US on April 18, will affect operations at the Windalco plant in Ewarton, and while the US

Treasury Department recently announced a delay in the application of the sanctions, it is yet to provide a full brief on the extent to which UC Rusal has complied. Montague told legislators that the government would employ its best efforts to ensure that Windalco can access critical supplies including fuel, chemicals and other items.

“Best efforts will also be made to engage and ensure the banking sector’s support.

We have also taken steps to

assure the banking sector on any issue or fears, based on information,” he told Parliament, adding that the government is working with various stakeholders, including the Jamaica Bauxite Institute in order to be prepared for any contingencies.

“We are well aware of the sensitivity of the matter, and I assure you that this Government remains committed to protecting the interests of the Jamaican people. As we continue to monitor this dynamic

situation, we will continue to provide updates to the House.

We must remember to remain calm, and keep the lines of communication open,” Montague said.

The Minister said that as the government works towards a sustainable solution, “no one needs to ‘cry wolf’ or seek to take any advantage of this unfortunate situation. “This government remains committed to applying our best efforts to protect the interests of the

community and the country. We particularly want to protect the workers, the environment and revenue to Jamaica”. Montague stressed that the government’s main concern is to save the jobs of approximately 1,200 workers at Windalco and the livelihood of a further 10,000 dependents, contractors, residents and business persons in communities neighbouring the alumina plant and related facilities.

Antigua opposition organises protest

The leader of the main opposition United progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell,

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Jun 6, CMC – The leader of the main opposition United progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell, says Thursday’s demonstration should not be regarded as a political rally even as he urged nationals to participate

in the “United March for Justice”.

“We are asking persons to wear white. That is because this is not a UPP march.

We are not going out there to seek votes for the United Progressive Party,” he said, noting that government in-

stitutions were “failing” the population and the demonstration on Thursday would serve as a ‘wakeup call’.

Among the complaints, the UPP is calling for a “full investigation into the relationship between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and PV Energy” and the role played by the former investment and trade minister Asot Michael.

Michael, who resigned last month, had been implicated among Caribbean politicians who allegedly received bribes from a British investor. Michael has denied

the accusation that unfolded in a British High Court in May in a matter involving Peter Virdee, whose telephone conversations with his business partner, Dieter Trutschler, in 2016, had been recorded by German authorities. According to the transcript of the document revealed in the High Court, Virdee alleges that Michael had asked him for two million dollars as well as to buy a car for his mother.

The Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Lionel “Max” Hurst has dismissed the protest, telling

radio listeners “they (UPP) are attempting to make themselves relevant…their march is nothing more than to see if they can drum up some support,” Hurst said, making reference to the last general election where the UPP was only able to win one of the 17 seats in Parliament.

“They can’t point to any scandal or corruption,” Hurst said, noting that any attempt to link the former investment minister should be discarded as the Gaston Browne administration had long distanced itself from his activities. “It is public

knowledge and he suffered severely as a result of that.

His political career is almost at an end,” he added.

But Lovell said that he was determined the get the issues being raised addressed by the relevant authorities and hinted at the possibility of civil disobedience in the future. “If despite these efforts the government remains deaf and dumb… then I have to put on record my willingness to call on the people of Antigua and Barbuda to engage in civil disobedience if we have to when all else fails”.

Thursday, June 7, 2018 - 10:30hrs - 12:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7 , 2018

Indigenous empowerment ONE of the major givens of any national election campaign is that it gives respective contesting party leaders the opportunity to visit their country in a holistic manner, as no other occasion would provide.

Of course, it is about outlining their individual party’s socio-economic development programmes, while at the same time canvassing for the important political support and votes that are so vital for either retention of office or being elected for the first time.

But these on-the-spot campaign visits also offer a very unique opportunity for observing the socio-economic conditions by which citizens exist on a daily basis. It is these socio-environmental dynamics that would be very critical in influencing the formulation of essential policies for improving the lives of affected citizens when these leaders and parties are elected to office.

Undoubtedly, one of the most informing experiences of then leader of the coalition--A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (AFC)--was his first-hand view of the abject circumstances under which our indigenous peoples lived.

What he observed during his numerous campaign tours were conditions that were less than desirable for any human category, much less Guyana’s first people, who deserved a better existence than the one they have had to lead for most of their historical experience.

As of recent time, for all of the billions that the for-

mer PPP/C administration did purport to have spent on hinterland socio-economic development projects, indigenous livelihood, in relation to community self-sufficiency, sustainability and livelihood, were at best far from desirable. Too many communities were still doing the traditional cassava and cassareep production without any agro-processing input that could have taken advantage of the grand opportunities for agricultural crops production and value added marketing, and dairy farming initiatives.

In fact, too many indigenous communities were still without the main props of modernity: good roads and bridges for connectivity, especially in such a vast geographic space that become impassible during the rainy season; and potable water. There were still too few schools; and this was further exacerbated by transportation difficulties for children having to travel distances to school, many of them barefoot.

In essence, the hinterland was nowhere near the coastal areas, in terms of even having basic public service amenities.

It was these vivid examples of criminal neglect throughout hinterland communities that have informed the Granger administration’s approach to socio-economic programmes for hinterland development.

For example, the Five Bs programme of boots, buses, books, bicycles, and boats, although benefitting many coastal communities, have been a timely, strategic intervention in remedying the chal-

lenge of ensuring that children in indigenous communities are supported in their quest for education. The boats and buses have been enabling indigenous children to commute from their homes to school, and back, with the most recent being a bus given to the Santa Rosa Secondary School for transporting its students.

However, the recent UNICEF Study on Indigenous Women and Children, although underlining the still many challenges which face hinterland communities and their citizens, also co-incidentally give credence and vindication to the Granger administration’s Hinterland Development plan.

Prominent were the issues surrounding registration of births, already being remedied by the Ministry of Citizenship through the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) which has been providing registration services in at least two hinterland regions which have resulted in Birth Certificates being issued to those persons.

Mentioned also, were the low percentage in the number of hinterland children making the transition from primary to secondary school as well as their completion.

Already, under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) component of the administration’s programme for hinterland communities, Amerindian youths are being trained in skills for employment, rather than being paid a stipend for propaganda work, as was formerly done under the past government. This can only redound

to their personal development, and that of the community.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs have been established across the country over the past year; the hinterland has benefited from 18 so far and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) intends to shift its focus to establish 212 hubs in the hinterland communities.

Additionally, the visionary concept of capital towns is already taking shape with the establishment of radio stations. The Government considers connecting communities in the hinterland as vital to improving people’s lives and creating more opportunities for them, and has already connected many communities in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), through the establishment of Radio Lethem, Barima-Waini, (Region One) with Radio Maburama, Radio Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), Radio Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) , Radio Aishalton in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9) and recently Radio Orealla in East Berbice (Region 6).

Indigenous people and their communities are on a trajectory path of development which will not only have the effect of elevating them from mere political conveniences to economically viable regions, but will also enable them to be informed of important national affairs of concern to every region, and their role as a region in national development.

Agriculture is slated to play a pre-eminent role in hinterland growth and development. Through this notable economic earner, communities will be able to acquire self-sufficiency through large scale agriculture farming.

As evidenced with agro-processing facility established in Region One for the Hosororo Turmeric Factory, the Pakaraima Flavours Sundried Tomato Project of Region Eight has seen the establishment of the first modern sun-drying, post-harvest facility in hinterland Guyana; introduction of the first organised, commercial, organic, farming of tomatoes in the Pakaraimas under a cooperative structure; development of the first commercial Sundried Tomato Salad Dressings and Sundried Tomato Ketchup and establishment of the first modern food plant to do so.

There are also dairy farming and aquaculture initiatives underway. These will not only bring economic activity in the form of sustained economic development to hinterland regions, but will also elevate both the social and economic stock of indigenous

citizens, through employment and self-employed ownership.

The UNICEF study did allude to other systemic challenges which on the surface are of a cultural nature. Of course, in their present form, they can be hindrances to the advancement of hinterland communities and their citizens. They further underline the mammoth work which has to be undertaken in advancing socio-educational programmes of an awareness type, with a view of enhancing individual development and understanding of roles in both social self- development and that of the community.

The current Hinterland Development Programmes, in their specified form, are designed to remedy the very challenges to which the UNICEF study has alluded. For it is time that indigenous people and their communities be given every opportunity as their coastal fellow Guyanese, to realise their dream and potential as a segment of the national family, capable of every achievement. They are now being empowered to that effect.

Trade union community welcomes approach to social compact Dear Editor, ONE of the first acts of the recently elected Mia Mottley Government of Barbados was that of engagement with the trade union and business communities, briefing them as to the state of affairs in that country’s economy and the starting of the process of soliciting ideas. This engagement in governance is

known as Social Partnership which is consistent with the International Labour Organisation Convention (ILO) on Tripartism and Social Dialogue (No. 144).

This convention speaks to the involvement and engagement of government, employer and trade union organisations in agreeing on a common position and strategy towards the de-

velopment of an economic agenda.

Barbados, like Guyana, is a member of the ILO. It is heartening to see a sister CARICOM country, which achieved independence in the same year as us, continuing to hold in high regard the spirit and intent of Convention No. 144, and moreso demonstrating the shrewdness of bringing all stakeholders to the table in moving the economy forward.

Barbados is going to the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) for assistance in realigning its economy and it is instructive the Mottley Government’s decision is not being challenged by the other two social partners. The reason for this is that all were involved from the inception and continue to work in developing a holistic position, making any decision the ownership of all.

In Guyana, the APNU+AFC Government is on record speaking to the necessity of putting in place a social

compact. This was a position and commitment advanced since the APNU was in the opposition and on the campaign trail. We are now in excess of three years of the administration’s stewardship and society awaits movement towards the establishing [of] a relationship with the social partners to give effect to Convention No. 144. Mottley’s approach is reminiscent of the Owen Arthur Government’s approach to the economic challenges that country faced in the ear-

ly 1990s. The international financial institutions were proposing a devaluation of the Barbados dollar as a measure for re-aligning its economy. The Arthur Government worked with the trade union and employer’s organisations where social contracts were developed and the decision taken not to devalue the dollar.

Together the partners agreed that sacrifices would be made by all in the interest of ensuring the economy rebounds and the dollar retains its value.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

The Chief Justice ruling on the Judicial Review Act CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY Indeed, there are certain revolutionary aspects in the JRA, and it is precisely because it is so revolutionary and extreme in certain aspects, (eg Section 9, 10, 12, 22) that it seems to me that a compelling case exists for its reconsideration, as the learned AG has posited in the GC article. The responsibility of this Government for legislation-making in the public interest requires, and imports, that it be (by both principle and authority alike) the sole judge of what legislation (within its partisan legislation-making capacity) is for the public good and should be enacted, or commenced, as the case may be. So, it is entitled to take the view that provisions in the JRA, 2010 such as section 9 (”Exhaustion of alternative remedies”) whereby the High Court Judge for judicial review is vested with a concurrent jurisdiction (not even limited to exceptional circumstances) which supplants the jurisdiction of the appellate courts (presumably both the CoA and CCJ), is not for the public good, or in the public interest. If this is the thinking of the Government as appears from the AGs generalizations in the GC article, these are unassailable points in justification for this Government’s omission to bring the JRA into

operation.

Be all that as it may, turning now briefly to the crucial question: whether it was competent for the High Court to grant the order of mandamus compelling the Minister ( a very different remedy from a declaration) to bring into force the JRA, 2010. In my respectful view, the State Liability And Proceedings Act, Cap 6:05 does not permit it. (see the analogous case of Collector of land Revenue South West District Penang (1986) 1 WLR 412, PC). But since the gravamen and crux of this matter, as I apprehend, is the constitutional freedom of a new government to reject, and depart from, even legislative policies/agenda of the predecessor government, there is a very poignant statement of principle by Viscount Haldane in a Privy Council case which merits reference.

This was a case where the new government, being dissatisfied with certain contractual arrangements entered into by the predecessor government, declined to take the necessary legal steps to give those arrangements legal force. Relevantly, Viscount Haldane said viz “there is no doubt that the agreement in controversy was executed with all the solemnities… and the question is whether it is binding… with the policy of the new administration in Newfoundland in repudiating it their Lordships have no concern. The administration may have acted harshly, or

they may have been simply doing a public duty. Such a question is not one for a court of law, but is a domestic issue for the Government of Newfoundland and those to whom they are responsible” (Commercial cable company V. Government of Newfoundland (1916) 2 AC, at pages 614-615). Transposing that statement to our JRA coming into operation issue, I ask: was the PPP/C government JRA, 2010 enacted with all solemnities? Yes. Is there a change of government? Yes. Is it legally binding on the APNU+AFC Government to bring it into operation whereupon it becomes legally binding, until repealed (even as I must acknowledge that, technically, the JRA 2010 is not law, unless and until it is brought into force)? If one anticipates a reversal of the CJ (ag) ruling on appeal, the answer is – no. And, just as how that new administration was within its prerogative as a matter of governmental policy to decline to take the necessary legal measures (take it to the Assembly for ratification) to give legal force to those agreements, so should the APNU+AFC Government be constitutionally entitled to decline to make a commencement order to bring into force the JRA, thereby preventing it from being binding, with all its imperfections and extremes, on this Government.

Yet, what are the Attorney General’s prospect of success at the Caribbean

Court of Justice (I say nothing of the local Court of Appeal).

In my respectful view the signs are ominous and warrants cautious optimism. The CCJs decision in the Barbadian case of Edwards and Haynes V. The Queen (2017) CCJ 10 (AJ) gives us Caribbeaners much cause for unease as it patently illustrates a dispensation to arrogate unto itself its own perspective on matters of government policy and to, judicially, give effect to its perspective. This is clearly discernible from the very tenor of the judgments in the Edwards And Haynes case, quashing convictions for murder and reversing a unanimous decision of the Barbados Court of Appeal.

There is by its very tenor and narrative, a nuanced tell-tale extract from the judgement of Justice Saunders: (for brevity because of space constraints the learned reader is referred to paragraphs “43”-“45” (inclusive) of the Honourable Justice’s Judgement. Suffice to quote a few sentences viz: “A new Evidence Act… was passed in Barbados in 1994.

Its purpose was to reform

the law… a decision was made to suspend the critical sections of the Act… The ostensible reason was that Barbados lacked the material resources to equip its police stations with the necessary recording devices. Over 20 years later these sections of the Act remain suspended…

The suspension of these provisions severely distorts the effective operation of the Evidence Act and impedes fulfilment of many of its noble goals…”

I must point out the convictions were quashed essentially because the alleged oral confessions were ruled inadmissible by the CCJ because of the failure of the Government to install recording devices. Rightly, the AG is concerned that the learned CJ (ag) has by her Order contravened the doctrine of separation of powers, which, sensibly, places matters of governmental policy of the type involved in our JRA commencement matter, outside the Judiciary’s territorial boundaries, and places them, sensibly, within the territorial boundaries of the

Executive (ie the President and his Cabinet). The learned CJ (ag) has encroached into Executive territory. And Viscount Haldane’s statement, in substance, embodies the separation of powers doctrine.

I end with this: it would be reckless and imprudent for the APNU+AFC Minister of Legal Affairs to bring the JRA, 2010 into operation in its present state. To judicially order the Minister so to do is to foist an imperfect PPP/C legislation on an unwilling, differently dispensated new APNU+AFC Government.

That frustrates and impedes, rather than promotes the people’s will. It is a matter of much intrigue and anxiety whether the CCJ (and the local Court of Appeal) would demonstrate judicial restraint and uphold the minister’s prerogative (and by extension President Granger’s Cabinet) to decide for himself if, and when, the JRA, 2010 would come into operation.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7 , 2018

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Pride in Guyana: Revolutionary, Exhilarating, Inspiring

By Subraj Singh THE first Pride Parade in Guyana, and the English-speaking Caribbean, flew along the roads, carried by the strength, the youth, the vitality, the joy, the courage and the sheer will to reject oppression, that was expressed by every single person who marched and danced and sang from Parade Ground all the way to Square of the Revolution.

It was an important moment in history, one that most people might not recognise as such immediately. But fifty years into the future, when human rights have been granted to all, when members of the LGBTQ people are accepted as a part of the multi-coloured fabric of Guyana society, the young people of the future will look back at this Pride Parade and they will thank every person who came out on Sunday, June 3, 2018 to fight for human rights. This parade is an iconic moment in Guyanese history, and it will forever remain so.

JUST A HINT OF NERVOUSNESS The essence of the parade and its purpose in this country align perfectly with many other liberation efforts and significant events that have withstood time to emerge as important junctures, blossoms on the branches of Guyanese history.

There is symbolism to be found even in the ending

and starting points of the parade. The Parade Ground and Square of the Revolution are both important landmarks that represent freedom and the removal of oppression, themes that are very much present in the narrative of the LGBTQ community in Guyana.

With intersectionality in mind, it is useful to note that racial oppression, of which both the Parade Ground and Square of the Revolution remind us, is much the same as homophobia, since it is a denial of the human rights of certain sections of society.

It is wrong to seek religious tolerance and be unable to tolerate gay men.

It is regressive to be feminist, but to not support lesbians. It is hypocritical to seek racial harmony while seeking to oppress the LGBTQ community. This is the lesson that emerged out of the points chosen to begin and end the parade.

As the crowd marched from one point to the other, the line that emerged is really one that can truly stand for the intersection that needs to become visible to the Guyanese people, in order for them to truly understand that the denial of the human rights for one is the denial of the human rights for all.

On the afternoon, as the LGBTQ peoples and allies waited for the music truck to arrive, the atmosphere was one of excitement, touched by just a hint of nervousness.

We had all seen the media reports of the ‘Georgetown Ministers’ Fellowship’, and

so, when onlookers began to congregate on the borders of Parade Ground, we naturally expected to be confronted, at least, by people some of us initially perceived to be against the parade.

One ally remarked, “Perhaps they’re just curious.”

The play on the word ‘curious’ was not lost on anyone who heard, but realistically, the onlookers were definitely curious, in the traditional sense of the word, as they simply looked – in wonder, amazement, concern, sceptically – at the parade as it unfolded before and became full-fledged, morphing along the road as the band of paraders swept along the sweets in a swirl of colour and flags and feet pumping to soca music.

Indeed, the onlookers only became numerous as the march went on. People stared, people laughed, people joined in the celebration, people danced, people hurried away, but no one became confrontational, no one said anything homophobic.

The response of the people on the road that day was simply one of acceptance and tolerance, and it is the way I want to remember the public.

It is the way the rest of Guyana should aim to respond to the LGBTQ community.

300 MARCHERS There were approximately about three hundred persons in the parade – a staggering number considering that transwomen are still murdered in our society and most of the country remains homophobic,

FROM PAGE 6

Trade union community...

A comparison with Barbados vis a vis Guyana’s approach, in this instance, it will be observed that Guyana avoids pursuing an economic agenda grounded in ILO conventions and principles. This places threats to even and progressive development, given that

decisions are being made absent the involvement and management of all the stakeholders to be impacted.

There is no shying away from the possibility that in adhering to Convention No.144 during the process and in the implementation phases, there could be chal-

lenges or conflicts between and among the partners, but respect for the principles would safeguard and ensure resolution and the role of all in participation, ownership, development and benefits.

The Mottley Government is working towards developing a social con-

CAMARADERIE AND BELONGING As for the parade itself, I struggle to describe it, even as I write this. Words seem insufficient. It is now more of a feeling than a memory, and how does one sufficiently describe a feeling in such a way

so as to have a reader feel that same, exact feeling? Can it be done? How does one even begin to process the thought of all the LGBTQ-identifying people throughout the centuries – from the Amerindians who first lived here, to lesbians in stiff Victorian dresses, to East Indian men who preferred to flee their villages along with their partners on one of the ships bound for the Indies – all of whom are spiritual ancestors to the Pride Parade that was to be celebrated, but whose own lives must have been shrouded in secrets and shadows, smothered by the church or the fear of persecution.

How do we explain the sense of good fortune that rarely comes to LGBTQ people in Guyana, to know that you are a part of something that is about, but also about so much more than you? How do we explain the sense of camaraderie and belonging?

How do we show what trying on colourful wings or spiked, carnivalesque bras, or feathered headdresses means to us and our ability to self-express?

How do let people know that glitter and Diana Ross “I’m Coming Out” are emblems and anthems that signify the richness of LGBTQ history and markers of our identity? How else do we do all of these things other than to incorporate all of them into a single parade and march down the road, fingers snapping, hips gyrating, breasts shaking, for all the world to see?

END TO HOMOPHOBIA This Pride Parade was a plea for an end to homophobia. The Pride Parade was an opportunity for LGBT people to express themselves. The Pride Parade allowed us to pay homage to every other LGBT member and ally who came, and marched, before us.

The Pride Parade let the many closeted, fearful young men and women in Guyana know that they are not alone.

The Pride Parade was about togetherness, and it was about love.

At the end of the march, when we converged on Square of the Revolution and night covered us all, and SASOD’s Joel Simpson said that we had just taken part in the first ever Pride Parade not only in Guyana but also in the entire English-speaking Caribbean.

He reminded us that LGBTQ people contribute to, help to create, and help to define various sectors in Guyana, it was a moment that truly encapsulated the impact we have on people and on their lives. We are men and women, old and young, from all walks of life. We are doctors, engineers, actors, designers, vendors, policemen, nurses, cane-cutters, students. We are everywhere; glitter-stained or wiped clean, feminine or hyper-masculine, rich or poor, well-known or closeted.

LGBTQ people exist, and we have the right to exist, to love, to be, and every other right belonging to everyone else in Guyana.

tract among government, employer and trade union which will guide the stakeholders as to the new economic measures to be implemented. Last week President David Granger, in his address at the Guyana Public Service Union’s 95th Anniversary celebration, once again raised the issue about a social compact and it is safe to think this has to do with a campaign commitment. The trade union

community remains invested in such an approach to development as evident in a proposal for the social compact that was delivered by the Guyana Trades Union Congress to the Government in its first year in office.

A social contract is sometimes referred to as a social compact. It can be narrowed to a specific issue or involve an array of issues. Were we as a

people to be involved in the establishment of a social contract/social compact, Government, Employer and Trade Union organisations would have to come to the table with their respective issues from which a common agenda will be pursued and it is hoped this happens soonest.

their homophobia motivated by religion and the existing laws that criminalise homosexual acts.

Of course, not everyone who was a part of the parade is a member of the LGBTQ community. There were many straight allies present.

There were people falling all across the spectrum: straight people, gay men, lesbians, bisexual people, queer people, pan-sexuals, transgender persons. It was truly representative of the wide array of sexualities that constitute the modern spectrum of human sexuality.

Diversity was also present in the ethnic makeup of the parade, with people from all of the ethnic groups in Guyana present. On another level, diversity existed in the socioeconomic backgrounds of the supporters – a band that included doctors, teachers, journalists, students, musicians, artists, writers, the unemployed, accountants, etc.

Even though the revellers comprised mostly young people, there were a number of older folks who came out and walked with us to show their solidarity and support for the marginalised who are a part of Guyana’s LGBTQ community.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

President stands by nominees for top judicial posts …says took time in making decision

President David Granger speaks with members of the media Wednesday in the presence of Minister of State Joseph Harmon (right). (Adrian Narine photo)

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday reiterated that his choice for substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice remains Justices Kenneth Benjamin and Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Speaking on the sidelines of an accreditation ceremony for the Argentine Ambassador to Guyana held at State House, the President said his

position on the matter is well known. “That is well known, I took my time in making that decision and I am not prepared to throw it out of the window,” the head of state asserted of Justice Benjamin while maintaining that every action he has taken relative to the appointment of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice is in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.

“I am required by the Constitution to do certain things and I have obeyed the Constitution in every regard,” he said, noting the concerns and propositions made by members of the legal fraternity recently.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had rejected the President’s nominations of Benjamin and Cummings-Edwards but did

not provide reasons for his rejection of the judges. The President had nominated Justice Kenneth Benjamin as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chief Justice following recommendations from a panel of eminent jurists who had conducted interviews with a number of candidates for the posts.

Guyana’s Constitution provides for full agreement between the President and Opposition for the appointment of both the Chancellor and Chief Justice. Over the past few months there have been strong opinions voiced on the way forward in the appointment of a substantive chancellor and chief justice here. Among those who weighed in are the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Women Lawyers Association, representatives of the Red Thread, a non-governmental organization, along with outgoing president and president-elect of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron and Justice

Adrian Saunders.

Many have called on President Granger to confirm acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, to the substantive posts. It should be noted that the acting Chief Justice did not apply for either position of chief justice or chancellor of the judiciary.

There were five applicants, including the duo nominated for the two top posts. Asked whether he is inclined to confirm the acting chancellor and chief justice, the President replied, “I am inclined to support the constitution; the constitution makes it clear, very clear how the Chancellor must be appointed. I don’t have the authority to go outside of the Constitution.”

“Everything I have done is in accordance with the Constitution. If other people can tell me what part of the constitution empowers them, I would like to become aware of that myself. All of my actions have been in accordance with the Constitution.”

The head of state made it clear that he is prepared to act only in accordance with the constitution, the highest law of the land. That aside, the President is slated to meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss that matter as well as the appointment of the Chairpersons of the service commissions.

He could not state definitively when the meeting will be held as he still awaits the lists of nominees from the National Assembly. “I have other business to discuss with him, the appointment of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and some other Commissions. When Parliament gives me those names, I would put all of those on the agenda for the meeting,” said President Granger, who noted that he had hoped to receive the names of the nominees by this time. Attempts to contact Jagdeo on the subject Wednesday proved futile.

Gov’t plays no role in hiring of GECOM staff …President expects recruitment process to be above board

GOVERNMENT on Wednesday made it clear that it plays no role in the hiring process of officials at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Head of State, President David Granger reminded reporters on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony for the Argentine Ambassador to Guyana that GECOM is an autonomous institution.

“The executive branch of government has nothing to do with the procedures. I expect that they’d be following normal practice and having persons who are fit and proper, qualified to hold positions in that commission,” Granger told Guyana Chronicle.

Asked for his thoughts on allegations by the Opposition nominated Commissioner, Robeson Benn, that there is no balance in the ethnic composition of staff hired by the Commission, the President said, “I am not aware of the procedures, but I expect that the procedures would be above board and that they want to get the best persons to do the job.”

President Granger made it clear that neither he nor any member of his government is party to GECOM’s hiring process as the entity is autonomous. On Tuesday,

a meeting called to discuss important matters relevant to this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE) was abruptly adjourned following a heated confrontation between GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson and Commissioner Benn over the ethnic composition of the secretariat’s workforce.

The matter was raised before at a public forum in May when Benn alleged that GECOM’s secretariat is dominated by Afro-Guyanese. He had alleged then, at the event held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre that 90 per cent of the workforce is madeup of Afro-Guyanese; a sentiment repeated by his party colleagues. However, when the meeting was called to order, Justice Patterson sought to address the inaccuracy of the statements made by Benn and his colleagues while noting that GECOM’s Secretariat comprises 46 per cent Afro-Guyanese. But Benn disagreed and boisterously asserted his position at the meeting which was slated to discuss the appointment of a Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), and a plan of action for LGE slated for

later this year. However, the meeting was turned into a heated back and forth between the Chairman and Benn.

At the time, Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman were present in addition to PPP Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj. The meeting was subsequently adjourned. Upon resumption, Benn was warned about his prior behaviour but did not heed the warning and the meeting was adjourned a second time.

Meanwhile, at a press conference held in the compound of the GECOM’s Secretariat, Kingston, Alexander, backed by Corbin and Trotman, said that Commissioner Benn was offered the opportunity to provide the evidence to substantiate his claims but failed to do so.

Alexander noted too that the bickering between the Chairman and Commissioner Benn has been ongoing for some time. “For some time now there has been an ongoing interaction, not the most pleasant, not the most diplomatic, not the most acceptable between the Chairman and commissioner Benn,” he said. Alexander, a long-standing GECOM

commissioner, made it clear that the GECOM does not hire persons on the basis of race. He noted that given the perceived concerns of Commissioner Benn, it is he who should have made a proposition. “My point is, if he raises the matter, two things should happen; one, he should present the evidence and on the other hand he himself should have a proposition as to how the matter should be addressed,” said Alexander.

However, in a joint press statement, the PPP/C Commissioners said Justice

(Ret’d) Patterson prevented Benn from justifying his position. “In responding to the Chairman, Commissioner Benn attempted to justify his assertion and in doing so, pointed out that the perception was that the vast majority of the staff of the Commission were persons of one ethnic descent …

The Chairman prevented Commissioner Benn from defending his position and when challenged, adjourned the meeting for over half an hour,” the statement issued

by Benn, Gunraj and Shadick read.

They alleged that the Chairman, although disputing Benn’s claim, did not offer any evidence to substantiate his position. “Upon resumption, the Chairman announced that Commissioner Benn would not be recognised and therefore was prevented from participating in the remainder of the meeting.

We were therefore forced to walk out of the meeting,” the PPP/C Commissioners said. The Commission is slated to meet next Tuesday.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7 , 2018

Contract signed for expansion of indigenous residence The Ministry of indigenous peoples’ Affairs continues to heavily invest resources in improving living conditions at the Indigenous Residence located on Princess Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

On Wednesday, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock witnessed the signing of a contract for the extension of the facility which is home to hundreds of indigenous persons from the hinterland annually, who seek medical and other services in Georgetown.

After the contract was signed, Minister Allicock expressed pleasure with the progress made as it relates to the upgrade to the facility and noted that “the residence is in heavy demand and it is really choked, without these facilities. It is expected that within four months from now we will have more space as we would have already begun to see in this facility”.

The minister added that “the location at the residence

was in what I would term a deplorable state of affairs, we had vehicles that were not in working condition parked in the area for many, many years, we had rubbish containers around the residence and it was alike a dump heap which the recognition of the parliamentary select committee did not miss.”

A Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Social Services following a visit between the 2015-2016 periods made several recommendations and according to Minister Allicock, “the ministry has since embarked upon those recommendations”.

The accomplishments to date would have seen in excess of $20M being expended on the facility with the construction of a trestle in 2016 that supplies water to more than 200 persons on a monthly basis.

Upgrades were carried out to the main dining area, repairs to washrooms and external works, maintenance of fence and landfilling and

rehabilitation of the male and female dormitories, all of which were completed in 2017 to bring comfort to residents.

Works are currently ongoing on the rehabilitation of the maternity ward which is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank through the Ministry of Health and will be completed by month end.

Last year, the facility also received a much-needed boost in the area of transportation when it acquired in minibus which is being used to transport patients to and from the hospital.

Additionally, by October, a further upgrade will be noteworthy with the completion of a spanking new 20’x 65’extension which will ensure additional accommodation is available for residents.

Minister Allicock also commended the contractors who have executed work on the Indigenous Residence for their timely delivery and is hoping that the contrac-

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock hands over the signed contract to a representative of Satar Mohamed and Hardware Supplies in the presence of Permanent Secretary, Alfred King (right) and another official

tor who will complete the extension Satar Mohamed and Hardware Supplies will deliver within the contractual

timeframe.

Signing the contract was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Alfred King and

Ministry’s Engineer Trilloyd Allen and a representative from the construction company.

New parking meter Temporary bridge constructed by-laws with Cabinet at Yamatwao, South Rupununi ‒ M&CC to make presentation to ministers soon THE amended parking meter by-laws are with Cabinet said Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. The Minister said that he hopes the revised contract will satisfy the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers.

Both the finance ministry and the AG’s Chambers had recommended that the by-laws be reviewed prior to the project being suspended in March 2017, just two months after it commenced.

Citizens of the city had also rebelled against the project, citing problems with the by-laws and the contract between City Hall and the company that was hired to install the meters, Smart City Solutions.

After months of consultations and renegotiation the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown amended the by-laws and submitted them to Minister Bulkan.

“The issue is now before Cabinet and the M&CC is scheduled to make a presentation to us at the next Cabinet meeting, following

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

which Central Government will make a decision,” said the Minister of Communities.

Although it is yet to be determined if the project will be reintroduced, Bulkan said he welcomes such an initiative that will help to restore order to the “chaotic” city streets.

He intends to support the project only if the contract is one that is not burden-

some to the citizens and provides benefits that are equitably shared between the council and the concessionaires.

It was recently reported that the parking meter re-negotiation committee made adjustments to several parts of the controversial parking-meter contract including price, payment for space, sanctions and how profits would be shared.

The Council said that it has received the endorsement of many private citizens and some companies on the implementation of the project. In addition, it was noted that other benefits of the project would be the provision of employment, the reduction of traffic congestion, improved mobility and increased parking space availability. “The City of Georgetown will collect revenue and re-invest it into local communities,” the council said.

The Municipal and District Council Act 28:01 empowers the Municipality to regulate and control parking in the City of Georgetown.

THE Yamatwao bridge in the South Rupununi, Region Nine, which collapsed last week as a flatbed truck carrying an excavator attempted to cross it, has been temporarily repaired, thereby allowing residents to access the communities in the area.

Hinterland engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI), Jeffrey Walcott told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the bridge’s site was cleared of the truck and the excavator, as well as other broken parts.

The temporary structure can only accommodate light vehicles and according to Walcott, “The Ministry is currently exploring the design and cost options for the reconstruction of a heavy-duty composite bridge which can accommodate heavier vehicles, as well as remedial works to the bridge approach.”

The owner of the truck, Cyril King, has financed the replacement of the decking and the bridge beams, the engineer disclosed even as the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Geology Mines Commission (GGMC) are assisting with further investigations into the matter.

On Monday, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said efforts will

The temporary bridge at Yamatwao , South Rupununi, Region Nine.

Replaced decking and beams on the temporary bridge at Yamatwao, South Rupununi.

be made to have those road users, who were responsible for the collapse of the South Rupununi bridge, help finance the construction of a new bridge.

“The overweight vehicle overextended the bridge’s

capabilities, thereby causing the collapse,” MOPI had said earlier.

Meanwhile, hinterland road users are being called on to adhere to weight limits, especially during the rainy season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Goldfields passionately embraces local content ‒ Global Seafood Distributors

By Zena Henry GLOBAL Seafood Distributors has praised Canadian company, Guyana Goldfields, for helping to develop its operations through good economic relations.

The local organisation threw support behind the mining company after it faced weeks of criticism regarding its obligation to local content.

Global Seafoods’ Chief Executive Officer, Alison Butters, told Guyana Chronicle that because of Goldfields, it was able to develop another product line which is its solar dried skinless, boneless salted fish.

“Guyana Goldfields’

commitment (to local operators) extends to building capacity in processing where Global Seafood Distributors adds value to the product as to satisfy its market. This allowed for a niche to be developed in the production of solar dried skinless boneless salt fish,” she said.

Butters said Goldfields held a variety of seminars for its suppliers, including an infomercial expo where local businesses that work with the company were allowed to showcase their products and gain product development guidance from local and international experts in the food industry.

Where her company is concerned, Butters said

Goldfields is an example of embracing local content in a holistic way.

As a re-migrant entrepreneur operating in Guyana for some four years, she said that her company’s relationship with Goldfields has allowed for its expansion in a major way.

“Due to our initial opportunity, Global Seafood Distributors is working on expansion plans in both product development using local fish and meeting demands.”

Butters reiterated the mining company’s support for business growth.

“Goldfields’ commitment to local content and empowering small and medium-size businesses has allowed stra-

tegic growth and expansion into additional markets locally and internationally,” she said.

Butters noted that the collaboration with other companies such as Republic Bank and Citizens Bank has also allowed for strategic growth, especially when the support of a major market such as Goldfields, which has years more of service to Guyana, is involved.

Butters told Guyana Chronicle that despite claims of the Canadian company shafting its local content responsibilities, the company has caused Global Seafoods to become stricter with its product quality as the adherence to industry standards

is demanded by the foreign investor.

Goldfields came in for harsh criticisms after the mining company decided to purchase its own plane to ease the more than G$1 billion tab it was raking in in air transport.

The company said it hired some four local aviation operators to operate more than 130 charted flights between 2015 and May of this year.

To continue down this path, the company said would result in serious financial constraints on its operation and profits.

Some sections of the business community have determined nonetheless that the mining company should

provide more for local operators if they are going to benefit from Guyana’s natural resources.

Others have noted that, like any other company, Goldfields must not be denied the right to cut cost to maintain its operation.

Goldfields said the decision to acquire its own plane was to ensure its economic viability and not to local operators.

The company will still be utilising local aviation companies for cargo transport, but the urgency at which workers have to be moved to and from its Aurora gold pit was a responsibility the company felt it needed to take on.

High prevalence of respiratory illnesses in Linden … says visiting Canadian spirometry team

By Vanessa Braithwaite A VISITING Canadian spirometry team on Wednesday reported that there is a high prevalence and incidents of respiratory conditions in the mining town.

The team lauded the timely decision by the Ministry of Public Health to decentralise the spirometry (effective respiratory diagnosis, testing and treatment) services, with the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) being the first to benefit from same.

The team comprises Dr Robert Levy, a lung specialist from Vancouver, Canada; Carmen Rempel, respiratory therapist; and Dr Denroyl Tudor, coordinator of the International Desk of the Ministry of Public Health.

Levy told the media that it has been two years since the spirometry department has been established in Linden and this year’s visit showed the need for increased capacity.

“We have to increase capacity from our initial efforts and focus on efforts to improve training opportunities for doctors and nurses,” he said.

The demand, he said, continues to grow in Linden and he is happy to see more Linden patients coming forward to benefit from the

services, which means that less of these patients will be visiting the emergency room since they are better equipped with the knowledge for self-care and have accurate access to treatment plans.

The department is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment; the same used at the Vancover Canada Respiratory Division and the training received from the team has been very useful for the spirometry staff who have displayed a high level of proficiency, according to Levy.

The team, however, continues to monitor the work of the department from Canada on a weekly basis and gives input whenever necessary.

COMMENDATIONS Levy commended the LHC staff for giving such a strong support in this regard.

He also commended the ministry for decentralising the services.

“It places quite a burden on patients and families to have to travel to Georgetown to get an accurate diagnosis and accurate access to treatment plans … this is the first time we have ventured out of Georgetown and it is tremendous opportunity for patients to be able to remain closer to home,” he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Dr Tudor of the

Public Health Ministry. He said that the LHC is the trailblazer for the other regional institutions.

“We are definitely looking forward to advancing the programme into certain areas … we are looking at Regions Five, Six and Seven specifically. Once we ensure that the work that is done at this regional hospital is at the optimal level, then that will

definitely give us the boost to push forward,” he posited.

CONCERNS ABOUT DUST POLLUTION Levy said while there are no statistics to show that Linden has more cases of respiratory diseases compared to the rest of Guyana, the overwhelming number of cases can be linked to dust pollution, relative to bauxite

mining.

“Certainly, anyone who has asthma or COPD is going to be affected to a much greater degree if he/she is in an environment of dust and pollution. There are a lot of respiratory illnesses going on here,” he said.

The spirometry team will continue to lend support to the LHC spirometry department to ensure that patients

are well-educated, equipped with self-management skills and are treated appropriately.

The visiting team will be in Guyana for a week and will spend the remaining days at the GPHC Spirometry Department.

Countrywide, over 6 000 Guyanese have benefited from GACESP which started five years ago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

3000 acres of land for West Watooka farmers

OVER 3 000 acres of lands will soon be available for cultivation as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) intensifies works within the West Watooka area.

The works which commenced over a year ago included the clearing and excavation of drainage and irrigation channels.

The excavation of canals which will allow for yearround access to irrigation water from a huge catchment area known as the 'swamp' was given the nod of approv-

al by Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder will begin shortly.

These issues were among several which were discussed during an extensive meeting between farmers and Minister Holder who visited the West Watooka farming community recently.

West Watooka is home to some 87 farms, producing the majority of fruits and vegetables consumed

by Lindeners. Farmers at the meeting were highly receptive of the minister and his team and spoke lucidly

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder is in discussion with one of many farmers during his visit to West Watooka

about their challenges.

The agricultural lands in that area are said to be approximately eight feet above the river which serves as a drainage outlet. Irrigation water is sourced from the swamp that lies somewhat uphill for the farms. However, access is constrained due to clogged or silted up canals.

According to the farmers, having the irrigation canals cleared and deepened means irrigation water would be available year-round.

Other issues raised included leases and land titles.

Mark Benjamin, a farmer at the Watooka river area, called for the area to be regularised to ensure a reduction of squatting, which he said is now on the increase. Similar sentiments were echoed by several other farmers.

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Flatts, announced that while the study has been completed by the independent consultant, a meeting set for June 13 will be conducted to ensure farmers are made aware of the required changes to ensure they are on board.

The meeting which will look extensively at irrigation will cater for work to be done which might require a re-alignment of existing farms. “At this meeting, farmers will be given an opportunity to have a look at the maps generated by the consulta-

tion with a view to providing information that has so far been provided by the Lands and Surveys Department,� he said.

Suggestions from farmers will be addressed in the final composition of the report laying out the way forward.

Meanwhile, Minister Holder, in speaking about his visit, said the region remains a critical player in the move to take agriculture inland.

He told the farmers of West Watooka that his ministry understands and appreciates the challenges they face and will do everything within its mandate to ensure interventions for the maximisation of productivity and utilisation of all the available lands.

Farmers and residents of West Watooka also asked for assistance in the provision of potable water, Internet service, and improved road network. The problem of wild animals destroying crops was also raised with a plea for assistance.

The meeting was organised by APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford. The minister was accompanied by technical officers within the Ministry of Agriculture, including CEO of the GLDA Nigel Cumberbatch, CEO of the NDIA Frederick Flatts and Director of ASDU, George Jervis, along with other technical officials of the agencies mentioned.

Enemies now friends

‌advice being sought from DPP After a two-year run from the law, a 35-year-old miner was charged for attempted murder before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Chatterpaul Singh called Kevin Singh was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on July 4, 2016 at Sheriff Street, Campbellville, he wounded Chatanand Persaud with intent to commit murder.

His attorney, Glenn Hanoman, indicated to the court that the victim did not want to officer evidence against Singh anymore. He explained that both parties had similar matters before the court against each other. However those matters were dismissed.

Persaud, who was present in court, indicated to Magistrate Latchman that

he would not be offering evidence against Singh.

The victim further told the court that the incident occurred almost two years ago and he and Singh had become friends.

However the Magistrate declared that advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions had to be sought for the dismissal of the matter.

Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore pointed out that the defendant had given a different address to the police and was only recently arrested after being involved in a motor accident and the police noticed that there was an arrest warrant out for him.

Nevertheless, Magistrate Latchman adjourned the matter until June 12 and released Singh on $100,000 bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

Disabled youths benefitting from PYARG activities It will present a safe outdoor experience for hiking and camping where parents will also be allowed to tag along.

Collins said thus far the programme has been a huge success even as the ministry continues to work along with other organisations such as the University of Guyana and the Police Force for the best outcomes.

He added that what may be perceived as aggressiveness meted out by PWDs, many times may be cases of persons who are misunderstood and in need of other forms of engagement.

“They are generally shy because they think their disability is an impediment, it’s something to be ashamed of.

They think that they’re not normal people, so when they see that you are treating them as human beings with that respect, that you have patience for them and you go the extra mile … it helps,” he said.

“At the pool, when you take those who are wheelchair-bound and you put a chair in the pool to have them just sit there and have the water splash on them, as simple as that, it relaxes them and it changes their mood.

“It’s so beneficial be-

cause they don’t always learn in this classroom kind of setting like other children; they tend to do well with activities,” Collins said.

As such, he is urging parents of children with disabilities not to “shut their children away” because they are embarrassed of the realities but to enrol them in the programme today.

The organisations participating are Gifted Hands, the Deaf Association, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Sophia Special School and Open Doors Centre.

Youths participated in a food catering exercise

By Lisa Hamilton SOME 70 youths with disabilities are benefitting from the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme which sees them involved in a number of physical, community and skills training activities.

Back in January of this year, PYARG made the move to include Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the programme as a means of

facilitating the inclusivity of all citizens.

It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, geared towards youth development and President David Granger serves as patron.

For three hours weekly, the youths between ages of 16 and 24 participate in physical recreation at the pool and gym; community tree-planting, clean-ups and feeding as well as other skills

training activities.

All events, especially physical activities, are catered to suit the existing disabilities for those who are deaf, blind, mute or face other challenges such as cerebral palsy and dyslexia.

In an interview with the newspaper, Executive Officer of PYARG, Alistair Collins, told of an upcoming Adventurous Journey expedition which will see the youths undergo a weekend in nature.

Wheelchaired-enabled students of the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme enjoy physical activities at the pool

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Mae’s apologises

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

– says treatment of indigenous boy will never happen again Even as Mae’s School has apologised to the family of nine-year-old Joshua Chacon, who was allegedly evicted from the school after his indigenous attire was deemed inappropriate during a recent culture day activity, a meeting of government and school officials have determined that such issues should not happen again in Guyana.

On Wednesday, officials of the school met with officials of the Education Ministry and the parents of Chacon, Jason Chacon and Karen Small at the ministry’s boardroom on Brickdam.

Both parties shook hands after the school formally apologised to the child’s parents.

Wednesday’s meeting was the second engagement by the Education Ministry with the school this week.

It followed another which was held on Monday in

which Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, along with officials from the Education Ministry, Ministry of the Presidency and the leadership of Mae’s Schools discussed the issue.

At that engagement, it was concluded that the matter should have been resolved earlier, closure was needed as soon as possible and that there should never be a recurrence of such issues in Guyana.

The school said as educational institution, it is defined by the belief that a multiplicity of ideas and beliefs, cultures and cultural values enrich the learning experience of its students.

“We recognise that this event created trauma for the student, his family and the community. We deeply re-

gret the incident and offer our most sincere and profound apologies to the student and his family for the hurt and pain which he suffered as a result,” the school said.

“Diversity in education and the creation of educational opportunities for students from diverse cultural backgrounds constitutes the bedrock of Mae’s Schools,” the school said in a statement released earlier on Wednesday.

The school noted that its primary focus and concern was, and remains, that the unintentional hurt and pain caused by this event be addressed in a manner which not only repairs any damage caused, but reconfirms its commitment to cultural diversity and its importance in the dynamic educational environment at Mae’s.

In a separate release, the Education Ministry said

Wednesday’s engagement, both parents of the student accepted the school’s apology while the child’s father Jason Chacon went further to state that he would like to see more traction to bring awareness to culture in Guyana.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry; Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Admin), Ingrid Trotman; Ministry of Education’s Legal Officer, Kelly-ann Payne-Hercules; Private School Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, Ms. Doodmattie

Singh; Programme Coordinator – Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Sharon Patterson; Stacy French, owner of the school; and Administrator of Mae’s School Lucinda Mc Curdy attended the meeting.

According to the release, Minister Henry said that had better judgment prevailed, the entire episode could have been avoided.

She said the issue must be dealt with in such a way that when persons look back in retrospect, they must recall that it was resolved amicably and be reminded that there

must be tolerance and respect for diversity.

Hutson stated that to begin resolving the issue, an apology is necessary as well as psycho-social support for the child. Patterson supported the need for psycho-social support and pledged her department’s willingness to also work with the teachers and staff of the school to ensure they have a better understanding of diversities and to enhance their capabilities to deal with such.

Feud over woman leaves man dead

…relatives fearful as assailant issues death threats to brother

By Rabindra Rooplall A quarrel between two men over the physical assault of a woman turned deadly on Cornhill Street in the vicinity of Stabroek Market, Georgetown on Monday when during a heated confrontation one of the men was stabbed to death.

Dead is Richard Noel, 20, a vendor of Kitty, Georgetown. The father of one was released from prison February, 10, 2018. His body is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem. Police are seeking the whereabouts of the alleged assailant Timothy McKenzie.

Reports indicate that Noel and his assailant are known to each other and a misunderstanding due to the physical assault the Noel’s sister recently, resulted in a heated argument on the aforementioned day in the vicinity of Stabroek Market.

During the heated confrontation the attacker who was armed with a knife approached the victim and dealt him two stabs to the left side of his chest. The victim collapsed and was taken to the GPH in an unconscious state where he examined by a doctor on duty, who treated and admitted him as a patient and was monitoring his condition until his succumbed Monday night.

Noel’s mother, Geranium Cliffe told the Guyana Chronicle that she last saw her son Monday morning and later that day he collected

Dead: Richard Noel

some money from his grandmother to buy medication for his son who is a toddler and was not well. “When he reached on the bus park the two boys approached him and he turn and walked away and they still go behind him and do what they had to do. He didn’t have problems with these guys his sister was assaulted by one of them,” she said.

Noting that her daughter had complained to Noel about the assault, the tearful mother said that the young man who killed her son apparently liked her daughter and he visited their home earlier in January, 2018 when her son was in prison and he assaulted the young lady in the yard.

Adding that the confrontation was reported to the Kitty Police Station, the mother of seven said the assailant came with a friend as a decoy to lure her daughter downstairs where she was assaulted. “He held on to her and when she asked him to loose, he cuffed her in her

belly, she had her phone in her hand and she lashed him in his face and he run out the yard my big son was nowhere around because he was in jail,” she explained.

Reflecting on when the initial confrontation between her son and his assailant, Ms. Cliff said that it started Sunday last on the seawall when he was there with his brother and friends. “When they came across each other my son told him we ain’t come out here for no story and we don’t want no story, and then they left,” she said.

Acknowledging that her son Noel is a little hot tempered sometimes, the mother said that he was not vengeful and does not bear malice and did not deserve to die since he hardly spent time with his son who is a toddler. “The police know my son well and we are seeking justice, if he was the one who did the stabbing they would have already reached at my home and the attacker has sent threats saying that they will kill his brother next,” she explained.

One eyewitness said that that the attacker had a very long knife which he used to kill Noel before he fell into someone’s hands. “Big market is a big place and this bai with a long knife stab this man and no one ran to his rescue, this place is not easy at all, we were made to understand that the two boys that tackled him can always be seen liming under Demico House,” a friend of the family said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

OAS resolution deplores Venezuela polls …Caribbean divided on calls for suspension The majority of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries abstained from a vote at the Organisation of American States (OAS) as the hemispheric body approved a resolution calling for an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspending Venezuela from the 34-member group.

The resolution was spearheaded by the United States as it condemned President Nicolas Maduro’s re-election last month. The OAS’s general assembly voted with 19 member states in favour, four against and 11 abstaining, to take the first step to suspending the South American nation.

Maduro won the May 20 election that the Venezuelan opposition, along with Washington and other Latin American countries, have decried as a sham. OAS members have expelled only two nations in its history. Cuba was forced out in 1962 and Honduras was suspended briefly following a 2009 military coup. The ban of Cuba was lifted in 2009, but the island country rejected re-joining the organization.

According to Tuesday’s vote, the Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica supported the resolution, while Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines voted against the measure.

But Belize, Grenada, Haiti, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, were among the 11 member states that abstained during the vote.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Caracas rejected the OAS Assembly’s decision and it would enable the United States to continue its “economic war” against the socialist government.

“Those that have supported this are supporting the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela.

Let that be on your conscience,” he said. President Maduro has already described the OAS as a pawn of US foreign policy and last year his government said it had started the twoyear process to pull out of the organization. But US representative to the OAS, Carlos Trujillo, said he was pleased with the vote, adding “I’m glad we are recognizing that democracy matters. We will not recognize illegitimate governments”.

ELECTIONS DID NOT COMPLY The resolution, adopted at the OAS’ fourth plenary session, states that the elections did not comply with international standards, failed to meet the participation of all Venezuelan political actors, and were “carried out without the necessary guarantees for a free, fair, transparent and democratic process.”

The resolution reaffirms that “only through a national dialogue with the participation of all Venezuelan political actors and stakeholders can national reconciliation be achieved and the necessary conditions agreed upon for holding a new electoral process that truly reflects the will of the Venezuelan citizens and peacefully resolves the current crisis in that country.”

The OAS said the resolution reiterates that “an unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional order of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has occurred,” as stated in an April 3, 2017 resolution. The resolution urges Venezuela to take steps to guarantee the separation and independence of the constitutional branches of power and “restore the full authority of the National Assembly, the rule of law, and the guarantees and liberties of the population.”

It also urges Venezuela to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and to implement epidemiological surveillance measures in its country to avert “the aggravation of the humanitarian and public health crisis, particularly against the reappearance of diseases, such as measles, malaria and diphtheria. The resolution instructs the OAS Permanent Council to identify, in coordination with the relevant inter-American and international institutions, the appropriate measures to support the member states that are receiving an increasing number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. In addition, the resolution calls on the member and permanent observer states to implement, in accordance with their respective legal frameworks and applicable international law, the measures deemed appropriate at the political, economic, and financial levels to assist in the restoration of democratic order in Venezuela. (CMC)

The OAS resolution states that the Venezuelan elections did not comply with international standards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Min. Jordan attending infrastructure investment summit in China

FINANCE MINISTER, Winston Jordan is attending the 9th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, China.

The two-day event is an important platform for the global infrastructure sector to exchange strategic insights, explore opportunities and seek cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Finance Minister Jordan will make a presentation under the 4Th China -LAC Infrastructure Forum: Integrated Construction and Connectivity in CELAC countries. He is expected to speak on infrastructure investment opportunities in Guyana. The theme for this year’s forum is New Growth Drivers for Better Infrastructure and Closer Connectivity. Minister Jordan is accompanied by other functionaries of the Ministry of Finance.

Teen charged with murder of fisherman Magistrate changes THE 19-year-old alleged ac- lege that between April 26 and The bodies of Mahabir has been more than a month complice behind the massacre of Guyanese fishermen in Suriname, was on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of one of the men.

Alexander DenHart called “Shame Face” appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and was not required to answer to the charge. The unrepresented man was not shackled or placed in handcuffs and did not use the prisoners’ chute. He stood in the dock composed and relaxed as the charge was being read to him.

Particulars of the charge al-

May 3, 2018 while in Guyana’s territorial waters, DenHart murdered Tilacknauth Mahabir called ‘Caiman’, who was on a vessel that was robbed.

He was remanded and the matter was transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for June 13. After his court appearance he was whisked away through the back gates by waiting police officers.

A week ago, Nakool Manohar called “Fyah”, 39, the alleged mastermind was charged with Mahabir’s murder at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh.

along with another fisherman, Mahesh Sarjoo called “Cobra” were the only two that were positively identified by relatives in Suriname after the deadly piracy attack on April 27 last on four boats with 20 men.

One other body that was found in Surinamese waters is still to be identified via DNA testing while the body of Gowkaran Outar called ‘Gavin’ was found on the #63 Beach on May 10 and was positively identified by a tattoo on his chest by relatives.

Five persons survived the ordeal while 11 are still missing and feared dead. It

since what is described as one of the deadliest piracy attacks within recent times occurred. The incident had gained international attention and placed tremendous pressure on the law enforcement authorities of both Guyana and Suriname. Investigators are working on the theory that the attack was an act of revenge in an ongoing disagreement among Guyanese fishermen who are the main suppliers of fish to the Suriname market. A brother of Manohar was killed in a drive-by shooting allegedly at the hands of other fishermen.

Delroy’s plea

DELROY PARISH Wednesday appeared in a magistrate’s court charged with wounding.

It is alleged that on June 5, 2018 at Port Kaituma, Parish unlawfully and maliciously wounded Robin Adams.

The 21-year old farmer, who resides at Port Kaituma, pleaded guilty to the charge read out to him in court but the magistrate entered a not guilty plea after asking him if he hit the virtual complainant first. He replied ‘no.’

Bail was granted in the sum of $50,000 by the Magistrate.

The matter was adjourned to August 17, 2018.

June session of Criminal Assizes opens

The parade on Tuesday morning in front of the Georgetown High Court during the opening session of the June Criminal Assizes

THE June session of the Criminal Assizes opened at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday morning with Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry taking the salute from members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) participating in the traditional march past.

The ranks were smartly attired in their ceremonial uniform for the parade.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry who was flanked by other judges and High Court staffers as she took the salute also inspected the parade.

According to the list of cases for the June session, 34 are before Justice Sandil Kissoon; 37 are to be heard by Justice James Bovell-Drakes and 40 are before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

Man gets 22 years for killing wife VINDRA SIRIRAM was on Monday afternoon sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for the 2014 killing of his wife, whose head was submerged in a bucket of water, near their Friendship home, East Bank Demerara.

In April, a 12-member jury found Siriram guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter in the proportion of 10 to 2 after which a probation report was ordered by the trial judge following a request by his attorney.

In handing down the sentence, Justice James BovellDrakes took into account the age of the deceased, Shelly Ann Persaud who was 22 years. The judge deducted four years for time served and another four years for good behaviour behind bars, arriving at a total of 22 years’ imprisonment.

Bovell-Drakes told the convict to use the time in prison to re-evaluate his conduct and upon his return to his community, he would be a better person.

He told the court that before the incident the convict was imbibing and based on the evidence, the deceased was submerged in water.

There were compression injuries to the neck (choking) and blunt trauma to the body.

The judge added that Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as asphyxiation due to drowning.

Probation and Social Services Officer, Isha Bartrum, in reading the probation report, said Siriram lived with his common law wife and three children and has another daughter from a previous relationship.

He was born to parents who shared a common law union and was the eldest of three siblings and when his parents separated, he went to live with his grandmother.

Bartrum added that the convict was not expected to survive because he had meningitis and after a period of hospitalization, he was treated at home by his grandmother who gave him herbal medicines.

As such, he exited the school system early and at the age 15, he learnt the art of spray painting but worked as a labourer for three years.

He was then employed as a

skilled spray painter for seven years.

He was a spray painter up until his incarceration and it was noted he provided for his family.

Bartrum told the court that the children are in foster homes and it was noted that the convict was described as a dedicated father by villagers.

She related that he met Shelly Ann Persaud when he went to buy food at her mother’s roadside food stand when she was only 15 years old and he was 19.

Bartrum stated that the couple had constant domestic disputes but the convict denied killing his wife and expressed the need to be reunited with his children since he did not have a strong bond with his parents.

The probation officer said she spoke to the eldest daughter via the telephone who said she missed her mother and had a photo of her and was happy she was with a family.

She was, however, unable to speak to the two younger daughters but a sister of the deceased said she missed her sibling because they were close.

In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Damian Da Silva noted the previous good character of his client who was described as an industrious person who was committed to his family.

He pointed out that the convict was not a menace to society and he clearly did not intend to cause the death of his wife. It was because they had a heated argument and it ended with someone losing their life.

Da Silva added that his client was regretful and for the past four years in jail, he had time to reflect on what occurred and as such, asked for leniency in his sentencing and for the judge to temper justice with mercy.

He asked the court for a chance for his client to make amends for what happened.

Meanwhile, in response, state prosecutor Seeta Bishundial asked for the maximum sentence to be imposed, bearing in mind the evidence revealed that the accused used to beat his wife in the presence of their children whenever he was drunk.

She added that the convict

committed a heinous crime on the morning of his daughters’ national grade six exams and had no consideration that his three young daughters were asleep in the house when he took the life of their mother.

Bishundial told the court that based on Dr. Nehaul Singh’s testimony, he demonstrated what would happen if water goes into the mouth and nostrils of a person. He pointed out that the person

would be fighting for their life and struggling to draw breath.

The prosecutor said the convict intended to kill his wife when he pushed her head into a bucket of water and held it down for 15 minutes.

She related that it was not a one-off incident and the convict did not give his wife a chance to bring up their three children and to contribute as a devoted mother to the community.

Bishundial told the court that the convict did not show any remorse and there were too many incidents involving intimate partners where domestic violence and alcoholism should have no place in society.

As such, the State asked the court to send a strong message to those who drink alcohol, beat their spouses and eventually murder them.

According to the State’s

case, between June 9 and 10, 2014 the accused murdered his wife, Shelly Ann Persaud.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence for which he was indicted.

He was represented by defence attorney, Damian Da Silva, while the state prosecutors were Shawnette Austin and Seeta Bishundyal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 7, 2018

Customs, postal officers meet to discuss improved relations

CUSTOMS and postal officers from the Caribbean, met in Guyana for round table discussions aimed at helping the postal services improve working relations with Customs to meet the demand of customers, improve revenue streams and protect borders.

The occasion was the joint World Customs Organisation (WCO) Universal Postal Union (UPU) workshop where delegates from both sides discussed data exchange for smoother

clearance of goods and the establishment of an agreed system of operation that will better the working relations between Customs and Post.

The one-week engagement was attended by UPU experts from North America and Europe who deliberated on the exchange of electronic data, the Customs Declaration System (CDS), Security and e-Commerce among other modern best practices.

These important discussions come at a time when the

GRA has commenced the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World.

This internet-based solution will enable the GRA to improve clearance times for cargo and strengthen revenue collection. Having already launched the Manifest Module of ASYCUDA, the GRA is moving next to pilot the Single Administrative Document (SAD) in August 2018.

At the opening ceremony on May 28, remarks were

made by Minister of Public Telecommunications Hon. Cathy Hughes, GRA’s Deputy Commissioner-General Ms Hema Khan, UPU Regional Programme Coordinator Owena Beepot-Pryce, WCO Technical Officer Pashupati N. Pandey and LaPoste

Americas Area Manager, Georges Benoit and Postmaster General Karen Brown.

Also in attendance were representatives from renowned postal services such as Royal Mail, Canada Post and the United States Postal Service (USPS). The UPU

is an agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates postal policies. It also works with key stakeholders through Operational Readiness for e-Commerce (ORE) with the aim of improving operational efficiency of postal operators.

Man shot during attempted robbery A 68-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his arm during the wee hours of Wednesday morning following an attempted robbery at Boadeux, Canal Number One ,West Bank Demerara.

Reports are that the man’s son was downstairs in the family’s yard around 02:30hrs when two masked men, one of whom was armed with a gun, attacked him.

The men then led the victim upstairs where they met his father. A scuffle ensued after the intruders demanded cash. The elderly man sustained a gunshot injury to his right arm in the process.

Reports are that the intruders ran away from the scene and the injured man was rushed to a private hospital.

Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

$210M in contracts signed for countrywide development SIX Regional Democratic Councils on Wednesday signed contracts to the value of $210M for the construction of new medical and educational facilities in their respective districts.

Over 5000 residents from regions four, three, six, seven, nine and ten, will benefit from the projects, said Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, prior to the signing of the contracts at the Ministry of Communities on Wednesday.

Bulkan said the contracts were awarded to the lowest evaluated or responsive bidders

after an open and competitive bidding process.

“Aside from our effort to maintain transparency and accountability, the projects are important because they will directly benefit persons from across six of the management regions and in four sectors of development which include education, health, transport and regional management,” the minister explained.

The projects that will be undertaken are the construction of a nursery school at Schoonord by KP Engineering for $28.9M; construction

of Vryheid’s Lust North Nursery School by Simcon Engineering Co for $21.9M; construction of Strathspey Nursery School by Mojo’s General Construction for $20.9M;construction of a health centre at Supply, EBD

by Navin and Sons Construction for $30.1M; construction of new Doctor’s Quarter in New Amsterdam by Simcon Engineering Co for $18.1M; construction of Kamarang Primary School by B&S Contracting Services for $28.9M; construction of Regional Administrative Annex building

in Lethem by N&A Construction for $19.1M; construction of a health centre at Amelia’s ward by Simcom Engineering Co for $24.5M; and the rehabilitation of Ballfield Road, Wismar, Linden by Y. Bhola Construction Services for $17.5M. Minister Bulkan said those projects are a testament of Government’s commitment to

develop communities countrywide. Prior to the allocation of the contracts, the ministry had conducted discussions with the various RDCs to ascertain some of the critical issues and need in the six regions.

Based on how important the projects are to the communities, Bulkan said they should be completed in a timely and efficient manner

so that the residents would not have to wait longer for the services they require.

In order to ensure that the projects are done properly, the ministry and the RDCs will constantly monitor the sites. Finance Secretary, Hector Butts also stressed the need for the projects to be done in a timely manner and of a high quality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Dowrich, Holder prop-up Windies after Kumara strikes PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Several West Indies batsmen got starts but failed to carry on, leaving wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich to hold the innings together, on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka here yesterday.

Opting to bat first in good conditions at Queen’s Park Oval, the Windies finished the day on 246 for six, with the right-handed Dowrich unbeaten on a compact 46 and tail-ender Devendra Bishoo yet to score.

Stroke-maker Shai Hope produced a classy 44 and captain Jason Holder struck 40 while Roston Chase and Kieran Powell both gathered 38.

Pacer Lahiru Kumara was impressive, leading the Sri Lanka attack with three for 57.

West Indies proved their own worst enemy, squandering the advantage every time they looked poised to take control of the innings.

They suffered an early blow when they lost usually prolific opener Kraigg Brathwaite for just three with four runs on the board, caught at the wicket off seamer Suranga Lakmal in the third over of the morning.

In a beautiful exhibition of seam bowling, Lakmal beat Brathwaite with the first two balls of the over, got him to defend the third one before finding the edge off the fourth, with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella snaring

the offering, diving to his right.

There was no fairytale comeback for Devon Smith.

Playing his first Test in three years, he also fell cheaply for seven, after adding 36 for the second wicket with Powell.

He spent nearly an hourand-a-half at the crease without much of the strike before failing to beat Kumara’s throw from short mid-wicket to Dickwella, as he and Powell attempted a sharp single.

ago, counted six fours off 68 balls in just over an hour at the crease.

He looked a certainty for a half-century when, against the run of play, he inside-edged a drive at Kumara and lost his leg stump.

Chase joined Hope to see the Windies safely to lunch without any further loss at 99 for three and ensured Sri Lanka remained wicket-less for an hour following the resumption, as they staged a 54-run,

SCOREBOARD Windies Innings K. Brathwaite c wkp. Dickwella b Lakmal 3 D. Smith run-out

7 K. Powell b Kumara 38 S. Hope c wkp. Dickwella b Kumara 44 R. Chase c Mathews b Herath 38 S. Dowrich not out 46 J. Holder c wkp. Dickwella b Kumara 40 D. Bishoo not out 0 Extras: (b-10, lb-14, w-2, nb-4) 30 Total: (6 wkts, 84 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-40, 3-80, 4-134, 4-147, 5-237.

Bowling: Lakmal 16-4-38-1, Gamage 18-5-44-0, D. Perera 16-1-42-0, Kumara 18-1-57-3, Herath 16-4-41-1.

On 40 for two, the Windies flourished in the second hour as Powell and Hope then entertained in a 40-run third-wicket stand.

Hope, quick on the pull and stylish on the drive, punched nine fours in a 90ball knock which required 127 minutes.

Powell, meanwhile, who has failed to capitalise on a string of starts since his return to Test cricket a year

fourth-wicket partnership.

Hope, in particular, rode his luck. He was caught behind off a no-ball in the first over after lunch from seamer Lahiru Gamage, before he had added to his interval 29.

Two overs later, he was adjudged lbw also to Gamage on 33 but was reprieved

by DRS, with replays showing an inside edge as he played back.

However, his luck finally

deserted him in the second over following the drinks break when he was caught down the leg-side by Dickwella, gloving a lifter from the lively Kumara.

Chase, who faced 82 deliveries and struck five fours, followed with 13 runs added when he was caught at slip by Angelo Mathews, edging a forcing back foot shot off leftarm spinner Rangana Herath, 20 minutes before tea.

His dismissal left the Windies tottering somewhat on 147 for five but Dowrich and Holder combined in a 90-run stand to dig their side out of trouble.

On 153 for five at tea, West Indies grabbed the advantage in the first hour after the interval as the Barbadian pair emerged from a slow start to score freely.

Dowrich, dropped on 16 at slip by Mathews off off-spinner Dilruwan Perera, has so far faced 131 deliveries in nearly 3-1/4 hours while Holder counted four boundaries off 91 balls in a shade over two hours at the crease.

Dropped on 38 by Roshen Silva at slip off Kumara, Holder added only two more before perishing two overs later, caught at the wicket toe-edging a drive at a fulllength delivery.

He was initially given not out but eventually sent on his way after Sri Lanka took recourse through DRS.

Baird claims silver for Guyana at South American Championships

By Michelangelo Jacobus

AT the South American Championships in Cochabamba, Bolivia, team Guyana extended their medal haul to five (four bronze and a silver).

Last evening, Leslain Baird improved his Personal Best (PB) in the Men’s Javelin throw while resetting his own national

record as well. He was rewarded with the silver medal for his 78.65m throw while Colombian Arley Ibarguen copped gold with a monstrous 80.11m. Settling for bronze was Argentina’s Braian Toledo with 78.57m.

For 2018 so far, Baird has thrown at four official competitions and each time he has improved and broken Guyana’s National record twice.

In January, he competed twice at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), on the 14th he threw 70.74m. However, just seven days later on the 21st, Baird leapt up to 73.30m at the same venue.

On February 10, Baird eclipsed his PB and in so doing set a National record of 74.71m.

This was just a prelude of greater things to come in the following week when he travelled to Port of Spain, Trinidad, to compete at that country’s pre-Commonwealth Games meet.

He promptly qual-

ified for the said Commonwealth Games and went one better in terms of his PB and Guyana’s National record, as he threw 74.76m.

Guyanese pugilists Keevin Allicock and Colin Lewis both settled for bronze medals after they could not progress beyond their semifinal bouts on Tuesday while Guyana’s 400m National record-holder Winston George copped a third bronze medal for Guyana in the men’s 400m yesterday.

Also winning bronze for Guyana yesterday was 26-year-old USA-based sprinter Jenea McCammon in the Women’s 100m event.

She ran 13.39s for her medal finishing behind Venezuela’s Genesis Romero Fernandez who clocked 13.08s for her gold medal while Peru’s Diana Bazalar Alava claimed silver in 13.36s.

The powerfully built George clocked 45.67s in a thrilling encounter.

However, Lucas Carvalho came out on top with 45.61s while Yimar Made-

ra pipped George for silver in 45.67s.

Meanwhile, fighting in the 56kg category, Allicock went up against Argentina’s Carlos Alanis and looked to be in control of the fight with his ‘lightning’ fast jabs proving to be effective in the first round.

Having expended a lot of energy in the opening round, fatigue set in in the second round for Allicock.

Despite finishing the fight, he was unable to advance to the final and had to settle for bronze.

Allicock’s counterpart, Colin Lewis, fought in the 64kg category and also took bronze after a valiant effort against Colombia’s John Agudelo.

The referee stopped the contest as he ruled that Lewis looked out of his depth in the second round.

Colombia are currently leading the medals tally with 186 while Brazil are a distant second with 149.

The Championships which began on May 26 will conclude tomorrow.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

7

days to go

…

What if Antonio Rattín hadn’t been sent off!

EVERY team that win the World Cup need a bit of luck along the way, and England undoubtedly had their fair share in 1966. There’s Geoff Hurst’s second goal in the final for a start; the heart says it was over the line, but the head’s not so sure.

Then there was the lenient refereeing that hampered the prospects of Brazil and Hungary; skilful sides that could have caused the hosts a world of problems had more brutal teams not been allowed to halt them in their tracks.

The English were also fortunate to have their quarter-final against Argentina officiated by Rudolf Kreitlein; a German who wasn’t prepared to tolerate dissent, even if it was expressed in a language that he couldn’t understand. Just as surely as fortune shines on the winners, it abandons losers. And one of those it truly forsook in 1966 was Antonio Rattín, the luckless captain of Argentina.

Rattín was not just the leader of his side, he was its creative hub; a classic pivot who patrolled the centre of the pitch, deflecting trouble and initiating attacks. He led an Argentinian side of which much was expected at the World Cup. Two years previously they had competed in the four-team Nations Cup in Brazil; a gathering of some of the finest international teams in the world.

The Argentinians opened with a 2-0 victory over Eusébio’s Portugal, demolished Pelé’s Brazil 3-0 (on their own turf, no less) and then beat England by a goal to nil. Three matches, three wins; six goals scored, and none conceded.

On their day, this Argentinian side was a match for anyone. In addition to Rattín they could also boast of Luis Artime, a prolific striker; Ermindo Onega, a playmaker in whose steps Kempes, Maradona and Riquelme followed, and Silvio Marzolini, an attacking left-back who so frightened Ramsey that he brought Alan Ball back into the team for the quarter-final, just to counter his threat.

Argentina were not one of the four seeded teams in the first round and ended up being drawn into a tough group alongside West Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Their first game was against a talented Spanish side which featured a host of Real Madrid players that had won the European Cup a couple of months earlier. They were no match for the skilful Argentinians, however, who ran out winners by two goals to one.

Next up were the Germans, and this time the bellicose side of the Argentinian team showed its face; Albrecht was sent off and the entire team subsequently censured by FIFA’s disciplinary committee for their conduct. It was an ugly game and, fittingly, it ended goalless.

Argentina then went on to defeat Switzerland 2-0 in their final group game but West Germany, who had beaten the Swiss by more, topped the group, leaving the runners-up to face the hosts at Wembley.

Two nervous teams walked out onto the pitch that sunny Saturday afternoon, both acutely aware that the other was more than capable of ending their World Cup dreams. The England players had watched the Argentinians play West Germany and so knew what to expect, both good and ill.

The game started well for the hosts, who dominated possession and fashioned some half-chances. The visitors then asserted their own spell of pressure before England moved into the ascendency once more. This normal ebb and flow was then disrupted as the incident for which this game is infamous suddenly erupted.

Rattín had been a thorn in the referee’s side since the start of the game, following him around the pitch, persistently offering his opinions and protesting at his decisions.

Kreitlein had cautioned Rattín a few minutes earlier for an attempted trip on Bobby Charlton, and his patience with the Argentine captain then evidently snapped as his judgement was questioned once more.

Rattín, to his complete amazement, was ordered off, in only the 36th minute of the game, with Kreitlein presumably hoping that would be the end of the matter. Only it wasn’t.

Rattín refused to leave the pitch and eight minutes of fierce debate followed in which the Argentine captain, his manager and teammates all attempted to persuade the referee to change his mind. Which, of course, he didn’t.

Rattín eventually made the long walk back to the tunnel, but what had already been a fairly fractious encounter now inevitably became much worse-tempered. The English players later accused their opponents of kicking, spitting and punching, while the Argentinians contended that the hosts had hardly behaved like angels themselves.

The visitors were playing defensively enough when they had eleven men on the pitch, but with only ten they retreated even further; the game settling into a pattern of England trying, and failing, to make a dent in the Argentine rear-guard.

When the Argentinians did get the ball, they passed it around among themselves, rarely threatening the England goal.

Their evident aim was to survive until the end of extra-time and then surrender their fortune to the coin-toss that would have followed.

Penalty shoot-outs had not yet been devised as a way of determining the result of a game that ended in stalemate, the outcome being entrusted instead to the capriciousness of a coin-toss.

In these days of VAR, it seems almost incomprehensible that the outcome of such an important game could be decided this way, but the use of a coin toss was not uncommon at the time.

A year earlier, Liverpool had reached the semi-finals of the European Cup because of their captain’s ability to call tails rather than heads. Both legs of their quarter-final tie against Cologne had ended goalless and the two sides still couldn’t be separated after a play-off in neutral Rotterdam.

Farcically, even the coin toss was not decisive initially, with the referee’s first effort ending in deadlock when the coin landed on its edge in the mud. Then, in 1968, it was the turn of the Italians to benefit from Fortuna’s fickleness; Giacinto Facchetti correctly calling tails after their European Championships semi-final against the USSR had ended goalless.

Thankfully, Rudolf Kreitlein never needed to dig a pfennig from out of his pocket, with Geoff Hurst’s headed goal 13 minutes from the end of normal time settling the encounter in England’s favour.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

thrashes Sharapova England have ‘plan in place’ Muguruza to reach semi-finals in Paris if players are racially abused

By Martyn Herman

ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate says the “idealistic” response from players who are racially abused at the World Cup would be to walk off the pitch - but he does not think they would.

Three Lions defender Danny Rose has said he is “numb” to racial abuse and has “no faith” in the football authorities’ “justice system”.

The 27-year-old has told his family not to travel to Russia this summer.

“Players, like everyone, don’t really know what to expect,” said Southgate.

Asked what his reaction would be if his players are subjected to racism, the former England international added: “In an idealistic world, people would say to walk off the pitch but that means we would be thrown out of the tournament, which many people would agree with.

“I don’t think the players would want that because they have worked all their lives to play at a World Cup. It is important to get the balance right but it will be tough to please everybody.”

“Nothing is going to change.”

The Russian Football Union was recently fined £22 000 for racist chanting by fans during a friendly against France in March.

“If I’m racially abused out there, nothing is going to change,” Rose told the Evening Standard. “It shouldn’t be like that but it is.”

The Tottenham full-back said he was racially abused and hit with stones during an England Under-21 game in Serbia in October 2012.

England have held a team meeting to discuss what would happen if players were subjected to racism during this summer’s tournament, which

starts on June 14.

Rose said: “I said: ‘What are we trying to do here? Are we trying to play football or are we trying to change the world?’

Whatever we do here isn’t going to change what is happening all around the world.

“I’m just numb to it now.”

Southgate added: “We are all hopeful that it will go well, but we are having conversations in case it happens. We have a plan in place. We have personal support, team support and official protocol in place.

else that may h­ appen,” he said.

“My dad’s really upset.

I could hear it in his voice.

He said he may never get a chance again to come and watch me in a World Cup. “That was emotional, hearing that. It’s really sad. It’s just how it is. Somehow Russia got the World Cup and we have to get on with it.”

Southgate said he “wasn’t aware” of the conversation Rose had with his father.

“Everything else he has said he talked to us about be-

from his football.”

France players Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele and N’Golo Kante were said to be among those subjected to abuse during their side’s 3-1 win over the World Cup hosts in March.

The game was played at Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg, one of the host venues for this summer’s tournament.

Rose described the fine given to Russia as “disgusting” and “laughable”.

He said he was subjected to monkey chants throughout

PARIS, France (Reuters) Spain’s Garbine Muguruza thrashed Maria Sharapova to reach the French Open semi-finals yesterday as a second top-of-the-bill showdown in three days failed to materialise at Roland Garros.

Garbine Muguruza unleashes a backhand in her win over Maria Sharapova. (Getty Images)

Danny Rose (left) said he was racially abused by fans in 2012 while playing for the England Under-21 side in Serbia.

“The players are clear on where I stand and the support they have from me. We don’t want to have to talk about it, but it is important that we do.

“The biggest impact we can have is as one of the most diverse squads to have left England and the way that they all get on, and hopefully that message will come through.

Rose, who is preparing for his first World Cup, says he does not want to “worry” about his family’s safety in Russia.

“I’ve told my family I don’t want them going out there because of racism and anything

cause we had a meeting with the players a few nights ago,” he added.

“For the benefit of the other players, I asked him to share his experiences in Serbia. What was clear was he felt let down by the authorities and that was sad to hear.

“He is part of our team and part of our family for the next few months so we intend to protect our players.

“No-one knows what is going to happen in Russia but he felt there could be something his family will experience and he thought that might distract

the Serbia match in 2012, and was sent off following the final whistle after kicking a ball into the crowd. Serbia were fined £65 000.

“I have no faith in the justice system, so I don’t let anything affect me,” he said. “I didn’t get any support after Serbia.

“I never had a conversation with anybody outside of England. I still ended up getting suspended and missing the first game of the competition. It’s just the way it is. What can you do?”(BBC Sport)

S h a r a p o v a ’s e a g e r ly-awaited fourth-round clash with Serena Williams never even made it on court on Monday as her American nemesis pulled out an hour before the scheduled start with a pectoral injury.

This time the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd - at least the ones that could be prised away from their luncheon - got a match, if not a contest, as Muguruza roared to a 6-2, 6-1 victory and on to a semi-final against top seed Simona Halep, in which the world number one ranking will also be on the line.

Sharapova, back at the claycourt slam for the first time since 2015 following a doping-ban, walked on court with two French Open crowns to Muguruza’s one and a 3-0 head-to-head re-

cord against the reigning Wimbledon champion.

An hour and 10 minutes later the 31-year-old was walking off after her worst French Open spanking since she managed only two games against Dominika Cibulkova at the same stage in 2009.

“I just didn’t feel free, and I felt there was a lot of force behind all the shots and that it wasn’t coming natural to me - didn’t have the rhythm,” Sharapova told reporters.

The signs were ominous when the five-time Grand Slam champion coughed up three nervy double-faults in the opening game. Muguruza sensed weakness and pounced for a 4-0 lead.

Sharapova did finally settle, holding serve to love, but Muguruza clumped down an ace to make it 5-1.

The former world number one drilled a backhand winner down the line to hold again in the next game, the 28th seed clenching her fist as she walked to the chair.

But Muguruza was relentless and brought up two set points with a scorching backhand winner before sealing the opening set with a clubbing forehand that Sharapova fended into the net.

The only hope for the Russian was that her 2014 French Open quarter-final defeat of Muguruza, when she also got steamrollered in the first set before coming back, might play on her opponent’s mind.

Service breaks were exchanged at the start of the second set but Muguruza is a far steelier player than four years ago and Sharapova did not get a sniff in the next five games as the Spaniard reached her fourth Grand Slam semi-final.

Sutherland to step down as Cricket Australia CEO after 17 years

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Long-serving Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland said yesterday he would step down as chief executive next year but denied the ball-tampering scandal had played a part in the decision.

The 52-year-old, who took up the role in 2001, resigns amid cultural reviews into the cricket board and the national team in the wake of the Cape Town scandal which shocked the sports-mad nation and caused the loss of a key sponsor.

Sutherland’s stewardship had also come under the microscope as Australia look to rebuild under a new captain and coach, but the former Victoria state

cricketer said he had been thinking about moving on for a while.

“It certainly was a big issue at the time,” Sutherland said of the scandal at a news conference. “It hasn’t had a bearing on my decision, I guess. “(CA chairman) David (Peever) and I have actually been talking about this for two years ... It just feels like a good time for me to hand over the reins in an orderly fashion to my successor.”

Speaking at Melbourne’s Junction Oval, where he made his first class debut for Victoria in 1991, Sutherland said he would remain in place during a 12-month handover as CA looks for his successor.

The announcement comes soon after the resignation of coach Darren Lehmann and

CA integrity chief Iain Roy, who oversaw the board’s investigation into the ball-tampering affair.

COMMERCIAL POWERHOUSE A former pace bowler, Sutherland has helped turn the game into a commercial powerhouse in Australia’s crowded sports market, striking lucrative broadcast deals and ushering in the now successful Twenty20 ‘Big Bash’ league in 2011.

CA’s swelling coffers have made the country’s elite among the world’s best-paid cricketers, but relations with the players have often been strained through his tenure.

They hit a low point during last year’s acrimonious pay dispute in which

CA sought to end a 20-year revenue-share model with the players but was soundly defeated.

Sutherland, who delegated negotiations to a deputy in

The 52-year-old James Sutherland took up the role in 2001.

Kevin Roberts, was roundly criticised for being absent from the talks until the wrangling threatened to scupper a tour to India.

He has also been faulted for having a tin ear to public expectations of the men’s cricket team, appearing reluctant to rein in a side with a reputation for boorish on-field conduct.

A number of pundits put the Cape Town scandal at his door, saying the governing body’s failure to set standards had ultimately emboldened players to violate the rules.

Sutherland and chairman Peever said the change was more a matter of timing, however, with a new sixyear broadcast deal worth A$1.2B ($935M) agreed in April and work on the ICC’s Future Tours Pro-

gramme all but put to bed.

With former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft suspended for their parts in the Cape Town scandal, Sutherland said he hoped his successor would focus on growing participation in a game that suffered huge reputational damage.

“It’s my underlying belief, the most important thing we do, as sports administrators, is to inspire the next generation to love cricket - boys and girls. It’s all about that,” he said.

“And whilst that doesn’t necessarily get the publicity that it deserves, the facts of the matter are that kids today, the primary school kids today, boys and girls, are not getting bats and balls in their hands.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Forbes names Kohli as cricket’s top earner ... Indian captain once again the only cricketer on the Forbes list of the Top 100 earning athletes

INDIAN batsman Virat Kohli is once again the only cricketer on the annual list of the world’s 100 highest paid athletes, published today by Forbes magazine.

Kohli is No.83 on this year’s list, with estimated earnings of US$24M (approx., AU$31.4M), of which $20M is estimated to come from endorsements, and the remaining $4M from his salary.

Kohli was 89th on last year’s list with estimated earnings of US$22M. The list is headed by American boxer Floyd Mayweather, whose estimated earnings of US$285M are more than double those of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, who is second on the list with US$111M. The list is dominated by athletes from America’s NFL, NBA and MLB competitions, although the top five athletes – Mayweather, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Conor McGregor and Neymar – are from either football or combat sports.

There are no female ath-

letes on the list.

There are no Australians from any sport on the list and given the final entrant in the top 100, NBA player Nicolas Batum, earned just shy of US$23M, it’s unlikely any Aussie cricketers will appear on the list anytime soon.

overall.

Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were the other cricketers on the AFR’s list last year.

Warner and Smith have

Virat Kohli

In the Australian Financial Review’s Top 50 Sports Earners list from late last year, David Warner was the leading cricketer with an estimated AU$4.73M, putting him 12th

been hit hard financially this year following their suspensions for the Cape Town ball-tampering saga, with both players losing their IPL contracts as well as their deals

with CA. Forbes reports that Kohli, 29, earns most of his money from sponsors like New Era, Tissot, Oakley, Uber, Puma, Audi, Colgate-Palmolive, Herbalife and Pepsi.

Pepsi is included on the Forbes list of Kohli’s sponsors even though he publicly distanced himself from the soft drink company last year.

“If I myself won’t consume such things, I won’t urge others to consume them, just because I am getting money out of it,” Kohli reportedly said.

“When I started my fitness turnaround, it was more of a lifestyle thing initially.

“If something goes away from that, I would not want to be a part of that or be promoting that.”

Kohli’s earnings are impressive. However, he has yet to reach the heights of the man he replaced as India’s skipper, MS Dhoni, who Forbes listed at 22 on their top 100 in 2014 with an annual pay packet of US$30M.

UCCA to host Awards ceremony on Sunday

Archery Guyana conducts introduction course in Region One

Archery coaches demonstrate the draw.

THE North West Secondary School in Mabaruma, Region One, hosted an Introduction to Archery in Schools programme, where two of the Region’s recently certified Level One coaches, Ainsworth Pritchard and Carl Albert conducted the introduction session.

Headmistress Roeady Martinez-Pritchard, speaking about the importance of archery in schools, said it is one of the newest events that will be taking place this year, to encourage and involve young students in sports. She was also very interested in this new sport and couldn’t wait to feel what it was like to be an archer.

She stated, “The Regional Education Officer, Mr Nigel Richards and the District Education Officer Mr Marti DeSouza were both part of this introductory session and they were so happy that this discipline will soon come into the school system. We know many of the students are very anxious to learn about archery. It was a great experience.”

Archery coaches Albert and Pritchard will be meeting and working with the other Top Level primary schools across Region One.

Third Annual Albert Rose Memorial Cycling set for Linden on Sunday THE third annual Albert Rose Memorial Cycling meet is set for the mining town of Linden on Sunday. The event is being organised by the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club (LBFCC).

The race will attract the country’s top cyclists as they vie in six categories for top honours and cash prizes.

Races will be competed in the BMX (6-14 years), Boys, Girls, Seniors, Juniors, Veterans and Mountain Bikes categories respectively.

Starting-time is 08:00hrs and cyclists pedal off from in front of Gregory’s Variety Store on Republic Avenue.

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over trophies to UCCA president Dennis De Andrade while Sydney Jackman looks on.

THE 10 cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, (RHTYSC) have partnered with executives of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) to fulfil their dreams of hosting an Awards ceremony.

The teams have handed a total of 12 trophies to the association and would also be sponsoring all the certificates for the event. Additionally, the teams would be donating medals and the cost of the portrait of the Upper Corentyne Hall of Fame.

The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association on Sunday will host the first-ever Awards ceremony for the Area at the Taj Mahal Hotel, located at No. 79 Village, Corriverton.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Hilbert Foster, in handing over the trophies, stated that his club was also happy to assist the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association as the two

organisations enjoyed a very cordial relationship.

He expressed confidence that the Awards ceremony would be a huge success and would lay the foundation for better days in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association.

Foster, in his capacity as Berbice Cricket Board president would deliver the feature address. He would hand over cricket balls to twenty clubs, present educational posters to 28 clubs and unveil the official sponsor of a double-wicket competition for teams in the Sub-Association.

For the year, RHTYSC, MS has used $800 000 of its own funds to finance the development of cricket in Berbice. Additionally, the Club has assisted dozens of clubs and young cricketers with cricket gear, scorebooks, cricket balls, stumps and trophies at the cost of $2M for the first five months of 2018.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 07, 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)

Brian Lara-115 (St. Vincent, 1997) Kumar Sangakkara-140 (Galle, 2001)

(1)

Who is the first WI to claim a 5-wicket haul in a Test innings against SL? Who is the first SL to claim a 5-wicket haul in a Test innings against the WI?

(2)

(2)

Today’s Quiz:

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Fury says he’s back like a fish set free into the river MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has likened himself to a fish released into a river as he prepared for Saturday’s comeback fight in Manchester.

The 29-year-old Briton, who has not fought since taking the IBF, WBA and WBO belts from Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015, takes on 39-year-old Swiss-based Albanian Sefer Seferi at the Manchester Arena.

“No nerves at all. I feel like I’ve been a goldfish in a tank, trapped, and now I’m getting released back into the river where I belong. So just put me there and watch me swim,” he told a news conference on Wednesday.

Fury said his weight ballooned to 27 stone

(171kg) at one point during his absence from the ring but he now expected to weigh in at under 20.

“I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now,” he added. “I feel sharper now, faster than I’ve ever been, more power. I just want it more.

“Before, when I was world champion, I fell out of love with the game. It’s no secret that I couldn’t be bothered with boxing any more. It was a lost relationship. It was like I was married to the game too long and we fell out of love with each other.

“But now the love is thriving, we’re back on fire for each other and in any good relationship all you’ve got to do is spice it up... you’re going to see the best

Tyson Fury you’ve ever seen.”

Seferi, who has fought mostly at cruiserweight, has a 23-1 record with 21 knockouts but Fury — younger, taller and heavier — is the overwhelming favourite.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) suspended the unbeaten 29-year-old’s licence in 2016, citing anti-doping and medical issues.

That suspension was lifted in January.

Compatriot Anthony Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion, now holds Fury’s heavyweight belts as well as the IBO one and is hoping to become undisputed champion if a fight against WBC champion Deontay Wilder can be arranged.

Malteenoes to reintroduce Cricket Academy during school vacation IN 1993 the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) inaugurated the first-ever Cricket Academy in the West Indies with the Malteenoes Cricket Academy, which spanned the duration of July/August school vacation with accommodation provided for out-of-town players.

This year’s Academy is scheduled for two weeks from July 23 and MSC president Winston Semple acknowledged the importance of the Academy.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work with short period for planning but this is important for developing young boys and girls both on and off the field.

Funding the programme is the most challenging aspect and we (MSC) are currently seeking sponsorship to fund different areas of the Academy,” said Semple.

In 1992, Michael Welch who was at that time the General Manager of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company negotiated and secured a grant from Northern Telecom and this enabled the Club to construct the accom-

modation on the ground floor of the building for housing the proposed Academy.

With the blessings and support of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the Malteenoes Cricket Academy was launched in July 1993 in recognition of the Club’s motto, “Our Youth, Our Future”.

Ramnaresh Sarwan

It was inspired by the fact that cricket in Guyana and the West Indies seemed to be a game where the basic skills, knowledge of the game, confidence and pride were being taken for granted in all quarters, with no apparent prescriptions or blueprints for remedial action.

MSC’s principal intention was to add to the Nation-

al grid at least 150 young, proud, confident individuals on an annual basis.

The plan was for the GCB to take it over after the first three years but this did not happen, resulting in the Academy being run by the Thomas Lands club up to 2003.

The Academy produced Test players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ryan Ramdass and Narsingh Deonarine, along with former USA captain Steve Massiah who played two ODIs for the USA while Azeemul Haniff and Ricardo Mohamed played First-Class cricket.

Karran Ganesh, Sauid Drepaul, Ravi Sarwan, Bachan Balram, Colin Murray, Karran Ganesh and Vishal Arjune all played National Youth Cricket.

After a break the Academy was reintroduced in 2016 on a much smaller scale but was again interrupted last year due to the unavalibity of coaches who were occupied with CPL duties.

Registration forms can be had from the Malteenoes Club or call 225-6509 for more information.

The Midland Hotel, Manchester, Britain . Tyson Fury, promoter Frank Warren and Sefer Seferi after the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

T&T robbed of immediate benefits of 4x100m gold medal, claims Burns

TRINIDAD and Tobago sprinter Marc Burns has bemoaned losing out on the chance to enjoy the immediate benefits of claiming a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, after the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) upheld a ruling that stripped Jamaica of the position last Thursday.

The CAS voted to reject an appeal from 4x100m relay medallist Nesta Carter, who returned a positive test for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, in 2016, eight years after the sample was collected.

The ruling meant that the Jamaica 4x100m relay

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team, which also consisted of Michael Frater and Asafa Powell along with Usain Bolt, were officially stripped of the gold medal. The honour instead went to the second place T&T team of Burns, Keston Bledman, Richard Thompson and Emmanuel Callender.

Japan and Brazil were confirmed as the silver and bronze medal winners, respectively. Though it comes 10 years later, Burns believes the athlete should still celebrate the honour.

“At that time Trinidad and Tobago’s achievement would have been more monumental with the medal haul

… and (my) team-mates could have benefited financially with the gold medal,” Burns told T&T Newsday.

“But, the fact still remains with this confirmation, the team will be part of an elite fraternity of Olympic gold medallists, and that title cannot be taken from us.”

The athlete did, however, express sympathy for the other members of Carter’s team who now see their hard work erased. “(However) it is still disheartening for clean athletes to lose out when we try to do things the r i g h t w a y, ” h e s a i d .

(SportsMax)

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27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 7, 2018

Government/CPL yet to ink deal for Guyana Leg of CPL

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Government of Guyana is yet to sign the Host Venue Agreement with Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL) in order to confirm the hosting of Guyana’s matches of the tournament for the 2018 season.

The confirmation came yesterday from Sports Minister Dr George Norton, after Hero CPL announced the fixture for the 34-match season on Tuesday, with Guyana the notable absentee from the host venues.

As customary, venue agreements are mandatory by each host country, but according to Dr Norton, he is not familiar with any such contract this time around.

“As we speak the Government of Guyana and CPL have not signed any Host Venue Agreement contract, hence I am not familiar with any such contract this time around,” Dr Nor-

ton confirmed to Chronicle Sport via telephone.

In January Chief Operating Officer of CPL, Pete Russell confirmed to Guyana Times, that Guyana will

that in addition to the tournament’s curtain-raiser, where Guyana is expected to host three matches, there is a possibility that the Guyana Amazon Warriors will wrap

Dr George Norton

see an increased number of matches being played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

In fact, Russell had said

Russia ready to welcome the world, says FIFA chief Infantino FIFA president Gianni Infantino

(REUTERS) - Russia is “100 percent ready” to host the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday as he addressed concerns about racism, human rights and security in the host country a week before the tournament begins.

Russia will host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi and Infantino believes that supporters are in for a real treat.

“I think we can say that Russia is 100 percent ready and the whole world will actually see it when we kickoff on June 14 with Russia and Saudi Arabia in the Luzhniki Stadium,” Infantino said in a video interview.

“Everyone will be able to witness how beautiful the stadiums are, how welcoming the country is, how the organisation and the preparations will work out. It’ll be a great experience.”

Russia has faced scrutiny in the lead-up to the tournament over issues including fan and team security as well as racism at matches.

FIFA fined Russia 30 000 Swiss francs (£22 682) last month for discriminatory chants by fans after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in St Petersburg in March.

“I wouldn’t say that I am concerned about discrimination, human rights or security but obviously we take this very, very seriously and we’ve taken appropriate measures,” he added.

“For the first time we have been checking the construction of stadiums, the sites to make sure conditions for the workers are correct ... concrete progress has been made in terms of human rights and the way we deal with human rights questions.”

Infantino promised a “safe environment” for fans travelling to the event.

“The Russian authorities are aware of the security situation in such a big event,” he said. “They are working very hard to prepare in cooperation with police authorities of all governments in the world... to be fully ready to tackle any potential issue.

“Every fan that is coming to Russia will be welcome in a safe environment to celebrate. If anyone is thinking to come to Russia to create trouble, he (had) better stay (at) home.”

up the competition with two additional matches towards the back end of the fiveweek tournament.

However, according to the

fixture, the local franchise is set to play St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 9, St Lucia Stars on August 11, Barbados Tridents on August 12, Jamaica Tallawahs on

nications for the CPL, Peter Miller, confirmed to Chronicle Sport on Tuesday that there is nothing to be worried about.

He said, “We are just waiting for all the boxes to

Pete Russell

September 8 and Trinbago Knight Riders on September 9, but the venue for those five games are yet to be confirmed.

Head of PR and Commu-

be ticked as far as location is concerned, so as things stand at the moment, it is still to be determined as far as venue is concerned, but

there should be good news in the next couple of days.”

“I’m sure it will be the good news that you would expect to hear,” he reckoned.

The hosting of the Caribbean Premier League T20 games has largely been considered a successful venture for Guyana over the years with figures from 2017 showing that US$14M or G$2.8B was made while hosting four matches.

The games always attract sold-out crowds, and for Guyana not to be a host venue this season will definitely be disappointing.

“The sold-out crowds over the years speak for itself in terms of popularity and what to expect, so not having a match or matches will surely be disappointing,” Minister Norton said.

The league will enter its sixth year and the Amazon Warriors have played in three of the five finals to date but are yet to lift the title.

GCF …Nationals set to pedal off over three days on June 23 Last year’s winners will possibly miss title defence

By Michelangelo Jacobus THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has released the dates and distances for its 2018 National Cycling Championships, the Individual Time Trials (ITT) and Road Races (RR) set to be contested over three days (June 23, 24 and July 1).

On June 23, the ITT will be held on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway from 09:00hrs. The starting point will be the Yarrowkabra Police Outpost. The cyclists will proceed to a 10km mark on the highway before finishing at the point of origin.

Meanwhile, the following day (June 24), the Masters, Juveniles, Juniors and Ladies road races will pedal off from the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Homestretch Avenue and proceed to Timehri before returning to the Linden/ Soesdyke Junction where the Masters and Junior cyclists will head up to Long Creek and then return to the point of origin.

The Ladies and Juveniles will not head to Long

Creek but instead will return to Homestretch Avenue for the finish.

The following weekend on July 1, the Senior Men’s road race will see the top senior cyclists pedal off from the NSC on Homestretch Avenue, proceed along the

same route as the Masters and Juniors but with added distance to Moblissa along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, before returning to the point of origin.

The GCF warned that Junior and Juvenile riders will not be allowed to compete

It is unclear if Raynauth Jeffrey will be here to defend his title at the GCF’s National Championships later this month.

without the requisite gear, according to regulations by the Union Cycliste International (UCI).

The announcement comes just three weeks before the set date for the National Championships and many in the cycling fraternity feel as though there is too little time for cyclists to prepare and train along the stipulated routes.

In addition, it is unclear whether or not defending Senior Men’s champion, Raynauth Jeffrey will be able to make the trip back home from the USA to defend his title as he is currently racing on that country’s circuit.

A number of other cyclists are also in French Guiana and the USA, and concerns are raised over their availability to return home.

Women’s champion, Claire Fraser-Greene, is also in doubt to defend her title, as she has work obligations in England.

The defending junior cyclist is Briton John while Junior Niles is the reigning Masters champion.

Dowrich, Holder prop-up Windies after Kumara strikes Lahiru Kumara had one of his best days in Test cricket, constantly troubling the batsmen with a combination of pace and movement. (AFP)

See Page 22 Wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich plays stylishly through the off-side during his unbeaten 46 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Baird claims silver for Guyana at South American Championships See Page 22

Leslain Baird set a National Record and his Personal Best with the Javelin in Cochabamba, Bolivia at the South American Championships where he won a silver medal.

Winston George also won bronze in the Men’s 400m.

‘Golden Jaguars’ head to ‘Rio’ for CONCACAF Nations League preparation THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced last evening the ‘Golden Jaguars’, the country’s senior men’s national football team, will warm up for the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers with an intensive “train and play” trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.

According to the GFF, encampment kick-starts a busy schedule of competition and training for the Golden Jaguars, following the appointment of former Jamaica international Michael Johnson as the team’s new head coach, whose immediate target will be to guide Guyana to its first appearance at a CONCACAF Gold Cup, in 2019.

“One of the key development objectives of the GFF is to ensure that our national teams have the full calendar of playing and training time needed, in order to achieve the improved performances and results we all want to see,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

Greenwood also related

that “under the guidance of head coach Johnson, with longer encampments and a ‘train and play’ trip to Brazil, the Golden Jaguars will be in the best shape they have ever been, going into the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers later this year.”

Johnson, the highest qualified head coach in the

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history of the Golden Jaguars, is now working with the GFF Technical Department to prepare the national team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League qualifier fixtures against Barbados, Turks & Caicos and French Guiana.

Johnson arrived in Guyana today for discussions

with the technical team, and to start putting his programme in place.

The Golden Jaguars will be encamped in Guyana before each of the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers, which coincide with FIFA international windows.

The camps are scheduled to take place at the new GFF National Training Centre at Providence, with Guyana’s first, all-weather football pitch due to enter its final stage of construction shortly.

The 2018 fixtures for the men’s national team include: September 8 - CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v Barbados (home) October 13 - CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v Turks & Caicos (away) November 20 - CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v French Guiana (away) The GFF plans to host six national training camps per calendar year – four during FIFA international windows and two further camps outside of those windows, with the possibility of encampment in the UK. THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018